| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08721906B2 |
Method to increase yield and reduce down time in semiconductor fabrication units by preconditioning components using sub-aperture reactive atom etch
An embodiment of the present inventions provides a method for preconditioning a semiconductor fabrication component using a plasma etching process and an optional enhanced ultrasonic and/or megasonic preconditioning step in order to eliminate the need for a burn-in period typically associated with said components, as well as extend the useful life of the component during its wear-out phase. |
| US08721905B2 |
Method for forming minute pattern and method for forming minute pattern mask
A method for forming a minute pattern mask includes forming an etching target layer on a substrate. A convex pattern including a plurality of convex parts is formed on the etching target layer. A resin composition is coated on the convex pattern to form a resin layer including a first region neighboring the convex part and a second region positioned between the neighboring convex parts. The resin layer is ashed or etched to form the plurality of first resin patterns. The plurality of first resin patterns is processed to form a minute pattern mask including a plurality of second resin patterns. The etching target layer is etched using the plurality of second resin patterns as an etch mask to form a minute pattern. |
| US08721897B2 |
Oil collecting apparatus and method
An oil collecting apparatus and a corresponding method for collecting oil from the surface of water, the oil collecting apparatus includes a set of oil booms (3) coupled to form a long line of oil booms. The line of oil booms includes, at a distance from each other, a number of anchorage points (4) for anchoring the oil boom (3) onto the sea bed and, in addition, between the anchorage points and in conjunction with the oil boom there is an oil collecting station (5) for collecting the oil directed by the booms from the surface of water. |
| US08721894B2 |
Methods for hydrodynamic control of a continuous water purification system
Methods and apparatus for removing contaminants from liquid using a continuously circulating stream of purifying media are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes mixing a regenerated purifying media with a contaminated liquid containing diverse contaminants; co-currently transporting the purifying media and the contaminated liquid in a mixed state; removing, using the purifying media, while co-currently transporting the purifying media and the contaminated liquid, contaminants from the contaminated liquid so as to produce a mixture of a decontaminated liquid and a contaminated purifying media; and separating contaminated purifying media from the decontaminated liquid. In addition, the contaminated purifying media is contacted in counter current fashion with a regenerant solution so as to produce a regenerated purifying media and the regenerated purifying media is returned to the mixing step, whereby the continuously circulating purifying media selectively removes contaminants from the liquid. |
| US08721893B2 |
Rare earth elements separation using phosphorus based adsorbent
The present invention relates to methods for the separation of rare earth elements from aqueous solutions and, more particularly, to the separation of lanthanides (e.g., neodymium(III)) from aqueous solutions using an organo phosphorus functionalized adsorbent. |
| US08721886B2 |
River water purification apparatus and method using treatment soil layer and permeable filtering medium layer
Provided are an apparatus and a method for river water purification using a treatment soil layer and a permeable filtering medium layer. The river water purification apparatus includes a treatment soil layer and a permeable filtering medium layer which are sequentially and alternately stacked. The treatment soil layer includes a plurality of unit soil layers which are arranged at intervals. A reservoir part which stores a predetermined amount of river water and supplies the river water to an inside of the unit soil layer is provided in an upper end part of the unit soil layer. The permeable filtering medium layer has a higher hydraulic conductivity than that of the treatment soil layer. The river water purification apparatus increases a treatment flux of river water regardless of a coefficient of water permeability of soil and effectively removes nitrogen, phosphorus and nutrient salts by stably forming an anaerobic condition. |
| US08721884B2 |
Hemodialysis systems and methods
Disclosed are hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems including fluid flow circuits. Hemodialysis systems may include a blood flow path, and a dialysate flow path including balancing, mixing, and/or a directing circuits. Preparation of dialysate may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit and/or the various fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply may be provided that, when activated, is able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and blood back to the patient. Such a system may be useful during a power failure. The hemodialysis system may also include fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, mixers, etc., actuated using a control fluid. The control fluid may be delivered to the fluid handling devices using a detachable external pump. The fluid handling devices may have a spheroid shape with a diaphragm dividing it into two compartments. |
| US08721882B2 |
Magnetic fluid cleaning system
A magnetic fluid cleaning system that includes a housing and a driven magnetic roller disposed within the housing. A belt is arranged about the magnetic roller. The belt having magnetic particles from the fluid received thereon when within a magnetic field of the magnetic roller. The belt travels about the magnetic roller out of the magnetic field and the magnetic particles remain on the belt for removal. |
| US08721879B2 |
Hemodialysis systems and methods
Hemodialysis dialysis systems are disclosed. Hemodialysis systems of the invention may include a dialysate flow path including a balancing circuit, a mixing circuit, and/or a directing circuit. The circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuits may be at least partially isolated, spatially and/or thermally, from electrical components of the system. A gas supply may be provided in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer to, urge dialysate through the dialyzer and blood back to the patient. The hemodialysis systems may include fluid handling devices actuated using a control fluid, optionally delivered using detachable pump. Fluid handling devices may be generally rigid and of a spheroid shape, optionally with a diaphragm dividing the device into compartments. |
| US08721876B2 |
Water treatment system
An apparatus for treating water stored in a reservoir to remove contaminants has a feed line for receiving water and a by-pass valve that controls the flow of water through the feed line. A venturi valve responds to the rate of flow of water through a flow line by creating a vacuum in a supply line from an ozone generator, the extent of the vacuum created being dependent on the rate of flow, to add ozone at a controlled rate to the water to be treated. A sensor probe measures the oxidation reduction potential of the water, to supply hydrogen peroxide to the water at a controlled rate dependent on the oxidation reduction potential level. The ozone and the hydrogen peroxide are mixed with the water in a multicyclone unit to allow a peroxone reaction to occur that treats the water, and the treated water is returned to the reservoir. |
| US08721873B2 |
Process, method, and system for removing heavy metals from fluids
Trace element levels of heavy metals such as mercury in crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with an oxidant such as oxyhalites, converting elemental mercury into heavy metal cations for subsequent separation from the crude oil. In an improved method for the removal of mercury, at least a complexing agent is added to convert the heavy metal cations into soluble heavy metal complexes in a water phase, which can be separated from the crude oil, for a treated crude oil having reduced levels of heavy metals. In one embodiment, the complexing agent is selected from the group of metal halides. |
| US08721872B2 |
Processing of acid containing hydrocarbons
A method for thermally cracking an organic acid containing hydrocarbonaceous feed wherein the feed is first processed in a vaporization step, followed by thermal cracking. |
| US08721871B1 |
Hydroprocessing light cycle oil in liquid-full reactors
A process for the hydroprocessing of a low value light cycle oil (LCO) hydrocarbon feed to provide a high-value diesel-range product. The process comprises a hydrotreatment stage followed by a hydrocracking stage, each of which is conducted under liquid-full reaction conditions wherein substantially all the hydrogen supplied to the hydrotreating and hydrocracking reactions is dissolved in the liquid-phase hydrocarbon feed. Ammonia and other gases formed during hydrotreatment are removed in a separation step prior to hydrocracking. The LCO feed is advantageously converted to diesel in high yield with little loss of hydrocarbon to naphtha. |
| US08721865B2 |
Electrolytic manganese dioxide, and method for its production and its application
Disclosed is an electrolytic manganese dioxide having an alkali potential of at least 310 mV, a full width at half maximum of the (110) plane in the XRD measurement using the CuKα line as the light source of from 2.2o to 3.0o, and a (110)/(021) peak intensity ratio in the X-ray diffraction spectrum of from 0.5 to 0.80. Also disclosed is a method for producing electrolytic manganese dioxide by electrolysis in an aqueous solution of a sulfuric acid/manganese sulfate mixture. |
| US08721858B2 |
Non-focusing tracers for indirect detection in electrophoretic displacement techniques
A novel method for visualizing electrokinetic process zones (e.g., for isotachophoresis (ITP)) is provided. We introduce negligibly small concentrations of a fluorophore that is not focused by isotachophoresis. This non-focusing tracer (NFT) migrates through multiple isotachophoresis zones. As it enters each zone, the NFT concentration adapts to the local electric field in each zone. ITP zones can then be visualized with a point detector or camera. The method can be used to detect, identify, and quantify unknown analyte zones, and can visualize complex and even transient electrophoresis processes. This visualization technique is particularly suited to microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip applications, as typical fluorescence microscopes and CCD cameras can provide high-resolution spatiotemporal data. |
| US08721852B2 |
Automated system for continuously and automatically calibrating electrochemical sensors
An electrochemical sensor system that continuously monitors and calibrates the sensors included in the system. The invention also includes a method for determining failure patterns of a sensor and incorporating into an electrochemical sensor system the ability to recognize the failure pattern and initiate remedial action. |
| US08721851B2 |
Sensor chip, biosensor system, method for measuring temperature of biological sample, method for measuring temperature of blood sample, and method for measuring concentration of analyte in blood sample
A sensor chip includes two measuring units. The first measuring unit includes an electrode system having a portion of an electrode and a portion of an electrode, and a portion of a capillary containing the portion and the portion. The second measuring unit includes an electrode system having a portion of a sensor electrode and a portion of an electrode, and a portion of a capillary containing the portion and the portion in addition to a reaction reagent layer. Data related to the temperature of the blood sample is acquired based on the dimension of a current flowing through the temperature electrodes, and data related to a concentration of an analyte in the blood sample is acquired based on the dimension of a current flowing through the analysis electrodes. |
| US08721846B2 |
Method of forming film, film forming apparatus and storage medium
A film forming method includes mounting a substrate on a mounting member after loading the substrate into a reaction chamber, adsorbing a compound of a first metal on a surface of the substrate by supplying a source gas containing the compound of the first metal into the reaction chamber, reducing the compound of the first metal adsorbed on the substrate by making a reducing gas contact therewith to thereby obtain a first metal layer, and alloying the first metal and a second metal to obtain an alloy layer of the first metal and the second metal by injecting the second metal into the first metal layer. The second metal is ejected from a target electrode facing the substrate by making a sputtering plasma contact with the target electrode, and at least a surface of the target electrode is formed of the second metal different from the first metal. |
| US08721845B2 |
Coated article and method for making same
A coated article is provided. The coated article comprises a substrate having a first anti-fingerprint layer, and a second anti-fingerprint layer formed thereon and in that order. The first anti-fingerprint layer is an aluminum oxide layer. The second anti-fingerprint layer is an aluminum-oxygen-nitrogen compound layer implanted with one or more ion species selected from the group consisting of fluorine ion, boron ion, and nitrogen ion. A method for making the coated article is also described there. |
| US08721844B2 |
Dental composite curing system, apparatus, and method
Dental curing systems, apparatuses, and methods may include a light source, a perforated plate, and a dental composite. The perforated plate may be positioned between the light source and the dental composite. The perforated plate may include a plurality of perforations that convert a first curing light beam from the light source into multiple curing light beams before reaching the dental composite. The multiple curing light beams come in contact with the dental composite to begin the curing process at certain locations on the dental composite. The perforated plate may then be removed, and a second curing light beam from the light source may be applied to the dental composite to complete the curing process. |
| US08721841B2 |
Pulper treating fiber mass
Pulper used in the paper industry that processes pulp which pulper comprises a pulper container (19), a punched plate screen (15) installed to the mentioned container, a binnacle (8) out of the lower part (3) of the container for the mass that has penetrated the punched plate screen (15) and a rotating mixing rotor located in the container (19) and equipped with wings (1); (5) the purpose of which mixing rotor is to defibrate paper and mix the mass in the container (19) and that the mixing rotor further comprises a cylinder part (20) directed downwards towards the punched plate screen (15) and that rotates along the mentioned rotor to which cylinder part wings (2) that clean the punched plate screen (15) are attached and which cylinder part (20) is located between the mixing rotor and the punched plate screen (15). The pulper comprises a dilution arrangement of the pulp that streams towards the punched plate screen (15) in which dilution arrangement the dilution water is brought along the pipework (9) inside the cylinder part (20) and is directed from the gaps (13) of the cylinder part to be mixed with the pulp stream before the mentioned stream has faced the cleaning wings (2) and the punched plate screen (15) in which case the consistency of the mass is adjusted to be thinner than in the pulping space (16) during the mixing. |
| US08721840B2 |
Apparatus for mixing a substance into a medium
The invention relates to an apparatus for mixing a gaseous or liquid substance into fiber suspension. The apparatus includes a tubular body, which defines a space that forms a flow channel for the suspension, in which body an inlet and an outlet for the suspension are arranged so that the suspension flows through the flow channel mainly in the axial direction. Further the apparatus comprises a feed member that extends into the flow channel transversely against the flow direction of the suspension and has a cylindrical wall provided with openings for leading the substance from the feed member into the flow channel. At least one protrusion is arranged on the inner surface of the tubular body in the region the feed member. A throttling member is arranged in the flow channel downstream of the feed member in the flow direction of the suspension, and a mixing chamber is formed in the flow channel between the feed member and the throttling member. |
| US08721838B2 |
Process for manufacturing high solids suspensions of mineral materials
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing high solids aqueous suspensions of mineral materials comprising the steps of providing at least one mineral material, preparing an aqueous suspension comprising the at least one mineral material, grinding the resulting aqueous suspension, centrifuging the ground aqueous suspension, and concentrating the centrifuged product of step d) by flash cooling; the high solids aqueous suspension of mineral materials obtained by this process, as well as the use thereof. |
| US08721835B2 |
Gas injection device with uniform gas velocity
Embodiments of the device relate to an injector (11) for injecting a gas in a processing chamber, including an inlet (21) for receiving a gas wave or a gas flow, a flow-shaping section (20) for expanding the gas in a direction (YY′) perpendicular to a propagation axis (XX′) of the gas, and an outlet (22) for expelling the gas. The flow-shaping section has first and second sidewalls (23) which diverge according to a divergence angle (A1) relative to the propagation axis of the gas, and includes means for slowing down the velocity of the gas near the center of the flow-shaping section, relative to the velocity of the gas near at least one sidewall. |
| US08721828B2 |
Method for the production of hollow bodies from thermoplastic and apparatus for carrying out the method
The invention refers to a method for the production of hollow bodies from thermoplastic, in particular for the production of motor vehicle tanks, in which the plastic is shaped as an extruded preform in the still plastic state or as a semi-finished product into at least two shells with the aid of at least one molding die (3), with the use of heat, and the subsequently cooled and then dimensionally stable shells are placed one on the other and joined together into an essentially closed hollow body. As molding die (3) is used at least one positive die which has essentially the contour of the shells. The shells are shaped by the plastic being laid against the positive die. The apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. |
| US08721827B2 |
Elastic films and laminates
This invention relates to methods of forming an elastic, breathable film/nonwoven layer laminate. In particular, the invention pertains to elastic polymer compositions that can be more easily processed on cast film lines, extrusion lamination or coating lines. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise an elastomeric polyolefin resin and a high pressure low density type resin. |
| US08721825B2 |
Method for forming cushions
A method for forming cushions including the following four steps: (1) a compression step in which the structure (2) is compressed in a mold (3); (2) a thermal softening step in which the structure (2) is thermally softened by means of a heating medium; (3) a curing step in which the structure (2) directly undergoes forced cooling in a cooling medium, and is then cured; and (4) a mold release step in which the structure (2) is released from the mold (3). |
| US08721824B2 |
Production method, workpiece and production device of three-dimensional pattern
A production method of three-dimensional pattern is disclosed. First, an adhesive layer is applied on a three-dimensional workpiece. Next, a film is vacuum adsorbed on the adhesive layer so that the film is impressed onto the adhesive layer to form the three-dimensional pattern on the adhesive layer. Finally, the adhesive layer is cured by implementing a plurality of heat treatments thereon. A workpiece of three-dimensional pattern and a production device of three-dimensional pattern are also disclosed. |
| US08721822B2 |
Method of making and using shape memory polymer composite patches
A method of repairing a composite component having a damaged area including: laying a composite patch over the damaged area; activating the shape memory polymer resin to easily and quickly mold said patch to said damaged area; deactivating said shape memory polymer so that said composite patch retains the molded shape; and bonding said composite patch to said damaged part. |
| US08721821B2 |
Seam fillers for use with decorative stitching of vehicle interior components
A vehicle interior component including decorative stitching along a stitch path includes a seam filler located between a component substrate and an overlying decorative covering. The seam filler lies along the stitch path and supports the decorative covering directly beneath at least a portion of a line of decorative stitching, where the covering may include a reduced thickness portion. The seam filler can have any number of configurations to prevent visual defects along the stitch path and/or to cause the appearance of simulated seams to be more realistic. The seam filler may be deposited along the stitch path as a curable filler material that cures, or it may be provided as a pre-formed piece for attachment to the decorative covering. |
| US08721820B2 |
Method for manufacturing multilayer ceramic electronic component
A method for manufacturing a multilayer ceramic electronic component significantly reduces and prevents swelling or distortion when a conductive paste is applied to a green ceramic element body. A ceramic green sheet used in the method satisfies 180.56≦A/B wherein A is a polymerization degree of an organic binder contained in the ceramic green sheet, and B is a volume content of a plasticizer contained in the ceramic green sheet. |
| US08721817B2 |
Vibration welding system
A vibration welding system has a pair of electromagnets coupled to a first workpiece support for effecting reciprocating movement of the first workpiece support relative to a second workpiece support, and an electrical drive system coupled to the electromagnets for successively energizing and de-energizing the electromagnets out of phase with each other to effect the reciprocating movement of the first workpiece support. The drive system includes a source of DC current; multiple controllable electronic switching devices for controllably coupling the source to, and de-coupling the source from, each of the electromagnets; current sensors coupled to the electromagnets and producing signals representing the currents supplied to the electromagnets; and control circuitry coupled to the electronic switching devices and receiving the signals produced by the current sensors for turning the switching devices on and off to control the energizing and de-energizing of the electromagnets. |
| US08721803B2 |
Cleaning liquid, cleaning method, liquid generating apparatus, exposure apparatus, and device fabricating method
An exposure apparatus exposes a substrate through an exposure liquid with exposure light. A cleaning liquid is provided to the exposure apparatus, in order to clean at least part of the exposure apparatus. In the cleaning liquid, a prescribed gas of an amount that is greater than or equal to the saturation concentration is dissolved. |
| US08721802B2 |
Condition warning system, control system and method for pot and pan washing machine
A condition warning system for an apparatus such as a pot and pan washing machine, a control system and control methods for a pot and pan washing machine are provided. The condition warning system includes a control system that monitors operational, safety or compliance parameters of an apparatus, and a light that illuminates a location below (or above) an operator's direct line of sight, and which is outside of the operator's direct line of sight. The control system and control methods include a punitive wash action lockout, an extended wash cycle time, and a deep clean wash cycle. |
| US08721799B2 |
Dishwasher appliance, and associated method
A method for controlling and monitoring operation of a dishwasher appliance is provided and includes directing a first automatic wash cycle within a series of automatic wash cycles to be executed by the dishwasher appliance with a control device associated therewith. Each wash cycle is configured to have an increased energy usage level over a previous automatic wash cycle, and the energy usage level for each wash cycle is determined from at least one operational parameter associated with each respective automatic wash cycle. The method further includes directing a second automatic wash cycle, following the first automatic wash cycle, to be executed by the dishwasher appliance with the control device in response to a selection with an actuator device operably engaged with the control device. The selection may be based on a cleanliness evaluation of dishware washed by the dishwasher appliance. |
| US08721795B2 |
Conversion method
A process is described for the preparation of water-soluble cellulose hydrolysis products The process comprises admixing cellulose with an ionic liquid capable of solvating or dissolving at least some of the cellulose, said ionic liquid being a compound comprised solely of cations and anions and which exists in a liquid state at a temperature at or below 150° C., and in which the anions are selected from sulfate, hydrogen sulfate and nitrate; and treating the resulting solvate or solution with an acid in the presence of water, said acid having a pKa in water of less than 2 at 25° C. |
| US08721794B2 |
Production of high solids syrup from lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate fermentation broth
Lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysate fermentation broth may be processed to produce a high solids syrup having relatively low viscosity that has a high energy content and may be burned in a fermentation production process. The high solids syrup was achieved through liquid/solid separation of broth or depleted broth producing a thin stillage with low suspended solids allowing evaporation to high solids while maintaining low viscosity. |
| US08721791B2 |
Showerhead support structure for improved gas flow
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide apparatus and methods for supporting a gas distribution showerhead in a processing chamber. In one embodiment, a gas distribution showerhead for a vacuum chamber is provided. The gas distribution showerhead comprises a body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a plurality of gas passages formed through the body, the gas passages comprising a first bore formed in the first side that is fluidly coupled to a second bore formed in the second side by a restricting orifice, and a suspension feature formed in the first bore of at least one of the gas passages. |
| US08721790B2 |
Film deposition apparatus
A film deposition apparatus includes a turntable provided in the chamber and having on a first surface a substrate receiving area in which a substrate is placed; first and second reaction gas supplying portions supplying first and second reaction gases to the first surface, respectively; a separation gas supplying portion provided between the first reaction gas supplying portion and the second reaction gas supplying portion and supplying a separation gas that separates the first reaction gas and the second reaction gas; an evacuation port that evacuates the chamber; a space defining member provided for at least one of the first and second reaction gas supplying portions and defining a first space between the at least one of the first and second reaction gas supplying portions and the turntable and a second space so that the separation gas is likely to flow through the second space rather than the first space. |
| US08721785B2 |
Method for treating particulate material
This invention describes the use of a fluidized bed reactor in the carbonation of a solid, inorganic and alkaline particulate material which contains alkaline metal salts. It also describes a method for treating cement kiln dust (CKD) containing alkaline metal salts. The treatment method comprises two steps: (a) a hydration step; and (b) a carbonation step, wherein the carbonation step is carried out in a fluidized bed reactor. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the treated CKD is used as an aggregate in sulfur polymer concrete (SPC). Accordingly, the present invention also provides a method for producing SPC, which method comprises heating and mixing treated CKD of the present invention, elemental sulfur and modified sulfur to produce a mixture. The SPC can be used as a barrier to restrict permeation of matter, e.g. in a containment construction for storing matter such as hazardous waste. |
| US08721783B2 |
Compositions for treating materials and methods of treating same
Material treatment compositions for various materials and methods of treating the same is disclosed. A material treatment composition includes at least one silane-containing material, at least one base-containing material, and at least one solvent to enhance the strength of a material contacted by the composition. |
| US08721781B2 |
Ink composition
An ink composition includes a cyclic saccharide and hydantoin or a derivative thereof. |
| US08721780B2 |
Ink composition
An ink composition includes a slightly water-soluble alkanediol having 7 to 10 carbon atoms and cyclodextrin compound. |
| US08721777B2 |
Filtration media and applications thereof
In some embodiments, the present invention provides filtration media for the treatment of flue gas streams and methods of making and using the same. In one embodiment, a filtration medium comprises a pollutant absorbent layer comprising a plurality of activated carbon fibers, a first woven fabric, and a second woven fabric, wherein the pollutant absorbent layer is positioned between the first woven fabric and the second woven fabric. |
| US08721776B2 |
Manufacturing systems with reactor units
A reactor unit includes a bed of desiccant and a bed of media for treating pollutants. The media includes an adsorptive material and a reactive material. The adsorptive material is selected from at least one of activated carbon and zeolite. The reactive material is selected from at least one of potassium permanganate and sodium hydroxide. The adsorptive material is impregnated with reactive materials to enhance performance. A method of using the reactor unit includes delivering a moldable material into a mold. An effluent stream carrying pollutants produced by the moldable material flows through the reactor unit. |
| US08721774B2 |
Gas separation composite membrane
Disclosed is a gas separation composite membrane comprising a polyamidoamine dendrimer (A) having a specific group, a vinyl alcohol-based polymer (B) containing 0.5 to 5 mol % of carboxyl groups, and a crosslinking agent (C) having an azetidinium group, wherein the mass ratio (A)/(C) of the polyamidoamine dendrimer (A) to the crosslinking agent (C) having an azetidinium group is 20/80 to 65/35, and the mass ratio (B)/(C) of the vinyl alcohol-based polymer (B) to the crosslinking agent (C) having an azetidinium group is 20/80 to 80/20. Thus, a gas separation composite membrane capable of separating a specific type of gas from a mixed gas containing water vapor is provided. |
| US08721773B2 |
Method for preparing a palladium-gold alloy gas separation membrane system
A method for preparing a palladium-gold alloy gas separation membrane system comprising a gold-palladium alloy membrane on a porous substrate coated with an intermetallic diffusion barrier. The method includes an abrading step to increase surface roughness of the palladium to a desired range, a gold plating step with a solution of chloroauric acid (AuCl4H) and hydrogen peroxide, followed by annealing to produce a palladium-gold alloy membrane. |
| US08721772B2 |
Systems and methods for performing industrial processes that generate pyrophoric particles
A process chamber is configured to contain a work piece in a controlled atmosphere and to perform a process that emits pyrophoric particulates. A closed recirculating loop connected with the process chamber recirculates gas defining the controlled atmosphere through the process chamber. A filter in the closed recirculating loop captures the generated pyrophoric particulates in the recirculating gas. A valve set has a work configuration defining the closed recirculating loop including the connection of the process chamber with the filter, and a filter regeneration configuration in which the filter is blocked off from the process chamber and is connected with an exhaust. A work piece is loaded into the process chamber. With the valve set in the work configuration, the process is performed on the loaded work piece. Thereafter, regeneration gas containing oxygen is delivered to the filter with the valve set in the regeneration configuration. |
| US08721768B2 |
Chromatography systems and methods using them
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described. |
| US08721767B2 |
Electrostatic screen device and method for emission control
An electrostatic screen battery for emission control (ESBEC) system includes a plurality of screens. The screens are arranged in an alternating manner so that screens at a first electric potential are interposed with screens at a second electric potential. An ionizer is disposed upstream of the screens. An exhaust stream passes by the ionizer and then through the screens, where particulates are deposited onto the screens. In preferred embodiments the screens have hydrophobic surfaces. |
| US08721764B2 |
Method for operating a furnace and device for carrying out the method
The invention relates to a method for operating a furnace, wherein a starting material comprising at least one metal element is molten, wherein the starting material is heated by at least one burner that is operated with a fuel volume flow of a fuel and an oxidant volume flow of an oxidant. An exhaust gas temperature of the furnace is monitored in an exhaust gas line at least at one measuring point downstream of a post combustion zone, wherein in a standard operational state a target fuel volume stream and a target oxidant volume stream is fed to the burner, wherein a change of the exhaust gas temperature is recorded at predetermined time frequencies and is compared to a predetermined threshold value. The invention is characterized in that when the change of the exhaust gas temperature per time unit is greater than the threshold value, the burner is put into a reduced operational state for a predetermined time, wherein the quotient of fuel volume stream to oxidant volume stream is lowered by at least one of the following actions: A) a predetermined sudden reduction of the fuel volume stream to a reduced volume stream and B) a predetermined sudden increase of the oxidant volume stream to an increased volume stream, said quotient being reset to the standard operating state after the reduction period. |
| US08721763B2 |
Method for separating metal nanoparticles from colloidal metal solution
A method for separating metal nanoparticles from colloidal metal solution includes providing a colloidal metal solution, including a plurality of metal nanoparticles; mixing a precipitating agent with the colloidal metal solution for maintaining the power of hydrogen value (pH) of the colloidal metal solution in a specific value; keeping the colloidal metal solution stationary for a static time at an environmental temperature such that the metal nanoparticle precipitates from the colloidal metal solution, and the colloidal metal solution forms a supernatant and a precipitating liquid; separating a precipitate from the precipitating liquid by a filtering process; and liquid blasting the precipitate by a first solvent to obtain the metal nanoparticles. |
| US08721762B2 |
Process of manufacturing nano-scale powders
A process for synthesizing metal submicron and nano-scale powders for use in articles of manufacture. In a suitable reactor, single metal or multiple metal complexes are heated to a temperature whereby, upon contact with hydrogen gas, an exothermic reaction begins. The further temperature rise in response to the exothermic reaction is minimized by reducing the external heat input, thereby minimizing the agglomeration or sintering of the metal nano-scale particles resulting from the process. Preferably, after drawing a vacuum on the metal complexes in the reactor, the hydrogen is introduced at about, equal to or below ambient pressure and the reaction is purposely made slow to prevent agglomeration or sintering. |
| US08721761B2 |
Abrasion resistant composition
A surface covering composition of abrasion resistant character adapted for disposition in overlying bonded relation to a metal substrate. The surface covering composition includes metal carbide particles within a metal matrix at a packing factor of not less than about 0.6. Not less than about 40 percent by weight of the metal carbide particles are characterized by an effective diameter in the range of +14-32 mesh prior to introduction to the metal matrix. Not less than about 3 percent by weight of the metal carbide particles are characterized by an effective diameter of +60 mesh prior to introduction to the metal matrix. |
| US08721760B2 |
Compositions comprising ammonium nitrate double salts
Preferred aspects of the present invention provide ammonium nitrate compositions comprising ammonium nitrate and at least a second compound, said second compound being present under conditions and in amounts effective to substantially reduce the detonation sensitivity of the composition and/or to otherwise improve a desired property of the composition. In certain embodiments, the second compound is selected from the group consisting of ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium molybdenate, ammonium hexaflouralsilicate, neodymium hydroxynitrate, and combinations of two or more of these. In preferred embodiments, at least a substantial portion of the ammonium nitrate in the composition is in the form of a double salt with one or more of said second compounds. In highly preferred embodiments, the present compositions consist essentially of one or more double salts of ammonium nitrate and a second compound as described herein. |
| US08721754B2 |
Filter clamping system
A spring loaded filter clamping frame includes a rear frame section which defines an interior space to secure a filter element. The rear frame section includes a projection extending toward the interior space and a rear latch mechanism. A front frame section defines an interior space and is slidably engaged with the rear frame section. An aperture in the front frame section interacts with the projection. A front latch mechanism with a latch mechanism biasing member interacts with the rear latch mechanism. A frame biasing member is located between the rear frame section and the front frame section. The frame biasing member applies a force urging the rear frame section and the front frame section apart, resulting in a filter clamping frame. In further examples, the frame biasing member is a coil spring and the latch mechanisms are hooks. |
| US08721753B2 |
Method and apparatus for an air filter cartridge replacement assembly
A method of assembling a filter replacement assembly for use with a gas turbine engine. The method includes coupling a first container to a filter wall that is included in an inlet air treatment system. The first container defines a first cavity that is sized to receive at least one filter. A second container is coupled to the first container. The second container defines a second cavity that is sized to receive the at least one filter therein. |
| US08721750B2 |
Hydrocarbon synthesis and production onboard a marine system using varied feedstock
A process for producing hydrocarbon products onboard a marine vessel for carbonaceous feedstock includes the steps gasification of the feedstock in a thermal conversion plant connected to an onboard power plant and forming hydrocarbons in a chemical reaction plant. |
| US08721748B1 |
Device with dilated oxidation zone for gasifying feedstock
A downdraft gasifier that utilizes a plurality of vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. The shape of the tubes eliminates the need for a restriction (hearth), which limits the maximum achievable throughput. A rotating and vertically adjustable grate is located beneath, but not attached to, the reduction zone of the gasifier. |
| US08721745B2 |
Fuel and method of obtaining thermal energy from biomass with low ash-melting temperature, in particular from stillage from bioethanol processing, and apparatuses for the implementation thereof
The invention relates to fuel formed by a fuel mixture, whose one component is formed by partially dewatered stillage from the bioethanol production and the other one are milled materials, where the ratio of total of sodium weight and potassium weight in the ashes to the weight of the other non-combustible components of a value less than 1:5.85 and/or it set up to achieve the resulting ash melting temperature of the mixture higher than 760° C. It also relates to the method of obtaining thermal energy from this mixture, in which first the critical combustion temperature causing slagging in the furnace and/or on the heat transfer surfaces and/or of the fluidized bed with melted ashes is ascertained and then the ratio of stillage from the production of bioethanol and to the biomass with low melting temperature of ashes to milled materials is set up in a ratio giving a higher ash-melting temperature of the resulting mixture than the ascertained critical temperature and then the obtained partially dewatered mixture is combusted in the combustion apparatus. It also relates to the method of obtaining thermal energy from waste in the preparation of the fuel mixture, e.g. from centrate, and to the apparatuses for the implementation thereof. |
| US08721743B2 |
Battery cathodes
Batteries and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making a battery can include passing a mandrel through an opening defined by a pellet that includes an electrode composition. The mandrel can have a transverse cross-section with a first dimension and a second dimension that is larger than the first dimension. |
| US08721740B2 |
Agent for altering the color of keratin fibers containing a fatty substance and a rheology modifying polymer in a neutral to acidic system
The present invention is drawn to an agent and process for altering the color of keratin fibers wherein the agent comprises: (A) a color base composition containing from about 5% to less than about 50% by weight of a fatty substance; a rheology modifying polymer; an alkalizing agent; and a short alkyl chain hydroxy compound chosen from monoalcohols and polyols; an oxidative dye precursor; and an oxidizing composition comprising, an oxidizing agent; and wherein the pH of the agent for altering the color of keratin fibers ranges from about 1 to about 7. |
| US08721738B1 |
System and method for ensuring security of data stored on data storage devices
Systems and methods for limiting access to data in a portable data storage device. An exemplary method may use an electronic computing device to prevent access to the data and includes the step of providing the portable storage device with a first software program that has a current expiration time value. The first software program is able to compare the current expiration time value against a time based parameter and activate a security mechanism protecting the data stored in the portable data storage device based on the comparison. The method also includes the step of providing an electronic computing device with a second software program. The second software program is able to identify the portable data storage device and reset the current expiration time value of the first software program to a later time value when the electronic computing device is electronically communicating with the portable data storage device. |
| US08721736B2 |
Damping device for a prosthesis
A damping device (1) for a prosthesis, comprising a first member (2) for connection to a first component, a second member (3) for connection to another component, and a means (4) for coupling together the first member and the second member and for relative displacement of the first member and the second member. A damping element (5) is arranged to counteract a relative displacement between the first member (2) and the second member (3) when loading the damping device (1). The coupling means 4 comprises at least two linkage arms (6, 7), both being pivotally arranged in relation to the first member (2) and the second member (3). The linkage arms (6, 7) are arranged at different positions with respect to a main damping direction (8) of the damping device for substantially maintaining the relative orientations of the first member (2) and the second member (3) when the first member and the second member are displaced in relation to each other, during pivoting of the linkage arms (6, 7) and exertion of influence on the damping element (5). |
| US08721734B2 |
Cross-sectional modification during deployment of an elongate lung volume reduction device
Elongate implant structures can be introduced into an airway system to a target airway axial region, often to apply lateral bending and/or compression forces against the lung tissue from within the airways for an extended period of time. Structures or features of the implants may inhibit tissue reactions that might otherwise allow portions of the device to eventually traverse through the wall of the airway. The devices may enhance the area bearing laterally on the tissue of a surrounding airway lumen wall. Embodiments may have features which increase the device friction with the airway to allow the device to grip the surrounding airway as the device is deployed. An appropriate adhesive may be introduced around the device in the lung. Hydrophilic material may inhibit biofilm formation, or features which induce some tissue ingrowth (stimulation of tissue growth) may enhance implanted device supported. |
| US08721731B2 |
Systems and methods for providing a tibial articulation feature
Systems and methods for providing deeper knee flexion capabilities, more physiologic load bearing and improved patellar tracking for knee prosthesis patients. Such systems and methods include a tibial component for replacing at least part of a proximal portion of a tibia. In some cases, the tibial component includes an articulation feature that forms a projection that projects from a posterior portion of at least one of a medial articulation surface and a lateral articulation surface of the tibial component. In some cases, the articulation feature is contained within an area of the tibial component that is selected from a lateral portion which is lateral to a medial-most portion of an intercondylar surface, and a medial portion, which is medial to a lateral-most portion of the intercondylar surface, and wherein the intercondylar surface is disposed on an object selected from the tibial component and the proximal portion of the tibia. While the tibial component can replace both the medial and lateral articulation surfaces, in some cases, the tibial component is a unicompartmental component. Other implementations are also described. |
| US08721722B2 |
Intervertebral implant and associated method
An intervertebral implant and associated method. The intervertebral implant can include a first component having a first articulating surface and a first bone engagement surface for engaging a first vertebra, and a second component having a second articulating surface and a second bone engagement surface for engaging a second vertebra adjacent to the first vertebra. The first and second articulating surfaces articulate with each other for substantially replicating a natural spinal movement. The first and second bone engagement surfaces define an outer surface substantially shaped as an envelope of five cylinders. |
| US08721720B2 |
Dilator for inserting a voice prosthesis
A dilator may include a substantially conical body having a tip portion at a proximal end and a base portion at a distal end thereof. A wire lock portion may be configured to lock a guide wire to the dilator. A voice prosthesis holding portion may be connected to the substantially conical body by a connecting portion. The holding portion may have a central passage configured to have a tubular body of a voice prosthesis positioned therethrough, wherein at least one flange of the prosthesis is substantially unfolded proximally of the central passage. |
| US08721718B2 |
Systems and methods for valve annulus remodeling
Systems and methods for remodeling the annulus of a valve are disclosed. At least some embodiments disclosed herein are useful for resizing the mitral valve annulus in a safe and effective way. Such remodeling can be used to treat mitral valve regurgitation. At least some of the disclosed embodiments adjust the size of a valve annulus using magnetic forces. Other embodiments may include mechanisms for the manual adjustment of the annulus. |
| US08721717B2 |
Venous valve apparatus, system, and method
A venous valve with a tubular frame that includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface and defining a lumen, and a cover over at least the outer surface of the tubular frame, where the cover includes surfaces defining a reversibly sealable opening for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the lumen. A system with the venous valve and a catheter including a proximal end and a distal end, the venous valve located between the proximal end and distal end of the catheter. A method including forming the venous valve and reversibly joining the venous valve and a catheter. A method including positioning at least part of the catheter including the venous valve at a predetermined location and deploying the venous valve from the catheter at the predetermined location. |
| US08721715B2 |
Preparation methods for transcatheter heart valve delivery systems
A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a support shaft around which a compartment is defined, an inner shaft extending through the support shaft and adapted to slide relative to the support shaft along a longitudinal axis thereof, the inner shaft having a lumen therethrough, and a distal sheath operatively connected at a distal end to the inner shaft and slidable therewith. The compartment may receive the valve in an assembled condition, and may be selectively covered and uncovered by the distal sheath. A first flow path may provide flow communication between the lumen of the inner shaft and the compartment. |
| US08721714B2 |
Delivery system for deployment of medical devices
A catheter that comprises a sheath that is connected at opposing ends to concentric tubes that move relative to each other in a manner that alternatively covers and exposes a medical device loaded onto the catheter. A portion of the sheath is arranged so as to invert upon itself so that axial movement of one tube relative to the other simultaneously moves the inversion point over or away from the device, alternatively covering or exposing the device. |
| US08721712B2 |
Medication depot for medical implants
An agent depot for mechanical connection to a surface of an endovascular implantable body, comprising one or more polymers, one or more bioactive agents, the agent depot being mechanically connectable to the implantable body by a force fit or an adhesive. |
| US08721708B2 |
Prosthetic valve for transluminal delivery
A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. If desired, one or more anchors may be used. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. Portions of the valve support may expand to a preset diameter to maintain coaptivity of the replacement valve and to prevent occlusion of the coronary ostia. A radial restraint, comprising a wire, thread or cuff, may be used to ensure expansion does not exceed the preset diameter. |
| US08721704B2 |
Expandable stent with wrinkle-free elastomeric cover
An improved stent-graft device is provided that delivers a smooth flow surface over a range of operative expanded diameters by applying a unique cover material to the stent through a technique that allows the cover to become wrinkle-free prior to reaching fully deployed diameter. The unique cover material then allows the device to continue to expand to a fully deployed diameter while maintaining a smooth and coherent flow surface throughout this additional expansion. Employed with a self-expanding device, when the device is unconstrained from a compacted diameter it will self-expand up to a fully deployed diameter with the graft being substantially wrinkle-free over diameters ranging from about 30-50% to 100% of the fully deployed diameter. Preferably, the graft component comprises an elastomeric material, such as silicone, polyurethane, or a copolymer of PAVE-TFE. |
| US08721699B2 |
Methods and devices for non-invasive cerebral and systemic cooling
A method for providing and adjusting cerebral cooling in response to changes in a physiological parameter. A spray having a boiling point between 38-300° C. is delivered to the surface of a patient's nasal cavities. The spray causes cooling by direct heat transfer through the nasopharynx and hematogenous cooling through the carotids and the Circle of Willis. A physiological parameter, such as cerebral temperature, changes in cerebral blood flow or brain oxygenation is monitored. The delivery rate of the spray is adjusted in response to the physiological parameter. |
| US08721697B2 |
Handpiece with cartridge for a skin photo-treatment apparatus
A handpiece having a shell for removably housing a cartridge with a window having a light source and a cooling circuit thereof as well as a cover. A light guide connects the light source to the surface of the skin. The position of the cartridge is defined by a base having cartridge connection members and by a guiding surface having one end corresponding to the base and sides defining lateral guide rails around the position of the light guide. The cartridge is in the form of a planar housing having one end bearing a transverse assembly plate provided with connection members homologous to those of the base, and the sides include guiding ribs interacting with the lateral rails. |
| US08721694B2 |
Bone screw washer
A washer for use with a bone screw in the reduction and fixation of bone fragments includes a frusto-conical body having a leading end, a trailing end, an exterior surface and an interior surface. A central bore defined by the interior surface for insertion of a bone screw extends longitudinally through the washer. The interior surface is tapered resulting in the central bore's diameter being larger at the trailing end than at the leading end. The washer, when used in combination with a compression bone screw, improves seating of the bone screw head in the bone and results in enhanced compression. |
| US08721688B1 |
Interspinous implant, tools and methods of implanting
One exemplary device includes a main body including a shaft having a longitudinal axis; a first clamping mechanism having first and second jaws configured to clamp a spinous process of a first vertebra, and a second clamping mechanism having third and fourth jaws configured to clamp a spinous process of a second vertebra. The first, second, third and fourth jaws extend transversely from the shaft and at least two of two of the jaws are releasably mounted to the shaft and are mountable to and removable from the shaft by relative movement between the respective jaw and the shaft in a direction normal to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. |
| US08721681B2 |
Barbed suture in combination with surgical needle
A barbed suture for connecting tissue, and a combination surgical needle with a barbed suture. The suture includes an elongated body and a plurality of barbs projecting from the body. Each barb causes the suture to resist movement in an opposite direction from which the barb faces. The disposition of the barbs on the body may be staggered, twist cut multiple spiral, overlapping, or random. Also, the configuration of the barbs may be a certain spirality angle α, barb cut angle θ, barb cut depth, barb cut length, barb cut distance, corrugated barb underside, arcuate barb base, or varying barb size. |
| US08721664B2 |
Suture methods and devices
A barbed suture including a body with barbs on the periphery, a pointed end, and an anchor at one end to resist movement of the suture in the direction of the pointed end is provided. One or more limbs on the anchor may be provided, which may be arcuate, of varying lengths, and of varying distribution about the periphery of the suture body. Other anchor designs are provided. Methods of placing single-directional and bi-directional barbed sutures to approximate the tissue on each side of a wound and to position and support tissue in the absence of a wound, as in cosmetic surgery, are provided, and may include terminal J-stitches or S-stitches. Methods of placement may be made with sharp, pointed ends, which may be needles, or insertion devices. Sinusoidal patterns of sutures that have amplitudes generally perpendicular to the resultant holding force of the suture are provided. |
| US08721660B2 |
Stereotactic therapy system
A fiducial marker system (210a-c) comprises a first unit and a second unit. The first unit is patient affixable and comprises a partly spherical inner surface having a first center point that is adapted to receive a touch probe measurement head for measuring the spatial position of the center point. The second unit is releasably attachable to an outer surface of the first unit, and has a second center point, wherein the first center point and the second center point are substantially identical when the second unit is attached to the first unit. For stereotactic therapy, a patient is imaged with the first and second unit assembled. Then the second unit is detached. A stereotactic frame (300) is attached to the first units via arms. Thus frameless imaging is provided in a frame based stereotactic surgery system with high precision. Repeated assembly of the frame (300) to the first units, remaining in the patient, provides advantageous fractionized stereotactic radiotherapy. |
| US08721659B2 |
Adjustable wire length stylet handle
A stylet-lead assembly includes a therapy delivery element and a stylet. The therapy delivery element includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen having a lumen length extending from the proximal end to almost the distal end. The stylet includes a stylet handle including a locking insert having a first channel adapted to receive a proximal end of a stylet wire. A portion of the stylet wire extending beyond a proximal end of the locking insert includes at least one bend. The stylet handle has an opening at a distal end adapted to compressively engage the proximal end of the stylet wire to the locking insert, such that an exposed portion of the stylet wire measured from a distal end of the stylet wire to a distal end of the locking insert generally comprises the lumen length. |
| US08721658B2 |
Tissue retrieval system
The tissue retrieval system deploys a tissue bag at the surgical site. The bag is supported by the system as tissue is placed within the bag and is closed to isolate the collected tissue and allow the bag and collected tissue to be removed from the body. The bag can be reopened and re-closed as desired through use of a guide bead and cord. The bead also facilitates removal of the collected tissue. |
| US08721654B2 |
Opthalmic lens capsule support
A lens support system for use during extracapsular cataract surgery. The lens support system may be used to support a lens or lens fragment in the event of a posterior capsule tear or zonular dialysis. The lens support system comprises a cannula in which a piston attached to a lens support is slidably disposed. By means of the piston, the lens support is movable between collapsed and expanded configurations. |
| US08721652B2 |
Volume measuring intervertebral tool system and method
The invention includes a system and method for the loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, a method of removing intervertebral tissue includes removing tissue with a loosening member to form a void, inserting a portion of the loosening member into the void, and determining the amount of tissue removed based upon the volume defined by the portion of the loosening member inserted into the void. |
| US08721651B2 |
Templates and methods
Embodiments of the invention include templates and methods for evaluating the appropriate size and shape for a medical implant. In particular, some embodiments include expandable templates and methods for evaluating appropriate size and shape for implantation of a spinal rod. |
| US08721650B2 |
Bone anchor installer and method of use
Systems, apparatuses and methods for securing tissue to bone using a bone anchoring system are described. Methods and apparatuses may allow transformation between locked and unlocked states, thereby allowing adjustment of the tension in the suture. The apparatus and/or methods may allow unidirectional movement of a suture, while preventing slippage or movement of the suture and tissue in the opposite direction. Ends of a suture may be individually tensioned to adjust positioning of a tissue with respect to a bone. |
| US08721648B2 |
Microfracture pick for femoral head
The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as cartilage on the femoral head. A microfracture pick system for repairing cartilage on a femoral head is provided. The system can include a handle having a proximal end and a distal end. The system can also include an arcuate arm shaped to extend from the distal end of the handle and adapted to extend around the femoral head. The arcuate arm can have a distal tip extending toward the handle along a longitudinal axis of the handle. The system can also include an impaction member at the proximal end of the handle. |
| US08721646B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a staple
A staple constructed from shape memory material provides the ability to move from a first shape to any point up to and including a second shape. The staple includes a bridge having a first member and a second member, and allows the second member of the bridge to change elevation with respect to the first member, thereby creating compressive forces, offset forces, or distraction forces. Upon the application of energy, the second member moves upward or downward to deliver forces, dependent upon a desired effect. The staple further includes first and second legs for attaching to first and second bones. The offsetting forces may be utilized to offset the second bone relative to the first bone, or to align offset bones. The bridge may include a transition member or plurality of transition members in communication with the first and second members, whereby the transition member moves about the first member. |
| US08721641B2 |
External orthopaedic fixator for the elbow joint
An external orthopaedic fixator for elbow joints comprising: proximal anchoring means intended to be integrally associated to a proximal bone of a patient's upper limb; distal anchoring means intended to be integrally associated to a distal bone of a patient's upper limb; an articulator hinging together said proximal and distal anchoring means along a hinging axis, intended to be positioned in correspondence with an elbow joint connecting said proximal and distal bones; said articulator comprising a radiotransparent centering window intended to frame the elbow joint when positioning the external orthopaedic fixator, said hinging axis passing through said centering window. |
| US08721640B2 |
Endoscopic vessel sealer and divider having a flexible articulating shaft
An electrosurgical instrument for treating tissue includes a housing having a flexible shaft extending therefrom having an axis A-A defined therethrough. The flexible shaft has first and second jaw members attached at a distal end thereof and each jaw member includes an electrically conductive tissue contacting surface adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces are capable of conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. A drive assembly is disposed in the housing and has a first actuator operably coupled to a drive rod for reciprocation thereof and a second actuator operably coupled to the drive rod for rotation thereof. A knife is operably coupled to a distal end of the drive rod. Actuation of the first actuator moves the jaw members relative to one another for engaging tissue and actuation of the second actuator rotates the drive rod about the axis A-A to translate the knife to cut tissue disposed between the jaw members. |
| US08721638B2 |
Gas sensing surgical device and method of use
A handheld surgical assembly has a body, a first end, a second end, and a body length separating the first and second ends, an energy input and output, the energy output located at the first end of the body, the assembly also having a sensor that is coupled to the handheld surgical assembly, in fluid communication with an outside environment, and operable to identify a plurality of gases, with the assembly additionally having an electronic circuit system communicatively coupled to the sensor, the electronic circuit system being operable, upon the identification of at least one of the plurality of gases by the sensor, to control the energy output from the handheld surgical device. |
| US08721637B2 |
Methods and apparatus for performing renal neuromodulation via catheter apparatuses having inflatable balloons
Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided. |
| US08721636B2 |
Apparatus and method for diagnosis and therapy of electrophysiological disease
The invention provides apparatus and methods for mapping conduction pathways and creating lesions in the heart wall for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. The apparatus may include at least one epicardial ablation probe having a plurality of electrodes for creating a lesion. The apparatus and method facilitate the formation of a lesion which electrically isolates the pulmonary veins from the surrounding myocardium. |
| US08721633B2 |
Ablation devices with sensors structures
A cardiac ablation device, including a steerable catheter (10) and an expandable ablation element (18) incorporating one or more balloons (20,22) at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway (28, 30) extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. A probe (72) carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop (82) which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the sensor probe. |
| US08721627B2 |
Needleless valve infection prevention and pre-opening device
A disinfecting and pre-opening device is disclosed for use with a female needleless connector. The disinfecting and pre-opening device includes a housing comprising a chamber having a distal opening and configured to fit over the female needleless connector, and an elongated finger attached to the housing and disposed within the chamber such that the elongated finger opens the fluid path through the female needleless connector when the distal opening of the disinfecting and pre-opening device is placed proximally adjacent to the septum and the disinfecting and pre-opening device is advanced in the distal direction. |
| US08721622B2 |
Use of a viscoelastic composition for treating increased intraocular pressure
A viscoelastic medium is useful for the manufacture of a medicament, such as a medical device, for treatment of increased intraocular pressure in the eye of a human or animal. The medicament is administerable into at least one sclerally penetrating fistula of the eye such that the fistula is filled with the medicament. The medium is also useful in a method of treating increased intraocular pressure in the eye of a human or an animal in need thereof, comprising the step of injecting the viscoelastic medium into at least one sclerally penetrating fistula in the eye such that the fistula is filled with the medium. |
| US08721621B2 |
Systems and methods for deploying devices to genitourinary sites
A method delivers an implantable device through the urethra and into the bladder. A deployment instrument is inserted into the urethra, the implantable device is inserted into the deployment instrument, and a stream of fluid is injected into the deployment instrument. The stream of fluid drives the implantable device from the deployment instrument into the bladder. The deployment instrument is removed from the urethra, leaving the implantable device wholly implanted in the bladder. |
| US08721620B2 |
Swallowable drug delivery device and methods of drug delivery
Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Some embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. The device comprises a capsule sized to be swallowed and pass through the intestinal tract. The capsule can include at least one guide tube, one or more tissue penetrating members positioned in the guide tube, a delivery member, an actuating mechanism and a release element. The release element degrades upon exposure to various conditions in the intestine so as to release and actuate the actuating mechanism. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract. |
| US08721615B2 |
Ampoule comprising an ampoule holder
An ampoule including a casing, a facing side and a seal, wherein the casing has an outer diameter and the seal extends radially beyond the outer diameter and seals the facing side. |
| US08721611B2 |
Absorbent article
Absorbent article, in particular a diaper or an incontinence product, includes an absorbent structure (1) including a back-sheet (20), a top-sheet (22) and an absorbent core (24) there between. The absorbent structure (1) has a front portion (10) defining a front lateral edge (16), a rear portion (14) defining a rear lateral edge (18) and a crotch portion (12) situated between the front portion and the rear portion. A pair of belt sections (30, 32) is present for fastening the absorbent article to the waist of a wearer, the belt sections being fixedly attached to the rear portion of the absorbent structure. The absorbent article has a maximum lateral extension B between the respective lateral-most edges (302, 322) of the belt sections that is governed by the following expression: 0.3 |
| US08721610B2 |
Absorbent article providing a better fit and more comfort to a wearer
A disposable pull-on garment has a front waist region and a back waist region opposite the front waist region. The disposable pull-on garment also has a chassis and front and back waist members attached to the chassis in the front and back waist regions, respectively. The front waist member has a first retraction force and the back waist member has a second retraction force. The disposable pull-on garment also has a pair of side members attaching the front waist region to the back waist region, thereby forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each of the pair of side members includes a waist zone and a hip zone. The waist zones have retraction forces which are about equal to the first retraction force, and the hip zones have retraction forces which are greater than the first or second retraction forces. |
| US08721607B2 |
Ostomy appliance
An ostomy appliance body side member or an ostomy appliance comprising an adhesive wafer having a first adhesive surface for securing the appliance to the user's skin, said wafer having a second surface being covered with a carrier sheet which wafer has a hole for receiving a stoma wherein a part of the adhesive wafer surrounding the stoma shows balanced plastic and elastic properties allowing an adaptation of the size of the hole of the ostomy appliance to a stoma by enlarging the hole for accommodating the stoma by rolling up the inner rim thereof forming a torus and wherein a part of the second surface of the wafer surrounding the hole shows surface properties compatible with the first adhesive surface of the adhesive wafer locking the torus to the second surface in its rolled position by the contact between the second surface and the first adhesive surface enables a simple, safe and reliable customisation of the hole of a body side member without the use of tools and at the same time provides means for reducing the risk of causing injury to or constriction of the stoma. |
| US08721603B2 |
Syringe with co-molded hub and cannula
A prefilled syringe for injecting medicament into a patient includes a barrel constructed of a polymeric material, a cannula and a hub. The barrel has a diameter, a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula has a proximal end and a tip opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of the cannula is fixed to the distal end of the barrel. The cannula is positioned generally coaxially with the longitudinal axis. The hub is integrally formed with the distal end. The hub includes a rib section and a cap. The rib section has a generally cruciform cross-section taken along a rib plane. The rib plane is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cap has a generally U-shaped cross-section taken along a longitudinal plane. The longitudinal plane is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08721602B2 |
Medicinal biosecurity auto disposable syringe
The present invention relates to a security syringe comprising a hollow cylinder (1) with a pair of wings (11) and a tip (12), which houses: the injection mechanism (3), a piston (2), and an injection mechanism (3) with a needle (31), a spring (32) and a membrane (33). The piston (2) has a serrated crown in the lower part (21) thereof where a chamber seal exists (22) and breaks only with the interior point of the needle (31), having the ends of the piston (2) of an inferior disk (24) and a superior disk (25) that steadies the piston (2) inside the cylinder (1). Around the cylinder (1) there is a protective funnel (13) against accidental injections. The piston comprises a cap (26) which guarantees the hermeticity of the empty chamber. |
| US08721601B2 |
Dose setting mechanism for an injection device
A dosing device for setting a dose to be delivered by an injection device, the dosing device including a setting element, e.g. a setting sleeve, and a drawing element, e.g. a rotating sleeve, which can be rotated out of the dosing device for preparing a dose delivery. A stop is on the setting element, and a counter stop is on the drawing element so that a rotational motion of the drawing element relative the setting element can be limited by the stops. The present invention encompasses a method for setting a dose that should be delivered by an injection device, wherein the dose to be delivered can be set by a setting element, e.g. a setting sleeve, and a drawing element of the injection device, e.g. a rotating sleeve, can subsequently draw up the dose by effecting a rotational motion to deliver the set dose from the injection device in a subsequent step. According to the present invention, the setting process is isolated from drawing process. |
| US08721600B2 |
Delivery gun for dispensing bone bement from a cartridge, the gun having a multi-link linkage and capable of dispensing the cement at different flow rates
A delivery gun for discharging bone cement from a cartridge that includes a piston. The gun has a casing from which a drive rod and a disk extend. A drive assembly advances the drive rod and disk so that disk displaces the piston causing the discharge of cement. The drive assembly includes plural links that are pivotally connected to a trigger. The links are displaced in response to the manual displacement of a trigger. One of the links is configured to selectively engage the drive rod. When this particular link is engaged with the drive rod and displaced, the drive rod the drive rod is advanced at a first speed. When this link does not is not engaged with the drive rod, the drive rod is advanced by another link at a second speed. |
| US08721599B2 |
Dual chamber passive retraction needle syringe
Embodiments of a retractable syringe assembly are provided that include a dual syringe barrel configuration. In one or more embodiments, the assemblies include a fluid barrel for retaining fluid and a retraction barrel for housing the retraction feature and the needle hub assembly. The assemblies include a trigger element that moves with the plunger rod to activate the retraction feature within the retraction mechanism. |
| US08721596B2 |
Front-loading syringe adapted to releasably engage a medical injector regardless of the orientation of the syringe with respect to the injector
A syringe for use with an injector includes a body having a rear end and a front end, a plunger movably disposed within the body, an attachment member associated with the body and adapted to releasably engage a syringe retaining mechanism of the injector regardless of the orientation of the syringe with respect to the injector, and an encoding device operable to provide syringe information to the injector. |
| US08721594B2 |
Post-occlusion chamber collapse canceling system for a surgical apparatus and method of use
A post-occlusion chamber collapse canceling system for a surgical apparatus that detects the breaking of occlusions by tissue fragments in the distal end of the aspiration path and produces a response consisting in a transitory blockage of the distal end the aspiration path to terminate the chamber collapse and a transitory venting of the aspiration line to relieve the vacuum, in a way that post-occlusion chamber collapses are cancelled. |
| US08721591B2 |
Apparatus and methods for dilating and modifying ostia of paranasal sinuses and other intranasal or paranasal structures
Sinusitis and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches with flexible or rigid instruments. Various methods and devices are used for remodeling or changing the shape, size or configuration of a sinus ostium or duct or other anatomical structure in the ear, nose or throat; implanting a device, cells or tissues; removing matter from the ear, nose or throat; delivering diagnostic or therapeutic substances or performing other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Introducing devices (e.g., guide catheters, tubes, guidewires, elongate probes, other elongate members) may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g. catheters e.g. balloon catheters, guidewires, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, devices for implanting elements like stents, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for delivering diagnostic or therapeutic agents, substance delivery implants, scopes etc.) into the paranasal sinuses or other structures in the ear, nose or throat. |
| US08721590B2 |
Dual modulus balloon for interventional procedures
A device for interventional surgical or medical procedures is presented. The device is generally in the form of a balloon and is used to position itself or other working elements up against or through lumen walls in the body. The balloon is comprised of at least two materials of different elastic modulus, which allows for a flexible but relatively non-distensible, unfolding component of the balloon as well as an elastomeric, inflatable component of the balloon. The elastomeric component is fixedly attached to the flexible but relatively non-distensible component and together they form a pressure vessel that can be inflated within the lumens of the body. |
| US08721585B2 |
Integrated delivery device for continuous glucose sensor
Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction. |
| US08721581B2 |
Capsule friendly tips for phacoemulsification and for irrigation / aspiration
A surgical tool that includes a tip with a smooth, rounded edges and free of any sharp edges. The tip may have pores on its top, but none on the underside of its base. The distal end may have an open port with micro wires that form a Maltese cross shape. The distal end may be instead closed with protrusions spaced from each other by gaps or recesses. |
| US08721577B1 |
Anti-fatigue device
An exemplary embodiment of an anti-fatigue device includes a framework worn adjacent a body of a user; and interaction of a cable and the framework provides an anti-gravity support of the body that reduces user fatigue from an activity the user performs. In another exemplary embodiment, the anti-fatigue device includes a head support halo coupled to the framework, the head support halo provides an anti-gravity support of the head that reduces user fatigue while the user performs the activity. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the anti-fatigue device includes a leg support that substantially secures the framework adjacent the body while the user stands to perform the activity. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the anti-fatigue device includes a seat plate worn adjacent a buttock of the user substantially secures the framework adjacent the body while the user sits on the buttock to perform the activity. |
| US08721576B2 |
Cervical collar with cable reel adjustment system
A cervical collar having a vertically adjustable chin support, the collar including a chin support adjustably connected to a collar body, a cable reel for adjusting the length of a cable, a cable stop connecting between the collar body and the chin support and slidingly positionable along a slot on the collar body and a pulley located on the collar body adjacent to the elongate slot. Adjustment of the length of the cable adjusts the position of the cable stop along the slot and adjusts the vertical position of the chin support relative to the collar body. |
| US08721575B2 |
Compression device with s-shaped bladder
A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body includes at least one inflatable bladder formed from opposed layers of bladder material. The bladder is constructed so that when worn on the part of the wearer's body inflation of the bladder applies a compressive force to the part of the wearer's body to move blood within the wearer's body part. The at least one bladder has a generally S shape compression region with first, second and third spaced apart sections in fluid communication. At least one opening is formed between the first and second sections. The at least one opening extends through both layers of bladder material to provide communication from an area under the layers of bladder material to a location above the layers of bladder material. |
| US08721570B2 |
Strain monitoring system and apparatus
A system for monitoring strain as an indicator of biological conditions, such as spinal fusion, glucose levels, spinal loading, and heart rate. The system includes an inter-digitated capacitor sensor, and RF transmitter, and an associated antenna, all of which are microminiature or microscopic in size and can be implanted in a biological host such as a human or animal. An inductively coupled power supply is also employed to avoid the need for implantation of chemical batteries. Power is provided to the sensor and transmitter, and data is transmitted from the sensor, when an external receiving device, such as a handheld RF ID type receiver, is placed proximate the location of the implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply. The implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply can be left in place permanently or removed when desired. |
| US08721566B2 |
Spinal motion measurement device
This invention is a minimally-invasive device, including bone-moving members and motion-measuring members, that can help surgeons to obtain objective, quantitative information concerning spinal flexion, extension, lateral bending, decompression, compression and torsion in order to select the best therapy for each patient. The prior art does not offer surgeons the opportunity to objectively and independently measure each of these movements. As a result, currently there is tremendous variation concerning which therapies are selected for which conditions. It is very unlikely that quality is being optimized and costs are being best managed with such high variation in practice patterns. This variation may be greatly reduced by the availability of objective information concerning spinal motion from this device. In this manner, this device can help surgeons to select the optimal therapy, to improve the quality of care, and to reduce the risk and expense of unnecessary spinal procedures and hardware. |
| US08721564B2 |
Guide wire with core having welded wire segments
An intravascular guide wire having two core materials joined together without the use of a connector tube or sleeve, the core materials being stainless steel and psuedoelastic metal alloy, nitinol. The core materials are joined to each other through an intermediate transition piece made essentially of nickel, which is welded on either side to the two core materials. In a multi-segment intravascular guide wire, discrete, high modulus and medium modulus core portions of different materials are welded to a shapeable, low modulus distal core portion made of a third material having a flattened, shapeable section at a most distal end that is not welded to but made from the distal core portion, so the flattened, shapeable section can be deformed to create a steerable tip. Processes such as simultaneous resistance and friction welding can be used to join the core portions. |
| US08721560B2 |
Implantable medical device with sleep apnea detection control and method
A method for use in an implantable medical device comprises the steps of monitoring respiration with an amplifier having a gain, generating a moving apneic threshold based on recent respiration cycles, accumulating differences between amplitudes of respiration cycles and the moving apnea detection threshold and comparing the accumulated differences against an apnea detection threshold to detect the onset of an episode of apnea. The method further comprises measuring respiration levels upon detecting the onset of apnea, confirming the episode of apnea based upon the respiration levels measured upon detecting the onset of apnea; and adjusting one of the gain of the amplifier and the apnea detection threshold so that the time from the detection of onset of apnea to the time of confirmation of the episode of apnea is within a predetermined time range following the detection of the onset of apnea. |
| US08721555B2 |
Method for measuring central venous pressure or respiratory effort
Photoplethysmography (PPG) is obtained using one red (e.g., 660 nm) and one infrared (e.g., 880 to 940 nm) light emitting diode with a single photo diode in combination with a pressure transducer thereby allowing both CVP and SpO2 to be measured simultaneously. The system also includes sensors capable of measuring position, angle and/or movement of the sensor or patient. Once the PPG signal is acquired, high pass adaptive and/or notch filtering can be used with one element of the filter from the red and infrared signals used to measure the arterial changes needed to compute SpO2 and the other element of the signal can be used to measure CVP changes. |
| US08721549B2 |
Frame averaging circuit for use in an ultrasound imaging system
A frame averaging circuit adapted for a color blood flow frame in a medical ultrasound imaging system. The frame averaging circuit comprises two sections, i.e., a recursive calculation section and a non-recursive section. The recursive calculation section employs an IIR filter in combination with a look-up table, and is adapted for dealing with the cases where no change occurs to the blood flow velocity direction. The non-recursive section compares the blood flow velocity, the energy and the energy prior to wall filtering of the color blood flow echo signal to various threshold values. Different from the recursive calculation section, the non-recursive section is employed when a change occurs to the blood flow velocity direction. |
| US08721548B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus, automatic support apparatus, and automatic support method
According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic diagnosis apparatus includes a storage unit, a ultrasonic probe, a transmission/reception unit, a measured value calculation unit, a distance calculation unit, and a determination unit. The storage unit stores data of a state space based on a first measured values of a measurement item associated with an able-bodied person. The transmission/reception unit transmits ultrasonic waves to a subject via an ultrasonic probe, and generates reception signals corresponding to an ultrasonic waves reflected by the subject. The measured value calculation unit calculates a second measured value of the measurement item associated with the subject based on the reception signals. The distance calculation unit calculates a Mahalanobis distance of the subject based on the state space and the second measured value. The determination unit compares the Mahalanobis distance with a threshold to determine whether the subject has the disease evaluated by the measurement item. |
| US08721544B2 |
System for in-vivo measurement of an analyte concentration
The analyte concentration, such as glucose, in a human or animal body is measured with an implantable sensor that generates measurement signals. The measurement signals are compressed through statistical techniques to produced compressed measurement data that can is easier to process and communicate. A base station carries the implantable sensor along with a signal processor, memory, and a transmitter. A display device is also disclosed that can receive the compressed measurement data from the base station for further processing and display. |
| US08721542B2 |
Physiological parameter system
A physiological parameter system has one or more parameter inputs responsive to one or more physiological sensors. The physiological parameter system may also have quality indicators relating to confidence in the parameter inputs. A processor is adapted to combine the parameter inputs, quality indicators and predetermined limits for the parameters inputs and quality indicators so as to generate alarm outputs or control outputs or both. |
| US08721540B2 |
Ingestible circuitry
The present invention provides for safe and reliable electronic circuitry that can be employed in ingestible compositions. The ingestible circuitry of the invention includes a solid support; a conductive element; and an electronic component. Each of the support, conductive element and electronic component are fabricated from an ingestible material. The ingestible circuitry finds use in a variety of different applications, including as components of ingestible identifiers, such as may be found in ingestible event markers, e.g., pharma-informatics enabled pharmaceutical compositions. |
| US08721539B2 |
Rapid laparoscopy exchange system and method of use thereof
A system for positioning an interchangeable tool in a body cavity includes a channel having a lumen in direct communication with the body cavity; a tool introducer having a longitudinal axis arid a distal end, the tool introducer capable of traveling through the channel lumen; and a tool holder covering at least a portion of the interchangeable tool that is pivotally connected to the tool introducer allowing angular position of the interchangeable tool after the tool holder emerges from the channel into the body cavity. A method for engaging an interchangeable tool with a distal portion of a tool manipulator in a body cavity includes inserting a tool introducer into a channel, orienting the distal portion of the tool manipulator in the body cavity; emerging the interchangeable tool from the channel into the body cavity; and positioning the interchangeable tool eccentrically to the lumen of the channel. |
| US08721537B2 |
Single port access system
Embodiments of a surgical access system useful for single or limited port procedures comprise a trocar comprising a fixation cannula, a retractor, and a gel cap removably coupled to the retractor. The gel cap comprises a gel pad that acts as an artificial body wall, through which instruments may be inserted into a body cavity, either directly or through one or more trocars. The fixation cannula comprises a retainer and a bolster, which together, capture the artificial body wall therebetween, thereby fixing the trocar thereto. The gel pad permits flexible instrument placement, as well as translational and angular degrees of freedom for the instruments while maintaining a gas tight seal. |
| US08721532B2 |
Endoscope apparatus and method for controlling fluorescence imaging apparatus
An endoscope apparatus includes: a light source portion that irradiates an excitation light and a reference light alternately; an image pickup portion that picks up images of the fluorescence from the living tissue and the reflected light; a signal processing portion that generates image signals from picked up signals; an addition processing portion that generates, from image signals of fluorescence, addition processed signals of fluorescence in which pixels are added; a light quantity control portion that controls the quantity of light so as to maintain a predetermined light quantity ratio between the quantities of the excitation light and the reference light from the addition processed signals of fluorescence and image signals of the reflected light; and a superimposition processing portion that superimposes the addition processed signals and the image signals of the reflected light, with the predetermined light quantity ratio being maintained. |
| US08721531B2 |
Electronic endoscope with anti-fogging unit
An electronic endoscope includes a distal end portion of an insertion portion which incorporates an image pickup unit, a first metal frame which holds an observation window, a second metal frame which holds an objective optical system, a third metal frame which is made to fit with a rear portion of the second metal frame and holds an electronic component, an anti-fogging unit which prevents fogging of the observation window, and a thermal insulation member which thermally insulates the anti-fogging unit and the second metal frame from each other to inhibit transmission of heat generated in the anti-fogging unit to the third metal frame, an outer circumferential face of which fits with an inner circumferential face of the first metal frame, and an inner circumferential face of which fits with an outer circumferential face of the second metal frame. |
| US08721528B2 |
Endoscope cap
The present application relates to a medical gripping device (1) with a flexible shaft (2) with a front end (13) and a rear end (14) and a web (5) comprising at least one web element, wherein the web (4) is attached to the front end (3) of the shaft (2). The medical gripping device additionally has at least two branches (5, 6) which are hinged on the web (4), and at least two at least partly flexible control mechanisms (7, 151, 155, 8, 152, 156) which are at least partly arranged in the shaft (2), wherein each individual branch (5, 6) can be moved individually with respect to the web (4) by means of its individual control mechanism (7, 151, 155, 8, 152, 156). Furthermore, the medical gripping device has a grip (150) at the rear end (14) of the flexible shaft (2), by mans of which grip the medical gripping device (1) can be held and actuated. |
| US08721527B2 |
Endoscopic dissector
A dissection device comprising an elongate cannula having proximal and distal ends and a central axis and arranged to receive at least a remote viewing device therein, a handle arranged to be attached to the proximal end of the elongate cannula and a dissection tip arranged to be attached to the distal end of the elongate cannula, the dissection tip comprising a curved hollow shroud that when the dissection tip is orientated for use defines a substantially concave working cavity having an open underside, the hollow shroud comprising a pair of laterally extending lateral extensions, each wing extending from an opposing lateral portion of the periphery of the hollow shroud. |
| US08721522B2 |
Dual balloon gastric ring
The invention relates to an implantable surgical ring (1) designed to be closed on itself to form a closed loop (2) having an extension medium axis (XX′) for tightening a biological organ (3), wherein said ring (1) includes at least a first and a second ring tightening chamber (12, 13) attached to each other designed to contain a filling fluid for tightening said biological organ (3), said first and second tightening chambers being stepped along the extension medium axis (XX′), said ring being characterized in that the first and second tightening chambers (12, 13) include between them a material-free clearance area (20), in which the wall of the biological organ (3) may move without contacting the ring (1), in order to tighten said biological organ (3) at the level of at least two axially-separated contact areas (14A, 14B). |
| US08721521B2 |
Imaging and evaluating embryos, oocytes, and stem cells
Methods, compositions and kits for determining the developmental potential of one or more embryos or pluripotent cells and/or the presence of chromosomal abnormalities in one or more embryos or pluripotent cells are provided. These methods, compositions and kits find use in identifying embryos and oocytes in vitro that are most useful in treating infertility in humans. |
| US08721520B2 |
Inflatable implant delivery system and method
An implant delivery system can be configured to deliver an inflatable implant into a bladder via a urethra. The delivery system can comprise an elongate tubular body, an inflation tube and an implant decoupler. The tubular body can comprise a central lumen configured to hold an inflatable implant in an initial un-inflated state for delivery of the implant into the bladder. A method of use can include passing a distal tip of the elongate tubular body into the bladder. The implant can be inflated and released into the bladder. |
| US08721514B2 |
Electromagnetic pose sensing of HDR brachytherapy applicator
An implantable applicator (10) has at least one guide channel (12) for guiding a radioactive seed or source (66) to a target region. A plurality of imageable fiducials (40) are configured for attachment to the patient adjacent the target region. Electromagnetic sensors (18, 20, 22, 20′, 42) are mounted to the applicator and the imageable fiducials. An electromagnetic tracking system determines the relative position of the applicator mounted sensors (18, 20, 22, 20′) and the fiducial mounted sensors (42). A localizing processor (52) generates a map of the sensors which is combined (56) with a high resolution image (46). A comparing processor (70) monitors for changes in sensor positions, generates a movement correction transform (72) which transforms (74) the planning image into a transformed planning image (76). A brachytherapy treatment processor (60) generates a treatment plan (60a) from the planning image or the transformed planning image for controlling an auto-loader (64) which moves the radioactive source or seed (66) through the channels (12) of the applicator (10). |
| US08721513B2 |
Electric motor drive for centrifugal concentrator with suspended rotor bowl
An electric motor is provided with a hollow rotating drive shaft extending along the central axis of the motor, a stationary liquid supply line and a rotating union which communicates with the liquid supply line and the hollow interior of the drive shaft for supplying liquid to the hollow interior of the drive shaft. |
| US08721506B2 |
Exercise apparatus and method
An exerciser including a movable body support mounted on an exerciser frame for movement along tracks provided by the frame. A movable foot support extends from the exerciser frame. The movable foot support is adapted to be engaged by the user's feet to absorb the energy of movement in a first direction and to provide the user with a bouncing movement, which the user may translate into a movement of the movable body support in the opposite direction. The movable foot support may be provided as an attachment and retrofitted to existing exercisers, and, in some embodiments, may comprise independently movable foot supports for each foot. The exerciser may include a resilient resistance system coupled to the movable body support and a set of pull lines with user grips trained over pulleys carried by the exerciser frame. Also disclosed are methods for enabling users to exercise. |
| US08721502B2 |
Systems and methods for displaying performance information
We have disclosed systems and methods for displaying information about a physical activity conducted by an individual. The methods may include defining a performance parameter zone for a particular performance parameter, receiving and storing in a memory device data associated with a physical activity, initiating a graphical display on a display screen that includes a representation of the route based on the received and stored data. The data may include a plurality of performance parameter data points correlated with a plurality of position points collected as the individual traversed a geographic route. The representation of the route may include multiple portions of the route having different visual characteristics corresponding to a portion of the route where the individual was or was not performing within the performance parameter zone. |
| US08721499B2 |
Method of controlling clutch of vehicle
A method controls a clutch for vehicles. In a vehicle provided with a transmission such as a DCT or AMT which uses a dry clutch as a launch clutch, the clutch is controlled such that clutch control torque can smoothly vary when a driver manipulates an accelerator pedal during creep driving under a control logic so that the controlling of the clutch is converted into launch control, thus preventing the vehicle from jerking and improving the ride comfort of the vehicle, thereby enhancing the merchantability of the vehicle. |
| US08721495B2 |
Rear derailleur and gear shift system
A motorized rear derailleur is basically provided with a base member, a movable member, a pulley arrangement, a motor unit and a power limit circuit. The movable member is movably mounted to the base member between a plurality of gear positions. The pulley arrangement is supported by the movable member. The pulley arrangement includes a pulley having a dynamo that generates electrical energy in response to rotation of the pulley. The motor unit is operatively coupled between the base member and the movable member to selectively move the movable member relative to the base member between the gear positions. The motor unit is electrically coupled to the dynamo to selectively receive electrical energy generated by the dynamo. The power limit circuit is electrically coupled between the dynamo and the motor unit. |
| US08721494B2 |
Variator multiplex valve scheme for a torroidal traction drive transmision
An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow to a variator which responsive to separate high and low pressure fluids to control an output torque thereof. A first trim valve may be responsive to a first control signal to supply a first fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A second trim valve may be responsive to a second control signal to supply a second fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A variator switching sub-system may controllably supply the high pressure fluid and the low pressure fluid to the variator. A multiplex valve may be fluidly coupled to the outlets of the first and second trim valves, and may supply the first fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system during at least one predefined operating condition and may otherwise supply the second fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system. |
| US08721490B2 |
Planetary drive system
A planetary drive system that has an input and a gear housing that is connected to a speed control system. A cross connecting shaft is drivingly engaged by the speed control system and rotatably connects to a forward and reverse gear set that is drivingly connected to a reduction gear set to provide an output. The speed control system, forward and reverse gear set, and reduction gear set are actuated by band clutch elements that frictionally engage the exterior of ring gears and carriers within the system to control the operation of the planetary drive system. |
| US08721481B2 |
Motor having an auxiliary driven shaft
A motor unit includes a motor shaft for receiving a motor provided driving force and an auxiliary shaft for receiving an externally provided driving force. A first torque transmission path transfers the externally provided driving force to a drive mechanism and a second torque transmission path transfers the motor provided driving force also to the drive mechanism. A first one way drive is provided in the first torque transmission path between the auxiliary shaft and the drive mechanism such that when the drive mechanism is being driven by the motor provided driving force through the second torque transmission path, the auxiliary shaft is able to freewheel. The motor unit can drive any apparatus where the externally provided driving force is provided by manually operable pedals fixed for rotation with the auxiliary shaft. |
| US08721477B2 |
Lacrosse stick head with open-channeled sidewalls
A lacrosse head includes a socket, a base region adjacent to the socket, and a pair of sidewalls extending from the base region to a scoop. A lower rail of each sidewall includes an open channel that is visible from an exterior of the lacrosse head. Multiple support ribs are located in each of the channels and extend from a first wall of the channel to a second wall of the channel. A ball stop extends between the sidewalls adjacent to the base region. A flexible cartridge optionally is positioned between the ball stop and the socket. The support ribs provide increased stiffness near the joint between the ball stop and the socket. |
| US08721474B2 |
Golf ball
A golf ball 2 has a core 4, an inner cover 6 positioned outside the core 4 and an outer cover 8 positioned outside the inner cover 6. The core 4 has a spherical center 10 and a mid layer 12 positioned outside the center 10. The center 10 has a diameter of 1 mm or greater and 15 mm or less. A difference (H4−H3) between a JIS-C hardness H4 of a surface of the core and a JIS-C hardness H3 of an innermost part of the mid layer is equal to or greater than 10. The hardness H4 is greater than a JIS-C hardness H2 of a surface of a spherical body including the core 4 and the inner cover 6. A Shore D hardness H7 of the outer cover 8 is less than 40. |
| US08721470B2 |
Golf club assembly and golf club with aerodynamic features
A golf club head includes a body member having a ball striking face, a crown, a toe, a heel, a sole, and a skirt extending between the crown and the sole and between the toe and the heel. The club head includes a drag-reducing structure that may include one or both of a continuous groove extending from a front portion to a rear edge of the toe, and along an entire length of the skirt, and a substantially V-shaped recess formed in the sole and having a vertex positioned proximate the ball striking face and the heel and away from the skirt and the toe, and a pair of legs extending to a point proximate the toe and away from the ball striking face, and curving toward the skirt and away from the ball striking face. |
| US08721458B2 |
NVRAM management in a wagering game machine
Systems and methods are used to manage the contents of NVRAM in a wagering game machine. NVRAM may be pre-allocated for various purposes prior to loading a first wagering game on a the wagering game machine. A second wagering may be loaded on the wagering game machine. The second wagering game reuses the pre-allocated NVRAM portions for the same purposes as the first wagering game. |
| US08721456B2 |
Incentivizing playing between websites
A game system that can be played on two websites. The game allows a user to play a first game on both a first website which is a website intended for the user to play the game, and also allows the user to play the game on a second website which is a social networking website. The game as played on both the first website and on the second social networking website accumulates points and rewards for a user, and the points and rewards are commonly accumulated for play on both the first website and on the second website. The game engine controlling the user playing the game on the second website comprising receiving a reward from the game on the second website that requires the user to go to the first website. This drives the user to the main version of the game. |
| US08721455B1 |
Recommendation engine for electronic game shopping channel[Wii]
A recommendation service is provided for recommending computer video game titles to players. The recommendation service offers suggestions for game titles to purchase or rent based on playing usage related parameters for each particular player. A profile is created based on several factors that represents the player's affinity to each factor. Communication and use of player usage data may be strictly conditioned on a player's knowledge and consent. |
| US08721446B2 |
Background downloading of gaming content to a gaming machine prior to a scheduled shutdown
Software is download to a gaming device as a background operation while the gaming application runs in the foreground. An authorization operation may be completed before the download operation to prevent unauthorized installation of software. New games, software updates, and advertising content can be downloaded to the gaming machine in a background operation. |
| US08721445B2 |
Ambient environment effects
An ambient effects system and method of operation is described in which regions (30, 38) of a game or movie screen (10) are analyzed (32, 40). The result of the analysis is then processed using logical, heuristic, or a combination of both techniques to determine a content related event. An ambient effects script (34, 36, 48) is then selected (if pre-authored) or generated (if not pre-authored) on the basis of the determination, and provided to the system to render appropriate ambient effects throughout the users environment. Hence, immersive, ambient effects are enabled for media or game content created independently of, and without, the ambient effects system in mind. |
| US08721439B2 |
Wagering apparatus, methods and systems
A system, method and apparatus provides a unique pool betting product where players make selections in a number of different events which occur in sequential legs or time periods. After some and preferably most of the legs have been completed, players who have correct “win” predictions for each of the events or legs that are completed and thus remain in contention for the Jackpot Pool, and potentially those still eligible for consolations prizes, will be offered an opportunity to sell their tickets, in whole or in part, to the game operator or through the game operator. |
| US08721436B2 |
Systems, methods and devices for configuring wagering game devices based on shared data
Gaming devices, gaming systems, methods of configuring gaming devices, and computer programs for configuring gaming devices are featured. A gaming machine is disclosed for communicatively coupling to peer gaming machines via a peer-to-peer network. The gaming machine includes a display device(s), a processor(s), and a memory device(s) storing instructions that cause the gaming machine to: store a first set of data indicative of the gaming machine's configuration parameters and a second set of data indicative of the gaming machine's performance; receive from one or more peer gaming machines a third set of data indicative of the peer gaming machine's(s') configuration parameters and a fourth set of data indicative of the peer gaming machine's(s') performance; analyze the third and fourth data sets to determine modifications to the gaming machine's configuration parameters to improve machine performance; and, automatically modify at least one configuration parameter of the gaming machine based upon the analysis. |
| US08721435B2 |
Apparatus providing payouts proportional to wagers and methods for operating same
A gaming device such as a slot machine is provided having a payout proportional to a wager value. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the gaming machine provides a player with the ability to flexibly and automatically increase and decrease wagers, thereby allowing the player to press his bets when he feels lucky, and to decrease his bets when he feels unlucky. Different proportional payout tables are provided for different levels of wagers. |
| US08721434B2 |
Contacting internet through player mobile device
A gaming system including wager-based electronic gaming machines compatible with mobile devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. The electronic gaming machines can be configured to establish temporary communication connections with mobile devices. After a communication connection is established with a mobile device, the EGM can be configured to utilize the network access capabilities of the mobile device to access a wide area network, such as the Internet. In one embodiment, the EGM can be configured to push data, such as fault condition data, to a remote device via the wide area network connection. In another embodiment, owners of the mobile devices, which can be a player playing the EGM, can receive incentives for allowing the EGM to utilize its network access capabilities. |
| US08721433B2 |
Methods and apparatus for managing an account to fund benefits for a player
An account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. Disbursements from the account may be made if a predetermined condition is satisfied. A disbursement may be in the form of a payout, bonus, or other benefit. |
| US08721432B2 |
Managing marketing offers in wagering game networks
Some embodiments include a computer-implemented method for monitoring and making marketing offers using electronic devices in a wagering game network. The method can include detecting an event in the wagering game network, wherein the event indicates a player's eligibility for a marketing offer, wherein the event originates from one of the electronic devices. The method can also include determining a monetary value of the marketing offer based on terms associated with the marketing offer, and determining, based on the monetary value, that the player's acceptance of the marketing offer would exceed a marketing budget. The method can include reducing the monetary value of the marketing offer to be within the marketing budget, and causing presentation of the marketing offer on the one of the electronic devices. |
| US08721431B2 |
Systems, methods, and devices for providing instances of a secondary game
A gaming machine is configured to selectively provide instances of a primary game and instances of a secondary game. Instances of the secondary game may be provided based at least on outcomes of primary games. The gaming machine may provide instances of the secondary game based at least on a number of secondary game credits. The number of secondary game credits may be associated with a player of the gaming machine. The number of secondary game credits may be awarded to a player of the gaming machine based at least on an outcome of the primary game and/or an outcome of the secondary game. The gaming machine may provide instances of the secondary game based at least on a number of available secondary game credits. The number of available secondary game credits may be based at least on a number of secondary game credits and/or a number of other credits. |
| US08721430B2 |
Gaming system and method having wager allocation
A gaming system which displays a plurality of reels. Each reel is associated with a display area which displays a symbol. A wager is allocated to each one of the display areas. An award is determined based, at least in part, on such allocation. |
| US08721427B2 |
Gaming system, method and device for generating images having a parallax effect using face tracking
Gaming devices and methods are set forth which provide for face or body tracking to provide gesture input and also to generate content displayed based upon the motion parallax of the player to create a 3D effect. In a community gaming environment gaming content may be superimposed over real time or recorded scenes to create a 3D effect between players of the community game. |
| US08721424B2 |
Slot machine displaying count of symbols determining prize and control method thereof
A slot machine comprising a display and a controller programmed to execute processing of: (A) variably displaying a plurality of symbols on the display, and then stop-displaying the symbols; (B) determining a prize based on the number of the symbols of each type stop-displayed on the display; (C) determining, when a plurality of prizes are determined in the processing (B), a priority order among the prizes; and (D) displaying sequence numbers on each of the symbols of the type corresponding to the prize determined in the processing (B), in descending order of the priority order determined in the processing (C). |
| US08721423B2 |
Slot machine having bonus mode using alternate reels with increased win probability
A gaming environment is described. In a base game, if scatter symbols are displayed with a predetermined number and above, a game mode is shifted to a free game. In the free game, different reels are used between in a first reel display portion on which the scatter symbol was displayed and on in a second reel display portion on which the scatter symbol was not displayed. Also, expectation value of payout number can be changed without changing payout table. |
| US08721422B2 |
Wagering game with award enhancement feature
A gaming machine includes a value input device, one or more displays, and a controller. The value input device receives a wager from a player to play the wagering game. The one or more displays display a trail including a plurality of spaces and an award value associated with one or more of the plurality of spaces. The controller is operative to change the award value based on an occurrence of a random event independent from the trail. |
| US08721421B2 |
Gaming apparatus and method having a separate but simultaneously operating bonus indicator
A gaming machine and method comprising a primary game with a plurality of gaming symbols and a separate bonus indicator. Operation of the bonus indicator is automatically initiated upon commencement of the primary game and play of the bonus indicator is of approximately the same duration as play of the primary game. The outcome of the bonus indicator may be entirely independent of the outcome of the primary game. A positive outcome on the bonus indicator may yield either a prize for the player or an opportunity to play a bonus round game. In its preferred embodiment, the invention includes a five-reel slot game as the primary game and a single-reel slot game as the bonus indicator. |
| US08721420B2 |
Methods and apparatus for managing network linked gambling video games
Methods and apparatus for team play in video games is provided. One method includes receiving a request to initiate a gambling game for a player of a first network connected device, and joining a second player from a second networked connected device to a team. The method enables transfer of currency between the first and second players of the team using the networked during play of the gambling game. The method enables debiting an account of a player that transferred the currency and crediting an account of a player that that received the currency, and enabling wagers in the gambling game using the credited currency. The method enables displaying an avatar of the first player on a display of the second networked connected device; and displaying an avatar of the second player on a display of the first networked connected device, the method being executed by at least one processor. |
| US08721416B2 |
Systems and methods for casino gaming haptics
Systems, methods, and products for self-contained casino gaming haptics are disclosed. For example, one disclosed system for casino gaming haptics includes a touch-sensitive input device configured to sense a contact from a user; an actuator coupled to the touch-sensitive input device, the actuator configured to output a haptic effect to the touch-sensitive input device; and a processor in communication with the touch-sensitive input device and the actuator, the processor configured to: generate a display signal configured to cause an image associated with a casino game to be displayed; receive an input signal from the touch-sensitive input device associated with the contact; determine an interaction between the contact and the image; and generate an actuator signal associated with the interaction, the actuator signal configured to cause the actuator to generate a haptic effect. |
| US08721415B2 |
Method for operating computer-based solitaire game with stack-based pay table
A method for operating a computer-based solitaire game which collects a player's fee at the start of the game and pays a player award as a function of a per-card payout award and one or more of the number and/or identities of cards that have been transferred from the card deck on foundation stacks. The per-card payout award is determined as a function of an expected number of transferred cards, which number has been determined as a function of a discrete probability density function calculated from outcomes produced in a multi-game simulation. The number of games in the multi-game simulation is selected to provide a statistically stable result, and may be on the order of more than one million games. The simulated games are played by applying a set of ordinally-ranked solitaire game play rules. |
| US08721408B2 |
Air conditioner for vehicle
An air conditioner for a vehicle includes: an air-blowing guide that includes a flexible connecting section that elastically deforms, and a pair of engaging sections that are arranged at both ends of the flexible connecting section, is arranged in a mixing region of a hot air and a cool air, and guides the hot air and the cool air; and a case that includes a protrusion that engages the engaging section in a state where the flexible connecting section is elastically deformed, the case in which the air-blowing guide is provided. |
| US08721405B2 |
Meat sortation
A system and method for sorting animal protein. The method includes determining a desired characteristic of a cut of meat from an animal portion and associating the desired characteristic with an attribute of the animal portion. The attribute is ascertained and the animal portion is sorted based on the ascertained attribute. Like animal portions are grouped together for further processing as a group. |
| US08721404B2 |
Device and method for completely removing at least one part of the breast cartilage from a poultry carcass that is free of breast meat
The invention relates to an apparatus which is designed and equipped for completely removing at least a part of the breast cartilage from a poultry carcass that is free of breast meat, comprising a transporting conveyor for conveying the poultry carcass in a transporting direction T, said conveyor having at least one support body for receiving and fixing the poultry carcass, a cutter for separating the breast cartilage or parts thereof from the poultry carcass and a control device for controlling the cutter, which is characterized in that the transporting conveyor is aligned with the or each support body and driven such that a poultry carcass to be arranged on the support body is oriented with its connecting line between the breast bone and the breast cartilage parallel to the transporting direction T, the cutter comprises a double blade which is designed and equipped for longitudinally cutting into the poultry carcass at least along a sub-portion on both sides of the breast cartilage and/or both sides of the breast bone, and the cutter comprises a separating element arranged downstream of the double blade, which is designed and equipped for laterally cutting a connecting region between the breast cartilage and the breast bone, thereby completely removing the breast cartilage from the poultry carcass. The invention further relates to a corresponding method. |
| US08721400B2 |
Sanding and grinding tool having depth guide
A sanding or grinding tool has a drum provided with an abrasive cylindrical outer wall. The depth guide has a curved outer surface composed of a number of arcuate segments each having a radius which extends outward from the centre of the guide and which is of a differing defined length. The depth guide is rotatable in increments to cause each segment, in turn, to face the work piece. Each facing segment functions to define the depth of material removed from the surface of the work piece. |
| US08721397B2 |
Device for machining, in particular eroding and grinding, rotational work-pieces provided with cutting edges
The invention relates to a device (10) for machining, in particular eroding and grinding, rotational workpieces (44) provided with cutting edges, with a machine base (12), a machining mechanism (14), which can be displaced relative to the machine base (12), and a workpiece positioning mechanism (18), which can be displaced relative to the machine base (12), wherein the machining mechanism (14) has at least one machining tool (30), which is attached in a rotatably drivable manner to a slide arrangement (20), which can be displaced in relation to the machine base (12), for machining a functional portion to be machined of the rotational workpiece (44), and wherein the workpiece positioning mechanism (18) has a workpiece holding mechanism (46), which can be displaced relative to the machine base (12) and holds a holding portion of the rotational workpiece (44) directly or via a holding adapter for attaching the rotational workpiece (44) to the workpiece positioning mechanism (18). In this device the workpiece holding mechanism (46) is oriented relative to the machine base (12) and holds the holding portion of the rotational workpiece (44) such that the rotational workpiece (44) is arranged with its functional portion suspended substantially in the vertical direction for machining. |
| US08721396B1 |
Method for preparing and buffing a powder coated wood substrate
The invention includes a method for preparing and buffing an item made of powder coated MDF (or other substrate containing wood) with the end result of improved visual and tactile smoothness; the invention includes the steps of cutting and machining the part, pre-powder preparation and sanding of the part, powder coating the part, post-powder preparation and sanding, and buffing the part. This method of sanding and buffing results in a smoother finish than is currently available in any other powder coated MDF finish while requiring less coats than similar liquid paint finishes. |
| US08721393B2 |
Methods for sharpening hand held rotary cutter blades
Apparatus, systems and methods related to sharpening blades for rotary cutters. In one illustrative embodiment, a power sharpener system secures a rotary cutting blade between upper and lower columns that form a rotating axle in contact with upper and lower sharpening stones, each positioned at an appropriate angle to contact a cutting edges of the rotary blade for sharpening. The upper column may be rotatably attached to an upper cover or lid and the lower column rotatably disposed in a base. After the rotary blade is secured, an electric motor is used to rotate the column, contacting the edges of the blade against the stones to simultaneously sharpen both edges of the blade. In some embodiments, a retractable plate may be disposed around the lower column for placement of the rotary blade thereon and a lifting lever may be used to facilitate blade removal. |
| US08721389B2 |
Grinder, grinding method using the grinder, manufacturing method of display device using the grinding method, and display device manufactured by the manufacturing method
A grinder including a grinding unit including a grinding surface and a shaft connected to the grinding unit for rotating the grinding unit. The grinding unit includes polyurethane and a mixture of a repairer and an abrasive, and an angle α between a plane perpendicular to a rotational axis of the shaft and the grinding surface satisfies 1°≦α≦7°. |
| US08721385B2 |
Pose able toy and method for interconnection
This method of interconnection utilizes aesthetic features of the toy itself to alloy interconnection in a safe and secure way, without the use of snaps and pins that can cause a safety hazard to young children. The proposed method also allows for interconnection of multiple toys to create a toy chain as well as an adapter that allows for toys that embody this feature to be connected to clothing, back packs, shoes as an accessory. By extension of this basic interconnection method, any two or more objects can be connected this same way. |
| US08721379B2 |
Electronic fluid activated release device for life preserver
A fluid activated automatic release apparatus is configured to release a pressurized gas from a cylinder bottle and/or activating various mechanical release mechanisms. The apparatus may include a liquid sensor component moveably coupled to a cam member; and a piercing pin configured to engage a fluid container, responsive to rotatable movement of the cam member. The apparatus may include a liquid sensor component moveably coupled to a cam member; and a barrel device biased to move linearly responsive to rotatable movement of the cam member. |
| US08721376B1 |
Single element wire to board connector
A single element electrical connector includes a single conductive contact element formed into a cage structure having a wire insert end and a wire contact end along a longitudinal centerline axis of the connector. The cage structure defines an upper pick-up surface having a surface area suitable for placement of a suction nozzle of a vacuum transfer device, as well as a pair of contact tines biased towards the centerline axis to define a contact pinch point for an exposed core of a wire inserted into the connector. A contact surface is defined by a member of the cage structure for electrical mating contact with a respective contact element on a component on which the connector is mounted. |
| US08721375B2 |
Connector
The connector of the present invention is provided with a cover member attached to an enclosure main body and has a plurality of terminal holes formed, wherein the cover member has engagement piece that is attached to the edge of an opening of a holding hole where a holding member is inserted. |
| US08721374B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes an electrical terminal and a housing having a front end and a back end with an opening configured to receive the electrical terminal. The housing includes a first lock system configured to allow insertion of the electrical terminal into the housing and prohibit removal of the electrical terminal from the housing. It also includes a tapered surface and for guiding the electrical terminal to a desired position when the electrical terminal is inserted into the housing. A second lock system cooperates with the housing in a lock position for prohibiting removal of the electrical terminal from the housing. It also cooperates with the housing in a pre-lock position wherein a tapered surface of the second lock system is configured to cooperate with the tapered surface of the housing for guiding the electrical terminal to the desired position when the electrical terminal is inserted into the housing. |
| US08721371B2 |
Conduit adaptor
An adaptor may include a body portion and a conduit receptacle. The body portion may include a cross-member and first and second arms extending from the cross-member. The first and second arms may include first and second engagement features, respectively. The conduit receptacle may extend from the cross-member in a direction opposite the first and second arms and may include an aperture and a third engagement feature. The third engagement feature may retain an outer surface of a conduit. The conduit may receive and protect a plurality of wires transmitting electrical power to an electrically powered component. |
| US08721366B2 |
Connector
A connector is mountable on a circuit board and matable with a mating connector having a mating portion and a mating shell. The connector comprises a housing and a shell. The housing is formed with a receiving portion. The receiving portion is receives the mating portion of the mating connector when the mating portion is inserted into the connector. The shell has a plurality of first connected portions and a plurality of second connected portions. The first connected portions are configured to be connected to the mating shell of the mating connector when the connector and the mating connector are mated with each other. The second connected portions are configured to be connected to the circuit board when the connector is mounted on the circuit board. The first connected portions and the second connected portions extend forward of the receiving portion. |
| US08721365B2 |
Compression type coaxial cable connector
An electrical connector for use with coaxial cables includes a deformable cylindrical casing and a slidably engaged shell. |
| US08721362B2 |
Connection member, method of manufacturing the same and connection structure
A connection member which is electrically connected to a conductive fabric having conductive threads, a method for manufacturing the connection member, and a connection structure are provided. The connection member includes a band-shaped part including conductive wires which extend in a longitudinal direction, and a connection terminal which is attached to an end portion of the conductive wires. The method includes forming an original band-shaped member by weaving while using the conductive wires for a part of warp and using at least non-conductive threads for weft; exposing the conductive wires at an end portion of the original band-shaped member; and attaching a connection terminal to the exposed conductive wires. The connection structure includes the conductive fabric and the connection member, and the conductive wires of the connection member are electrically connected to the conductive threads exposed from the conductive fabric. |
| US08721355B2 |
Electrical connector with hood
An electrical connector includes a housing having an internal compartment. A dielectric insert is held within the internal compartment of the housing. The dielectric insert includes an end face. An electrical contact is held by the dielectric insert and includes a mating segment that extends a length outwardly from the end face of the dielectric insert along a connection axis. A hood is held by the housing and has an extended position relative to the end face of the dielectric insert wherein the hood extends a length outwardly relative to the end face. The hood extends at least partially around the mating segment of the electrical contact in the extended position. The hood is retractable along the connection axis from the extended position to a retracted position wherein at least a portion of the length of the hood is retracted relative to the end face of the dielectric insert. |
| US08721354B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a body, a door, and a connection module. The body has an opening located at a side of the body. The door is pivoted to the body and capable of rotating between an opening position and a closing position in relative to the body for exposing or covering the opening. The connection module is slidably connected to the body. When the door is rotated to the opening position in relative to the body and exposes the opening, the door drives the connection module to slide to a working position in relative to the body, and when the door is rotated to the closing position in relative to the body and covers the opening, the door drives the connection module to slide to a retracted position in relative to the body. |
| US08721349B2 |
Connector, optical transmission device, and connector connection method
A connector includes an electrode sheet, a cover, and a resistor sheet. A plurality of electrodes are attached on a side of the electrode sheet. The electrode sheet is an insulator. The cover covers the electrode sheet. The resistor sheet is provided between the cover and the electrode sheet and has electrical resistivity. |
| US08721338B2 |
Method and device to teach hair coloring
The present invention relates to a method and device to teach hair coloring. In particular, the present invention provides a three dimensional mannequin head with hair dyed to correspond to a traditional two-dimensional color wheel, i.e., in the configuration of a three-dimensional color wheel that is used to teach others, such as, for example, hairdressers, beauticians, or any person who may have occasion to color hair, how to select the appropriate dye colors to achieve a desired hair color. The present invention also provides teaching methods utilizing the three dimensional mannequin head. |
| US08721335B2 |
Implant with internal multi-lobed interlock
A dental implant for supporting a dental prosthesis comprises a body portion and a top surface. The implant further comprises an internal cavity with an opening located at the top surface. The internal cavity comprises an interlock chamber having a depth measured from the top surface equal to a first distance. The interlock chamber comprising a cylindrical portion and plurality of semi-circular channels arranged around a periphery of the cylindrical portion. A threaded chamber that includes threads is located below the post-receiving chamber. The cylindrical portion has a first radius and the channels have a second radius, a ratio of the first radius to the second radius being between approximately 4:1. and 2:1. |
| US08721334B2 |
Dental implements having end mill cutter surfaces
Apparatus is provided that includes a dental implant having a proximal implant end and a lateral external surface. The implant is shaped so as to define a lumen therethrough having a lateral opening through the lateral external surface. The apparatus further includes an applicator, which is removably coupled to the proximal implant end. The applicator includes a delivery tube having a distal tube end that is removably coupled to the implant such that the delivery tube is in fluid communication with the lumen via the lateral opening. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08721327B2 |
System and method for detection and removal of dental tartar
A dental tartar detection and removal device (10) comprises a powered tartar removal instrument (12) adapted to be displaced along a tooth (T), illumination means (14) for illuminating with an incident light a region on the examined or periodontal site, detection means (16) for collecting the light reflected there at, and an analysing system for providing a signal to an operator (OP) of the tartar removal instrument (12) or to the tartar removal instrument when measurements on the reflected light in one or more predetermined ranges of wavelengths fall within any first predetermined range of values that are characteristic of tartar, or when said measurements do not fall within any second predetermined range of values that are characteristic of artefacts other than tartar. As a result of the signal, the removal instrument becomes actuated, either by the operator (OP) or automatically, and the operator can proceed to removing the detected tartar (S) without having to remove the detection device, whereby detection can be continued while the tartar removal instruments (12) is in a tartar removal position, and until all tartar (S) has been removed. |
| US08721321B2 |
Tool for forming a container
A tool for forming a container from a construct. The container comprises a bottom wall and at least one sidewall foldably connected to and extending upwardly from the bottom wall to form an interior space of the container. The tool comprises a cavity having at least one peripheral wall for at least partially forming the sidewall of the container. The tool comprises a core operatively associated with the cavity and being operable to move within the cavity to position the at least one sidewall of the container relative to the bottom wall to form the interior space. The tool comprises at least one articulated section movably received in the cavity. The at least one articulated section being for gripping at least a portion of the at least one sidewall of the construct, when the core is moved relative to the cavity to form the interior space of the container. |
| US08721316B2 |
Automated material delivery system
An automated material delivery system including a material handling assembly, a compaction member, a handling actuator, and a cutting actuator is provided. The material handling assembly is configured and arranged to guide material. The material handling assembly includes a tacking member that is configured and arranged to selectively press the material over a forming surface of a tool. The compaction member is spaced a select distance from the tacking member. The compaction member is further configured to selectively press the material over at least a portion of the forming surface of the tool. The handling actuator is coupled to selectively move at least one of the material handling assembly and the compaction member to move the material handling assembly in relation to the compaction member. The cutting assembly is positioned between the tacking member and the compaction member. The cutting assembly is configured and arranged to selectively cut the material. |
| US08721304B2 |
Sealed compressor
A hermetic compressor includes a thrust ball bearing (176) on the thrust face (160) of the main bearing (126). The thrust ball bearing (176) includes balls (166) held in a holder (168), an upper race (164) and a lower race (170) arranged respectively on and beneath the balls (166), and an elastic support member (172) below the balls (166). The hermetic compressor is prevented from causing a load to be applied unevenly to the balls (166), thereby achieving high efficiency, low noise level, and high reliability. |
| US08721299B2 |
Piston member, an apparatus comprising the piston member, and methods and use of the piston member and the apparatus
A piston member that includes a piston rod provided with a piston serves for reciprocating inside a cylinder barrel, the piston dividing the cylinder barrel chamber into a proximal cylinder barrel chamber having a proximal capped end opposite the piston and a distal cylinder barrel chamber having a distal cylinder barrel end opposite the piston. The piston member has at least one sealing ring or seat arranged inside the distal cylinder barrel chamber at the distal cylinder barrel end. Preferably three consecutive piston members are arranged to operate in a series in an apparatus for transporting coal powder to a gasifier. The movement of the pistons inside the cylinder barrels is controlled in relation to each other to transport apportioned batches of coal powder to a high pressure reactor. |
| US08721295B2 |
Vacuum pump self-diagnosis method, vacuum pump self-diagnosis system, and vacuum pump central monitoring system
There are provided a vacuum pump self-diagnosis method, a vacuum pump self-diagnosis system, a vacuum pump central monitoring system capable of making self-diagnosis of a dry vacuum pump. A vacuum pump self-diagnosis method decides the occurrence of failure and generates an alarm when a predetermined alarm set value is exceeded by an integrated value or an average value of a current of a motor for rotating a rotor of said vacuum pump. In a vacuum pump self-diagnosis system for making self-diagnosis of a vacuum pump which comprises a casing and a rotor rotatably arranged in the casing for sucking and discharging a gas through rotations of the rotor, the rotor comprises a plurality of stages and a pressure sensor is provided between the rotor stages. A self-diagnosis unit is provided for calculating an integrated value or an average value of a current of a motor for rotating said rotor, and making self-diagnosis of the vacuum pump when the integrated value or average value exceeds a predetermined alarm set value. The self-diagnosis unit switches from one self-diagnosis calculation method to another or interrupts the self-diagnosis calculation based on a pressure value detected by said pressure sensor. |
| US08721292B2 |
Gas-turbine blade root
A gas-turbine blade root 1 has at least two essentially rectangularly adjoining surfaces 4, 5 for locating the gas-turbine blade root 1 and a transition area of the surfaces 4, 5 includes a bevelled, plane edge 6. |
| US08721290B2 |
Processes for producing components containing ceramic-based and metallic materials
Processes for producing a component containing a ceramic-based material and having detailed features formed from materials other than ceramic materials. Such a process entails producing the component to include a first subcomponent and at least a second subcomponent having at least one off-axis geometric feature that results in the second subcomponent having a more complex geometry than the first subcomponent. The first subcomponent is formed of a ceramic-based material, and the second subcomponent and its off-axis geometric feature are separately formed of a metallic material and attached to the first subcomponent to yield a robust mechanical attachment. The component may be, for example, a gas turbine airfoil component. |
| US08721288B2 |
Tip-forming member for a wheel of a hydraulic machine, and wheel and hydraulic machine equipped with such a member
This member (4) can be attached to the crown (12) of a wheel (1) of a hydraulic machine. It is provided with a skin (42) of which a surface (421) is able to be arranged in the continuation of a wet surface (121) of the crown. This member is equipped with at least one fun (43) arranged radially inside the skirt (42) and projecting axially (h) from the skirt (42) in the downward direction. |
| US08721287B2 |
Compressor impeller blade with variable elliptic connection
A compressor impeller including at least one blade connected to an impeller hub via a junction of curved shape, the blade extending along a defined chord between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the blade. The junction presents the shape of an ellipse that varies along the chord. |
| US08721286B2 |
Fan assembly
A fan assembly includes a device for creating an air flow and an air outlet for emitting the air flow, the air outlet being mounted on a pedestal including a base and a height adjustable stand. The base includes an oscillating mechanism for oscillating the stand and the air outlet. |
| US08721284B2 |
Hollow-cast casting with a closure device
A hollow-cast casting is provided, which includes at least one core opening that is caused by the production technique and which has a closure device that closes the core opening. The closure device can be inserted into the core opening axially in relation to the core opening and provides at least one surface region which, in axial projection in relation to the core opening, can be made to abut a surface region of the casting that is facing toward the casting. The surface region lies radially outside a cross-sectional area predetermined by the core opening. |
| US08721273B2 |
Ring diffuser for an axial turbomachine
An arrangement with a ring diffuser for an axial turbomachine, for example for a gas turbine, is provided. The ring diffuser includes an outer wall and with an inner wall coaxial thereto, between which a diffuser duct extends in ring form along an axial extent so as to diverge from an inflow-side end to an outflow-side end, the inner wall and the outer wall in each case including a wall surface delimiting the diffuser duct. In order to specify a diffuser duct which is adapted to an inflow uneven along the circumference and by means of which a specially efficient conversion of kinetic energy into static energy is possible, the wall surface which delimits the diffuser duct on the inlet side is rotationally asymmetrical. |
| US08721272B2 |
Ring diffuser for an axial turbomachine
A ring diffuser for an axial turbomachine is provided. The ring diffuser includes an outer wall and an inner wall coaxial thereto, between which a diffuser channel extends in a ring shape along an axial extension from an inflow-side end diverging to an outflow-side end, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall each include a wall surface bounding the diffuser channel. In order to specify a diffuser channel that is tailored to an inflow that is uneven along the circumference and that facilitates a particularly efficient conversion of kinetic energy into static energy, a rotationally asymmetric wall surface bounding the diffuser channel on the inlet side is provided. |
| US08721268B2 |
Turbomachine
A variable geometry turbine comprises a turbine wheel mounted for rotation about a turbine axis within a housing, the housing defining an annular inlet surrounding the turbine wheel and defined between first and second inlet sidewalls; and a cylindrical sleeve axially movable across the annular inlet to vary the size of a gas flow path through the inlet; wherein the annular inlet is divided into at least three axially offset annular inlet portions by two or more axially spaced annular baffles disposed between the first and second inlet sidewalls; inlet vanes extending axially into at least one of the inlet portions and defining circumferentially adjacent inlet passages; and wherein each of at least two of said baffles extends radially inboard of inlet vanes which extend into at least one of the inlet portions axially adjacent the respective baffle, and wherein a distance between an inner diameter of a first baffle of said at least two of said baffles and a trailing edge of a radially innermost vane in one of said annular inlet portions adjacent the first baffle is greater than a distance between an inner diameter of a second baffle of said at least two of said baffles and a trailing edge of a radially innermost vane in one of said annular inlet portions adjacent the second baffle. |
| US08721264B2 |
Centripetal air bleed from a turbomachine compressor rotor
A compressor rotor for a turbomachine including at least two disks on a common axis carrying blades and connected together by a tubular wall, forming a surface of revolution, and a centripetal air bleed mechanism including air passages passing through the tubular wall, together with a wall extending along the tubular wall from the through passages up to one of the disks to channel the air stream inside the tubular wall. |
| US08721257B2 |
Rotor blade tip clearance control
A gas turbine engine has a row of circumferentially spaced rotor blades and a plurality of seal segments circumscribing the rotor blade tips and attached to a radially inward side of a casing of the engine. The seal segments are spaced from the casing by a spacing cavity. A flow of relatively hot cooling air is routed to the spacing cavity to cool the seal segments. The engine has an external cooling arrangement for impinging relatively cold cooling air on a radially outward side of the casing. The engine has a wall containing a plurality of through-holes which is attached to a radially inward side of the casing adjacent the seal segments. The wall is spaced from the casing to define a heating control chamber between the wall and the casing. The engine has one or more closable ducts which allow air to be exhausted from the heating control chamber. |
| US08721254B1 |
Method for stacking beams
A computer implemented method for automatically stacking beams from a continuously moving live deck, wherein the method involves sequentially receiving a plurality of beams onto a stacking fork assembly, pivoting the stacking fork assembly from a receiving position to a stacking position forming a tier of beams, placing the tier on a pair of bidirectional moving members, moving the tier away from the stacking fork assembly, rotating the stacking fork assembly back to the receiving position to sequentially receive another plurality of beams, pivoting the plurality of beams forming a second tier, moving the first tier back to contact the second tier, moving the contacted first and second tier away from the stacking fork assembly enabling a third or fourth tier to be formed and contact the first and second tiers, forming a bundle. |
| US08721253B1 |
Transfer apparatus
A transfer apparatus for moving an item from a first to a second location. The apparatus includes a base, a platform movably supported by the base, a bracket movably supported by the platform, a table, and at least one transfer unit movably connected to the platform and perpendicularly displaceable with respect thereto. The platform and bracket are each provided with a follower that is operatively connected to a cam, and both of the cams are connected to a single rotatable shaft. In operation the shaft, which is connected to a suitable motive source, rotates the cams, which reciprocally move the platform and bracket in a generally parallel directions. As the platform is moved by its cam, the transfer unit is displaced parallel to the base. As the bracket is moved by its cam, the bracket displaces the table perpendicularly to the base, which, in turn displaces the transfer unit perpendicularly to the platform. |
| US08721239B2 |
Boat latch
The invention relates to an apparatus for assisting the loading and unloading of a boat in relation to a boat trailer, including a snare at or toward a front of the boat, and a latch on the boat trailer which is adapted to adopt at least one of two positions, a first of which allows for a releasable engagement of the snare by the latch, and a second of which allows for a release from such engagement, and a lever to move the latch between the two positions. |
| US08721238B2 |
Tool clamping device
In the case of a tool clamping device, in particular, for an operating spindle of a processing machine, with an activation element (3) that can be moved by a drive between a first position, in which the tool clamping device is located in a clamped position, and a second position, in which the tool clamping device is located in a released position, a sensor is present in the form of at least one electrical component for detecting a position of the activation element (3). The sensor is integrated structurally into the tool clamping device and at least one section of the activation element (3) directly forms a component of the one or more electrical components, wherein its position influences an electrical property of this component. The component can be an electrical switch whose closed state depends on the position of the activation element (3) in that at least one section of the activation element (3) is electrically conductive and forms a contact electrode of the switch or a part of such an electrode. However, it could also be a capacitor or an inductor. |
| US08721236B2 |
Power tool arbor device
A power tool arbor assembly includes an arbor; an actuating member located at a second end of the arbor; and a friction member located at the second end of the arbor, the friction member being axially movable along the second end of the arbor. The friction member has a first axial position when no power tool accessory is attached to the second end of the arbor, the friction member being moveable toward a first end of the arbor from the first axial position to a second axial position in response to contact between the power tool accessory and the friction member, and the friction member being moveable toward the first end of the arbor from the second axial position to a third axial position when the actuating member is actuated. |
| US08721235B2 |
Drilling tool with drill bit
The invention relates to a drilling tool with a base, having a central axis of rotation, and a drill bit, detachably connected to the base. The drill bit has a coupling part, which can be coupled with a coupling receptacle on the face of the base and has at least two convexly curved centring portions, which are arranged such that they are distributed over the circumference and engage with an exact fit in complementary concavely curved centring portions of the coupling receptacle. The coupling part has a complementary driver stop, meshing with a rotary driver of the coupling receptacle. It is claimed as novel that the centring portions of the coupling part and/or of the coupling receptacle have clamping surfaces, which run onto each other in the manner of a rotary wedge until the driver stop and the rotary driver come up against each other counter to a predetermined direction of rotation. |
| US08721232B2 |
Ring-rolling bearing with axial displacement and shaping tooling equipped with such a bearing
A rolling bearing includes at least a first ring with an undulating rolling surface and a second ring, the rings being coaxial and given a relative rotational and reciprocating axial movement, and at least one row of rolling bodies mounted in rolling contact between the respective rolling surfaces on the rings. The rolling bearing further includes at least a third ring with an undulating rolling surface that collaborates with either the first row of rolling bodies or with a second row of rolling bodies, the second row of rolling bodies being inserted between the rolling surface of the third ring and a rolling surface of a fourth ring. At least one of the third or fourth rings is mounted to rotate as one with the first or second ring respectively, and the rings which rotate as one are mounted such that they can move axially one relative to the other. |
| US08721231B2 |
Deadlock alleviation for pneumatic tube systems
Provided herein is a system and method for alleviating gridlock in a pneumatic tube system. In various instances where inter-zone transactions conflict, one of the transactions is removed from a conflicting set and temporarily delivered to an alternate location in the system. This allows other blocked transactions to proceed. Once the gridlock condition is alleviated, the temporarily delivered carrier is retrieved and rerouted to its intended destination. |
| US08721229B2 |
Gabions
A single box gabion is disclosed. The gabion comprises interconnected side walls. Each side wall comprises at least one substantially closed side wall element panel that prevents a gabion fill material from falling through the side wall without the aid of a gabion lining material. The single box gabion can be coupled together to form a modular gabion structure to protect military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like. |
| US08721226B2 |
Helical rock tip
A helical pier having a rock tip for rotational insertion into soil/rock and anchoring a structure thereto has an elongated shaft with a longitudinal axis, a penetrating end, a trailing end, and a peripheral surface between the penetrating end towards the trailing end. The penetrating end defines a penetrating edge of the shaft. A recess formed in the shaft extends from the first end surface toward the trailing end of the shaft, forms a recess wall and terminates in a second end surface that is obliquely inclined relative to the first end surface and the longitudinal axis. The recess wall defines a lateral cutting edge oriented transversely to the penetrating edge. In use, the recess receives soil/rock loosened by the penetrating edge and the cutting edge, and the second end surface directs loosened soil/rock out of the recess when the helical pier is rotated into the soil/rock. |
| US08721225B2 |
Method and device for controlling transmission of force between a structure and its base during installation
A method controls force transmission between a structure and its base during grouting-in the fastening parts of the structure in the corresponding bases on or in the seabed. The method may include connecting a bracket to at least one of the fastening parts of the structure; arranging an elastic material on the bracket; displacing the fastening part to an overlapping position with the base until the elastic material transmits at least a portion of the weight of the structure to the base; and filling an opening between the fastening part and the base with a curable mass. |
| US08721222B2 |
Lateral buckling mitigation apparatus, methods and systems for use with subsea conduits
Disclosed are systems and methods for controlling lateral deformation and reducing axial displacement, also referred to as walking, of a subsea conduit such as a pipeline for conveying produced hydrocarbon fluids. The systems and methods include the installation of rolling assemblies on the conduit at predetermined locations. The rolling assemblies include elements for forming rolling modules rotatable with respect to the conduit. Also disclosed is a system for monitoring displacement of the conduit over time. |
| US08721219B2 |
Attenuating element
An attenuating element includes a head part, neck part and base part. The neck part is narrower compared to the head part and neck parts of adjacent attenuating elements form a continuous channel. Via the head parts, this channel is connected so that the cross-sectional area of the head parts is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the base parts. In this way, a water-control structure, sound-attenuating wall and the like can be provided. Such attenuating elements can be produced in a very simple manner by dividing them vertically and producing each of the vertical parts from concrete in a mould. |
| US08721214B2 |
Culvert with a deformation zone
The culvert with the deformation zone consists of prefabricated components arranged in the road ditch (1). The culvert includes at least one fixed basic component and at least one deformation component sliding in the basic component in the direction of the longitudinal ditch axis (1) and covered by a deformable decking or also by backfilling or other cover. The substance of the invention lies in the fact the basic component consists of a set of prefabricated concrete or reinforced concrete beds (2) formed in “V”-shape and placed one after another on the concrete base (3) in the road ditch (1) so that the shoulders (2a, 2b) of the beds (2) abut the ditch walls (1). Both shoulders (2a, 2b) of each bed (2) are fitted with opposite guiding recess (4) in the upper part for placement of deformation components formed by a set of at least two lateral rigid girders (5) installed with the possibility of the sliding movement in the direction of the longitudinal ditch axis (1). There are deformation gaps (6) between each lateral girder (5) and at least one front of the culvert contains at least one further deformation component in the recesses (4) with possibility of sliding movement that forms the front component (7) fitted with soft layer (14) from soft and resilient deformable material on at least its front part. |
| US08721211B2 |
Spreadable food dispenser system
A dispenser for spreadable foodstuffs and other spreadable non-food substances allowing for spreading without the need for additional utensils not a part of the packaging is disclosed. The dispenser may rapidly switch between different disposable cartridges and is designed for an extended useful lifetime. |
| US08721205B2 |
Credential manufacturing device having an auxiliary card input
A credential manufacturing device includes a card supply positioned adjacent to a main card input and configured to hold a plurality of plastic card substrates, a card transport, a card processing device, an auxiliary input and a card rotator. The card transport is configured to feed individual card substrates from the card supply through the main card input and along a processing path. The card processing device is either a print head or a laminating roller and is in line with the processing path. The auxiliary input is displaced from the main card input and the processing path, and positioned in line with an auxiliary input path, which is transverse to the processing path. The auxiliary input is configured to receive individual card substrates for travel along the auxiliary input path. The card rotator is configured to rotate individual card substrates to a plurality of indexed angular orientations including a first orientation, in which the card rotator is oriented to the processing path and a second orientation in which the card rotator is oriented to the auxiliary input path. |
| US08721195B2 |
High transmission optoelectonic mechanical assembly
The optoelectronic mechanical assembly can have an integrated light source and couple a non-rotary light outlet thereof directly into a tip of a freely rotatable optical fiber. The assembly includes a fixable structure which can house a light source, and a rotary structure which receives the optical fiber and which is mounted to the fixable structure by way of at least one bearing, in a manner to maintain the optical alignment of the optical fiber with the non-rotary outlet. If more than one light source is used, they can be combined into the common outlet by a beam combiner. |
| US08721180B2 |
Lubricating structure for linear motion guide apparatus
A linear motion guide device includes a slider slidably attached onto a guide rail, an end cap having an inner side attached to the slider, a ball bearing device disposed between the slider and the guide rail, the end cap includes an inlet for receiving a lubricating fluid, two chambers formed in two legs, a groove communicating with the chambers of the end cap, and a casing having a compartment formed by an outer wall and communicating with the inlet of the end cap for receiving the lubricating fluid from the inlet of the end cap, and the outer wall of the casing is aligned with and directed toward the inlet of the end cap for resisting a flowing of the lubricating fluid. |
| US08721179B2 |
Medical bed apparatus
A medical bed apparatus of an embodiment includes: a tiltable top board on which to place an examinee; a photographic mechanism configured to radiograph the examinee; an operation unit which is provided to a lateral side of the top board, and through which at least one of the top board and the photographic mechanism is operated by an operator; and a horizontally-holding mechanism configured to hold the operation unit horizontally when the top board tilts. |
| US08721178B2 |
Dental product for magnitude-correct evaluation of X-ray images of areas to be diagnosed within the oral cavity of a patient, and use of a dental product
A dental product for the evaluation, according to scale, of X-ray recordings of areas which are to be diagnosed, in particular areas of the tooth and/or jawbone, within the oral cavity of a patient, has a main body 10′, the shape of which is such that it is able to be received by the patient and is able to be fixed in the immediate vicinity of the area which is to be diagnosed by X-raying. The main body 10′ consists of a material which is penetrable by X-ray beams, wherein in the interior of the main body at least one reference object 12′ is held, which consists of material which absorbs X-ray beams.For the diagnosis, the dental product is placed into the patient's mouth and is fixed in that the patient bits onto the dental product. An image of the diagnosed area, which is initially distorted on X-raying, is calculated in a correcting manner by means of the known size of the at least one reference object held in the interior of a main body of the dental product, so that a display, according to scale, is possible. |
| US08721168B2 |
Homogenizer device having a rotor and an advance wheel (inducer screw) that can rotate opposite to the rotor and a counter-current rotor that can rotate opposite to the rotor
In the case of a homogenizer device (100) for dispersing and/or homogenizing liquid to viscous substances, having a container (110) having one or more openings for introducing the substances to be processed, which has an opening for feeding the substances into a processing unit (120) in the central region of its bottom, which opening contains two gear rims (130, 140), which can be driven independent of one another, are disposed concentrically and configured in circular shape, and are separated from one another by way of a predetermined interstice, whereby the substances are guided from a central region, through the interstice, into a peripheral region of the gear rims, formation of cavitation is prevented, to the greatest possible extent, in that a conveyance device (150) is additionally provided in the processing unit (120), which device conveys the substances in the direction of the gear rims (130, 140), under pressure. |
| US08721167B2 |
Kneading and granulating machine
A kneading and granulating machine comprises: a container containing a material to be kneaded; a kneading member, which moves along the inner wall surface of the container and revolves and spins at the same time within the container; and a crushing blade, which revolves and spins at the same time within the container to shear the material to be kneaded in the container. The kneading member comprises a blade having a shape corresponding to the inner wall surface of the container, which enables kneading the material to be kneaded between itself and the inner wall surface of the container. |
| US08721164B2 |
Food processor with attachment
A blending apparatus is provided which includes a container defining a cavity having a center axis and a substantially rectangular cross section through the center axis. The blending apparatus further includes a lid to cover the cavity defined by the container, and an attachment to fit within the cavity and rotate about the center axis of the cavity. In some arrangements, a set of sides of the container defines (i) a substantially octagonal interior cross section through the center axis at a location adjacent a bottom of the container to prevent lodging of food products at the bottom of the container when the attachment rotates within the cavity; and (ii) a substantially square interior cross section through the center axis at a location further from the bottom of the container. |
| US08721162B2 |
Controller and method of controlling an integrated system for dispensing and blending/mixing beverage ingredients
A method of controlling an integrated beverage system that comprises a dispensing module that dispenses one or more ingredients into a beverage container and a blending/mixing module that blends and/or mixes the ingredients in the beverage container, the method comprising: controlling the dispensing module and the blending/mixing module to prepare first and second beverages concurrently or sequentially. |
| US08721160B2 |
LED projection night light
An LED projection night light for night time or dark area use includes a plug-in wall outlet night light or direct current operated night light with projection features to project an image, message, data, logo, or time on a ceiling, walls, floor, or other desired surface. The LED night light incorporates optics means such as an optics-lens, slides, openings, or cut-outs, and/or a transparent material piece, translucent material piece, telescope assembly, housing-member, slide-film, slide-disc, elastic-member, tilt-means, rotating-means, adjust-means, roller-means, mechanical-means, extend-means, convex lens, and/or concave lens designed to make the desired image, message, data, logo, or time project to the ceiling, walls, floor, or other desired surface to be seen by a viewer. The LED light has an interchangeable power source arrangement, permitting the night light to be selectively powered by either an AC powered sealed-unit or a DC powered battery-pack. |
| US08721159B2 |
Lighting device, display device and television receiver
To improve a workability in assembling and disassembling of parts of a lighting device. A backlight unit 12 includes an LED board 18 having LEDs 17, a chassis 14, a light guide member 19 having an end portion arranged to face the LEDs 17, a power supply board 21 arranged outside the chassis 14 and supplying drive power to the LEDs 17, and a connector 20 mounted to the chassis 14 and supplying power between the power supply board 21 and the LEDs 17. The connector 20 includes an LED board supporting portion 20a that supports the LED board 18, a power supply board supporting portion 20b having a plate surface along which the power supply board 21 is inserted into and removed from and that supports the inserted power supply board 21, and a connection terminal 28 that comes in contact with the power supply board 21 with allowing relative slide in an inserting and removing direction of the power supply board 21. |
| US08721158B2 |
LCD device
The invention provides an LCD device. The LCD device includes a frame. The frame is internally provided with a lightbar, an LGP, and a reflecting surface. A long and narrow reflecting cavity is formed between the lightbar, the reflecting surface, and the LGP, and the frame is provided with heat dissipating holes which are communicated with the outside of the LCD device in the corresponding positions of both ends of the reflecting cavity. In the invention, the frame at the open parts of both ends of the reflecting cavity is provided with heat dissipating holes, thereby forming a “chimney effect”, namely hot air rapidly rises and then is discharged from the top holes, and cold air is rapidly supplemented from the bottom holes. Thus, heat convection is accelerated, thereby improving heat dissipation effect. |
| US08721155B2 |
Light bar assembly and backlight module
A light bar assembly and a backlight module are disclosed. The light bar assembly comprise a light source, a circuit board and a connector. The circuit board comprises a first supporting portion and a bending portion which is bent from the first supporting portion, and the light source is disposed on the first supporting portion. The connector is electrically connected to the light source, and the connector is disposed on the bending portion. Accordingly, by providing the bending portion on the circuit board and disposing the connector on the bending portion in the light bar assembly and the backlight module of the present disclosure, it is unnecessary to cut a portion of the light guide plate corresponding to the connector during the assembling process. Thereby, both the risk of light leakage from the backlight module and the product cost are reduced, and reliability of the backlight module is improved. |
| US08721151B2 |
Multi-domain dynamic-driving backlight module
A multi-domain dynamic-driving backlight module is provided, which includes a bezel, a reflective plate, a plurality of light emitting units, and a plurality of light guide plates. The reflective plate is disposed on the bezel. The light guide plates respectively have a short side and a long side extending in a predetermined direction, wherein each of the light emitting surfaces of the light guide plates includes a plurality of patterned structures extending in a direction parallel to the light projection direction of the light emitting units. Each of the light emitting surfaces includes a patterned surface includes a plurality of patterned structures extending in a direction parallel to the light projection direction of the light emitting units. |
| US08721149B2 |
Illumination device having a tapered light guide
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for illumination devices. In one aspect, an illumination device having a longitudinal axis includes a light source and a light guide. The light guide has a peripheral edge, a transmissive illumination surface, a center portion, and an upper surface. The transmissive illumination surface is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and disposed between the center portion and the peripheral edge. The upper surface is oriented relative to the illumination surface to define an angle α therebetween. In some implementations, the angle α can be greater than 15 degrees, for example. |
| US08721146B2 |
Motor vehicle headlamp
A motor vehicle headlamp is provided with a first array of light-emitting diodes, which are activated by a first actuation unit for a first lighting function. The headlamp also exhibits a second array of light-emitting diodes, which are activated by a second actuation unit for a second lighting function. Additionally provided is a flat printed-circuit board with conducting paths for connecting light-emitting diodes with one of the respective actuation units. The light-emitting diodes are accommodated together on one side of the printed-circuit board. |
| US08721143B2 |
Actuator
The invention relates to an actuator (1), having a motor (2) and an actuator component (3) operable by the motor (2), having a movable gear component (4) with a limit stop component (5a, 5b), and at least one limit stop element (6) with a reference plane serving as stop for the limit stop component (5a, 5b) of the gear component (4), wherein at least one limit stop element (6) and/or the first and/or the second limit stop component (5a, 5b) is/are made from a high-temperature plastic material. Furthermore, the invention of such an actuator (1) relates to the use of such an actuator for the headlamp leveling of a headlamp. |
| US08721142B2 |
Fog lamp and the like employing semiconductor light sources
A novel vehicular light fixture (10) is disclosed. The light fixture (10) is compact, yet efficient, and employs semiconductor light sources (44) to produce output light in desired patterns. The fixture (10) can be used to produce fog lamps, driving lamps and other non-headlamp vehicle lighting functions. Depending upon the light output required, one or more semiconductor light sources (44) and a corresponding number of optical bodies (64) are employed in the fixture (10) to produce the desired light pattern. |
| US08721141B2 |
Door lamp unit
A lamp unit is provided. A decorative part has a lens. A functional part has a light source. The lamp unit can be assembled on left and right doors to illuminate a predetermined position. The functional part is provided with a functional side lock portion, and the decorative part is provided with a first decorative side lock portion corresponding to a first assembling direction of the functional part and a second decorative side lock portion corresponding to a second assembling direction of the functional part. Both the first decorative side lock portion and the second decorative side lock portion can be fitted into the functional side lock portion. |
| US08721138B2 |
Light conduit nautical navigation light
A light conduit nautical navigation light with improved usable life and reliability. It replaces electrical energy coupling by light energy coupling, thereby eliminating electrical contact corrosion problems. It further offers a more robust light emitting structure due to its solid structure. |
| US08721134B1 |
Retrofit kit for a hanging light
A retrofit kit for an existing light, that has a prewired assembly, including a housing having wiring to electrical mains, an LED light source, at least one control for said LED light source, both said LED light source and said control being wired to said wiring, and said housing having a at least one mounting device that fits on existing structure of the existing light. The mounting structure can include tabs, for example, that attach to hanging part of the light, or can include a part that attaches to the existing surfaces on the housing of the light that previously held the socket for the existing bulb. |
| US08721129B2 |
LED lamp set for enhancing illumination and eliminating ghost images
An LED lamp set for enhancing illumination and eliminating ghost images includes a lamp shade, a diffusion membrane and a circuit board. The lamp shade has a plurality of light cups each having a housing chamber to hold at least one LED. The housing chamber has an aperture at the bottom run through by the LED to form electric connection with the circuit board and an opening remote from the aperture to define a light output surface. The diffusion membrane covers the light output surface and is made of a transparent material and includes a plurality of transparent bumps on the surface. The circuit board is located below the lamp shade. Through the concave shape of the light cups and repetitive reflection of the bumps, light can be condensed to avoid scattering and loss. Moreover, as the light is greatly and uniformly condensed, ghost images can be eliminated. |
| US08721128B2 |
Lens and semiconductor light-emitting element module using same
A lens has a light-incoming face, a light-outgoing face, and a side face. The light-incoming face is disposed near a light source or in contact with the light source. The light-outgoing face is provided opposite to the light-incoming face. The side face has a curved total reflection surface that totally reflects a light beam that has entered the light-incoming face. The total reflection surface is formed so that light beams that have reflected off the total reflection surface focus in a given angle from the light-outgoing face. |
| US08721127B2 |
Lighting apparatus with reflector rotatably coupled to an adapter
A lighting apparatus including a reflector having a reflective exterior surface partially enclosing an interior space and defining a focal point within the interior space, and a high pressure discharge lamp positioned substantially at the focal point of the reflective exterior surface. In some examples, the high pressure discharge lamp includes an arc tube containing mercury, a metal halide, or sodium. In some examples, the reflective exterior surface extends along a longitudinal axis and curves around the longitudinal axis. In some example, the reflective exterior surface defines an elliptical paraboloid. |
| US08721124B2 |
Retractable light assembly
A retractable lamp assembly is provided for illuminating at least a portion of a work surface from a wide range of heights and angles by way of extendable shafts and pivot joints. The lamp may be stowed in a retracted or lowered configuration when not in use, in which a substantial portion of the extendable structure is stowed inside of a housing that is located substantially below the work surface, to provide a generally unobtrusive configuration. An upper cover serves as a light reflector when the lamp is in use, and may serve as a cover positioned at or near the work surface when the lamp is stowed. Optionally, the lamp assembly includes include power and data and wire management capabilities for use at the work surface. |
| US08721120B2 |
Folding worklight with attachment mechanism
An LED worklight includes a center core and a first panel and a second panel coupled to the center core. The first panel includes a first LED die package disposed within a first opening formed within the first panel and a first lens disposed over the first LED die package. The second panel includes features similar to the first panel. The second panel is rotatable around the center core from a zero degree closed orientation to about a 359 degree orientation, and is positionable at any intermediate angle therebetween. The first and second panels each include an attachment mechanism having an elastic band with a hook attached thereto. The attachment mechanisms are used to attach or hang the worklight to or around one or more objects. The attachment mechanisms are stored in the worklight such that the attachment mechanisms do not interfere with its operation when not in use. |
| US08721115B2 |
Light reflective structure and light panel
A light panel is disclosed. The light panel comprises a circuit assembly, a plurality of light sources, a light reflective structure, and a diffuser layer. The light reflective structure has a plurality of concaves, which are continuously connected to form a plurality of ridges. Each of the concaves has an opening formed on the bottom surface thereof, and each of the light sources is disposed corresponding to each of the openings of the concaves. The diffuser layer is supported by the ridges of the light reflective structure. In some aspects of the present invention, the diffuser layer may have a sloping inner surface or is coated with patterned diffuser coatings on the top surface. Each light source can be added with a lens. |
| US08721114B2 |
LED lamp apparatus and method of making an LED lamp apparatus
A device for illuminating a space comprising is discussed. In one variation, the device includes: a central body portion, with a length and a width, and including two plates running along the length of the central body portion wherein the two plates are separated by a spacer; an opening for the removal of heat during operation of the device that extends along a portion of the length of the central body portion, a light emitting diode on the central body portion; a reflector, extending from the central body portion, for reflecting light emitted by the light emitting diode towards the illuminated space. Other variations are also discussed as are methods for using suitable variations for retrofitting existing non-light emitting diode light sources. |
| US08721113B2 |
Lamp cover and lamp structure
A cover and a lamp structure. The cover whose curvature has a light incident surface and a light outgoing surface, and includes a plurality of 3D micro-structures disposed thereon and arranged in the form of an array. When a light is emitted into the light outgoing surface from the light incident surface, the light emitting angle of the light outgoing surface is increased through the refraction of the 3D micro-structures, so that the occurrence of mura or spots due to uneven distribution of the light is avoid. |
| US08721112B2 |
External mechanical battery disconnect for emergency lighting products
An emergency lighting device includes an internal battery, a switching mechanism, and one or more light sources. The light sources are electrically coupled to the internal battery through the switching mechanism. The switching mechanism includes a first contact and a second contact. Additionally, the switching mechanism is configured to receive an external mechanical disconnect male jack to electrically disconnect the light sources from the internal battery. In certain embodiments, the emergency lighting device is also electrically coupled to an external power source and includes a circuit breaker for providing power to the light sources from the external power supply during normal operation and for automatically providing power to the light sources from the internal battery in the event that power from the external power source fails. |
| US08721111B2 |
Flashlight zooming structure
A flashlight zooming structure includes a main body and a zooming assembly screwed on one end of a neck of the main body. In the zooming assembly, a transparent lamp cup centrally formed with a convex lens is received in a cup seat, the cup seat is screwed into a cap, and the lugs on the outer periphery of the cup seat are received in the corresponding peripheral notches of a receiving section extending from one end of a middle annular element. To illuminate a distant or nearby target, the zooming assembly mounted around the neck of the main body is rotated in the desired direction so that the light emitted by a lighting unit at one end of the neck of the main body is projected outward through the transparent lamp cup in the zooming assembly as a convergent or divergent light beam. |
| US08721109B2 |
Power saving lamp
A power saving lamp includes a base, a cover, a light source and a solar cell. The cover is fixed on the base. The light source is arranged on the base and inside the cover. The solar cell is arranged on the base or the cover and close to the light source. The solar cell can convert the solar power into electric power for further use to realize the use of driving the light source to emit light. The utilization efficiency of the light from the light source can be improved and the electric power can be saved. Besides, when the solar cell is closer to the light source, the photoelectric converting efficiency of the solar cell is higher and the recycle of the light can be realized. The utilization efficiency of the light from the light source can be further improved and the electric power can be saved. |
| US08721108B2 |
LED street light
An LED street light includes a central housing portion having two spaced-apart sidewalls, and two lateral housing portions disposed respectively on two opposite longitudinal sides of the central housing portion. Each lateral housing portion includes a first plate fixed to a respective sidewall and having a first plate opening, a second plate connected to the first plate, a curved plate connected to the second plate, and a reflection layer disposed on the curved plate and facing one of the sidewalls. The first plate and the curved plate of each lateral housing portion have bottom ends defining a bottom opening. A plurality of light-emitting modules are disposed on each sidewall. Each light-emitting module includes at least one LED element, and extends into one of the lateral housing portions through the first plate opening. The reflection layer reflects the light emitted by the LED element toward the bottom opening. |
| US08721098B2 |
Light scattering and conversion plate for LEDs
The invention relates to an illumination system having a light scattering and conversion plate comprising a non-converting but scattering layer and a thinner converting layer. By separating scattering and conversion, the characteristics of the illumination system can greatly be increased. |
| US08721096B2 |
Backlight unit of liquid crystal display device and method for driving the same
A backlight unit of an LCD device includes a first light source unit including a plurality of red, green and blue LEDs and a second light source unit including a plurality of white LEDs, the white LED provided between each of the first light source unit. A control unit divides the plurality of first and second light source units into a plurality of blocks and outputs control signals to the first and second light source units by detecting the luminance of inputted video signals. The backlight unit includes a first light source driving unit for driving the first light source and a second light source driving unit for driving the second light source by corresponding block to the first light source unit. |
| US08721095B2 |
Attachable under-bezel tabs for display covers
According to various embodiments, selectively attachable under-bezel tabs include an adhering portion and a securing portion. An adhesive may be used to secure the adhering portion adjacent the edge of a display cover. The securing portion may be secured between a display surface and a display bezel. Accordingly, one or more under-bezel tabs may be adhered to a display cover in order to secure the display cover in front of a display. The display cover may be configured to protect or enhance the display. For example, a display cover may be configured to reduce glare or provide a privacy screen. The selectively attachable under-bezel tabs may be adhered to any of a wide variety of universal display covers, thereby adapting the universal display cover for use with displays configured with slotted bezels adapted to receive specialized display covers. |
| US08721094B2 |
Lens system and optical apparatus
A lens system comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens group G1; and a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power; the first lens group G1 including a sub-lens group GS11 having positive refractive power, and a sub-lens group GS12 having negative refractive power, the sub-lens group GS12 having negative refractive power including a meniscus lens having a convex surface facing the object side, given conditions being satisfied: an antireflection coating being formed on at least one optical surface in the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, and the antireflection coating including at least one layer formed by a wet-process, thereby providing a lens system having high optical performance with excellently correcting various aberrations and suppressing ghost images and flare, and an optical apparatus equipped therewith. |
| US08721092B2 |
Wide field of view substrate guided relay
A substrate guided relay includes multiple output couplers and multiple light valves positioned between the substrate and the output couplers. The number of light valves may be equal to the number of output couplers, or may be more or less than the number of output couplers. The light valves may be enabled sequentially, or may be enabled based on the position of a user's eye. The light valves may include liquid crystal material. |
| US08721090B2 |
Projection system having light sources selectively driven in response to an operation mode
A projection system is characterized by: a first light source unit and a second light source unit selectively driven in response to operation mode; a light transmitting unit transmitting light emitted from the first light source unit or the second light source unit in the form of surface light; an image generator generating an image in response to an image signal using the light transmitted from the light transmitting unit; and a projection lens system projecting the image by enlarging the image generated by the image generator and projecting the enlarged image. |
| US08721088B2 |
Lens array module and projection apparatus
A lens array module includes a light incident surface, a light emitting surface opposite to the light incident surface, and a plurality of first and second lens surfaces. The first lens surfaces are arranged on the light incident surface to form into an array. The second lens surfaces are arranged on the light emitting surface to form into an array. The center of curvature of each of the first lens surfaces located at two opposite sides of a first reference point on the light incident surface deviates away from the first reference point in a direction parallel to a first reference axis, and the center of curvature of each of the second lens surfaces located at two opposite sides of a second reference point on the light emitting surface deviates toward the second reference point in a direction parallel to the first reference axis. A projection apparatus is also provided. |
| US08721086B2 |
Projection apparatus having light beam adjusting element
A projection apparatus includes an illumination system, a light valve, a light beam adjusting element, and a light reflective unit. The illumination system is capable of providing an illumination beam. The light valve, the light beam adjusting element, and the light reflective unit are disposed on a transmission path of the illumination beam. The light valve is disposed between the illumination system and the light reflective unit. The light valve has an active surface for being capable of converting the illumination beam into an image beam. The light beam adjusting element is disposed on the transmission path of the illumination beam and between the illumination system and the light valve. The light beam adjusting element includes at least one lens having a first optical axis. The first optical axis and a normal vector of the active surface are not perpendicular to each other. |
| US08721082B2 |
Characterization of a perception of blur
The invention relates to a method for characterizing a perception of blur by a subject (10) in order to determine a dioptric blur value for an image (C) observed by the subject. The image has a blur generated by the low-pass filtering of the image components in accordance with the respective space frequencies of said image components. An indication of the perception thereof of blur in the image is provided by the subject and is associated with the dioptric blur value. Several images associated with different dioptric blur values are used for defining a dioptric blur threshold value for the subject that corresponds to a blur perception criterion. The invention can be used for adjusting the design of a progressive lens for the subject in accordance with the sensitivity to said visual blur of said object. |
| US08721077B2 |
Systems, methods and computer-readable medium for determining depth-resolved physical and/or optical properties of scattering media by analyzing measured data over a range of depths
In depth-resolved imaging of scattering media, incident light interacts with tissue in a complex way before the signal reaches the detector: Light interacts with media between the light source and a specific depth, then scatters at that depth and the backscattered light again interacts with media on its way to the detector. The resulting depth-resolved signal therefore likely does not directly represent a physical or optical property of the media at those depths. Exemplary systems, methods and computer-accessible medium can determine physical or optical properties based on such depth-resolved signals. For example, almost all the light can interact with the media, and that the energy of the incident light at a certain depth is likely therefore related to the integral of the scattered light from all deeper locations. Based on the detected signals, the properties of the media can be estimated in an iterative way. |
| US08721075B2 |
Method for determining a set of progressive multifocal ophthalmic lenses
A method for determining by optimization a set of progressive ophthalmic lenses for a given user for whom a near vision power addition (Addn) has been prescribed includes the following steps: measuring the user's near vision individual physiological parameters; determining an ergorama associating, on each lens, a target point in each look direction in worn conditions; determining a target power defect and a resulting target astigmatism for each direction of look under worn conditions, the target power defect and the resulting target astigmatism being determined from the user's measured physiological parameters; computing the power required for each lens for said ergorama by successive iterations to reach the target power defect and the target astigmatism for each look direction. |
| US08721073B2 |
Ophthalmic lens with repeating wave patterns
An ophthalmic lens incorporating a repeating periodic wavelike pattern of pigmented lines is utilized to highlight, shade and expose the iris of the wearer to create an enhanced look without affecting the natural appearance of the iris. The ophthalmic lens incorporates the repeating periodic wavelike pattern of pigmented lines in a region corresponding to the wearer's iris. |
| US08721067B2 |
Printer apparatus
A printer apparatus (10) is provided with a front and rear drive motor, which rotationally drives a feed roller (21) in a state that the plate-like medium (B) is pinched by the feed roller (21) and a pinch roller (24) which are paired to feed the plate-like medium (B) to the front side and to set to be located on the platen (13), a right and left drive motor which moves the printer head (32) in the right and left direction, and a controller which performs control for feeding the plate-like medium (B) and control for moving the printer head by the right and left drive motor (32). The platen (13) is provided with a feeding auxiliary member (40) which is protruded from a support face for supporting the plate-like medium (B) and is located on the front side with respect to a portion facing the printer head (32). |
| US08721065B2 |
Ink jet printer and printing method
An ink jet printer comprising a conveyor belt unit 106 for transferring a print sheet 2 on a rotating conveyor belt 106a, a resist roller pair 111 and a BU roller 112 for feeding the print sheet 2 while flexing it in the transferring direction, and first and second ink jet head 104a, 104b for ejecting ink toward the print sheet, wherein the ink jet head 104b ejects ink darker in color than ink ejected from the ink jet head 104a. The ink jet head 104b serves to eject ink, that is darker in color than that of the ink jet head 104a, and is located at a position farther than the arriving position of the print sheet 2 when the print sheet 2 is displaced from the conveyor belt 106a in the transferring direction as the elasticity of the print sheet 2 due to flexure exceeds adhesion between the print sheet 2 and the conveyor belt 106a, while the ink jet head 104a is arranged between the ink jet head 104b and the BU roller 112. By this configuration, print quality can be sustained with high speed printing by using an ink jet head and reduction in printer size achieved. |
| US08721063B2 |
Inkjet recording liquid and inkjet recording device using the liquid
The inkjet recording liquid according to the present disclosure contains water, pigment and pigment dispersion resin. The pigment dispersion resin is alkali soluble, and is dissolved in recording liquid. The mass ratio of pigment dispersion resin to pigment (resin content/pigment content) is 0.1 to 0.3. The mass ratio of pigment dispersion resin not adhering to pigment to pigment (unattached resin/pigment content) is 0.01 to 0.1. The acid value of the pigment dispersion resin is 150 to 250 mg KOH/g. The molecular weight of the pigment dispersion resin is preferably 10,000 or more. |
| US08721062B2 |
Ink jet recording method for recording pattern layer and white overlaying layer on longitudinal sheet
The present invention relates to an ink jet recording method for recording a white overlaying layer and a pattern layer on a longitudinal film base material, printed matters obtained by the recording method, and systems for realizing the recording method thereof. |
| US08721053B2 |
Liquid droplet discharge head and image forming apparatus including same
A liquid droplet discharge head includes: a liquid chamber including an inner wall; a plurality of nozzles on a part of the inner wall; a diaphragm to change a pressure inside the liquid chamber; a piezoelectric element to displace the diaphragm; a drive voltage generator to generate a pulse voltage for normal driving; a micro-drive voltage generator to generate a pulse voltage for micro-driving; a voltage applying means to apply a voltage waveform including each pulse voltage to the piezoelectric element; and a nozzle activation ratio processor to calculate a nozzle activation ratio based on drive data for discharging liquid droplets from the nozzle. Based on the nozzle activation ratio, the micro-drive voltage generator generates a pulse voltage for the micro-driving including a peak voltage corresponding to the nozzle activation ratio, and the voltage applying means applies an appropriate voltage waveform to the piezoelectric element. |
| US08721051B2 |
Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric element
Provided is a piezoelectric element comprising a piezoelectric layer and an electrode. The piezoelectric layer includes a solid solution of bismuth lanthanum titanate zincate and lead titanate. The molar ratio of the bismuth lanthanum titanate zincate to the lead titanate in the piezoelectric layer is 0.39 or more and 0.61 or less. |
| US08721050B2 |
Liquid discharge head with protective layer and liquid discharge device
A liquid discharge head, contains: an energy generating element which generates thermal energy and contains a heat generation resistant layer and a pair of electrode layers whose end surfaces are separated from each other; an insulating layer covering the pair of electrode layers and the heat generation resistant layer and containing an insulating material; a protective layer provided above the insulating layer at least at a position corresponding to the energy generating element and containing a metal material containing iridium or ruthenium; and a covering layer provided at a position covering at least portions of the protective layer corresponding to the end surfaces of the pair of electrode layers in such a manner that a part of the protective layer is exposed and containing a metal material containing tantalum or niobium. |
| US08721048B2 |
Substrate for liquid discharge head and liquid discharge head
The reduction in reliably of a liquid discharge head due to the dissolution of a protective layer is suppressed. A substrate for a liquid discharge head includes a base substrate, a heat-generating resistive layer placed on the base substrate, a pair of lines placed on the base substrate, and a protective layer covering the heat-generating resistive layer and the lines. The protective layer contains a material represented by the formula SixCyNx, where x+y+z=100, 30≦x≦59, y≧5, and z≧15 on an atomic percent basis. |
| US08721044B2 |
Liquid droplet ejection head and liquid droplet ejection apparatus
An ink jet type recording head includes a substrate, a nozzle plate having nozzles, and a sealing sheet, and the substrate and the nozzle plate are bonded to each other through a bonding film, and the substrate and the sealing sheet are bonded to each other through a bonding film. These bonding films are each obtained by drying and/or curing a liquid material containing an epoxy-modified silicone material. Further, by applying energy to each bonding film, the surface thereof is activated, and therefore, each bonding film exhibits a bonding property. By this bonding property, the substrate is bonded to the nozzle plate and to the sealing sheet. |
| US08721042B2 |
Inkjet printhead with layered ceramic mounting substrate
An inkjet printhead includes a printhead die including: a first nozzle array that is configured to be fed with ink by a first ink feed; and a second nozzle array that is configured to be fed with ink by a second ink feed; and a mounting substrate including: a surface to which the printhead die is attached; a first layer including a first ink channel having an opening disposed at the surface; a second layer including a second ink channel having an opening disposed at the surface; and a third layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the printhead die is attached to the first layer, the second layer and the third layer, and wherein the first ink channel opening is fluidically connected to the first ink feed, and the second ink channel opening is fluidically connected to the second ink feed. |
| US08721041B2 |
Printhead having a stepped flow path to direct purged ink into a collecting tray
An ink collecting system has been developed to direct ink purged from a printhead positioned above an ink collecting tray along a stepped flow path into the ink collecting tray. The stepped flow path enables the purged ink to flow from a faceplate on the jet stack, around a junction, onto a lower surface of the jet stack, and to a curved lower flange of a reservoir housing, which directs the ink away from the faceplate before the ink drops into the ink collecting tray for disposal or reuse. |
| US08721032B2 |
Method for monitoring a jetting performance of a print head
The invention relates to a method for monitoring a performance of a jetting device, the jetting device being configured to expel droplets of an electrically conductive fluid wherein at least a part of the conductive fluid is positioned in a magnetic field, the method comprising providing an electrical actuation current in the part of the conductive fluid positioned in the magnetic field, thereby generating a pressure wave in the conductive fluid; characterized in that the method further comprises detecting a resulting electrical current, which electrical current is induced by a residual pressure wave in the part of the conductive fluid positioned in the magnetic field, thereby obtaining a detection signal and based on the detection signal determining whether the jetting device is in an operative state. The invention further relates to a printing device, employing the described method. |
| US08721029B2 |
Print device with printed surface identifying function and printing method
A print device with a surface identifying function includes a feed roller assembly; a print assembly; an obtaining module; a determining module; a control module; a sliding control module; at least one sliding bar and a printed surface identifying assembly. The sliding control module controls the printed surface identifying assembly to slide along the sliding bar. The obtaining module controls the printed surface identifying assembly to identify if one or both surfaces of the sheet of paper have already been printed, and generates a result. The determining module determines whether the paper is available for printing according to the result. The control module controls the print assembly not to perform the printing task and the feed roller assembly to take the paper out of the print device when the paper is unavailable for printing. A printing method is also provided. |
| US08721024B2 |
Inkjet printer having an image drum heater and cooler
An inkjet offset printer includes a heated drum assembly having a hollow drum with an internal surface defining an internal cavity and a heater and a cooler located in the internal cavity. The heater includes at least one ceramic heater element. The cooler includes a slot to direct an air stream to the internal surface of the drum and aids in quenching the heating element for faster control responses. |
| US08721020B2 |
Printing device and printing method
The throughput of a serial printer is improved. A inkjet printer 100 has a print unit that prints on a print medium; a first transportation unit that conveys the print medium in the primary scanning direction; a second transportation unit that conveys the print unit in a secondary scanning direction substantially perpendicular to the primary scanning direction; and a control unit that controls the transportation operations of the first and second transportation units, so that the time required to move the print unit from the stop-printing position where the print unit finishes printing one print area to the start-printing position where transportation for printing the next print area starts is shortest. The control unit also determines a transportation range that may include the print unit going beyond the stop-printing position when the print unit prints the one print area. |
| US08721018B2 |
Piezoelectric actuator apparatus and ink-jet printer
A piezoelectric actuator apparatus which is connectable to a power supply includes: a piezoelectric actuator which is provided with a plurality of piezoelectric elements each of which is sandwiched by two types of electrodes; a drive device which is connected to the power supply to drive each of the piezoelectric elements by changing a voltage between the two types of electrodes; a comparison section which compares a predetermined reference value with one of a supply voltage from the power supply to the drive device and an electric current flowing between the power supply and the drive device under the condition that the drive device applies the voltage to at least one piezoelectric element of the piezoelectric elements; and a judgement section which judges a degradation degree of dielectric strength voltage for the at least one piezoelectric element based on a comparison by the comparison section. |
| US08721003B2 |
Folding chair with molded components
A chair may include a seat, a chair back and a frame that may be connected to the seat and/or chair back. The chair back and the frame may include engaging portions and/or receiving portions that may be sized and configured to contact, abut, engage and/or interlock with each other to connect the chair back to the frame. The engaging portions and/or receiving portions may be sized and configured to connect the chair back to the frame using a friction, interference and/or snap fit. |
| US08721002B2 |
Seating device with ergonomic armrests
Various embodiments of the present invention provide seating devices having an armrest with a triangular cross-section that twists along its length to provide a support surface with increased comfort to the occupant, in addition to making the chair strong and durable. The seating device of the present invention may also be stackable. |
| US08721000B2 |
Seating system with multi-position backrest
An article of furniture and seating system are disclosed. The article of furniture comprises a base providing a seating area and a support coupled to the base. A linkage couples the support to the base so that the support can be presented in a generally upright position and in a generally forward position relative to the base. The seating system comprises a base comprising a seat and a backrest comprising a first surface and a second surface. A member couples the backrest for movement on a path of travel relative to the base. The backrest is moveable to an upright position and to a forward position. When the backrest is in the first position the first surface is presented in a generally downward orientation. When the backrest is in the second position the first surface is presented in a generally forward orientation. |
| US08720999B2 |
Fitting for a vehicle seat
A fitting for a vehicle seat comprises a first fitting part, a second fitting part which is rotatable relative to the first fitting part about an axis, an eccentric that can be acted on which is rotatably supported about the axis, and several latches for locking the first fitting part radially outward with the second fitting part. The latches are guided by the first fitting part by guides which are guided in the radial direction relative to the axis, and the eccentric acts to move the latches radially outward. The first fitting part defines a rotational bearing seat having a center, the second fitting part defines a rotational bearing seat having a center, and the guides each define one center line. An offset is provided between the centers of the rotational bearing seats and/or the intersection points of the center lines. |
| US08720995B2 |
Foldable seat rack
A foldable seat rack mountable between a body rack and a seat of a foldable motorized vehicle, includes main supporting rods, upper rods, lower rods, a seat base, hooks, and an elastic element. Main supporting rods are fixed on two sides of the body rack respectively. Upper rods are pivoted on upper ends of the main supporting rods respectively. Lower rods are pivoted on middle portions of main supporting rods and a rear end of seat base respectively. Hooks are fixed on the upper ends of the main supporting rods respectively. The foldable seat base has a middle shaft. Middle portions on two sides of the seat base are opened with slide slots. Two ends of the middle shaft pass through the slide slots freely and are hooked by hooks. An elastic element is placed between the front end of the seat base, and the middle shaft. |
| US08720993B2 |
Stool with top extension
A stool for supporting an adult and child includes a plurality of floor engaging legs extending substantially vertically and a seat mounted rigidly on the legs. The seat includes a main seating portion arranged horizontally and having a top surface for the adult to sit on and a bottom connected to at least some of the legs. The main seating portion has a rounded perimeter extending through an arc of at least 180°. The seat has a tongue portion integrally attached to the main seating portion and projecting horizontally from one side. The tongue portion has a top surface for the child to sit on and two opposite edges which taper inwardly towards an outer end. The adult and child are able to sit adjacent each other on the stool. In an exemplary version, the main seating portion has a minimum horizontal width of at least 35 cm. |
| US08720989B2 |
Convertible chair
A furniture item (102) convertible between a chair and a table. It has two panels (104, 106) hinged together and moveable between: —a chair configuration, in which one panel (104) provides a seat and the other panel (106) provides a backrest, and—a table configuration, in which the panels form a table top. A moveable support member (114) is rotatable between a stowed position beneath one panel (104) when in the chair configuration to a raised position in which the moveable support member (114) provides support to the underside of one panel (104) and support to the hinge (105). |
| US08720987B2 |
Sunroof apparatus
To improve layout performance of components for driving a panel in a sunroof apparatus adapted to retractably open/close a roof opening with two sheets of panels of front and rear panels.A front timing member is located in the front side of the front panel and a rear timing member is located in a rear end side of the rear panel so that the timing members are moved back and forth within the same timing guide groove formed in the guide rail. |
| US08720986B2 |
Opening-and-closing member control apparatus
An opening-and-closing member control apparatus includes a panel drive device moving a movable panel in opening and closing directions, a panel monitoring device monitoring a position of the movable panel between fully closed and opened positions, a sunshade drive device moving a sunshade in opening and closing directions, a sunshade monitoring device monitoring a position of the sunshade between fully closed and opened positions, and a control device controlling driving of the panel drive device and the sunshade drive device on the basis of the position of the movable panel monitored by the panel monitoring device and the position of the sunshade monitored by the sunshade monitoring device, so that the position of the movable panel precedes the position of the sunshade toward the fully closed position when the movable panel and the sunshade move in the closing direction. |
| US08720983B1 |
Narrow offset energy management frame structure
A front vehicle body structure includes a front pillar that extends in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, an upper frame that extends from the front pillar toward a front of a vehicle body, and a front side frame that is disposed laterally interior of the upper frame. The front side frame includes an outer face that faces laterally outward, an inner face that faces laterally inward, and an upper face that connects the inner face to the outer face. The front vehicle body structure also includes a connection member that extends upwardly from the upper face of the front side frame to the upper frame so as to connect the front side frame and the upper frame together. |
| US08720981B1 |
Vehicle floor frame stiffener
A vehicle frame structure includes a longitudinal floor frame member and a frame stiffener connected with the floor frame member. The floor frame member connects with a vehicle floor panel to form a substantially closed cross section. The floor frame member includes a lower wall including a lower section, a higher section, and a transition section disposed between the lower section and the higher section. The lower wall transitions upward along the transition section from the lower section to the higher section. The frame stiffener connects with the floor frame member on an exterior of the floor frame member. The frame stiffener has a substantially U-shaped configuration in cross section and includes a bottom wall that is vertically offset below the lower wall of the floor frame member at least along a portion of the transition section. |
| US08720978B2 |
Motor vehicle body
A motor vehicle body with a front hood, a front window rising from a rear edge of the front hood, and an elongated cross member is provided. The elongated cross member includes a middle region curved channel-like in section in a vehicle longitudinal direction. A contact zone of the elongated cross member supports a lower edge of the front window and a longitudinal end supports the elongated cross member. A transition region is between the longitudinal end and the middle region and, in section in the vehicle longitudinal direction, is less curved than the middle region. |
| US08720975B1 |
Integrated hood bump-stop and headlamp attachment for pedestrian protection
A vehicle apparatus comprises a slider body having a substantially vertical slide slot and a substantially horizontal shear pin. The slider body further includes a headlamp mounting section and a hood bump-stop mounting section. An adjustable bumper is received by the hood bump-stop mounting section with an adjustable height. A reinforcement member is configured to be fixed with respect to a grille opening of the vehicle. The reinforcement member has a bore aligned with the slide slot for receiving a fastening pin and an aperture receiving the shear pin. A force greater than a predetermined force applied to the adjustable bumper results in the shear pin breaking off in the bore and the fastening pin sliding along the slide slot as the slider body moves downward. |
| US08720972B2 |
Movable visor or screen
A movable screen or visor for a window adjacent a trim liner includes a contour rod movable from a stowed position to a deployed position. The contour rod includes a forward end, an offset portion, and a rearward end opposite the forward end from the offset portion. The screen also includes a shade member operatively attached to the contour rod. The shade member is disposed within the trim liner when the contour rod is in the stowed position and is disposed outside of the trim liner in the deployed position. The shade member blocks a portion of the window when the contour rod is in the deployed position. |
| US08720970B1 |
Folding cover
A folding cover for covering a trailer body, a truck body or other object. The folding cover includes a plurality of cover members which are foldably interconnected so as to be selectively movable between a covering position and a stowed position. |
| US08720967B2 |
Manual windshield adjusting system
A windshield adjusting system for adjusting a windshield of a vehicle includes a rail adapted for connection to the vehicle and a bracket connected to the windshield. The rail includes a position profile and the bracket includes an alignment portion and a latch with a lock profile that is configured to selectively engage the complementary position profile to secure the windshield in a desired position. |
| US08720965B2 |
Robot hand and robot
A robot hand and a robot according to an embodiment include supporting units. The supporting units are arranged on a base and contact the peripheral border of a board to grip the board. At least one of the supporting units rotates while abutting on the peripheral border of the board. |
| US08720963B2 |
Apparatus for extracting an object from a cavity
An apparatus for extracting an object from a cavity is disclosed. The apparatus includes a collet surrounded by a sleeve, which both extend into the cavity. Fingers of the collar of the collet are contracted to grasp the object by the advancement of the collet into the sleeve. The collet is advanced by rotating a nut, which is located outside of the cavity and engages with a threaded portion of the shaft of the collet. The shaft includes a groove extending through the threaded portion of the shaft. This groove engages with a protrusion extending from a handle to prevent the collet from rotating during rotation of the nut and advancement of the collet. The handle is located outside of the cavity and is held during the extraction. |
| US08720961B2 |
Impact absorbing device for vehicle
An impact absorbing device for a vehicle may include a bumper beam disposed to extend in a traverse direction of a vehicle, a side member extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and disposed at a lateral side of the vehicle in the traverse direction thereof, a crash box connecting the bumper beam in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to the side member, a fender apron member disposed at outer sides of the side member in the traverse direction of the vehicle, a connecting member connecting the fender apron member and the side member, and a side crash box of which a front tip end may be mounted to an outer portion of the bumper beam positioned at an outer direction of the side member in the traverse direction of the vehicle, and of which a rear tip end may be disposed to be spaced apart from the connecting member at a predetermined interval therebetween. |
| US08720957B2 |
Door locking assembly for a storage container
A locking assembly for a door of a storage container is provided. The storage container defines a door frame, and the door is movably mounted to the door frame. The locking assembly may include a first keeper secured to the door frame, a first locking cam configured to movably engage the first keeper, and a handle assembly coupled to the first locking cam. The handle assembly may be movable between a first position in which the handle assembly is in contact with the door frame and the first locking cam engages the first keeper to maintain the door in the closed position relative to the door frame and a second position in which the first locking cam disengages the first keeper to allow the door to open. The first and second positions of the handle assembly illustratively define an obtuse angle therebetween. |
| US08720956B2 |
Mechanical tailgate locking system
A tailgate synchronizer for coordinating mechanical communications between handles and locking assemblies in a vehicle V closure includes a synchronizer locking device moveable to a locked state for preventing the handles from unlatching the locking assemblies. The synchronizer further includes a pair of handle levers corresponding to the handles and a pair of actuator levers corresponding to the locking assemblies. Movement of the handles is selectively translated into unlatching of the lock assemblies based on a state of the locking assemblies. Movement of the handles is prevented from translating into unlatching of the lock assemblies when the synchronizer locking device is in the locked state. |
| US08720950B2 |
Pretensioner, seatbelt retractor including the pretensioner, and seatbelt apparatus including the seatbelt retractor
A ring gear 15 of a pretensioner 8 includes a plurality of levers 17 and one arc-shaped stopper 16 to allow force transmission members to smoothly move in a pipe, to facilitate setting of a stopper for stopping rotation of a ring gear, and to reduce the cost with a simple structure. During operation of the pretensioner 8, the levers 17 are sequentially pressed by balls 12a to rotate a pinion 19 and a spool in a seatbelt retracting direction. When the ring gear 15 rotates by a predetermined rotation amount, an outer peripheral edge 16c of the stopper 16 contacts and presses the opposing ball 12a. Since the ball 12a is thereby clamped between the stopper 16 and an inner peripheral surface 10d1 of a pipe I0, the ring gear 15 is stopped. |
| US08720949B2 |
Tongue and seat belt device using the same
Recess portions (15) and (16) are disposed in a seat-belt sliding face (14) of a seat-belt sliding member (13), and a predetermined number of projections (17) are provided independently of each other in a dotted state in the recess portions (15) and (16). In each of the projections (17), sliding resistance between a seat belt (4) and the seat-belt sliding member (13) in a normal time is small, and the sliding resistance between the seat belt (4) and the seat-belt sliding member (13) when the seat belt (4) slides to the lap belt (4c) side is larger than the sliding resistance between the seat belt (4) and the seat-belt sliding member (13) when the seat belt (4) slides to the shoulder belt (4b) side. By means of the dotted-state projections (17), extension of the lap belt (4c) in an emergency is suppressed. |
| US08720948B2 |
Active bolster with protected weld for bladder
An active bolster for mounting at an interior trim surface of an automotive vehicle has a plastic-molded, expandable inner wall having a welding flange disposed at an outer perimeter and a pleated region bending inward from the welding flange. A plastic-molded outer wall overlies the inner wall, wherein the welding flange is hot welded to the outer wall to form an inflatable bladder for receiving an inflation gas. The inner wall further includes a blocking rib extending from between the welding flange and the pleated region into abutment with the outer wall to restrict flow of the inflation gas against the welding flange. |
| US08720947B2 |
Gas generator for restraining device
A gas generator for a restraining device includes, a housing having an ignition device and a diffuser portion, and a gas generating agent charged in an inner space of the housing, a partition member, having a communication hole, and inclining with respect to a longitudinal axis (X) of the housing, thereby dividing the inner space into a gas generating agent charging space and a gas flow channel space, the gas flow channel space communicating with the diffuser portion, both of the edges of the partition member abutting against an inner circumferential surface of the housing, a cross-sectional area of the gas generating agent charging space decreasing from the ignition device side at one end of the housing to the diffuser portion side at the other end of the housing, and a cross-sectional area of the gas flow channel space increasing from the ignition device side to the diffuser portion side. |
| US08720946B2 |
Gas generator with two pyrotechnic charges
A gas generator has two pyrotechnic charges in two chambers having openings for gas outlet to the outside. Only the first chamber is provided with an igniter for first charge. The chambers are separated by a third wall with a through hole for permanent gas communication, sealed in an initial state by a cap. The cap is configured to be broken under the pressure of the combustion gases from first charge to keep the hole opened permanently and allow the combustion gases from the first charge to go via the hole kept permanently opened from a first chamber to a second chamber, where these gases induce the combustion of charge. When in an initial state, the cap is configured to go under the pressure of the combustion gases from second charge to the permanent state, in which the cap is broken to keep hole opened permanently and allow the combustion gases from said second charge to go via the hole kept permanently open from the second chamber to the first chamber, where this combustion gases induce the combustion of charge. |
| US08720945B2 |
Gas generator and its manufacturing process
A gas generator includes a pyrotechnic charge contained in a chamber delimited by a wall and by two transversal walls. At least one of the walls comprises at least one through hole. A covering sheet in the form of a box is located facing the through hole. A seal gasket is provided between the sheet and one of the walls. The seal gasket is positioned between the first tubular part of the covering sheet and the wall for ensuring the seal between the box and the wall towards the through hole. |
| US08720944B2 |
Gas generator for restraining device of vehicle
A gas generator includes, a housing having a circumferential wall, a first end, and a second end, an inner tube member disposed in the housing, an outer space thereof being a combustion chamber, an outer circumference cylindrical member being such that one end opening abuts against a bottom plate of the second end, an annular porous member provided between the outer circumference cylindrical member and the cup-shaped inner tube member so as to form a space above the combustion chamber, a gas discharge path formed between the outer circumference cylindrical member and an inner wall surface of the circumferential wall portion of the housing; a communicating portion communicating the space and the gas discharge path, and being provided in the other end opening of the outer circumference cylindrical member; and a total cross-sectional area of the gas discharge port being smaller than a smallest cross-sectional area of a gas pathway. |
| US08720943B1 |
Active bolster with active vent for load management
An active bolster has a plastic-molded, expandable front wall and a plastic-molded back wall joined around a substantially sealed perimeter with the front wall to form an inflatable bladder. The back wall includes at least one active vent and at least one substantially circumferential pleated baffle. An inflator couples an inflation gas into the inflatable bladder in response to a crash event of the vehicle. The active vent comprises a window opening in the back wall and an integrally-molded flap juxtaposed to the window opening. The flap has an undeflected position corresponding to a first flow coefficient and a deflected position corresponding to a second, nonzero flow coefficient that is less than the first flow coefficient. The flap moves from the undeflected position to the deflected position when a pressure in the inflatable bladder resulting from a passenger impact is greater than a predetermined pressure. |
| US08720936B1 |
Twin baby carriage
A twin baby carriage comprises a front bracket, a pair of rear brackets, and a linkage bar set. The front bracket includes a connection hub at a middle section. The front bracket includes a front stretcher extended between two sides thereof. The rear brackets include a rear stretcher extended between two outmost sides thereof. The linkage bar set includes an elongate bar, an upper slide sleeve and a lock control assembly. The elongate bar bridges the connection hub and front stretcher. The upper slide sleeve is coupled on the elongate bar. The lock control assembly is held in the upper slide sleeve and includes a control knob and a pin. The control knob is depressible to drive the pin to insert into a positioning hole on the elongate bar such that the upper slide sleeve and elongate bar are locked to form a fixing state. |
| US08720934B2 |
Board for gliding with decorative component
A protective top surface (6) for a board for gliding, which comprises at least one decorative component (10; 10′) passing through at least one slot or hole (7; 7′) in the protective top surface (6), comprising at least one lower part (11; 11′) arranged under the protective top surface (6) and at least one upper part (12) arranged above the protective top surface (6). |
| US08720933B2 |
Foot actuated hitch pin assembly
A trailer hitch assembly includes a support bracket having an upper support bushing and a lower support bushing separated from the upper support bushing. A hitch pin slideably engages the upper and lower support bushings. The hitch pin includes a ring shaped actuating collar disposed between the upper and lower support bushings. A release lever pivotally connects to a mounting pin and slideably engages the actuating collar between the upper and lower support bushings. An actuating arm is fixedly attached to the release lever for concurrent rotation therewith about the mounting pin. The release lever may be selectively pivoted around the mounting pin by apply an actuating force to the actuating arm to move the hitch pin between a latched position and an unlatched position. A latch plate attached to the support bracket includes an aperture for receiving the hitch pin when positioned in the latched position. |
| US08720931B2 |
Tilt limiting assembly for fifth wheel hitch assembly
A fifth wheel hitch plate support assembly includes a rack member adapted to be mounted to a vehicle frame member, a mounting member slidably engaging the rack member and selectively repositionable along a length of the rack member, wherein the mounting member is adapted to pivotably support a fifth wheel hitch plate therefrom, a bracket member separated from the mounting member and slidably engaging the rack member, and a stop assembly operably supported by the bracket member and adapted to abut the fifth wheel hitch plate to limit a pivoting movement of the fifth wheel hitch plate with respect to the mounting member. |
| US08720930B2 |
Collision protection structure
A collision protection structure to protect the shoulders includes a connecting member for fixedly attaching to a vehicle frame and an external shell positioned on the outer side of said connecting member. The collision protection structure also includes a protective foam disposed on the inner side of the external shell, a shoulder protection bracket fixedly attached to the connecting member, and a mounting bracket fixedly attached to the shoulder protection bracket. The mounting bracket is positioned between the protective foam and the shoulder protection bracket, said protective foam being fixedly arranged between the mounting bracket and the external shell. The present collision protection structure improves overall safety performance. |
| US08720929B2 |
Bicycle frame
A bicycle frame including a head tube and a bottom bracket adapted to support a crankset. The frame also includes a tubular frame member that is coupled to the head tube and that has a concave section disposed on an underside of the frame member and spaced from the head tube. |
| US08720926B2 |
Child mobility chair
A mobility chair is arranged for a high degree of maneuverability, and is particularly useful for handicapped individuals in need of a highly stable and maneuverable carriage. The mobility chair may be particularly useful for children, and includes a seat positioned between first and second wheels of a first wheel set, wherein the axial spacing dimension of the first and second wheels is greater than the axle height. The mobility chair is arranged for pivotability about the first wheel set axle to permit the user to freely pivot forward while in the seat of the chair, with the pivoting being limited in both circumaxial directions about the axle axis. |
| US08720924B2 |
Auxiliary step and hand hold system
An auxiliary step and hand hold system for accessing a vehicle. The system includes at least one auxiliary step, at least one hand hold shaped to assist a climb into the trailer, and at least one pocket shaped to removably receive the at least one hand hold. The auxiliary step may be a rotating-retractable step that rotates between a use position and a stowed position. The hand hold is shaped to assist a climb into the cargo bay and may be inserted into the pockets in a use position and a stowed position. One or more stationary steps can also be used in connection with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The hand holds, pockets and auxiliary steps may be used alone or in combination to assist with access to a vehicle. |
| US08720923B2 |
Automotive suspension adjustment apparatus
A vehicle suspension lift kit includes a first suspension lift component having a first interlocking pattern, and a second suspension lift component having a second interlocking pattern. The first and second interlocking patterns are selectively engagable with one another to prevent relative motion among the first and second components along an interfacial plane. Each of the first and second suspension lift components are specifically configured to be employed individually or in combination between a vehicular suspension and a vehicular axle to provide a selected extent of suspension lift. |
| US08720922B2 |
Suspension system with single moving element
A suspension system for use with a vehicle including an axle tube, an internal tube and a locking structure. The axle tube is adapted to be attached to the vehicle. The internal tube assembly has an inner member with a first end and a second end. A locking structure is formed integrally at the second end with the inner member. The locking structure has a locking shape that allows the internal tube assembly to be inserted into the axle tube when the locking structure is rotated to a non-operational position. The internal tube assembly is prevented from being removed from the axle tube when the internal tube assembly rotates between jounce and rebound positions when the suspension system is operational. |
| US08720921B1 |
Vehicular suspension enhancement
A vehicular suspension enhancer comprises a pair of vertically oriented spring portions, one portion mounted to the axle and the other portion mounted to the frame. Each vehicle axle can be equipped with two suspension enhancers, one enhancer located on each side of an axle. Each of the spring portions are positioned in the space between the axle and the vehicular frame, with the distal ends of each spring portion facing one another with a space between the distal ends defining a gap. The gap between the facing spring portions will increase in response to an increase in the distance between frame and axle. |
| US08720916B2 |
Skateboard truck
A skateboard truck assembly with an integrated combination of a system of gears that resemble planetary gears that allow both wheels and a caster to remain on the ground while the skateboard is traveling in a lengthwise manner. At the same time, when the rider leans to one side or the other of the skateboard, the gear assembly causes the “downhill” wheel to rise in the air and the caster to be displaced such that the skateboarder can laterally “slide” or “drift” the skateboard as though it was a snowboard. Because the downhill wheel is raised well above the ground, there is less of a tendency for the downhill wheel to catch on any street irregularities or rocks and stop sliding at inopportune times. |
| US08720914B1 |
Safety walker
A safety walker that provides a padded top member, a plurality of telescopic legs, a plurality of crossbars between the legs, a removable mesh seat, and a latchable door having a padded upper bar attached atop a U-shaped support base along with accessory attachments, including a holder frame for an oxygen tank, a table, and a receptacle bag. In addition to the telescopic legs, a hinge is disposed at each rear corner of the top member as well as between the crossbars to provide collapsibility. |
| US08720912B2 |
Golf bag cart
The golf bag cart includes a central base, a bottom cart stand, an upper cart stand, a wheel support, a first linkage, a second linkage, and a lock mechanism. The bottom cart stand has a top end fastened to the central base, a bottom end coupled with a front wheel, and a slider. The upper cart stand has a bottom end pivotally connected with the central base. Two wheel supports, disposed respectively and inclinedly at two sides of the central base, are joined with a steel wire to form a structure similar to a triangle. The first linkage connects the upper cart stand and the slider. The second linkage connects the slider and the wheel support. The lock mechanism mounted on the top end of the slider enables the upper cart stand and the bottom cart stand to lock with each other. |
| US08720909B2 |
Quick-release bit adapter
A quick-release bit adapter includes a body having first and second ends spaced along a longitudinal axis. The body includes a driving hole extending from the first end towards the second end along the longitudinal axis. The body further includes a sliding groove in communication with the driving hole and intermediate the driving hole and the second end along the longitudinal axis. A through-hole extends from an outer periphery of the first end through the sliding groove. A bit received in the driving hole abuts and is stopped by at least one protrusion extending inward from an inner periphery of the driving hole towards the longitudinal axis. A magnetic device is slideably received in the sliding groove and controllable by a user through the through-hole to slide along the longitudinal axis between two positions to engage with or disengage from the bit. |
| US08720908B2 |
Vehicle component and sealing member
A vehicle component includes a sealing member that is sandwiched between the vehicle component and a vehicle body to seal a gap between the vehicle component and the vehicle body. The sealing member includes an adhering/separating member that is adhereable to and separable from a wall of the vehicle body, and an elastic compressing member that is elastically compressible and stacked on the adhering/separating member. The adhering/separating member adheres to the wall of the vehicle body when the sealing member is present between the vehicle component and the vehicle body. |
| US08720904B2 |
Static sealing device for wheel hub assemblies connected to constant velocity joints
A static sealing device for a wheel hub assembly, an inner ring operatively associated with a constant velocity joint, an outer ring coupled with the wheel hub, including a first sealing assembly arranged between the inner ring and an outer ring for protecting respective rolling bodies, and a second sealing assembly integrally carried by the inner ring, arranged straddling the wheel hub and the outer ring of the joint; wherein the first sealing assembly includes a shield anchored to the inner ring of the bearing and provided, on the first side of the joint, with a flange portion carrying an annular signal generating element towards the joint which leaves an annular radially inner area of the flange portion uncovered, defining an annular seat between it and the inner ring in which an edge radially folded on the outside of a tubular core of the second sealing assembly is coupled. |
| US08720901B2 |
Seal ring
A seal ring that seals an annular gap formed between a shaft and a housing that has a shaft hole into which the shaft is inserted. The seal ring is configured such that one of both the ends and has a projection projecting in the direction of the circumference of the seal ring. The other end has a recess used in combination with the projection. The seal ring is characterized in that the recess has an inclining side face, which inclines from the direction of the circumference, and the projection and the recess form a sliding part so that a part of the edge of the leading end of the projection slides over the inclining side face of the recess, and portion of the sliding part is formed as a linear sliding portion. |
| US08720897B1 |
Timer controlled building and demolition game apparatus
Toy and game methods and apparatus including rectangular block elements layered to form a tower with upper and lower layers held by frictional coupling between the layers. The tower height increases during game play by removing blocks from one or more lower layers to build up successive upper layers upon an assembly platform. An upsetting element at the base transforms the blocks by dislodging the block elements with respect to the assembly platform by moving or traversing the assembly platform. A shifting mechanism may be provided in mechanical communication with the assembly platform for moving the platform between positions. A timer element establishes a predetermined time period from which the upsetting element transforms the block elements assembled atop the platform at an expiration of the set period of play time. |
| US08720895B2 |
Portable archery target support
A portable archery target support having at least three legs that can be arranged asymmetrically, the legs being dowels or simple tubes; with a non-rigid target suspension feature and stabilizers to prevent the target from swinging or turning excessively after an arrow strike. |
| US08720894B2 |
Ground preparation apparatus
The present invention is a ground preparation apparatus for use in maintaining substantially uniformly soft and smooth soil while providing a movable roping target. The apparatus is usefully in avoiding the need to separately maintain ground to be used in roping practice while at the same time providing a moving roping target. |
| US08720888B2 |
Image forming apparatus with a feeding unit including a plurality of ribs
An image forming apparatus is provided that includes a turn-around mechanism, and a re-feeding unit that includes a first feeding unit having a guide curved to bulge in such a direction as to be farther from an image forming unit, the guide defining an outer side of a curved first feeding route for feeding a sheet received from the turn-around mechanism, and a second feeding unit defining a second feeding route for feeding the sheet fed via the first feeding route, the guide including a first section on a first side thereof in the width direction of the sheet, and a second section around a second side opposite to the first side thereof in the width direction, the second section being curved to bulge more than the first section in such a direction as to be farther from the image forming unit. |
| US08720884B2 |
Sheet loading device and image forming apparatus equipped with the same
A sheet loading device positioned in an image forming apparatus includes a frame and a loading plate located on an upper surface portion of the frame. The loading plate, in association with, the upper surface portion allows the sheet to be loaded on thereon. The loading plate includes a sheet loading member that supports a downstream side of the sheet in a sheet feed direction, and can be raised and lowered with respect to a sheet transportation path, and a cover member that is located between the sheet loading member and the upper surface portion. The cover member covers a gap formed between the sheet loading member and the upper surface portion when the sheet loading member is in a raised position. |
| US08720882B2 |
Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding device includes a stacking unit configured to allow sheets to be stacked thereon; side end regulating members configured to make contact with both side ends of the stacked sheets so that positions of the side ends are regulated; a feeding unit configured to feed one sheet at a time from the stacked sheets; an air supply unit; and an air blow unit including a blow port from which air supplied from the air supply unit is blown against a side end of the stacked sheets, the air blow unit being housed in each of the side end regulating members. Each side end regulating member has an opening for exhausting the air that is blown from the blow port unit to the stacked sheets. An orientation of the blow port is adjustable about an axial line perpendicular to a plane corresponding to a surface of the stacked sheets. |
| US08720881B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method of controlling same
An image forming apparatus is provided that can efficiently reduce power consumption. The image forming apparatus includes a power supply portion that brings, into a power saving state, a paper feed device holding a sheet of a sheet size whose paper feed frequency does not reach a threshold value and a notification portion that provides a notification that a paper feed device holding the sheet of the sheet size whose paper feed frequency reaches the threshold value is encouraged to be the paper feed device that is closer to the print portion than the paper feed device holding the sheet of the sheet size whose paper feed frequency does not reach the threshold value. |
| US08720879B1 |
Food preparation cutting board and associated method
A food preparation cutting board for cutting and storing food stuff in isolated compartments adjacent to the cutting board preferably includes a cutting board including a plurality of openings formed along a perimeter thereof, and a plurality of food containers removably interfitted within the openings respectively such that the food containers are juxtaposed adjacent to the perimeter of the cutting board. The food containers are fixedly engaged with the cutting board when the food containers are disposed within the openings respectively. Such food containers are capable of may be interchangeably oriented at an upright position and an inverted position relative to the cutting board. In this manner, the food containers are adapted to receive food stuff directly from the cutting board. Furthermore, a user is able to expand the surface area of the cutting board and/or conveniently slide food stuff into the food containers directly from the cutting board. |
| US08720878B2 |
Positioning device
A positioning device includes a base, a supporting member, a fixing member, a first electromagnetic clutch, an engaging member, and at least one guide member. The base defines at least one hole. The supporting member is configured to support a workpiece. The supporting member and the fixing member are at the opposite sides of the base. The first electromagnetic clutch is disposed on a side of the base adjacent to the fixing member. The engaging member configured to be attracted by the first electromagnetic clutch is disposed on a side of the fixing member adjacent to the base and corresponds to the first electromagnetic clutch. An end of the at least one guide member is fixed to the fixing member, and an opposite end of the fixing member passes through the at least one hole and is fixed to the supporting member. |
| US08720877B2 |
Oscillation controller for an oscillating body capable of adjusting acceleration thereof
In oscillating an oscillating body, a control unit obtains a load torque due to the gravity acting on a drive motor at least at one angular position defined about an axis of rotation. The control unit calculates a specified maximum acceleration depending upon if the load torque Q is acting in a direction in which it hinders the acceleration or deceleration of the drive motor 15 or is acting in a direction in which it assists the acceleration or deceleration. An acceleration for the oscillating body is set so as not to be greater than the calculated specified maximum acceleration. The control unit adjusts the acceleration of the oscillating body depending upon the load torque of when the oscillating body 13 is accelerating or decelerating. |
| US08720865B2 |
Winch assembly
A winch assembly is described and shown herein. The winch assembly may include a first housing member having a first retaining member formed therein and a second housing member having a second retaining member formed therein, the second housing member secured to the first housing member forming a winch housing. The winch assembly may further include a drive system generally positioned within the winch housing, and a winch drum operatively coupled with the drive system and rotationally secured with the first and second retaining members. |
| US08720863B2 |
Apparatus for stringing a line underneath a cross member
A stringing apparatus for stringing a sock-line, optionally a phase line, within a closed framed opening of a power line tower of H-frame, portal or corset type uses a helicopter for pulling the sock-line where the stringing apparatus is suspended from the helicopter by a tow-line and the sock-line is fastened to it. The stringing apparatus comprises an arcuate channel which is attached to the sock-line and a rotating open spoke star-wheel defining legs the ends of which travel inside the channel and allows a continuous revolution of the star wheel thus allowing the closed frame cross member to travel through one of the gaps between the legs while the sock-line passes to the underside of the cross member and the tow line passes over the cross member. |
| US08720855B2 |
Ball valve having multiple moveable seats
Embodiments and methods are disclosed herein that relate to a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing having a passage formed therethrough, and a valve ball having a through hole and disposed in the housing, in which the valve ball is rotatable between an open position that has the through hole aligned with the passage and a closed position that has the through hole misaligned with the passage. The valve assembly further includes a first seat having a first sealing surface and disposed in the housing adjacent to the valve ball, and a second seat having a second sealing surface and disposed in the housing adjacent to the first seat such that the first sealing surface of the first seat is disposed adjacent to the second sealing surface of the second seat. At least one of the first sealing surface of the first seat and the second sealing surface of the second seat comprises an arcuate surface. |
| US08720854B2 |
Floating ball valve seal with dynamic C-seal and static C-seal
A seal assembly is provided for a rotary ball valve having a top-mounted bonnet, thereby allowing the seal assembly to be installed and removed without removing the valve from the pipeline. In an embodiment, the seal assembly may include a seal ring disposed within the valve interior and biased toward the ball element of the valve. A seal carrier may be disposed between the seal ring and the valve body, and the seal carrier may be removably secured to the valve body by a plurality of bolts disposed in the valve interior. A primary leak path may exists between the seal ring and the seal carrier and a secondary leak path may exists between the seal carrier and the valve body. A first and second auxiliary seal may prevent fluid flow through the primary and secondary leak path, respectively. |
| US08720853B2 |
Container treatment machine and delivery pipe section
A container treatment machine with a tank and spaced-apart valve housings, wherein a pressure-resistant delivery pipe having a curved section is provided between the tank and each valve housing directly or via an intermediate flow regulator, the delivery pipe being composed, at least in its curved section, of a hard plastic which is pressure- and temperature-resistant, and is acid- and alkali-resistant and permissible for foodstuffs, in particular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon). |
| US08720852B2 |
Procedure for positioning the actuating drive in a fuel injector and device for performing the procedure
The positioning of the actuating drive in a fuel injector with a piezoactuator (2) that is screwed into the housing (1) of the fuel injector is performed by applying a voltage (U) to the piezoactuator (2) that corresponds to a given idle stroke (h), and the surface grinding of the housing (3) and base plate (4) of the piezoactuator (2) when voltage is applied. Between the housing (1) of the fuel injector and the housing (3) of the piezoactuator (2), there is also provided a compensation collar (9) of a suitable thickness. |
| US08720848B2 |
Apparatus for securing a portable electronic device
A securing device for securing portable electronic devices and the method of using the securing device are disclosed. The securing device has a plate assembly, a post assembly and a main bar. A portable electronic device is inserted in-between the plate assembly and the main bar. Thereafter, the post assembly is rotated from a first position to a second position which is perpendicular to the length of the plate assembly. While in the second position, the post assembly prevents the rearward movement of the portable electronic device. The main bar prevents the upward movement of the portable electronic device. The plate assembly has a recessed profile that allows airflow through the bottom portion of the portable electronic device while being secured with the securing device. |
| US08720847B2 |
External articulation mechanism with a noise-dampening support element
An external articulation mechanism for pivotably holding the backrest of a vehicle seat on the vehicle. A receiving element can be secured to the vehicle and has a support opening and side walls defining an introduction slot that opens into an open side of the support opening. A pivot member securable to the backrest can be inserted into the support opening via the introduction slot. An arresting mechanism on the receiving element extends over the open side of the support opening and is pivotable between release and arresting positions. A support element disposed on the pivot member has an extension that juts into the introduction slot and that on both sides has deformable projections for resiliently engaging recesses of the side walls of the receiving element. |
| US08720845B2 |
Wear compensator for a pivoting detent joint
A wear compensator for a pivoting detent joint comprising a carrier base having a bearing housing and a bearing ring disposed in an interior channel of the bearing housing. A pivot cylinder is carried in the interior channel bearing against the bearing ring. An inner cone slidably carried in a cylinder recess of the pivot cylinder. A biasing element forcing the inner cone into the cylinder recess to biases the cylinder wall against the bearing ring. A support arm pivotally mounted to the bearing housing including a lower pivot block receiving and supporting the pivot cylinder in the interior channel, and an upper pivot block having an arm detent ring engaging a base detent ring carried by the bearing housing. Accordingly, the pivot cylinder rotates on the bearing ring and the arm detent ring rotates on the base detent ring to adjust the position of the support arm. |
| US08720844B2 |
Structure for coupling items such as signs and cameras to a fixed support structure
A structure is provided for coupling items such as signs, birdhouses and cameras to a fixed support structure is disclosed. Various mechanisms for attachment to a variety of supporting structures are described. The structure firmly holds an item in place, and the structure is capable of secure attachment to a variety of supporting structures. |
| US08720843B1 |
Protective cover
A protective cover structure includes a bottom plate, a coupling plate and a top lid. Two opposite edges of the coupling plate are respectively connected to the bottom plate and a top lid. The bottom plate, coupling plate and top lid are foldable with respect to one another. The bottom plate includes a first bottom board and second bottom board being foldable to each other. A buckling tongue for holding an electronic device is disposed on the first bottom board, and a covering element covering and positioning the electronic device is disposed on the second bottom board. An electronic device can be covered and positioned through the arrangement of the buckling tongue and covering element. When intending to operate the electronic device, a user lifts the top lid and folds and positions it under the bottom plate, or disengage the buckling tongue to release the electronic device, thereby supporting the electronic device in a standing-up use. |
| US08720841B2 |
Clamp assembly
A clamp assembly including a base member, wherein the base member includes a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein at least one of the top and bottom surfaces is adapted for fixed or releasable association with a substrate; a first support arm, wherein the first support arm includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the first support arm is displaceable along a first axis, a second support arm, wherein the second support arm includes an inner surface and an outer surface, and wherein the second support arm is displaceable along the first axis, and wherein the first and second support arms are biased such that the inner surfaces of the support members contact each other at a first contact point. |
| US08720840B2 |
Container-supporting apparatus
A container-supporting apparatus includes a housing, a holder, a cup-supporting body, a flap, an elastic member for urging the flap in a direction of an insertion hole, a shaft part provided on either (for example, the flap) of the holder or the flap, and a shaft-bearing part provided on the other (for example, the holder) and provided with a shaft-bearing part capable of receiving the shaft part. When the holder is stored in the housing, the cup-supporting body contacts the flap whereby the shaft part moves inside the shaft-bearing hole of the shaft-bearing part. |
| US08720839B2 |
Connector for panel members
Aspects of the invention are directed to a connector that connects a first flat member and a second flat member. The connector can include a support portion, a first arm, connected to the support portion, and defining a first arm channel. The connector can also include a second arm, connected to the support portion, and defining a second arm channel, the second arm being apart from the first arm. An opening is defined, in part, by an edge of the support portion, and edge of the first arm and an edge of the second arm. Also, the first arm channel an the second arm channel and the support portion are shaped and configured such that the first flat member can be positioned, in part, within the first arm channel, and extend through the opening, and the second flat member can be positioned, in part, in the second arm channel. |
| US08720838B2 |
Articulating monitor arm with chain and spring
The present application teaches an extension arm including an articulating portion that approximately counterbalances the mass of the articulating portion and any objects connected thereto, for example an electronic device, throughout the positional range of the articulating portion, via the operation of a counter-balancing mechanism. In some embodiments according to the disclosed inventive concepts, the counter-balancing mechanism employs a spring coupled to a chain at a first end, the chain being connected at its opposite end to a pivoting member with which it interacts to support the articulating portion of the extension arm and any objects connected thereto. |
| US08720837B2 |
Support frame for electronic device
A support frame for supporting an electronic device includes a fixing base for grasping the electronic device, two support assemblies, an angle adjusting mechanism connecting the fixing base to the support assemblies, and an adjusting plate. The angle adjusting mechanism includes a connecting member, a mating member, and an adjusting assembly. The connecting member is connected to the support assembly. The adjusting assembly includes an adjusting shaft and an adjusting cap engaged with the adjusting shaft. The connecting member and the mating member are sleeved on the adjusting shaft. The adjusting plate is sleeved on the adjusting shaft, and positioned between the connecting member and the mating member. |
| US08720834B2 |
Bag support and holding device
A hoop for holding a bag comprises a hoop strip having a first end, a second end and a central portion between the first and second ends. The hoop strip being comprises a resilient material. A first loop member attaches to the first end of the hoop strip, defining a channel which receives slidably therein the central portion of the hoop strip. A second loop member attaches to the second end of the hoop strip, defining a channel which receives slidably therein the central portion of the loop strip. The first and second loop members keep the hoop strip generally circular, but it can be adjusted so as to have a plurality of circumferences by sliding the central portion of the hoop strip within the first and second loop members. The hoop may also comprise a handle for holding the hoop, and a base. |
| US08720833B2 |
Lawn bag apparatus
A lawn bag apparatus to stabilize an opening of a lawn bag is disclosed, comprising a frame comprising a plurality of sidewalls arranged to approximate the opening, each sidewall comprising a midwall portion extending approximately vertically, an upper wall portion extending upwardly and outwardly from the midwall portion, and a lower wall portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the midwall portion, a first clamp positioned along one of the sidewalls, and a second clamp positioned along a sidewall opposite the first clamp, the first and second clamps being movable between an open, disengaged position and a closed, engaged position for detachably securing the frame to the lawn bag. |
| US08720832B2 |
Fastening element for elongated material
A fastening element for fastening elongated materials in a motor vehicle with an anchoring part, which engages in the wall, to which the fastening part is attached, is proposed. The anchoring part has two spreading arms and a seal which circularly surrounds the anchoring part. |
| US08720829B2 |
Closable counter-measure compartments for a dispenser unit
A dispenser unit including a plurality of compartments, each being adapted for storing and launching a payload and including an opening through which the payload is launched by a control unit/. A door is associated with the opening and is driven by a driver. The dispenser unit includes one common door being arranged in such way that it is drivable to cover the openings of the compartments from which the payloads have been launched. |
| US08720828B2 |
Extended plug cold plate
Heat exchange systems, devices and methods are provided. A particular heat exchange device includes a housing defining an inlet and an outlet. The heat exchange device also includes at least one ceramic foam member inside the housing. The at least one ceramic foam member defines a plurality of pores. The heat exchange device also includes a plurality of extended plugs that extend from a first side of the housing through the at least one ceramic foam member to a second side of the housing. The first side of the housing is spaced apart from the at least one ceramic foam member by first ends of the plurality of extended plugs. |
| US08720824B2 |
Joining arrangement for the lateral boxes of a horizontal tail stabiliser with a tubular central box and manufacturing method for said box
Joining arrangement for the lateral boxes (11, 11′) of a horizontal tail stabilizer with a central tubular box and manufacturing method for said box. The boxes (11, 11′) are joined using an intermediate joining part (31) that comprises a central box (33, 63, 73), upper (35, 35′) and lower (37, 37′) lateral flaps, fitting plates (A) for the trimming device and fitting plates (B) for the pivoting device, the join being made with rivets between the skins (15, 15′; 17, 17′) of the lateral boxes (11, 11′) and said flaps (35; 35′; 37; 37′). The method for manufacturing the intermediate joining part (31) comprises steps to: a) Provide preforms suitable for forming said part (31); b) Form and cure the part (31) made from said preforms using an RTM method. |
| US08720822B2 |
Wing load alleviation structure
A wing load alleviation structure for use on an aircraft, comprising a front spar, wherein the front spar includes a plurality of alternating rigid spar structures and inflatable spar structures; and a rear spar, wherein the rear spar includes a plurality of alternating rigid spar structures and pivot joints, such that when a load is applied to the front and rear spars, deflection of each of the front and rear spars continues at a first rate until a critical load is reached, and then as the loading increases, deflection of each of the front and rear spars continues at a second rate. |
| US08720819B2 |
Passenger seat, in particular aircraft passenger seat
The invention relates to a passenger seat, in particular an aircraft passenger seat, comprising seating components such as a seat section (3) and a backrest (1), which is located on a backrest frame (7) and has at least one support section (15) that supports the relevant part of the body of the seat occupant, said section being displaceable in relation to the backrest frame (7) by means of an adjusting device (25). Said seat is characterized in that a web (15) constitutes the displaceable support section, said web extending between the lateral edges (5) of the backrest frame (7) and being suspended by its upper edge (17) from the backrest frame (7) and engaging at its lower end (23) that adjoins the seat section (3) with the adjusting device that is configured as a tensile device (25). The tensile device is used to exert a tensile force on the lower end of the web (15), in order to pull the web (15) forwards by said lower end (23) from a position in which it lies longitudinally against the backrest (1). |
| US08720816B2 |
Unmanned aerial vehicle
The present invention relates to an aircraft with a surveillance system characterized in that the direction of flight towards a target is achievable by shifting the center of gravity of the vehicle towards the target. The center of gravity is shifted towards the target by pointing the surveillance system at the target. |
| US08720814B2 |
Aircraft with freewheeling engine
An aircraft may have a fuselage, a left wing extending from the fuselage, a right wing extending from the fuselage, a tail section extending from a rear portion of the fuselage, and a first engine and a second engine operably connected by a common driveshaft, wherein the first and second engines are configured for freewheeling such that if one of the first and second engines loses power the other of the first and second engines continues to power the aircraft. |
| US08720808B2 |
Systems and methods for preparation of medications
A pill is divided using a pill splitter and crusher device having a first member coupled to a second member. The first member comprises a pill-receiving cavity and the second member comprises a blade and an anvil. In some contemplated embodiments, the anvil is configured to crush a pill placed within the cavity and the blade is configured to split the pill within the cavity. Furthermore, the anvil is coupled to the second member, such that the anvil could move from a crushing position to a non-crushing position, which allows for crushing and splitting of the pill, respectively. |
| US08720805B1 |
System and method for cooling a densifier
Exemplary embodiments relate to a system for cooling a compression screw that includes a compression screw. The system may include a hollowed shaft, a tubular body extending through a proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the hollowed shaft, at least one flight, including a chamber in fluid connection with the tubular body, and a rotary union connected with the compression screw shaft, which is adapted to allow fluid to flow from a relatively stationary inlet into the compression screw such that fluid is adapted to be circulated through the tubular body and the at least one flight for cooling the compression screw. |
| US08720803B1 |
Multiple-line irrigation system and method
A multiple-line irrigation system includes a plurality of spans extending from a central pivot, a first pipeline for carrying water, and a second pipeline for carrying chemicals. Each span includes a distribution assembly which draws water and chemicals from the first and second pipelines independently of distribution assemblies in the other spans so as to distribute the water and chemicals as a mixture onto a field according to the requirements of the field under each span. Auxiliary lines coupled to the pipelines in the distribution assembly in each span include valves to regulate the supply of water and chemicals from the pipelines. |
| US08720802B2 |
Fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines
The invention relates to a fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines having a valve body in which a blind hole is formed, with at least one injection opening proceeding from said blind hole. A longitudinally displaceable needle in the valve body has a valve sealing face formed at its end which faces towards the blind hole. The valve sealing face is formed from one or more conical faces, and the valve needle interacting, by means of a body seat, with said valve sealing face to control a fuel flow to the at least one injection opening. A needle tip adjoining the valve sealing face dips into the blind hole when the valve needle bears against the body seat, the needle tip being curved in a concave fashion directly adjacent to the valve sealing face. |
| US08720798B2 |
Drywall spray gun
The present invention is a drywall spray gun that disperses drywall material that includes a funnel-shaped hopper, a casing that houses a flip lever and a fan, a slide lock trigger and a trigger shield that protects the slide lock trigger from being struck or touched unintentionally and a rechargeable battery pack. The spray gun also includes a removable motor, a forearm rest, an adjustable nozzle and a corresponding stand with a bottom base, an upright vertical backing and a c-shaped top that secures the drywall spray gun in place while the drywall material is poured into the hopper. |
| US08720797B2 |
Rotary atomizing head, rotary atomization coating apparatus, and rotary atomization coating method
A rotary atomizing head 1, which has an inner peripheral surface 2 whose diameter increases from a bottom 21 of the inner peripheral surface toward a tip thereof, and atomizes and releases paint by applying a centrifugal force generated by rotation to the paint supplied to the bottom of the inner peripheral surface, includes a paint supply nozzle 11 for supplying the paint and a cleaning solution to the bottom of the inner peripheral surface, and the paint supply nozzle has a nozzle hole 10a for discharging the paint and the cleaning solution from a rotation center O portion of the rotary atomizing head in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of the rotary atomizing head. The rotary atomizing head 1 also includes a dam portion 4 that is provided in an intermediate portion between the bottom and the tip of the inner peripheral surface and dams the paint and the cleaning solution supplied from the paint supply nozzle to the bottom and flow along the inner peripheral surface toward the tip. |
| US08720796B2 |
Rotary atomizing head type coating device
A rotation restricting mechanism is provided between a mounting shaft section of a rotational shaft and a mounting tube section of a rotary atomizing head. The rotation restricting mechanism includes a male spline member provided on the outer peripheral side of the mounting shaft section, and a female spline member provided on the inner peripheral side of the mounting tube section. By meshing engagement of the male spline member with the female spline member, the rotation restricting mechanism restricts rotational displacements of the rotary atomizing head relative to the rotational shaft. |
| US08720792B2 |
Ballast retaining structure, tool jig, and bedded track
A ballast retaining structure according to the present invention is a ballast retaining structure in which ballast laid on the roadbed is tamped to thereby retain a track bed extended in an extending direction of the roadbed from a transverse direction thereof, and includes a layered body formed by a plurality of bag-like objects, each being formed in a bag shape and containing the ballast, which are stacked from a toe of slope to a top of slope of the track bed such that each of the bag-like objects is tilted to decline from an outer end portion to an inner end portion thereof. |
| US08720791B2 |
Utility-driven energy-load management with adaptive fan control during load-control events
An adaptive-fan-control (AFC) communicating thermostat for controlling an electrical load and controlling an HVAC circulation fan during a load control event. The thermostat interrupts and overrides an occupant-selected fan setting of the thermostat. The AFC communicating thermostat includes a controller in communication with a temperature sensor and the occupant-selectable fan control. |
| US08720787B2 |
Composite RF tag, and tool mounted with the composite RF tag
The present invention relates to a composite RF tag for transmitting and receiving information using an electromagnetic induction method, comprising a magnetic antenna mounted with an IC, and a resin layer formed around the magnetic antenna, wherein the magnetic antenna comprises a central core formed of a magnetic material and a coil-shaped electrode material disposed around the core. The RF tag according to the present invention comprises the magnetic antenna surrounded by the resin, and therefore can provide a composite magnetic RF tag which can minimize adverse influence by surrounding water or metals in view of maintenance of tools or parts to which the composite RF tag is mounted, and is free from occurrence of any failure or cracking. |
| US08720783B2 |
Device and system for processing image data representing bar codes
A device for processing image data relating to bar codes is described. In one embodiment a bar code verification device is provided having an ergonomic form factor characterized by a domed hand held trigger and a viewing window. The verification device may be disposed in a network that includes a host processor system and other bar code reading devices which may include other bar code verification devices. Processing circuitry for processing image signals corresponding to printed bar codes may be partially disposed within the hand held verification device and partially disposed within a host processor system spaced apart from and associated with the hand held verification device. The hand held verification device may be in wireless communication with the host processor system to which it is associated. The bar code verification system may include signal enhancement modules which interpolate constructed pixel values from actual pixel values and which correct for signal degradation resulting from high frequency spatial sampling. |
| US08720781B2 |
Image reader having image sensor array
An image reader can include an image sensor array. An image reader in one embodiment can include an optical system capable of directing light reflected from a target onto the image sensor array. An image reader can be used for reading a dataform. |
| US08720780B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for displaying a barcode at a computing device
Embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods described herein generally facilitate the display of a barcode at a computing device for capture by another computing device. In accordance with one example embodiment, a barcode is generated at a first computing device, the barcode is displayed on a display screen associated with the first computing device, and one or more display properties of the barcode are dynamically modified while it is displayed at the first computing device until the barcode is successfully captured (e.g. by a camera) at a second computing device. |
| US08720773B2 |
Method and apparatus for distribution of money transfers
A method for performing transactions comprises receiving registration information and money transfer transaction specifications, generating a distribution profile based on the registration information, and storing the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile. The distribution profile is identified based on an initiation instruction and associated user authentication data, and one of the money transfer transaction specifications in the distribution profile is identified based on the initiation instruction. Payment source status is verified according to the identified money transfer transaction specification, and a staged send transaction is initiated, based on the payment source status at the time the send transaction is initiated. |
| US08720772B2 |
Tube verifier
There is provided a tube connector for connecting between a fluid sampling tube and a fluid analyzer, the tube connector includes an end face adapted to identify the tube connector, said end face comprising a reflecting surface having one or more reflective regions adapted to reflect light at a predetermined range of wavelengths. |
| US08720771B2 |
System and method for facilitating secure self payment transactions of retail goods
Disclosed herein are various embodiments for systems and methods for self-payment and verification of the purchase of retail goods and services. According to an embodiment of the invention, a method for verifying the purchase using a mobile electronic device in wireless communication with a payment verification system and a code generating system is provided, the method comprising the steps of: receiving from a consumer information identifying an item for purchase; receiving from a consumer information identifying payment means for purchasing the item for purchase; processing the information identifying the item for purchase and information identifying payment means and generating a unique QR code indicating a purchase of the item; sending the unique QR code to a mobile device for display by a consumer to the vendor of the item for purchase. |
| US08720770B2 |
Box partition set
A partition set for reinforcing a container's handles, the partition set including at least one interlocking subcomponent without hand holes and at least one interlocking subcomponent with two end panels with hand holes; the hand holes alignable with the container's hand holes; thereby providing reinforcement to the container's handles. Also, a container with hand hole reinforcement provided by the partition set. |
| US08720766B2 |
Surgical stapling instruments and staples
A surgical staple including a crown and a deformable member extending from the crown, the deformable member having a notch configured to cause the deformable member to bend at the notch when the staple is deformed from a first shape into a second shape. The crown of the surgical staple, in various embodiments, further includes a forming surface, or anvil, which is configured to deform the deformable member and/or guide a distal end of the deformable member when the distal end contacts the crown. |
| US08720761B2 |
Roof rack for a vehicle and method for fastening said roof rack
The invention relates to a roof luggage rack (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one roof drip molding (3) provided with a fastening device (5) for the detachable installation on the roof of the motor vehicle. It is provided that the fastening device (5) is a sliding fastening device (6). The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding method for fastening the roof luggage rack (2). |
| US08720757B2 |
Low-profile storage apparatus for a motorcycle
Disclosed is a low-profile storage apparatus for a motorcycle. The low-profile storage apparatus comprises a base attachable to a motorcycle. The low-profile storage apparatus also comprises a shell supported about the base, and movable between a stowing position and an open position. The low-profile storage apparatus further comprises at least one storage compartment supported by an underside of the shell, the at least one storage compartment having an opening accessible upon the shell being positioned in the open position. |
| US08720755B2 |
Lockable holster retention system
A holster having a lever with a finger button portion and an engagement portion, wherein the engagement portion of the lever includes a locking projection extending from a second side of the engagement portion; wherein the lever is pivotally attached to the holster, approximately between the finger button portion and the engagement portion, such that the finger button portion is positioned above the frame/slide portion of the cavity and the engagement portion is positioned above the trigger guard portion of the cavity; one or more ridge segments positioned around at least a portion of the lever; and a lockout lever pivotably attached to the first side wall such that the lockout lever is able to be rotated between a locked position and an unlocked position, and wherein the lockout lever is positioned beneath the finger button portion of the lever when the lockout lever is in the locked position. |
| US08720754B2 |
Locking and quick release mechanism for handgun holsters
A mechanical mechanism which allows a holster to firmly support and hold steady a pistol or revolver, allowing a smooth and quick release of this locking mechanism when required on the draw. This mechanical mechanism can grip the gun only on the trigger guard area, achieving a solid grip and smooth release by means of a sliding block formed around the shape of the front end of the trigger guard, which slides sideways out of the way as the gun is drawn upwards. Tension adjustment is achieved by applying more or less pressure on this sliding block as it moves up in its track, while the gun is drawn upwards. Total locking is achieved by means of a rotating lever, which locks the sliding block in place, preventing it from moving up at all, when securing the gun is required. |
| US08720753B2 |
Handgun holster
A handgun holster has a shaped holster body with through cavity for inserting and withdrawing the gun, which is furnished with a support for attaching the holster to the user, with a trigger safety catch and with a security system against removal of the gun from the holster where, in each of the two side walls of the holster body, in the area designed for ensuring the position of the inserted gun, there is a specularly arranged recess in which a safety catch is lodged. This recess has an opening for passage of the functional part of the safety catch into the cavity of the holster in the area designed for positioning the trigger guard of the gun. The outer covering of the safety catch, in the resting position, fits against the outer peripheral surface of the recess, while the functional part of the safety catch is a flat projection whose outer perimeter is smaller than the outer perimeter of the covering of the safety catch, so that this covering bears against the shoulder formed along the inner perimeter of the recess. Each safety catch is positioned on a pin fastened into the corresponding side wall of the body of the holster. |
| US08720752B2 |
Carrying assembly and electronic device using the same
A carrying assembly which may be detachably secured to a housing of an electronic device is disclosed. The carrying assembly includes a body and a positioning member. The body includes an opening and a first positioning portion positioned on a first surface of the body. The positioning member includes a second positioning portion and a top portion connected thereto. The second positioning portion detachably engages with the first positioning portion. The top portion protrudes from a second surface of the body through the opening, the second surface being opposite the first surface. When the top portion is pressed, the second positioning portion is separated from the first positioning portion, and a relative position between the body and the positioning member may be adjusted, thereby adjusting the length of the belt. |
| US08720748B2 |
Full open disk dispensing closure
A dispensing closure is provided that includes a body portion and a flap portion. The body portion can include an end wall, a skirt that depends from end wall, and an opening about the same size as the end wall. The flap portion can include a lid having at least one dispensing opening and a disk that has one or more dispensing orifices. The disk is in rotatable contact with the lid. A lock portion can include a surface area formed on the flap portion. The lock portion can also include a first substantially vertical piece formed on a first side of surface area, a second substantially vertical piece formed on a second side of surface area, and a substantially horizontal piece formed at a bottom of the first substantially vertical piece and the second substantially vertical piece. |
| US08720742B2 |
Sales kiosk
This disclosure is directed to a sales kiosk, a kiosk system and a process for dispensing or ordering one or more target products or samples of the target products. This disclosure is further directed to a kiosk system having a plurality of the sales kiosks connected via wired or wireless connections. The sales kiosks can be particularly useful for dispensing samples of sales products, such as furniture, typically not suitable to dispense at the sales location; or customized products that need to be customized. The sales kiosk can further be useful for ordering sales products. The sale kiosks can provide advantages for seeing and experiencing the sales products even the sale products cannot be directly displayed or dispensed. The kiosk can be modular and can comprise one or more modules. |
| US08720740B2 |
Reclosable closure of a liquid container
The invention relates to a reclosable closure (100) of a liquid container, in particular a beverage can (200), comprising a lid (300) that closes the liquid container by way of a flanged edge (310) and comprising a cover (400), with the lid (300) having an outlet opening (320) which can be exposed by twisting the cover (400) arranged on the lid (300), and the lid (300) comprises at least one recess (360, 361) for accommodating at least one sealing means (430) between the lid (300) and the cover (400). |
| US08720739B2 |
Beverage can holder and cooler technology
A cooler for holding two cans, particular beverage cans containing beer, soft drinks or the like, in a stacked or tandem arrangement. The cooler holds the cans snuggly, keeping them safe from bumps and the like, and also insulates the cans to preserve cold or hot temperature of can contents as long as practicable. The cooler has a cylindrical configuration including a body with an open top, a closed bottom, and an interior space. The body has a cylindrical sleeve and a bottom, which is either in the form of a separate panel or unitary with the sleeve. The bottom has an aperture for preventing or reducing vacuum on the inside of the cooler. |
| US08720736B2 |
Storage box
A stackable and collapsible storage box (100) comprising a foldable wrapper (10) having side wall and end wall panels which are releasably retained within a peripheral channel (30a) on a separate base portion (30). The wall panels have lower extension portions (11, 12) that are folded upwardly to provide a double thickness and these lower extension portions have an upper edge (12a) or apertures (37) that engage with short protrusions (33) formed on an inner wall (32) of the channel to retain the panels. The end wall panels have upper first and second extensions portions (14a, 16) that are respectively folded inwardly and upwardly to provide a support edge (16a) to support hangers for hang files. The support edge can be strengthened with a channel section (19). The box can have a lid (50) has a ridge (53) to compliment channel (36) on the base portion to allow stacking. |
| US08720733B2 |
Cooking device with a cooking surface defined by a plurality of vertically moveable members
A cooking device includes a cooking surface defined by a plurality of vertically adjustable members. Each vertically adjustable member of the plurality of vertically adjustable members is independently movable between a retracted position and an extended position. In certain applications, the cooking device may further include a cooking base and a sidewall upwardly extending from the cooking base. |
| US08720731B2 |
Packaging container
A packaging container includes an outer container, a packaging bag, and an inner packing member. The outer container has a box-like shape and has a containing space and a passage opening. The packaging bag is contained in the outer container in a state in which the packaging bag contains an object. The packaging bag includes a containing portion, an opening portion formed in the containing portion and allowing the object to pass therethrough, and a handle portion graspable by a user. The inner packing member is disposed between the object and the passage opening and contained in the containing space. At least part of the handle portion is disposed on the passage opening side of the inner packing member, and the handle portion moves toward the passage opening together with the inner packing member when the inner packing member is being removed from the outer container. |
| US08720730B2 |
Lid saver and method
A device for flexibly retaining lids or tops to containers or receptacles. Flexible coil chord secures a container or receptacle to its lid or top. The device allows for flexibly securing a lid to its container or receptacle to reduce loss or damage that could be avoided by retaining them in proximity to each other. |
| US08720717B2 |
End closure with full panel opening
A container for food and beverages with a fully opening end panel is provided. An end closure of the container has a generally circular end panel defined by a score line. A rotational opening tool is providing for contacting the end panel and separating the end panel from the score line upon rotation of the tool. |
| US08720716B2 |
Closure with spring loaded tether docking
A closure for a container has an integral tether section of the closure skirt attached to a tamper band at frangible sections. In the open position, the tether section has a free length providing for a plurality of resiliently docked closure positions retaining the closure on the container and not interfering with the transfer of contents therefrom. |
| US08720715B2 |
Closure cap for a medicine container
A closure cap for medicine containers and the like, having a bowl-shaped outer part made of PE or PP having at least one exposable penetration opening and a sealing element made of a soft plastic covering said opening. In order to obtain a reliable tight connection between the outer part and the sealing element, the sealing element is tightly connected all around to a socket encompassing the circumference thereof by injection into the same, and .the socket is tightly welded around the entire circumference thereof to the outer part or otherwise tightly connected thereto. |
| US08720714B2 |
Combined beverage container opener and cover
A multi-purpose device is disclosed for opening beverage containers, such as glass bottles, plastic bottles and/or cans and for covering some open beverage containers having a neck, such as beverage bottles. The device includes a housing. The housing can represent various decorative forms of headgear. The housing includes a bottle cap remover and bottle retainer. For twist-off caps, a twist-off bottle cap remover can be provided that includes a cup-like guide member that can receive the cap of a beverage container. Ridges formed on and projecting outward from the surface of the cup-like guide member's inner circumference can be received by indentations between ridges typically found on the outer circumference of beverage container caps (e.g., bottle caps). By twisting the guide member, the twist-off cap becomes loosened for easy removal. The housing provides a user with the necessary leverage to facilitate application of twisting torque onto a twist-off bottle cap, or leverage necessary to pull a pop-off cap off of a bottle or cause a can-tab to perforate the upper surface of a can. The device can include at least one bottle cap opener (e.g. twist-off or pop-off) and a lift tab opener for standard soda can. The bottle retainer can be integrated within the decorative housing, should be formed of a flexible material that will enable the device to be retained at the neck of an opened beverage bottle, thereby enabling cover for an opened bottle. |
| US08720705B1 |
Ribbon rack
A ribbon rack includes a retention base and a removable member. The retention base preferably includes an elongated base, a first hook plate and a second hook plate. The first hook plate extends downward from a first end of the elongated base and the second hook plate extends downward from a second end of the elongated base. The first and second hook plates are bent upward to form first and second hook ends. The first and second hook ends are sized to receive the elongated member. At least one figurine preferably extends upward from the elongated base. At least two holes are preferably formed through the elongated base to attach thereof to a flat surface. A second embodiment of the ribbon rack includes the retention base and an offset removable member. A third embodiment of the ribbon rack includes the retention base and an offset pivoting member. |
| US08720704B2 |
Modular storage and display system
The present invention provides a modular system for at least one of displaying and storing at least one article. The modular system includes at least a pair of elongated support brackets; at least one elongated cross member and means for positioning each of the at least one elongated cross member and the at least said pair of elongated support brackets in a generally horizontal plane during use of the modular system. The at least a pair of elongated support brackets are disposed in a spaced apart parallel relationship with each other. The at least one elongated cross member is sized to at least span a distance between the at least pair of elongated support brackets. Additionally, the at least one elongated cross member may at least rest on a top edge of each of the at least the pair of elongated support brackets during use of said modular system. |
| US08720703B1 |
Apparatus for holding and drying brushes
Apparatus for holding and drying brushes includes two brush holder components alternatively connectable to form a first configuration wherein brushes are held with the applicator portions thereof above the handles and a second configuration wherein the applicator portions are below the handles. |
| US08720700B2 |
Server rack
A server rack includes an upper frame, a lower frame, and a support leg. The support leg connects the upper frame to the lower frame. An area is defined in the support leg. Each support leg includes a first outer wall, a second outer wall substantially perpendicular to the first outer wall, a first connecting wall extending perpendicularly from the first outer wall, a second connecting wall extending perpendicularly from the second outer wall. The first connecting wall is connected to the second connecting wall. A first recessed reinforcing portion is located in the first outer wall, and a second recessed reinforcing portion is located in the second outer wall. |
| US08720698B2 |
Seafood grading apparatus
A seafood grading apparatus that includes a first roller supported from the frame; a drive motor for rotating the first roller about a longitudinal axis thereof; a second roller also supported from said frame and constructed and arranged in juxtaposition to the first roller. The first roller has a helical outer surface, and the second roller is for driving about a longitudinal axis thereof and in unison with the first roller. An inlet port receives pieces of seafood for the purpose of the grading thereof and arranged relative to the rollers to dispose the seafood between the rollers. At least two receiving trays are disposed downstream of the inlet port for receiving different respective size seafood pieces. |
| US08720697B2 |
Screen securing device
A securing device for securing a screening panel to a support frame of a vibrating screen assembly. The securing device has a body with a securing means at one end and a stub at the lower end. The securing means is shaped to mate with a complementary securing cavity in the screening panel and has a hole that receives a pin located in the securing cavity. The stub may be threaded to engage the support frame. |
| US08720695B2 |
Grader with feed trough
A roller-type grader having adjustable, widening gauging passages between consecutive rotating grader rollers and an associated method for adjusting the gauging passages. A drive rotates all the rollers in the same direction on their axes. The ends of the rollers at each end are rotatably and pivotally suspended from adjustment yokes that are movable laterally in unison along tracks by an adjustment shaft. Positioning the yokes positions the ends of the rollers relative to each other. Minimum and maximum widths of the gauging passages at opposite ends of the rollers are adjusted by rotating the adjustment shafts. |
| US08720693B2 |
Semiconductor wafer storing container
A main body may have a cavity for storing a plurality of parallel semiconductor wafers and an opening for transferring one or more semiconductor wafer into or from the cavity. A covering body may be mounted detachably to the opening in order to close the opening. A gasket may seal between an edge portion of the covering body and an edge portion of the opening. The gasket may be configured such that, when the opening is closed by the covering body, a size of a deformation margin of the gasket is formed to be smaller in a region that seals a vertical edge portion of the opening orthogonal to the face of each semiconductor wafer than in a region that seals a horizontal edge portion of the opening parallel to the face of each the semiconductor wafer. |
| US08720689B2 |
Multi-tiered cupcake container
Tray includes a first base portion having an upper surface defining a first tier and a second portion having an upper surface defining a second tier. The first tier and the second tier are separated by a height. The upper surface of the first portion and the upper surface of the second portion each have a plurality of spaced-apart wells defined therein. Each well is sized and shaped to receive a food item and has an upper edge with an engagement recess formed therein. The engagement recess is sized to allow a food item within the well to be gripped for removal. The tray can further include a trapping feature to secure a lid, and thus form a container. |
| US08720687B2 |
Bakery tray
A tray includes a base having opposed front and rear walls and opposed side walls. The front and rear walls are shorter to provide access to products stored on the tray when in a stacked configuration. The tray includes reinforced intersections between the front and rear walls and side walls. |
| US08720683B2 |
Protective shell applicable to a handheld electric apparatus
A protective shell applicable to a handheld electric apparatus includes a back plate and a supporting plate. The back plate has a fixing portion and a first figure layer disposed opposite to the handheld electric apparatus. The supporting plate has a second figure layer, a connecting portion and a bendable portion. The second figure layer is disposed on the supporting plate. The connecting portion is disposed on the supporting plate for connecting with the fixing portion. The bendable portion is disposed on the supporting plate. In a first state, the supporting plate is provided to shield the first figure layer and the second figure layer is revealed to form a first expression figure. In a second state, the bendable portion is bent to reveal the first figure layer, so that the first figure layer and the supporting plate are combined to form a second expression figure. |
| US08720681B1 |
Quiet opening and closing binocular pouch
A quiet opening and closing clam shell pouch with a bag and a hinge connected lid, each of the pouch and lid having a peripheral wall, a soft compressible sleeve on the peripheral wall of the bag and surrounding an open mouth of the bag and on a peripheral wall of the lid; a solid shape defining and shaping member in each soft compressible sleeve shapes and holds open the mouth of the bag and shapes the periphery of the lid so that the lid can be pivoted to close the mouth of the bag; cooperating surfaces of magnets, enrobed in a soft net mesh, are spaced around the peripheral walls and alongside each soft compressible sleeve to pull the padded sleeves together and to compress the sleeves and soft strands of the net mesh that extend across the cooperating surfaces of the magnets. |
| US08720677B2 |
Bags partially filled with stimuli-responsive highly absorbent superabsorbent polymers for water management and replacement of dams and canals
Stimuli-responsive highly absorbent superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are used to harness water to augment water supply and solve water crisis. Rain water, dew or sea water is harnessed in fabric-based sachets or bags partially filled with the polymers. The hydrated polymers are used to store water in warehouses for an extended period of time and the invention may obviate the need to construct controversial huge dams and canals or drill wells. The stored water in superabsorbent polymers is released at the point of use by any stimulus which may be light-induced, electrical, thermal or chemical treatment. SAPs with 2000 g/g of absorbency can yield 99.95% pure water in solid/gel form. An ultra SAP with absorbency of 10,000 g/g of the polymer could hold 10 billion cu·m. of water in one million tonnes of the polymer. This is more than the capacity of a typical large dam over a river. |
| US08720675B2 |
Belt as a traction mechanism for belt conveyors of agricultural machines
A belt as traction mechanism for conveyor bands of agricultural machines. A belt member of polymer reinforced with fabric plies has an upper step and a lower step that are interconnected in a region of overlap via connection locations that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the belt. An inwardly disposed polymer layer is entirely absent in the region of overlap. The inner fabric plies of lower step and/or upper step extend into the region of overlap in a partial region that includes at least one connection location. The remaining fabric plies of upper step and lower step extend over the entire region of overlap, so that in the partial region the lower step and/or the upper step is provided with all of the fabric plies. Complementary tooth elements are provided on fabric plies that are disposed directly opposite one another in the region of overlap, and mesh with one another to effect interconnection of upper step and lower step. |
| US08720665B2 |
Coin feeding machine and coin handling machine
In a coin feeding machine 26 which uses a rotary disk 41 rotated at an inclined posture, a removal projection 59 for removing a smaller diameter coin is provided between a feeding projection 52 and a coin support portion 53 which are provided on a surface 41a of the rotary disk 41. The removal projection 59 is disposed to be positioned on the slightly outer side of the outer edge of a coin C when the coin C whose diameter is a lower limit value of a handling target range is brought into contact with the feeding projection 52 and the coin support portion 53. The side surface of the removal projection 59 is inclined relative to the surface of the rotary disk 41. When the coin is brought onto the inclined surface of this removal projection 59, the coin drops away from the surface 41a of the rotary disk 41. A coin C1 which is smaller than the lower limit value of the handling target range is brought onto the removal projection 59, so as to be dropped from the surface 41a of the rotary disk 41 and removed. |
| US08720663B2 |
Bill jam troubleshooting
A bill jam troubleshooting employed in a bill acceptor used in a consumer system includes the step of displaying an error message when a fake bill is identified by a sampling and validation module, the step of driving the transmission mechanism to carry the inserted bill back and forth over a validation zone repeatedly twice when a bill jam is detected, and the step of controlling the transmission mechanism to return the inserted bill to the bill slot. Thus, the invention improves the function and effect on the overall use of the product, and enhances the advantages and opportunities of commodity sales channels to increase product competitiveness. |
| US08720661B2 |
Clamping-roller freewheel for an adjustment device in a motor vehicle
A clamping-roller freewheel for an adjustment device in a motor vehicle includes a housing, a cylindrical lateral surface that defines an axis, at least one roller, an output shaft that is central to the axis, and a clamping contour which is located on the side of the roller opposite from the cylindrical lateral surface and rotationally connected to the output shaft. The clamping contour is a double clamping contour. The roller is allocated to the double clamping contour. The double clamping contour has a left and a right clamping area. A clamping action arises due to the cooperation of the roller with the left or right clamping area, depending on the direction of rotation, and the cylindrical lateral surface. |
| US08720660B2 |
Parking lock mechanism of power transmission apparatus
Disclosed is a parking lock mechanism of a power transmission apparatus which can stably supply lubrication oil to the sliding surface of a parking cam to decrease the sliding resistance of the parking cam. The parking lock mechanism 52 includes a support portion 73 for positioning a sleeve 71 with respect to an extension housing 6, and a first guide rib 74 provided on the support portion 73 for catching oil circulating in a transaxle case 4 to supply the oil to the support portion 73. The sleeve 71 has an upper portion formed with a notch 71c for allowing a parking pawl 62 to be held in abutment with a parking cam 61. The oil caught by the first guide rib 74 is supplied through the support portion 73 and the notch 71c of the sleeve 71 to the sliding surface of the parking cam 61, viz., the sliding surface between the parking pawl 62 and the parking cam 61 and the sliding surface between the parking cam 61 and the sleeve 71. |
| US08720659B2 |
Overrunning coupling and control assembly including an electromechanical actuator subassembly
An overrunning coupling or clutch and control assembly including first and second coupling members and an electromechanical actuator subassembly having an electromagnetically inductive coil which creates a magnetic flux when the coil is energized is provided. A control force caused by the magnetic flux is applied to an armature member of the subassembly to move the armature member and cause the coupling members to be either coupled to or uncoupled from each other by means of struts. |
| US08720658B2 |
Starting device and damper device for use therein
A starting device includes: a lock-up clutch mechanism; a fluid coupling; a spring damper including a spring, a power transfer portion transferring power from the lock-up clutch mechanism to the spring, and a power output portion transferring power from the spring to an input shaft; and a pendulum damper including a pendulum and a pendulum power transfer portion transferring power from the spring damper to the pendulum. The output portion of the lock-up clutch, the pendulum damper, the spring damper, and the fluid coupling are arranged sequentially in this order from a motor in the axial direction. The lock-up clutch mechanism output and the spring damper output are connected to each other on the outer circumferential side of the pendulum damper, and the spring damper output and the pendulum power transfer portion are connected to each other on the inner circumferential side of the pendulum. |
| US08720657B2 |
Rewindable electrical cable extension device
A rewindable electrical cable extension device includes a housing having first and second exit ports, and a cable having first and second ends defining opposing extremities of first and second contiguous cable sections having a common junction anchored to a rotating spool. The first end protrudes through the first exit port, and the second end is fixedly mounted in association with the second exit port. The first cable section is wound on a spool that is configured to rotate within the housing. The second cable section is wound in an opposite direction to the first section so that pulling on the first end unwinds and extracts the first cable section from the housing and uncoils the second cable section within the housing without rotating the second end of the cable. |
| US08720650B2 |
Hub assembly for a wheelchair
A hub assembly for a wheelchair has a hub device and a switch device. The hub device has a hub shell, an axle, a ring and a ratchet. The ratchet has a cylinder section. The cylinder section has a recess formed in an outer surface of the cylinder section. The switch device has a pin and a wire. The pin is capable of being selectively inserted into the recess. The wire is securely connected with the pin. Because the pin is inserted into the recess and the ratchet engages the ring, the hub shell along with a wheel cannot be moved unintentionally backward on a ramp. |
| US08720647B2 |
Bearing grease packer
A bench top bearing packer tool includes supply means for delivering a controlled amount of grease, support means for locating a bearing in a position where a bearing cage and rollers of the bearing may be lubricated with the grease delivered by the supply means, the supply means having a grease delivery outlet communicating with a grease delivery inlet of the support means by a grease flow passageway, and means for controlling the passage of grease through the inlet to the bearing cage and rollers of the bearing. |
| US08720645B2 |
Step stool and method
A folding step stool includes a front rail assembly. The step stool includes a rear rail assembly, pivotally connected to the front rail assembly, having a crossbar. The step stool includes a step pivotally attached to the front rail assembly having notches which fit over the crossbar when the stool is in an open position. The step stool includes a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar. The linkage assembly compresses to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar and the linkage assembly exerting a force to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position. A method for securing a step stool includes the steps of moving the notches of a step against a crossbar of a rear rail assembly pivotally connected to a front rail assembly of the step stool. There is the step of compressing a linkage assembly pivotally and fixedly attached to the step and pivotally and fixedly attached to the crossbar to allow the notches to fit over the crossbar. There is the step of exerting a force with the linkage assembly to maintain the crossbar in the notches when the stool is in the open position. |
| US08720644B2 |
Aboveground pool child ladder safeguard device
A safety device designed to attach to a ladder used for accessing an aboveground pool to prevent small children from entering the pool unattended. The safety device is also designed for use as an emergency rescue flotation device. The safety device comprises a body portion made of a light weight floating material and an attachment portion for temporarily engaging the ladder and holding the safety device in place over a plurality of ladder rungs. In the event of a water emergency, the safety device may be used to extend the reach of a rescuer from a safe position without the need for the rescuer to enter the water. |
| US08720641B2 |
Metal panel assembly
A metal panel assembly that may be used in a number of different applications, particularly those that are concerned with improved stiffness and/or reduced vibration and noise. According to an exemplary embodiment, the metal panel assembly has a multi-layer or sandwich construction and includes a metal body layer, a sound damping adhesive layer, and a metal outer layer. The outer layer is bonded to the body layer via the adhesive layer and improves the stiffness and/or reduces vibrations in the metal panel assembly. The outer layer may include a number of contact sections that confront the body layer through the adhesive layer, as well as a number of raised sections that are spaced from the body layer and increase or otherwise improve the stiffness of the metal panel assembly. In one embodiment, the raised sections resemble channels and are generally arranged in a column-like pattern; in another embodiment, the raised sections resemble ribs and are generally arranged in a grid-like pattern. |
| US08720636B2 |
Motor vehicle having an electromotive unit and the power supply module thereof arranged in the vicinity of a running gear of the vehicle
A vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electromotive drive unit and a power supply module capable of supplying the electromotive drive unit, a running gear mechanically coupled to the electromotive unit, and a chassis attached to the body of the vehicle, in the vicinity of the running gear, onto which the electromotive unit and the power supply module are attached, characterized in that the chassis defines a platform attached below the body of the vehicle, between the body of the vehicle and a floor separating a useful space of the vehicle which is part of the passenger compartment or adjacent to the passenger compartment, and in that the chassis is capable of receiving and supporting the electromotive unit and the power supply module, wherein the electromotive unit and the power supply module are arranged on either side of the chassis. |
| US08720635B2 |
Vehicle having two generators
A vehicle includes an engine having a crankshaft, a charging generator disposed on the crankshaft, a power-supplying generator driven by the engine and including a rotating shaft misaligned from the crankshaft, and a vehicle power generating apparatus. The power generating apparatus includes a clutch unit and a driving unit. The clutch unit includes a clutch disposed on the crankshaft, a driving gear disposed on the clutch, and a switching mechanism operable for driving the clutch. The motion transmitting unit includes a driven gear meshing with the driving gear, and an input shaft driven by the driven gear and connected to and co-rotatable with the rotating shaft of the power-supplying generator. |
| US08720632B2 |
Two-wheeled motor vehicle
A motorcycle having high durability and a large space below a seat includes an internal space at least a portion of which is located between an engine unit and a seat provided in a cover member. The engine unit is pivotally suspended on a body frame. A center axis of a cylinder extends obliquely upward from a crankcase and forwardly. Oil reservoirs and provided in a bottom of a crank chamber and a bottom of a portion of a transmission chamber located in a front portion of a transmission case, respectively. The oil reservoirs are communicated with each other by a communication path. A bottom surface of the transmission chamber in the portion in which portion the oil reservoir is provided is located downward of the bottom surface of the portion rearward of the oil reservoir of the transmission chamber. |
| US08720627B2 |
Battery arrangement structure of vehicle
A battery is arranged at a specified position which is located on an outside of a front side frame in a vehicle width direction and between a front wheel and a crush can in a vehicle longitudinal direction. Accordingly, the battery can be positioned properly at a front portion of a vehicle so that the battery may not receive any improper thermal influence from an engine or a motor and not hurt the function of impact absorption in a vehicle frontal collision. |
| US08720625B2 |
Cooling system for electric apparatus
A vehicle includes a cooling system for electric apparatus that includes a lower cell, an upper cell that is disposed above the lower cell, and a converter that is disposed above the lower cell and that converts a voltage of electric power input to or output from the lower cell and the upper cell, in which the lower cell, the upper cell, and the converter are cooled by refrigerant, and the refrigerant inlets of the converter are disposed in the vicinity of a refrigerant outlet of at least one of the upper cell and the lower cell. |
| US08720621B2 |
Electrically driven vehicle
An electrically driven vehicle equipped with a battery usable for running in which a power generation unit of engine driven type that charges the battery is detachably mounted on a vehicle body, includes including a first connection part that brings a high-voltage system in which the battery and the power generation unit are electrically connected together into a connected state in a state in which the power generation unit is mounted in a mounting position and brings the high-voltage system into a disconnected state in a state in which the power generation unit is dismounted from the mounting position, whereby the first connection part switches a connection state of the high-voltage system in accordance with installation or removal of the power generation unit. The first connection part includes a connector on the vehicle side and a connector on the power generation unit side. |
| US08720620B1 |
Fuel cell powered vehicle that generates purified hydrogen gas on-demand from traditional liquid fuels
An automobile assembly and a method of producing hydrogen gas within an automobile assembly. An automobile is provided that contains a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity from purified hydrogen gas. The vehicle also has a standard fuel tank that holds liquid fuel and a water tank that holds water. A fuel reformation system is carried by the vehicle. The fuel reformation system reacts water with liquid fuel to produce hydrogen gas and exhaust gases. The hydrogen gas is separated and is supplied to the fuel cell as needed by the fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity that drives electric motors to power the wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle, therefore, uses traditional liquid fuel to produce the hydrogen needed to operate the fuel cell and power an otherwise electric vehicle. |
| US08720618B1 |
Retrofitting a vehicle to transfer mechanical power out of an engine compartment
A vehicle is retrofitted with a secondary power generation system having a Mechanical Power Transfer System (MPTS) and an electrical generator. The MPTS transfers power from an engine crankshaft within an engine compartment to a generator shaft of the electrical generator disposed outside of the engine compartment. Retrofitting the vehicle with the MPTS allows the electrical generator to be attached to a portion of a chassis of the vehicle that is outside of the engine compartment. Attachment of the electrical generator outside the engine compartment avoids the tight space constraints and harsh operating conditions (high operating temperatures) within the engine compartment. Thus a larger, more powerful generator that requires less maintenance is realized. Additionally, the MPTS does not include any Power Take-Off mechanism, clutch system, or disengagement mechanism resulting in more efficient power transfer and in an overall increase in the amount of electrical energy generated than in conventional techniques. |
| US08720616B2 |
Wheeled object of the type adapted to be operated by a walking person
A wheeled object or vehicle, such as a hospital bed (10) comprises a main chassis or frame (12) supported by a plurality of supporting wheels or rollers (11), which define the vertices of a polygonal supporting surface (21). The bed, which is usually moved by a walking person, is provided with at least one motor driven driving device (15), including at least one driving wheel or roller (18), positioned within said polygonal supporting surface. The driving device is rotatable about a substantially vertical axis (14) in relation to the chassis or frame so as to change the angular position of the driving wheel (18) in relation to the chassis or frame. Biasing means, such as a compression spring or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (22, 34) is provided for biasing the driving device (15) in a direction away from the main chassis or frame (12) and towards the supporting surface (21). The biasing force is controlled such that the driving device (15) id kept in close non-skidding contact with the ground or floor surface (21) without lifting the supporting wheels (11) out or contact with the supporting surface. |
| US08720607B2 |
Downhole tool having a friction stirred surface region
A method for hardening a portion of the outer surface of a downhole tool body includes friction stirring the vulnerable surface of the tool. Such friction stirring generally includes rotating a friction stir weld tool in contact with the surface until a portion of the tool penetrates the tool. The friction stir weld tool is then translated (while rotating) across a predetermined region of the surface thereby creating a friction stir zone. The friction stir zone is generally considerably harder, and therefore more wear resistant, than the parent material that makes up the tool body. The resulting downhole tool includes at least one surface with a hard friction stir zone. |
| US08720605B2 |
System for directionally drilling a borehole with a rotary drilling system
This disclosure relates in general to a method and a system for directionally drilling a borehole with a rotary drilling system. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, methods and system provide for controlling motion of the rotary drilling system in the borehole when a side force is applied to the drilling system to bias or focus the motion so that the drilling system directionally drills the borehole through an earth formation. In certain aspects, side cutting of a sidewall of the borehole by a drill bit under an applied side force is controlled by a geostationary element to provide for directional side cutting and, as a result, directional drilling of the borehole through the earth formation. In other aspects, a non-concentrically coupled gauge pad assembly may rotate with the drilling system and bias or focus the applied side force. |
| US08720602B2 |
Pulse generating device and a rock drilling rig comprising such a device
The present invention relates to a pulse generating device for inducing a shock wave in a tool, wherein the said pulse generating device comprises an impact means (201; 301) for transferring energy to a drill string (202) connected to the said tool, and wherein the energy transfer gives rise to the said shock wave, in which the said energy is mainly constituted by elastic energy stored in the impact means (201; 301) and/or an energy store. The device comprises control means for controlling the interaction of the impact means (201; 301) with the drill string (202), wherein the said control means for controlling the interaction of the impact means (201; 301) with the drill string (202) comprises a motor (207; 307), and wherein the said motor (207; 307) is designed to, through rotation, alternately open ducts for pressurization and depressurization of at least one drive surface (205) acting upon the said impact means. The invention is characterized in that the rotation axis of the said motor (207; 307) is arranged substantially coaxially with the drill string (202). |
| US08720601B2 |
Pressurised air pick device with variable control
Pressurized air pick device with variable control that comprises a cylinder and piston assembly for actuating a picking member, and a distribution portion with variable control of the pressurized air to said cylinder and piston assembly, the distribution portion including an upper body, a lower ring and a movable fluid-distribution slider capable of sliding between the body and the ring, characterized in that the distribution portion is housed in the cylinder of the cylinder and piston assembly at the upper portion thereof and coaxially therewith, the variable control for the fluid is housed in the head of the cylinder closing the upper portion of the cylinder connected to a fluid-supply section, and said upper portion of the cylinder includes two channels for conveying pressurized air in tight communication with the distribution portion through the radial channels thereof. |
| US08720597B2 |
Roller assembly for agricultural machinery
A roller assembly for agricultural machinery is disclosed. The roller assembly includes at least one tube onto which tires are threaded, and two arms adapted to support the tube in rotation at both its ends. Each arm carries a suspension lever housed inside the tube and acted upon by a resilient recoil member. The suspension lever is mounted on the arm so as to be pivotable about a first rotation axis and supporting a shaft end which carries a flange fixed to the inside of the tube for the rotation of this tube about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis. The roller assembly applies particularly to the rollers of seed drills. |
| US08720595B2 |
Depth limiting of ripper attachment by electronically limiting cylinder length
A ripper depth limit system and method that includes a lift input for operator controls to raise and lower the ripper, a depth limit input, a lift sensor input that senses the ripper lift cylinder position, and a controller that processes the inputs to generate, execute and revise ripper lift cylinder commands that keep the ripper above the ripper depth limit. The depth limit input can select the ripper depth limit from a plurality of predefined depth limits, or between minimum and maximum ripper depths, or by some other method. The ripper depth limit system can also include a pitch input for operator controls of ripper pitch, and a pitch sensor that senses ripper pitch cylinder position, and the controller can process the pitch inputs to generate, execute and revise ripper pitch and lift cylinder commands that keep the ripper above the ripper depth limit. |
| US08720584B2 |
Laser assisted system for controlling deep water drilling emergency situations
There is provided a high power laser riser blowout preventer system and controller for operation thereof. The system utilizes high power laser cutters that are associated with the riser and the blowout preventer to provided an integrated operation to quickly weaken or cut tubulars to address potential emergency and emergency situations that can arise during deep sea drilling. |
| US08720579B2 |
Emergency blowout preventer (EBOP) control system using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and method of use
An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) may be programmed and launched to interface with an emergency blowout preventer which has been fitted, either when new or retrofitted, with an emergency BOP control system (EBOP). The EBOP is a “black box” drop-in solution for projects such as emergency well control that can be retrofitted to existing BOP systems or added to new BOP systems and comprises one or more control docking stations, each adapted to receive autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV); one or more interface units connected to the control docking station and used to provide an interface between the control docking station and a BOP; and the AUV which is dimensioned and configured to autonomously mate with the control docking station and effect controls of the BOP. |
| US08720576B2 |
Mounting a module on an underwater structure
A method of mounting a subsea control module (1) on a mounting plate (10) of an underwater tree of a subsea hydrocarbon well comprises lowering the module to the plate and attaching the module to the plate with an adapter (6) between it and the plate and with portions of the module being coupled with portions of the mounting plate. |
| US08720575B2 |
Shear laser module and method of retrofitting and use
There is provided a high power shear laser module, which can be readily included in a blowout preventer stack. The shear laser module as the capability of delivering high power laser energy to a tubular within a blowout preventer cavity, cutting the tubular and thus reducing the likelihood that the tubular will inhibit the ability of the blowout preventer to seal off a well. |
| US08720569B2 |
Iodide stabilizer for viscosified fluid containing iron
A composition of a treatment fluid and method for treating a zone of well. In an embodiment, the composition includes at least: (i) an aqueous phase; (ii) at least 5 ppm iron ion in the aqueous phase; (iii) a source of at least 5 ppm iodide ion to be dissolved in the aqueous phase; (iv) a water-soluble viscosity-increasing agent dissolved in the aqueous phase; and (v) a source of an oxidative breaker to be dissolved in the aqueous phase. In an embodiment, a method of treating a zone of a subterranean formation of a well includes at least the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid according to the composition; and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into the zone. |
| US08720566B2 |
Slot perforating tool
An apparatus including a body, a mandrel disposed at least partially within the body, and a spring. The spring maintains the mandrel in a retracted position within the body until a predetermined pump rate is applied. The spring allows the mandrel to move to an extended position when the predetermined pump rate is applied. The spring returns the mandrel to the retracted position within the body when the predetermined pump rate is removed. |
| US08720564B2 |
Tubular severing system and method of using same
Techniques for severing a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation are provided. A blade is extendable by a ram of a blowout preventer positionable about the tubular. The blade includes a blade body having a front face on a side thereof facing the tubular. At least a portion of the front face has a vertical surface and at least a portion of the front face has an inclined surface. The vertical surface is perpendicular to a bottom surface of the blade body. The blade body includes a loading surface on an opposite side of the blade body to the front face. The loading surface is receivable by the ram. The blade also includes a cutting surface along at least a portion of the front face for engagement with the tubular, and a piercing point along the front face for piercing the tubular. The piercing point has a tip extending a distance from the cutting surface. |
| US08720562B2 |
Wellbore cementing compositions and methods of making and using same
A method of cementing a wellbore comprising preparing a wellbore cementing composition comprising a cementitious materials and a modified biopolymer additive wherein the modified biopolymer additive is the reaction product of a process comprising contacting a biopolymer and an organic carbonate to form a reaction mixture and subjecting the reaction mixture to a temperature of from about 100° F. to about 250° F. and placing the wellbore cementing fluid in the wellbore. A method of cementing a wellbore comprising contacting a modified biopolymer additive with a cementitious slurry to produce a wellbore cementing composition having an initial viscosity, v0; placing the wellbore cementing composition to a desired depth in a subterranean formation wherein the wellbore cementing composition has a transitional viscosity, vt, during placement in the subterranean formation and a final viscosity, vf, at the desired depth wherein vf≧vt>v0; and allowing the wellbore cementing composition to set. |
| US08720556B2 |
Methods for initiating new fractures in a completed wellbore having existing fractures present
Fracturing operations can be problematic in completed wellbores containing at least one existing fracture, since it can be difficult to seal an existing fracture and initiate a new fracture within a reasonable timeframe due to the presence of particulate materials in the wellbore. Methods for fracturing a completed wellbore can comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising a plurality of degradable sealing particulates into a completed wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation having an existing fracture therein; sealing the existing fracture with at least a portion of the degradable sealing particulates, thereby forming a degradable particulate seal; after sealing, allowing any degradable sealing particulates remaining in the treatment fluid to degrade, such that the treatment fluid becomes substantially particulate free; and after the treatment fluid becomes substantially particulate free, fracturing the subterranean formation so as to introduce at least one new fracture therein. |
| US08720553B2 |
Completion assembly and methods for use thereof
A completion assembly for operation in a subterranean well having multiple production zones. The completion assembly includes a lower completion assembly operably positionable in the well. The lower completion assembly includes first and second zonal isolation subassemblies. An upper completion assembly is operably positionable at least partially within the lower completion assembly to establish fluid communication between first and second fluid flow control modules, respectively, with the first and second zonal isolation subassemblies. A first communication medium having a connection between the upper and lower completion assemblies extends through the first and second zonal isolation subassemblies. A second communication medium is operably associated with the first and second fluid flow control modules. Data obtained by monitoring fluid from the production zones is carried by the first and second communication media and is used to control production through the first and second fluid flow control modules. |
| US08720551B2 |
Well fluid leak detection and response systems
Embodiments of the inventive technology may provide a leaked fluid detection and response system in one aspect, and in another aspect, an environmental enclosure for at least a component of such leaked fluid detection system. Various embodiments of the leaked fluid detection and response system may provide wireless communication of detected leaks and a PLC that automates response and provides information regarding the presence of a leak. Enclosures may, in various embodiments, comprehensively surround enclosed components, thermally insulate enclosed components, include a leaked fluid capture basin, be aerodynamically streamlined, and/or be vermin-tight. |
| US08720544B2 |
Enhanced penetration of telescoping fracturing nozzle assembly
A fracturing jet nozzle assembly has nested telescoping sections that each have nozzles in them. The outermost stage makes for a large perforation as it and the adjacent stages begin extension. As the stage adjacent the outermost stage continues to extend into the perforation and reaches maximum extension the nozzles in the outermost stage are cut off from fracturing fluid flow and that flow is in turn redirected to the remaining stages that have not yet fully extended. The innermost stage preferably does not get cut off from jet fluid flow even at its full extension. |
| US08720543B2 |
Device for passive pressure sealing
A sealing system between a relatively rotating element and a stationary element has at least three sealing elements arranged between the rotating element and the stationary element and arranged in series between a process fluid and an environment, and a barrier fluid arrangement to provide a barrier fluid to spaces formed between the sealing elements. The barrier fluid arrangement has at least two compensator devices where under use the pressure in the process fluid is acting on one side of a piston in the compensator device and the pressure in the barrier fluid is acting on the opposite side of the piston. There is a difference between cross sectional areas of the two sides of the piston and the difference varies between the at least two compensator devices. |
| US08720538B2 |
Cold energy storage system for vehicle
A cold energy storage system for a vehicle includes an air-conditioning unit that includes an evaporator and a heater core. The system stores cold energy during a cooling operation and supplements the cooling operation by using the stored cold energy after stoppage of the cooling operation. A cold energy storage tank (50) connects in parallel to an engine cooling circulation circuit to the heater core. The storage tank (50) has a liquid storage layer (50A) for engine coolant and a refrigerant layer (50B) in which refrigerant from the evaporator flows. A mode switcher switches between a storing cold energy mode and a cooling supplement mode. In the storing cold energy mode, engine coolant stored in the liquid storage layer (50A) is refrigerated during the cooling operation. In the cooling supplement mode, refrigerated engine coolant from the liquid storage layer (50A) is introduced to the heater core. |
| US08720536B2 |
Heat exchanger having flow diverter
A heat exchanger including a tank with first and second ends defining a length and a cross-sectional area transverse to the length. An inlet orifice defined at the first end through which fluid flows in a first direction into the tank, the inlet orifice having a cross-sectional area transverse to the first direction. A voluminous region defined by boundaries which extend generally linearly from the circumference of the cross-sectional area of the inlet orifice to the circumference of the cross-sectional area of the tank. A plurality of conduits providing an outlet for fluid flow from the tank in a second flow direction at a non-parallel angle to the first flow direction. A flow diverter positioned within the voluminous region to direct a portion of fluid flow out of the region and distribute the total volume of fluid flow from the inlet substantially uniformly between the plurality of conduits. |
| US08720534B2 |
Heat exchanger, particularly for a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a heat exchanger, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of exchanger tubes (3) attached to at least one floor for conveying a first fluid, wherein the exchanger tubes (3) are disposed in a housing through which a second fluid flows, wherein a holding member (5) is disposed inside the housing, wherein at least two of the exchanger tubes (3) are supported relative to one another by means of the holding member (5). |
| US08720532B2 |
Controllable flow resistance in a cooling apparatus
An airflow control apparatus includes a controllable airflow resistance aligned with an airflow path of a plurality of airflow paths, a sensor capable of detecting an airflow condition in at least one of the plurality of airflow paths, and a controller. The controller is coupled to the controllable airflow resistance and to the sensor, and can control the controllable airflow resistance to manage airflow recirculation based on the airflow condition detected by the sensor. |
| US08720528B2 |
Method and device for casting a piston for an internal combustion engine
In a method for casting a piston for an internal combustion engine, after solidification of the surface layer in the region of the piston-pin bores (12), at least one mandrel provided there is withdrawn and the region of at least one piston-pin bore (12) is cooled by coolant supplied through at least one mandrel. A device for casting pistons for internal combustion engines has at least one mandrel which can be withdrawn from the region of a piston-pin bore (12) and through which a coolant for cooling the region of the piston-pin bores (12) can be supplied. |
| US08720527B1 |
Method for manufacturing a cast product having a photographic relief image; and, cast product
A method for manufacturing a cast product having a photographic relief image thereon is disclosed. The method includes steps of capturing a photographic image as a digital grayscale image, converting the digital grayscale image to a series of instructions for operating a laser engraving machine; laser engraving a pattern material to provide a pattern having a photographic relief image therein corresponding to the digital grayscale image and having a relief depth of about 0.030 inch to about 0.080 inch, wherein the relief depth refers to the maximum relief distance within the photographic relief image, and wherein the photographic relief image exhibits a true resolution corresponding to at least about 80 dpi; creating a mold cavity in sand using the laser engraved substrate; and casting a metallic material in the mold cavity to provide a cast product having the photographic relief image therein. |
| US08720518B2 |
Apparatus for bonding ribbon in a nonlinear pattern to a web
A ribbon applicator configured to guide ribbon to a web includes a support structure and a cantilever arm supported by the support structure. The cantilever arm is moveable through a range of motion relative to the support structure. A guide roller guides the ribbon onto the web. The guide roller is pivotally mounted on the cantilever arm for pivotal movement of the guide roller with respect to the cantilever arm. |
| US08720511B2 |
Run flat tire
A run flat tire which comprises a ply layer (4) disposed extending toroidally between a pair of bead cores and comprising ply coating rubber and ply cords, an inner liner layer (5) disposed circumferentially at an inner side of the ply layer, side reinforcing rubber layers (6) having an approximately crescent-shaped cross section and disposed in side portions of the tire between the ply layer and the inner liner layer and rubber sheets (7) disposed extending at interface of the ply layer and the side reinforcing rubber layer, wherein relations of t90>tp10 and t10 |
| US08720509B2 |
Tension device for a nonskid chain
In a tension device for a nonskid chain, a winding reel is supported, so that it can rotate about its axis inside the housing and is prestressed in the winding direction and has a gear rim with teeth arranged along its circumference. A tension line that can be retracted into the housing can be connected to the winding reel, such that a ratchet in a first position blocks a rotational movement of the winding reel in the tension direction by engagement of the ratchet in the teeth. Areas free of teeth on the circumference of the gear rim of the winding reel alternate with areas with teeth. |
| US08720508B2 |
Tread having a gradient of properties for improving irregular wear
This invention relates generally to treads having a configuration and/or properties for improving or preventing irregular wear on the tread of a tire, and, more specifically, to a tire that has a tread with a gradient of properties that helps to prevent or improve irregular wear, especially suitable for tires that are free rolling such as steer or trailer tires used on trucks. |
| US08720504B2 |
System for non-pneumatic support of a vehicle
A non-pneumatic tire includes a plurality of springs. Each spring includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each spring is interwoven with at least one other spring thereby forming a toroidal structure extending about an entire circumference of the non-pneumatic tire. The toroidal structure is at least partially coated with an elastomer. One end portion of at least one spring is wrapped around a first bead structure adjacent a rim. |
| US08720503B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing barrel staves
The present invention therefore provides an improved apparatus and integrated method for producing barrel staves. The apparatus measures the profile of unfinished stave workpieces and based on the width and shape of the stave, as well as other parameters such as the type of barrel that is required, the edges of the stave are trimmed accordingly. This ensures fewer rejected staves, less waste in that the width of the unfinished stave is continuously measured across its entire length with minimum depth of cut required, and most importantly, barrel staves having extremely accurate jointed edges ensuring superior finished barrels have an internal surface that is free from undesirable spacing between the staves, utilizing less labor than hitherto known apparatus. |
| US08720502B2 |
Nozzle for a refuelling probe
A nozzle includes a nozzle body having a nozzle tip for engaging a fuel hose coupling, the tip extending from the body, and a valve sleeve for opening and closing a fuel path between the tip and the body. The tip is mounted within the body on a flexible shaft, so as to accommodate misalignment between the nozzle and the fuel hose coupling. This eliminates the need for a bearing at the end of the shaft, which causes a pressure drop in the nozzle. The shaft is axially slidable in the mounting in a first portion of the nozzle body. The first and second portions of the body are joined with a weak link, which is frangible in the event of excessive load, to release the abutment and allow the nozzle tip to travel towards the body and close the fuel path. Thus a separate shut-off valve is not required. Also a pressure regulator sleeve moves out of the nozzle body towards the nozzle tip in the event of excessive fuel pressure. |
| US08720500B2 |
Electrical architecture for passive controller wake-up during refuel
A system and method for waking up a vehicle controller during a hydrogen gas refueling process for a high pressure hydrogen storage tank on a fuel cell vehicle. The system includes a first temperature switch mounted to the high pressure tank and enclosed within an insulation housing for monitoring the temperature within the tank and a second temperature switch for monitoring the temperature of the hydrogen gas at the refuel receptacle, where the second temperature switch is also enclosed within an insulation housing. If the temperature within the tank increases above a predetermined temperature, the first switch will close, and if the temperature at the refueling receptacle falls below a predetermined temperature, then the second switch will close, which causes a wake up signal to be provided to the controller to allow the controller to monitor the temperature of the tank. |
| US08720499B2 |
Automated fuel quality detection and dispenser control system and method, particularly for aviation fueling applications
A fuel quality monitoring system and method to automatically and/or continuously monitor quality of fuel dispensed and control the operation of the fuel dispenser. The control system monitors fuel quality to prevent unsafe refuelings when the fuel quality is unacceptable. In one embodiment, a combination of a differential pressure sensor, a water detector, and/or a particle monitor is employed inline the fuel flow path of a fuel dispenser, and in particular an aviation refueling truck, to monitor the quality of the fuel. If fuel quality is at an acceptable level although not ideal, the control system can allow fueling with the generation of reports and alarms. If the fuel quality is unacceptable, fuel flow can be stopped. If the differential pressure across the filter indicates a high degree of debris and/or water retention, the control system can automatically lower the flow rate to reduce the risk of filter breakdown without completely preventing fueling until the filter can be replaced. |
| US08720497B2 |
Direct fill dry powder systems with dosing heads configured for on/off controlled flow
Apparatus for dispensing a defined amount of dry powder concurrently to a plurality of spaced apart dose receiving containers include: (a) a dosing head comprising a support body with a plurality of spaced apart elongate channels having a channel length with an upper end defining an entry orifice and a lower end defining an exit port; (b) a dry powder bed residing above and in communication with the dosing head; and (c) at least one vibration source in communication with the dosing head channels configured to controllably apply a vibration flow signal, wherein, when the vibration flow signal is applied to the dosing head channels, dry powder from the dry powder bed flows through the elongate channels and out the exit port and when the flow signal is removed, dry powder does not flow through the dosing head elongate channels. |
| US08720493B2 |
Filling a food product into container on a slat conveyor
The invention relates to the filling of a frozen dessert product in a container, by performing the steps of: arranging at least one container to be filled on a slat conveyor, moving the container on the slat conveyor towards a dispensing nozzle, vertically displacing at least one slat supporting the container, and horizontally displacing the slat supporting the container in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the slat conveyor, while dispensing the product from the dispensing nozzle into the container. |
| US08720492B2 |
Selection device for the shed-forming device of a weaving machine
A selection device for a shed-forming device of a weaving machine has an electromagnetic selector (11) with at least two poles (P1), (P2), . . . (Pn) and a selection element (1), (2); (25), (26); (40), (41) which is located in a cooperating position with a zone (50) alongside at least two poles (P1), (P2), . . . (Pn) and is retained at a holding distance (A) from this zone (50), in which the selector (11) with each adjacent pole (P1), (P2) can exert a magnetic force on the zone (50), and in which the zone (50) extends over a distance (Z) that is shorter than the coil length (S), while the holding distance (A) is at least equal to half the positionable length (L) of the selection element. |
| US08720491B1 |
Tube liner
A tube liner for repairing a damaged or worn out auger tube or pneumatic conveyor tube. The tube liner includes an elongated liner body with a longitudinally extending gap and expandable seam assembly positioned in the gap. Once the liner is inserted into the auger tube or pneumatic conveyor tube, the expandable seam forces the liner against the inside wall of the auger tube or pneumatic conveyor tube to provide a tight seal. |
| US08720490B1 |
Device for reducing deep sea off-shore oil pipe leaks and related method of use
A tubular assembly to engage a leaking pipe under water includes an insert, a triangular shaped front guide, an outer annular sleeve, and a fluid supply assembly. The insert is hallow, tubular in shape and construction, and includes a first end, second end and an exterior surface containing a plurality of inflatable bladders and flanges. The front guide attaches to the first end of the insert, and includes a retarder tube to collect fluid from the leaking pipe. The outer annular sleeve is sized to surround both the insert and the leaking pipe, and includes retaining bolts capable of engaging the leaking pipe. The fluid supply assembly fills each inflatable bladder and includes a supply line, a distribution tube, a plurality of feed lines that communicates with each inflatable bladder via an injector, and check valves placed between each inflatable bladder and each feed line. |
| US08720480B2 |
Flush water supply device, flush water tank assembly with flush water supply device, and flush toilet with flush water tank assembly
A flush water supply device includes: a water supply valve for switching between a water supplying state and a water stopping state with respect of an inside of the flush water tank; a refill water system on a downstream side of the water supply valve and adapted to allow flush water to be supplied to the flush water tank, and further supplied to a toilet main body as refill water, wherein the refill water system includes a common passage-forming portion which forms a common passage having: an inlet port for allowing inflow of the flush water therethrough; a tank-side outlet port for allowing the flush water to flow out toward the flush water tank therethrough; a main unit-side outlet port for allowing the flush water to flow out toward the toilet main body therethrough; and a vent port; and a vacuum break valve in the common passage-forming portion. |
| US08720479B2 |
Lockout device for manually operated selector valve
A one piece valve lockout device for use with a quarter turn, rotary selector valve that is closed at the one-eighth turn position and is mounted on a common assembly with a manually operated pump. The device includes parallel ears configured in a U shape, used to secure the device to the pumping assembly. The ears are oriented 45 degrees from a locking arm. The locking arm has two parallel plates extending downward around a valve handle. The parallel plates have pairs of aligned holes in which a padlock can be inserted, preventing unauthorized removal of the device. |
| US08720477B1 |
Drain assembly
A drain assembly includes a closing element having a lower surface and one or more floating elements extending from the lower surface. A receiver element has an inner ring and an outer ring and one or more receptacles disposed between the inner ring and outer ring. The receptacles receive corresponding floating elements and the receiver element has one or more inlet openings associated with the outer ring and one or more outlet openings associated with the inner ring. The one or more inlet openings receive a liquid to fill the receptacles to provide a lifting movement to the one or more floating elements within the corresponding one or more receptacles to lift the closing element. As the closing element lifts, the one or more receptacles fill with the liquid and drain the liquid from the one or more outlet openings. |
| US08720476B2 |
Portable ram block changer
An apparatus for engaging and moving a ram block. In some embodiments, the apparatus, or ram block changer, includes a support bracket coupled to a blowout preventer and an articulated arm releasably coupled to the ram block. The ram block changer may further include a pivot coupling assembly having a first axis of rotation. The pivot coupling assembly extends through the support bracket and the articulated arm, wherein the articulated arm is rotatable about the first axis of rotation relative to the support bracket. The articulated arm may include a first member receiving the pivot coupling assembly therethrough, a second member coupled to the ram block, and a second pivot coupling assembly having a second axis of rotation spaced apart from the first axis of rotation and extending through the first and second members. The second member is rotatable about the second axis of rotation relative to the first member. |
| US08720475B2 |
Air valve connector for connecting different valves
An air valve connector is threadly engaged to a nozzle head of an air pump, which is eccentrically and pivotally connected with a cam lever. The cam lever is adapted to press against a plug and an airtight ring disposed in the nozzle head to compel the valve connector to connect with different types of air valves such as a French type valve, a German type valve, an English type valve, and an American type valve. The air valve connector is reversed easily between first and second positions to be adapted to connect with the different type valves by the user. |
| US08720474B2 |
Attachment for different air valves
An air valve connecting device or attachment includes a housing having an inlet mouth, a gasket engaged into the housing for engaging with an inflation valve, a casing engaged in the housing for compressing the gasket to grasp the inflation valve to the housing, and the casing includes a compartment communicative with the gasket for engaging with a valve piece which selectively blocks the casing, a spring biases the valve piece to engage with the casing, an actuator is engageble with the casing for compressing the gasket to grasp the inflation valve to the housing, and the actuator includes a valve member for preventing an air leaking problem from being occurred by the inflation valves. |
| US08720472B2 |
Fuel cutoff valve
A fuel cutoff valve comprises a casing main body with a connecting hole and a valve chamber, a cover forming the tube member, and the float housed in the valve chamber. The valve comprises, above the casing main body, the liquid closure member forming the retaining chamber for temporarily retaining liquid fuel flown out of the connecting hole and the partition member formed in plurality in a ridge form on the upper surface of the upper wall within the retaining chamber. Each partition member is arranged radially so as to be connected to the liquid closure member from the near center of the connecting hole, and configured in such a way that the retaining chamber is divided into multiple divided chambers. |
| US08720471B2 |
Fuel cutoff valves
A fuel cutoff valve has a housing defining therein a float chamber and a float disposed in the float chamber. The housing defines a connection passage positioned above the float chamber and fluidly connecting the float chamber with outside of the housing and a hole positioned below the fluid chamber fluidly connecting the float chamber with outside of the housing. The float has a valve part that is configured to close the connection passage and defines therein a first passage passing through the float in a vertical direction and a second passage extending from a part of the first passage to an outer surface of the float in a substantial horizontal direction. |
| US08720466B2 |
Process for accessing underground pressurized gas main
A process is provided for accessing an underground pressurized gas main for retirement of replacement of the connection of a gas service pipe thereto. A gas main fixture that has a service tee adaptor and a pressurized chamber connected thereto is mounted onto the gas main with the tee adaptor above a tee plug on the gas service pipe. The chamber is closed against gas discharge and the tee plug is unscrewed from the gas service pipe while the pressure chamber is closed. The tee plug is removed through the service tee adapter and pressure chamber while minimizing gas discharged to atmosphere. The plug hole is preferably reamed through the pressure chamber while the chamber is closed to atmosphere, tapped for a straight fine thread, and a main plug with the fine thread is screwed into the tapped hole while limiting its depth of engagement. |
| US08720464B2 |
Method for controlling water supply amount and refrigerator using the same
A method for controlling a water supply amount and a refrigerator using the same are disclosed. The method includes receiving information regarding a water supply amount selected by a user, counting a duration after starting water supply, and checking whether an error in a water supply amount measurement unit exists. When the water supply amount measurement unit is normal, an actual water supply amount is determined based on a signal from the water supply amount measurement unit, and, when a fault exists, a water supply amount is determined based on correlation between a stored water supply amount for normal operation and a water supply duration. Water supply is stopped when the selected water supply amount and the determined water supply amount are equal. When the water supply amount measurement unit is normal, the signal from the water supply amount measurement unit and information regarding a water supply duration are stored. |
| US08720448B2 |
Sterile interface apparatus
A robotic surgical system configured to perform minimally invasive surgical procedures. In one variation, this robotic surgical system includes an instrument driver configured to steer an elongate instrument of an instrument assembly in one or more degrees of motion. A drape is disposed between the instrument driver and the instrument assembly. A drive interface apparatus is operatively coupled to the drape. The drape and drive interface apparatus may form a fluid barrier between the instrument driver and the instrument assembly. Drive interface apparatus may be disposed on a top surface of the instrument driver and on a bottom surface of the instrument assembly. The drive interface apparatus may transmit torque from the instrument driver to the instrument assembly. The input torque drives a pulley in the instrument assembly that operates one or more control wires to steer an elongate instrument of the instrument assembly for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures. |
| US08720447B2 |
Suspended back pillow for sustaining a side sleeping position
A device and method for enabling an individual located on a bed to sustain a side-sleeping orientation on either a left or right side. The device comprises a light weight, elongate pillow having a longitudinal axis and being configured to concurrently rest at a back side of the individual and an adjacent surface of a bed when reclined in a side-sleeping orientation on the bed. The pillow includes a flexible attachment structure which is positioned along a longitudinal edge of the pillow to secure the pillow to the individual's bed clothing. The attachment structure provides sufficient flexibility to allow the pillow to rotate with respect to and rest against the individual's back to a laterally offset and suspended, partial captured configuration in general alignment with the individual's spine and in concurrent contact with the bed surface to prevent a supine sleeping position. |
| US08720446B2 |
Sacrocolpopexy support and method of implantation
A method of treating prolapse of a vagina includes securing a base of a support to tissue by inserting an anchor into the tissue, the anchor coupled to the support via an interconnecting member, securing a leg of the support that extends from the base of the support to a cuff of the vagina, and adjusting elevation of the cuff of the vagina relative to a patient's sacrum by sliding the interconnecting member relative to the anchor. |
| US08720444B2 |
Breathing assistance apparatus having floating function
A breathing assistance apparatus includes a main body unit, a head strap unit, a nasal prong unit, and an intake unit. The main body unit has a rearwall, a frontwall, a connecting wall connected between the rearwall and the frontwall to define a chamber thereamong. The connecting wall has a rearwall-connecting portion connected to the rearwall, and a frontwall-connecting portion connected between the frontwall and the rearwall-connecting portion and having a thickness smaller than that of the rearwall-connecting portion so as to allow for floating movement of the frontwall relative to the rearwall. |
| US08720441B2 |
Determining patient-ventilator breath contribution index in spontaneously breathing, mechanically ventilated patients
The present invention relates to a system and method for determining a patient-ventilator breath contribution index in a spontaneously breathing, mechanically ventilated patient. A patient's efficiency to generate an inspiratory volume without mechanical ventilatory assist and a patient's efficiency to generate an inspiratory volume with mechanical ventilatory assist are calculated and used to determine the patient-ventilator breath contribution index. |
| US08720440B2 |
System and method of administering a pharmaceutical gas to a patient
A method and system for delivering a pharmaceutical gas to a patient. The method and system provide a known desired quantity of the pharmaceutical gas to the patient independent of the respiratory pattern of the patient. The preferred pharmaceutical gases are CO and NO, both of which are provided as a concentration in a carrier gas. The gas control system determines the delivery of the pharmaceutical gas to the patient to result in the known desired quantity (e.g. in molecules, milligrams or other quantified units) of the pharmaceutical gas being delivered. Upon completion of that known desired quantity of pharmaceutical gas over a plurality of breaths, the system can either terminate any further delivery of the pharmaceutical gas or can activate an alarm to alert the user that the known quantity has been delivered. The system also has alarm functions to alert the user of possible malfunctions of the system. |
| US08720434B2 |
Medicine ejection device and controlling method thereof
The invention provides a medicine ejection device which provides stable ejection even when a reservoir with high sealability is used and can eject an appropriate amount of medicine. A medicine ejection portion 1 includes an ejection nozzle 1a for ejecting a medicine and an element 1b which generates energy for ejecting the medicine from the ejection nozzle 1a, and is connected to a medicine storing portion 2 for storing the medicine. The medicine storing portion 2 is blocked from the outside air except a path through the ejection nozzle 1a, so that when the medicine is ejected from the ejection nozzle 1a, a pressure difference is formed between the outside and the inside of the medicine storing portion 2. A pressure unit 3 which is a feature of the present invention pressurizes a movable wall 5 when ejecting a medicine, which is displaced so that the volumetric capacity of the medicine storing portion 2 decreases due to the pressure difference. |
| US08720433B2 |
Dose counter with lockout mechanism
A medicament dispenser, in particular a metered dose inhaler, which is able to count the number of time the dispenser is activated and then disable the device, which then prevents any additional medicament from being dispensed. Additional embodiments include a medicament dispenser which are adapted to display either the number of activations that have occurred or the number of activations remaining. |
| US08720431B2 |
Mounting frame for supporting sheet-type solar panels
The invention relates to a mounting frame for supporting sheet-type solar panels (12) comprising, fitted substantially vertically for anchoring by its lower end (13a) in the ground or by a fixed anchoring location (13b), a supporting mast (13) at which the solar panels (12) resting on a plane panel support (8-11) are supported by means of a supporting structure (14) and which are rotatable about the axis of the mast for azimuthal tracking. |
| US08720428B2 |
Arrow mounted blind or decoy
An arrow mounted blind or decoy offers portability, flexibility, and minimum weight while always being mounted to a bow. The arrow mounted blind or decoy can be quickly deployed and easily folded against the arrow to which it is affixed and stowed out of the way. A mount is attached to an arrow with clamp screws. Spars are attached to the mount with an internal shock cord that runs through the mount. Fabric having camouflage properties and various colors is attached to the spars. In a deployed position, a view hole in the fabric allows an arrow to be drawn in the bow and through the view hole, allowing the hunter to see through to observe game while concealing the hunter from the game. The internal shock cord will stretch allowing the spars to be removed from the mount and folded over and attached to the arrow with a clamp. |
| US08720425B2 |
Two-track system for dual cam compound bow
The present invention comprises a two-track cam assembly wherein the cam assembly has a bowstring component for housing the bowstring and a power cable component that allows for the take up and let out of the power cable on opposing ends of the power cable component, effectively creating a two-track cam assembly. The efficiency rating of the device achieves 95.8%. The cam assembly can come in a unitary or modular form and further each component (i.e. the bowstring or power cable component) can be in a circular or non-circular form. |