最新美国发明专利第2014-05-20期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

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US08728315B2	Method and apparatus for the filtration of biological solutions A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream and providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. The single-pass process provides high conversion concentration while operating at relatively low feed flow rates, and the process can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration.
US08728310B1	Water processing system A system and method for processing impure water is achieved by using ozone for the separation and removal of certain contaminants and for further purification of the water. According to one embodiment, a gas comprised of ozone and air is injected into the impure water. The gas is converted to bubbles which are used as a flotation reagent while the ozone portion of the gas provides for the disinfection and deodorization of the liquid. The impure water is constantly supplied into an upper portion of a working volume or column of fluid contained within a processing unit. At the same time the gas is supplied into the bottom part of the same fluid column through one or more diffusers. Due to their porosity the diffusers generate the bubbles of this ozone-based gas so that each bubble has a predetermined size.
US08728304B2	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 iodine source, generating a water soluble heavy metal complex for subsequent removal from the crude oil. In one embodiment, the iodine source is generated in-situ in an oxidation-reduction reaction, by adding the crude oil to an iodine species having a charge and a reductant or an oxidant depending on the charge of the iodine species. In one embodiment with an iodine species having a positive charge and a reducing reagent, a complexing agent is also added to the crude oil to extract the heavy metal complex into the water phase to form water soluble heavy metal complexes which can be separated from the crude oil, for a treated crude oil having reduced levels of heavy metals.
US08728303B2	Process, method, and system for removing heavy metals from fluids Trace element levels of heavy metals in crude oil are reduced by contacting the crude oil with an oxidizing agent, extracting heavy metals into a water phase for subsequent separation from the crude oil. The oxidizing agent is selected from the group of hydroperoxides, organic peroxides, inorganic peracids and salts thereof, organic peracids and salts thereof, and ozone. In one embodiment, the oxidizing agent converts heavy metals into the heavy metal cations in a water-oil emulsion, which can be subsequently separated from the crude oil, for a treated crude oil having reduced levels of heavy metals. In one embodiment, at least a complexing agent can be added to facilitate the removal by forming soluble heavy metal complexes in the water phase.
US08728300B2	Flash processing a solvent deasphalting feed Systems and methods for deasphalting a hydrocarbon are provided. A hydrocarbon can be heated to a first temperature and pressurized to a first pressure. The pressurized hydrocarbon can be depressurized to separate at least a portion of the hydrocarbon to provide a vaporized hydrocarbon mixture and a residual hydrocarbon that can include asphaltenes. The residual hydrocarbon can be mixed with a solvent to provide a first mixture. The first mixture can be heated to a second temperature. The asphaltenes can be separated from the first mixture to provide a first product and a second product. The first product can include a deasphalted oil and at least a portion of the solvent. The second product can include the asphaltenes and the remaining portion of the solvent.
US08728298B2	Test method for the ketone number of an animal specimen A test method for the ketone number of an animal specimen is characterized in that a test parameter datasheet is set up by data modeling. Then a specimen from tested animal body is obtained. Next, the specimen is dripped onto the sensing end of an electrochemical test specimen, and an electrochemical tester is prepared. A test value correction procedure is built into or input to the electrochemical tester. With a parameter adjustment mode, the operational parameters of test value correction procedure unique to the electrochemical tester could be adjusted for adapting to the test mode of the species of tested animals. The sensing end of the electrochemical test specimen is inserted into the measurement slot of the electrochemical tester, so the ketone number of the specimen is displayed by the electrochemical tester.
US08728296B2	Method for extracting gallium from fly ash Disclosed is a method for extracting gallium from fly ash, which comprises the following steps: crushing the fly ash and removing Fe by magnetic separation; then dissolving it by using hydrochloric acid to obtain hydrochloric acid leachate; adsorbing gallium contained in the hydrochloric acid leachate with macro-porous cationic resin, followed by eluting to obtain an eluent containing gallium; adding masking agent to mask ferric ion to obtain an eluent containing gallium after masking; adsorbing gallium in the eluent containing gallium after masking with macro-porous cationic resin, followed by eluting to obtain a secondary eluent; adding sodium hydroxide solution into the secondary eluent to react; filtering and removing precipitates after reaction, and then concentrating the filtrate and electrolyzing to obtain metal gallium. The method simplifies the process and improves extraction efficiency of gallium.
US08728294B2	Anodizing method and apparatus An anodizing method in which a workpiece made of aluminum or aluminum alloy is immersed in an electrolytic solution, and treatment is performed in which the application of positive voltage for a very short period of time and the removal of charges are repeated alternately between the workpiece and a cathode arranged in the electrolytic solution includes a step of performing treatment in which the positive voltage application and the charge removal are repeated in a tentative cycle, measuring the control point arrival time of a current waveform at the positive voltage application period, and determining normal positive voltage application time based on the control point arrival time; and a step of performing treatment in which the application of positive voltage and the removal of charges are repeated in a cycle corresponding to the normal positive voltage application time, and forming an anodized film on the surface of the workpiece.
US08728291B2	Droplet-based cell culture and cell assays using digital microfluidics We introduce a new method for implementing cell-based assays and long-term cell culture. The method is based on digital microfluidics (DMF) which is used to actuate nanoliter droplets of reagents and cells on a planar array of electrodes. DMF method is suitable for assaying and culturing both cells in suspension and cells grown on surface (adherent cells). This method is advantageous for cell culture and assays due to the automated manipulation of multiple reagents in addition to reduced reagent use and analysis time. No adverse effects of actuation by DMF were observed in assays for cell viability, proliferation, and biochemistry. These results suggest that DMF has great potential as a simple yet versatile analytical tool for implementing cell-based assays and cell culture on the microscale.
US08728289B2	Monolithic electrodes and pH transducers The disclosure provides monolithic electrodes including a substrate defining a walled cavity having a floor, an electrically conductive cathode layer overlaying the cavity floor, an electrically conductive contact pad overlaying the substrate, an electrically conductive via in electrical communication with the cathode layer and the contact pad, and a porous membrane layer overlaying the cavity and defining a chamber formed by the porous membrane layer, the walled cavity, and the cavity floor. The disclosure also provides pH transducers including monolithic indicator and reference electrodes, and methods of making and using monolithic pH electrodes and transducers.
US08728284B2	Barium copper sulfur fluoride transparent conductive thin films and bulk material A bulk barium copper sulfur fluoride (BCSF) material can be made by combining Cu2S, BaS and BaF2, heating the ampoule between 400 and 550° C. for at least two hours, and then heating the ampoule at a temperature between 550 and 950° C. for at least two hours. The BCSF material may be doped with potassium, rubidium, or sodium. Additionally, a p-type transparent conductive material can comprise a thin film of BCSF on a substrate where the film has a conductivity of at least 1 S/cm. The substrate may be a plastic substrate, such as a polyethersulfone, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, or some other suitable plastic or polymeric substrate.
US08728279B2	Liquid composition sensor in scaling environment Scale formation on the electrode(s) of a liquor sensor can be prevented by continuously delivering a water-soluble scale inhibitor or dispersant into the vicinity of the electrodes of a liquor sensor device. Scale inhibitors include, for instance, polymers that are derived from acrylic acid, maleic acid, acrylamide acid, phosphonate, and combinations thereof. An aqueous mixture of scaling inhibitor continuously delivered to the probe tip of the liquor sensor that was placed in a kraft pulping liquor allowed the sensor to operate accurately for over a month without having to be cleaned of scale.
US08728271B2	Silane/urea compound as a heat-activatable curing agent for epoxide resin compositions Silanes of formula (I), or of substrates whose surface is coated or derivatized with a silane of formula (I), as a curing agent for epoxy resins which is activatable at elevated temperature. Such thermosetting epoxy resin compositions allow a large reduction in the curing temperature without great impairment of their storage stability.
US08728269B2	Methods for containing liquid materials and maintaining part alignment during assembly operations Components may be interconnected using liquid materials such as liquid adhesive and solder. To prevent undesired movement between the components during the assembly process and to prevent the liquid material from flowing into undesired areas, an attachment and dam structure may be provided. The structure may be formed from a substrate such as a flexible polymer film coated with adhesive. When interposed between first and second components, the structure attaches the first and second components and prevents movement between the first and second components. The structure may have one or more edges adjacent to the liquid material to block the liquid material from flowing while the liquid material is in its liquid state. Once the components have been connected, the liquid material can be solidified.
US08728268B2	Method for manufacturing resin molding and laser beam irradiation apparatus A method for manufacturing a resin molding can be provided that uses a laser beam. The method can include providing the resin molding including welded portions that can impart high level of adhesion, have excellent appearance and provide very strong bonding strength. The method can also include arranging and pressing a weld region of a light-absorbing resin member and corresponding weld region of a light-transmitting resin member that are opposed to each other, and setting a plurality of irradiation areas in the extending direction of the welded regions. The method can also include arranging a plurality of laser irradiation scanning heads corresponding to the irradiation areas. Here, the irradiation areas can include a single irradiation area which the corresponding scanning head can irradiate with the laser beam and a composite irradiation area which the adjacent scanning heads can irradiate with respective laser beams. The method can further include causing the plurality of laser beams emitted from the scanning heads to repeatedly scan the single irradiation area along a first trajectory in the extending direction of the single irradiation area and part of both the single irradiation area and the composite irradiation area along a second trajectory in the extending direction, so that the entire welded regions are heated and fused to weld the light-transmitting resin member and the light-absorbing resin member.
US08728266B2	Electro-optic displays, and materials and methods for production thereof An electro-optic display is produced using a sub-assembly comprising a front sheet, an electro-optic medium; and an adhesive layer. An aperture is formed through the adhesive layer where the adhesive layer is not covered by the electro-optic medium, and the sub-assembly is adhered to a backplane having a co-operating member with the aperture engaged with a co-operating member, thus locating the sub-assembly relative to the backplane. In another form of electro-optic display, a chip extends through an aperture in the electro-optic medium and adhesive layer. In a third form, the aforementioned sub-assembly is secured to a backplane and then a cut is made through both backplane and sub-assembly to provide an aligned edge.
US08728264B2	Process for producing a haemocompatible article of complex configuration and article thus obtained Disclosed is a method for producing a hemocompatible article. A non-thermally stabilized polytetrafluoroethylene membrane comprised of non-oriented fibers is heated to a temperature of around 400° C. and above the gel point of the polytetrafluoroethylene, while the membrane is being applied against a forming mold. The membrane is applied against the forming mold by generating a pressure differential between opposing faces of the membrane to form a conformed membrane. The conformed membrane is then cooled, thereby producing the hemocompatible article.
US08728261B2	Method for producing ceramic joined body This producing method includes: a preparing step of preparing a pair of ceramic sintered bodies at least one of which is formed by a reaction sintering method and contains free silicon; a forming step of interposing a joining slurry between the joined surfaces of the pair of ceramic sintered bodies and thereafter drying the joining slurry, to form a fine particle layer, the joining slurry obtained by dispersing fine particles containing a carbon element in an organic solvent; and a joining step of heating the pair of ceramic sintered bodies in an inert atmosphere with the pair of ceramic sintered bodies held so that the fine particle layer is pressurized, to introduce the free silicon into the fine particle layer, thereby forming a joining layer containing at least silicon carbide so that the pair of ceramic sintered bodies are joined to each other, to obtain the ceramic joined body.
US08728260B2	Recyclable surface covering and method and system for manufacturing a recyclable surface covering A process and system for making a laminated surface covering and the surface covering itself are described. The covering includes several layers bonded to each other. The system performs the process. One example of the process includes passing a first material across a first conveyor, passing a second material across a second conveyor, passing a bonding material across a third conveyor, contacting the first material and the second material to the bonding material, and heating at least one of the first material and the second material. The process also includes introducing the first material, the second material, and the bonding material into a pressure zone such that the bonding material is introduced between a bottom surface of the first material and a top surface of the second material. The process applies pressure to bond the first material and second material together via the bonding material to produce a laminated material.
US08728257B2	High tensile strength steel material having excellent delayed fracture resistance property, and method of manufacturing the same The invention provides a high tensile strength steel material having a tensile strength of 600 MPa, which is excellent in delayed fracture resistance property, and a method of manufacturing the steel material. As means for this, a steel material contains, in mass percent, C of 0.02 to 0.25%, Si of 0.01 to 0.8%, Mn of 0.5 to 2.0%, Al of 0.005 to 0.1%, N of 0.0005 to 0.008%, P of 0.03% or less, and S of 0.03% or less. In addition, the steel material contains at least one element selected from Mo, Nb, V, and Ti, and contains at least one of Cu, Ni, Cr, W, B, Ca, REM and Mg, as needed. The remainder includes Fe and inevitable impurities. In addition, in the steel material, precipitates having an average grain size of 20 nm or less, which contains at least one of Mo, Nb, V and Ti, are contained in steel in the number of at least 5 per 250000 nm2, and a microstructure includes residual austenite in a volume fraction of 0.5 to 5%. When Ca to be added is specified to be 0.0010% to 0.0020%, it is specified that S is 0.0005% to 0.0020% and O is 0.0008% to 0.0025%. ACR is specified to be 0.2≦ACR(=(Ca−(0.18+130Ca)O)/1.25/S)≦1.0.
US08728255B2	Pot-shaped copper sputtering target and manufacturing method thereof Provided is a pot-shaped copper sputtering target manufactured with die forging, wherein the Vickers hardness Hv at all locations of the inner surface of the pot-shaped target is 70 or greater. With this pot-shaped copper sputtering target, the average crystal grain size in the target structure is 65 μm or less. Further, the inner surface of the pot-shaped target comprises crystalline orientations of (220), (111), (200), (311) obtained by X-ray diffraction, and the crystalline orientation of the face subject to erosion of the pot-shaped target is of a (220) primary orientation. An object of the present invention is to obtain a manufacturing method of a high quality sputtering target by improving and devising the forging process and heat treatment process to make the crystal grain size refined and uniform, and to obtain a high-quality sputtering target.
US08728253B2	Method for handling aqueous methanesulfonic acid solutions A method for handling aqueous solutions of methanesulfonic acid (MSA) having a concentration from 50 to 99% by weight of MSA and a total chlorine content of less than 50 mg/kg in apparatuses in which the aqueous MSA solution is in contact with steel surfaces. The steel comprises austenitic steels having a chromium content of from 15 to 22% by weight and a nickel content of from 9 to 15% by weight.
US08728252B2	Treatment of metal components A process for treating a non-ferrous metal component, comprising placing the component into a process chamber at an elevated temperature, biasing the component to have a potential capable of attracting ions, introducing oxygen into the chamber at a pressure such that a glow discharge comprising oxygen ions is generated, the process chamber additionally comprising a glow discharge ionization enhancing means, and activating the glow discharge ionization enhancing means thereby increasing charged species density of the glow discharge, the oxygen ions flowing towards the component and colliding the surface thereof at least some of which diffuse into the component.
US08728251B2	Treatment solution for coating metal surface A chromium-free aqueous treatment solution for coating metal surfaces is described. The treatment solution contains fluorocomplex ions of titanium and/or zirconium and molybdate ions, vanadium ions and one or more aromatic carboxylic acids with at least one carboxyl groups and at least two further functional groups, wherein the two further functional groups are selected from the group comprising carboxyl groups, hydroxyl groups, amino groups and nitro groups.
US08728245B2	Gelled adhesive remover composition and method of use The present invention includes a process using environmentally friendly materials for the removal of adhesive residues from hard substrates, particularly vehicles, e.g., cars, trucks, buses, aerospace vehicles including airplanes, and the like. The process uses a novel adhesive remover composition comprising one or more non-halogenated organic solvents, a non-abrasive thickening agent, a surfactant, and a vapor-pressure modulating agent. The total Hansen Solubility Parameter (δt) at 25° C. for each of the non-halogenated organic solvents is from about 14 MPa1/2 to about 24 MPa1/2. The invention provides a cost effective, safe, environmentally friendly adhesive remover composition specifically formulated for removal of, e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive residues from large areas of aircraft composite and aluminum surfaces, as well as others.
US08728243B2	Apparatus for extraction of saccharides from lignocellulose material by means of hydrolysis and use of a certain material in the apparatus The present invention relates to the use of a comparatively cheap material for the containment of at least a strongly acidic mineral acid solution highly diluted with water, by means of which saccharides are extracted from lignocellulose material by hydrolysis at a temperature of 175-240° C. and a pressure of 6-34 bar (0.6-14 MPa) as well as a time of 1-60 minutes and is characterized in that the material comprises, in addition to iron in an amount greater than any other individual substance and usually at least 50% by weight, at least chromium in an amount of 10.5-30% by weight, nickel in an amount of 2.5-29% by weight, and molybdenum in an amount of 0-7% by weight. The invention also relates to an apparatus.
US08728242B2	Single disc vapor lubrication Apparatus and method for vapor deposition of a uniform thickness thin film of lubricant on at least one surface of a disk-shaped substrate. The invention has particular utility in depositing thin films of polymeric lubricants onto disc-shaped substrates in the manufacture of magnetic and MO recording media.
US08728240B2	Apparatus for vapor condensation and recovery Methods and apparatus for recovery of precursor vapor from a gas and precursor vapor mixture used in a deposition process. The gas and precursor vapor mixture is passed through a multitude of heat transfer surfaces in a heat conducting housing causing the precursor vapor to condense. The precursor vapor in liquid form is then collected after condensation.
US08728237B2	Crystal growth method for nitride semiconductor having a multiquantum well structure A method for growing nitride semiconductor crystals contains: growing a first semiconductor layer containing InxGa1-xN (0
US08728234B2	Methods for producing improved crystallinity group III-nitride crystals from initial group III-nitride seed by ammonothermal growth The present invention discloses methods to create higher quality group III-nitride wafers that then generate improvements in the crystalline properties of ingots produced by ammonothermal growth from an initial defective seed. By obtaining future seeds from carefully chosen regions of an ingot produced on a bowed seed crystal, future ingot crystalline properties can be improved. Specifically, the future seeds are optimized if chosen from an area of relieved stress on a cracked ingot or from a carefully chosen N-polar compressed area. When the seeds are sliced out, miscut of 3-10° helps to improve structural quality of successive growth. Additionally a method is proposed to improve crystal quality by using the ammonothermal method to produce a series of ingots, each using a specifically oriented seed from the previous ingot. When employed, these methods enhance the quality of Group III nitride wafers and thus improve the efficiency of any subsequent device.
US08728232B2	Single crystal heat treatment method A single crystal heat treatment method having a step of heating a single crystal of a specific cerium-doped silicate compound in an oxygen-poor atmosphere at a temperature T1 (units: ° C.) that satisfies the conditions represented by formula (3) below 800≦T1<(Tm1−550) (3) (wherein Tm1 (units: ° C.) represents the melting point of the single crystal).
US08728228B2	High-gloss multilayer effect pigments having a narrow size distribution, and method for the production thereof Multilayer pearlescent pigments based on platelet-shaped transparent substrates with an optically active coating, where the optically active coating includes at least a) a nonabsorbing high-index layer A having a refractive index n≧1.8, b) a low-index layer B having a refractive index n<1.8 having an optical layer thickness >150 nm, c) an absorbing high-index layer C having a refractive index n≧1.8 and also, d) optionally an outer protective layer D, wherein the multilayer pearlescent pigments have a cumulative frequency distribution of the volume-averaged size distribution function, with the indices D10, D50, D90 and a span ΔD of 0.7-1.4, the span ΔD being calculated in accordance with the formula ΔD=(D90−D10)/D50. The disclosure further relates to a method for producing these multilayer pigments, and to their use.
US08728226B2	High-gloss multilayer effect pigments having a chromatic interference color and a narrow size distribution, and method for the production thereof Multilayer pearlescent pigments comprising platelet-shaped transparent substrates provided with an optically active coating, where the optically active coating includes at least a) an absorbing high-index layer A having a refractive index n≧1.8 b) a low-index layer B having a refractive index n<1.8 c) a high-index layer C having a refractive index n≧1.8 and also d) optionally at least one outer protective layer D and where the multilayer pearlescent pigments have a cumulative frequency distribution of a volume-averaged size distribution function, with the indices D10, D50, D90 and a span ΔD in a range from 0.7-1.4, the span ΔD being calculated in accordance with formula (I) ΔD=(D90−D10)/D50 (I). The disclosure further relates to a method for producing these multilayer pearlescent pigments, and also to their use.
US08728224B2	Water-soluble binder and ceramic molding composition A water-soluble binder comprising a water-soluble hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose having a methoxyl substitution of 28-30 wt % and a hydroxypropyl substitution of 5-7 wt % has a syneresis value of at least 30 wt % and a clay heat gel strength of at least 0.5 kgf. A ceramic molding composition comprising a ceramic material and the water-soluble binder has improved shape retention upon drying and is effectively molded into a ceramic part.
US08728217B2	Filtration media and applications thereof In some embodiments, the present invention provide 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, at least one woven fabric, and at least one non-woven fabric, wherein the pollutant absorbent layer is positioned between the at least one woven fabric and the at least one non-woven fabric.
US08728216B2	Shaped heat storage materials A shaped heat storage material has a shaped body composed of a binder and heat storage capsules containing a heat storage material therein. And, the shaped body has at least one of a projection, a depressed portion and a hollow structure defining a hollow space therein.
US08728214B2	Gas transfer device and use of a structured membrane The invention relates to a gas transfer device comprising at least two chambers and at least one gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane, wherein the chambers are separated from one another by the membrane(s), and wherein the membrane(s) is/are structured on at least one side and channels and/or branching structures, in particular branched pathways, are formed on the membrane by this structure, the walls of which have a spacing of ≦500 μm, preferably of ≦350 μm, and more preferably of ≦150 μm, and the proportion of the membrane surface area which comprises channels and/or branching structures having this spacing constitutes at least 50% of the total surface area of the membrane.
US08728212B2	High efficiency low pressure drop synthetic fiber based air filter made completely from post consumer waste materials A non-woven textile based filter media is produced from polyester fiber generated using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage bottles, and that non-woven textile based filter media is used to make an air filter. By controlling the diameters and lengths of the PET derived polyester fibers, a non-woven textile based filter media that exhibits a natural Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) of about 8 (without requiring electrostatic treatment) and a pressure drop of 2.9 PSI or less can be achieved. A related exemplary embodiment is an air filter fabricated entirely from recycled materials, including a recycled cardboard frame, the non-woven textile based filter media made from recycled PET derived polyester fibers, and a support structure made of recycled plastic or metal wire.
US08728208B2	Air cleaner An air cleaner is described comprising a housing having an air inlet and an air exhaust extending therethrough, a refill for containing a reservoir of liquid which is releasable from the housing, a nebulizer within the housing configured, in use, to be in fluid contact with the source of liquid to generate a mist of liquid droplets, said nebulizer being configured, in use, to eject the mist upwardly, a chamber within the housing in which the mist is retained, a fan within the housing configured, in use, to generate a flow of air through the air inlet and into the chamber such that at least some of the contaminants in the air flow are urged by the mist out of the flow of air and toward the refill. A refill for the air cleaner is also described as well as the use of said air cleaner.
US08728206B2	Method of removing metal carbonyls from gaseous streams and metal carbonyl sorbent Method of removing metal carbonyls from a gaseous stream comprising contacting the metal carbonyl containing gaseous stream at elevated temperature with a particulate sorbent comprising modified copper aluminum spinel, wherein the copper aluminium spinel has been modified by a thermal treatment in a reducing atmosphere and a particulate sorbent for use in a method comprising a copper aluminium spinel being modified by thermal treatment in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature of between 250 and 500° C.
US08728203B2	Method and apparatus for eliminating or reducing quench water for a wet electrostatic precipitator A method and apparatus are provided for reducing waste effluent from a system including a boiler and a wet electrostatic precipitator, the waste effluent having blow down water discharged by the boiler during a blow down operation and bleed water discharged by the wet electrostatic precipitator. The method includes collecting the blow down water and providing it to the wet electrostatic precipitator as a makeup water supplement, evaporating a portion the bleed water and leaving residual bleed water, providing the evaporated bleed water to the wet electrostatic precipitator as a further makeup water supplement, and using the residual bleed water to quench ash produced by combustion of solid fuel by the boiler. The apparatus includes an evaporator that provides direct contact between hot boiler flue gas and the bleed water such that a portion of the flue gas is quenched before being provided to the wet electrostatic precipitator.
US08728199B2	Hydrogen separation membrane and method for separating hydrogen Provided is a novel hydrogen separation membrane formed of a Nb—W—Mo-based alloy. A method for separating hydrogen using the hydrogen separation membrane and hydrogen separation conditions are selected by a particular procedure. A hydrogen separation membrane formed of the Nb—W—Mo-based alloy membrane. A method for separating hydrogen using the Nb—W—Mo-based alloy membrane and the conditions for separating hydrogen using the Nb—W—Mo-based alloy membrane are set by measuring the hydrogen pressure P of a hydrogen atmosphere for the Nb—W—Mo-based alloy membrane and the dissolved hydrogen content C of the Nb—W—Mo-based alloy membrane at a temperature T; generating a PCT curve associating the temperature T, the hydrogen pressure P, and the dissolved hydrogen content C on the basis of actual measurement data about the three requirements; and setting operating temperature and primary and secondary hydrogen pressure conditions by determining the relationship between the dissolved hydrogen content C and the brittle fracture of the Nb—W—Mo-based alloy membrane on the basis of the PCT curve to evaluate critical dissolved hydrogen content related to hydrogen embrittlement resistance.
US08728198B2	Metals recovery from mining heap leach ore A method of recovering metal from heap leached ore is provided. The method includes supplying process fluid to a tank, distributing heap leached ore in the tank, optionally disrupting the flow of ore through the tank, creating a pregnant solution and discharging the process fluid, heap leached ore and pregnant solution from the tank to recover additional metal from the heap leached ore.
US08728196B2	Semi-liquid metal processing and sensing device and method of using same A semi-liquid metal processing and sensing device comprising a crucible that is at least partially encircled by at least one induction coil. The one or more induction coils can be water cooled. The one or more induction coils can be designed to generate a variable power and/or variable frequency magnetic field which can be modulated to control the cooling of a molten metal charge in the crucible from the liquidus temperature to a selected heat content, resistivity and/or viscosity. The magnetic field can be designed to induce toroidal agitation of the metal charge in the crucible. The semi-liquid condition is sensed and can be actively controlled by the induction power supply via real time or non-real time analysis of electrical feedback signals that are obtained from the induction coil.
US08728195B2	Green process for the preparation of direct reduced iron (DRI) Direct reduced iron (DRI) is obtained from iron ore by reduction using microwave assisted low temperature hydrogen plasma. The process includes steps of: (a) loading iron ore onto a sample holder (b) placing the sample holder inside a chamber followed by evacuating the chamber; (c) introducing hydrogen gas in the chamber at flow rate ranging between 100-500 standard cubic centimeters (sccm) followed by heating the sample holder and the iron ore at a temperature ranging between 300-800° C., a pressure ranging between 20-100 torr and a microwave power ranging between 500-1500 W to obtain direct reduced iron; and (d) cooling the direct reduced iron obtained in step (c) by flowing hydrogen at flow rate of about 300 sccm.
US08728189B2	Systems and methods for heat recovery An embodiment of filter unit heat exchanger according to the present invention provides improved operability and manufacturability. Such device may include a housing substantially surrounding a heat exchange assembly. Provided through the housing are one or more tortuous fluid flow paths used to direct airflow therethrough around portions of the heat exchange assembly for efficient operation. The tortuous path(s) may be provided by one or more nozzle apertures on an input side of the housing and one or more diffuser apertures on an output side of the housing, where the nozzle apertures and diffuser apertures are offset to cause desired airflow deflection. The filter unit may include desired symmetries so as to improve manufacturability and/or installation.
US08728186B2	Vacuum cleaner and dust separating apparatus thereof A vacuum cleaner provided with a dust separating apparatus which has an improved aesthetic quality and has an increased size without increasing the height of the vacuum cleaner. The dust-separating apparatus is easily detachable with respect to a vacuum cleaner body, and is provided with a cover that is easily detachable when dirt collected in the dust collecting compartment is discarded. The vacuum cleaner includes a first cyclone part and a second cyclone part, and a first dust collecting compartment configured to collect dirt separated from the first cyclone part is formed at a lower side of the first cyclone part and the second cyclone part.
US08728185B2	Intersecting plate shaped abrasive particles Shaped abrasive particles comprising a ceramic and comprising a first plate integrally joined to a second plate at a predetermined angleβ.
US08728184B2	Bonding structure and bonding method for cemented carbide element and diamond element, cutting tip and cutting element for drilling tool, and drilling tool A cutting tip for a drilling tool includes a cemented carbide cutting base, a diamond element supported by the cutting base, and a bonding layer formed between the cutting base and the diamond element in order to bond them. The bonding layer includes diffusion layers and in which one or two or more metals selected from a group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Ti, Zr, W, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and Hf diffuses into at least one of the diamond or the cement carbide.
US08728181B2	Staged system for producing purified hydrogen from a reaction gas mixture comprising a hydrocarbon compound The inventive stage system for producing hydrogen consists of at least two upstream/downstream stages, respectively, each of which comprises, optionally, a catalytic reactor (C1 to C5) followed by a separator comprising a space (E1 to E4) for circulation of a gaseous mixture contacting at least one oxygen extracting membrane and a hydrogen collecting space, wherein the reactor (C1) of the upstream stage is connected to a reaction gaseous mixture source, the circulation stage (E1) of the upstream stage separator is connected to the reactor (C2) of the downstream stage and the spaces for extracting/collecting oxygen from two separators are connected to a hydrogen collecting circuit (TC, 8) which is common for two stages.
US08728180B2	Plasma-catalyzed, thermally-integrated reformer for fuel cell systems A reformer is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a channel to convey a preheated plurality of reactants containing both a feedstock fuel and an oxidant. A plasma generator is provided to apply an electrical potential to the reactants sufficient to ionize one or more of the reactants. These ionized reactants are then conveyed to a reaction zone where they are chemically transformed into synthesis gas containing a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A heat transfer mechanism is used to transfer heat from an external heat source to the reformer to provide the heat of reformation.
US08728177B2	Production of biodiesel and glycerin from high free fatty acid feedstocks A system and method for the conversion of free fatty acids to glycerides and the subsequent conversion of glycerides to glycerin and biodiesel includes the transesterification of a glyceride stream with an alcohol. The fatty acid alkyl esters are separated from the glycerin to produce a first liquid phase containing a fatty acid alkyl ester rich (concentrated) stream and a second liquid phase containing a glycerin rich (concentrated) stream. The fatty acid alkyl ester rich stream is then subjected to distillation, preferably reactive distillation, wherein the stream undergoes both physical separation and chemical reaction. The fatty acid alkyl ester rich stream is then purified to produce a purified biodiesel product and a glyceride rich residue stream. Neutralization of the alkaline stream, formed during the alkali-catalyzed transesterfication process, may proceed by the addition of a mineral or an organic acid.
US08728175B2	Manufacturing method of a battery An exemplary manufacturing method for a battery is provided in the present invention. The manufacturing method includes step S1: providing a high polymer solution; step S2: providing a negative-electrode structure; step S3: providing a separation structure; step S4: assembling the negative-electrode and the separation structure into a housing; and step S5: inserting a current collector into the housing and filling a positive-electrode material therein to form a positive-electrode structure. At least one of the negative-electrode structure and the positive-electrode structure comprise chlorophyll. Thus, the manufacturing process of the battery is simple, and economical, and natural and non-toxic substances are used. Unlike the manufacturing process of conventional batteries, the battery manufactured according to embodiments of the present invention will not cause environmental pollution even when it is discarded after being used.
US08728174B2	Methods and apparatuses for making cathodes for high-temperature, rechargeable batteries The approaches for fabricating cathodes can be adapted to improve control over cathode composition and to better accommodate batteries of any shape and their assembly. For example, a first solid having an alkali metal halide, a second solid having a transition metal, and a third solid having an alkali metal aluminum halide are combined into a mixture. The mixture can be heated in a vacuum to a temperature that is greater than or equal to the melting point of the third solid. When the third solid is substantially molten liquid, the mixture is compressed into a desired cathode shape and then cooled to solidify the mixture in the desired cathode shape.
US08728172B2	Compositions and methods for providing a benefit Compositions and methods useful for providing one or more benefits, including a color rejuvenation and/or color maintenance benefit to a fabric are disclosed. The disclosed compositions contain at least one cationic polymer. The methods include providing the disclosed compositions in combination with a source of anionic surfactant. Unit dose and multi-compartment systems are also disclosed.
US08728168B2	Prosthetic implant support structure A prosthetic system that includes a prosthetic implant and a support structure secured to an inner surface of a cavity of a bone is disclosed. The support structure defines a channel that extends through the length of the support structure. The prosthetic implant is received in the channel, and a portion of the prosthetic implant is secured to an inner surface of the support structure by an adhesive. The support structure may comprise a pair of partially hemispherical components arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby defining the channel between the pair of components.
US08728167B2	Bicruciate retaining tibial baseplate design and method of implantation A base component for a tibial implant has a lateral compartment and a medial compartment spaced from the lateral compartment defining an open central section therebetween. A connecting portion connects the medial and lateral compartments at an anterior end of the base component which anterior end is located adjacent the anterior tibia. The open central section of the base component intermediate the spaced medial and lateral compartments is open to a posterior end of the base component. The medial and lateral compartments have a bone contacting surface and a superiorly facing surface. The connecting portion has a curved anteriorly facing surface and has a first angled surface extending at an angle from adjacent the anterior end of the base component at a bone contacting surface of the connecting portion superiorly to a posterior end of the connecting portion. The first angled surface defining an anterior end of the open central section.
US08728166B2	Hybrid intervertebral spinal fusion implant An implant made of at least two different materials. The implant may include materials with varying radiolucency and mechanical properties. Such a hybrid implant may offer controlled radiographic visibility and optimized structural properties for implant placement, including placement for use in spinal arthrodesis.
US08728160B2	Expandable intervertebral spacer An expandable spacer, comprising: an axial tube having a surface, a proximal end and a distal end and a length, wherein, said surface defines a plurality of slits, said plurality of slits defining at least two axially displaced extensions, such that when said tube is axially compressed, said extensions extend out of said surface and define a geometry of an expanded spacer. Preferably the spacer is adapted to be inserted between two spinal vertebrae of a human.
US08728154B2	Prosthetic aortic heart valves A prosthetic aortic valve includes an annular, annulus inflow portion that is designed to reside in or near the patient's native aortic valve annulus, and an annular, aortic outflow portion that is designed to reside in the patient's aorta downstream from at least a portion of the valsalva sinus. The annulus inflow portion and the aortic outflow portion are connected to one another by a plurality of connecting struts that are confined to regions near the commissures of the patient's native aortic valve. The connecting struts are designed to bulge out into the valsalva sinus to help anchor the prosthetic valve in place. The valve is circumferentially collapsible to a relatively small diameter for less-invasive delivery into the patient. The valve circumferentially expands to a larger operational diameter when deployed at the implant site.
US08728146B2	Stent configurations A stent may comprise a plurality of serpentine bands, wherein adjacent serpentine bands are connected by at least one connector strut. A serpentine band may comprise alternating straight struts and s-shaped struts. Connector struts may comprise first connector struts and second connector struts, wherein the first connector struts are nonparallel to the second connector struts.
US08728144B2	Endoluminal device including a mechanism for proximal or distal fixation, and sealing and methods of use thereof This invention is an endoluminal device including a stent; a tubular graft supported by the stent, wherein the graft comprises a proximal opening and a distal opening; and a variable diameter ring adjacent one of said openings, wherein the variable diameter ring comprises a coiled length of wire having two ends and forming at least one winding around the tubular graft. This invention also relates to the methods of treating an aneurysm and making the endoluminal device.
US08728128B2	Cervical pop rivet locking mechanism An orthopedic device includes an implant member with a thru-bore having an entry diameter, an intermediate diameter, and an exit diameter. According to one embodiment the intermediate diameter of the thru-bore is larger than both the entry diameter and the exit diameter. Additionally, the orthopedic device includes a screw assembly configured to be coupled to the thru-bore, including a thread portion and a selectively expandable head portion. The selectively expandable head portion includes both an expandable ring and a pull-lock pin configured to selectively expand the expandable ring as the pull-lock pin is pulled from said screw assembly.
US08728125B2	Expandable spinal rods and methods of use A spinal rod having first and second end members. The end members may be flexible or rigid. An expandable intermediate section is positioned between the first and second end members. The intermediate section may be axially expandable upon the introduction of a substance into a port that may be located in either of the first and second end members or the intermediate section. The intermediate section may be expandable between a first size, where the first and second end members are spaced a first distance apart, and a second enlarged size, where the first and second end members are spaced a second greater distance apart.
US08728122B2	Suture anchoring device The present invention is directed to a suture locking device comprising a longitudinal retaining member having first and second ends; a support member having first and second recesses that are diametrically opposite to each other and have center points that are coaxial, where the first and second ends of the retaining member are releasably positioned within the first and second recesses of the support member. Alternatively, the suture locking device comprises a longitudinal retaining member having first and second ends; a support member having first and second recesses that are diametrically opposite to each other and have center points that are coaxial, where the support member is releasably secured to hold the first and second ends of the retaining member within its first and second recesses.
US08728116B1	Slotted catheters Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.
US08728114B2	Embolic protection device The embolic protection device (10) has an expandable tubular structure supporting a filter mesh material (12). The embolic protection device is compressed to a small diameter for insertion into a patient's aorta, then expanded within the aorta with the filter mesh material positioned to allow blood to enter sidebranch vessels connected to the aorta and to prevent embolic material from entering the sidebranch vessels. The filter mesh material may be configured with waves or undulations (26) for increased surface area and/or with two layers of mesh material to provide additional protection against embolization and to prevent inadvertent occlusion of the sidebranch vessels.
US08728106B2	Vessel occluding material extractor Methods, devices, and systems for extracting vessel occluding material are provided. An embodiment of a vessel occluding material extractor includes a host structure, a plurality of expandable members, a slide mechanism, and a circumferential member. The host structure has an elongate axis. The expandable members are connected to the host structure arrayed radially around the elongate axis. The slide mechanism is connected to the expandable members and adjacent the host structure, and is slidable in the direction of the elongate axis. The circumferential member is connected to the expandable members between the connection of the slide mechanism and the host structure to the expandable members.
US08728094B2	Percutaneous aneurysm inversion and ligation Devices and methods for percutaneously treating and removing aneurysms or other anomalous tissue associated with vascular, intestinal, or other body tissue.
US08728091B2	Shockwave catheter system with energy control A system that breaks calcium in a liquid includes a catheter including first and second electrodes arranged to receive there-across a high electrical voltage at an initial low current. The high electrical voltage causes an electrical arc to form across the electrodes creating a gas bubble within the liquid, a high current to flow through the electrodes, and a mechanical shock wave. A power source provides the electrodes with the high electrical voltage at the initial current and terminates the high electrical voltage in response to the high current flow through the electrodes.
US08728087B2	Automatically adjusting patella cutting guide A patella clamping device has a handle having a first arm and a second arm, the arms each having a first gripping end and a second clamping end. The clamping ends are movable towards the opposite arm by action on the gripping end of each arm. The clamping ends of the first and second arms comprise opposed clamping surfaces. The clamping end of each arm has a body portion having spaced first and second surface defining the opposed surface of each arm. A plurality of pins extend from the first to the second surface. A rotatable toothed jaw member is pivotally mounted on each of the pins. The jaw member has at least one tooth extending outwardly of the opposed surface of each arm for engaging the patella. Each body has a third surface spaced from the second surface to create a slot for receiving a saw blade.
US08728086B2	Methods and apparatus for performing knee arthroplasty Methods and apparatus for performing knee arthroplasty, including, but not limited to, bicruciate retaining knee arthroplasty, are described herein. Methods and apparatus for preparing a distal femur for a femoral implant as well as methods and apparatus for preparing a proximal tibia for a tibial implant are described. These methods and apparatus, in at least some embodiments and uses, facilitate decreasing the complexity of knee arthroplasty procedures such as bicruciate retaining procedures, while maintaining, if not improving on, the safety, accuracy and/or effectiveness of such procedures.
US08728081B2	Bone tamp and methods of use A system comprises an inflatable bone tamp including a plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The system further comprises an elongated tubular shaft extending through the plurality of linearly aligned expandable bodies. The elongated tubular shaft includes a shaft wall and an interior partition structure. The system further comprises a plurality of channels extending through the shaft, each of the channels formed by a segment of the shaft wall and the interior partition structure and each of the channels in communication with the respective one of the plurality of expandable bodies via openings in the shaft. Each of the expandable bodies is independently inflatable.
US08728079B2	Clamp for temporary or definitive external orthopaedic fixation, and external fixation system comprising said clamp A clamp applicable to both temporary and definitive orthopaedic external fixation systems comprising a first coupling element having a pair of opposite jaws defining one or more seats to house a first component of the orthopaedic external fixation system. A second coupling element comprises a pair of opposite jaws defining one or more seats to house a second component of the orthopaedic external fixation system. An interconnection pin passes through and connects the first and second coupling elements along an axis of rotation. A fastening means is arranged to bring the clamp from a slack configuration. The first and second coupling elements are relatively rotatable along the axis of rotation to a locked configuration, and are relatively rotatable with each other. These fastening means include manually operable temporary fastening means to temporarily lock the clamp, and definitive fastening means operable with a fastening tool, to definitively lock the clamp.
US08728073B2	Multi-region staged inflation balloon The present invention involves a surgical device and method of use, particularly an assembly and method incorporating a shaped expandable member along the distal region of an ablation device to facilitate ablation of a circumferential region of tissue engaged by the expandable member. The ablation device assembly includes an elongate body with a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a longitudinal axis. A contact member is located along the distal end portion of the elongate body. The contact member has a circumferential wall and is expandable from a radially collapsed condition to a radially expanded condition. The contact member also includes a single chamber having a single bulbous section. The single bulbous section has a plurality of longitudinally adjacent circumferential regions wherein adjacent regions have dissimilar wall thicknesses. The ablation device also has an ablation element having an ablative energy source that is located along the distal end portion, wherein the ablation element cooperates with the contact member such that the ablative energy source emits a substantially circumferential pattern of energy through the circumferential wall.
US08728070B2	Hepatic neuromodulation methods According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.
US08728069B2	Modulation of nerves that innervate the liver According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.
US08728068B2	Cooled antenna for device insertable into a body A device for treating tissue adjacent to a body lumen includes a catheter shaft and an energy emitting assembly. The catheter shaft is insertable into the body lumen and includes a plurality of cooling lumens arranged generally circumjacent a generally central lumen. At least some of the circumjacent cooling lumens are in fluid communication with the central lumen and the energy emitting assembly extends through the central lumen. The central lumen and at least one portion of the energy emitting assembly are configured to direct a flow of cooling fluid about an outer surface of the at least one portion of the energy emitting assembly within the central lumen.
US08728067B2	Microwave antenna probe having a deployable ground plane A surgical ablation system employing an ablation probe having a deployable ground plane is disclosed. The disclosed system includes a source of ablation energy and a source of electrosurgical energy, and a switching assembly configured to select between ablation and electrosurgical modes. The probe includes a cannula having a shaft slidably disposed therein. The shaft includes a deployable ground plane electrode assembly and a needle electrode disposed at distal end of the shaft. As the shaft is extended distally from the cannula, the ground plane electrode unfolds, and the needle electrode is exposed. Electrosurgical energy is applied to tissue via the needle electrode to facilitate the insertion thereof into tissue. Ablation energy is applied to tissue via the needle electrode to achieve the desired surgical outcome. The shaft, ground plane electrode and needle electrode are retracted into the cannula, and withdrawn from the surgical site.
US08728066B2	Tissue extraction devices and methods Tissue may be cut and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects cutting and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the cut tissue through an extraction lumen of the cutting device. The cutting may be achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly, including a first electrode on a cutting member and a second electrode within a cutting probe or tool. Thus, over a first cutting portion, radio frequency current may help cut the tissue and over a second or over transition region, the RF current may initiate vaporization of the fluid or other liquid to propel the tissue from the cutting device.
US08728056B2	Apparatus and method for sterile docking of male medical line connectors A docking station for maintaining sterilization of temporarily disconnected male medical line connectors. The docking station has a plurality of docking bays, each of which retain an ampule therein containing a sterilization fluid and has an access mouth exteriorly exposed when the ampule is secured in its respective bay. The mouth of the ampule is provided with a female medical line connection for temporarily receiving and securing one of the male medical line connector temporarily disconnected from a patient. A tubular tip and a concentric connection collar of the one of the male medical line connector is thereby immersed in the sterilization fluid for sterilization while docked. Each of the ampules is secured against rotation in a clockwise direction in their respective docking bay to facilitate threadable connection of one of the male medical line connector. However, the ampules are permitted to freely rotate in the counterclockwise direction in their respective bays to prevent disconnection of one of the male medical line connectors therefrom while the connected ampules are retained in their respective bays. This prevents accidental reuse of an ampule. The ampules are provided with laterally extending wings which are received in recesses in their respective bays. The recesses have inclined ramp surfaces for engaging the bottom of the wings and thereby ejecting the ampules out of the bays when rotated in the counterclockwise direction.
US08728052B2	Convertible reusable diaper A convertible reusable diaper is provided, comprised of an outer cover portion, a liner portion, and a detachable absorption portion. The outer cover portion may generally include barrier panels attached at both the front and rear regions of the outer cover portion to form interior pockets. A plurality of fastenable tabs attached to hole-openings at the barrier panels affixes the liner portion or the detachable absorption portion in place. The hole-openings allow the passage of the fastenable tabs through the barrier panels. Both the liner portion and the detachable absorption portion include fastener members inter-engaged with the corresponding fastener members located at the fastenable tabs to allow the liner portion or the detachable absorption portion to be removably affixed to the outer cover portion. Numerous options for affixing the insert portion and the detachable absorption portion allow conversion to different diaper designs.
US08728051B2	Laminates with bonded webs Laminates with a layer of bonded nonwoven material attached to a layer of film.
US08728049B2	Absorbent article having a tufted topsheet An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core. The topsheet has a pair of tuft region lateral boundaries. Each tuft region lateral boundary is defined by a line or a portion of a line separating a plurality of the tufts from a portion of the topsheet devoid of tufts. Tuft region lateral boundaries are symmetrically disposed on opposing sides of the longitudinal centerline. Tuft region lateral boundaries extend longitudinally along at least part of the longitudinal centerline. Tuft region lateral boundaries are spaced apart from each other by a distance gradually increasing from a minimum at a parallel transverse axis to a maximum at longitudinally opposing ends of the tuft region lateral boundaries or are spaced apart from each other by a distance gradually decreasing from a maximum at a parallel transverse axis to a minimum at longitudinally opposing ends of the tuft region lateral boundaries.
US08728047B2	Body waste collecting device The application discloses a body waste collecting device comprising a collecting pouch and an adhesive wafer for attachment to the skin, said wafer comprising a backing layer and a first and second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive, where the second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive is at least partly interposed between the first layer of hydrocolloid adhesive and the backing layer, the first and second adhesive layers consisting of a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase, wherein a) the discontinuous phase of the first adhesive layer comprises pectin, carboxymethyl cellulose, gelatine, guar gum, and potato starch, b) the discontinuous phase of the second adhesive layer comprises carboxymethyl cellulose, gelatine, and guar gum, c) the composition of the continuous phase of the first adhesive layer comprises a polyisobutylene, a styrene block copolymer, a butyl rubber, and a tackifier, d) the composition of the continuous phase of the second adhesive layer consists of polyisobutylene and styrene block copolymer.
US08728045B2	Devices and methods to apply alternating level of reduced pressure to tissue Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices with a pressure oscillation mechanism. Maintenance and control of the sub atmospheric pressure exerted may be provided by such devices while minimizing discomfort to the user. The devices may be configured to be worn inconspicuously underneath clothing.
US08728044B2	Fluid pouch, system, and method for storing fluid from a tissue site The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to an apparatus, system, and method for storing liquid from a tissue site. The apparatus may include a drape having an aperture, and a fluid pouch coupled to the drape such that the fluid pouch is in fluid communication with the aperture. In one embodiment, the fluid pouch is operable to transfer reduced pressure to the aperture such that the liquid from the tissue site is drawn into the fluid pouch. The fluid pouch may have a cavity that stores the liquid that is drawn from the tissue site. In another embodiment, the fluid pouch may include at least one baffle. The fluid pouch may also include a fluid channel at least partially defined by the at least one baffle. The fluid channel may be operable to store liquid from the tissue site when reduced pressure is applied through the fluid channel.
US08728038B2	Method and apparatus for accessing blood from an IV catheter insertion device Disclosed is an apparatus and method for accessing blood located within a flash chamber of an IV catheter insertion device, the apparatus is separate from the IV catheter insertion device and sized to be attached to a structure of the IV catheter insertion device to secure it thereto. Once secured, movement of the plunger from its rearward position to a forward position presses on a flash plug to expel blood from a flash chamber of the IV catheter insertion device and out through the needle.
US08728037B2	Pleated trocar seal A trocar seal comprising an elastomeric membrane having an opening adapted to receive a surgical instrument. The membrane is configured with a plurality of pleats circumscribing the opening and extending laterally from opening. The pleats comprise a plurality of pleat walls increasing in height as the pleats extend laterally from the opening. In one embodiment, the pleats are conically arranged.
US08728036B2	Anesthetic compound needle A front portion of a tubular inner needle proximal end portion disposed at a proximal end of the inner needle is attached to a rear end portion of a tubular adaptor, a tubular outer needle proximal end portion disposed at a proximal end of the outer needle is inserted from a distal end of the adaptor, and a distal end of the inner needle is caused to protrude from a distal end of the outer needle. A restricting plate having an insertion hole through which the outer needle proximal end portion is inserted is inserted into the adaptor from an opening formed in an upper surface of the adaptor. A protrusion formed on a lower surface of the insertion hole protrudes upward and engages with one of the grooves of the outer needle proximal end portion. When the restricting plate is pushed down, the groove of the outer needle proximal end portion and the protrusion of the restricting plate are disengaged from each other and the inner needle is set to the unlocked state in which the inner needle is able to be advanced or retracted relative to the outer needle.
US08728033B2	Pharmaceutical injection device The pharmaceutical injection device of the present invention comprises an inner case (111) in which is mounted a preparation syringe (104) having an identification code (104a), a piston driving motor (115) that drives the preparation syringe (104) mounted in this inner case (111), and a code reader (112) that reads the identification code (104a) of the preparation syringe (104). A slide motor (113) is provided that drives the preparation syringe (104) mounted in the inner case (111) and/or the code reader (112), so that the identification code (104a) is read by the code reader (112).
US08728032B2	Systems and methods for delivering therapeutic agents The present embodiments provide systems and methods suitable for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. The systems generally comprise a container for holding a therapeutic agent, and a pressure source configured to be placed in selective fluid communication with at least a portion of a reservoir of the container. In one embodiment, fluid from the pressure source is directed through a first region of the container in a direction towards a second region of the container. The fluid then is at least partially redirected to urge the therapeutic agent in a direction from the second region of the container towards the first region of the container and subsequently towards the target site. In alternative embodiments, the fluid from the pressure source may be directed through the second region of the container in a direction towards the first region of the container.
US08728026B2	Devices and methods for treating aortic valve stenosis Devices and methods for their use in increasing the aortic valve flow of a stenotic aortic valve are provided. The subject devices include an aortic valve isolation element and an aortic valve flushing element. The aortic valve isolation element is made up of a ventricular side aortic valve occlusion element, coronary ostia occlusion elements and an ascending aorta occlusion element. The aortic valve flushing element is made up of a dissolution fluid introducing element and a fluid removal element. In practicing the subject methods, a stenotic aortic valve is first isolated. Next, the isolated valve is flushed with a dissolution fluid, e.g., an acidic dissolution fluid, for a period of time sufficient for the aortic valve flow of the treated valve to be increased. In certain embodiments, the valve is also contacted with a dissolution fluid attenuating fluid, e.g., a buffer, during the flushing step in order to limit the contact of non-valve tissue with the dissolution fluid. Also provided are systems and kits that include the subject devices and can be employed in practicing the subject methods. The subject devices, methods, systems and kits find use in treating conditions associated with the presence of stenotic aortic valves.
US08728025B2	Intravenous fluid monitoring Apparatus, systems and methods related to monitoring intravenous fluids during administration to a subject are disclosed. These apparatus, systems and methods provide near real-time monitoring of the identity of one or more components of an intravenous fluid.
US08728022B2	Tampon applicator assembly A tampon applicator assembly with an insertion end and a rear end containing a tampon made from absorbent material and an applicator comprising an outer tube and an inner tube able to slide in it in a telescopic arrangement, and the outer tube has at its insertion end at least two integrally formed, inwardly directed closure portions, and the tampon protrudes out from the insertion end of the inner tube by means of its insertion end and is completely accommodated inside the outer tube. The internal surface of the outer tube is smooth-walled from the closure portions to at least half the length of the outer tube without any inwardly extending projections. This assembly is extremely simple to manufacture. During use, the tampon is pushed forward by pushing the inner tube forward in the outer tube until it forces the closure portions of the outer tube outwards and protrudes out of the outer tube by an amount. When the inner tube is then pulled back, the tampon is held firmly in its pushed-forward position by the closure portions of the outer tube.
US08728020B2	Infusion apparatus In an infusion apparatus, an infusion line (4) connects a container (2) of an infusion fluid to an extracorporeal blood circuit (23). A first valve (6) closes the infusion line downstream of an infusion pump (5). An expansion chamber (9), provided with a pressure sensor (10), is arranged between the infusion pump and the first valve. A second valve (8) closes a vent line (7) of the expansion chamber. The processor closes the first valve when the container is emptied. After replacement with a new and full container, the processor restarts the pump and selectively opens the first valve or the second valve according to the increase in pressure measured in the expansion chamber.
US08728016B2	Method and system for treating person suffering from a circulatory disorder A method for therapeutically affecting the circulation of blood in a person in combination with or with medication to treat a medical condition includes the steps of administering a composition for treating a circulatory condition, providing a source of high pressure air in fluid communication with a plurality of air pressure actuated valves, each of the valves mounted on, and in fluid communication with, an inflatable bladder disposed within a cuff removably attached about at least one of the feet, calves, thighs, buttocks of the person; providing a source of low pressure air in fluid communication with said plurality of valves, wherein a constant pressure is exerted against said valves; and controlling inflation of said bladders in a predetermined sequence, magnitude of inflation pressure and period of time during a cardiac cycle of the person and as a function of said person's physiological reaction to said composition.
US08728008B2	Bone marrow aspiration needle A bone marrow aspiration assembly including an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The inner cannula is moved only radially about a longitudinal axis thereof with respect to the outer cannula to selectively align inner openings of only one of distal, intermediate, and proximal opening groups of the inner cannula with outer openings of only one of distal, intermediate, and proximal opening groups of the outer cannula to permit aspiration therethrough.
US08728004B2	Biopsy needle system having a pressure generating unit A biopsy needle system includes a cylinder with a fluid connection end, an open end and a cylinder wall. A piston is coupled to a threaded spindle shaft. The threaded spindle shaft is configured to extend from the piston and through the open end of the cylinder. The piston is inserted in the open end such that a cylinder interior volume is defined between the piston and the fluid connection end. A spindle nut is mounted to the open end of the cylinder. The spindle nut is threadably engaged with the threaded spindle shaft and configured to displace the piston via a linear translation of the threaded spindle shaft when the spindle nut is rotated. A biopsy needle is connected in fluid communication with the fluid connection end of the cylinder.
US08728003B2	Single insertion, multiple sample biopsy device with integrated markers The present invention provides for exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sample biopsy device. Exemplary embodiments of a single-insertion, multiple sampling device with integrated marker release.
US08728002B2	System and method for assessing real time pulmonary mechanics A system and method of calculating an accurate estimate of pulmonary mechanics of a patient, including but not limited to compliance, resistance, and plateau pressure without modification of ventilator flow pattern. The accurate estimation of pulmonary mechanics is derived from airway pressure and flow sensors attached to the patient using novel mathematical models. These estimated figures for pulmonary mechanics (respiratory system compliance and resistance) are important for monitoring patient treatment efficacy during mechanical ventilation and ensuring alveoli do not over distend to avoid baro- and/or volutrauma, especially in patients with restrictive lung diseases. The subject method of calculating these accurate estimated figures for pulmonary mechanics is based on linear or non-linear calculations using multiple parameters derived from the above-mentioned sensors.
US08728001B2	Nasal capnographic pressure monitoring system The disclosed embodiments relate to a system and method for detecting a response of a patient to an external stimulus. An exemplary method comprises the acts of generating at least one time series of at least one physiologic parameter, detecting the external stimulus, detecting at least one response associated with the stimulus, the response comprising at least one of a pattern and a value, and outputting an indication of the response.
US08727998B2	Portal vein pressure measurement using elastography The shear stiffness of a subject's spleen is measured using elastography techniques such as ultrasound elastography or a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) acquisition with an MRI system. A relationship between splenic shear stiffness and portal venous blood pressure is modeled and is used to calculate portal venous blood pressure non-invasively from the measured splenic shear stiffness.
US08727994B2	Cell and channel of ultrasonic transducer, and ultrasonic transducer including the same A cell of an ultrasonic transducer is provided. The cell includes a substrate; a supporting portion disposed on the substrate; a thin film spaced apart from the substrate and the supporting portion; and a connection portion which connects the supporting portion and the thin film. The connection portion may include a deformation portion that is elastically deformable. A channel of the ultrasonic transducer includes a plurality of cells arranged in an array. The ultrasonic transducer includes a plurality of channels arranged in an array.
US08727990B2	Providing an ultrasound spatial compound image in an ultrasound system An ultrasound system includes an ultrasound data acquisition unit and a processing unit. The ultrasound data acquisition unit transmits and receives ultrasound signals to and from a target object based on a plurality of steering angles to output a plurality of ultrasound data for obtaining a plurality of ultrasound images corresponding to the steering angles. The processing unit forms the ultrasound images based on the ultrasound data, decomposes each of the ultrasound images into a low pass image having a low frequency component and a high pass image having a high frequency component, performs a blending process of removing a seam artifact upon the low and high pass images for each of the ultrasound images, forms a plurality of restoration images by composing the blended low and high pass images, and forms an ultrasound spatial compound image based on the restoration images.
US08727986B2	Method and apparatus for assessing risk of preterm delivery An apparatus for assessing the risk of preterm delivery and the success of induction of labor at term uses a steered ultrasound beam to assess microstructure of the cervix revealed by backscatter power attenuation at a range of angles. It is believed that objective and precise description of cervical microstructure will reveal stage of cervical remodeling an as such may reveal risk of preterm delivery and/or success of labor induction. The backscatter power loss can be combined with elasticity measurements to provide a more precise indication of tissue structure.
US08727982B2	Method and system for providing integrated analyte monitoring and infusion system therapy management Method and system for providing diabetes management and insulin therapy based on substantially real time glucose monitoring system is provided.
US08727979B2	Disease management system and method including significant symptom filtering A system and method for allowing a patient to access an automated process for managing a specified health problem called a disease. The system performs disease management in a fully automated manner, using periodic interactive dialogs with the patient to obtain health state measurements from the patient, to evaluate and assess the progress of the patient's disease, to review and adjust therapy to optimal levels, and to give the patient medical advice for administering treatment and handling symptom flare-ups and acute episodes of the disease. The medical records are updated, the progression of the disease is stored and tracked, and the patient's preferences for treatment are stored and then used to offer medical advice based on the current state of the disease. A prestored general disease trend curve is compared against a patient specific disease trend curve, and the system makes an automated response such as adjusting therapy.
US08727977B2	Body-worn vital sign monitor The invention provides a body-worn vital sign monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling) and posture (upright, supine). The monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs and associated alarms/alerts by motion-related artifacts. It also features a graphical user interface (GUI) rendered on a touchpanel display that facilitates a number of features to simplify and improve patient monitoring and safety in both the hospital and home.
US08727976B2	Disease management system operating on a network A system and method for allowing a patient to access an automated process for managing a specified health problem called a disease. The system performs disease management in a fully automated manner, using periodic interactive dialogs with the patient to obtain health state measurements from the patient, to evaluate and assess the progress of the patient's disease, to review and adjust therapy to optimal levels, and to give the patient medical advice for administering treatment and handling symptom flare-ups and acute episodes of the disease. The medical records are updated, the progression of the disease is stored and tracked, and the patient's preferences for treatment are stored and then used to offer medical advice based on the current state of the disease. A prestored general disease trend curve is compared against a patient specific disease trend curve, and the system makes an automated response such as adjusting therapy.
US08727970B2	Catheter including a bendable portion A catheter including a tube having at least one lumen, at least one elongate element, the at least one elongate element having a bendable portion at a predetermined bendable portion location therealong forward of a distal end of the tube and at least one selectably inflatable balloon communicating with at least one of the at least one lumen, the at least one selectably inflatable balloon having a forward end and a rearward end, the rearward end of the balloon being located rearwardly of the predetermined bendable portion location.
US08727969B2	Endoscope An endoscope includes an outer tube having a sharpened distal end and a retractable sleeve slidably disposed in the outer tube. An image conduit is attached to the distal end of the retractable sleeve for imaging any object in contact with the distal tip of the image conduit.
US08727968B2	Medical treatment endoscope with a positioning mechanism Provided is a medical treatment endoscope including: an endoscope main body which includes an elongated insertion portion having a lumen and an image capturing mechanism disposed in a distal end of the insertion portion; an arm which is able to be inserted into or extracted from the lumen and has a treatment tool lumen for allowing an endoscope treatment tool to be inserted therethrough; and a positioning mechanism which positions a part of the arm inserted through the lumen with respect to the endoscope main body.
US08727964B2	Tissue interface for implantable restriction system An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. The elongated member has a compressible ventral surface and a substantially rigid dorsal periphery, wherein the elongated member includes a fluid bladder positioned along the ventral surface. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. Alternate embodiments are also disclosed.
US08727953B2	Dynamic weight lifting machine An exercise system utilizes exercise apparatus having at least two operative positions, a first operative position with a base fixedly contacting a floor, and a second operative position with the base spaced apart from the floor and horizontally moveable over the floor in any desired direction of travel. When a barbell is mounted at rest on the exercise apparatus the apparatus is in the first operative position. When the barbell is disengaged from the at rest position, the exercise apparatus moves to the second operative position.
US08727951B2	Weight training device and method of use A weight training device comprising a hollow tubular body. A plurality of handle wells disposed in the hollow tubular body. A plurality of handles disposed in the handle wells, wherein the plurality of handles comprise axially-oriented handles and circumferentially-oriented handles, and wherein the axially-oriented handles are diametrically opposed to the circumferentially-oriented handles. A fill cap well disposed in the hollow tubular body. A fill cap disposed in the fill cap well and removably attached to the hollow tubular body, wherein the fill cap is threaded and is attached to a threaded extrusion of the hollow tubular body. A plurality of baffles disposed within the hollow tubular body, wherein the hollow tubular body is configured to be used partially filled with a fill material so as to create a randomly variable weight distribution. Two diametrically-opposed end caps are attached to the axial ends of the hollow tubular body.
US08727947B2	Real-time comparison of athletic information An apparatus compares athletic information relating to a user performing an athletic activity. The apparatus has a module (503, 505, 509) that generates a first set of athletic data corresponding to athletic information corresponding to the athletic activity performed by the user. The module has a memory (511) storing a second set of athletic data. The module compares the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data and communicates content to the user based on the comparison of the first set of athletic data to the second set of athletic data. The apparatus also has a module (803, 805) that determines the expected time of athletic activity and selects a set of feedback data having a duration proximate the expected time of athletic activity, wherein the module communicates the selected set of feedback data to the user.
US08727944B2	Motor generator system driven by V-belt A motor-generator system for a vehicle, in which power transmission between a crankshaft of an engine and a motor-generator is performed by a V-belt wound around pulleys thereof, includes a speed controller controlling the rotational speed of the V-belt within a predetermined range and provided on a crankshaft pulley mounted on the crankshaft. The motor-generator system, among others, can maintain the power transmission force of the V-belt at a high level.
US08727941B2	Electric tool An electric tool causes a drive mechanism to drive a tip tool to thereby cause the tip tool to perform predetermined work, and the drive mechanism is provided with a driving gear and a driven gear which meshes with the driving gear. The electric tool is configured in such a manner that an axial force or a radial force generated by the meshing between the driving gear and the driven gear is measured to detect the state of torque acting on the tip tool, and drive control of the drive mechanism is performed according to the detected state of torque.
US08727940B2	Device for controlling power transmission of vehicle This power transmission control device is applied to a hybrid vehicle which includes an internal combustion engine and a motor (MG) as power sources. The power transmission control device includes a manual transmission and a friction clutch. When a clutch enters a completely disengaged state as a result of operation of a clutch pedal by a driver in a state where MG torque is adjusted to regeneration torque acting in a direction for decelerating the vehicle, the magnitude of the regeneration torque is decreased to “minute value A which is greater than zero,” and then maintained at the minute value A. Much energy generated as a result of regeneration can be stored in a battery (see the area shown by dots) as compared with the case where the regeneration torque is adjusted to zero immediately after the clutch enters the completely disengaged state. Accordingly, energy efficiency (fuel efficiency) is improved.
US08727935B2	Fan drive gear system torque frame pin retainer A system and method for fixing a fan drive gear system carrier to a torque frame are disclosed. The carrier and torque frame respectively have a hole and an aperture which are aligned with one another. A retainer pin is inserted in to the aligned hole and aperture in an interference fit relationship with at least one of the hole and aperture.
US08727933B2	Bolt on carrier for integrated final drive with closed circuit hydrostatic motor A final drive assembly for a machine is disclosed. The final drive assembly may comprise a motor coupled with a motor housing, a driven component rotatably mounted on the motor housing by at least one bearing, and a planetary transmission configured to transfer power from the motor to the driven component. The planetary transmission may have a stationary carrier coupled with the motor housing, and the carrier may be adapted to retain the at least one bearing.
US08727932B2	Hybrid vehicle drive device A hybrid vehicle drive device includes a planetary gear mechanism, a one way clutch, and a torque limiter, wherein a sun gear of the planetary gear mechanism is connected to a first electric rotating machine, a carrier thereof is connected to an engine, and a ring gear thereof is connected to a second electric rotating machine and drive wheels, respectively, the ring gear is disposed on an inner peripheral side of a hollow rotary member as well as connected to drive wheels via counter drive gear disposed on an outer peripheral side of the rotary member, the one way clutch regulates a rotation of the carrier in a negative direction when it is assumed that a rotation direction of the ring gear at the time a hybrid vehicle travels forward is a positive direction, the torque limiter operates in response to transmission torque of the one way clutch and restricts the transmission torque of the one way clutch, and the one way clutch and the torque limiter are disposed inside of the rotary member.
US08727929B2	Multistep gear mechanism of planetary design A multi-step transmission having a housing accommodating eight shafts and four planetary gearsets (4, 5, 6, 7), and at least six shift elements comprising brakes and clutches which implement different transmission ratios between a drive shaft and output shaft. A carrier of gearset (4) is connected to shaft (14) which can be fixed, via brake (8), to the housing and further is connectable, via a first clutch, to shaft (15) which is coupled to a carrier of gearset (5) and is connectable, via a second clutch, to the drive shaft. A ring gear of gearset (6) is coupled to shaft (16) which can be fixed, via brake (9), to the housing. The drive shaft is additionally coupled to a sun gear of gearset (5). A ring gear of gearset (5) is connected to shaft (17). The gearset (5) is a plus planetary gearset.
US08727924B2	Drive force output apparatus and vehicle having the same Planetary ratios of first and second planetary gear mechanisms are set such that all of the following values become equal to each other: a maximum value of a drive force of a first MG, which is generated when a total input-to-output speed ratio is a minimum value upon operation of the first MG as a motor; a maximum value of a drive force of the first MG, which is generated when the total input-to-output speed ratio is a maximum value upon operation of the first MG as the motor; and a maximum value of a drive force of the first MG, which is generated when the total input-to-output speed ratio is in a range from the minimum value to the maximum value upon operation of the first MG as a generator.
US08727922B2	Tensioning apparatus with locking bracket A tensioning apparatus or device for a flexible driving means, particularly a drive chain for an internal combustion engine, comprises a housing, a tensioning piston movably guided in said housing and an adjusting or regulating means for gradually adjusting the working stroke of the tensioning piston. The adjusting means comprises a locking bracket and an appertaining locking profile at the tensioning piston, two arch-shaped clamping sections of said locking bracket being engageable with said locking profile, and a resilient spring portion with a torsional area combining the clamping sections in spring-resilient manner. In a preferred embodiment, the locking bracket comprises a U-shaped section with a portion angled towards the housing wall and forming the torsional area. The housing is further provided with a guide projection projecting from said housing wall for axially guiding said angled portion of said U-shaped section of said locking bracket in the working stroke of said tensioning piston in torsion-proof manner.
US08727914B2	Baseball training apparatus A baseball training apparatus includes a bat mounting portion mountable on a barrel of a baseball bat, and a glove mounting portion attachable to a baseball glove. The glove mounting portion is connected to the bat mounting portion. The bat mounting portion may include an elongated, flexible, mounting strap including a hook-and-loop fastener. The glove mounting portion may include at least one elongated, flexible connector strap extending outwardly from opposite edges of the mounting strap and including a hook-and-loop fastener. The baseball training apparatus mounts the baseball glove on the baseball bat.
US08727910B2	Golf club head A head 2 is hollow. The head 2 includes a face part 4, a crown part 6 and a sole part 8. Ribs 20 and 22 are provided on the inner surface of the head. The ribs 20 and 22 have a height being greater than a thickness. The ribs 20 and 22 are separated from the face part, and are separated from the crown part. An extending direction of the rib 20 is inclined with respect to a front-back direction of the head. The rib 20 has a height change part 30 formed in a face side end part of the rib 20, the height change part 30 having a height gradually lowered as approaching a rib end part. The rib 20 extends toward a heel side in the direction of a backside of the head.
US08727908B2	Golf club head A golf club head with a hollow comprises a face portion whose front face defines a clubface for hitting a ball, the face portion comprising a central thicker portion provided in a center region thereof and a peripheral thinner portion provided around the central thicker portion and with a thickness smaller than that of the central thicker portion, the inner surface of the peripheral thinner portion comprising a first region and a second region, the first region being provided with a plurality of first grooves which extend straightly in a certain direction, and the second region being provided with a plurality of second grooves which extend straightly in the different direction of first grooves.
US08727905B2	Interchangeable shaft system A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head.
US08727901B1	Device and method to correct a golf slice One of the most challenging aspects of golfing is the consistent ability to perfect the swing. After the ball is struck, it may either veer away from the golfer and this in known as a slice or veer towards the golfer and this is known as a hook. The slice is the more troublesome shot because it occurs most frequently and is the most difficult to correct. The current device will establish for the golfer the correct path for the club as it strikes the ball so that the slice is corrected and the ball travels in a straight direction.
US08727896B2	Underground and underwater amusement attractions The attraction systems include underground or underwater tunnels having a visitor transportation system with ride vehicles and multiple audio and video systems for providing an experience of three-dimensional (3D) or four-dimensional (4D) video installations. In addition, the attraction systems may have various special effects devices to enhance visitors' experiences. These underground or underwater tunnels may be built in cities, and especially, in historic city centers.
US08727895B2	Sliding type tripod constant velocity joint A sliding type tripod constant velocity joint includes a cage that supports the rolling elements such that the rolling elements circulate on an outer periphery of the intermediate member. The cage includes the first, second, third and fourth circulating paths having opening parts over an entire length in an outer peripheral side of the cage and widths of the opening parts of the third and fourth circulating paths are narrower than widths of the opening parts of the first and second circulating paths.
US08727891B2	Method for introducing a physical object in a virtual world A method for introducing an object with a unique identifier in a video game. A request to a server to introduce the object is made. An identity of a user of the video game is sent to the server. The server generates a token paired with the identity, embeds the token in a multimedia file, and sends the multimedia file to the video console. The video console reproduces the multimedia file and shows a message to the user so that the user executes an application in a smartphone. The application activates a reader to obtain the unique identifier of the object and activates a sensor element to be able to extract said token associated with the multimedia file. The smartphone sends the unique identifier of the object and the token to the server. The server pairs the unique identifier of the object with the identity of the user by means of the token and sends the unique identifier of the object to the video console to introduce it in the video game.
US08727883B2	Messaging service for video game systems A messaging system includes a web server computer and at least two video game systems. Each game system is configured to connect to the web server computer via the Internet and to communicate status data indicative of an activity engaged in by a user thereof. The web server computer generates a session file indicative of user status and the status of each of two or persons on a buddy list of the user.
US08727881B2	Accessing wagering game services by aiming handheld device at external device A portable wagering game machine includes a signal receiver and motion sensors. The signal receiver receives signals from a signal emission device that are used to determine the position and orientation of the portable wagering game machine relative to a gaming establishment devices and locations. The position and orientation information may be used to determine a gaming establishment device or location aimed at by the portable wagering game machine. The portable wagering game machine may then access or interact with a service associated with the device or location, or interact with the device itself.
US08727879B2	Video game with dual motion controllers An inclination of a first unit is detected based on an output from a first acceleration sensor provided in a first unit of a controller, and an inclination of a second unit is detected based on an output from a second acceleration sensor provided in a second unit separate from the first unit. A difference between the inclinations of the first unit and the second unit is detected, and game control is performed using the detected difference. Thus, with a game apparatus using a plurality of acceleration sensors or a plurality of sensors capable of detecting a motion or a posture, a dynamic play is made possible with a high degree of freedom of motion and an intuitive motion input is realized.
US08727870B2	Lottery-like game where the winning number depends on the players' choices A lottery-like game played by a plurality of players, where each player chooses a whole number within some specified range. The winner(s) are determined by a simple rule that depends on the particular choices the players make. The game can be played by a small group in proximity, or by a large group over the internet.
US08727868B1	Method, apparatus, and computer-readable media for enabling real-time competition having an entertaining experience based on commodities or currencies The disclosed embodiment relates to methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for enabling real-time competition. An exemplary computer-implemented method executed by one or more computing devices for enabling real-time competition between users according to the disclosed embodiment includes, for example, receiving information from a first user computing device associated with a first user corresponding to the first user's competitive position regarding a real-time event, transmitting information to a second user computing device associated with a second user identifying the real-time event, receiving information from the second user computing device corresponding to the second user's competitive position regarding the real-time event, and transmitting information to the first user computing device and the second user computing device regarding an outcome of the real-time event relative to the first user's competitive position and the second user's competitive position.
US08727860B2	Video games adapted for wagering A method, apparatus, and computer readable storage to allow players to wager on video games. The method disclosed herein can allow players to win or lose money while partaking in any video game previously played for entertainment purposes. A player can purchase play time on a game, play the game and earn monetary prizes during the game, and then redeem the monetary prizes for real cash.
US08727856B2	Gaming system, game controller and method of gaming A method of gaming comprising the step of triggering an event to occur on one or more gaming devices in response to the occurrence of a designated, outcome of an independent table game.
US08727855B2	Three-dimensional paylines for gaming machines Gaming machines, systems and methods for presenting wager-based games having three-dimensional paylines are disclosed. Gaming machines include an exterior housing, master gaming controller, display device, speakers and a network interface. A multi-layer display device that presents three-dimensional paylines includes a display controller that generates or transmits display signals, a first display screen that presents a first visual display and a second display screen that presents a second visual display, where the second display screen is positioned behind the first display screen such that the first and second visual displays combine for a single visual presentation. Each of the first and second visual displays includes symbols, symbol portions, stops and/or designations used to form a three-dimensional payline. A three-dimensional payline can jump from one display screen to the other at least once. Three-dimensional payline symbols can be composite symbols that are formed on a plurality of display screens.
US08727854B2	System and method for operating a matching game in conjunction with a transaction on a gaming machine A matching game is triggered for play by a plurality of players while the players are performing a transaction. A matching rule is established for playing the matching game and a jackpot pool is established for awarding prizes to the players. The players are allowed to initiate a session by logging onto a gaming machine to perform the transaction and the players are identified. A selected set of symbols are established for each player and a match set of symbols are generated. The matching game is triggered in response to a predetermined trigger where only the players in the current session are eligible for the matching game. The match set of symbols are compared against each selected set of symbols. The prize is responsively awarded from the jackpot pool to each player whose selected set of symbols satisfies the matching rule.
US08727852B1	Open face poker card game A programmed computer for executing a poker game including transmitting draws of cards to players; receiving from each player a location of each card from the draws in one of three rows for each player, the first row holding a maximum of three cards, and the second and third rows each holding a maximum of five cards; displaying the cards from the draws such that the suit and rank of cards and card locations for one player are visible to another player; comparing the corresponding rows of each player and generating a score for each player; and determining whether any player is eligible for bonus treatment in the following round.
US08727851B2	Gaming system, gaming device, and method providing multiple hand card game A gaming device provides a single player poker game including one or more opportunities for forming player hands. In one embodiment, for a play of the poker game, a player places a wager on each of a plurality of player hands. The gaming device provides the player with one or more opportunities to fold one or more of the player hands and withdraw the wager associated with the folded hand. A number of community cards are dealt. The gaming device determines and provides any awards associated with a ranking of each of the remaining player hands according to a paytable.
US08727850B2	Computer gaming device and method for computer gaming A system for computer gaming includes a processor configured to provide a first table of a first group of players grouped together to play a first hand and provide to each of the first group of players one or more cards for the first hand. The system includes an interface couple to the processor and configured to receive from a first player of the first group of players a request to fold the one or more cards of the first player. The processor is also configured to automatically move the first player to a second table of a second group of players grouped together to play a second hand.
US08727848B1	Color game A game with a housing with a number of colored buttons on the top. Each button has an outer color and small circle in the center of an inner color. The game announces a color randomly from the set of inner colors. The player must press the button with the inner circle of the announced color with a short interval. As buttons are correctly pressed, the game continues to announce random colors. As the game progresses, the time within which the correct button must be pressed decreases. If the wrong button is pressed or the interval expires, the game is terminated and the number of correct presses is announced.
US08727847B2	System for playing games of misdirection and detection A system for playing games of deception and detection. The system allows human players to test their skills at discerning the accuracy or inaccuracy of statements made by other players and conversely, to test their skills at misleading other players. The system enables automated play, simulated opponents, multi-player games across wide or local area networks, evaluation of a players' abilities and performance, along with assistance in improving performance, various levels of play, different forms of input and feedback, upload and management of audio and video clips, management of live audio and video feeds to and from players, automatic timers, challenge matches, high score recording, betting, and tournaments.
US08727846B2	Method and apparatus for playing a game The present invention is a game of verbal charades. In one embodiment, the game is played using a game board, game pieces, a die, a timer, various sets of cards, and an electronic medium containing imitations of people. The game may be played with multiple teams or players or with one person. In another embodiment, the game is played on a portable media device. In another embodiment, the game board includes electronic features allowing the game to be played primarily using the game board. In another embodiment, the game board, cards, timer, and die are represented on a television or other electronic screen.
US08727836B2	Electric abrasive sharpener having adjustable abrasive wheels An electric sharpener having two pairs of interlocking abrasives for sharpening the edge of blades to different sharpening angles. An adjustment assembly simultaneously moves the wheels of each pair either toward or away from each other to adjust the sharpening angle produced by pair of abrasive wheels in a sharpening operation. The adjustment assembly is provided with a rotatable shaft having an external handle which engages a lower platen. The lower end of the shaft is threaded to move the platen in vertical direction to move translation bars affixed to the platen. The translation bars extend through elongated slots in respective pairs of adjustment arms coupled to each pair of abrasive wheels to rotate and vary the spacing between the abrasive wheels and adjust sharpening angles.
US08727833B2	Cerium-based particle composition and the preparation thereof A cerium based particle composition comprises: 50-90% by weight of cerium oxide, and at least 10% by weight of lanthanum oxide. The method to prepare the particle composition comprises: one or more water soluble salts of transition metal elements and/or alkaline metal elements are mixed with CeLaCl3 solution; the mixed solution is precipitated with carbonate(s) and/or hydroxide(s) to obtain rare earth carbonate(s) doped by said one or more transition metal elements and/or alkaline metal elements; the carbonate(s) is calcined and crushed to obtain the said particle composition. The said composition can be mixed with water, optionally at the presence of additive(s), in order to obtain an abrasive for polishing glass for liquid crystal display and hard recording medium, particularly in the use of polishing glass substrate industry.
US08727832B2	System, method and apparatus for enhanced cleaning and polishing of magnetic recording disk Cleaning or polishing magnetic recording media (MRM) may comprise mounting and rotating the MRM on a spindle; circulating a tape adjacent to a surface of the MRM; and applying an electrostatic (ES) voltage to the tape and attracting particles located on the MRM to the tape. The ES voltage may apply an ES load to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM. No mechanical load may be applied to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM. Additionally, a mechanical load may be applied to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM.
US08727831B2	Method and system for machining a profile pattern in ceramic coating A method of machining a profile pattern in a ceramic coating of a turbine shroud is provided and includes applying the ceramic coating substantially uniformly onto the turbine shroud, positioning a machining tool proximate the ceramic coating, and removing material from the ceramic coating by activating the machining tool to machine the ceramic coating and by moving the machining tool across the ceramic coating in a movement pattern that generally corresponds to the profile pattern.
US08727829B2	Inflatable, non-latex balloon with self sealing valve An electronic unit incorporating an LED or a sound source, a battery power source, and a displaceable actuator to connect the LED or sound source to the power source, is mounted inside a non-latex balloon by firstly being bonded by means of a cover sheet to the exterior of one of the flexible strips of a self-sealing valve located in and through the neck of the balloon. This may take place by heat sealing and simultaneously with the bonding together by heat seal of the respective elongate strips of the valve. Thereafter, the combined unit and self-sealing valve are bonded, again preferably by heat sealing, between respective balloon sheets in the vicinity of the stem of the balloon. Winged portions on the inflation valve strips and the cover and corresponding bulges where the balloon body emerges to the balloon stem may be provided.
US08727825B2	Life jacket A life jacket for aquatic use with a back part 1a and plurality of front parts 1b, which can be connected with each other by means of a fastener, wherein the life jacket 1 is built of a plurality of layers, is intended to improve the survival potential of its carrier in an emergency situation specifically in cold waters. Therefore it is proposed according to the invention that at or near at the interior side a layer 16 is provided, which includes a latent-heat storage material, in which an exothermic reaction takes place upon activation by a provided activation unit 20,21. The layer 16 containing the latent-heat storage material is subdivided into a plurality of chambers 24 in the back part 1a and in the front parts 1b, which are connected directly with each other or are connected to one another via connecting channels. Further the life jacket 1 has short arms 22, which cover the shoulders and extend into the upper arm area. Layer 16 continues into the shoulder area and upper arm area.
US08727823B2	Water jet propulsion device There is provided a water jet propulsion device 10 for a water vehicle, comprising a main duct 12 having a main inlet 14 that is arranged to be submerged in use and a main outlet 16; a pump disposed between the main inlet 14 and the main outlet 16; and a plurality of injection nozzles 40, 50, 60, 70 each arranged to selectively eject a jet of fluid into a different region A, B, C, D susceptible to cavitation, so as to re-energise the fluid flow in that region.
US08727822B2	Selectable destination underwater towed cable ferry system and guidance mechanism A multiple destination cable ferry system where a marine vessel is towed by an underwater sled into its final destination over underwater tracks and transfer switches. The system is designed to be under total computer control in such a way that the towed vessel can be delivered to its final destination without requiring any human intervention aboard the vessel.
US08727818B2	Termination bar assembly A termination bar assembly comprises a termination bar including opposing ends, a top surface and opposing side surfaces, wherein the opposing side surfaces define a plurality of openings for receiving one or more electrical conductors, The termination bar assembly may further comprise a clamping arrangement for receiving and holding a main conductor. The clamping arrangement may comprise a central body portion and at least one flange extending therefrom. The assembly can further comprise a base for holding said termination bar and affixing said termination bar to a mounting surface and a dome releasably securable to said base.
US08727815B1	Compliant pin connector mounting system and method A compliant pin connector mounting system includes a connector housing, a plurality of contacts each disposed in the connector housing and each including a compliant portion and at least one load bearing surface, and a mounting tool arranged to fit into the connector housing and to contact the at least one load bearing surface of each of the plurality of contacts so as to apply a downward force directly to each of the plurality of contacts. The compliant portion of each of the plurality of contacts is arranged to be aligned with a respective hole in a substrate such that when the downward force is applied directly to the at least one load bearing surface of each of plurality of contacts by the mounting tool, the compliant portion of each of the plurality of contacts is press fit into the respective hole in the substrate.
US08727813B2	Combination of thin type battery and circuit board A combination of a thin type battery and a circuit board is provided, including a thin type battery, a circuit board, and a joint connector. The thin type battery includes a shell body, a soft packaging cell, and an electric connector. The joint connector is disposed at the circuit board and connected electrically to a circuit of the circuit board. The soft packaging cell of the thin type battery is disposed in the shell body and includes a battery body and a top sealing area. The electric connector is connected electrically to the soft packaging cell. The electric connector can be plugged into the joint connector in a first direction or a second direction, so that the thin type battery can be plugged into the mobile electronic device through the electric connector in the first direction or second direction, to supply power.
US08727810B2	Connector A connector which is capable of preventing spring characteristics of contacts from changing due to sucking up of solder. A plurality of contacts each include a contact portion in contact with an electrode of a card-type electronic component, a spring portion for pressing the contact portion against the electrode of the card-type electronic component, and a connection portion which is soldered to a pad on a printed substrate. The spring portion of each contact is formed with a low wettability area on an end thereof toward the connection portion, to which solder is less likely to adhere.
US08727808B2	Electrical connector assembly for interconnecting an electronic module and an electrical component An electrical connector assembly including an interposer having a side surface and an array of electrical contacts exposed along the side surface. The electrical contacts are located within a contact region that extends along the side surface. The electrical contacts are configured to engage an electronic module mounted over the contact region. The connector assembly also includes a shield wall that is attached to and extends along the side surface. The shield wall separates the contact region into shielded sub-regions. The shield wall includes a conductive material and is electrically coupled to the interposer. At least one electrical contact is located within each shielded sub-region. The shield wall extends between adjacent electrical contacts to shield the adjacent electrical contacts from electromagnetic interference.
US08727803B2	Electric connector having a fitted state with a mating connector held by a fit-turning arm A cam portion is provided at a turning shaft portion of a fit-turning arm which holds a fitted state of a connector with a mating connector, a cam-biasing device is provided on a connector main body, and the fit-turning arm is made hard to depart from a “fit-acting position” by applying a turning biasing force to the cam portion in a direction of holding the fit-turning arm which has been turned to the “fit-acting position” at the “fit-acting position”.
US08727798B2	Coaxial connector and method for providing normal force in electrical connector A coaxial connector and a method for providing a normal force in an electrical connector. The coaxial connector includes a first terminal having a first contact portion and a second terminal having a second contact portion. Before an external device is inserted into the coaxial connector for the first time, the first contact portion and the second contact portion form a first relative positional relationship. After the external device is disengaged from the coaxial connector, the second contact portion urges against the first contact portion upwards to form a third relative positional relationship. The third relative positional relationship is different from the first relative positional relationship.
US08727795B2	High density electrical connector having a printed circuit board A high density mated pair connector having a printed circuit board (“PCB”) and a contact module to facilitate electrical connections through the mated pair connector. A receptacle assembly accepts receptacle cables and electrically connects the receptacle cables to a receptacle PCB coupled with a receptacle body. A plug assembly accepts plug cables and electrically connects the plug cables to a plug PCB coupled with a plug body. A contact module is coupled with the plug body and has a plurality of contacts. A first end of the plurality of contacts electrically connects with the plug PCB. A second end of the plurality of contacts is configured to electrically connect with the receptacle PCB. Upon mating, the plurality of contacts of the contact module couple to the receptacle PCB, thus electrically connecting the receptacle cables with the plug cables.
US08727794B2	Electronic controller Provided is an electronic controller, which allows the use of a general-purpose connector, and does not require setting of a case for housing an electronic circuit board therein for respective connectors each having a different shape so as to enable a reduction in cost. An electronic controller (1) includes: an electronic circuit board (2) onto which an electronic component (16) is mounted; a connector (3) provided at an end of the electronic circuit board (2); a case (6) housing the electronic circuit board (2) therein and including an opening portion (6a) on a side of the connector (3); and a connector retaining member (4) provided between the connector (3) and an inner wall surface of the opening portion (6a) so as to be held in close contact with the inner wall surface and to surround the connector (3).
US08727789B2	Electrical connectors and light emitting device package and methods of assembling the same Electrical connectors for attachment to electrical contacts of light emitting devices as well as light emitting device packages and lamp assemblies that use such connectors are provided. Further, methods for assembling light emitting device packages that use such connectors are provided. The electrical connector, for example, can have a plug housing with an electrically conductive socket engaging connection for engaging a socket. The electrical connector can also have an electrically conductive member extending from the plug housing and connected to the socket engaging connection. The electrically conductive member can have an end distal from the plug housing that forms a contact base configured to attach to an electrical contact on a light emitting device.
US08727788B2	Memorization optimization platform A method and system for optimizing memorization of stored content. One or more discrete units of content selected for memorization are obtained. The units of content as displayed to the user according to a pre-determined order. Feedback is received from the user indicating the level of memorization achieved by the user corresponding to the displayed units of content. The subsequent order to display content is adjusted to achieve an optimized order for memorization based on the feedback received.
US08727777B1	System for conceptualizing spatial concepts A system for conceptualizing spatial concepts comprised of a plurality of elongated barriers having magnets imbedded therein for magnetically coupling the barriers to a planar member such as a magnetic white board and to one another for providing horizontally and vertically extending barriers for defining upper and lower partitioned work areas and left and right partitioned work areas such that a visual and/or tactile medium can be placed in each of the partitioned work areas and partially behind the horizontally extending barriers for locating one or more mediums above and below the horizontally extending barriers and to the left and right of the vertically extending barriers for conveying spatial concepts to students and for aiding students in the conceptualization of these spatial concepts and, in particular, wherein the students are blind, visually impaired, and/or kinesthetic learners.
US08727775B2	Dimer acid-derived dimethacrylates and use in dental restorative compositions The present invention provides polymerizable dental compositions comprising a dimer acid-derived monomer such as a dimer acid-derived di(meth)acrylate monomer. In one embodiment, the dimer acid-derived monomer is of the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are independently selected from H and optionally substituted C1-C25 straight-chained or branched aliphatic, optionally containing 1 or more double or triple bonds, wherein one or more carbons are optionally replaced by R* wherein R* is —C(O)—, —C(O)C(O)—, —C(O)NR7—, —C(O)NR7NR8—, —C(O)O—, —OC(O)—, —NR7CO2—, —O—, —NR7C(O)NR8—, —OC(O)NR7—, —NR7NR8—, —NR7C(O)—, —NR7C(O)O—, —S—, —SO—, —SO2—, —NR7—, —SO2NR7— or —NR7SO2—, where R7 and R8 are independently selected from H and optionally substituted aliphatic, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl; provided that at least two of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are substituted C1-25 straight-chained or branched aliphatic wherein at least one carbon is replaced by R* and at least one of the substituents is an alkenyl group.
US08727773B2	Dental and medical instruments comprising titanium Endodontic instruments for use in performing root canal therapy on a tooth are disclosed. In one form, the instruments include an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank comprises a titanium alloy, and the shank is prepared by heat-treating the shank at a temperature above 25° C. in an atmosphere consisting essentially of a gas unreactive with the shank. In another form, the endodontic instruments have an elongate shank having a cutting edge extending from a distal end of the shank along an axial length of the shank. The shank consists essentially of a titanium alloy selected from alpha-titanium alloys, beta-titanium alloys, and alpha-beta-titanium alloys. The instruments solve the problems encountered when cleaning and enlarging a curved root canal.
US08727772B2	Endodontic file combining active and passive cutting edges An endodontic reamer/file for cleaning/shaping a tooth root canal having an elongated shank with a proximal end portion, a distal end and a tapered working portion having a longitudinal axis, the external surface of the shank working portion being defined by a plurality of at least two equally spaced apart continuous concaved helical flutes providing concave flute surfaces, the flute surfaces having therebetween an equal number of spiraled, spaced apart flanges, each flange having in a plane perpendicular the longitudinal axis a single outer end surface having opposed first and second ends, each first end forming an active spiraled leading scraping/cutting edge and each second end forming a passive spiraled edge.
US08727770B1	Dental appliance The dental appliance is a generally L-shaped, with a vertical section and a horizontal section. The horizontal section extends from the main body section of the vertical section. The horizontal section has a smooth and continuous upper surface and lower surface which extends from a first end to a second end. The horizontal section extends from the first end on the facial side of the teeth toward the second end on the lingual side of the teeth, stretching across the occlusal surfaces.
US08727765B2	Benchtop hydraulic plastic injection molding machine Hydraulically powered injection molder constructed from non-brittle steel channel members, instead of cast iron. It uses threaded vertical rods to support machine components, and threaded nuts to secure the components to the rods. Hydraulic cylinders used are single acting and self-contained, and compression die springs are used to retract the piston after an injection stroke.
US08727763B2	Apparatus and methods for selective thermoforming Apparatus and methods of forming selected portions of integral sheets of material are disclosed. Unformed portions of the sheets may remain undistorted during the forming process, allowing them to contain text, art work, or other desired information without material risk of the information being degraded or becoming unintelligible during the forming process. This result may be accomplished, moreover, with less trim than usually occurs in conventional forming processes.
US08727762B2	Die plate for resin granulation In order to ensure quality of pellets by eliminating temperature differences among extrusion nozzle holes with use of a heating medium flowing through heating channels only once and flowing out through a heating medium outlet, provided is a die plate for resin granulation, in which a plate main body (1) is divided into regions (A to n) for every 360/n (n=4, 6, or 8) degrees, or into first to fourth regions (A to D) for every 90 degrees, and an inner annular heating passage (4) and an outer annular heating passage (5) are formed. A heating medium (F) supplied through a heating medium inlet (2) flows through heating channels (8) only once, and then flows out through a heating medium outlet (3) to an outside.
US08727758B2	Reverse stretch rod for machine hygiene and processing A mold device for forming a plastic container from a preform. The mold device comprises a mold defining a mold cavity and a central exterior rod system moveably disposed within the mold cavity. The central exterior rod system is positionable between an extended position engagable with the preform and a retracted position spaced apart from the preform. The central exterior rod system maintains a central orientation of the preform during formation.
US08727755B2	Downhole impression imaging system and methods using shape memory material A system and method for obtaining an impression of an object in a remote environment. An impression block is affixed to a running string and disposed into the remote environment and used to form an impression. The impression block includes an impression section formed of a shape memory material that can be transformed between an original shape and a temporary shape.
US08727748B2	High-pressure cleaning device A high-pressure cleaning device has a housing which surrounds a motor pump unit which comprises a liquid-cooled electric motor and a pump. The pump has a suction inlet and a pressure outlet. Liquid, which is subsequently subjected to pressure by the pump, can be supplied to the electric motor for the purpose of cooling it. The electric motor is configured as a fan-less asynchronous motor and the motor pump unit is mounted via vibration-damping buffer elements.
US08727744B2	Method and system for optimizing operation of a pump The disclosure describes systems and methods relating generally to filtration. Even more particularly, embodiments described herein relate to optimizing operating routines of a pump based on filter information and process fluid information. The filter information can be stored on an electronically readable tag on the filter.
US08727740B2	Cylinder assembly for providing uniform flow output An assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention for providing a substantially uniform output flow from at least one piston of a pump powered by a prime mover includes at least a first power piston disposed in a cylinder and reciprocatingly movable within the cylinder between an extension direction when supplied with power from the prime mover and an opposite retraction direction, and a synchronization element attached to the power piston to control the speed of the power piston in the retraction direction.
US08727739B2	Heating pump for liquids A liquid pump that includes a cylinder (2), an inlet valve (4) for feeding liquid into the cylinder, and a discharge valve (5) for discharging the liquid out of the cylinder. The liquid pump also includes a piston (3) sliding in said cylinder so as to draw said liquid into said cylinder and to expel the same outside the cylinder. Additionally, the liquid pump includes an electric circuit (7) for heating the cylinder, with at least one resistor (70, 71) for electrically heating the liquid in the cylinder. The resistor (70, 71) may be made in the form of an electrically conducting thin track deposited on or in the wall (20) of the cylinder (2). The heating may be initiated before the introduction of the liquid into the cylinder, and interrupted before the full discharge of the liquid out of the cylinder.
US08727737B2	Submersible pump system A submersible pump system includes a submersible pump assembly having one or more stages of impellers and a submersible motor assembly that drives the pump assembly. The submersible pump assembly includes a motor housing, a motor within the motor housing for driving the pump assembly and a control module mounted to the motor housing for operating the motor. The control module is electrically connected to a power line and comprises a controller and a variable frequency drive driven by the controller. The controller operates the variable frequency drive to drive the motor to maintain a constant pressure output condition from the pump assembly.
US08727735B2	Rotor assembly and reversible turbine blade retainer therefor A blade retainer for a gas turbine engine includes a plate-like member with an arcuate outer face, an opposed inner face, and two spaced-apart end faces. The member has an outer portion disposed adjacent the outer face, and an inner portion disposed adjacent the inner face, and a wedge-shaped recess with a concave radiused valley is formed in the inner portion adjacent each end face. The retainer is left-right symmetrical.
US08727734B2	Blade retainer clip A blade retainer clip for retaining a foot of a turbine blade in a shoe of a turbine disc of a turbine wheel includes: a clip shank that fits into a mating slot in the blade foot; a protuberance along a central portion of the clip shank that fits into a mating recess along the mating slot in the blade foot; a clip heel on one end of the clip shank that engages a heel of the blade foot and a heel of the disc shoe that expands radially from at least opposite sides of the clip shank; and a clip toe that extends beyond a toe of the disc shoe that is deformable to contact at least the toe of the disc shoe.
US08727733B2	Gas turbine compressor last stage rotor blades with axial retention A rotor blade and blade retention key assembly includes: a radially outer airfoil, a shank and a radially inner attachment dovetail. The attachment dovetail has a radially innermost surface formed with a notch at one axial end thereof, and a retention key is received in the notch, and rotatable from a retracted position where a retention key portion is substantially flush with the radially innermost surface, to an extended position where the retention key portion projects inwardly from said radially innermost surface and into a recess or pocket formed in a rotor wheel slot to prevent axial movement of the blade within the slot.
US08727731B2	Method for establishing a blade connection of a rotor blade, a blade connection and a securing element for a blade connection The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a blade connection of a rotor blade for a wind energy system which comprises fastening elements for fastening the blade connection to a hub, which fastening elements are provided on a circular arc, preferably equidistant from each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to a blade connection and a fastening element for a blade connection. The invention is based on the problem of improving the fastening of a rotor blade on the hub of a wind energy system as well as improving the manufacture and/or making a suitable blade connection available. The invention solves this problem as regards the process in that fastening elements formed in pieces are arranged on the circular arc and spaced from each other with spacer elements.
US08727730B2	Composite turbine bucket assembly A composite turbine blade assembly includes a ceramic blade including an airfoil portion, a shank portion and an attachment portion; and a transition assembly adapted to attach the ceramic blade to a turbine disk or rotor, the transition assembly including first and second transition components clamped together, trapping said ceramic airfoil therebetween. Interior surfaces of the first and second transition portions are formed to mate with the shank portion and the attachment portion of the ceramic blade, and exterior surfaces of said first and second transition components are formed to include an attachment feature enabling the transition assembly to be attached to the turbine rotor or disk.
US08727723B2	Receptor for wind turbine blade lightning protection A receptor assembly for lightning protection of an object, such as a wind turbine blade, includes a receptor disk configured to be placed on a surface of the object, a receptor block insulator with an integral receptor block, a cover that engages the receptor block insulator, and a cap that engages the cover. The receptor disk and the receptor block may be made of electrically conductive materials, and the cover, and the cap, and the receptor block insulator may define a chamber among them that is lined with an electrically-conductive coating sandwiched between relatively high dielectric media to electrically isolate and shield internal parts of the receptor assembly from receiving a lightning strike directly.
US08727722B2	System and methods for adaptive blade control surface adjustment A system and methods for reducing vibration in a rotatable member are provided. The system includes a blade tracking sensor, a rotatable member comprising an adjustable aspect, and a control computer. The control computer is configured to determine an axial position of each blade, determine a first blade that is displaced by a greatest distance along the axis in a first direction, modify an aspect of the first blade to facilitate reducing a vibration in the rotary blade system, determine if the vibration level in the rotary blade system is reduced, and select another rotatable member to modify such that a vibration in the rotary blade system is facilitated being further reduced.
US08727716B2	Turbine nozzle with contoured band A turbine nozzle includes an array of turbine vanes between inner and outer bands. Each vane includes opposed pressure and suction sides extending between opposed leading and trailing edges. The vanes define a plurality of flow passages each of which is bounded between the inner band, the outer band, and adjacent first and second vanes. A surface of the inner band in each of the passages is contoured in a non-axisymmetric shape including a peak of relatively higher radial height adjoining the pressure side of the first vane adjacent its leading edge, and a trough of relatively lower radial height is disposed parallel to and spaced-away from the suction side of the second vane aft of its leading edge. The peak and trough define cooperatively define an arcuate channel extending axially along the inner band between the first and second vanes.
US08727708B2	Reflecting device, communicating pipe, exhausting pump, exhaust system, method for cleaning the system, storage medium storing program for implementing the method, substrate processing apparatus, and particle capturing component A reflecting device that enables to prevent infiltration of particles into a processing chamber. The reflecting device is disposed in a communicating pipe. The communicating pipe allows the processing chamber of a substrate processing apparatus and an exhaust pump to communicate with each other. The exhaust pump has at least one rotary blade. The reflecting device comprises at least one reflecting surface. The at least one reflecting surface is oriented to the exhausting pump.
US08727701B2	Modular fan housing with multiple modular units having sound attenuation for a fan array for an air-handling system A modular fan housing configured to hold an array of motors and fans is provided. The modular fan housing is configured for use in an air-handling system that delivers air to a ventilation system for at least a portion of a building. The fan housing comprises a plurality of modular units configured to be stacked adjacent to one another in at least one row or column to form an array. The modular units each include an interior surface and have a front end and a back end that define a chamber. The chambers are configured to receive the motors and fans. Sound attenuation layers extend along at least a portion of the interior surface of the corresponding chambers. The sound attenuation layers are positioned between at least some of the adjacent chambers.
US08727699B2	Rotating machinery with damping system One embodiment of the present invention is a damping system for rotating machinery such as gas turbine engines. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for damping systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US08727695B2	Chamfer-fillet gap for thermal management An apparatus and method is disclosed herein in which a heat-transfer fluid can be directed through a gap defined between a fillet and a chamfer. The apparatus includes a first member having a body portion and a flange portion projecting from the body portion. The flange portion extends along an endless path encircling an axis to define a receiving aperture. A fillet is defined at a junction of the body portion and an inner surface of the flange portion. The apparatus also includes a second member having a plug portion receivable in the receiving aperture. The plug portion includes a first surface operable to abut the body portion and limit movement of the plug portion into the receiving aperture. The plug portion also includes a second surface slidably engageable with the inner surface of the flange portion to guide movement of the plug portion into the receiving aperture along the axis. A chamfer is defined at a junction of the first and second surfaces such that a gap is defined between the fillet and the chamfer when the plug portion is received in the receiving aperture. The apparatus also includes at least one passageway extending at least partially through at least one of the first member and the second member. The at least one passageway extends between the gap and an opening spaced from the gap. The at least one passageway is operable to receive a heat-transfer fluid to transfer heat relative to the fillet.
US08727694B2	Card elevating/lowering device, card carrying-out/carrying-in device and card issuing/collecting apparatus A card elevating/lowering device for use with cards may include a card storage part in which the cards are stacked and accommodated, and an elevating/lowering mechanism by which the cards accommodated in the card storage part are elevated and lowered. The elevating/lowering mechanism may be provided with a placing table on which the cards accommodated in the card storage part are placed and an urging member which urges the placing table in an upper direction, and a spring constant of the urging member may be substantially equal to a weight per unit thickness of the card.
US08727691B2	Shaft furnace charging device and corresponding distribution chute A charging device for a shaft furnace, in particular for a blast furnace and a cooperating distribution chute are proposed, where the distribution chute has an elongated chute body providing a sliding channel for bulk material and two chute-mounting members attached laterally to either side of the chute body for mounting the distribution chute to the charging device, the charging device including a mechanism for rotating the distribution chute, the mechanism having a rotatable support rotor with two suspension flanges cooperating with the chute-mounting members of the distribution chute for mounting the distribution chute, where each chute-mounting member of the chute includes a hook-shaped portion that forms a suspension hook for mounting the distribution chute to the suspension flanges, each suspension flange in turn has a support configured for engagement with the hook-shaped portion of the chute along a hook engagement direction, and furthermore, each chute-mounting member includes an abutment portion that cooperates with a counter-abutment on the corresponding suspension flange to provide abutment in a direction transversal to the hook engagement direction (C) so as to preclude pivoting of the chute about the supports of the suspension flanges.
US08727682B2	Shock absorption and restraint apparatus A shock absorption and restraint apparatus including a plurality of co-acting cushioned pads which create a protective shock absorbing barrier for a load in a railroad car (or other shipping container) and a set of straps which are employed to restrain the cushioned pads and the load. In certain embodiments, the cushioned pads include one or more central or connector cushioned pads and one or more side or cooperating cushioned pads. In certain embodiments, the cushioned pads include strap engaging mechanisms which are configured to be engaged by the straps. The cushioned pads are preferably lightweight, easy to handle and install, recyclable, and readily reusable. In certain embodiments, the cushioned pads are configured, sized, and constructed in such a way to protect the specific load in the railroad car.
US08727675B2	Double-sided cutting insert A double-sided cutting insert includes: rectangular shaped upper and lower surfaces formed at upper and lower sides of the insert; four side surfaces of each of the upper and lower surfaces; an assembling hole perpendicular to the upper surface; major cutting edges, at corners of one side surface, and rotationally symmetrical with respect to a center of an outer shape of the insert in a plan view where the upper surface is the front and rotationally symmetrical with respect to the center in a front view where the one of the side surfaces is the front; minor cutting edges, formed at one side of each major cutting edge, and rotationally symmetrical with respect to the center in the plan view; and minor side surfaces formed on a surface where the minor cutting edges meet the side surfaces and inclined toward the center with respect to an assembling hole central axis.
US08727665B2	Method and device for introducing a pipe for optical cables into a solid laying foundation A method and an apparatus for introducing at least one pipe for at least one optical cable into a solid bed with the aid of a laying device. At least one groove is milled or cut in the bed and the at least one pipe is inserted in the groove. At least one side wall of the groove is configured with a step for supporting a filler material. After laying the pipe the remaining volume of the groove is filled. Alternatively, the pipe can be formed according to the groove. In addition, the friction between the at least one pipe laid in the groove and the side walls of the groove can be increased so that emergence of the at least one pipe of its own accord from the at least one groove is prevented.
US08727664B2	Berm and method of construction thereof A berm to increase capacity of an existing landfill comprises a reinforced portion and backfill material. The landfill comprises a waste-receiving recess having a surface and an outer perimeter, an edge surface peripherally adjacent at least a portion of the outer perimeter, and an existing accumulation of waste within the recess having a collective top surface. The reinforced portion has opposing inner and outer surfaces and comprises structural fill material and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed therein. The backfill material has an inner surface adjacent the inner surface of the reinforced portion. The backfill material comprises contaminated fill material and is at least partially encapsulated by an impermeable membrane. At least a portion of the berm sits on at least a portion of the edge surface of the landfill. Portions of the berm are substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the outer perimeter.
US08727660B2	Arrangement for providing a pulsing compressive force The invention relates to a soil compacting device having an exciter part (1), which has an unbalance exciter (2) for producing an intermittent exciter force and a contact surface (3) for transmitting a force component of the exciter force directed perpendicularly to the contact surface (3) to the soil surface (4) to be compacted as a pulsing compressive force. The device also has a vibration damper part (5), which is connected to the exciter part (1) by means of a spring-damper unit (15). The spring stiffness of the spring-damper unit (15), the damping of the spring damper unit (15), the spring pre-load of the spring-damper unit (15), the mass of the vibration damper part (5), the mass moment of inertia of the vibration damper part (5), the mass of the exciter part (1), and/or the mass moment of inertia of the exciter part (1) can be varied during operation.
US08727658B2	Pinless device for orienting a motorcycle stabilizer wiper A pinless device for orienting a motorcycle stabilizer wiper, such device having a platform adapted for stable attachment to a motorcycle; projections extending, preferably upward, from the platform in order to create a channel; an arm having a first end adapted for attachment to a shaft from a wiper of a motorcycle stabilizer and also having a second end of such dimensions that the second end can fit in the channel between the projections; and a means, such as a set screw, for releasably and securely fastening the second end of the arm in the channel between the projections.
US08727656B2	Metal profile, fastening device and cover comprising a fastening system including the metal profile and the fastening device Metal profile (230,280) as well as with the metal profile cooperating fastening device (800,830,860), wherein the two-dimensional cross-section of the metal profile, perpendicularly to the length of the profile, includes a screw pocket (233). The screw pocket includes a hole (234), arranged to accommodate a screw which is inserted perpendicularly to the cross-section, as well as an opening (235) out from the hole, which opening is narrower than the cross-sectional dimension of the hole perpendicularly to the main direction of extension (M) of the opening, and in that the screw pocket is arranged to accommodate, and therefore to engage with, the fastening device, which fastening device can be inserted into the screw pocket perpendicularly to the cross-section and thereafter be slid in the screw pocket along the metal profile.
US08727649B2	Roll paper loading mechanism and printing device The roll paper loading mechanism of a roll paper printer has a left side panel rendered in unison with a roll paper holder. The roll paper holder pivots to the front of the printer in conjunction with the operation opening an access cover. When the access cover is opened completely, the left side panel protrudes through an opening formed in the printer case to the front of the printer. A right side panel disposed to hold the roll paper between it and the left side panel is stationary inside the printer case. A roll paper guide tab that projects to the front of the printer and extends away from the left side panel is formed on the front end of the right side panel.
US08727648B2	Printer with force transmitting path selecting mechanism A printer has a carriage being movable between a first end and a second end of a reciprocating path; and a driving force transmitting path selecting mechanism provided at the second end of the reciprocating path. The selecting mechanism has: a common driving force outputting member; a plurality of force receiving members; a selecting member; and a position retainer for keeping the position of the selecting member. The selecting member connects the force outputting member to one of the plurality of force receiving members, and moves in association with the carriage when the carriage moves in a vicinity of the second end in a first direction extending from the first end to the second end. The position retainer keeps the position of the selecting member when the carriage moves in a second direction extending from the second end to the first end. The force receiving member connected to the force outputting member via the selecting member is selected in accordance with a movement of the carriage along the reciprocating path.
US08727646B2	Focal plane shutter for digital cameras When a hold member rotates on a shaft counterclockwise in the set operation, pressing parts of a pressing member which is fitted on top end of the hold member press pressed parts of iron piece members to rotate a lock-releasing member for a first blade and a lock-releasing member for a rear blade so that the iron piece members are made to come into contact with iron-core members of electromagnets, while an engagement pin presses an arm of a connection spring to rotate a restraining member clockwise so that a restraining part of the restraining member moves into the trajectory of the movement of a restrained part of the lock-releasing member for the rear blade. When the coils of the electromagnets are not electrified and the hold member rotates clockwise, the lock-releasing member for the front blade presses a front blade locking member to make it possible to perform an open operation of the front blade, while the lock-releasing member for the rear blade cannot press a rear blade locking member because the lock-releasing member for the rear blade is restrained by the restraining member. As a result, an exposure aperture is fully opened, and it becomes possible to perform observation with electronic finder.
US08727645B2	Shutter assembly with drive ring-mounted magnet A shutter assembly includes a drive ring having a permanent magnet disposed thereon. The shutter assembly also includes a solenoid defining a gap between first and second magnetic poles thereof, the drive ring being disposed coplanar with the solenoid and being rotatable in response to a magnetic field created between the first and second magnetic poles. The shutter assembly also includes a plurality of shutter blades configured to transition between an open position and a closed position in response to rotation of the drive ring. The shutter assembly further includes a base plate separating the plurality of shutter blades from at least one of the drive ring and the solenoid.
US08727644B2	Camera An embodiment of the invention is a camera having a housing, a camera lens disposed at an end of the housing, a box camera mounting part provided on the housing to mount the camera in a box camera configuration, and a dome camera mounting part provided at a front end of the housing to mount the camera in a dome camera configuration. Providing the box and dome camera mounting parts on the housing of the camera enables mounting of the camera in box and dome camera configurations, and allows the user to delay the decision of choosing which configuration, thereby reducing the complexity of engineering design and installation. Furthermore, inclusion of both mounting parts facilitates purchasing and stocking only one configuration of camera, thereby simplifying management of the stocked parts and reducing costs.
US08727642B1	Quick-release camera mounting system There is provided a quick-release camera mounting system for connecting a camera to an object, such as tripod, backpack strap or belt. The camera has a base. The system includes an adapter with a base that is connectable to the object. The adapter has a protrusion that operatively connects to and extends outwards from its base. The system includes a camera mount threadably connecting to the base of the camera and for connecting with the adapter. The camera mount has a locking mechanism capable of quickly releasing the adapter from the camera mount. The locking mechanism includes a centrally disposed recessed portion. The protrusion of the adapter is shaped to fit within the recessed portion and engage with the locking mechanism for selectively connecting the adapter to the camera mount.
US08727638B2	Fiber channel-inter changeable fiber optic connector A fiber channel-interchangeable fiber optic connector includes an adapter, two connectors respectively rotatably mounted in respective axle holes at the front side of the adapter, a sub-assembly detachably attached to the adapter to stop the connectors from rotation and hold down the connectors in position, and a cable inserted through the sub-assembly and mounted in the adapter with two optical-fiber cores therein respectively inserted into ferrules of the connectors. Detaching the sub-assembly from the adapter allows rotation of the connectors and the sub-assembly through 180-degrees angle relative to the adapter to interchange the fiber channels.
US08727635B2	MPO trunk concatenation adapter An MPO connector adapter to connect a first female MPO connector to a second female MPO connector includes a housing. An adapter ferrule is retained within the housing. First and second alignment pin sections extend from a first face of the adapter ferrule to mate with guide holes of the first female MPO connector. Third and fourth alignment pin sections extend from an opposite face of the adapter ferrule to mate with guide holes of the second female MPO connector. Optical fibers within the adapter ferrule couple optical signals from the first female MPO connector to the second female MPO connector.
US08727629B2	Series bearing support apparatus for a gas turbine engine A bearing support apparatus for a gas turbine engine, including: a first annular member; a second annular member disposed within the first annular member; first and second axially spaced-apart rolling-element bearings disposed between the first and second annular members so as to enable relative rotation of the first and second members; a first spring element mounting the first bearing to the first member; and a second spring element mounting the second bearing to the first member through the first spring element, such that the first and second bearings are physically supported in series relative to the first member.
US08727625B2	Roller grill bearing apparatus A roller grill bearing assembly that can be adapted to fit on any size roller grill or roller tubes. The bearing assembly substantially increases the bearing land on the roller grill housing and increases the bearing area over the land. The bearing assembly permits the bearing apparatus to be snapped in place on the stamped opening on a sheet metal side panel as done using current manufacturing methods. Further, the bearing assembly can be produced using current manufacturing techniques without significantly changing the cost of production. Most importantly, the invention substantially increases the life span of the bearing.
US08727620B2	Storage bag with dimple features A storage bag has first and second closure profiles adjacent to an opening to the interior of the bag. The first and second closure profiles are provided with dimples that are aligned opposite to each other. The dimples of the first closure profile are formed as a concave surface on the side of the first closure profile facing the interior of the bag and a convex surface on the side of the first closure profile facing the outside of the bag. The dimples of the second closure profile are formed as a convex surface on the side of the second closure profile facing the interior of the bag and a concave surface on the side of the second closure profile facing the outside of the bag. The dimples of the first closure profile are at least partially within the dimples of the second closure profile when the bag is being sealed.
US08727610B2	Laser processing apparatus,laser processing temperature measuring apparatus,laser processing method,and laser processing temperature measuring method The object is to provide a laser processing apparatus, a laser processing temperature measuring apparatus, a laser processing method, and a laser processing temperature measuring method which can highly accurately detect the processing temperature when carrying out processing such as welding with laser light. A laser processing apparatus 1A for processing members DR, UR to be processed by irradiating the members with laser light LB comprises a laser (semiconductor laser unit 20A) for generating the laser light LB; optical means for converging the laser light LB generated by the laser onto processing areas DA, UA; and a filter 30, disposed between the members DR, UR to be processed and the optical means, for blocking a wavelength of fluorescence generated by the optical means upon pumping with the laser light LB; wherein light having the wavelength blocked by the filter 30 is used for measuring a temperature of the processing areas DA, UA.
US08727607B2	Method of calibrating a heater system A method of calibrating a heater system for heating a surface of a structure, the heater system including a heater element, a temperature sensor proximate the heater element for outputting a signal indicative of the temperature of the heater element, and a controller for controlling the supply of power to the heater element in dependence on the signal to maintain the temperature of the heater element at a first substantially constant temperature. The method comprises: immersing the structure in a fluid for maintaining the surface of the structure at a second substantially constant temperature; supplying an amount of power to the heater element; receiving the signal from the temperature sensor and determining a temperature at the temperature sensor; and determining a setpoint temperature for controlling the heater element in dependence on the signal and the second substantially constant temperature.
US08727606B2	Control device for a timepiece mechanism using pressure or traction Control mechanism (1) for loading an energy accumulator (20) for a timepiece (100) or a timepiece movement (10) via an intermediate winding mechanism (25), said mechanism (1) comprising a winding button (2) arranged to drive, at least in translation, a winding stem (3) which can occupy at least an initial longitudinal position (T0) for said energy loading.A portion of the length of said stem (3) is ringed or threaded, to pivot and/or drive in translation a winding driving means (4), when said stem is moved in translation as a result of pressure or traction by the user, in a limited travel between said initial position (T0) and an unstable maximum pushed-in or respectively pulled-out position (TL) of said stem (3), which is returned to said initial position (T0) by elastic return means (5),
US08727602B2	Flat panel display device, stereoscopic display device, and plasma display device The present invention provides a flat panel display device, a stereoscopic display device, and a plasma display device. The flat panel display device includes a backlight system and a display panel. The backlight system includes a light source, a light homogenization mechanism, and a back frame. The back frame carries the light source and the light homogenization mechanism. The back frame includes at least two assembling pieces. The at least two assembling pieces are joined to form the back frame. The back frame further includes a bracing piece that is fixed to the assembling pieces, wherein the assembling pieces are mountable to at least two different positions of the bracing piece in a lengthwise direction of the bracing piece. The present invention uses assembling pieces that are joined to form a back frame so that a mold for the back frame is of a simple structure, the cost of back frame mold is reduced, the material used for back frame is saved, and the manufacturing cost is lowered down. Further, by making the mounting position of a bracing piece to an assembling piece adjustable in a lengthwise direction of the bracing piece, a single bracing piece may meet different needs for mounting so as to further reduce the manufacturing cost.
US08727601B2	Display for electronic device A display includes a flexible display panel having a back face, two backlight modules disposed on the back face of the display panel and each including a contact end, and an outer casing having two casing panels respectively connected to and supporting the backlight modules oppositely of the display panel. The casing panels are pivotal to move the backlight modules and the display panel between collapsed and non-collapsed positions. In the collapsed position, the display panel is folded, and the backlight modules are parallelly spaced apart. In the non-collapsed position, the display panel is laid flat, the backlight modules coplanarly cover the back face of the display panel, and the contact ends of the backlight modules abut against each other.
US08727598B2	Planar light source device, liquid crystal display device, and television set In a direct type backlight device of a liquid crystal display device, a light guide plate is used obtain a uniform in-plane distribution of light emission intensity. A reflective sheet (62) having an opening portion is laminated on a front surface of an LED substrate (60), and an LED element (74) is accommodated inside the opening portion. A light guide plate (64) is stacked on the reflective sheet (62). On a front surface of the light guide plate (64), a white reflective film (90) is formed in a non-total reflection region, which is positioned to oppose the LED element (74) and in which an incident angle of light emitted from the LED element (74) to the front surface is smaller than a critical angle. On a rear surface of the light guide plate (64), a pattern made of a white reflective film (92) is formed.
US08727596B2	Light source device and surface light source device equipped with same A light source device comprising: a point light source for emitting light; a light source substrate directly mounting the point light source; a light source substrate cover having a through hole or a notch in a position to which the point light source corresponds, the light source substrate cover arranged opposite to a surface of the light source substrate on which the point light source is mounted; and a support member for supporting the light source substrate, the support member arranged to be opposed to the reverse side of the mounting surface of the light source substrate, the support member has a substantially same size with the light source substrate; wherein the light source substrate cover and the support member sandwich the light source substrate to support the light source substrate.
US08727590B2	Vehicle headlamp A vehicle headlamp includes a light source; a projection optical system that includes a projection lens projecting an image, formed by a light beam emitted from the light, source, forward of the vehicle; and a reflection optical system including a parabolic reflector that is provided at a position offset from the projection lens as viewed from the front of the vehicle, and that reflects the light beam emitted from the light source and irradiates the same in front of the vehicle, wherein the reflector has a light distribution pattern irradiating a region including a cut line, and the projection optical system has a light distribution pattern irradiating downward with respect to the reflector.
US08727587B2	Controllable on/off device for an auxiliary light A controllable on/off device for an auxiliary light contains: a lamp module having a body in which a driving unit connecting with an illuminating element, the body including a first conducting piece coupling with a cathode contact point of the driving unit and a second conducting piece coupling with a negative contact point of the driving unit; a base fixed under the lamp module and including a conduction element corresponding to the first conducting piece and the second conducting piece; a pivotal clutch mechanism defined between the lamp module and the base so that the lamp module is axially rotated and shifted between a first rotating range and a second rotating range and drives the lamp module to move vertically, such that the first conducting piece and the second conducting piece are driven to contact with or leave from the conduction element, thus turning on or off the illuminating element.
US08727586B2	Lighting device having magnetic member and magnet To provide a lighting device where a light-emitting body including light-emitting elements whose light-emitting regions are spread out in a plane or light-emitting elements in which a plurality of light-emitting regions are arranged in a plane can be exchanged easily. To provide a lighting device in which a terminal of the light-emitting body can be electrically connected to a contact of a mounting portion easily. A light-emitting body including light-emitting elements whose light-emitting regions are spread out in a plane or light-emitting elements in which a plurality of light-emitting regions are arranged in a plane may be fixed by a magnetic force so that a terminal of the light-emitting body is in contact with the contact of the mounting portion.
US08727585B2	Support for mounting light-emitting element, and light-emitting device A supporting body for mounting a light emitting element having excellent heat dissipation performance to suppress damage to the base or decrease of air tightness caused by heat even in cases where a high-power light emitting element is mounted thereon. The supporting body for mounting a light emitting element is obtained by integrally molding an insulating base that has a mounting part on which a light emitting element is mounted and a lead frame for packaging a light emitting element that is mounted on the insulating base. The supporting body for mounting a light emitting element is characterized in that the insulating base is composed of a sintered body of a glass ceramic composition that contains a low melting point glass powder and a ceramic filler and the low melting point glass powder has a softening point of not more than 630° C.
US08727579B2	Light extraction member and organic light emitting diode including the same A light extraction member includes a plurality of unit lenses arranged on one surface thereof. Each of the unit lenses comprises a combination of two or more kinds of conic lenses.
US08727578B2	Optical element, method for manufacturing optical element, light emitting unit, and method for assembling light emitting unit Provided are an optical element and a method for manufacturing the optical element, wherein the concave optical surface of the optical element does not adhere to the metal mold convex surface and excellent mold releasability is ensured by providing the end surface of the optical element with an end section which is continuous to the outer end section of the concave optical surface of the optical element and providing the end section with a tapered section having a tilt with respect to the flat surface formed by the outer end section of the concave optical surface at the time of forming the optical element by means of a liquid drop method. The tapered section can be used for alignment at the time of assembling the light emitting unit, and contributes to process time reduction and prevention of generation of failures.
US08727577B2	Optical film and lighting device An optical film is provided herein which may include a base film including a material having optical transmittance and a thermal resistance, a matrix layer disposed on the base film and including a fluorescent material, and a viscous layer disposed on the matrix layer including a material having adhesive property, wherein the viscous layer may have a prescribed thickness.
US08727575B2	Light source unit A light source unit is equipped with a light source having a discharge lamp and a converging mirror, and a light guide formed of a liquid core fiber which is held by a light guide holding portion. The light source and the light guide are held in a casing made of a metal, and an infrared cut filter is provided in a cylindrical light shielding body surrounding an optical path in the interior of the casing. The light shielding body forms a stray light preventing member which prevents stray light from going out of the casing, and a light quantity adjusting member is provided between an opening of the light shielding body on a light guide side and a light incident port of the light guide. The light shielding body and the light guide holding portion are thermally insulated from each other by a heat insulating material portion.
US08727573B2	Device and apparatus for efficient collection and re-direction of emitted radiation An apparatus is described, including a light source, a lens and two reflectors. A first reflector is positioned to reflect a first portion of light from the light source, wherein the first portion of light is radiated from the light source in a central forward solid angle as defined by an outer edge of the first reflector. The lens is azimuthally horizontal to the light source for accepting a second portion of light from the light source emitted in a peripheral forward solid angle. A second reflector reflects the first portion of light after reflectance from the first reflector and the second portion of light after passing through the lens in a composite beam, wherein the first reflector and the lens are configured such that the first and second portions of light behave as though they were emitted from a point source at the second reflector focus.
US08727572B2	Illuminating apparatus Provided is a lighting apparatus that is suitable as a substitute for a conventional halogen lamp when positively utilizing leaked light. The lighting apparatus comprises: a heat dissipator 12 that is in one of a bottomed cylindrical shape and a bowl shape, and that has a bottom portion, a circumferential wall portion, and an opening; and a light-emitting device 18b that is provided inside the heat dissipator 12 at the bottom portion and is operable to emit light, wherein the heat dissipator 12 has one or more windows 19 for leaking the emitted light outside the heat dissipator 12.
US08727569B2	Kinetic flame device An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
US08727567B1	Semiconductor light source having a reflector A reflector is mounted to an outer perimeter of a heat sink holding at least one edge-emitting semiconductor chip, for example a laser diode. The reflector has a shape suitable for gathering light emitted by the laser diodes and redirecting the light in an upward direction away from the heat sink. The reflector can be overmolded onto the heat sink. The reflector can operate by total internal reflection, so that no additional reflector coating step is required. Injection molding of the reflectors onto the heat sink holding the laser diodes enables mass production of powerful yet inexpensive laser light sources.
US08727565B2	LED lighting devices having improved light diffusion and thermal performance A white light LED-based lighting device may comprise a light assembly including a plurality of white-light LEDs disposed on a substrate. The LEDs may cover the substrate top surface in a density of greater than 50 individual LEDs per square inch. An electrical driver board is electrically connected to the LEDs. A heat sink is thermally connected to the substrate and the LEDs. A reflector assembly may be disposed on the heat sink such that its focal plane is disposed generally adjacent to the LEDs. The device may have a continuous operating temperature of 65 degrees Celsius or lower in a room temperature environment. The LEDs may comprise a top surface area of less than 2 mm2 and be arranged in a series of concentric rings on the substrate with each LED oriented along the circumference thereof. The reflector assembly may be filled at least partially with an impact-resistant polymer material.
US08727564B2	Illumination apparatus According to one embodiment, an illumination apparatus is provided with a substrate, a radiator, a lens, a lens holder and a metal component. A wiring layer is formed on the front face of the substrate and semiconductor light emitting elements are mounted on the wiring layer. The rear face of the substrate is attached to the radiator. The lens controls light emitted from the semiconductor light emitting elements. The lens holder is made insulative. The lens holder is provided with a holder portion for holding the lens and an attachment base to be attached to the radiator by way of the substrate. The metal component is attached to the radiator from the front face of the attachment base of the lens holder by way of the attachment base.
US08727562B2	Backlight module The present invention provides a backlight module, which includes a backboard, a light bar mounted on the backboard, and a thermo-sensitive heat conduction material interposed between the backboard and the light bar. The thermo-sensitive heat conduction material functions to automatically adjust thermal conductivity coefficient with variation of temperature so that different portions of the light bar have different thermal conductivity coefficients in order to control the temperature of the whole light bar in a predetermined range to ensure desired performance of thermal conduction and further ensuring temperature uniformity of the whole backlight module and preventing the occurrence of luminance lowering of the whole backlight module due to excessive local high temperature.
US08727559B2	Compact beauty station A beauty station formed as a cabinet adapted to be hung on a wall, the cabinet comprising a main structural frame generally shaped as a box having side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and a front wall defining an interior space. The front wall being formed as a flip down lid member pivotally connected at one edge to the bottom wall to thereby open and close the interior space. A mobile section adapted to move upwards and outwards from the interior space when the lid member is pivoted to open the interior space, and including a mirror, and at least one light source.
US08727556B2	Integrated illumination device mount Embodiments include a method and apparatus for an integrated illumination device mount and for mounting the integrated illumination device and mount to a firearm or helmet. In some embodiments, the integrated illumination device mount is a low profile mount. In some embodiments, the integrated illumination device mount allows rigid mounting of an illumination device to a rail of a firearm. In other embodiments, the integrated illumination device allows pivotal mounting of the illumination device to a rail of a firearm. In yet other embodiments, the integrated illumination device mount allows pivotal mounting of the illumination device to a rail of a helmet.
US08727555B2	Umbrella apparatus A lawn or patio umbrella with an integral lighting system that utilizes cold cathode ray tubes, light emitting diodes (LED's), or florescent lights, to provide relatively bright outdoor light for reading and other activities that require relatively high light intensities is provided. In one embodiment, a modular, electrically powered lawn or patio umbrella in which lighting systems, such as those utilizing cold cathode tubes, LED's, or florescent lights; cooling systems, such as those utilizing electric fans or misting systems; and motorized retraction systems; can be selectively interchanged is provided.
US08727551B2	Backlight system The present invention provides a backlight system, which includes a light source; and a back frame, which includes at least two primary assembling pieces, the at least two primary assembling pieces being joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame; wherein the light source is carried by a first side of at least one of the primary assembling pieces, the backlight system further comprising heat dissipation elements, the heat dissipation elements having a distribution that is denser at locations closer to a center of the primary assembling piece that carries the light source in a lengthwise direction of the primary assembling piece that carries the light source. The backlight system of the present invention forms a back frame through joining so as to make the structure of the back frame simple and reduces the manufacturing cost of the backlight system, and further, through an arrangement that heat dissipation elements are arranged more densely on the primary assembling piece that carries a light source at locations closer to a center thereof in the lengthwise direction, the heat dissipation efficiency and heat dissipation performance of the backlight system are improved.
US08727546B2	GPS visor A GPS device comprises a GPS unit, a visor, and an optional attachment means to attach the visor to the GPS unit to improve the viewing of the visual display screen under bright light and/or to eliminate the reflection of the lighted display screen of the GPS unit from a vehicle's windshield during nighttime driving; a visor set comprising said visor and said attachment means; said visor or visor set optionally comprising a GPS antenna for stronger reception and/or a faster acquisition of satellite GPS signals; a method for improving the viewing of the display screen under bright light, for eliminating reflection of the display screen from the vehicle's windshield, and for providing improved satellite GPS signals by using the GPS device or the visor set hereinabove; and an article of manufacture comprising the GPS device or the visor set hereinabove, in association with instructions for use.
US08727543B2	Projection type image display apparatus A laser beam generated by a laser light source is reflected by a light beam scanning device and irradiated onto a hologram recording medium. On the hologram recording medium, an image of a scatter plate is recorded as a hologram by using reference light that converges on a scanning origin. The light beam scanning device bends the laser beam at the scanning origin and irradiates the laser beam onto the hologram recording medium. At this time, scanning is carried out by changing a bending mode of the laser beam with time so that an irradiation position of the bent laser beam on the hologram recording medium changes with time. Regardless of an irradiation position of the beam, diffracted light from the hologram recording medium produces a reproduction image of the scatter plate on the spatial light modulator. The modulated image of the spatial light modulator is projected onto a screen.
US08727533B2	Fundus camera A fundus camera includes an optical path splitting unit arranged between a focusing unit and an imaging unit. The splitting unit has characteristics adapted to reflect light of a visible light region and to transmit near-infrared light. The splitting unit retreats from an optical path when a still fundus image is photographed. A quick-return mirror having such characteristics is used as the splitting unit. When near-infrared illumination light having a wavelength of about 850 nm is used, such light can be incident upon the imaging unit without loss of the amount of light. Visible light output from an internal fixation target is projected onto a subject's eye. A cornea diaphragm and a crystalline lens diaphragm are used for observing a fundus with invisible light. Each of the cornea diaphragm and crystalline lens diaphragm can be changed to another one having a different diameter.
US08727531B2	Electro-active opthalmic lens having an optical power blending region A spectacle lens is disclosed. The disclosed lens provides a vision correcting area for the correction of a wearer's refractive error. The viewing correction area provides Correction for non-conventional refractive error to provide at least a part of the Wearer's vision correction. The lens has a prescription based on a wave front analysis of the wearer's eye and the lens can further be modified to fit within an eyeglass frame.
US08727529B2	Barcode printing control device A printing device includes a barcode area dividing unit that divides a barcode area of a printing sheet into plural division areas along a Y direction, and a barcode area ejection amount conversion and output unit that controls an ink jet printing unit to print black bars such that an X direction is a direction in which the black bars and white bars are alternately arranged and occupancy dimensions of ink of pixels are different in the division areas divided by the barcode area dividing unit.
US08727524B2	Image forming method The present invention provides an image forming method including an ink applying process that applies a water-based ink containing at least polymer particles, wax particles having a ratio of from 0.5% by mass to less than 8% by mass with respect to the total amount of the ink, colorant, and water, by an inkjet method (inkjetting), onto a recording base material which is an assembly of a non-absorptive or low-absorptive fiber material.
US08727518B2	Method for positioning a metering blade with reference to roller and blade wear A method has been developed to enable a controller to select between two angles at which to position a wiper configured to wipe release agent from an image drum. The controller selects the position of the wiper with reference to the number of times the wiper has wiped the image drum and the number of media sheets that have contacted the image drum.
US08727517B2	Method and system for delivering solid-ink pellets The present disclosure provides apparatus and method for supplying uninterrupted flow of solid-ink pellets to an image-forming device. The apparatus includes a container for retaining solid-ink pellets, and a selectably-inflatable bladder disposed within the container. Further, the apparatus includes a tube communicating the bladder with a pressure supply.
US08727516B2	Fluid cartridge In one example, a fluid cartridge includes a reservoir for holding a fluid, an electrical interface, an alignment feature, and a keying feature. The alignment feature is configured to, as the cartridge is inserted into a receiver, bias the electrical interface against a corresponding electrical interface on the receiver. The keying feature discriminates the cartridge from other fluid cartridges to prevent the cartridge from being inserted incorrectly into the receiver.
US08727513B2	Automatic cleaning in a liquid ink printing system A system for automatic cleaning in a liquid ink printing system includes an ink tank, a pump which is configured pump a carrier liquid from the ink tank as a pressurized carrier liquid flow. A filter is configured to remove particulates from the pressurized carrier liquid flow to produce a filtered carrier liquid flow. A sprayer is configured to receive the filtered carrier liquid flow and spray the filtered carrier liquid flow into an interior of the ink tank. The pump recirculates the filtered carrier liquid flow through the filter and the sprayer. A method for automatic cleaning in a printing system is also included.
US08727507B2	Ink-jet apparatus Provided is an ink-jet apparatus that: has a wide control range of the direction for ink ejection; can correct a variation in the direction for ink ejection; and can improve the yield of a product when used for manufacture of electronic devices. The ink-jet apparatus includes: pressure chamber 110 configured with a pair of partition walls 111; nozzle plate 101 having nozzle 100; diaphragm 112 supported by partition walls 111; piezoelectric elements 131 and 132 that are in contact with diaphragm 112 for pressurizing pressure chamber 110; and piezoelectric elements 141, 142 and 143 supporting partition walls 111. A voltage can be applied individually to piezoelectric elements 131, 132, and 141 to 143. The widths of part A and part B of diaphragm 112, part A being in contact with a piezoelectric element, and part B being in contact with partition wall 111 satisfy a particular relationship.
US08727506B2	Ink jet head, method of forming image by the ink jet head, angular velocity sensor, method of measuring angular velocity by the angular velocity sensor, piezoelectric generating element, and method of generating electric power using the peizoelectric generating element The purpose of the present invention is to provide an ink jet head capable of ejecting an exact amount of ink, an angular velocity sensor capable of measuring an exact angular velocity, and a piezoelectric generating element capable of generating an electric power due to positive piezoelectric effect, even when the applied electric field of 40 kV/cm or more is applied.The piezoelectric film used for the present invention comprises a piezoelectric layer and first and second electrodes which sandwich the piezoelectric layer therebetween, the first electrode comprises a (001) orientation, the piezoelectric layer is composed of (1-z)(NaxBiy)TiO0.5x+1.5y+2-zBaTiO3 having a (001) orientation, x is not less than 0.30 and not more than 0.46, y is not less than 0.51 and not more than 0.62, and z is not less than 0.07 and not more than 0.09.
US08727505B2	Electromechanical transducer element, droplet discharge head, and droplet discharge device Disclosed is an electromechanical transducer element that includes an electromechanical transducer film formed of a complex oxide (PZT) including lead (Pb), zirconium (Zr), and titanium (Ti). The electromechanical transducer film is formed by laminating plural PZT thin films until a thickness of the formed electromechanical transducer film becomes a predetermined thickness. When an atomic weight ratio (Pb/(Zr+Ti)) of average Pb included in the formed electromechanical transducer film is denoted by Pb(avg) and an atomic weight ratio (Pb/(Zr+Ti)) of Pb in any one of laminate interfaces of the plural PZT thin films is denoted by Pb(interface), the Pb(avg) is greater than or equal to 100 atomic percentage (at %) and less than or equal to 110 atomic percentage (at %), and a fluctuation ratio ΔPb=Pb(avg)−Pb(interface) of Pb in the laminate interface is less than or equal to 20 percent.
US08727499B2	Protecting a fluid ejection device resistor In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a fluid ejection device includes forming a resistor on the front side of a substrate, depositing a dielectric film on the resistor to protect the resistor from chemical exposure during a slot formation process, and forming a slot in the substrate that extends from the back side to the front side of the substrate.
US08727494B2	Droplet ejection device and image forming apparatus A droplet ejection device includes a droplet ejection head. The droplet ejection head includes droplet ejection nozzles, a common liquid chamber, an air vent nozzle, and a nozzle face. The ejection nozzles are arranged side by side in a vertical direction. Each ejection nozzle has a first channel to eject droplets. The vent nozzle has a second channel to vent air from the common chamber. The nozzle face is disposed in the vertical direction or a direction tilted downward relative to the vertical direction. The first channel is tilted downward so that a side proximal to the nozzle face is lower than another side proximal to the common chamber. The vent nozzle is disposed above a topmost one of the ejection nozzles. The second channel is tilted upward so that a side proximal to the nozzle face is higher than another side proximal to the common chamber.
US08727491B2	Fluid ejecting apparatus A fluid ejecting apparatus includes a fluid ejecting head that has a nozzle formation surface and ejects fluid from a nozzle formed as a hole through the nozzle formation surface. A fluid catching unit has an opening that faces the nozzle formation surface of the fluid ejecting head at the time of flushing, as waste fluid is ejected from the nozzle of the fluid ejecting head. The fluid catching unit receives the waste fluid ejected from the nozzle through the opening. A cover mechanism includes a cover member that moves between cover retracted positions. At the cover position, the cover member can close the opening of the fluid catching unit. At the retracted position, the cover member cannot close the opening during the flushing. Negative pressure is generated inside the fluid catching unit when the cover member is positioned at the cover position.
US08727490B2	Fluid discharging apparatus A fluid discharging apparatus includes: a nozzle for discharging fluid onto a medium; and a rotating body that has a holding region for holding the medium and a non-holding region on its peripheral surface and that rotates while facing the peripheral surface toward the nozzle. The rotating body includes a receiving member for receiving fluid discharged from the nozzle for flushing when the non-holding region faces the nozzle and a removing member for removing the fluid, received by the receiving member, from the receiving member.
US08727489B2	Flushing method for fluid ejecting apparatus A flushing method for a fluid ejecting apparatus that includes a pressure chamber filled with fluid, a pressure generating element on a surface of the pressure chamber that deforms the surface to change the pressure in the pressure chamber, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the pressure chamber that ejects the fluid, the method including repeatedly performing first flushing process a first period; and repeatedly performing a second flushing process with a second period. The flushing processes include causing the pressure chamber to expand into an expanded state, maintaining the expanded state, and contracting the pressure chamber from the expanded state, causing the fluid to be ejected from the nozzle. The amount of fluid ejected from the nozzle in the second flushing process is larger than the amount ejected in the first flushing process.
US08727485B2	Three position printhead wiper assembly A printhead wiper assembly includes an elongated member having a first and second wiper, a linkage, and an actuator. The linkage includes a clutch that enables the elongated member to move to a plurality of positions in response to the actuator activating a plurality of times. The sequence of positions enables first wiper and then the other wiper to contact the printhead face to remove purged ink from the face.
US08727484B2	Maintenance apparatus having multiple fluid absorbers for printhead A maintenance apparatus for a printhead, the apparatus having a first porous member for contacting the printhead to absorb fluid from the printhead; and a second porous member for contacting the first porous member to absorb fluid from the first porous member.
US08727479B2	Inkjet printer and method for acquiring gap information An inkjet printer is provided that is configured to store a plurality of pieces of gap information respectively corresponding to a plurality of examined sections discretely arranged along a head moving direction on a recording sheet, each of the plurality of examined sections including a corresponding one portion of top portions and bottom portions on the recording sheet, and calculate interpolation gap information to be interpolated over a whole width in the head moving direction of at least one of a plurality of segments, each of which has a width in the head moving direction defined by two adjacent sections of the plurality of examined sections, based on the stored gap information.
US08727477B2	Ink-jet printing apparatus and ink stain detection method in the same An apparatus includes a printing unit configured to eject ink from a print head onto a sheet conveyed in a direction to perform printing on the sheet; a conveying unit configured to be provided on a downstream side of the print head in the direction, and configured to include a rotating member in contact with the sheet; and a reading unit configured to read a surface of the sheet on a downstream side of the rotating member in the direction, in which information on ink adhesion to the rotating member is obtained based on a result read by the reading unit.
US08727476B2	Printer calibration According to one example, there is provided a method of calibrating a printing system. The printing system is configured to supply print media and calibration media to a print zone. The method comprises controlling the printing system to position calibration media in the print zone, printing a predetermined set of color patches on the calibration media, measuring color characteristics of the printed set of color patches, and comparing the measured color characteristics with a set of reference color characteristics. The method further comprises calibrating the printing system based on the compared characteristics.
US08727473B2	Method and system for identifying printhead roll A method for aligning a printhead to compensate for printhead roll has been developed. The method includes simultaneously operating a plurality of inkjets in a printhead to eject ink drops to form a plurality of marks on an image receiving member. A plurality of cross-process direction distances between one mark formed by a reference inkjet and each of the marks formed by the other inkjets is identified. A magnitude of a difference between an angular orientation of the printhead and the cross-process direction with reference to the plurality of identified cross-process direction distances indicates any printhead roll.
US08727471B2	Ring electrode for fluid ejection Methods, systems, and apparatus for drive a pumping chamber of a fluid ejection system are disclosed. In one implementation, the actuator for drive the pumping chamber includes a continuous piezoelectric layer between a pair of drive electrodes and a continuous reference electrode. The pair of drive electrodes includes an inner electrode and an outer electrode surrounding the inner electrode. The actuator is further coupled to a controller which, during a fluid ejection cycle, applies a negative voltage pulse differential to the outer electrode to expand the pumping chamber for a first time period, then applies another negative voltage pulse differential to the inner electrode during a second time period after the first time period to contract the pumping chamber to eject a fluid drop.
US08727470B2	Printing device and printing method The printing device for carrying out printing on a translucent printing medium includes: a print head having a first applying portion for applying a first color material onto the printing medium, a second applying portion for applying a second color material, and a third applying portion for applying an opaque specialty ink; a conveying portion for conveying the printing medium relative to the print head; and a printing control portion configured to execute printing according to a printing mode in which a first color-producing layer of the first color material is formed on the conveying printing medium using the first applying portion, an opaque light-blocking layer of the specialty ink is formed using the third applying portion, and a second color-producing layer of the second color material is formed over the light-blocking layer using the second applying portion after the light-blocking layer is formed.
US08727469B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus comprising: a conveying unit; a liquid droplet jetting head that jets liquid droplets onto a recording medium conveyed by the conveying unit; an uplift amount detection unit that is provided at the recording medium conveying direction upstream side of the liquid droplet jetting head, projects and receives light along the conveying unit, and detects an uplift amount of the recording medium; a control unit that lowers the conveying speed of the conveying unit or separates the liquid droplet jetting head from the conveying unit when the uplift amount detected is a threshold value or greater; a temperature detection unit that detects temperatures; and a correcting unit that corrects the threshold value or the uplift amount based on the temperature difference between a temperature detected at the periphery of the uplift amount detection unit and a temperature detected at the periphery of the liquid droplet jetting heads.
US08727468B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes a carriage configured to carry a recording head and to move in a main scanning direction, and a guide plate rail configured to guide the carriage when it moves. The carriage is provided with a sliding member movable relative to the carriage in a height direction of the carriage. The carriage and the sliding member have a switch member provided therebetween. The switch member moves in the main scanning direction relative to the carriage and the sliding member to cause the carriage and the sliding member to be relatively displaced in the height direction of the carriage.
US08727467B2	Liquid consumption device and method A liquid consumption device includes a liquid container, a prism, a light emitting unit, a light receiving unit and a control unit. The prism is provided to the liquid container, and configured to receive light that is made incident from outside and to emit the incident light toward the outside according to a liquid residual state inside the liquid container. The control unit is configured to determine a threshold value of the liquid container for determining a light radiation volume by the light emitting part and/or the liquid residual state, based on a light volume of reflected light reflected by an outer surface of the prism and received by the light receiving unit upon radiation of the light by the light emitting unit. The control unit is configured to determine the liquid residual state based on a light volume of the light received by the light receiving unit.
US08727461B2	Furniture fitting for fastening a front panel A furniture fitting for fastening a front panel to a drawer frame includes a connecting element associated with the front panel and which can be pre-mounted on the front panel, and a fastening device associated with the drawer frame and which can be connected to the frame and which has a frame plate. An adjusting plate and adjusting elements are arranged, in particular rotatably, on the adjusting plate and act on the adjusting plate, by which adjusting elements the adjusting plate can be adjusted relative to the frame plate in the height direction (HR) and in the lateral direction (SR). The connecting element can be hooked onto the adjusting plate and, while hooked in, follows the adjustment motions of the adjusting plate relative to the frame plate.
US08727460B2	Piece of furniture and device for a piece of furniture A device for a piece of furniture that has a furniture part accommodated in a movable manner on a basic furniture structure, for the device defining a stop position of the furniture part, an including an adjustment unit having an adjustable stop part, which bounds a furniture-part closing movement executed during normal operation, wherein the stop part is deflected resiliently out of a starting position, and wherein the stop position is determined by the extent of deflection in a fixed deflecting position of the stop part.
US08727457B2	Coffee-cartridge storage system A storage system (10) for storing a plurality of single-serve-beverage cartridges (30). The system 10 includes a drawer (40) with compartment lanes (50) adapted to allow a plurality of the cartridges to be single-file situated therein. A slide (80) can be used to move the drawer (40) between a closed position and an opened position.
US08727456B1	Draw out control compartment A draw-out control compartment including a drawer housing open opposite a drawer housing rear wall to define a front opening. A control component support structure is received within the drawer housing and supported on drawer slides. A cable storage compartment is adjacent a rear wall of the drawer housing on the exterior side thereof, and opens into the housing interior. A control cable is attached to the control component support structure and extends into the cable storage compartment. The control cable has a length which permits the drawer-like control component support structure to be pulled out of the drawer housing with the control cable remaining attached, with excess length of the control cable when the control component support structure is all the way within the drawer housing being stored within the cable storage compartment.
US08727453B2	Hydraulic pressure control apparatus A hydraulic pressure control apparatus has an electromagnetic valve having a valve body forced to one side by an elastic member and a coil driving the valve body to the other side; a hydraulic pressure control section for calculating a command current value to drive the electromagnetic valve and controlling a hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic circuit by opening/closing the electromagnetic valve; a current detection section detecting a value of the current passing through the coil; and a command current value correction section. The command current value correction section detects a change of an inductance of the coil when the valve body moves from the one side to the other side or from the other side to the one side through the current detection section, and corrects the command current value using the detected inductance change.
US08727448B1	Infant support seat cushion An infant support and stabilization cushion seat to provide a safe and secure containment and retainment of an infant in a sitting position. The support cushion seat is formed of a resilient shape retaining foam core with a yielding encapsulating surface cover material defining a contoured child receiving area therewithin. An integrated access retainment tray portion overlies a portion of the child receiving area and is deflectable for child placement and retrieval returning to the original orientation, once released.
US08727447B2	Composite seat cushion and method of making same A cushion for a school bus seat can include a single piece of skinned foam including foam and a skin integrally bonded to the foam. The single piece of skinned form can include a cavity. The single piece of skinned foam can be configured to receive at least one of a substantially upright back portion of a school bus seat frame and a substantially horizontal seat portion of the school bus seat frame. The single piece of skinned foam can be configured to be disposed over and to cover at least one of the substantially upright back portion and the substantially horizontal seat portion.
US08727446B2	Seat backrest for a motor vehicle A seat backrest for a motor vehicle is provided with a supporting structure having a rear plate and a front element, which is ring-shaped and is arranged on the front surface of the rear plate; a padding is arranged on the supporting structure and is covered at the front by a cover, one edge of which is attached to the rear plate; the front element is snap-coupled to the rear plate by means of elastically deformable portions, which constitute part of the rear plate.
US08727443B2	Locking element for a vehicle seat A locking element for a vehicle seat serves to lock the backrest to a seat part and/or to the body of the vehicle. The element comprises a rotatably mounted rotary catch which interacts with a pin in a locking manner. A rotatably mounted latching pawl secures the rotary catch in its locking position. In case of an accident, the rotary catch and the latching pawl are displaced relative to a housing part.
US08727438B2	Seat frame and vehicle seat A seat back frame and associated vehicle seat are provided for effectively reducing an input load applied onto a reclining mechanism at the time of rear surface collision, the frame and seat having an energy absorbing member fixed to a coupling portion of a lower frame for coupling left and right side frames on the lower side. Since the energy absorbing member is plastically deformable by pressing from the backrest front surface side, the energy absorbing member absorbs shock energy at the time of the rear surface collision to reduce an input load imposed onto a reclining mechanism.
US08727437B2	Actuator for crash activated head restraint Vehicle-seat comprising a seat base, a seatback and a head restraint reduces the gap between the head of a seat occupant and the front side of the head restraint in case of a crash, the vehicle seat further comprising an actuator, which is located in the seat back, which comprises a deformable body, which deforms reversible under the force resulting from the rearward movement of body of the seat occupant during and/or after the rear crash, and which comprises a first and a second end, whereas at least one end, preferably both ends, is/are slideably supported in a basis, whereas the head restraint and the actuator are connected by a force transmitter, which transmits a force, resulting from the deformation of the deformable body from the actuator to the head restraint.
US08727436B2	Bicycle seat clamp assembly A bicycle seat clamp assembly is disclosed herein which comprises upper and lower members to provide a vertical clamping force to the rails of a seat to attach a seat to the seat post. The upper and lower members are actuated by a horizontal fastening device which can be tightened or loosened with one hand. The bicycle seat clamp assembly provides for fine tuning of a front to back angular tilt as preferred by the user. Moreover, the seat post can be rotated to the forward direction or the rearward direction to increase a front to back adjustment range of the seat.
US08727433B2	Zero-wall clearance linkage mechanism for a lifting recliner A seating unit that includes a linkage mechanism adapted to move the seating unit between closed, extended, reclined, and seat-lift positions is provided. The linkage mechanism includes a footrest assembly and a back-mounting link coupled to a seat-mounting plate, a base plate coupled to a lift-base assembly via a lift assembly, a seat-adjustment assembly including a drive bracket, and a linear actuator for automating adjustment of the linkage mechanism. In operation, a stroke in a first phase of the linear actuator rotates the drive bracket a first angular increment causing the seat-adjustment assembly to bias the seat-mounting plate. A stroke in a second phase rotates the drive bracket a second angular increment causing the footrest assembly to extend or retract without affecting the bias of the back-mounting link. A stroke in a third phase causes the lift assembly to raise and tilt the base plate directly over the lift-base assembly.
US08727431B2	Sunshade stopper A sunshade stopper is provided at a housing connecting a pair of guide rails that slidably supports a sunshade on a ceiling of a vehicle interior. The sunshade stopper includes a corresponding portion arranged at a position corresponding to an end portion of the sunshade during the sunshade is at the closed position, at least one contact portion provided on the corresponding portion that makes contact with at least a portion of the end portion of the sunshade during the sunshade is at the closed position, the contact portion formed with a form fitting the end portion of the sunshade that makes contact with the contact portion, and an attaching portion configured to be fixed to a vehicle, provided at a position in a direction opposite to where the ceiling is provided relative to the corresponding portion and extending in a direction in which the sunshade opens.
US08727430B2	Roof arrangement and method for producing a roof arrangement The invention relates to a roof arrangement having a cover for closing the opening in a vehicle roof, a fixing plate, which is connected to the cover for fixing the cover to the vehicle roof, wherein the fixing plate is partially insert molded with a plastic material, so that the plastic material forms a water channel on the upper side of the plate. According to the invention it is characterized in that an injection-molded masking piece is formed on the underside of the fixing plate and the fixing plate in the area of the masking piece has at least one aperture, through which the plastic material of the water channel and of the masking piece can be connected to one another. The invention also relates to a suitable method for producing such a roof arrangement.
US08727428B2	Front part body structure of vehicle A front part body structure of a vehicle, includes: an upper frame which is extended in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, one end of which is joined to a front pillar, and which includes an inner panel and an outer panel, the outer panel that is divided in a dividing part in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a first partition wall which is provided between the inner panel and the outer panel, one end of which is joined to the inner panel, and the other end of which is fastened and fixed to the dividing part of the outer panel by means of a fastening member.
US08727426B2	Expandable vehicle system and method of expanding a vehicle An expandable vehicle system includes a drivable vehicle having a first propulsion system, a first set of wheels, and a first body supported by the first set of wheels. The first body at least substantially encloses and defines a first interior compartment. An extension unit has a second body and at least one wheel supporting the second body. The second body at least partially defines a second interior compartment. The first body is configured with a first attachment interface and the second body is configured with a second attachment interface. The first and second attachment interfaces are cooperatively configured to attach to one another such that the drivable vehicle is mechanically-coupled to the extension unit to form an expanded vehicle drivable by the drivable vehicle and with the first interior compartment contiguous with the second interior compartment.
US08727424B1	Inbed truck spoiler A spoiler for use in a bed of a truck, said spoiler comprising: at least one deflection surface coupled to the bed of the truck; at least one support coupled to the at least one deflection surface; at least one attachment device coupled to the at least one support, wherein the at least one attachment device couples the at least one support to the bed of the truck; and at least one activator coupled to the spoiler. Alternate embodiments of the spoiler may comprise the at least one deflection surface being hingedly coupled to the bed of the truck. Further embodiments of the present invention may comprise the at least one attachment device removably coupling the at least one support to the bed of the truck.
US08727420B2	Vehicle door structure The frontal crash load is transmitted from a front pillar to a center pillar in a reliable manner so that a bending moment caused by the frontal crash load is favorably supported, and the deformation of the door is avoided. A beam member attached to an inner panel includes a S shaped cross section member. An upper channel section of the S shaped cross section member extends along the lower edge of a window opening, and a lower channel section extends adjacent to and in parallel to the lower edge of a window opening in a rear part of the door and is offset toward a lower part of the vehicle body in a rear part of the door, with a front end being located at a same elevation as an upper door hinge.
US08727419B2	Window assemblies for vehicles, and door assemblies and vehicles including the same A window assembly (118) comprises: a window regulator (144) for driving a main window (124) up and down, a connection system (196) with a latch (198), a division bar (122), and quarter-light window (206) which may be driven down by the regulator (144) to a controlled index position at which the latch (198) disengages such that the quarter-light may be left in a slightly lowered index position while the main window may be further lowered, the latch reengaging once the main window is raised again, the raising and lowering of the quarter-light window (120) enabling the quarter-light to securely engage with a seal (246) positioned between its top edge (204) and an A-pillar (106) of the vehicle (100) and also allowing a door to which the assembly to be opened and closed without interference between the quarter-light and the seal (246).
US08727415B2	Vehicle bed extender A vehicle bed extender adapted for simultaneous adjustment of both length and width. The extender includes a first side wall, a second side wall, and a connecting wall. The first and second side walls can attach to the vehicle storage bed, while the connecting wall attaches to the side walls in a sliding configuration along a direction nonparallel to the length and width of the bed extender. The connecting wall can also be composed of multiple cross members with middle portions of varying length such that the middle portions of the cross members are not vertically oriented. The vehicle bed extender can also be supported by a mount at the front end of the vehicle bed that supports the connecting wall.
US08727410B2	Method and device for manipulating an object A method for manipulating an object with a remote vehicle having a manipulator attached to a manipulator arm. The manipulator comprises a jamming or other phase change material in a housing. The method comprises pressing the manipulator housing to the object, activating the jamming or other phase change material to cause the manipulator to grasp the object, and moving one or more of the manipulator arm and the remote vehicle to manipulate the object.
US08727409B2	Comb caddy A comb holder for removably holding at least one hair clipper attachment comb, includes a frame including a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, and having at least two elongate beams each defining one of the sides and spaced from each other, a plurality of transverse baffles having ends engaging at least one of the beams to define a plurality of open cavities between the beams, and the cavities being constructed and arranged for accommodating at least one tooth of the at least one attachment comb.
US08727403B2	Lid securing assembly A lid striker assembly is configured to mate with a latching assembly having a pawl. The lid striker assembly includes a plate, and at least one spring beam extending from the plate. The spring beam(s) is integrally formed with the plate as a single unit and is configured to exert a resistive force into the latching assembly when the lid striker assembly is secured to the latch assembly.
US08727402B2	Deformation driven blocking mechanism for an automobile An exterior handle assembly for a vehicle door includes a movable handle member and a mounting structure. The mounting structure includes a predefined fracture line or line of weakening, whereby the reinforcing structure fractures along the line of weakening in the event a large external force is applied to the reinforcing structure. The handle assembly also includes a push surface that pushes against an inertia lock lever after fracture of the reinforcing structure to thereby push the inertia lock lever into a locked position to prevent unlatching of a vehicle door.
US08727396B2	Six-way adjustable push latch A latch assembly for insertion into an edge of a door and adjustable for actuation by a half-round spindle at either a first backset or a second backset. The latch has an inner casing non-rotatably received within an outer casing and slideable along an axis. The inner casing is provided with a transverse void substantially perpendicular to the sliding axis and is slideable between a first position in which the transverse void is aligned at the first backset and a second position is which the transverse void is aligned at the second backset. A slide within the casing is, without adjustment, engageable by the half-round spindle at either backset. A cam is rotatably mounted within the casing and engaged to the slide and to a bolt also within the casing. The bolt is slideably retractable into the casing by rotation of the cam in response to sliding of the slide. A spring biases the bolt to an extended position extend out from the casing.
US08727394B2	Button latch An improved button-type latch to releasably secure a door, having a spring loaded latch bolt retained within a cylindrical housing. The housing further comprises a pair of leaf springs longitudinally directed toward a front of the button latch, the leaf springs cooperating with a retaining lip on the housing to capture a structure surface to maintain the button latch therein.
US08727386B2	Torsion-proof hose connection A connecting device for connecting a hose in a fluid-conveying system including a nipple and a compression sleeve. The nipple has a rotation-symmetrical hose-receiving section and, at a distance therefrom, an anti-twist section that is configured in a non-circular manner, at least after a connection has been established between said hose and the nipple. The compression sleeve is configured to extend over the hose-receiving section and over the anti-twist section. The compression sleeve is further configured for a positive-locking engagement with respect to a relative rotation in the anti-twist section. The anti-twist section is configured as a non-circular deformation of at least part of the nipple. A method for establishing an anti-twist connection between a nipple and a hose using a compression sleeve is also disclosed.
US08727381B2	Fuel tank assembly A fuel tank assembly includes a hinge assembly, a fuel tank, and at least one hinge bolt. The hinge assembly includes a hinge pin and a hinge stay. The hinge pin pivotally couples the hinge stay to a vehicular frame and defines a hinge axis about which the hinge stay is pivotable with respect to a frame. The at least one hinge bolt releasably couples the hinge stay to the fuel tank such that the fuel tank is pivotable about the hinge axis. The at least one hinge bolt intersects the hinge axis and obstructs the hinge pin from being removed from the hinge stay.
US08727380B2	Suspension tower structure for vehicle In a suspension tower structure for a vehicle (1) including a chassis frame (9) to which suspension towers (101) are attached, a front leg part (101a) and a rear leg part (101b) branched to be separated from each other in a vehicle length direction are provided in a lower part of the suspension tower (101), and lower parts of the front leg part (101a) and the rear leg part (101b) are attached to a main frame (10) of the chassis frame (9) extending in the vehicle length direction so as to be separated from each other in the vehicle length direction.
US08727377B2	Adaptive vent and method for airbag An airbag assembly includes an housing, an inflator mounted in the housing, and an airbag. A vent opening is provided in the wall of the housing for venting inflation gas from the housing. A vent cover closes the vent opening so that inflation gas does not reach the vent opening. A valve member also closes the vent cover and is selectively moveable by an electric actuator to adapt the valve member to a selected degree of closure in response to sensed conditions of the occupant and the vehicle. A tether is connected to the airbag and to the vent cover to suddenly open the vent cover as the airbag reaches a certain stage in its deployment, so that the rate at which inflation gas is vented from the housing through the vent opening will be determined by the previously established selected degree of closure of the vent opening.
US08727376B2	Airbag apparatus An airbag includes an airbag body and an inner tube. The inner tube includes a gas upstream section located in an upstream region of an inflation gas stream fed from a gas generator and a gas outlet section that opens toward an inflatable region of the airbag body and feeds an inflation gas to the inflatable region. The gas outlet section includes a check valve section. The check valve section has a flexible and a generally tubular shape extending and opening toward the inflatable region due to pressure of an inflation gas so as to stream the inflation gas into the inflatable region. After the gas generator has finished discharging the inflation gas, the check valve section folds back toward the gas upstream section due to an internal pressure of the inflatable region and closes off the gas outlet section.
US08727373B2	Curtain shield airbag mounting structure In a curtain shield airbag mounting structure for mounting a curtain shield airbag to a side upper portion of a vehicle body, the curtain shield airbag includes an airbag main body and a resin case which holds the airbag main body. A base end portion of a folded-back portion of the airbag main body is disposed to oppose a boundary portion between a rear pillar garnish and a ceiling member, or in the vicinity thereof. A guide wall portion is provided at a rear end portion of the resin guide case. The guide wall portion opposes a rear end side of a base end portion of the folded-back portion and prevents the folded-back portion from colliding with the rear pillar garnish when the folded-back portion opens while pushing out a part of the ceiling member.
US08727370B2	Foldable stroller with rotatable leg rest adapted for receiving a car seat A stroller with a leg rest that can be rotated to different positions, including an upward position in which the leg rest is adapted to be partially inserted into a notch of an infant car seat for secure placement of the car seat on the stroller. In one embodiment, the stroller frame is collapsible for storage, where a left side structure and a right side structure can be collapsed toward each other. The leg rest is formed of two individual members each attached to one of the left and right side structures. A gap exists between the two members when the stroller frame is in the uncollapsed state, allowing the two members to move toward each other when the stroller frame is collapsed, so that the leg rest does not need to be detached when collapsing the stroller frame. In another embodiment, the leg rest is a one-piece structure.
US08727368B1	Bicycle frame with integrated tool storage A bicycle including front and rear wheels, a main frame that has a mounting bracket, and a front fork that connects the main frame to the front wheel. The bicycle also includes a rear sub-frame that connects the main frame to the rear wheel and that is movable relative to the main frame, and a shock that is positioned to dampen movement between the main frame and the sub-frame. The shock has a front mount that is secured to the mounting bracket and that defines a space between the front mount and the main frame, and a bicycle accessory is positioned in the space.
US08727365B2	Tractor steering braking system A tractor braking system (10) having independent brake circuits (L,R) for each of a left and a right wheel is provided. Each circuit is activated by a respective brake pedal (16,17). The system comprises a releasable locking mechanism (25) to lock the two pedals together and sensors (50) to detect depression of the respective pedals (16,17). In response to a detection of only one pedal being depressed, warning means are provided to indicate to a driver that the pedals are in an unlocked state. A sensing of simultaneous depression of the pedals may be used to indicate that the pedals are in a locked state.
US08727361B2	Dolly for supporting a spool carrying a windable material A dolly for supporting a spool carrying a windable material, such as rope, utilizes a wheeled frame including an elongated section having two opposite ends, a pair of wheels, and at least one floor-engaging for supporting, in conjunction with the wheels, the dolly upon a floor. A U-shaped bracket assembly having two legs and a base which extends between the two legs is secured to the elongated section of the frame, and a first tipped member is journaled to one leg of the U-shaped bracket for acceptance by a centrally-disposed hole provided in one end of the spool. A second tipped member is journaled to a threaded rod mounted in the other leg of the bracket for acceptance by a centrally-disposed hole provided in the other end of the spool.
US08727359B2	Roller skate A roller skate having enhanced durability and stability is disclosed. The skate includes a platform for supporting a skater's foot. The platform includes a toe plate and heel plate connected by an adjustable connecting assembly. A front truck is affixed to the underside of the toe plate, while a rear truck is affixed to the underside of the heel plate. The front truck includes simple bracket arms for affixing a single front wheel which is capable of rotating, but not capable of tilting about the platform's longitudinal axis. Meanwhile, the rear wheel truck is mounted to the underside of the heel plate so as to permit both tilting movement about an inclined longitudinal axis, and also rotation about a transverse axis relative to the roller skate's platform. Preferably, the roller skate includes three wheels rotatably mounted to the rear wheel truck.
US08727356B2	Seal Seal (1) for sealing a shaft (2), comprising a supporting ring (3) and at least one sealing lip (4) made of polymeric material, the pressing of the sealing lip (4) against the shaft (2) taking place by magnetic interaction, the sealing lip (4) containing magnetizable particles (5).
US08727354B2	Brush seal assembly and method of manufacturing same A brush seal assembly is disclosed that includes bristles arranged circumferentially about an axis to provide a bristle assembly. First and second plates are secured about the bristle assembly to provide a subassembly. A circumference of the subassembly is pressed into a retaining ring to provide the brush seal assembly. The circumference need not be machined. A perimeter weld is no longer needed to secure the first and second plates and bristle assembly to one another to provide the brush seal assembly.
US08727349B2	Tickets and system for lottery games The present invention provides lottery tickets each of which incorporates one or more set(s) of random results data generated by random data generating software. Each set of random results data corresponding to possible results of game play, a sports event or a sporting contest, and incorporates a verification code for each set of random results data.
US08727346B2	Device for positioning a plate element in an infeed station of a processing machine A device for positioning a plate element (7a, 7b, 7c) in an infeed station (2) of a machine for treating the element (1), fitted with a conveyor (8, 9), gripping the element (7a, 7b, 7c) which is found in a predetermined intermediate position, and carrying the element (7a, 7b, 7c) in a rated running into successive processing stations (3, 4, 6). The device includes a holding device (18) for temporarily holding the element (7a, 7b, 7c), the holding device moving longitudinally alternatively (A) from an upstream position to a downstream position, and vice-versa, to pick up the element (7a, 7b, 7c) in a rear position and bring it to the intermediate position, and to return empty. A motor (23) moves the holding device (18) longitudinally, from the upstream position to the downstream position, and vice-versa, as a function of the rated running. A detector (27) detects a rear longitudinal position in which the element (7a, 7b, 7c) is found, and emits a position signal. The motor (23) is able to move (A, Aa, Ab, Ac) the holding device (18) from the upstream position to various downstream positions, as a function of the signal emitted by the detection device (27), so as to bring the element (7a, 7b, 7c) from the rear position to the intermediate position.
US08727343B2	Media container and image forming apparatus A media container includes a holding portion having a holding surface on which media are held; a jogger that comes into contact with edges of the media held on the holding surface to align the edges of the media, the jogger having a blower nozzle from which gas is ejected at the edges of the media held on the holding surface; a guided member that is supported by the jogger member and is supported by the holding portion so as to be movable toward and away from the edges of the media; a blowing device that is supported by the holding portion and ejects the gas at the media; and a flow path that is formed inside the guided member and connects the blowing device and the blower nozzle, through which the gas from the blowing device flows.
US08727338B2	Supply device and image forming apparatus A supply device includes a supply roller, a prevention member, a restriction member, and a rotatably supported rotary member. The supply roller supplies a medium. When in a first posture, the prevention member prevents the medium from being supplied by the supply roller. When in a second posture different from the first posture, the prevention member allows the medium to be supplied by the supply roller. When located at a determined position, the restriction member restricts a shift of the prevention member from the first posture to the second posture. When rotated, the rotary member moves the restriction member located at the determined position and releases the restriction on the prevention member imposed by the restriction member, and thereafter moves the supply roller and brings the supply roller into contact with the medium.
US08727335B1	Gear assembly and electronic device using the same A gear assembly including a driving gear and a driven gear and an electronic device are provided. The driving gear includes a pawl pivoted on a first surface and an elastic member disposed in a slot of the driving gear. The driven gear includes a ratchet disposed on a second surface facing the first surface. When the driving gear rotates with a driving speed along a driving direction, a centrifugal force is generated to drive the pawl moving to a clutching position to be engaged with the ratchet and drives the driven gear rotating with the driving gear. When the driving gear rotates with a nominal speed slower than the driving speed along a direction opposite to the driving direction, the engagement between the pawl and the ratchet is released, and the pawl is back to a nominal position so the driven gear does not rotate with the driving gear.
US08727332B2	Peripheral device and sheet feeding method A peripheral device includes a body, a carriage, a first feeding assembly, and a second feeding assembly. The carriage and the first and second feeding assemblies are assembled to the body. The first and second feeding assemblies are located at the same side of the body. The carriage moves back and forth along an axial direction. A portion of the first feeding assembly is located on a moving path of the carriage. The first feeding assembly is removably coupled to the second feeding assembly. The first feeding assembly drives the second feeding assembly to move a printing medium into or out of the body. When the carriage is moved to one side of the body, the carriage moves the first feeding assembly away from the second feeding assembly, such that the printing medium is fed into or moved out of the body only by the first feeding assembly.
US08727329B2	Mounting system A mounting and alignment system for selectively securing and accurately aligning a first plate relative to a second plate, the mounting system including a shank and a receiver arrangement with an annular locking ring and an annular receiver bushing. The bushing having an inner passage and an oppositely facing outer bushing surface. The outer bushing surface having at least one receiver bearing surface shaped to engage a bearing surface of an associated mounting opening in one of the plates to align the receiver bushing laterally within the opening. The inner passage of the bushing being shaped to receive and align with a shaft portion of the shank. The locking ring configured to secure the bushing axially within the mounting opening.
US08727328B2	Insert for handler An insert for a handler which may be easily replaced when damaged because a semiconductor device is often received in the insert. The insert in which the semiconductor device including a plurality of terminals is received and which allows the semiconductor device to contact an external contactor includes: an insert body that has a through-hole which is formed in a central portion of the insert body and into which the semiconductor device is to be inserted; and a support member that crosses the through-hole to be detachably coupled to the insert body and supports the semiconductor device inserted into the through-hole, wherein a plurality of communication holes are formed to correspond in position to the terminals of the semiconductor device and to pass through the support member from a top surface to a bottom surface of the support member such that the terminals and the external contactor are brought into contact with each other.
US08727327B2	Work table having elevated support members A work table having elevated support members is disclosed. The work table includes a plurality of generally parallel support arrangements. Each of the plurality of generally parallel support arrangements including a plurality of raised portions, wherein the plurality of raised portions are distributed substantially evenly along each of the plurality of generally parallel support arrangements. Each of the plurality of raised blocks defines an opening configured for receiving an attachment. The work table also includes an adaptor plate. The adapter plate may include a base member and a plurality of inserts, wherein the plurality of inserts are spaced apart for insertion into a plurality of raised block openings to removably attach the adaptor plate to the work table.
US08727326B2	Assembly jig An assembly jig used for assembling a magnet connector including a magnetic body includes a magnet, and a base body having a rear surface and a front surface. The front surface is concaved rearward to form a holding room. The rear surface is concaved forward to form a receiving cavity having a shape in accordance with the external outline of the magnetic body. The magnet is held in the holding room of the base body with the magnetic poles thereof being located in a kind of only certain way. When assembling the magnet connector, the magnetic body is partly attracted in the receiving cavity of the base body by the magnet and then is assembled to the magnet connector with the magnetic poles thereof being uniformly arranged in a kind of only certain way after mass production of the magnet connector.
US08727323B2	Devices, systems, and methods for carbonation of deionized water Devices, systems, and methods employed in wet cleaning semiconductor devices are provided. In particular, systems that can deliver deionized water with the desired concentration of CO2 and methods of generating deionized water with a desired concentration of CO2 for use in wet cleaning of semiconductor devices are provided.
US08727322B2	Controlling the water vapor levels in a confined space An enclosure defines a confined space configured to store goods that can be advantageously maintained by controlling the water vapor levels to which the goods are exposed. A water vapor conversion element, at which liquid water is converted to water vapor, can be operably associated with the confined space to distribute that water vapor to the confined space. A water delivery unit is operatively associated with the water vapor conversion element and is configured to deliver water in liquid form to the water vapor conversion element. The water delivery unit can comprise a drip chamber configured to deliver the water essentially one drop at a time. The enclosure can comprise a drawer in a refrigeration appliance such as a household refrigerator. A sensor configured to determine the water vapor level present in the confined space can be operable to selectively control the distribution of water vapor to the confined space.
US08727319B2	System and method for installing fiber optic cable A system includes a device, such as a streetlight or a signal light, having one or more conduits extending therefrom. An electrical conductor extends through the conduit and is connected to the light. The conduit also has a fiber optic cable extending therethrough, installed by way of a rod assembly inserted into one end of the conduit and a tool inserted into another end of the conduit. The ends of the rod assembly and the tool engage one another in the conduit and allow one of the tool or the rod assembly to be withdrawn from the conduit, withdrawing the other. The fiber optic cable is coupled thereto and extended through the conduit.
US08727318B2	Hydraulic float down valve for a camera dolly or camera crane A camera dolly or camera crane has an arm pivotably attached to a chassis, and a hydraulic system including a hydraulic cylinder for raising the arm, a hydraulic valve and a valve control. The hydraulic valve has a normal operation mode where opening and closing of the valve is controlled by the valve control. The hydraulic valve is also provided with a float down mode, where the valve remains partially open providing an intentional slight leakage, regardless of operation of the valve control. In float down mode, as soon as the arm reaches its highest point, the arm automatically and instantaneously reverses direction and starts to move back down, in a smooth continuous movement. The hydraulic system may optionally also include a fast down valve, to allow the arm to move down quickly, even when minimally loaded.
US08727313B2	Tri-eccentric valve with a symmetric drain-proof ring A tri-eccentric valve with a symmetric drain-proof ring includes a valve body, a stem, a valve disk, a waterproof washer, and a drain-proof ring. The valve disk is formed as an asymmetric conical shape. The drain-proof ring is an O ring and is arranged in a stepped recess of the valve disk to seal the waterproof washer; the drain-proof ring is symmetric to the axis of the ring. In assembly state, a periphery of the drain-proof ring resists against an inner wall of the annular seat. The drain-proof ring is symmetrical and thus is easy to be installed to the valve disk without to align the drain-proof ring to a specific angle. Furthermore, it can be designed by computers and is manufactured by machines. When dirt accumulates on the drain-proof ring, it can remove the dirt by directly rotating the drain-proof ring.
US08727311B2	Vacuum valve with gas-tight shaft penetration The invention relates to a vacuum valve for interrupting, releasing or controlling a flowing medium in the interior (3) of the vacuum valve (1). A shaft (6) coupled to a valve drive (5) is routed gas-tight from the atmospheric area (4) to the interior (3) through a valve housing (2) by way of a sealing shaft penetration (20) so that a movement produced by the valve drive (5) can be transferred from the atmospheric area (4) to the interior (3) for the purposes of interrupting, releasing or controlling the flow.
US08727301B2	Built-in home appliance A built-in home appliance includes a panel, a rear foot group having a foot shaft, an adjustment shaft which rotates the foot shaft of the rear foot group, and an adjustment mechanism having a movement transfer mechanism to transfer a rotational movement of the adjustment shaft to the foot shaft. The movement transfer mechanism is provided on a rear part of the panel to adjust a height of the rear foot group. A guiding member having a bearing receives the adjustment shaft and is fixed by a fixation piece to the panel to provide the supporting of the adjustment shaft so that the adjustment shaft essentially extends in a parallel relation to the panel and so that the adjustment shaft extends between a rear part and a front part of the panel.
US08727298B2	Offroad whip mount An offroad whip mount as disclosed includes a mounting element that may be secured to a standard mounting location on any suitable vehicle. A closure plate is secured to the mounting element using a tongue, sized and dimensioned to engage a corresponding groove in the mounting element and the closure plate is secured to the mounting element with a threaded fastener. The mounting element and the closure plate each have two corresponding half-cylindrical grooves that form two independent whip receptacles. The engaging tongue and groove combined with the threaded fastener serve to clamp one or two whips into the whip mount.
US08727291B2	Apparatus for securing panels to substrates An apparatus is provided for securing a panel to a substrate. The apparatus includes a base member, and an attachment member for securing the base member to the substrate. The apparatus further includes a clip member including a U-shaped member and an angle-sided member. The U-shaped member includes a central portion and first and second walls defining a generally U-shaped access region for accepting the angle-sided member. At least one of the first and second walls includes a longitudinal flange extending laterally outwardly from an upper end thereof. Each of the U-shaped member and the angle-sided member includes a corresponding hole for accepting the attachment member therethrough. The apparatus further includes a securing member for pressing the longitudinal flange against at top edge portion of the panel.
US08727289B2	Cable clamp An apparatus and method for clamping one or more cables is provided comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first and second components each have a main body, a cut out region, and a connector region; and wherein the two components are removably coupled by connecting together their respective connector and cut out regions. The clamping force to the cables can be determined solely by finger pressure, which permits the user to have excellent tactile feedback to safely clamp a cable bundle. The apparatus is compatible with mass production injection molding and can be used for applications requiring UHV compatibility.
US08727288B2	Snap-in bracket for attaching cabling to a support A bracket includes a base having a first face and a second face and at least one side edge between the first face and the second face and a connector configured to support a cable projecting from the base. At least one opening extends through the base, and the base includes a wall portion adjacent to the at least one opening. A clip includes a body and first and second legs projecting from the body, each of the first and second legs including a tab, the tab of the first leg projecting away from the tab of the second leg. The clip is mounted to the base with the first leg projecting through the at least one opening and the body overlying the wall portion.
US08727284B2	Turbine powered electromechanical actuation system An electromechanical actuation system (10) for a space vehicle includes a propellant source (18) and at least one turbine (14) operably connected to the propellant source (18) and rotatable by a flow of propellant (16) therefrom. At least one electrical generator (20) is operably connected to the at least one turbine (14) and is configured to convert rotation of the turbine (14) into electrical energy. At least one electromechanical actuator (12) is operably connected to the at least one electrical generator (20) such that electrical energy from the at least one electrical generator (20) drives operation of the at least one electromechanical actuator (12). A method of operating a turbine powered electromechanical actuator (12) for a space vehicle includes rotating the at least one turbine (14) via a flow of propellant (16) therethrough. Electrical energy is generated in at least one electrical generator (20) operably connected to the at least one turbine (14) and the electromechanical actuator (12) is operated with the electrical energy generated therein.
US08727281B2	Condensed water decreasing insulation package for thermal and acoustic insulation of a vehicle cabin An insulation package for thermal and acoustic insulation of a vehicle cabin has a cutout to allow a fastening device to pass through. An insulating element that is disposed in an area of the insulation package surrounding the cutout has an opening corresponding to the cutout for allowing a fastening device to pass through. At least part of the insulating element is aligned perpendicularly to an axis of the passthrough in the cutout and conformed so as to create a gap between a fastening device that has passed through and the insulation package. In this way, condensed water may be prevented from passing through the cutout in the insulation package and into the aircraft cabin.
US08727280B1	Inflatable airfoil system having reduced radar and infrared observability A method and apparatus for operating an airfoil system. A gas may be generated. The gas may be sent into an inflatable airfoil system comprising an inflatable air foil and a section. The inflatable airfoil may have an inner end and an outer end in which the inflatable airfoil may be comprised of a number of materials that substantially pass electromagnetic waves through the inflatable airfoil. The section may have a number of openings in which the inner end of the inflatable airfoil may be associated with the section. The section may be configured to be associated with a fuselage. The number of openings may be configured to provide communications with an interior of the inflatable airfoil. The section with the number of openings may be configured to reduce reflection of the electromagnetic waves encountering the section.
US08727261B2	Support apparatus, handling system and method A movable support apparatus (10), supported on a floor and movable between at least two target stations, for receiving, moving and handing over rolls, winding shafts (1) and/or machine reels (4) intended for the handling of a fiber web. The movable support apparatus (10) has support members (12) for holding up the load being handled (1, 4) at both its support ends (2) and is adapted to be supported on a floor with at least one pressure medium cushion element (40). A handling system includes the movable support apparatus (10). Rolls, winding shafts (1) and/or machine reels (4) may be handled with the movable support apparatus (10). The movable support apparatus may be used as a movable winding stand for the winding of a fiber web (W).
US08727258B2	Webbing winding device Provided is a webbing winding device having a lock mechanism in which a driven body is less influenced by an inclination of a driving body. A peripheral wall extends from an edge portion of a penetration hole formed at a sensor gear constituting the lock mechanism toward a link member, and a guide hole is formed at a bottom wall formed at the front end of the peripheral wall. An engagement pin of the link member passes through the guide hole from the base end portion rather than the front end portion thereof in the protruding direction. Further, in the front end side of the engagement pin passing through and protruding from the guide hole, the outer peripheral portion is spaced apart from the inner peripheral portion of the peripheral wall.
US08727256B2	Seatbelt retractor In case one of three clutch pawls protrudes outwardly from the side surface of a pawl base and engages with a clutch gear and the remaining two clutch pawls are not yet engaged with the clutch gear, the peripheral portion of a deforming through hole of the clutch pawl engaging with the clutch gear is plastically deformed and the clutch pawl is deformed in a substantially L-shape while engaging with the clutch gear. Then, the pawl base can be rotated further and the remaining two clutch pawls further protrude outwardly from the side surface of the pawl base and engage with the clutch gear.
US08727254B2	Paddle assembly A radially projecting member (e.g., a paddle assembly) including a pin having a head; a paddle pivotally engaged to the head; and a shear member engaged to the head and to the paddle, the shear member being constructed and arranged to fracture to permit pivotal rotation of the paddle relative to the head.
US08727252B1	Rock crusher system for an excavator A rock crusher is attached to a typical excavator that has a swing boom, an extension arm attached to the swing boom, and a bucket attached to the extension arm. The rock crusher has at least one blade fixedly attached within the bucket's interior and at least one anvil fixedly attached to the extension arm just above the bucket. At least one other blade is pivotally attached to the extension arm as well as to the swing boom via a linkage so that when the extension arm is drawn toward the boom by pulling back on the operator's stick, this second blade is crushingly pressed onto the material within the bucket.
US08727242B2	Fuel injector assemblies having acoustical force modifiers and associated methods of use and manufacture The present disclosure is directed to fuel injectors that provide efficient injection, ignition, and combustion of various types of fuels. One example of such an injector can include a sensor that detects one or more conditions in the combustion chamber. The injector can also include an acoustical force generator or modifier that is responsive to the sensor and can be configured to (a) induce vibrations in the fuel in the injector body and/or in the combustion chamber, (b) induce vibrations in air in the combustion chamber, (c) induce vibrations in a valve driver or other injector component to actuate a flow valve, and/or (d) control patterning of fuel injected into the combustion chamber.
US08727241B2	Kitchen sink sprayer A kitchen sink sprayer, comprising a body enclosed in an outer enclosure for being gripped and provided with a coupling to a flexible water supply hose connected to a faucet for adjusting the flow-rate between a closed position and an open position, the body comprising a rod which has, at one end, a tip that is adapted to open selectively the access of the water to a duct for forming a central jet and to ducts for forming a peripheral jet, and is provided with means for actuation by the user, the means for actuating the rod having a tab which is connected directly to the rod in an intermediate position of the rod and protrudes from the enclosure of the sprayer, at its lateral surface, by an extent that is sufficient for contact grip by the user when it is necessary to actuate the rod in order to move it from one of its selection positions to the other and vice versa.
US08727235B2	Apparatus for dispersing a substance over a large area An apparatus for dispersing a spray mist over a large area that cools or provides other benefits to the area or to people and animals in the area. The dispersing apparatus comprises a ducted fan having a shroud with a plurality of fan blades disposed inside the shroud near its intake end and a rotary atomizer positioned inside the shroud towards its discharge end and in the air stream created by the fan blades. The fan blades are powered by a motor inside the shroud. A tilting mechanism tilts the discharge end of the shroud up or down to aim the spray mist and an oscillating mechanism pivots the ducted fan to discharge the spray mist generally across the area. The rotary atomizer discharges an atomized substance, which may be water, pesticide, deodorant, liquid fuel, fire retardant or a wide variety of other materials, into the air stream.
US08727234B2	Electronically controlled scent producing element An electronically controlled scent producing element (800) constituted of: a plate (860) exhibiting a plurality of perforations extending from a first face of the plate to a second face of the plate opposing the first face; a plurality of micro-plugs (870) juxtaposed with the plate (860), each of the plurality of micro-plugs (870) extending longitudinally from a base end to a tip end, and arranged to mate with one of the plurality of perforations; a translation mechanism in communication with one of the plate (820, 860) and the plurality of micro-plugs (870); and a vibrator in communication with at least one of the plate (820, 860) and the plurality of micro-plugs.
US08727232B2	Centrifugal atomizer A discharging device for safety-related fluids, such as liquid solutions of irritants such as Oleoresin Capsicum, riot control and self-defense agents such as a combination of (E)-2-butenyl mercaptan (C4H7SH), 3-methyl butanethiol and corresponding S-acetyl compounds, marking agents such as dyes and fluorescent pigments, combinations of the same, and extinguishing agents for fire fighting and early fire fighting such as 1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-(trifluoromethyl)-3-pentanone, in particular in technical equipment such as switchgear cabinets. The device has a valve connected to a safety-related fluid source. The valve leads to a distributor having discharge openings. The distributor is a driven atomization wheel.
US08727229B2	Longitudinal sleeper and damping railway system thereof A longitudinal sleeper and a damping railway system thereof are provided. The longitudinal sleeper comprises a pair of longitudinal prestressed concrete beams (1) respectively arranged under rails along a longitudinal direction of the rails, and concrete connection boards (2) transversely connected between the pair of the longitudinal prestressed concrete beams (1).
US08727227B2	Optimizing fluid flow distribution in a structure In a method for determining a substantially optimized fluid flow distribution in a structure configured to be cooled by a fluid moving device, an indication to activate the fluid moving device according to a reference temperature setpoint of a plurality of sensors is outputted. In addition, conditions detected in multiple areas of the structure with the plurality of sensors are received, a master sensor among the plurality of sensors based upon the detected conditions is identified; and a master reference temperature setpoint for the master sensor that substantially optimizes fluid flow distribution in the structure based upon conditions detected by the plurality of sensors in response to changes in a characteristic of fluid flow supplied to the plurality of sensors is determined.
US08727221B1	Color micro bar code marker and system A micro marker is formed of geometric features having various colors to apply to an object. The micro marker includes a background having a first color, multiple localization features formed on the background having a second color, and multiple information encoding features, each information encoding feature having a color selected from multiple colors to represent digital values, the information encoding features being arranged proximate the localization features on the background.
US08727218B1	Symmetric customer side scanner for bioptic rear tower A checkout system includes a workstation having a first workstation window located in a generally horizontal plane and a second workstation window located in a generally upright plane. The workstation includes a data capture arrangement for capturing through at least one of the workstation windows target data of targets associated with the products. The workstation also includes a rear cover having a first opening and a second opening. The first opening and the second opening are located on opposite side-walls of the rear cover and substantially identical in size. The first opening allows light from additional targets entering an accessory reader from an accessory window facing the bagging area, but the second opening is covered by a side cover.
US08727217B2	Data detector for UHF RFID tags A method of detecting a signal in radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder (FIG. 1) is disclosed. The method includes receiving a signal (FIG. 7) having a first time in a first logic state (high) and having a second time in a second logic state (low). A weight (700, 702) is determined in response to the first time and the second time. An output signal (from A2D) is produced in response to the weight and one of the first and second logic states.
US08727215B2	Test device for magnetic stripe decoder chip A test device for a magnetic stripe decoder chip includes a signal generator, a chip slot, a signal conversion circuit and a control unit. The signal generator sequentially outputs a plurality of test waveform signals. The signal conversion circuit includes at least one transformer, the transformer is used for converting the test waveform signals into a plurality of false track signals, and correspondingly outputting the false track signals to one of track signal receiving ends of the magnetic stripe decoder chip. The control unit receives at least one decoding string generated respectively by decoding the false track signals through the magnetic stripe decoder chip, and compares the at least one decoding string with a test string represented by the basic track signal, thereby determining a decoding function of the magnetic stripe decoder chip.
US08727214B2	Shopping apparatus and methods Methods and apparatus related to enabling a shopper to utilize a mobile electronic device to check-in to a physical store while at the store. A shopper may utilize the mobile electronic device to check-in at a location proximal to an entrance of a physical store. A pecuniary reward may be provided to the shopper upon checking-in and the shopper may be notified of such reward via the mobile electronic device.
US08727212B2	Embossing pattern card security system A system for securing a card or paper with a printing component to print an image and an embossing component to emboss a pattern to emboss an impression at a configurable place on the paper. An embossing die may include a pattern to make the impression. The impression is correlative with the image to indicate a likelihood of authenticity. Multiple cards are includable on paper to be securable by the system. The image may include a code corresponding with a value usable with a merchant. A method to secure a card or paper is disclosed.
US08727211B2	System and method for managing enhancement features assigned to financial presentation devices A system for managing enhancement features assigned to financial presentation devices such as credit cards. The system includes an accounts database and a feature management module. The accounts database stores account holder data containing assigned enhancement features for associated credit cards. The feature management module is capable of updating and managing the assigned features of an individual credit card independently of other cards so as to provide enhancement features that can be customized for each individual cardholder.
US08727209B1	Verifying system and method thereof A verifying system includes an object to be verified and a verifying end. The object to be verified includes an identifying code covered with a one-time removable and opaque shielding layer, and an object tag is disposed on the shielding layer, the object tag corresponding to the identifying code. The verifying end includes a database storing object information corresponding to the identifying code. After the shielding layer is removed to expose the identifying code, and an electronic device is utilized to read the identifying code, the electronic device connects to the verifying end in accordance with the identifying code, so that the verifying end compares the identifying code with the object information, so as to generate a verifying information and transmit the verifying information to the electronic device.
US08727207B1	Electronic parking meter A proximity detector for detecting the presence of a coin or token in a coin chute, comprising a pair of axially aligned coils disposed on opposed sides of the chute; a common-emitter amplifier having a base and a collector providing a detector output, one of the coils being connected to the collector and the other of the coils being connected to the base.
US08727200B2	Pneumatic powered surgical stapling device A surgical stapler which includes or onto which a tool assembly can be mounted for deploying a plurality of surgical fasteners includes a housing having a clamping handle mountable to the housing. The clamping handle is selectively movable to actuate the clamping of tissue. An adapter yoke is included which translates within the housing upon actuation of the clamping handle. The adapter yoke mechanically cooperates with a lead screw to actuate the tool assembly to clamp tissue. A drive assembly is also included for rotating a shaft which mechanically engages the lead screw. Upon selective activation of the drive assembly, the shaft rotates the lead screw to advance a roll nut and force a firing piston into the tool assembly to deform the surgical fasteners through and fasten the tissue.
US08727199B2	Surgical stapler A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising a cartridge section having a cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners, an anvil section having an anvil for receiving the fasteners when advanced from the cartridge, the cartridge and anvil sections clamping tissue therebetween. The first and second cam members are movable within the cartridge section to fire the fasteners. A cam member supporting member fixed within the cartridge section has an upper surface on which the cam members are slidable. The upper surface of the cam member supporting member has a first upper surface portion on a first plane and a second lower surface portion in a different substantially parallel second plane such that the first and second cam members slide in offset planes on the upper surface to fire the fasteners.
US08727198B2	Surgical stapler delivery systems and methods of assembling the staplers Surgical stapler delivery systems and methods of using the delivery systems to deliver and assemble surgical staplers are described herein.
US08727196B2	Feeder apparatus for metal strip A feeder apparatus for a metal strip includes: a reciprocating block reciprocally moved by a driving means of a press apparatus when conveying the metal strip in which through-holes are formed in a predetermined direction; a moving block disposed above the reciprocating block and connected to a connecting member that moves in the direction of movement of the reciprocating block; a pin block that moves with the moving block and is provided with conveying pins whose front ends are inserted inside the through-holes; and an upper-lower cam portion that raises and lowers the pin block. The moving block is not pulled by the reciprocating block, and the feeder apparatus further includes a moving block driving means for reciprocally moving the moving block separately to movement of the reciprocating block.
US08727194B2	Cutter blade for packing container and packing container A center portion (30) of a V-shaped cutter blade (20) includes center large teeth (31) and center middle teeth 32 the tooth height of which is less than the tooth height of the center large teeth (31). End portions (50) of the cutter blade (20) each include first end teeth (51) and second end teeth (52) the tooth height of which is less than the tooth height of the first end teeth (51). Tooth tops of the first end teeth 51 of each end portion (50) are located on a straight line (L1), which extends through tooth tops of the center large teeth (31) located on one of the right half and the left half of the center portion (30).
US08727193B2	Detachable belt buckle A belt buckle, which is to be attached to a belt strap and which can be detached without tools and which has an integrated container for check cards, identify cards, a driver's license, and the like, comprising a base plate fastened to a belt strap end, wherein said frame is covered by means of a closing plate, in particular a decorative plate, on the side of the frame facing away from the base plate. A closing element that covers the open upper face of the frame can be slid onto the open upper face of the frame. The closing element reaches behind the belt strap end by means of the belt strap securing tab of the closing element attached to the rear side and reaches over the closing plate on the front face. The closing place can be replaced and is designed such that a connecting element for accommodating an ornamental plate is arranged on the front face of the closing plate.
US08727191B2	Child stroller apparatus having a tray mounted with a cup holder A stroller apparatus can comprise a handle having two side segments, a tray assembled between the two side segments, and a cup holder movably mounted with the tray. The cup holder is adjustable between a first position retracted close to the tray to limit access to the cup holder, and a second position deployed away from the tray to facilitate access to the cup holder.
US08727186B2	Method and product delivery mechanism with a pump A product delivery mechanism for a beverage dispensing system that dispenses flavor/ingredients and ice into a serving cup for mixing and/or blending. The product delivery system includes a gas operated pump for moving the flavor/ingredients from a product source to a dispensing nozzle above the serving cup. A gas restrictor is connected to an exhaust port of the pump to regulate gas flow rate and product flow rate so as to prevent splashing at the cup while operating the pump well within its rated pressure limits.
US08727178B1	Condiment packet dispenser A condiment packet dispenser that includes a cylindrical shaped housing containing an open top with a plurality of radially partitioned chambers. Each chamber contains a cylindrical shaped container that stores individual condiment packets in a radial manner. The dispenser is operated by pushing a button which sends a signal to a motor control board. The motor control board powers a motor having a spur gear which turns the selected condiment container until the condiment packet is aligned with a drop chute. The packet then falls thru the drop chute and is available for picking up by the customer. There is also a cylindrical shaped top lid which is removable when new condiments need to be loaded to replenish the dispenser. The condiment dispenser sits on top of a base stand that may either be rigidly mounted or may be rotated to choose a condiment.
US08727177B2	Grinder container A grinder container (10) to be inserted in a coffee grinder comprises a lid (20) having a center inlet hole (26). The lid (20) rests on an opening rim (18) of the grinder container (10) with a peripheral lid rim (21). A peripheral web (30) projects into the interior of the grinder container (10) at a distance to the peripheral lid rim (21) and is opposite an inner wall (X) of the grinder container (10). In order to level out any dimensional tolerances regarding the height of grinder containers, the lid (20) consists of a deformation-resistant center lid part (24) which is produced of a rigid plastic material and comprises the center inlet hole (26) and of an elastically deformable lid part (22) which is produced of a soft rubber material, said lid part being connected to the center lid part (24) and comprising the peripheral web (30).
US08727170B2	Cover locking device for portable terminal A locking device for a portable terminal includes a body; a battery cover; and a locking unit for allowing the battery cover to be selectively attached or detached from the bottom of the body, wherein a locked or locking-released position of the battery cover provided by the locking unit is located to be concealed within the interior of the body, so that the locked or locking-released position is not exposed to the outside.
US08727165B2	Hinge system for a modular bulk container A panel (10) for a modular bulk container is described. The panel (10) has a frame (16) and a door (18) pivotally attached to the frame (16) by a hinge (20). The frame (16) has a first frame surface defining a first imaginary plane and an opposing second frame surface defining a second imaginary plane. The door (18) has a first door surface. The hinge (20) is extendable from a portion of the frame (16). The hinge (20) has a single pivoting axis and is movable from a first position in the door closed condition wherein the hinge (20) is entirely located between the first imaginary plane and the second imaginary plane to a second position located outwardly from the first position in a door open condition wherein an angle between the first imaginary plane and the first door surface is less than 30 degrees.
US08727158B2	Bulk container with angled side wall to base installation A collapsible bin container having a base portion and side walls hingedly connected to the base portion. At least one of the side walls includes an integrally formed hinge lug having a first generally cylindrical portion and a second flat angled portion. The base portion includes a corresponding hinge slot having an opening configured to receive the hinge lug only when the side wall is positioned at a first angle with respect to a horizontal surface.
US08727150B2	Device for attaching a figurine onto a beverage bottle, combination of a figurine and a device, and a combination of a figurine and device attached to a beverage bottle A device attaches a figurine with a cylindrical base part onto a beverage bottle. A combination of such a device and a figurine as well as a beverage bottle made of plastic forms a sales unit with such a device and such a figurine. In order to enable the figurine to be joined separably to the beverage bottle to form a sales unit in a simple, aesthetical and sales-promoting manner, the device includes a body having means for separable attachment of the figurine and having a recess for holding a screw cap and a neck part provided with an outside thread of the beverage bottle.
US08727144B2	Rail attachment for a drive-in storage rack A drive-in rail attachment or arm attaches left and right side drive-in rails to left and right side uprights in a drive-in storage rack. The left and right side rail arms may each be formed from a flat plate having an upright section, a sidewall section and a rail section. The upright section may be bent about a first axis to an orientation substantially perpendicular to the sidewall section and the rail section bent about a second axis to an orientation substantially perpendicular to the sidewall section. First and second pairs of holes may be provided in the upright section, with the first pair of holes optionally offset from the second pair of holes. Drive-in rails can be attached to the storage rack without the need for welded components.
US08727138B2	Toolless rail enabling simplified installation and removal A rail for toolless installation between first and second vertical rack rails. The rail comprises a telescoping rail body having a first and second ends, and an inside surface having a shelf, wherein a latch assembly is disposed at each end of the rail body. Each latch assembly comprises a flange secured to an end of the rail, a latch arm, a release handle, and a retractable pin. The latch arm is pivotally secured to the rail body, distally extends from the flange, and is biased toward a latched position. The release handle is on the inside surface of the rail body for movement from a latched position to an unlatched position. The retractable pin distally extends from each end and is biased toward a distally extended position, wherein the pin is stepped from a first diameter portion to a second larger diameter portion for adapting to different sized holes.
US08727137B1	Filter housing with removable cyclone cage A filter housing having a vessel portion that has an inlet and a first outlet. The filter housing also includes a lid that is sealingly mateable to the vessel portion and the lid has a second outlet. A cage is designed to be fit within the vessel portion. The cage has upper and lower plates that are held apart at a fixed distance by a sidewall with an inlet. The plates are sealed against the inside of the vessel portion. Fluid can enter the vessel between the plates when the cage is installed in the vessel portion. Filters are designed to be sealed within apertures in the upper and lower plates of the cage and the filters span between the plates. When fluid enters between the plates of the cage it is forced to travel through the filters to exit from between the plates.
US08727136B2	Microfiltration membrane with improved filtration properties Method for producing this membrane from a casting solution comprising the hydrophobic first sulfone polymer and the hydrophilic second polymer in a solvent system, the method comprising the steps of pouring the casting solution, conditioned to a molding temperature, onto a carrier to form a film, which carrier has a temperature that is higher in comparison to the molding temperature, conveying the film through a climate-controlled zone, initiating the coagulation in a coagulation bath for the formation of a membrane structure, withdrawing the membrane structure from the carrier with a speed that is increased in comparison to the carrier speed, stabilizing, extracting, and subsequently drying the membrane.
US08727129B2	Microfluidic ultrasonic particle separators with engineered node locations and geometries An ultrasonic microfluidic system includes a separation channel for conveying a sample fluid containing small particles and large particles, flowing substantially parallel, adjacent to a recovery fluid, with which it is in contact. An acoustic transducer produces an ultrasound standing wave, that generates a pressure field having at least one node of minimum pressure amplitude. An acoustic extension structure is located proximate to said separation channel for positioning said acoustic node off center in said acoustic area and concentrating the large particles in said recovery fluid stream.
US08727127B2	Screen panel fixing system and methods A screening apparatus includes beams and screen panels forming a broad screening surface. Each panel is mounted to a pair of beams along opposite side edges to bridge between two adjacent beams. The panels are mounted to an upwardly facing edge of the beams by elongate fixing members extending in the longitudinal direction of the beams. The fixing members engage opposite side edges of the panels and include a pair of projections that extend into openings provided in the edge of the beams. Each projection is engaged by a locking clip to prevent release from the openings. The openings into which the projections extend are of greater diameter than the outside diameter of the projections providing a loose fit within the openings, to allow movement of the fixing rails and the screen panels before the projections are engaged by a locking clip.
US08727123B1	Suspension packaging assembly A packaging assembly structured to suspend an article within an exterior container and including first and second platforms each having a base with a window extending therethrough and a plurality of side portions extending about the periphery thereof. The side portions are movable into a transverse orientation relative to their respective bases and at least one flexible material bag is connected to the first platform and includes an access opening for a receipt of a packaged article into the bag. Peripheral portions of the bag are connected to the side portions of the first platform and movable therewith into a transverse orientation to facilitate tensioning of the bag and the enclosed article. The second platform is disposed in an inverted, retaining position within the exterior container and in confronting relation to the first platform so as to further tension the bag and the enclosed article.
US08727120B2	Packaging Packaging comprises a blister pack (12) and a cover (14) slidably mounted to the pack. The blister pack has a base (16) defining a pocket (18) for receiving a plurality of items and a closure sheet (24) overlaying a front face of the base. A discrete opening region (26) is defined in the closure sheet. The cover (14) has a dispensing aperture (40) and is movable between a dispensing position in which the dispensing aperture (40) is aligned with the dispensing opening region (26) and a closed position in which the dispensing aperture (40) is offset from the dispensing opening region (26). In one embodiment, the opening region (26) is defined by means of lines of weakness (28) formed in the closure sheet and the inner surface of the cover (14) is bonded to the closure sheet so that on first movement of the cover (14) to the dispensing position, the material in the dispensing opening region (26) is removed to form a dispensing opening in the closure sheet which aligns with the dispensing aperture.
US08727115B2	Golf-ball retaining plate A portable golf ball retaining plate includes a plate body provided with multiple grooves, wherein two opposite adjusting portions are arranged at upper side of each of the grooves, wherein the opposite adjusting portion at adjacent ones of the grooves are alternatingly arranged longitudinally and transversely. Thereby, the grooves can expand for receiving golf balls. When the golf ball is being retained in one of the grooves, the corresponding adjusting portions expand first and then contract such that the golf ball is retained. When the golf ball is being taken out, the corresponding adjusting portions first expand to the surrounding space and then contract to the original state.
US08727109B2	Modular link conveyor drive arrangements An apparatus for conveying one or more objects along a conveying path in a conveying direction includes an endless conveyor chain formed of modular links arranged in rows in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The links include spaced outer side links forming a part of a conveying surface for the objects to be conveyed and intermediate links interconnected with side links by connector rods, the chain having at least a forward run for conveying one or more objects in the conveying direction. A driver is provided for driving the conveyor chain, and includes a first sprocket adapted for engaging at least one side link along at least one side of the chain, the first sprocket mounted for rotation about an axis generally orthogonal to the conveying direction and the transverse direction. The sprocket may comprise a split sprocket, and may be adapted for pivoting movement.
US08727106B2	Traction unit particularly for packaging machines A traction unit (1), particularly for packaging machines, comprising means for moving at least one grip element (2), which can move along a predefined closed path (3) and has at least two pairs of teeth (4a, 4b) which protrude substantially at right angles from the closed path (3), for the clamping of products (5) to be packaged and their traction along a portion of the closed path (3); the mutual transverse arrangement of the pairs of teeth (4a, 4b) being configurable by means of an adjustment device (6) which is located substantially outside the closed path (3), the movement means being located substantially inside the closed path (3).
US08727102B2	Conveyor chain tension monitor At least one single link of a conveyor chain is configured to support a tension load cell. A main body portion of the link includes a central cavity sized to contain the load cell, which has been inserted therein through an opening of the main body portion, and at least one auxiliary cavity to contain at least one battery cell and circuitry. A cap portion of the link closes off the opening into the cavity to enclose the load cell therein. One or both of the main body and cap portions may include a bore to receive a fastener for attaching to an end of the inserted load cell, and both portions include a bore oriented to receive a pin of a mating dual link of the conveyor chain. The cap portion may also include anti-rotation surfaces to mate with one or both of: the load cell and the opening.
US08727099B2	Tapered roll feed The present disclosure provides workpiece feed systems, methods and assemblies comprising one or more tapered feed rolls positioned at an angle to incoming workpieces. The tapered feed rolls may pull individual workpieces toward a guide while gradually accelerating the workpieces and altering their direction of travel. The angle and speed of rotation of the tapered feed rolls may be automatically adjusted to control workpiece speed/acceleration, providing improved gap control and minimizing collisions between successive workpieces. Tapered feed rolls may therefore reduce or eliminate the need for a conventional bridge to decelerate the workpieces after the directional change, reducing the operational space required by a workpiece feed system.
US08727098B2	Diverter arm and method A system for aligning items, such as bottles, includes a rotating plate and a diverter arm that extends outward over a top surface of the plate towards the plate edge. A rotating channel may surround the plate. In operation, bottles are dropped onto the plate and rotated by the plate against the arm. The distance between the top surface of the arm and the plate surface is such that the arm generally diverts the bottles outward and guides them into free gaps within the channel. The distance is also configured such that as bottles back-up, waiting for free channel gaps, the arm allows any buckling bottles to pass over and back onto the plate, rather than into the channel. The distance may also be configured such that the arm acts like a scoop. As bottles back-up behind the arm, the arm presses under the bottles along the arm and passes them over, relieving the pressure.
US08727095B2	Conveyor equipment A handrail with handrail elements is moved past a sensor support with at least one sensor. Each handrail element has, for example, a collar, which extends into the adjacent handrail element. The handrail elements, which are pivotably fastened to a second transport chain, can move relative to the adjacent handrail elements without a gap then arising between two adjacent handrail elements. Merely a segment groove with such a small depth that fingers are not caught arises between two adjacent handrail elements. The sensor can recognize each segment groove as well as defective handrail elements. Operating magnitudes such as speed, acceleration and deceleration of the handrail are ascertainable and/or risk-laden operating states are recognizable by means of the sensor signal.
US08727094B2	Apparatus and method for rejecting jammed coins A coin separator and rejector apparatus that will electronically release and return jammed coins, tokens, slugs and the like is disclosed. A coin separator and rejector body is described having one or more downwardly inclined coin races formed therein. The rejector body has an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The coin races further comprise a first wall and a second wall wherein at least a portion of one of the race walls is pivotally connected with the rejector body. A first sensor is located in the upstream portion of the rejector body and a second sensor located in said downstream portion of said rejector body. An actuator is in mechanical connection with the pivotal portion of the race wall. A processor is in electrical communication with the sensors and with said actuator. A coin in an upstream portion of a coin separator and rejector is detected by the first sensor and sends a signal to the processor. The processor is programmed to wait a predetermined period of time to receive a signal from the second sensor indicating that the coin has progressed in the coin race to the second sensor. If the processor receives no signal from the second sensor after a predetermined time period has passed, the processor sends a signal to the actuator to open the pivotally connected portion of the separator and rejector to allow the jammed coin to be released from the separator and rejector.
US08727090B2	Centrifugal force combined with sliding damping type torque actuated clutch The present invention relates to a centrifugal force combined with sliding damping type clutch actuated by torque capable of controlling a clutch device to perform operations of coupling or disengaging with the driving torque, characterized in that a relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed between a rotary prime motive end (101) and an output-end clutch structure (1052) is installed at an output end (102), the relay transmission structure assembly (104) is installed with a relay coupling structure (204) having an active side of relay coupling structure and a passive side of relay coupling structure, a limit-torque sliding damping device (106) is installed between the relay transmission structure assembly (104) and the static housing (107).
US08727088B2	Work vehicle A work vehicle has a hydraulic pump and a transmission. The transmission includes a transmission body having a cylindrical input shaft, a torque converter body, a lock-up clutch device, a pump drive shaft, and an oil channel. The lock-up clutch device includes a piston, an oil chamber formed at a back surface of the piston, and a clutch portion. The pump drive shaft penetrates the input shaft and is disposed coaxially to the input shaft. The pump drive shaft transmits driving power to the hydraulic pump. The oil channel is formed between an inner circumference surface of the input shaft and an outer circumference surface of the pump drive shaft, and communicates with the oil chamber in the lock-up clutch device.
US08727086B2	Three-stage hysteresis for series damper A torque converter damper, including: an output hub; a first side plate arranged for rotational connection to a lock-up clutch and a turbine of the torque converter. Includes first and second intermediate flange plates; a flange connected to the output hub; springs engaged with the first side plate and the intermediate flange plates; springs engaged with the intermediate flange plates and with the flange; and a resilient element creating frictional contact between first and second components of the torque converter damper. Relative rotation of the first and second components at the frictional contact attenuates vibration at the output hub. The first and second components are rotatable with respect to each other. Rotation of the first component is fixed to rotation of the hub. Rotation of the second component is arranged to be fixed to rotation of the turbine. The hub is arranged to be rotatable with respect to the turbine.
US08727081B2	Motorcycle fork restraint device A restraint device for being secured on a telescopic suspension comprising a first portion, which may be a fork band comprising a first restraining hook, a second portion comprising a body, a trigger, at least one magnetic member, and a second restraining hook, wherein the first restraining hook and the second restraining hook are configured to selectively engage one another to secure the suspension in a compressed position, and wherein the at least one magnetic member is configured to retract the second restraining hook when the device is disengaged to permit normal operation of the suspension.
US08727079B2	Structural member with clamping pressure mechanism A structural member includes a box structure that encloses a beam, which may be a split beam or a split segmented beam. The structural member includes a pressure mechanism that varies a pressure force or a friction force between the beam and the box structure. Movement of the parts within the box structure, against the force of the pressure mechanism, as the structural member flexes, dissipates energy and adds to the damping of the structural member.
US08727077B2	Elevator brake The invention relates to an elevator brake, said elevator comprising a hoisting machine (1) provided with at least a frame part (2) and a traction sheave (3), and a brake drum (4) arranged to be rotatable with the traction sheave (3) and provided with a braking surface (5), and a brake (6) having an effect on the rotary motion of the traction sheave (3), said brake (6) comprising at least one brake block (8) provided with a braking surface, which brake block (8) has been arranged to act on the braking surface (5) of the brake drum (4) with a force directed substantially towards the braking surface (5). To allow adjustment of the size of the air gap (8a) between the braking surface of the brake block (8) and the braking surface (5) of the brake drum (4), the brake (6) is provided with at least one eccentric adjusting element (11).
US08727075B2	Arrangement and method for supervising the operation of a brake An arrangement and a method for supervising the operation of a brake includes a controllable electromechanical brake, including a magnetic circuit with at least two ferromagnetic parts fitted to move in relation to each other. A thrusting force is exerted between the ferromagnetic parts via a spring. The brake includes a magnetizing coil fitted into the magnetic circuit, for forming magnetic attraction between the parts of the brake. The arrangement includes a control of the brake, which includes at least one controllable switch, for adjusting the electricity supply of the magnetizing coil. The control of the brake comprises a supervision of the movement of the magnetic circuit of the brake.
US08727073B2	Safety harnesses, connective ring attachments for use in safety harnesses and back pads for use in safety harnesses A back pad system for use in connection with a safety harness which includes at least two spaced back straps and a connector adapted to be connected to a line or lanyard. In one form, the system includes a back pad having passages through which the two back straps can be passed to be crossed over the connector, an attachment to which the connector can be moveably attached, and at least one member that captures the connector in an upright position upon application of force such as manual force (either directly or indirectly) to the connector to move the connector to the upright position.
US08727070B2	Helmholtz damper and method for regulating the resonance frequency of a Helmholtz damper A Helmholtz damper, including an enclosure, a neck extending from the enclosure, and a pipe for inserting into the neck. The portions of the pipe inserted into the neck is adjusted to regulate a resonance frequency of the Helmholtz damper.
US08727069B1	Oscillating tube having a segmented coating for damping the tube The oscillating tube (10) includes a first end (12), an opposed second end (16), and a fluid conduit (18) defined by the tube extending between the opposed ends (12, 16). A segmented damping coating (20) covers in intimate contact a covered or coated portion (22) of the tube (10) so that the coated portion (22) of the tube includes at least about ten percent of an axial length of the tube and an uncoated portion (34, 36) that is not covered by the segmented damping coating (22) includes greater than about ten percent of an axial length of the tube (10). The segmented damping coating (20) may include polymers, polytetrafluoroethylene, single composition polymers, ceramic fibers, polymer fibers, reinforced polymer fibers including a polytetrafluoroethylene, ceramics, including monolithic and matrix ceramics, thermoplastics, carbon/graphic materials, silicon materials, metal rings or clamps, and combinations thereof.
US08727063B1	Mounting structure of a power unit for a utility vehicle In a mounting structure of a power unit for a utility vehicle, the power unit includes an engine and a transmission coupled onto one side of the engine in a vehicular lengthwise direction. A lower end substantially at the center of the engine in a vehicular widthwise direction and a lower end substantially at the center of the transmission in the vehicular widthwise direction are mounted to an upper surface of a chassis frame by a front mounting mechanism with a damper and a rear mounting mechanism with a damper.
US08727062B2	Work vehicle comprising vehicle frames Outer rear end surfaces of a pair of front frames are connected to corresponding inner front end surfaces of a pair of main frames with spacers being interposed therebetween. Accordingly, a width between the front frames is independent of a width between the main frames, so that maximum steerable angles of front wheels can be increased as much as possible without increasing a mounting pitch of the front wheels. The front frames can be arranged such that at least upper regions of the rear end surfaces thereof are located forward of the mount flange, and the engine unit and the flywheel unit are supported by the vehicle frames such that at least lower portions thereof overlap the vehicle frames in a side view, and the mount flange overlap the upper regions of the rear end surfaces of the front frames in a front view.
US08727061B2	Pedestrian airbag arrangement A pedestrian airbag arrangement for a vehicle includes an airbag covering at least a part of the windscreen and/or at least a part of at least one A-pillar of the vehicle when it is in deployed state, an inflator in fluid connection to the airbag, and a retraction means for retracting the airbag. The retraction means includes a triggering means and a retractor retracting the airbag when released by the triggering means. In order to provide an automatic retraction of the airbag, the triggering means is activated by the airbag.
US08727060B1	Pyrotechnic window breaker A window breaker is provided that may include a housing, a pyrotechnic device and a piston. The housing may include a slot and a cavity having a first end and a second end. The slot may extend through a wall of the housing and into the cavity. The pyrotechnic device may be fixedly attached to the housing and at least partially disposed in the cavity. The piston may be disposed in the cavity between the pyrotechnic device and the first end. The piston may be movable away from the pyrotechnic device within the cavity from an undeployed position to a deployed position in response to actuation of the pyrotechnic device.
US08727058B2	Saddle type vehicle A saddle type vehicle includes a head pipe that steerably supports a steering system including a front wheel, a main frame extending rearwardly downward from the head pipe, left and right lower frames extending substantially in parallel to each other rearward from a lower portion of the main frame, and a storage space provided between the left and right lower frames on the rear side of the main frame. The storage space permits a fuel tank as a vehicle component part to be disposed therein. A front cross frame is connected to a lower end portion of a main frame lower portion and extends in the vehicle width direction. Front end portions of the lower frames are connected to left and right end portions of the front cross frame.
US08727057B2	Rear suspension for three-wheeled car A rear suspension of a three-wheeled car with two front wheels and one rear wheel in the car frame may include a wheel center connected to the rotation of axis of the rear wheel, an upper link with one side connected to the car body and the other to a wheel center, and a lower link with one side connected to the car body below the upper link and the other side to a wheel center below the upper link, wherein, the upper link and the lower link may be installed so that their connection point with the car body may be located in a higher altitude than their connection point with the wheel center, and wherein, the angle of inclination from the ground may be greater for the lower link than for the upper link.
US08727054B2	Movable grille shutter for vehicle A movable grille shutter for a vehicle includes a fin adapted to be provided at a grille opening portion and being operated so as to freely open or close the grille opening portion through which ambient air is taken in, a drive source for driving the fin, a driving force transmitting mechanism for transmitting a driving force from the drive source to the fin and a flexible member being linked to the driving force transmitting mechanism and being deformed for operating the fin to open the grille opening portion in a case where a load that is equal to or more than a predetermined value is acted thereon.
US08727050B2	System and method for controlling an electrically heated catalyst for a hybrid vehicle A system and control module for controlling an electrically heated catalyst includes a remote start module generating a remote start signal, a catalyst control module controlling the electrically heated catalyst based on the remote start signal and an engine control module starting the engine after preheating and/or when required by the vehicle to honor a request as defined in this document.
US08727047B2	Configuration of a two-track tractor A tractor configuration includes a mainframe structure, a control station having a means of controlling the tractor, an undercarriage system having one left side and one right side track assembly, a wheel mechanism containing one or more wheels located forward of the track assemblies, a power train for forcing both track assemblies to travel at the same or different speeds, a controller responsible for exerting force to transfer vertical load back and forth between the front portion of the track assemblies and the wheel mechanism and controlling the amount of weight carried by the wheel mechanism. The controller causes or allows the wheel or wheels of the wheel mechanism to follow the tractor's curved path caused by track speed difference.
US08727038B2	Control system for drilling operations The present application is directed to a system providing automatic and manual control of a brake lever on band brake drawworks of a wellbore drilling rig. The system comprises a pneumatic cylinder attached to the brake lever; and a control means in fluid communication with the pneumatic cylinder, the control means being operationally configured to run the pneumatic cylinder in response to information obtained by the control means concerning one or more drilling parameters and operationally configured to disable the pneumatic cylinder.
US08727034B2	Rotary power tool operable in first speed mode and a second speed mode A rotary power tool operable in a first speed mode and a second speed mode comprising a motor shaft (6), a driveshaft (10) with an axis of rotation (42), a gear (24, 74) that is a component of a transmission (8) for transmitting torque from the motor shaft (6) to the driveshaft (10), a support member (48, 70), at least one bearing member (54, 76) which contacts the gear (24, 74), wherein the gear (24, 74), the support member (48, 70) and the at least one bearing member (54, 76) form an assembly that is in a first position along the axis of rotation (42) when the tool is operating in the first speed mode and is in a second position along the axis of rotation (42) when the tool is operating in the second speed mode, and wherein the at least one bearing member (54, 76) protrudes from the support member (48, 70) in the direction of the gear (24, 74) and rotates when the gear (24, 74) rotates.
US08727029B2	Trim manifold assembly for a sprinkler system A trim manifold assembly is utilized to facilitate control of the control valve in a fire protection system. The trim manifold assembly utilizes a manifold block with numerous passageways to provide desired flow communication between various components, such as automatic and manual valves, check valves, inlet and exit ports, and sensor ports, by way of non-limiting example. The trim manifold assembly can be cost-effectively manufactured and may require less assembly steps. The trim manifold assembly can facilitate the assembly of a fire protection system and the attachment of the trim manifold assembly to the control valve for operation thereof.
US08727028B2	Plugging a mined-through well A system and method of plugging a well bore includes intersecting a portion of a well with a subterranean cavern. A portion of the well may be isolated to prevent accumulation of reservoir fluids in the subterranean cavern by, for example, inserting a packer in the well to form a seal. A sealing material may be pumped into and allowed of solidify in the portion of the well to form a partition between the subterranean cavern and the remainder of the well. The formed partition permits continued production from the well and continued mining in the subterranean cavern.
US08727023B2	Wireline lubricator A wireline lubricator and a connector includes a first part with a first seal portion and a first throughgoing passage for receiving a part of a wireline, and a second part with a second seal portion and a second throughgoing passage for receiving a part of a wireline. The first part is pivotally connected to the second part such that the connector is capable of assuming a first configuration and a second configuration. The second configuration and the first and second throughgoing passage are aligned. The first and second seal portion engage each other to provide a sealed wireline passage defined by the aligned first and second throughgoing passage.
US08727020B2	Frac adapter for wellhead There is provided a frac adapter configured to couple a frac tree to a wellhead component. The frac adapter may couple the frac tree to a casing head without a tubing head, thereby enabling the well to be fractured before the tubing head is installed. As a result, the tubing head used in well production may be pressure-rated for production pressures rather than for fracing pressures. The frac adapter may be coupled to or integral with the frac tree. In addition, a union-nut coupling may be employed to quickly and easily assemble and disassemble the frac adapter from the wellhead component, such as the casing head. The union-nut coupling may further enable the components to be pressure-tested before the fracturing process is initiated.
US08727018B1	Charging unit, system and method for activating a wellsite component A charging unit, system and method are provided. The system includes an activation unit and a charging unit. The activation unit includes a pump unit, a pressure circuit with an unloader valve to selectively permit fluid to pass from the pump unit to the wellsite component, and an accumulator bank operatively connectable to the pressure circuit to store the fluid under pressure for passage to the wellsite component whereby the wellsite component is selectively activated. The charging unit includes a charging circuit operatively connectable to the pressure circuit to selectively receive the fluid from the pump unit, a charging accumulator operatively connectable to the charging circuit to store the fluid under pressure, and a pressure reducing valve operatively connectable to the charging circuit to selectively pass the fluid from the charging accumulator to the accumulator bank whereby an activation pressure of the fluid provided to the wellsite component is maintained.
US08727017B2	System and method for obtaining data on an unstructured grid There is provided a system and method for obtaining data corresponding to a property of interest on an unstructured grid. An exemplary method comprises defining a path of interest at least a portion of which goes through the unstructured grid. The exemplary method also comprises extracting data corresponding to the property of interest on the unstructured grid where the path of interest and the unstructured grid overlap.
US08727014B2	Workover riser compensator system A tensioning apparatus for applying a substantially constant tension to a workover riser (12) includes a first portion (40) adapted to be coupled to a workover riser, a second portion (44) adapted to be coupled to a marine riser (14) and tensioning means (46) for providing relative movement between the first portion and the second portion to, in use, tension, the workover riser.
US08727010B2	Selective fracturing tool A tool for selectively treating a wellbore with fluid that includes a tubing string having a sidewall defining an inner bore, the sidewall comprising a flow area having at least one fluid flow port that permits fluid flow through the sidewall. Fluid is prevented from flowing through the flow area when a closure is in a closed position. When in the open position, fluid flows through the flow area. An axial seal is connected to the closure to selectively close the inner bore against fluid pressure to apply the predetermined opening force to move the closure to the open position. A releasable connector connects the axial seal to the closure and a retrieval tool attachment releases the axial seal from the closure upon application of a predetermined release force by a retrieval tool.
US08727009B2	Surface signal for flow blockage for a subterranean debris collection apparatus The debris collection device operates on an eductor principle with motive fluid delivered from the surface into an eductor housing inlet. The eductor outlet goes into a surrounding annular space and splits with some flow going to the mill below to direct cuttings into the passage in the housing. The cuttings remain in the housing and the flow continues through a screen in the housing passage before reaching the eductor inlet. An auxiliary inlet is normally closed and opened with a reduced flow entering through the mill. The opening of the auxiliary inlet drops the surface pressure delivered to the eductor to act as a surface signal that a plugged or low debris laden inlet flow exists.
US08727005B1	Wellbore servicing compositions and methods of making and using same A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing an invert emulsion comprising an aqueous fluid, an oleaginous fluid, and an emulsifier composition (EC), wherein the emulsifier composition comprises an emulsifier, a diluent, and a thinner, wherein the thinner comprises an alcohol, a fatty acid amide, or combinations thereof; and placing the invert emulsion in the wellbore. A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising flowing a wellbore serving fluid comprising an emulsifier composition (EC) through a portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the EC comprises an emulsifier, a diluent and a thinner and wherein the thinner comprises 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-methyl-2-butanol, a fatty acid amide, or combinations thereof; contacting the EC with oil in situ within the formation to form an emulsion; and reducing the water-oil interfacial tension and altering the wettability to provide enhanced oil recovery from the formation.
US08727004B2	Methods of treating subterranean formations utilizing servicing fluids comprising liquefied petroleum gas and apparatus thereof Methods relating to servicing fluids that comprise gelled liquefied petroleum gas or servicing fluids that comprise a conventional gelled hydrocarbon fluid with liquefied petroleum gas are provided. In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise providing a LPG servicing fluid comprising LPG and a gelling agent; pressurizing the LPG servicing fluid with one or more high-pressure pumps; introducing proppant particulates into at least a portion of the LPG servicing fluid using one or more high pressure pumps; and introducing the LPG servicing fluid comprising proppant particulates into at least a portion of a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one or more fractures therein. In one embodiment, a gelling agent may be metered into the LPG on-the-fly.
US08726998B2	BOP heating methods and systems and heat exchange units A BOP heating method includes operating a coiled tubing unit (CTU) using hydraulic fluid. The fluid is supplied from the CTU to an exchange tube and returned from the exchange tube to the CTU. The method includes transmitting heat from the fluid to an inner plate. Heat is transmitted from the inner plate to a BOP on which the inner plate is temporarily mounted. A BOP heating system includes a CTU configured to use hydraulic fluid, a supply tube configured to supply fluid from the CTU to an exchange tube, and a return tube configured to return fluid from the exchange tube to the CTU. A BOP heat exchange unit includes an outer plate and an inner plate, an exchange tube between the outer plate and the inner plate, and a heat spreading material between the exchange tube and the inner plate. The exchange unit lacks any electrical component.
US08726996B2	Device for the focus and control of dynamic underbalance or dynamic overbalance in a wellbore A downhole tool assembly for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body carrying an explosive which is selectively detonated to create a dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect in the wellbore. The tubular body has opposite ends provided with plug assemblies including plug elements movable between a normally collapsed state and an actuable expanded state. The plug elements are adapted to be actuated to the expanded state between the tubular body and an outer extent of the wellbore before the creation of the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect to isolate a discrete segment of the wellbore to which the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect is confined.
US08726994B2	Double swivel apparatus and method A double swivel for use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through double sleeves which are sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeves and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeves have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration. In an alternative embodiment the unit can include a plug or ball insertion tool.
US08726992B2	Method and device for filling a void incompletely filled by a cast material A method and a device for sealing a void incompletely filled with a cast material, in which an expandable material is placed in the void which is to be filled with a cast material, the expandable material expanding, when expanding after the cast material has cured, into spaces which are not filled with cast material.
US08726988B2	Focused sampling of formation fluids An apparatus for obtaining a fluid at a position within a wellbore that penetrates a subterranean formation includes a body adapted to be disposed in the wellbore on a conveyance equipped with one or more expandable packers providing a sample region disposed between an upper cleanup zone and a lower cleanup zone when expanded into abutting contact with the wellbore wall; an upper cleanup port provided at the upper cleanup zone; a lower cleanup port provided at the lower cleanup zone; at least one fluid cleanup flowline in fluid connection with the upper and lower cleanup ports; a sampling inlet provided at the sampling region; and a sampling flowline in fluid connection with the sampling inlet for drawing fluid from the sampling region.
US08726986B2	Method of heating a hydrocarbon resource including lowering a settable frequency based upon impedance A method for heating a hydrocarbon resource in a subterranean formation having a laterally extending wellbore therein may include supplying radio frequency (RF) power at a settable frequency from an RF radiator positioned within the laterally extending wellbore to heat the hydrocarbon resource and start formation of a steam bubble adjacent the laterally extending wellbore while sensing an impedance matching value of the RF radiator. The method may also include lowering the settable frequency at least one time based upon the sensed impedance matching value as the steam bubble grows. The frequency may rise after the steam bubble is formed and induction heating operation occurs.
US08726984B2	Rotary table device for a pipe string A rotary table device is provided with means arranged for suspension of a pipe string. The rotary table comprises a rotary ring arranged rotatably about the central axis of the rotary table. The rotary ring is formed by two or more ring sections, each connected to a system comprising a bearing housing section rotatable relative to a base section, a bearing housing groove being formed in a base contact surface on the bearing housing section and a corresponding base groove being formed in an opposing bearing housing surface in the base section. The grooves form a curve-shaped track for a roller body and the groove has a curvature center coinciding with the central axis of the rotary table. The rolling diameter of the roller body exceeds the collective depth of said grooves, and a channel connecting the end portions of the bearing housing groove is formed in the bearing housing section.
US08726983B2	Method and apparatus for performing wireline logging operations in an under-balanced well A method and an apparatus log an underbalanced open hole well without killing the well or causing formation damage to maintain well control during the process. The installation of the well logging equipment is accomplished while holding the underbalanced open hole at its optimal pressure, then conveying the logging string on a drill string into the open hole portion to total depth and logging while removing the logging string from the total depth to be logged with a cable side entry sub. The invention also provides a unique configuration of equipment to accomplish the logging using what is normally referred to as tough logging condition techniques.
US08726975B2	Air-supplied dry cooler An air-supplied dry cooler for the condensation of water vapor includes at least one direct-flow condenser and at least one counter-flow condenser (dephlegmator), wherein heat exchanger pipes of the counter-flow condenser are connected to an upper suction chamber, and wherein a cover reducing the discharge cross-section of at least one heat exchanger pipe is provided with cover orifices. The sum of the cross-sectional surfaces of the cover orifices corresponds to no more than the cross-sectional surface of a suction pipe connection to the suction chamber.
US08726974B2	In-situ graphite shape control for iron castings A method to produce cast iron articles with various graphite morphologies is disclosed that provides cast iron with tailored properties at different locations of the article. Flake graphite morphology is preferably created at locations requiring excellent thermal conductivity or lubricity. Spheroidal graphite morphology is preferably created at locations requiring excellent strength or mechanical fatigue life. These methods may be particularly valuable for the production of heavy duty diesel engine components.
US08726973B2	Method of producing an integral self supporting coating test piece from a coating material A method of producing an integral self supporting coating test piece from particulate material including the steps of (i) producing a reusable mould having a depression which conforms to the desired shape and volume of said coating test piece, the reusable mould including silicone rubber, (ii) roughening the surface of the reusable mould, (iii) heat treating the reusable mould, (iv) thermally spraying particulate material into the depression in the reusable, mould, and (v) removing the reusable mould from the solidified coating test piece.
US08726971B2	Shutter A shutter (S) including a plurality of support portions (10) provided in array in a sliding direction of the shutter, a hinge portion (20) for connecting adjoining two support portions (10), and slide supporting portions (30) provided at both ends of each support portion (10) so as to face a pair of guiderails. Each slide supporting portion (30) has a pair of first and second abutting portions (32 and 34) formed in array in the sliding direction for slidably engaging with the guiderail. Each support portion (10) is supported by the pair of guiderails at three or more out of a total of four first and second abutting portions (32 and 34) when a load is applied to the shutter from the outside.
US08726970B2	Extensible window shading device An extensible car window shading apparatus mountable inside the car and comprising a first plurality of slats having at each longitudinal end a slat hole in which a slat spring attached to a slat stick is inserted, such that the slat stick extends outwardly from the slat hole, a second plurality of panels, the second plurality being exactly twice the first plurality, such that there is a panel at each longitudinal end of each slat, wherein each panel has a panel hole in which a panel spring is inserted, the panel hole being configured to receive the slat stick, and wherein the panels on each side of the apparatus are joined by hinges, such as to allow folding or deploying of the extensible car window shading apparatus by a user, and a support arm that keeps the extensible car window shading apparatus in folded position.
US08726968B2	Window shade assembly An aircraft window shade assembly is provided. The assembly includes an inboard shade, an outboard shade, a housing and a cover. The inboard and outboard shades each include a plurality of holes disposed along one side. The housing includes a transparent inboard panel, a transparent outboard panel, a pair of inboard guide slots to receive the inboard shade, a pair of outboard guide slots to receive the outboard shade, an inboard motor and an outboard motor. The inboard motor is coupled to a drive gear sprocket having a cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of teeth extending radially therefrom that mesh with the plurality of holes in the inboard shade, and moves the inboard shade between open and closed positions. The outboard motor is coupled to a drive gear sprocket having a cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of teeth extending radially therefrom that mesh with the plurality of holes in the outboard shade, and moves the outboard shade between open and closed positions. The cover is attached to the housing and includes a pair of inboard guide slots to receive the inboard shade, and a pair of outboard guide slots to receive the outboard shade.
US08726960B1	Sealing machine with a transportation structure A sealing machine with a transportation structure has: a seal unit including an upper transporting set, a lower transporting set, a heating set, and a driving motor. The upper transporting set has a first conveying member, the lower transporting set has a second conveying member driven. The upper transporting set has an upper roller, and the lower transporting set has a lower roller for matching with the upper roller. The heating set has two heating rails and at least one electric bar, and each heating rail horizontally extends at a convey stork of the first conveying member and the second conveying member. Between the two heating rails is defined a slot. An outlet end of the slot corresponds to a pressing surface of the upper roller and the lower roller, the each heating rail has a groove so as to receive the at least one electric bar.
US08726951B1	Method for covering handbag with designer scarf and handbag for practicing method A handbag including an outer bag and an inner bag. The inner bag and the outer bag are configured to entrap a piece of material wrapped around an exterior surface of the outer bag and tucked in between the outer bag and the inner bag.
US08726948B2	Drink layering potion machine A drink layering portion machine reliably creates undisturbed air bubble free multiple drink layers. The portion machine includes a flat bottom hollow structure, a top with a pouring cup that is shaped as a bowl having a hemispherical or semi-circular basin and having a central aperture at its bottom base. A thin rod, preferably textured, passes through the aperture with a small clearance. A second aperture displaced from the first aperture supports the thin rod providing wobble free movement. The bottom end of the thin rod carries a float, preferably textured. The drink layering portion machine is placed with a hollow structure encircling or hovering over a glass and stabilizing it from tilting. The float rests on the liquor in the interior of the glass as liquor is poured into the pouring cup. The liquor runs down at a slow volumetric rate through the small clearance, down the thin rod, over the float external surface into the glass forming layered undisturbed drink free from air bubble entrapment.
US08726945B2	Chemical dispensing reservoir apparatus and methods Removable chemical reservoirs are translucent and have filling marks on a front, hollow handle where chemical concentrate fill levels are visible and measurable. The reservoirs are filled with new concentrate from a current fill level mark to a full level mark and the volume of concentrate filled between the marks is calculated for filling and inventory purposes. The front handle is narrower than the reservoir sides and flanges at the upper end of the reservoir to facilitate in and out sliding of the reservoir for billing and cleaning.
US08726943B2	Method and apparatus for forming wire The present invention is a method and apparatus for forming wire loops using wire looping pliers. In one embodiment of the invention, the pair of wire pliers having a cylindrical jaw and a recessed jaw for accepting the cylindrical jaw allows the user of the tool to make symmetrical wire loops on a consistent basis. Additionally, the width of the recessed jaw can be set such that the user can use the recessed jaw to measure the distance from a particular point where the neck of the wire loop should be broken. The recessed surface of the recessed jaw and the cylindrical jaw mate together in such a manner as to provide uniform pressure around a significant portion of the loop so as to prevent marring of the surface of the wire.
US08726941B2	Exit assembly having a fluid diverter that displaces the pathway of a fluid into two or more pathways An exit assembly comprises: a fluid inlet; an exit chamber; a fluid outlet; and a fluid diverter, wherein the fluid diverter is connected to the fluid inlet and the exit chamber, and wherein the shape of the fluid diverter is selected such that the fluid diverter is capable of displacing the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into a first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, or combinations thereof. The fluid diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into the first fluid pathway as the viscosity or density of the fluid decreases, or as the flow rate of the fluid increases, and the fluid diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into the second fluid pathway as the viscosity or density of the fluid increases, or as the flow rate of the fluid decreases.
US08726935B2	Valve manifold assembly A valve manifold assembly including a manifold body defining a primary flow passage and a secondary flow passage fluidly coupled therewith through an aperture in the wall of the primary flow passage. A valve including a head portion and a stem extending therefrom is disposed through the aperture. The head portion has a valve sealing surface adjacent and extending around the stem, and a valve seat having a seat sealing surface facing into the primary flow passage extends around the aperture. The valve is selectively shiftable between a closed position wherein the valve sealing surface is sealingly engaged with the seat sealing surface to block fluid flow between the secondary flow passage and the primary flow passage, and an open position wherein the valve sealing surface is spaced apart from the seat sealing surface to enable fluid flow between the secondary flow passage and the primary flow passage.
US08726929B2	Gas engine regulator A gas engine regulator includes a decompression chamber defined internally of the regulator and having a gas inlet through which liquefied gas fuel enters and a gas outlet through which the gas fuel exits. The gas inlet is provided at one end side of the decompression chamber while the gas outlet is provided at an opposite end side laterally spaced via a space from the one end side. The regulator also includes a partitioning wall disposed to surround the gas outlet and having a gas passage communicating with the gas outlet, the gas passage having a passage inlet disposed upwardly of the gas inlet.
US08726927B2	Fluid conveyance and/or distribution device with ring nut coupling A device for conveying and/or distributing fluids comprises a housing with connection portions, one or more threaded ring nuts which can be screwed to the connection portions for joining them, and a tightening seat formed in the housing. The device further comprises a first adapter with a portion for coupling with the tightening seat, a driving portion for engagement with an engagement portion of the ring nut and a first key seat shaped to receive a portion for coupling a tightening tool.
US08726926B2	Universal water control trim A method and apparatus for installing water control is disclosed in which a universal template is provided to permit installation in all water providing arrangements with minimal configuration modifications. Replacement begins with a rough plate through which the water pipe extends. The rough plate is adjustable to accommodate a plurality of sizes of pipes. The rough plate is secured in its position with respect to the wall and water pipe extending through the wall. A cover plate fits onto the rough plate to provide a visually appealing presentation. A cover tube fits in the trim plate and surrounds a stem housing which attaches to the water pipe extending from the wall. The cover tube includes a stop position for the stem housing to prevent hot water from being delivered that exceeds a predetermined temperature. An external handle fits over the cover tube and attaches to the stem housing to control water flow from the shower head or bath faucet.
US08726912B2	Head ornament fastening member and head ornament A head ornament fastening member that attaches a head ornament to hairs on a head. The head ornament fastening member comprises a first fastening member that includes a base, and a plurality of stems which protrude from a surface of the base and are inserted into the hairs from upside; and a second fastening member that includes a plurality of comb-tooth-like portions which intersect the plurality of stems and are inserted into the hairs from a lateral direction. The plurality of stems of the first fastening member and the plurality of comb-tooth-like portions of the second fastening member intersect with each other in the hairs from upside and a lateral direction, thereby fastening the head ornament to the hairs.
US08726905B2	Methods and devices for occluding an ovarian pathway Methods and devices of sterilization by which the ovarian pathway is occluded by a plug, wherein placement of the plug may be visually confirmed. Other methods and devices are also described.
US08726899B2	Solar light condensing system Provided is a solar light concentrating system which realizes suppression of power generation costs by applying a receiver 2 that is capable of suppressing a manufacturing cost to a low level, facilitating recovery work when a failure occurs, and quickly recovering a heating medium circulating inside in case of an emergency. The receiver 2 is formed by three-dimensionally combining multiple modules 20. At least a part of the modules is a trapezoid-shaped module 20B. The trapezoid-shaped module includes an upper header 21B, a lower header 22B being shorter than the upper header, and multiple heat receiving tubes 23 which connect the two headers. The heat receiving tubes are formed by successively altering their cross-sectional shapes in away that makes each heat receiving tube shaped like a wedge that becomes narrower from its top toward its bottom in a front view, and like a wedge that becomes wider from its top toward its bottom in a side view.
US08726898B2	Solar thermal collector Solar thermal collector comprising a plurality of parallel vertical tubes, connected to each other by one upper horizontal tube and one lower horizontal tube through which a heat carrying fluid flows, a glass surface that covers the parallel vertical tubes, the upper horizontal tube and the lower horizontal tube, and a dissipating device installed in an upper part of the solar thermal collector, the heat dissipating device comprising a thermostatic valve, a heat exchanger and a return pipe, wherein the thermostatic valve is housed in the upper horizontal tube, the thermostatic valve and the heat exchanger being connected to a pipe by way of an inverted U-shaped tube provided at a greater height than the inlet to the heat exchanger, such that, under normal working conditions, energy losses by heat transfer by convection from the thermostatic valve to the heat exchanger are interrupted.
US08726890B2	Intake air heating apparatus An intake air heating apparatus may include an air pump, an intake chamber, an air heater, and a delivery pipe associated with an intake manifold. When intake air is heated, a throttle valve may be closed, the air pump may be started, and electrical power may be supplied to the air heater. The air flowing from the intake chamber may be heated by the air heater. Thereafter, the air may flow from the delivery pipe into branch pipes and circulate to the intake chamber. At that time, since the throttle valve may be closed, and an intake valve or an exhaust valve of an engine may be closed, the heated air may not flow out and the air temperature in the intake manifold and the intake air heating apparatus may increase.
US08726888B2	Atmosphere-opening structure for canister of vehicle An atmosphere-opening structure is provided for a canister of a vehicle which can prevent invasion of dust and water drops from an atmosphere-opening passage by a simple configuration which is easy to produce. A fuel tray is provided around a fuel filler such that fuel leaking from the fuel filler to the outside upon refueling is received by the fuel tray. The fuel tray is covered with a fuel lid which can open and close the fuel filler from above. A drain hole for discharging fuel to the outside is provided in the fuel tray. An opening hose for communicating the canister and the atmosphere with each other is provided. An opening end of the opening hose is communicated with a position higher than the drain hole in the fuel tray.
US08726887B2	Method for operating a hybrid vehicle A method is provided for operating a hybrid vehicle (1) having an internal combustion engine (2) and an electric machine (4) that can be used individually or jointly to drive at least one axle (9, 10) of the hybrid vehicle (1) by connecting a clutch (15), and having a regeneratable filter device that takes up fuel vapors from a fuel tank of the internal combustion engine (2). To improve the comfort in a purely electric driving mode and/or to improve the reproducible operation of a hybrid vehicle during a special exhaust gas test, in a purely electric driving mode in which the hybrid vehicle (1) is driven only by the electric machine (4), the internal combustion engine (2) is switched on with the clutch (15) open to regenerate the filter device.
US08726882B2	Engine speed control system An engine includes a throttle assembly, a governor, and an actuator. The throttle assembly is designed to at least partially control a fuel flow rate of the engine. The governor is designed to sense a speed of the engine and at least partially control the throttle assembly as a function of the engine speed. The actuator is designed to sense a manifold vacuum pressure of the engine and at least partially control the throttle assembly as a function of the vacuum pressure.
US08726881B2	Inlet passage structure of V-type internal combustion engine In the inlet passage structure of the V-type internal combustion engine, front and rear banks have inlet ports with a nearly identical inlet passage length, and an inlet chamber is connected to a top end openings of the inlet ports. A throttle body and the inlet chamber are offset on a side leading to a cylinder on a side away from the throttle body. The inside of the inlet chamber is formed with a nearly straight inlet passage from the throttle body to the top end opening of the inlet port leading to the cylinder bore on the side away from the throttle body, and a curved inlet passage to the top end opening of the inlet port leading to the cylinder on a close side.
US08726880B2	Electric cam phaser control systems and methods A system for an engine includes a motor driver module, a target phase angle module, and a correlation control module. The motor driver module controls an electric motor of a camshaft phaser based on a target angle defined by a crankshaft position and a camshaft position. The target phase angle module selectively sets the target angle to a first phase angle before a deceleration fuel cutoff (DFCO) event and selectively transitions the target angle to a predetermined phase angle during the DFCO event. The correlation control module selectively compares a value of the crankshaft position with a predetermined crankshaft position range during the DFCO event.
US08726874B2	Cylinder bore with selective surface treatment and method of making the same A cylinder bore with selective surface treatment includes a longitudinal axis and a cylindrical wall extending along the longitudinal axis, the cylindrical wall including first and second end portions and a middle portion positioned between the first and second end portions, the middle portion having a greater surface roughness than at least one of the first and second end portions.
US08726871B2	Corona ignition system having selective enhanced arc formation A corona discharge (24) ignition includes an electrode (38) emitting a radio frequency electric field and providing a corona discharge (24) to ignite a combustible mixture. The system includes a controlled high voltage energy supply (52) providing energy to a main energy storage (28) at a main voltage. A fixed high voltage energy supply (54) provides extra energy to an extra energy storage (26) at an extra voltage, which is greater than the main voltage. While the corona discharge (24) is being provided, the energy of the main energy storage (28), but not the extra energy storage (26), is provided to the electrode (38). When the corona discharge (24) switches to arc discharge, the extra energy of the extra energy storage (26) is provided to the corona igniter (22) to enhance the arc discharge and provide reliable ignition until the corona discharge (24) is restored.
US08726869B2	Internal combustion engine with plate-mounted cam drive system An internal combustion engine for a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, includes a crankcase, two banks of cylinders projecting from the crankcase in a 56-57 degree V-configuration, a plurality of pushrods, and a plurality of camshafts supported by the crankcase. The two banks of cylinders include a first cylinder bank that projects from the crankcase to a first cylinder head, and a second cylinder bank that projects from the crankcase to a second cylinder head. The plurality of intake and exhaust valve pushrods extend between the crankcase and the first and second cylinder heads, driven by one intake camshaft and two exhaust camshafts.
US08726866B1	Check valve for a camshaft phaser A camshaft phaser for controllably varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine is attached to the camshaft with a camshaft phaser attachment bolt. The camshaft phaser attachment bolt includes a stepped bore for communicating pressurized oil from the internal combustion engine to a valve spool and is defined by a larger diameter bore, a smaller diameter bore, and a shoulder between the larger diameter bore and the smaller diameter bore. A check valve assembly includes a check valve body axially moveable within the larger diameter bore. The check valve body includes a plurality of azimuthally spaced guiding walls, a plurality of clearance walls separating the guiding walls, and a seating surface at one end of the guiding walls and the clearance walls for selectively seating with the shoulder to prevent fluid communication between the larger diameter bore and the smaller diameter bore.
US08726864B2	Engine that actively varies compression expansion ratio An engine that actively varies a compress expansion ratio may include an intake camshaft to which an intake cam may be formed to lift an intake valve, an exhaust camshaft to which an exhaust cam may be formed to lift an exhaust valve, an intake valve variable timing unit disposed at one end portion of the intake camshaft to advance or retard a rotation of the intake camshaft, an exhaust valve variable timing unit disposed at one end portion of the exhaust camshaft to advance or retard a rotation of the exhaust camshaft, an intake valve variable duration unit disposed at the other end portion of the intake camshaft to vary a lift duration of the intake camshaft, and an exhaust valve variable duration unit disposed at the other end portion of the exhaust camshaft to vary a lift duration of the exhaust camshaft.
US08726859B2	Two-stroke cycle combustion engine of air scavenging type A two-stroke cycle combustion engine of an air scavenging type includes one or more scavenging passages (13, 14) for communicating a crank chamber (2a) and a combustion chamber (1a) with each other, an air passage (10) for supplying an air (A), an introducing passages (16) for introducing the air (A) from the air passage (10) into an upper portion of each scavenging passage (13, 14) from a direction radially outwardly of a cylinder block (1), and a covering member (21) for covering the introducing passage (16) from an outer side. The covering member (21), the upper portion of each scavenging passage (13, 14) and a part of the introducing passage (16) are formed integrally with each other by a scavenging block (20).
US08726856B2	Internal combustion engine An Otto cycle, Atkinson cycle or supercharged internal combustion engine (10) and a timing mechanism therefor. The engine comprising: a cylinder (14) and a piston (12) reciprocally mounted within the cylinder (14) in which reciprocating movement of the piston is converted into rotational movement of an output shaft (28) by way of rollers (20, 24) engaging primary (22) and secondary (26) cam means which are affixed to, and rotatable with, the output shaft (28). The timing mechanism comprising cam means (52, 53) mounted on, and rotatable in unison with, the output shaft (28), a cam follower (54, 55) arranged to engage the cam means (52) and a linkage connecting the cam follower to a pivoting rocker arm for actuating the engine's induction and exhaust valves, the rocker arm pivot being adapted to be moveable on an arcuate locus centered on the axis of the output shaft (28).
US08726852B2	Fuel activation method and fuel supply system A process in which liquid fuel is saturated with a gas to provide a fuel/gas solution said fuel/gas solution fed to a combustion engine, a first portion of said fuel/gas solution that is fed to said combustion engine is combusted, a second portion of said fuel/gas solution that is fed to said combustion engine is not combusted, the temperature of said second portion of said fuel/gas solution is reduced in a heat exchanger to produce a reduced temperature second portion, evaporated gas in said reduced temperature second portion is then removed in a separator, and the fuel/gas solution thus produced is then fed back into the combustion engine.
US08726850B2	Pet collar breakaway buckle device The present disclosure relates to a pet collar breakaway buckle device configured to be worn around the neck of a pet. Certain pets may have a natural instinct to wander, climb, and/or squeeze in to small places. Pets that squeeze into small places may catch their collars such that the pet becomes stuck. The pet collar breakaway buckle device described herein may be configured to break away under the bodyweight of the pet, reducing the risk of strangling and/or other unintended injury to the pet. A pet owner and/or other person may apply a compressive load to the buckle device to attach the collar around the neck of a pet and a tensile load to remove the device from the neck of a pet. In some implementations, the pet collar breakaway buckle device may comprise a strap, a first interlocking clasp, a second interlocking clasp, and/or other components.
US08726847B2	Custom-shape wireless dog fence system and method with temperature compensated crystal oscillator for reduced clock speed variation between multiple base units and collar A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes a TCXO for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/−5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.
US08726846B2	Custom-shape wireless dog fence system and method with reduced clock speed variation between multiple base units and collar A custom-shaped wireless fence system is provided that contains one or more dogs in a user-defined containment area without the need for a physical fence or underground wire. The system, which is easy to set up and use, includes at least three base units and at least one collar and, preferably, a remote controller. Each of the base units and the at least one collar includes a component for reducing clock speed variation between the base and collar units, preferably to +/−5 ppm, to effectively eliminate communication errors between the base and collar units.
US08726835B2	Chemical bath deposition apparatus for fabrication of semiconductor films A chemical bath deposition apparatus is presented to prepare different thin films on plane substrates. In particular, it is useful to deposit CdS or ZnS buffer layers in manufacture of thin film solar cells. This deposition apparatus deposits thin films onto vertically travelling plane workpieces delivered by a conveyor belt. The thin films are deposited with continuously spraying the reaction solutions from their freshly mixed styles to gradually aged forms until the designed thickness is obtained. The substrates and the solutions are heated to a reaction temperature. During the deposition processes, the front surfaces of the substrates are totally covered with the sprayed solutions but the substrate backsides are remained dry. The reaction ambience inside the reactor can be isolated from the outside atmosphere. The apparatus is designed to generate a minimum amount of waste solutions for chemical treatments.
US08726833B2	Painting system having a vehicle with lift structure, table actuator, and spray head A system for painting a structure includes a motorized, wheeled vehicle that is movable along a surface and includes a frame and a lift structure coupled with the frame. The system also includes a support structure supported by the lift structure, and a table supported by the support structure. The table is translatable relative to the support structure. The system also includes a mount structure rotatably coupled with the table and a kit of parts that includes a spray head assembly configured for releasable attachment to the mount structure. The system further includes a paint reservoir and a pump, each being supported by one of the vehicle and the support structure.
US08726830B2	Robot comprising a cleaning device and associated operating method Exemplary robots and corresponding exemplary operating methods for a painting system are disclosed. In one example, the robot is a handling robot for opening and closing doors or bonnets of motor vehicle bodies. A robot element of a handling robot that is susceptible to dirt retention, e.g., a handling tool, may be arranged away from the spray jet of a paint during the painting operation and is applied to the component that is to be painted. The robot may include a cleaning device for cleaning or for keeping the robot element of the handling robot that is susceptible to dirt retention clean from paint that is applied with spray jet in the painting operation.
US08726829B2	Chemical bath deposition apparatus for fabrication of semiconductor films through roll-to-roll processes A chemical bath deposition apparatus is presented to prepare different thin films on continuous flexible substrates in roll-to-roll processes. In particular, they are useful to deposit CdS or ZnS buffer layers in manufacture of thin film solar cells. This apparatus deposits thin films onto vertically travelling continuous flexible workpieces delivered by a roll-to-roll system. The thin films are deposited with continuously spraying the reaction solutions from their freshly mixed styles to gradually aged forms until the designed thickness is obtained. The substrates and the solutions are heated to a reaction temperature. During the deposition processes, the front surfaces of the flexible substrates are totally covered with the sprayed solutions but the substrate backsides are remained dry. The reaction ambience inside the reactor can be isolated from the outside atmosphere. The apparatus is designed to generate a minimum amount of waste solutions for chemical treatments.
US08726828B2	Coating apparatus having coater chuck Disclosed is a coating apparatus having a coater chuck capable of improving a photoresist coating uniformity by preventing the coater chuck for performing a photoresist coating process from being sunk, in a manner of employing a different type of a material for making the coater chuck, wherein the coater chuck is made of stone and connected to a a servo motor via a drive shaft, the driving shaft being movable up and down, and a glass substrate coated with photoresist through a slit nozzle is placed on the coater chuck.
US08726827B1	Systems and methods for compensating for compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch in buoyancy controlled underwater vehicles Systems and methods for compensating for compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient mismatch in buoyancy controlled or buoyancy-driven underwater vehicles are disclosed herein. An underwater vehicle configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, for example, can include a hull and a compartment carried by the hull and at least partially flooded with a first liquid having similar properties as a surrounding liquid into which the hull is configured to be deployed. The first liquid has a first compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient. The underwater vehicle can further include a compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient compensation system comprising a container filled or at least partially filled with a compressible liquid comprising silicone in the compartment. The compressible liquid has a second compressibility higher than the first compressibility and second thermal expansion coefficient higher than the first thermal expansion coefficient. The compressible liquid can include, for example, hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDS).
US08726826B1	Mooring systems and methods Self-tensioning load-equalizing mooring systems and methods (of mooring a ship) that employ at least one mooring line and at least one counter-weight.
US08726822B2	Vessel The invention relates to a ship of the displacement type with a Ramform™ hull that has a transom stern (100), a longitudinal length L in the design waterline plane (300), a base plane (400) parallel with the design waterline plane at a distance T corresponding to the design draught of the hull and including essentially sinusoidal waterlines (602), a sloping plane (200) that comprises the bottom of the after end of the ship and which extends from the transom stern (100) at the design waterline plane (300) to the base plane (400) at approximately L/2 and a bulge on each side along a considerable part of the length of the hull, terminating at the forward end of the hull ahead of the length L in a tongue-like bulb member (900). The relationship between the maximum beam B and the design draught T is considerably more than 7, preferably between 10 and 12, and where the bulges (901) form the bulb member (900) and aft towards L/2 have a transversal horizontal orientation from the surface of the hull and which from about L/2 rotate gradually downward 90 degrees into a vertical orientation so that the bulge (902) at the transom stern (100) lies below the sloping plane (200) and along the outer edges of the sloping plane, but within the maximum beam B and above the base plane (400).
US08726821B2	Handheld machine for attaching hair weave to natural hair The handheld hair weaving sewing machine has a motor driven by electric power and an on/off switch for providing electricity to the motor. A dial is provided for selecting a stitch pattern. A power switch is pressed to apply power to the motor to sew. A bobbin case containing a bobbin of thread and a bobbin thread spool for delivering thread to the needle are disposed within the machine housing. Rubber guards are provided to protect the scalp from injury. A tension dial is provided for adjusting the tension of the thread leaving the bobbin thread spool. A rotary wheel is provided for moving a needle up and down and moving the needle high enough to position the hair for properly sewing.
US08726820B2	Twin row planter An apparatus and method to precisely meter and dispense two or more crop inputs with a common metering disc is presented to achieve proper placement in the soil relative to one another. In one embodiment, dry granular or granulized fertilizer is metered from one side of the disc and seed is metered from the opposite side of the same metering disc. The fertilizer is placed in a concentrated “pulse” approximately equal distances between seeds within a common seed furrow and/or between seed furrows to improved nutrient use efficiency by minimizing soil to fertilizer contact and subsequent chemical reactions that make applied supplemental nutrients less available to plants. Pressurized air may be utilized to assist discharge of both the seed and fertilizer from the disc meter to assure precise spacing in the soil. A cover may be placed on the meter and metering disc to recirculate air and thus minimize potential atmospheric contamination from seed coatings and fertilizer materials.
US08726816B2	Element for the storage, treatment and transport of articles Element for the storage, handling and transport of planar or primarily planar objects (33), that has an approximately rectangular shape with a length (L) and width (B) in the horizontal plane, that defines on its top two bearing surfaces (20) sloping inwards and two approximately perpendicular support surfaces (21) standing on them, whereby the support surfaces (21) together also define a ridge (23) that extends over the length (L) of the element (27, 29), the ridge (23) is in such a position that the two bearing surfaces (20) are of different sizes.
US08726815B2	Pallet guard A guard for protecting the sides of a pallet on which goods can be stacked or a merchandise grouping placed on a support surface, the guard comprising a plurality of modular guard sections, each section being couplable to an adjacent section to surround at least a portion of the perimeter of a pallet or merchandise grouping, each modular guard section having top and bottom portions disposed between front and back portions, the bottom portion being wider than the top portion making each modular guard section substantially wedge or triangular shaped in cross section to increase the stability of the guard section, the guard sections each having a complementary portion of a joint for coupling the sections together, wherein the modular guard sections each comprise at least two telescoping members to allow adjustability of the length of a guard section; further wherein each guard section comprises complementary detent elements that allow the telescoping members to attain respective detented positions.
US08726814B1	Convertible workstation A convertible work station is operable to convert between an operating configuration and a storage configuration. The work station comprises: right and left base shoulder elements; right and left horizontal base members for supporting the work station on a surface, pivotally connected to the shoulder elements and constrained to pivot along a horizontal plane and lockable in position relative to the shoulder elements; right and left first support members spaced apart from each other and having first and second ends and the support members being pivotally connected to the respective right and left shoulder elements at their first ends and constrained to pivot in one direction. The support members are lockable in position relative to the shoulder elements. A work station component is pivotally connected to the second ends of the right and left support members.
US08726813B2	Honeycomb table A honeycomb table, including an upper skin tapped with holes for mounting equipments, a lower skin with a plurality of holes, a honeycomb core layer, connecting side walls, a number of cups and funnels in honeycomb core cells one-to-one. The cups are positioned on the holes in the lower skin. The cups and funnels prevent contaminants and residue from reaching the interior of the honeycomb core, such that the honeycomb can be continuously maintained in a clean working condition.
US08726810B2	Grenade having safety lever with integrated firing pin retaining clip A grenade includes a body having at least one interior chamber; a fuze assembly attached to the body, that fuze assembly being capable of detonating the grenade and a safety lever movable between a first position to a second position which engages the fuze assembly. A firing pin is engageable with the safety lever to prevent the lever from being moved to the second position. A retaining clip retains the firing pin and prevents premature release of the pin from the grenade wherein the retaining clip is integrated within the safety lever.
US08726804B1	System and method for adjusting and cooling a densifier A system for adjusting the output of a densifier that includes a compression screw, wherein the system includes a pressure system. The pressure system may include a frame that at least partially surrounds at least a portion of a rail section of an extruder module associated with the densifier; at least one spring interposed between a first plate and the rail section, the first plate interposed between the frame and the spring, wherein the spring is associated with a face of the first plate; and a compression system associated with the first plate and the frame, wherein adjustment of the compression system is adapted to increase or decrease the compression force applied by the at least one spring to a side wall of the rail section.
US08726801B2	Controlling device for servo press and servo press equipped with the controlling device There is provided a controlling technique for a servo press capable of optimal forming for handling variability in a sheet thickness and material property of a workpiece and for handling each workpiece. A controlling device for controlling a servo press in accordance with a slide motion data includes: measurement equipment for measuring a forming state of a workpiece, attached to a die for forming the workpiece; a measurement result receiving portion for receiving a measurement result sent from the measurement equipment; and a slide motion data changing portion for changing a slide motion data for forming the same workpiece at scheduled measuring time in accordance with the measurement result received by the measurement result receiving portion.
US08726796B2	Sliding grill fixing apparatus Provided is a sliding grill fixing apparatus, which is installed on a sliding grill. The sliding grill fixing apparatus includes an actuating lever that runs across a sliding grill in a horizontal direction between opposite inner faces of the sliders and has a grip in the middle thereof, actuating legs that protrude downward from opposite ends of the actuating lever, actuating hinges that are disposed between the actuating legs and the opposite inner faces of the sliders in a horizontal direction, driving brackets that are moved in one direction by rotation of the actuating legs, actuating brackets that move together with the driving brackets to be inserted into the fixing recesses, and fixing hinges, each of which is disposed between each actuating bracket and the outer face of each slider and is hinged to the outer face of each slider such that each actuating bracket can rotate.
US08726794B2	Frying device The present invention relates to a frying device for carrying out a frying process for food products (2) comprising a frying oil reservoir (20) which can be filled with a volume of frying oil; a food product carrier (3) which can at least partially be immersed in the frying oil in the frying oil reservoir and at least one heating unit (30) having at least one heating element (31) which is positioned at least partially inside the frying oil reservoir and which has a heating surface (32a) which is in contact with the frying oil in the frying oil reservoir during the frying process. Characteristic of the frying device according to the invention is the fact that the heating unit comprises a frying oil duct (35) with a channel-heating surface (35a). Furthermore, the heating unit comprises a first pump (38) for passing frying oil through the frying oil duct. During the frying process, the frying oil duct is in flow communication with the volume of frying oil in the frying oil reservoir, as a result of which frying oil can be passed from the frying oil reservoir through the frying oil duct.
US08726790B2	Milk frothing device A milk frothing device comprises a housing (2) including a container (10) for receiving the milk to be frothed, and a frothing means (20), wherein the container comprises a side wall (11), a bottom portion (13) and an inclined wall portion (12), wherein the inclined wall portion is inclined with respect to the side wall and is confined by the side wall and the bottom portion, wherein the container and the frothing means together form an asymmetrical arrangement.
US08726789B2	Air pump operated brewer system and method A system as disclosed herein uses a cold or unheated water source such as a reservoir or a pressurized inlet feed line, and a heated water reservoir. The unheated water reservoir is pressurized with a pressurizing apparatus communicating with the unheated water reservoir. Such a pressurizing apparatus may include an air pump, bladder or piston arrangement as well as other pressurizing apparatus. The pressurizing apparatus is controllable to push water from the unheated water reservoir to the heated water reservoir. As a result of the pressurization and displacement of the unheated water, heated water is then displaced and forced from the heated water reservoir. Heated water from the heated water reservoir is dispensed to the spray head and over the beverage brewing substance such as coffee for brewing.
US08726788B2	Beverage making unit for use in a process of preparing a beverage on the basis of at least two fluids A disposable cartridge (10), which is suitable to be used in a process of preparing a beverage, comprises a beverage making unit (1). A duct system (30) of the beverage making unit (1) has a main duct (31), a first subsidiary duct (32) which merges into the main duct (31), and a second subsidiary duct (33) which merges into the main duct (31) as well, at a different position than the first subsidiary duct (32). In a process of preparing a beverage, a first fluid is supplied by the main duct (31), and flows of a second fluid are supplied by the subsidiary ducts (32, 33). In this way, it is achieved that the second fluid is mixed with the first fluid in two steps. In case the second fluid is used for heating the first fluid, local boiling of the first fluid is prevented.
US08726787B2	Rotary hydraulic actuator with hydraulically controlled position limits A rotary hydraulic actuator includes a housing defining a chamber, a first boss, and a port block with a bore communicating with the chamber. The port block includes rotor supply and drain ports communicating with the bore, and a stator port communicating with the chamber through a stator hole in the boss. A rotor mounted in the internal chamber includes: a body with a laterally-extending arm; a first stub shaft received in the bore, the first stub shaft including base slots passing laterally therethrough; a first rotor port disposed in the arm in communication with the internal chamber, and oriented in a tangential direction relative to an axis of rotation; and internal passages which interconnect the rotor base slots and the first rotor port. Passages in the port block communicate with the bore and interconnect the rotor supply and drain ports at a first angular position of the rotor.
US08726785B2	Hydraulic drive system and diagnostic control strategy for improved operation A method and apparatus are provided for hydraulic fluid supply between a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic drive unit, switching hydraulic fluid flow direction to the hydraulic drive unit or stopping hydraulic fluid flow to the hydraulic drive unit when measured hydraulic fluid pressure crosses a predetermined pressure threshold value. The method further comprises calculating an amount of mechanical work done by the hydraulic drive unit and warning an operator or limiting hydraulic fluid flow rate to the hydraulic drive unit when the calculated mechanical work for the drive cycle is less than an expected amount of mechanical work. The apparatus for practicing the method further includes a pressure sensor associated with a hydraulic fluid supply conduit between the pump and the drive unit, and an electronic controller programmed to operate the drive system according to the method.
US08726781B2	Wearable air blast protection device Described embodiments include a system, device and method. A described device includes a first material configured to reflect a substantial portion of a specified incident air blast wave energy. The first material has an acoustic impedance substantially mismatched to air's acoustic impedance. The device includes a second material configured for wearing proximate to a human body and having attenuating-regions. A first attenuating-region has a first inelastic response to the specified incident air blast wave energy. A second attenuating-region has a second inelastic response to the specified incident air blast wave energy. At least a portion of a back surface of the first material is proximate to at least a portion of a front surface of the second material.
US08726780B2	Barrier A barrier formed from a plurality of identical modular units that have an essentially planar front panel and triangular shaped top and bottom plates extending rearward from the front panel. Adjacent units are interconnected to one another at their terminal vertices by a square tubular member. A square shaped opening is formed approximately centrally through each of the triangular shaped plates. In addition, elongated linkages may be provided at about the midpoint of each side edge for purposes of interconnecting units that are positioned adjacent to another unit so as to assist in the formation of the overall barrier. The linkages provide pivotal movement between adjacent barriers through a range of angles from about 90 degrees (to provide a corner arrangement) to 180 degrees (to provide a straight wall arrangement).
US08726778B2	Cost-effective high-volume method to produce metal cubes with rounded edges This disclosure generally relates to high-volume and cost-effective methods for producing non-spherical metal particles, particularly methods for producing metal cubes having rounded edges. The metal cubes having rounded edges are useful as ballistic shot in shotshell loads for hunting, where the particle shape imparted by the disclosed process packs to a higher density than spherical shot in the same volume.
US08726776B2	Table saw guard A table saw guard assembly for guarding a blade on a table saw is provided. The table saw guard assembly includes a support structure and a hood assembly including at least one of a front curtain, first side curtain, second side curtain and top curtain, wherein each of said curtains are independently moveable and/or removable from the hood assembly. Furthermore, a table saw guard assembly is provided including a quick release mechanism for connecting the hood assembly to the support structure.
US08726775B2	Punching scrap removal device and blade mount for rotary die cutter It is intended to improve work efficiency by eliminating the work of attaching and removing push rods during installing and dismounting the a blade mount and also to reduce abrasion of the push rods for pushing punching scrap out of a punching blade. The first push rods 18 are inserted movably in the first through-holes 16 formed in the knife cylinder and the second push rods 36 are inserted movably in the second through-holes 34 formed in the blade mount to permit the second push rods 36 to be abutted on the first push rods 18. A scrap push lever 30 is mounted on the outer end of the second push rod 36 to push out the punching scrap a and an eccentric cylinder 14 is provided inside of the knife cylinder 10 to push the first push rod 18 outward when pushing out the punching scrap a. The stroke of the first push rod 18 is controlled so that the outer end 18a of the first push rod 18 does not project from the outer periphery 10a of the knife cylinder. The first push rod 18 and the second push rod 36 are preferably made from one of self-lubricating resin and abrasion-resistant material.
US08726773B2	Table saw having airflow apparatus A power tool includes a table structure having a work surface and a motor assembly having an output drive positioned under the work surface. The motor assembly is adjustable relative to the work surface between a first position that is close to the work surface and a second position that is further from the work surface. A fan member is coupled to the motor assembly to generate an airflow. A blade case is positioned under the work surface including a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall, and an air guide configured to channel the airflow into the blade case through an opening in the first sidewall. The air guide is further configured to move with the motor assembly between the first position and the second position. The air guide covers the opening in both the first position and the second position.
US08726772B2	Self-centering steady rest A self-centering steady rest (1) for clamping a workpiece (4) on a turning machine, with three holding elements (5, 6, 7) mounted in a housing (2) and held adjustably in a common plane, the two outer holding elements (5, 7) being configured as swivelling angled levers supported in the housing (2) and in a mirror-image arrangement with one another, and the middle holding element (6) is guided in the housing (2) by means of middle piece (8) in a driveable connection with a drive unit (61) to be axially moveable in the direction of the workpiece (4), with control surfaces (9) being provided on the middle piece (8) wherein the two outer holding elements (5, 7) interact with the control surfaces (9) to achieve clamping movements of the three holding elements (5, 6, 7) and are performed by means of a drive device (21, 61) which is operated electrically, and which performs rotational movement that is converted into an axial advance and return movement performed by the middle piece (8).
US08726766B1	One-way torque tool A one-way torque tool includes a head, a rotor placed in the head, a number of ratchets formed on the head, two pawls pivotally connected to the rotor and detachably engaged with the ratchets. The ratchets are separated from one another by a first angle α identical to 360 degrees divided by the number of the ratchets. The pawls are separated from each other by a second angle β identical to a multiple of the first angle α plus a third angle θ that is smaller than the first angle α.
US08726761B2	Selectively filled composite steering wheel A steering wheel for a vehicle includes a hollow shell with a first interior chamber. The steering wheel further includes an outer skin on an exterior of the hollow shell. An interior filler may be positioned in at least the first interior chamber. The hollow shell may be molded.
US08726757B2	Device for adjusting the position of a steering column A device is provided for adjusting, in a vehicle cabin, the position of a steering wheel secured at the free end of a steering shaft. The device includes an adjusting arrangement for adjusting, in a preferred driving position, the position of the steering wheel in at least one direction, the adjusting arrangement being supported by a retracting arrangement capable of moving the steering wheel into a retracted position wherein the steering wheel does not protrude into the vehicle cabin while maintaining unaltered, with respect to the adjusting arrangement, the preferred driving position. The device makes it possible to maintain the individual adjustment carried by a driver when the steering wheel is moved into retracted position.
US08726755B2	Shift device In a shift lever device, a first-link is held at a permitting-position due to a release button being operated. Therefore, when a shift lever is operated from a “P” shift position, when a second-link is pushed toward a vehicle right side by the shift lever, even if a magnet is not energized, the second-link is rotated in a state where sliding of the first-link toward a vehicle right is impeded. Operation of the shift lever from the “P” shift position is thereby forcibly permitted. Here, the first-link is disposed at the permitting-position that is an initial-position, and, due to the release button being operated, the first-link is held at the permitting-position. Therefore, there is no need to move the first-link by operation of the release button, and the operation load and operation stroke of the release button can be made to be small.
US08726752B2	Shift securing device for a multi-speed manual gearbox A shift securing device of a manual gearbox that is shifted by a selector shaft disposed axially parallel to the gearbox shafts. The selector shaft slides axially and rotates about the longitudinal axis of the selector shaft and can be selectively coupled to a shift fork guided on a shift rail and/or rocker. An axially fixed and rotatable locking body supports locking elements for form-locking the uncoupled shift rail and/or rocker. The locking body is a box frame having two transverse and two longitudinal members. The transverse members have bearing holes in which the selector shaft is accommodated in an axially movable manner. The locking body is rotationally fixed to the selector shaft by a carrier that engages in one of the longitudinal members in a form-locking manner. The locking body is fixed to the housing by an axial bearing disposed on a transverse member.
US08726748B2	Probe apparatus and substrate transfer method A probe apparatus includes a plurality of prober chamber arranged in a straight line; and a loader chamber having a substrate transfer mechanism that takes out a test target substrate from a container provided in an upper area of the prober chamber, lowers the test target substrate to a height corresponding to a loading/unloading port of the prober chamber, moves in front of a row of the prober chambers in parallel to the row of the prober chambers and transfers the test target substrate into the prober chamber. A reading mechanism for reading information recorded on the test target substrate held on the substrate transfer mechanism is installed at a horizontal moving mechanism that moves the substrate transfer mechanism in front of the row of the prober chambers in parallel to the row of the prober chambers.
US08726746B2	Method for checking the state of a pipette, pipetting method, pipetting device, and suction tube for a pipetting device The invention relates to a method for checking the state of a pipette, which pipette includes a suction tube and a pipette tip. According to the invention, ultrasound is coupled into the wall of the suction tube and the damping of the ultrasonic signal is measured as a function of the frequency. The measured frequency-dependent damping is compared with at least one reference measurement or a calibration curve based on the reference measurements, in order to determine whether the pipette is in a functional condition and/or whether the pipette contains or has made contact with fluid. Furthermore, the invention relates to a pipetting method which uses the inventive method for checking the state, a suction tube arrangement for a pipetting device for pipetting fluid, and a pipetting device with which the inventive methods can be carried out.

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