Document Document Title
US08753636B2 Acute leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma-specific CD43 epitope and use thereof
The present invention relates to a CD43 epitope expressed on human acute leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma cells and its use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a CD43 epitope expressed on human acute leukemia, lymphoblastic lymphoma cells, but not on mature hematopoietic cells, hematopoietic stem cells and non-hematopoietic cells, and to its diagnostic and therapeutic application on acute leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma.
US08753635B2 Monoclonal antibodies to anthrax protective antigen
The characterization and isolation of F20G75, F20G76 and F20G77, anti-PA monoclonal antibodies which also have neutralizing activities is described. The monoclonal antibodies may be used as a pharmaceutical composition for treating individuals suspected of or at risk of or having a Bacillus anthracis infection. The monoclonal antibodies bind to a specific region comprising amino acids 311-316 of PA, ASFFDI or a larger fragment comprising amino acids 301-330 of PA, SEVHGNAEVHASFFDIGSSVSAGFSNSNSS. Vaccines comprising these peptides may be used to immunize individuals against Bacillus anthracis infection.
US08753633B2 Human antibodies that bind human TNFα
Human antibodies, preferably recombinant human antibodies, that specifically bind to human tumor necrosis factor α (hTNFα) are disclosed. These antibodies have high affinity for hTNFα (e.g., Kd=10−8 M or less), a slow off rate for hTNFα dissociation (e.g., Koff=10−3 sec−1 or less) and neutralize hTNFα activity in vitro and in vivo. An antibody of the invention can be a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding portion thereof. The antibodies, or antibody portions, of the invention are useful for detecting hTNFα and for inhibiting hTNFα activity, e.g., in a human subject suffering from a disorder in which hTNFα activity is detrimental. Nucleic acids, vectors and host cells for expressing the recombinant human antibodies of the invention, and methods of synthesizing the recombinant human antibodies, are also encompassed by the invention.
US08753627B2 Anti-activin a antibodies and uses thereof
The disclosure provides compositions and methods relating to or derived from anti-activin A binding proteins, including antibodies. In particular embodiments, the disclosure provides fully human, humanized, and chimeric anti-activin A antibodies that bind human activin A, activin A-binding fragments and derivatives of such antibodies, and activin A-binding polypeptides comprising such fragments. Other embodiments provide nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, cells comprising such polynucleotides, methods of making such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, and methods of using such antibodies, antibody fragments and derivatives and polypeptides, including methods of treating or diagnosing subjects having activin A-related disorders or conditions including cachexia related to gonadal cancer, other cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases.
US08753620B2 Injectable bulking compositions
According to an aspect of the invention, injectable bulking compositions are provided which contain the following: (a) fibers that are configured to prevent migration to locations in the body remote from the injection site, for example, because they have a minimum length that is sufficiently large to prevent migration of the fibers and/or because they have surface features that stimulate host tissue response to lock the fibers in position and (b) a carrier in an amount effective to render the composition injectable.
US08753619B2 Tissue adhesives and sealants and methods for their use
Compositions provided by mixing a biotin-containing component and an avidin-containing component are useful as an adhesive or sealant for medical/surgical uses.
US08753617B2 Composition in the form of a foam for coating the eyelashes
Disclosed herein is a process for coating the eyelashes, comprising applying to the eyelashes at least one layer of at least one composition in the form of a foam. Also disclosed herein is a kit for making up and/or for the nontherapeutic care of the eyelashes comprising: a container comprising a composition in the form of a foam having a density of less than or equal to 0.95 g/cm3; and an applicator comprising at least one application component configured to apply the composition to the eyelashes.
US08753616B2 Process for permanent shaping of human hair
The present invention concerns a process for permanent shaping of human hair used both for the permanent waving of human hair with an excellent waving effect as well as for the straightening of curled hair. Accordingly, the first object of the present invention is a process for permanent shaping hair wherein an aqueous composition comprising at least one inorganic salt is applied onto hair and optionally processed up to 20 min and optionally rinsed off and subsequently a composition comprising at least one reducing agent is applied and rinsed off from hair after a processing time of 1 to 30 min and at a temperature of 20 to 45° C. and a composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent is applied and processed for 1 to 20 min at a temperature range of 20 to 45° C. and rinsed off from hair.
US08753609B2 Fluid bed meal containing a marker and methods of making
A standardized, edible food containing a label for use in the measurement of gastric emptying by the quantification of marker excreted in the breath of the patient and methods of making the same using fluid bed granulation processing.
US08753604B2 Methods and compositions for synaphically-targeted treatment for cancer
Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for targeting therapeutics to cancerous cells and tumors. The disclosed targeting is useful for delivering therapeutic and detectable agents to cancerous cells and tumors.
US08753601B2 Flame synthesis of metal salt nanoparticles, in particular calcium and phosphate comprising nanoparticles
Described is a method for the production of metal salts, wherein the cationic metal is preferably selected from Group I to IV metals and mixtures thereof and the anionic group is selected from phosphates, silicates, sulfates, carbonates, hydroxides, fluorides and mixtures thereof, and wherein said method comprises forming a mixture of at least one metal source that is a metal carboxylate with a mean carbon value per carboxylate group of at least 3 and at least one anion source into droplets and oxiding said droplets in a high temperature environment, preferably a flame. This method is especially suited for the production of calcium phosphate biomaterials such as hydroxyapatite (HAp,Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP,Ca3(PO4)2) that exhibit excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity and therefore are widely used for reparation of bony or periodontal defects, coating of metallic implants and bone space fillers.
US08753599B2 Corrosion control in and selenium removal from flue gas wet scrubber systems
A method and composition for the reduction of the emission of selenium into the environment from the burning of fossil fuels with the use of two chemistries, either individually or in combination with each other. The method uses polydithiocarbamic compounds, including polydithiocarbamic compounds derived from a polymer produced from acrylic-x and alkylamine in conjunction with a scrubber process to capture selenium and reduce its emission in aqueous phase blowdown. The method and composition also helps reduce corrosion in the scrubber process.
US08753591B2 Process for the conversion of molybdenite to molydenum oxide
Molybdic oxide is recovered from molybdenite by a multistep process in which (A) the molybdenite is converted to soluble and insoluble molybdic oxide by pressure oxidation, (B) the insoluble molybdic oxide is converted to soluble molybdic oxide by alkaline digestion and then combined with the soluble molybdic oxide, and (C) the molybdenum values of the combined streams are extracted into an organic phase using a nonprimary amine. The extracted molybdenum values are recovered from the organic phase using aqueous ammonia to form ammonium dimolybdate (ADM) which is recovered as refined crystals from a two-step calcination process. Hallmarks of the process include one or more of economic ammonia recovery and recycle, use of ferrous sulfate to remove arsenic and/or phosphorus from the Mo-loaded aqueous ammonia strip liquor, two-stage calcination of ADM crystals, recovery of rhenium from a filtrate of the residual molybdenum precipitation stage, selenium removal from the liquid fraction from which rhenium is recovered, and caustic boil of the mother liquor from which the selenium is precipitated.
US08753590B2 Purification of metals
A solid composition comprises: MnO2; and a compound represented by the general formula (I) wherein: R is a polymer; each Y is independently a hydrogen or a negative charge; Z is either hydrogen or is not present; each n is independently 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; wherein the MnO2 is bound to the compound of formula (I) so as to coat the surface thereof. Such a composition may be used for the separation of polyvalent metal species, such as Mo, from one or more accompanying impurities.
US08753588B2 Support and stand-off ribs for underdrain for multi-well device
Underdrain design for a multiwell device that when fixed to the device (either as an integral or removable component thereof), allows for adequate venting during filtration, minimizes or prevents air lock, and has improved structural integrity. Also disclosed is a laboratory device designed particularly for a multiplate format that includes a plate or tray having a plurality of wells, and an underdrain in fluid communication with each of the plurality of wells. The underdrain can be a separate, removable piece, or can be an integral unitary structure with the plate or tray forming a one-piece design. The design is preferably in compliance with SBS format.
US08753583B2 Apparatus for handling specimen slides
An apparatus (10) for handling specimen slides (32, 78, 80) has at least one coverslipping module (14) for coverslipping thin sections arranged on specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The apparatus (10) further encompasses a drying unit (16, 70, 90) for extracting solvent from the mounting medium applied onto the specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The drying unit (16, 70, 90) has an air delivery unit (40) for delivering an air flow to the specimen slides (32, 78, 80).
US08753580B2 Intracavity ultrasound probe disinfectant system
A disinfectant system for intracavity ultrasound probes in disclosed generally including a housing, a disinfectant chamber positioned in the housing and receiving at least one ultrasound probe, a container for containing a disinfectant solution fluidly coupled to the disinfectant chamber, at least one pump for supplying the disinfection solution from the container to the disinfection chamber and from the disinfection chamber to the container, and a controller for automated operation of the disinfectant system, wherein the disinfectant solution is a multi-use disinfectant solution. A method for disinfecting intracavity ultrasound probes is also disclosed generally including placing at least one ultrasound probe into a disinfectant chamber, supplying a disinfectant solution from a container to the disinfectant chamber via a pump, and returning the solution to the container via the pump, wherein the steps of supplying and returning the disinfectant solution are controlled by a controller.
US08753579B2 Photoreactor
The photoreactor comprises a tube bundle (10) made up of numerous capillary tubes (11) through which a reaction medium flows. The tubes (11) are transparent. Solar radiation or artificial radiation acts upon the reaction medium for effecting a photochemical or photobiological treatment. The inlet chamber (12) connected with the tube bundle (10) comprises a flow distributor (16) which distributes the reaction medium from the fluid inlet (15) to the tubes (11). The flow distributor (16) allows for a smaller volume of the inlet chamber (12). The reactor volume, which is not irradiated, is thus reduced, and the efficiency of the rector is enhanced.
US08753577B2 Integrated hydrocarbon cracking and product olefin cracking
Processing scheme and arrangement for increasing the relative yield of light olefins involves integration of the cracking a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock to produce an effluent comprising a range of hydrocarbon products including C4-C7 olefins and the subsequent cracking at least a portion of the C4-C7 olefins to produce additional light olefins.
US08753568B2 Autonomous device with biofouling control and method for monitoring aquatic environment
A microprocessor preprogrammable autonomous device with biofouling control and method for monitoring aquatic environment by disposing environmental sensors in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the fluid of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by dissolving a biocide salt in the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time.
US08753567B1 Method and kit for controlling odor in an air scrubber
A method for controlling odor in an air scrubber makes use of a dicarboxylic acid, which is placed in contact with odor-causing contaminants, and which is maintained at a pH of about 5.0 to about 8.0.
US08753564B2 Piston rod and cylinder seal device for aluminum bath crust breaker
A piston rod and cylinder seal device includes a cylinder defining a piston chamber extending between first and second cylinder heads. The second cylinder head has a spud receiving bore, a pressure passage communicating with the spud receiving bore, and a bore supply/vent passage. A piston is disposed in the piston chamber. A piston rod is connected to the piston having a piston rod spud including a shaft receiving bore. A tubular shaft connected to the second cylinder head in the spud receiving bore has a passage communicating with the bore supply/vent passage. The shaft is sealingly received in the shaft receiving bore when the piston rod spud is received in the spud receiving bore preventing pressurized air in the bore supply/vent passage from entering the spud receiving bore. The shaft is positioned outside the shaft receiving bore when the piston rod spud is outside the spud receiving bore.
US08753557B2 Imprint lithography
An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed that has a first array of template holders, a second array of template holders, and a substrate table arranged to support a substrate to be imprinted, wherein the first array of template holders is arranged to hold an array of imprint templates that can be used to imprint a first array of patterns onto the substrate, and the second array of template holders is arranged hold an array of imprint templates that can be used to imprint a second array of patterns onto the substrate, the patterns imprinted by the second array being interspersed between the patterns imprinted by the first array.
US08753554B2 Pelletized low molecular weight brominated aromatic polymer compositions
Novel polymer compositions of specified formula are converted into pellets of this invention by process technology provided by this invention. By forming a binder free melt of a polymer of such polymer compositions, and converting the melt into pellets as described here-in, pellets can be formed produce during production, handling, and use, no more than acceptably small amounts of “fines” or air-entrainable dusts.
US08753552B2 Heat sink and manufacturing method of porous graphite
A heat sink using porous graphite having graphite particle-stacked porous graphite is provided. The heat sink may provide good heat conductivity and improve strength of carbon foam. Also, a manufacturing method of porous graphite is provided.
US08753551B2 Method of manufacturing an optical lens
A method of manufacturing an optical lens that is configured to correct high order aberrations. One embodiment is a method of customizing optical correction in an optical system. The method includes measuring optical aberration data of the optical system. The method further includes calculating a lens definition based on the optical aberration data. Calculating the lens definition may include calculating a correction of at least one high order optical aberration. The method further includes fabricating a correcting lens based on the lens definition.
US08753549B2 Thermally-stable dielectric fluid
The disclosure is directed to a thermally-stable dielectric fluid. The dielectric fluid includes (a) an oil, (b) a substituted, hindered phenolic antioxidant having at least two substituted cresol groups being covalently bonded to each other through a methylene bridge, and (c) a substituted, diphenyl amine antioxidant having at least two substituted phenyl groups being covalently bonded to each other through an amine bridge.
US08753546B2 Composite material with dielectric properties and preparation method thereof
Techniques are generally described related to a composite material with dielectric properties and the preparation method thereof. One example composite material may include a core having a first polymer and an ionic salt and a shell having a second polymer, where the core is electrically conductive and the shell electrically insulates and substantially surrounds the core, wherein the first polymer has a first polarity and the second polymer has a second polarity, and the first polarity is greater than the second polarity.
US08753544B2 Conductive ink and conductor
Ink is manufactured by mixing unoxidized metallic particles to a binder. The ink is printed on an object (502) and hardened for forming a conductor. The process is performed in an inert atmosphere or in vacuum for maintaining the electrical conductivity of the conductor (500).
US08753534B2 Formulation and method for preparing gels comprising hydrous aluminum oxide
Formulations useful for preparing hydrous aluminum oxide gels contain a metal salt including aluminum, an organic base, and a complexing agent. Methods for preparing gels containing hydrous aluminum oxide include heating a formulation to a temperature sufficient to induce gel formation, where the formulation contains a metal salt including aluminum, an organic base, and a complexing agent.
US08753531B1 Product and method for enhancing the biophysical effects of water
A product-by-process produces a product having a vibrational frequency to balance the chemistry of water when untreated water is exposed to the product to thereby enhance the biophysical properties of water, without adding any compound to the water. The result of the exposure is that the physical properties of specific gravity, conductivity, and resistivity of water are modified, and the biophysical properties of the treated water in organisms such as humans, including but not limited to hydration, oxygenation, and detoxification, are enhanced as verified by human clinical tests.
US08753527B2 Plasma etching method and plasma etching apparatus
A plasma etching method uses a plasma etching apparatus including a process chamber, a susceptor, a microwave supplying portion, a gas supplying portion, an evacuation apparatus, a bias electric power supplying portion that supplies alternating bias electric power to the susceptor, and a bias electric power control portion that controls the alternating bias electric power, wherein the bias electric power control portion controls the alternating bias electric power so that supplying and disconnecting the alternating bias electric power to the susceptor are alternately repeated to allow a ratio of a time period of supplying the alternating bias electric power with respect to a total time period of supplying the alternating bias electric power and disconnecting the alternating bias electric power to be 0.1 or more and 0.5 or less.
US08753523B2 Ozone-assisted fluid treatment method
The invention is a method for treating fluid in a main fluid reservoir, e.g., a pool, spa, or water tank, etc., using ozonated air. A fluid filter is placed in an auxiliary fluid reservoir located in or next to the main fluid reservoir. An ozone generator pumps a combination of ozone and air into the auxiliary reservoir. Fluid in the auxiliary reservoir passes through a filter and back into the main reservoir without the use of any fluid pump. More specifically, a vertical lift tube is placed beneath the auxiliary fluid reservoir so that the open top of the lift tube is within the auxiliary reservoir. Fluid from the main reservoir is fed to the bottom of the lift tube. Ozone and air from the ozone generator is also piped into the lift tube near its bottom. The fluid flows through the filter due to the effect of ozone and air bubbles released by a diffuser at the bottom of the lift tube. The diffuser releases thousands of tiny bubbles into the lift tube, which cause the fluid in the tube to rise and mix with fluid already in the auxiliary fluid reservoir. This rising fluid also causes fluid to flow through the filter. The ozone treated fluid output from the filter is piped back into the main fluid reservoir.
US08753522B2 System for controlling introduction of a reducing agent to a liquid stream
A method and system of providing ultrapure water for semiconductor fabrication operations is provided. The water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a free radical removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The free radical removal system can comprise use of a reducing agent. The ultrapure water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system can be utilized to regulate addition of the precursor compound, the intensity of the actinic radiation, and addition of the reducing agent to the water.
US08753520B1 Localized disinfection system for large water bodies
The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling the microbiological properties of a portion of water within a large body of water by treating such zone with chemical agents, according to the temperature of the water, its salinity, its dilution power and the diffusion of chemicals within the large water body.
US08753518B2 Concentrate treatment system
In one aspect the invention provides a system for treating a wastestream, particularly a radwaste, for safe disposal and, in final processing converting it into one or both forms including an aqueous form for safe discharge to the environment and a solidified form for safe disposal. In another aspect the invention provides the capacity to employ a step where a specific target element strategy can be set up synchronizing sorbent substance choices and multiple recycle options to remove target substances from wastestream as a part of its Sorption or Powder Sorbent Isotopic Reduction step (II). Other steps cooperate with Sorption step (II) including Oxidation (I), Solid-Liquid separation (III), and Selective Ion Exchange (IV) to deliver the wastestream to final processing.
US08753517B2 Method and apparatus for removing metallic matter from an oil well circulating completion fluid stream
A method and apparatus for removing metallic material from a circulating well fluid stream provides a treatment vessel that is divided into first and second sections. Each of the sections includes a magnetic field that can be in the form of one or more magnets. In one embodiment, multiple magnets are provided in each of the sections. Manifolds attach to an influent and to an effluent of the treatment vessel. Each manifold enables selective transfer of fluid to either of the selected sections. Similarly, discharge of circulating fluid can be from either of the sections via a discharge manifold. The treatment vessel enables continuous treatment by valving fluid flow so that only one section need be used at a time in order that the other section could be serviced for removing collected metallic material from the magnetic field or from the magnets.
US08753516B2 Corrosion preventing apparatus, corrosion preventing method, and wire electric discharge machining apparatus
A corrosion preventing apparatus including: a water purifying part that includes a hydrogen-ion form resin and a hydroxy-ion form resin; an anticorrosive part that includes a cation form resin and an anion form resin having anticorrosive ions supported thereon; a conductivity measuring part that measures a measured value of conductivity of a machining liquid; and a control part that controls a flow of the machining liquid to the water purifying part and the anticorrosive part on the basis of the conductivity measuring part; wherein the control part performs control on the basis of predetermined first and second conductivities and the measured value measured by the conductivity measuring part.
US08753514B2 Osmotic desalination process
An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gases. The constituent gases and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products. Additionally, by using the waste steam from industrial sources and a heat pump to effectively distribute heat through the present method, the present method exhibits greater energy efficiency than prior art methods.
US08753511B2 Integrated biological wastewater treatment and clarification
Apparatus for integrated biological wastewater treatment and clarification including a tank having a wastewater inlet for receiving wastewater to be treated and having a treated, clarified wastewater outlet for providing treated, clarified wastewater for use, the tank having an upper turbulence region, a lower solids settling region below the upper turbulence region and a sludge collection region below the lower solids settling region, a multiplicity of biomass carriers disposed in the upper turbulence region, a gas diffuser assembly arranged generally between the upper turbulence region and the lower solids settling region for providing gas bubbles which move upwardly through the wastewater and the biomass carriers in the upper turbulence region, providing turbulence and oxygen and a sludge removal conduit communicating with the sludge collection region for removal of sludge therefrom.
US08753505B2 Liquid treatment apparatus and method for using same
An apparatus for treating a liquid includes a first flow generator having an outlet for generating a first flow stream and a reaction chamber positioned in proximity to the outlet of the first flow generator and having a cavity adapted to receive the first flow stream from the first flow generator and reverse its direction within the confined space of the cavity. The flow generator may be a cavitation generator for producing multiple cavitation bubbles in the first slow stream, or a nozzle for generating a flow stream devoid of cavitation bubbles. A method for treating a liquid includes directing the liquid into a first flow generator configured to generate a first flow stream of the liquid, and directing the first flow stream from the first flow generator into a cavity of a reaction chamber.
US08753497B2 Methods, apparatus and systems for concentration, separation and removal of particles at/from the surface of drops
Methods are provided for concentrating particles on the surface of a drop or bubble in a continuous phase, for separating different types of particles, and for removing particles from the surface of the drop or bubble. The methods also facilitate separation of two types of particles on a drop or bubble, optionally followed by solidification of the drop and/or the continuous phase, for example to produce a particle for which the surface properties vary, such as a Janus particle. The methods can be also used to destabilize emulsions and foams by re-distributing or removing particles on the surface of the drop or bubble, facilitating coalescence of the particle-free drops or bubbles.
US08753496B2 Method for monitored separation and collection of biological materials
A device for separating and purifying useful quantities of particles comprises: (a) an anolyte reservoir connected to an anode, the anolyte reservoir containing an electrophoresis buffer; (b) a catholyte reservoir connected to a cathode, the catholyte reservoir also containing the electrophoresis buffer; (c) a power supply connected to the anode and to the cathode; (d) a column having a first end inserted into the anolyte reservoir, a second end inserted into the catholyte reservoir, and containing a separation medium; (e) a light source; (f) a first optical fiber having a first fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a second fiber end connected to the light source; (g) a photo detector; (h) a second optical fiber having a third fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a fourth fiber end connected to the photo detector; and (i) an ion-exchange membrane in the anolyte reservoir.
US08753490B2 Electrolyzer for producing sodium hypochlorite
The present invention relates to an electrolyzer for producing sodium hypochlorite by electrolyzing brine such as salt water or seawater and the like, and more specifically to a horizontal non-membrane type electrolyzer of a new structure which can maintain a constant interval among electrode plates without using a welding means or an adhering means on the inside of a housing by including a separator for dividing an inner space of a hollow type housing into a plurality of electrode chambers; the electrode plates which are arranged in parallel to each other in the constant interval within a rectangular space part of the separator; and a fixing bar for fixing the separator to an inner wall of the housing.
US08753485B2 Multiaxial fabrics
The present invention provides a multilayer multiaxial woven fabric for a papermachine having a reduced interference pattern and accordingly improved dewatering uniformity. The present invention also provides a method of forming such multilayer multiaxial fabric.
US08753483B2 Systems and methods for making fiber webs
Systems and methods for forming fiber webs, including those suitable for use as filter media and battery separators, are provided. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve designs which allow improved control of the fiber web forming process. For example, in certain embodiments involving the flowing of more than one fiber mixtures, the amount of mixing of the fiber mixtures may be controlled to produce fiber webs having different structural and/or performance characteristics. In some embodiments, the systems and methods can be used to form fiber webs having a gradient in a property across a portion of, or the entire, thickness of the fiber web.
US08753480B2 Aldehyde-functionalized polymers with enhanced stability
The current invention includes a composition having stability additives of selected inorganic salts and/or organic incorporated into an aldehyde-functionalized polymer product. The stability additive can be post added to the finished polymer product, added to the reaction vessel prior to inducing functionalization of the non-functionalized polymer, or added at any stage during the functionalization reaction. Methods for forming the composition and using the composition to produce a cellulosic fiber-based medium are also disclosed.
US08753478B2 Creping adhesives comprising blends of high and low molecular weight resins
A composition comprising one or more high molecular weight resins and one or more low molecular weight resins in a ratio of about 1:99 to about 99:1 based on polymer actives, wherein said high molecular weight resins are selected from the group consisting of glyoxylated polyacrylamide, crosslinked polyaminoamide and polyaminoamide-epihalohydrin resins having a molecular weight of about 100,000 to about 5,000,000 Dalton and the low molecular weight resins are selected from the group consisting of glyoxylated polyacrylamide, crosslinked polyaminoamide and polyaminoamide-epihalohydrin resins having a molecular weight of less than about 100,000 Dalton and wherein the mole ratio of epihalohydrin to secondary nitrogen atoms in the high and low molecular weight polyaminoamide-epihalohydrin resins is less than about 0.5. and use of the composition for creping paper webs.
US08753476B2 Methods for producing high-freeness pulp
Methods of producing mechanical pulps from lignocellulosic material including partial defibration of lignocellulosic material in a chip press followed by liquid impregnation, preheating the lignocellulosic material for 20 seconds or less at a pressure between 7.5 and 12 bar (gauge) prior to mechanically refining the lignocellulosic material in a primary mechanical refiner at a pressure between 7.5 and 12 bar (gauge), thus obtaining a high freeness pulp.
US08753471B2 Vacuum heat insulating material, method of producing vacuum heat insulating material, and heat insulating box body using vacuum heat insulating material
Disclosed is a vacuum heat insulating material. Also disclosed is a heat insulating box using the vacuum heat insulating material. The vacuum heat insulating material includes a core member and envelope members having gas-barrier properties and including heat-seal layers. The envelope members are opposed to each other in such a manner that the core member is disposed between the heat-seal layers. The envelope members are entirely heated to a temperature at which the heat-seal layers are melted, and the heat-seal layers are heat sealed to each other by applying uniform pressure to the entire envelope members from outside to inside the envelope members.
US08753469B2 Method of vacuum-assisted RTM
A method of vacuum-assisted RTM includes disposing a resin distribution medium on one surface of a reinforcing-fiber substrate, covering the whole with a bag material, reducing the pressure inside the bag material, and injecting a resin into the resin distribution medium to distribute the resin substantially in in-plane directions and then impregnate the resin into the reinforcing-fiber substrate in the thickness direction. The method is characterized in that the flow resistance of the resin distribution medium itself during resin distribution is changed in in-plane directions of the reinforcing-fiber substrate, in accordance with a difference in fiber weight per unit area or density between parts to be impregnated with resin of the reinforcing-fiber substrate present in a plane direction of the reinforcing-fiber substrate, or in accordance with a difference in distance from a resin impregnation initiation part to a resin impregnation completion part between parts to be impregnated with resin of the reinforcing-fiber substrate present in a plane direction of the reinforcing-fiber substrate.
US08753467B2 Method for maintaining a fastener in a folded configuration
A method for folding a fastener during a high speed manufacturing process and maintaining the fastener in a folded configuration throughout the high speed manufacturing process. The method includes obtaining an article that has a foldable fastener and moving the article in the machine direction during the high speed manufacturing process. The foldable fastener has first and second opposing surfaces, a web and at least one engaging member joined to the web. The method includes applying a frangible bonding agent to a first portion of the first surface of the fastening system; folding the fastening system such that the frangible bonding agent contacts a second portion of the first surface of the fastening system; and allowing the frangible bonding agent to cool at a temperature of less than 60° C.
US08753466B2 Method of making disposable absorbent garments employing elastomeric film laminate body panels
In one embodiment, a method of making disposable absorbent garments includes providing an outer cover web having front and back waist edges; attaching elastomeric front and back body panel webs to the outer cover web. The front and back body panel webs comprise an elastomeric film laminate. Portions of the outer cover web are removed to define a series of spaced apart holes. The elastomeric front body panel web defines a front body panel web width that extends at least 50% of a shortest distance extending from the front waist edge to each hole, and the elastomeric back body panel web defines a back body panel width that extends at least 50% of a shortest distance extending from the back waist edge to each hole.
US08753463B2 Automotive structural joint and method of making same
A joint for an automotive vehicle may be formed by applying an adhesive to at least one of a first member and a first surface of a composite member, placing the first member in contact with the first surface of the composite member, applying an adhesive to at least one of a second member and a second surface of the composite member, positioning a divot portion of the second member within an aperture of the composite member, placing the second member in contact with the second surface of the composite member, attaching the divot portion of the second member with the first member and curing the adhesives.
US08753462B2 Method of manufacturing non-shrinking multilayer ceramic substrate
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a nonshrinking multilayer ceramic substrate. The method includes forming at least one conductive via and an electrode pattern in at least one of a plurality of ceramic green sheets, laminating the ceramic green sheets to form a ceramic laminate, selectively forming a shrinkage inhibiting thin film of sinter-resistant powder on a region including the conductive via and a periphery thereof in at least one of two surfaces of the ceramic laminate using aerosol deposition, disposing a shrinkage inhibiting green sheet for suppressing the shrinkage of the ceramic laminate on at least one of the two surfaces of the ceramic laminate including the shrinkage inhibiting thin film to form a non-sintered multilayer ceramic substrate, and sintering the non-sintered multilayer ceramic substrate.
US08753460B2 Reduction of edge chipping during wafer handling
Methods and systems for reinforcing the periphery of a semiconductor wafer bonded to a carrier are disclosed. In one embodiment, additional adhesive is applied to the semiconductor wafer prior to bonding. The additional adhesive seeps into a crevice between the carrier and wafer and provides reinforcement. In another embodiment, adhesive is applied to the crevice by a dispenser after the wafer is bonded to the glass carrier.
US08753459B2 Needling loops into carrier sheets
Methods of making a sheet-form loop product are provided. One method includes placing a layer of staple fibers against a first side of a substrate comprising a nonwoven web; needling fibers of the layer through the substrate by penetrating the substrate with needles that drag portions of the fibers through the substrate, leaving exposed loops of the fibers extending from a second side of the substrate; and anchoring fibers forming the loops by fusing the fibers to each other and to filaments of the nonwoven web on the first side of the substrate, while substantially preventing fusion of the fibers on the second side of the substrate. Sheet-form loop products are also provided, including for example a flexible nonwoven substrate and a layer of staple fibers disposed on a first side of the substrate, exposed loops of the fibers extending from a second side of the substrate, with bases of the loops being anchored on the first side of the substrate, wherein the fibers on the first side of the substrate are fused together to a relatively greater extent than the fibers on the second side of the substrate.
US08753450B2 Treatment process for an isomerization unit
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for treating an interior of equipment for an isomerization unit. Generally, the isomerization unit includes at least one of a drying zone, an isomerization reaction zone, and a stabilizer zone, for receiving a feed stream. Usually, the feed stream includes one or more C4-C8 hydrocarbons. The process can include combining an anhydrous hydrogen stream and anhydrous organic chloride stream to form a hydrogen chloride feedstock, and passing the hydrogen chloride feedstock to a reaction zone containing a catalyst including at least one of nickel, palladium, and platinum on an alumina support to form a hydrogen chloride stream, and passing the hydrogen chloride stream upstream of the isomerization reaction zone.
US08753449B2 Enhancement in UV curing efficiency using oxygen-doped purge for ultra low-K dielectric film
Embodiments of the invention provide methods for curing an ultra low-k dielectric film within a UV processing chamber. In one embodiment, the method includes depositing an ultra low-k dielectric layer on a substrate in a deposition chamber, and subjecting the deposited ultra low-k dielectric layer to a UV curing processes in a UV processing chamber. The method includes stabilizing the UV processing chamber by flowing an oxygen gas and a purge gas into the UV processing chamber at a flow ratio of about 1:50000 to about 1:100. While flowing the oxygen-doped purge gas, the substrate is exposed to UV radiation to cure the deposited ultra low-k dielectric layer. The inventive oxygen-doped purge curing process provides an alternate pathway to build silicon-oxygen network of the ultra low-k dielectric material, thereby accelerating cross-linking efficiency without significantly affecting the film properties of the deposited ultra low-k dielectric material.
US08753447B2 Heat shield for heater in semiconductor processing apparatus
A heat shield employed in semiconductor processing apparatus comprises a high performance insulation that has low thermal conductivity, such as, below the thermal conductivity of still air over a wide range of temperatures utilized in operation of the apparatus. As an example, the thermal conductivity of the insulation may be in the range of about 0.004 W/m·h to about 0.4 W/m·h over a temperature range of about 0° C. to about 600° C. or more. The deployment of the high performance heat shield reduces the power consumption necessary for the heater by as much as 20% to reach a desired processing temperature as compared to a case of heater power consumption required to reach the same desired temperature without the shield. Further, the heat shield significantly reduces the amount of undesired depositions from gas-entrained constituents on components in the chamber of the apparatus, particularly below or beyond the heat shield, by as much as 90% since the temperature drop is as much as ten orders of magnitude difference.
US08753445B2 Apparatus for growing high quality silicon single crystal ingot and growing method using the same
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for growing a high quality Si single crystal ingot and a Si single crystal ingot and wafer produced thereby. The growth apparatus controls the oxygen concentration of the Si single crystal ingot to various values thereby producing the Si single crystal ingot with high productivity and extremely controlled growth defects.
US08753443B1 Universal tint paste having high solids
The invention relates to a high solids tint paste that is preferably substantially free of solvents that are volatile organic compounds. Preferably the universal tint paste is 100% solids and substantially free of any solvents. The universal tint paste is formed using a functional silicone resin intermediate that is end-capped with an alcohol, catalyzed to form a silicone resin product and combined with one or more desired pigments. The universal tint paste preferably can be used in a wide variety of solvent-borne and high solids coatings.
US08753438B2 Web comprising fine fiber and reactive, adsorptive or absorptive particulate
The assemblies of the invention can comprise a fine fiber layer having dispersed within the fine fiber layer an active particulate material. Fluid that flows through the assemblies of the invention can have any material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid react with, be absorbed by, or adsorbed onto, the active particulate within the nanofiber layer. The structures of the invention can act simply as reactive, absorptive, or adsorptive layers with no filtration properties, or the structures of the invention can be assembled into filters that can filter particulate from a mobile fluid while simultaneously reacting, absorbing, or adsorbing materials from the mobile fluid.
US08753437B2 Dry carbon dioxide capturing device with improved energy efficiency
Disclosed is a dry CO2 capturing device with improved energy efficiency, which utilizes a difference in temperature between a regeneration operation of isolating CO2 from an sorbent containing CO2 absorbed therein and a pre-treatment operation of allowing H2O to be adsorbed to CO2. The dry carbon dioxide (CO2) capturing device, includes a recovery reactor for recovering CO2, a recovery cyclone for discharging a gas while separating the CO2-captured solid sorbent only, a regenerator for receiving the CO2-captured solid sorbent and separating CO2 captured in the solid sorbent, and a pre-treatment reactor for cooling the solid sorbent free from CO2, wherein a first heat exchanger is provided between the recovery cyclone and the regenerator to pass the CO2-captured solid sorbent therethrough, and a second heat exchanger is provided between the pre-treatment reactor and the regenerator to pass the solid sorbent free from CO2 therethrough. The first and second heat exchanger include a first and second heat exchange jacket mounted thereon which are connected to each other in a closed loop state.
US08753434B2 Zinc oxide containing filter media and methods of forming the same
Filter media that includes activated carbon particulates and zinc oxide particles disposed on surfaces of the activated carbon particulates. The zinc oxide particles have an average crystallite dimension that is not greater than about 50 nm.
US08753431B2 Bubble removal method and bubble removal device
A bubble removal method is for removing a bubble from liquid whose viscosity is reduced when shear occurs. A vessel, including a liquid inlet and multiple liquid outlets, whose volumetric capacity is variable and a means for giving resistance to the passage of liquid between the inside and the outside of the vessel are used. The liquid is passed through the vessel against resistance and the volumetric capacity of the vessel is increased and reduced. The interior of the vessel is depressurized and pressurized by the means for giving resistance to the passage of liquid in conjunction with increase and reduction in the volumetric capacity of the vessel.
US08753427B2 Systems and processes for processing hydrogen and carbon monoxide
In various implementations, various feed gas streams which include hydrogen and carbon monoxide may be processed for conversion to product streams. For example, the feed gas stream may be processed using the Fischer-Tropsch process or a methanol synthesis process. Unconverted hydrogen and carbon monoxide can be recycled at high recovery and/or inert components removed to prevent build-up in the recycle system by using an arrangement of pressure swing adsorption systems designed to recover impure product gas streams.
US08753423B2 Operation method for mechanically stirring chrome-containing molten iron
A method for stirring chrome-containing molten iron comprises mechanically stirring chrome-containing molten iron contained in a refining vessel by the use of an impeller having a rotation axis in the vertical direction where the refining vessel is such that the horizontal cross section of the inner wall thereof is circular around the central axis of the vessel in the vertical direction and the impeller, as integrated with the axial rod covered with a refractory, rotates around the central axis of the axial rod, as the rotation axis thereof. The stirring mode is regularly or irregularly switched between a concentric stirring of the molten iron in a state where the rotation axis of the impeller is centered in the central axis of the vessel and an eccentric stirring of the molten iron in a state where the rotation axis of the impeller is decentered from the central axis of the vessel.
US08753419B2 Method for treatment of chrome-containing molten iron and slag
Chrome-containing molten iron and slag are to be obtained in an electric furnace operation using CaF2-free slag. In order to reduce and collect chrome from the slag while simultaneously promoting desulfurization of molten iron, a chrome-containing molten iron produced in an electric furnace and having a Cr content of from 8.0 to 35.0% by mass, and a CaF2-free electric furnace slag formed during the molten iron production, including Cr2O3, SiO2 and CaO as the constituent components and having a basicity CaO/SiO2 of from 0.7 to 1.7, are mechanically stirred with an impeller in a refining vessel. A metal Al-containing substance and CaO are put into the vessel before the end of stirring to thereby control the basicity of the slag after the end of stirring to at least 1.9
US08753417B1 High temperature solid lubricant coating for high temperature wear applications
A self-lubricating, friction and wear reducing composite useful over a wide temperature range is described herein. The composite includes metal bonded chromium oxide dispersed in a metal binder having a substantial amount of nickel. The composite contains a fluoride of at least one Group I, Group II, or rare earth metal, and optionally a low temperature lubricant metal.
US08753416B2 Quick drying polymeric coating
Improved agriculturally useful products are provided, including solid materials such as nitrogenous fertilizers (e.g., urea), together with a polycarboxylated polymer selected from the group consisting of a salts of copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The polymer composition also includes from about 10-60% by weight of an organic drying agent such as a lower alcohol which enhances the quick drying properties thereof. The compositions may also include an amount of boron, and bimodal vinylic polymer made up of quantities of high and low molecular weight (MW) vinylic polymers such as PVA.
US08753415B2 Air cleaner having anti-rotational arrangements and methods
An air cleaner having a housing body and a removable cover and a filter element, in which the cover and the filter element rotationally interfere with each other by engagement between an inside surface of the cover and an outer radial periphery of the filter element. A filter element includes a pair of end caps, filter media, and an outer wall on the end cap circumscribing the filter media, in which the outer wall is non-circular. A method of installing a filter element into a housing includes orienting a cover over an element and a housing body by engaging an inside surface of the cover and an outer radial periphery of the filter element to rotationally interfere with each other.
US08753407B2 Temporary protective gastrointestinal device
Disclosed is an intraluminal gastrointestinal (GI) device that is placed at the time of surgery to protect a freshly constructed GI anastomosis, GI staple-line, or the like. For the esophagus and stomach, the device covers the esophagus, stomach, and anastomosis/staple-line. For the pancreas or biliary duct, the device covers the biliary duct, pancreatic duct, and small bowel. For the colon and rectum, the device is a self expanding protective barrier that covers the anal canal, the anus, and the colon or rectum, approximately 18 cm proximal to the anus. These devices provide a waterproof barrier between the gastrointestinal content and the mucosa of the GI tract and the newly constructed anastomosis. Additionally, the design of the device is made to prevent migration within the gastrointestinal tract and facilitate removal of the device.
US08753401B2 Joint support and subchondral support system
A joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same for providing structural and dampening support to damaged subchondral bone adjacent to a body joint are disclosed. The joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same are applicable to many parts of the joint as any area with cartilage disease has an adjoining subchondral component.
US08753397B2 Intervertebral disc prosthesis
An intervertebral disk prosthesis comprising at least three parts is disclosed. Some embodiments comprise a first plate, a second plate, and a core, the upper surface of the core in contact with at least part of the lower surface of the upper plate and the lower surface of the core in contact with at least part of the upper surface of the lower plate, and the lower plate movable at least with respect to the core. Some embodiments comprise cooperation means to limit or eliminate translation movements of the core with respect to the lower plate along an axis substantially parallel to the lower plate, and to limit or eliminate rotation movements of the core with respect to the lower plate, around an axis substantially perpendicular to the lower plate, the planes passing through the upper is and lower plates forming a substantially constant angle.
US08753396B1 Intervertebral implant having back-out prevention feature
A spinal implant for implantation in an intervertebral space is provided, such that the implant may provide a back-out prevention feature and may also provide a visual indication of whether the back-out prevention feature is engaged. The visual indication may be a contrast between a circular visible shape of the screw head and a non-circular visible shape of the screw head. The back-out prevention feature may provide engagement of a tapered thread in the screw head with an internal thread of the implant. A hard stop may also be provided. Such back-out prevention feature may also provide a torque-based indication of engagement or non-engagement of the back-out prevention feature. The implant may possess a polymeric posterior body joined to a metallic anterior body.
US08753394B2 Minimally invasive apparatus to manipulate and revitalize spinal column disc
A method and apparatus are provided to manipulate and revitalize a spinal column disc while minimizing or preventing the removal of material comprising the disc. The method allows a device to be inserted in the disc either through a pre-existing rupture or through an opening formed in the front, back, or sides of the disc. Increasing the space between the vertebra bounding the disc or removing disc material often is not necessary to insert the device in the disc. The device generates internal traction or other forces acting on the disc to alter the shape of the disc. The shape of the disc is altered to relieve pressure on nerves adjacent the disc. The shape of the disc is also altered to draw nuclear hernias back into the interior of the disc and to produce a disc shape that improves functioning of the disc.
US08753393B2 Method for detoxifying a biological tissue
Biological tissues may be prepared for use in biological prostheses. The biological tissue may be fixated with glutaraldehyde and may be subjected to successive treatment of the tissue with a solution containing taurine to neutralize excess aldehyde groups that remain free after fixation.
US08753391B2 Fully synthetic implantable multi-phased scaffold
An implantable device is provided for soft-tissue or soft tissue-to-bone repair, fixation, augmentation, or replacement that includes a biomimetic and biodegradable nanofiber scaffold. Also provided is a fully synthetic implantable multiphased scaffold which includes, in a single continuous construct, a plurality of phases to mimic the natural anatomy of a tendon or ligament and their insertion sites. Also provided are scaffold apparatuses for musculoskeletal tissue engineering.
US08753385B2 Preloaded stent graft delivery device
A multi-port stent graft delivery device (100) has an annular access lumen (107) between a delivery catheter (112) and a main sheath (106), at least one indwelling access sheath (118, 122) within the access lumen, and an indwelling guide wire (138, 146) within the or each access sheath and a stent graft (131) retained in the delivery device. Upon deployment of the stent graft into the vasculature of a patient the indwelling guide wire can be used to facilitate stabilisation of the access sheath during cathertisation of a side branch and deployment of a side arm covered or uncovered stent therein through the advanced access sheath. A two part handle enables withdrawal of a nose cone dilator before final placement of the side arm stents. A manifold (114) associated with a proximal handle portion provides a plurality of access ports (116, 120).
US08753384B2 Apparatus and method for loading and delivering a stent
An assembly for delivering a self-expanding stent into a body lumen comprising a catheter adapted to deliver the self-expanding stent, the catheter having a stent delivery passage adapted to contain the stent in an at least partially radially compressed state, and a stent transfer member communicating with a distal end of the catheter, the stent transfer member having a cylindrical passage sized to circumferentially surround at least a portion of the stent in an at least partially radially expanded state, the stent transfer member further including a tapered passage disposed between the cylindrical passage and the delivery passage to radially compress the stent as the stent moves from the cylindrical passage into the tapered passage.
US08753382B2 Portable fluid warming system
The present invention relates to a portable apparatus for warming biocompatible fluids for use in the treatment of injured patients and a method of heating a biocompatible fluid to treat a patient experiencing hypothermia. The present invention may be used to warm intravenous fluids for trauma resuscitation or to warm air from a ventilator circuit. The portable nature of the present invention makes it highly suitable for field applications, such as a forward surgical hospital near a combat zone.
US08753381B2 Apparatus and methods for determining a property of a tissue
An apparatus for determining a thermal property of tissue includes a base unit with one or more energy source and at least two, preferably detachable, leads. The distal end of each lead, which is introduced into the tissue to be treated, has at least two longitudinally spaced temperature measuring elements to measure surrounding tissue temperature and at least two longitudinally spaced electrode surfaces for applying current to the tissue. Each distal end is also provided with an element which uses energy emitted by the sources of energy to heat up the surrounding tissue. The base unit has computing elements, current generating elements for generating an alternating current, and conductance determining elements for determining the tissue conductance between pairs of electrode surfaces based on the alternating current applied by the current generating elements to the tissue. Methods for using the device and leads for use in the device are also described.
US08753378B1 Advanced intra-spinal decompression implant
A new intra-spinal decompression implant is introduced. One example for our presentation is a device with 2 or 3 pieces, with each piece with 2 clamps, symmetrically located on each side of each piece. The main piece has at least 2 screws which engage into 2 or more grooves in the side piece, to get attached to the side piece. The 3rd piece, as an optional piece, is the bottom piece, which is similar to the side piece, and gets attached to the main piece, using same or different screws. Each piece is attached to the human body, during back surgery, with corresponding clamps. Other examples are implants that have different plates and assembly arrangements or connectors or sliders or screws or handles, located between the bones and tissue, for back and neck, for various applications or procedures or usages.
US08753373B2 Suture-fastening clip
A clip for securing suture to tissue includes a generally tubular body, with at least one bend area along the length of the generally tubular body and one or more tabs cut from the wall of the generally tubular body. The clip in the open configuration is generally straight along the length of the generally tubular body, and the tabs are in general alignment with the tab out wall. The tab in a closed configuration assumes a shape having at least one bend along its length, and the tabs are bent or otherwise positioned to extend into and at least partially obstruct the inner lumen. The clip can be formed from memory material such as nitinol, and the clip may be biased toward its closed configuration.
US08753371B1 Woven vascular treatment systems
Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measureable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.
US08753369B2 Intragastric balloon retrieval mechanisms
A mechanism for removing a fluid-filled object from a patient. The apparatus includes a deflation tube with a puncture member at one end of the tube for piercing a hole in the object wall. The apparatus includes a retrieval mechanism slidable within the deflation tube lumen. The retrieval mechanism includes an expansion element that is expandable when positioned within the object from a first configuration with a dimension less than that of the deflation tube lumen to a second or deployed configuration with a dimension that is greater than an outer dimension of the puncture member. The expansion element contacts an inner surface of the inflatable object as the deflation tube and retrieval mechanism are withdrawn from the body cavity. The expansion element may be a T-bar, a foldable anchor, an inflatable member, or another expandable form.
US08753367B1 Device and method for attaching hair
A fitting and a method for utilizing one or more of such fittings are described for securing supplemental hair to a person's head, along the outer surface of the person's scalp, to create an enhanced, natural appearance independent of the population and location of any natural hair on the person's head. Each fitting includes a base member having a resiliently flexible flange, and a post rising from the flange and carrying a flexible filament establishing a loop providing a lateral path for a ligature. Each base member is embedded beneath the outer surface of the person's scalp to secure the corresponding fitting at a selected strategic location on the person's head with the filament projecting from the outer surface to provide a corresponding attachment site. Supplemental hair is juxtaposed with and secured to each filament with a corresponding ligature passed through the loop of each corresponding filament.
US08753365B2 Device for harvesting a blood vessel
The present invention relates to an apparatus, device and a method for harvesting blood vessels, and in particular, to such an apparatus, device and method in which the internal mammary artery (IMA) is harvested for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery using a minimally invasive approach or a conventional procedure.
US08753363B2 Vessel occlusive device and method of occluding a vessel
An implantable vessel occlusive device and method for occluding a vessel are described, for example to occlude the urethra or bladder neck. The devices and methods described utilize an occlusive member connected to a control mechanism. The occlusive member is reversibly changed from a non-occlusive condition to an occlusive condition, for example by depressing an activation button contained within a resilient, elastomeric cover surrounding the control mechanism. In the occlusive position, an initial tension is applied to the occlusive member through a tensioning suture. The tension is translated into an occlusive pressure applied to the urethra or bladder neck that is sufficient to prevent urinary leakage. The non-occlusive position can be obtained by depressing the de-activation button. The occlusive member is constructed to allow elution of drugs, such as may be required to combat infection or tissue encapsulation from its surface.
US08753362B2 Double spiral patent foramen ovale closure clamp
The present invention provides a device which is adapted to press together the septum primum and the septum secundum between the atrial chambers to close any tunnel in the septum. The device in its preferred form has two clamping members, one on each side of the septum and a central connector which connects the two clamping members and passes through the tunnel. The device is configured to conform to the anatomy such that the tunnel is not substantially deformed by the device. The central connector, in its preferred form has two wires that are spaced apart so that the wires are proximate the lateral sides of the tunnel. The spacing allows the device to be centered at an appropriate location.
US08753361B2 Biocompatible sleeve for mesh insertion instrument
At least one aspect of this disclosure includes a system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue, the system comprising a handle, an elongate shaft connected to the handle, a deployment scaffold connected to the shaft, the deployment scaffold comprising a frame and a plurality of deployment arms hingedly connected to the frame, wherein the frame is configured to move from a retained position to at least one deployed position, a plurality of clips connected to the arms, wherein the clips are configured to releasably retain a surgical implant, and at least one sleeve selectively disposed at least partially over at least one of the plurality of arms when the frame is in the retained position, and selectively exposing at least one of the clips in the deployed position.
US08753360B2 Expandable mesh system and method of use therefor
A surgical mesh includes a patch, a plurality of nesting lugs or beads and a wire interconnecting the plurality of nesting lugs. The plurality of nesting lugs is associated with the patch such that the surgical mesh is movable between a flexible state when there is no tension in the wire and a substantially rigid state when tension is applied to the wire.
US08753358B2 Dial fan hernia mesh system
Hernia repair using a mesh patch and a placement tool is described. The placement tool includes a plurality of adjustable blades and a control to move the adjustable blades between a clustered position that allows the blades to be inserted in an opening in a ply of the mesh patch and an expanded position to spread the mesh patch out in a planar fashion. Repair of a hernia includes compressing the mesh patch, inserting the adjustable blades of a placement tool into the opening in the mesh patch, inserting the mesh patch and tool into a patient, moving the adjustable blades from the clustered position to the expanded position, affixing the mesh patch to the patient, moving the adjustable blades from the expanded position to the clustered position, and removing the placement tool from the mesh patch and the patient.
US08753351B2 Methods for removing kidney stones from the ureter
Occluding structures may be created within a body lumen by advancing a length of material distally through the body lumen. By drawing a distal location on the advanced length of material in a proximal direction, the material may be compacted into a structure which at least partially occludes the lumen. The occluding structure may be used to remove kidney stones from the ureter in conjunction with lithotripsy and irrigation.
US08753350B2 Flexible vacuum grabber for holding lesions
A grabbing device includes a transparent flexible cup that can be placed adjacent to a selected region of an inner surface of a body cavity. The flexible cup is visually put in place by the surgeon, and a vacuum is applied to draw a selected amount of tissue into the flexible cup, so that it may, e.g., be excised. The device may also retrieve the tissue excised from the body cavity.
US08753349B2 Completely resorbable connective tissue distraction devices and techniques
A device for early stabilizing of distracted tissue that includes a first implant, a second implant, a sliding expansion mechanism and a stabilizer. The first implant is capable of being attached to a first tissue region. The second implant is capable of being attached to a second tissue region. The sliding expansion mechanism engages the first implant and the second implant for distracting the first implant away from the second implant to create a distraction space for formation of the distracted tissue. The stabilizer rigidly fixes the first implant and the second implant after disengagement of the sliding expansion mechanism to rigidly stabilize the distracted tissue. The stabilizer includes in whole or in part a biodegradable, bioerodible or bioresorbable material.
US08753344B2 Dynamic orthoscopic sensing
A dynamic sensing method and apparatus employs microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) surgical sensors for gathering and reporting surgical parameters pertaining to a drive mechanism of a surgical device, such as speed, rotation, torque and other characteristics of the surgical device. The surgical device employs or affixes the surgical sensor on or about a surgical device for detecting electromechanical characteristics during the surgical procedure. The surgical procedure disposes the medical device in the surgical field responsive to the drive mechanism of a shaver or other endoscopic instrument inserted in a surgical field defined by the surgical procedure.
US08753343B2 Bone fixing device
A bone fixing device includes an intramedullary nail (1) with a distal end part (2), a proximal end part (3), a center line (4), and a bore (5) that extends perpendicular to the center line (4) in the proximal end part (3) and is provided with a bore axis (6). The bone fixing device further includes a bone plate (10) with a top face (11), a bottom face (12) that is to be in contact with the bone, a continuous, central opening (13) which is located in the central portion of the bone plate (10) and connects the top face (11) to the bottom face (12), and several plate holes (14) that are also continuous and are disposed peripherally around the central opening (13).
US08753340B2 Catheter structure and method for locating tissue in a body organ and simultaneously delivering therapy and evaluating the therapy delivered
A catheter structure is provided for use with an electroviscerogram (EVG) system. The catheter structure includes an elongated tube structure having distal and proximal ends. Three electrodes are associated with distal end of the tube structure and are constructed and arranged obtain signals relating to myoelectrical activity internally of an intra-abdominal organ to thereby locate targeted tissue that includes main pathways of electrical generation in the organ. Therapy delivery structure, associated with the distal end of the tube structure and separate from the electrodes, is constructed and arranged to provide therapy at the targeted tissue simultaneously as the electrodes obtain the signals at the targeted tissue so that effectiveness of the therapy can be monitored.
US08753336B2 Method for indirectly ablating tissue using implanted electrode devices
Methods are provided for ablating tissue by implanting a plurality of electrode devices within the tissue to be treated and exposing the implanted electrode devices with RF energy conveyed from a separate electrode device. In this manner, a greater region of tissue is ablated than what would normally be ablated with the separate electrode device. In addition, the implanted electrode devices can create a roadmap that allows the progress of the treatment to be managed during follow-ups. The implanted electrode devices can be variously delivered to the tissue, for example, by detaching the electrode devices from one or more delivery devices. For example, a core wire with an electrolytically detachable junction can be used to separate the electrode device from the core wire. Pusher rods with mechanically detachable junctions are also contemplated.
US08753332B2 Laser device and method for ablating biological tissue
A laser device (10) for ablating a biological tissue (1), comprising: a) a laser source (7) that is configured to emit a laser beam (4); b) optics (8a, 8b, 8x) configured to modify the laser beam (4) such as to direct the laser beam (4) on the biological tissue (1); d) a controller (11) that is configured to control the laser source (7) to emit the laser beam (4) to create an ablation in biological tissue (1), whereby e) a sensor (19) being configured to receive back scattered light from the biological tissue (1); f) a tissue controller (18) that is operationally coupled to the sensor (19) to receive a sensor signal (Ri) of the sensor (19); and g) the tissue controller (18) being configured to compare a series of at least two consecutive sensor signals (R1, R2, R3, . . . ) and being configured to generate a tissue control signal (TCS) when the value of the series of consecutive sensor signals (R1, R2, R3, . . . ) decreases in a predetermined amount.
US08753330B2 Tools and methods related to catheter delivery
A syringe adapter tool facilitates inline connection of a syringe with a catheter lumen, as well as torque transfer between the syringe and catheter. The adapter tool may further facilitate passage of an instrument through a seal zone portion of the catheter lumen, which seal zone portion is located in a proximal section of the catheter.
US08753328B2 Intravascular catheter comprising a reinforcing micro-tape
A catheter, such as an intravascular catheter, includes a longitudinally pre-oriented tubular substrate and reinforcing means surrounding and in contact with the substrate, the reinforcing means wound over the substrate, and a tubular superstrate surrounding the reinforcing means forcing the reinforcing means against the substrate and maintaining the reinforcing means wound over the substrate. The reinforcing means is a micro-tape having a width less than 0.5 mm and includes a filament layer having a cross sectional aspect ratio (width/height) of 2 to 20, wherein the filaments are fixated by a cured or solidified resin or wax, which constitutes 2 to 40 wt % of the micro-tape.
US08753326B2 Reservoir pressure equalization systems and methods
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.
US08753325B2 Liquid drug transfer device with vented vial adapter
Liquid drug transfer devices including a vented vial adapter having a top wall, a downward depending skirt, and a dual lumen puncturing spike. The top wall includes vent apertures in flow communication with an underlying air filter and protective hoods for covering the vent apertures from splashes. The hood-like hoods are preferably quarter sphere shaped with hood apertures facing radial outwards.
US08753324B2 Body adhering absorbent article
The present invention provides a body adhering absorbent article which is capable of absorbing bodily fluids. In this particular embodiment of the present invention, provided is an absorbent article which is specifically designed for attachment to a wearer's skin in the vulva region of the wearer's torso.
US08753323B2 Vacuum surge suppressor for surgical aspiration systems
An apparatus and method to suppress vacuum surges in a surgical aspiration system is disclosed and claimed. A vacuum surge suppressor includes a first fluid path for coupling to a surgical instrument, and a filter attached to the first fluid path. A flow restrictor is coupled to the filter with the filter disposed upstream of the flow restrictor. The filter defines a filter longitudinal axis that may be oriented vertically with respect to gravity, so that a downstream direction at the filter is upwards. The vacuum surge suppressor also includes a second fluid path for coupling to a vacuum pump. The second fluid path is connected to the flow restrictor and disposed downstream of the flow restrictor. A third fluid path is coupled to the filter and is connected to the second fluid path, bypassing the flow restrictor. A valve in the third fluid path selectively obstructs or permits flow in the third fluid path.
US08753319B2 Drug delivery system
A method and system for delivering a user-settable dose of a first medicament and a non-user settable dose of a second medicament through a single dose setter and a single dispense interface. The drug delivery system includes a drug delivery device and a medicated module. The drug delivery device comprises a single dose setter operably connected to a primary reservoir containing the first medicament. The medicated module comprises (i) a collapsible feature holding the second medicament and (ii) the single dispense interface having an output needle. Further, the drug delivery device and medicated module are each configured such that the single dose setter is mechanically linked to the collapsible feature after attachment of the medicated module to the drug delivery device.
US08753312B2 Inner and outer telescoping catheter delivery system
A catheter assembly employs an outer catheter with a pre-formed distal end and an open lumen. An inner catheter having an open lumen and a pre-formed distal end is movably disposed within the outer catheter. Relative rotation and extension of the inner and outer catheters provides the distal end of the catheter assembly with an adjustable range of two- and three-dimensional shapes. The inner catheter can include sections of varying stiffness, such that extension of the inner catheter within the outer catheter modifies the shape of the outer catheter's pre-formed distal end. One or both of the outer and inner catheters includes an occlusion balloon attached to the distal end thereof. The adjustable shaping of the catheter assembly's distal tip provides an improved system for locating and cannulating cardiac venous structures, particularly the coronary sinus via the right atrium.
US08753310B2 Reconstituting infusion device
A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained multi-component substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir assembly that includes a rigid bladder portion used in conjunction with a non-distensible bladder film, such as a metallized film. The device can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact and a pressurization system provides a pressure to the contents of a fluid reservoir assembly. Improvements to dry powdered formulations for reconstitution for preferred use in the device are also disclosed.
US08753309B2 Device, system, and method including micro-patterned cell treatment array
Devices, systems, or methods are disclosed herein for treatment of disease in a vertebrate subject. The device can include a quasi-planar substrate; and one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types at least partially embedded within the quasi-planar substrate, wherein the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types is configured to interact with one or more cell types. The device can further include one or more sensors configured to detect at least one aspect of an interaction between the at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types and the one or more cell types; and a controller in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to responsively initiate modification of at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types, the quasi-planar substrate, and the one or more cell types.
US08753308B2 Methods for administering small volume oral transmucosal dosage forms using a dispensing device
Systems and methods for administration of small volume sufentanil drug dosage forms to the sublingual mucosa of a subject using a device are disclosed. The dispensing device includes a lock-out feature and a means to retard or prevent saliva and/or moisture ingress such that the drug dosage forms in the device remain dry prior to administration.
US08753305B2 Bubble-driven IOP control system
An intraocular pressure control system for implantation in an eye of a patient to provide drainage from an anterior chamber of the eye to a drainage location at the eye includes a drainage tube and a valve system arranged to control drainage flow between the anterior chamber and the drainage site, the valve system being configured to control fluid flow using an electrolysis process and closed loop feedback from pressure sensors able to determine: flow rate, IOP, bleb pressure, and internal valve pressure.
US08753304B2 Systems, devices, and methods including catheters having acoustically actuatable waveguide components for delivering a sterilizing stimulus to a region proximate a surface of the catheter
Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.
US08753301B2 Adjustable resistance joint brace
An adjustable resistance joint brace with a pair of pivotally interconnected semi-flexible struts compressing a rubber disc washer to impart resistance during knee, elbow, ankle and hip flexion and extension. A manually adjustable knob controls the amount of resistance by squeezing together the upper strut, a rubber disc washer in between, and the lower strut. The brace includes a sleeve for housing the struts and the brace opposes movements when the struts articulate about a transverse axis corresponding to the anatomical pivot axis of the body joint of the knee, elbow, ankle, and hip. At the pivot axis, a turn of the knob clockwise tightens the brace and a counterclockwise turn of the knob would lessen the resistance. The brace has application for dynamic sports movements, daily routine movements, rehabilitation and weightlessness strength training.
US08753300B2 Compression garment apparatus having baseline pressure
A compression garment apparatus including a compression garment and a pressurizer. The pressurizer intermittently pressurizes a therapeutic bladder on the compression garment and maintains a baseline pressure in the therapeutic bladder to maintain the therapeutic bladder in position with respect to a target compression zone on a body part on which the garment is worn. The baseline pressure is adjusted in response to sensed physical characteristics.
US08753290B2 Fluid transfer system and method
Devices and methods for automatic monitoring of fluid of a patient are disclosed, comprising a patient line, a transfer disk which receives the fluid and controllably transfers the fluid to test substrates, and a sensor disk which houses the test substrates. The sterile transfer disk may be configured to maintain the sterility of the patient sampling assembly while transferring samples to non-sterile components, such as the sensor disk.
US08753286B2 Spirometer with replaceable flow tube
The invention relates to a spirometer for measuring pulmonary respiration of a test subject, comprising a body and a sensor unit, wherein the sensor unit can be interchanged with further sensor units. In a corresponding method, such a spirometer is operated with a sensor unit and the sensor unit is subsequently interchangeably replaced by a further sensor unit.
US08753285B2 ECG sensing apparatus and method for removal of baseline drift
An ECG sensing apparatus and a method for removing a baseline drift in the clothing are provided. The ECG sensing apparatus filters ECG signals and filters a baseline drift noise which is caused by human body's motion and breathing. Accordingly, the baseline drift in the sensing apparatus is minimized even if there is a free motion.
US08753283B2 Automatic devices for remote ischemic preconditioning
Single- or dual-bladder devices for remote ischemic preconditioning and blood pressure monitoring are disclosed along with various oscillometry-based and other methods for detecting systolic and diastolic blood pressure while the ischemic preconditioning treatment is in progress. The devices and methods of the invention provide for delivery of ischemic preconditioning at the lowest effective cuff pressure while closely monitoring patient's hemodynamics. Advantageously, the device of the invention allows both ischemic preconditioning and blood pressure monitoring to be done on the same limb. Disposable battery-powered version of the device of the present invention is especially useful for emergency use with patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction, acute stroke, or acute trauma. Additional device configurations are described for use in a percutaneous intervention and vascular sealing settings.
US08753281B2 Opto-acoustic imaging devices and methods
In one aspect, the invention relates to a probe. The probe includes a sheath, a flexible, bi-directionally rotatable, optical subsystem positioned within the sheath, the optical subsystem comprising a transmission fiber, the optical subsystem capable of transmitting and collecting light of a predetermined range of wavelengths along a first beam having a predetermined beam size. The probe also includes an ultrasound subsystem, the ultrasound subsystem positioned within the sheath and adapted to propagate energy of a predetermined range of frequencies along a second beam having a second predetermined beam size, wherein a portion of the first and second beams overlap a region during a scan.
US08753273B1 Method and system for personalized medical monitoring and notifications therefor
Improved methods and systems for personal medical monitoring are disclosed. The monitoring yields status information pertaining to persons being monitored. Notifications, recommendations and/or actions can be initiated by examination or analysis of the status information. The status information can include health, position (location) and other information.
US08753272B2 Low profile surgical retractor
A retractor clamp is provided for a low profile retractor system including a spreader including first and second arms joined by a cross-bar. The first and second arms define an arm level. The refractor clamp includes a gripping assembly, a main body, an extension arm, a retractor blade arm, and a securement assembly. The refractor clamp is movably and securably joined along the at least one of the first arm, second arm, and cross-bar at substantially the arm level. The refractor blade arm is joined to the main body by the extension arm, and is positioned at a refractor blade arm level above the arm level. The refractor blade arm accepts a blade clamp. The securement assembly includes an adjustment member accessible by an operator substantially at the arm level. The securement assembly is operatively connected to the gripping assembly.
US08753271B1 Surgical access system and related methods
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US08753270B2 Surgical access system and related methods
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US08753269B2 Minimally invasive access device for heart valve procedures
A surgical access device including a lower portion having a central opening spaced from a lower portion outer wall, an upper portion adjacent to the lower portion and having a central opening spaced from an upper portion outer wall, and at least one flange portion extending outwardly from the upper and lower portions. The device can further include a gap extending from the central openings of the lower and upper portions and through their outer walls.
US08753263B2 Insertion apparatus
An insertion apparatus includes a moving unit moving between a first movement position in a state that a motion portion performs a motion and a second movement position in a state that the motion of the motion portion is regulated. A link unit oh the insertion apparatus includes a coupling portion which couples a first link with a second link in a state that the first link and the second link form a substantially V-like shape having a link coupling position as an apex when the moving unit is placed at the first movement position and in a state that the first link and the second link form a substantially linear shape that does not bend at the link coupling position when the moving unit is placed at the second movement position.
US08753261B2 Endoscope apparatus
An endoscope apparatus comprises an insertion portion having an observation optical system attached onto the distal end portion thereof and having flexibility, a thrust generating portion for generating a thrust by rotation, formed beyond a predetermined length on an outer-peripheral surface of the insertion portion in a longitudinal-axis direction, a rotation device for rotating the thrust generating portion around the longitudinal axis, and a control portion for controlling a rotational speed of the thrust generating portion according to an insertion length of the thrust generating portion inserted in a subject.
US08753257B2 Method and apparatus for aligning antennas of low-powered intra- and extra-oral electronic wireless devices
A method and system of aligning antennas of an intra-oral and extra-oral electronic wireless device is provided. Three-dimensional anatomical data of at least a portion of an oral cavity of a subject and at least a portion of an external ear of the subject is recorded. A spatial relationship between a landmark in the oral cavity and a landmark in the external ear is determined. A first antenna is modeled based upon the anatomical data of the oral cavity, and a second antenna is modeled based upon the anatomical data of the external ear. The antennas are configured and oriented relative to each other for optimal signal transmission based upon the recorded anatomical data of the oral cavity and ear.
US08753254B2 Centrifuge having a drum including a plurality of supply pipes each having a radially extending section and a curved section
A centrifuge having a vertical axis of rotation. The centrifuge includes a rotatable drum configured to process an inflowing suspension, the rotatable drum including an assembly configured to supply a washing liquid into an interior of the drum. The centrifuge also includes a plurality of supply pipes arranged in the drum and configured to conduct the washing liquid into the interior of the drum. Each of the supply pipes have a section extending radially within the drum and a curved section adjoining thereon at a radially distal end of the supply pipes proximate an inner wall of the drum.
US08753252B2 Proprioception training and exercise apparatus
An exercise apparatus includes a substantially flat, rigid platform for supporting a user during exercise. An inflatable tubular support having an upper portion with a first radial outside diameter, and a lower portion with a second radial outside diameter that is greater than the first radial outside diameter, is coupled to the platform by a fastener. The tubular support defines a central opening that communicates between the platform and a support surface. The platform includes a venting structure for releasing air from the central opening during use. The inflatable support includes an intermediate portion between the upper portion and the lower portion of the tubular support, the intermediate portion including a support feature to restrain the intermediate portion from radial expansion induced by an air pressure internal to the integral inflatable support.
US08753251B2 Jaw exerciser
A jaw exerciser is provided. The jaw exerciser includes an elongated first portion having a first cross-sectional area, wherein the elongated first portion is configured to be inserted into the mouth, and includes an outer surface adapted to be engaged and clenched by the teeth. The jaw exerciser also includes an elongated second portion having a second cross-sectional area and an outer surface, wherein the elongated second portion is configured to remain outside the mouth when the first portion is inserted into the mouth. Furthermore, the jaw exerciser includes an intermediate portion having a third cross-sectional area. The intermediate portion joins the elongated first and second portions, and is configured to be grasped and encircled by the lips to thereby retain saliva inside the mouth.
US08753246B2 Method and device for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid drive train
A method and a device are described for starting an internal combustion engine of a hybrid drive train, having an internal combustion engine and at least one additional machine, in particular an electric machine, a separating clutch, which is situated between the internal combustion engine and the additional machine, and a crankshaft angle sensor for detecting the instantaneous crankshaft angle of the internal combustion engine being provided. Arrangements are provided to perform the following operations to start the internal combustion engine when a high-voltage battery is essentially discharged, including a) the separating clutch is or has already been disengaged, b) the additional machine is accelerated, c) after conclusion of the acceleration operation of the additional machine, the separating clutch is engaged, so that the internal combustion engine is also accelerated, d) as soon as the crankshaft angle sensor system supplies a favorable crankshaft angle, the internal combustion engine is started by direct start.
US08753242B2 Vehicular power transmitting system
Providing a vehicular power transmitting system which includes a torque limiter device and which is configured to reduce deterioration of durability of a rotary member disposed between an engine and the torque limiter device. An inertia moment of a first rotary portion of a torque limiter device about its axis (first axis RC1) is smaller than an inertia moment of a second rotary portion about its axis (first axis RC1), so that an inertia moment of rotary members between an input shaft and the first rotary portion can be reduced as compared with that where the above-indicated inertia moment is larger than the inertia moment. Accordingly, the torque which transiently acts on a rotary member disposed between the engine and the torque limiter device, for instance, acts on the input shaft, during an operation of the torque limiter device, that is, during a slipping motion of the first rotary portion and the second rotary portion can be reduced, so that the deterioration of durability of the input shaft can be reduced.
US08753240B2 Power transmitting device
Disclosed is a power transmitting device capable of streamlined structure and control, as well as alleviating energy loss. The device comprises a planetary gear device wherein motive power of an engine and a motor is inputted from a first element and a second element; and a first clutch that transmits, in an interruptible manner, motive power from a second shaft that is linked to the second element, to a first shaft that is linked to a third element and an input shaft, while interrupting motive power from the first shaft or the input shaft to the second shaft. It is possible to switch motive power of the engine and the motor with motive power transmission switching by the first clutch, thus allowing streamlining of structure and control.
US08753239B2 Power transmission device
A power transmission device includes an electromagnetic wave-shielding wall partitioning a first space and a second space adjacent to the first space and blocking propagation of an electromagnetic wave between the first space and the second space. The power transmission device also includes a first pulley arranged within the first space and a second pulley arranged within the second space. The power transmission device also includes a belt placed on the first pulley and the second pulley and extending through the electromagnetic wave-shielding wall to transmit rotational driving force between the first space and the second space. From the electromagnetic wave-shielding wall a hollow tubular member is protruded and allows the first space and the second space to communicate with each other. The belt extends through the inside of the tubular member.
US08753238B2 Belt detachment tool
A belt detachment tool 10 includes a detacher 11 and a pulley engagement portion 12. The detacher 11 includes a belt-climbing surface 11a′, a belt-sliding surface 11b′, and a belt-transferring surface 11c′ disposed therebetween. At least a belt contact portion of the belt-transferring surface 11c′ has a radius of curvature of 5-11 mm in plan view.
US08753235B1 Ball with removable bladder
A ball kit comprising at least one shell and at least one removable bladder operative to be insertable into the at least one shell. A ball kit comprising at least one shell having at least one aperture and a plurality of removable bladders. A ball comprising a shell and a removable bladder positioned within the shell. A method of using a ball, comprising placing a removable bladder within a shell and inflating the removable bladder within the shell.
US08753232B2 Elastomeric-coated sports racket swing weight with quick release knob handle
A swing weight training device for stringed sports rackets includes two major parts designed to be secured together from opposing sides of the racket strings, to be quickly secured and removed without damage to the strings. An over-molded elastomeric coating encases a mass, providing a soft surface to grab the strings and keep the swing weight from moving or sliding on the strings. The over-mold material may also cover a portion of an attachment mounting stud that protrudes between the strings. An opposing quick attachment knob receives a portion of the stud projecting through strings, securing the mass with a low friction material that slides easily against the racket's strings without damage and providing a quick but secure attachment of the device to the strings of the racket. The knob may have either a threaded attachment or a quick release mechanism incorporated within the stud attachment system.
US08753231B2 Golf ball having a thermoplastic positive hardness gradient inner core layer and a thermoset shallow positive hardness gradient outer core layer
A golf ball has an inner core layer including a thermoplastic highly-neutralized ionomer and having a geometric center hardness less than a surface hardness to define a first positive hardness gradient. An outer core layer is formed about the inner core and includes a homogenous thermoset composition. The outer core has an interior hardness less than an outer surface hardness to define a second positive hardness gradient. An inner and outer cover layers are disposed about outer core layer. The first and second hardness gradients each have a slope and the slope of the second hardness gradient is less than the slope of the first hardness gradient such that a ratio of the first and second slopes is 0.8 to 0.85.
US08753227B1 Golf club weight screws
A weight screw for a golf club head having one or more weight ports is disclosed herein. A set of weight screws is also disclosed herein, the set comprising at least one low-weight screw comprising multiple materials and at least one weight screw comprising a single material.
US08753222B2 Fairway wood center of gravity projection
A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Embodiments include club heads for a fairway wood that at least one of a high moment of inertia, a low center-of-gravity, a thin crown and a high coefficient of restitution.
US08753221B1 Adjustable golf club shaft and hosel assembly
A golf club comprising a hosel and a shaft that is fastened to the hosel at the heel-side of the club is disclosed herein. The golf club includes a wedge inserted into an opening on the heel-side of the hosel, which and retains the shaft within the hosel. In an alternative embodiment, a lever is inserted into an opening in the heel side of the hosel to retain the shaft within the hosel.
US08753219B2 Set of golf clubs
A set of golf clubs including golf club heads having improved mass distribution characteristics. The set includes golf club heads having a club head main body including a hitting face and a face support, a muscle back shell and a weight insert.
US08753217B2 Apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing
The present invention relates to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, and more specifically to an apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon during a golf swing, which helps a golfer keep his or her eyes on the place where a golf ball to be struck is located, by making the ball ascend just before the impact only if the swing speed exceeds a pre-set value. According to the apparatus for correcting a head-up phenomenon especially during the golf tee-shot training, a golf ball either ascends above the ground or descends toward the ground from above just before the impact only if a down-swing is performed or only if the swing speed exceeds the pre-set value, such that the user may not suffer too much burden when swinging the golf ball placed on the tee. As such, during the golf tee-shot training the present invention is able to avoid the head-up phenomenon or correct the head-up habit by stopping the golfer from looking away from the place where a golf ball to be struck is located, by making the ball just before the impact only if the swing speed exceeds the pre-set value. In addition, even if the swing speed exceeds the pre-set value, the golf ball would not ascend or would descend from above just before the impact, such that the golfer can keep looking at the striking site till the last moment, thereby avoiding the head-up phenomenon and correcting the head-up habit.
US08753215B2 Spline telescopic shaft and method for manufacturing the same and vehicle steering apparatus
There is provided a spline telescopic shaft having first and second shafts that are fitted to each other slidably in an axial direction. First and second splines that engage with each other are respectively provided in the first and second shafts. A resin coating that is provided on at least a tooth surface of the first spline is fitted to a tooth surface of the second spline. The resin coating is subjected to heat fitting processing for sliding the first and second shafts in the axial direction under predetermined conditions, to fit a surface of the resin coating to the tooth surface of the second spline.
US08753213B1 User interface for dynamic generation of tournament brackets
The present disclosure describes an administration system which facilitates efficient setup, organization, and maintenance of tournaments, including league games. In particular, the administration system provides a user-friendly, intuitive and efficient-to-use interface for organizing tournaments and tournament brackets. The user interfaces and methods described provide tournament organizers and administrators with the ability to quickly and dynamically build custom tournament brackets of virtually any desired depth and configuration. The administration system, and in particular the tournament bracket management user interfaces, enable tournament administrators to focus on the task of building a custom tournament bracket structure quickly, while also automatically handling the minute logistics underlying the tournament such as when and where games are to be played.
US08753212B2 Systems and methods for flexible gaming environments
Systems and methods for a flexible, dynamically configurable, process of connecting together modules or elements of a hybrid game having an entertainment game component and a gambling game component over a network. The systems and methods enable the modules or elements of the hybrid game to dynamically connect, and then perform their functions, without having to be pre-compiled or integrated. Such systems and methods dynamically bring together modules or elements to create a gaming environment in conjunction with a game of skill in the context of a networked gaming environment, such as a communication network within a casino, or a wide area network, such as the Internet.
US08753211B2 Game system
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a game system that enables a player to easily select an item to be used by a player character. The game system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a selection unit configured to select, from player game contents owned by a player, one or more game contents to be used by a player character of the player in a battle with an opponent character, based at least on an effective value calculated by the effective value calculating unit.
US08753206B2 Game controller system
A rapid fire game controller which is configured to be operatively connected to a video game includes a rapid fire shot rate component; a shot rate preset component, and a display for showing a user information about rapid fire rate and preset selection.
US08753205B2 Computer-readable storage medium having game program stored therein and game apparatus for generating a two-dimensional game image representing a three-dimensional game space
A computer-readable storage medium having stored therein a game program for generating a two-dimensional game image representing a state of a three-dimensional game space acquired by a virtual camera so as to display the two-dimensional game image by a display device, and the program is executed so as to calculate the number of pixels included in a linear distance to a target pixel representing a predetermined pixel on the two-dimensional game image, from a sight point pixel corresponding to a sight point of the virtual camera in the three-dimensional game space. Next, a movement rate of the virtual camera is set in accordance with the number of pixels having been calculated. The virtual camera is moved to a predetermined position in the three-dimensional game space in accordance with the movement rate having been set.
US08753204B2 Method and system for rendering virtual in-game environments
Disclosed in some examples is a method of providing a computer-implemented game, the method includes rendering a display of a virtual in-game environment comprising an unlocked area and a locked area, an in-game player character controlled by a player of the game having access to the unlocked areas but being restricted from accessing the locked area; and using one or more processors, applying a visual effect to the locked area to distinguish the locked area from the unlocked area, the visual effect revealing one or more aspects of the unlocked area.
US08753203B1 Compositing device for combining visual content
A compositing apparatus is provided that has, in certain implementations, electronic circuitry for combining visual content for an electronic game of chance. The compositing apparatus may receive wagering display information from a wagering engine that controls wagering aspects of the game and entertainment display information from an entertainment engine that controls non-wagering aspects of the game. The compositing apparatus may combine the wagering and entertainment display information for presentation to a player on a display. In certain implementations, the compositing apparatus also enables the wagering engine to control the output of display information on the display.
US08753198B2 Reservation controller, gaming system and a reservation method
A reservation request is received from a player of a gaming system as to a reservation time, a desired gaming terminal and a desired game. The request is processed, and if acceptable, the reservation is made.
US08753196B2 Gaming device having multiple different types of progressive awards
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines. The gaming system includes a plurality of different types of progressive awards adapted to be provided to one or more players of the gaming machines in the gaming system. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a progressive hit value, wherein when each progressive award increments to its respective progressive hit value, a triggering event occurs and such progressive award is provided to a player. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with a secondary game, wherein if the secondary game is triggered, a player is provided either a fixed award or one of the progressive awards associated with the secondary game based on a play of the secondary game. In one embodiment, one or more progressive awards are each associated with an outcome of a primary game, such as a designated symbol combination, wherein if the associated primary game outcome is generated, such progressive award is provided to a player.
US08753189B2 Gaming device having different sets of primary and secondary reel symbols
An apparatus and method for a gaming device having a bonus game that provides a player with a primary set of reel symbols having a primary probability of winning and a secondary set of reel symbols having a secondary probability of winning, where the secondary probability of winning is greater than the primary probability of winning.
US08753188B2 Multi-player bingo game with multi-level award amount pattern mapping
The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a multi-player wagering game in which at least one of the players may win the occurrence of the wagering game by matching a predetermined game winning pattern of game indicia on a game array having a unique combination of game indicia based on matching the game indicia on the game array to game indicia randomly selected for the occurrence of the wagering game. The wagering game may include a plurality of game awards that may be awarded to the players. The game awards may be divided into pay groups, with each pay group being associated with a primary pattern on the game array, and with each game award within a pay group being associated with a secondary pattern on the game array. A gaming award may be awarded to a player in response to determining that the primary pattern and the secondary pattern associated with the gaming award are matched by patterns formed by the game indicia of the game array matching the randomly selected game indicia.
US08753184B2 System and method for interactive gameplay with song lyric database
A system and method for playing an interactive song lyric guessing game is provided. Some aspects present a player with a scrambled word cloud of lyrics and asks the player to select the correct name of the artist or song from a list of possible answers. Advertising and other commercially useful information are presented to the user and collected from the user in the course of playing the game. For example, the player of the game may be directed to an online store where songs can be purchased or downloaded.
US08753178B2 Scoring machine
A scoring machine (1) for scoring a surface of an item which is substantially plane in its main dimension and is curved transversely to its main dimension, the item being moved along a transport path (2) in a direction of movement (3), such as a surface of an item being conveyed forwards by means of a number of conveyors (4,5,6), the scoring machine 1 comprising a structure (11) with a curved path (7) of substantially the same curvature as the conveyed item transversely to its main dimension, and a number of scoring devices (14) being mounted on the structure (11) in such a manner that the scoring devices (14) are movable along the curved path (7) extending transversely to both the transport path (2) and the direction of movement (3) of the item moved, which makes it possible to score the surface of items in a uniform manner regardless of the point of time of the working day on surfaces of up to 700 items an hour and in a hygienic manner.
US08753175B2 Position adjustment mechanism of grinding wheels
A position adjustment mechanism for grinding wheels includes a rotating body, a first grinding unit, a second grinding unit, and a fixing nut. The rotating body includes a fixing surface and a first thread portion. The first grinding unit includes a first grinding portion and a fixing portion fixedly engaged with the fixing surface. The second grinding unit includes a second thread portion, which is threadedly engaged with the first thread portion of the rotating body, and a second grinding portion which is spaced from the first grinding portion and which has a different grinding precision from that of the first grinding portion. The fixing nut is threadedly engaged with the first thread portion, and presses axially against the second grinding unit. Thereby, a rough grinding and a fine grinding can be accomplished together within a grinding process, and adjustment on a spacing between the two grinding wheels becomes easy.
US08753170B1 Breast shaping and lifting support garment
A breast support garment. The garment comprises right and left fabric panels for overlying the woman's right and left breasts, with a relatively flat configuration when the garment is not worn. A first variable-length material strip extends from the right panel beginning at a region between the breasts, continuing along a lower region of the right breast and terminating along a side-facing surface of the right breast. A second variable-length material strip extends as the first material strip but relative to the left breast. A portion of the first material strip comprises an elastic material and they expand when the garment is worn to allow the wearer's breasts to be received within cups formed in the right and left panels. The garment provides lifting and upwardly-directed forces on the right and left breasts as the first and second material strips attempt to return to their relaxed state.
US08753167B2 Pet of the month exclusive limited time rewards
A unique code is used to register a virtual pet or other item using a code that is associated with the pet, and which, when entered, allows viewing and interacting with a virtual representation of the actual item on the website. If the code is entered during a specific time period, it allows obtaining at least one additional item, for example an exclusive item that cannot be obtained in any other way. The specific time period can be extended, e.g., using supplemental codes. The codes may specify fixed or variable time periods, and may be generic extension codes and extend other things other than this period.
US08753161B1 Snowman kit
A snowman kit and method of making a snowman is disclosed. In one embodiment, the kit comprises two legs, a base bowl, and a torso cap. The two legs form the base of the snowman. A torso formed from snow is placed in the base bowl. A torso cap of plastic is placed on the top of the torso. Plastic arms are attached to the torso cap, and a head is formed and placed on the torso cap.
US08753159B1 Watercraft hull member
A watercraft includes a hull having an inside and an outside surface. A deck is disposed on the hull. The deck and the hull define an engine compartment. A power pack is disposed in the engine compartment. A propulsion unit is operatively connected to the power pack. At least one elongated member is disposed on the outside surface of the hull. The at least one elongated member is disposed at least in part forwardly of the propulsion unit. At least one connector joining a portion of the power pack to the at least one elongated member, the at least one connector extending through the hull. A member adapted to be disposed on an outside surface of a hull of the watercraft is also presented.
US08753158B2 Retaining structure for honeycomb structure and marine propulsion device
A retaining structure for a honeycomb structure includes a honeycomb structure, a retainer mat, and a housing. The honeycomb structure is a member made of a ceramic material. The retainer mat is in contact with the honeycomb structure and directly retains the honeycomb structure. The housing is in contact with the retainer mat and directly retains the retainer mat. The housing is made of aluminum. The housing includes an inner wall, an outer wall, and a coolant passage. The inner wall is in contact with the retainer mat. The coolant passage is located between the inner wall and the outer wall. An inflow port of the coolant passage is located at one end of the housing. A discharge port of the coolant passage is located at the other end of the housing.
US08753156B2 Remote drive
A remote powered propulsive device having a rudder which carries a propeller or oscillating fins which are powered by pedals alone or with hydraulic assist or by an electric motor.
US08753151B2 Connector module and handheld electronic device
A connector module includes an electrical connector and a sound-receiving component. The connector includes an insulation casing and multiple conductive terminals disposed at and passing through the insulating casing. The insulation casing has a jack hole at the outer-side thereof and a channel at the inner-side thereof and extending along an axial direction. The connector is adapted to connect the plug plugged into the channel from the jack hole. The sound-receiving component is disposed at the insulation casing along a radial direction, wherein the insulation casing has an opening communicated with the channel and corresponding to the sound-receiving component and the sound-receiving component is adapted to receive the sound transmitted into the channel from the jack hole via the opening. A handheld electronic device is also provided which includes a casing and a connector module disposed in the casing and adapted to connect a plug or receive a sound.
US08753145B2 Guide frame with two columns connected by cross pieces defining an opening with retention members
A guide frame is provided that can be mounted to a circuit board and includes an opening that can receive a connector therein. The guide frame can include a pair of retention members disposed on opposing sides of the opening that are configured to couple to engagement members on the connector. The guide frame may include a flange that is configured to engage a plug connector that mates with the connector.
US08753143B2 Connection structure for flexible circuit cable
A connection structure for a flexible circuit cable includes a flexible circuit cable that has a flexible circuit substrate having a first end bonded to a soldering stage of the connector housing with first finger pad conductive contacts of conductive lines of the flexible circuit cable respectively corresponding to cable soldering sections of metal conductive terminals of the connector. A soldering layer is formed between a metal coating layer of the first finger pad conductive contact of each of the conductive lines and the cable soldering section of the corresponding metal conductive terminals to set the conductive lines of the flexible circuit cable in electrical connection with the metal conductive terminals of the connector.
US08753140B1 Apparatus for connecting filaments of separate electroluminescent cables together
A connector for electroluminescent cables has a first electroluminescent cable having a first wire and a second wire, a second electroluminescent cable having a first wire and a second wire, a body having an interior, a first conductive surface positioned in the interior of the body, and a second conductive surface positioned in the interior of the body. A first wire of the first electroluminescent cable and a first wire of the second electroluminescent cable are electrically connected to the first conductive surface. A second wire of the first electroluminescent cable and a second wire of the second electroluminescent cable are electrically connected to the second conductive surface.
US08753138B2 Memory module connector with auxiliary power
An apparatus includes a socket that receives a memory module that includes a card having card edge voltage pads along the lower card edge, auxiliary voltage pads along at least one of the vertical card edges, and one or more persistent, solid-state memory chips on one or both card faces. A latch pivotally coupled to the socket is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch includes electrical latch contacts positioned for being engaged with the auxiliary voltage pads when that latch is in the latched position and being disengaged from the auxiliary voltage pads when the latch is in the unlatched position. The electrical latch contacts may provide a different voltage to the auxiliary voltage pads than the socket provides to the card edge voltage pads along the lower card edge.
US08753133B1 Electrical power connector with improved ground continuity and method for manufacturing same
An electrical connector and a method for assembling the electrical connector is provided, wherein the electrical connector includes a connector shell defining a connector shell cavity and having a connector nose end and a connector base end, wherein the connector shell includes a connector shell internal threaded portion proximate the connector base end, a contact insert having a power contact carrier, a ground contact carrier and a ground plane, wherein the ground contact carrier is conductively connected to the ground plane and a bonding nut having a bonding nut threaded portion, wherein the contact insert and bonding nut is contained within the connector shell cavity to be proximate the connector base end, such that the bonding nut threaded portion engages the connector shell internal threaded portion to contact the ground plane.
US08753132B2 Euro power plug
Power plugs that provide reliable functionality, may be reliably manufactured, and have a pleasant appearance. One example may provide a power plug that functions in a reliable manner by providing a ground connection that may maintain its shape over several insertions and removals from a wall socket. A relatively large ground block may act as a heat sink to help reduce plug temperature during operation. Another example may provide a power plug that may be reliably manufactured by forming the ground block as a solid piece to prevent buckling and bending during plug manufacturing that may otherwise result. Another example may provide a power plug that has an attractive appearance by employing a bridge having a flat surface such that after an overmold is formed over the bridge, a face of the plug has a resulting flat, smooth appearance.
US08753130B2 Interposer and joint terminal
A joint terminal usable in an interposer. The joint terminal includes a first terminal member; and a second terminal member detachably attached to the first terminal member and electrically conductible to the first terminal member. The second terminal member includes a contact part capable of contacting with and separating from a conductor portion of a counterpart of the interposer; a spring part adapted to generate a contact pressure for pushing the contact part against the conductor portion; and an attachment part abutting on and detachably attached by a frictional force to the first terminal member. The contact part, the spring part and the attachment part are formed integrally with each other as a unitary member.
US08753126B2 Method of forming a taxidermy mannequin
The present invention is a taxidermy mannequin having a mounting portion generally in the shape of an animal body, and a display portion generally in the shape of an animal head, wherein the mounting portion and display portion are secured together through a universal connection, thereby the taxidermist may choose different display portions to secure to the mount portion. The present invention further includes a plurality of selectively interchangeable features which are secured to the display portion. The features include a nose, a jaw, an eye, an ear liner, and a nictitating membrane.
US08753124B2 Method and apparatus for prescribing and preparing a reproducible and customized dysphagia diet
A method and apparatus for determining and prescribing a quantifiable, reproducible, and customized diet for a patient suffering from dysphagia.
US08753121B2 Apparatus and methods for treating root canals of teeth
Apparatus and methods for endodontic treatment of teeth provide effective cleaning of organic material (such as pulp and diseased tissue) from the root canal system. In an embodiment, a compressor system generates high pressure liquid (e.g., water) that flows through an orifice to produce a high-velocity collimated jet of liquid. The high-velocity jet is directed toward a surface of a tooth, for example, an exposed dentinal surface, and impingement of the jet onto the surface generates an acoustic wave that propagates throughout the tooth. The acoustic wave effectively detaches organic material from dentinal surfaces and tubules. The detached organic material is flushed from the root canal system by the liquid jet and/or by additional irrigation.
US08753110B2 Vented propane combustion chamber for insect attractant engine
A vented combustion chamber for an insect attractant engine is provided for a flying insect trapping device of the type that relies upon combustion of a fuel to generate a flow of carbon dioxide to attract flying insects. The combustion chamber, which is generally tubular and horizontally oriented in operation, is vented through a hole formed in one side of the chamber wall that extends from the outer surface of the chamber into the interior thereof. During operation of the device, this through-hole allows gas inside the chamber to be vented to the outside, changing the effective length of the combustion chamber for the purposes of wave generation is changed so that creation of a resonance cycle or standing wave, and the resulting acoustic phenomenon of howling, is prevented.
US08753105B2 Manufacturing apparatus and method
An apparatus for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by layerwise consolidation of powder comprises a lowerable build platform for supporting the object during manufacture and a sealable chamber for controlling the atmosphere around the object. The apparatus also has gas transport devices, such as pumps and valves. Substantially all of the gas transport devices are maintained within a controlled atmosphere.
US08753101B2 Apparatus for molding a crash pad for a vehicle
Provided is an apparatus for molding a crash pad for a vehicle, which includes a first metal mold in which an insert cavity is formed, a second metal mold installed opposite the first metal mold, an insert inserted into the insert cavity and having a through-hole toward the first metal mold so as to define a boundary between an upper part and a lower part of the crash pad that is injection-molded by the first and second metal molds, and a resin introducing unit installed in the first metal mold abutting on the insert and having an elastically adjusted space into which molding resin is introduced through the through-hole when an injection pressure exceeds a predetermined level.
US08753099B2 Sealing system for gerotor apparatus
According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes a first gerotor, a second gerotor, and a synchronizing system operable to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. The synchronizing system includes a earn plate coupled to the first gerotor, wherein the cam plate includes a plurality of cams, and an alignment plate coupled to the second gerotor. The alignment plate includes at least one alignment member, wherein the plurality of cams and the at least one alignment member interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor.
US08753097B2 Method and system for high viscosity pump
Embodiments described herein provide systems and methods for high viscosity pumps including a noncompliant filter. One embodiment can include a multi-stage pump comprising an pump inlet flow path, a pump outlet flow path, a feed stage in fluid communication with the pump inlet flow path, a dispense stage in fluid communication with the feed stage and the pump outlet flow path, a noncompliant disposable filter for high viscosity fluid in a flow path between the feed stage and the dispense stage and a set of valves to selectively allow fluid flow through the multi-stage pump.
US08753095B2 Pumping system and method of operation
A pumping system includes a pumping mechanism, a motor for driving the pumping mechanism, a device for supplying power of a variable frequency to the motor, a control device for setting a maximum value for a current in the motor, and a device for supplying to the control device data indicative of the temperature of gas exhaust from the pumping mechanism and a temperature of the stator of the pumping mechanism, wherein the control device is configured to use the received data to adjust the maximum value during operation of the pumping system.
US08753094B2 Gas turbine engine nose cone
A gas turbine engine nose cone assembly (40) comprises a tapering spinner (42). The tapering spinner (42) has a point (44) at a first end (46) and a circular base (48) at a second end (50). The tapering spinner (42) comprises a carbon fiber containing composite material layer (70), an electrically insulating layer (74) arranged on an inner surface (72) of the carbon fiber containing composite material layer (70), an electrically conducting layer (78) arranged on an inner surface (76) of the electrically insulating layer (74) and an electrically conducting member (80) extends through the first end of the tapering spinner (42) and is connected to the electrically conducting layer (78). This arrangement provides lightning protection for the gas turbine engine nose cone assembly (40).
US08753089B2 Turbine rotor assembly and steam turbine
A turbine moving blade cascade 30 of a turbine rotor assembly 35 has root portions of plural moving blades 13 fitted and held in a root groove circumferentially formed on the outer circumferential portion of a rotor disk 15 of a turbine rotor 14 and has a notch blade 40 fixed in a cutout portion formed in the rotor disk 15. The plural moving blades 13 are comprised of three types of moving blades which include regular blades 50 having a circumferential width determined through theoretical calculation, wide blades 51 having a circumferential width larger than the regular blades 50, and narrow blades 52 having a circumferential width smaller than the regular blades 50.
US08753087B2 Turbine rotor assembly and steam turbine
A turbine rotor assembly 10 comprises a turbine rotor and a plurality of moving blades 20 implanted in a circumferential direction of the rotor. A flow passage is formed between each of the moving blades 20 and a circumferentially adjacent moving blade 20. Each of the moving blades 20 comprises a suction side connecting member 22 protruded on a blade suction surface 21 and a pressure side connecting member 24 protruded on a blade pressure surface 23, wherein the suction side connecting member 22 of each of the moving blades 20 is configured to be connected with the pressure side connecting member 24 of the circumferentially adjacent moving blade 20 to form an intermediate connecting member 30 between the moving blade 20 and the circumferentially adjacent moving blade 20 during a rotation of the turbine rotor. A downstream side end edge 32 of the intermediate connecting member 30 is positioned at an upstream side of a throat S of the flow passage.
US08753086B2 Blower fan
An impeller includes a substantially cylindrical cup portion arranged to rotate about a center axis, a plurality of blades fixed to an outer circumferential surface of the cup portion for unitary rotation with the cup portion to draw air from one axial side and discharge the air to the other axial side, and an annular connector portion arranged to interconnect the blades. The connector portion has a substantially cylindrical shape in a position spaced apart about 70% to about 90% of the radial length of the blades from the base of each of the blades on the outer circumferential surface of the cup portion, and the ratio of a total axial height of the connector portion to a total radial gap between the outer circumferential surface of the cup portion and the inner circumferential surface of the connector portion is equal to or smaller than about 0.9.
US08753083B2 Curved cooling passages for a turbine component
A turbine component having a curved cooling passage is disclosed. The turbine component may generally comprise an airfoil having a base and a tip disposed opposite the base. The airfoil may further include a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. An airfoil cooling circuit may be at least partially disposed within the airfoil and may be configured to direct a cooling medium through the airfoil. The curved cooling passage may generally be in flow communication with the airfoil cooling circuit such that the cooling medium flowing through the airfoil cooling circuit may be directed into the cooling passage. Additionally, the curved cooling passage may generally extend lengthwise within the airfoil between the leading and trialing edges along at least a portion of one of the pressure side and the suction side of the airfoil.
US08753082B2 Gear box of a wind power plant
A multi-stage gear box (122) of a wind power plant, wherein the gear box (122) includes a gear box housing (125). The gear box (122) includes at least one access opening for the insertion of a work instrument into the gear box housing (125) or respectively into the interior of the gear box housing (125) is provided on the outside of the gear box housing (125) and in that at least one guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) is provided for the work instrument inside the gear box housing (125) so that the work instrument is moveable and/or positionable within the guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205). Parts of the gear box (122) in the gear box housing (125) are checked and/or worked by a work instrument inserted or arranged or arrangeable in the guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205).
US08753078B2 Guide vane assembly
A guide vane assembly for a turbomachine, comprising a guide vane and a liner: the guide vane comprising an aerofoil portion having a radially outer platform, wherein one of the outer platform and the liner has a hook element, the hook element comprising an opening and a circumferentially extending channel, and the other one of the outer platform and the liner comprises a retaining element having a head portion, wherein in an operational orientation the head portion located within the channel and is too wide to be withdrawn through the opening of the hook element.
US08753075B2 Fan case assembly and method
A method for suspending a fan case and a fan case assembly in which a fan case is suspended are disclosed herein. The fan case assembly includes an inner ring encircling an axis. The fan case assembly also includes a first outer ring encircling the axis and having an annular flange. The fan case assembly also includes a plurality of struts each extending radially outward from an inner end engaged with the inner ring to an outer end engaged with the first outer ring. The fan case assembly also includes a second outer ring abutting the first outer ring along the axis. The fan case assembly also includes a plurality of leaves each fixed to the second outer ring and extending along the axis. The leaves are slid over an outer surface of the first outer ring to engage the first and second outer rings together.
US08753067B2 Steam valve apparatus
In one embodiment, a steam valve apparatus includes: a hydraulic cylinder including an internal space sectioned into first and second chambers by a piston operated by a hydraulic liquid; a first passage to supply the hydraulic liquid to the first chamber; a second passage connecting the first and second chambers; a third passage to drain the hydraulic liquid from the second chamber; an electromagnetic valve switched between first and second states; a first cartridge valve opening the first passage when the electromagnetic valve is in the first state and closing the first passage when the electromagnetic valve is in the second state; and a second cartridge valve closing the first passage when the electromagnetic valve is in the first state and opening the first passage when the electromagnetic valve is in the second state.
US08753064B2 Transfer assembly such as associated with a press operation and including fluid cylinder released mechanism for handling parts with large two dimensional measurements
A transfer assembly incorporated into a part forming operation including a structure exhibiting a generally open interior. A pair of elongated pivotal supports extend in parallel fashion along inner facing sides of the structure and channel the received opposite edges of each part delivered from the part forming operation. A rotary actuating component is mounted at an intermediate end location of the structure between the sides and pivotally interconnects to the end supports via a pair of linkage arms. A proximity trigger switch determines delivery of a part from the out feed location and, upon being activated, actuates the rotary component to separate the side extending supports to release the part for stacking in plural fashion within the open interior, following which reverse actuation of the rotary component pivotally resets the supports for receiving a subsequent part.
US08753063B2 Removable compartments for workpiece stocker
The present invention discloses apparatuses and method for configuring a compartmentable equipment to accommodate emergency responses. An exemplary equipment comprises a plurality of removable compartments for storing workpieces so that in emergency events, such as power failure or equipment failure, the workpieces can be removed from the equipment for continuing processing without disrupting the flow of the fabrication facility. The compartmentable equipment can comprise emergency access ports, including mating interface to a portable workpiece removal equipment to allow accessing the individual compartments without compromising the quality, defects and yield of the workpieces stored in the stocker.
US08753062B2 Gripper system
The disclosure describes a novel approach of utilizing a front loading waste collection vehicle. A gripper system is added to the fork tube of a front loading waste collection vehicle. The gripper system allows a front loader to lift and dump waste bins into the truck's hopper for the collection of trash, recyclables and/or other materials.
US08753060B2 Article transfer device
An article transfer device with a simpler structure is provided which can transfer an article to a proper position. Operation of a first projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the first projecting and retracting motor when a first article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the first projecting and retracting motor. And operation of a second projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the second projecting and retracting motor when a second article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the second projecting and retracting motor.
US08753057B2 Method and member for tightening threaded fasteners, and fixing and tightening device
This method of tightening a threaded fastener (6) to a predetermined torque comprises steps in which: axial and rotational coupling is begun, by surface shrinking to a tight fit, of the threaded fastener (6) to a tightening member (2) capable of turning the threaded fastener (6) and thereby tightening it, the tightening member (2) and the threaded fastener (6) being able, from an initial coupled configuration between the tightening member and the threaded fastener, to remain rotationally coupled at a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member to the threaded fastener, that is less than the predetermined tightening torque, and to be rotationally decoupled from each other at a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member to the threaded fastener, that is equal to the predetermined tightening torque; and from this initial coupled configuration, a rotary movement is applied to the tightening member (2) up to a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member (2) to the threaded fastener (6), that causes rotational decoupling of the tightening member (2) from the threaded fastener (6).
US08753049B2 Cutting tool
A cutting tool is designed to prevent chip packing. The cutting tool includes a body that rotates about an axis center, a hole portion that is open in a tip end surface of the body, a wall portion that is formed of the hole portion and an outer circumferential surface of the body, a notch portion that is communicated with the hole portion, and a blade portion that is formed or held at a portion where the notch portion intersects with the tip end surface of the wall portion. The blade portion includes an inner side surface that passes through an inner end portion of a bottom blade and intersects with a rake surface through a ridge line. The inner side surface is inclined so that a distance between the inner side surface and the axis center is increased towards a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the body.
US08753047B2 Dust extractor
A suction cup dust extractor for a drill having a housing; a drill collar attached to the housing, having a drill passage formed through it; an aperture located on the housing through which air can be sucked out by a suction device; a recess formed by the walls of the housing having an opening which, in use, locates against a work piece to create a chamber; at least one first air passage formed within the housing which enables air to pass from the drill passage to the aperture; at least one second air passage formed within the housing which enables air to pass from the recess to the aperture; and a manually operable valve mechanism mounted in the housing which is connected to the recess and which, when operated, allows air surrounding the housing to freely enter the recess when its opening is located against a work piece; characterized in that the housing further comprises a hand grip), the valve mechanism being mounted, at least in part, inside of the hand grip.
US08753046B2 Drilling tool for machine tools and method for the production thereof
A drilling tool for machine tools has a drill body and a cutting head arranged on the front face of the drill body. The drill body has at least two chip flutes, which are delimited at their flanks by ribs and at least one of which is spirally curved. Arranged in the ribs of the drill body are coolant channels, which have an outlet opening at the end of the drill body on the cutting head side. A special feature is that the outlet openings are arranged within each one of the chip flutes and communicate with one of the coolant channels arranged in the ribs by way of a straight channel endpiece.
US08753042B1 Drill tie stake
Tie fastening devices, systems apparatus, and methods of fastening and staking concrete cloth, and landscape and erosion control stabilizer sheets and timbers in place with a drill adapted fastener. The fasteners can elongated with anvil top ends that can be mounted to a drill chuck and lower cutting heads with arrow shaped blades that can raised burr edges for driving into ground surfaces.
US08753040B2 Offshore installation method of a wind power generator and its fabrication segments
The invention relates to an offshore installation method of a wind power generator and its fabrication segments. A prefabricated wind power generator is finished at a first location, and then carried by a ship to a second location for installation, largely saving installation time. With a tower inserted down through a base to shrink height of the generator, the ship can not only effectively diminish shaking posed by wind and sea waves, advancing steadiness of delivery, but also be one with smaller tonnage to save cost.
US08753038B2 Method and system of a marine geophysical survey cable retriever
A marine geophysical survey cable retriever system. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including causing a submerged survey cable to surface. In some cases, causing the submerged survey cable to surface includes: shedding ballast weights when the survey cable reaches or exceeds a first predetermined depth; and inflating a lifting bag when the survey cable reaches or exceeds a second predetermined depth.
US08753029B2 System and methods for smoothly inverting one or more faces of a cubical device
A system and method for inverting a cubical device 100 that inverts one or more faces of the cubical device 100 in a single fluid motion. In an embodiment, the cube faces are split in two face piece assemblies 210, in an alternative embodiment faces have only one invertible section 802, 702. The face piece assemblies 210 are initially held by cubical device 100 with a particular side facing inward. Operating the cubical device 100 causes one or more face piece assemblies 210, 803 to expand out from the center point of the cubical device 100, to rotate, and then collapse inward until cubical device 100 is reformed with the particular side of the faces in an outward-facing orientation. The joints, links and gears in the mechanism restrict the degrees of freedom to one such that the entire inversion movement is coupled. Multiple applications are proposed for the device, and embodiments having actuators for driving the inversion are disclosed.
US08753026B2 Use of a sense mark to control a printing system
A method of printing on a substrate includes the steps of instructing a first imaging unit to print a first image and a registration mark on a substrate contemporaneously during a production run and detecting the registration mark. The method further includes the steps of determining a position on the substrate where a second image is to be printed in accordance with the detection of the registration mark and instructing a second imaging unit to print the second image on the substrate in accordance with the determined position.
US08753024B2 Shock-absorbing mechanism for movable mirror of camera
A movable mirror shock-absorbing mechanism of a camera includes a mirror rotatable between a viewfinder light-guiding position and a retracted position, and a shock-absorbing member. The shock-absorbing member is held at a stand-by position with a pressure receiving portion thereof spaced from a contact portion provided on the mirror when the mirror is at the viewfinder light-guiding position or the retracted position. When the mirror rotates between the viewfinder light-guiding position and the retracted position, the contact portion presses the pressure receiving portion to move the shock-absorbing member against the biaser, the shock-absorbing member returns to the stand-by position after the pressing of the contact portion is released, and bouncing of the mirror is limited by a contact engagement between the contact portion and the pressure receiving portion.
US08753022B2 LC connector and method of assembly
A fiber optic connector includes a front housing having sidewalls each defining a slot and a rear insert with a pair of locking flanges extending radially away, the locking flanges configured to snap-fit into the slots, each locking flange defining a front face and a rear face, the radially outermost portion of the rear face defining an edge, the edge being the rearmost extending portion of the locking flange. Another fiber optic connector includes a front housing defining a front opening at a front end, a circular rear opening at a rear end, and an internal cavity extending therebetween. A rear insert including a generally cylindrical front portion is inserted into the front housing through the circular rear opening, the front portion defining at least one longitudinal flat configured to reduce the overall diameter of the generally cylindrical front portion configured to be inserted into the front housing.
US08753021B1 Adhesives for securing optical fibers to ferrules of optical connectors and methods for use thereof
An optical fiber may be secured to a ferrule of an optical connector with an adhesive mixture. The optical fiber may be secured by preparing an adhesive mixture, disposing the adhesive mixture in a fiber-receiving passage defining an inner surface of the ferrule, inserting the optical fiber into the fiber-receiving passage and into contact with the adhesive mixture, and curing the adhesive mixture. The adhesive mixture may be prepared by forming a base mixture that includes a base solvent, an alkyltrialkoxysilane, an aryltrialkoxysilane, and an aryltrifluorosilane. The adhesive mixture may be cured by heating to a temperature of at least about 200° C. and cooling to room temperature or below.
US08753016B2 Rolling bearing, grease supply system, spindle unit, grease supply method, and grease supply program
A spindle unit comprises a rolling bearing including an outer ring having an outer ring raceway on an inner peripheral surface, an inner ring having an inner ring raceway on an outer peripheral surface, and rolling elements provided rollably between the outer ring raceway and the inner ring raceway, whereby a spindle is borne rotatably in a housing, and a grease supply system for supplying a grease to an inside of the rolling bearing, wherein the grease supply system supplies the grease such that a supply amount in one shot is set to 0.004 cc to 0.1 cc.
US08753009B2 Drive system for imaging device
A drive mechanism for a mobile imaging system comprises a main drive geared into a drive wheel for propelling the imaging system, including a base and one or more imaging components, across a surface. The drive mechanism can also include a scan drive that moves the drive mechanism and the one or more imaging components along an axis relative to the base to provide an imaging scan, and a suspension drive that extends the drive wheel relative to a bottom surface when the imaging system is in a transport mode and retracts the drive wheel relative to the bottom surface of the base when the imaging system is in an imaging mode. The drive wheel supports the weight of the imaging components, but does not directly support the base assembly, which can include pedestal and tabletop support. One or more casters located on the base can support the weight of the base assembly.
US08753005B2 Apparatus for mixing the contents of a container
An apparatus for mixing materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support. A mixing container is disposed in the support, where the mixing container is configured to retain materials. A driver assembly is configured to protrude through the support and into the mixing container. The mixing container includes a paddle, the driver assembly is configured to be attached to the paddle, where the driver assembly is configured to oscillate the paddle in a back and forth direction at a set angle in order to mix the materials in the mixing container.
US08753003B2 Screw feed elements for extrusion of viscoelastic masses
The invention relates to novel screw feed elements for multi-shaft screw feed machines having screw feed profiles rotating in the same direction in pairs and precisely abrading in pairs, to the use of the screw elements in multi-shaft screw feeding machines and to a method for extrusion of viscoelastic masses.
US08753001B2 Metering apparatus and method for introducing a powdery medium into a fluid
The application relates to a metering apparatus for introducing a powdery medium into a fluid, comprising a guide device for guiding the fluid and a metering device, said metering device being arranged above the guide device such that the powdery medium released by the metering unit is scattered onto the surface of the fluid.
US08752994B2 Illumination system, luminaire and display device
The invention relates to an illumination system (10), a luminaire (102), a collimator (30) and a display device (200). The illumination system according to the invention comprises a light source (20) and the collimator. The light source is configured for emitting a substantially Lambertian light distribution around a symmetry axis (22). The refractive collimator is configured for redirecting light from the light source to at least partially illuminate an illuminating surface (50) in which at least a part of the illuminating surface being substantially parallel to the symmetry axis. The refractive collimator comprises a concave input window (34) and an at least partially convex output window (40) for refracting light towards the illuminating surface.The effect of the illumination system according to the invention is that a height of the illumination system may be reduced due to the use of the refractive collimator.
US08752989B2 Illuminated chromatic vehicle emblem
An illuminated vehicle emblem assembly is provided that includes a power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly coupled to the power source and supported by the backing member. The light-producing assembly may include an electroluminescent light source. The illuminated vehicle emblem assembly further includes a translucent base region over the light source, a chromatic layer over the translucent base region, and a translucent sealing structure configured to seal the backing member, the light producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. The illuminated vehicle emblem assembly exhibits a chrome- or mirror-like finish when viewed under ambient lighting conditions. Further, the illuminated vehicle emblem assembly possesses a glowing appearance when activated under low-light or night-time conditions.
US08752988B2 Taillight for automotive trailers or vehicles with built-in communication RF signal antenna
There is provided a taillight for vehicles or trailer trucks with built-in RF signal communication antenna which, according to its features, enables the creation of a taillight with its own specific structure, electromechanical type and destined to place a lighting module with lighting function and a RF signal communication antenna with RF signal communication function regardless the frequency or type of signal on the surface of vehicles or trailer trucks in general, in order to enable an extremely practical, safe and precise way to optimize the procedures for placing communication RF signal antennas and their signal transmissions in vehicles or automotive trailers, with complete invisibility and excellent elimination of any interference in these transmissions.
US08752987B1 Vacuum secured lightweight surgical light handle cover
The present invention solves the problem of secure engagement of a thin gauge light handle cover to a light handle. This is possible by way of a simple addition to existing light handle covers. Vacuum structures are a critical improvement of the present invention over the prior art. The prior art has uniformly tried to use a seal between the shield rim and the light handle cover behind which a vacuum would be attempted to be formed. Where the post and shield covering sections have sufficient structural strength, such a seal and vacuum can be obtained. With thin gauge polymers, it is simply not practical.
US08752981B2 Light source apparatus
A light source apparatus comprising an optical module is disclosed. The optical module has a first optical plate and a second optical plate. The first optical plate comprises a first transparent portion and a first reflective portion. The second optical plate comprises a second transparent portion and a second reflective portion. The light source apparatus comprises a first laser array, a second laser array and a third laser array for projecting a first light, a second light and a third light towards the optical module along a first incident direction, a second incident direction and a third incident direction, respectively. The first light passes through the first and second transparent portions to travel along the emergent direction. The second light reflected by the first reflective portion travels along the emergent direction. The third light reflected by the second reflective portion travels along the emergent direction.
US08752975B2 Multi-function telescopic flashlight with universally-mounted pivotal mirror
A telescopic flashlight that includes a universally adjustable mirror unit for reflecting the light of the lighting unit over a universal range, which mirror unit is readily and easily attached and detached from the distal end of the flashlight apparatus via a metallic mounting collar that is magnetically retained by means of an annular magnet affixed to the distal end of the apparatus, which mounting collar itself is rotatable relative to the distal end of the flashlight apparatus in order to provide two of the three degrees of freedom on motion of the mirror proper.
US08752973B2 Lighting device, display device and television receiver
A thickness of a backlight unit is reduced and brightness in a middle portion of a display device is improved. The backlight unit includes a first LED unit 23; a first light guide plate 20 including a light entering surface 20b, and a light exiting surface 20a; and a second light guide plate 21 including a light entering surface 21b, and a light exiting surface 21a. The light exiting surface 21a of the second light guide plate 21 is disposed to overlap at least a portion F of the light existing surface 20a of the first light guide plate 20 that is farthest from the first LED unit 23. Light outputted from the light exiting surface 21a of the second light guide plate 21 enters the first light guide plate 20 at least through a surface of the first light guide plate 20 opposite to the light exiting surface 20a thereof.
US08752969B1 Method of operating a fast scanning mirror
The mirror has a base, inner stage, reflector, controller, and mechanical subsystems pivotally supporting stage and reflector: subsystem #1, the stage (about one rotation axis, relative to the base); subsystem #2, the reflector (about another axis, relative to the stage). Stage and reflector each rotate on respective jewel, ceramic or other refractory bearings. Controller establishes stage/base and reflector/stage angles. Subsystems include respective bearings. The method includes (1) using the two-axis mechanism to receive, and measure an incident angle of, incident rays from an external object; (2) then using that mechanism to direct a radiation beam from a laser source toward the external object, responsive to incident rays. Optionally step (1) operates the mirror at peak acceleration, or minimum response time, as function of mirror thickness; and provides two- to three-millimeter mirror thickness. Optionally step (2) directs the beam to disrupt object function or impair object structure.
US08752961B2 Fundus photographing apparatus
A fundus photographing apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to capture a fundus image of an subject's eye via a photographing optical system, an imaging magnification output unit configured to output imaging magnification of the photographing optical system, a fixation target presenting unit configured to make the subject's eye to look firmly at a fixation target, a fixation target presenting position detection unit configured to detect a presenting position of the fixation target presenting unit, a matching area determination unit configured to determine an area for matching a fundus image based on the imaging magnification and the presenting position of the fixation target, and a correlation value calculation unit configured to calculate a correlation value between a plurality of fundus images captured by the imaging unit based on the matching area determined by the matching area determination unit.
US08752960B2 Aid for training visual skills associated with a selected activity
A method and associated aid for training visual skills associated with a selected activity. The method is grounded upon a theory which involves a first concept referred to as a “planes of reference box” and a second concept referred to as a “momentum triangle”. The method involves mounting to a head of a wearer a transparent viewing surface through which the wearer observes his or her environment. The transparent viewing surface has activity specific balance reference indicia from the planes of reference box and activity specific momentum reference indicia from the momentum triangle.
US08752958B2 System and method for increasing the depth of focus of the human eye
A method and apparatus for increasing the depth of focus of the human eye is comprised of a lens body, an optic in the lens body configured to produce light interference, and a pinhole-like optical aperture substantially in the center of the optic. The optic may be configured to produce light scattering or composed of a light reflective material. Alternatively, the optic may increase the depth of focus via a combination of light interference, light scattering, light reflection and/or light absorption. The optic may also be configured as a series of concentric circles, a weave, a pattern of particles, or a pattern of curvatures. One method involves screening a patient for an ophthalmic lens using a pinhole screening device in the lens to increase the patient's depth of focus. Another method comprises surgically implanting a mask in the patient's eye to increase the depth of focus.
US08752957B2 Detachable eyeglass frame
A detachable eyeglass frame includes a lens frame, a pair of hollow temples, a pair of temple inserts and a pair of hinges. The temple insert resembles a stick ending with a blade having a pocket for receiving the asymmetrical V-shaped hinge. The hinge has a column at one tip and a screw receiving column at the other. The temple insert is received by a sleeve formed within the temple and furthermore the hinge is inserted to the pocket of the temple insert for connecting the temple to the lens frame through a screw.
US08752956B2 Nail print apparatus
A nail print apparatus includes a print head which performs printing on a finger nail, a printing finger positioning unit which holds a fingertip of the finger nail on which the print head performs printing, non-printing finger receiving units which are provided respectively at sides of the printing finger positioning unit and which receive fingers other than the finger held by the printing finger positioning unit, and a placement unit on which at least the fingertip of the finger received by the printing finger positioning unit is placed.
US08752955B2 Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer includes a movable conveyance belt, a first charging device, and a second charging device. Upon the conveyance belt, a recording medium is placed and conveyed at a given conveyance speed in a longitudinal, conveyance direction of the belt. The first charging device is disposed in contact with the belt while supplied with a first alternating current voltage to create a first electrified portion in the conveyance belt where positive and negative electric charges are arranged alternately with each other in the conveyance direction for electrostatically attracting the recording medium to the belt. The second charging device is disposed adjacent the belt to contact the recording medium conveyed on the belt while supplied with a second alternating current voltage to create a second electrified portion in the recording medium for cancelling an electric field originating from the first electrified portion of the belt.
US08752953B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, a conveyance belt, a charger, a reverse passage, and an auxiliary conveyance roller. The belt is looped around at least two rollers to adhere a recording medium thereto by electrostatic force and convey the medium. The belt defines a normal conveyance area in which the medium is conveyed in a first direction. The reverse passage delivers the medium turned around in an area downstream from the belt in the first direction and sends the medium back again to a portion of the belt upstream from the head in the first direction. The reverse passage includes an opposite conveyance area of the belt in which the medium is conveyed in a second direction opposite the first direction. The auxiliary conveyance roller is disposed at least one of an entry part and an exit part of the opposite conveyance area.
US08752952B2 Recording method, light curable type ink set, and recording apparatus
Provided is a recording method using a light-curable-type ink set including a light-curable-type color-ink composition containing a polymerizable compound, a photopolymerization initiator, and a coloring material and a light-curable-type clear-ink composition containing a polymerizable compound and a photopolymerization initiator, wherein the light-curable-type color-ink composition contains (1) an acylphosphine oxide-based photopolymerization initiator and (2) at least one of a thioxanthone-based photopolymerization initiator and/or an α aminoalkylphenone-based photopolymerization initiator which is in a range of 0.5 to 4 mass % with respect to the total mass of the color ink composition, wherein the light-curable-type clear-ink composition contains an acylphosphine oxide-based photopolymerization initiator which is in a range of 5 to 12 mass % with respect to the total mass of the clear-ink composition, and wherein illumination energy when a coated film made from the ink set is cured through light illumination from a light source is in a range of 100 to 800 mJ/cm2.
US08752950B2 Inkjet ink composition, inkjet recording method, and printed material
An inkjet ink composition is provided that includes (Component 1-A) an N-vinyllactam, (Component 1-B) a compound represented by Formula (1), and (Component 1-C) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of a bisacylphosphine compound, a thioxanthone compound, a thiochromanone compound, and an α-aminoketone compound, the inkjet ink composition either not comprising a silicone-based surfactant or a fluorine-based surfactant or comprising a silicone-based surfactant and a fluorine-based surfactant at a total content of greater than 0 wt % but no greater than 0.03 wt % relative to the entire weight of the inkjet ink composition.There are also provided an inkjet ink composition that includes (Component 2-A) the di(meth)acrylate of a hydrocarbon diol having 5 to 10 carbons at 3 to 35 wt %, (Component 2-B) a compound represented by Formula (1) at 35 to 70 wt %, and (Component 2-C) a polymerization initiator, the inkjet ink composition having a total content of Component 2-A and Component 2-B of 50 to 90 wt %, and a surface tension at 25° C. of 33 to 37.5 mN/m.
US08752949B2 Ink composition, ink set and inkjet recording method
An ink composition includes: a pigment; water; a polymerizable monomer that is capable of being polymerized by an active energy ray; and an initiator that is capable of initiating polymerization of the polymerizable monomer by the active energy ray, wherein a number of particles contained in the ink composition having a particle diameter of 0.8 μm or more is 20,000 particles/μl or less.
US08752946B2 Recirculation of ink
An apparatus includes an inkjet assembly having inkjet nozzles through each of which ink flows at a nominal flow rate as it is ejected from the nozzle onto a substrate. Ink is held under a nominal negative pressure associated with a characteristic of a meniscus of the ink in the nozzle when ejection of ink from the nozzle is not occurring. The apparatus includes recirculation flow paths, each flow path having a nozzle end at which it opens into one of the nozzles and another location spaced from the nozzle end that is to be subjected to a recirculation pressure lower than the nominal negative pressure so that ink is recirculated from the nozzle through the flow path at a recirculation flow rate. Each recirculation flow path has a fluidic resistance between the nozzle end and the other location such that a recirculation pressure at the nozzle end of the flow path that results from the recirculation pressure applied at the other location of the flow path is small enough so that any reduction in flow rate below the nominal flow rate when ink is being ejected is less than a threshold, or a change in the nominal negative pressure when ink is not being ejected is less than a threshold, or both.
US08752943B2 Liquid cartridge
A liquid cartridge includes a liquid storing portion that stores liquid therein, a detection portion in fluid communication with the liquid storing portion, a movable member that is disposed in the detection portion, and a sensor that outputs a signal relative to a position of the movable member.
US08752940B2 Method of manufacturing a light emitting device
A technique capable of efficient, high speed processing for the formation of an organic compound layer by using an ink jet method is provided. In the method of forming an organic compound layer by using the ink jet method, a composition containing an organic compound having light emitting characteristics is discharged from an ink head, forming a continuous organic compound layer. The organic compound layer is formed on pixel electrodes aligned in a matrix shape, and is formed in a continuous manner over a plurality of pixel electrodes. A light emitting device is manufactured using organic light emitting elements in accordance with this manufacturing method.
US08752939B2 Printhead and method of making the printhead
A printhead assembly comprises a plurality of plates stacked together. The plates form a flow path having an inlet and a nozzle. An ejection chamber is in fluid connection with the flow path. A diaphragm is in operable connection with the ejection chamber. A micro actuator is in operable connection with the diaphragm, the micro actuator being configured to actuate the diaphragm. An adhesive layer bonds at least two of the plurality of plates together. The adhesive comprises silicone.
US08752933B2 Liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge head including a discharge surface, a receiving surface which receives discharged liquid, a wiper which wipes the receiving surface, a moving device which moves the wiper, a cleaning device which cleans the wiper, and a control device which controls the moving device to move the wiper while contacting the receiving surface, from a wiping start position at one end of the receiving surface to a wiping end position at the other end and to move the wiper from a cleaning position to the wiping start position. The cleaning position is located at an opposite side to the wiping end position with respect to the wiping start position, and a distance from the cleaning position to the wiping start position is smaller than a distance from the wiping end position to the wiping start position.
US08752932B2 Wiping assembly and image forming apparatus having the same
An inkjet image forming apparatus includes a main body frame, a medium supplying unit which is coupled to the main body frame and supplying a print medium, an image forming cartridge which is coupled to the main body frame, forms an image on the supplied print medium, and including a nozzle to eject ink, and a wiping assembly which wipes the nozzle. The wiping assembly includes a wiping sheet storage unit in which the wiping sheet is stored as being wound, a transfer shuttle which moves along arrangement of the nozzle by a driving force of a driving source, a pressing member which is provided in the transfer shuttle and presses a region of the wiping sheet against the nozzle to perform wiping using the wiping sheet, and a wiping sheet support unit which is provided in the transfer shuttle and restricts move of the wiping sheet while the nozzle is wiped.
US08752926B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a piezoelectric element provided with a piezoelectric layer and an electrode provided on the piezoelectric layer; and a driving unit supplying a driving waveform driving the piezoelectric element to the piezoelectric element.
US08752924B2 Control element for printed drop density reconfiguration
A printhead includes a nozzle and a jet control element. The jet control element includes a continuous heater element positioned to surround the nozzle and a plurality of three or more electrical contacts in electrical communication with the continuous heater element. The plurality of three or more electrical contacts define a plurality of three or more continuous heater element portions that are actuatable with sufficient independence so as to control jet steering. The number of the continuous heater element portions equals the number of electrical contacts.
US08752923B2 Image forming apparatus
A disclosed image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a recording head, a sub tank, a carriage, a main tank, and a fluid feeding unit supplying fluid from the main tank to the sub tank, in which the sub tank includes a displacement member displaced depending on a remaining amount, the carriage includes a first detecting unit detecting the displacement member, the apparatus main body includes a second detecting unit detecting the displacement member, the image forming apparatus detects and stores a differential supply amount corresponding to a displacement amount of the displacement member between positions detected by the first detecting unit and the second detecting unit, respectively, and the differential supply amount of liquid is supplied to the sub tank after the first detecting unit detects the displacement member when liquid is supplied without using the second detecting unit.
US08752922B2 Mobile printer networking and interfacing
Provided herein are devices, methods and other means, including those related to printers, as well as computer readable media for storing code to execute instructions for a device, and other systems for providing and supporting mobile printing and other types of devices. The printer, for example, can be coupled with one or more docks and/or other accessory devices, examples of which are also discussed herein.
US08752917B1 Ball bushing positioning structure of a sliding rail assembly for server
A ball bushing positioning structure formed of a sliding rail, a carrier rail, a ball bushing, a release hook and a release control member is disclosed. When inserting the sliding rail with an affixed server into the ball bushing to a certain distance to release stop edges of upright guide walls of a retaining flange of the release hook from the stop walls of the ball bushing subject to the effect of the release control member, the ball bushing is moved with the sliding rail backwardly relative to the carrier rail, preventing falling of the server with the sliding rail out of the carrier rail and avoiding impact between the sliding rail and the ball bushing.
US08752915B2 Articulation structure for sliding shelf stem
An articulation mechanism for a sliding shelf stem of a household appliance is disclosed. The articulation mechanism may operate without the use of an additional piece and may be made only with a stamping on the counter-door itself of the household appliance. The configuration of the articulation mechanism may simplify its fabrication and assembly, and may reduce or eliminate the need for use of accessories and tools for the assembly processes, simplifying construction.
US08752913B2 Sealed wall cabinet
A sealed cabinet for clean rooms and other controlled environments includes a single unitary elastomeric gasket which surrounds a flange around the periphery of the front of the cabinet which acts to seal both the rear of the flange against the room wall and the closure door against the flange around the cabinet opening. The gasket has a tapered configuration that provides a smooth tapered peripheral edge in close conformity with the surface of the wall for easy cleaning and to avoid the accumulation of dust. Cabinet mounting means clamp against the inside surface of the wall and are actuated from the interior of the cabinet eliminating any exposed mounting hardware.
US08752912B1 Carrying case conversion to desk
A method for converting a watertight carrying case into a desk that includes mounting a bracket onto rearward projections from the case for permitting the case to serve as a desk without compromising its watertightness.
US08752909B2 Brake mechanism, transport apparatus and industrial apparatus
A brake mechanism is constituted to have: an electromotive actuator which suppresses a rotation of a disk by moving a first pad toward a second pad to sandwich and press the disk between the first pad and the second pad; a pressing force setting section outputting a set signal to set a pressing force of the pad to the disk; a plurality of piezoelectric elements provided at different places from each other in the first pad or the second pad, the plurality of piezoelectric elements detecting a stress of the pad; a signal processing part which processes electric signals obtained from the plurality of piezoelectric elements and generates a detection signal of a pressing force, the detection signal corresponding to a pressing force of the pad to the disk; and a computing part which obtains a deviation between the set signal and the detection signal, computes an operation signal of the electromotive actuator based on the deviation, and then outputs the operation signal.
US08752906B2 Mining plough for plough systems and plough system for inclined formation
A mining plough for plough systems for the exploiting of minerals in inclined formations. In order to provide a mining plough and a plough system, with which coal seams, in particular seams in steep formation can be exploited economically and with high operating safety, the mining plough includes a separable plough body having two plough body basic elements each being provided with a fixture for a separate traction means and with a guide means for moving the coal plough by means of at least two traction means and for guiding the coal plough on at least two mutually spaced guide mechanisms.
US08752903B2 Chair, convertible into a baby's highchair
A chair, convertible into a baby's highchair, comprising a base frame to which it is possible to connect a seat body with height adjustment elements, the seat body comprising a fixed back to which a movable and height-adjustable back is connected, a sill being further provided which can be detachably associated with the seat body and being provided with safety elements adapted to prevent coupling to the seat body when the movable back is in an incorrect position.
US08752902B2 Seating trim attachment retainer for EPP/EPS and polyurethane foam
A trim attachment retainer having a body portion including a proximal end and an engagement end. At least one cross member is integral with and substantially orthogonal to the body portion. At least one barb extends from the engagement end. The at least one barb includes a base and a distal end. The distal end is closer than the base to the at least one cross member.
US08752901B2 Vehicle seat
In a vehicle seat, a back side, that is a side opposite a seating side, of a cushion is covered by a backing that has less expandability than the cushion. The back side of the cushion is divided by a pair of first supporting members into a center portion arranged between the pair of first supporting members and a pair of side portions arranged on both sides of the center portion. The center portion and the side portions each have a semi-cylindrical outer shape that protrudes out from the back side of the cushion. First arranging portions that are recessed toward the seating side are formed between the center portion and each of the side portions. The first supporting members are arranged sinking into the cushion at the first arranging portions.
US08752900B2 Modular chair
Modular furniture is provided. More specifically, upholstered furniture, including chairs, sofas, loveseats, and beds that are operably configured for removing and/or replacing one or more component of the furniture, such as arm rests, support legs, backs and sides are provided. In particular, an upholstered chair comprising: a base having a seat fixedly connected with a backrest; and a plurality of glass block sides removeably connected with the base is provided. The modular furniture systems can be used by consumers to replace selected components of the furniture with updated components for a new look.
US08752899B2 Backrest for a motor vehicle
A backrest for a motor vehicle seat has a head restraint that is height adjustable with the aid of a guide. A transverse strut connected fixedly at an upper region of the backrest. The guide has a guiding device that is attached fixedly to the transverse strut and guides a guiding element that is attached to and integrated in the head restraint. The guide (22) is assigned a locking unit (50), with a first locking part (51) that is fastened to the transverse strut (18), and a second locking part (52) that is fastened to the head restraint (4). The two locking parts (51, 52) interact according to a latch and hole principle.
US08752897B2 Vehicle seat
The invention relates to a vehicle seat which may be adjusted forward and back along a seat rail arranged on both sides, and in which both the inclination of a seat surface and a back surface and a height thereof may be adjusted. Such a vehicle seat is intended to be adapted very easily and in an uncomplicated manner to the different body sizes of drivers. This is achieved in that a common adjustment mechanism is provided for all seat adjustment sequences, which coordinates the individual adjustment sequences, in that the coordination of the adjustment sequences produces seat adjustments in which the seating position of the respective driver is optimized irrespective of body size.
US08752893B2 Adjusting method and structure for seat post of bicycle
An adjusting method and a structure for a seat post of a bicycle are provided. The structure of the seat post includes an adjusting tube, four pulleys, a pushing member, a main tube, an elastic member, and a cord. The adjusting tube is coaxially movably disposed in the main tube, while the pushing member is coaxially movably disposed in the adjusting tube and coaxially fixed with the main tube. One of the pulleys is pivotally disposed in the adjusting tube, and the other pulleys are pivotally disposed in the pushing member. Two of the pulleys inside the pushing member are movable along the pushing member. The cord is wound around the four pulleys. The elastic member is disposed in the pushing member and can push the pulleys to move. Pulleys moving along the pushing member push the adjusting tube moving outwardly form the main tube.
US08752892B2 Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion, a seat back that is connected to the seat cushion in a manner so as to be reclined and raised with respect to the seat cushion, a lower band member that covers a connecting portion of the seat cushion and the seat back, and a supply portion provided in the lower band member. The seat back includes a cushion that forms a contour of a seat, a cover, and a blower arranged inside the seat back. Air blown from the blower is blown toward a sitting side of the seat back via a flow path portion of the cushion, while outside air is supplied to the blower. The supply portion communicates an inside of the seat back with an outside of the seat back, and outside air taken in from the supply portion is supplied to the blower.
US08752891B2 Planar heating device and seat with same
A planar heating device and a seat equipped with the device include: first and second warming heaters connected in parallel with electric power source; thermistor; thermostat connected in series with second warming heater; a heating part, i.e., first warming heater, that heats thermistor and thermostat; and controller to control temperatures of first and second warming heaters in accordance with temperature information from thermistor. For a period until thermostat turns off, quick-heating property is improved by energizing first and second warming heaters.
US08752888B2 Sunroof glass lifting prevention device and sunroof assembly including the same
A sunroof glass lifting prevention device may include at least one holder that may be provided to corresponding to a front end portion of a sunroof glass and that supports the front end portion of the sunroof glass.
US08752886B2 Mounting module for a cooling air flap module in a front panel of a motor vehicle
The cooling air flap module has a closed mounting frame with bearings and an actuating device for the cooling air flaps, and the mounting frame of the module is arranged so as to be fixed in a forward-mounted reinforcing frame. The mounting frame with the reinforcing frame can be connected as a constructional unit to the front panel so as to form a construction module.
US08752882B2 Motor vehicle body with plasma-treated gluing surface
An assembly method and a motor vehicle body having at least one marginal portion delimiting a bodywork opening is provided. The motor vehicle includes a plasma-treated gluing surface to which a seal is fastened in a materially joined manner.
US08752872B2 Edge grip end effector
An end effector blade (201) is provided which has a region (203) defined thereon for receiving an article. The end effector blade is also equipped with a plurality of tabs (213) disposed about the periphery of said region. Each tab moves from a first position when no article is present in the region, to a second position when an article is disposed in the region, and each tab pressingly engages the article when it is in the second position.
US08752871B2 Wire strike assembly
A wire strike assembly for use with a latch mechanism having an adjustment mechanism and locking mechanism to enable the wire strike assembly to be readily adjusted to align with the latch in an efficient and fail safe manner.
US08752870B2 Remote-controlled security bar
A remote-controlled security apparatus for a door or window (opening) including a security bar, a motor-driven apparatus such as a linear actuator, and a remote control. The security bar has a first end hingeably connected to a first portion, such as a frame or jamb, of the opening and a second end sized to extend substantially across at least a portion of a width or height of the opening. The motor-driven apparatus includes a first end affixed to a second portion of the frame of the opening and a second end coupled to the security bar. The remote control directs the actuator to move the security bar between locked and unlocked positions. When locked, the security bar extends substantially across at least a portion of the width or the height of the opening. The security apparatus can securely lock a pair of sliding doors and control access remotely.
US08752865B1 Refrigeration condensate line maintenance kit
A drain pan collects condensate water from an air conditioner. A drain line includes an elbow connecting the pan to a vertical pipe that drains the condensate water to outside. The drain line must be periodically cleaned to prevent clogging. A kit and method is provided to modify the drain line so that it can then be cleaned more easily, and components are provided to facilitate the drain line cleaning process.
US08752862B2 Cushioning element
A cushioning element, such as for a vehicle occupant protection device, comprises a cover, a filling material and at least one textile sheet. The textile sheet is foam-encapsulated in addition to the cover. Opening of the cover takes place reliably and reproducibly when an inflatable occupant protection device is activated. The textile sheet influences the opening of the cover when the inflatable device is activated.
US08752861B2 Vehicle rear side airbag device fixing structure
A fixing structure of a rear side airbag device for a vehicle may assure a margin of time for the side airbag to be deployed. In a vehicle rear side airbag device fixing structure, an airbag module is fixed by fastening to a child seat fixing member conforming to ISOFix standards, via a metal plate. The child seat fixing member is fixed to the rear floor of a vehicle body at the downward side of a rear seatback. Therefore, in comparison with a structure in which an airbag module is fixed to a rear wheel housing via a bracket, the airbag module may be disposed to the vehicle width direction inner side. Moreover, the child seat fixing member exhibits a high rigidness with respect to a side collision of the vehicle. Therefore, fixing portions of the airbag module are resistant to being deformed during a side collision of the vehicle.
US08752851B2 Auxiliary device for bicycle
An auxiliary device for a bicycle is disclosed. The auxiliary device includes a pair of thrusting members and a drive mechanism pivotally coupled between the thrusting members and the bicycle. The thrusting members positioned at two sides of the bicycle in a one-up-one-down manner, so that the thrusting members normally abut against a cyclist's back thigh muscles. The drive mechanism has two first pivots, a second pivot and a linkage system so as to make the thrusting members thrust the cyclist's back thigh muscles when the cyclist treadles the treadles. Thereby, the auxiliary device is useful to reduce burden bore by the cyclist's front thigh muscles and shank muscles, and can use the kinetic energy generated by the cyclist's back thigh muscles to enhance the cyclist's riding speed and endurance.
US08752850B2 Arm component for vehicles and its manufacturing method
Disclosed herein is a suspension arm component for vehicles with sufficient strength or rigidity to withstand repetitive compressive and tensile forces, and a method for manufacturing such a component by pressing or hemming process alone, without recourse to any welding process, forming quickly and simply, a process with advantages in terms of material yield and cost. The suspension arm component for vehicles includes first flange pieces as well as second flange pieces, and a pair of half members, each having a hat-like shaped cross-section perpendicular to its axis, are joined together to protrude the first flange part and the second flange part from an expanded part, where both the first flange part and the second flange part extend linearly along the axis of the main body part. The main body part presents a rectangular shape in its side view.
US08752848B2 Computer cart
A computer cart has removable electrical connector management system which may be removed from the computer cart to install electrical connectors and then reinserted into the computer cart to facilitate wiring of the cart. A numbering system is implemented to uniquely identify corresponding electrical and physical characteristics of the cart to facilitate maintenance of computers stored within the cart.
US08752847B2 Wheelbarrow leg stabilizer
A wheelbarrow leg stabilizer having a slip resistant lower surface is provided. Preferably, the slip resistant lower surface includes a plurality of edges structured to engage the ground and thereby increase the starting friction. More preferably, the edges are part of a deformation in the leg stabilizer body. When the stabilizer body is constructed from a generally planar metal member, the deformations may be punched in the stabilizer body thereby creating openings adjacent the deformations. This configuration provides for both an edge that engages the ground but also a face that creates a larger contact surface with the ground.
US08752844B1 Shoe mobility system
A shoe mobility system for allowing a user's shoe to roll on a ground surface while the user is seated in a wheelchair. The system features a base panel connected to a back panel at an angle, wherein the panels are for positioned at the back and bottom area of a shoe. A pair of flanges extends from the back panel of the system, and an axle spans the flanges. A wheel is rotatably attached to the axle. The system is attachable to the user's shoe.
US08752838B2 Video bingo game and method therefor
A video bingo poker game comprising: providing each player with an individual flashboard, each flashboard having an equal number of spaces, each space defined by a column label and a space number, wherein the space number is randomly selected from a predefined number range for each column; providing a plurality of bingo balls, wherein each bingo ball has markings associated with one of the plurality of spaces; randomly selecting a first group of bingo balls; displaying to each player the markings associated with each selected bingo ball of the first group of bingo balls; marking each square associated with each of the first group of bingo balls on each individual flashcard; and determining any winning flashboard.
US08752831B2 Systems and methods for controlling substrate flatness in printing devices using the flow of air
Systems and methods are provided for controlling substrate flatness for sensor measurements in printing device. A flow of air may be provided from a blower to a plenum. A printed sheet of media may be transported between upper and lower transport baffles that are generally spaced apart to permit the sheet of media to pass. Located on one of transport baffles may be a sensor to measure a property of the printed sheet. Air from the plenum is provided to the back surface of the sheet to urge it toward the sensor.
US08752829B1 Rotatable and translatable mechanical flag
A mechanical flag for an object detection device includes a body portion, a head portion extending from the body portion, a tail portion extending from the body portion; and an elongate aperture disposed in the body portion and about which the mechanical flag is rotatable and translatable.
US08752827B2 Medium stacking apparatus and financial device comprising the same
Provided is a medium stacking apparatus, which comprises a stacking frame and a damper. The stacking frame forms a stacking space in which media are stacked, and comprises a medium inlet. The damper collides with the medium introduced through the medium inlet, and absorbs a shock from the medium. The damper comprises one or more damping ribs that extend in a stacking direction of the media and are elastically deformed by a collision with the medium.
US08752815B2 System and method for processing multi-page mail pieces
Systems and methods for processing multi-page mail pieces include a first unwinder that produces single width web and a second unwinder that produces a double width web. A merger/aligner having a slitter is located downstream from the second unwinder, and a cutter is located downstream from the merger/aligner. The slitter slits the double width web into two single width webs, and all of the single width webs are fed into the cutter. The cutter cuts the webs cross-wise at appropriate locations to separate the webs into individual sheets of a desired length.
US08752814B1 Device to facilitate clasping of jewelry
A device and method to facilitate wearing of jewelry items which have hoop and clasp closures, comprising: a base or clamp for stabilizing the device on a surface; a wire guide member protruding from the base and affixed securely thereto, the wire guide having hook at its opposite end for engaging a distal hoop or link on an unclasped jewelry item, thereby permitting a person to: a. engage one end of a jewelry object with a device, b. open a complementary jewelry clasp with one or both free hands, c. position a wrist or neck within the bight of the jewelry item, d. close the clasp upon the hoop link, and e. slidably remove the clasped jewelry item from the device.
US08752812B2 Conversion assemblies for shocks and struts
Conversion assemblies and conversion assemblies combined with automotive shock absorbing assemblies for automotive use, such as shocks and struts. There is disclosed herein, in combination, a conversion assembly and an automotive shock absorbing assembly for automotive use, said automotive shock absorbing assembly being selected from the group consisting of shocks and, struts.
US08752808B2 Movement transformation device and valve comprising such a device
The invention relates to A device for transforming a rotation of a gear into a translation of a slide, the device including a supporting member provided with a fixed tubular wall translatably connected to the slide by a cam channel, the gear being rotatably mounted on the supporting member and rotatably connected to the slide which is suitable for pivoting about an axis. The gear comprises a ring rotatably mounted on the tubular wall of the supporting member.
US08752807B2 Seat block and valve device
A seat block capable of maintaining a well-fitted state of a seat portion in a simple and reliable manner regardless of use conditions. A seat portion base body (43) is provided in a housing (67) provided with a valve passage (66) and allows a piston (28) for opening and closing a valve passage (66) to be pressed on the seat portion base body (43). A spring member (23) applies an elastic force to the seat portion base body (43) such that the elastic mechanism (23) cooperates with the housing (67) to retain the seat portion base body (43).
US08752802B1 Clamping device adapted to electronic product of different dimensions
A clamping device adapted to electronic product of different dimensions, includes a base unit, a clamping member, two stoppers, a moving unit, a release unit, and two rotation units. The base unit is used for placing an electronic product on it. The clamping member clamps the electronic product by the manner of closing the stoppers. The clamp member is installed on the moving unit. The moving unit adjusts the position of the clamping member by the manner of straight moving. The two stoppers are installed on the corresponding rotation units, respectively. The two rotation units adjust positions of the two stoppers by rotary manner. The release unit may release the state of clamping the electronic product. The clamping device clamps the electronic product of different dimensions through a variety of positions of the clamping member and the two stoppers.
US08752801B2 Apparatus and kit for supporting inclined structures
The present invention relates to an apparatus and kit for use in supporting inclined objects and structures. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and kit useful for extending platforms on a roof in which scaffolding can be built upon. More specifically, the apparatus relates to an interconnected anchoring section designed to support the weight of equipment and individuals working on an inclined surface. The apparatus includes, generally, an anchoring section to attach to the peak of a rooftop or other inclined surface, and an attaching surface to connect the anchoring section to the platform section. The platform section allows equipment to be built thereon without damaging the roof or surface beneath.
US08752797B2 Rail line sensing and safety system
A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.
US08752796B2 Automatic jettison system for a rotorcraft
A method of automatically jettisoning cargo suspended from a suspension system coupled to an auto jettison system, includes receiving an initial load value from at least one attachment point of the suspension system, the receiving of the initial load value in response to attaching the cargo to the suspension system; receiving an instantaneous load value of the cargo suspended on an attachment point, the attachment point being coupled to the cargo; predicting a rate of change of the instantaneous load value at a predetermined future time period; combining the predicted rate of change of the instantaneous load value with the initial load value to create a predicted load value; comparing the predicted load value to a threshold value for the attachment point; and jettisoning the cargo from the attachment point if the predicted value is greater than the threshold value.
US08752795B2 Inlet nose cowl with a locally thickened fastening portion to enable an uninterrupted airflow surface
An aircraft component includes an exterior surface exposed to external airflow during flight, an interior surface, and a locally thickened fastening portion between the exterior and interior surfaces. An area of the interior surface on the locally thickened fastening portion is substantially parallel to an area of the exterior surface on the locally thickened fastening portion. The thickness of the aircraft component between the exterior surface and the interior surface is greater at the fastening portion than at an area surrounding the fastening portion. When the additional component is fastened to the substantially parallel area of the interior surface on the fastening portion with mechanical fasteners, the mechanical fasteners do not penetrate the exterior surface.
US08752794B2 Door assembly, in particular for a helicopter, provided with an emergency release device
A door assembly, in particular for a helicopter, has a post; a door fitted to the post by a first and second hinge arranged on an outer wall of the post, so as to rotate about a hinge axis to open and close a door opening; and an emergency release device having a release handle, and a stem which extends through the post along a release axis substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis, rotates axially, in response to operation of the release handle, from a first to a second angular position to detach the door from the post, and is fixed at one axial end to the first hinge; the release handle being connected to the stem to rotate together with the stem about its release axis.
US08752793B2 Door assembly, in particular for a helicopter, provided with an emergency release device
A door assembly, in particular for a helicopter, has a post; a door fitted to the post by a first and second hinge arranged on an outer wall of the post, so as to rotate about a hinge axis to open and close a door opening; and an emergency release device having a release handle, and a stem which extends through the post along a release axis substantially perpendicular to the hinge axis, rotates axially, in response to operation of the release handle, from a first to a second angular position to detach the door from the post, and is fixed at one axial end to the first hinge; the release handle being connected to the stem to rotate together with the stem about its release axis.
US08752792B2 Closing member for opening
An object of the invention is to provide a low-cost closing member for an opening having an excellent lightning protection capability.A door body 30, a clamp ring 40 made of a composite material, and an opening 12 of a wing panel 11 made of the composite material are electrically connected by surface bonding of conductive materials in a butt section of an abutment surface 34 of the door body 30 and a tapered surface 40c of the clamp ring 40 and a butt section of a tapered surface 40d of the clamp ring 40 and an abutment surface 14 of the opening 12.
US08752780B2 Vibration reduction isolation method for shredders
A shredder comprises a shredder housing and a shredder mechanism received in the housing. The shredder mechanism includes a motor and cutter elements and enables at least one article to be shredded to be fed into the cutter elements. The motor is operable to drive the cutter elements in a shredding direction. The shredder also includes a plurality of supporting structures between the shredder mechanism and the shredder housing. The shredder housing has a plurality of support surfaces. Each of the plurality of supporting structures is engaged but not fixedly connected on a corresponding support surface, thus allowing movement of the shredder mechanism in X, Y, and Z directions. At least one motion limiter is provided to limit the relative movement between the mechanism and the housing. The shredder mechanism may be urged to a centered position. The supporting structures may reduce vibrations and noise during operation of the shredder.
US08752779B2 Woody biomass beneficiation system
A beneficiation process and apparatus for the continuous treatment of comminuted woody biomass, particularly hog fuel, to substantially remove mineral impurities and bark and to recover white wood therefrom for use as industrial feedstocks.
US08752772B2 System for targeted local air humidification
In order to increase the air humidity in a cabin region of an aircraft equipped with a plurality of seats, a device includes a plurality of humidifying units each arranged in spatial association with a partial number of the seats and a plurality of outlet openings. The humidifying units are each designed to enrich a supplied air stream with gaseous water. The outlet openings are designed to emit the air streams enriched by the humidifying units into the cabin region, such that a partial number of the outlet openings each receive one of the enriched air streams. The air temperature of the enriched air streams is controlled so that the local temperature in a target region served by the humidifying unit does not fall below a dew point.
US08752770B2 Methods and systems to remotely issue proximity payment devices
Pursuant to some embodiments, methods, apparatus, systems, devices, and means for issuing a payment device from a remote dispensing device are provided which include receiving a request to purchase a payment device from the remote dispensing device, the request including a load amount. Device information is read from a pre-personalized payment device in the remote dispensing device, and a request is made to an issuer of the pre-personalized payment device, for personalization data to personalize the pre-personalized payment device. In some embodiments, the request is sent over a secure authenticated session established between a module of the dispensing device and the issuer. The personalization data is loaded in the pre-personalized payment device to create a personalized payment device, and the personalized payment device is dispensed for use by a consumer.
US08752765B2 Universal non-volatile memory card used with various different standard cards containing a memory controller
A mother/daughter card non-volatile memory system includes a daughter card containing the memory and a mother card containing the memory controller and host interface circuits. The daughter memory card contains as little more than the memory cell array as is practical, in order to minimize its cost, and has an interface for connecting with a variety of mother controller cards having physical attributes and host interfaces according to a number of different published or proprietary memory card standards. Different types of memory cards may be used when the operating parameters of the memory are stored within it in a protected location, the mother card controller then reading these parameters and adapting its operation accordingly. A radio frequency antenna may be included on a surface of the card along with its electrical contacts, in order to provide a radio frequency identification function.
US08752761B2 Locationing using mobile device, camera, and a light source
A method and system for locationing of a mobile device (100) within an environment includes light sources (116) disposed within the environment and modified to provide a plurality of unique identity patterns (202) associated with particular locations within the environment. A camera (106) and image processor (102) of the mobile device can obtain images of a modified light source (200) and recognize the unique identity patterns in the image and a horizontal and vertical angle of a position of the light source in the image from a center position. An accelerometer (300) can capture the gravity vectors of the camera. A locationing engine (102, 130) can determine a location of the mobile device using the unique optical pattern, gravity vectors, and the horizontal and vertical angles.
US08752760B2 Apparatus and method for POS processing
An apparatus and method for configuring, altering, controlling, securing, and extending the processing capability and functionality of PCs and POS devices using a non-volatile memory device using software and data carried within the apparatus.
US08752757B2 Device pairing using digital barcoding
Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed to pair devices via digital barcode. An example device is arranged to capture an image of a digital barcode. The example device is arranged to decode the digital barcode to determine a device identifier for each of one or more monitoring devices represented by the digital barcode, each of the one or more monitoring devices associated with a patient. The example device is arranged to request data from each of the one or more monitoring devices based on the one or more device identifiers. The example device is arranged to display the requested data.
US08752756B2 Integrated envelope assembly including original and return envelope components
An envelope assembly includes an original and a return address components. The original address component has a front side having an original address provided thereon, a rear side, and a first attachment portion provided around at least part of the perimeter of the original address component. The return address component includes a second attachment portion provided around at least part of the perimeter of the return address component and a return envelope portion, wherein the second attachment portion is attached to the first attachment portion The return envelope portion has a front side having a return address provided thereon, a rear side, and an interior for receiving return mailing materials. The rear side of the original address component faces the front side of the return envelope portion, and the return envelope portion is removeably attached to and separable from the second attachment portion by a first separation device.
US08752755B2 Gusseted carton
A carton is formed from a blank having gusseted corners that in part form an interior carton volume. The interior volume of the carton can be varied by placing the carton in an expanded configuration. The carton can include a bottom receptacle portion that may be liquid-tight.
US08752752B2 Method of making a composite steel plate
A composite steel plate includes at least two steel sheets rolled to form a plate. One of the sheets has a composition that varies in a depthwise direction, between nanocrystalline and micron grained. The plate is made by treating a steel sheet to produce a composition in the sheet that varies in a depthwise direction of the sheet between nanocrystalline and micron grained, stacking the treated sheet with at least one other steel sheet, and rolling the stacked sheets to form the plate.
US08752750B2 Device and method for delivering shape-memory staples
An apparatus comprising a plurality of chambers for receiving an associated plurality of staples, each formed with a shape memory that allows the staple to adopt a straightened configuration, when placed in a stapler, and a deployed configuration for suturing when released from the stapler; and a sleeve moveable relative to the chambers between a first position, in which the staples are trapped by the sleeve within the chambers in the straightened configuration, and a second position, whereby the staples are freed to adopt the deployed configuration, wherein the sleeve is adapted to move between the first and second positions by rotating relative to the chambers.
US08752748B2 Surgical device having a rotatable jaw portion
A surgical device is provided that includes a jaw portion, having a first jaw in opposed corresponence with a second jaw, the second jaw including a surgical member. The surgical device may include a shaft portion coupled to a proximal end of the jaw portion and at least one motor configured to rotate the jaw portion relative to the shaft portion, to move the first jaw relative to the second jaw and move the surgical member within the second jaw. The surgical member be prevented from moving within the second jaw unless the first jaw is in a closed position relative to the second jaw. Advantageously, the surgical member may be, e.g., a cutting element and/or a stapling element, disposed within one of the jaws.
US08752742B2 Holster assembly and method using same
A holster assembly, and method using same, are disclosed. The holster comprises a base, a barrel housing assembly fixedly attached to that base, a moveable trigger guard assembly slidably attached to the barrel housing assembly, and one or more springs disposed between the barrel housing assembly and the moveable trigger guard assembly, wherein the moveable trigger guard assembly can be slidingly moved bidirectionally between a first position and a second position.
US08752737B2 Aerosol spray device
The present invention provides a valving arrangement device for an aerosol spray device comprising a pressurized or pressurizable container which, when in its fully open configuration, has a loss coefficient of 10 or less. There is also provided a valving arrangement device for an aerosol spray device wherein, when in its fully open configuration, said valving arrangement is such that fluid passes from the upstream fluid flow path section into the downstream fluid flow path section with any change of the cross-sectional area of the fluid being less than 50% and with any change in direction of the flow being less than 40°.
US08752735B2 Microdispensing pump
Various pump features are provided. In a first aspect of the subject invention, an evaporation-reduction feature is provided, wherein a pump having an actuator with a nozzle is provided with a releasable cap having a first shield located to entrap a fixed volume of air about the nozzle. In a second aspect, a check valve element return feature is provided wherein a valve seat is located along the pump's internal fluid passage with a plurality of delectable spring arms extending therefrom being deflectable in response to movement of a check valve element away from the valve seat. In a third aspect, a complaint shut-off valve feature is provided. In a fourth aspect, a fluid trapping well is provided, wherein fluid may be trapped within the well portion at various angular orientations of the pump to communicate directly with the pump inlet.
US08752726B2 Cup insulator and customizable insert
A sleeve containing an insert forming a cup holder is described. The inserts are placed in the sleeve. The sleeve is customizable by varying the color, writing and bar coding. The individual business may also display their logo on the sleeve or insert. These cup holders are personal to the user and can be repeatedly used. This enables the individual business to save money. The sleeve and insert as cup holder can be made up of recyclable material. The user may use a device implanted on or in a sleeve to pay and/or order the product using the sleeve.
US08752722B2 Cap assembly and production method
The invention relates to a tip cap assembly for closing a distal opening of a receptacle like a syringe body or a tube in a sealed manner, and to a method for producing the tip cap. A cap assembly according to the invention comprises a frangible tip of a receptacle, preferably a pre-filled receptacle. An upper portion of the tip closes the receptacle respectively a lower tip portion comprising a passage as known from the state of the art. Hence, the receptacle is reliably sealed to prevent contamination or loss of the medication. Compared with the state of the art, a receptacle has a more effectively sealed tip. It is necessary to break the upper tip portion away in order to open the receptacle. A cap element protects the tip on one side. On the other side, unscrewing the cap breaks the upper portion away without hurting a person.
US08752720B1 Molded tether for a vessel cover system and a method of forming
A molded tether for coupling a cover to a bottle includes a primary ring, a flexible strap, and a bent portion. The primary ring is configured to be attached to a neck of the bottle. The flexible strap is configured to be coupled to the cover. The bent portion extends from the primary ring and couples the primary ring to the flexible strap. The bent portion has a higher level of rigidity than the flexible strap. The bent portion includes a flange and a depending tab. The flange extends radially outwardly from the primary ring. The depending tab extends from an end of the flange opposite the primary ring at a downwardly extending angle away from a plane containing the primary ring and toward the flexible strap. When the molded tether is coupled to the bottle and the cover is removed from the bottle, the strap hangs from the primary ring with an initially non-vertical orientation due to the bent portion.
US08752718B2 End frame for display structure
An end frame assembly, for use with a display unit including a post having at least one aperture formed through each of two opposing surfaces of the post, including an end frame, a first stationary plate coupled to the end frame, a second stationary plate coupled to the end frame and spaced from and extending substantially coplanarly with respect to the first stationary plate, and a first slide plate disposed over the first stationary plate and including a first tab capable of fitting within one of the apertures formed through one of the two opposing surfaces of the post. The first slide plate is selectively coupled with the first stationary plate via at least a first fastener, and the first fastener is selectively releasable to selectively allow linear movement of the first slide plate and selectively securable to hold the first slide plate in a substantially static position.
US08752716B2 Export rack for sheet-like articles
The present invention is directed to an export rack for shipping sheet-like articles. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an export rack that includes at least one support, a removable gate and at least one top restraint. The removable gate includes at least one wedge that is configured to secure sheet-like articles loaded in the export rack.
US08752714B2 Sulfonated poly (aryl ether) membrane including blend with phenyl amine compound
A membrane comprising a blend of a sulfonated poly(aryl ether) and a phenyl amine compound along with methods for making and using the same. Many additional embodiments are described including applications for such membranes.
US08752711B2 System and method of sorting elongated wood boards for preparing rows
This invention concerns a system for sorting elongated random width wood boards and preparing board rows having a row width within a predetermined width range. The system comprises a main longitudinal surface, a conveyor for conveying the boards on the main surface, a width detector, and accumulating compartments located one after the other under the main surface, controllable traps located on the main surface providing access to the accumulating compartments, controllable gates for retaining or releasing the boards accumulated therein and a controller. The controller selectively distributes each of the boards into the accumulating compartments, and controls the gates of the accumulating compartments to release the boards accumulated therein when the sum of the widths of the boards accumulated is within the predetermined width range.
US08752710B2 Mobile screen device with a frame pivotable about a vertical turning axis
A mobile screening device for the screening of soil and other materials has a chassis (1), which is carried by at least one wheel (1.1) or a similar member, and a screen frame (2), which is carried by the chassis (1) and which includes at least one screen (5) that is supplied with material to be screened. The screen frame (2) is pivotable around a primarily vertical turning axis (7) in relation to the chassis (1).
US08752707B2 Foldable packaging member and packaging system using foldable packaging members
A packaging member can include a foldable member deformable between a folded state and an unfolded state and configured to form a deployed configuration in the folded state. The foldable member can include a plurality of foldable sections and a slot forming portion. The foldable sections can be configured to form a plurality of walls in the folded state. The slot forming portion can be configured to form a slot in the folded state. The slot can be configured to receive a portion of an article.
US08752705B2 Packaging system with pharmacy bottle and label
A packaging system includes a bottle, a ring, and a cap. The bottle defines a first end, a second end, and a cavity. The first end defines a neck having an opening providing access to the cavity. The ring is secured about the neck of the bottle, is spaced from the opening, and defines an exterior ring width measured between a front and a back of the ring. The cap is removably secured about the neck of the bottle. The cap defines an exterior cap width measured between a front and a back of the cap. The exterior cap width is substantially equal to the exterior ring width such when the cap is positioned adjacent the ring, the front of the ring and the front of the cap generally align and the back of the ring and the back of the cap generally align.
US08752694B2 Auger hopper with enhanced overflow trapping ability
The invention is an auger hopper attachment that can be positioned immediately adjacent a grain hopper outlet to reduce grain loss during transfer. The hopper comprises an adjustable stand that can be used to adjust the vertical position of the hopper to raise it toward the grain hopper outlet.
US08752693B2 Container transporting device
A container transporting device having a centrally rotatingly driven star wheel including a plurality of elements for manipulating containers, a stationary column and an electric motor which forms a drive unit of the container transporting device and comprises a stator and a rotor, and the stator of which is supported relative to the column, the electric motor is an outer-rotor motor the stator of which is detachably mounted on the column, and the rotor of which carries the star wheel equipped with the elements and supports it via the stator on the column.
US08752692B2 Conveyor for conveying printed products and system provided with such a conveyor
An apparatus for conveying printed products, includes a first accumulating section and at least one second accumulating section to convey the printed products from at least one intake area to at least one discharge area. The apparatus includes a feeding device to supply the printed products to one of the first or second accumulating sections in the at least one intake area. The apparatus further includes a discharge device to remove the printed products from one of the first or second accumulating sections in the at least one discharge area.
US08752685B2 Lock-up device for torque converter
The lock-up device includes an input rotary member, an output rotary member, an elastic member and a support member. The elastic member elastically couples the input rotary member and the output rotary member in a rotational direction. The support member is rotatably disposed relatively to the input rotary member and the output rotary member. The support member has a support part supporting the elastic member and an engaging part engaged with the elastic member in the rotational direction. The support part of the support member herein has an outer peripheral side support portion supporting the outer peripheral side of the elastic member. Further, the outer peripheral end of the outer peripheral side support portion has a curvature continuously reduced in proportion to distance from the engaging part in the rotational direction.
US08752678B2 Disc brake, particularly for a commercial vehicle
A disc brake is arrangeable in a space that accommodates a brake caliper having an application device. The brake caliper is held slidably with guiding elements on a brake carrier, which is fastened with screws to an axle connection at the vehicle. The caliper straddles a brake disc, against which brake pads can be pressed on either side while braking. At least the brake pad on the application side is mounted movably in the direction of the brake disc in a pad shaft of the brake carrier. A device for the visual identification of the wear of a brake pad and/or brake disc is constructed so that for identifying wear, a pointer element, extending in the opposite direction to the brake disc, is connected at least at one screw.
US08752669B2 Adaptor for scaffolding
An adaptor for attaching a first scaffold having a stack pin to a second scaffold having an opening includes a sleeve having an orifice adapted for receiving the stack pin. An exterior surface of the sleeve includes a tapered section to facilitate insertion of the sleeve into the opening so that the second scaffold can be stacked on top of the first scaffold.
US08752665B1 Thermo-acoustic reactor with molecular disassociation
An air, fuel, and water mixture is injected into a resonance chamber forming micro-packets. The micro-packets are ignited forming micro-explosions in a combustion chamber containing a central resonance chamber creating a standing wave interfering with a standing wave in the resonance chamber generating the micro-packets. The interfering waves are in phase aiding in the disassociation of molecules, including hydrogen and oxygen, in the air, fuel and water mixture. Efficient combustion is achieved with a nearly zero carbon emissions. The heat generated from the combustion may be used to produce work by any conventional device, such as a steam engine or turbine or generate heat for a building.
US08752661B2 Saddle seat type vehicle
A technique for suppressing the stay of liquefied fuel in a purge pipe in a saddle seat type vehicle having a canister for adsorbing fuel gas. A motorcycle includes a center tunnel above which a foot passage space for allowing the passage of an operator's foot in riding the vehicle is formed and a fuel tank located inside the center tunnel on the front side of an engine. The center tunnel is provided so that a lowermost point of the foot passage space is higher in level than a connection point where a purge pipe is connected to an intake pipe, and the center tunnel has an inclined portion inclined upward from the lowermost point toward the front end of the vehicle. A purge control valve is located at a position on the front side of the lowermost point and higher in level than a canister.
US08752658B2 Motorized walker
A motorized walker, comprising a wheel mounted frame supporting a seat and retractable motor driven mid-drive drive wheels. Other features include the motor and drive wheels being mounted on a retractable sub-frame, with the retractable sub-frame comprising a pair of triangular frames, and a foot rest pivotally mounted on the retractable sub-frame. A method of making the motorized walker is also provided.
US08752657B2 Pallet jack power assembly
A pallet jack power assembly upgrades a manually powered pallet jack to provide a motor-driven drive wheel. In one example, the manually powered pallet jack includes left and right steering wheels separated by a narrow distance. A frame of the pallet jack power assembly may be adapted for attachment to the pallet jack. The frame supports a drive axle, which in turn supports a drive wheel. Attachment of the frame of the pallet jack power assembly locates the drive wheel between the left and right steering wheels. The drive axle and a steering axle, supporting the left and right steering wheels of the pallet jack, may be located in a same vertical plane. A biasing device, such as a spring, may be used to provide a downward force on the drive wheel, thereby increasing friction between the drive wheel and the floor.
US08752654B2 Drill bits with bearing elements for reducing exposure of cutters
A bearing element for a rotary, earth boring drag bit effectively reduces an exposure of at least one adjacent cutting element by a readily predictable amount, as well as a depth-of-cut (DOC) of the cutter. The bearing element has a substantially uniform thickness across substantially an entire area thereof. The bearing element also limits the amount of unit force applied to a formation so that the formation does not fail. The bearing element may prevent damage to cutters associated therewith, as well as possibly limit problems associated with bit balling, motor stalling and related drilling difficulties. Bits including the bearing elements, molds for forming the bearing elements and portions of bodies of bits that carry the bearing elements, methods for designing and fabricating the bearing elements and bits including the same, and methods for drilling subterranean formations are also disclosed.
US08752653B2 Dual ball upper internal blow out preventer valve
An internal blowout preventer used in drilling rigs for the discovery and production of hydrocarbons from the earth is disclosed. The internal blowout preventer has two independently and remotely operable blowout preventer valves in the same body, providing for greater service life and higher reliability during drilling operations. The two valves are loaded into the internal blowout preventer housing from a single end, and are operable by an actuator assembly.
US08752652B2 Coring apparatus and methods to use the same
An apparatus for conveyance via wireline or drillstring in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, the apparatus comprising a coring bit assembly, a first motor operatively coupled to the coring bit assembly via a gear box to rotationally drive the coring bit assembly, and a second motor to drive the coring bit assembly into the formation while the coring bit assembly is rotated by the first motor, wherein the coring bit assembly comprises a feature to permit the coring bit assembly to be broken when the coring bit assembly becomes stuck in the formation.
US08752651B2 Downhole hydraulic jetting assembly, and method for stimulating a production wellbore
A method for forming lateral boreholes from an existing wellbore is provided. The method comprises providing a downhole tool assembly having a whipstock with a curved face. The whipstock is run into the wellbore in a collapsed position. A force is applied to the assembly to cause the whipstock to rotate into an operating position. In this position, the curved face of the whipstock forms a bend-radius that allows a jetting hose to bend across the entire inner diameter of the production casing. A jetting hose is run into the wellbore and along the curved face of the whipstock. The jetting hose is then directed through a window in the production casing. Hydraulic fluid is injected through the hose to create a lateral borehole extending many feet outwardly into a subsurface formation. A downhole jetting assembly for forming lateral boreholes is also provided.
US08752646B2 Operating motor switch for electric power tool
An electric power tool includes: a motor; a housing receiving the motor; a power transmission mechanism configured to transmit a driving force of the motor to rotate a top tool; a snap switch including a swing type lever configured to turn on or off rotation of the motor, the snap switch being received inside the housing; a switch lever configured to move in a direction substantially vertical to a surface of the housing; a push bar configured to move the swing type lever in conjunction with the movement of the switch lever; and an urging unit configured to urge the push bar in a direction in which the switch is turned off.
US08752644B2 Electric tool, particularly a saw
An electric tool, particularly a saw, has a connecting region and an actuating handle. The actuating handle is pivotally arranged on the connecting region, wherein the actuating handle can be pivoted into a number of pivoted positions and the actuating handle has at least one actuating switch for the electrical actuation of the electric tool. An uncomfortable position of the hand during actuation of the actuating handle is avoided and a high degree of comfort is achieved by the connecting region and the actuating handle being connected to each other by way of an articulated connection and by the articulated connection having a bearing lug and a handle pivot pin in engagement with the bearing lug.
US08752643B2 Ripper assembly with direct load path
A work vehicle, such as a motor grader, comprises a frame, a ripper, a tie bar attached to the frame, and a four-bar linkage attached to and disposed between the ripper and the tie bar for transferring a load between the ripper and the frame via the four-bar linkage and the tie bar. The four-bar linkage and the tie bar are co-planar with respect to a plane within which the four-bar linkage is movable relative to the frame. A toolbar for the ripper is also disclosed.
US08752630B2 Flow stop valve
A flow stop valve (20) positionable in a downhole tubular (6), and a method, are provided. The flow stop valve (20) is in a closed position when a pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is below a threshold value, thereby preventing flow through the downhole tubular. The flow stop valve (20) is in an open position when the pressure difference between fluid outside the downhole tubular (6) and inside the downhole tubular (6) at the flow stop valve (20) is above a threshold value, thereby permitting flow through the downhole tubular (6).
US08752629B2 Autonomous inflow control device and methods for using same
A valve assembly for regulating fluid flow in a horizontal wellbore. A housing can be coupled to a production tubular. A chamber is defined within the housing and can be in fluid communication through a flow channel with an inner annulus formed adjacent the wellbore. A piston and a biasing member can be disposed within the chamber, where the biasing member biases the piston into a first position. A flowpath is defined within the housing and communicable with both the production tubular and the inner annulus. The flowpath can include one or more nozzles disposed therein, and the piston can be configured to move between the first position allowing fluid flow through the flowpath to the production tubular and a second position preventing fluid flow to the production tubular.
US08752628B2 Fluid flow control using channels
A fluid flow control device disposable in a bore can include channels that can direct fluid flow based on one or more properties of the fluid more robustly. The channels may include a side channel between two other channels. The side channel can allow fluid flow to affect fluid flowing in one of the channels. Devices according to some aspects can differentiate between fluids having close, but different, properties and direct the fluid accordingly. Examples of fluid properties based on which the device can direct fluid include fluid density, fluid velocity, fluid viscosity, and Reynolds number of the fluid flow.
US08752618B2 Apparatus for handling bulky articles at sea
The invention relates to apparatus (10) for handling bulky articles (such as a PLET or ILT (12)) on a deck (14) of a vessel at sea. The apparatus (10) includes a cradle (16) which supports the bulky article (12′), first translational movement means (32 42, 46) provided between the deck (14) and the cradle (16) and second translational movement means (20, 31, 35, 37) moveable along the deck (14). The first translational movement means allows the bulky article (12) to be moved from a storage area and transferred to the second translational movement means, and the second translational movement means allows the bulky article (12) on its cradle (16) to be moved toward an operational location (F). An actuator (26) is also provided between the deck (14) and the cradle (16), in order to adjust the orientation of the bulky article (12) relative to the deck (14), when in the operational position. A method of handling bulky articles on a deck of a vessel at sea is also provided.
US08752614B2 Heat exchanger for utilising the heat from waste water
Heat exchanger element for installation in sewage pipelines, the top side of which heat exchanger element has a heat-conducting exchange surface with heat exchanger chambers arranged on it, the heat exchanger element has in cross section a run-in gutter and run-off surfaces contiguous to the latter on both sides, and, in the region of the run-in gutter and the run-off surfaces, lines for the forward run, return run and distribution of a heat exchanger medium are arranged, the floor point of the run-in gutter, the lower region of the lines and/or the free margins of the run-off surfaces being designed as bearings for arranging the heat exchanger element in the sewage pipeline.
US08752613B2 Use of aluminum—zirconium—titanium—carbon intermediate alloy in wrought processing of magnesium and magnesium alloys
The present invention relates to the field of magnesium and magnesium alloy processing, and discloses the use of aluminum-zirconium-titanium-carbon (Al—Zr—Ti—C) intermediate alloy in wrought processing of magnesium and magnesium alloys, wherein the aluminum-zirconium-titanium-carbon intermediate alloy has a chemical composition of: 0.01% to 10% Zr, 0.01% to 10% Ti, 0.01% to 0.3% C, and Al in balance, based on weight percentage; the wrought processing is plastic molding; and the use is to refine the grains of magnesium or magnesium alloys. The present invention further discloses the method for using the aluminum-zirconium-titanium-carbon (Al—Zr—Ti—C) intermediate alloy in casting and rolling magnesium and magnesium alloys. The present invention provides an aluminum-zirconium-titanium-carbon (Al—Zr—Ti—C) intermediate alloy and the use thereof in the plastic wrought processing of magnesium or magnesium alloys as a grain refiner. The aluminum-zirconium-titanium-carbon intermediate alloy has the advantages of great ability in nucleation and good grain refining effect, and achieves the continuous and large-scale production of wrought magnesium and magnesium alloy materials.
US08752612B2 Set of members for an evaporative pattern and an evaporative pattern
A lightweight metal mold having a necessary hardness is realized. A plurality of bar-shaped members formed of an evaporative material and a plurality of connecting members formed of an evaporative material are prepared. Each of the connecting members has a spherical shape, and ends of a plurality of the bar-shaped members can be connected to each connecting member. Since a fixing angle of each bar-shaped member with respect to the connecting member can be adjusted freely, a three-dimensional mesh structure having various shapes can be formed. By combining the plurality of bar-shaped members and the plurality of connecting members, an evaporative pattern including the three-dimensional mesh structure can be assembled. By adjusting the shape of the three-dimensional mesh structure, the hardness necessary for the metal mold can be obtained, and the metal mold can be made lighter.
US08752611B2 System and method for directional casting
A system and method for directionally casting an elongated device are provided. The method includes orienting a mold within a furnace such that a first portion of the mold points downward. The first portion of the mold defines a space within the mold used to form a first end of the device. The first end of the device, when formed, has a greater mass than a second end of the device. The method also includes filling the mold with molten metal and lowering the mold out of the furnace into a liquid metal bath to immerse the first portion of the mold in the liquid metal bath. The method includes concurrently lowering the mold and the liquid metal bath to cool the molten metal.
US08752610B2 System, method, and apparatus for directional divergence between part motion and crystallization
A method includes providing a mold including a molten casting material, moving the mold in a first direction, and guiding a solidification interface across the mold in a second direction in response to the moving the mold. The second direction is deviated from the first direction, and the solidification interface includes a transition to a negative heat transfer region. The mold moves in the first direction at a constant speed, and the mold includes heat transfer features such that a solidification time of the molten casting material at the conditions of the solidification interface is approximately constant as a function of the second direction.
US08752608B2 Dynamic nano-inscribing for continuous and seamless metal and polymer nanogratings
Nanoscale grating structure can be utilized in many practical applications in optics, flat-panel displays and bio-sensors. A Dynamic Nano-Inscribing (Dynamic Nano-Inscribing) technique is disclosed for directly creating large-area, truly continuous nano-grating patterns in a variety of metal or polymer materials with feature size down to sub-50 nm and at very high speed (10 cm/sec). Dynamic Nano-Inscribing is carried out under either ambient temperature or with a brief heating time on the order of ten microseconds, which minimizes damage on UV or thermo-sensitive functional materials.
US08752605B2 Device for the automatic demounting of a tire from a rim and machine equipped with such device
A device for automatic demounting of a tire from a rim having: a support arm (4); a demounting tool (10) articulated to the support arm (4); an attachment member (12) having one end articulated to the demounting tool (10) by a first articulation pin (13) and the other end thereof pivoted to the support arm (4) around a second articulation pin (14) extending substantially parallel to the first articulation pin (13); at least one extension appendage of the support arm (4) or a section (17) of the support arm (4), which extends beyond the second articulation pin (14); and at least one tie rod member (18) that is articulated on one side to the tool, and on the other side to the extension appendage or section (17) of the support arm (4).
US08752604B2 Jet assisted tubeless tire seating device
A nozzle for seating a tubeless tire on a rim using pressurized gas includes an outlet, a jet configured to accept pressurized gas and emit a stream of gas through an orifice into a chamber. As the stream of gas enters the chamber, the Venturi effect causes air to enter the chamber through air intake ports and the stream of gas and air from the air intake ports is blown out of the outlet of the nozzle. A system for seating a tubeless tire on a rim includes the nozzle, a tank and a valve configured to control the flow of pressurized gas from the tank to the nozzle. The tire may be seated on the rim by positioning the system so that the air from the nozzle blows into the tire between the bead of the tire and the rim if the valve is opened.
US08752591B2 Kink, crush, and burst resistant flexible hose
The flexible hose of the present invention is crush resistant, burst resistant, and virtually impossible to kink in normal use and is applicable to hoses that are designed for delivering virtually any kind of fluid including water, organic liquids, aqueous based herbicides, aqueous based insecticides, industrial chemicals, beverages, air, industrial gases, vacuum, and the like. The hose design of the present invention is particularly applicable to garden hoses for the delivery of water. In fact, garden hoses having the construction of the present invention are highly resistant to kinking and almost never kink when being used in conventional lawn, garden, and cleaning applications.
US08752587B1 Apparatus and method for preventing ice blockage of a sump pump discharge line
An ice blocking apparatus for preventing ice blockage of a sump pump discharge line. The apparatus is mounted to an external wall of a building and includes a housing having lower and upper openings, a discharge line connection segment fluidly coupled with the sump pump discharge line, an expeller segment including lower and upper pipe segments fluidly coupled with discharge segment, and first and second doors pivotably mounted to the housing and covering the lower and upper openings of the housing. The lower pipe segment is fluidly coupled with the lower opening in the housing, and the upper pipe segment is fluidly coupled with the upper opening in the housing. When ice is not blocking the lower opening of the housing, fluid from a sump pump flows through the lower opening, and when ice is blocking the lower opening, fluid flows through the upper opening of the housing.
US08752582B2 Alternative state flow valve
An improved sequencing fluid control valve comprising a housing having inlet and outlet ports, a valve seat disposed within the housing, a collapsible valve member disposed within the housing and forming a chamber and a bulb. A sequencing means disposed within the chamber that controls the axial motion of the valve member in response to application of fluid pressure at the inlet such that the motion of valve member alternates between an open free flowing state and a closed restricted flow state. Housing and valve member cooperate in the open position to provide an annular flow path that does not require the fluid flow direction to substantially change while flowing from inlet to outlet. Housing and valve member bulb cooperate in the closed position to form a circumferential seal to restrict the fluid flow. Alternative embodiments including viscous damping means and variations on the housing mount are described.
US08752572B2 Bundle trailer for gas delivery
A bundle trailer for containers including (i) a supporting frame on which a plurality of bundles are located; (ii) a plurality of bundles, each bundle comprising: a bundle frame, a plurality of containers containing a chemical, and at least one bundle value for controlling delivery of the chemical in the containers; (iii) at least one trailer valve; and (iv) at least one clamp for fixing the bundle is disclosed. The bundle trailer is capable of delivering high purity hygroscopic, corrosive chemicals, such as elemental fluorine and mixtures thereof, with good flexibility, high safety, and low cost.
US08752568B2 Low mass draw and return tube assembly and process of manufacturing the same
A low mass draw and return tube assembly, for use in fuel tanks, is disclosed.
US08752567B2 Rupture protection device for a frost-free hydrant
A fitment for providing leak protection at a frost-free hydrant has a protective sheath having a bore of a first diameter. An escutcheon plate is formed at an outer end of the sheath to define an aperture for receiving a frost-free hydrant into the sheath. The sheath is made longer than any of a range of frost-free hydrants to be received therein and has an end cap sealingly connected to an inner end of the sheath. The end cap has a reducing section and an end section having a bore of a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and dimensioned to receive a link pipe in a sealing connection, the link pipe being of a length to bridge the distance between an inner end of the hydrant and building water supply equipment. In use, the hydrant with link pipe attached is inserted into the protective sheath and the combination of the hydrant and sheath is fully into the wall through a hole in the wall. The link pipe is then sealingly connected at the second diameter bore and to the building water supply equipment.
US08752566B2 Method for rotary valve operation to reduce seal sheet wear
A method of operating a rotary valve using a variable dome seating pressure to provide a minimum seating force for each position of the valve is described.
US08752565B2 Portable recreational vehicle seasonal roll-up awning snap-room awning addition
A partition includes a plurality of panels and an elongate panel joiner. The plurality of panels includes a first panel and a second panel that are adjacent about one another. The elongate panel joiner joins the first panel and the second panel. The panel joiner includes two end members and a corrugated portion there between. The end members are configured along opposite ends of the panel joiner. One of the two end members is configured to connect to the first panel and the other of the two end member is configured to connect to the second panel. The corrugated portion is configured such that the panel joiner can move in an accordion-like manner.
US08752561B1 Apparatus for adorning ponytail and associated methods
A ponytail holder includes an outer covering with a front surface and a hook fabric with a hook surface. The ponytail holder may include a tube with inner and outer surfaces and a longitudinal slit forming opposing longitudinal edges. The ponytail holder may also include end caps. A storage device for storage a plurality of the ponytail holders is described along with a kit for making the ponytail holder and a method of manufacturing the ponytail holder. Various embodiments of the ponytail holder, storage device, kit, and method of manufacturing the ponytail holder are described. The ponytail holder is configured for placement around a constricted area of a bundle of hair and over an existing elastic band that surrounds the bundle and forms the constricted area. The hook fabric is configured to mate with the existing elastic band such that the outer covering adorns the bundle of hair.
US08752559B1 Hair color wax changeable hair dyeing comb
A hair color wax changeable hair dyeing comb includes a comb body having a track extending along the length thereof at one side and partially surrounded by comb teeth and a longitudinal rail disposed in one end of the track, a hair color wax assembly detachably coupled to the longitudinal rail of the comb body for application, and a sliding cover coupled to and movable along the track of the comb body between a close position to keep the hair color wax assembly from sight and an open position to expose the hair color wax assembly for application.
US08752558B2 Apparatus and method for forming and packaging molded tobacco pieces
An apparatus for molding and packaging molded tobacco pieces includes a mold having cavities oriented to allow ejection of molded tobacco pieces into a container. The apparatus also includes a knockout for ejecting the molded tobacco pieces, and a cutter having at least two blades for cutting the molded tobacco pieces into vertically aligned slices by passing one or more blades horizontally through the cavities.
US08752553B2 Apparatus for use in surgery and a valve
Apparatus for use in surgery comprises a sleeve (1) having an entry opening (4) at an outer end and an exit opening (5) at an inner end to access a patient's body. Exit sealing means (10) are provided for sealing the exit opening (5) to a body. Entry sealing means (20) are provided for sealing the outer entry against an arm passing therethrough to create a controlled environment within the sleeve. A valve (101) comprises an outer ring (105,106) and a sealing sleeve (107) of flexible material mounted to the ring (105,106) and extending into the opening defined by the ring to terminate in a substantially centrally disposed inlet opening (108).
US08752551B2 Hybrid ventilation mask with nasal interface and method for configuring such a mask
A nasal ventilation interface and method for providing nasal ventilation to a patient includes a hybrid face mask, covering only the mouth, coupled with removable nasal inserts extending from the upper surface of the mask. The nasal interface has modular, removable, and disposable nasal pillows connecting the upper surface of the mouth-portion of the mask to the user's nares. Each part of the hybrid mask is modular and can be formed in various shapes and sizes. The ventilation interface has differing gas line entry ports and can be shallow with a relatively deep soft facial interface or deep with a relatively shallow facial interface. In either case, the upper surface receives the nasal interface. The upper surface can have a removable ceiling in which is defined a nasal interface connector. The nasal interface can be integral with a removable ceiling. The entire hybrid mask can be made in one piece.
US08752547B2 Distinguishing between closed and open airway apneas and treating patients accordingly
A method of controlling treatment of respiratory conditions of a patient includes determining a signal representative of patient respiratory flow. The signal is analyzed to determine (i) the presence of an apnea and a hypopnea and (ii) if present, a type of the apnea or hypopnea. A motor driven blower is controlled to increase a treatment pressure of an airflow delivered toward the airway of the patient upon determination of the presence of an apnea or a hypopnea depending on the type of the apnea or hypopnea, and otherwise to decrease the treatment pressure.
US08752546B2 System and method for mobilizing occlusions from a breathing tube
A method for mobilizing an occlusion from a breathing tube is presented. The method includes automatically mobilizing the occlusion from the breathing tube by regulating an inspiratory flow, an expiratory flow, or a combination thereof, where the breathing tube is configured to operationally couple a patient to a ventilation system, and where the ventilation system is configured to provide artificial respiration to the patient.
US08752544B2 Medical vaporizer and method of monitoring of a medical vaporizer
The present application includes an independent and redundant measurement of anesthetic concentration, based on acoustic time-of-flight measurements, added to an anesthetic vaporizer. The redundant anesthetic concentration measurement is used to make the vaporizer inherently safe by design and monitor true vaporizer empty. Further, using an acoustic wave splitting technique and the time-of-flight measurements, the flows at the vaporizer inlet and outlet are computed. The flow measurements are used to monitor carrier gas loss, anesthetic consumption, and anesthetic delivery time remaining and provide such information to the vaporizer operator.
US08752542B2 Direct solar steam generation
Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.
US08752540B2 Warming oven having light reflection effect
A warming oven includes a base, a heating unit, a heat conducting unit, and a reflective shield. The base has an accommodating space. The heating unit is disposed within the accommodating space. The heat conducting unit includes a positioning plate, a top plate spaced apart from the positioning plate, a quartz glass tube inserted into the positioning plate and the top plate, and a plurality of upright connecting rods disposed around the positioning plate and the top plate. The reflective shield is formed with a plurality of vent holes, and includes a bottom cover that covers a top end of the heat conducting unit and that has a vertically curved outer mirror surface for reflecting light from a fire flame produced by the heating unit, thereby providing an illumination effect.
US08752539B2 Folding grill
The invention relates to a barbecue having a grill grate and a coal surface. The barbecue can be brought into a usage state and into a transport state.
US08752536B2 Fall-away arrow rest
Fall away arrow rests for archery bows. The rests have an arm with an arrow-supporting feature and an arm-associated axle which pivots the arm to displace the arrow-supporting feature between a first, arrow-loading position and a second, more elevated, arrow-launching position. The arrow support arm can be adjusted vertically, laterally, and in fore-and-aft directions relative to a riser or other rigid bow component on which the rest is mounted. One or more dampers can be advantageously attached to arrow rest structural members to reduce shock and vibrations, including noise, as the arrow support arm displaces the arrow-supporting feature between its first and second positions, especially as an arrow is launched from the bow.
US08752534B2 Fuel alcohol content detection via an exhaust gas sensor
Various systems and methods are described for an exhaust gas sensor coupled to an exhaust system of an engine. One example method comprises, during selected engine fueling conditions, alternating between applying first and second voltages to the sensor; and identifying an amount of alcohol in fuel injected to the engine based on sensor outputs at the first and second voltages.
US08752532B2 Internal combustion engine and control device for internal combustion engine
This invention relates to an internal combustion engine and a control device for the internal combustion engine and has an object to provide an internal combustion engine and a control device therefore that can suppress occurrence of knocking if an EGR rate is increased. An EGR gas can be made to flow separately through one path via one EGR passage and an other path via another EGR passage. The EGR gas flow through the other path can be cooled by an intercooler. Since the intercooler usually has a capacity larger than that of an EGR cooler, its cooling capability is high, and the EGR gas can be made to flow into a surge tank in a state where heat of the EGR gas has been sufficiently emitted.
US08752527B2 Assembly for connecting double high pressure wall line to a single-walled high pressure connector
This disclosure provides a fuel line assembly for use with an internal combustion engine, an internal combustion engine including such as fuel line assembly, and a method for providing leak containment and detection in a fuel system, each of which include a double-walled fuel line including a high pressure fuel line component. The double-walled fuel line includes a high pressure fuel line, a jacket surrounding the high pressure fuel line, and a low pressure passage between the high pressure fuel line and the jacket. A fuel line nut includes a main body that houses a portion of the high pressure fuel line, and a first end portion supporting an enlarged end portion of the high pressure fuel line protruding from the first end portion. A second end portion of the fuel line nut sealingly connects to the jacket to extend the low pressure passage into an area between the main body and the housed high pressure fuel line. A fuel line connector mechanically and sealingly engages with the fuel line nut to house the supported enlarged end portion of the high pressure fuel line. The fuel line connector can connect to a single-walled high pressure tube provided in a bore of the cylinder head between an inlet of a fuel injector and the environment exterior of the cylinder head.
US08752526B2 Method and apparatus for reducing uncontrolled combustion in an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for reducing uncontrolled combustions in an internal combustion engine, which occur independently of the ignition by a spark plug, wherein uncontrolled combustions are detected in the internal combustion engine (1). In order to reduce the damaging effects of the uncontrolled combustions to the internal combustion engine, the incipient uncontrolled combustion (B) is reduced after said incipient uncontrolled combustion (B) has been detected.
US08752515B2 Variable valve timing control apparatus of internal combustion engine
A variable valve timing control apparatus has a drive rotary member, a driven rotary member fixed to a camshaft, an electric motor relatively rotating a motor drive shaft with respect to the drive rotary member, a speed reduction mechanism transmitting rotation of the motor drive shaft to the driven rotary member a housing connected integrally with the drive rotary member and housing therein the electric motor, a cover member fixed to an engine so as to cover at least a front end part of the housing, a power feed mechanism having a slip ring and a power-feed brush that touches the slip ring and feeding power to the electric motor, and a ring-shaped member. The ring-shaped member is fixed to either one side of the cover member and the motor drive shaft, and makes sliding contact with the other side of the cover member and the motor drive shaft.
US08752513B2 Switching rocker arm
A rocker arm for engaging a cam is disclosed. An outer arm and inner arm are configured to transfer motion to a valve of an internal combustion engine. A latching mechanism includes a latch, sleeve and orientation member. The sleeve engages the latch and a bore in the inner arm, and also provides an opening for an orientation member used in providing the correct orientation for the latch with respect to the sleeve and the inner arm. The sleeve, latch and inner arm have reference marks used to determine the optimal orientation for the latch.
US08752510B2 Helical coil steam generator
A steam generator includes a lower integrated tubesheet and plenum (ITP) configured to receive feedwater and a first set of heat transfer tubes fluidly coupled to a plurality of stubs protruding from a first side of the lower ITP. A second set of heat transfer tubes fluidly couples to plurality of stubs protruding from a second side of the lower ITP. The first set of heat transfer tubes is coiled in a substantially clock-wise direction, and the second set of heat transfer tubes is coiled in a substantially counter-clockwise direction. The steam generator further includes an upper ITP fluidly coupled to the first and second set of heat transfer tubes, wherein the feedwater entering the lower ITP is converted to steam in the first and second sets of heat transfer tubes. The upper ITP is configured to transport the steam away from the steam generator.
US08752506B2 Aquatic feeding device
An aquatic feeding device includes a hollow body having an exterior wall, the exterior wall including an exterior surface defining an external shape of the feeding device and an interior surface defining an inner cavity of the feeding device. The hollow body includes an upper end and a lower end. An air tight chamber is formed within the inner cavity of the feeding device adjacent the upper end of the hollow body. A plurality of feeding apertures are formed within the exterior wall adjacent the air tight chamber. The plurality of feeding apertures are shaped and dimensioned to permit pets with access to the inner cavity of the feeding device.
US08752505B2 Method, feed cart and system for feeding of fur animals
The invention relates to a method for positioning an individually metered out food portion on an animal cage arranged ranged in a row of animal cages for fur animals by means of a motorized feed cart comprising wheels and a feed container, comprising the steps of: —moving said feed cart along a row of animal cages, —providing an output from an encoder corresponding to the angular turning of one of said wheels to a control unit, —determining that the feed cart has reached a given position corresponding to a given cage from said output and a database of information related to positions of animal cages and desired size of food portions to each animal cage, and —controlling the feed cart to metering out the desired food portions at a suitable food delivering place at the given animal cage according to the information in said database.
US08752500B2 Non-metallic doneless indicator
A non-metallic pop-up “doneness” indicator to indicate that a food item has reached a desired temperature, including a housing, a stem, button indicator and an actuation subassembly. Methods of manufacture are included.
US08752496B2 Semi-submersible vessel, method for operating a semi-submersible vessel and method for manufacturing a semi-submersible vessel
The present invention relates to a semi-submersible vessel comprising at least one lower hull section (22) which defines a first water displacing volume; a support structure (24) connected to the at least one lower hull section (22) and extending upward from the at least one lower hull section, wherein the support structure (24) has a waterplane area which is substantially smaller than the waterplane area of the at least one lower hull section; a deck structure (26) connected to the support structure (24), wherein the deck structure (26) is provided at a distance above the at least one lower hull section (22); a ballast system for controllably varying the draft of the vessel such that at a first draft (30) the at least one lower hull section (22) may be provided at least in part above the water-line and at a second draft (28) the support structure may be provided at least partly below the water-line; wherein the assembly of said at least one lower hull section, said support structure and said deck structure comprises structural reinforcements, such that the vessel is sufficiently strong to substantially safely survive a storm at the first draft (30). The invention further relates to a method of operating such a semi-submersible vessel.
US08752492B1 Paddle board with removable seat
A twin-hull paddle board for use while standing or sitting down, the twin-hull paddle board consists of two elongated hulls, a flat platform portion having two side edges, a front edge and a back edge, the platform portion connected across the top of the two hulls intermediate between the front ends and the back ends of each hull, the flat platform portion and the tops of the hulls forming an upper deck portion, the upper deck portion comprising two recessed foot wells placed adjacent to the side edges of the flat platform portion, the recessed foot wells contoured to prevent accumulation or puddling of water during use, and a coupling mechanism for removably coupling the leg portion of the removable seat to the upper deck portion of the paddle board.
US08752490B2 Singulating seed
A seed feeding apparatus includes a feed assembly with a V-shaped groove with at least one moving wall and a pocket formed by the walls of the groove and a pocket plate configured to substantially conform to the groove. The pocket plate is located such that the moving wall moves upward at the pocket. Seeds are received and form a pile in the pocket. As the moving wall moves, seeds fall from the pile to the bottom of the groove with sides of the seeds bearing against the walls of the groove such that the seeds are aligned in single file along the bottom of the groove and move upward over the upper edge of the groove and then fall out of the groove one at a time at a constant rate into a furrow.
US08752486B2 Non-explosive power source for actuating a subsurface tool
Power sources and methods for applying a force to an object include use of thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a gas producing substance disposed in association with the thermite. The gas producing substance produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs. The thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof provide a force to the object. The gas can slow the thermite reaction to enable slower or continuous application of force while being non-extinguishing of the thermite reaction. The gas can further control heat transfer from the thermite reaction to adjacent objects.
US08752485B2 Re-locking device for a rocker arm detonator
A re-locking device for a rocker arm detonator (1) of an armament, such as a hand grenade, irritation body etc., is formed by a security mechanism (3), which facilitates a repeat locking after activation of the armament. The re-locking device includes at least one profile part (4, 4′), which is pivotably arranged and able to engage with the armament by means of an expedient (9), especially with the ignition head (5, 5′) and the rocker arm (2).
US08752484B2 Three component bullet with core retention feature and method of manufacturing the bullet
A three component bullet with an improved core retention feature and a method of manufacturing the bullet is described including a cylindrical jacket having an open end and a closed end containing a malleable metal core which is forced into a forming die having a bottleneck shaped interior resulting in a bottleneck shaped pre-form wherein the outside diameter of the open-ended forward portion of the jacket is smaller than the outside diameter of its closed rearward portion. The open end of the pre-form may be dropped through or forced through a malleable locking band of appropriate height, diameter and wall thickness. A relatively tight-fitting punch enters the open end of the pre-form generating sufficient axial force against the face of the metal core to radially swell the core and subsequently portions of the jacket fore and aft of the locking band, thereby securing the locking band in place while at the same time producing an inwardly-extending annular band of jacket material which embeds itself into the core material with the result that the core is permanently locked inside the jacket.
US08752483B2 Machine for tying plants, in particular the branches of vines
A machine (1) for tying vegetation, in particular vine, raspberry or similar branches, including a unit (4) for lifting up the branches, an element (5) for supplying tying-up wires (50) and members (7, 8) for binding the tying-up wires. These binding members include two pivoting arms (7, 8) that are mounted to pivot around vertical axes (A) and be moved by jacks. One of the arms (7) comprises an on-board tie magazine (71) that is arranged in the extension of a tying head (72), and the other arm (8) includes an insertion head (82) cooperating with the tying head (72) when the arms (7, 8) are in a working position in order to fit the tie (60) on the tying-up wires (50).
US08752482B2 Hand tool for squeezing, chopping; and pureeing food
The present invention relates to a hand tool for squeezing, chopping and pureeing food. The hand tool allows a user to chop, drain and/or puree food with one tool and can be used in conjunction with an ordinary bowl or colander. The hand tool of the present invention has a head portion having a convex pressing surface and a handle portion, allowing a user to grips the end of the handle and apply force directly over the pressing surface to squeeze food and/or expel moisture. A scraping edge allows the user to scrape food against the holes in a strainer or colander or to scrape particles from the sides of a bowl. A blade is attached to the head portion of the tool and can be used to chop and puree food.
US08752481B2 Blender air intake snorkel for countertop or in-counter installations
A blender with an air intake snorkel where the snorkel extends away from a motor housing provided by the blender is provided. The snorkel includes an air intake opening, an outlet opening, and a conduit fluidly connecting the intake and outlet openings. In one preferred embodiment, the snorkel includes a cap connected to the snorkel wherein the cap partially obstructs access to the intake opening in order to prevent contamination of the conduit. The outlet opening fluidly communicates with an inlet aperture provided by the motor housing. In use, an electric motor contained by the housing actuates a fan. The fan pulls air through the intake opening, conduit, and outlet opening. The air enters the housing via the inlet aperture where it acts to cool the electric motor. In one preferred embodiment, the appliance is a blender and the motor housing comprises a blender base that is installed on a countertop or in-counter (i.e., a portion of the blender extends into or through the plane defined by a countertop). The air intake snorkel reduces contamination of the interior of the appliance, provides efficient airflow for motor cooling, and reduces the re-circulation of warm appliance exhaust air into the motor housing.
US08752480B1 Apparatus for preparing melon juice concentrate
An apparatus for preparing a melon juice concentrate, such as watermelon juice concentrate, includes a finisher with brushes for separating melon flesh from melon rind including leaving at least 1/16 inch flesh on the rind and screens for separating juice from flesh. The apparatus also includes a steamer to reduce bacteria count on whole melon, a chopper for chopping melons into pieces less than about 16 inches square, an extractor for extracting juice from the flesh, and an evaporator for concentrating melon juice to form melon juice concentrate. The steamer includes a cylinder frame, steam jets directing steam through apertures in the cylinder frame at whole melon therein, and a motivator to move the whole melon along the cylinder frame. The apparatus can also process cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and other melon.
US08752476B2 Coffee maker enabling automated drip brewing
A coffee maker includes a water storage device having a water tank and a water outlet piping communicating with the water tank; a driving device having a driving motor and a driving shaft; and a swing device having a rotating mechanism mounted on the driving shaft and a shifting mechanism connected to the water outlet piping and moving along with the rotating mechanism when the latter rotates. The water outlet piping is brought by a horizontal rotational movement of the rotating mechanism and a linear movement of the shifting mechanism to swing and shift in a spiral rotational course from a center point to outer and inner areas of a filter in a reciprocating motion while pouring water at controlled volume and stability, enabling ground coffee beans on the filter to be quickly and evenly extracted by water to release aromatic smell and sweet flavor just like drip brewing manually.
US08752475B2 Method and system for improving vehicle braking
An engine with a positive pressure assisted brake booster is disclosed. In one example, an operator applying vehicle brakes is assisted by positive pressure provided by a compressor coupled to an engine of the vehicle. Operation of the vehicle brakes may be improved especially when engine vacuum is limited.
US08752474B2 Autoloading pistol design
A firearm such as a pistol includes a barrel which rotates and travels linearly relative to a frame of the pistol and a slide which travels linearly relative to the barrel and frame. The barrel has at least one stop located at a muzzle end for engaging at least one stop on the slide when the barrel is in a first rotational position to prevent linear movement of the slide relative to the barrel, which stops permit the slide and said barrel to move linearly relative to one another when the barrel is in a second rotational position. Another aspect of the invention comprises a control surface which is located on a barrel of a firearm. Yet another aspect of the invention comprises such features associated with a rotating, rather than tipping, firearm barrel. Yet another aspect of the invention comprises a replaceable energy buffer for a firearm.
US08752468B2 Textile Armour
Textile armor (2) comprising at least one textile section (4) and corresponding supporting means (6), wherein the arrangement is such that the or each textile section is fully extended.
US08752464B2 Slice blade assembly with non-welded replaceable blades
A slice blade assembly for various produce items is provided. A circular array of V-shaped blades is carried in an outer support ring. Each blade is held in place by a new non-welded block and nut which interlock with bent tabs formed at the tips of each blade. Each blade is adjustable since each blade is bendable at its apex. Each worn or damaged blade may be removed and replaced without replacing the block and nut that support the blade.
US08752461B2 Hinge connections and power miter saw with hinge linkage linear guide including such hinge connections
A hinge connection between first and second links, including a shaft; a threaded aperture formed within an end portion of the shaft; and a pair of bearings. The hinge connection may optionally include a spacer surrounding the shaft. In addition, there is also a bushing surrounding the end portion of the shaft. A threaded fastening member is inserted into the threaded aperture of the shaft. Upon insertion and tightening of the threaded fastening member, any axial gap between the first bearing and the bushing is eliminated. Also disclosed is a hinge connection with a split shaft, including two cantilever shafts, where a main axial portion of each cantilever shaft is seated within a bore of the first link; and a pair of bearings, where an inner portion of each of the cantilever shafts is rotatably seated within one of the bearings.
US08752459B1 Portable saw guide and method of use
The invention provides a portable folding saw guide for hand held circular saws that allow the user to make different cross angled cuts to a work piece positioned thereon. The guide uses an adjustable guide track in which the saw is engaged which can be sequentially positioned at different cross angle incremental orientation by the user in a self-contained portable platform structure. The saw guide has hinges that allow the bottom surface of one of the work surface portions to be folded up against the bottom surface of the other work surface portion so that the saw guide can be folded, transported to a use location, unfolded and used. The saw guide plate supports and engages the saw on one side of the saw only.
US08752457B1 Pallet dismantler
A pallet dismantler includes cantilevered supports to support a pallet by its deck boards, which automatically aligns the pallet with a band saw blade.
US08752455B1 Socket insert adapter and method of use
A hollow shaped socket insert adapter rotatively driven by a single socket driver for tightening, loosing, and removing various sizes of nuts/bolts.
US08752454B2 Thread protector manipulation tool
A system is provided to facilitate the substitution of power tools for manual manipulation of thread protectors on threaded tubulars. Male-thread protectors are manipulated using a driven cup with a flexible inner liner to engage the protector, the cup having expansion and gripper features. Female-thread protectors are manipulated using a driven elastic body fittably engaged with the inner surface of the protector. The manipulators are fitted with tool adapters to fit power tools such as an impact wrench.
US08752451B2 Cam mechanism for converting constant velocity rotary motion into a constant velocity reciprocating motion
A cam mechanism for converting rotary motion into a constant velocity reciprocating motion includes a driven shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation. First and second cam members mounted to the driven shaft for conjoined rotation therewith. A first pair of followers is in contact with the first cam member on opposite sides thereof, and a second pair of followers is in contact with the second cam member on opposite sides thereof. The first pair of followers and the second pair of followers mounted to a follower frame for conjoint motion therewith. The first cam member and the second cam member each have a non-cardioid shape cam profile that results in a constant velocity reciprocation motion of the follower frame upon rotation of the driven shaft about the axis of rotation.
US08752450B2 Bicycle component operating device
A bicycle component operating device is provided with a base member, an operating lever and an operating unit. The base member includes an insertion opening that is provided on one of a top surface and a bottom surface of the base member to provide access to an interior space within the base member. The operating lever is pivotally mounted on the base member about a first pivot axis extending transverse to the lateral surfaces. The operating unit is disposed in the interior space of the base member. The operating unit has a dimension relative to the insertion opening such that the operating unit is insertable into the interior space of the base member through the insertion opening. The base member is configured such that the insertion opening continuously extends from the first pivot axis toward the first end and the second end with respect to the first pivot axis.
US08752449B2 Substrate transport apparatus with multiple movable arms utilizing a mechanical switch mechanism
A substrate transport apparatus including a frame, a drive section connected to the frame and including at least one independently controllable motor, at least two substrate transport arms connected to the frame and comprising arm links arranged for supporting and transporting substrates, and a mechanical motion switch coupled to the at least one independently controllable motor and the at least two substrate transport arms for effecting the extension and retraction of one of the at least two substrate transport arms while the other one of the at least two substrate transport arms remains in a substantially retracted configuration.
US08752445B2 Device for pressing a toothed rack
A device for pressing a rack onto a pinion engaged with the rack, for a steering system of a motor vehicle, is equipped with a pressure piece, which can be loaded in the direction of the rack by way of a compression spring and is displaceably guided in a housing, and with an adjusting device for compensating play that occurs in the steering system. A spring washer is disposed between the adjusting device and the pressure piece, wherein the adjusting device has shoulder and the pressure piece has a recess or the pressure piece has a shoulder and the adjusting device has a recess in the region of the spring washer. The adjusting device further comprises two adjusting disks which are rotatable relative to one another and beat against one another at contact surfaces, and the contact surfaces have at least two beveled edges. The complete adjusting device is preinstalled as an assembly unit comprising the pressure piece, the spring washer, and the compression spring with the use of a spring pin.
US08752443B2 Gear selector apparatus and control for a vehicle transmission
A gear selector apparatus for a transmission having a first gear and a second gear selectively engageable to a shaft through a synchronizer. The gear selector apparatus includes a hydraulic actuator, a gear selection fork engaged with the actuator, a guide bar fixed for common movement to the gear selection fork, a detent mechanism disposed in contact with a first edge of the guide bar, a position sensor disposed in contact with a second edge of the guide bar, a first and a second pressure control valve in communication with the hydraulic actuator, a controller in electrical communication with the position sensor and the first and second pressure control valve. The controller includes a control logic sequence.
US08752441B2 Method for assessing the damage of keratin fibers
Method for assessing damages of keratin fibers using color measurements and area measurements. Said methods are useful for assessing the degree of damages of keratin fibers and also to compare the damages of fibers of different origin, different portions of fibers and/or fibers treated with different cosmetic, chemical and/or mechanical treatments. Said methods are also useful for supporting advertising claims about the efficacy of a treatment.
US08752439B2 Dynamic torque sensing system
A torque sensing system can sense the torque that is flowing through a mechanical system. The torque sensing system allows for better control because the torque and horsepower of the mechanical system can be known at all times. The torque sensing system includes an input shaft and an output shaft that prompts a torque shaft to deflect onto a load cell, where the force of the deflection of the torque shaft onto the load cell may be used to determine the torque of the system.
US08752437B2 Magnet strength measurement
An apparatus for determining an integral strength of a magnet, including a magnetically attractive specimen, a force-sensing device for receiving the specimen and determining a magnitude of a first force applied by the specimen against the force-sensing device in the presence of the magnet and a magnitude of a second force applied by the specimen against the force-sensing device in the absence of the magnet, and a platform for receiving the magnet and for positioning the magnet at a desired distance above the specimen.
US08752436B2 Pressure sensor seal and method of use
A pressure sensor and method of use provides for the detection of a sudden increase or decrease of pressure within tubing during the administration of solutions to a patient. Detection of an occlusion, partial or other significant pressure change in the tubing is accomplished by measuring the compression and/or expansion of the tubing. Transfer of the change in force within the tubing is communicated from the tubing to a sensor by a transfer rod which as a membrane attached thereto to provide a seal thereabout.
US08752433B2 Differential pressure transmitter with pressure sensor
A process variable transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes a first inlet configured to couple to a first process pressure and a second inlet configured to couple to a second process pressure. A differential pressure sensor couples to the first and second inlets and provides an output related to a differential pressure between the first pressure and the second pressure. A first pressure sensor couples to the first inlet and provides an output related to the first pressure. Transmitter circuitry provides a transmitter output based upon the output from the differential pressure sensor and further provides enhanced functionality based upon the output from the first pressure sensor.
US08752430B2 Micromechanical acceleration sensor
A micromechanical acceleration sensor, including at least one substrate, one or more frames, at least a first frame of which is suspended directly or indirectly on the substrate by at least one spring element, and is deflected with respect to the substrate when at least a first acceleration acts, and at least a first seismic mass which is suspended on the first frame or an additional frame by at least one spring element, and is deflected with respect to this frame when an acceleration acts which is, in particular, different from the first acceleration.
US08752429B2 Microelectromechanical device with position control driving and method for controlling a microelectromechanical device
A MEMS gyroscope includes: a microstructure having a fixed structure, a driving mass, movable with respect to the fixed structure according to a driving axis, and a sensing mass, mechanically coupled to the driving mass so as to be drawn in motion according to the driving axis and movable with respect to the driving mass according to a sensing axis, in response to rotations of the microstructure; and a driving device, for keeping the driving mass in oscillation with a driving frequency. The driving device includes a discrete-time sensing interface, for detecting a position of the driving mass with respect to the driving axis and a control stage for controlling the driving frequency on the basis of the position of the driving mass.
US08752424B2 Flow measuring device
A bypass passage receives a part of air flowing through a duct. A sub-bypass passage is branched from an intermediate portion of the bypass passage to separate dust contained in air flowing through the duct. A flow rate sensor is located in the sub-bypass passage for detecting the flow rate of air. A first wall surface and a second wall surface of the bypass passage are located upstream from the branch. The first wall surface is located on the side of the branch. The second wall surface is opposed to the first wall surface. Both the first wall surface and the second wall surface are curved to direct airflow to move away from the branch.
US08752423B2 Method for inspecting tires, enabling the on-site detector of defects, the state of wear of the rubber, or the internal condition of the tire
The invention relates to a technical inspection method which comprises the specific application of an ultrasound wave perfectly adapted for interacting with the rubber and for detecting: defects, tears, gaps, the state of wear of the rubber, and the breakage of steel wires or meshes in giant OTR (off-the-road) tires. Said inspection consists of injecting, into any sector of the tire and using an ultrasound defect detector device, ultrasound waves that generate echoes by bouncing off breaks or interfaces in the material, the assessment of which yields a diagnosis of the internal condition and operating state of the tire.
US08752422B2 Brake wear sensor of a disc brake
A brake wear sensor of a disc brake includes a sensor unit, a gearbox cooperating with the sensor unit, and a central drive element which is engaged with the gearbox for an input variable or characteristic variable associated with brake wear. The brake wear sensor also includes at least one additional input for a further input variable or characteristic variable.
US08752419B2 Compression measurement device
Performance of a sport equipment, such as a ball bat, is measured by applying a force through a spring of known elastic properties to compress the sport equipment and indicating compliance of the sport equipment to a known standard based on the compression of the sport equipment.
US08752417B2 Gradient-elution multi-column separation method
The invention relates to a method for separating fractions of a mixture to be separated including the steps of providing a device comprising at least two chromatography columns mounted in series, discontinuously injecting a mixture to be separated, in a single point of the device, discontinuously drawing off the fraction enriched in the product of interest, in a single point of the device, and injecting eluents in each column and displacing the points for injection eluents, the eluents having a different eluting power. The method allows efficient separation which is simple to perform.
US08752413B2 Test pressurisation device for hose
A test pressurization device (100) for hose (1) includes a first pair of press/driving rolls (10, 12) between which the hose can be inserted, and a second pair of press/driving rolls (20, 22) between which the hose can be inserted. The first pair of press/driving rolls (10, 12) is arranged on a distance from the second pair of press/driving rolls (20, 22). Further each pair of press/driving rolls is arranged for pressing the hose together between the rolls in conjunction with pressurization with a medium such as water so that a limited part of the hose, which is located between the first and the second pair of press/driving rolls, can be held pressurized and control of the hoses or its couplings tightness is admitted. Furthermore, while sections of the hose are held pressurized between the pairs of press/driving rolls, the same pairs of press/driving rolls are feeding the hose forward, thus checking the hoses tightness in a continuously moving section approach. In this way a very space efficient solution is achieved, as only a limited part of the hose needs to be held pressurized at a time.
US08752411B2 Device for detecting volatile substances, apparatus using the device and related operative method
A device for detecting volatile substances has a containment box with at least one inlet opening for introduction of gas flow, one or more outlet openings of the gas flow, at least one analysis opening, one or more detection sensors arranged in the containment box, and at least one probe insertable in the containment box through at least one analysis opening. When the probe is initially treated by a sample of a substance to be examined and is inserted in the containment box, the gas flow uniformly carries the volatile substances from the sample to one or more sensors. A detection apparatus and a detection method for volatile substances are also described.
US08752409B2 Method for a operating a rolling mill train with curvature recognition
In a multi-stand rolling mill train, a strip successively runs through individual rolling stands. The strip—always as seen in relation to a rolling center line—is threaded into each of the rolling stands with known respective head offset and inlet-side head pitch, and therefore a strip head emerges with the respective head offset, a respective outlet-side head pitch and a respective outlet-side head curvature. The respective outlet-side head pitch is determined on the basis of respective inlet-side head pitch and pass reduction which takes place in the respective rolling stand. The respective outlet-side head curvature of the strip is determined based on respective measured and further data. The respective outlet-side head curvature is used to determine a respective control intervention for the respective rolling stand and/or the one arranged directly downstream and to drive the corresponding rolling stand in accordance with the respective determined control intervention.
US08752402B1 Jewelry and method of wearing
A jewelry item includes an ornament, a coil with a plurality of turns, and a pad. The pad includes a central bore configured for receiving the helical coil. A compressive force between adjacent turns of the helical coil couples the jewelry item to a body part. The jewelry item can be an earring.
US08752399B2 Room air conditioner and/or heater
A room air conditioner and/or heat pump is shown having a compressor, indoor coil, accumulator, expansion device and reversing valve for changing between a cooling cycle and a heating cycle. Intake louvers direct return air over the entire indoor coil for maximum heat transfer. Discharge louvers are curved upward to prevent short cycling while still being totally adjustable, up and down, right and left. Adjustment posts are anchored to a clip and are adjustable for right or left discharge of air and up or down discharge. Single handles control both the right or left discharge through a rear set of louvers and up or down discharge through a front set of louvers. A no circulation area prevents short cycling and curved edges prevent turbulence in air flow through louvers.
US08752395B2 Combustor liner support and seal assembly
A combination including a gas turbine engine extending along an axis is disclosed herein. The gas turbine engine includes an annular combustor having a combustor liner. The combination also includes a plurality of projections extending from the combustor liner and spaced from one another circumferentially about the axis. The combination also includes a free-standing ring disposed about the combustor liner and positioned adjacent to the plurality of projections along the axis. The plurality of projections engage the free-standing ring and circumferentially support the combustor liner while allowing relative radial displacement between the combustor liner and the free-standing ring. The combination also includes a plurality of pins each being integrally-formed with one of the plurality of projections. Each of the plurality of pins extends along the axis and is received in one of a plurality of slots formed in the free-standing ring.
US08752393B2 Systems, apparatuses, and methods of gas turbine engine control
One embodiment according to the present invention is a unique system for gas turbine engine control. Other embodiments include unique apparatuses, systems, devices, and methods relating to gas turbine engines. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present invention shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.
US08752391B2 Integrated turbomachine oxygen plant
An integrated turbomachine oxygen plant includes a turbomachine and an air separation unit. One or more compressor pathways flow compressed air from a compressor through one or more of a combustor and a turbine expander to cool the combustor and/or the turbine expander. An air separation unit is operably connected to the one or more compressor pathways and is configured to separate the compressed air into oxygen and oxygen-depleted air. A method of air separation in an integrated turbomachine oxygen plant includes compressing a flow of air in a compressor of a turbomachine. The compressed flow of air is flowed through one or more of a combustor and a turbine expander of the turbomachine to cool the combustor and/or the turbine expander. The compressed flow of air is directed to an air separation unit and is separated into oxygen and oxygen-depleted air.
US08752390B2 Method and apparatus for producing power and hydrogen
Both power and H2 are produced from a gaseous mixture, comprising H2 and CO2, using first and second pressure swing adsorption (PSA) systems in series. The gaseous mixture is fed at super-atmospheric pressure to the first PSA system, which comprises adsorbent that selectively adsorbs CO2 at said pressure, and CO2 is adsorbed, thereby providing an H2-enriched mixture at super-atmospheric pressure. A fuel stream is formed from a portion of the H2-enriched mixture, which is combusted and the combustion effluent expanded to generate power. Another portion of the H2-enriched mixture is sent to the second PSA system, which comprises adsorbent that selectively adsorbs CO2 at super-atmospheric pressure, and CO2 is adsorbed, thereby providing a high purity H2 product. In preferred embodiments, the division of H2-enriched mixture between forming the fuel stream and being fed to the second PSA system is adjustable.
US08752384B2 Carbon dioxide capture interface and power generation facility
An interface for a pressurized fluidized bed combustion facility is disclosed that enables future addition of carbon dioxide capture technology to capture facility flue gas emissions. The interface includes a gas to water pressurized heat recovery steam generator to cool facility flue gas and provide steam to the facility steam turbine generator. A VFD motor and flue gas expander are coupled to a combustion air compressor to energize the facility. The expander is synchronized over a SSS-clutch to drive the compressor. The interface in combination with carbon capture technology and methods for conditioning flue gas are also disclosed.
US08752372B2 Regenerative hydraulic circuit for dump truck bin lift cylinder
An articulated dump truck is provided with an electro-hydraulic bin control system including a proportional control valve for the bin lift cylinders and including a solenoid-operated regenerative valve assembly mounted adjacent the lift cylinders and being actuated, during lifting the bin for dumping a load of material from the bin, to cause a regenerative flow to occur when the force required by the bin lift cylinders to continue lifting the bin falls to a predetermined force. The force required for tilting the bin is continuously calculated by an electronic control unit taking into account a sensed bin load, a sensed bin tip amount and a sensed side-to-side inclination of the bin. In a simplified second embodiment, the proportional control valve controls the regenerative flow.
US08752371B2 Independent metering valve with flow limiter
An independent metering valve (IMV) assembly is disclosed that includes a metering stem including an inlet. The IMV assembly also includes a hydro-mechanical control valve in communication with a fluid source and the inlet. The control valve also including a spool with a closed end and an open end. The control valve includes a biasing member that biases the control valve or spool towards an open position thereby establishing communication between the fluid source and the inlet. The control valve also including a load signal line providing communication between an outlet of the control valve upstream of the inlet and the closed end of the spool. Wherein high pressure in the load signal line allowing the control valve to move towards a closed position thereby overcoming bias of the biasing member and reducing flow to the inlet during a high pressure condition.
US08752367B2 Exhaust system for lean burn IC engine including particulate filter and NOx absorbent
An exhaust system for a lean burn internal combustion engine comprises a particulate filter (CSF), a first NOx absorbent (NOx(1)) disposed upstream of the filter and a second NOx absorbent (NOx(2)) disposed downstream of the filter.
US08752366B2 Systems and methods for abating carbon monoxide in an exhaust stream
A method for abating carbon monoxide in an exhaust stream may include injecting an amount of air into the exhaust stream to produce an air/exhaust mixture; measuring an air/fuel ratio of the air/exhaust mixture; reacting carbon monoxide in the air/exhaust mixture with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst to produce carbon dioxide to abate carbon monoxide in the air/exhaust mixture; measuring a temperature of the catalyst; and adjusting the amount of air injected into the exhaust stream based on the air/fuel ratio or the temperature of the catalyst.
US08752363B2 Fuel flow control method and fuel flow control system of gas turbine combustor for humid air gas turbine
Provided is a fuel flow control method of a gas turbine combustor provided in a humid air gas turbine, by which method NOx generation in the gas turbine combustor is restricted before and after the starting of humidification and combustion stability is made excellent. The fuel flow control method of a gas turbine combustor provided with a plurality of combustion sections, to which a fuel is individually supplied, a part of the gas turbine combustor including a combustion section or sections, which are more excellent in flame holding performance than the remaining part, the method evaluating a moisture content of a combustion air at the startup of humidification on the basis of a humidification water quantity and an air temperature after humidification and controlling a fuel ratio supplied to the combustion section or sections of excellent flame holding performance when fuel ratios of fuels supplied to the respective combustion sections are controlled in accordance with a humidified state of a compressed air brought about by a humidifier provided in the humid air gas turbine.
US08752362B2 Optical flame holding and flashback detection
Optical flame holding and flashback detection systems and methods are provided. Exemplary embodiments include a combustor including a combustor housing defining a combustion chamber having combustion zones, flame detectors disposed on the combustor housing and in optical communication with the combustion chamber, wherein each of the flame detectors is configured to detect an optical property related to one or more of the combustion zones.
US08752356B2 Method for forming a bag
A method of forming a reclosable fastener track having a slider. The process provides a reclosable fastener track, forms a slit in the fastener track, attaches a slider to the fastener track, seals the slit in the fastener track after the slider attaches, and creates a first and a second end stop on the track.
US08752353B2 Stackable surface module for a wall surface
A stackable surface module is provided for a wall surface that can be both erected and dismantled. The stackable surface module is especially useful in certain applications, such as for earthquake-resistant walls, a cupola, a bridge, a site fence, a noise protection wall, an upwind power station, a heat exchanger or a coastal protection wall.
US08752350B2 Ceramic composite thermal protection system
An apparatus comprises a thermal protection element, a number of washers, a ceramic layer, a number of blind fasteners, and a number of tabs. The thermal protection element has an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of sides. The ceramic layer covers at least the plurality of sides of the thermal protection element. The number of tabs is connected to the number of sides by the number of blind fasteners secured to the ceramic layers. The tabs may be part of a frame secured to a groove around the plurality of sides.
US08752346B1 Rotable heat transfer tubing retention panels
A panel having a surface for supporting heat transfer tubing and at least one edge for mating and interlocking with an adjacent panel, improves versatility in leading the tubing upon the supporting surface in a variety of configurations.
US08752343B2 Solar apparatus and mounting system thereof
A solar apparatus includes a solar panel, a frame body surrounding an edge of the solar panel, a first Y-shaped support, and a second Y-shaped support. The first Y-shaped support has two parallel first extending arms and a first supporting portion. The first supporting portion is connected to the two first extending arms, and one of the two first extending arms is fixed on a side of the frame body. The second Y-shaped support has two parallel second extending arms and a second supporting portion. The second supporting portion is connected to the two second extending arms, and one of the two second extending arms is fixed on the side of the frame body. A height of the first Y-shaped support is smaller than a height of the second Y-shaped support.
US08752338B2 Adjustable roof mounting system
An adjustable mounting system for mounting solar panels on roofs is disclosed. The system allows a user to mount the solar panels either with or without rails. The mounting assemblies are adjustable to allow the user to mount a base plate in a chosen location (either on a roof joist or other structural member or not) and to adjust the mounting location for the panel in as many as three axis of adjustment from the location of the base plate. A system for mounting and grounding the panels at the same time is also disclosed.
US08752337B2 Tower part for a wind turbine, an aperture cover system, a method for manufacturing a tower part and uses hereof
The invention relates to a tower part for a wind turbine including at least one wall segment and at least one aperture segment including at least one aperture. The wall segment and the aperture segment are connected and the aperture segment is of a substantially uniform thickness and is thicker than the thickness of the wall segment. The invention further related to an aperture cover system for covering at least one aperture in a tower part for a wind turbine including cover plates and attachments for attaching the system to the tower part, wherein the attachments do not affect the fatigue limit of the tower part. Finally, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing a wind turbine tower part and uses thereof.
US08752325B2 Adapter
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an adapter including a first body and a second body. A lower surface profile of the first body and the second body cooperate to form a first geometric mounting profile. An upper surface profile of the first body and the second body cooperate to form a second geometric mounting profile. The first geometric mounting profile is different from the second geometric mounting profile. Each of the first body and the second body forms at least one first aligned bore that receives a first fastener that connects the first body to the second body and a spring that biases the first body and the second body away from one another. An assembly is also disclosed. A method is also disclosed.
US08752323B2 Adjustable pistol grip for firearms
An adjustable pistol grip for improving the accuracy of detachable pistol grip firearms, including rifles, improves the ergonomics for the trigger and pistol grip. The pistol grip is user-adjustable and useable for a larger range of hand sizes. The improvement to provide adjustability allows for proper hand and finger positioning providing improved trigger control to the user.
US08752321B2 Tactical precision grip
The tactical precision grip includes an elongate body having an upper mounting portion for mounting the grip to existing mounting hardware on a firearm. At least the sides and back of the body include anti-skid surfaces to prevent slip on the hold during operation. An upper depression is formed on the back of the body for placing a user's thumb, and the front of the body includes an elongate, vertical fingertip groove for placing the user's fingertips during shooting. The depression and the fingertip groove encourage user placement of the respective thumb and fingertips to minimize contact with the firearm grip, thereby enhancing trigger control and shooting accuracy.
US08752319B2 Gap seal for gun
A gun or other projectile launching device includes a frame, and a barrel, including a bore therethrough, held in position by the frame. A cylinder is rotatable attached to the frame in close proximity to an inner end portion of the barrel, the cylinder having multiple chambers and configured to sequentially and longitudinally align a chamber with the bore of the barrel. A sleeve is slidingly positioned over the inner end portion of the barrel. The sleeve has a front face with a central opening therethrough, that has a size less than an inner diameter of the sleeve, but no smaller than a diameter of the bore through the barrel. The sleeve is configured to slide back, substantially in response to gas pressure, until the front face of the sleeve is forcibly maintained in contact with the cylinder to eliminate a gap between the cylinder and the barrel.
US08752316B1 Apparatus for identifying strollers
An apparatus for identifying a particular baby stroller in a crowd of parked strollers. The apparatus has at least one distinctive ornament for providing immediate recognition coupled to a band for attaching to a handle of a particular stroller in a visible position. The ornament has shiny trim for reflecting light, improving visibility. The ornament selectively couples to the band, allowing a first ornament to be exchanged with another ornament to selectively coordinate with a user's clothing. A plurality of apparatuses can be attached to the stroller to further ease immediate recognition of the particular stroller.
US08752315B2 Fire door installation auditing/verification system
A fire door installation auditing/verification system includes a label that is adhered to a fire door in use. The label has a first portion adhered to the fire door, and a second, removable, portion, said second, removable, portion carrying detailed installation instructions for the fire door. The second, removable, portion is attached to the first portion such that, when the second portion is removed during installation, the first portion of the label is retained adhered to the fire door and provides a visual indication, post installation, that the installer has removed the second portion carrying the detailed installation instructions.
US08752309B2 Storage device for shoelace
In one embodiment, a storage device encloses the laces of footwear. The storage device comprises a lower member, an upper member, and a joint that permits articulated motion between the lower member and the upper member in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the storage device. The upper member comprises an enclosure with an inner cavity that receives the laces therein. In one example, the outer member comprises a pair of closure members that articulate in a second direction toward the longitudinal axis.
US08752307B2 Article of footwear with a midsole structure
An article of footwear is disclosed that includes at least one of an upper and a segmented sole structure. The sole structure may include an insole portion and a plurality of discrete sole elements disposed within an outsole unit. The insole is positioned adjacent the upper and may extend along a longitudinal length of the upper. The sole elements extend from the connecting portion, and the sole elements are separated by a plurality of flexible regions.
US08752306B2 Shoes, devices for shoes, and methods of using shoes
A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and a nest formed as a bag filled with one or more gasses located between the first plate and the second plate. The shoe may further include one or more springs located in cavities in the gas filled nest for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. Pods may be located within the openings in the center of the springs, and the pods may be filled with one or more gasses. The pods may protrude from a bottom or a top surface of the nest. Spring sandwiches including one or more springs positioned between plates may be constructed and placed in various portions of a shoe. The shoe may also include piping with lights.
US08752299B2 Blade guide assembly for power operated rotary knife
A blade guide assembly for receiving the head assembly of a power operated rotary knife. The blade guide assembly includes: a blade guide and a cover secured to the blade guide to secure the head assembly within the blade guide. The blade guide includes a top wall, a bottom wall and an outer wall, an arcuate blade-receiving groove spaced radially inwardly from the outer wall, extending axially from the top wall and defining peripherally spaced apart ends, a head member-receiving channel extending radially inwardly from the outer wall and intersecting the arcuate groove, and a notched region intersecting the peripherally spaced apart ends of the arcuate blade-receiving groove. The cover includes a base secured to the top wall of the blade guide and overlying at least a portion of the arcuate blade-receiving groove and an outer extension defining an opening axially aligned with the notched region of the blade guide.
US08752298B2 Spring-assisted folding knife
A folding knife includes a lock blade and a handle. The handle includes a transfer bar assembly and a blade opener spring. When the lock blade is closed, a spring working in conjunction with the transfer bar assembly biases the lock blade closed. When the lock blade is opened past a certain point, a blade opening spring assists in moving the lock blade into its open locked position.
US08752295B2 Method of varying material properties
A method includes acquiring a first structural component conforming to a design, producing a first vehicle including the first structural component, and transferring possession of the first vehicle with the first structural component having a first set of mechanical properties. The method further includes acquiring a second structural component conforming to the design, subjecting the second structural component to a heat treatment process so that the second structural component is characterized by a second set of mechanical properties different from the first set of mechanical properties, producing a second vehicle including the second structural component, and transferring possession of the second vehicle with the second structural component having the second set of mechanical properties.
US08752292B2 Structured material web having a multi-dimensional structure, and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a structured material web, particularly a metal web, having a multi-dimensional structure comprising beads or creases and structures disposed next to each other and each formed by a surface section enclosed by the beads or the creases, wherein each of the structures has a dedicated location with a hole, and the surface section in every other location of the structure is formed by an incline toward the dedicated location.
US08752288B2 Leaf seal
A first process is provided for forming a stack of leaves for use in a leaf seal which effects a seal between two components. Corresponding processes are provided for forming a leaf-spacer pair and then for forming a stack of leaves from such pairs. Each leaf of the stack has a leaf section which maintains wiping contact with one of the components and a root section which is fixed relative to the other component and from which the leaf section extends. The stack includes a plurality of spacers which interpose between the root sections.
US08752287B2 Method of sealing at least one engine gas leak
A method of sealing at least one gas leak in an engine including the steps of locating at least one gas leak applying, an alkyl polyether composition and a crosslinking composition to at least one surface of the engine within three inches of the located gas leak and allowing a polyether dental impression material to form by reacting to seal the located gas leak.
US08752284B2 Method of producing a land grid array (LGA) interposer utilizing metal-on-elastomer
A method of producing a land grid array (LGA) interposer structure, including an electrically insulating carrier plane, and at least one interposer mounted on a first surface of said carrier plane. The interposer possesses a hemi-toroidal configuration in transverse cross-section and is constituted of a dielectric elastomeric material. A plurality of electrically-conductive elements are arranged about the surface of the at least one hemi-toroidal interposer and extend radically inwardly and downwardly from an uppermost end thereof into electrical contact with at least one component located on an opposite side of the electrically insulating carrier plane.
US08752281B2 Method of chucking a tool or a workpiece and apparatus for carrying out the method
The invention relates to a method of clamping a tool or a workpiece, using an electric actuator (1) having a housing (2) attached to a work spindle of a machine tool and in which a threaded spindle (3) for moving jaws of a chuck is axially displaceable, and an electric servomotor (4) having a rotor connected with a drive wheel (6) that moves a nut (7) on the threaded spindle (3), a first sensor being associated with the threaded spindle (3) for detecting the axial position thereof, and a second sensor being associated with the spindle nut (7) for detecting the axial position thereof, and including the method step of determining the position of the threaded spindle (3) by the first sensor when a slight axial force occurs due to contact of the clamping jaws with the tool or the workpiece, and continued movement of the spindle nut (7) until a specified sensor difference (12) between the first sensor and the second sensor is determined by the second sensor. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method.
US08752277B2 Method for producing antenna device
A method for manufacturing an antenna device may include a first step of forming an antenna circuit so that the resonance frequency of the antenna circuit will be lower than an oscillation frequency of the reader/writer. The antenna circuit includes an antenna coil that receives the magnetic field transmitted from the reader/writer and a capacitor electrically connected to the antenna coil. The manufacturing method also includes a second step of affixing a magnetic sheet to the antenna coil via an adhesive. The magnetic sheet is at a face-to-face position with respect to the antenna coil and is configured to change the inductance of the antenna coil. The adhesive is of a film thickness to change the inductance so that the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit will be coincident with the oscillation frequency depending on the spacing between the antenna coil and the magnetic sheet.
US08752275B2 Method of forming stator coils of electric machinery
The method is capable of forming stator coils in dead spaces, into which a nozzle of a wire coiling machine is inserted, and improving space factor of the coils. The method comprises the steps of: regular-winding a magnet wire in vacant longitudinal outer parts of slots alternately, without getting into spaces for inserting the nozzle of the wire coiling machine; regular-winding the magnet wire in the rest vacant longitudinal outer parts of the slots and the spaces for inserting the nozzle; regular-winding the magnet wire in vacant longitudinal inner parts of the slots alternately, without getting into spaces for inserting the nozzle; and regular-winding the magnet wire in the rest vacant longitudinal inner parts of the slots and the spaces for inserting the nozzle.
US08752272B2 Method for molding a plug and a hose or a pipe
A method for molding a plug and a hose or a pipe, wherein the plug is part of a pipe connection and the pipe connection is constructed as a sealing plug-in connection between a connecting piece and the plug. The plug includes an outer part and an inner part connected to each other in one piece and a rear free end of the plug forms an annular gap. The deformation forces acting on expanding jaws of an expanding device during the molding of the plug and the hose or the pipe are directly recorded and the molding of the plug and the hose or the pipe is performed in dependency on these directly recorded deformation forces. As a result, a constant molding degree is achieved in case of plugs and hoses or pipes with varying wall thicknesses.
US08752262B2 Supplemental elevator brake and retrofitting installation procedure
An exemplary method of retrofitting a brake onto an elevator machine that was previously installed in an elevator system includes selecting a surface of the elevator machine that rotates as a sheave of the machine rotates. A braking surface is provided on the selected surface. At least one brake member is installed in a position to selectively engage the braking surface.
US08752261B2 Mounting stents on stent delivery systems
A system for mounting a stent on a balloon catheter includes two positioning and alignment stations, which are used to prepare a stent and catheter for crimping using the same crimping head. The system is configured for automated assembly of the stent and catheter prior to crimping. A catheter and stent are placed on a computer-controlled carriage that delivers the stent and catheter to the crimper head. Before placing the stent and catheter into the crimper head, an automated alignment system locates the stent between balloon markers.
US08752260B2 Holding device
A holding device (10) is provided for use during the installation of a component (60) to be fastened vertically to a support structure (50) such as that of an aircraft, for example a cabin sidewall lining part. The holding device (10) includes a hook (12) and an eyelet (14) receiving the hook, the hook and eyelet being designed so that they can be fastened to the support structure (50) or the component (60). The eyelet (14) has at least one elastically resilient element for the movable mutual support of the eyelet (14) and hook (12). The holding device (10) facilitates the fastening of a perpendicularly installed component (60). The elastically resilient element allows the component (60) to be pre-positioned in a nominal position.
US08752255B2 System and method for textile positioning
In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates generally to a method for needling a spiral textile to create a needled preform, the method comprising receiving the spiral textile on a bed plate of a circular needle loom, engaging a positional structure of the spiral textile, rotating the spiral textile around the circular needle loom, depositing a predetermined number of layers of the spiral textile on the bed plate, and needling the spiral textile to create the needled preform. Moreover, the present disclosure also provides, in various embodiments, a method for creating a circular needled preform from a spiral textile, comprising attaching sacrificial fibers to at least one of the weft tow and the plurality of warp tows proximate at least one of the inside diameter and the outside diameter, and engaging the sacrificial fibers with an engagement mechanism on a circular needle loom.
US08752254B2 Snap hook
A snap hook is provided. A body of the snap hook includes a generally hooked shaped mid portion positioned between a nose portion and a connection portion. The body further has an opening to an inner edge that is positioned between the nose end and the connection portion. A gate has a first end pivotally coupled proximate the connection portion of the body and a second end configured and arranged to engage the nose portion of the body to selectively close an opening in the body. A locking member has a first end that is selectively received in a slot in the nose portion of the body. A trigger has an end that engages a second end of the locking member to disengage the first end of the locking member from the slot of the nose portion of the body.
US08752250B2 Cottonseed delinters and methods
Systems and methods for removing material, e.g., linters, from seeds, e.g., ginned cottonseeds, are provided. The systems and methods involve rotating the seeds in a rotatable drum having a plurality of longitudinal brushes. The centrifugal force created by the rotation of the drum and the plurality of longitudinal brushes urge the seeds against an interior surface of the drum that is lined with a brush insert. In this way, work is performed that removes the material from the exterior of the seeds. The material is removed using reduced pressure and the processed seeds are removed. The system may include a brush insert that is easily removed from the rotatable drum. Other systems and methods are disclosed.
US08752248B2 Hinge device including pressure contact surfaces
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge device including: a first member having a pair of pin insertion holes; a second member having a pair of pin support holes; a pair of pin members respectively inserted into the pin insertion holes and the pin support holes to support the first member and the second member, the pin members being rotatable with respect to the pin insertion holes and not rotatable with respect to the pin support holes; a spring supported between the pin members to bring the pin members into contact with the first member; and pressure contact surfaces provided between the pin members and the first member being brought into contact with each other by the spring.
US08752246B2 Electronic apparatus with detachable and openable lid
An electronic apparatus excellent in workability in mounting a lid to an apparatus housing. The electronic apparatus comprises a housing having a pair of bearing portions, and a battery lid unit having a pair of shafts for being rotatably fitted in the bearing portions, respectively. A movable shaft of the shafts is axially retractable, and the battery lid unit is openable and closable with respect to the housing about the shafts. An urging spring has a contact portion for contact with the housing, and urges the battery lid unit in an opening direction with respect to the housing. The contact portion is moved according to retraction of the movable shaft such that an urging range through which the urging member urges the lid in the opening direction becomes smaller than a range of the pivotal motion of the lid with respect to the housing.
US08752244B2 Door closing mechanism
The present invention relates to a mechanism for closing a hinged member which comprises a resilient element for effecting closure of the hinged member and a hydraulic damper 5. The hydraulic damper 5, comprising a closed cylinder cavity 20 within a cylinder barrel 19, a rotational damper shaft 22 which extends into the cylinder cavity 20, and a piston 21, placed within the cylinder barrel 19 so as to divide the cylinder cavity 20 into a first side 20a above the piston 21 and a second side 20b below the piston 21. An outer perimeter surface of the piston 21 presents a clearance fit with an inner perimeter surface 27 of the cylinder barrel 19 at 20° C. The cylinder barrel 19 is made of a first material and the piston 21 of a second material which has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the first material. In this way variations of the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid as a result of pressure fluctuations are compensated for by an increase or a decrease of the cross-section area of the clearance.
US08752242B2 Vacuum cleaner base with nozzle height adjustment
An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a base assembly pivotally connected to an upright assembly. The base assembly comprises housing, a support, and a ratchet-operated nozzle height adjustment mechanism for raising or lowering a suction nozzle on the base assembly relative to a surface to be cleaned. The ratchet-operated nozzle height adjustment mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism for raising and lowering the housing relative to the support.
US08752237B2 Floor cleaner with stowable handle
A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a base; an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to the base and including an upright housing at a lower portion thereof, a handle tube extending upwardly from an upper end of the upright housing and a push rod that is axially slidable within the handle tube; wherein the handle tube is mounted for telescoping movement within upright housing between an extended position and a stowed position within the upright housing; a fluid delivery system including a fluid supply tank for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid; a fluid distributor for distributing the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank onto the surface to be cleaned; and a fluid conduit, including a fluid flow controller, between the fluid supply tank and the fluid distributor. A locking collar on the upright housing locks the handle tube in the extended and stowed positions.
US08752236B2 Steam vacuum cleaner
A steam vacuum cleaner, having a suction port assembly including a suction hole formed on a bottom surface thereof and a dust receptacle detachably attached to the suction port assembly; a pump disposed in the suction port assembly to suction dust-laden air from an object being cleaned and to transfer the dust laden air to the dust receptacle; a steam unit disposed on the suction port assembly; a floorcloth unit disposed on the suction port assembly to scrub the object using steam supplied from the steam unit; and a handle member hinged with a portion of the suction port assembly, wherein the handle member has a variable length. Floorcloth plates having a plurality of steam passages radially formed on the bottom surface thereof may be rotatably mounted on the bottom surface of the suction port assembly.
US08752234B2 Wiper connector
A wiper connector which includes a connector body and at least one retaining plate, where the connector body has at least one through structure, and one end of the elastic fin is defined as a fastening portion for establishing secure coupling with the connector body. The elastic fin has an opening formed thereon which correspondingly aligning the through structure so that an inserted bolt is retained in the connector body by the retaining plate. The wiper connector is applicable on all bolt-type wiper arms, therefore, fewer disturbances are brought to the users in selection of the wiper connectors. Furthermore, the wiper connector has a simple structure which can be assembled and dismantled easily, where other advantages includes a low damage rate, a high adaptability, and a significant reduce in the expense. Thus, overcoming disadvantages of conventional wiper connectors such as having a complex structure and a poor adaptability.
US08752232B2 Cleaning sheet
A cleaning sheet (1A) includes: a substrate sheet (2); and a plurality of long-fiber bundles (3) provided thereon, each long-fiber bundle (3) being made by aggregating long fibers (31), the long-fiber bundles (3) being arranged side-by-side and joined to the substrate sheet (2). Each long-fiber bundle (3) is joined together by fiber-joining sections (32). Each long-fiber bundle (3) is joined to the substrate sheet (2) by sheet-joining sections (21). Each sheet-joining section (21) is provided so as to overlap one of the fiber-joining sections (32). Each long-fiber bundle (3) has been cut by linear cut sections (24), each linear cut section (24) being formed in a region between adjacent sheet-joining sections (21). Each long-fiber bundle (3) includes cut fibers (311) and uncut fibers (312).
US08752226B2 Axle controller for automated swimming pool cleaners
A pool cleaner includes a housing having a front, rear and adjoining side portions and a base plate having a water inlet. A pump is configured to draw water and debris from the pool through the inlet for filtering and discharge filtered water through an outlet. A pair of wheels are coupled proximate the front and rear of the housing, each of which is coupled to an opposing end of an axle, each opposing end of the axle being slidably moveable along the housing in a forward and rearward directional path of the cleaner in response to a steering assembly. An on-board controller includes memory for storing a cleaning program, and a processor electrically coupled to the memory to execute the cleaning program to automatically control the steering assembly to position each end of the axles to steer the cleaner while it is moving in a forward or reverse direction.
US08752223B2 Pulling tools
A multi-function tool having a handle portion and a plurality of structures operable therewith for the performance of a plurality of functions. The multi-function tool allows fast and convenient transition between any of the plurality of functions in order to enable completion of jobs or tasks requiring such functions without acquisition, storage, and/or maintenance of a plurality of specialized tools.
US08752222B2 Adaptable surface for use in beds and chairs to reduce occurrence of pressure ulcers
An adaptable surface system including a plurality of individually adjustable surface units and a plurality of pressure sensors. Each pressure sensor corresponds to one of the adjustable subsurface units and is positioned to measure an amount of pressure exerted upon the subsurface unit. The system also includes a controller that receives a first pressure value from a pressure sensor, compares the value to a threshold, and adjusts the height of the first subsurface unit based on the comparison. The controller also receives a second pressure value from a second pressure sensor, compares the second pressure value to the threshold, and adjusts the height of a second subsurface unit based on the comparison.
US08752219B2 Bath system
A bath environment, such as a shower or a tub enclosure, has an outer wall and an area built into the outer wall that extends out of the bath environment. The area supports a user so that a user may pivot thereon to enter into the bath environment.
US08752218B2 Waste removal system
A waste removal system is provided that includes a pipe structure of a building and a portable waste receptacle. The pipe structure has an end that forms a roof vent and another end opening toward a sewer. The portable waste receptacle is in removable fluid communication with the pipe structure of the building structure via the roof vent. The system optionally includes a privacy apparatus that has a curtain capable of at least partially surrounding the waste removal device.
US08752217B1 Multi-part, molded athletic cup
An integrally molded, multi-part athletic protector with a rigid upper core cup, a semi-rigid lower scrotal bridge joined to the lower edge of the rigid core cup and adapted for both longitudinal and lateral flexion, and a flexible marginal cushion lining the interior surfaces of the core cup and scrotal bridge with a rolled peripheral edge contoured to the user's body.
US08752214B1 Positioning brace for a kneepad
An adjustable kneepad support that is a brace formed by a pair of elongated, flexible, overlapping thin beam members that are movable relative to each other for lengthwise adjustment. Flexing of the beam members allows operation of a flex-latch that can release a fixed position of the beam members to allow sliding of the members to a newly adjusted lengthwise position.
US08752212B2 Device and method for securing the position of joint pads in sports
The invention utilizes a long sleeve modified shirt for the foundation garment. A separate tubular sleeve has one end sewn about the modified sleeve approximately at the elbow. The other end, the free end, of the tubular sleeve may then extend beyond the end of the modified sleeve. The arm is inserted into the modified sleeve and through the tubular sleeve. The elbow pad is attached about the elbow joint over the modified sleeve and over the tubular sleeve end sewn at the elbow area. The free end of the tubular sleeve is pulled over the elbow pad and attaches to the area near the Biceps/Shoulders with straps having removable attachment means thereon. The straps are attached to allow for adjustment. Essentially, the tubular sleeve forms a partial pouch about the elbow pad thus holding and preventing the elbow pad from shifting.