| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08771603B2 |
Method for removal of hydrogen sulfide from geothermal steam and condensate
A method for scavenging hydrogen sulfide from geothermal steam in a condenser under vacuum. A fine curtain of atomized acrolein-water droplets may be sprayed into geothermal steam condensers in an amount of approximately 2:1 molar ratio of acrolein to H2S based on hydrogen sulfide in the incoming steam from the turbine. The range being approximately 0.1 ppm to 500 ppm of sulfide. The acrolein is allowed to react with the gas phase H2S to form non-volatile aldehyde byproducts which partition into the water phase, are returned to the cooling tower and ultimately removed by normal cooling-tower blow down. |
| US08771598B2 |
Ammonia storage system
A system for storing ammonia comprises gas detector that is able to detect gases other than ammonia. The system further comprises thermally activatable ammonia stores, which can be activated to release ammonia upon heating. When the ammonia stores are not heated, the system is below ambient pressure and any leak will cause external gas to enter the system. Therefore, the gas detector is used to detect the presence of such external gas, which allows to detect leaks. The gas detector may be embodied as a thermal detector using a single heater and two temperature sensors for detecting a gas flow as well as external gas. |
| US08771595B2 |
Plasma powder sterilization apparatus and methods
Systems and methods for plasma sterilization are described. The sterilization method includes placing a substance to be sterilized in a rotating chamber (e.g., drum) and exposing the substance to a radio frequency (RF) plasma. The mixing of the substance and plasma is further promoted by generating a magnetic field that produces a force on the substance in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the chamber. In other aspects, the chamber may have a gas permeable wall. In addition, the substance may be exposed to acoustic shock waves produced by a modulating RF generator. |
| US08771592B2 |
Lead-free solder composition
A solder composition includes about 4% to about 25% by weight tin, about 0.1% to about 8% by weight antimony, about 0.03% to about 4% by weight copper, about 0.03% to about 4% by weight nickel, about 66% to about 90% by weight indium, and about 0.5% to about 9% by weight silver. The composition can further include about 0.2% to about 6% by weight zinc, and, independently, about 0.01% to about 0.3% by weight germanium. The composition can be used to solder an electrical connector to an electrical contact surface on a glass component. |
| US08771588B2 |
Device for blowing gas onto a face of traveling strip material
A device for blowing gas on a face of traveling strip material, comprising at least one hollow box having its wall fitted with a plurality of blow orifices, thereby enabling gas to be directed towards said face of the strip material. The hollow box is also fitted laterally on at least one side thereof relative to a midplane (Q) perpendicular to the plane in the strip with a movable shutter member having the function of selectively shutting some of the blow orifices. In order to adapt the width of the blow zone to the width of the corresponding strip material, said movable shutter member has an edge adjacent to the inside surface of the wall fitted with the blow orifices, and an edge adjacent to a side wall of the hollow box. |
| US08771586B2 |
Gas barrier
An apparatus for processing material such as organically coated waste and organic materials including biomass, industrial waste, municipal solid waste and sludge, is provided. The apparatus comprises a rotatable and tiltable furnace (1) having a body portion (15), a single material entry point (11) and a tapered portion (13) between the entry point and the body. The furnace has a closure through which material can be introduced to the furnace (1) when open and in which the interior of the furnace is isolated from the external environment when closed. A director at or adjacent the entry point (11) directs gases inwardly of the furnace so as to provide a barrier of gas adjacent the opening to inhibit the entrance of oxygen containing atmospheric gas when the closure is in its open position. |
| US08771585B2 |
Method for manufacturing ceramic components
The invention concerns a method for manufacturing a ceramic material with pseudo-isotropic microstructure. The method for tailoring the microstructure for manufacturing of sintered ceramic components involves a spark plasma sintering (SPS) process. By performing the SPS process in at least two steps it is possible to separate densification from grain growth. An initial sintering step at a first temperature and a first pressure, followed by a controlled grain growth step at a higher temperature and lower pressure makes it possible to manufacture ceramic components with controlled microstructure and improved mechanical properties. |
| US08771584B2 |
Apparatus for the heating of plastics material pre-forms with sterile room
An apparatus for the heating of plastics material pre-forms includes a conveying device, which conveys the plastics material pre-forms along a pre-determined conveying path, and at least one heating device, which heats the plastics material pre-forms during the transportation thereof. The conveying path of the plastics material pre-forms extends at least locally through a sterile room, wherein the sterile room is separated from the environment by a plurality of walls. |
| US08771580B2 |
Method for making molded skins from multiple plastics
The invention relates to a method for the production of plastic molded skins which are built up by consecutively melting multiple plastics onto each other. The surface of the forming tool is partially covered with a covering or mask during the melting of a first plastic powder and the first plastic powder is applied to the forming tool by a powder spray method. Thereafter, the covering or mask is removed from the surface of the forming tool and the second plastic powder is applied to the surface of the forming tool and to the first plastic powder by rotation sintering. |
| US08771577B2 |
Light emitting device with molded wavelength converting layer
A flexible film comprising a wavelength converting material is positioned over a light source. The flexible film is conformed to a predetermined shape. In some embodiments, the light source is a light emitting diode mounted on a support substrate. The diode is aligned with an indentation in a mold such that the flexible film is disposed between the support substrate and the mold. Transparent molding material is disposed between the support substrate and the mold. The support substrate and the mold are pressed together to cause the molding material to fill the indentation. The flexible film conforms to the shape of the light source or the mold. |
| US08771575B2 |
Methods and systems for forming reinforced composite articles having variable thickness corners
A method for making parts with variable thickness corners and parts with variable thickness corners are disclosed. The method includes laying up multiple plies to form a tailored blank, associating the blank with a convex and concave die, and applying pressure and heat so that material from at least one of the plies migrates towards a voided corner area formed between the dies. |
| US08771574B2 |
Bonding of fibre-reinforced material with an injection-moulding material; component and apparatus for conduct of the process
The invention relates to a process for the bonding of a fiber-reinforced material to an injection-molding material. The invention further relates to an article produced according to the process.It is an object of the invention to improve the bond between a fiber-reinforced starting material and a material applied by injection.To achieve the object, a fiber-reinforced plastics material is heated locally, and further plastics material is applied by injection. This produces a particularly good coherent bond between the further plastics material and the fiber-reinforced plastics material. Ease of handling is also provided.The invention relates to a component produced according to the process and also to an apparatus for carrying out the process. |
| US08771568B2 |
Offset mold twinning
Thermoplastic parts are made of predominantly single unit thickness but with marginal areas of increased thickness by molding two parts in a common mold having overlapping mold portions. Two thicknesses of thermoplastic material are molded together in the areas of increased thickness at opposite ends of the common mold and the parts are separated from one another by trimming such that each part has an area of increased solid wall thickness and an area of reduced thickness. |
| US08771567B2 |
Process for producing fibre preforms
A process for producing fiber preforms for composite material components makes it possible to directly produce complex geometries in a flexible and low-cost manner by applying a plurality of dry fiber rovings independently of one another even in spatially uneven contours. It is no longer necessary to use cut fabric strips since fiber preforms are produced straight from the dry fiber rovings. This obviates the need to carry out production, transport and order picking processes. It is not necessary to cut fiber strips to size, and therefore a saving may be made on material. In addition, it is possible to increase the mechanical characteristic values in the composite material because it is not necessary to sew fiber webs. The described process can also readily be scaled since the number of dry fiber rovings arranged next to one another make it possible to vary the area which can be covered. |
| US08771564B2 |
Shaped expandable material
An expandable material is shaped to form a part that can provide functional attributes such as reinforcement to a structure of article of manufacture such as an automotive vehicle. |
| US08771556B2 |
Semiconductor oxide ink composition for inkjet printing, method of manufacturing the same, and method of manufacturing photoelectric conversion element using the same
A semiconductor oxide ink composition, a method of manufacturing the composition, and a method of manufacturing a photoelectric conversion element are provided. The semiconductor oxide ink composition for inkjet printing comprises a semiconductor oxide and a solvent, wherein the semiconductor oxide comprises 0.1 to 20 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the total composition. |
| US08771553B2 |
Conductive fine particle and metal paste for electrode formation, and electrode
An object of the present invention is to provide a conductive fine particle for producing a metal paste that can produce an electrode film having a low resistance, and a metal paste utilizing the conductive fine particle. The present invention is a conductive particle for electrode formation having a core/shell structure, and the conductive particle comprises a core particle made of Pt or a Pt alloy and having a particle diameter of 10 to 200 nm, and a shell made of a ceramic containing Al2O3 or ZrO2 and covers at least a part of the core particle, wherein the ceramic constituting the shell is added in an amount of 0.5 to 15% by weight based on the core particle to cover the core. The core particle is preferably Pt or a Pt alloy alloyed with Pd, Au, Ag, or Rh. |
| US08771548B2 |
Yttrium—aluminum—garnet-type phosphor
It is an object to provide phosphors with high luminance. It also is an object to provide phosphors with less decrease in luminance due to a reduction in particle diameter. A first phosphor is represented by a general formula: aYO3/2.(3−a)CeO3/2.bAlO3/2.cGaO32.fWO3(2.80≦a≦2.99, 3.00≦b≦5.00, 0≦c≦2.00, 0.003≦f≦0.020, where 4.00≦b+c≦5.00). A second phosphor is represented by a general formula: aYO3/2.(3−a)CeO3/2.bAlO3/2.cGaO3/2.gK2WO4(2.80≦a≦2.99, 3.00≦b≦5.00, 0≦c≦2.00, 0.003≦g≦0.015, where 4.00≦b+c≦5.00). |
| US08771544B2 |
Stair tower module
A modular, prefabricated stair tower comprising a plurality of stairs, landings, handrails and hangers pre-assembled into a module configured such that it might be shipped and installed into a wind power tower tube section, with installation preferably occurring prior to shipment to the wind farm jobsite so that, when the tube section is erected vertically, authorized personnel gain immediate, efficient and economical access for ascending and descending large land based and offshore wind power turbine towers. |
| US08771542B2 |
Heat transfer fluid, additive package, system and method
Disclosed herein is a heat transfer fluid, comprising a hydroxylated carboxylic acid of formula (OH)x(R1)(COOH)y, wherein x is 2 to 10, y is 3 to 10, and R1 is a C2-50 aliphatic group, a C6-50 aromatic group, or a combination thereof; and wherein the hydroxylated carboxylic acid comprises the hydroxylated carboxylic acid, an ester thereof, a salt thereof, an anhydride thereof, or a combination thereof. A heat transfer system comprises an aluminum component, a magnesium component, or an aluminum component and a magnesium component; and the foregoing heat transfer fluid. |
| US08771539B2 |
Remotely-excited fluorine and water vapor etch
A method of etching exposed silicon oxide on patterned heterogeneous structures is described and includes a remote plasma etch formed from a fluorine-containing precursor. Plasma effluents from the remote plasma are flowed into a substrate processing region where the plasma effluents combine with water vapor. The chemical reaction resulting from the combination produces reactants which etch the patterned heterogeneous structures to produce, in embodiments, a thin residual structure exhibiting little deformation. The methods may be used to conformally trim silicon oxide while removing little or no silicon, polysilicon, silicon nitride, titanium or titanium nitride. In an exemplary embodiment, the etch processes described herein have been found to remove mold oxide around a thin cylindrical conducting structure without causing the cylindrical structure to significantly deform. |
| US08771530B2 |
Method for producing polarizing element
A method for producing a polarizing element includes: forming particulate materials of a metal halide on a glass substrate; forming a protective film that covers the particulate materials in a non-plasma environment; stretching the particulate materials by heating and stretching the glass substrate; and forming acicular metal particles by reducing the metal halide constituting the stretched particulate materials. |
| US08771522B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating organic matter-containing water
Raw water is made to pass through a raw water supply pipe by opening on-off valves, and by closing on-off valves. Oxygen is supplied to the raw water in the raw water supply pipe by opening an on-off valve of an oxygen supply pipe. The resulting raw water containing organic matter and oxygen passes through the raw water supply pipe and enters a catalyst-packed column, thereby contacting a platinum-group metal catalyst onto which hydrogen is adsorbed. This causes the organic matter in the raw water to contact the platinum-group metal catalyst under the presence of dissolved oxygen and hydrogen which is adsorbed onto the metal catalyst. Accordingly, the organic matter in the water to be treated can be easily removed at high efficiency and with low energy consumption. |
| US08771521B2 |
Method and computer program product for treating liquid containing impurities
A method and a computer program product perform a backwash process, which facilitates a reduction in a reject rate associated with a water treatment tank. If a backwash process is needed, an upper burst solenoid is operated to start an airlift flow in a first airlift path at a first position and at a first point in time, at a bottom portion of the water treatment tank, and a lower burst solenoid is operated to start an airlift flow in a second airlift path at a second position and at a second point in time. The second position is below the first position and the second point in time is after the first point in time. The airlift flow in the first and second airlift paths enables suitable water flow within the water treatment tank. |
| US08771520B2 |
Fluid treatment apparatus
A fluid treatment apparatus comprises a fluid vessel defining first and second fluid chambers. A fluid inlet is provided for delivering a fluid to be treated into the first fluid chamber. One or more nozzle assemblies are provided for fluid communication between the first and second fluid chambers, wherein said nozzle assemblies are adapted to facilitate mixing of a gas with said fluid. The second fluid chamber is adapted to accommodate a fluid treatment process therein, including a floatation treatment. One specific use of the fluid treatment apparatus includes separating oil from water, particularly water produced from a subterranean formation. |
| US08771515B2 |
Horizontal flow biofilter system and method of use thereof
A horizontal flow water treatment method and wetland biofilter apparatus provides a chamber with impermeable outer walls spaced away from permeable interior walls of a media filtration bed such that a catch basin is formed between the outer walls and the interior walls. The catch basin creates an open area around the perimeter of the interior walls for influent water to fill within the open area on all sides before penetrating the filtration media, providing a large surface area for influent water to interact with the media filtration bed. The influent water enters the catch basin in a horizontal flow path to provide for pre-settling of particulates before making contact with the filtration media. The biofilter design increases the available surface area of the media filtration bed by up to four times for a given volume of water, and thereby minimizes the loading or infiltration rate on the media filtration bed. |
| US08771513B2 |
Regeneratable filter for extracorporal treatment of liquids containing particles and use thereof
The invention relates to a regeneratable filtering and adsorbing system, combining the properties of membrane filtration with those of particle-based adsorption in a closed housing. |
| US08771509B2 |
Purifying device for sludge under water and method for operating the same
The invention is directed to a purifying device for sludge under water and a method for operating the same. The device includes a main fixing frame having an accommodating portion assess to the outside, a hollow liquid container in the accommodating portion, wherein the liquid container is provided with a liquid-flow hole and at least a backwash hole, multiple filters on the liquid container, and a pump connected to the liquid-flow hole at the liquid container through a liquid pipeline. The method includes steps: moving the liquid container having the filters to an area having a liquid to be filtered; leading the liquid to flow into the liquid container through the filters filtering out solid particles contained in the liquid; and leading a fluid to flow into the liquid container such that the filters can be backwashed accompanying with an external cleaning device if the filters are clogged. |
| US08771508B2 |
Dialyzer cartridge mounting arrangement for a hemodialysis system
A dialyzer mount arranged to support a plurality of differently sized and/or shaped dialyzer units and to accommodate different distances between dialysate connections on the dialyzer units. The dialyzer mount, which may be located on a front panel of the dialysis unit, may include a pair of flange portions that are each arranged to engage with a respective dialysate quick-connect fitting connected to a dialysate port of the dialyzer. Each flange portion may be arranged to engage with a groove on the quick connect fitting that is located between a portion of the base of the quick connect fitting and a slide element of the quick connect fitting. One flange portion may include an adjustable support that is moveable, e.g., in a vertical direction. |
| US08771502B2 |
Closed loop solvent extraction process for oil sands
The present invention is directed to a method comprising contacting an oil sand with a suitable solvent to generate a solvated oil sand slurry; separating solvent-diluted bitumen from the solvated oil sand slurry to generate (a) a solvent-diluted bitumen and (b) a slurry with increased solids concentration; and filtering the slurry with increased solids concentration. The method of the present invention may be used to produce a low ash bitumen product and dry tailings from oil sands. |
| US08771501B2 |
Elimination of chlorine compounds from hydrocarbon cuts
The invention concerns a process for purification by elimination of chlorine in the form of hydrogen chloride and organochlorine compounds by contacting in the presence of hydrogen of at least a part of the effluent from a reforming, aromatics production, dehydrogenation, isomerisation or hydrogenation zone, said part of the effluent comprising olefins, hydrogen chloride and organochlorine compounds, on an elimination zone comprising a chain arrangement of two masses, the first mass being a mass comprising at least one metal from group VIII deposited on a mineral carrier and the second mass being a hydrogen chloride adsorbent. |
| US08771498B2 |
Electrochemical methods for making silicon nanopowder, silicon nanowires and silicon nanotubes
An electrochemical method for producing Si nanopowder, Si nanowires and/or Si nanotubes directly from compound SiX or a mixture containing a silicon compound SiX, the method comprises: providing an electrolysis cell having a cathode, an anode and an electrolyte, using the compound SiX or the mixture containing compound SiX as a cathode and immersing the cathode in an electrolyte comprising a metal compound molten salt, applying a potential between the cathode and the anode in the electrolysis cell, and forming one or more of Si nanopowder, Si nanowires and Si nanotubes on the cathode electrode. The method has advantages of: 1) shorter production processing, 2) inexpensive equipment, 3) convenient operation, 4) reduction of contaminate, 5) easily available feed materials, and 6) easy to achieve continuous production. This is a new field of using electrochemical method for producing one-dimensional Si nano material, and a new method of producing Si nanopowder, Si nanowires and Si nanotubes. |
| US08771497B2 |
Electrolyzer, electrodes used therefor, and electrolysis method
An electrolyzer is comprised of an anode and a cathode which are in contact with an electrolytic solution, wherein at least one of the anode and the cathode is composed of an electric conductor having a gas permeable structure comprising a gas generating surface at which gas is generated by electrolysis of the electrolytic solution, a plurality of through holes leading from the gas generating surface to a different surface and allowing the gas generated on the gas generating surface to selectively pass therethrough, and a gas releasing surface which is the different surface for releasing the gas supplied from the gas generating surface via the through holes. At least one of a surface treatment which causes the gas generating surface to be lyophilic for the electrolytic solution and a surface treatment which causes the gas releasing surface to be lyophobic for the electrolytic solution is performed. |
| US08771491B2 |
Ultrafast sequencing of biological polymers using a labeled nanopore
Methods and systems for sequencing a biological molecule or polymer, e.g., a nucleic acid, are provided. One or more donor labels, which are attached to a pore or nanopore, may be illuminated or otherwise excited. A polymer having a monomer labeled with one or more acceptor labels, may be translocated through the pore. Either before, after or while the labeled monomer of the polymer passes through, exits or enters the pore, energy may be transferred from the excited donor label to the acceptor label of the monomer. As a result of the energy transfer, the acceptor label emits energy, and the emitted energy is detected in order to identify the labeled monomer of the translocated polymer and to thereby sequence the polymer. |
| US08771489B2 |
Carbon monoxide sensor with reduced hydrogen cross sensitivity
A gas sensor in one form comprises a housing including a base and a top defining an interior space. The housing includes a gas entry hole and first and second electrical terminals. First and second electrodes in the housing interior space each comprise a membrane having a layer of platinum black catalyst on one side. The second electrode includes a lower amount of platinum black catalyst than the first electrode. A separator is placed between the first and second electrodes. Current collectors electrically connect the first and second electrodes to the respective first and second electrical terminals whereby sensor current represents concentration of gas while minimizing cross sensitivity. |
| US08771487B2 |
Biosensor, measuring instrument for biosensor, and method of quantifying substrate
A method of measuring a quantity of a substrate contained in sample liquid is provided. This method can reduce measurement errors caused by a biosensor. The biosensor includes at least a pair of electrodes on an insulating board and is inserted into a measuring device which includes a supporting section for supporting detachably the biosensor, plural connecting terminals to be coupled to the respective electrodes, and a driving power supply which applies a voltage to the respective electrodes via the connecting terminals. One of the electrodes of the biosensor is connected to the first and second connecting terminals of the measuring device only when the biosensor is inserted into the measuring device in a given direction, and has a structure such that the electrode becomes conductive between the first and second connecting terminals due to a voltage application by the driving power supply. |
| US08771486B2 |
Smart sensor ports and methods of using same
The present disclosure provides an orientation-nonspecific sensor port for use in analyte meters designed to detect and quantify analyte levels in a fluid sample along with methods of using the same. The present disclosure also provides compositions and methods for facilitating the correct insertion of a sensor into a corresponding analyte meter. |
| US08771485B2 |
Test strip
A test strip is revealed. The test strip includes a detection area, at least one outer sampling area, and a circuit system. The detection area includes a sampling hole, at least one sampling channel corresponding to the sampling hole, and at least one reaction area in the sampling channel. An inner sampling area is disposed around the sampling hole and an inner sampling opening is on an edge of the inner sampling area for communicating with the sampling channel and the sampling hole. The outer sampling area is located on an outer side of the test strip. The outer sampling area includes an outer sampling opening in communication with the sampling channel. The circuit system is electrically connected to the reaction area. The test strip further includes at least one pressing part located around the sampling hole for pressing against a test area and preventing cross-infection. |
| US08771481B2 |
Hydrocarbon resource processing apparatus including a load resonance tracking circuit and related methods
A device for processing a hydrocarbon resource may include a hydrocarbon processing container configured to receive the hydrocarbon resource therein and having a pair of opposing ends with an enlarged width medial portion therebetween. The device may also a spirally wound electrical conductor surrounding the hydrocarbon processing container, and a radio frequency (RF) circuit coupled to the spirally wound electrical conductor and configured to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resource while tracking a load resonance of the RF circuit. The RF circuit may be configured to generate magnetic fields within the hydrocarbon processing container parallel with an axis thereof. |
| US08771477B2 |
Large-scale water purification and desalination
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for water purification and desalination. The systems have a preheater, a degasser, multiple evaporation chambers with demisters, heat pipes, and a control system, wherein the control system permits continuous operation of the purification and desalination system without requiring user intervention or cleaning. The systems are capable of recovering hear from each distillation stage, while removing, from a contaminated water sample, a plurality of contaminants including: microbiological contaminants, radiological contaminants, metals, salts, and organics. |
| US08771475B1 |
Intertwined tube coil arrangement for a delayed coker heater
A tube coil for a double fired coker heater wherein the tube coil has at least two independent flow passes in an intertwined serpentine pattern. The tubes are located in a common plane and plumbed in parallel with one another. These tube coils can be used in a number of configurations within the radiant section of a coker heater. |
| US08771474B2 |
Crude treatment system
A crude treatment system includes a primary and second distillation tower for treating crude containing corrosive material. The primary distillation tower fractionates first crude into a target fraction. The secondary distillation tower fractionates second crude having a corrosive material content greater than that of the first crude into a light fraction and a remaining heavy fraction. Corrosive material in the light fraction is insufficient to corrode the primary distillation tower. A light fraction supply line supplies the light fraction from the secondary distillation tower to the primary distillation tower for treatment. The secondary distillation tower and the supply line are made from a corrosion resistant material. |
| US08771471B2 |
Process for making absorbent component
A process for making an absorbent component comprising the steps of providing individual sheets of pulp; attaching a first individual pulp sheet to one or more second individual pulp sheets to form a strip of pulp; feeding the strip of pulp into a defiberizer; defiberizing the strip of pulp to form defiberized fibers; and depositing the defiberized fibers onto a forming surface to form the absorbent component. |
| US08771470B2 |
Method of preparing a treated article and treated article formed therefrom
A method of preparing a treated article comprises the step of providing a slurry comprising fibers. The method further comprises the step of combining the slurry and a first fluorinated composition to form a mixture. In addition, the method comprises the step of forming at least one sheet from the mixture. Finally, the method comprises the step of applying a second fluorinated composition on at least one surface of the at least one sheet to prepare the treated article. |
| US08771469B2 |
Reactive cationic resins for use as dry and wet strength agents in sulfite ion-containing papermaking systems
This invention relates to resins useful for drainage in papermaking and the process of making paper using the resins. In particular the invention relates to glyoxalated copolymers of acrylamide containing significant amounts of cationic comonomer. |
| US08771467B2 |
Carrier tape base paper making method and base paper made thereby
A carrier-tape base paper making method and the base paper made thereby fall into the technical field of papermaking. According to performance requirements, the base paper is made through pulp conditioning and papermaking, in which different pulping and auxiliary materials for surface, intermediate and bottom layers are added. The method includes such steps as beating, conditioning, papermaking, calendering and reeling. The carrier-tape base paper features high strength, perfect waterproof and bonding performance, limited physical damages to electronic elements and satisfactory resilience. |
| US08771461B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus
The present invention relates to a plasma processing apparatus in which it is possible to efficiently perform maintenance of a processing chamber. A plasma processing apparatus has a processing chamber including a lower chamber and an upper chamber, a platen on which a silicon substrate is placed, a processing gas supply device, coils, high-frequency power supply unit for coil, an elevating board with a through hole provided to be vertically movable, an elevating mechanism for supporting and moving the elevating board, and a fixing mechanism for fixing the upper chamber. The fixing member is configured from a fixing board, first fixing bolts for connecting and fixing a top plate to the elevating board using the fixing board, second fixing bolts for fixing a flange portion of a holding member to an annular plate, and third fixing bolts for fixing the annular plate to a sidewall of the lower chamber. |
| US08771451B2 |
Methods for manufacturing a paint roller and component parts thereof
Described are methods of making a thermoplastic core paint roller using a composite cover material having a backing made from a compound comprising a polypropylene-based elastomer and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 50% calcium carbonate by weight. One or various compounds of polypropylene and calcium carbonate having between 5% and 66% calcium carbonate by weight may be used to form portions of one or multiple components that make up the paint roller, including, for example, the thermoplastic strips and/or the adhesives. The materials can be assembled in a continuous manufacturing process. |
| US08771449B2 |
Method for making disposable diaper
The present invention aims to provide a method for making disposable diapers so improved that no displacement of the absorbent core from the middle between a pair of the leg elastic members. The method comprises the step P1 of bonding under tension elastic members to webs continuously fed in a machine direction MD to form front and rear sheet members the step P2 of bonding an absorbent panel provided along opposite long sides of a rectangle with a pair of elastic members for a crotch region and including an absorbent core bonded thereto so as to be symmetric about an imaginary center line bisecting a distance between a pair of the elastic members for the crotch region to the front and rear sheet members at regular intervals and the step P3 of cutting the front and rear sheet members. |
| US08771448B2 |
Curvature reduction for switchable polymer lenticulars
A method for fabricating lenticulars includes applying a rubbing layer on a lenticular structure. The rubbing layer is baked on the lenticular structure before installation of the lenticular structure on a plate. After baking, the lenticular structure is applied to the plate. |
| US08771443B2 |
Method of fabricating a composite laminate enabling structural monitoring using electromagnetic radiation
Electromagnetic radiation scanning is used to monitor the integrity of a composite laminate structure. The laminate is designed to be optically resonant at the frequency of the radiation, allowing the inconsistencies in the laminate to be detected and mapped. |
| US08771440B2 |
Ni-based single crystal superalloy
A Ni-based single crystal superalloy according to the invention has, for example, a composition including: 5.0 to 7.0 wt % of Al, 4.0 to 10.0 wt % of Ta, 1.1 to 4.5 wt % of Mo, 4.0 to 10.0 wt % of W, 3.1 to 8.0 wt % of Re, 0.0 to 2.0 wt % of Hf, 2.5 to 8.5 wt % of Cr, 0.0 to 9.9 wt % of Co, 0.0 to 4.0 wt % of Nb, and 1.0 to 14.0 wt % of Ru in terms of weight ratio; and the remainder including Ni and incidental impurities. In addition, the contents of Cr, Hf and Al are preferably set so as to satisfy the equation OP≧108. According to the Ni-based single crystal superalloy of the invention, high creep strength can be maintained and the oxidation resistance can be improved. |
| US08771435B2 |
Pool cleaning device
Embodiments of the invention are directed to pool cleaning devices adapted to simultaneously couple to a telescopic pole and a nozzle of a hose at separate openings, respectively. In one embodiment, the pool cleaning device comprises a primary component having a tubular configuration and terminating in an angled configuration therewith. A secondary component is in fluid communication with a medial portion of the primary component and angled at between 15° and 30° relative to the primary component. The secondary component is coupled to a ball valve for restricting or allowing the flow of water through the device. When a telescopic pole and a hose are simultaneously coupled to the separate openings on the primary component and the secondary component, respectively, the device may be use to create high pressure flow to clean submerged surfaces or water surface debris with little effort exerted by the user. |
| US08771432B2 |
Solar panel cleaning system and method
System and method for cleaning rows of solar panels. Each solar row has an upper edge elevated above ground level and a lower edge to provide an inclination of the solar row. A cleaning assembly cleans the solar panel surfaces. A support frame supports the cleaning assembly and enables upward and downward motion in the width and length directions of the solar row. Operation and movement of the cleaning assembly is controlled so as to clean a surface of the solar panels during downward movement. The cleaning assembly is preferably not operative during upward movement. During downward movement, the cleaning assembly removes dirt, debris and dust from the surface of the solar panels and generates an air stream to blow off the dirt, debris, and dust. The system further includes a guide system for moving the cleaning assembly to align with successive solar panel rows. |
| US08771431B2 |
Robotic wash monitor system
A vehicle wash system having a wash bay including a plurality of pivotable robotic wash monitors disposed therein. The system includes measuring devices that calculate the distance between the robotic wash monitors and a vehicle in the wash bay. A master control unit is provided for programming the plurality of robotic wash monitors to clean the vehicle in accordance with an optimal set of cleaning instructions. The master control unit generates the optimal set of cleaning instructions based on three-dimensional (3D) data associated with the wash bay, 3D data associated with the vehicle, and the location of the vehicle. |
| US08771428B1 |
Cleaning bucket system for flat mops
A double bucket cleaning system for use with microfiber mat mops. One bucket contains clean water; the second holds dirty water. The second bucket has a slide press for extracting dirty water from the mop. The system can use a connector to connect the two buckets together, or a single bucket with two compartments can be used. Both designs use a footpad upon which the user stands during the pressing operation. This ensures that the device remains in place during the sliding. Finally, once the dirty water has been extracted from the mop, the user can pick up clean water from the first bucket for the next portion of the floor to be cleaned. In this way, the user is able to quickly clean a large floor with clean water, instead of repeatedly dipping the mop back into dirty water. |
| US08771427B2 |
Method of manufacturing integrated circuit devices
A method for manufacturing integrated circuit devices. In one aspect, the invention may be a method of manufacturing integrated circuit devices comprising: supporting a semiconductor wafer in a substantially horizontal orientation; providing a transducer assembly comprising a probe having a forward portion, a rear portion and no more than one piezoelectric transducer element coupled to the rear portion; supporting the transducer assembly so that the forward portion is adjacent but spaced from a first surface of the semiconductor wafer; rotating the semiconductor wafer; applying a fluid to the first surface of the semiconductor wafer to form a film of the fluid between a portion of the forward portion and the first surface of the semiconductor wafer; and transmitting acoustical energy generated by the piezoelectric transducer element into the film of the fluid via the forward portion, the acoustical energy loosening particles from the first surface of the semiconductor wafer. |
| US08771421B2 |
Entrance and exit roll seal configuration for a vapor deposition system
An apparatus is provided for vapor deposition of a sublimated source material as a thin film on discrete photovoltaic (PV) module substrates conveyed in a continuous non-stop manner through said apparatus. The apparatus includes a vapor deposition head configured for receipt and sublimation of a source material, and for distributing the sublimated source material onto an upper surface of substrates conveyed through a deposition area. A roll seal configuration is provided at each of an entry slot and an exit slot for the substrates conveyed through the apparatus. The roll seal configuration further includes a cylinder rotatably supported at a defined gap height above a conveyance plane of the substrates such that the cylinder is not in continuous rolling contact with the substrates within the window of finished active semiconductor material. The cylinder is floatable in a vertical direction relative to the conveyance plane of the substrates such that the cylinder rolls up and over surface variations in the substrates that exceed the gap height as the substrates are conveyed under the cylinder. |
| US08771417B2 |
Exhaust unit, exhaust method using the exhaust unit, and substrate processing apparatus including the exhaust unit
A substrate processing apparatus includes a chamber having an inner space where a process is carried out with respect to a substrate and an exhaust unit for exhausting substance in the inner space to the outside. The exhaust unit includes a first exhaust plate located at an upstream of an exhaust path of the substance, the first exhaust plate having first exhaust holes, and a second exhaust plate located at a downstream of the exhaust path, the first exhaust plate having second exhaust holes. The first exhaust plate is disposed outside a support member, and the second exhaust plate is disposed below the first exhaust plate generally in parallel to the first exhaust plate. The exhaust unit further includes first covers for selectively opening and closing the first exhaust holes and second covers for selectively opening and closing the second exhaust holes. |
| US08771411B2 |
Modified pigments
Modified pigments including an organic group containing a 5-membered heteroaromatic ring, as well as related compositions, articles, and methods, are disclosed. The diazonium salts containing a 5-membered heteroaromatic ring exhibit enhanced activity in modifying pigments, thereby resulting in modified pigments with a higher treatment level and improved dispersibility in an ink composition. |
| US08771407B2 |
Momentum transfer using liquid injection
Various apparatus provide for spraying high velocity droplets of liquid into a low velocity gas stream. Finely atomized droplets may quickly transfer their momentum to the gas, resulting in deceleration of the spray and acceleration of the gas. A high velocity spray of atomized liquid may transfer a substantial fraction of its kinetic energy to the gas before contacting a surface, in some aspects, suspended particles in the gas phase may be removed by high velocity liquid droplets passing through the gas. Certain aspects provide for controlling a gas flow by controlling the relative amounts of upstream and downstream momenta transferred to the gas by one or more liquid sprays. |
| US08771404B2 |
Hollow ceramic fibers, precursors for manufacture thereof utilizing nanoparticles, methods of making the same, and methods of using the same
A composite hollow ceramic fiber includes a porous hollow core supporting a thin, dense sheath. The non-gas-tight core comprises a first ceramic material and an interconnecting network of pores. The gas-tight sheath comprises a second ceramic material. The fiber is made by extruding a core suspension of particles of the first ceramic material, a polymeric binder, and a solvent and a sheath suspension of particles of the second ceramic material, a polymeric binder and a solvent, respectively, from a spinnerette and coagulating the nascent hollow fiber to effect phase inversion of the polymeric binders. The resultant green fiber is sintered in a two step process. First, the binders are burned off. Second, the sheath is densified and the second ceramic material is sintered without fully sintering the first ceramic material. The first ceramic material of the core suspension has a median particle size greater than that of the second ceramic material of the sheath suspension. |
| US08771400B2 |
Method for manufacturing molten iron
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing molten iron, the method being capable of minimizing the generation of converter dust and increasing the thermal degree of freedom in the converter process. In addition, the present invention provides a method for improving a converter operation method in the production of steels. The present invention relates to a method for producing molten iron including the steps of: 1) supplying carbon-containing molten pig iron to a converter, 2) continuously supplying iron oxide into the converter, and 3) blowing a mixed gas comprising a fuel gas and a combustion-supporting gas at a speed equal to or faster than the speed of sound to the molten pig iron to cause a combustion reaction, thereby heating the molten pig iron by heat of the combustion reaction. |
| US08771399B2 |
Desulfurization puck
A method and composition for removing sulfur from molten ferrous material, particularly molten iron. The desulfurization agent includes one or more pucks or briquettes of deoxidizing and/or desulfurization agent. The pucks or briquettes of deoxidizing and/or desulfurization agent include at least one deoxidizing metal and at least one ferrous metal. |
| US08771398B2 |
Nickel braze alloy composition
An alloy composition includes a blend of a first alloy and a second, different alloy. The blend has a combined composition including about 17.2 wt %-24.25 wt % of chromium, about 6 wt %-10.51 wt % of aluminum, about 3 wt %-23 wt % of cobalt, about 1.5 wt %-3.6 wt % of silicon, about 0.1 wt %-0.175 wt % of boron, up to about 0.163 wt % of hafnium, about 0.075 wt %-0.7 wt % of yttrium, and a balance of nickel. |
| US08771394B2 |
Device for separating and collecting fluid in gas from a reservoir
A device for separating and collecting liquid in gas from a reservoir, which is attached to processing equipment (14, 15) for gas, said gas being delivered to the processing equipment from the device via an inlet pipe (24) to the processing equipment and the collected liquid is removed periodically from the device via liquid outlet pipe (7). The device is formed of a liquid separator (1) and a liquid collector (2) which are two separate chambers, and which are connected to each other via a valve (3), and that for draining of the collected liquid, the liquid collector (2) is connected to an outlet pipe (19) from the processing equipment via an intermediate valve (6), draining taking place with the aid of compressed gas which via the intermediate valve (6) is supplied from the processing equipment, or alternatively from onshore or a platform, from a gas pipe or a well stream gas pipe on the seabed or the like. |
| US08771391B2 |
Methods of forming polycrystalline compacts
Methods of forming a polycrystalline compact using at least one metal salt as a sintering aid. Such methods may include forming a mixture of the at least one metal salt and a plurality of grains of hard material and sintering the mixture to form a hard polycrystalline material. During sintering, the metal salt may melt or react with another compound to form a liquid that acts as a lubricant to promote rearrangement and packing of the grains of hard material. The metal salt may, thus, enable formation of hard polycrystalline material having increased density, abrasion resistance, or strength. The metal salt may also act as a getter to remove impurities (e.g., catalyst material) during sintering. The methods may also be employed to faun cutting elements and earth-boring tools. |
| US08771389B2 |
Methods of making and attaching TSP material for forming cutting elements, cutting elements having such TSP material and bits incorporating such cutting elements
A method of forming one or more TSP compacts is provided. The method includes placing one or more TSP material layers in an enclosure and surrounding each TSP material layer with at least one of a pre-sintered tungsten carbide powder, pre-cemented tungsten carbide powder, tungsten carbide powder, or partially sintered tungsten carbide substrates. The method also includes exposing the enclosure to a high temperature high pressure process wherein the at least one of a pre-sintered tungsten carbide powder, pre-cemented tungsten carbide powder, tungsten carbide powder, or partially sintered tungsten carbide substrates bond to the TSP material layers forming a stack of TSP material layers including the TSP material layers one over the other with tungsten carbide bonded to each of the TSP material layers and encapsulating each of the TSP material layers. |
| US08771384B2 |
Universal synthetic diesel fuel additive product-by-process to replace the lost sulfur lubrication when using low-sulfur diesel fuels
A diesel fuel lubricant as a replacement for sulfur lubrication in Ultra-Low and Low Sulfur Diesel fuels, the process for producing said lubricant, and the method of using said lubricant. This lubricant comprises alpha-olefins; low odor aromatic solvents; and at least one a base oil selected from the base oil group consisting of hydroisomerized high base oils and HT Severe Hydro-cracked Base Oils; as well as other ingredients. Also disclosed is a method for producing this lubricant. |
| US08771381B2 |
Process for producing electrolytic capacitors and capacitors made thereby
A process for preparing a solid electrolytic capacitor comprising application of a non-ionic polyol prior to application of a conducting polymer layer. |
| US08771379B2 |
Crystal growth in solution under static conditions
A method for growing crystals in solution is suitable for the rapid, controlled and effective preparation of crystals of large dimensions from a solution supersaturated with a compound. The crystal growth is carried out under static conditions. To do this: the growth is performed in a crystallization chamber kept at a constant temperature Tc, which chamber is in fluid communication with a saturation chamber at a temperature Ts, similarly constant and different from Tc, with solubility of the compound at the temperature Ts greater than the solubility of the compound at the temperature Tc. A continuous circulation of the solution between the crystallization and saturation chambers is established, thus maintaining a constant supersaturation rate within the crystallization chamber. Furthermore, the circulating solution is subjected to a treatment for eliminating and inhibiting the formation of aggregates, enabling the nucleation of parasitic crystallites to be inhibited. |
| US08771378B2 |
Azo compound and salt thereof, and dye-containing polarizing film comprising the compound or salt
Disclosed is an azo compound represented by the general formula (1) or a salt thereof: wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a lower alkoxy group; and n represents 1 or 2. Also disclosed are a dye-containing polarizing film and a dye-containing polarizing plate, each of which comprises a polarizing film base material and the azo compound contained in the base material. |
| US08771376B2 |
Composition comprising at least one 2-pyrrolidone functionalized with an ester or amide radical, and at least one pigment or direct dye, for dyeing keratin materials
The invention relates to a composition for dyeing keratin materials, and in particular human keratin fibres such as the hair, comprising at least one 2-pyrrolidone functionalized in the 4 position with an ester or amide radical, and at least one hydrophobic direct dye or a pigment; a dyeing process using this composition. Similarly, the invention relates to the use of the said pyrrolidone combined with a direct dye or a pigment for dyeing keratin materials, and especially to the use of the said pyrrolidone for improving the colour uptake onto the fibres of direct dyes that are sparingly soluble or insoluble in aqueous-alcoholic supports. The invention also relates to novel pyrrolidone derivatives. The present invention makes it possible in particular to obtain direct dyeing on keratin materials that is fast, resistant to washing, chromatic and powerful. |
| US08771373B2 |
Epilatory compositions
An epilatory composition of the adhesive type comprises: a. from 50 to 90 percent by weight of a rosinous material or hydrocarbon resin; b. from 0.5 to 20 percent by weight of water, and c. an emulsifier and/or surfactant. The composition is particularly suitable for heating, prior to application to the skin, in a domestic microwave oven. |
| US08771364B2 |
Tibial tray having a reinforcing member
A knee joint prosthesis can include a tibial component that can have a tibial tray. The tibial tray can include a platform-like tray that defines a superior surface and an inferior surface. The platform-like tray can have a tray perimeter and a raised wall formed on the inferior surface. The raised wall can be offset inboard relative to the tray perimeter. Porous material can be disposed on the inferior surface of the platform-like tray at a location generally between the raised wall and the tray perimeter. |
| US08771358B2 |
Expandable push-in arcuate orthopedic implant
A push-in interbody orthopedic implant having an expandable height for at least in part insertion at least in part between two adjacent bone masses. |
| US08771356B2 |
Intervertebral prosthetic disc
A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes upper and lower plates, a core disposed between the plates, and at least one projection extending from at least one of the upper and lower curved surfaces of the core into at least one recess of one of the inner surfaces of the plates. The recess is oversize with respect to the projection to allow sliding movement of the plate over the core while retaining the core between the plates during such sliding movement. The projection(s) may include a rod extending through an axial hole in the core, multiple surface features of the core, or the like. |
| US08771355B2 |
Inter-vertebral disc motion devices and methods of use
A mobile device is adapted to at least partially replace the motion characteristics of a natural inter-vertebral disc positioned in a disc space. In an embodiment, a receptacle is coupled to the bearing surface. The receptacle is adapted to accept an implantable material without the removal of the bearing surface, wherein the implantable material contacts the abutment surface of each of the vertebral bodies adjacent to the disc space and leads to fusion and immobilization of two vertebral bodies adjacent the disc space. |
| US08771354B2 |
Hard-tissue implant
Hard-tissue implants are provided that include a bulk implant, a face, pillars, and slots. The pillars are for implantation into a hard tissue. The slots are to be occupied by the hard tissue. The hard-tissue implant has a Young's modulus of elasticity of at least 10 GPa, has a ratio of the sum of (i) the volumes of the slots to (ii) the sum of the volumes of the pillars and the volumes of the slots of 0.40:1 to 0.90:1, does not comprise any part that is hollow, and does not comprise any non-pillar part extending to or beyond the distal ends of any of the pillars. Methods of making and using hard-tissue implants are also provided. |
| US08771342B2 |
Methods for deploying stents in bifurcations
A method of deploying a stent in a bifurcation includes introducing two guidewires through the main vessel and using the two guidewires for guiding a dual lumen catheter carrying a stent first to an initial position proximal to the stent deployment position, retracting one wire, and projecting it from the catheter and through a side of the stent a branch guidewire into the second branch vessel, and then moving the catheter to the predetermined deployment position while guided by the main guidewire in the first branch vessel, and the branch guidewire in the second branch vessel. The stent is then expanded, and the catheter is removed with the stent remaining in its deployed position An alternative embodiment includes introducing one wire, advancing the system over the one wire and subsequently introducing the second wire. |
| US08771339B2 |
Longitudinally flexible expandable stent
Segmented articulatable stent of open structure comprised of end-connected struts of first and second lengths making up first and second segments with angular interconnects between adjacent first and second segments. |
| US08771338B2 |
Intralumenally-implantable frames
Implantable frames for use in body passages are provided herein. The implantable frames can include a plurality of hoop members joined by a plurality of longitudinal connecting members to form a tubular frame defining a cylindrical lumen. The plurality of longitudinal connecting members may include first and second longitudinal connecting members joining a first hoop member to a second hoop member such that the first and second longitudinal connecting members extend across an entire space separating the first and second hoop members. |
| US08771337B2 |
Endoprostheses and methods of manufacture
A woven tubular endoprosthesis comprising means for locking the endoprosthesis in a deployed configuration is disclosed. The means for locking the endoprosthesis may comprise locking protrusions, notches, a chemical bond, a curable bond, or other mechanism. The woven fibers comprising the endoprosthesis may be hollow and comprise circumferentially oriented polymeric chains, and may be filled with a curable material. A method of treatment using an endoprosthesis according to the invention is also disclosed. |
| US08771336B2 |
Endoluminal prosthesis comprising a valve replacement and at least one fenestration
An endoluminal prosthesis comprises a graft having a tubular body comprising proximal and distal ends, and a valve replacement disposed between the proximal and distal ends of the graft. At least one stent is coupled to the graft and has a contracted delivery state and an expanded state for maintaining patency within a portion of the graft. At least one fenestration is disposed in a sidewall of the graft at a location distal to the valve replacement. In one embodiment, the at least one fenestration is pivotable in any direction away from an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the prosthesis. |
| US08771333B2 |
Stent-graft securement device
A stent attachment and deployment mechanism is utilized to prevent the distal end of an endoprosthesis comprising fixation barbs or other fixation mechanism from deploying prior to the remaining sections of the fixation device. With this stent attachment and deployment mechanism accurate deployment may be achieved. |
| US08771329B2 |
Methods and apparatus for enhancing vascular access in an appendage to enhance therapeutic and interventional procedures
Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein generally include methods and/or devices for increasing blood flow, controlling the vasodilatation of a patient's vascular structure, regulating the temperature of a portion of a mammal, and for improving various interventional procedures and/or therapeutic techniques. The device may also include one or more access ports, or apertures, that allow access to portions of the mammal's extremity to allow interventional type medical devices, therapeutic devices, surgical support equipment or patient monitoring devices to have access to the extremity on which a body element is disposed. The device may also be configured to allow other supporting components, which may include IV or other catheters, a means of accessing to a portion of the extremity positioned inside the temperature regulating device. In one configuration the device comprises flexible materials that are adapted to conform to the surface of the extremity disposed in the device when a vacuum pressure is applied to an internal region of the device. |
| US08771328B2 |
Light therapy platform system
Phototherapy systems comprising a therapeutic lamp platform for radiant lamps such as LEDs disposed in an assembly comprising a first wall to which the lamps are affixed thereto and a second wall, closer to the patient, spaced from the first wall wherein the lamps are recessed relative thereto. The second wall comprises a reflective surface facing towards a patient and a plurality of light apertures substantially aligned with the LEDs on the first wall for communicating lamp radiation from the lamps to a user. The lamps and associated circuitry are disposed between the first and second wall so that the reflective surface is relatively smooth and seamless towards the patient. The walls have a malleable rigidity for flexible adjustability relative to the user. The device is mounted to the user with a frame comprising an eyeglass frame or goggles including lenses for shielding the user's eyes from lamp radiation. |
| US08771325B2 |
Tapered threaded orthopedic fastener engaging predetermined radial preloads
An orthopedic fastener rated to be received into a corresponding bone specimen. The corresponding bone specimen has an overall outer thickness from near cortex to far cortex. Preferably, but optionally, the corresponding bone specimen also has a predetermined bone hole preparation which includes a pilot hole through the near cortex and into the far cortex. The fastener itself comprises a plurality of cutting flutes on one end. The cutting flutes transition into a tapered male threaded portion. The tapered male threaded portion provides a plurality of self-tapping threads. The self-tapping threads taper from a minimum thread crest diameter Dmin proximal to the cutting flutes to a maximum thread crest diameter Dmax distal from the cutting flutes. The cutting flutes are further rated to ream the pilot hole, when provided, to a diameter of about Dmin. |
| US08771324B2 |
Securing fasteners
A fastener, for example a bone screw, is sized to pass into an aperture of an implant, for example a bone plate, the fastener having an anchor portion engageable with body tissue, and a head portion formed by an assembly of an insert and an anchor extension. The implant has an aperture with a reduced entry dimension. The insert and anchor extension cooperate to form a reduced dimension passable into the aperture, and an expanded dimension not passable out of the aperture. The size of the assembly is configurable by bending resilient tabs of the anchor extension or the implant, using ramped surfaces, or an expanding diameter of a threadable insert. |
| US08771321B2 |
Method for loading a spinal implant
A method for loading a spinal implant with fusion promoting substances into an implantation space adjacent vertebral bodies of the spine. |
| US08771319B2 |
Rod to rod cross connector
A rod to rod connector includes at least one clamping assembly for receiving a first spinal rod. The clamping assembly may include a polyaxial articulation element. The articulation element may include a hollow body forming an opening. The clamping body may further include a pivot element configured to clamp the first spinal rod between the pivot element and a channel wall in the clamping assembly. The rod to rod connector may also include a connector member for connecting the clamping assembly to a second spinal rod. The connector member may include a socket configured to receive the polyaxial articulation element of the clamping assembly, with the articulation element polyaxially rotatable relative to the axis of the socket. |
| US08771317B2 |
Interspinous process implant and method of implantation
Medical devices for the treatment of spinal conditions are described herein. The medical device of this invention includes a spacer that is disposed between adjacent spinous processes and has a proximal retention member and a distal retention member, which may be rotated with respect to the proximal retention member between an initial implantation configuration and a final locked configuration. |
| US08771311B2 |
Surgical instrument and method for improving a crestal sinus lift
A surgical instrument for use in a sinus lift includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve which is sealingly insertable into a bore of a jawbone. The sleeve has a lumen and is formed with an inlet channel and an outlet port which is in fluid communication with the lumen. A vibration unit is operatively connected to the instrument for transmitting vibrations into the lumen. |
| US08771308B2 |
Transmission mechanism of eyebrow tattoo machine
The present invention refers to a transmission mechanism of an eyebrow tattoo machine, which includes an eccentric rotation shaft connected to a driving axle of a motor and having a bottom end configured to rotate eccentrically with respect to the driving axle, an upper bearing coupled with the bottom end of the eccentric rotation shaft, a position-limiting cover longitudinally provided with a position-limiting groove, and a swinging rod element mounted to the upper bearing and provided with a swinging rod and a position-limiting rod on two sides respectively. Since the position-limiting rod is only allowed to swing up and down in the position-limiting groove when the eccentric rotation shaft drives the upper bearing and the swinging rod element, the end of the swinging rod away from the upper bearing can swing up and down and then drive a tattoo needle to move vertically up and down through a lateral bearing. |
| US08771307B2 |
Duckbill seal with fluid drainage feature
Seal assemblies, generally for use in trocar assemblies, are provided for selectively promoting movement of fluid away from a central portion of the seal assemblies. In one exemplary embodiment, an inner surface of a seal body of the seal assembly is configured to selectively promote such movement of fluid away from the central portion of the seal body toward a peripheral portion of the seal body. While various configurations, geometries, and dimensions are discussed, one example of such a configuration includes locating a central portion of the seal body at a more proximal position than a peripheral portion of the seal body. |
| US08771299B2 |
Cutting balloon assembly and method of manufacturing thereof
A method for fabrication of a cutting balloon assembly is described. The method includes providing a predetermined number of filaments having predetermined properties, diameter and length and fabricating a scoring mesh on a weaving jig having a plurality of pins disposed circumferentially about the jig's surface. The fabrication of the scoring mesh includes placing the filaments between the pins and interlacing the filaments to form a scoring mesh by interweaving and intertwining at least a part of filament to form one or more permanent links with neighboring filaments. The fabrication of the scoring mesh also includes forming distal and proximal filament loops that protrude from the mesh distal and proximal ends, respectfully. The scoring mesh is mounted on an expandable balloon mounted on a distal end of a delivery catheter. |
| US08771298B2 |
Treatment of sphincter dysfunction
A dysfunctional sphincter muscle may be treated by shortening the muscle to plicate it and restore its functionality. Plicating the sphincter muscle as described effectively shortens the muscle and permits the muscle to perform its function of closing off the body passage or opening with which it is associated without conventional surgery to expose the sphincter muscle and shorten it. Thus, treatment for incontinence can be achieved by shortening the associated sphincter muscle without surgery that exposes the muscle itself and requires the surgeon to manually grab hold of the muscle and shorten it. |
| US08771296B2 |
Suturing devices and methods for suturing an anatomic valve
A device for suturing an anatomic valve has an elongate body, a suture catch mechanism and a suture clasp arm. The suture catch mechanism is operatively coupled to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an advanced position. The suture clasp arm is pivotally attached to the elongate body for movement between a retracted position and an extended position. The suture clasp arm has a suture clasp configured to releasably retain a suture portion. In some embodiments, the suture clasp is positioned on the suture clasp arm such that the suture catch mechanism retrieves the suture portion from the suture clasp arm while the arm is at least partially retracted. In some embodiments, the suture clasp arm can be closed about a tissue portion without damaging the tissue portion. |
| US08771287B2 |
Percutaneous renal access system
A method for creating a tract for nephrostomy tube creation comprising the steps of providing a puncture wire having a tissue penetrating tip shielded in a sheath, the puncture wire slidable within the sheath and releasably lockingly engaged thereto, inserting the puncture wire and sheath in a first direction through a working channel of an ureteroscope to exit the channel of the ureteroscope, releasing the puncture wire from the sheath and advancing the puncture wire a first distance from the sheath while visualizing via the ureteroscope the position of the puncture wire, advancing the puncture wire and the sheath into a selected calyx and through a flank of a patient, removing the puncture wire from the sheath in a second direction different from the first direction and inserting a guidewire through the sheath. |
| US08771284B2 |
Intervertebral disc prosthesis and instrumentation for insertion of the prosthesis between the vertebrae
The present invention relates to an intervertebral disc prosthesis and insertion instrumentation, the prosthesis comprising at least first and second osseous anchoring means, the first osseous anchoring means disposed proximal to the periphery of the plate on which it is situated and the second osseous anchoring means being offset along the antero-posterior axis, the second osseous anchoring means comprising a basal portion and a sharp-edged portion of width narrower than the basal portion. The instrumentation comprises a rod fitted with at least two feet forming a clip and sliding in a tube, sliding the rod in the tube, in the direction of the manipulation end, causing closing of the clip by contact between the exterior of the feet and a truncated portion of the tube and sliding the rod in the tube, in the direction of the prehension end, causing opening of the clip by contact between an axis and the interior of the feet of the rod. |
| US08771283B2 |
Guide assembly for intramedullary fixation and method of using the same
A guide assembly for facilitating placement of a fixation member within a medullary canal of a radius is provided. According to one embodiment, a guide assembly includes a guide fastener configured to attach to a fixation member and a guide member configured to receive the guide fastener such that the guide member is secured to the fixation member. The guide assembly also includes an interchangeable distal guide member configured to engage and be disengaged from the guide member. The distal guide member defines a plurality of fastener guide openings for guiding respective fasteners through a plurality of fastener openings defined in the fixation member. |
| US08771271B2 |
Intramedullary nail having self-retaining compression slot
An intramedullary nail has a scalloped compression slot so as to define a plurality of pockets and intersections between the pockets that are narrower than the pockets. Accordingly, a compression member can be inserted into a bone segment of a fractured bone and into the slot. The compression member can be wider than the intersections. A compression actuator can apply a force against the compression member that causes the compression member to translate across the intersections from pocket-to-pocket until the fracture has been approximated. Because the compression member is wider than the intersections, the compression slot retains the compression member and prevents distraction of the fracture. |
| US08771269B2 |
RF energy delivery system and method
A radio frequency tissue ablation system with a radio frequency generator, the generator comprising a radio frequency source, at least four independently controllable radio frequency outputs, a user interface and a controller configured to delivery radio frequency energy from the radio frequency source to the radio frequency outputs in one of at least two different output configurations in response to a configuration selection made through the user. |
| US08771266B2 |
Ablation therapeutic device, resectoscope and method of ablating living body tissue
An ablation therapeutic device includes a therapeutic electrode which is disposed at a distal end portion of a resectoscope and has a first loop-shaped portion at a distal end thereof, and a compression section which has a second loop-shaped portion extending to a position in front of the therapeutic electrode, has a higher rigidity than the therapeutic electrode, and performs an ablation therapeutic treatment of a living body tissue by a push-out operation. The therapeutic electrode has a bend portion which is bent in an obliquely forward direction from a perpendicular plane to a direction of an axis of the resectoscope, and the compression section has a length in a direction of the perpendicular plane, which is less than a length of the bend portion of the therapeutic electrode in the direction of the perpendicular plane. |
| US08771265B2 |
Polymer composites for biomedical applications and methods of making
A biomedical polymer composite that exhibits ultra-low thermal conductivity properties. In a preferred embodiment, the biomedical polymer composite comprises a base polymer component with a dispersed thermally non-conductive filler component consisting of glass or ceramic nanospheres or microspheres that have a thermal conductivity of less than 5 W/m-K, and preferably less than 2 W/m-K. In one embodiment, the polymer composite has an electrically conductive filler and can be used in a filament for treating arteriovascular malformations. In another embodiment, the polymeric composite can be used as an energy-coupling means to apply energy to tissue. |
| US08771262B2 |
Ophthalmological device for resolving eye tissue
An opthalmological device for resolving eye tissue includes a base station with a light source for producing light pulses. Attached to the base station is a supporting arm with an application head that can be placed on an eye. The light pulses are transmitted from the base station through an optical transmission system to the application head. The application head has a light projector for the focused projection of the light pulses for point-by-point resolution of the eye tissue. The supporting arm is rigidly configured and has at one end a rotary joint with a horizontally aligned axis of rotation, wherein the rotary joint is attached in such a way that the application head can be placed on the eye with a rotation about the axis of rotation. The rotary joint makes it possible for the application head or the light projector to be manually docked in a controlled manner onto the eye in the vertical direction by means of a rotational movement that is easy to perform and has low mechanical friction. |
| US08771258B2 |
Hemostatic sponge
The present invention provides a hemostatic composite sponge comprising a porous matrix of a biomaterial and a material enhancing the adherence of said sponge to the applied tissue stably associated with at least one surface of said sponge, a method of producing these sponges and their use in hemostasis. |
| US08771257B2 |
Drug delivery sheath
A cannulated drug delivery sheath having an annular wall and having a channel located within and extending partially through the annular wall. The annular wall defines a first lateral recess and a second lateral recess that are configured to respectively seat first and second cassettes containing therapeutic agents. The first and second lateral recesses have at least one first inlet port and at least one second inlet port, respectively. Also within the annular wall of the sheath is a first and second manifold. The first manifold is in fluid communication with the channel at one end and in fluid communication with the at least one first inlet port at another end. Similarly, the second manifold is in fluid communication with the channel at one end and in fluid communication with the at least one second inlet port at another end. |
| US08771247B2 |
Absorbent article with side gathers
An absorbent article that is favorable in the erection stability of gathers and excels in transversal leakage preventing effects. A pair of gathers of an absorbent article has a three-dimensional configuration part. The three-dimensional configuration part is formed so as to construct a hollow. A first junction edge portion is formed on the inward side in the width direction of the absorbent article and a second junction edge portion is provided on the outward side in the width direction of the absorbent article. The first junction edge portion is located on the area of the surface layer on which the absorbent body is disposed. The second junction edge portion, in at least the area where the pair of wings are disposed, is located on the area of the surface layer and/or backside layer more outward in the width direction than the periphery of the absorbent body. |
| US08771245B2 |
Device, system, kit or method for collecting effluent from an individual
The present invention relates to a device, method, system and kit for receiving effluent from an individual. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device, method, system and kit for collecting effluent from an individual during a medical or diagnostic procedure including but not limited to, imaging or viewing one or more sections of an individual's gastrointestinal tract. In another alternative embodiment, the effluent is collected in a hollow area in order to prevent the effluent form contaminating a component, device or apparatus used in connection with the medical or diagnostic procedure. |
| US08771238B2 |
Injection device comprising an optical sensor
The present invention relates to an injection device comprising an optically-based sensor for determining the position or setting of a dose setting member arranged to set a dose to be injected from the injection device. In particular, the present invention relates to an injection device comprising a rotatably mounted member having a plurality of optically coded paths arranged on an outer surface thereof. The rotatably mounted member is operatively connected to the dose setting member and is adapted to rotate with the dose setting member. |
| US08771235B2 |
Syringe device with protective cap
The invention comprises a syringe body (10) having a distal end (10B) fitted with an injection needle (14), at least one sheath (16, 18) inside which the body is positioned, and a protective cap (40) able to be retained relative to the syringe body (10) to cover the needle (14) and be separate from this body to release the needle. The device comprises a non-return unit (50) able to oppose a refitting of the cap (40) in its protection position once the needle has been released. This non-return unit, for example, comprises an elastic lip (50) joined to the sheath or the cap. |
| US08771234B2 |
Syringe for sequential expression of different liquids
A device (10,110,210) for the expression of liquids, such as for the maintenance treatment of vascular catheters. A syringe (16;116a,116b;216) has a support structure (15,215) and includes at least two separate compartments (11,12;111,112;211,212) in which liquids for treating the lumen (L,283) of a catheter (C,280) with which the device is associated. The syringe further includes a closure plug (13,213) to be associated with the lumen being treated, which is coupled, by virtue of a releasable securement arrangement, to support structure (15,215). At least one plunger (16;116a,116b;216) is also included for infusing, in preset order, the different treatment liquids into the lumen to be treated, and the syringe further includes a duct (17,217) which is in fluid communication with the two compartments and is arranged through a through hole through the closure plug (13,213) in order to allow access of the treatment liquid to the interior of the lumen (L,283) upon activation of the plunger. |
| US08771233B2 |
Medication administering device
A medication administering device for automatically identifying a medication syringe and administering a correct medication. A microprocessor (20) of the medication administering device (1) identifies the color of a medication or a medication syringe on the basis of a reference value, determines the adequateness of the medication, and indicates the result of the determination by means of an LCD (10) or the like to the user. In step S4, the microprocessor (20) determines whether or not color data received from a color detecting unit (13) is within a reference value range. If the color data is within the reference value range, the microprocessor proceeds to step S5, otherwise proceeds to step S6. In step S6, the microprocessor (20) issues a message to the effect that the user needs to check the medication. |
| US08771230B2 |
Integrated vascular delivery system
An integrated vascular delivery system and method of use, the system including: a frame having a catheter hub that provides a first anchoring point on the patient and receives a catheter insertable in the patient to transfer fluid at an insertion site, a stabilization hub that provides a second anchoring point on the patient, at least one lateral member extending between the catheter and stabilization hubs, and a fluidic channel. The frame operates in a folded configuration in which the hubs are coupleable and an unfolded configuration in which the anchoring points are distributed around the insertion site to anchor the frame to the patient, thereby stabilizing the catheter. In some embodiments, the system further includes a septum that helps prevent fluid leakage from the catheter hub, or a needle shield that covers the distal end of a needle used during catheter insertion. |
| US08771228B2 |
IV pump adapted for generic tubing
A system and method of accurately pumping a fluid using tubing of variable inner diameter and material is disclosed. The disclosed pump comprises a pumping mechanism configured to compress and release a portion of a flexible tube to cause fluid to flow along the flexible tube, a gauging apparatus, and a vacuum apparatus. The gauging apparatus is configured to determine the inner diameter of the flexible tube, which value is used in calibrating the pumping rate of the pump. The vacuum apparatus is configured to reduce the ambient pressure in a volume surrounding the portion of the flexible tube, thereby causing the flexible tube to fully expand to its original outside diameter when the flexible tube is released by the pumping mechanism. |
| US08771226B2 |
Vena cava filter catheter and method
A vena cava filter catheter includes a catheter having a lumen disposed therethrough and at least one strand of biocompatible wire. The at least one strand has a first state in which the at least one strand has an elongate geometry suitable for traversing the lumen of the catheter and a second state in which the at least one strand assumes a pre-set geometry in which the at least one strand assumes a tortuous configuration adapted to occupy a space approximating a luminal diameter of an inferior vena cava. |
| US08771222B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling insulin infusion with state variable feedback
An infusion system, which may be a closed loop infusion system or “semi-closed-loop” system, uses state variable feedback to control the rate that fluid is infused into the body of a user. The closed loop infusion system includes a sensor system, a controller, and a delivery system. The “semi-closed-loop” system further includes prompts that are displayed or sounded or otherwise provide indications to the user prior to fluid delivery. The sensor system includes a sensor for monitoring a condition of the user. The sensor produces a sensor signal, which is representative of the condition of the user. The delivery system infuses a fluid into the user at a rate dictated by the commands from the controller. The system may use three state variables, subcutaneous insulin concentration, plasma insulin concentration, and insulin effect, and corresponding gains, to calculate an additional amount of fluid to be infused as a bolus and to be removed from the basal delivery of the fluid. |
| US08771220B2 |
Glaucoma active pressure regulation shunt
In various embodiments, a glaucoma shunt may include a tube having an anterior portion (with an opening) and a posterior portion. The glaucoma shunt may include a valve, inside the tube, coupled to a drainage portion. The tube may be configured to couple to a first portion of an eye and the drainage portion may be configured to couple to a second portion of the eye. In some embodiments, the drainage portion may be configured to move the valve relative to the tube such that when the eye expands, the valve moves away from the opening in the anterior portion of the tube to increase fluid flow. The drainage portion may further be configured to move the valve relative to the tube such that when the eye contracts, the valve moves toward the opening in the anterior portion of the tube to decrease fluid flow. |
| US08771216B2 |
Fluid communication device and method of use thereof
A fluid communication device is configured to provide fluid flow between first and second chambers separated by tissue. The fluid communication device includes a member configured for insertion through and engagement of the tissue. The member includes a first opening near a first end of the member for fluidic communication with the first chamber and a second opening near a second end of the member for fluidic communication with the second chamber, the fluid member including a fluid passage that provides fluidic communication between the first and second chambers. The fluid communication device is configured to be positioned with the eye to provide fluid communication between an anterior chamber of the eye and Schlemm's canal. |
| US08771215B2 |
Machine for extracorporeal treatment of blood
A machine (1) for extracorporeal blood treatment comprises a device (2) for ultrafiltration of a liquid through a semi-permeable membrane (3) of a blood treatment device (4), a first sensor (11) for ultrafiltration rate through the membrane, a second group of sensors (13) for measuring a trans-membrane pressure, an infusion line (16) with an infusion pump (17) and a programmed controller (14) for calculating a maximum infusion rate as a function of the transmembrane pressure. The machine is suitable for kidney failure treatments, such as hemofiltration and hemodiafiltration. In a relatively short time the machine enables a large quantity of corporeal blood to be removed from the patient. |
| US08771212B1 |
Adjustable splint
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a splint for a body part, such as a human digit. The splint can include a unitary, semi-rigid, arcuate, and/or toroidal member; a first lock portion integral to the member; and a second lock portion integral to the member. The first lock portion can be adapted to releasably lockably engage the second lock portion so as to allow for continuously and/or incrementally adjustable contact of at least a portion of the member with a predetermined portion of the body part of a wearer of the splint. |
| US08771211B2 |
Ankle orthosis
An orthosis configured to stretch tissue around an ankle joint of a patient and methods for assembling and using the same are provided. The orthosis includes a first member affixable to a lower leg of the patient, a second member affixable to a foot of the patient, the second member including a second extension member having an arcuate shape configured to move along an arcuate path relative to the first member when the second member is moved from a first position to a second position relative to the first member, and a drive assembly coupled to the first member and the second member, the drive assembly configured to move the second member with respect to the first member. |
| US08771207B2 |
Device and a system for use in a procedure for improving a sealing function of a sphincter and a method for improving the sealing function of a sphincter
A system (1) and a device (3) is used in a fundoplication procedure in order to avoid over-tightening of the fundus of the stomach when the fundus is being wrapped around the esophagus (7) adjacent the lower oesophageal sphincter (5). The device (3) comprises a catheter (8) having a primary balloon (12) located at a distal end (9) thereof which is inflatable with a saline solution by a primary pump (26). A pair of spaced apart primary stimulating electrodes (32) on the catheter (8) within the primary balloon (12) receive a stimulating current signal from a constant current signal generator (40) under the control of a microprocessor (43), which reads voltage signals from spaced apart primary receiving electrodes (35) on the catheter (8) in the balloon (12). The microprocessor (43) determines the diameter of the primary balloon (12) at locations adjacent the primary receiving electrodes (35), and an image (47) of the inflated primary balloon (12) is displayed on a visual display screen (48) along with corresponding diameter values of the primary balloon (12). The primary balloon (12) is located in the sphincter (5) and inflated with the saline solution until the sphincter (5) has been dilated to a desired diameter, which is observed on the visual display screen (45). As the fundus of the stomach is being wrapped around the esophagus (7) adjacent the sphincter (5) the diameter of the primary balloon (12) is observed so that the fundus is not over-tightened. A secondary balloon (50) on the catheter (8) is independently inflatable for simulating a bolus of food in the esophagus (7) so that the dilating response of the sphincter (5) can be determined by observing the image (47) of the primary balloon (12) and the diameter values thereof on the visual display screen (45). |
| US08771205B2 |
Cough detector
A device for detecting and counting coughing events is provided. In one embodiment a sensor for sensing and transducing low frequency and high frequency mechanical vibrations, sends signals to a coincidence detector that determines if high and low signals coincide. In another embodiment, ultrasonic energy is introduced to the trachea and if Doppler shift in frequency is detected, association is made to a coughing event. In another embodiment a change in the impedance of the neck is considered associated with coughing event if correlated over time with a specific mechanical frequency sensed. |
| US08771204B2 |
Acoustic sensor assembly
An acoustic sensor is configured to provide accurate and robust measurement of bodily sounds under a variety of conditions, such as in noisy environments or in situations in which stress, strain, or movement may be imparted onto a sensor with respect to a patient. Embodiments of the sensor provide a conformable electrical shielding, as well as improved acoustic and mechanical coupling between the sensor and the measurement site. |
| US08771201B2 |
Health monitoring bolus
A bolus for insertion in a body fluid includes a housing, a chamber in the housing admitting body fluid therein, and a transducer in the housing providing a signal through the body fluid for measuring the pH level and/or temperature of the body fluid. The transducer also generates a signal in response to vibrations to detecting one or more additional physiological parameters. |
| US08771198B2 |
Signal processing apparatus and method for phonocardiogram signal
A signal processing apparatus includes a phonocardiogram interface configured to receive a phonocardiogram signal captured according to a first set of capturing properties, a processor configured to analyze the phonocardiogram signal to determine an analysis result for the phonocardiogram signal and a confidence value of the determined analysis result, and a flow control configured to determine, whether a subsequent capture of the phonocardiogram signal according to a second set of capturing properties is likely to improve an accuracy of the determined analysis result. If applicable, the flow control coordinates the subsequent capture of the phonocardiogram signal according to the second set of capturing properties. |
| US08771197B2 |
Detection of parameters in cardiac output related waveforms
Methods for detecting parameters in cardiac output related waveforms are described. The methods include methods for detecting individual heart beat cycles in a cardiac output related waveform, methods for detecting an error in an assigned starting point for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform, methods for detecting a dichrotic notch for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform, and methods for detecting an error in an assigned dichrotic notch for an individual heart beat cycle in a cardiac output related waveform. The identification of these parameters is important for a clinician as these parameters form the basis for the calculation of many other cardiac output related parameters. |
| US08771193B2 |
Canal type mini-apparatuses insertable in ears for diagnosing and curing diseases
Provided is a canal type mini-apparatus insertable in an ear for diagnosing a disease. The canal type mini-apparatus includes a canal body and a protrusion body. The canal body is insertable in an ear and includes a bio-data detection unit at an end thereof. The bio-data detection unit is configured to detect biological data from an inside of the ear for diagnosing a disease. The protrusion body is disposed at the other end of the canal body and including a data transceiving unit. The data transceiving unit is configured to control the bio-data detection unit and transmit/receive a signal to/from an analyzing device. When the canal type mini-apparatus is inserted in the ear, at least a portion of the protrusion body protrudes outward from the ear. |
| US08771192B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor and electronic device
The ultrasonic sensor includes, on the same substrate, transmitter elements, receiver elements, a potential controller for receiver electrodes of the receiver elements, and a connection switching unit for the receiver electrodes and the potential controller. During the ultrasound transmission period of the transmitter elements, the connection switching unit connects the potential controller and the receiver electrodes. During the reception period of the receiver elements, the connection switching unit disconnects the potential controller and the receiver electrodes. |
| US08771189B2 |
Valve assessment from medical diagnostic imaging data
Heart valve operation is assessed with patient-specific medical diagnostic imaging data. To deal with the complex motion of the passive valve tissue, a hierarchal model is used. Rigid global motion of the overall valve, non-rigid local motion of landmarks of the valve, and surface motion of the valve are modeled sequentially. For the non-rigid local motion, a spectral trajectory approach is used in the model to determine location and motion of the landmarks more efficiently than detection and tracking. Given efficiencies in processing, more than one valve may be modeled at a same time. A graphic overlay representing the valve in four dimensions and/or quantities may be provided during an imaging session. One or more of these features may be used in combination or independently. |
| US08771188B2 |
Ultrasonic bone motion tracking system
A computerized bone motion tracking system according to one exemplary embodiment is configured to: provide a non-invasive means for accurate measurement and tracking of the motion of a bone using a volumetric ultrasound transducer and a three dimensional position measurement system; provide relative measurements of one bone relative to another bone of a joint; decompose relative joint motion into specific components; and measure joint instability and range of motion. |
| US08771186B2 |
Device configuration for supporting a patient oxygenation test
A method for performing a patient oxygenation test using one or more computing devices is provided. The patient oxygenation test comprises a plurality of instructions for implementing a workflow for determining an oxygenation status for a patient. An entry or selection is received of one or more physiological parameters for the patient to be monitored during the patient oxygenation test. An entry or selection is received of one or more thresholds for at least one of the physiological parameters to be monitored during the patient oxygenation test. A determination is made as to whether any of the physiological parameters exceed limits set by the one or more thresholds. One or more actions are taken when one or more of the physiological parameters exceed the limits set by the one or more thresholds. A summary and analysis are provided of the test results. |
| US08771185B2 |
System and method for reliable sleep diagnostic testing
A method for securely affixing a sensor to a patient is provided. The method includes attaching the sensor to the patient's index finger with a sensor signal cable routed along the patient's hand, and configuring an identification band to encircle the signal cable and the patient's wrist using a secure affixing arrangement. The identification band is configured to evidence tampering when removed. The secure affixing arrangement may take various forms, including tying loops and securing the cable and/or sensor to the patient using tape, plastics, and so forth. |
| US08771182B2 |
Method for electronic adjustment of illuminance of surgical lamp
The present invention provides a method of controlling a light output of a surgical lamp used for illuminating a surgical site. The surgical lamp includes a housing that defines an internal cavity. A light source is disposed within the internal cavity of the housing. The light source produces a light path and a light field at a surgical site that is remote from the housing. The method comprises providing a voltage sensitive device along the light path, the voltage sensitive device having light transmissive properties that change in response to a biasing voltage applied thereto, and applying a biasing voltage to the voltage sensitive device to achieve a desired light intensity at the surgical site. |
| US08771178B2 |
Method of controlling endoscope and endoscope
An endoscope 100 includes a first light source 45 that emits white illumination light, a second light source 47 that emits narrow-band light and an imaging section that has an imaging device 21 having plural detection pixels and images a region to be observed. The imaging section is caused to output a captured image signal including both a return light component of the white illumination light from the region to be observed by and a return light component of the narrow-band light the white illumination light. From the captured image signal, the return light component of the narrow-band light is selectively extracted, and a brightness level of the extracted return light component of the narrow-band light is changed by changing a light amount of light emitted from the second light source 47. |
| US08771177B2 |
Wide angle flexible endoscope
A flexible endoscope having a wide-angle lens that has an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope, such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide-angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes an imager comprising an imaging surface area that receives at least a portion of endoscopic image transmitted by the wide-angle lens system and produces output signals corresponding to the endoscopic image field and image forming circuitry that receives the output signal and produces an image signal. The wide-angle lens endoscope has a flexible distal end or tip. |
| US08771172B2 |
Sensor system and method for image capture of an object
In a sensor system and a corresponding method for image capture of an object, an imaging sensor is arranged in a recording area of an optical sensor, the recording area being defined for the object, in such a way as to be essentially stationary relative to said object. By means of an evaluation unit, relative movements between the imaging sensor and the object can be derived from the recorded image data of the optical sensor, and a three-dimensional object image can be reconstructed from the imaging data as a function of the relative movements. When determining the relative movements, it is in particular possible as well to detect relative movements caused by the object's own motion which can be taken into account when reconstructing the object image. As a result, a high image quality of the object image is achieved. |
| US08771171B2 |
Endoscope, and treatment instrument for endoscope
A medical instrument system includes an elongated member having an inner space in a direction of a longitudinal axis, an insertion section installed at the inner space and having a bending section capable of being bent, a manipulation section configured to manipulate the bending section, a first manipulation member transmitting a driving force of the bending section in accordance with the manipulation by the manipulation section, a second manipulation member arranged in the direction of a longitudinal axis, a connecting section having a first connecting section and a second connecting section and capable of connecting the first manipulation member and the second manipulation member, and a switching mechanism having a first acting section and a second acting section and switching between a connection state and a release state in accordance with a relative movement between the elongated member and the insertion section. |
| US08771169B2 |
Imaging system for a surgical device
A surgical device includes a jaw portion and a shaft portion that is pivotably coupled to the jaw portion. The shaft portion defines an interior space having first and second openings on respective radially-opposite sides of the shaft portion. A camera assembly is coupled to the shaft portion and is moveable between a first position, in which the camera assembly is positioned within the interior space of the shaft portion, and, for example, second and third positions, in which the camera assembly extends through a respective one of the first and second radially-opposite openings of the shaft portion. In this manner, the camera assembly may be positionable on, and may provide imaging data of, either side of the surgical device, irrespective of which lateral side the jaw portion is articulated relative to the shaft portion. |
| US08771166B2 |
Implantable auditory stimulation system and method with offset implanted microphones
An improved implantable auditory stimulation system includes two or more implanted microphones for transcutaneous detection of acoustic signals. Each of the implanted microphones provides an output signal. The microphone output signals may be combinatively utilized by an implanted processor to generate a signal for driving an implanted auditory stimulation device. The implanted microphones may be located at offset subcutaneous locations and/or may be provided with different design sensitivities, wherein combinative processing of the microphone output signals may yield an improved drive signal. In one embodiment, the microphone signal may be processed for beamforming and/or directionality purposes. |
| US08771165B2 |
Ventricular assist device cannula and ventricular assist device including the same
Provided is a ventricular assist device cannula, and more particularly, a ventricular assist device cannula with electrodes. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a ventricular assist device cannula with electrodes, including: a connecting tube connecting an incision of a body tissue and a ventricular assist device so that blood can flow; and electrodes connected with the connecting tube and contacting the incision of the body tissue to transfer an electric signal to the body tissue. The ventricular assist device cannula with electrodes according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has effects as follows. First, a bio-signal of a patient wearing the ventricular assist device through the electrode attached to the conduit can be easily measured without a separate electrode implant and an electric stimulus can also be measured. Second, since the electric stimulus can be directly applied to a cardiac muscle, it is possible to improve stability and efficiency of an electric treatment such as a cardiac pacemaking, a ventricular defibrillation, and the like of the patient wearing the ventricular assist device. |
| US08771158B2 |
Horizontal machining center
A horizontal machining center includes: a table driven in first and second directions (directions indicated by arrows 530p and 530q, respectively) allowing the table to approach and move away from a spindle, respectively; a magazine having a plurality of tool gripping claws; and a coupling mechanism for coupling the table and the magazine together and moving the magazine in one of the first and second directions when the table is driven in the other of the first and second directions. When a tool attached to the spindle is removed from the spindle, the table is driven in the first direction, and when a tool accommodated by the magazine is attached to the spindle, the table is driven in the second direction. A horizontal machining center having a simple structure and prevented from having a bulky structure can thus be accomplished. |
| US08771157B2 |
Foot pivot sports training aid
A foot pivot sports training aid is disclosed. The training aid may include a platform coupled to a base. The platform may rotate around the base. The platform may include an upwardly projecting baffle with an inwardly facing contour and/or a sloped surface. |
| US08771156B2 |
Structure to fix inflatable and elastic motion body
An improved structure to fix an inflatable and elastic motion body includes an elastic air bag, a frame, a base and a plurality of restricting pieces. The base has a receiving slot recessedly formed close to a top surface of the base, and a recessed engaging trough recessedly formed close to a bottom surface thereof. The recessed engaging trough engages with a hook end of the restricting piece, so the restricting piece can tightly clamp a fixed edge of the elastic air bag. Since the restricting pieces with better strength are disposed in restricting slots of the frame to tightly confine the elastic air bag and the base to locate between the hook end and the pressing end of the restricting piece, so when the elastic air bag is heavily pressed, it would not escape from the restricting slot of the frame to increase the structural strength and durability. |
| US08771141B2 |
Coast stop vehicle and coast stop method
A coast stop vehicle includes a variator which continuously changes a speed ratio by changing a winding diameter of a belt mounted on pulleys, a sub-transmission mechanism connected in series with the variator and shifting discrete gear positions by changing engaged states of a plurality of frictional engagement elements, and a coast stop unit which stops the rotation of the drive power source and releases the engaged frictional engagement element when the coast stop condition holds during travel. The coast stop unit includes a coast stop prohibiting unit which prohibits the coast stop regardless of the coast stop condition when it is predicted at the time of determining whether or not the coast stop condition holds that a belt tightening force of the pulley falls below an engaging force of the frictional engagement element in the engaged state by the execution of the coast stop. |
| US08771140B2 |
Machine control system utilizing inertial yaw sensor
An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal. |
| US08771138B2 |
Hybrid hydraulic drive system architecture
A vehicle drivetrain has a first driver, a first clutch to selectively couple the first driver with an engine, an energy storage device coupled to the first driver, a second driver coupled to the energy storage device and connected to a driveshaft, and a second clutch that selectively couples the first and second drivers. In one embodiment, the first clutch is opened and the second clutch is closed during a vehicle operating condition requiring high torque, the first clutch is closed and the second clutch is opened during a transient vehicle operating condition, and the first clutch and the second clutch are closed during a steady-state vehicle operating condition. Additional clutches may be included to reduce energy losses or provide multiple mechanical ratios. The drivers themselves may be pumps, motors, generators, combined pump/motors, or combined motor/generators, making the invention suitable for both hydraulic implementation and electric implementation. |
| US08771133B2 |
Drive mechanism for infinitely variable transmission
A variator transmission comprises an input shaft (18), an input disc (10) mounted on the input shaft for rotation therewith and an output disc (12) facing the input disc and arranged to rotate coaxially therewith, the input and output discs defining between them a toroidal cavity. Two rollers (14, 16) are located in the toroidal cavity and first and second roller carriage means are provided upon which the first and second rollers respectively are rotatably mounted and end load means (34, 36) urge the rollers into contact with the input and output discs to transmit drive. The two roller carriage means are mounted on opposite sides of the pivotal axis of a lever (50) and the pivotal axis of the lever (50) is movable in both the radial and non-radial directions with respect to the rotational axis of the input and output discs. |
| US08771132B2 |
Transfer incorporating wet brake
A brake hub (36) and a second gear shaft (22) are rotatably supported by a bearing (42) and a bearing (43), the bearing (42) interposed between a projection (11D-1) of a support member (11D) disposed on the inner side of a recess (36a) of the brake hub and the inner peripheral surface of the recess, the bearing (43) interposed between a support member (11E) surrounding a top end portion of the brake hub and the top end portion of the brake hub. The transfer further comprises a disc pressing pin (50) inserted through a hole (11D-4) in the support member, a pressing plate (51) disposed on the outer side of the support member, and plate pressing means. The plate pressing means presses the pressing plate, the pressing plate presses the disc pressing pin, and the disc pressing pin presses a press brake disc (35C). |
| US08771128B2 |
AWD vehicle with active disconnect coupling having multi-stage ball ramp
A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode. |
| US08771127B2 |
Differential output control
Technologies relating to differential output control are disclosed. A differential output control apparatus may be coupled between a rotating device output and a controlled rotating output. The differential output control apparatus may comprise an adjustable mechanical link coupling two linked differential inputs, and configured to adjust a relative rotation speed or relative torque of the linked differential inputs. The differential output control apparatus may receive the rotating device output and adjust the adjustable mechanical link to control the rotation speed and/or torque of the controlled rotating output. |
| US08771123B2 |
Reversible planetary gear assembly
A planetary gear assembly includes a ring gear configured for connection to a rotor of an electric motor when in a first position and configured for connection to a housing of the electric motor when in a second position, a sun gear configured for connection to the housing when the ring gear is in the first position and configured for connection to the rotor when the ring gear is in the second position, and a plurality of planet gears configured to mesh with the ring gear and the sun gear. |
| US08771119B2 |
Lubricant composition for chains, and chain
A chain is constructed by alternately connecting a pair of outer link plates connected together with pins and a pair of inner link plates connected together with bushings into which adjacent pins of adjacent pairs of outer link plates are inserted. On the outer and inner surfaces of component parts of the chain, a lubricant composition for chains containing 95% to 80% by mass of a lubricant which is liquid at room temperature and 5% to 20% by mass of a wax which is solid at room temperature and having a consistency of from 60 to 475 and a dropping point of from 60° C. to 120° C., is adhered. |
| US08771118B2 |
Chain tensioner device
A chain tensioner device having a first slide surface of a main arm pivotably supported at an upper end thereof, and a second slide surface of a sub-arm pivotably supported at a lower end thereof. The first and second slide surfaces slidably abut against each other. When the main arm is biased toward a timing chain via the sub-arm by a biasing force of a plunger of a tensioner lifter, a stroke of the main arm is increased with respect to a stroke of the plunger. |
| US08771113B2 |
Broadhead for improved rotation and bone-piercing capability
A broadhead for increased target penetrability in use with an arrow shaft. The broadhead includes a receiver that is configured to receive the arrow shaft. The receiver includes a central axis. The broadhead also includes a pair of oppositely-directed blades offset from the receiver central axis. The blades include a tapered geometry. |
| US08771109B2 |
Table tennis apparatus
A rebounding panel apparatus for adding a further playable surface for a table tennis table. The rebounding panel apparatus comprises a support member, having table attachment means thereon to permit attachment to a side edge of the table tennis table. A substantially flat rebounding panel is provided, pivotably coupled to an upper portion of the support member. The support member when attached to the table is adapted to support said rebounding panel member above a plane in which said table lies, and the pivotable coupling means is adapted to permit adjustable inclination of the rebounding panel, preferably about each of the pitch, yaw, and skew axis. A table tennis apparatus, comprising a table and a pair of rebounding panel apparatus as described above, is further disclosed. |
| US08771103B2 |
Multi-piece solid golf ball
The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer which encloses the core, an intermediate layer which encloses the envelope layer, and a cover which encloses the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core is formed primarily of a rubber material, the envelope layer is formed primarily of a specific resin mixture, the intermediate layer is formed primarily of a resin material, and the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane. The intermediate layer and the cover have surface hardnesses (Durometer D hardness) which satisfy the relationship: intermediate layer surface hardness>cover surface hardness. The golf ball has an excellent flight performance and controllability that are acceptable to professionals and other skilled golfers, while also having an excellent durability to cracking on repeated impact and an excellent scuff resistance. |
| US08771100B2 |
Iron type golf club set
An iron type golf club set includes a set of “n” iron type golf clubs, “n” being an integer of 3 or more, wherein the golf clubs each have a different face loft angle. If the head of each golf club is inclined at a specified lie angle with respect to a horizontal plane and the face is disposed at a specified loft angle with respect to a vertical plane, the head moment of inertia “A” per unit mass represented by a ratio MI/ml of the moment of inertia “MI” of the head alone around a horizontal axis passing through the head center of gravity and being parallel to the face with respect to the head mass “m” increases in the order from the golf club with the smallest loft angle to the golf club with the largest loft angle. |
| US08771092B2 |
Fixed type constant velocity universal joint
A fixed type constant velocity universal joint is configured such that an axial offset amount of a curvature center of each track groove of an outer joint member and an axial offset amount of a curvature center of each track groove of an inner joint member are zero. Track grooves of the outer joint member are formed alternately in a circumferential direction to be inclined in mutually opposite directions with respect to an axis, and track grooves of the inner joint member are formed alternately in the circumferential direction to be inclined in mutually opposite directions with respect to the axis. An outer surface of the inner joint member is formed into a spherical surface which is held in slide-contact with an inner spherical surface of a cage. An inner surface of the outer joint member is formed into a cylindrical surface. |
| US08771086B2 |
Fixed-type constant velocity universal joint
A fixed type constant velocity universal joint comprises a ball and a lubricating grease sealed therein. A surface roughness of the ball is set to Ra 0.15 μm or less and a surface roughness of a counterpart surface on which the ball rolls is set to be higher than the surface roughness of the ball. An additive composition of the lubricating grease comprises a base oil, a diurea compound, molybdenum dithiocarbamate, zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, melamine cyanurate, molybdenum disulfide, and calcium salt of alkylaromatic sulfonic acid. |
| US08771084B2 |
Gaming and/or entertainment device
The present invention relates generally to a gaming and/or entertainment device having at least one screen which is adjustably arranged at a device panel. In this respect, the invention in particular relates to a multigame table having a plurality of player positions at which one respective screen is arranged at a table panel and/or desk panel. In accordance with the invention, the at least one screen is adjustable between a lowered position lowered into the device panel substantially without projecting over the device panel and an operating position protruding out of the device panel. The lowered position can in particular serve as an idle position in which the respective screen is so-to-say not in the way and a substantially planar device surface, in particular a table surface, can be provided. In the named lowered position, the screen can optionally be lowered beneath the device panel and the corresponding cut-out can be closed by a cover. Preferably, however, the screen in the named lowered position is lowered substantially flush with the panel surface. |
| US08771080B2 |
Socially-mediated flash sales
A flash sale mechanic of a virtual game may perform a flash sale transaction based on transaction details for the flash sale transaction. These transaction details may indicate an item for sale, invitation requirements applicable to a player of the virtual game, and transaction requirements applicable to participants of the flash sale transaction. The flash sale mechanic may selectively provide an invitation request to a first player of the virtual game based on the invitation requirements of the flash sale transaction, and may receive acceptance responses from players that choose to participate in the flash sale transaction. The flash sale mechanic may complete the flash sale transaction if it determines that it has received an acceptance response from at least a minimum number of players that are needed to complete the flash sale transaction, and that these players have satisfied the transaction requirements. |
| US08771079B1 |
Method and system to match users of a social gaming platform
An introduction mechanic of a computer-implemented online game introduces a user of the online game to other players of the online game that are experiencing a common game objective. The introduction mechanic may determine another player to introduce to the user based on the other player not being directly associated, as reflected within relationship data, with the user. Also, if the user and the other player are opted into the introduction mechanic, the introduction mechanic may associate the user and the other player with the common game objective of the computer-implemented game, thereby allowing the user and the other player to interact to achieve the common game objective. |
| US08771076B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for portable gaming profiles
An apparatus, system, and method for synchronizing a portable gaming profile with a gaming system. The method includes communicating with a wireless device that stores gaming profile data for a user of the gaming system. The gaming profile data describes information relating to the user. The wireless device is a device other than a gaming controller. The method also includes associating the gaming profile data with a gaming profile operating on the gaming system. The method also includes transmitting updated gaming profile data to the wireless device. |
| US08771075B2 |
Method for providing on-line game which systematically maintains monster's aggro points against player character and system thereof
Disclosed is a method for providing an online game, comprising the steps of: maintaining an event database recording an aggressive point generation function corresponding to each predetermined event; receiving a particular event from a player character; identifying an aggressive point generation function corresponding to the particular event by referring to the event database; generating aggressive point information according to receipt of the particular event, on the basis of the identified aggressive point generation function; recording the generated aggressive point information in a predetermined monster information database in association with the player character; and determining a target for attack of a monster on the basis of the aggressive point information recorded in the monster information database, and a system thereof. |
| US08771072B2 |
Computer readable storage medium and information processing apparatus
First, a position and/or a direction of at least one predetermined first node among a plurality of nodes is determined, and then a position and/or a direction of at least one predetermined second node among the plurality of nodes is determined based on the position and/or the direction of the first node and reference posture information representing a reference posture of an object. Based on the position and/or the direction of the first node and the position and/or the direction of the second node thus determined, the object is displayed on a display device. |
| US08771070B2 |
Game processing server apparatus and recording medium
A game processing server apparatus includes a unit that delivers game information to a player terminal; a unit that delivers information regarding a single base game content and information regarding one or more material game contents selected from the plurality of game contents to the player terminal, the information including information indicating that the one or more material game contents are selected as the material game contents as an initial value; and a unit that accepts information regarding whether the one or more material game contents are selected as the actual material game contents by the player from the player terminal, treats the material game contents selected by the player to be not possessed by the player anymore, and updates the parameter of the base game content. |
| US08771066B2 |
Configuring and controlling wagering game presentations
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining content from content sources that are accessible to a wagering game machine and determining presentation requirements for the content. The operations can further include determining a presentation template that the wagering game machine can use to present the content according the presentation requirements. The presentation template can have pre-configured presentation areas, one of which can be configured to present the content according to pre-defined configuration settings. The operations can further include determining that one pre-configured presentation area of the presentation template content can present the content in accordance with the presentation requirements, and presenting the content in pre-configured presentation area of the presentation template. |
| US08771061B2 |
Invalidating network devices with illicit peripherals
A system and method for passively validating network game users is provided. Data indicative of game behavior and actions at one or more nodes interacting with a network game in a network game community are monitored. The data is evaluated to determine whether the one or more nodes are adhering to one or more rules associated with the network game. Data indicative of illicit game behavior may trigger various responses including invalidation of the node engaged in the illicit behavior. Alternatively, a query may be generated to further identify the nature and/or actual existence of illicit behavior at the node. Monitoring of game data may occur at a server, a peer, as part of a peer group or combinations thereof, which may be based on routine schedule or part of constant game behavior monitoring. |
| US08771055B2 |
Method of gaming, a gaming system, and a game controller
Certain examples disclose a gaming system comprising a display, a symbol selector, a symbol evaluator and a symbol modifier. The example symbol selector is arranged to select a plurality of sets of symbols for display on the display. The example symbol evaluator is arranged to determine whether the displayed symbols include any winning symbol combination. The example symbol modifier is arranged to, upon a determination that the displayed symbols include any winning symbol combination, repeatedly apply a modification rule to at least one of the plurality of sets of symbols until the displayed symbols do not include any winning symbol combination. |
| US08771050B2 |
Game counting numbers consecutively using math functions
A counting game played by one or more players involving numbers selected from pre-classified categories, suited to be played by players having different levels of mental maturity. A game involves choosing a set of numbers from one or more categories, at random. The object of the game is to generate numbers as high as possible, by using multiple math functions on the randomly generated chosen numbers. A player with the highest generated number wins the game. Apart from providing recreation and entertainment, the game develops math skills and provides mental training exercises, and can therefore be useful as a tool for educational and learning purposes. |
| US08771049B2 |
Systems, apparatuses and methods enhancing gaming outcome opportunities
Embodiments of the present invention set forth systems, apparatuses and methods for providing game features. In a game of chance involving at least one outcome, a plurality of alternative outcomes can be derived for a gaming event, such as when one of the outcomes will provide a payout at or above a certain level. The player is presented with an opportunity to select among the alternative outcomes, without being aware of the particular characteristics or values associated with the outcomes. While the player will only select the outcome having the payout at/above the threshold level a certain percentage of the time, the opportunity can be presented to the player more often, while keeping the mathematical probabilities the same or similar if desired, thereby providing the player with the feeling of getting higher value opportunities more often. |
| US08771046B2 |
Electric charging apparatus and game apparatus
An electric charging apparatus (5) has a charge mechanism for charging a power supply device inside plural power supply assemblies (30) respectively attached to plural pieces of traveling equipment (10). Furthermore, the electric charging apparatus (5) has an electric power source assembly swapping mechanism (200). The electric power source assembly swapping mechanism (200) dismounts the first electric power source assembly (30) from the traveling equipment (10) and moves it to the charge mechanism, and moves it to mount the second electric power source assembly (30) on traveling equipment from charge mechanism. In addition, the electric power source assembly swapping mechanism (200) dismounts the second electric power source assembly (30) from traveling equipment (10) and moves it to the charge mechanism, and moves it to mount the first electric power source assembly (30) on traveling equipment (10) from charge mechanism. |
| US08771044B2 |
Cutting module
The invention relates to a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products comprising: a filling tube for feeding a tubular casing provided on the filling tube with filling material, a displacer unit having at least two pairs of displacer elements for gathering the filled tubular casing and for providing a plait-like portion, which is at least approximately free of filling material, a clipping device for applying two closure means to the plait-like portion, a first clip to close the tubular casing of the actually filled sausage-shaped product, and a second clip in order to close the front end of the tubular casing of the sausage-shaped product provided on the filling tube, and a cutting device having at least one blade for cutting the packing material between the first and second closure means wherein the cutting device comprises a fluid drive for driving the blade and being coupled to a fluid source. |
| US08771038B2 |
Polishing apparatus
A polishing apparatus includes a stage configured to hold a substrate, a stage-rotating mechanism configured to rotate the stage, and a polishing head configured to polish a periphery of the substrate held by the stage. The polishing apparatus also includes a controller configured to control operations of the stage, the stage-rotating mechanism, and the polishing head, an image-capturing device configured to capture an image of the periphery of the substrate through at least one terminal imaging element arranged so as to face the periphery of the substrate, an image processor configured to process the image captured by the image-capturing device, and a liquid ejector configured to eject a light-transmissive liquid toward the periphery of the substrate to fill a space between the periphery of the substrate and the terminal imaging element with the liquid. |
| US08771037B2 |
Pattern sander device, system and method
The invention relates to a device for sanding a predetermined impression into a workpiece. The device has a pattern belt positioned inside the area formed by a sanding belt. A pad is positioned inside the area formed by the pattern belt. A raised pattern is formed on the outer surface of the pattern belt. In use, the pad contacts the pattern belt, urging the raised pattern of the pattern belt to contact the sanding belt. The portion of the sanding belt contacted by the pattern belt is urged toward the workpiece so that the predetermined impression is sanded into the workpiece. |
| US08771036B2 |
Pocket bra
A bra comprises a pocket in a wing of the bra; the pocket may be made from the wing components or may be a separate structure; the pocket may comprise a closure, such as a zipper; the bra may comprise a high-tack material to prevent slipping of the bra when items are in the pocket. |
| US08771035B2 |
Apparatus for continuous weight monitoring of beehives
An apparatus and method for continuously monitoring the weight of an object. The apparatus does not obstruct a central portion of the bottom of the object being monitored, and is especially well-suited for monitoring the weight of a beehive. In the illustrative embodiment, a ring-shaped fluid-filled bladder is sandwiched between a ring-shaped top surface and a ring-shaped base, and a pressure hose connects the bladder to a pressure gauge. Beehive weight data can be obtained in a continuous fashion, without requiring any moving of the beehive or of the apparatus, and without any other type of disruption. Moreover, the apparatus provides a stable platform that keeps the beehive immobile during monitoring, which is beneficial for the health of the colony. Advantageously, the apparatus can be constructed from inexpensive, off-the-shelf components and materials, and is capable of obtaining accurate measurements over a wide range of temperatures and environmental conditions. |
| US08771034B2 |
Slot car and multi-slot track combined raceway
The invention discloses a slot car including a body, a power mechanism for driving the body, and an adjusting assembly for track switching of the body. The adjusting assembly includes a rotating component driven by the power mechanism, a guiding component fixed on the body, and multiple slot-pins. The guiding component includes a guide channel used for annular position limiting of the slot-pin and multiple position limiters used for longitudinal position limiting of the slot-pin, and the rotating of the rotating component enables the sliding of the slot-pin within the guide channel. The invention further provides a Multi-slot track combined raceway on which the slot car travels. With the adjusting assembly, the slot car is enabled to switch between tracks. The slot car is enabled to freely intercept its counterparts by switching tracks, thus the entertainment is enhanced. |
| US08771030B2 |
Color conversion layer and manufacturing method for same
This invention provides a method capable of fabricating, by simple manufacturing processes, a color conversion layer which realizes high-efficiency color conversion characteristics without greatly increasing the film thickness of the color conversion layer. Further, this invention provides a color conversion layer manufactured by this method, and an organic EL element which includes this color conversion layer. By means of a method in which a polymer material having a weight-average molecular weight in a specific range is brought into contact with a color conversion material layer, and the polymer material is caused to intrude into the color conversion layer by a diffusion phenomenon, concentration quenching in the color conversion layer can be suppressed, and the fluorescence quantum yield can be increased. |
| US08771027B2 |
Elastic clamp, contact rail assembly, and PV assembly junction box having the assembly
A clamp for electrically connecting a contact rail and a bus bar of a PV assembly includes a base having a first end and a second end positioned opposite the first end. Two fixing portions extend from both sides of the base and away from and perpendicular to the first surface, and adapted to detachably fix the clamp to the contact rail. An extending portion has a first bending extension extending and bent from the base, a parallel extension connected with the first bending extension and extending in parallel with and apart from the first surface, a second bending extension connected with the parallel extension and extending between the two fixing portions, and an actuating extension connected with the second bending extension and extending beyond the base. A locating protrusion is formed integrally with the base and adapted to engage within the first locating element and the second locating element. |
| US08771020B2 |
Connector assembly
A connector assembly includes a connector plug and a connector socket. The connector plug includes a first and a second plug signal transmitting pieces. A plurality of parallel first plug signal transmitting pins is laid on the first plug signal transmitting piece. A plurality of parallel second plug signal transmitting pins is laid on the second plug signal transmitting piece. The connector socket includes a lower portion which includes a first receiving slot and a second receiving slot. A plurality of first socket signal transmitting lines is placed in the first receiving slot. A plurality of second socket signal transmitting lines is placed in the second receiving slot. The connector plug inserts in the connector socket to connect the first plug signal transmitting pins to the first socket signal transmitting pins, and simultaneously connect the second plug signal transmitting pins to the second socket signal transmitting pins. |
| US08771018B2 |
Card edge connector
A card edge connector includes a housing having a mating end and a mounting end with a card edge slot configured to receive a circuit card therein. Signal contacts are held by the housing and have mating portions configured to be electrically coupled to corresponding signal pads of the circuit card and tail portions configured to be electrically coupled to a corresponding circuit board. Ground contacts are held by the housing and have tail portions configured to be electrically coupled to the circuit board, bifurcated portions extending from corresponding tail portion, first mating portions extending from corresponding bifurcated portions, and second mating portions extending from corresponding bifurcated portions. |
| US08771014B2 |
Connector housing with mat seal
A connector housing with a mat seal, includes a connector housing a mat seal. At an outer surface of a rear wall of the connector housing, a plurality of passages for a silicone gum forming material are provided outside an area where a plurality of terminal insertion holes are formed. On the outer surface of the rear wall and outside the passages, an annular rib is protruded and surrounds an area inside the annular rib. The mat seal is molded by using the area inside the annular rib as a reservoir space in which the silicone gum forming material overflowing from the seal forming cavity is retained, and using at least one of the passages as a passage for a gate through which the silicone gum forming material is injected into the seal forming cavity, and the other of the passages as passages for overflow. |
| US08771011B2 |
Broadband interface connection system
The present invention provides a universal broadband interface connection system, which increases the reliability of a drop system. The present invention provides a cable connection system including a nut assembly including a nut and a donut; a slug assembly including a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a ferrule; and a port assembly including a port and an insulative ring. |
| US08771010B2 |
Device connector and method of producing it
A terminal block includes a metal plate (30) with an opening (31) penetrating in a plate thickness direction of the plate material and to be attached and fixed to the motor case. A housing (50) made of synthetic resin is fixed to the metal plate (30). Conductive plates (10) are held in the housing (50) while penetrating through the opening (30). The housing (50) includes a flange (52) that covers an edge of the opening (31) while exposing an outer peripheral edge portion of the metal plate (30). The flange (52) includes a wire-side flange (52A) slidable relative to the upper surface of the metal plate (30), a device-side flange (52B) slidable relative to the lower surface of the metal plate (30) and a coupling (52C) arranged in the opening (31) and coupling the both flanges (52A, 52B). |
| US08771007B2 |
System for connecting electric conductors with potentials which differ from one another and plug-in adapter for the system
The present invention relates to a system for connecting electrical conductors to mutually different potentials, consisting of at least two electrical terminals (10) arranged alongside one another with plug receptacles (12) and at least two plug bridges (14) which have in each case at least two plug contacts (14.2) which are connected to one another via a top web (14.1) and can be plugged into the plug receptacles (12). In order to specify a system for connecting electrical conductors to mutually different potentials in which a high degree of flexibility of the electrical connections is made possible in conjunction with a reduced space requirement, it is proposed that the plug bridges (14) and the electrical terminals (10) are embodied in a manner coordinated with one another in such a way that one plug bridge (14) can be plugged into plug receptacles (12) of the same electrical terminal (10) and the other plug bridge (14) can be plugged crosswise with respect thereto into plug receptacles (12) of two electrical terminals (10) arranged indirectly or directly alongside one another. |
| US08771005B2 |
Electrical cord with wear ring
An electrical cord can include a cord segment with a receptacle. The receptacle can have a surface and apertures that accept a plug to form an electrical connection between the plug and wires of the electrical cord. A wear ring can be on the receptacle. The wear ring can be at least as large as the receptacle in a transverse cross-section. The wear ring can inhibit or prevent at least a portion of the surface from contacting a ground surface when the receptacle is on the ground surface or is dragged along the ground surface. |
| US08771002B2 |
Plug connector and connector assembly
A plug connector comprises a terminal module and a connecting module. The connecting module comprises a shelter having a bump arranged on an outer wall thereof, a fixing nut screwing on one end of the shelter, a socket holder having a ridge arranged on an inner wall thereof, and a spring. The terminal module is inserted into the shelter. The shelter is inserted into the socket holder, and the ridge is disposed between the bump and the fixing nut for enabling the socket holder to move relative to the shelter. The shelter, the fixing nut, and the socket holder define an accommodating space. The spring is arranged in the accommodating space, wherein two opposite ends of the spring are respectively abutted on the ridge and the fixing nut for providing an elastic force. |
| US08771000B2 |
Electrical connectors and methods of manufacturing and using same
An electrical connector forms electrical contact by tightening of a movable, electrically-conductive spiral around un-insulated wire or wires. The spiral coils around the wire multiple times and tightens on the wire(s) when either one or the other end, or both ends, of the spiral is/are rotated relative to the other. Various housing portions may be provided for connection to different portions of the spiral, to facilitate the tightening of the spiral and to cooperate with a latch/lock system to retain the spiral in tightened condition. Multiple spirals may be provided in one connector, including spirals that tighten around separate wires at opposite ends/side of the connector and/or in spiral ports extending transversely from a main spiral(s). Terminal ends or additional spiral units/ports may be connected to a given spiral, either permanently, semi-permanently, or detachably, for producing a wide variety of configurations and modular connection devices. |
| US08770993B2 |
Connector assembly with polarity correction/protection
A connector assembly for installing a device to a ceiling grid, the ceiling grid having conductors provided therein. The connector assembly includes a housing with contact arms mounted in the housing. Contact portions of the contact arms extend from the housing and are placed in electrical engagement with the conductors when the connector assembly is mated with the ceiling grid. Mounting members extend from the housing. Mounting sections of the mounting members are placed in mechanical engagement with the ceiling grid to provide a mechanical connection between the ceiling grid and the connector assembly. A polarity protection/correction member is provided in the housing. The polarity protection/correction member protects the device from failure or damage when the polarity orientation of the device does not match the polarity orientation of the conductors of the grid. |
| US08770992B2 |
Leakage current detection interrupter plug having detachable connect terminals
An electric plug includes an end block and a power cord. The end block includes a plurality of first connectors and the power cord includes a plurality of second connectors which correspond to the first connectors and detachably connected thereto. The first connectors and second connectors are electrically conductive. One or more first connectors are connected to the second connectors by press-fitting and are retained therewith by friction. Alternatively, the first connectors may be a terminal screw assembly and the second connectors are wires of the power cord. |
| US08770989B2 |
Electronic control device
An electronic control device has a circuit board to which, at one side thereof, a connector is fixed; a housing having a pair of connector sandwiching members that sandwich the connector, a part of the connector being exposed to an outside of the housing and a remaining part of the connector and the circuit board being housed in a watertight space of the housing, and one of the connector sandwiching members being set to be higher in rigidity than the other; a seal portion filled with a sealant; and a shift suppression unit having a protruding portion formed at one side of the higher-rigidity connector sandwiching member and the connector and a hollow portion formed at the other side The shift suppression unit suppresses a shift of the connector with respect to the housing by fitting of the protruding portion and the hollow portion together. |
| US08770985B2 |
Heimlich or abdominal thrust maneuver teaching aid for choking relief or rescue
An apparatus for teaching proper technique for the Heimlich or Abdominal Thrust maneuver. When the Heimlich or Abdominal Thrust maneuver is applied to the apparatus by a user, an indicator is provided to show the user whether proper technique was used. The apparatus can take the form of a wearable garment or a form, either of which may mimic the shape of a person. The apparatus is scalable, and may be made to mimic the shapes of persons of various sizes, including infants and animals, if desired. Indicators can be included to measure the effectiveness of other techniques often used in conjunction with the Heimlich or Abdominal Thrust maneuver. |
| US08770983B2 |
Method and program product for weighing food items
A method and program product comprises the steps of receiving information comprising at least a user's physical data. The information being input using a user interface device and being stored electronically. A user's plate of food items placed on a scale support structure is identified. The plate comprises a plurality of compartments, each of the compartments being configured to retain a food item. Weight information is received from a plurality of weighing devices. Each of the weighing devices is operable to electronically communicate a weight of one of the compartments and its contents. The weight information is processed to at least determine weight and nutritional information for the food items. At least the determined weight and nutritional information for the food item in each compartment and a total weight and nutritional information for the food items in the plate is communicated. |
| US08770982B2 |
System and method that provide a self-contained demonstration
A self-contained demonstration that demonstrates the functionality of an application module. More specifically, the functionality of the application module with respect to information within an external information source that is located remotely from the application module may be demonstrated. In some instances, the components of a system providing the self-contained demonstration may be installed and executed on a single device, while the external information source would be located remotely and externally from the single device. In order to demonstrate the functionality of the application module, the self-contained demonstration may enable the application module to interact with a local information source in substantially the same manner as the application module would interact with an external information source. The local information source may be installed locally on the single device, and may be a scaled-down version of an external information source. |
| US08770981B2 |
Actuation mechanism for braille displays
According to the present invention, there is provided an improved refreshable tactile display apparatus including a housing, bias compression springs, sliding blocks, pins, and a shape memory alloy wire. The sliding block is actuated by the interaction between the bias compression spring and the shape memory alloy wire. The shape memory alloy wire is then activated by current driven from a power supply in either a modulated or unmodulated fashion. |
| US08770980B2 |
System, method and apparatus for adaptive driver training
An application for an adaptive training system includes a computer interfaced to one or more graphics displays, one of more input/output devices and having access to a plurality of training segments. The input/output devices are in communication with a trainee. Software of the computer selects a first segment of the training segments and operates on the current segment by presenting the current segment on the graphics displays and input/output devices, thereby simulating an operation of the target vehicle. The software collects data from the one or more input/output devices and analyzes the data to determine a level of competency of the trainee. The software adaptively determines one or more next segments from the training segments based upon the level of competency. |
| US08770977B2 |
Instructor-lead training environment and interfaces therewith
An infantry training simulation system comprising at least one firing lane, with at least one display arranged substantially near the end of the firing lane. A trainee experiencing the simulation can carry at least one physical or virtual weapon, which is typically similar to a traditional infantry weapon. To facilitate navigation and other interaction with the simulation, the weapon is preferably outfitted with at least one controller. At least one computer is communicatively coupled to the display and the weapon. The computer can monitor input from the at least one controller, and modifies the training simulation displayed on the display based on the input. |
| US08770972B2 |
Method for placing and manufacturing a dental superstructure, method for placing implants and accessories used thereby
Method for placing and manufacturing a dental superstructure, method for placing implants, and accessories used in these methods. |
| US08770971B2 |
Mobile surgical dental chair and method of manufacture
According to one embodiment, a mobile surgical dental chair includes an adjustable backrest, an adjustable headrest, a plurality of locking wheels configured to provide mobility to the mobile surgical dental chair, dental tools integrated with and coupled to the mobile surgical dental chair, and connect hook-ups configured to connect the dental tools to one or more supply sources. The dental tools may include an air/water syringe, suction tube, and a rotary hand piece. |
| US08770960B2 |
Moving head dough press
A reciprocating press is configured to press articles while moving in synchronicity with a conveyor belt carrying the articles. The press is driven through a rack and pinion system. The press can be used for pressing any type of article, including, but without limitation, pieces of dough for forming tortillas. |
| US08770953B2 |
Motor driven fluid pump
Disclosed is a motor driven fluid pump (e.g., water pump) including a pump body having a motor chamber and a pump chamber; a bearing supporting a rotary shaft of a motor which extends from motor chamber to pump chamber in pump body; a mechanical seal disposed between rotary shaft of the motor and pump body and blocking motor chamber from pump chamber; a bearing guide integrally fixed to rotary shaft of the motor between bearing and mechanical seal; a fluidproof plate fixed to pump body to overlap bearing guide, perpendicular to rotary shaft of the motor; and a leachate exhaust aperture and a vapor exhaust aperture which are formed through pump body to communicate with the space between fluidproof plate and mechanical seal. |
| US08770947B2 |
Pumping device
A pumping device for pumping a liquid to a higher level comprises a pump having an inlet and an outlet, an inlet tube being located upstream of the inlet for guiding the fluid to the inlet, a siphon being located downstream of the outlet and an outlet tube being located downstream of the siphon for guiding the liquid from the outlet to the outlet tube via the siphon. The outlet tube extends at least beyond a front side of the pump as seen from the pump. With respect to the outlet tube the siphon extends at least partly at the opposite side of the front side. |
| US08770946B2 |
Accessory for a fan
An external accessory for a portable fan including a base having an air inlet located in a side wall of the base, and an air outlet detachably connectable to the base, the accessory including a high energy particle arrester filter and connectors for detachably connecting the accessory to the fan so that the filter is located upstream from the air inlet of the fan. |
| US08770944B2 |
Turbine airfoil component and method for making
A component such as a turbine bucket or blade, and method for making the component, are presented. One embodiment is an article that comprises an airfoil casting portion comprising a plurality of integral regions, wherein the plurality of integral regions comprises a single-crystalline region and a columnar-grained region. Another embodiment is a method for fabricating an article. The method comprises providing a quantity of molten metal; providing a mold defining an airfoil portion having an axial direction and a transverse direction, wherein the airfoil portion of the mold comprises a single-crystal growth region and a columnar growth region disposed along the transverse direction from the single crystal growth region; introducing the molten metal into the mold; and solidifying the metal such that a solidification front progresses in the axial direction to produce an airfoil casting portion comprising a single-crystalline region and a columnar-grained region. |
| US08770943B2 |
Axial flow fan
An axial flow fan includes a blade having a curved portion formed in the vicinity of a radially outer end portion positioned opposite to the base portion in the radial direction of the peripheral wall portion of the hub. The curved portion is convex in the rotation direction, concave in the direction opposite to the rotation direction, and extends along the radially outer end portion of the blade. The curved portion extends from a rear end edge of the blade, positioned on a side where one end of the base portion of the blade is positioned, and extends in the radial direction of the hub to the vicinity of a front end edge of the blade, positioned on a side where the other end of the base portion of the blade is positioned and extending in the radial direction. |
| US08770941B2 |
Blade orientation of an impeller or propeller
Efficient impeller or propeller wherein at least one blade in a set of blades on a hub of said impeller is oriented with respect to the tilted plane rotated clockwise or counter clockwise in an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said impeller. At least one blade in a set of blades of the multi-set impeller may have the same or different sizes or the same or different tilted plane angle compared to at least one blade of the adjacent set or the blade of one set may have the same or different angle as viewed from the second end of the impeller from a reference plane along the longitudinal axis of the impeller compared to the angle of at least one blade of the adjacent set. The invention also includes: blade arrangement for multi-set impeller, inner hub length variations, and hub shapes for better efficiency and utility. |
| US08770938B2 |
Rotor for an axial-throughflow turbomachine and moving blade for such a rotor
A rotor is provided for an axial-throughflow turbo machine, which carries a plurality of moving blades which are each pushed with a blade root into a rotor groove extending about the axis and are held. The blade root includes a hammer root with a hammerhead and is supported on radial stop faces of the rotor groove which lie further outward in the radial direction, against centrifugal forces acting on the moving blades, and are supported on axial stop faces lying further inward in the radial direction, against axial forces which act on the moving blade. The rotor groove has at its bottom, to reduce thermal stresses, an axially and radially widened bottom region with a continuously curved cross-sectional contour. In such a rotor, an advantageous adaptation of the blading is achieved by the blade root of the moving blades being adapted to the widened bottom region in the radial direction. |
| US08770935B2 |
Propeller arrangement
A propeller arrangement has a first propeller assembly providing a row of first propellers, and a second propeller assembly, rearward of the first propeller assembly, providing a row of second propellers. The first and second propellers are radially extendable and retractable. The propeller arrangement further has a control system for controlling the extension and retraction of the first and second propellers. The control system is arranged such that when the propellers of one of the first and second propeller assemblies extend, the propellers of the other of the first and second assemblies retract. |
| US08770928B2 |
Air cycle machine seal plate and seal land
An air cycle machine includes turbine and compressor housings respectively having a turbine and a compressor. An insulator seal plate is fastened between the turbine and compressor housings. The insulator seal plate includes a bore. A seal has an outer diameter that engages the bore. The seal also includes an inner diameter provided between lateral sides defining a first width. The inner diameter provides a seal and configured to engage a rotating surface. The outer diameter to the inner diameter provides a first ratio of 1.30-1.31. The inner diameter to the first width provides a second ratio of 1.59-1.61. A rotor shaft is disposed in the seal and includes knife edges extending from the rotor shaft to the seal land. The rotor shaft supports the turbine and the compressor. |
| US08770917B2 |
Wind power generation system with turbofans
A wind power generation system with turbofans includes an air supply system, a composite structure with a turbofan, several generator components, a control device, and an air passage well. The air supply system is configured to rise the wind which enters into the wind power generation system, and further wind which is raised drives the composite structure with a turbofan to rotate; an operating gear ring connected to the composite structure with the turbofan rotates with it, and then the rotating turbofan drives a small gear in a generator component which engages with the operating gear ring to rotate with high speed. The generator begins to generate electricity when a required rotary speed of an electric generating set is achieved. |
| US08770916B1 |
Hydroelectric power generation system
Provide a hydroelectric power generation system that can increase generation efficiency by keeping the rotational resistance of the runner low, while preventing water contamination at the same time.The hydroelectric power generation system has: a first water storage tank 20 with a high-pressure water injection port 21 on the bottom face; a runner 40 which is stored in a condition of floating in the first water storage tank; and multiple transmission members 50 that contact the outer periphery surface of the runner and transmit the rotational force of the runner to the principal axis of rotation 61 in the generator unit 60. The runner has: a casing 41 of a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and having an opening 41b at the center of the bottom face; an introduction pipe 42 that rises upward from the opening to introduce into the casing high-pressure water injected from the injection port; first guide pipes 43 that extend radially from around the introduction pipe to the inner side face of the casing; and first injection nozzles 44 provided at the tips of the first guide pipes; wherein the reactive force of the high-pressure water injected from the first injection nozzles is utilized to turn the runner. Use of no bearing eliminates the problem of lower rotational efficiency of the runner due to generation of frictional resistance at the bearing, and the problem of lubricating oil leaking out of the system. |
| US08770915B2 |
Hydraulic power generation motor
A hydraulic power generation motor includes a tubular body (4) including a pair of coupling flanges (12) formed at opposite ends thereof and an impeller housing (8) formed in an intermediate portion thereof, the coupling flanges (12) being connectable to fluid conduits (10) through which fluid flows. An impeller (38) is rotatably installed within the impeller housing (8) of the tubular body (4), the impeller (38) being designed to be rotated by the fluid and operatively connected to a generator (40) for generating an electric power. |
| US08770910B1 |
Stacker for beams
An automatic stacker with a hydraulically operated pivoting fork assembly for receiving beams from a continuously moving production line using a fork assembly, a drive assembly that operates automatically, a pair of moving bidirectional members in strands using various sensors and a control assembly with computer instructions that can engage a remote control and other live decks and roll cases, to allow automatic stacking of beams into tiers and into bundles, including stacking from a remote location while allowing monitoring and management of multiple stackers from a remote location. |
| US08770906B2 |
Substrate support apparatus and substrate transport apparatus having shock absorption
A substrate support apparatus has a substrate holding portion to be inserted into a center hole formed in a substrate to support the substrate in a vertical orientation, and includes a first connecting plate connected to the substrate holding portion and a second connecting plate which faces the first connecting plate and is connectable to a transport robot that transports the substrate to a substrate holder. In addition, a shock absorbing member is arranged between the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate so as to allow a movement of the first connecting plate relative to the second connecting plate in horizontal and vertical directions. Support members are configured to connect the first connecting plate to the second connecting plate while allowing the movement of the first connecting plate relative to the second connecting plate. |
| US08770902B1 |
Precision locating fastening system
A locator assembly and associated fastening assembly are described herein. The locator assembly may include a post locator and a receiver locator that combine to provide precision locating and attachment functions. |
| US08770901B2 |
Spindle control system for a milling machine
A spindle control system for a milling machine is provided. The milling machine includes a column, an overarm, a spindle for mounting a cutter, a first motor mounted on the column for driving movement of the overarm, and a second motor mounted on the overarm for driving rotation of the spindle. The spindle control system includes a distance sensor and a temperature sensor, each to be mounted on the overarm and to be disposed proximate to the end portion of the spindle. The spindle control system further includes a central control unit for determining a compensation parameter based on the displacement sensed by the distance sensor and the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor, and for controlling movement of the overarm by the first motor through a compensation distance based on the compensation parameter to compensate for at least one of the cutter deformation and the spindle deformation. |
| US08770899B2 |
Counterbalanced boring tool with clamping device
The invention concerns a boring tool comprising a main tool body and a tool holder which is adjustable relative thereto, as well as a counterweight coupled to the tool holder in such a way that upon a movement of the tool holder in one direction a movement of the counterweight occurs substantially in the opposite direction, wherein both the tool holder and also the counterweight are respectively arranged at least in part in a bore in the main tool body. To provide a boring tool of the above-mentioned kind which is suitable in particular for high rotary speeds, which is advantageous in terms of manufacture and which in addition provides a reliable precise balancing function, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the main tool body has a clamping device, by means of which the main tool body can be elastically deformed so that both the tool holder and also the counterweight are respectively clamped in the bore. |
| US08770898B2 |
Tail piece for an extendable drill bit assembly having a reduced head
An assembly includes a quick-release head, a tail piece and a flexible metal rod. The tail piece includes a shaft and a male coupler formed of a head, body, and flute. At least a portion of the male coupler head has a reduced outer dimension relative to an outer dimension of the body. When the male coupler is mounted in a second quick-release head or drill, a clearance space is provided between the reduced outer dimension portion and the second quick-release head or drill. During use, the assembly may undergo bending which results in significant forces applied in particular to the male coupler head. By providing the clearance space, these forces are predominantly shifted to the male coupler body, thereby reducing the likelihood that the male coupler head will shear from the remainder of the male coupler. |
| US08770897B2 |
Coring tool alignment assembly
A compact assembly for aligning a coring tool relative to a pipe sidewall. The coring tool includes a hollow, cylindrical hole saw mounted to an arbor that has an elongated pilot shaft centered in the hole saw. The assembly is made up of a base plate that is attachable to the pipe sidewall. In one embodiment, a tubular sleeve is mounted to the base plate and has a bore diameter sized for receiving the pilot shaft as the hole saw is advanced toward and saws through the pipe wall, and the entire assembly is sized to fit inside the hole saw as the hole saw saws through the pipe sidewall. In another embodiment, the base plate is configured for use with pipe sidewalls that include outwardly protruding ribs. |
| US08770895B2 |
Cutting insert, cutting tool, and method of cutting workpiece using them
A cutting insert having excellent chip discharge performance is provided. In the cutting insert of the present invention, a bottom surface of a concave groove 21 includes a first bottom surface 211 continuous with a cutting edge part 5, and a second bottom surface 212 which is located on a side further remote from the cutting edge part 5 than the first bottom surface 211, and is located at a lower position than a virtual extension line L1 of an end portion of the first bottom surface 211 on a side remote from the cutting edge part 5. Further, a pair of inclined surfaces 23 are located on a side further remote from the cutting edge part 5 than the end portion of the first bottom surface 211 on the side remote from the cutting edge part 5 in a top view. Therefore, the diameter of generated chips decreases by the fact that the chips are curled while sinking in space formed at a lower position than the virtual extension line L1 of the first bottom surface 211. Consequently, the chip discharge direction is stabilized, thus achieving satisfactory chip discharge performance. |
| US08770893B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for recovery of artifacts and eradication of invasive species in aquatic environments
An apparatus, system and method for recovery of artifacts and eradication of invasive species in aquatic environments. The structure may comprise an elongate flexible bladder blanket divider having first and second ends. The structure may have an open bore vertical support operably coupled to the first and second ends. Each end extends into the open bore vertical support and rests on at least one apron bladder of an apron bladder bundle. The at least one apron bladder is contained in the open bore vertical support and at least one apron bladder is between the end of the vertical support and the bottom of the body of water. A method of using the apparatus, comprising providing an apparatus having variable volume first and second compartments separated by a flexible bladder blanket divider; and introducing agents through openings in the bladder to control the growth of or kill the invasive organisms. |
| US08770890B2 |
Module and assembly for managing the flow of water
Modules for use in an assembly for managing the flow of water beneath a ground surface and assemblies of such modules are disclosed. The modules include supports and a deck portion and the supports are spaced apart and form channels with a main section of the deck portion. The deck portion also includes at least one section extending from a main section. |
| US08770885B2 |
Wedge clamp
A wedge clamp providing for a positive attachment to structural angles, I-beams, H-beams, T-bars, plates, boards, conventional angles, bulb angles, channels, plates and other similar structural shapes comprises a clamp wedge and body that capture objects with two opposing surfaces securing the objects against each other using a fastener or other means to engage both parts of the clamp to pull the wedge through the body and causing the objects being attached together to be squeezed together. The wedge clamp is also used to support other members using a bolt or threaded rod attached to the wedge clamp which in this case normally attaches to a single flange of the structure. |
| US08770883B1 |
Pivot connector for modular platform assemblies
A modular platform assembly includes a plurality of pivot connectors. Each pivot connector having a first connecting part that includes a first mounting member and a first engaging portion. Each pivot connector having a second connecting part that includes a second mounting member and a second engaging portion for pivoting engagement with the first engaging portion of the first connecting part. The first connecting part and the second connecting part cooperate to define a bore that extends through the first connecting part and the second connecting part of each pivot connector along a pivot axis of each pivot connector. A support rod extends through the bore of each pivot connector from the plurality of pivot connectors. |
| US08770879B2 |
Recording apparatus having conveying belt and sensor detecting position of conveying belt
A recording section is configured to record an image on a recording medium. An endless conveying belt has a surface disposed in confrontation with the recording section and is configured to move in a conveying direction with the recording medium supported by the surface, thereby conveying the recording medium in the conveying direction. A measuring section has a detecting region and configured to measure a position of the conveying belt with respect to a perpendicular direction that is perpendicular to the conveying direction. The measuring section includes an optical sensor that is configured to detect the position of the conveying belt with respect to the perpendicular direction. A sensor moving section is configured to move the sensor based on a measurement result of the measuring section, such that the conveying belt is detected in the detecting region. |
| US08770877B2 |
Tape printer
A tape printer includes a tape cassette, a cassette housing portion, a feeding device, a printing device, a table storage device, detecting switches, and a tape type identifying device. The tape cassette includes a housing, a tape mounted within the housing, a tape guide, and an indicator of the tape type formed in the front wall of the housing and includes at least one aperture. The detecting switches protrude toward the front wall of the housing, and a part of the detecting switches that opposes a surface portion other than the at least one aperture in the indicator is pressed to thereby detect information indicating a pressing or non-pressing state of each of the detecting switches as identification information. The tape type identifying device identifies, with reference to a tape type table, the tape type associated with the detected identification as the tape type of the tape. |
| US08770875B2 |
Recording apparatus
There is provided a recording apparatus including: a recording head having recording elements arranged in a first direction; a first transporting mechanism having a first supply roller and a first discharge roller to transport the first recording medium; a second transporting mechanism arranged between the first supply and discharge rollers in the first direction to transport the second recording medium, the second transporting mechanism holding an overlap portion, of the second recording medium, overlapping in the first direction with a portion of a recording range in which the recording elements of the recording head are arranged; and a controller controlling the recording head to perform recording on the second recording medium by using only a part of the recording elements which are located to overlap with the overlap area of the second recording medium. |
| US08770870B2 |
Printer with ribbon marker detection control
A printer performs printing by transferring ink of an ink ribbon on which a plurality of color inks is sequentially arranged to paper, and the printer includes a paper conveyance unit configured to convey paper, an ink ribbon conveyance unit configured to be driven by the same drive source as that of the paper conveyance unit and convey the ink ribbon only in a printing direction, and a detection unit configured to detect a marker for detecting the top of color inks provided on the ink ribbon, wherein a marker of a specific color ink of the ink ribbon includes marker pieces, the number of which is greater than that of the other markers. |
| US08770863B2 |
Multi-fiber fiber-optic connector with switchable polarity key
A multi-fiber fiber optic connector is configured to include a switchable polarity key that can be used to define first and second polarity configurations for the connector. The connector has a multi-fiber ferrule surrounded by an inner housing. The inner housing has top and bottom recesses sized to accommodate the polarity key. The polarity key is removably secured in either a top or bottom recess using a latching feature. The polarity of the connector can be switched by moving the polarity key from one position in the connector to the other rather than having to disassemble the connector. |
| US08770860B2 |
Tightly sealed connection assembly with pivoting valves
A connector assembly includes: a plug (10) including a body (11), an insert (12) and contacts (13) housed longitudinally in the insert, and a front face closed off by a first closure valve (15) positioned radially on the plug, a socket (20) including a body (21), a spacer (27), an insert (22) and contacts (23) housed longitudinally in the insert, and a front face closed off by a second closure valve (25) positioned radially on the socket, the body (11) of the plug being capable of getting inserted into the body (21) of the socket during a coupling, providing for a connection of the contacts (13) of the plug with the contacts of the socket, the first and second closure valves being capable of pivoting simultaneously and getting housed inside the plug and the socket during the coupling of the plug and the socket. |
| US08770857B2 |
Magnetic connector with optical signal path
Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle. |
| US08770852B2 |
Wheel bearing device
A wheel bearing device includes an inner shaft and an inner ring member fitted onto an outer periphery of an axially-inner end portion of the inner shaft. A shaft portion coupled to the inner shaft so as to be rotatable together with the inner shaft is inserted in a center hole of the inner shaft. Spline grooves spline-fitted to spline teeth formed on an outer periphery of the shaft portion are formed in an inner periphery of the inner shaft, which defines the center hole. An annular clearance that suppresses reduction in a diameter of the inner shaft due to fitting of the inner ring member onto the inner shaft is formed between the inner ring member and the axially-inner end portion of the inner shaft, within a range where an axial range in which the spline teeth are formed overlaps with an axial range of the inner ring member. |
| US08770851B2 |
Wheel rolling bearing apparatus
To provide a wheel rolling bearing apparatus which can reinforce a proximal end portion of a first flange portion of an outer race member effectively. A first flange portion (21) is provided on an upper portion side of an outer circumference of an outer race member (11). A first reinforcement portion (26) is provided which connects a proximal end portion (21b) of the first flange portion (21) with the outer circumferential surface (11c) of the outer race member (11). The first flange portion (21) is reinforced by the first reinforcement portion (26) by connecting the proximal end portion of the first flange portion (21) with the outer circumferential surface (11c) by a convexly curved surface. |
| US08770848B2 |
Axle bearing system
An axle bearing system includes a bearing portion which includes an inner ring, an outer ring and a plurality of rolling elements which are interposed between the inner ring and the outer ring and which is installed on a hub shaft with seal portions which are each formed by a slinger, a core metal and a non-conductive seal provided therebetween mounted in annular opening portions formed between the inner ring and the outer ring. A conductive body is attached to the seal portion so as to provide an electrical conducting state between the outer ring and the inner ring. |
| US08770840B2 |
Airbag structure with inner shade cover and manufacturing method thereof
In an airbag structure with an inner shade cover and a manufacturing method of the airbag, a first plastic plate and a second plastic plate are stacked in parallel with each other, and the first plastic plate is formed by a plurality of air-column plates, and the air-column plate includes a plurality of nodes, and the second plastic plate is stained with a dark dye for sheltering an external light, and then both ends of the first and second plastic plates are hot sealed, and then the first and second plastic plates are folded simultaneously along the nodes, so that the first plastic plate forms a bag, and the second plastic plate is covered onto an inner side of the bag, so that the second plastic plate forms a plastic inner cover. |
| US08770839B2 |
Diagnostic imaging apparatus with airflow cooling system
A diagnostic imaging system, which can be a mobile or stationary surgical CT imaging system or an MRI system, comprises an internal airflow cooling system that includes an air intake opening and an air outtake opening that are positioned near the ground and direct air flow away from the sterile surgical field. |
| US08770837B2 |
Fatigue resistant thermowell and methods
Methods and thermowell systems that can be uses in high dynamic pressure environments. A thermocouple system includes a thermowell configured to enter a structure through which a medium flows; an elongated probe provided partially inside the thermowell and configured to measure a temperature; at least one o-ring disposed around the elongated probe at a first end, the o-ring being configured to dampen a vibration for the elongated probe by contacting the thermowell; and an elastomer disposed around the elongated probe section at a second end, the elastomer being configured to dampen the vibration for the elongated probe by contacting the thermowell. |
| US08770835B2 |
Apparatus and methods for estimating a characteristic of a fluid downhole using thermal properties of the fluid
The disclosure provides a system, tools and methods for estimating a property or characteristic of a fluid downhole. In one aspect, the method may include: heating the fluid at a selected or first location during a first time phase, taking temperature measurements of the fluid substantially at the selected location during a second time phase, and estimating the property of the downhole fluid using temperature measurements. Temperature measurements may also be taken at a location spaced apart from the first location and used to estimate the property of the fluid. The tool may include a device that heats the fluid during a first time phase and takes temperature measurements of the fluid during a second time phase. A processor uses the temperature measurements and a model to estimate a property of interest of the fluid. |
| US08770833B2 |
Removable acoustic radiating membrane for a musical watch or striking watch and watch including the same
The musical or striking watch includes a watch case, which is formed of a middle part and a back cover, provided with side apertures and removably secured in a sealed manner to the middle part. A crystal closes the case in a sealed manner. A timepiece movement is held inside the watch case and provided with a striking mechanism that can be actuated at determined times to produce notes or music. The watch further includes at least one removable acoustic radiating membrane, which is arranged in the watch case. The removable membrane includes, in a central position, a retaining member. This retaining member is arranged with play in a housing in an inner stop member of the back cover. Owing to the cooperation between the retaining member and the stop member, the bending of the membrane is limited following excess pressure or vacuum pressure according to environmental conditions. |
| US08770832B1 |
Flip watch bezel
A watch with an adjustable bezel is disclosed and claimed. The adjustable bezel is an assembly including a lower bezel plate that attaches to the watch face and an upper bezel plate that is adjustable attached to the lower bezel plate. The upper bezel plate is connected to the lower bezel plate such that it is moveable to be positioned atop either half of the lower bezel plate. The exposed surfaces of the upper and lower bezel plates contain indicia that cooperate to form a complete set that extends around the perimeter of the watch. By moving the upper bezel plate to the opposite side of the lower bezel plate, different surfaces of the bezel plates are exposed. These different surfaces contain a second set of cooperating indicia that is different from the first set. Thus, the present invention allows the user to easily adjust the multiple viewable indicia on the watch. |
| US08770831B1 |
Coupling pin connection for securing a watchband to a watchcase
A coupling pin connection for releasably attaching a watchband to a watchcase. The watchband includes an end connector that defines an aperture for interfitting engagement with a lug member projecting from the watchcase. The lug member defines a groove in communication with a recessed section formed in the watchcase. The end connector includes bore extending through shoulder portions on opposite sides of the aperture. A coupling pin member is selectively insertable through registered alignment of the bore and the groove. The coupling pin member further includes a spline. The spline is adapted for engagement within the recessed section when the coupling pin member is rotatable about its longitudinal axis to provide positive securement of the watchband to the watchcase. |
| US08770823B2 |
Silicon-based cooling package for light-emitting devices
Various embodiments of a thermal energy transfer apparatus that removes thermal energy from a light-emitting device are described. In one aspect, an apparatus comprises a silicon-based base plate and a silicon-based cover element disposed on the base plate. The base plate includes a recess to receive a light-emitting device therein. The base plate is coated with a first electrically-conductive pattern that forms a first electrode. The base plate is further coated with a second electrically-conductive pattern that is electrically isolated from the first electrically-conductive pattern. The cover element holds the light-emitting device between the base plate and the cover element with at least a portion of a light-emitting surface of the light-emitting device exposed. The cover element is coated with a third electrically-conductive pattern that is in contact with the second electrically-conductive pattern to form a second electrode when the cover element is disposed on the base plate. |
| US08770820B2 |
Backlight assembly and display apparatus having the same
A display apparatus includes a light guide plate guiding a light, a light source arranged in a side portion of the light guide plate to generate the light, a display panel receiving the light from the light guide plate to display an image, a frame including a sidewall and a support part extended from the sidewall to support the display panel, and an optical member arranged between the light guide plate and the display panel to control a path of the light exiting from the light guide plate. The optical member includes a first side portion and a second side portion, a side surface of the first side portion faces a side surface of the support part, and the second side portion is positioned between the support part and the light guide plate. |
| US08770819B2 |
Surface light-emitting device and display device
A surface light-emitting device (1) of the present invention includes: first light sources (2a) emitting light in one direction, a second light source (2b) emitting light in a direction orthogonal to the direction, a first light guide plate (3), and a second light guide plate (4). The plate (3) has a light-incident end surface (6) on which light emitted from the light sources (2a) is incident, at least one light-incident end surface (8) on which light emitted from the light source (2b) is incident, and a light-emitting end surface (7) which is opposite to the surface (6) and from which light entering the plate (3) is emitted. The plate (4) includes a counter end surface (9) opposite to surface (7), and carries out, from its main surface, surface-emitting of light entering the plate (4) via the surface (9). |
| US08770809B2 |
Safety light for trailers
Trailer illumination device 10 for illuminating a rear wheel assembly 4 of a trailer 2 has a housing structure 16, a plurality of lamps 12 and a circuit means 30. The housing structure 16 is for attachment to a side or bottom of the trailer 2 and has a channel 11 formed by one or more sides of the housing structure 16. When attached to a trailer 2, the device 10 extends from in front of the wheel assembly 4 to past the wheel assembly 4. The circuit means 30 is connected electronically to the rear turn signal light wiring and energizes the lights 12 of the device 10 when the tail lights 3 are on and the turn signal or flasher is activated. |
| US08770808B1 |
Bicycle tail light
A bicycle tail light has a casing containing LEDs and a battery, as well as a universal mounting for engaging a bicycle luggage rack, a chain stay, a seat post or a rider's messenger bag, backpack or clothing. A swivel mounting is included for adjusting the light to an appropriate tilt angle, depending on the position of the bicycle component on which the light's base is mounted. The tail light projects light from both sides as well as to the rear, providing over 180° of visibility. A micro USB charging port for the battery is located at the outside of the light casing. |
| US08770805B2 |
Backlight module for liquid crystal display and liquid crystal display
The utility model discloses a backlight module for a liquid crystal display device and a liquid crystal display device. The backlight module comprises an LED and a backplane, wherein the backlight module also comprises a heatsink plate arranged on the outer of the backplane; and the LED is linked with the heatsink plate in the mode of heat conduction. The utility model, by arranging the LED on an extra heatsink plate which is arranged on the outer of the backplane, dissipates outward the heat emitted by the LED through the heatsink plate, lowers the temperature of the backlight cavity, and protects the optical components. At the same time, because the backplane is not directly used to dissipate heat, the gradient of temperature distribution on the backplane is reduced, thus, the gradient of temperature distribution in the backlight cavity is reduced and stress of the backlight cavity induced by the temperature gradient is also reduced. |
| US08770794B2 |
Lamp and use of a lamp
A luminous means (1) is specified, comprising a heat sink (2), which comprises a top surface (21) and a bottom surface (22), and also two sections (23), wherein the two sections (23) are arranged one above the other, and each of the sections (23) has a side surface (231) which runs transversely with respect to the top surface (21) and bottom surface (22) of the heat sink (2) and at which at least one light-emitting diode (3) is arranged. |
| US08770793B2 |
LED bulb
The present invention provides an LED bulb, which includes a light source portion including at least one LED chip); a housing including a bottom portion supporting the light source portion and a sidewall portion surrounding the light source portion, and opening at one side of a first direction; a base disposed on the other side of the first direction relative to the housing; and a light guide body disposed in a space surrounded by the sidewall portion, and including an incident surface facing the light source portion, a light-emitting surface for making the light from the incident surface emit toward the one side of the first direction, and a peripheral side surface located between the incident surface and the light-emitting surface, wherein the cross-sectional area of the peripheral side surface becomes increasingly larger from a side of the incident surface toward a side of the light-emitting surface. |
| US08770792B2 |
Variable configuration lighting apparatus
A lighting variable configuration apparatus comprises a plurality of ring-shaped bodies, arranged about a central axis and provided with respective plurality of lighting sources, in particular LEDs, and connected to one another by means of joints in such a way to be differently oriented with respect to one another; the bodies are connected to one another by means of pins made of electric conductive material which contact respective pairs of terminals arranged on adjacent bodies, so that the adjacent bodies are rotational with respect to one another by means of the pins and are electrically connected by means of the same pins. |
| US08770782B2 |
Illumination device capable of being controlled by blow
An illumination device capable of being controlled by blow includes a casing, a light emitting module, a driving circuit board and a blow sensing module. At least one air hole is formed on a periphery of the casing. The light emitting module is disposed on a top of the casing. The driving circuit board is disposed in the casing and electrically connected to the light emitting module. The blow sensing module is disposed in the casing, electrically connected to the driving circuit board and used for sensing blow through the at least one air hole. The driving circuit board controls the light emitting module to emit light in different brightness according to a number of blows sensed by the blow sensing module. |
| US08770778B2 |
Utility light kit for attachment to the top of a ladder
A utility light kit has one or more lights that can mount on a top platform of a ladder without requiring the user to use one hand for holding a light. The utility light kit is a portable, cordless, safe, battery-operated device that includes a tool utility tray for keeping tools or other objects conveniently located when working on a job where the ladder needs to be moved frequently. The light can be an LED panel having a plurality of lights that can be rotated to provide light in a desired area. When the utility light kit is closed, the utility tray is covered, preventing the contents from spilling out while moving the ladder. An attachment mechanism, such as clips or an attachment strap, can secure the utility light kit to the top platform of the ladder. |
| US08770777B2 |
Spark plug
A spark plug having excellent load life performance even when the spark plug receives an impact or vibration. The spark plug includes an accommodated portion of a metallic terminal, which is accommodated in an axial hole of an insulator, having a plurality of bent portions formed as a result of proper bending of the accommodated portion. The bent portions are in close vicinity to an inner circumferential surface of the insulator at three or more locations, and are present without localizing in the radial direction of the axial hole. |
| US08770773B2 |
Light source device and display device
A light source device capable of suppressing generation of color unevenness, and a display device using the same are provided. The light source device 1 is provided with a plurality of excitation light sources 11 which are arranged at prescribed intervals D on a substrate 10 and emit blue light, and a phosphor layer 12 which converts part of the blue light emitted from the excitation light sources into red light and green light and arranged at a distance from the excitation light sources 11 to oppose the substrate 10. Fluctuation of intensity of each color light due to nonuniform application of the phosphor layer is difficult to occur as compared with a configuration in the past where the phosphor layer is formed adjacent to each excitation light source. |
| US08770771B2 |
Smart light with power backup
The disclosed inventions comprise a device that may be mechanically and electrically associated with a typical lighting fixture found in a building or home, has low power consumption, provide a typical lighting when such lighting fixture is providing power to the device and comprises a battery backup to provide an emergency lighting feature when the power is out. The device may further be removed from the lighting fixture and used as a typical flashlight. The device may further be electrically and remotely associated with devices such as cell phones and systems such as alarm systems to provide emergency services. |
| US08770763B2 |
Projection display device which displays an image by projecting the image on a screen
A projection display device which displays an image by projecting the image on a screen includes a laser light source for emitting coherent light, a display device for forming an image to be displayed on a screen in an area illuminated by a luminous flux from the laser light source, a first diffusion plate for diffusing a luminous flux, and a second diffusion plate for diffusing a luminous flux. The first diffusion plate is provided in at least one of a conjugate position of the laser light source or the vicinity of the conjugate position in the optical path of the optical system including the laser light source through the screen. The second diffusion plate is provided in at least one of a conjugate position of the display device and the vicinity of the conjugate position. |
| US08770762B2 |
Projecting device with multiple mutual boosting light sources
The present invention relates to an illumination device comprising a number of light sources and a number light collecting means, where the light collecting means collect light generated by the first light sources and convert the light into a source light beam propagating primarily along a primary optical axis. At least one light modifier is positioned along the primary optical axis and reflect at least a part of the light. A first light source comprises a light converting material capable of converting light into longer wavelengths and a second light source generates light having at least one spectral component which can be converted by the converting material of the first light source. The first and said second light source are mutually positioned in relation to the primary optical axis such that at least a part of a the second source light beam hits the first light source after being reflected by said light modifier. |
| US08770761B2 |
Illumination unit, projection display unit, and direct view display unit
An illumination unit includes one or more light sources each including a solid-state light-emitting device configured to emit light from a light emission region including a single or a plurality of light-emitting spots. The solid-state light-emitting device includes a single chip or a plurality of chips each emitting a light beam. Three or more of the light-emitting spots are provided within the whole of one or more light sources, to allow the whole of one or more light sources to emit light beams in two or more wavelength bands different from one another, and the solid-state light emitting device in a first light source which is at least one of the one or more light sources, has a plurality of light-emitting spots which emit light in the same wavelength band. |
| US08770756B2 |
Ophthalmic apparatus
An ophthalmic apparatus in which a tilt angle of an operating rod corresponds to a position of an inspection unit adapted to inspect an eye to be examined, and a movable range of the inspection unit is wider than a tilt able range of the operating rod, the apparatus comprising: a detection unit adapted to detect the tilt angle of the operating rod by detecting an electrical signal generated by tilting the operating rod; a calculation unit adapted to calculate a position of the inspection unit which corresponds to the tilt angle; a moving unit adapted to move the inspection unit to a position calculated by the calculation unit; and a switching unit adapted to switch between interruption and resumption of calculation processing performed by the calculation unit. |
| US08770753B2 |
Scanning and processing using optical coherence tomography
In accordance with some embodiments, a method of eye examination includes acquiring OCT data with a scan pattern centered on an eye cornea that includes n radial scans repeated r times, c circular scans repeated r times, and n* raster scans where the scan pattern is repeated m times, where each scan includes a A-scans, and where n is an integer that is 0 or greater, r is an integer that is 1 or greater, c is an integer that is 0 or greater, n* is an integer that is 0 or greater, m is an integer that is 1 or greater, and a is an integer greater than 1, the values of n, r, c, n*, and m being chosen to provide OCT data for a target measurement, and processing the OCT data to obtain the target measurement. |
| US08770748B2 |
Procedure for designing a progressive ophthalmic lens and corresponding lens
Method for designing a progressive ophthalmic lens with a top area between a vision area and a top edge of the lens, and a bottom area between a near vision area and a bottom edge of the lens. Selecting a predesigned lens, lateral aberrations which are redistributed around an outer area, defined according to a frame chosen by the lens user, so that at least on one of intersections between top, bottom and outer areas, the aberrations adopt values higher than those in the predesigned lens. |
| US08770743B2 |
Eyewear
Eyewear comprising a frame and a liquid storage portion that is disposed within the frame and that includes a cavity for storing liquid. The liquid storage portion includes a gas passing section that allows gas to pass therethrough from the cavity to an inside surface of the frame, which is a surface facing a head of a wearer when the frame is worn on the head, but does not allow liquid to pass therethrough from the cavity to the inside surface of the frame. The liquid storage portion may be disposed such that an outer surface of the liquid storage portion is further inside the frame than an outer surface of the frame. |
| US08770742B2 |
Eyewear with radiation detection system
Eyewear having radiation monitoring capability is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their exposure to radiation. |
| US08770741B2 |
Image viewing glasses
A glasses-type shutter holder may include left and right temple parts connected respectively to left and right frame end parts of frame. The left and right temple parts may be foldable respectively with respect to the left and right frame end parts in accordance with movement, for each frame end part and temple part pair, of a contact position at which a movement part provided with one of the temple part and the frame end part of the pair is in contact with a contact part of the other of the temple part and the frame end part of the pair. For each of the pairs, the contact part is in contact with the movement part when the temple part is unfolded to a maximum degree, and a maximum degree of opening of the temple part is varied in accordance with the movement of the movable part. |
| US08770738B2 |
Acoustic drying system with matched exhaust flow
An inkjet printing system, comprising: one or more inkjet printheads for printing drops of ink onto a receiver medium, and an acoustic air impingement drying system positioned in proximity to at least one of the inkjet printheads. The acoustic air impingement drying system includes: an airflow source providing a supply flow rate; an acoustic resonant chamber having an inlet slot that receives air from the airflow source and an outlet slot that directs air onto the receiver medium; an exhaust air channel for removing the air directed onto the receiver medium by the acoustic resonant chamber; a blower for pulling air through the exhaust air channel at an exhaust flow rate; and a blower controller that controls the supply flow rate and the exhaust flow rate, wherein the exhaust flow rate is controlled to match the supply flow rate to within 1%, or to exceed the supply flow rate. |
| US08770735B2 |
Inkjet recording ink and ink cartridge
An inkjet recording ink including a pigment dispersion liquid containing at least a first carbon black and a dispersant, a second carbon black, a penetrant, a wetting agent and water, wherein the first carbon black has an average particle diameter D50 of 70 nm to 180 nm as measured by a dynamic light scattering method and has a particle diameter standard deviation equal to or smaller than ½ of the average particle diameter, wherein the dispersant is a condensate of naphthalene sulfonic acid and formalin, wherein the second carbon black is carbon black coated with a resin, and wherein the penetrant is a 2-ethyl-1,3-hexandiol. |
| US08770733B2 |
Water-based inkjet ink, method for producing inkjet printed product using the same, and method for producing water-based inkjet ink
Disclosed is an inkjet ink which provides a high-quality image in that whitening of the recorded image film is inhibited, durability of the image is good, and there is no banding, and the like; inkjet injection stability and ink shelf life are excellent; and head maintenance returnability is excellent. Also disclosed are a method for producing an inkjet printed product using the same, and a method for producing a water-based inkjet ink. This inkjet ink comprises at least a) a pigment, b) a polymer dispersant comprising polyethylene oxide groups having an acid value of less than 50 mgKOH/g (c) acrylic copolymer resin, and (d) at least one water-soluble organic solvent selected from glycol ethers and 1,2-alkanediols having 4 or more carbons. |
| US08770732B2 |
Inductive heater for a solid ink reservoir
A container for storing phase-change ink includes a housing that is comprised primarily of a thermally insulating material and an inductive heater element positioned within the housing. The inductive heater element is formed in a manner that increases the surface area of the heater and enables frozen ink in the vicinity of a reservoir outlet to melt quickly to enable printing operations. |
| US08770731B2 |
Liquid container and apparatus in which liquid container is mountable
A liquid container and an apparatus in which the liquid container is mountable are provided, the liquid container and the apparatus enabling the presence or absence of remaining liquid to be checked without the need for a power source and even after the liquid container is removed. The pressure in a communication path is maintained while ink in a containing section is not supplied to the exterior. Thus, the displacement state of a detection valve which is displaced depending on the pressure in the communication path can be maintained even after removal of an ink tank. |
| US08770727B2 |
Piezoelectric element, piezoelectric actuator, liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A piezoelectric element includes a first electrode, a first piezoelectric layer which is formed at an upper side of the first electrode and at lateral sides to the first electrode, a porous layer which is formed so as to cover side surfaces of the first piezoelectric layer, and a second electrode which is formed at an upper side of the first piezoelectric layer and the porous layer. In the piezoelectric element, the porous layer contains at least one metal element constituting the first piezoelectric layer. |
| US08770726B2 |
Inkjet head and method of manufacturing inkjet head
According to one embodiment, an inkjet head includes a substrate, a nozzle plate which includes nozzle lines, each of which includes nozzles, the nozzles which are included in one of the nozzle lines and the nozzles which are included in another of the nozzle lines alternating with each other, and forming one imaginary nozzle line, piezoelectric members which are opposed to the respective nozzle lines, and groove parts which are provided in each of the piezoelectric members, the groove parts corresponding to the nozzles to eject ink from the nozzles and being processed by cutting edges, one of the groove parts which corresponds to one of the nozzles in the imaginary nozzle line and another of the groove parts which corresponds to another nozzle adjacent to the nozzle in the imaginary nozzle line being processed by the cutting edges which are independent of each other. |
| US08770724B2 |
Piezoelectric element, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus
A piezoelectric element including: a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer formed above the first electrode to have a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, and a second electrode formed above the piezoelectric layer, wherein at least a part of a side surface of the piezoelectric layer in the transverse direction is a concavo-convex surface, and a width of the piezoelectric layer in the transverse direction from the second electrode to the first electrode changes with the concavo-convex surface. |
| US08770722B2 |
Functional liquid deposition using continuous liquid
A liquid dispenser includes a first liquid supply that provides a carrier liquid under pressure that flows from the first liquid supply through a first liquid supply channel through a liquid dispensing channel through a liquid return channel and back to the first liquid supply continuously during a drop dispensing operation. A second liquid supply provides a functional liquid to the liquid dispensing channel through a second liquid supply channel. A drop formation device, associated with an interface of the second liquid supply channel and the liquid dispensing channel, is selectively actuated to form a discrete drop of the functional liquid in the carrier liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel. The functional liquid is immiscible in the carrier liquid. A drop ejection device is selectively actuated to divert the discrete drop of the functional liquid and a portion of the carrier liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel toward the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel. |
| US08770719B2 |
Liquid discharge head
A liquid discharge head includes a first substrate having an energy generating element for discharging a liquid, and a second substrate which is bonded to the first substrate and which has a discharge port for discharging the liquid and a groove that forms a passage for supplying the liquid to the energy generating element, wherein one surface of the second substrate on the front surface side of the liquid discharge head and the other surface thereof, which is the back surface of the one surface, are individually provided with recesses. |
| US08770717B2 |
Image forming apparatus including carriage that mounts image forming unit
An image forming apparatus includes a carriage, an image forming unit, a driving pulley, a driven pulley, a driving source, an open-ended carriage drawing member, and a mount. The drawing member is extended between the pulleys and having end portions mounted to the carriage. Each end portion has a surface including an indented area. The mount is disposed on the carriage and having first engagement portions and second engagement portions. Each first engagement portion has at least one indented area to engage the indented area of the drawing member. Each second engagement portion is connected to a corresponding first engagement portion in an orientation to be folded back relative to the corresponding first engagement portion. The end portions are mounted to the mount in a state in which the surface having the indented area is directed to a portion folded back along a corresponding second engagement portion. |
| US08770715B2 |
Ink-jet printer
An ink-jet printer including: (i) a recording head which has an outer surface and includes at least one nozzle opening in the outer surface; (ii) a carriage which carries the recording head and which is reciprocateable in a main scanning direction; and (iii) a waste-ink retaining device which retains a waste ink forcedly ejected from the at least one nozzle of the recording head when a flushing operation is performed by the recording head. The waste-ink retaining device includes an ink receiving portion which is provided below a flushing position to which the recording head is moved to perform the flushing operation, and which receives the waste ink ejected by the recording head, and a first ink retaining portion which receives the waste ink from the ink receiving portion and retains the waste ink and which extends upward such that a top end thereof is positioned higher than a height position of the ink receiving portion. |
| US08770706B1 |
Scan and pause method for determining ink drying time in an inkjet printer
A method for determining drying time of a print swath of ink deposited on a media sheet by an inkjet printer having a controller communicatively coupled to each of a printhead and a gloss sensor. The method comprises forming the print swath on the media sheet; scanning the print swath with the gloss sensor; processing an output response thereof to determine and store a gloss value; starting a predetermined scan interval and waiting scan interval to elapse; performing a next scan of the print swath with the gloss sensor; processing a next gloss sensor output response to determine and store a next gloss value; and, if the gloss value and next gloss value are within a predetermined range moving the media sheet for further processing including duplexing. |
| US08770703B2 |
Printing device and method of controlling a printing device
A printing device has a print unit that ejects fluid from ejection nozzles and prints; an ejection test unit that checks if fluid is ejected from the ejection nozzles; a cleaning unit that performs a cleaning process in either a timed cleaning mode that performs a cleaning process at a predetermined interval, or an ejection test cleaning mode that performs a cleaning process based on a test result; a decision unit that determines whether to use the timed cleaning mode or the ejection test cleaning mode based on an operating condition of the print unit; and a mode changing unit that switches the mode between the timed cleaning mode and the ejection test cleaning mode according to the decision by the decision unit. |
| US08770701B2 |
Inkjet printer with enhanced deinkability
In a system having an inkjet printer and a toner printer, the ink jet printer forms an ink jet image and the toner printer forms a toner image conforming to the inkjet image and transfers the toner image onto the inkjet image. Colorant in the ink is electrostatically attracted to the toner. The toner is fixed. After fixing the colorant attracted to the toner is bound to the toner so that removal of the toner from the receiver also removes any colorant attached to the toner from the receiver. |
| US08770698B2 |
Print control method and print apparatus
A reference mark is recorded in an area between one image and the next image sequentially printed on a first surface of a continuous sheet. In a print on a second surface of the sheet, the recorded reference mark is read, and a print position of the image on a second surface of the sheet is set. A plurality of images are sequentially printed on the second surface on the basis of this setting. |
| US08770696B2 |
Recording material feeding device and recording apparatus
A recording material feeding device for feeding a recording material on which an image is to be formed by a droplet of ink ejected from recording means includes a feeding roller pair, including rotatable rollers, for feeding the recording material; feeding means for feeding the recording material to the feeding roller pair; and a control portion for controlling the feeding means so that the recording material is fed to form a curl in a state in which a leading edge of the recording material contacts a nip of the feeding roller pair being at rest. The control portion controls the feeding means so that a curling degree of the recording material which has been subjected to recording on a first surface of the recording material is larger than that of the recording material which has not been subjected to recording. |
| US08770695B2 |
Printing apparatus, printing method, and program
A printing apparatus includes: a first head which has a plurality of nozzles arranged at a first pitch in a predetermined direction; a second head which has a plurality of nozzles arranged at a second pitch larger than the first pitch in the predetermined direction and which is spaced from the first head by a predetermined distance in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction; and a controller which controls the first and second heads so that only the first head prints the contour of a character or a line image and at least the second head prints a portion of the character or the line image other than the contour, when a print image is the character or the line image. |
| US08770693B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus and printing method
An ink jet printing apparatus and printing method are provided that can, without the addition of a special structure, suppress density imbalance between the print images formed by ink ejected from each of the ejection ports formed on a print head. As for the plurality of ejection ports, one portion of them are established as multiple impact ejection ports that form multiply impacted pixels at which the number of times ink is impacted at the same area is greater than at other pixels of the print area. And, print control is carried out such that more multiply impacted pixels are printed at print areas printed using ejection ports at the ends of the print head than at print areas printed without using ejection ports at the ends of the print head. |
| US08770689B2 |
Image forming apparatus including recording head for ejecting droplets
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head, a head tank, a main tank, a liquid feed device, a measurement unit, and a supply controller. The head tank includes a liquid storage portion, a liquid level detection member, and an air release unit. When the feed device feeds liquid from the main tank to the head tank with an interior of the storage portion opened relative to an atmosphere and the detection member does not detect a liquid level of the liquid after a threshold time, the supply controller controls the air release unit to close the interior of the storage portion and determines whether a measurement value of a consumption amount of the liquid is a threshold value or lower. When the measurement value is the threshold value or lower, the supply controller performs a reverse feed control to drive the feed device to feed the liquid in reverse. |
| US08770688B2 |
Ink remaining amount detecting device, method for detecting ink remaining amount, and ink jet printing apparatus
According to the present invention, in the case where the amount of ink remaining in an ink tank is detected using light from a light emitting unit, whether or not the amount of remaining ink is smaller than a predetermined value can be accurately determined with a decrease in the life of the light emitting unit suppressed. Thus, the present invention determines a difference between output signals each output by the light receiving unit according to a corresponding one of at least two of a plurality of levels of light emissions from the light emitting unit. Based on the difference, whether or not the amount of remaining ink is smaller than the predetermined value is determined. |
| US08770686B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including an image forming device forming an image on a surface of a recording material; a recording material passage; a treatment liquid applicator including a tray containing a treatment liquid, a first roller applying the treatment liquid to the surface of the recording material, and a second roller drawing the treatment liquid from the tray to supply the treatment liquid to the first roller; a liquid level inclination detector detecting whether the surface of the treatment liquid is inclined; a treatment liquid supplying device supplying the treatment liquid to the tray; and a controller connected with liquid level detector and the treatment liquid supplying device. The controller stops the operation of the treatment liquid supplying device when determining according to the detection result of the liquid level detector that the surface of the treatment liquid is inclined in a predetermined amount or more. |
| US08770682B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes a cabinet having a first storage chamber, a plurality of doors which open and close an access opening formed at a front surface of the first storage chamber, a hinge assembly which rotatably couples each door to the cabinet, and a basket assembly rotatably coupled to the cabinet with respect to the hinge assembly, the basket assembly being configured to define a second storage chamber which is received in the first storage chamber. The basket assembly includes a basket frame defining the second storage chamber and a basket mounted on the basket frame to receive food stuff when at least one of the doors is opened. The basket assembly is configured such that an access into the basket is enabled through a front face and rear face of the basket assembly. |
| US08770677B2 |
Compound rim assembly for idler in an undercarriage system of a track-type machine
A compound rim assembly for a rotatable idler in an undercarriage system of a track-type machine includes a one-piece annular base configured for mounting the compound annular rim assembly upon an outer peripheral surface of an idler hub. The one-piece annular base is formed of a relatively lower hardness metallic material, and the compound rim assembly further includes a first annular track contacting rim a second annular track contacting rim positioned upon the one-piece base and being formed of a relatively higher hardness metallic material. The compound rim assembly further includes a track guiding ring trapped axially between the first and second annular track contacting rims and abutting the outer cylindrical surface of the one-piece annular base, the track guiding ring being formed of a non-metallic material and projecting radially outward of the first and second annular track contacting rims. |
| US08770676B2 |
Rotatable idler for undercarriage system in a track-type machine
An undercarriage system for a track-type machine includes a ground engaging track, and an idler for the ground engaging track having a hub formed of a relatively lower hardness metallic material, and a compound annular rim capping the hub and being formed of a relatively higher hardness metallic material. The hub includes a radially projecting outer spine, which is annular and concentric with an idler mounting bore defined by an inner peripheral surface of the hub. First and second rim components of the compound annular rim abut one another and sandwich the radially projecting outer spine. Each of the first and second abutting rim components includes a stepped profile. The idler may include a remanufactured idler having a reusable hub and replacement compound annular rim. |
| US08770675B2 |
Sealing assembly and track hinge including the same
A sealing assembly provides a seal between first and second parts that are movable relative to each other. The sealing assembly comprises an elastic ring having an annular sealing lip configured to fixedly and sealingly abut on the first part. A sealing ring includes a sealing edge configured to sealingly abut on a sliding surface of the second part. A supporting ring is fixedly connected with the elastic ring and is inserted between the elastic ring and the sealing ring. |
| US08770674B2 |
Modulator
A modulator for a vehicle brake system connected to a central module via a data bus, includes at least one input for capturing measured values and at least one output for controlling at least one electromagnetic valve. A control circuit for actuating the valve is connected by the bus such that the measured values are transmitted to the central module. Control commands for actuating the valve are calculated from the measured values in the central module, and are transmitted via the data bus to the modulator so that the it selects the valve as a function of the commands. A vehicle system has at least two modulators and a central module integrated in a modulator. The modulator can be used as a pressure modulator in an air suspension system or in an electronic braking system or in a conventional braking system with an anti-lock braking system or an electronic stability program. |
| US08770673B2 |
Brake device for a motor vehicle having a pressure accumulator
In a brake device for a motor vehicle having a first and a second hydraulic brake circuit, the second brake circuit is decoupled from the main brake cylinder in partial braking operations, and is operated with the aid of a pressure accumulator controlled by a control device, which takes an additional deceleration effect due to an active power component, e.g., a generator, into account. |
| US08770671B2 |
Automotive wheel
An automotive wheel includes a wheel disc in which a hat section is provided outside a hub mounting section. A hat inner inclined surrounding section of the hat section includes an inner convex surrounding section protruding to a surface side in a curved shape, and an inner lower concave surrounding section continuously formed with an inner peripheral edge of the inner convex surrounding section, continuously formed with an outer peripheral edge of a hub surface rounded section, and protruding to the back side in a curved shape. |
| US08770657B2 |
Resin roof mounting structure
A roof panel made of resin has lower flange portions that are bent toward a vehicle lower side from vehicle side end portions of a upper surface portion. Outer panels that structure roof side rails have groove portions that are concave and are formed along a vehicle longitudinal direction at vehicle transverse direction inner sides of curved surface portions, and inner side flange portions that are formed at final end portions that are further toward vehicle transverse direction inner sides than the groove portions. In a state in which the lower flange portions are disposed within the groove portions of the outer panels, the inner side flange portions of the outer panels and an inner surface of the upper surface portion of the roof panel are joined by an adhesive. |
| US08770656B2 |
Chassis with raised rear floor and method of assembly
A motor vehicle chassis includes two side rail members covered at the front by two lateral floor reinforcements, a rear central cross member and a transverse reinforcement which is welded to the two lateral floor reinforcements, and a floor having a seat-cushion support part. The chassis further includes a rear raiser welded to the rear central cross member and two lateral raisers welded respectively to each of the two lateral floor reinforcements. The seat-cushion support part of the floor is welded to the two lateral raisers, to the rear raiser and to the transverse reinforcement, so as to create a space for an energy reservoir under the seat-cushion support part of the floor. |
| US08770654B2 |
Motor vehicle with water box cover
A motor vehicle includes a front hood, a front window supported on a lower edge by a window support, and a water box below a gap between the front window and the front hood. A water box cover is fastened to the window support. |
| US08770653B2 |
Bodywork arrangement for a front end and a passenger compartment of a vehicle
Bodywork arrangement comprising longitudinal members and cross-members that are connected at node points to other lateral structural elements to form part of a passenger compartment and part of a vehicle front end. Longitudinal members are provided at the lower side of the passenger compartment. Front-end longitudinal members are arranged on the vehicle front end. A front region of the passenger compartment has a floor cross-member, a splashboard cross-member, an armature cross-member and laterally arranged A-column elements. The floor cross-member together with the splashboard cross-member and two lateral structural elements form a lower trapezoidal structure. The splashboard cross-member together with the armature cross-member (9) and two lateral structural elements forms an upper trapezoidal structure. The space between the upper trapezoidal structure and the lower trapezoidal structure defines the foot space of the passenger compartment. |
| US08770647B2 |
Wiper apparatus for vehicle
A wiper apparatus for a vehicle, including: a frame to receive a wiper driving motor; a supporter formed to protrude from the frame toward an auto body panel; and a jointing member that combines with the supporter and that joins to the auto body panel, wherein the jointing member forms an ‘L’ shape in a longitudinal cross-section including a direction in which the jointing member is finally assembled into the auto body panel, and includes a first pressing part for contacting and supporting one side of the auto body panel; a second pressing part for contacting and supporting the other side of the auto body panel; and a protruding stopper for preventing the auto body panel from rotating in a direction parallel to the auto body panel. |
| US08770642B1 |
Evidence collection device
An evidence collection device preferably includes a handle member and a container member. The handle member preferably includes an evidence retention device and a handle portion. The evidence retention device preferably includes at least one loop, a first arm and a second arm. First and second clearance slots are formed in the handle portion to provide clearance for the first and second arms. A retention dowel is inserted through the at least one loop and into the handle portion to retain the evidence retention device. The container member is sized to receive the handle portion. A tapered surface is preferably formed on one end of the handle portion. In use, the first and second arms are squeezed together with two fingers for insertion into a cartridge casing. The one end of the handle portion is inserted into the container member and retained by friction. |
| US08770640B2 |
Robot hand
A robot hand having a suction holding unit on one face side holds a plate-shaped work by suction. An outer circumferential edge of the plate-shaped work is held, without contact with a surface of the plate-shaped work, by an outer circumference holding unit provided on the other face side. The robot hand can be used to hold the plate-shaped work yet to be worked by the suction holding unit, and to hold the plate-shaped work having been worked by the outer circumference holding unit. This prevents working debris from being deposited on the plate-shaped work yet to be worked and prevents defective working from occurring. In addition, since the plate-shaped work having been worked is held by the outer circumference holding unit, the robot hand does not make contact with surfaces of the worked plate-shaped work, and, accordingly, no contact marks are formed on the surfaces of the work. |
| US08770635B2 |
Grapple style compression latch
A grapple style compression latch is provided for a vehicle door. The latch includes a pair of opposing jaws to retain and release a striker on the door frame. The movement of the grapple jaws is controlled by a handle mounted on the latch housing and moveable between open and closed positions. Drive links and a plurality of jaw pins control the movement of the jaws between open and closed positions. A compression spring provides over-center action for the latch. |
| US08770633B2 |
Latch actuator and latch using same
The latch actuating mechanism uses both an electric motor and a cylinder lock as alternative means for selectively locking a handle to a cam that in turn can operate a latch mechanism in order to allow the handle to be used to open the latch mechanism. A biasing means urges the handle to the closed position. |
| US08770629B2 |
Crimpable or swageable fluid power ferrules, couplings, systems and methods
A hose end coupling comprising a unitary one-piece stem having an exterior barb end portion and an exterior ferrule interface portion, with a unitary one-piece radially crushable ferrule disposed over the stein, with a crushable socket portion disposed about the barb end portion, a deformable attachment portion disposed about the ferrule interface portion, and a torque communication portion defined between the socket portion and the attachment portion. The socket portion may retain a “C” shaped insert, one or more coiled inserts, or a plurality of stacked inserts, for gripping a hose end and the socket portion might define a lip, with a seal disposed in the socket portion between the insert(s) and the lip. Some embodiments of a “C” shaped insert define inner-circumferential teeth and corresponding outer-circumferential depression indentions. |
| US08770619B2 |
Head protecting airbag device
A side airbag device incorporates an airbag which is fixed to and held by a vehicle so as to be folded in roll form, from a front portion to a rear portion of the vehicle, and which is expanded and developed like a curtain parallel with the inner surface of the side wall of the vehicle by a gas of an inflator when a collision is detected. An airbag support belt is attached to a portion, in close proximity to a top edge of the airbag and close to an attachment position of the inflator, of the airbag. The airbag support belt is wound around the circumferential surface of the inflator and a tip locking hole of the airbag support belt is fixed to a locking projection provided on the inflator, whereby the inflator is integrated with a part of the airbag which is folded in roll form. |
| US08770617B2 |
Airbag and method of manufacturing an airbag
The invention relates to an airbag (12) of a vehicle occupant restraint system (10) comprising plural juxtaposed compartments (16) delimited outwardly by opposing external walls (18) and against each other by partitions (20), wherein the airbag (12), in the inflated condition, has a form overall bent and elongate in cross-section. In the bending area the external wall (18) includes a cut-out (22) that is closed by an inserted insert (24) tensioned in the deployed condition which in the longitudinal direction has a length (LE) different in the bending area from the opposing external wall portion (28) of the chamber (16) so as to produce the bending.The invention furthermore relates to a method of manufacturing an airbag of this type. |
| US08770615B2 |
Collapsible wheeled stretcher
The present invention discloses a foldable collapsible wheeled stretcher on wheels, having handles for pulling and steering. The device is provided with dependent suspensions allowing mobility in rough and bumpy terrain while maintaining the stability of stretcher surface, reducing tilt and vibration that reach the wounded person being transported upon the stretcher. It is provided with folding or telescopic means allowing it to be carried upon the back or stowed in a small volume. The device enables rescue of injured people in an improved manner from (for example) regions which are not passable by vehicles, and may be pulled by a single rescuer instead of being carried by two to four. The device may be further used to transport material. |
| US08770611B2 |
Adjustable wheelchair handrim with movable friction band
An adjustable manual wheelchair handrim with a moveable elastomeric friction band. The position of the tubular handrim can be moved to a desired location relative to the wheel rim depending on the needs and limits of the user. The movable friction band is stretched around the drive surface of the handrim at a desired location preventing it from moving and providing increased frictional properties when gripped by the user during pushes. The friction band can be permanently affixed at a location to further prevent movement and slippage between the handrim and the friction band. |
| US08770604B2 |
Suspension trailing arm
A cast or forged suspension trailing arm for suspending a heavy vehicle chassis from a beam-type axle includes an integral axle locating feature. |
| US08770602B1 |
Steering linkage and method for producing same
An improved structure for a steering linkage adapted for use in a vehicle steering system and method for producing the same. According to one embodiment, the steering linkage includes a first member having a first longitudinal axis, a second member having a second longitudinal axis, and a third member operatively coupling together the first member and the second member together with the first and second longitudinal axes in alignment with each other. |
| US08770601B2 |
Vehicle comprising at least two axles, the wheels of which are parallel
A vehicle (3) comprising at least two axles (6, 7, 8) fitted with at least two tires the axis of rotation of which are always mutually parallel from one axle to another. The tires of at least one axle (7) have a cornering stiffness greater than that of the tires of another axle (6, 8). |
| US08770600B2 |
Retail cart
A retail cart for use in storing and stocking merchandise and, more particularly, to a mobile polymeric retail cart which is easily assembled and disassembled without the need for tools having opposing forces in its construction lending rigidity to the overall structure and a plurality of slideably received shelving units. |
| US08770599B1 |
Dolly and carry cage for device such as a tube cleaning machine
A dolly and carry cage for a device with robust tubular frame for mounting machine, with a wheel and handle dolly arrangement integral with the frame for rolling the device to work site, and with a carry handle for lifting device as needed. |
| US08770598B2 |
Hand truck with adjustable wheel assembly
A hand truck includes a frame body and a wheel assembly including two wheel units spacedly supported at the frame body to switch between a first operation position and a second operation position for enabling the frame body to be tilted backward to transport a load. In the first operation position, the wheel units are oriented in parallel planes for enabling the frame body to move in a back-and-forth direction, and in the second operation position, the wheel units are oriented to align with each other in a common plane for enabling the frame body to move in a left-and-right direction. Therefore, the hand truck provides two modes of movement for two-dimensional movement. |
| US08770597B1 |
Collapsible shelf and dolly system
A collapsible shelf and dolly system which may be used in either the capacity of a dolly or as a shelf. The dolly has a frame and a base member upon which objects are mounted during displacement of the dolly. A first shelf mechanism is rotatably coupled to an upper section of the frame and a second shelf mechanism is rotatably coupled to a lower section of the frame with the first and second shelf mechanisms having a first deployment position for mounting objects thereon and a second operational position next to the frame for transporting objects mounted on the base member. |
| US08770590B2 |
Oil control ring
An oil scraper piston ring includes a ring body having two radial outer running webs on the ring body, which are arranged one behind the other in relation to the run direction of the piston and are spaced apart from one another by an external depression. Each running web respectively has two scraper lips and a wear protection coating is provided on each scraper lip. |
| US08770589B2 |
Shaft-seal device for high-temperature fluid
A shaft-seal device for high-temperature fluid including a seal case (2) formed as a metallic cylindrical structure of a single unit and comprised of a main body portion (2a, 2b, 2c), first and second holding portions (2d, 2e), first and second partition portions (2f, 2h), a channel formation portion (2g) forming a minute annular channel (27) with the outer circumference surface of a rotary shaft (1), and an o-ring holding portion (2i). The seal case is installed in an apparatus housing (8) with first and second o-rings (2m, 2n) in between. The intra-seal case region (A1), in which sealing rings (31, 32, 41, 42, 51, 52) of mechanical seals (3, 4, 5) are provided, and the high-temperature fluid region, which is an intra-apparatus housing region (A), are partitioned by a cooling chamber (28) into and from which coolant (82) is supplied and discharged via feed/discharge coolant paths (80, 81). |
| US08770579B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a holding unit that holds a recorded recording medium in a standing posture, a roller that sends the recording medium to the holding unit, and a restricting unit that restricts the position of the recording medium not to be in contact with the roller. |
| US08770577B2 |
Sheet conveyance apparatus and image forming apparatus with lever member provided in the sheet conveyance path
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a sheet conveyance path provided in an apparatus main body and configured to convey a sheet, a jamming handling cover configured to be openable and closable and to expose the sheet conveyance path to an exterior by being opened, a unit configured to be able to be drawn out of the apparatus main body, a lever member provided in the sheet conveyance path and configured to rotate by contacting the sheet passing through the sheet conveyance path, and a stopper member configured to move to a restriction position to restrict the drawing-out of the unit, in conjunction with the rotation of the lever member. |
| US08770574B2 |
Servo edge pressing paper feeding device
A paper feeding mechanism includes a vacuum absorption variable-speed paper feeding mechanism and a vacuum absorption constant-speed paper feeding mechanism, two edge pressing wheels are installed on a edge pressing paper feeding shaft arranged above a constant-speed paper feeding wheel in the middle, the gaps between the edge pressing wheels and the constant-speed paper feeding wheel in the middle are smaller than the thickness of a paper board, and the distance between the two edge pressing wheels is adjusted by moving on the edge pressing paper feeding wheel shaft. |
| US08770570B2 |
Sheet processing device, image forming system, and sheet processing method
A sheet processing device provided with a stacking unit configured to stack thereon one or more conveyed sheets, a staple unit configured to staple a bundle of sheets stacked on the stacking unit, a moving unit configured to move the staple unit to a staple position, and a projecting and retrieving unit configured to project and retrieve the stacking unit in a space overlapped with a motion space for the staple unit to move therein. |
| US08770569B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus, image forming system, and sheet processing method
A sheet processing apparatus is disclosed which includes front and back trailing-end reference fences that are movable and on which the sheet trailing-end abuts to align the sheet trailing-end; a side-stitching stapler that moves along the sheet trailing-end and binds a bundle of sheets aligned; a length-direction moving mechanism that moves the trailing-end reference fences in a sheet conveying direction; and a position changing unit that drives the length-direction moving mechanism to change the position of one of the trailing-end reference fences in the sheet conveying direction relative to the position of the other one. The front and back trailing-end reference fences are moved to change binding positions such that the distances from the sheet trailing-end to staple positions are made equal in front-side binding and in back-side binding. |
| US08770564B2 |
Key clamp rotation controller
A key clamping device includes a first key clamp, a second key clamp and a rotational device connected to the first and second key clamps. The rotational device may facilitate rotation of the first and second key clamps. |
| US08770563B2 |
Vacuum hold-down apparatus
A vacuum hold-down system for use with workpieces of various shapes and/or sizes is disclosed. The system comprising a vacuum hold-down table defining a mask support plane and an apertured vacuum table mask which is selectably positionable on said mask support plane, wherein said vacuum hold-down table and said vacuum table mask is configured to define a plurality of selectable different contiguous arrays of vacuum apertures, by suitable relative positioning of said vacuum table mask and said vacuum hold-down table in said mask support plane. |
| US08770560B2 |
Electromagnetic actuator and fluid-filled active vibration damping device using the same
An electromagnetic actuator wherein an annular supporting member secured to a stator and an oscillator member secured to a movable member are disposed in opposition in an axis-perpendicular direction and are elastically linked by a supporting rubber elastic body disposed therebetween. One axial face of the supporting rubber elastic body is furnished with an inside peripheral recessed portion and an outside peripheral protruding portion while another axial face is furnished with an inside peripheral protruding portion and an outside peripheral recessed portion so as to establish in the supporting rubber elastic body an elastic center axis that curves along a sinuous trajectory of an interconnected peak segment and valley segment situated between opposing faces of the annular supporting member and the oscillator member in the axis-perpendicular direction. |
| US08770558B2 |
Pad for leaf spring
A curved portion, with a curved cross section, is formed at the recess of the pad. The curved portion has a contact portion which contacts the leaf spring's tension surface, which faces the curved portion. The curved portion's thickness decreases from the contact portion to an end portion of the curved portion, thereby being spaced from the leaf spring's tension surface. In the pad, the height of the curved portion of the recess is set such that contact of the leaf spring's tension surface and the corner portion of the end portion of the curved portion can be avoided when the stroke length of the leaf spring's end portion is at maximum. Thus, the tension surface of the leaf spring is not worn by the corner portion of the end portion of the curved portion. As a result, breakage of the leaf spring caused by wear can be prevented. |
| US08770556B2 |
Liquid or pulp aeration device
“LIQUID OR PULP AERATION DEVICE” that projects liquid or pulp (P) through a spreading nozzle on a chain curtain (C) and captures air bubbles from the liquid or pulp (P) while the fluid outflows through the curtain links (C) by gravity forming films by virtue of an interaction of the surface strain and wettability between the three surfaces in question. As far as the outflow is concerned, these films end up interacting between themselves capturing the remaining air between them, thus forming profuse bubbles, resulting in the formation of liquid or foaming pulp (P) by virtue of the chain discharge (C). |
| US08770552B2 |
Fencepost sleeve and retainer clip for providing electrical conduit support
A post cover for engaging with a fence post and supporting at least one strand. The post cover may include an extrusion portion supporting a strand-carrying portion, the strand-carrying portion formed of an electrically resistant material. In addition, the post cover may include a top portion supported by the strand-carrying portion, wherein the extrusion portion and strand-carrying portion each have a longitudinal cavity configured to admit the fence post; the top portion formed contiguous to the strand-carrying portion and comprising an extension to close the cavity from above. |
| US08770543B2 |
Proportional poppet valve with integral check valves
A poppet valve assembly includes a body and first and second check valves. The body includes opposing first and second axial end portions. The first end portion has a first circumferential surface, a first end surface, and a tapered surface, which seals with a main valve seat. The second axial end portion defines at least one metering slot. The body defines first and second internal passages. The first internal passage includes an opening in the first end surface, is in fluid communication with one of the metering slots, and has a first check valve seat. The second internal passage includes an opening in the first circumferential surface, is in fluid communication with one of the metering slot, and has a second check valve seat. The first and second check valves are disposed in the respective internal passages and are adapted for sealing engagement with the respective check valve seats. |
| US08770540B2 |
Device and method for manufacturing tire tread features
A device and method for manufacturing features into the tread of a tire are provided. The device and method provide for manufacturing tread features of various shapes and sizes. The tread features may be recessed, protruding, or flush with respect to the surrounding tread surface. The device and method may be used for both new tire constructions as well as retreading operations. |
| US08770537B2 |
Fixing device of hydraulic pipe of construction machine
Disclosed therein is an apparatus for fixing hydraulic pipes for a construction machine having a hydraulic pipe clamp fixing a plurality of pipes to a boom structure, including: a lower clamp (20) having a mounting hole (21); a clamp position setting member (22) for fixing the lower clamp (20) to one side of the boom structure (100) through a clamp support member (23) coupled to the mounting hole (21);an upper clamp (30) coupled onto the lower clamp (20) and having an interference prevention groove (31) in which a head portion (23a) of the clamp support member (23) is placed; and vibration-proof members (41,42) attached to the interiors of the clamps (20,30) to absorb vibration of the pipe (10). When the pipes (10) are assembled or disassembled, the lower clamp (20) is fixed to the boom structure to set the positions of the pipe and the clamp, and thus the assembly is greatly improved. Also, the clamp position setting member (22) for the lower clamp (20) is protected by the upper clamp (10) without being exposed to the outside, and is maintained without interfering with the outside. |
| US08770535B1 |
Musical instrument stand
A musical instrument stand includes a frame unit, and at least one support unit. The frame unit includes two side modules, a top bar mounted between the side modules, and a bottom bar mounted between the side modules. The support unit includes a supporting seat for supporting a musical instrument, and a mounting sleeve connected with the supporting seat and rotatably mounted on the bottom bar of the frame unit. Thus, the support unit is pivotally mounted on the frame unit, so that a user only needs to place the musical instrument on the support unit and to push the musical instrument toward the top bar of the frame unit, so as to pivot the support unit and to support the musical instrument between the top bar of the frame unit and the supporting seat of the support unit. |
| US08770534B2 |
Lock mechanism for seat track slide device
A seat track slide device includes a pair of seat tracks. Each of the seat tracks has a lower rail, an upper rail, a lock lever, and a handle. Through manipulation of the handle, each seat track 3 is capable of switching the associated upper rail to a locking state and an unlocking state by selectively engaging and disengaging the lock lever with respect to the lower rail. In a support portion, projections of arm plates of the lock lever are engaged with the support holes of the side plates. The support portion pivotally supports the lock lever in the upper rail. The top plate of the upper rail has a stopper plate, that is held between stopper plates of arm plates of the lock lever. |
| US08770533B2 |
Adjustable, retractable ceiling and wall hanging system
An, adjustable, retractable hanging system that enables hangers to be easily attached, moved, and removed from a ceiling or wall rail. The hanger, which houses a spring-loaded reel and a retractable cable, is backed with a pressure-clip or in an alternate embodiment, a raised platform. The hanger affixes to a ceiling or wall rail by means of a pole and cup assembly. Once attached to a ceiling or wall, the retractable cable within the hanger extends to receive the object to be hung. The cable is reached by means of a hook that is affixed to the pole and cup assembly and is lowered to within arm's reach. An adjustable cable-stop, which is also attached to the cable, allows individuals the ability to adjust the suspending height of the object to be hung. |
| US08770532B2 |
Cable retaining ring having slide closure and cable support tray including the cable retaining ring
A cable retaining ring includes a base having at least one mounting opening or at least one mounting projection for connecting the cable retaining ring to a cable support tray, an elongate interior defining a cable retention region, a gap through the ring for allowing a cable to be placed into or removed from the interior, and a slide mounted on the ring and shiftable between a first position substantially blocking the gap to prevent the cable from being placed into or removed from the interior and a second position unblocking the gap. |
| US08770524B1 |
Pipe support apparatus for padding and chocking
The pipe support apparatus of the present invention includes a length of flexible webbing having a first receptacle formed at one end of the length and a second receptacle formed at an opposite end of the webbing. A first rigid member has a locking bracket received within the first receptacle, and a second rigid member has another locking bracket received within the second receptacle. A landing pad is transversely extended from the length of flexible webbing and is positioned on the length of flexible webbing between the first and second rigid members. The length of webbing and landing pad form a pipe receiving surface between the first and second rigid members, the pipe receiving surface being a top surface of the webbing and a top surface of the landing pad. |
| US08770523B2 |
Aerodynamic profile with a reversibly deformable contour for aircraft, in particular for rotary wing aircraft
An aerodynamic profile (10) for aircraft, in particular for rotary wing aircraft, which profile (10) includes a cover skin (14, 15) on the pressure side and on the suction side, with a profile contour that is controllably formable in the rear profile region (13) by actuators (30), wherein each cover skin (14, 15) is designed as a non-shear-resistant sandwich that includes a film or foil (21, 22) which is connected to a non-shear-resistant core (20), wherein the cover skins (14, 15) are held in their profile shape by flexible webs (17). |
| US08770519B2 |
Structural component of an aircraft or spacecraft and a fuselage component arrangement of an aircraft or spacecraft
In the case of a structural component of an aircraft or spacecraft comprising a fuselage portion connection region for connecting to an associated fuselage portion and having a thermal expansion coefficient which is approximately matched to the associated fuselage portion; an inner connection region for connecting to an associated installation element and having a thermal expansion coefficient which is approximately matched to the associated installation element; and a separation region for connecting the fuselage portion connection region and the inner connection region, at least one of the regions has a high heat conduction resistance. |
| US08770513B2 |
Resilient aircraft engine mounts and aircraft engine mounting systems including the same
Resilient aircraft engine mounts and mounting systems including the same are provided. A resilient aircraft engine mount comprises a base and a pair of opposed spiral springs in parallel forming a clevis with the base. A first spiral spring of the pair of opposed spiral springs has a first center opening extending therethrough. A second spiral spring of the pair of opposed spiral springs has a second center opening extending therethrough that is concentric with the first center opening for accepting a clevis pin. First and second spiral springs are each comprised of a rectangular cross section beam. The resilient aircraft engine mount is tunable in three translational axes to support three degrees of freedom vibration isolation. Two or more resilient aircraft engine mounts provide six degrees of freedom vibration isolation. Resilient aircraft engine mounts attach the aircraft engine to a pylon structure and help isolate vibratory forces. |
| US08770512B2 |
Passive control of ice shedding
A plate including a body with an aft face at an aft portion of the body, which is attachable to a leading edge of an ice accretion surface such that the body protrudes substantially in a forward direction from the leading edge, and a forward face opposite the aft face, which extends between opposing surfaces of the body and which is oriented substantially perpendicularly with respect to the forward direction and a predominant flow direction of air flowing past the leading edge. |
| US08770511B2 |
Short landing air vehicle by the use of rotating wings
An air vehicle 1 has a port and starboard wing 2 capable of transitioning in mid-flight from fixed to counter-rotation. This generates lift at low airspeeds and enables a short landing to be performed without the need for a runway. The counter rotating wings are intermeshed at 90 degrees and angled slightly to avoid collision. Deployable counterweights 5 balance the rotating wings. |
| US08770506B2 |
High seal retractor pretensioner piston
A pretensioner assembly for motor vehicle belt restraint systems is provided. The pretensioner assembly includes a tube in fluid communication with a gas generator. An elastic piston disposed within the tube is operable to drive a plurality of balls upon receiving pressurized gas discharged from the gas generator. The piston includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end includes a flexible rim that expands upon receiving pressurized gas from the gas generator, and the distal end includes a flexible rim that expands in response to backpressure from the plurality of balls. The expansion of the flexible rims at the proximal and distal ends of the piston provides a tight seal between the piston and the inner peripheral wall of the tube. |
| US08770502B1 |
Demolition machine retrofit method and apparatus and demolition method
The invention may be described as a shear tool or concrete pulverizer retrofit method, a hybrid demolition machine, such as one resulting from such a method, and a demolition method that may be carried out using such a demolition machine. |
| US08770500B2 |
Free flowing 100-500 micrometer size spherical crystals of common salt and process for preparation thereof
The present invention provides spherical shaped crystals of common salt having size distribution in the range of 100-500 μm and a process for preparation of the said salt. The above mentioned size range is relevant for many important edible and non-edible applications of salt. The salt is demonstrated to have superior flow properties compared to the cubic counterpart. The free flow property of the salt can be further enhanced through surface treatment with additive such as glycine. The salt is produced by cost-effective mechanical means and such production is amenable to scale up. |
| US08770495B2 |
Shower heads
A shower head includes a shell, a positioning base, a plurality of water spraying heads, a plastic piece, a metal cover and a handle set. The positioning base has a flat board and a hanging base having an elongated hole at center thereof, and a plurality of hanging slots are circularly disposed at the periphery of the flat board. The water spraying head engages with several hanging slots so as to evenly circularly dispose at the flat board. The plastic piece is formed by injection molding and a through hole is formed at center thereof. The metal cover is made by copper, surface of which has a plurality of cover through holes. The handle set has a control unit, and a connecting rod eccentrically protrudes out from one end of the control unit, and the other end is provided for a nut to lock and engage with a movable handle. |
| US08770490B2 |
Programmable thermostat
A thermostat for a climate control system includes an electronic memory in which at least three occupancy settings are stored. The occupancy settings including a pre-defined unoccupied temperature set-point associated with an unoccupied state, a pre-defined occupied temperature set-point associated with an occupied-awake state and a pre-defined sleep temperature set-point associated with an occupied-asleep state. The thermostat's microprocessor is configured to communicate with the memory, and to establish at least three time periods during the day. The microprocessor assigns to each time period one of at least three user-selectable occupancy states including an unoccupied state, an occupied-awake state and an occupied-asleep state. The microprocessor controls operation of the climate control system to maintain the unoccupied temperature set-point during any time period assigned the unoccupied state, the occupied temperature set-point during any time period assigned the occupied-awake state, and the sleep temperature set-point to any time period assigned the occupied-asleep state. |
| US08770489B2 |
Radio communication device
A radio communication device includes a flat radiation element including a loop with a first end and a second end; a feed element including a coil pattern connected to the first end of the loop; and a radio IC element connected to the coil pattern. The coil pattern is disposed near the loop and is wound such that an electric power supply to the coil pattern generates a current flow in the coil pattern and a current flow in the loop in a same direction. The coil pattern and the loop are connected in series and are coupled via a magnetic field. |
| US08770488B2 |
Method for the production of punched parts in web- or sheet-like print substrates and their further processing
In the case of a method for the production of punched parts in web- or sheet-like print substrates, wherein the punched parts are punched in the pass of the print substrates through a punching tool and thereafter provided in the pass through a further tool with a feature which requires a positioning within predetermined limits on them, it is suggested according to the invention that markings are punched out with the punching tool in the print substrates in each case arranged in a tolerance-free manner in terms of their position relatively to the punched parts and that these markings are used in the subsequent processing of the punched parts for guiding the feature mentioned. |
| US08770487B2 |
Information recording medium and method of reading information from information recording medium, and image detection apparatus
In an information recording medium according to the present invention, in which an information recording medium has diffraction grating cells arranged therein, a plurality of types of the diffraction grating cells make up one information recording area. At least one type of the diffraction grating cells included in the diffraction grating cells making up the information recording area are information recording elements, while the other types of the diffraction grating cells included in the diffraction grating cells making up the information recording area are information hiding elements. The information is recorded by two-dimensional arrangement of the diffraction grating cells constituting the information recording elements in the information recording area. |
| US08770486B2 |
Arrangement, apparatus, and associated method, for providing stored data in secured form for purposes of identification and informational storage
Card member apparatus, and an associated method, for storing and permitting selectable use of informational data associated with a subject. Identifying indicia stored at a first storage element, and the informational data is stored at a second storage element, together disposed upon a substrate, or otherwise supported to permit carriage by a subject. The card member is presented for reading at a card reader, and analysis is made of the identifying indicia stored at the storage element. If the identifying indicia is ascertained to correspond to the subject that carries the card member, permission is granted for the access to the informational data stored at the card member. The informational data, once accessed, is used pursuant to a transaction associated with the subject. |
| US08770479B1 |
Medical storage cabinet with RFID inventory
A medication and/or medical supplies storage cabinet of all-steel construction has an RFID transducer or reader with an antenna array (i.e., an antenna or series of antennas) carried on a vertical elevator at the rear of the cabinet's metal shelves and drawers. The metal shelves, sides and back of the cabinet define successive compartments in which RFID-tagged item are stored. The vertical elevator may have a drive motor, e.g., gear-motor controlled by a computer associated with the cabinet. There may be a wall or window of a suitable radiolucent material at the rear of the cabinet to permit the RFID energy to radiate between the RFID antenna array and any RFID-tagged inventory items contained in the respective compartments or drawers. |
| US08770477B2 |
Method for identifying the georgrapic location of a router
The invention provides a method and system for determining the geographical location of an Internet router, or of an IP address associated with the router. The method obtains the geographical location of a wireless communication device, while it is in communication with a web site via a router, and assigns that location to the router. |
| US08770476B2 |
Device, system and method for reducing an interaction time for a contactless transaction
A method. The method comprises, at a reader, performing at least one transaction-based risk management process prior to energizing a contactless interface, initiating communication with a card utilized for the contactless transaction, receiving information associated with the card, and terminating communication with the card to authorizing the contactless transaction. |
| US08770474B2 |
Bill acceptor with improved bezel
A bill validator for a vending machine including a bill validator housing having a pair of wing deflectors associated therewith in a sliding arrangement and a bezel having at least two indicator apertures in a faceplate portion thereof and further comprising a pair of opposing mounting wings, the mounting wings comprising retainer portions, the retainer portions comprising ramped surfaces and retainer surfaces on inner surfaces of the wings. The retainer portions cooperate with bezel mount apertures formed in the bill validator housing to retain the bezel upon the bill validator housing. The wing deflectors comprise tapered surfaces at an end adjacent to the mounting wings, the tapered surfaces when brought into contact with the mounting wings resiliently force the mounting wings outwardly to disengage the retainer portions from the bezel mount apertures to allow disassociation of the bezel from the bill validator housing. |
| US08770473B2 |
Systems and methods for providing flexible incentive rewards
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a financial account with incentives. In one implementation, a method is provided that includes receiving a selection of at least one identified merchant from a customer, the customer being associated with the financial account. The method also includes providing a first incentive to the financial account for one or more purchases made with the financial account at a merchant other than the identified merchant. Further, the method may include providing a second incentive to the financial account for one or more purchases made at the identified merchant with the financial account, wherein the first incentive is different than the second incentive. |
| US08770471B2 |
Consumable data management
The present invention relates to methods, devices and systems for associating consumable data with an assay consumable used in a biological assay. Provided are assay systems and associated consumables, wherein the assay system adjusts one or more steps of an assay protocol based on consumable data specific for that consumable. Various types of consumable data are described, as well as methods of using such information in the conduct of an assay by an assay system. |
| US08770468B2 |
Folding box for receiving a group of containers
A folding box for receiving a group of containers includes a cuboid-shaped external packaging made of cardboard. The external packaging has side walls, bottom walls and top walls. The folding box also includes a lining on the inside of the external packaging at least in the corner region between the side walls, top walls and/or bottom walls. |
| US08770466B1 |
Double pizza box
The present invention comprises a corrugated box for separately holding two items, preferably cooked pizzas. The box comprises a base portion, a shelf portion, and a lid portion, with each portion having foldable walls. The first item will be enclosed between the base portion and the shelf portion, while the second item will be enclosed within the shelf portion and the lid. Score lines are used to indicate where folds should be made. Score lines are positioned where each of the above folds should be made, and can include perforation and cut lines. The shelf portion is removable. |
| US08770464B2 |
Method for producing overlapping weld joints and overlapping weld joint
A method for manufacturing welded lap joints comprising the following steps: Providing of two components each having at least one base; allocating the components in such a way that the bases face each other and the components overlap in an overlapping area, which extends at least partially over both components; joining the components by welding in the overlapping area such that a weld joint is formed, wherein at the edge of the overlapping area non welded areas are formed; removing of the non welded areas whereby outer cutting areas are formed at the components, which are arranged at obtuse angles to the overlapping area. |
| US08770462B2 |
Solder paste transfer process
A solder paste transfer process is provided and includes defining multiple arrangements of solder pad locations on a surface, applying solder paste onto multiple transfer tools coupled to a fixture in a pre-defined configuration reflective of the multiple arrangements, disposing the fixture such that the multiple transfer tools are disposed in an inverted orientation proximate to the surface and reflowing the solder paste to flow from the multiple transfer tools to the solder pad locations. |
| US08770461B2 |
Pipe welding apparatus
Provided is a pipe welding apparatus, including: a support fixed to the ground; a torch which is supported by the support and is formed to correspond to a welding portion of a pipe; and a first rotation part for rotating the torch in a circumferential direction of the pipe up to a predetermined angle. |
| US08770454B1 |
Personal trash bag holding apparatus
An apparatus for holding trash bags and facilitating trash pick up includes a bag holding base ring and interchangeable insert ring and opening ring which selectably attach to the base ring. The trash bag is secured between the opposing pairs of rings, which are each attachable to a waist belt worn by the user or can be carried individually by an attachable handle. The insert ring also includes a stripping membrane along a top surface to remove the refuse from a trash picker and retain it inside the bag. |
| US08770453B2 |
Power lock assembly for vehicle roof rack
A power lock assembly for a roof rack of a vehicle for releasably securing a valuable to the roof rack includes a lock mechanism and a shackle. The lock mechanism is fixedly connected to the roof rack, and is operable in a locked state and an unlocked state. The shackle is adapted to be releasably secured to the lock mechanism, and engages the valuable on the roof rack. The lock mechanism is electrically connected with a vehicle locking system for locking and unlocking a vehicle door, whereby locking the vehicle door places the lock mechanism in the locked state and unlocking the vehicle door places the lock mechanism in the unlocked state. |
| US08770452B1 |
Expandable clothes hanger
An expandable clothes hanger to hang, display, store, or transport an article of clothing with minimal creasing. The expandable clothes hanger has a hook extending upward from a bar element that supports an upper portion of an article of clothing draped thereon. Downward extending elements extend downward from the bar element and cross each other at at least a single point. Raising the crossing point along the downward extending elements causes the lower portion of the downward extending elements to extend outward, pulling taut the lower portion of draped article of clothing. Lowering the crossing point along the downward extending elements causes the lower portion of the downward extending elements to be pulled together, allowing for more compact storage of the expandable clothes hanger or for easier placement or removal of draped articles of clothing. The downward extending elements can also be configured as an attachment to a conventional hanger. |
| US08770451B2 |
Cartridge system having a device for synchronising two fluid flows
A cartridge system has two cartridges and a discharge opening, wherein the cartridges are delimited by cartridge walls and by a cartridge head, wherein at least one cartridge opening for expelling the cartridge contents from both cartridges is provided in each case in the cartridge head. A device regulates streams of fluid from the cartridges and is arranged rotatably or slideably on the cartridge head, wherein on at least two openings at least one wing is in each case arranged which at least in some areas protrudes past the opening, such that a flow through the openings applies to the device a force which force leads to a sliding or turning of the device against the cartridge head, such that a housing having a discharge opening is arranged on the cartridge head, in which the housing is arranged so as to rotate or slide. |
| US08770450B2 |
Cylindrical spout for disposable cartons
A gable top or other container having a spout fitment is disclosed. The spout includes a base, a chute, a closure, and a tear line. The base is adapted to be joined to a wall of a container, and defines an opening. The chute communicates with the opening. The chute has a first end at least partially surrounding the opening and a second end spaced from the first end. The closure is positioned to close the chute. The tear line defines a seal of the closure. The tear line is adapted to be broken readily, without relative rotation between the closure and the chute of the spout about an axis generally perpendicular to the base, to open the spout. The base, spout, closure, and tear line can be injection molded as one integrally formed piece. |
| US08770447B2 |
Sterile lubricant dispensing apparatus
A sterile lubricant dispenser for dispensing calibrated amount of a sterile lubricant having a viscosity greater than that of 150 P. |
| US08770442B2 |
O-ring retainer for valve stem
An O-ring retainer is disclosed that is integral with a valve stem of a valve. The valve is intended to move in a valve chamber, which valve chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. When manually actuated, the valve moves between a first position, where it is seated against walls of the valve chamber and prevents flow through the chamber, and a second unseated position where it allows flow of the fluid through the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. An O-ring, used in conjunction with the valve and the valve chamber, is maintained in place by an outward projection from the valve stem, which projection is located just below the normally seated O-ring. Thus, if the O-ring becomes unseated, the projection, upon movement of the valve towards the seated position, bumps the O-ring back into its normal position. |
| US08770441B2 |
Multiple channel single spike for a liquid dispensing system
A spike for dispensing fluids from a flexible bag, wherein the spike includes multiple fluid channels which transfer liquids from the bag to an enclosed dispensing chamber and air from the enclosed chamber to the bag to permit and control fluid flow within the system. |
| US08770439B2 |
Method and device for discharging a fixed amount of liquid
Method and device for discharging a fixed amount of liquid which enables to dispense a liquid material with a higher accuracy. The device includes: a decompression valve for reducing the pressure of a compressed gas supplied; a discharging valve for controlling the flow rate of the gas decompressed at the decompression valve; a liquid storing container for discharging liquid from a nozzle by the gas supplied via the discharging valve; and a buffer tank between the decompression valve and the discharging valve that has a volume greater than the volume of the liquid storage container. The invention suppresses the pressure reduction that occurs in the flow path for supplying the compressed gas to the liquid storage container during the operation of the decompression valve by making the flow resistance between the buffer tank and the storage container greater than that between the buffer tank and the decompression valve. |
| US08770433B2 |
Vibratory tray conveyor and method
A tray for vibratory conveying of food articles from a hopper is provided. The tray includes a tray body, food inlet portion, and a food outlet portion. An upwardly extending dividing member divides the tray into at least two food inlet conveyor passageways, the inlet conveyor passageways merging into a single food passageway that extends to the food outlet portion. The single food passageway may have an initially wide portion and subsequently narrow to a narrow portion as it approaches a discharge end. This arrangement helps to declump food items, preferably causing food items the size of chicken nuggets to be conveyed in a single-file arrangement along the single food passageway. The single food passageway is preferably non-linear, and may, for example, have a zigzag or serpentine configuration to promote accurate dispensing of food items. |
| US08770432B2 |
Wash bucket
The invention relates to a wash bucket (1), the volume of which can be divided by means of a separate partition (2) into at least two compartments (3, 4). Projections (7) are disposed on at least two mutually opposing lateral walls (5, 6). |
| US08770430B2 |
Container having sliding support members
The present invention provides a container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body, tracks attached to opposite sides of the body, and a plurality of support members supported by the tracks. Rollers are located at the ends of the support members which roll in the tracks to move the support members. The support members have product receptacles whereby products may be suspended between adjacent support members, portions of the products residing in the product receptacles. |
| US08770429B2 |
Coffee mug liner
This disclosure provides a disposable mug liner fitting inside any mug or cup. The mug liner is preferably made of paper impervious to hot or cold liquids and it has a bottom and a wall. The wall is higher than the wall of the cup inside which the liner is inserted. The liner has two downward tearing lines which when torn open allow a formation of a flap that is bent over the mug handle, a hem that is bent down over the mug rim and an aperture to fit the mug handle. The liner according to this invention allows the user to keep the mug clean, protects the user from touching the mug rim and combines the convenience of a disposable cup and the sturdiness and insulation of a regular coffee mug. |
| US08770428B2 |
Lid for closing an opening of a container, packaging including a container with such a lid and process for sealing a container with such a lid
A lid (16) for closing an opening (12) of a container (10) comprises a sealing foil (26) which is sealable to a fringe (14) of the container opening (12) and the sealing foil (26) is formed tearable and/or is attachable tearable to the fringe (14) of the container opening (12). Therefore, the sealing foil (26) is fixed directly at the lid (16) and the fixing connection (28) is formed between the sealing foil (26) and the lid (16) more weakly than the intended sealing connection (34) between the sealing foil (26) and the fringe (14) of the container opening (12). |
| US08770425B2 |
Beverage can lid
A beverage can with a rotating lid (2) is attached to a rivet (5) in the can lid (D) and can be turned from an open rotating position to a closed rotating position above the pouring opening (7) and back. The rotating lid (2) at least partially takes the form of a bent snap disk (S) that can be moved by the application of force perpendicular to the lid plane, which bends the disk past a trigger point, from a stable first bending state into a stable second bending state in which the outer rim (10) of the rotating lid (2) is pressed against the rim lid (9) that delimits the pouring opening (7) with a certain closing pressure. The snap disk (S) moves back into its first bending state by re-applying force. |
| US08770424B1 |
Luminescent wall plate
A wall plate is disclosed for use with a switch that is mounted in a wall receptacle in a wall. A plate that is made from a transparent material has embedded therein a composition of powdered photoluminescent material. The plate includes a front surface, a back surface, and at least one aperture for accepting the switch therethrough and for mounting the plate. The back surface of the plate includes a recessed area for receiving a gasket configured to fit at least partially within the recessed area of the plate. The gasket further includes the apertures therethrough, coaligned with the apertures of the plate. Preferably the gasket is a white, closed-cell foam material. |
| US08770422B2 |
Adapter plate for a container assembly
An adapter plate for a container unit that can be coupled to at an additional container unit to form an intermodal container having the approximate dimensions of a standard ISO container. The intermodal container can be handled by a medium tactical vehicle with a load handling system. The container unit has first and second substantially parallel corner posts, an upper frame support extending between first ends of the corner posts, a lower frame support extending between second ends of the corner posts, and a connection block disposed adjacent the second ends of the corner posts. The adapter plate is disposed adjacent the connection block. A proximal end of the adapter plate is connected to the connection block and positioned generally flush with an outer facing surface of the connection block. A distal end of the adapter is angled to connect to an outer surface of the lower frame support. |
| US08770421B2 |
Collapsible refuse bin
A collapsible refuse bin which has two ends walls and two side walls atop a base. The end walls, side walls and base are twinned wall plastic components. The side walls are made of two panels which are pivotally attached to one another along vertical axis. The end walls are pivotally attached to the base. The side walls engage a base along a tongue and groove means. Side walls and end walls have mutually engaging edges. Removal of the side walls followed by folding down the end walls converts the refuse bin to a collapsed position. |
| US08770420B2 |
Wiring box and method of mounting the same
A wiring box includes: a top plate having an opening; a lid body which opens and closes the opening of the top plate; and a rotating arm, one end of the rotating arm being rotatably supported inside the opening of the top plate and another end of the rotating arm rotatably supporting the lid body, wherein the lid body is elevated while being held in a substantially vertical state inside the opening of the top plate by rotation of the rotating arm, and the opening of the top plate is closed by rotation of the lid body at a surface of the opening of the top plate so that a surface of the top plate and a surface of the lid body form a uniform surface. |
| US08770419B2 |
Rotatable multilevel tool organizer
A rotatable multilevel tool organizer for storing and presenting a variety of tools. The tool organizer includes a base unit that rests on a lazy susan bearing, allowing 360 degree rotation. The base unit has a plurality of drawers or swing out compartments. The tool organizer includes a plurality of cylindrical shaped pieces on the top of the base unit to hold mechanics sockets or other components. The tool organizer includes a middle unit resting on the base unit that holds tools in the vertical position. The tool organizer includes an upper unit resting on the base unit for storing and presenting longer handle tools in the vertical position. |
| US08770417B2 |
Storage product carrier for sleeve-shaped storage products, and storage rack therefor
The invention relates to a storage product carrier for a storage shelf having a plurality of carrier supports placed one above the other and at a distance from each other, which are disposed in pairs on opposite side walls of the storage shelf and which support the storage product carrier, comprising a base body that is surrounded by an edge wall. The storage product carrier has a support wall, which protrudes from the base body. Carrier arms are provided on the support wall, which protrude from the support wall, and on which sleeve-shaped storage products (36), particularly roller bushings, can be deposited. |
| US08770416B1 |
Wall mountable organizer assembly
A wall mountable organizer assembly is provided for storing and displaying items in an organized manner including a removable calendar. The assembly includes a back panel configured for mounting on a support surface. A perimeter wall extends around the back panel. The perimeter wall also extends forwardly from the back panel to define a back cavity. A medial panel is selectively positionable in the back cavity. A cover panel is pivotally coupled to the back panel. The cover panel covers the back cavity when the cover panel is in a closed position. The cover panel having a front face and a back face. A peripheral wall extends around the cover panel. The peripheral wall abuts the perimeter wall of the back panel when the cover panel is in the closed position. The peripheral wall forms a frame around the front face of the cover panel. |
| US08770412B2 |
Gravimetric mineral processing device and method for its use
The invention disclosed and claimed herein is a device for processing minerals and a method for its use, which device and method employ gravimetric principles to separate values in a feedstock from gangue, thereby allowing recovery or concentration of the values. The invention includes a table that receives and holds the feedstock, a chassis for supporting the table, and a mechanism for imparting a specific motion to the table, the motion being referred to as “compound cyclic,” which is a reciprocating, rectilinear, to-and-fro motion parallel to or coincident with the working axis of the table, combined with a simultaneous, continuous, and smooth vertical up-and-down motion that eliminates vertical jolting, jarring, or bumping. |
| US08770403B2 |
Holding aid
A holding aid of the present invention includes an attachment mechanism, two masks, and a hand holding structure. The attachment mechanism is used for attaching on an electronic product. The masks are connected to the attachment mechanism for covering the electronic product. The hand holding structure includes one or several gashes which are formed on the masks. Thus, user's hand can penetrate through the gashes for holding. Therefore, it is realized that functions of covering and sheltering and easy holding are provided by single accessory. |
| US08770402B2 |
Waterproof protective case for a mobile device
A protective case for a mobile device is provided, which includes a backing and a sidewall section, where the sidewall section has four sides and is coupled to the backing such that a cavity is formed when the backing and the sidewall section are attached. The protective case also includes a geometry seal located inside of the cavity, where the geometry seal is configured to form a lower waterproof seal with the sidewall section and the backing. Furthermore, the protective case also includes a top section, which forms an upper waterproof seal with the sidewall section and the geometry seal, thereby allowing the protective case to provide a waterproof seal around the mobile device. |
| US08770401B2 |
Open packaging
A packaging for at least one ball includes at least one opening that is configured to expose a portion of the ball. The openings are configured to restrict movement of the ball by engaging a surface of the ball. This packaging reduces the amount of the packaging material needed to produce the packaging while maximizing the amount of shelf space needed to display the packaging to increase visibility of the packaging. |
| US08770400B2 |
Pill tray
A pill tray is provided for assisting in sorting and counting of pills and capsules comprising a generally flat transparent tray surrounded by walls on three sides, a pill receiver on a fourth side, and featuring at least one return funnel on a corner distal the pill receiver. The pill tray features at least one side handle, a pill receiver that extends rearward to the same extent as the return funnel, an advertising sleeve on the underside of the tray, efficient legs, a downwardly sloping return funnel with a ridge across the access to same, and a gradually sloped ridge between the tray and the pill receiver that has no flat surfaces. The pill tray is preferably formed as a single piece by injection molding. The pill tray may be part of a kit including a multi-function spatula. |
| US08770399B2 |
Two-compartment container
A two-compartment container in which the first compartment has an upper layer and a lower layer and contains a first component that is to be added to the second compartment. There are at least two lacquer layers on the lower layer of the first compartment outside of the first compartment, between the second component and the first compartment. Above the first compartment is a dome that is bowed upward and is flexible. Depressing the dome by pushing downward on it causes the lower layer of the first compartment to be ruptured without cutting or rupturing the upper layer, releasing the first component into the second compartment. |
| US08770398B1 |
Retaining disposable shaver blade cartridges in a sealed condition and simultaneously retaining the shaver handle in a condition for immediate shaving use
A container that retains a razor blade cartridge within the container with a handle attached to the razor blade cartridge with the handle partially within the container and partially extending out of the container. The container is a spring biased container to keep it closed and it is necessary to provide a force that overcomes the spring force and open the container so that the handle and attached razor blade cartridge can be removed from the container which then snaps shut due to the closing spring force, the safety razor with razor blade cartridge and handle are ready for immediate use. Antiseptic and/or desiccant can be retained in the container. |
| US08770397B2 |
Cutting method to prevent interlocking of adjacent panels
A method for removing material between the panels of a foldable blank (100), includes the steps of: separating at least a portion of the blank with a contoured line (25) to define a first panel (15) and a second panel (20), terminating the contoured line at a vertex (V), selecting one of the first and second panels as a trimmed panel (15) from which material is to be removed, defining a first line (R) that includes a pair of first and second points (P1, P2) on an edge of the trimmed panel, and removing a portion (A) of the trimmed panel defined by the first line and a section of the edge lying between the first and second points. |
| US08770396B2 |
Storage and drying device for helmets and accessories (visor, gloves, shoulder pads, neck brace, knee pads, keys, etc.)
The invention provides a new method for the safe storage and drying of a helmet and related accessories (spare helmet face shield, sunglasses, goggles, primary gloves, secondary gloves, chin curtain, breath deflector/guard, helmet screws, neck brace, knee pads, elbow pads, chest protector, keys, and remote control gate/garage openers) employed in activities in which a helmet is utilized. The device is suspended utilizing various length interchangeable hanging straps possessing varied attachment methods to accommodate various hanging locations. The side connected hanging straps attach at an angle to the front opening so that the front opening is directed at an upward facing angle off of the vertical plane and a center angle adjustment and interlocking strap is utilized to set a preferred angle and interlink multiple devices hung vertically one under another. The angled orientation enables the device to be bumped or swung without concern that the helmet or other items stored therein will fall out. The shape and flexible nature of the device allows the sides to close in toward the helmet under the weight of a resting helmet. The device employs multiple attachment points and pockets to accommodate the related accessories and their related locations are such that they provide for the easy access to storage and removal based on frequency of use and order in which stored and removed. |
| US08770392B2 |
Width-adjusting device for conveyor corridor(s)
The invention relates to a width-adjusting device for conveyor corridor(s), comprising a wide gear-reduction mechanism connected to the frame (5) of said conveyor, wherein said mechanism is arranged between the control shaft (12) and the wall(s) of said corridor. The device includes: a final drive capable of reverse operation and consisting of said control shaft (12) in the form of an endless screw and of a toothed wheel (11); and a system for controlling at least one of the walls of said corridor, consisting of an endless screw (13) and a nut, the endless screw being mobile or fixed relative to said toothed wheel (11). The shaft (12) of the final drive is a flexible shaft having a long length and engaging with the tension-retaining system (20) for absorbing the pulling and pushing forces in the rotation direction thereof. |
| US08770388B1 |
Sweep conveyor for removal of grain and other materials from bins
A sweep conveyor extends along a bin floor between a sump pivot about which the conveyor rotates, and an outer end adjacent the bin wall. During the conveyor's orbit about the floor, flights at the conveyor bottom sweep across the floor toward the sump pivot, whereby bin material in front of the conveyor is swept into a sump. The conveyor is preferably made in modular sections connected end-to-end, whereby different sections are combined to construct conveyors having different lengths and capabilities. Some sections are preferably hinged together, allowing different sections to adopt different inclinations as they travel about a non-level floor. The flights are preferably provided on a belted chain riding on sprockets at opposite ends of the conveyor, and the chain is not supported by idler sprockets along its length, allowing the chain (and its flights) to sag under gravity so the flights ride along the bin floor. |
| US08770386B2 |
Folding transport conveyor for a construction machine, automotive construction machine, as well as method for pivoting a transport conveyor
In a folding transport conveyor (2) for a construction machine (1), with a first transport conveyor section (4) articulated at the construction machine (1), a second transport conveyor section (6) articulated at the first transport conveyor section (4) in a pivoting fashion, with a conveyor belt (10) continuously revolving around both transport conveyor sections (6), and with at least one pivoting mechanism acting between the transport conveyor sections (4, 6), it is provided that the pivoting mechanism includes a cam mechanism (12). |
| US08770384B2 |
Transportation unit and image forming apparatus
A transportation unit includes a transportation member and a cleaning member for cleaning foreign matters attached to a surface of the transportation member. The transportation member has the surface with a contact angle θ relative to n-dodecane between 10° and 45° (10°≦θ≦45°) and a mirror index M between 60 and 200 (60≦M≦200). |
| US08770383B2 |
Stopping apparatus and stop-cancelling method
A work stopping apparatus according to this invention includes a swing unit pivotable about a first pivot shaft between an abutment position and a retracted position, and a driving unit pivoting the swing unit. The swing unit includes a swing portion and a movable portion including a work abutment portion. The movable portion is pivotable about a second pivot shaft parallel to the first pivot shaft. A distance between the first pivot shaft and the work abutment portion becomes short along with pivoting motion of the swing unit from the abutment position to the retracted position. |
| US08770380B2 |
Conveying mechanism with pushing-off device that can be driven counter to the direction of travel
A conveyor apparatus with a plurality of transport units movable along a guide means, on the upper side of said transport units there being provided in each case a pusher means which can be driven contrary to a direction of travel of the transport units so that unit load items can be picked up and/or discharged gently. |
| US08770379B2 |
Sorting device
A sorting device including successive load carrying platforms having a front edge and a rear edge for supporting products to be sorted on a supporting surface, a conveying mechanism conveying the load carrying platforms in a conveying direction along a conveying path, a sorting mechanism including plural pusher elements pushing a product to be sorted sideways off at least one supporting surface at a desired sorting location. The pusher elements each extend above at least one load carrying platform and are arranged for being jointly conveyed with the at least one load carrying platform in the conveying direction. A drive mechanism moves the at least one pusher element sideways at the desired sorting location. An arcuate shape of a front edge of a load carrying platform, as seen in top plan view, abuts an arcuate shape of a rear edge of a next load carrying platform. |
| US08770378B2 |
Apparatus for the supply of products
An apparatus for conveying products comprising at least one conveyor device being drivable by a drive shaft in order to supply the products to each of a plurality of output regions, wherein said conveyor device comprises a support structure which can be pivoted about an axis of rotation of said drive shaft for individually changing said output region. Said support structure is pivotably supported by a jointed arm arrangement at a support element spaced apart from said drive shaft such that, by moving said jointed arm arrangement, said support structure is pivotable about said axis of rotation of said drive shaft. |
| US08770377B2 |
Buffer means for containers and method for buffering containers
A buffer means (1) and a method for buffering containers (2), in particular in a container handling apparatus, like for example bottles in a bottle filling apparatus, is described. The buffer means (1) comprises at least a first conveyor track (31). Furthermore at least a second conveyor track (32) is provided, which is drivable along a second transport direction (TR2). The first conveyor track (31) and the second conveyor track (32) are parallel to each other and form a buffer module (30). A transfer device (36) transfers the containers (2) from an infeed conveyor track (31E) onto an outlet conveyor track (32A) of the buffer module (30). By means of a sliding device the required buffer capacity of the buffer means (1) can be set. Between the infeed conveyor track (31E) and the outlet conveyor track (32A) of a buffer module (30) at least two further drivable transfer conveyors (31, 32) are provided. Thus a closed surface of the buffer module (30) is created. |
| US08770368B2 |
Wet type friction plate
A wet friction plate is constructed such that a carbon based friction material is placed on an outer peripheral side of a friction plate and a paper based friction material is placed on an inside of a carbon based friction material. A transmission torque occupied by the paper based friction material is smaller than that occupied by the carbon based friction material. The wet friction plate can prevent a sudden unexpected slip at low temperature. |
| US08770361B2 |
Residual pressure holding valve and suspension strut
A residual pressure holding valve (1) for a hydropneumatic suspension strut (2) of a motor vehicle has a valve housing (3) with an air inlet (4) and an air outlet (5). A valve body (6) is arranged displaceably in the valve housing (3) and a valve element (7) is arranged displaceably in the valve body (6). Air pressure applied to the air inlet (4) can lift the valve body (6) off a valve body seat (8) of the valve housing (3) to allow air to flow past the valve body (6) to the air outlet (5). Air pressure applied to the air outlet (5) can lift the valve element (7) off a valve element seat (9) of the valve body (6) to allow air to flow past the valve element (7) to the air inlet (4). |
| US08770354B2 |
Pneumatic brake cylinder
The invention relates to a pneumatic brake cylinder including a housing, a piston that can be moved in the housing and is used to transfer the pneumatic pressure to a brake, and a device for automatic adjustment in the event of wear of the brake linings, the device including a spindle, an adjusting nut, and a piston tube that can be engaged with the adjusting nut. According to the invention, a torque applied to the piston tube by the adjusting nut is introduced by the piston tube directly into elements connected to the housing in a fixed manner. |
| US08770352B2 |
Braking system
Provided is a braking system which can enhance the power generation efficiency of a thermoelectric conversion element by efficiently recovering the heat generated during braking, or by increasing the temperature difference between a heat source and the thermoelectric conversion element. A brake pad body in a brake pad is provided with a thermoelectric conversion element. The thermoelectric conversion element includes an n-type semiconductor layer and a p-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer are provided in a recess formed in the back surface of the brake pad body. |
| US08770349B2 |
Safety devices for elevators with reduced clearances
In an elevator shaft (100), preferably having an anti creeping device (140) and reduced ends, the reduced ends being the elevator pit and the elevator overhead, a load sensing safety apparatus (110) facilitated to activate the emergency safety gear of the elevator, according to teachings of the present invention, the load sensing safety apparatus including a movable plate, one or more spacing devices (120) one or more pressure sensors (150), and a locking trigger mechanism for triggering the activation of the emergency safety gear of the elevator. |
| US08770348B2 |
Universal adjustable sling type seat
A sling-type seat that can be used by hunters as a replacement for conventional treestand seats. The seat is attachable to an external support and/or frame, such as a tree trunk and treestand frame. The attachment is not limited to predefined attachment points and is thereby adjustable. The seat can be attached to a wide range of supports and/or frames and is therefore universal. Further, the seat is portable and may be rolled up and easily carried. |
| US08770347B2 |
Rigging system safety device
Disclosed herein, amongst other things, is a system for providing added safety for workers using rigging systems. In an embodiment, the invention includes a safety device for a roof rigging system including a rigger arm having a proximal end and a distal end; an attachment member disposed on the distal end of the rigger arm, the attachment member defining an aperture, the attachment member configured to engage a rigging line with the aperture; and a blocking member disposed on the distal end of the rigger arm, the blocking member configured to interface with the attachment member to prevent engagement of the attachment member with the rigging line by occluding the aperture when a counterweight is not attached to the roof rigging system. |
| US08770345B2 |
Gypsum-panel acoustical monolithic ceiling
An acoustical panel for forming a monolithic ceiling or wall, the panel extending across a rectangular area, and having a core made primarily of gypsum, the core being essentially coextensive with the panel area such that it has two opposed sides, each of an area substantially equal to the area of the panel, the core having a multitude of perforations extending generally between its sides, the perforations being distributed substantially uniformly across the full area of the core and being open at both sides of the core, the face side of the core being covered by a porous layer, the perforations being optionally restricted at a rear side of the core, the porous layer at the face side of the core being suitable for adherence of drywall joint compound and a water-based non-blocking paint. |
| US08770343B2 |
Noise reduction system for composite structures
A method and apparatus comprising a composite panel and a number of structures to reduce noise radiation from the composite panel. The composite panel has a first face sheet, a second face sheet, and a core located between the first face sheet and the second face sheet. The number of structures is associated with the first face sheet. The number of structures has a mass with a configuration to reduce a speed of waves propagating in the composite panel such that noise radiating from the composite panel is reduced. |
| US08770341B2 |
Compressor intake muffler and filter
A muffler for a feed air system of a compressor assembly. The muffler can be a product of a blow molding process and used in a method of sound control for a compressor assembly. A method of controlling sound in a compressor assembly can have the step of providing a feed air and the step of providing the muffler an outlet in communication with an inlet of a pump assembly which can compress the feed air fed through the muffler and into the pump assembly. Sound control for a compressor assembly is also accomplished by adapting a feed air system to have sound control of a feed air path by dampening the sound emitted from a pump system through the feed air path. |
| US08770339B2 |
Silencer for an auxiliary power unit of an aircraft
A silencer for an auxiliary power unit of an aircraft includes an inlet, an outlet, a housing, and a flow channel of a porous material, arranged in the housing. Between the housing and the flow channel an intermediate space is created, which space is divided by at least one outer partition into outer cells arranged around the flow channel. A central body includes a casing that is permeable to gas at least in some regions and that is arranged in the interior of the silencer. The central body includes inner partitions dividing the central body into inner cells. The resonance frequency of the inner cells corresponds to the natural frequency of the first radial mode in a channel formed between the central body and the inner surface of the inlet. In this manner particularly good sound attenuation is achieved with a compact installation space of a silencer. |
| US08770337B2 |
Systems and methods for reduction of noise during sleep
A noise reduction system for attachment to a pillow having a top surface is disclosed, wherein a head of a user can be configured to be placed on the top surface of the pillow. The system includes a plurality of support bands, each having a distal end and a proximate end, wherein the distal end of each of the plurality of support bands is configured to be coupled to the pillow and a pad configured to be coupled to each proximate end of each of the plurality of support bands. Upon coupling of the distal end of each of the plurality of support bands to the pillow, the pad is configured to be disposed above the top surface of the pillow at a predetermined height. The head of the user is configured to be placed between the top surface of the pillow and the pad, wherein the pad is configured to cover an ear of the user to reduce noise perceived by the ear of the user. |
| US08770332B2 |
Motorcycle and vehicle body frame
A vehicle body frame includes an upper frame, lower frame and a fastening member. The fastening member includes first and second bolts. The first bolt is provided to obliquely cross an axial line of a lower frame end connected to an upper frame end and to fasten the lower frame end to the upper frame end. The second bolt is provided to orthogonally cross the axial line of the lower frame end and fasten the lower frame end to the upper frame end. |
| US08770330B2 |
Exterior shroud member for a saddle-type vehicle, and vehicle incorporating the same
An exterior member such as a shroud, for a saddle-type vehicle including a head pipe and a main frame extending rearward from the head pipe, has a hook member formed on an inner side thereof. The hook member is configured for being engaged onto the main frame such that the exterior member is supported by the main frame. The exterior member is locked to the vehicle by engaging the hook member onto the main frame, thereby supporting the exterior member on the main frame. Such arrangement enables the exterior member to be affixed to the frame with a simple structure, without detrimentally affecting the external appearance of the vehicle. |
| US08770329B2 |
Engine cooling system
An engine cooling system includes a first heat exchanger receiving a first fluid and a second heat exchanger receiving a second fluid. The second heat exchanger is located adjacent the first heat exchanger, thereby creating a stacked heat exchanger. The engine cooling system also includes a third heat exchanger receiving a third fluid. The third heat exchanger is located apart from the stacked heat exchanger. A venturi is located between the stacked heat exchanger and the third heat exchanger. An air mover is mounted to the venturi and located within the venturi. The air mover is configured to move air through the stacked heat exchanger and through the third heat exchanger. In a specific embodiment, the engine cooling system is incorporated into a vehicle, such as a skidder vehicle. |
| US08770328B2 |
Process for controlling a start-stop operation of a vehicle having a hybrid drive, and a corresponding vehicle
A process for controlling a vehicle start-stop operation having a hybrid drive with an internal-combustion engine and an electric motor, a service brake with an ABS and an electric parking brake, includes: determining, monitoring and analyzing performance parameters of the vehicle, the internal-combustion engine, the electric motor, the service brake and the parking brake; automatically releasing the parking brake in the case of a starting prompt because of determined performance parameters; driving the vehicle by the electric motor for the start; starting the engine by the electric motor if the engine is switched off; driving the vehicle by the electric motor and the engine; activating a generator operation of the electric motor in the case of a braking prompt because of determined performance parameters; activating the service brake; and automatically locking the electric parking brake when the vehicle is stopped after a previously definable deceleration time. |
| US08770327B2 |
Accessory drive mechanism for hybrid vehicle
An accessory drive mechanism for a hybrid vehicle, capable of operating accessories irrespective of the travel state of the vehicle, and also capable of smoothly switching between the power which is transmitted from the traveling motor side and the power which is transmitted from the accessory drive motor side. The accessory drive mechanism is provided with a drive power take-off mechanism (20) for taking out the power from a travel drive system (D). An accessory (11) is connected to the drive power take-off mechanism (20). A first one-way clutch (C1) which can transmit the power only to the accessory (11) side is disposed between the drive power take-off mechanism (20) and the accessory (11). An accessory driving motor (an auxiliary motor (12e)) is connected to the side of the accessory (11) which is on the opposite side from the drive power take-off mechanism (20). A second one-way clutch (C2) which can transmit the power only to the accessory (11) side is disposed between the accessory (11) and the accessory driving motor (12). |
| US08770326B2 |
Vehicle component mounting arrangement
A vehicle component mounting arrangement is provided with a motor, an inverter, a converter and a drive power supply battery. The motor serves as a vehicle drive source. The inverter is electrically connected to the motor to supply a drive current to the motor. The inverter is vertically arranged above the motor in a vertical direction of a vehicle. The converter is arranged inside a motor room of a vehicle. The drive power supply battery is electrically connected to the converter with an electrical harness. The drive power supply battery is arranged outside the motor room on a side of the motor room that is closer to a vehicle cabin. The converter is further arranged between the inverter and the drive power supply battery with respect to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. |
| US08770325B2 |
Bulldozer
A bulldozer is provided with an engine, a pump assembly, an engine auxiliary, and a connecting member. The engine has an output axis which extends in a front and back direction of the bulldozer. The pump assembly includes a plurality of hydraulic pumps. The hydraulic pumps are disposed behind the engine and are disposed to line up with each other in the front and back direction. The pump assembly is connected to the engine. The engine auxiliary is disposed behind the engine and is mounted to the engine. The connecting member connects the engine and the engine auxiliary. |
| US08770320B2 |
Core lifter
A core lifter may be used in a drilling system. An exterior surface of the core lifter may include a plurality of longitudinally-oriented recesses. The core lifter may include a raised contact feature that may extend inwardly away from a gripping surface of the core lifter. The core lifter may include a flared skirt configured to limit movement of the core lifter relative to a core lifter case. The core lifter may be formed via stamping a sheet of material. |
| US08770318B2 |
Drilling motor with a locking collet sleeve stabilizer
A threaded sleeve stabilizer spans an upper stator connection in a mud driven drilling motor used for borehole drilling. A number of collets are loaded in compression between the stator and the housing of the motor, and are held in compression by a threaded connection. |
| US08770317B2 |
Center discharge gas turbodrill
A compact gas turbine motor and a speed reduction transmission capable of providing the speed and torque required for drilling with center discharge bits. The transmission includes two sun gears of different pitch diameters, keyed to the turbine shaft. Upper planet gears, whose carrier is fixed in place, drive an outer ring gear, which engages lower planet gears having a different pitch diameter. The lower planet gears engage the lower sun gear. Due to the different pitch diameters of the sun gears and planet gears, the gear carrier for the lower planet gears rotates in the same direction as the turbine shaft, but at a much slower rate. Exhaust gas from the turbine can be directed through one or more flow restriction elements to increase gas density in the turbine, further reducing turbine speed. The flow restriction element can comprise a venturi, to provide a vacuum assist to remove cuttings. |
| US08770315B2 |
Impact tool
An impact tool includes a bit holding device with an elongate tool holder having a bit holding hole with a tool bit, an outer shell component forming an outer shell of the bit holding device and mounted onto a front end portion of the tool holder, a stopper fitted onto the tool holder and prevented from moving in a longitudinal direction of the tool holder, and prevents the outer shell component from becoming detached from the front end of the tool holder, and an opening prevention member disposed outward of a center position of the stopper in the longitudinal direction of the tool holder and opposed to an outer surface of the stopper in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tool holder, and prevents the stopper from opening in the direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tool holder. |
| US08770313B2 |
Impulse generator, hydraulic impulse tool and method for producing impulses
An impulse generator (1) for a percussive tool includes a chamber (3) for receiving a liquid volume and an impulse piston (4) which is arranged for transferring pressure pulses in the liquid volume into stress wave pulses in the tool. The chamber (3) is adapted with respect to its shape such that it forms a resonance chamber for liquid in the liquid volume for forming at least one pressure antinode (11,15,17) inside the chamber. The invention also concerns a method and a hydraulic impulse tool. |
| US08770310B2 |
Vertical tillage system
A vertical tilling implement to be pulled behind and agricultural vehicle having a number of gangs of fluted-concave disc blades, rolling baskets, and wheels connected to a main frame. As the vertical tilling implement is pulled, the fluted-concave disc blades move the soil in a direction lateral to the side of the blades as well as up. Meanwhile, the rolling bars aid in leveling the seedbed and crushing the remaining large pieces of soil. The vertical tilling implement reduces the amount of subsoil compaction and cuts through heavy residue making it ideal for use in the fall or in the spring. |
| US08770309B2 |
Wide swath folding tool bar assembly
A tool bar assembly comprises a central section having a pair of pivotal wings each of which comprises pivotal inner and outer wing sections. The sections can be folded into a transport/storage position or unfolded into a substantially horizontal deployed position. In the deployed position, the sections are aligned end-to-end laterally behind a rear end of a movable frame which mounts central section. In the transport/storage position, the central section still extends laterally behind the rear end of the frame, but the pivotal wings have been folded forwardly at the ends of the central section to lie along opposite sides of the movable frame. In each folded pivotal wing, the inner wing section extends forwardly and upwardly at an angle from the central section and the outer wing section extends substantially rearwardly and horizontally from a front end of the inner wing section. |
| US08770307B2 |
Blade control system, construction machine and blade control method
A blade control system of the present invention includes a determining part which is configured to determine whether or not a load acting on a blade exceeds a first threshold, and a tilt controlling part which is configured to supply a hydraulic oil to a tilt cylinder for causing the blade to perform a rightward tilt action and a leftward tilt action when the determining part determines that the load acting on the blade exceeds the first threshold. |
| US08770303B2 |
Self-aligning open-hole tractor
A downhole tractor assembly that is configured for open-hole applications and of a self-aligning nature. The self-aligning nature of the assembly is effectuated through a tractor portion which is rotable about an axis of an elongated body of the assembly independent of a separate centralizing portion of the assembly. That is, the tractor portion, configured for interfacing an open-hole well wall of potentially irregular morphology, is independently rotable so as to maintain a position of substantially optimized driving friction at the interface during tractoring. Maintenance of optimized driving friction in this manner may occur irrespective of the orientation of the centralizing portion of the assembly. |
| US08770302B2 |
Pipe anchoring and expanding unit for producing a slim well and method for producing a slim well using the same
An anchoring and expanding unit comprising an anchoring device (20, 20′) and an expanding device (30, 30′), reciprocally removably constrained, the anchoring device (20, 20′) being of the expandable type, wherein the expanding device (30, 30′) includes a series of expanding means (33a, 33b) which can be extracted and blocked in at least two different operative positions, wherein the expanding means (33a, 33b) protrude radially from the expanding device (30, 30′). |
| US08770299B2 |
Tubular actuating system and method
A tubular actuating system includes a plurality of series of actuators disposed within a tubular with at least one of the series having a plurality of actuators. Each of the plurality of actuators in the at least one of the series is alterable from a first position allowing passage of plugs below a selected size to a second position allowing actuation by plugs of selected sizes. The plurality of actuators of the series are distributed within the tubular such that the more upstream of any two of the plurality of actuators is actuatingly engagable with a larger one of the plugs than the more downstream of the two of the plurality of actuators when in the second position, and the plurality of series is distributed such that for any two of the series the more upstream of the two series requires a larger plug to alter the actuators therewithin. |
| US08770297B2 |
Subsea internal riser rotating control head seal assembly
An RCD is used to provide a system and method for sealing a marine riser having a rotatable tubular. A bypass internal channel or external line may be used to allow fluid to bypass the RCD seal. An RCD holding member seal could be a mechanically extrudable seal or a hydraulically expanded seal to seal the RCD with the riser. |
| US08770295B2 |
Thermally stable, nonionic foaming agent for foam fracturing fluids
A method foamed fracturing may include providing a wellbore that extends into a subterranean formation and introducing a foamed fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture in at least a portion of the subterranean formation. The foamed fracturing fluid may generally include an aqueous base fluid, a sugar derivative foaming agent, and a gas. |
| US08770292B2 |
Heatable material for well operations
Heatable wellbore material, e.g., cements, polymers, composites, and epoxies, and systems and methods using heatable material, which, in certain aspects, are methods for cementing casing in a wellbore with such cement, the heatable material, in some aspects, being one or a combination of electrically resistively heatable material, microwave heatable material, and/or material heatable by the application thereto of a magnetic field. |
| US08770291B2 |
Hybrid cement set-on-command compositions and methods of use
A method for isolating a portion of a wellbore including preparing a sealant composition includes an emulsion of an internal phase and an external phase. The sealant composition is placed into the wellbore where one phase sets upon subjecting the sealant composition to a thermal source followed by the setting of the other phase. |
| US08770290B2 |
Gravel pack assembly for bottom up/toe-to-heel packing
A gravel pack assembly gravel packs a horizontal borehole. Operators wash down the borehole using a tool in a first position by flowing fluid from the tool through the apparatus' toe. Operators then gravel pack by moving the tool to a first flow port between a screen and the toe. Slurry flows into the borehole from the first flow port, and returns from the borehole flow through the screen. The gravel in the slurry can pack the borehole in an alpha-beta wave from toe to heel. When the tool has a sleeve, operators can break any bridges by flowing fluid from the passage of the assembly into the tool. In another condition, operators can move the tool to a second flow port. Slurry can flow into to the borehole through a shunt extending from the second flow port. Meanwhile, returns can flow from the borehole through a bypass in the assembly. |
| US08770289B2 |
Method and system for lifting fluids from a reservoir
Systems and methods are provided for lifting hydrocarbons from reservoirs. A method includes injecting a heat carrier fluid comprising steam, hot water, or both into a first well and injecting an organic compound into a second well. The organic compound is selected to vaporize to a gas from the heat provided by the heat carrier fluid, forcing produced fluids to the surface. The produced fluids are collected at the surface. |
| US08770287B2 |
Defoaming agent compositions and methods of making and using same
A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a foamed wellbore servicing fluid into a wellbore; flowing the foamed wellbore servicing fluid back to the wellbore surface; and contacting the foamed wellbore servicing fluid with an immobilized defoaming agent structure comprising an inert substrate and a defoamer. A system comprising a foamed wellbore servicing fluid in contact with a de-foaming structure, wherein the de-foaming structure comprises a defoamer covalently bonded to an inert substrate. |
| US08770284B2 |
Systems and methods of detecting an intersection between a wellbore and a subterranean structure that includes a marker material
Systems and methods of detecting an intersection between a wellbore and a subterranean structure that includes a marker material. The systems and methods include drilling the wellbore and determining that the wellbore has intersected a portion of the subterranean structure that includes the marker material by detecting the marker material. The systems and methods also may include distributing the marker material within the subterranean structure, aligning the marker material within the subterranean structure, determining one or more characteristics of the marker material, ceasing the drilling, repeating the method, and/or producing a hydrocarbon from the subterranean structure. The systems and methods further may include forming an electrical connection between an electric current source and a granular resistive heater that forms a portion of the subterranean structure, forming the granular resistive heater, and/or forming the subterranean structure. |
| US08770283B2 |
Systems and methods for distributed interferometric acoustic monitoring
A method and system for acoustic monitoring using a fiber optic cable. The optical fiber is used as a distributed interferometer that may be used to monitor activity, such as activity with respect to a conduit, wellbore or reservoir. The distributed interferometric monitoring provides for accurate detection of acoustic occurrences along the fiber optic cable and these acoustic occurrences may include fluid flow in a pipeline or wellbore, processes taking place in a wellbore or pipeline, fracturing, gravel packing, production logging and/or the like. |
| US08770281B2 |
Multiple infill wells within a gravity-dominated hydrocarbon recovery process
A method for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir by operating a substantially gravity-controlled recovery process with two adjacent well pairs. Each well pair includes an injector well and a producer well. A mobilized zone forms around each well pair through the gravity-controlled recovery process, and a bypassed region forms between the adjacent well pairs when the respective mobilized zone of each well pair merge to form a common mobilized zone. A plurality of infill producer wells are provided in the bypassed region. The plurality of infill producer wells are operated to establish fluid communication between the plurality of infill producer wells and the common mobilized zone. Once fluid communication is established, the plurality of infill producer wells and the adjacent well pairs are operated under a substantially gravity-controlled recovery process, and hydrocarbons are recovered from the plurality of infill producer wells and from the producer wells. |
| US08770277B2 |
Frac head with sacrificial wash ring
A frac head is provided with a sacrificial wash ring. The sacrificial wash ring is located above a mixing chamber of the frac head. The sacrificial wash ring protects the frac head body from erosion caused by abrasive frac fluids pumped through the frac head. |
| US08770266B2 |
Apparatus and method for producing piston for internal combustion engine
An apparatus for producing a piston for an internal combustion engine by casting, the piston having a cooling channel therein, the apparatus including a fixed die with an upwardly opened cavity in which a core serving to form the cooling channel is to be disposed, a moveable die moveably disposed relative to the fixed die in a vertical direction and including a predetermined engaging portion, a guide die including an engaging portion engageable with the fixed die and having a same shape as that of the engaging portion of the moveable die, and a core retaining mechanism disposed in the guide die to retain the core in a predetermined position. |
| US08770258B2 |
Sunshade apparatus for vehicle
A sunshade apparatus for a vehicle includes a shading sheet, which opens and closes a light transmitting portion of a vehicle roof, a pair of holding members, which retain the shading sheet, a winding member, which winds the shading sheet and the holding members. The shading sheet is retained at edge portions of the shading sheet, which extend in the shading sheet opening-closing directions by the holding members. The holding members are retained to the winding member in a manner so that winding in at one end in turn winds off the other end and movement direction thereof is reversed at a direction change member positioned at a distance from the winding member in the shading sheet opening-closing directions and the winding member includes a biasing member, which balances tensional force acting in the shading sheet opening-closing directions at one end and the other end of each holding member. |
| US08770254B1 |
Tire changer with rotational position and tracking control
A tire changer machine includes a control system that monitors a rotational position of a sensitive feature associated with a wheel rim and tire during a tire change procedure. The system adjusts operation of the machine to avoid damaging the sensitive feature, which may be a valve stem or a wheel sensor such as a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor. |
| US08770250B2 |
Thermoformable web joining apparatus
An apparatus is provided for splicing together old and new thermoformable sheets in order to supply a continuous thermoforming operation. The apparatus is used to join together thermoformable sheets by: providing a first thermoformable sheet with a trailing edge and a second thermoformable sheet with a leading edge; forming a terminal edge portion with a hot element along the trailing edge and a complementary terminal edge portion along the leading edge by severing a scrap sheet from each portion; laterally retracting each scrap portion away from the trailing edge and the leading edge; and joining together the first thermoformable sheet and the second thermoformable sheet by interlocking together the terminal edge portion with the complementary terminal edge portion. |
| US08770249B2 |
Tear seal moveable ground jaw for a tubing sealer
Tubing sealers, whether hand held or desk mounted, heat seal liquid filled plastic tubing on command to develop sealed liquid filled easily separable segments serially attached to one another. The sealer generates a source of RF energy to heat seal the plastic tubing on placement of the tubing between a fixed jaw and a tubing compressing moveable ground jaw. The moveable ground jaw serves as a heat sink to dissipate heat and prevents a heat buildup during rapid repetitive operation of the sealer. The configuration of the moveable ground jaw coming in contact with the tubing primarily, but in combination with the degree of compression of the tubing and the RF power applied, controls both the integrity of the seal and the ease with which the sealed segments of tubing can be separated from one another. |
| US08770248B2 |
In-process vision detection of flaw and FOD characteristics
An inspection system (9) includes an idler wheel (61) that is coupled to a fabrication system (8) and is in contact with a backing layer (65) of an applied material (64), A rotation sensor (63) monitors the idler wheel (61) and generates a rotational signal. A controller (24) is coupled to the rotation sensor (63) and determines a characteristic of one or more flaws and FOD (19) on a composite structure (12) in response to the rotation signal. |
| US08770247B2 |
Masking system using masking piece
In a masking system a robot performs first conveyance work of making an object gripping unit grip an object and set the object at a predetermined position based on positional information of the object which was detected by a first detection unit, coating work of making a coating unit coat an adhesive on a masking location of the object which is set at the predetermined position, and second conveyance work of making a masking piece gripping unit adhere a masking piece to the masking location of the object based on positional information of the masking piece which was detected by a second detection unit. |
| US08770240B2 |
Tire with tread having circumferential grooves, resonators and incisions
Tire comprising a tread having a tread surface (11) and comprising a plurality of grooves (2) of generally circumferential orientation and of depth H, these grooves (2) defining a plurality of rubber elements (3, 30), at least one of which comprises a plurality of cavities (6), each cavity (6) of volume Vc of generally elongate shape with a total length Lc and being designed to communicate with a single groove (2) of generally circumferential orientation, each cavity (6) being extended all the way along its length Lc by an incision (80) which extends radially outwardly to emerge at the tread surface (11), this tire being such that the incision (80) comprises an incision portion (81) beginning at the cavity and forming an angle A of at least 10° with a line perpendicular to the tread surface and passing through the point of intersection of the incision with the cavity (6). |
| US08770230B2 |
Tubular component
A tubular component with an end section has a profile, wherein the profile comprises a plurality of holding elements axially offset in longitudinal direction of the end section. The holding elements comprise at least one first azimuthal contour region and at least one second azimuthal contour region, wherein the outer contour of a holding element in the first contour region at least in sections is lowered or raised relative to the second contour region and wherein the first contour regions of at least two holding elements are offset relative to each other in azimuthal direction. |
| US08770227B2 |
Flow diverter valve
A flow diverter which is well suited for use in the medical environment to direct an inflow of various fluids (such as air and oxygen among others) to one of two (or more separate outlets. The diverter has a minimal amount of components and relies on a minimal amount of seals to effectuate a full diversion of flow between two outlets. The flow diverter 10 includes outer housing 12, flow selector valve 14 and seal members 16. The seal members are positioned so that one of the seal members is positioned within a non-planar groove on the selector valve. |
| US08770226B2 |
Random access rotary valve
A rotary valve comprising a stator with an inner stator face, and a rotor with an inner rotor face arranged in sealing contact with the inner stator face, the rotor is rotatably movable to a plurality of rotor positions about a rotational axis relative to the inner stator face, the stator comprises a plurality of connection ports each being in fluidic contact with a corresponding valve orifice at the inner stator face and the rotor comprises two or more interconnection paths for selective fluidic interconnection of said valve orifices with respect to the rotor position. Wherein the stator comprises, a main inlet port, a main outlet port, a first component feed port, a first component return port, a second component feed port, a second component return port, and wherein the interconnection paths in the rotor are arranged to: —in a first rotor position interconnect the main inlet port with the main outlet port, —in a second rotor position interconnect the main inlet port with the first component feed port and the first component return port with the main outlet port, —in a third rotor position interconnect the main inlet port with the first component feed port, the first component return port with the second component feed port, and the second component return port with the main outlet port, and —in a fourth rotor position interconnect the main inlet port with the second component feed port and the second component return port with the main outlet port. |
| US08770222B2 |
Air pump assembly for a power chuck
An air pump assembly for a power chuck has a frame and two air jet devices. The air jet devices are securely mounted on the frame. Each air jet device has a nozzle and a valve. The nozzle has a main body, a pin and a cap. The pin is mounted in the main body. The cap is mounted around a distal end of the main body and surrounds the pin. The valve may be mounted on a power chuck, faces and aligns with the pin, and has a chunk, a ball and a ball spring. With the air jet devices, the air pump assembly can blow air into a power chuck such that jaws of the power chuck are driven to move. |
| US08770216B2 |
Device adapted to withdraw gas and to control gas flow rate discharged therefrom
A device includes a filling valve, a sleeve, an absorbing member, and a gas control unit. The filling valve can be engaged for filling liquid gas. The sleeve includes a fluid passing section that enables liquid gas outside to flow therein. The absorbing member can absorb liquid gas and is disposed in the sleeve. The gas control unit includes a main body, a gas inlet and flow rate adjusting mechanism, and a gas outlet mechanism. The gas inlet and flow rate adjusting mechanism includes an adjustably movable valve and a first air seal. The first air seal is mounted between the adjustably movable valve and the main body to prevent liquid gas from passing therebetween. The adjustably movable valve is in fluid communication with the gas outlet mechanism such that vaporized gas emitted from the absorbing member is discharged from the device from the gas outlet mechanism. |
| US08770204B2 |
System for monitoring and controlling machines used in the manufacture of tobacco products
Tobacco products (2), typically cigarettes, are manufactured on a line (1) including a cigarette maker (3) and a filter tip attachment machine (4), both equipped with a number of production devices and units connected to respective master control units (82, 83) and visual display units (84). Key characteristics of sample tobacco products (2) are tested by an auxiliary inspection unit (45) forming part of a monitoring and control system associated with the manufacturing line (1), and connected up to a common interface network (48) so that signals reflecting the monitored characteristics can be fed back to a number of control units (81) associated respectively with the devices and the units of the line (1) on which the characteristics in question depend, and programmed to pilot corrective actions in response to the feedback signal. |
| US08770202B2 |
Nipple protection device for breast-feeding mothers
A nipple protection device for breast-feeding mothers having a nipple portion projecting upwardly from an arched shield portion. The nipple portion is provided with at least one drinking opening at its front side. The nipple portion is of generally oval cross-section and the at least one drinking opening is formed by at least one longitudinal slit. |
| US08770201B2 |
Condom with multifunctional coating
Condoms having an elastomeric layer and coating containing an anhydrous warming lubricant and at least one or more ingredients dispersed therein, the coating being disposed on one or both surfaces are provided. The ingredients disposed on the elastomeric layer can be solid particles or encapsulated ingredients that are insoluble in the anhydrous warming lubricant and soluble in water. Methods of producing and using these condoms are also provided. |
| US08770200B2 |
Fornix manipulator
A fornix manipulator includes a collar and stabilizer. The collar has a first end and a second end, the second end having an opening and diameter greater than the first end and the first end having an opening to receive a cervix into the collar. The stabilizer has a base portion defining a guide hole and a plurality of prongs extending from the base portion to contact the first end of the collar. |
| US08770199B2 |
Cannula for minimizing dilution of dosing during nitric oxide delivery
The present invention generally relates to, amongst other things, systems, devices, materials, and methods that can improve the accuracy and/or precision of nitric oxide therapy by, for example, reducing the dilution of inhaled nitric oxide (NO). As described herein, NO dilution can occur because of various factors. To reduce the dilution of an intended NO dose, various exemplary nasal cannulas, pneumatic configurations, methods of manufacturing, and methods of use, etc. are disclosed. |
| US08770198B2 |
Connector
A connector includes a main conduit and a gas conduit. The main conduit includes an inlet portion and an outlet portion that form a passage for supply of a first gas in a forward direction. The inlet portion is adapted to receive a supply of the first gas and deliver the first gas to the outlet portion. The gas conduit has a first end and a second end that form a second passage for supply of a second gas. The first end of the gas conduit is adapted to connect to a second gas supply, and the second end is adjacent the outlet portion of the main conduit and delivers the second gas into the main conduit such that the second gas is directed to flow in a forward direction. |
| US08770197B2 |
Headgear connection assembly for a respiratory mask
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and at least one locking clip. The frame has a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, at least one of the side frame members including a locking clip receiver assembly. The at least one locking clip has a main body providing a front portion adapted to be removably coupled with the at least one locking clip receiver assembly and a rear portion adapted to be removably coupled to a headgear assembly. The rear portion includes a cross bar that forms an opening through which a strap of the headgear assembly can pass and be removably coupled with the cross bar, and the front portion includes at least one resiliently flexible spring arm that is flexible within the plane of the main body. |
| US08770189B2 |
Endoscopic bite block
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a bite block assembly adapted for capnography and oxygen delivery to a subject, the bite block assembly (50) including a first capnography passageway adapted for passage therethrough of exhaled breath from the subject to a capnograph and a second oxygen delivery passageway, separate from the first passageway, adapted for passage therethrough of oxygen from an oxygen source to the mouth of the subject. |
| US08770188B2 |
Metered dose inhaler spacer
A metered dose inhaler (MDI) spacer has a body that defines a dose receiving chamber. A proximal end portion coupled between the body and a mouth port through which a metered dose may be inhaled by a user of the MDI spacer. A distal end portion is coupled with the body. A combined one-way and flow rate control valve coupled with the distal end portion is configured for permitting external airflow into and prohibiting internal airflow out of the dose receiving chamber. A collar coupled with the distal end portion is configured for receiving an actuator shaft of a metered dose inhaler and for forming a seal about an aerosol nozzle of the metered dose inhaler such that a metered dose of medication is admissible into the dose receiving chamber via the collar while airflow into and out of the dose receiving chamber via the collar is prohibited. |
| US08770187B2 |
Aerosol dispensing device
An aerosol dispensing device comprises a tubular body that provides a plenum, a mouthpiece having an outlet, a valve for dispensing fluid from a canister as an aerosol with relatively large and small droplet sizes into the plenum for supply to a user through the mouthpiece, and a baffle arrangement that provides first and second passageways each coupled at one end to the plenum and so configured to receive relatively small and large size droplets in the aerosol respectively, the other end of the first passageway extending to the outlet in the mouthpiece to supply the small size droplets to the user, and the other end of the second passageway being closed to inhibit passage of the large size droplets to the mouthpiece outlet, and containing a absorbent pad to prevent leakage of liquid from the canister. The pad may be pre-loaded with a flavourant. |
| US08770179B2 |
Chemical dispersal apparatus system
A system for airborne dispersal of chemicals comprising a compressed gas gun having a gun body, a grip, a barrel, a trigger, a compressed gas source and a cylindrical collar positioned at an exit end of said barrel, having a bore therethrough and equipped with a depth-adjustable knife-edge disposed at an exit end of the collar, protruding into the bore, so as to slit a capsule containing a chemical solution or suspension upon exit from the collar and disperse the chemical solution or suspension. |
| US08770177B2 |
Corrugated strap for securing a heat exchanger
Disclosed is a power system comprising a mount, a heat exchanger, and a corrugated strap positioned about the heat exchanger for securing the heat exchanger to the mount. The heat exchanger comprises a separation edge, and the corrugated strap may comprise a first corrugated section and a second corrugated section. A separation bend may be positioned between the first corrugated section and the second corrugated section, and the separation bend may overlap the separation edge. |
| US08770176B2 |
Fluid control valve assembly
A valve assembly includes a housing defining first, second, third, and fourth passages. The first passage channels relatively-high pressure fluid and the second passage channels relatively-low pressure fluid into the valve. The third passage connects to the second passage and releases fluid from the valve. The fourth passage connects to the first passage and the second passage and releases fluid from the valve. The valve assembly also includes a first check-valve that permits fluid flow from the second passage to the third passage and a second check-valve that permits fluid flow from the second passage to the fourth passage. The valve assembly additionally includes a nozzle that controls velocity of the relatively-high pressure fluid entering the fourth passage from the first passage. The relatively-low pressure fluid is pulled from the second passage into the fourth passage on the outer periphery of the nozzle by the relatively-high pressure fluid. |
| US08770174B2 |
Method and device for controlling diesel engine
This disclosure provides a method of controlling a diesel engine. The method includes adjusting an EGR ratio according to an engine load so that a cylinder O2 concentration decreases gradually to a predetermined load with an increase in the load of the engine, while the O2 concentration increases gradually above the predetermined load, operating the engine in a premix combustion mode where the fuel injection is terminated before a top dead center of a compression stroke in a low load operating range including the predetermined load where the O2 concentration is lowest and, after that, the fuel ignites and combusts, and operating in a diffusion combustion mode where the fuel injection is executed in parallel to the ignition and combustion of the fuel in an operating range where the load is higher than that of the operating range in the premix combustion mode and the O2 concentration is relatively high. |
| US08770170B2 |
Bedplate assembly and method
A method of constructing a bedplate assembly for retention of a crankshaft in an internal combustion engine having an engine block includes forming a bedplate insert in a first pattern tool. The bedplate insert is defined by a height, a width, and a thickness. The bedplate insert also includes a shape having a variation in the width along the height. The method also includes arranging the formed bedplate insert in a second pattern tool. The method additionally includes forming in the second pattern tool a bedplate frame around the formed bedplate insert to generate the bedplate assembly. During forming of the bedplate frame, the variation in the width of the bedplate insert generates an internal rib in the bedplate frame that is configured to fix and retain the bedplate insert inside the bedplate frame and decrease deflection of the bedplate frame under crankshaft loads during operation of the engine. |
| US08770166B2 |
Multi-mode air induction tuning duct
Methods and apparatuses are provided for an air inlet duct of an internal combustion engine. The air inlet duct includes a tubular housing. An inner wall has a plurality of perforations. The inner wall is disposed within the tubular housing such that the tubular housing includes at least two flow passages. A valve set is associated with a first flow passage of the at least two flow passages. The valve set selectively controls airflow through the first flow passage such that the first flow passage functions in a least one of a pass-through mode and a tuning mode. |
| US08770159B2 |
Stratified scavenging two-stroke engine
A two-stroke engine is provided with a piston, a cylinder that houses the piston in a manner allowing reciprocation, a crankshaft that is connected to the piston via a connecting rod, a crankcase that houses the crankshaft in a manner allowing rotation, a mixture gas passage that introduces mixture gas into the crankcase, a scavenging passage that extends between a scavenging intake that opens into the crankcase and a scavenging port that opens into the cylinder; and an air passage that is connected to an intermediate position of the scavenging passage for introducing air into the scavenging passage. The engine is adapted such that, in a part of an upward stroke period of the piston, the crankcase in which negative pressure is generated is connected to the scavenging passage via the scavenging port. |
| US08770158B1 |
Hybrid vehicles with radial engines
A radial cam engine with an optimized cam configuration can provide improve performance over crankshaft internal combustion engines. The cam configuration can include a flat-top or flat bottom piston motion, multiple lobe cam configurations, matching piston force with torque/force ratio in combustion phase, asymmetry piston motions for improved power transfer during combustion phase, and/or offset piston and cam configurations. The radial cam engine can be used in vehicles, such as hybrid vehicles. |
| US08770157B2 |
Cylinder cooling apparatus for air-cooled engine
A cylinder cooling apparatus for an air-cooled engine is equipped with a cooling fan provided on one end section of a crankshaft; a pair of pushrod insertion holes for air intake and exhaust valves formed in a cylinder outer circumferential wall section; a fan shroud for covering the cooling fan and for covering the cylinder outer circumferential wall section in which the pushrod insertion holes are formed; a cutout ventilating section formed in the cylinder outer circumferential wall section between the pair of pushrod insertion holes; and tunnel-shaped ventilating holes formed in the cylinder outer circumferential wall section between the pushrod insertion hole disposed on the side of the cooling fan and a cylinder bore and extending from the cylinder outer circumferential wall section on the side of the cooling fan to the cutout ventilating section. |
| US08770156B2 |
Cold start system for a motor vehicle
A system and method for controlling a fuel system for a cold start of an engine is disclosed. An auxiliary fuel tank includes a separating device configured to separate a mixed fuel into a first fuel and a second fuel. A valve may be controlled to allow the flow of the first fuel to an engine of a motor vehicle to enable a cold start of the engine. |
| US08770146B2 |
Methods and apparatus for applying teat dip to a dairy animal
Methods and apparatus are used at the end of a dairy animal milking process to stop milking pulsation in an off position and then applying a teat dip into a milker unit teat cup liner to improve dip coverage on the teat. |
| US08770138B2 |
Semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and semiconductor manufacturing method
A plated film having a uniform film thickness is formed on a surface of a substrate. A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes: a holding mechanism for holding a substrate rotatably; a nozzle for supplying a processing solution for performing a plating process on a processing target surface of the substrate; a substrate rotating mechanism for rotating the substrate held by the holding mechanism in a direction along the processing target surface; a nozzle driving mechanism for moving the nozzle in a direction along the processing target surface at a position facing the processing target surface of the substrate held by the holding mechanism; and a control unit for controlling the supply of the processing solution by the nozzle and the movement of the nozzle by the nozzle driving mechanism. |
| US08770137B2 |
Structure of traffic cone
The present invention is a traffic cone, mainly to utilizes a two-stage formation manufacturing method in which a cone body is injected for combing with a preformed base, wherein the periphery of a through hole having a large dimension and formed at the center of the base is extended with a cone ring part having a preset height, and the upper portion of the cone ring part is formed with a combination part having reduced inner and outer diameter, a preset quantity of convex columnar members are arranged on the inner and the outer surfaces of the combination part with equal intervals, and a fluid passing hole is respectively formed between adjacent convex columnar member, the original material of cone body flows pass the inner and the outer sides of the combination part through the fluid passing holes and combines with the convex columnar member. |
| US08770126B2 |
Method and apparatus for towing offshore wind turbines
A method of moving a floating wind turbine relative to a body of water, the floating wind turbine having a buoyant body with a nacelle at the upper end thereof, including the steps of floating the floating wind turbine in the body of water, and towing the floating wind turbine while holding the buoyant body in an inclined position, whereby the nacelle is held clear of the water. As the wind turbine is held in an inclined position, it can be towed through regions of shallower water than if it were in a vertical position. |
| US08770120B2 |
Method and apparatus for distributing seed from a central source to a plurality of seed metering units of an agricultural seeding machine
A splitter divides an air/product mixture flow, delivered thereto in an air-powered distribution line, between a primary and a secondary distribution channel, which may be flow-coupled to a product hopper or a hose flow-coupled to another product hopper or another splitter. The air/product mixture enters the inlet of the splitter along a first flow path and exits a primary outlet, flow-coupled to the primary distribution channel, along a second flow path generally in-line with the first flow path. Air/product flow is exhausted by a secondary outlet, which is flow-coupled to the secondary distribution channel, at a sideward flow path relative to the first and second flow paths. The velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is exhausted from the secondary outlet is at an angle perpendicular to the velocity flow vector along which the air/product mixture is received by the inlet of the splitter. |
| US08770115B2 |
Pallet assembly
A pallet assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes an upper deck for supporting items thereon and upper column portions extending downward from the upper deck. The upper column portions include a first upper column portion having a slot defined by a pair of slot walls. The lower portion includes a plurality of lower column portions including a first lower column portion. The first lower column portion includes a peripheral wall and a support structure having a pair of walls extending inward from the peripheral wall. One of the first upper column portion and the first lower column portion is received within the other, with the support structure received in the slot between the slot walls. |
| US08770113B2 |
Rail road freight car with damped suspension
An auto rack rail road freight car is provided for carrying low density, relatively high value, relatively fragile lading. The car has trucks that have multiple dampers in a four corner arrangement in the sideframes. The dampers may include damper wedges having primary and secondary wedge angles. The spring groups in the side frames are relatively soft, giving a low vertical bounce natural frequency. In an articulated embodiment, differentially placed ballast is mounted in a biased arrangement to load the coupler end trucks to encourage a dynamic response similar to the dynamic response of the internal trucks. |
| US08770112B2 |
Transport equipment with a vehicle guided along a single traffic lane
A transport installation comprising at least one carrier vehicle moving longitudinally in to-and-fro manner along a single running track being guided by two guiding elements each following one of the lateral branches of the track in a crossing area. The carrier vehicle carries two independent gripping mechanisms respectively associated with the two guiding elements and each able to temporarily secure the carrier vehicle in the lateral direction to the associated guiding elements. Such gripping mechanisms constitute on-board devices for selecting the branch associated with its direction of running on entering a crossing area. |
| US08770111B2 |
Transport vehicle and transport system
A transport vehicle that reduces shaking of a transport article includes a travelling unit, a transport unit, a fall prevention member, and a shaking reduction member. The travelling unit travels along a rail provided on a ceiling. The transport unit transports a transport article. The fall prevention member is rotatably supported such that it can rotate between a fall prevention position and a retracted position. The fall prevention member is, at the fall prevention position, below the transport article. A pushing portion of the shaking reduction member pushes against a side surface of the transport article with a pushing surface thereof in conjunction with the rotating of the fall prevention member from the retracted position to the fall prevention position. A lever portion of the shaking reduction member has one end supporting the pushing portion and the other end rotatably supported in a manner coaxial with the fall prevention member. |
| US08770108B2 |
Coupling device for explosives
A coupling device which is configured such that respective explosives for blasting work are coupled to front and rear sections thereof. The coupling device includes cylindrical bodies, one of the bodies being movable away from or close to another one of the bodies, a partition provided inside a predetermined one of the bodies to divide an inner space of the predetermined body, and an expandable support section provided between the bodies to connect the bodies to each other. The expandable support section forms a cylindrical shape together with the bodies when one body is moved away from the other body and is radially expanded when one body is moved close to the other body. The explosives can be easily inserted into a blasting hole and be positioned in the center of the blasting hole, thereby increasing the efficiency of blasting work. |
| US08770105B2 |
Printing apparatus and method for forming thin film pattern using the printing apparatus
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and method for forming a thin film pattern using the printing apparatus which can form a multi-layered thin film pattern on a substrate. |
| US08770100B2 |
Juice extraction module for juicer
A juice extraction module for a juicer is provided, which includes a container formed with a juice discharge port, a sieve positioned inside of the container, a screw positioned inside of the sieve to extract juice from a material, and a lid coupled to a top end of the container and formed with a input port through which the material is input. The juice extraction module includes a crushing portion formed on a top end of the screw to be narrowed upward, the crushing portion having a crushing blade formed thereon; and a crushing processing portion connected to the input port and formed in a bottom of the lid to be concave for accommodating the crushing portion. |
| US08770093B2 |
Beverage machine with drip tray device for recipients of different heights
A beverage machine comprising a drip tray device that can accommodate recipients of different heights. The drip tray device is formed of a collect tank and has a first drip support grid removably mounted on the tank for holding short recipients and has a second drip support for longer recipients such as a glass. The whole device is removable for ease of emptying and rinsing. In a possible mode, the first removable grid is provided with a gutter to evacuate liquid in a main collect reservoir. |
| US08770092B2 |
Brewing unit for a coffee machine
The invention relates to a brewing unit (1) for a coffee maker for brewing a ground coffee portion (10), comprising a brewing unit housing (2), an upper plunger (3) firmly connected to the brewing unit housing (2), a holder (4) for receiving the ground coffee portion (10), said holder being open at the top and closed at the bottom by a base (7), and a brewing plunger (6) for compressing the ground coffee portion (10) in a brewing chamber (5). The holder (4) and the brewing plunger (6) are disposed movably and pivotally in the brewing unit housing (2). Mechanical operating elements are provided in the brewing unit housing (2) for raising, lowering, and pivoting the holder (4) and the plunger (3). The brewing plunger (6) is hydraulically guided displaceably in the holder (4) relative to the holder (4). Between the brewing plunger bottom side (14) and the base (7) of the holder (4) a lower chamber space (13) is provided, into which the hot water supply (8) opens. The brewing plunger (3) has a passage (11) for the hot water, said passage being provided with a valve (12) and connecting the lower chamber space (13) to the brewing chamber (5). When supplying pressurized hot water via the hot water supply (8) in the lower chamber space (13), overpressure is created there, by which the brewing plunger (6) can be hydraulically pressed in the direction of the brewing chamber (5). |
| US08770091B2 |
Piston pump
A piston pump is provided comprising a cylinder with an inner cylinder wall. The piston pump comprises at least one working space including fluid intake and fluid outlet, a piston including a piston rod and a piston head. The piston head includes a lateral surface facing the cylinder wall, a front surface facing the working space, a rear surface and at least one piston head channel. Furthermore, the piston head's lateral surface is provided with a first projection and a second projection extending round the entire circumference of the lateral surface and in contact with the cylinder wall, thereby forming an annulus which is defined by the first projection, the second projection, the cylinder wall and possibly the cylinder head's lateral surface between the first and the second projections if the piston head is designed so that the projections are provided with an axial spacing between them. The projections are designed so that a pressurized liquid located in the annulus will substantially flow into the cylinder's working space. |
| US08770088B2 |
Reciprocating compressor
A reciprocating compressor having an aperture control valve for an inlet passage. Sectional area of the inlet passage is maintained near the outlet holes of the aperture control valve, distribution of flow rates of refrigerant gas drawn into the cylinder bores during inlet stroke is even. A cylinder block is provided with cylinder bores, a valve plate opposing one end of the cylinder block having inlet and outlet hole pairs, and a cylinder head forming an annular outlet chamber and a cylindrical inlet chamber radially inside the outlet chamber. The cylinder head has an inlet passage and an outlet passage, and an aperture control valve with an inlet hole connecting with the inlet passage and outlet holes controlling the aperture of the inlet passage. The aperture control valve is disposed in the inlet chamber. |
| US08770086B2 |
Blast protection attachment
A blast structure and system for use as an outer blast protection component for a personnel cabin for a vehicle, is disclosed. The blast protection system comprises a personnel cabin adapted for receiving a blast structure, the cabin comprising a space forming an interior of the cabin, a floor within the interior of the cabin, the floor having a perimeter section and a removable floor panel centrally disposed therein, a blast structure comprising at least one outer blast panel attachable to the perimeter when the floor panel is removed, and means for attaching and detaching the blast panel to the perimeter section, providing an outer blast protection component to the interior space of the cabin. The attaching/detaching means include fasteners which are accessible through the interior of the cabin, without breaching the exterior surface of the blast structure. |
| US08770084B2 |
Suppressor assembly for firearms
A suppressor system includes at least one inner core having a core bore defined therein, the core bore having a nominal core bore diameter. The inner core also includes a core-coupling portion. A plurality of muzzle brakes that each includes a bore having a nominal brake bore diameter. Each muzzle brake includes a brake-coupling portion. The inner core is configured to allow the brake-coupling portions of muzzle brakes having nominal brake bore diameters that are equal to or less than the nominal core bore diameter to couple to the core-coupling portion and to prevent the brake-coupling portions of muzzle brakes having nominal brake diameters that are greater than the nominal core diameter from coupling to the core-coupling portion. |
| US08770079B2 |
Sheet hole punching device
A sheet hole punching device has a device frame; a plurality of punching members arranged in first and second groups, and arranged linearly on the device frame; a driving rotation shaft; a driving motor reciprocally rotating the driving rotation shaft; a gear mechanism transmitting a rotation of the driving rotation shaft; cam mechanisms converting the rotational movement; and a motor control device. The gearing mechanism includes drive gears disposed on the drive rotational shaft, and receiving gears disposed on the punching members to engage with the drive gears. The cam mechanisms include cam followers and cylindrical cams. The cylindrical cam has a V-shaped groove cam to reciprocate each of the punching members between an upper dead point and a lower dead point. The punching members are rotated in one direction to punch holes in first sheets, and subsequently rotated in a reverse direction to punch holes in following sheets. |
| US08770071B2 |
Electronic torque wrench with a rotatable display unit
An electronic torque wrench a wrench head unit adapted to engage and turn a fastener, a tubular first wrench body securely engaged with the wrench head unit, a tubular second wrench body coupled and aligned with the first wrench body by a fitting member to permit rotation of the second wrench body relative to the first wrench body, a mounting shell sleeved on the second wrench body for mounting a display unit to provide a display representing a measured torque. By rotation of the second wrench body, the display unit can be adjusted to a desired angular position for being viewed easily by the user. |
| US08770069B2 |
Automatically-configurable screwdriver assembly
An automatically-configurable screwdriver assembly includes a shaft with a hollow interior portion, a proximal end, and a distal end. A first blade is fixedly coupled to the distal end of the shaft to prevent motion in a proximal direction and a plunger is at least partially located within the hollow interior portion of the shaft and slidable therein between an extended position and a retracted position. A compression member exerts force on the plunger in a distal direction and a second blade is mechanically coupled to the plunger so that, when the plunger is in the extended position, the first blade and second blade extend approximately equidistant from the distal end of the shaft and form a substantially perpendicular configuration with one another and when the plunger is in the retracted position, the first blade extends a greater distance from the distal end of the shaft than does the second blade. |
| US08770067B2 |
Pliers with adjustable jaw span
Pliers with adjustable jaw span have a first member (1) and a second member (2) which cooperate with each other. A long slot (13) is formed in the first member (1). The second member (2) is connected with the first member (1) by means of a pivot (3) passing through the long slot (13), and rotatable around the pivot (3) relative to the first member (1), while adjusting the span of the jaws by varying the position of the pivot (3) within the long slot (13). The edge of the long slot (13) is provided with ratchet teeth (14). The pivot (3) is engaged with the ratchet teeth (14) by a pawl (31), thus the pivot is movable within the long slot (13) in a first direction and immovable in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction. The pliers are convenient to operate because when the position of the pivot (3) is moved within the long slot (13), the user's operation is required only for the movement in one direction. |