| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08790919B2 |
Compositions and methods for optimizing cleavage of RNA by RNase H
The present invention provides compositions and methods for the optimization of cleavage of RNA species by RNase H. In some embodiments, the invention provides oligonucleotides that possess two or more regions of differing conformation, and at least one transitional nucleobase positioned between the regions that is capable of modulating transfer of the helical conformation characteristic of the region bound to the 3′hydroxy thereof, to the region bound to the 5′ hydroxyl thereof. |
| US08790916B2 |
Microfluidic method and system for isolating particles from biological fluid
The invention relates to a system and method for isolating particles from a biological fluid, including: obtaining a sample of biological fluid from a source (e.g. a patient) in which the sample contains particles of multiple sample particle types; tagging particles in the sample with tagging agents, including mixing the sample with a solution of magnetic tagging agents that selectively bind to particles of at least one of the sample particle types, thereby forming a group of tagged particles in the sample; passing the sample through a magnetic conduit having a magnetic field that interacts with at least some of the tagged particles; sorting the particles of the sample into multiple groups based on the interaction between the tagged particles and the magnetic field; and optionally returning selected portions of the processed fluid back to its source with or without the addition of appropriate therapeutic agents. |
| US08790914B2 |
Use of cellulosic materials for cultivation of microorganisms
The invention provides methods of cultivating oil-bearing microbes using cellulosic material. Also provided are microorganisms that manufacture non-alcohol-based fuels and fuel feedstocks through a process of converting cellulosic materials into oils. Also provided are compositions comprising depolymerized cellulosic materials and oil-bearing microbes. Some methods of microbial fermentation are provided that comprise combining depolymerized cellulosic materials with other non-cellulosic feedstocks to enhance the economics of renewable fuel manufacturing. Particular advantages of the processes provided herein include production of oils rather than alcohols through cellulosic processes. Additional advantages include methods for manufacturing high nutrition oils from non-edible feedstocks such as wood chips, switchgrass, and bagasse. |
| US08790913B2 |
Methods of using pneumatic bioreactors
A pneumatic bioreactor includes a vessel containing a fluid to be mixed and at least one mixing device driven by gas pressure. A first embodiment includes a floating impeller that rises and falls in the fluid as gas bubbles carry it upward to the surface where the gas is then vented, permitting the impeller to sink in the fluid. The floating impeller may be tethered to a second impeller with a flexible member and pulley. The mixing speed is controlled with electromagnets in the vessel acting upon magnetic material in the impeller or its guides. In another embodiment, floating pistons mix the fluid, pushing it through a mixing plate with one or more apertures. In a third embodiment, the mixing device is a rotating drum with bubble-catching blades and rotating mixing plates with apertures. The top of the vessel for these mixers may include a closed top and sterile filters. |
| US08790912B2 |
Composition for enhancing anaerobic reductive dechlorination by Dehaloccoides
The composition comprises, by mass, about: 52% Lactose, 15.2% B12-fortified Brewer's Yeast, 12% Sodium Proponate, 0.8% Sodium carbonate, 0.12% Nitrate Nitrogen, 2.1% Ammoniacal Nitrogen, 3.78% Urea Nitrogen, 1% Available Phosphoric Acid, 0.4% Soluble Potash (K2O), 2% Sulphur (S), 0.0064% Iron, 0.0066% Manganese, 0.0036% Zinc, 0.00068% Copper, 0.003% Boron and about 0.0068% Molybdenum. |
| US08790911B2 |
Increased ethanol production by genetic engineering of microorganisms to express hemoglobin
The present disclosure describes novel bacterial strains which express a pyruvate decarboxylase gene and at least one alcohol dehydrogenase gene from a bacteria of the genus Zymomonas and also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla. The present disclosure further describes methods for producing fermentation products with a microorganism which expresses a pyruvate decarboxylase gene and at least one alcohol dehydrogenase gene from a bacteria of the genus Zymomonas and also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla. Further the present disclosure describes methods for increasing production of a fermentation product comprising genetically engineering a microorganism which expresses a xylose isomerase gene to also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla. |
| US08790904B2 |
Process for preparing enriched glucan biomass materials
The disclosure describes a process for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol utilizing a dicarboxylic acid such as maleic acid as an enzyme mimic to hydrolyze the hemicellulose and cellulose of the biomass. Controlling the condition of the maleic acid hydrolysis can selectively hydrolyze the hemicellulose giving as a result a liquid portion rich in xylose and a solid portion rich in glucan. The glucan can be further hydrolyzed to produce a glucose containing material. The sugar materials can be fermented to produce ethanol which is recovered. The dicarboxylic acid is then recovered from the residue left after the ethanol is removed from the fermentation material, and the recovered dicarboxylic acid is recycled to the beginning of the process to treat additional lignocellulosic biomass. |
| US08790903B2 |
Metabolic engineering of xylose-fermenting eukaryotic cells
The present invention relates to genetic modifications in eukaryotic host cells that have been transformed to express a xylose isomerase that confers on the host cell the ability to isomerize xylose to xylulose. These genetic modifications are aimed at improving the efficiency of xylose metabolism and include. e.g., reduction of nonspecific aldose reductase activity, increased xylulose kinase activity and increased flux of the pentose phosphate pathway. The modified host cells of the invention are suitable for the production of a wide variety of fermentation products, including ethanol, in fermentation processes in which a source of xylose or a source of xylose and glucose are used as carbon source. |
| US08790890B2 |
Diagnostic method for connective tissue and its application
The present invention relates to medicine and is used to evaluate conditions and to detect connective tissue pathology (and/or organ) by clonal analysis. The present invention relates to aesthetic medicine and is used for correction of aging skin changes. The method includes: cultivation of substrate-dependent cell colonies of analyzed tissue and/or organ, at conditions which provide formation of discrete colonies applicable for visualization, statistically reliable analysis of derived colonies, determination of at least one parameter which characterizes regenerative potential of population of substrate dependent cells, determination of at least one parameter which characterizes proliferative potential of population of substrate dependent cells, and processing of obtained results which allows to evaluate regenerative ability of patient's tissue and/or organ. The method provides objective qualitative characteristics of both the proliferative and regenerative potential which allows evaluating the regenerative potential of primary tissue (and/or organ) without complex and expensive instrumental studies. A computer based system for performing the present method is also provided. |
| US08790884B1 |
Method for measuring sialic acid in immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin G anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies
A method for measuring the amount of sialic acid in immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin G anti-ds DNA antibodies is disclosed. The method for measuring the amount of sialic acid in immunoglobulin G in the present invention uses culture fluid, blood, plasma, or serum to directly measure the amount of sialic acid in immunoglobulin G. Also, using a mouse monoclonal antibody immunoglobulin G as a standard, which is diluted from 1000 ng/ml to 15.625 ng/ml in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), produces good results. The method for measuring the amount of sialic acid in immunoglobulin G anti-ds DNA antibodies has never been done and the present invention produces good results as well. |
| US08790874B2 |
Device for investigation of a flow conduit
A device for investigation of a flow conduit comprising: a base; and a module formed in the base, the module comprising: a main channel for the flow conduit, the main channel having a loading inlet for loading the flow conduit; a culture chamber in the main channel for at least one of perfusion and superfusion of the flow conduit; at least two fixation lines in communication with the main channel for providing fixation of the flow conduit at at least two fixation locations along the length of the flow conduit. |
| US08790873B2 |
DNA ligation on RNA template
Disclosed are methods and compositions for detection and amplification of nucleic acids, wherein two DNA strands hybridized to an RNA strand are ligated. In one aspect, the disclosed methods include removal of an energy source, such as ATP, upon charging a ligase to form an enzyme-AMP intermediate, and then adding substrate, which results in one complete round of RNA-templated DNA ligation. In another aspect, the ligation reaction is accomplished by use of a mixture of at least two different ligase enzymes. The disclosed methods and compositions for RNA-templated DNA ligation may be particularly useful for detection of RNA sequence variants, for example RNA splice variants, and for quantitative expression analysis. |
| US08790872B2 |
Non-elispot assay
A method of detecting the production of an analyte by cells in a sample, which method comprises: (i) providing an antibody capable of binding to said analyte and a first agent capable of enhancing detection of said analyte, wherein said antibody and said first agent are immobilized on the same support; (ii) contacting said antibody and said agent with a sample of cells; and (iii) detecting binding of said analyte to said antibody thereby detecting the production of an analyte by cells in a sample. |
| US08790868B2 |
Method of forming resist pattern and negative tone-development resist composition
A method of forming a resist pattern, the method including: forming a resist film on a substrate using a resist composition containing a base component (A) that exhibits reduced solubility in an organic solvent under the action of acid, an acid generator component (B) that generates acid upon exposure and a fluorine-containing polymeric compound (F), exposing the resist film, and patterning the resist film by negative tone development using a developing solution containing the organic solvent, thereby forming a resist pattern, wherein the base component (A) contains a resin component (A1) containing a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester, the dissolution rates of (A1) and (F) in the developing solution are each at least 10 nm/s, and the absolute value of the difference in the dissolution rates of (A1) and (F) in the developing solution is not more than 80 nm/s. |
| US08790867B2 |
Methods of forming photolithographic patterns by negative tone development
Provided are methods of forming photolithographic patterns by negative tone development. The methods employ a photoresist composition that includes a polymer having a unit of the following general formula (I): wherein: R1 represents hydrogen or a C1 to C3 alkyl group; a represents an integer from 1 to 3; and b represents 0 or 1. The methods find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices. |
| US08790865B2 |
Method of fabricating capacitive touch panel
The present disclosure relates to a method of fabricating a capacitive touch pane where a plurality of groups of first conductive patterns are formed along a first direction, a plurality of groups of second conductive patterns are formed along a second direction, and a plurality of connection components are formed on a substrate. Each first conductive pattern is electrically connected to another adjacent first conductive pattern in the same group by each connection component and each group of the second conductive patterns is interlaced with and insulated from each group of the first conductive patterns. Next, a plurality of curved insulation mounds are formed to cover the first connection components. Then, a plurality of bridge components are formed to electrically connect each second conductive pattern with another adjacent second conductive pattern in the same group. |
| US08790864B2 |
Method of improving print performance in flexographic printing plates
A method of tailoring the shape of a plurality of relief printing dots created in a photosensitive printing blank during a platemaking process is provided. The photocurable layer is exposed to actinic radiation using an array of UV LED light assemblies and the use of the array of UV LED light assemblies produces relief printing dots having at least one geometric characteristic selected from the group consisting of a desired planarity of a top surface of the relief printing dots, a desired shoulder angle of the relief printing dots and a desired edge sharpness of the relief printing dots. |
| US08790861B2 |
Cycloaliphatic monomer, polymer comprising the same, and photoresist composition comprising the polymer
A monomer has the Formula I: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are each independently a C1-30 monovalent organic group, and R1, R2, and R3 are each independently unsubstituted or include a halogen, nitrile, ether, ester, ketone, alcohol, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing functional groups; R4 includes H, F, C1-4 alkyl, or C1-4 fluoroalkyl; A is a single bond or a divalent linker group, wherein A is unsubstituted or substituted to include a halogen, nitrile, ether, ester, ketone, alcohol, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing functional groups; m and n are each independently an integer of 1 to 8; and x is 0 to 2n+2, and y is 0 to 2m+2. |
| US08790854B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a substrate and a photosensitive layer, wherein the electrophotographic photoreceptor has a surface layer containing fluorine resin particles, and the fluorine resin particles exposed on a surface satisfy the following Expression (1): 0.5≦(A)/(B)≦10 Expression (1) wherein, (A) represents a number of aggregated particles in which 5 to 20 fluorine resin particles are connected and aggregated, and (B) represents a total number of fluorine resin particles that are isolated without being aggregated and aggregated particles in which 2 to 4 fluorine resin particles are connected and aggregated. |
| US08790845B2 |
Hydrophilic/hydrophobic patterned surfaces and methods of making and using the same
One embodiment includes a substrate having a plurality of molecular chains, each chain comprising a hydrophilic group, a hydrophobic segment, and a reversible crosslinker. |
| US08790844B2 |
Fuel cell stack
A fuel cell stack with a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and a plurality of bipolar plates, wherein at least one surface of a first bipolar plate runs in undulating fashion, meandering fashion or zig-zag-shaped fashion and extreme points of the surface of the bipolar plate make contact with a first surface of a MEA at contact points. At least some of the contact points are associated with mating contact points on a second surface of the MEA, which surface is opposite the first surface of the MEA, with a surface of a second bipolar plate making contact with said mating contact points, and that the contact points and the associated mating contact points are positioned one above the other in the stacking direction. A method for producing a fuel cell stack is provided. A bipolar plate for a fuel cell stack is also provided. |
| US08790843B2 |
Fuel cell stack
A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) and a stamped metal separator. The metal separator is positioned between the membrane electrode assemblies. The separator includes at least one channel on both surfaces of the separator formed by a stamping process. The separator comprises a plurality of holes, each of which form a manifold communicating with each the channels. |
| US08790840B2 |
Systems and methods for fuel cell thermal management
Thermal and hydration management systems and methods for fuel cell systems, including control of electrolytic membrane hydration levels. In some embodiments, the thermal properties of the fuel cell are controlled based on a variable associated with the oxidant supply stream and/or a variable associated with the fuel cell energy output. In some embodiments, the temperature of the fuel cell is controlled based on the temperature of the oxidant supply stream. In some embodiments, the temperature range across the fuel cell stack is controlled based on the flow rate of the oxidant stream and the electrical output generated by the fuel cell stack. In some embodiments, the humidity within the fuel cell stack is controlled. In some embodiments, the liquid water content of the cathode exhaust stream is controlled. |
| US08790831B2 |
Powder for positive electrode active material, positive active electrode active material, and sodium secondary battery
The present invention provides a positive electrode active material that can suppress the necessity of performing sieving and is suitable for use in secondary batteries, particularly sodium secondary batteries. Also provided is a powder for a positive electrode active material as a raw material for the positive electrode active material. The powder for a positive electrode active material of the present invention comprises Mn-containing particles. In the cumulative particle size distribution on the volume basis of particles constituting the powder, D50, which is the particle diameter at a 50% cumulation measured from the smallest particle, is in the range of from 0.1 μm to 10 μm, and 90 vol % or more of the particles constituting the powder are in the range of from 0.3 times to 3 times D50. The powder for a positive electrode active material comprises Mn-containing particles, and 90 vol % or more of the particles constituting the powder are in the range of from 0.6 μm to 6 μm. The positive electrode active material is a powdery positive electrode active material obtained by calcining a mixture of the powder for positive electrode active material and a sodium compound. The positive electrode for sodium rechargeable batteries comprises the positive electrode active material. |
| US08790828B2 |
Anode balanced lithium—iron disulfide primary cell
A primary electrochemical cell having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2) and carbon particles. The cell is balanced so that the anode is in theoretical capacity excess (mAmp-hrs) compared to the theoretical capacity of the cathode. The anode and cathode can be spirally wound with separator therebetween and inserted into the cell casing with electrolyte then added. The electrolyte comprises a lithium salt dissolved in organic solvent. |
| US08790826B2 |
Cathode of lithium battery and method for fabricating the same
A cathode of the lithium battery includes a composite film. The composite film includes a carbon nanotube film structure and a plurality of active material particles dispersed in the carbon nanotube film structure. |
| US08790817B2 |
Pouch-type lithium secondary battery
A pouch-type lithium secondary battery including: an electrode assembly; and a case to house the electrode assembly, including first and second case portions. The first case portion includes a receiving part to receive the electrode assembly, and a wing part extending from the receiving part. The second case portion includes an outer part that is sealed to the wing part, and an extension part that extends from the outer part and is folded toward the wing part. |
| US08790815B2 |
Nickel coated aluminum battery cell tabs
A battery cell tab is described. The battery cell tab is anodized on one end and has a metal coating on the other end. Battery cells and methods of making battery cell tabs are also described. |
| US08790812B2 |
Battery pack
A battery pack has multiple wall-shaped projecting portions, which are provided on side surfaces of battery cells perpendicular to a layer direction X, extend in a flow direction of cooling fluid and arranged in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the cooling fluid, to form fluid passages between neighboring battery cells. It further has multiple enlarged projecting portions, which are provided at intermediate portions of the wall-shaped projecting portions extending in the flow direction of the cooling fluid and brought into contact with the neighboring battery cells to receive action force therefrom. An outer dimension of the enlarged projecting portions in the direction, in which the multiple wall-shaped projecting portions are arranged, is made larger than a thickness dimension of the wall-shaped projecting portions. |
| US08790809B2 |
Battery having a housing partially filled with cooling fluid
Battery 1, comprising at least a battery cell 2, which is arranged within a battery housing 3, characterized in that the battery housing 3 is partially filled with a cooling liquid 4. Method for cooling of said battery, wherein at least a portion of the cooling liquid 4 is evaporated. |
| US08790802B2 |
Air battery system and methods for using and controlling air battery system
An air battery system has a sealed air battery cell (10) having: an air electrode having an air electrode layer (4) containing a conductive material and an air electrode power collector (6) for collecting electric power from the air electrode layer; a negative electrode having a negative electrode layer (3) containing an negative electrode active material that adsorbs and releases metal ions and a negative electrode power collector (2) for collecting electric power from the negative electrode layer; a separator (7) provided between the air electrode layer and the negative electrode layer; and a sealed air battery case (1a, 1b). The air battery system also has a depressurization portion (20) that reduces the internal pressure of the sealed air battery cell to below the atmospheric pressure. |
| US08790798B2 |
Magnetoresistive element and method of manufacturing the same
A magnetoresistive element (and method of fabricating the magnetoresistive element) that includes a free ferromagnetic layer comprising a first reversible magnetization direction directed substantially perpendicular to a film surface, a pinned ferromagnetic layer comprising a second fixed magnetization direction directed substantially perpendicular to the film surface, and a nonmagnetic insulating tunnel barrier layer disposed between the free ferromagnetic layer and the pinned ferromagnetic layer, wherein the free ferromagnetic layer, the tunnel barrier layer, and the pinned ferromagnetic layer have a coherent body-centered cubic (bcc) structure with a (001) plane oriented, and a bidirectional spin-polarized current passing through the coherent structure in a direction perpendicular to the film surface reverses the magnetization direction of the free ferromagnetic layer. |
| US08790793B2 |
Organic electroluminescent element with electron transport layer containing condensed aromatic heterocyclic compound, display device and lighting device
Provided is an organic electroluminescent element comprising a substrate having thereon an anode, a cathode, and a plurality of organic layers sandwiched between the anode and the cathode, wherein the plurality of organic layers comprise: a light emitting layer containing a phosphorescence emitting compound; and an electron transport layer containing a compound represented by Formula (1), (Ar1)n1-Y1 Formula (1) wherein n1 is an integer of 1 or more; Y1 is a substituent when n1 is 1, and Y1 is a single bond or a linking group of n1 valences when n1 is two or more; Ar1 is a group represented by Formula (A), a plurality of Ar1 may be the same or different with each other when n1 is two or more; and the compound represented by Formula (1) contains at least two condensed aromatic heterocyclic rings each comprising 3 or more rings condensed with each other. |
| US08790792B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescent device includes a light-emitting layer containing at least one host material and at least one luminescent dopant serving as a guest. The host material is a polymer having repeating units linked to each other by non-conjugated bonds and the luminescent dopant is a Π-conjugated oligomer. |
| US08790790B2 |
Metallurgically bonded stainless steel
A steel wire having a stainless steel exterior; the steel wire includes a core region that comprises at least 55 wt. % iron which is metallurgically bonded to a stainless steel coating that consists of a stainless steel region and a bonding region. The stainless steel region can have a thickness of about 1 μm to about 250 μm, and a stainless steel composition that is approximately consistent across the thickness of the stainless steel region. The stainless steel composition includes an admixture of iron and about 10 wt. % to about 30 wt. % chromium. The bonding region is positioned between the stainless steel region and the core region, has a thickness that is greater than 1 μm and less than the thickness of the stainless steel region, and has a bonding composition. The bonding composition includes an admixture of iron and chromium, with a chromium concentration proximal to the stainless steel region that is approximately equal to the chromium concentration of the stainless steel region and has a chromium concentration proximal to the core region that has less than about 5 wt. % chromium. |
| US08790783B2 |
Barrier layers comprising Ni and/or Ti, coated articles including barrier layers, and methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to a coated article including at least one infrared (IR) reflecting layer of a material such as silver or the like in a low-E coating, and methods of making the same. In certain cases, at least one layer of the coating is of or includes nickel and/or titanium (e.g., NixTiyOz). The provision of a layer including nickel titanium and/or an oxide thereof may permit a layer to be used that has good adhesion to the IR reflecting layer, and reduced absorption of visible light (resulting in a coated article with a higher visible transmission). When a layer including nickel titanium oxide is provided directly over and/or under the IR reflecting layer (e.g., as a barrier layer), this may result in improved chemical and mechanical durability. Thus, visible transmission may be improved if desired, without compromising durability; or, durability may simply be increased. |
| US08790780B2 |
Composite coating systems for air handling systems
The present invention relates to composite coating systems and methods for the manufacture and reconstruction of condensate pans, floors or other internal structures of a heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) or heating ventilation air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) unit. The composite coating system comprises a base epoxy coating and a top surface coating. The base epoxy coating is substantially free of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and adheres to the condensate pans, floors or other internal structures of the HVAC or HVACR unit to fill pinholes and to provide corrosion and water resistance, and the top surface coating provides a barrier to high thermal exposure of the base coating. |
| US08790778B2 |
Roofing granules with high solar reflectance, roofing materials with high solar reflectance, and the process of making the same
Roofing granules include a core having an average ultraviolet transmission of greater than sixty percent and an average near infrared reflectance of greater than sixty percent and a UV coating layer on the exterior surface. The coating provides UV opacity, while the core provides near infrared reflectance. |
| US08790773B2 |
Tailorable dielectric material with complex permittivity characteristics
A dielectric material includes a network of nanosubstrates, such as but not limited to nanotubes, nanosheets, or other nanomaterials or nanostructures, a polymer base material or matrix, and nanoparticles constructed at least partially of an elemental metal. The network has a predetermined nanosubstrate loading percentage by weight with respect to a total weight of the dielectric material, and a preferential or predetermined longitudinal alignment with respect to an orientation of an incident electrical field. A method of forming the dielectric material includes depositing the metal-based nanoparticles onto the nanosubstrates and subsequently mixing these with a polymer matrix. Once mixed, alignment can be achieved by melt extrusion or a similar mechanical shearing process. Alignment of the nanosubstrate may be in horizontal or vertical direction with respect to the orientation of an incident electrical field. |
| US08790769B2 |
Transparent, laser-inscribable polyurethane
The present invention relates to a transparent, laser-inscribable, preferably thermoplastic polyurethane, and to the production and use thereof. |
| US08790765B2 |
Pad structure for absorbing vibration and dispersing pressure
A pad structure for absorbing vibration and dispersing pressure comprises: an absorbing and dispersing layer, at least one surface of which is a closed surface, at least one connecting hole is disposed on, the one end surface of the connecting hole is an opened surface and the other is a closed surface; at least one positioning member, which has an adhering surface connecting the positioning member into the connecting hole, the one end surface of the positioning member is urged by the connecting hole, adhering agent is coated on the adhering surface; a buffering layer, which has at least one connecting surface connecting with the surface, the adhering surface being on, of the absorbing and dispersing layer, the connecting surface and the adhering surface are tightly combined to fix the absorbing and dispersing layer; and a wrapping member, which covers on the absorbing and dispersing layer and the buffering layer. |
| US08790763B2 |
Thermoplastic polyurethane with reduced tendency to bloom
The present invention discloses a thermoplastic polyurethane which is comprised of the reaction product of (1) a hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate, (2) a polyisocyanate, and (3) a glycol chain extender; wherein the hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate is comprised of repeat units that are derived from 1,3-propylene glycol and a dicarboxylic acid; wherein the hydroxyl terminated polyester intermediate has a number average molecular weight from 500 to 10,000; and wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane includes hard segments that are the reaction product of the polyisocyanate and the glycol chain extender. This thermoplastic polyurethane is unique in that it has a greatly reduced tendency to bloom. This is highly desirable in applications where high clarity is desired because blooming causes articles containing the thermoplastic polyurethane to be hazy or foggy in appearance. Blooming can also reduce the ability of an article made with the thermoplastic polyurethane to be securely bound to another article with an adhesive. |
| US08790760B2 |
Container made from plastics materials with a polymeric organofluorine interior coating for active-compound formulations for crop protection or protection of materials
The present invention relates to the use of containers comprising plastic materials, whose inner walls are provided with a polymeric, organofluorine coating which has a multiplicity of perfluoroalkyl groups on its surface, for active substance formulations for crop protection or material protection. |
| US08790756B2 |
Thermal-transfer laminate film, thermal-transfer sheet, and image forming apparatus
A thermal-transfer laminate film includes a base film and an image protection layer. The image protection layer is provided an the base film and contains a thermoplastic resin and a pearl pigment, a content ratio of the pearl pigment with respect to 100 parts by mass of the thermoplastic resin being 0.5 parts by mass or more and 10 parts by mass or less. |
| US08790751B2 |
Method of improving adhesion of dielectric cap to copper
In a method of promoting adhesion between a copper body and a dielectric layer in contact therewith, the copper body and dielectric layer are placed in a vacuum chamber, in a chamber, the copper body and dielectric layer within the chamber are heated, and SiH4 is provided in the chamber. |
| US08790750B2 |
Thin film deposition apparatus
A thin film deposition apparatus that can be simply applied to manufacture a thin film on a large substrate on a mass scale and that improves manufacturing yield includes a deposition source; a first nozzle disposed at a side of the deposition source and including first slits arranged in a first direction; a second nozzle assembly disposed opposite to the deposition source and including strings arranged in the first direction; and a barrier wall assembly including barrier walls disposed between the first nozzle and the second nozzle assembly to partition a space between the first nozzle and the second nozzle assembly into a plurality of sub-deposition spaces. The second nozzle assembly is movable relative to the target along a plane parallel to a surface of the target, or the target is movable relative to the second nozzle along the plane. |
| US08790748B2 |
Polymer modified bitumen cap sheets and methods
According to one embodiment, a method for pressing roofing granules into a roofing membrane may include providing a roofing membrane and applying roofing granules atop a surface of the membrane. The method may also include adjusting a position of a second roller relative to a first roller so as to vary an amount of contact between the membrane and the first roller and pressing the roofing granules into the membrane via the first roller. In some embodiments, a line speed of the membrane may be determined and a contact value may be calculated based on the line speed of the membrane. The contact value may represent an effective amount of contact between the membrane and the first roller. The position of the second roller may be adjusted so that the amount of contact between the membrane and the first roller corresponds to the effective amount of contact. |
| US08790746B2 |
Method for manufacturing a polymer molecular film for photo-electronic device
The present invention provides a polymer molecular film, a photo-electronic element comprising the same and method for manufacturing the same. The polymer molecular film of the invention is formed via a deformation process on a substrate. Particularly, the polymer molecular film includes a plurality of conjugated polymers, therein at least one of the conjugated polymers has a stretched molecular structure. As a result, the photo-electronic element having said polymer molecular film performs with good lighting or power generating efficiency. |
| US08790743B1 |
Method for controlling cyclic plasma-assisted process
A method for processing a substrate in a reactor by pulsing RF power, includes: applying RF power in pulses in the reactor to process the substrate; monitoring data from the reactor indicative of anomalous pulses of RF power, including data from a photo sensor equipped in the reactor; counting the number of anomalous pulses of RF power in the monitored data; determining whether or not the number of anomalous pulses of RF power is acceptable; and initiating a pre-designated sequence if the number of anomalous pulses of RF power is determined to be unacceptable. |
| US08790742B2 |
Method for manufacturing 3D circuits from bare die or packaged IC chips by microdispensed interconnections
A method for manufacturing an electronic circuit in three-dimensional space provides for interconnecting electronic components within the circuit by directly writing conducting lines. The method may include observing a direct writing tool of a direct write system using a vision system, determining proper placement of the direct writing tool at least partially based on the step of observing, and directly writing conducting lines in three dimensions using the proper placement. The direct writing may be on a surface or in free space. The method may include stacking a plurality of chips to provide a stack having a top surface and edges extending away from the top and interconnecting connections of the chips by directly writing conducting lines along one of the edges. |
| US08790740B2 |
Resistant starch-rich starch, beverage and food using the same, and method of producing resistant starch-rich starch
Disclosed is a resistant starch-rich starch which satisfies the requirements (a), (b), (c) and (d), below: (a) showing a resistant starch content, measured by the AOAC Official Method 2002.02 for measuring resistant starch, of 60% or more; (b) showing a molecular weight peak in the range from 6×103 or larger to 4×104 or smaller; (c) showing a molecular weight dispersion of 1.5 or larger to 6.0 or smaller; and (d) showing a gelatinization enthalpy, measured by differential scanning calorimetry over the range from 50° C. to 130° C., of 10 J/g or smaller. |
| US08790735B2 |
Method of preferentially reducing absorption of saturated fat and compositions
Methods and food product compositions are provided for preferentially reducing absorption of saturated fat whereby the effective caloric content of a fat-containing food product is reduced by about 25% of the effective caloric content contributed by a saturated fat. This food product is prepared with a major portion of the saturated fat present in the food product being complexed with a solubilized alpha and/or beta cyclodextrin. Food products comprising a fat component comprising mixtures of saturated and unsaturated fat fractions are provided wherein the saturated fat fraction is desirably selectively more complexed to reduce its relative metabolic availability. |
| US08790732B2 |
Non carbohydrate foaming compositions and methods of making the same
A foaming composition includes a powdered carbohydrate-free soluble composition which includes protein particles having a plurality of internal voids containing entrapped pressurized gas. In one form, the foaming composition is produced by subjecting the particles to an external gas pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure prior to or while heating the particles to a temperature of at least the glass transition temperature and then cooling the particles to a temperature below the glass transition temperature prior to or while releasing the external pressure in a manner effective to trap the pressurized gas within the internal voids. |
| US08790728B2 |
Natural taste enhancing savoury base and a process for its preparation
A taste enhancing savoury base comprises between 8 to 80% of naturally derived compounds taken in the group consisting of glutamate, IMP and GMP, and further comprises naturally food derived compounds such as organic acids and their salts, amino acids, peptides and aroma compounds. The base is obtained through a prokaryotic fermentation with a bacteria taken from the group consisting of Corynebacterium glutamicum, Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, Corynebacterium casei, Corynebacterium efficiens, Brevibacterium lactofermentum and Bacillus subtilis. The base is not purified by crystallization or chromatographic methods. |
| US08790726B2 |
Deodorant agent
Deodorant agents, which contain ginkgo or Phellodendron Bark or its extract as an active ingredient and which are high in safety and can radically inhibit the emission of human body malodors typified by sweat odor, especially, axillary odor. |
| US08790722B2 |
Botanical extract from the aqueous stream of the palm oil milling process for the prevention and inhibition of oxidative stress and haemolysis in human red blood cells
The invention provides a composition for the prevention and inhibition of oxidative stress and hemolysis in human red blood cell wherein said composition compounds obtained from the aqueous stream of palm oil milling (palm oil vegetation liquor), in particular from vegetative liquor from the milling of palm oil fruit. |
| US08790720B2 |
Compositions and methods for treating skin
The present invention relates to skin care compositions comprising blends of camellia and feverfew serum fractions and/or kelp and parsley serum fractions. The skin care compositions also comprise a dermatologically acceptable carrier. The invention also relates to methods for increasing melanin production in skin by topically applying the skin care composition to areas in order to stimulate one or more steps in melanin synthesis and/or interrupt an inflammatory cycle. |
| US08790716B2 |
Process for treating storage reservoirs contaminated with mycotoxins
A process for treating, by means of eugenol or clove oil, reservoirs for storing cereals, oil-producing plants, dry fruit or dry vegetables contaminated with mycotoxins. |
| US08790715B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating nitric oxide for medical use
A method and system for generating and delivering nitric oxide directly to a patient. A reaction chamber is provided that is located at or in close proximity to the patient and reactants within the reaction chamber react together to produce a predetermined amount of nitric oxide. The reaction is controlled by metering at least one of the reactants into the reaction chamber to generate a predetermined quantity of nitric oxide as required by the patient. The reactants can include a nitrite salt, such as sodium nitrite, and a reductant such as ascorbic acid, maleic acid or a mixture thereof. By generating and delivering the nitric oxide directly to the patient in close proximity thereto, the formation of NO2 is minimized. One or both of the reactants may be in liquid form. |
| US08790714B2 |
Compositions and methods for treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis
The present invention is in the fields of medicine, pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals and rheumatology. In one aspect, the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and/or prevention of osteoarthritis in mammals, particularly humans, comprising sodium bicarbonate and calcium gluconate, and optionally comprising one or more additional components. The invention also provides methods of treating or preventing osteoarthritis by administering to a mammal, preferably via intraarticular injection, one or more compositions of the invention. |
| US08790710B1 |
Topical composition comprising umbilical cord blood serum
Cosmetic compositions comprising umbilical cord blood serum and methods of using such compositions to impart anti-aging benefits to the skin are disclosed. |
| US08790707B2 |
Surface-treated calcium phosphate particles suitable for oral care and dental compositions
Calcium phosphate particles are described comprising a surface treatment wherein the surface treatment comprises at least one sugar alcohol, at least one glycerophosphoric acid compound, or mixture thereof. Also described are various oral care compositions comprising surface treated calcium phosphate particles and methods of surface treating calcium phosphate particles. |
| US08790706B2 |
Fluid powder dentifrice for the treatment of the gums, and a corresponding production method
The dentifrice powder comprises grains of ground pumice stone coated with particles of a dry extract of fruit tree leaves, in particular pawpaw leaves, and is preferably obtained by carrying out a method comprising the following steps: producing a decoction of fruit tree leaves in water; filtering the decoction using a sieve with a mesh of 100 μm; adding ground pumice stone having grains with a maximum dimension of 100 μm; and atomizing the mixture in a stream of hot air with an inlet temperature of close to 300° C. and an outlet temperature of close to 100° C. |
| US08790702B2 |
Modified hyaluronic acid polymer compositions and related methods
The present application provides compositions comprising hyaluronic acid having low levels of functional group modification, mixtures formed by controlled reaction of such lightly modified hyaluronic acid with suitable difunctional or multi-functional crosslinkers, and hydrogel precursor compositions and the resulting hydrogels. The compositions are lightly cross-linked and possess low pro-inflammatory properties when injected in vivo, and can be used as, for example, medical devices, biomedical adhesives and sealants, and for localized delivery of bioactive agents, among other uses. |
| US08790698B2 |
Use of a regenerative biofunctional collagen biomatrix for treating visceral or parietal defects
Techniques for treating visceral or parietal membrane and tissue defects include the application of a collagen biomatrix to the defect to repair and regenerate a visceral or parietal membrane, for example in patients suffering tissue defects or undergoing visceral or parietal surgical treatment. Such approaches avoid persistent tissue leaks and their consequences such as fluid leaks and air leaks. The use of collagen biomatrix, optionally in conjunction with a fibrin sealant, an anti-adhesive, or both, can minimize tissue leaks or fluid leaks in injured patients suffering tissue defects or subjects undergoing surgery such as visceral or parietal resections and other operations. |
| US08790696B2 |
Cyclooxygenase inhibitor and calcium channel antagonist compositions and methods for use in urological procedures
Compositions of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor and a calcium channel antagonist in a liquid carrier. The composition may be administered the the urinary tract during urological diagnostic, interventional, surgical and other medical procedures. One disclosed composition comprises ketoprofen and nifedipine in a liquid irrigation carrier, and includes a solubilizing agent, stabilizing agents and a buffering agent. |
| US08790695B2 |
Medicinal carriers, and preparation method and uses thereof
A medicinal carrier is provided. The medicinal carrier comprises a first component, which is a biocompatible polymer with an amino group (—NH2); a saccharide; and a second component which is a biocompatible material. The saccharide grafts to the first component via the amino group (—NH2) of the first component, and the first component bonds to the second component via an ionic bond. The medicinal carrier can protect the medicine from gastric acid and swell or decompose to release the medicine under a specific pH condition, thus, showing a good applicability. |
| US08790694B2 |
Gastric retentive extended release pharmaceutical compositions
The present disclosure provides extended release pharmaceutical compositions comprising an opioid and an additional active pharmaceutical ingredient, wherein the composition exhibits gastric retentive properties which are achieved by a combination of a physical property of the composition and release of the opioid, wherein upon administration to a subject, the composition has at least one pharmacokinetic parameter that differs by less than about 30% when the subject is in a fasted state as compared to a fed state. |
| US08790693B2 |
Aqueous polymer dispersion based on N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, its preparation and use
The present invention relates to a process for preparing an aqueous polymer dispersion by free-radical emulsion polymerization of a monomer mixture which comprises N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, to the polymer dispersion obtainable by this process, and to the use thereof. |
| US08790692B2 |
Break resistant gel capsule
A gelatin capsule is disclosed that is designed to impart less tensile stress on the component parts when it is in the closed position and experiences less spontaneous breakage particularly when fill with hygroscopic liquids. The gelatin capsule comprises a cap portion and a body portion. The cap portion includes an annular ring and the body portion includes an annular groove. Together, the annular ring and the annular groove comprise a locking ring, which are designed to reduce the capsule cap and body contact force and stress raisers. The invention includes a cap locking ring inner diameter that is same as body locking ring outer diameter or slightly smaller to make the contacting force at the locking ring lower than current capsule designs. The body portion also includes a tapered ring configured such that, in the closed position the rim of the body portion does not contact the cap portion. |
| US08790687B2 |
Triterpene compounds which are effective on improvement of brain function
The present invention relates to the triterpene compounds improving in brain functions. In particular, the present invention relates to a novel use of the triterpene compounds represented by the Formula 1 for improving decreased memory and a pharmaceutical composition for improving brain functions comprising the triterpene compounds represented by the Formula 1. |
| US08790684B2 |
Vascular closure device
A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including a vascular closure device. The vascular closure device includes a fibrous structure formed from at least one randomly oriented fiber, the randomly oriented fiber comprising at least one polymer, and at least one agent, in therapeutic dosage, incorporated into at least one of the fibrous structure and the at least one randomly oriented fiber. |
| US08790681B2 |
Solid forms for tissue repair
This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof. |
| US08790679B2 |
Intracutaneous paste composition
The delivery of biopharmaceutical and other therapeutic agents parenterally to an animal via a minimally invasive, low pain administration is provided. The agents are delivered to the patient via, e.g., the epidermal, dermal, or subcutaneous layer of the skin in a concentrated fours of injectable paste of slurry. |
| US08790676B2 |
Microencapsulated pesticide
A microcapsule can be produced readily by (a) pulverizing a solid pesticidal compound in terpineol, dihydroterpineol, terpinel acetate, dihydroterpinel acetate or a mixture thereof to form a suspension, (b) mixing the resulting suspension and water to prepare a liquid droplet, and (c) forming a coating film of a resin around the liquid droplet. The microcapsule obtained by such a method contains most of the solid pesticidal compound within the microcapsule. |
| US08790670B2 |
Detergent compositions dispersed in personal care products comprising a sorbent carrier
Detergent compositions and detergent compositions dispersed in personal care products are provided herein. In one embodiment, a detergent composition is provided and comprises a sorbent carrier. The detergent composition also includes a sorbed component including an acid and a surfactant. The sorbed component is sorbed by the sorbent carrier. |
| US08790664B2 |
Multimodular assembly useful for intracellular delivery
A stabilized multimodular assembly for intracellular delivery comprising a complex of at least one cationic transfection agent and of at least one negatively charged macromolecule, wherein the complex has a theoretical charge ratio ranging from about 0 to about 4, and an efficient amount of at least one amphiphilic block co-polymer acting as a steric colloidal stabilizer with respect to the complex, the block co-polymer having hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks wherein at least one hydrophilic block is conjugated with at least one targeting ligand. |
| US08790658B2 |
Antigen-adjuvant compositions and methods
Vitreous compositions of an antigen and adjuvant, and methods for making the compositions are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutically acceptable formulations of the vitreous compositions, reconstituted liquid formulations of the vitreous compositions, vaccine compositions, and kits containing the vitreous compositions. Also disclosed are devices for administering the vitreous compositions to mammals and methods for eliciting an immune response in mammals by administering the compositions. |
| US08790657B2 |
Astrovirus
This invention relates to the isolation and uses of novel avian astroviruses. The present invention also relates to vaccines, kits and methods for detection of a novel astrovirus. The present invention further relates to vaccination of avians, prevention and/or treatment of avian infections associated with astrovirus. Infections of poultry by this novel astrovirus are associated with runt stunting syndromes. |
| US08790653B2 |
Peptide inhibitors for mediating stress responses
The present invention relates to peptides capable of inhibiting cellular and immune stress responses in a eukaryotic cell. The invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of human degenerative diseases and inflammation, utilizing these peptides. |
| US08790650B2 |
Methods of using an antibody to inhibit WNT-mediated cardiac remodeling
The present invention is directed to monoclonal antibodies and fragments thereof directed to LRP5/6 that find use in the prevention and treatment of cardiac remodeling and cancer. Also disclosed are methods for using such monoclonal antibodies in the prevention and treatment of such diseases. |
| US08790646B2 |
Compositions and methods for modulating vascular development
The present invention provides methods of using EGFL7 antagonist to modulate vascular development. Also provided herein are methods of screening for modulators of EGFL7 activity. Furthermore, methods of treatment using EGFL7 antagonists are provided. |
| US08790643B2 |
Methods for treating disease using an anti-IL-21 receptor antibody
Monoclonal antibodies to the IL-21 receptor and multimeric complexes comprising the IL-21 receptor; including monoclonal antibodies to the heterodimeric receptor, IL-21/IL-2Rγ; have been prepared. The invention also describes a method of producing said antibodies. And, the invention also describes a method of treatment comprising using said antibodies to suppress an immune response. |
| US08790641B2 |
Production of high mannose proteins in plant culture and therapeutic uses thereof
A device, system and method for producing glycosylated proteins in plant culture, particularly proteins having a high mannose glycosylation, while targeting such proteins with an ER signal and/or by-passing the Golgi. The invention further relates to vectors and methods for expression and production of enzymatically active high mannose lysosomal enzymes using transgenic plant root, particularly carrot cells. More particularly, the invention relates to host cells, particularly transgenic suspended carrot cells, vectors and methods for high yield expression and production of biologically active high mannose Glucocerebrosidase (GCD). The invention further provides for compositions and methods for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases. |
| US08790638B2 |
Compositions of stem cells and stem cell factors and methods for their use and manufacture
Therapeutic stem cells and methods for their use and manufacture. Stem cells are produced under conditions in which the stem cells are exposed to at least one environmental factor, including decreased oxygen tension. The environmental factors and culture conditions of the invention produce stem cells having an enhanced therapeutic ability and enhanced proliferation in culture. Stem cells of the invention retain their plasticity through a higher number of cell passages relative to know methods of stem cell culture. |
| US08790636B2 |
Human skin equivalents expressing exogenous polypeptides
The present invention relates generally to compositions for wound closure. More specifically, the present invention provides human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides (e.g., antimicrobial polypeptides and keratinocyte growth factor 2) and compositions and methods for making human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. In addition, the present invention provides methods for treatment of wounds with human skin equivalents engineered to express exogenous polypeptides. |
| US08790635B2 |
Live, oral vaccine for protection against Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1
The invention relates to Salmonella typhi Ty21a comprising core-linked Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 O-specific polysaccharide (O-Ps) and DNA encoding O antigen biosynthesis, said DNA selected from the group consisting of: a) the DNA sequence set out in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2 and species homologs thereof; b) DNA encoding Shigella dysenteriae serotype 1 polypeptides encoded by any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, and species homologs thereof; and c) DNA encoding a O antigen biosynthesis gene product that hybridizes under moderately stringent conditions to the DNA of (a) or (b); and related sequences, compositions of matter, vaccines, methods of using, and methods of making. |
| US08790632B2 |
Polymer-based tissue-adhesive form medical use
Tissue adhesives formed by reacting poly(hydroxylic) compounds derivatized with acetoacetate groups and/or polyamino compounds derivatized with acetoacetamide groups with an amino-functional crosslinking compound are disclosed.The use of the tissue adhesives for medical and veterinary applications such as topical wound closure; and surgical procedures, such as intestinal anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, and ophthalmic procedures; drug delivery; and anti-adhesive applications are described. |
| US08790627B2 |
Personal care composition additive for application on keratin substrates to provide long lasting benefits
The present invention relates to a personal care composition additive for use on keratin substrates in order to provide long lasting benefits to the keratin substrate such as in conditioning systems, such as 2/1 shampoo's, leave-on and rinse off conditioners, for hair and skin, or for imparting greater water resistance to such personal care compositions as sunscreens or cosmetics. |
| US08790624B2 |
Method for adding active ingredients to a nail varnish and nail varnish thus prepared
A method for adding active agents to a nail varnish, in emulsion form. The method is suitable for adding active agents by minimizing the breakdown of same in the varnish, or the destabilization of the varnish. The method also enables the addition of active ingredients that were previously incompatible with the varnish medium. |
| US08790622B2 |
Cosmetic formulation containing a non water-soluble amphiphilic copolymer as thickening agent
The present invention concerns formulations containing one or more comb structure amphiphilic copolymers that are both rich in hydrophobic monomers and in polyalkylene glycol monomers. Cosmetic formulations. Methods of thickening. |
| US08790621B2 |
Nanoparticles and nanoparticle compositions
The invention provides multivalent surface-crosslinked micelle (SCM) particles, crosslinked reverse micelle (CRM) particles, and methods of making and using them. The SCM particles can be used, for example, to inhibit a virus or bacteria from binding to a host cell. The inhibition can be used in therapy for the flu, cancer, or AIDS. The CRM particles can be used, for example, to prepare metal nanoparticles or metal alloy nanoparticles, or they can be used in catalytic reactions. |
| US08790615B2 |
Methods of synthesizing carbon-magnetite nanocomposites from renewable resource materials and application of same
A method of synthesizing carbon-magnetite nanocomposites. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of (a) dissolving a first amount of an alkali salt of lignosulfonate in water to form a first solution, (b) heating the first solution to a first temperature, (c) adding a second amount of iron sulfate (FeSO4) to the first solution to form a second solution, (d) heating the second solution at a second temperature for a first duration of time effective to form a third solution of iron lignosulfonate, (e) adding a third amount of 1N sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to the third solution of iron lignosulfonate to form a fourth solution with a first pH level, (f) heating the fourth solution at a third temperature for a second duration of time to form a first sample, and (g) subjecting the first sample to a microwave radiation for a third duration of time effective to form a second sample containing a plurality of carbon-magnetite nanocomposites. |
| US08790612B2 |
Cation deficient materials for electrical energy storage
A composition comprising: a metal oxide of a first metal ions and second metal ions; an electrically conductive material; and a binder material. The second metal ions have a higher oxidation state than the first metal ions. The presence of the second metal ion increases the number of metal cation vacancies. A method of: dissolving salts of a first metal ion and a second metal ion in water to form a solution; heating the solution to a temperature of about 80-90° C.; and adding a base to the solution to precipitate nanoparticles of a metal oxide of the first metal ion and the second metal ion. |
| US08790611B2 |
Reactor for carrying out an exothermic reaction in the gas phase
The invention relates to a reactor for carrying out an exothermic reaction in the gas phase, which comprises a vessel having an outer wall (13) composed of a metallic material, wherein an inner shell (17) is accommodated in the interior of the reactor (1) and the inner shell (17) has a spacing of at least 50 mm to the inside of the outer wall (13). |
| US08790609B1 |
Method of yellow plume elimination in gas turbine exhaust
A process for reducing nitrogen dioxide (NO2) to nitric oxide (NO) in a NO2-containing gaseous stream is provided. The process includes contacting the gaseous stream (12) with a catalyst system (28) comprising a catalyst selected from a platinum group metal. The contacting is done in the presence of carbon monoxide (22) and an organic compound (24), which synergistically improves NO2 reduction efficiency, particularly at low operating temperatures. |
| US08790608B2 |
Siliceous materials having tunable porosity and surface morphology and methods of synthesizing same
Non-spherical siliceous particles having a plurality of porous branches are disclosed and claimed. The porous branches are randomly oriented and elongated, ring-like, and/or aggregated. An additive introduced during synthesis of the particles modifies pore volume and morphology. The tunability of the pore volume includes an inner diameter ranging from about 2 Å to about 50,000 Å. Synthesizing the particles includes mixing under constant or intermittent stirring in a reaction vessel an aqueous silicic acid solution with an acidic heel solution to form a mixture. The stirring may optionally be performed at a variable speed. An additive is introduced into the mixture at a controlled rate, wherein the additive imposes a pH change from a lower pH to a higher pH to the mixture to induce siliceous particle precipitation. Optionally, a metal dopand may be introduced into the particles and/or at least a portion of an outer surface located outside of the pores and/or an inner surface located inside of the pores may be modified. |
| US08790607B2 |
Method for purifying elemental boron
Elemental boron with a boron content of at least 96.8% by weight, an oxygen content of at most 1.6% by weight, a nitrogen content of at most 0.2% by weight, a crystallinity of 30% by weight or less, and a particle size distribution with a d100 value of 9 μm or less. |
| US08790606B2 |
Process and apparatus for treating a gas stream
A process of treating hydrogen gas liberated from the acid or alkaline dissolution of a metal is provided. The process comprises a step of passing the liberated hydrogen gas through a reactor containing an oxidizing agent for oxidation of the hydrogen gas into water, followed by a step of regenerating the oxidizing agent. Also provided is an apparatus for carrying out the process, the apparatus comprising a reactor containing the oxidizing agent, wherein the reactor is at least partially immersed in an alumina bath. |
| US08790599B2 |
Microtiter plate system and method
A system for analyzing, manipulating, and recording data associated with a microtiter plate is provided. The system provides a touch screen element provided proximal to the microtiter plate such that data pertaining to events and conditions observed within one or more wells of the microtiter plate may be easily and accurately recorded. Data display, storage, and manipulation features are also provided. |
| US08790598B2 |
Reaction cuvette for automatic analyzer and method of surface treatment for reaction cuvette
The present invention provides reaction cells capable of maintaining stable analytical performance by preventing bubble adhesion and reducing sample carryover even if the amount of sample liquid for a single test is further reduced in the future. The invention further provides an automatic analyzer that uses the reaction cells and a method for enhancing the hydrophilicity of the inner surfaces of the reaction cells. According to the invention, a reaction cell has a first electrode inserted thereinto and a second electrode disposed on the bottom side of the reaction cell. A voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode to cause electric discharge between the electrodes. This allows for enhancing only the hydrophilicity of the bottom inner surface and the four bottom corners of the reaction cell to which large bubbles adhere easily. |
| US08790595B2 |
Apparatus and methods for microfluidic applications
Non-rigid tape apparatus and fabrication methods for microfluidic processing applications such as gel electrophoresis are provided, where microfluidic processing is performed on selected areas. Parts of the tape are formed by high pressure plastic film forming. Membranes and other structures are self sealing during and after penetration by pipettes and electrical probes. Rigid exoskeleton elements protect the non-rigid parts during processing and facilitate transport of the tape. |
| US08790593B2 |
Contamination control for liquid handling
A structure for holding sample-containing receptacles includes a cover with holes formed therein through which the receptacles can be accessed with a substance transfer mechanism, such as a robotic pipettor. When the transfer mechanism is inserted into and then withdrawn from a receptacle, a string of viscous material may be suspended from the mechanism. A viscous string removal element adjacent each opening engages the string of viscous material and dislodges the string from the mechanism when the mechanism moves in a prescribed path with respect to the removal element. A sample rack configured to hold receptacles and to be inserted into the structure below the cover includes a sample rack having receptacle-receiving pockets, each with a resilient element and a positioning feature for holding receptacles of varying sizes in a predetermined position within the receptacle receiving pocket, and a cover including features for preventing a receptacle from being pulled out of its receptacle-receiving pocket when the transfer mechanism is withdrawn from the receptacle. |
| US08790591B2 |
In vitro point-of-care sensor and method of use
An in vitro sensor for point-of-care detection of at least one analyte or reaction product includes an inert, impermeable substrate, a sensing system, and a reference system. The substrate includes a first transparent surface oppositely disposed from a second surface and first and second cavities. Each of the first and second cavities defines an opening at the second surface. The sensing system is disposed in at least a portion of the first cavity and includes an analyte-detection optode membrane, an analyte-permeable membrane, and a plurality of non-transparent microbeads associated with at least one of the analyte-detection optode membrane and the analyte-permeable membrane. The analyte-permeable membrane is layered upon the analyte-detection optode membrane and covers the opening of the first cavity. The reference system is disposed in at least a portion of the second cavity. |
| US08790586B2 |
Molecular exchange device
The present application relates to a molecular exchange device (1) for use with an analysis and control apparatus and a method of manufacturing a molecular exchange device. The molecular exchange device comprises a casing (2), extending from a proximal end (3) to a distal end (4), supporting at least two fluid passageways (7a, 7b) extending from the proximal end to the distal end; the casing comprising at least one exchange aperture (9a, 9b) between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein a portion of the fluid passageway exposed by the exchange aperture is porous |
| US08790585B2 |
Countercurrent tank type supercritical water reactor with a sacrificial lining
A countercurrent tank type supercritical water reactor with a sacrificial lining, comprising a cylinder body and a catalyst tank arranged inside, the upper part of the cylinder body is connected with a top cover, and the lower part of the cylinder body is connected with a spherical head, the inner side of the cylinder body, the inner side of the spherical head and the inner side of the top cover constitute the inner wall of the reactor, wherein the inner wall of the reactor is provided with a high temperature resistance and thermal insulation coating layer, the inner wall of the high temperature resistance and thermal insulation coating layer is provided with a sealing coating layer, and the inner wall of the sealing coating layer is provided with the sacrificial lining. The reactor is of a countercurrent tank type, which can prevent the reactor blockage caused by salt deposition. |
| US08790581B2 |
Alumina-silica-based fiber, ceramic fiber, ceramic fiber complex, retaining seal material, production method thereof, and alumina fiber complex production method
A manufacturing method by which alumina-silica based fibers excellent in mechanical strength can be readily and securely obtained. The method obtains precursor fibers as a material by using an alumina-silica based fiber spinning stock solution for use in an inorganic salt method. Next, the precursor fibers are heated under an environment which makes it difficult to carry out an oxidizing reaction on the carbon component contained in the precursor fibers. Thus, the precursor fibers are sintered to obtain alumina-silica based fibers. |
| US08790580B2 |
Radial mixing devices for rotating inclined reactors
Disclosed in this specification is the design for an internal mixing device which increases the plug flow like behavior of the rotating inclined reactor. |
| US08790578B2 |
Assay plates, reader systems and methods for luminescence test measurements
Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence. |
| US08790577B2 |
Sample analyzer
A sample analyzer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the sample analyzer includes an analysis section for analyzing a sample by using a reagent to obtain numerical data and distribution diagram of particles contained in the sample; a display device; an information receiver for receiving an input of reagent information assigned to the reagent; a determination section configured for determining whether or not the reagent satisfies a condition to determine that the reagent is a genuine product based on the reagent information; and a controller that controls the display device to display both the numerical data and the distribution diagram if the reagent satisfies the condition by the determination section and to display the numerical data without displaying the distribution diagram if the reagent does not satisfy the condition by the determination section. |
| US08790574B2 |
Thrust bearing for turbocharger of internal-combustion engine
A thrust bearing for a turbocharger of an internal-combustion engine is made of a copper alloy including a brass matrix and a needle-like Mn—Si-based compound dispersed in the brass matrix. Not less than 50% of the needle-like Mn—Si-based compound dispersed in a region from a surface of a sliding portion of the thrust bearing to a depth of 50 μm have a major axis extending from the inside of the sliding portion to the surface. The major axis makes an angle of 30° to 150° with the surface of the sliding portion when observed in a sectional view perpendicular to the surface of the sliding portion. |
| US08790572B2 |
Titanium flat product production
Titanium flat product is produced by passing a titanium powder green flat material through a pre-heating station and heated under a protective atmosphere to a temperature at least sufficient for hot rolling. The pre-heated flat material then is passed through a rolling station while still under a protective atmosphere and hot rolled to produce a hot rolled flat product of a required level of hot densification. The hot rolled flat product is passed through a cooling station while still under a protective atmosphere, and cooled to a temperature at which it can be passed out of a protective atmosphere. In the process, the hot rolling provides the predominant hot densification mechanism involved. |
| US08790570B2 |
Movable device for injecting oxygen and other materials into electric arc furnace
A movable device for injecting oxygen and other technical materials into an electric arc furnace includes a housing situated above a portion of a step of a crucible and equipped with a cooling coil, an injection lance of oxygen and other technical materials, a supporting and moving system of the lance between minimum and maximum range points of the liquid bath level contained therein, positioned in the housing, an opening situated in the housing and facing the inside of the crucible in which the lance is transferably guided, and a scraping member disposed between the opening and the lance. |
| US08790569B2 |
Device for adjusting the locking point of an electrode
A device (10) for adjusting the locking point of the electrode of a smelting furnace includes a vice (120) for supporting said electrode and supplying it with power. A structure (13) is coupled with the vice (120), supports the electrode and moves the electrode vertically. |
| US08790568B1 |
Method for producing a plastic bottle, and preform and blowing mold suited therefor
Method for producing a plastic bottle, and preform and blowing mold suited therefore are disclosed. An exemplary process can produce a plastic bottle, for example, a PET bottle. Such a bottle can be produced from a preform which has a body which is closed on one side, which is connected to a neck section with a pour opening, in which the preform which has been produced in a plastic injection process or an extrusion process is placed in the mold cavity of a blow mold and inflated using the blow nozzle by overpressure according to the mold cavity. Sealing can take place between the blow nozzle and the preform within the preform. |
| US08790559B2 |
Method for preparing microporous polyolefin film with improved productivity and easy control of physical properties
Provided is a method of manufacturing a microporous polyolefin film useable as a battery separator, which is easy to control strength, permeability and shrinking properties of the microporous film and embodies excellent quality uniformity and production stability in fabricating the microporous film. |
| US08790551B2 |
Electrolyte composition, photoelectric conversion element using the same, and dye-sensitized photovoltaic cell
An electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and conductive particles, an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and oxide semiconductor particles and optionally containing conductive particles, and an electrolyte composition containing an ionic liquid and insulating particles are provided. Furthermore, a photoelectric conversion element comprising: a working electrode, the working electrode comprising an electrode substrate and an oxide semiconductor porous film formed on the electrode substrate and sensitized with a dye; a counter electrode disposed opposing the working electrode; and an electrolyte layer made of these electrolyte compositions is provided. |
| US08790549B2 |
Electronic component provided with Cu—Al—Co-based alloy electrode or wiring
An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic component using a Cu-based conductive material that can suppress oxidization even in a heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere and that can suppress an increase in an electrical resistance. In an electronic component having an electrode or a wiring, a ternary alloy made from three elements consisting of Cu, Al, and Co is used as a Cu-based wiring material that can prevent oxidization of the electrode or the wiring. Specifically, part or the whole of the electrode or the wiring has a chemical composition in which an Al content is 10 at % to 25 at %, a Co content is 5 at % to 20 at %, and the balance is composed of Cu and unavoidable impurities, and the chemical composition represents a ternary alloy in which two phases of a Cu solid solution formed by Al and Co being dissolved into Cu and a CoAl intermetallic compound coexist together. |
| US08790548B2 |
Carbonaceous materials
A carbonaceous material is derived from a polysaccharide by carbonization. The polysaccharide is preferably a starch. The carbonaceous material has mesoporosity and is useful as a solid catalytic support. |
| US08790546B2 |
Solid fuel volatilization to produce synthesis gas
A method comprising contacting a carbon and hydrogen-containing solid fuel and a metal-based catalyst in the presence of oxygen to produce hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide gas, wherein the contacting occurs at a temperature sufficiently high to prevent char formation in an amount capable of stopping production of the hydrogen gas and the carbon monoxide gas is provided. In one embodiment, the metal-based catalyst comprises a rhodium-cerium catalyst. Embodiments further include a system for producing syngas. The systems and methods described herein provide shorter residence time and high selectivity for hydrogen and carbon monoxide. |
| US08790540B2 |
Phase change material pack
A transportable PCM (phase change material) module comprises a number of PCM packs; a housing for thermally insulting said number of PCM packs from a module's surrounding medium; spaces separating said packs and forming one or more channels for the flow of a fluid; said housing incorporating a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; whereby, in use, fluid flows through said channels from said inlet to said outlet. A PCM (phase change material) pack comprises a laminate of a first conducting panel and a second conducting panel enclosing a portion formed primarily of PCM; wherein said portion of PCM incorporates thermal conductors. A PCM (phase change material pack) comprises an envelope of relatively highly thermally conductive material enclosing a portion formed primarily of PCM; wherein said PCM portion incorporates a conductive compound mixed into said PCM which comprises carbon black particles. |
| US08790531B2 |
High purity, environmentally clean method and apparatus, for high rate, liquid anisotropic etching of single crystal silicon or etching of polycrystalline silicon, using an overpressure of ammonia gas above aqueous ammonium hydroxide
A high purity, non-toxic, environmentally friendly method for anisotropically etching single crystal silicon and etching polysilicon, suitable for microelectronics, optoelectronics and microelectromechanical (MEMS) device fabrication, using high purity aqueous ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) solution generated at the point of use, is presented. The apparatus of the present invention supports generation of high purity aqueous NH4OH solution from ammonia NH3 gas dissolved into distilled/deionized water and maintained in equilibrium with an overpressure of NH3, within a hermetically enclosed chamber at the optimal temperature between 70-90° C., preventing evaporation of NH3 gas from aqueous NH4OH solution for achieving a high anisotropic etching rate. Other liquid anisotropic etching methods for silicon may use tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). In contrast to carbon containing TMAH, the NH3 gas and H2O precursors of NH4OH etchant eliminate risk for solid residues to be deposited on silicon due to being composed entirely of elements having a gaseous form at room temperature. |
| US08790530B2 |
Planar cell ONO cut using in-situ polymer deposition and etch
A method and manufacture for charge storage layer separation is provided. A layer, such as a polymer layer, is deposited on top of an ONO layer so that the polymer layer is planarized, or approximately planarized. The ONO includes at least a first region and a second region, where the first region is higher than the second region. For example, the first region may be the portion of the ONO that is over the source/drain region, and the second region may be the portion of the ONO that is over the shallow trench. Etching is performed on the polymer layer to expose the first region of the ONO layer, leaving the second region of the ONO unexposed. The etching continues to occur to etch the exposed ONO at the first region so that the ONO layer is etched away in the first region and the second region remains unexposed. |
| US08790523B2 |
Method for manufacturing magnetic head
A method for manufacturing a magnetic head, includes forming, on a non-magnetic film, a main magnetic pole film with a body portion and a write magnetic pole portion continuous with the body portion, and etching the non-magnetic film such that an undercut is formed around the body portion and beneath the write magnetic pole portion. The undercut penetrates beneath the write magnetic pole portion in a track width direction. The method includes wet etching the non-magnetic film beneath the main magnetic pole film at the undercut, the undercut being at least partially filled with an organic filler. The method also includes, after removal of the organic filler, covering at least both sides of the write magnetic pole portion with a magnetic gap film, and forming a write shield film adjacent to the magnetic gap film. The undercut forms a hollow in the non-magnetic film underlying the write magnetic pole portion. |
| US08790517B2 |
Mobile station and methods for diagnosing and modeling site specific full-scale effluent treatment facility requirements
A mobile station and methods are disclosed for diagnosing and modeling site specific effluent treatment facility requirements to arrive at a treatment regimen and/or proposed commercial plant model idealized for the particular water/site requirements. The station includes a mobile platform having power intake, effluent intake and fluid outflow facilities and first and second suites of selectably actuatable effluent pre-treatment apparatus. An effluent polishing treatment array is housed at the station and includes at least one of nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and ion-exchange stages. A suite of selectively actuatable post-treatment apparatus is housed at the station. Controls are connected at the station for process control, monitoring and data accumulation. A plurality of improved water treatment technologies is also disclosed. The modeling methods include steps for analyzing raw effluent to be treated, providing a field of raw effluent condition entry values and a field of treated effluent condition goals entry values, and utilizing said fields to determine an initial treatment model including a selection of, and use parameters for, treatment technologies from the plurality of down-scaled treatment technologies at the facility, the model dynamically and continuously modifiable during treatment modeling. |
| US08790515B2 |
Reduction of backwash liquid waste
A method of filtering solids from a liquid suspension comprising providing a pressure differential across the walls of permeable, hollow membranes (5) immersed in the liquid suspension contained in a vessel (8), the liquid suspension being applied to the outer surface of the porous hollow membrane (5) to induce and sustain filtration through the membrane walls. Some of the liquid suspension passes through the walls of the membranes (5) to be drawn off as permeate from the hollow membrane lumens, and at least some of the solids are retained on or in the hollow membranes or otherwise as suspended solids within the liquid surrounding the membranes (5). The method includes the steps of suspending the flow of the liquid suspension to the vessel (8); reducing the volume of liquid suspension within the vessel (8); suspending the filtration process; cleaning the membranes (5) by dislodging at least some of the solids retained on or in the membranes (5); and removing the liquid containing dislodged solids from the vessel (8). |
| US08790514B2 |
Waste water treatment method
Systems and methods have been developed for reclaiming water contaminated with the expected range of contaminants typically associated with produced water, including water contaminated with slick water, methanol and boron. The system includes anaerobically digesting the contaminated water, followed by aerating the water to enhance biological digestion. After aeration, the water is separated using a flotation operation that effectively removes the spent friction reducing agents and allows the treated water to be reclaimed and reused as fracturing water, even though it retains levels of contaminants, including boron and methanol, that would prevent its discharge to the environment under existing standards. The treated water may further be treated by removing the methanol via biological digestion in a bioreactor, separating a majority of the contaminants from the water by reverse osmosis and removing the boron that passes through the reverse osmosis system with a boron-removing ion exchange resin. |
| US08790508B2 |
Integrated deasphalting and oxidative removal of heteroatom hydrocarbon compounds from liquid hydrocarbon feedstocks
A system and process are provided for integrated deasphalting and desulfurization of hydrocarbon feedstock in which the hydrocarbon feedstock, an oxidant, and an oxidation catalyst are mixed prior to passage into a primary settler of a solvent deasphalting unit. Oxidation products, including oxidized organosulfur compounds, are discharged with the asphalt phase. |
| US08790501B2 |
Sensor assemblies and vent members therefor
A sensor includes a housing, at least two electrodes within the housing, an electrolyte providing ionic conductivity between the electrodes and a vent member including a first section including a portion extending through a passage in the housing. The vent member also includes at least one extending member connected to the first section that extends through at least a portion of an interior of the housing. The first section of the vent member is porous so that gas can diffuse from the interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing via the vent member. |
| US08790500B2 |
Biosensor and readout meter
The present invention relates to a biosensor for selectively performing quantitative analysis on a specific substance contained in a biological sample and a readout meter using the same. The inventive biosensor comprises an electrode for recording identification information of the biosensor thereon. The electrode has an electrode pattern and a plurality of contact points formed thereon according to the identification information, and the identification information is recorded on the electrode based on the ratio of resistances between the plurality of contact points. According to the present invention, various items of identification information such as in formation on recognition of electrical connection between the contact points of the biosensor and a readout meter, the kind of a target substance, measurement conditions, production information of the biosensor, analysis information of the target substance, user information, available meter information and the like are automatically recognized by the readout meter through the electrodes. |
| US08790498B2 |
Method and device for ion beam processing of surfaces
A method and device for ion beam processing of surfaces of a substrate positions the substrate to face an ion beam, and a new technologically-defined pattern of properties is established. According to the method, the current geometrical effect pattern of the ion beam on the surface of the substrate is adjusted depending on the known pattern of properties and the new technologically-defined pattern of properties, and depending upon the progress of the processing, by modifying the beam characteristic and/or by pulsing the ion beam. A device for carrying out the method includes a substrate support for holding at least one substrate, which can be moved along an Y-axis and an X-axis, and an ion beam source for generating an ion beam, which is perpendicular to the surface to be processed of the substrate in the Z-axis or which may be arranged in an axis, inclined in relation to the Z-axis. The distance between the ion beam source and the surface to be processed of the substrate may be fixed or variable. |
| US08790496B2 |
Compact wastewater concentrator and pollutant scrubber
A compact and portable liquid concentrator includes a gas inlet, a gas exit and a flow corridor connecting the gas inlet and the gas exit, wherein the flow corridor includes a narrowed portion that accelerates the gas through the flow corridor. A liquid inlet injects liquid into the gas stream at a point prior to the narrowed portion so that the gas-liquid mixture is thoroughly mixed within the flow corridor, causing a portion of the liquid to be evaporated. A demister or fluid scrubber downstream of the narrowed portion removes entrained liquid droplets from the gas stream and re-circulates the removed liquid to the liquid inlet through a re-circulating circuit. Fresh liquid to be concentrated is also introduced into the re-circulating circuit at a rate sufficient to offset the amount of liquid evaporated in the flow corridor. |
| US08790493B2 |
Process for the production of paper
The present invention relates to a process for producing paper which comprises: (vii) providing an aqueous suspension comprising cellulosic fibers, (viii) adding to the suspension after all points of high shear a first polymer being a cationic polymer having a charge density above 2.5 meq/g; a second polymer, and a third polymer being an organic or inorganic anionic polymer; and (ix) dewatering the obtained suspension to form paper. |
| US08790487B2 |
Method of fabricating a part out of reinforced composite material, and a method of repairing such a part
The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a composite part presenting an integral structure of composite material comprising at least one reinforcing layer based on reinforcing fibers, fabrics, or textiles, and at least one impregnation matrix, the method consisting in assembling the integral structure, in placing said integral structure in a mold, in impregnating said integral structure with the impregnation matrix by injection or infusion, and in solidifying said impregnated integral structure by raising it to a determined temperature, the method being characterized in that it consists in: using at least two distinct primary parts for making up the integral structure; placing a thermoplastic sheet on at least one of the primary parts so as to make the interface between said primary parts once they are assembled together. |
| US08790485B2 |
Single vacuum debulk composite panel repair
A method of attaching a composite member to a structure. The method including forming a laminate of fabric impregnated with resin; applying heat at a first temperature to the impregnated laminate; applying vacuum at a first pressure to the impregnated laminate to degas the resin and form a degassed, impregnated laminate; positioning the degassed, impregnated laminate on a structure; and curing the degassed, impregnated laminate on the substrate by applying heat at a second temperature and by applying vacuum at a second pressure. |
| US08790482B2 |
Exterior film for home appliance and adhesion method thereof
An exterior film for a home appliance includes a cut portion formed by half-cutting corresponding to a see-through portion formed at an exterior part of the home appliance. After the exterior film is adhered, the cut portion is removed along with removal of a sub adhesive protection film. Accordingly, operability and productivity during manufacturing of the exterior film are improved. |
| US08790479B2 |
Manufacturing method of functional film
An object is to provide a manufacturing method of a functional film where it is possible to stably manufacture a functional film which favorably exhibits the intended function and has excellent optical characteristics. The problem is solved by forming an uppermost organic layer of an organic layer with a thickness of 30 to 300 nm by using a coating material containing a surfactant where the content is 0.01 to 10 mass % when the uppermost organic layer is formed. |
| US08790476B2 |
Mold-free resin-insulated coil windings
Mold-free resin-insulated coil windings are obtained by applying continuous fibers embedded in a quasi-solid-state epoxy-resin matrix, e.g. in the form of a tape, to the coil windings. The tape is locally heated up to the melting point of its polymer matrix, and is subsequently pressed against the winding body. The heated and fused resin of the tape, which is pressed onto the coil, flows under pressure into the voids and gaps between the coil windings and fills them up, thereby hermetically insulating the coil windings. After leaving the heating and pressing apparatus the fused epoxy resin becomes solid again. The resulting curing process is thus considerably simplified and shortened, compared to the state of the art. |
| US08790472B2 |
Process for producing a solder preform having high-melting metal particles dispersed therein
[Problems] A conventional process for producing a solder preform in which a predetermined amount of high-melting metal particles are directly put into molten solder and stirred, requires a long time for dispersing the high-melting metal particles by stirring. Therefore, in the conventional method for producing a solder preform, dissolution of the high-melting metal particles into the molten solder occurred during stirring, and their particle diameters became small. If a semiconductor chip and a substrate are soldered with a solder preform containing metal particles having such decreased diameters, the space between portions being soldered becomes narrow, and a sufficient bonding strength is not obtained.[Means for Solving the Problems] In the present invention, a premixed master alloy having a higher proportion of the high-melting metal particles in solder is first prepared, then the premixed master alloy is put into molten solder to disperse the high-melting metal particles. As a result, the high-melting metal particles can be uniformly dispersed in solder in a short length of time. Accordingly, a solder preform which is obtained by the process for producing a solder preform according to the present invention can maintain a predetermined clearance between portions being soldered, and a sufficient bonding strength is obtained. |
| US08790471B2 |
Grain-oriented electrical steel sheet and manufacturing method thereof
A silicon steel sheet (1) containing Si is cold-rolled. Next, a decarburization annealing (3) of the silicon steel sheet (1) is performed so as to cause a primary recrystallization. Next, the silicon steel sheet (1) is coiled so as to obtain a steel sheet coil (31). Next, an annealing (6) of the steel sheet coil (31) is performed through batch processing so as to cause a secondary recrystallization. Next, the steel sheet coil (31) is uncoiled and flattened. Between the cold-rolling and the obtaining the steel sheet coil (31), a laser beam is irradiated a plurality of times at predetermined intervals on a surface of the silicon steel sheet (1) from one end to the other end of the silicon steel sheet (1) along a sheet width direction (2). When the secondary recrystallization is caused, grain boundaries passing from a front surface to a rear surface of the silicon steel sheet (1) along paths of the laser beams are generated. |
| US08790464B2 |
Control for and method of pulsed gas delivery
A mole delivery system and method provide pulses of known molar quantities as a function of the time duration of each pulse, which in turn is derived as a function of the ideal gas law. In one embodiment of the system, the system comprises: a chamber of known volume and controlled and known temperature; a pressure sensor to measure the pressure in the chamber; an outlet valve to a process tool; an inlet valve to charge the chamber with the delivery gas; and a control system configured and arranged so as to control the operation of the outlet valve, control the amount of each gas pulse by controlling the timing of the valve to the process tool. |
| US08790457B1 |
Bio-based corrosion inhibitors
A bio-based corrosion inhibitor composition includes a corn stillage product, and may be a substantially water insoluble fraction of corn stillage. The corrosion inhibitor composition is useful in protecting metal articles from corrosion. |
| US08790456B2 |
Polyhydroxy-diamines as multi-functional additives for paints, coatings and epoxies
Provided are polyhydroxy-diamine compounds of the formula I: or salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are as defined herein. The compounds are useful as low additives for paints, coatings and epoxy formulations. |
| US08790455B2 |
Supersonic swirling separator 2 (Sustor2)
Sustor2 provides deep cooling of a gas flow, practically total condensation of a vapor, and fast and effective removal of the condensed liquid with a significantly reduced pressure losses compared with the prior art. Sustor2 performs the said operations by developing a strong swirling flow starting from its entrance, followed by spiral flow convergence in the inlet disc-like part, and then in a converging-diverging nozzle, by centrifugal removal of droplets, and removal of the liquid film through slits, then by spiral flow divergence and leaving the vortex chamber through tangential outlet.A gas enters from a pipeline (see the arrow in the A-A cross-section shown in FIG. 7) connected to Sustor2 by a flange and the inlet transition pipe ITP in FIG. 7, spirally converged in the disc-like part, marked by A-A in FIG. 6, enters the converging-diverging nozzle (FIG. 6). The flow is high-speed and swirling even at the near-entrance region of the vortex chamber. This swirl results in the centrifugal force that presses the through-flow to the sidewall. The flow accelerates near the nozzle throat up to a supersonic velocity with subsonic axial and supersonic swirl velocity components. This acceleration results in the gas temperature drop down to 200K and even less values. The reduced temperature causes rapid condensation of vapor into droplets. The centrifugal force pushes the droplets to the sidewall where they are removed through slits. Next the dried gas spirally diverges and leaves the vortex chamber through the tangential outlet. This results in the pressure recovery and transformation of the swirl kinetic energy into the longitudinal kinetic energy of the gas. Both the effects decrease pressure losses which is the Sustor2 advantage compared with the prior art. |
| US08790449B2 |
Electret webs with charge-enhancing additives
Electret webs are presented which include a blend of a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additives include a heterocyclic imide material which is free of fluorinated groups. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media. |
| US08790447B2 |
Separation device for removing liquid from a mixture comprising a gas and liquid
A separation device for removing at least part of a liquid from a mixture which comprises a gas and the liquid in the form of droplets, comprises: a) a housing comprising first, second and third separation sections for separating liquid from the mixture, wherein the second section is arranged below the first section and above the third section, the respective sections are in communication with each other, and the second section comprises a rotating coalescer element; b) tangentially arranged means to introduce the mixture into the first section; c) means to remove liquid from the first section; d) means to remove liquid from the third section; and e) means to remove a gaseous stream, lean in liquid, from the third section. A separation process for removing at least part of a liquid from a mixture comprising the liquid in the form of droplets using the separation device. |
| US08790445B2 |
Approaches for removing CO2, SO2 and other gaseous contaminates from gas emissions
Air scrubbers and approaches for removing CO2, SO2, and other gaseous contaminates from gas emissions. An approach for removing a gaseous contaminant from a gas emission may include providing a supply of an ionic liquid. The gaseous contaminant may be absorbable in the ionic liquid. The approach may also include spraying the ionic liquid into the gas emission. The gaseous contaminant in the gas emission may be absorbed in the ionic liquid. The ionic liquid having the gaseous contaminant absorbed therein may be collected on a counter electrode and separated from the gas emission. Spraying the ionic liquid into a gas emission may include ultrasound agitation of the ionic liquid. The approach may also include venting the gas emission having the gaseous contaminant separated therefrom. |
| US08790444B2 |
Wet electrostatic precipitator and related methods
An emissions reduction slack includes a conditioning section, collector section utilizing a Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP), and output section. A chemically active aqueous stream is introduced into an incoming process stream in order to saturate the stream and produce a fog stream wherein water is condensed on the surface of particulates. The process of condensation increases the efficiency of the particulate filtration process conducted by the WESP. |
| US08790443B2 |
Method and system for processing an iron ore tailings byproduct
Methods and systems for processing an iron ore tailings byproduct are described. In one embodiment, a method for processing an iron ore tailings byproduct includes sizing particles within a slurry of the iron ore tailings byproduct to separate particles from the slurry having a dimension less than a predetermined size. After sizing, the method may further include centrifugating the particles less than the predetermined size into centrifugated concentrate and tails portions. The centrifugated concentrate portion may be separated into separated concentrate and tails portions. Finally, in certain embodiments, the separated concentrate portion may be de-watered to a remaining composition of matter comprising iron in greater proportion than in the iron ore tailings byproduct. Generally, using the systems and methods described herein, iron that would have otherwise been un-recovered is extracted from the iron ore tailings byproduct. |
| US08790439B2 |
Composite sintered powder metal articles
A composite sintered powder metal article including a first region including a cemented hard particle material such as, for example, cemented carbide. The article includes a second region including: a metallic material selected from a steel, nickel, a nickel alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, molybdenum, a molybdenum alloy, cobalt, a cobalt alloy, tungsten, a tungsten alloy; and from 0 up to 30 percent by volume of hard particles. The first region is metallurgically bonded to the second region, and each of the first region and the second region has a thickness of greater than 100 microns. The second region comprises at least one mechanical attachment feature so that the composite sintered powder metal article can be attached to another article. The article comprises one of an earth boring article, a metalcutting tool, a metalforming tool, a woodworking tool, and a wear article. |
| US08790438B2 |
Colored metal
A colored metal composite including a metal matrix; and colored particles distributed throughout the metal matrix AND/OR a method including providing metal powder as a first phase of a composite; providing colored particles to form a second phase of the composite; mixing the metal powder and colored particles; and sintering the metal powder around the colored particles to form a metal matrix that has colored particles distributed throughout. |
| US08790432B2 |
Seam-sealed filters and methods of making thereof
A seam-sealed filter in which the seam is sealed with a seam tape comprised of an expanded fluoropolymer, such as ePTFE and copolymers thereof, having a crosswise matrix modulus of greater than 1,950 psi and an enthalpy ratio of less than 0.6 is disclosed. Such seam-sealed filters are capable of undergoing greater than 50,000 pulse-jet or reverse air cleaning cycles without substantial cracking or peeling of the sealed seam. Accordingly, the seam-sealed filters in the form of bags are particularly suitable for use in reducing particulate emissions in cement baghouses and the like. |
| US08790426B2 |
Quaternized terpolymer
Quaternized terpolymer formed from (A) ethylene, (B) C2-C14-alkenyl esters of one or more aliphatic C1-C20-monocarboxylic acids or C1-C24-alkyl esters of acrylic acid or of methacrylic acid and (Cq) ethylenically unsaturated monomers which comprise at least one tertiary nitrogen atom which is partly or fully in quaternized form. The quaternized terpolymer is suitable as a fuel additive for reducing or preventing deposits, for reducing fuel consumption and for minimizing power loss in direct-injection diesel engines, especially in diesel engines with common-rail injection systems. |
| US08790424B2 |
Copolymer and use thereof for improving the cold flow properties of middle distillate fuels
A copolymer obtainable by free-radical copolymerization of (i) monomer units of the structure M1 in which the variables are each hydrogen, alkyl groups, carboxyl groups or carboxyl derivative moieties, and (ii) monomer units of the structure M2 in which R5 is the radical of a carboxylic ester of the formula -A-CO—O—R10 where A is an alkylene group and R10 is a hydrocarbyl radical, and in which R6, R7 and R8 are each hydrogen or alkyl radicals, and subsequent polymer-analogous reaction of the product formed with a long-chain hydrocarbyl alcohol. This copolymer is suitable for improving the cold flow properties of middle distillate fuels, especially those which consist of or comprise biofuel oils. |
| US08790423B2 |
Modified fuels and methods of making and using thereof
Described herein are modified fuels with improved properties. The modified fuels are more efficient when compared to conventional fuels such as gasoline. Additionally, the modified fuels burn more efficiently and produce fewer emissions. Finally, the modified fuels also do not require any modifications to existing engines. |
| US08790421B2 |
Non-woven fabric and method for fabricating the same, gas fuel generation device and method for generating gas fuel
A non-woven fabric reacting with a liquid to generate gas fuel is provided. The non-woven fabric includes a plurality of core-sheath fibers, and each of the core-sheath fibers includes a core layer, a sheath layer, and a plurality of solid particles. The core layer has a first melting point. The sheath layer wraps the core layer and has a second melting point, wherein the first melting point is higher than the second melting point. The solid particles are combined to each of the sheath layers. Moreover, a method for fabricating the non-woven fabric, a gas fuel generation device using the non-woven fabric, and a method for generating the gas fuel are also provided. |
| US08790417B2 |
Gentle hair color pretreatment with silicone and oily oxidants
Methods and compounds are provided for oxidative coloring of keratinic fibers, in particular hair. The method includes applying a pretreatment agent onto the hair, where the pretreatment agent includes at least one 4-morpholinomethyl-substituted silicone. A hair coloring agent is applied to the hair subsequent to the pretreatment agent within a time span from about 1 second to about 24 hours. The hair coloring agent is obtained by mixing a composition (A), which contains at least one oxidation dye precursor of the developer type and at least one oxidation dye precursor of the coupler type, with a composition (B) that contains at least one oxidizing agent. Composition (B) contains at least one cosmetic oil in a total quantity from 10 to 80 wt %, based on the weight of composition (B). |
| US08790413B2 |
Orthopaedic implant sleeve and method
A protective sleeve is provided that is useful during minimally invasive surgery to facilitate assembly of modular components. The sleeve prevents contamination of a second component as it is engaged with a previously inserted component. The sleeve may also serve to guide insertion of the second component to facilitate aligning it with the previously inserted component. |
| US08790408B2 |
Accurate analogs for bone graft prostheses using computer generated anatomical models
Pre-surgical planning for cranial, facial, limb and digit muscular and bone reconstruction includes preparing a computer generated anatomical model for determining a locational position for a dental implant, a surgical bone implant to repair missing bone in the cranium, limbs and digits and to install ear, eye or nose prostheses. The computer generated anatomical model is made from medical imagery and computer aided design. A surgical guide is prepared with oversize holes in registration with analogs for the dental or surgical bone implants to be inserted in the anatomical model. The surgical guide is fitted atop each analog, and bonded to the anatomical model at a predetermined angle of the analog in the anatomy. The surgical guide is removed and attached to the anatomy of a patient for accurate drilling for insertion of the implants or prostheses into the body of the patient. |
| US08790407B2 |
Expandable osteosynthesis cage
An expandable osteosynthesis implant has branches (5) each connected at one end to a seat (7) which is pierced by an orifice (8), suitable for being slid from a posterior direction between the facing faces of two consecutive vertebrae in order to hold them a given distance apart and restore stability of the spinal column. According to the invention, said branches (5) and said seat (7) define a hollow cage (1) which, in a “rest” position, has an outside general shape that is a cylinder of circular section, and a portion at least of the inside volume (9) of the cage (1) towards the distal ends of said branches (5) is in the form of a circular truncated cone whose large base is towards said seat (7) which implant has at least three branches (5) and, inside said inside volume (9) at least one spacer (2) suitable for passing through said orifice (8) and the large base of the truncated cone. |
| US08790406B1 |
Systems and methods for performing spine surgery
Systems and methods are described for accessing and operating on an intervertebral disc at the lumbosacral junction via a trans-iliac approach. The instruments and methods described employ nerve monitoring to direct passage of the instruments through a safe zone between the L5 nerve root lying posterior to the trans-iliac path and the iliac vein (and iliac artery) lying anterior to the trans-iliac path. |
| US08790405B2 |
Fixation device for bones
A fixation device for bones includes a member which is to be fixed to one or more bones and has at least one bore for receiving a bone screw, wherein the at least one bore comprises a first internal thread portion. The bone screw has a first shaft section provided with a first external thread portion arranged to cooperate with the internal thread portion of the at least one bore, and a head section having a diameter larger than that of the shaft section to provide a catch arranged to engage with a stop formed in the bore. The bone screw further has a second shaft section which includes a clearance groove extending between the catch of the head section and the external thread of the first shaft section. The clearance groove allows disengagement of the two thread portions, such that the bone screw is prevented from being unscrewed off the bore when it is loosened within the adjacent bone. The member can also include a side wall of a cage used in an intervertebral implant device, or can represent a plate of a bone plate assembly. |
| US08790403B2 |
Monorail system
Systems for improved methods of performing a spinal fusion procedure that include a monorail instrument having a sliding platform for additional instrumentation to allow controlled delivery of various instruments for disc preparation and implant insertion in order to protect the medial neural structures of the spine. The monorail instrument engages other instruments, including various instruments utilized to prepare the disc space as well as spinal fusion implants, for guided and controlled insertion into the disc space. The monorail instrument may be a distractor, and may include flutes for preparation of the disc space. |
| US08790399B2 |
Total artificial heart system for auto-regulating flow and pressure balance
The present invention provides a total artificial heart system for auto-regulating flow and pressure balance. In one embodiment the system comprises an atrial reservoir comprising inlets and outlets connectable to a mammalian cardiovascular system and at least first and second continuous pumps connected to the atrial reservoir. In further embodiments, the system comprises an atrial reservoir comprising at least two atrial chambers, and a means for transmitting fluid pressure between the atrial chambers. The means for transmitting fluid pressure include, but are not limited to a diaphragm, an interatrial window, a flexible membrane, a valve, a filter, or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the means for transmitting fluid pressure comprises an implantable diaphragm comprising an outer rim attachable to biological tissue and a membrane anchored at its periphery by said outer rim. |
| US08790396B2 |
Methods and systems for cardiac valve delivery
The present invention provides systems and methods for the repair, removal, and/or replacement of heart valves. The methods comprise introducing a delivery system into the heart, wherein a prosthesis is disposed on the delivery member attached to the delivery system, advancing the prosthesis to the target site, and disengaging the prosthesis from the delivery member at the target site for implantation. The present invention also provides implant systems for delivering a prosthesis to a target site in or near the heart. In one embodiment of the present invention, the implant system comprises a delivery system, an access system, and a prosthesis. |
| US08790395B2 |
Stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient
The present invention relates to a stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis in an implantation site in the heart of a patient. Specifically, the present invention relates to an expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency. So as to ensure that no longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis fastened to a stent will occur relative the stent in the implanted state of the stent, even given the peristaltic motion of the heart, the stent according to the invention comprises at least one fastening portion via which the valvular prosthesis is connectable to the stent. The stent further comprises positioning arches and retaining arches, whereby at least one positioning arch is connected to at least one retaining arch. |
| US08790394B2 |
Adjustable artificial chordeae tendineae with suture loops
Apparatus is provided, including an artificial-chordeae-tendineae-adjustment mechanism and at least one primary artificial chordea tendinea coupled at a distal portion thereof to the artificial-chordeae-tendineae-adjustment mechanism. A degree of tension of the at least one primary artificial chordea tendinea is adjustable by the artificial-chordeae-tendineae-adjustment mechanism. One or more loops are coupled at a proximal portion of the at least one primary artificial chordea tendinea. The one or more loops are configured to facilitate suturing of the one or more loops to respective portions of a leaflet of an atrioventricular valve of a patient. Other applications are also described. |
| US08790393B2 |
Heat-treated tantalum-alloy products, implantable medical devices incorporating same, and methods of processing tantalum-alloy products
The present disclosure is directed to tantalum-alloy products, implantable medical devices that incorporate tantalum-alloy products such as stents or other implantable medical devices, methods of making and/or processing the tantalum-alloy products and implantable medical devices, and methods of using the implantable medical devices. In an embodiment, a stent includes a stent body having a plurality of struts. At least a portion of the stent body is made from a tantalum alloy. The tantalum alloy includes a tantalum content of about 77 weight % (“wt %”) to about 92 wt %, a niobium content of about 7 wt % to about 13 wt %, and a tungsten content of about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %. The tantalum alloy exhibits at least one mechanical property modified by heat treatment thereof, such as yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, or ductility. |
| US08790389B2 |
Tubular colored vessel prosthesis and use thereof in surgery
A tubular vessel prosthesis includes an inner surface and an outer surface and a wall, where the vessel prosthesis has a coloration on the inner and/or outer surface which brings about a contrast between the inner surface and outer surface. |
| US08790386B2 |
Catheter handle and methods of operating
A delivery system having an improved handle allowing operation of the delivery system with one hand while maintaining accuracy in delivery and deployment of a prosthesis in a body lumen. The delivery system includes a sheath and a handle. The handle includes a slide shaft having a threaded outer surface, and a hub assembly coupled to the sheath. The hub assembly includes an inner slider having a thread tooth pivot support, a thread tooth pivotably mounted to the thread tooth pivot support, a distal sleeve having a thread tooth press member pressing on the thread tooth, and a proximal sleeve. Motion of the distal sleeve relative to the inner slider pivots the thread tooth on the thread tooth pivot support to engage and disengage the hub assembly with the threaded outer surface. The distal sleeve is rotatably coupled to the proximal sleeve, and the proximal sleeve is prevented from rotating to provide a stable grip to allow operation of the catheter with one hand. |
| US08790381B2 |
Disinfection, destruction of neoplastic growth, and sterilization by differential absorption of electromagnetic energy
Neoplastic tissue, viral and bacterial infections, and other physiological disorders and conditions are treated by irradiation of the host with electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength that is differentially absorbed by the offending tissue or cells. Radiation with differential absorption is also used in the sterilization of articles and packing made from synthetic polymers and for the treatment of food stuffs. |
| US08790375B2 |
Transpedicular access to intervertebral spaces and related spinal fusion systems and methods
According to some embodiments, a method of accessing an intervertebral space of a patient's spine in a minimally invasive manner compromises creating a passage from a posterior end of a pedicle of a vertebral member using a probe, advancing the probe through the pedicle and to a main body portion of the vertebral member, advancing the probe through a superior endplate of the vertebral member and into the intervertebral space and enlarging the passage using at least one tap to create an enlarged passage from a posterior of the pedicle to the intervertebral space. In some embodiments, the enlarged passage traverses at least three cortical layers of the vertebral member. |
| US08790373B2 |
Dynamic inter-spinous process spacer
A vertebral spacer includes an expandable member having a self sealing percutaneous fluid access port and engaged to an anchor member that is secured the vertebrae. The anchor member may be an arcuate channel mechanically secured to adjacent spinous processes by bone screws through slots in the legs of the channel. The port allows for adding or removing fluid from the expandable member in order to adjust the volume thereof and thus the interspinous process spacing. Subsequent to initial expansion, the volume of the expandable member may be increased or decreased by using a needle to add or remove fluid from the expandable member via the port. The fluid may be a liquid, gel, or a viscous polymer and may remain in a liquid state or harden to a viscoelastic state. |
| US08790367B2 |
Multi-window guide tunnel
Described herein are devices and methods for delivering implants that include multiple coupled anchors. The anchors are secured to tissue using a multi-opening guide tunnel that is configured to releasably retain one or more portions of the implant located between two of the anchors. The releasable retention of one or more intervening portions of the implant maintains the position of the implant and the guide tunnel until the implant is secured to the tissue. The multi-opening guide tunnel permits securement of the multiple anchors without requiring repositioning of the guide tunnel for each anchor. |
| US08790364B2 |
Introducer sheath for use with an embolic coil device and methods for making and using the same
Introducer sheaths for use with embolic coil devices and methods for making and using the same. An example introducer sheath assembly may include an introducer sheath having a proximal end, a distal end, and a body portion defined therebetween. The body portion may include two or more bends formed therein. An embolic coil device may be disposed within the introducer sheath. |
| US08790363B2 |
Three dimensional, low friction vasoocclusive coil, and method of manufacture
The three dimensional, low friction vasoocclusive coil has a portion that is three dimensionally box or cubed shaped. The three dimensional box or cubed shaped portion will form a basket for filling the anatomical cavity at the site in the vasculature to be treated. The vasoocclusive device is formed from at least one strand of a flexible material formed to have a first inoperable, substantially linear configuration for insertion into and through a catheter or cannula to a desired portion of the vasculature to be treated, and a second operable, three dimensional configuration for occluding the desired portion of the vasculature to be treated. The vasoocclusive coil may optionally include a portion that is substantially J-shaped or helically shaped, for filling and reinforcing the three dimensional portion. |
| US08790360B2 |
Methods and devices for dissecting tissue
Methods and devices are provided for dissecting tissue. In one embodiment, a surgical device can include an elongate shaft configured to be introduced into a body of a patient. A transducer coupled to the elongate shaft can be configured to deliver mechanical energy to the elongate shaft, e.g., axially along the elongate shaft, to rotate, vibrate, and/or flex the elongate shaft to facilitate dissection of tissue adjacent at least a leading end or a distal end of the elongate shaft. In some embodiments the elongate shaft can include at least two coaxial coils, and the transducer can be configured to move at least one of the coaxial coils to facilitate tissue dissection using the elongate shaft. |
| US08790357B1 |
Manual soft tissue T-shape tensioning device
A soft tissue tensioning system comprises a manual suture tensioning device having a bar and a finger guard which is orthogonal to the bar. A lateral suture cleat is disposed on each lateral end of the bar, and a primary suture cleat extends about a top and a bottom of each of the opposed lateral ends of the bar. |
| US08790356B2 |
Instruments for delivering transfascial sutures, transfascial suture assemblies, and methods of transfascial suturing
An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having first and second segments and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may have a connection that is moveable relative to the suture segment. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall. |
| US08790352B2 |
Ovoid tunnel guide and method of ACL reconstruction
A guide apparatus including a body having a proximal end, a distal end, a hole formed therethrough, and a central axis defined therethrough, and a projection member coupled to the distal end of the body. An outer diameter of the body is larger than an outer diameter of the projection member. Further, the projection member does not obstruct a pathway defined by the hole. |
| US08790347B2 |
Tibial rasp
Methods and apparatus for arthroscopically-assisted preparation of the tibia to accept an unicompartmental implant that includes the step of removing bone from the tibial plateau to correct depth, diameter and proper angle by employing a tibial rasp comprising a cutter with a plurality of teeth on the bottom surface and a side surface (for example, the front side). The tibial rasp may be used in conjunction with an additional starter rasp that can cut only in one direction (for example, cutting to establish only the depth of the tunnel or socket). |
| US08790346B2 |
Modular tapered reamer for bone preparation and associated method
A kit (400) for use in performing joint arthroplasty is provided. The kit (400) includes a trial (12) and a reamer (2). The reamer (2) is for preparing a cavity (4) in the intramedullary canal (8) of a long bone (8) with the use of a driver (10) and to assist in performing a trial reduction. The reamer (2) includes a first portion (14) for placement at least partially in the cavity (4) of the long bone (8) and a second portion (16) operably connected to the first portion (14). The reamer (2) is removably connected to the driver (10) to rotate the reamer (2). The trial (12) is removably attachable to the reamer (2). |
| US08790345B2 |
Titanium alloy with oxidized zirconium for a prosthetic implant
A prosthetic device having a generally fixed member formed from a low friction material such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and an articulating titanium member, which includes an articular bearing surface. The articular surface is a zirconium oxide layer formed by applying a coating of zirconium onto the titanium member and heating this in an oxygen-containing environment. This causes the zirconium to oxidize and further causes the zirconium to migrate into the titanium member forming a titanium zirconium diffusion layer, which prevents delamination. |
| US08790344B1 |
Load shaping for dynamic tensioning mechanisms and methods
A surgical tensioning device for dynamically holding two tissue portions in contact with one another comprises a resilient body having a plurality of spring elements, and a plurality of stop members for limiting travel of the spring elements in order to control energy stored or delivered by the spring elements. A length of suture is also provided, wherein a first end of the suture is connected to the resilient body at a first attachment point and a second end of the suture is connected to the resilient body at a second attachment point. In one embodiment, the stop members contact one another to limit compression of the spring elements. When the suture is placed in tension, the spring elements move to an extended configuration and the stop members move apart, creating gaps between ends of each of the stop members. When the gaps become sufficiently large, edges of the stop elements contact corresponding spring elements to impede further widening of the gaps and consequent further extension of the spring elements, thus protecting the springs. |
| US08790342B2 |
Electrosurgical instrument employing pressure-variation electrodes
A surgical instrument can comprise a handle, a first conductor, a second conductor, and an end effector. The end effector can comprise a first jaw, a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw in order to capture tissue intermediate the first jaw and the second jaw, a first electrode electrically coupled with the first conductor, and a second electrode electrically coupled with the second conductor, wherein the second electrode is comprised of a material configured to have a first electrical resistance when a first pressure is applied to the material, and wherein the material is configured to have a second electrical resistance when a second pressure is applied to the material. In various circumstances, the material can be configured such that, once the applied pressure has exceeded a switching pressure, the resistance of the material can switch from the first resistance to the second resistance. |
| US08790337B2 |
System and method for return electrode monitoring
A return electrode monitoring (“REM”) system is disclosed. The REM system includes a return electrode pad having a pair of split electrode pads and a detection circuit coupled to the pair of split electrode pads. The detection circuit and the pair of split electrode pads are adapted to resonate across a predetermined resonance range. The REM system also includes a controller coupled to the detection circuit and configured to provide a sweeping drive signal to the detection circuit across the resonance range. The detection circuit generates a drive signal in response to the sweeping drive signal and the controller determines a complex impedance across the at least one pair of split electrode pads as a function of the drive signal. |
| US08790333B2 |
Skull cutting device
A skull cutting device for cutting a skull by means of laser comprises a body for emitting the laser introduced from a laser oscillator through an optical fiber from an exit opening arranged at a distal end thereof, a contact portion arranged in the body to determine the posture of the body such that a predetermined distance is set between a surface of the skull and the exit opening by touching the surface of the skull in a predetermined mode, a support bar of a predetermined length extending from the body toward the emitting direction of the laser while avoiding the optical path of the laser (R), and a light interception board arranged at a distal end of the support bar to block farther advance of the laser by interfering with the laser beam path. |
| US08790330B2 |
Connection arrangement and method for connecting a medical device to the improved connection arrangement
The present invention relates to a connection arrangement and a method of assembly, for providing a substantially tamper resistant connection with at least a first medical device. The connection arrangement having a center axis, the connection arrangement comprises; a first connection member for connection to the first medical device by means of a rotational motion in a first direction, and a body. Additionally the first connection member and the body are connected directly or indirectly together via at least one designated ruptureable retaining member, the designated ruptureable retaining member is arranged to rupture at a predetermined breaking force, wherein the first connection member, and thereby the first medical device after assembly, can be displaced with respect to the body after rupture. The present invention provides for a substantially tamper safe connection arrangement which disables accidents such as wrongly disengage a connected medical device. A safer handling is provided for the involved user(s). |
| US08790329B2 |
Pressure activated safety valve with grooved membrane
A pressure activated valve comprises a valve housing defining a lumen for receiving bodily fluids therein and a flexible membrane disposed in the valve housing. The flexible membrane includes a slit extending therethrough so that the flexible membrane may be moved between an open and a dosed configuration based on fluid pressure within the lumen. A nonthrombogenic coating may be formed on fluid contacting surfaces of the flexible membrane. |
| US08790326B2 |
Wearable article with highly extensible fastening member having stress distribution features
Wearable disposable absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, having elastically extensible fastening members (also sometimes known as fastening “ears”) with particular features, extending from a chassis or main portion of the articles, are disclosed. The fastening members may be highly extensible and have an overall geometry characterized by greater length nearer the chassis or main portion and lesser length nearer the distal end. Examples disclosed may have a fastener zone having a Stiffness of at least about 1,500 N/m, and shape and dimensional characteristics, that help avoid problems of buckling and/or flipping of edges of the fastening members, dishing of fastener components, and fastening member tearing, while the articles are applied and worn. |
| US08790323B1 |
Blood containment sleeve
A blood containment sleeve of any material and in any form with a cut in it, that dialysis patients wear, preferably, on their arm. The sleeve allows for the dialysis to be carried on and contains the blood spill. Main ideas disclosed are the cut in the sleeve and the containment of the patient's blood. The cut on the sleeve may be a simple cut or a cut with a zipper. The sleeve can have elastic closures at both ends. The sleeve may be by itself or on a shirt, jacket or any other apparel. |
| US08790320B2 |
Bodily fluid drainage assembly
A bodily fluid drainage assembly can include a fluid bag and one or more covers. The assembly can include one or more volume indicators from which an approximate volume of a bodily fluid that is retained within the bag can be ascertained. In some arrangements, a cover includes a volume indicator that defines an opening through which a transparent or semitransparent portion of the bag can be viewed. |
| US08790316B2 |
Dosing device for an infusion system and method thereof
A dosing device for an infusion system comprises a dosing unit having a variable volume and at least one opening in fluid connection with the variable volume, through which opening the variable volume can be filled with a substance or the substance can be dispensed from the variable volume. The dosing device is operable in a first state for filling the substance from a supply conduit, in a second state for preventing filling and dispensing, or in a third state for dispensing through a dispensing conduit. No direct fluid connection exists between the supply conduit and the dispensing conduit at any time. Methods for dosing a substance with the dosing device. |
| US08790315B2 |
Dose setting mechanism for a drug delivery device
The invention relates to a dose setting mechanism, which is operable to be coupled to a medication cartridge and which comprises means that prevent the user from setting a dose greater than the remaining medication in the cartridge. The dose setting mechanism comprises a shaft. A helical groove having a first pitch is provided along a first portion of the shaft. The dose setting mechanism further comprises a nut member disposed on the helical groove of said shaft. During dose setting, the shaft is rotated relative to the nut member while the nut member traverses along the groove from a distal end of the shaft towards a proximal end of the shaft. The mechanism further comprises means preventing a user of said dose setting mechanism from setting a dose of said medication that is greater than said remaining medication in said cartridge, said means comprising a second pitch provided along a second portion of said shaft, wherein said first pitch is different from said second pitch, wherein said second pitch is preferably greater than said first pitch. |
| US08790312B2 |
Needle-equipped syringe barrel and needle-equipped syringe
There are provided a needle-equipped syringe barrel and a needle-equipped syringe in which a needle is suitably fixed to a syringe nozzle, and a mold and a method for molding thereof. A metal needle 12 is integrally equipped to a synthetic resin syringe nozzle 113 by integral molding, an area where the needle 12 comes into contact with the nozzle 113 being in a range of 11 to 50 mm2. A needle-equipped syringe barrel 1 in which a metal needle 12 is integrally equipped to a synthetic resin syringe nozzle 113 by integral molding, height of a needle end 122 extruded toward an inner hollow portion thereof opposite to a needle head 121 being in a range of 0.4 to 11 mm. |
| US08790311B2 |
Mounting pad
A mounting pad comprising an adhesive layer (2), said adhesive layer being provided with a removable release liner (3). The release liner being divided into at least two sections (3A, 3B) and each of the at least two said sections of the release liner is provided with one or more score lines (4) thereby defining each section of the release liner as a strip, which renders it possible by a single straight upward pull to peel a release liner in two or more narrow strips, thereby still maintaining an even pull with small force needed to remove the release liner and using only a short pulling distance for removing the release liner from the adhesive surface. |
| US08790309B2 |
Modular hemostatic valve
A modular hemostatic valve includes a splittable valve body. The splittable body defines a passageway. A sealing element is positioned in the passageway. The sealing element is configured to facilitate the passage of a first medical device, and the splittable valve body is configured to engage a second medical device. |
| US08790306B2 |
Injection equipment and medical liquid injecting system having same
Provided is a injection equipment capable of alleviating the force required of a user to inject a medical liquid. A housing chamber S1 for extrusion and a housing chamber S2 for injection are mutually connected so that, when one of the chambers S1, S2 expands, the other one of the chambers contracts. As a result of switching a switching valve 9 to an open position in a state where at least a predetermined amount of the medical liquid is filled in the housing chamber S2, the housing chamber S2 for injection is contracted based on the expansion of the housing chamber S1 for extrusion according to the discharge pressure of the medical liquid pump 2 so as to deliver a predetermined amount of medical liquid. |
| US08790305B2 |
Infusion apparatus
In a peristaltic medical infusion pump unit, comprising a peristaltic assembly and a counter surface or anvil facing said peristaltic assembly and provided by the inner surface of a door pivotally mounted on a housing of the unit, the door is readily non-destructively removable and replaceable. In use of the peristaltic pump unit, a flexible resilient tube forming part of a medical fluid delivery line is extended between the peristaltic assembly and the counter surface or anvil provided by the door. The medical fluid delivery line has first and second color coded fittings spaced therealong upstream and downstream of the peristaltic assembly and the region of the housing of the pump unit across which the infusion line is extended is provided, correspondingly spaced above and below the peristaltic assembly with correspondingly color coded support means for these fittings. |
| US08790303B2 |
Fluid management system heater assembly and cartridge
Surgical fluid management systems and methods of operating surgical fluid management systems which may provide one or more functions associated with suction, irrigation, distention, deficit monitoring, infusion, fluid warming, and the like. Some example embodiments may include infra-red lamps arranged to heat fluid flowing through a disposable cartridge. Some example embodiments may provide a three-dimensional fluid path through the cartridge and/or multi-stage heating capabilities. Some example fluid management systems may be selectable between pressure control and flow control modes. |
| US08790301B2 |
Systems and methods for biofilm removal, including a biofilm removal endoscope for use therewith
Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site. |
| US08790297B2 |
Remote catheter system with steerable catheter
A catheter procedure system including a user interface for receiving at least a first user input and a second user input and a guide catheter is provided. The catheter procedure system also includes a guide catheter actuating mechanism coupled to the guide catheter and a Y-connector. The guide catheter actuating mechanism is configured to advance and retract the guide catheter in response to the first user input and to rotate the guide catheter in response to the second user input. The catheter procedure system includes a first connector coupling the Y-connector to the guide catheter actuating mechanism, and the first connector is configured to allow the Y-connector to advance and retract with the guide catheter and to allow the guide catheter to rotate without also causing the Y-connector to rotate. |
| US08790296B2 |
Patient hydration system
A patient hydration system comprises a bladder, a flexible tube, a safety guard, and a mouthpiece. The bladder can be a generally rectangular-shaped pouch designed to hold liquids. The bladder can have an attachment means whereby a retention member can be used to hang the bladder. The bladder has a port that allows the attachment of the flexible tube. The tube is also connected to the safety guard and mouthpiece. The contents of the bladder flow through the tube and out of the mouthpiece on demand. A keeper clip can be added in proximity to the mouthpiece. The safety guard provides a substantial handle for grasping and maneuvering the system, ensures that the mouthpiece is not inadvertently swallowed by the patient, and protects the mouthpiece from surface contamination if the mouthpiece is placed on a table, plate, etc. |
| US08790291B2 |
Ultrasound catheter devices and methods
Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Generally, an ultrasound catheter device includes an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens, an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and a distal head coupled with the transmission member and positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter body for disrupting occlusions. A proximal housing of the catheter device may include one or more features for dissipating heat from the ultrasound transmission wire, such as a fluid inlet aperture for passage of fluid, use of heat conductive materials in the proximal housing, surface features to increase the housing's surface area, heat conductive members disposed adjacent the transmission member and the like. Various irrigation fluids may be used, such as cooled, oxygen supersaturated or lubricious fluids. |
| US08790286B2 |
Injection distraction device
A system for mitigating pain in a patient associated with needle penetration in the administration of medication, and in particular to a vibratory device configured to be utilized with a variety of existing hand-held intra-oral dental drills or like devices. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches a disposable or non-disposable vibratory tip formed to engage an off-the-shelf intra-oral dental drill, the vibratory tip utilizing an off-axis weight associated with a shaft drive engaging the dental drill, to provide a vibratory sensation to an application tip, the application tip configured to engage an area of a patient's mouth targeted for the subsequent needled administration of local anesthetic, or other medication. In use, the application tip is applied to the patient, the dental drill is engaged to rotate the shaft drive of the vibratory tip, vibrating same for period of time, so as to decrease the sensation of pain associated with the subsequent needle penetration. |
| US08790285B2 |
Enhanced chest compressor
A chest compressor includes a piston (14) that moves in downward and upward strokes, with the piston undergoing a smooth reversal at the bottom of the downward stroke. A compression spring such as a wave spring (60), is positioned to engage the piston only near the end of its downward stroke, to smoothly reverse the piston motion, limit downward force on the patient at the end of the stroke, and avoid a downward pulse due to the momentum of the downwardly-moving piston. A stop (90, 92) is latchable in an inward position to allow reduction in the piston stroke by engaging an outward flange (56) on the piston before the piston has moved fully downward. |
| US08790273B2 |
Noninvasive method and system for measuring pulmonary ventilation
A pulmonary ventilation system comprising a method to determine at least one pulmonary ventilation parameter as a function of a plurality of measured anatomical distances and volume-motion coefficients, sensors for acquiring the anatomical distances, a device for determining the plurality of motion coefficients, and a device for determining the ventilation parameter based on the acquired anatomical distances and determined plurality of volume-motion coefficients. In one embodiment, the system further includes a method for acquiring base-line ventilation characteristics and a method for correlating the base-line ventilation characteristics to the ventilation parameter determined with the empirical relationship. |
| US08790271B2 |
Portable device for calculating consumed calories
A portable device for measuring a consumed calories includes: a respiration measurement device measuring an amount of air inhaled into a user's nose to acquire and output a respiration signal; a plurality of movement detection devices acquiring and outputting acceleration signals reflecting (or indicating) the magnitude and direction of a movement of each part of the user's body; and a controller recognizing the amount of a user's movements and movement patterns by analyzing the acceleration signal, recognizing an intensity of an exercise by analyzing the respiration signal, and calculating a consumed calories in consideration of the amount of the user's movements, the movement patterns, and the intensity of exercise. A user's consumed calories can be precisely calculated by recognizing the user's movement and even the user's respiration rate. |
| US08790269B2 |
Monitoring respiration with a thermal imaging system
What is disclosed is a system and method for monitoring respiration of a subject or subject of interest using a thermal imaging system with single or multiple spectral bands set to a temperature range of a facial region of that person. Temperatures of extremities of the head and face are used to locate facial features in the captured thermal images, i.e., nose and mouth, which are associated with respiration. The RGB signals obtained from the camera are plotted to obtain a respiration pattern. From the respiration pattern, a rate of respiration is obtained. The system includes display and communication interfaces wherein alerts can be activated if the respiration rate falls outside a level of acceptability. The teachings hereof find their uses in an array of devices such as, for example, devices which monitor the respiration of an infant to signal the onset of a respiratory problem or failure. |
| US08790263B2 |
Automated movement detection with audio and visual information
The embodiments contemplate systems and methods for detecting moving tissue within an object. In one such method, a first and second ultrasound pulse are transmitted at a first sample volume within an object. A first echo signal of the first ultrasound pulse is received from the first sample volume and a second echo signal of the second ultrasound pulse is received from the first sample volume. An estimate of position displacement data of the first sample volume is computed from the first and second echo signals, and the estimate of position displacement data is compared to a predetermined position displacement data threshold indicative of moving tissue. A determination is made, based on the comparison, whether the first sample volume corresponds to moving tissue and, based on the determination, the transmitting, receiving, computing and determining is repeated for a second sample volume. |
| US08790261B2 |
Manual ultrasound power control to monitor fetal heart rate depending on the size of the patient
A continuous, noninvasive fetal heart rate measurement is produced using one or more ultrasonic transducer adhered to the abdomen of the mother. Each ultrasound transducer generates an ultrasound beam having a signal strength. The signal strength is determined by an excitation voltage applied to the ultrasound transducer. An excitation voltage adjustment device is positioned between an excitation voltage generator and the ultrasound transducer to selectively control the strength of the ultrasound beam. A user input device allows an operator to control the ultrasound signal strength to vary the depth of viewing of the fetal heart rate monitor. |
| US08790260B2 |
Systems and methods for replacing signal artifacts in a glucose sensor data stream
Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms. |
| US08790252B2 |
Endoscope with variable direction of view
Provided is an endoscope with a handle, an endoscope shaft connected to the handle, and imaging optics arranged in the endoscope shaft. An object can be located in the direction of view of the imaging optics in front of the endoscope shaft. The endoscope may also include a swivellably housed deflecting element that sets the desired direction of view. The deflecting element can be positioned at the distal end of the endoscope shaft facing away from the handle. An actuating element can be attached to the handle, which is mechanically connected to the deflecting element, and with which the swivel position of the deflecting element can be changed in order to set a desired direction of view. |
| US08790239B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for minimally invasive pelvic surgery
The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence.The invention also provides a driver and methods for advancing needles, cannulas, and other medical devices through the pubic bone. The driver may be used in connection with a driver frame assembly for proper positioning and stabilization of the driver, and with other devices for creating a cavity in the urethral floor and for positioning medical devices therein. The invention also provides simple connections for attaching a suture to a device within the cavity in the urethral floor or in the vagina, an also for attaching sutures to the pubic bone. |
| US08790238B2 |
Systems, devices, and methods for minimally invasive pelvic surgery
The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence. |
| US08790237B2 |
Mechanical stimulator having a quick-connector
An implantable hearing prosthesis comprising a vibrator for generating vibrations, a coupling arm adapted to be attached to an element of a recipient's ear; and a quick-connector comprising a first connector half disposed on the vibrator and a second connector half disposed on the coupling arm, wherein the connector halves are adapted to be releasably mated with one another to secure the coupling arm in relative position to the vibrator. |
| US08790236B2 |
Axial flow-pump with multi-grooved rotor
An axial-flow blood pump for pumping blood includes a substantially cylindrical outer enclosure. A tubular housing concentric with and located within the outer enclosure has at one end an inlet and at an opposite end an outlet. A motor stator is concentric with and located between the outer enclosure and the tubular housing. An impeller is concentric with and located within the tubular housing. The impeller is suspended in operation by a combination of passive magnetic forces between magnets within the impeller or magnetized regions of the impeller and the motor stator and hydrodynamic thrust forces generated as blood flows between the tubular housing and a plurality of hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces located on the impeller. A volute may be in fluid-tight connection with the outlet of the tubular housing for receiving blood in the axial direction and directing blood in a direction normal to the axial direction. The volute has a flow-improving member extending axially from the volute and into and coaxially with the tubular housing. |
| US08790227B2 |
Exercise apparatus and methods
An exercise apparatus includes a U-bar the ends of which are pivotally coupled to two L-bars by rotatable hinge assemblies containing a torsion spring. The rotatable hinge assemblies have a torsion spring tension setting means configured to vary the tension of the torsion spring and to secure the torsion spring at two or more distinct tensions settings without disassembly of the apparatus thus providing two or more distinct levels of resistance to the relative rotation of each L-bar independently with respect to the U-bar. Additionally, in certain embodiments of the apparatus each hinge assembly has an operation setting means that functions to control the allowable independent rotation of each L-bar relative to the U-bar end sections. |
| US08790226B2 |
Trunk rotation
This trunk rotation device uses dynamic movement of one's body such as, shoulder, hip, knee, back, thigh, and abdominal musculature. The device provides a method for exercising the spinal column and the muscles of the torso, including those in the abdominal lumbar and thoracic regions involving rotational torque. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a golf exercise and flexibility apparatus. The golf exercise apparatus provides resistance to a golfer during a golf swing to strengthen and condition the muscles of the axial skeleton of the golfer in a functional posture. |
| US08790224B1 |
Aquatic exercise system and method
Aquatic exercise system and method for use in a body of water is presented. In particular, the system comprises a sleeve correspondingly disposable in covering relation to at least a portion of a user's appendage, such as an arm or leg, a securing assembly to secure the sleeve to a user, and at least one fin outwardly extending from the sleeve and structured to increase resistance to the user regardless of the particular directional or rotational movement. In some embodiments, the sleeve is further structured to cover an extremity of a user, such as a hand or foot. Further embodiments include a seat assembly connectable to an access pole of a pool or hot tub. The method includes applying an aquatic exercise system to an appendage of a user, submerging the appendage and system, and moving the appendage and system through water in at least one direction to create resistance. |
| US08790222B2 |
Single belt omni directional treadmill
A treadmill having a belt assembly allows a user the walk or run in any direction. A single helically wound belt over a flattened torus is powered by two independent drive systems. The drive systems are controlled by a combination of infrared cameras and a physical harness system. |
| US08790220B2 |
Interface circuitry for gym apparatus
An interface circuitry for a gym apparatus and the gym apparatus are disclosed. The interface circuitry comprises: a power transmission system interface to a power transmission system of the gym apparatus; a sensor interface to one or more sensors comprised in the gym apparatus and/or one or more sensors external to the gym apparatus; and a user interface connector connecting the interface circuitry to a casing of a portable electronic device serving as a user interface of the gym apparatus during a physical exercise performed with the gym apparatus. The interface circuitry includes a processing system arranged to cause the interface circuitry to process and provide connections between the power transmission system interface, sensor interface, and the user interface connector. |
| US08790219B2 |
Exhaust emission purifying apparatus for engine
In order to maintain a high NOx purification rate of a NOx reduction catalytic converter even in the case in which an NOx emission amount from an engine changes suddenly, in an exhaust emission purifying apparatus for an engine that reduces and purifies NOx in exhaust gas using ammonia generated from an injection-supplied urea aqueous solution, after engine starting, when an exhaust temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature T (step S1), an amount of urea aqueous solution corresponding to an actual engine operating state is injection-supplied (steps S3 to S5). On the other hand, at a change of the transmission speed ratio based on a driver's shift operation, an engine operating state after the change of the transmission speed ratio is predicted (steps S2, S6), and an amount of urea aqueous solution corresponding to the predicted engine operating state is injection-supplied before the change of the transmission speed ratio is completed (steps S7, S8). |
| US08790218B2 |
Vehicle control system
Before the termination of the fuel-cut control, the vehicle control system reduces a pumping loss by increasing an air intake and a load torque of an auxiliary device thereby preventing the vehicle to be decelerated excessively, and after the termination of the fuel-cut control, the vehicle control system increases the load torque of the auxiliary device thereby preventing the vehicle to be accelerated abruptly. Therefore, the vehicle speed will not be lowered unnecessarily before the termination of the fuel-cut control so that an execution time of the fuel-cut control can be extended. Moreover, driving comfort can be improved by thus reducing a change in acceleration. |
| US08790216B2 |
Device and method for operating a drive having an electrically drivable axle
A drive device for a vehicle includes an electric machine and an axle which is drivable by the electric machine. A disengageable mechanical coupling is provided between the drivable axle and the electric machine. This coupling is designed as a jaw coupling. |
| US08790208B2 |
Assembly for an electromechanical brake actuator
The invention relates to an assembly for a brake actuator which is provided, for example, for an electromechanically operated parking brake. The assembly comprises a drive device and a gear device for generating and transmitting a torque to a brake device, a carrier element having a first mounting device to which the drive device and the gear device are mechanically secured, and a housing having a housing lower portion which has a second mounting device, on which the carrier element together with the drive device and gear device is arranged in a self-supporting manner by means of the first mounting device. |
| US08790206B2 |
Variable range constant speed drive
A constant speed drive includes one or more speed summing differentials operably connected to a base shaft and a machine shaft. A primary variator is operably connected to the one or more speed summing differentials to produce a selected constant rotational speed at the machine shaft across a range of engine speeds at the base shaft. An operating range adjustment element is operably connected to the one or more speed summing differentials to adjust a range of engine speeds at which the constant speed drive can output the selected constant rotational speed at the machine shaft. |
| US08790205B2 |
Multi-CVT drive system having epicycle gear set
The present invention utilizes the rotary kinetic power of a rotary kinetic power source to directly drive the epicyclic gear set, or to drive the epicyclic gear set through a transmission device, then a continuous variable transmission (CVT) is individually installed between two output shafts of the epicyclic gear set and the load driven thereby, so the wheel set of the driven load is enabled to randomly perform variation of the driving speed ratio and the driving torque, so as to drive the combined common load; between the output ends of the mentioned two continuous variable transmissions, a limited slip differential or a stabilize device composed of a dual shaft connecting device having slip coupling torque can be further installed according to actual needs. |
| US08790201B2 |
Hybrid transmission with three planetary gear sets and three interconnecting members and with synchronous shift between series and compound-split operating modes
A hybrid transmission is provided that has both a hybrid series operating mode and a compound-split operating mode. The transmission includes an input member operatively connected with the engine, an output member, and a plurality of selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms. A gearing arrangement and first and second motor/generators operatively connected with the gearing arrangement are also provided. The gearing arrangement includes a first, a second, and a third planetary gear set, each having a first, a second, and a third member. A pair of interconnecting members connect two respective ones of the members of one of the planetary gear sets for common rotation with two respective ones of the members of another of the planetary gear sets. Another interconnecting member connects a third of the members of the one of the planetary gear sets for common rotation with one of the members of still another of the planetary gear sets. |
| US08790200B2 |
Safety guard assembly for transmission mechanisms
A safety guard assembly for enclosing a flexible drive extending between a driving shaft and a driven shaft is provided. The safety guard assembly includes: a back cover having at least two slidably engageable back cover members for varying a length of the back cover, the back cover having at least two shaft openings extending therethrough for receiving a respective one of the driving shaft and the driven shaft therein; and a front cover having at least two slidably engageable front cover members for varying a length of the front cover, the front cover being securable to the back cover for defining an enclosure for the flexible drive. A method for enclosing a transmission mechanism including a flexible drive extending between a driving shaft and a driven shaft is also provided. |
| US08790198B1 |
Tackling dummy and system
A beam (20) has an inclined section (20B) and lesser-inclined or non-inclined-section (20A), the sections being supported and held at respective desired heights by cross-members (18) and posts (12). A carriage (30) rides on the lower flanges (20C1) of the beam so that a tackling dummy (36), preferably connected by a locking swivel (34) to the carriage, starts at an elevated point on the inclined section, and picks up speed and momentum as it moves along the beam to the other section, whereupon the dummy may be blocked or tackled by a player in training. The dummy may carry a football (35) for training a player to strip a ball from an opponent, may have a forwardly-projecting arm for training a player in situations where an opponent may use stiff-arm tactics, or both. Thus, the tackling dummy and system provide for realistic training for blocking and tackling. |
| US08790194B2 |
Golf club with a support bracket
A cavity back golf club and golf club head having one or more support brackets is disclosed. Each support bracket includes a first portion engaged with the rear surface of the striking face, a second portion engaged with the perimeter weighting member, and a third portion that is curved. The one or more of the support brackets are engaged with a rear surface of a striking face and a perimeter weight member of the golf club head. The one or more support brackets are at least partially located in a rear cavity of the golf club head. The support brackets provide structural integrity to a thin striking face on the golf club head. Additionally, a discretionary weight is engaged with the at least one of the support brackets at the toe portion of the golf club head. |
| US08790187B2 |
Methods and systems for replaying a player's experience in a casino environment
A method and system is provided wherein an event experienced by a player is documented and the documentation of the event is stored (e.g., in association with an indication of the event). One example of an event experienced by a player is an outcome obtained by a player on a gaming device. In such an embodiment the documentation of the event may comprise an image of the player's reaction to the outcome and/or a still or video image of the outcome. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention a player may subsequently access (e.g., purchase) an output of the documentation. In one embodiment an outcome of a prior game play that was documented is replayed. When the outcome of the prior game play is output, the outcome may be output in a manner that indicates to a viewer that the outcome is an outcome of a prior game play and not an outcome of a current game play. |
| US08790186B1 |
User-controlled entertainment system, apparatus and method
A system, method, and apparatus for allowing a wireless communication device operator to control aspects of a multi-player game are described. In one embodiment, a server sends a signal to a plurality of wireless communication devices indicating an availability of an exclusive privilege for one of the wireless communication device operators to exclusively control one or more aspects of the multi-player game. Next, a request is received from a first wireless communication device for a first wireless communication device operator to receive the exclusive privilege. Then, the server determines whether another wireless communication device operator has already been assigned the exclusive privilege to play the multi-player game; if not, the exclusive privilege is assigned to the first wireless communication device. Finally, the server sends a confirmation to the first wireless communication device indicating that the first wireless communication device operator has been granted the exclusive privilege. |
| US08790184B2 |
Resource management for data center based gaming
Technologies are presented for managing a resource demand on a data center providing game services by adjusting a probability of various kinds of game events. Data center load data may be received and used to adjust occurrence tables associated with both one-off and lengthy game events that may direct game clients toward events that may involve lesser resource demand. Contrary to conventional load balancing for non-gaming applications, the methods described herein may take advantage of the pseudorandom event nature that may be a part of a game experience in gaming applications. The resource demand may be altered without changing the number of customers served or the quality of service provided. Thus, resource management may be enhanced while serving the same number of customers. |
| US08790183B2 |
Arcade in a virtual world with reward
Virtual world website allows customizing characters by purchasing items for the characters using virtual cash. The virtual cash is in the first currency format. A user can also link to another website, for example a second website, which allows earning cash in a second currency format different than the first currency format. The second website allows converting virtual currency into the first currency format. Embodiments allow multiple different currency conversions. |
| US08790180B2 |
Interactive game and associated wireless toy
A computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions for conducting a game on a gaming system having a wireless input device for playing an interactive motion-sensitive game using a wireless-compatible game console in which a virtual play environment is represented through one or more computer-animated visual, aural or tactile effects is provided wherein game play is conducted by moving, shaking, twisting, waving or pointing the input device in a particular manner. The input device can include motion-sensitive circuitry and/or command circuitry for generating control signals and/or an effects generator and associated control circuitry to enable the input device to selectively generate at least one visual, aural or tactile effect comprising sound, lighting or vibration. The input device can include a wireless transceiver for providing two-way wireless communication with the wireless-compatible game console. An optional display screen displays short text messages received through wireless communications with the wireless-compatible game console. |
| US08790179B2 |
Safety scheme for gesture-based game system
Technologies are generally described for a safety scheme for a gesture-based game. In some examples, a method performed under control of a gesture-based game system may include detecting a presence of at least one first obstacle between a first distance from a player and a second distance from the player that is less than the first distance, and determining a recommended position for the player based at least in part on a location of the detected first obstacle. |
| US08790175B2 |
Gaming system having passive player participation in secondary wagering games
A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a primary wager from a player, the player associated with a player account, and at least one display for displaying a primary wagering game and a secondary wagering game. Secondary wagering game outcomes are independent of the primary wagering game. The system further comprises a controller operative to cause the at least one display to display a randomly selected outcome of the primary wagering game; upon the occurrence of a first triggering event, enter a player into the secondary wagering game, wherein the player is represented in the secondary wagering game by a player avatar; upon the occurrence of a second triggering event, end the player's participation in the secondary wagering game; award the player any awards collected by the player avatar in the secondary wagering game; and credit the player account by the amount of the collected awards. |
| US08790174B2 |
Drawing machine for jackpot game, and game machine and game system using the same
The present invention provides a drawing machine for jackpot game, etc., capable of preventing reduction of the game attractiveness even when one player wins the jackpot prize.A drawing machine for jackpot game having a drawing unit for carrying out a drawing to decide a winning in which any one of a plurality of types of jackpot prizes is awarded or a non-winning, includes: a storage unit for storing payout amount data indicating an amount of payout-objects to be paid out to a player when the drawing unit decides that any one of the plurality of types of jackpot prizes is awarded; a payout processing unit for executing a payout process in which, when the drawing unit decides that any one of the plurality of types of jackpot prizes is awarded, executing a data process of a plurality of payout amount data stored in the storage unit such that after the payout amount data corresponding to the type of the awarded jackpot prize is read from the storage unit, a payout amount decreasing process for decreasing an amount indicated by the payout amount data stored in the storage unit is executed, but the payout amount decreasing process of amounts corresponding to payout amount data other than the payout amount data is not executed; and a payout-amount increasing unit for increasing cumulatively an amount indicated by at least one of the plurality of payout amount data stored in the storage unit when a predetermined payout increasing condition are satisfied. |
| US08790173B2 |
Card game system and device having supplemental awards based on consecutive non-terminating outcomes
A card game includes a plurality of rounds playable upon at least one base wager and at least one supplemental wager. Each one of the rounds results in an outcome, where a base award is associated with at least one of the outcomes. A pattern condition is fulfillable when a pattern of the outcomes corresponds to one of a plurality of designated patterns. Different supplemental awards are provided based on the fulfillment of the pattern condition. |
| US08790169B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a cascading symbols game with wild symbols usable for a designated quantity of symbol generations
A plurality of columns each having a plurality of symbol positions are displayed. A gaming system generates and displays one of a plurality of symbols in each symbol position. At least one of the plurality of symbols is a designated symbol with an indicated quantity. The indicated quantity indicates whether the designated symbol is active or inactive. For each winning symbol combination containing at least one designated symbol, the indicated quantity associated with any designated symbol in the winning symbol combination is decremented and any non-designated symbols are removed from the display. Any designated symbols with an associated numeral of zero are inactive and are removed from each winning symbol combination. Any remaining symbols are shifted in a predetermined direction. For each empty symbol position, the gaming system generates and displays a new symbol and repeats the above steps until no winning symbol combinations remain. |
| US08790167B2 |
Roof ridge vent and ventilated roof employing same
A vent for a roof includes a body having an inner surface facing the roof, an outer surface, first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing sides. First and second edge portions are disposed at or about the first and second sides, respectively, and include a plurality of openings for the passage of air. A plurality of protrusions extend outwardly from the inner surface of the body. A plurality of elongated resilient members extend longitudinally between the first and second ends of the body and cooperate with the protrusions. At least a portion of each of the elongated resilient members extends beyond a bottom edge of the vent and is compressed against the exterior surface of the roof, in order to substantially fill in and seal spaces between the exterior surface of the roof and the at least one vent. |
| US08790165B2 |
Multi-layered chemical-mechanical planarization pad
The present disclosure relates to a chemical mechanical planarization pad and a method of making and using a chemical mechanical planarization pad. The chemical mechanical planarization pad may include a first component including a water soluble composition and water insoluble composition exhibiting a solubility in water of less than that of the water soluble composition, wherein at least one of the water soluble and water insoluble compositions of the first component is formed of fibers. The chemical mechanical planarization pad may also include a second component, wherein the first component is present as a discrete phase in a continuous of the second component. |
| US08790161B2 |
Method and device for truing a razor blade
Truing devices constructed and arranged for truing one or more disposable metallic blades and methods for the manufacture and use of same are disclosed herein. |
| US08790159B2 |
Variable rate method of machining gears
A method of machining gears or other toothed articles wherein the workpiece feed rate and/or the tool shifting is varied so as to produce an irregular surface pattern on tooth surfaces with a resulting reduction in mesh noise. The method is particularly applicable to grinding spur and/or helical gears with a grinding worm. |
| US08790156B2 |
Tooth-profile management system for shaving-cutter grinding machine
A personal computer has correction coefficients (α) for tooth-profile error correction and correction coefficients (β) for meshing position correction which are set for each number of times a shaving cutter is sharpened, and for each cutter feature of the shaving cutter. Target tooth-profile data (Do), tooth-profile error data (ΔD) which is the difference between the target tooth-profile data (Do) and measured tooth-profile data (Dm), and the correction coefficient (α) and the correction coefficient (β) captured in correspondence with the number of times sharpening is performed, and the cutter features are applied to an equation Dcc=Do+α·ΔD+β to find aimed tooth-profile data (Dcc). Shaving-cutter tooth-profile data (ds) is found from the aimed tooth-profile data (Dcc). Thus, the shaving cutter can be sharpened appropriately even when the outer diameter and tooth thickness of the shaving cutter are reduced by sharpening the shaving cutter. |
| US08790155B2 |
Grinding machine and method for grinding and deburring
The present invention relates to a grinding machine for grinding a workpiece, in particular cams, with a grinding wheel having a profile with a grinding region running substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel and at least one profile section which does not run parallel to the axis of rotation of the grinding wheel, a control unit for controlling the grinding process, wherein the control unit is configured in such a manner that, with reference to position information on positions of edges of the workpiece in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the workpiece, the edges of the workpiece are successively deburred or chamfered by the at least one profile section of the grinding wheel during or after the grinding of the workpiece. |
| US08790154B2 |
Post-operative compression bra
A post-operative compression bra (1) having an opening located between two portions, a front right portion (2) and a front left portion (3) that are secured together using strap clips (9) that allow pressure being exerted by the bra on a patient to be adjusted. Rounded notches (19) are located on an upper edge (17) of a right side portion (12) and a left side portion (13) to prevent the side portions from coming into contact with a patient's lymph nodes. The side portions and a rear portion (20) may also be partially constructed out of a mesh material to allow for air flow to the skin. |
| US08790151B2 |
Toy construction base plate
A toy construction base plate configured to receive a toy construction and having a collapsible handle, which allows the construction to be built on the base plate on a flat play surface, after which the handle may be deployed from the base plate to allow a user to hold and play with the toy construction. The handle may be deployed by, for example, pivoting with respect to a support member of the base plate and pivoting above, below, or to the side of the toy construction. The handle may also be used as a stand to hold a construction above a play surface. The toy construction may be made of interlocking stackable blocks and the support surface of the base plate may be configured to receive the interlocking stackable blocks. |
| US08790149B2 |
Method of fabricating flexible display device
A method of fabricating flexible display device includes providing a flexible display panel having an uneven surface, and forming at least one filling layer on the uneven surface of the flexible display panel. The filling layer includes an organic filling layer polymerized by a precursor layer, or an inorganic filling layer including nanometer-scale carbon structure. |
| US08790145B2 |
Emergency drive unit for water vessel
A collapsible and disconnectible for storage yet extending for use emergency motor drive unit for a boat. A motor is secured to a hollow drive-shaft pipe segment. Another pipe segment is attached to the end of that pipe segment and has a propeller at its end. A drive shaft of the motor is coupled to the propeller by flexible tubing passing through the hollow bores of the pipe segments. A third, and possibly fourth and fifth, pipe segment(s) is(are) provided between the other two segments to extend the length of the overall device. At least one pipe segment has a vertical support post which allows the device to be selectively held in the receptacle of an anchor light receptacle, when needed. A clamp block and ball swivel allow for rotational, lengthwise, and angular movement of the pipe segments to adjust the motor and the propeller to maximize efficiency of use. |
| US08790142B2 |
Plug-type connector
The subject matter of the invention is a plug-type connector, comprising a contact carrier element (10), wherein a contact element (16) for receiving a conductor (12) of a cable is arranged in the contact carrier element (10), wherein the contact element (16) is fixed in the contact carrier element (10), wherein, in the event of a force being exerted on the contact element (16) which is greater than the holding force of the fixing, the fixing can be released and the contact element (16) becomes movably mounted in the contact carrier element (10). |
| US08790141B2 |
Connector keying system and method for assembling this system onto a connector
A connector keying system includes a receptacle (3) assembled at one end of a first electrical cable and a plug (4) assembled at the end of a second electrical cable and designed to be connected to the receptacle. The system includes:—at least one coding ring (1) capable of being at least partially assembled around the receptacle (3) and including a plurality of guide notches (P) and a keying recess (12),—at least one keying plate (2) capable of being attached to the plug (4) and including a keying lug (22) capable of being inserted into the keying recess (12) of the coding ring (1). |
| US08790135B2 |
Insert molded connector
A connector (C) is formed by insert molding such that terminal fittings (10) are embedded in a housing (20). A connecting portion (10A) provided at the front end of the terminal fitting (10) for connection to a mating terminal fitting projects forward from the housing (20) and a part of the terminal fitting (10) located behind the connecting portion (10A) is embedded in the housing (20). A seal (15) is provided in close contact with an embedded portion (10C) of the terminal fitting (10) embedded in the housing (20) and a resilient portion (19) is provided at a position before the seal (15) and outside the housing (20). |
| US08790133B2 |
Header connector
A header connector includes a housing configured to be mounted to a mounting surface of the circuit board and header contacts held by the housing. The header contacts have mating portions and mounting portions. The mounting portions are configured to be surface mounted to corresponding pads on the circuit board. A spring clip is coupled to the housing. The spring clip has a spring finger extending through the circuit board to engage a bottom side of the circuit board opposite the mounting surface of the circuit board. The spring clip pulls the housing and header contacts toward the mounting surface. |
| US08790132B2 |
Fixing structure of connector
A fixing structure of a connector includes a housing and a rear holder fixing the housing to a casing by screws. The rear holder has a base plate opposing the casing. First through holes are formed on the base plate so as to correspond to second openings for leading out conductive parts of the female terminals respectively. Terminal holding members are respectively provided at the first through holes for contacting the female terminals respectively. The screws are inserted respectively through second through holes which are arranged so as to deviate to one side with respect to a center of gravity of a region in which the first through holes are formed. Elasticity of one of the terminal holding members which is disposed at a first position facing at least one of the second through holes in a peripheral part of the region are smaller than elasticity of another one of the terminal holding members which is disposed at a position except for the first position. |
| US08790129B1 |
User configurable connector
A system and method is provided for assembling and/or customizing a connector. Preferred embodiments of the present invention operate in accordance with a connector that includes a plurality of removable contacts, and a connector body that can be customized to mate with a corresponding, and similarly configured connector. In one embodiment of the present invention, a contact is connected to a wire and inserted into an aperture in a retainer. The retainer is then inserted into a connector body, thereby resulting in an increase in friction between the retainer and the contact, and a backshell is attached to the connector body. At least one key is placed in at least one keyway on the connector body, resulting in a user-programmable connector. The connector is then mated with a corresponding connector that is similarly configured. The connectors are then secured using either a latch or lanyard mechanism. |
| US08790125B1 |
Signal connector module
A signal connector module including a housing, a first connector, a second connector, and a first positioning member. The first connector is received in the chamber of the housing and is able to be moved out of the housing. The second connector is electrically connected to the first connector, and is moved between a first position, in which the second connector is received in chamber of the housing, and a second position, in which the second connector is moved out of the housing. The first positioning member is provided on the second connector to hold the second connector at the first position or at the second position. |
| US08790119B2 |
Apparatus and method for tools for mathematics instruction
In a computer-implemented educational environment, four particular features are provided, which may be used separately or in combination, to drive the instruction of a particular curriculum, e.g. the instruction of fractions. In another implementation, educators and authors may use permutations and combinations of such features to construct in a graphical user interface a progression of interactive elements which help guide a student from visual concepts to procedures, such as equations and formulas. In a particular implementation, by using these features carefully, a curriculum author may design instructional sequences that provide careful, step-by-step sequences that help students progress from understanding the visual concepts, e.g. of fractions, to mastering procedures, e.g. fractions equations. |
| US08790117B2 |
Bionic device of mastication sensitivity and of mandibular occlusion
The presently disclosed subject matter has application in the fields of Medicine, Neurology, Stomatology, Dentistry, Maxillofacial Surgery and Gerontology, using electronics nanotechnology and biomechanics technologies. The disclosed subject matter includes a bionic device of transduction of the mastication pressure into an electrical stimulus, capable of being perceived by the organism in the form of a nociceptive stimulus, which triggers in the organism an appropriate motor response of defense or decrease of muscle contraction. A generating device of nociceptive stimulus able to stimulate the brain areas related to chewing can be provided, modulating the muscular response thus avoiding the problems of overload during the process of mastication or while sleeping, involuntary movements called parafunctions of mastication, which translates to sharply wear down the dental crowns, also called bruxism. An exemplary embodiment can include a driver, interface with the nervous structures, prosthetic abutment, and processing device and force transducer. |
| US08790116B2 |
Endodontic file
An endodontic file for a motorized rotary handpiece includes a coupler element for coupling to the handpiece, a central longitudinal flexible core including a central flexible cable supported by the coupler element, and a helical wire surrounding the core and extending toward a tip of the core opposite the handle end. The flexible core includes a first plurality of inner strands twisted together in a first direction and surrounded by a second plurality of outer strands twisted in an opposite direction. The tip of the core is chamfered and unbonded and protrudes beyond the helical wire at the tip whereby in use reversing a direction of rotation of the endodontic file after the tip of the core reaches the apex of the root canal, unwinds the outer strands, which operate as a brush during removal of the endodontic file from the root canal. |
| US08790115B2 |
Method for preheating annealing products in a hood-type annealing system
A method is described for preheating annealing goods in a hood-type annealing installation, comprising two annealing bases (1, 2) which accommodate the annealing goods (3, 4) under a protective cover (7, 8), with the annealing goods (3) to be subjected to a heat treatment under a protective cover (8) being preheated with the help of a gaseous heat carrier which is guided in a cycle between two protective covers (7, 8) and absorbs heat from annealing goods (4) which are heat-treated in a protective cover (7) and emits it to the annealing goods (3) to be preheated in the other protective cover (8). In order to avoid contaminations of the heat-treated annealing goods (4) it is proposed that the heat carrier flow guided in a cycle flows around the two protective covers (7, 8) on the outside, whereas a protective gas is circulated within the protective covers (7, 8). |
| US08790114B2 |
Byproduct compound retention device for fuel rich start-up combustor
The present invention relates to a fuel processing unit in an electrochemical fuel cell power plant, and more specifically to a preheater combustor that forms byproduct compounds that may destroy downstream catalytic reactors for fuel reforming. The present invention includes a retention material that collects the byproduct compounds prior to entry into the downstream reactors. The retention material may be comprised of at least one active compound and a support structure, preferably having a porous body to facilitate tortuous fluid flow. Further aspects of the invention may include an electrical charging device for use with the retention device material that enhances collection of byproduct compounds. The present invention also includes a method of operation for start-up incorporating a retention material. |
| US08790113B2 |
Mold with high exhaust efficiency
A mold includes a first core and a second core matched with the first core. The first core includes a first die parting surface defining the molding cavity. The second core includes a second die parting surface facing the first die parting surface. A plurality of first exhaust grooves are defined in the first die parting surface. A plurality of transverse second exhaust grooves are defined in the second die parting surface. When the mold is closed, the first core and the second core cooperatively form at least one molding space. The first exhaust grooves are machining marks formed during the machining of the first core. The second exhaust grooves are machining marks formed during the machining of the second core. |
| US08790110B2 |
Completely disposable cooking apparatus for filling and decorating of foods
A completely disposable cooking apparatus used for preparing, filling assembling and decorating of foods, that is a one-piece disposable construction, comprising an elongated bag with a soft side wall, an open first end through which food material can be inserted into the bag and a second end that is closed by a tapered discharge orifice (also sometimes referred to as a nozzle or a tip). The orifice has a first end in contact with the second end of the bag and a distal end away from the bag. The cross-sectional area of the orifice at the first end is greater than the cross-sectional area of the orifice at the distal end. The orifice is made of a material so that it is capable of being cut at any point along its longitudinal axis to yield an exit opening or hole with a desired size. |
| US08790109B1 |
Pre-cast concrete wall system
A pre-cast concrete wall system for crawlspace applications is herein disclosed. The system includes a plurality of interconnected pre-cast concrete wall panels having a recessed area along one side to reduce concrete usage and weight, while maintaining load bearing properties. The wall panels are securely fastened to a substructure, such as footers, using anchors and to each other by opposingly aligned keyways and connecting fasteners. Each wall panel includes at least one (1) pair of leveling bolts which provides for the leveling of the wall panels and correct for any unevenness in the footer. The wall panels are fabricated using a rotating casting table which allows an operator to pour concrete at ergonomic heights and rotate the casting table and cured wall panel member to a vertical position for convenient unloading and transportation of the wall panel to a job site. |
| US08790106B2 |
Apparatus for processing scrap cross-linked thermoset elastomeric material
An apparatus for processing thermoset cross-linked elastomeric scrap material has a batch-operated high shear mixer for inducing chemical reactions to partly devulcanize the material in a first devulcanizing stage. A continuously-operated multi-screw cooled extruder receives the partly devulcanized material from the high shear mixer and further devulcanizes the material by a mechanical shearing action in a second stage to produce an extruded product for revulcanization. |
| US08790104B2 |
Apparatus and method of fabricating a compensating element for wavefront correction using spatially localized curing of resin mixtures
An optical wavefront correction plate incorporates a unique, three-dimensional spatial retardation distribution utilizing the index of refraction change of resin mixture in its cured state. The optical wave plate comprises a pair of transparent plates, containing a layer of a monomers and polymerization initiators, such as resin mixture. This resin mixture exhibits a variable index of refraction as a function of the extent of its curing. Curing of the resin mixture may be made by exposure to light, such as ultraviolet light, and may be varied across and through the surface of the resin mixture to create a particular and unique three-dimensional wavefront retardation profile. The optical wave plate provides improved performance in large area mirrors, lenses, telescopes, microscopes, and ophthalmic diagnostic systems. |
| US08790103B2 |
Screw mounting structure of an injection molding machine
In a screw mounting structure of an injection molding machine in which a screw is fixed to a screw driving portion which transmits a rotating force and forward and backward thrusts to the screw, a fixing bushing for restricting movement of the screw in a rotating direction is fixed to the screw driving portion. A guide groove is formed in the fixing bushing in a direction orthogonal to a rotary axis of the screw, and retainers slide along the guide groove and are engaged with an engaging groove in a base portion of the screw, thereby restricting axial movement of the screw. |
| US08790100B2 |
Screw expander
A screw expander in which a pair of male and female screw rotors engaged with each other are housed in a rotor chamber formed in a casing, an expansion force of a high-pressure gas supplied from an intake flow path to the rotor chamber is converted into a rotational force by the screw rotors and the expanded low-pressure gas is exhausted to an exhaust flow path includes a valve mechanism capable of allowing communication between an intermediate pressure portion, which is a space in the rotor chamber and can be separated from the intake flow path and the exhaust flow path by the screw rotors, and a bypass flow path, to which a high-pressure gas is supplied, and a controller for controlling the valve mechanism in accordance with an operation expansion ratio which is a ratio of a pressure in the intake flow path to a pressure in the exhaust flow path. |
| US08790098B2 |
Compressor having output adjustment assembly
A compressor includes a housing, a first scroll member, a second scroll member and a valve assembly. The first scroll member is positioned within the housing and includes a first end plate portion and a second end plate portion coupled to the first end plate portion and having a first spiral wrap extending therefrom. The first end plate portion and the second end plate portion define a discharge passage. The second scroll member is positioned within the housing and includes a second spiral wrap meshingly engaged with the first spiral wrap. The valve assembly is supported by at least one of the first end plate portion and the second end plate portion at a location radially outward from the discharge passage. |
| US08790090B2 |
Priming of gear pump in alternative attitudes
A gear pump has a pair of meshed gears for rotating within a gear pump chamber, and a motor driving at least one of the gears. A discharge line passes fluid downstream from the gear pump chamber, and a suction line delivers fluid into the gear pump chamber. A bypass valve communicates with the discharge line. A shutoff valve communicates with the discharge line. The bypass valve opens at a lower pressure than the shutoff valve. A bypass line communicating the discharge line to the suction line when the bypass valve is open. The gear pump is configured to compress air. In addition, a gear pump arrangement that can be mounted in either of two attitudes is described, as is a method of operating a gear pump. |
| US08790088B2 |
Compressor having blade tip features
A compressor having a compressor blade with a blade tip portion configured to reduce stresses in the blade tip of the compressor blade is provided. The compressor blade includes a first and second faces extending to the blade tip portion. The blade tip portion includes a blade tip, a first recess extending between the first face and the blade tip, and a second recess extending between the second face and the blade tip. |
| US08790086B2 |
Turbine blade assembly for retaining sealing and dampening elements
A turbine has blade assemblies disposed about a rotor. Each of the blade assemblies have an airfoil and a bucket. Pockets are defined at trailing and leading sides of the bucket, with damper pin slots at an ends thereof. The damper pin slot at the trailing side has a depth sufficient for fully receiving a damper pin. The damper pin slot at the trailing side of a first adjacent blade assembly is positioned relative to the damper pin slot at the leading side of a second adjacent blade assembly to allow the damper pin to move. At each side of the pocket at the trailing side is a seal pin slot with seal pins therein. The seal pin slots extend beyond a line that is aligned with an inner edge of the damper pin slot at the trailing side, wherein the seal pins overlap the damper pin. |
| US08790079B2 |
Ram air turbine inlet
An inlet for a ram air turbine. The inlet is positioned forward of a turbine shaft, which is configured to rotate about a portion of an object. The inlet has a fixed geometry that chokes airflow through the inlet to prevent overspeed of the turbine shaft. |
| US08790078B2 |
Abrasive rotor shaft ceramic coating
An abrasive coating on a rotor shaft interacts with cantilevered vanes to form an abradable air seal in a turbine engine. The abrasive coating includes a metal bond coat, and an abrasive layer containing a plurality of abrasive grit particles in a ceramic matrix. The grit particles may be selected from cubic boron nitride (CBN), zirconia, alumina, silicon carbide, diamond and mixtures thereof. |
| US08790075B2 |
Gas turbine engine geared architecture axial retention arrangement
A support assembly for a geared architecture includes an engine static structure. A flex support is secured to the engine static structure and includes a bellow. A support structure is operatively secured to the flex support. A geared architecture is mounted to the support structure. First members are removably secured to one of the engine static structure and the flex support and second members are removably secured to the support structure. The first and second members are circumferentially aligned with one another and spaced apart from one another during a normal operating condition. The first and second members are configured to be engageable with one another during an extreme event to limit axial movement of the geared architecture relative to the engine static structure. |
| US08790074B2 |
Multiplexed optical fiber wear sensor
An optical fiber wear detector that includes one or more FBG sensors positioned within the fiber that are operable to reflect a defined wavelength of an optical input beam. The wear detector includes a light source for generating the optical input beam that propagates down the optical fiber and interacts with the FBG sensor. The wavelength of the optical beam that is reflected by the FBG sensor is detected, where loss of the reflected signal indicates that the fiber before the FBG sensor or the FBG sensor itself is damaged, which would most likely be an indication of wear on the component. The depth of wear can be determined by providing multiple FBG sensors in a single optical fiber and/or providing multiple optical fibers with one or more FBG sensors. |
| US08790069B2 |
Enclosed vertical axis fluid rotor
A enclosed vertical axis fluid rotor used as a wind turbine of two designs having multiple sails that are concave on the inside and convex on the outer side which allows omni-directional wind or other fluids to engage sails to create optimum fluid momentum. These are sectional segmentation of each rotor that can be stacked upon one another at locating lug points to be attached to each rotor to keep radial alignment precise during assembly. The preferred embodiment would be of composite materials or plastics that can be molded to a given design of three or more stages. The advantage of this turbine is using the fluids to their optimum efficiency. These designs have low starting speed, low precession, and low drag. One design has a central axis that turns with bearings with the rotor and the other design is a central static (non-turning) axis shaft that allows the turbine to turn on bearings. |
| US08790067B2 |
Blade clearance control using high-CTE and low-CTE ring members
An engine has a blade stage and a circumferential array of blade outer air seal segments. A support ring carries the blade outer air seal segments. The support ring has a low-CTE member and a high-CTE member intervening between the blade outer air seal segments and the low-CTE member. |
| US08790066B2 |
Multi-lobe semi-floating journal bearing
An exemplary turbocharger assembly includes a housing with a through bore having a central axis extending between a compressor end and a turbine end of the housing and a bearing, configured for receipt by the through bore, where the bearing includes an inner journal configured to rotatably support a turbocharger shaft and where the inner journal includes a central axis, an axial length, a lubricant opening, an axially confined lubricant well, a lubricant ramp, and a lubricant channel that spans the axial length of the inner journal. Various other exemplary devices, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08790064B2 |
Device and method for aligning the position of plate-shaped parts
A device is proposed for the positional orientation of plate-shaped parts (12), comprising continuous conveying equipment (13) for conveying plate-shaped parts (12), an optical measuring device (15) assigned to the continuous conveying equipment (13) for determining the actual position of at least one specific plate-shaped part (12) and for comparing this actual position to a stored set position and for determining the deviation of the actual position from the set position, and a control unit (20) coupled to the optical measuring device (15) for controlling a positioning unit (19) such that at least one specific plate-shaped part (12) the deviation of which from the set position was determined can be picked up by the positioning unit (19) in a pick-up region and deposited in a defined delivery region in the correct position corresponding to the set position for transfer on the continuous conveying equipment (13). |
| US08790063B2 |
Attachment mounting apparatus for movable work vehicle
A loader attachment mounting apparatus for movable work vehicles is provided, which is used for mounting a work attachment, such as a bale gripper, a bucket or a hook, to the front end of a loader that is movably installed on the front surface of the movable work vehicles, such as a tractor. A loader equipped with the loader attachment mounting apparatus is also provided. In the loader attachment mounting apparatus, an attachment can be easily attached to and easily detached from the attachment mounting apparatus and the attachment mounted to the loader can be easily movable to the left and right, thus improving work efficiency and work reliability of the movable work vehicles. The apparatus includes left and right attachment coupling brackets connected to the loader, and an attachment transfer device including left and right attachment coupling units connected to the attachment coupling brackets. |
| US08790058B2 |
Push-pin cavity sealer
A method for baffling and/or sealing a vehicle structure by providing a unitary structure including a sealing body with an integrated fastener. |
| US08790049B2 |
Indexable double-negative cutting insert having protruding side abutment surfaces and cutting tool
An indexable double-negative cutting insert includes an index axis A, two opposing end surfaces, a peripheral side surface which extends therebetween, and opposing side cutting edges formed between the end surfaces and the peripheral side surface. A median plane P is located midway between the end surfaces, passes through the peripheral side surface and is perpendicular to the index axis. The peripheral side surface includes at least one protrusion which extends in an outward direction relative to the index axis, in a plan view of either end surface. The protrusion includes two side abutment surfaces which converge in the outward direction towards the median plane P. In each cross-section perpendicular to the median plane, which cross-section passes through both opposing side cutting edges and also the at least one protrusion, no portion of the peripheral surface is inward of an imaginary line connecting the opposing side cutting edges. |
| US08790047B2 |
Method and system for sealing products in a pneumatic tube carrier
A pneumatic tube system, including at least one system control module for controlling delivery of a pneumatic carrier through pneumatic tubing. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station having a sealer, the sealer includes a heating pad and a sealing strip, where the sealer automatically grips the open end within the heating pad and the sealing strip upon insertion of the bag into the system. In one example, the sealer creates a vacuum to extract air from an interior space of the bag. The sealer applies heat to the open end to seal the bag. The system includes at least one pneumatic tube station configured for sending at least one carrier, the at least one sending pneumatic tube station being in signal communication with the at least one system control module, where the at least one carrier is sent through the system by pneumatic tubing. |
| US08790046B2 |
High pressure slurry nozzle
An embankment system comprises a source of pressurized sand/concrete slurry and a delivery conduit in fluid communication with the pressurized sand/concrete slurry source. The embankment system further comprises an elongate nozzle having an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet operatively associated with a distal end of the delivery conduit. A tube formed of a sheet material having an open end and a closed end is operatively associated with the nozzle outlet to receive the pressurized sand/concrete slurry through the open end, such that the tube is continuously filled with the pressurized sand/concrete slurry between the closed end and the open end. |
| US08790037B2 |
Surfaces using structural modules
A structural module which is suitable for combining with like structural modules to form an area suitable for walking on and/or for travelling directly over by a vehicle, comprises a flat top wall and a bottom wall spaced therefrom by side walls so as to define a volume between the top and bottom walls. The top wall is provided with a plurality of apertures to permit the flow of liquid into the volume, and the side walls and/or the bottom wall are provided with apertures to permit the flow of liquid out of the volume. The size and shape of each aperture in the top wall is such that the maximum diameter of sphere that the aperture would let through is in a range up to 10 mm. |
| US08790033B2 |
Painting apparatus
A painting apparatus comprising a paint module, an applicator assembly, and a dip-tube assembly containing a pump, the paint module having a container receiving section which is closeable by a releasably attachable lid, the applicator assembly being fluidly connectable to liquid in the container receiving section via the dip-tube assembly, in which the lid includes an aperture to allow the dip-tube assembly to pass therethrough and submerge the pump in the liquid (FIG. 1). |
| US08790031B2 |
Antiseptic applicator
An applicator assembly may include body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a container having a closed proximal end, an interior, and an open distal end, wherein the container is coupled to the proximal end portion, a material bonded to the open distal end and sealing the interior of the container, and an application member attached to the distal end portion, wherein the interior of the container is placed in fluid communication with the application member by way of a compressive force applied along circumferential areas toward the distal end of the container. A method of manufacturing an applicator for applying a solution to a surface is provided. |
| US08790030B2 |
Lip gloss
Disclosed are compositions and methods for their use that include pomegranate extract having pomegranate sterols and shale extract having water-soluble minerals. |
| US08790015B2 |
Bearing housing of washing machine and manufacturing method thereof
A bearing housing includes a bearing housing body, and a shaft support part formed at the center of the bearing housing body, wherein the shaft support part includes at least one rib groove to fix a bearing bush located on the inner circumferential surface of a front end of the shaft support part. The manufacturing method of the bearing housing uses a first mold and a second mold to form an external appearance of the bearing housing and a central core to form a shaft support part of the bearing housing, and includes inserting a bearing bush onto the outer circumferential surface of the central core, and fixing the bearing bush inserted onto the outer circumferential surface of the central core by at least one bush fixing rib formed on one of the first mold and the second mold. |
| US08790011B2 |
Seal device and linear guide device
A non-contact seal device is provided such that when attaching an end seal to a slider, positioning members can be used for positioning in the vertical and horizontal directions. Due to this, the end seal can be positioned with respect to the outer surfaces of the guide rail without using a specialized positioning fixture and then attach the end seal to the slider. Further, the projecting length of the positioning members is the same as the distance of the clearance between the guide rail and the end seal. Due to this, it becomes possible to attach the end seal to the slider so that the clearance between the guide rail and the end seal becomes the same as the distance of the clearance without using a specialized positioning fixture. |
| US08790010B2 |
Cement bags
The invention relates to a flexible bag for pourable construction material, particularly a cement bag, which is used for transporting and storing defined portions, preferably at least 15 kg to 50 kg, of the pourable material. The invention also relates to a method for producing said bag for construction material. |
| US08790005B2 |
Sensor for determining the temperature in the cabin of a motor vehicle, climate control member for an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, and device for determining the temperature in the cabin of a motor vehicle
A sensor for determining a temperature in the cabin of a motor vehicle including a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a spatial region adjoining the temperature sensor or surrounding it, a solar sensor for detecting the solar radiation to which the cabin of the motor vehicle is exposed, the temperature sensor and the solar sensor disposed together in a sensor housing, wherein the temperature sensor is connected to two first electric connecting elements which are lead through the sensor housing and the solar sensor is connected to two second electric connecting elements which are lead through the sensor housing, and wherein the first and second connecting elements are configured separately from each other, at least inside the sensor housing. |
| US08790004B2 |
Device for attaching an interchangeable bracelet for a timepiece
A device for the rapid attachment of an interchangeable watch bracelet for wrist watches, as well as a wrist watch and an interchangeable watch bracelet. A body used as a push button slidingly housed in a watch case includes a retaining stem arranged parallel to the watch case. The body is displaceable parallel to a longitudinal axis of the retaining stem and the body is biased in a rest position. The device includes an attachment element mounted at one end of the interchangeable watch bracelet, comprising a slot with a shape complementary to that of the retaining stem. The retaining stem is thus adapted, depending on its position along the longitudinal axis, to cooperate with the attachment element or elements so as to enable the interchangeable watch bracelet to be attached to or to be removed from the watch case. |
| US08790003B2 |
Use of an apparatus for adding at least one additive to a receptor interior
The invention relates to the use of an apparatus for adding at least one solid or viscous liquid additive, or an additive dispersed in solvent, to a reactor interior of a reactor for preparing crosslinked, finely divided polymers by copolymerizing (a) water-soluble, monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and (b) from 0.001 to 5 mol %, based on the monomers (a), of monomers comprising at least two polymerizable groups, (c) from 0 to 20 mol %, based on the monomers (a), of water-insoluble monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, where the apparatus comprises at least one screw for conveying the at least one additive and the at least one screw ends in an addition orifice substantially flush with the inner wall of the reactor interior. |
| US08790000B2 |
Automatic milk preparing device
An automatic milk preparing device is provided, including a microcontroller fixed in the automatic milk preparing device for controlling the operation of same, a powder box connected with the microcontroller and provided with a powder output gate in the front of the powder box for controlling the powder to be added according to the signal from the microcontroller, a water tank connected with the microcontroller for controlling the water to be added according to the signal from the microcontroller, a stirring structure fixed under the powder output gate, connected with the water tank through a first water pipe and provided with a milk outlet at the lower part of the stirring structure, and a weight measuring structure fixed below the stirring structure and connected with the microcontroller for laying a milk bottle, weighing water and/or milk powder in the bottle and feeding the result of weight back to the microcontroller. |
| US08789996B2 |
Light guide with diffusive light input interface
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing illumination by using a light guide to distribute light. In one aspect, the light guide has a surface, such as an edge, into which light is injected. The surface is treated to create a diffusive interface with a light source. For example, the surface may be subjected to abrasion to form a frosted surface that acts as the diffusive interface, or a diffusive structure may be attached to the edge, with the attached diffusive structure functioning as the diffusive interface. The diffusive interface diffuses light entering into the light guide, and can thereby increase the uniformity of light propagating within the light guide. The light guide may be provided with light turning features that redirect light out of the light guide. In some implementations, the redirected light may be applied to illuminate a display. |
| US08789992B2 |
Light pipe and illuminating device having the same
A light pipe and an illuminating device having the light pipe may be provided. The light pipe may include an optical film having a glass transition temperature of approximately 110° C. to approximately 180° C. |
| US08789988B2 |
Flexible LED light strip for a bicycle and method for making the same
An integrally-formed single-piece flexible light strip includes a substrate populated with at least one LED light circuit. A clear flexible plastic housing is molded around the LED light circuit to completely encapsulate the light circuit. A flexible electrical cable and contoured strain relief for the electrical cable are also integrally formed as part of the light strip to maintain complete environmental and physical protection and eliminate any non-flexible portions of the light strip such as when a connector is used. The light strip is manufactured in a cost efficient manner, and is impervious to moisture penetration and highly resistant to physical damage, thereby allowing the light strip to be used in a variety of applications and environments. The shape of the illustrated light strip is specially designed for attachment to the round tubing of a bicycle frame. The light strip includes an electrical circuit allowing a reduction in the number of wires between the strip and its associated external control and power. |
| US08789987B2 |
Base for masts
The invention relates to a base (1), in particular for light masts, comprising a housing (7) with a base surface (10) which can be filled with a medium. In order to ensure improved stability and to avoid additional grounding measures, an embodiment is chosen according to the invention in which the housing (7) is not electrically conductive and has a holding opening (21) for a mast (2) which is not round and is composed of non-conductive material. In this case, a mast (2) which is not round avoids lateral inclination of the mast (2), thus making it possible to ensure secure installation. |
| US08789982B2 |
Light source device and manufacturing method thereof
A light source device is provided, which includes: a hold member; a light source held by the hold member; an optical element held by the hold member; and a hardened first adhesive agent bonding at least one of the light source and the optical element to the holding member. The hardened first adhesive agent has elasticity. |
| US08789980B1 |
Light fixture assembly
A light fixture assembly including an illumination assembly in the form of one or more light emitting diodes is interconnected to an electrical energy source by control circuitry. A mounting assembly supports the illumination assembly and a cover structure is disposed in heat transferring relation to the illumination assembly, wherein the cover structure and/or mounting assembly have enlarged surface areas formed of a heat conductive material, facilitating heat dissipation generated by the illumination assembly into the surrounding environment. At least one connector, formed of an electrically conductive material, is disposed in interconnecting, current conducting relation between a source of electrical energy and the illumination assembly. The mounting assembly is disposed in electrically segregated relation to the connector(s), wherein said interconnecting relation of the one connector at least partially defines an assembled orientation of the illumination assembly and mounting assembly. |
| US08789979B2 |
Illuminating device
An illuminating device including a hollow body and a circuit board is provided. The hollow body includes a first opening end, a second opening end and a pair of first hooking portions, wherein a bore of the second opening end is larger than a bore of the first opening end. The first hooking portions are disposed on the first opening end. The circuit board is disposed in the hollow body and has a pair of second hooking portions, wherein the first hooking portions interfere with the second hooking portions. |
| US08789977B2 |
Methods and apparatus for LED lighting with heat spreading in illumination gaps
Techniques for light emitting diode (LED) lighting with heat spreading in illumination gaps. Inexpensive structural aluminum may be suitably employed to form a passive heat spreading mount for plural LEDs whose illumination collectively combines to provide the light needed by a particular lighting fixture, such as a pendant chandelier, by way of example, by angling fins of the passive heat spreading mount to correspond to illumination gaps of the LEDs. |
| US08789974B2 |
Lighting device
A lighting device 1 includes a heat sink 2, a substrate 3 attached to a mounting portion 11 of the heat sink 2, a plurality of light sources 4 mounted on the substrate 3, and a cap 6 electrically connected to the substrate 3 while fixed to a rear portion of the heat sink 2 through a casing 5. The heat sink 2 has a three-dimensional shape including a plurality of mounting portions 11a, 11b and 11c facing in directions different from each other and provided at least at a front-end surface 12 of the heat sink 2. At least the front-end surface 12 is exposed to outside, and a plurality of heat-releasing fins 2a is provided around the front-end surface 12. The lighting device has a higher heat-releasing property, and can enlarge an illuminated area. |
| US08789971B2 |
Integrally formed single piece light emitting diode light wire
A flexible, integrally formed single piece light emitting diode (LED) light wire that provides a smooth, uniform lighting effect from all directions of the LED light wire. The integrally formed single piece LED light wire contains a conductive base comprising first and second bus elements formed from a conductive material. The bus elements distribute power from a power source to LEDs that are mounted on the first and second bus elements so that it draws power from and adds mechanical stability to the first and second bus elements. The flexible, integrally formed single piece LED light wire is assembled so that the first and second bus elements are connected to each other prior to the LED being mounted and such integrally formed single piece LED light wire is formed without a substrate. |
| US08789969B2 |
Compact LED light engine with reflector cups and highly directional lamps using same
A light engine comprises a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) devices arranged in a plane and a corresponding plurality of reflector cups wherein each LED device is disposed in a corresponding reflector cup and wherein the light engine does not include either a diffuser or a light mixing cavity. A directional lamp comprises the aforesaid light engine and an imaging lens arranged to generate an image of the light engine at about infinity. The directional lamp may further include a collecting reflector (for example, a conical, parabolic, or compound parabolic reflector) extending between a relatively narrower entrance aperture at which the light engine is disposed and a relatively wider exit aperture at which the imaging lens is disposed. The imaging lens may be arranged to generate a defocused image of the light engine at about infinity to soften the beam edge. |
| US08789966B2 |
LED lighting assembly for fluorescent light fixtures
Described are LED lighting assemblies that may be used to replace a light source in a light fixture. The LED lighting assembly may include a thermally conductive extrusion, a plurality of light emitting diodes, and a diffuser. The diffuser is positioned below the light emitting diodes and also releasably engages the extrusion. The light fixture may include a housing, a reflector assembly with at least one longitudinally extending trough, at least one light source, and at least one lens assembly. As an example, the at least one lens assembly and the at least one light source are removed, and at least one LED lighting assembly is provided. At least a portion of the extrusion of the at least one LED lighting assembly is placed adjacent the at least one longitudinally extending trough. The diffuser of the at least one LED lighting assembly is connected to the at least one longitudinally extending trough. |
| US08789963B2 |
Compact LED work light
A work light having a work light body including handle section and light head section, an elongate housing, a battery compartment and a component chamber longitudinally aligned within the housing, a battery, an LED circuit board assembly extending longitudinally within the housing and having a substrate layer, an external component layer on a first side of the substrate layer, and a driving component layer on an opposing second side of the substrate layer. Overlapping portion of the LED circuit board assembly in close proximity to the battery. Also, at least one LED on the external component layer, the external component layer facing transaxially outwardly from the housing such that light emitting from the LED emits from the light head section. At least one driving component on the driving component layer, all driving components placed on an extending portion of the LED circuit board assembly over the component chamber. |
| US08789957B2 |
Light source module and projection apparatus
A light source module includes a light-emitting device emitting an excitation light beam, a reflective component including a reflective surface with a first focal point and a second focal point, a wavelength conversion device including a plurality of excited regions and disposed nearby the first focal point and on the transmission path of the excitation light beam, and an optical component. By rotating the wavelength conversion device, the excitation light beam irradiates the different excited regions at different time, so that the excitation light beam is converted into different wavelength light beams at different time, and the different wavelength light beams respectively correspond to the excited regions and are reflected by the reflective surface and converged at the second focal point. The optical component is disposed nearby the second focal point so the different wavelength light beams pass through the second focal point and are transmitted to the optical component. |
| US08789955B2 |
Camera visor
The embodiments of the Camera Visor comprise a top surface and a rear surface. The rear surface forms a plurality of attachment slots. Through the attachment slots the user can insert a strap, belt or rope to secure the Camera Visor to a support structure. The Camera Visor is placed over a wildlife camera or other type of outdoor surveillance camera or other electronic equipment to shield the camera or electronic equipment from the sun, rain and other elements. In another embodiment, the Camera Visor is also comprised of two side flaps and a front rim and a back rim. The front rim and back rim serve to channel water through the side water channels so as to direct the water down the side flaps and away from the camera. |
| US08789946B2 |
Reference points for ortho position
The invention relates to a method, a system and a computer program product, in particular for designing or producing a lens having a prismatic effect, and to a lens having a prismatic effect. Said method consists of the following steps: individual data of the spectacle wearer is obtained, said individual user data comprising prismatic prescription data; the prismatic lens is designed taking into account the individual user data; centration data for the prismatic lens is determined in accordance with the prismatic prescription data. |
| US08789928B2 |
Ink-jet recording head, recording element substrate, method for manufacturing ink-jet recording head, and method for manufacturing recording element substrate
An ink-jet recording head includes a plurality of recording element substrates each having an ejection pressure generating element configured to generate pressure for ejecting ink from an ink discharge port. The plurality of recording element substrates each include a first surface on which the corresponding ejection pressure generating element is disposed and a second surface, serving as an end surface intersecting with the first surface, being at least partially formed by etching. |
| US08789926B2 |
Driving circuit, liquid discharge substrate, and inkjet printhead
A driving circuit which includes a plurality of MOS transistors electrically connected in parallel between a first node and a second node, and drives a load electrically connected between the first node and a third node by the plurality of MOS transistors, wherein the plurality of MOS transistors include at least two MOS transistors having channel lengths different from each other and thus having threshold voltages different from each other. |
| US08789925B1 |
Method and apparatus for printing of magnetic inks
A method of printing with a magnetic ink includes ejecting a plurality of magnetic ink drops onto a print medium in a print zone and applying a magnetic field to the ink drops on the print medium. The magnetic field increases a viscosity of the magnetic ink drops and reduces or eliminates absorption of the magnetic ink into a porous print medium such as paper. |
| US08789924B2 |
Actuatable device with die and integrated circuit element
A fluid ejector includes a fluid ejection module and an integrated circuit element. The fluid ejection module includes a substrate having a plurality of fluid paths, a plurality of actuators, and a plurality of conductive traces, each actuator configured to cause a fluid to be ejected from a nozzle of an associated fluid path. The integrated circuit element is mounted on the fluid ejection module and is electrically connected with the conductive traces of the fluid ejection module such that an electrical connection of the module enables a signal sent to the fluid ejection module to be transmitted to the integrated circuit element, processed on the integrated circuit element, and output to the fluid ejection module to drive the actuator. |
| US08789921B2 |
Printing device for selecting one of a plurality of print methods
In a printing device, includes a print head, a scanning portion, a head drive portion, and a print control processor. The print control processor is configured to function as a property data acquiring unit and a print method selecting unit. The property data acquiring unit is configured to acquire property data with respect to a property of the scan. The print method selecting unit is configured to select, based on the property data, one of a plurality of print methods, each of the plurality of print method printing, in a prescribed order, the plurality of raster lines arranged in the first direction by the line pitch. The prescribed order is specific to each of the plurality of print methods. The print control processor is configured to perform the print operation in the resolution by using the selected one of the plurality of methods. |
| US08789918B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus and control method thereof
A simple, low-cost liquid ejection apparatus is provided which can prevent a reverse flow of ink from within the cap into the print head, which would otherwise occur when the interior of the cap is returned to an atmospheric pressure. For this purpose, the ink is sucked out of the nozzle ports of the print head by the recovery unit with the atmospheric vent valve of the subtank open. |
| US08789916B2 |
Printing method and printing apparatus
There is provided a printing method that is performed by using a first nozzle ejecting color ink that is used for printing an image on a medium, a second nozzle ejecting a process solution that is used for processing the surface of the medium. The printing method includes printing an image constituted by color dots on the medium by ejecting the color ink from the first nozzle so as to form the color dots on the medium and forming process dots in areas other than the image on the medium by ejecting the process solution from the second nozzle, transporting the medium in a direction opposite to a transport direction after the color dots and the process dots are formed on the medium, and coating the color dots and the process dots with the process solution after the medium is transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction. |
| US08789912B2 |
Inkjet recording head
An inkjet recording head includes plural element substrates and a coolant flow channel. Each of the plural element substrates is provided with an ejection port surface and plural energy generating elements. The coolant flow channel is provided with a first heat transfer portion overlapping, in a direction vertical to the ejection port surface, a central portion of each of the element substrates in a direction in which the plural energy generating elements are arranged, and a second heat transfer portion overlapping, in the vertical direction, an area between the plural element substrates which adjoin in the arranged direction. The first heat transfer portion and the second heat transfer portion are provided with recesses or projections, and arrangement density of the recesses or the projections of the first heat transfer portion being greater than that of the second heat transfer portion. |
| US08789910B2 |
Image formation apparatus
An image formation apparatus includes a liquid droplet adhesion unit which makes a first and second type of liquid droplet adhere to a recording medium, an irradiator which irradiates electromagnetic waves individually onto the droplets, an irradiation controller which makes the irradiator irradiate the electromagnetic waves periodically, and a frequency setting unit which sets a frequency of an irradiation period to a first frequency such that surface glossiness of the first-type liquid droplet is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold value, and sets a frequency of the irradiation period to a second frequency which is different from the first frequency such that surface glossiness of the second-type liquid droplet is lower than the threshold value. |
| US08789909B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
An ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording head configured to discharge ink onto a recording medium, a carriage on which the recording head is mounted and which is configured to make a reciprocating movement, a cutter unit mounted on the carriage and configured to cut the recording medium, a detection unit mounted on the carriage and configured to detect a distance to the recording medium, and a control unit configured to control an operation of the recording apparatus. The ink jet recording apparatus includes a first process for detecting an amount of a change in the distance to the recording medium by the detection unit when the recording medium is cut by the cutter unit, and a second process for detecting the distance to the recording medium by the detection unit while the cutter unit is retracted if the change amount equal to or more than a predetermined value is detected in the first process. The control unit determines that the state of the recording medium is abnormal when the distance to the recording medium detected in the second process is equal to or less than a predetermined value. |
| US08789904B2 |
Digital image printing
Printing of spatially-compressed digital image data using a single line of nozzles of a printhead having plural spaced-apart lines of nozzles to form a printed image without the spatial compression. |
| US08789903B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator including an extractable container, and a conveying unit formed in an inner space of a vertical wall of the extractable container. The conveying unit includes a guide part to guide the movement of a partition member that divides a storage space of the extractable container, and a fixing part to restrict the movement of the partition member. |
| US08789899B2 |
Merchandiser rack
A merchandiser rack comprising a rear storage module having a storage area including at least one shelf and at least two display modules. The display modules have shelves, with at least a portion of the rear of the display modules having shelves being open to allow stocking of the shelves from the rear. The display modules are pivotally connected to the rear storage module to allow the display modules to be rotated relative to the rear storage module between an open position and a closed position. The open position allows access to the rear of the display modules. The merchandiser rack, when in the closed position, has an outside periphery, and the display modules are not accessible through the rear of the display modules from the outside periphery along any horizontal line. |
| US08789897B2 |
Method for dimensioning the admission pressure at an analogized electromagnetically actuated hydraulic valve
A method for dimensioning the admission pressure at a first, analogized, electromagnetically actuated hydraulic valve for sensitively regulating the pressure in a pressure circuit in which the admission pressure at the first valve can be set by the delivery capacity of an engine pump assembly which is connected to the first valve via a pump-outlet-side pressure line, in particular in a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, wherein the admission pressure is set by electronically evaluating the tappet reaction of the first valve or of a further hydraulic valve which is also actuated electromagnetically and is connected to the pump-outlet-side pressure line. An electronically controlled motor vehicle brake pressure control device with which the above method can be carried out is also described. |
| US08789896B2 |
Brake control unit
Towed vehicles can be extremely heavy. Accordingly, it is too much of a burden to the braking system of a towing vehicle to not have brakes on the towed vehicle. Controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle must be accurately applied otherwise very dangerous conditions can be created. A method of controlling braking of a towed vehicle is, therefore, needed. The method comprises receiving speed signals based on speed of a towing vehicle, or a towed vehicle, or both said towing vehicle and said towed vehicle, receiving pressure signals based on pressure of a hydraulic brake system of the towing vehicle, and generating a brake output signal based on the speed signals and the pressure signals. |
| US08789893B2 |
Device for the cutting and mixing of soils
The device for cutting and mixing of soils can be adapted to standard-equipped hydraulic excavators and facilitates the continuous cutting of sealing and stabilizing slits and mixing of stabilizing additives. The device is designed as a rotating and traversing combination tool. The cutting-mixing unit consists of a cutting drum (1) and a mixing drum (4) mounted on a common shaft in an upright housing (3). The cutting drum, which is equipped with front and peripheral teeth, loosens the soil to be processed. By disposing the cutting and breaking tools (2) at the front and periphery of the cutting drum, the loosened soil moves in the direction of the subsequent mixing drum. The mixing drum comprises a plurality of blades (5) separated by a distance along the peripheral surface arranged such that a flow arises opposite to the feed direction, said flow processing the loosened soil into a flowing mixture comprising the additives and the mixing water, said flowing mixture filling in the resultant slit. |
| US08789892B2 |
Drive mechanism for a longwall mining machine
A mining machine for mining along a mining face includes a longwall shearer, a product removal system for removing product cut by the longwall shearer, and a drive system for moving the longwall shearer along a rack extending along the mining face. The drive system including a housing coupled to the longwall shearer, a motor, and a sprocket at least partially positioned within the housing and drivingly connected to the motor. The sprocket is engaged with the rack and moves the longwall shearer along the rack. A shoe maintains the sprocket in engagement with the rack. The housing is configured to rotate relative to the longwall shearer such that the drive system adjusts for vertical height variations and horizontal variations of the rack. |
| US08789891B2 |
Method and apparatus for creating a planar cavern
Methods and apparatuses for producing a planar cavern are provided. The planar cavern is formed by first creating a continuous bore that extends through a subsurface resource deposit. The drill head used to create the bore can be steered in response to information about the concentration of the resource in the strata through which the drill head is passing, in order to keep the bore within resource deposit. The continuous bore can be formed by connecting first and second bores at a point within the subsurface resource deposit. After the continuous bore has been formed, a sawing assembly is placed within the continuous bore. The sawing assembly is then moved, in a continuous or in a reciprocating fashion, within the continuous bore. As the sawing assembly is moved, it is maintained under tension, to create a planar cavern. By thus exposing a large area of the resource deposit, a relatively large amount of the resource deposit can be dissolved in a solvent introduced to the planar cavern per unit time. Saturated solution can then be pumped from the planar cavern, and the resource recovered from the saturated solution by evaporation. |
| US08789886B2 |
Child safety seat
A child safety seat includes a seat shell, an anchor strap portion assembled with the seat shell, and a guide bracket adjustable relative to the seat shell. The anchor strap portion has a distal end connected with a fastener that is operable to attach the seat shell with an anchor structure provided in a vehicle. The guide bracket is adjustable relative to the seat shell between a first position and a second position, wherein the anchor strap portion is routed along the guide bracket placed in the first position to have the distal end positioned at a rear of the seat shell, and the anchor strap portion is routed along the guide bracket placed in the second position to have the distal end positioned at a front of the seat shell. |
| US08789883B2 |
Cushion structure of vehicle seat and method for producing the same
A cushion structure of a vehicle seat is provided. The cushion structure includes a cushion pad formed of expanded resin and configuring a cushion part of the vehicle seat, the cushion pad being provided with a groove part, and a reinforcing sheet material which is harder than the cushion pad and is provided integrally with an upright wall face of the groove part. |
| US08789882B2 |
Folding high chair with table
A high chair comprising a seat (4), a backrest (3), a footrest (5), a crotch post (11), which is journalled in the chair for pivoting between a raised user position in front of the back rest and a lowered position, and a table (13) arranged on the crotch post (11), wherein the side (91) of the table (13) facing the back rest, when the crotch post is in a user position, together with the back rest forms a substantially closed formation (92) for safe-keeping of a child in the chair and wherein the table (13) in the lowered position of the crotch post is arranged to lie beyond the upper surface of the seat (4) and beyond at least part of the upper surface of the foot rest (5). |
| US08789872B2 |
Beam in a vehicle door and a method of rustproofing a vehicle door
A safety beam (11) in a vehicle door comprises an attachment end with a plurality of grooves (22, 23, 24) forming through channels to the underlying structure. The grooves have a height of 1-6 mm and an inner width of 3-7 mm and flat surfaces (18-21) between the grooves and to the outside of the outermost grooves have a width of 15-30 mm. Each of the flat surfaces comprises only one spot weld (26-29) to the underlying structure (12). The safety beam is immersed in a bath of anti-corrosive paint after assembly and is thus protected against crevice corrosion. |
| US08789871B2 |
Convertible with a roof arrangement
A convertible with a roof arrangement can be displaced between a closed position and an open position. The roof arrangement is accommodated in a storage compartment, and which has a roof outer skin (convertible-top cloth) with a graphical element on the external visible side. A visually attractive roof arrangement is distinguished in that the graphical element is arranged on the external visible side in such a manner that it is completely visible from the outside of the vehicle both in the closed position and in the open position, and the storage compartment is configured to be completely open or partially open upward. |
| US08789870B1 |
Vehicle visor extension
A vehicle visor extension that provides glare protection at sunset and sunrise by providing an auxiliary sun visor that has an upper portion which slidingly engages a cavity within an extant vehicle visor and that has a lower portion that selectively pivotally engages a bottom side of the upper portion, and that also is formed of glare reduction material. |
| US08789868B1 |
Luggage retention system
A motor vehicle luggage retention system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. A foldable seat back separates the occupant compartment from the trunk and has an upright position and a folded position that allows pass-through accessibility from the trunk into the occupant compartment. A pivotable bar assembly in the trunk has a lowered position and a raised position. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the lowered position moves the foldable seat back to the upright position and creates a structural safety barrier against objects in the trunk impacting a rear surface of the seat back. Pivoting the pivotable bar assembly to the raised position moves the seat back to the folded position to provide uninterrupted access to the occupant compartment from the trunk. A latch assembly latches the pivotable bar assembly in at least the lowered position. A movable parcel shelf and collapsible storage bin are also disclosed. |
| US08789855B2 |
Locking mechanism for an aircraft door and method for the locking of an aircraft door
A locking mechanism for an aircraft door includes a plurality of frame-side fittings and a plurality of door-side fittings. Each frame-side fitting includes a pin with an eccentric rotary cylinder mounted on each pin. Each door-side fitting includes an eccentric rotary latch configured to encompass at least a section of a corresponding rotary cylinder. Also a method of locking a door using the locking mechanism. |
| US08789849B2 |
Dual depth airbag
An airbag module for a vehicle including an inflatable airbag cushion, an inflator configured to inflate the airbag cushion, an inflatable tube having a fixed first end and a second end, and a second inflator configured to inflate the tube. The second end of the tube is configured to be coupled to a portion of the airbag cushion. The tube has a first length when not inflated and a second length when inflated. When in a first mode of operation, the airbag cushion is configured to deploy to a first depth that is restrained by the first length of the tube. When in a second mode of operation, the airbag cushion is configured to deploy to a second depth that is restrained by the second length of the tube. |
| US08789844B2 |
Inflatable airbag arrangement comprising a reinforced flap
The invention relates to a motor vehicle inflatable airbag arrangement (1) comprising a flap (3) covering an inflatable airbag module.This flap (3), which comprises a body (5) to which a reinforcing plate (13) is fixed, is articulated with respect to a fixed part (2) so as to open upon inflation of the airbag, and a linear tether (26) is secured to the flap (3) and to the fixed part (2) so as to limit the opening of the flap (3) when the airbag inflates. The linear tether (26) is fixed to the flap (3) by being sandwiched between the body (5) and the plate (13) fixed to this body (5).The flap (3) comprises a reinforcing rod (22) interposed between the plate (13) and the tether (26), this reinforcing rod (22) running alongside the outline of the flap (3) at least in the region where the tether (26) protrudes beyond this outline. |
| US08789842B2 |
Weight distribution hitch apparatus
A hitch apparatus includes a housing configured to be attached to a vehicle, a tow bar movably disposed within the housing, and a weight distribution apparatus attached to a distal end of the tow bar. The tow bar is movable relative to the housing between retracted and extended positions, and is pivotable relative to the housing when in an extended position. The weight distribution apparatus comprises a hitch member configured to receive a coupling apparatus of a towed vehicle, and at least one weight distributing member configured to extend rearwardly from the vehicle and be attached to the towed vehicle. The hitch member may be any type of coupling apparatus such as a ball coupler, a pintle hook, a cushioned pintle hook, a swivel pintle hook, a lunette ring, and a clevis pin attachment. |
| US08789840B2 |
Folding bicycle and method of use
A folding bicycle and method for folding the folding bicycle is provided. The folding bicycle comprises a frame having a first end and a second end; a first wheel connected to the second end of the frame, the first wheel and the frame being located in a first plane; a fork having a first end and a second end, the second end of the fork pivotally connected to the first end of the frame thereby allowing the fork to pivot about the first plane; a second wheel connected to the first end of the fork, the second wheel and the fork being located in a second plane; a first pivot member having a first pivot axis to allow the first end of the fork to pivot towards the second end of the fork about the first pivot axis; a second pivot member having a second pivot axis to allow the first end of the frame to pivot towards the second end of the frame about the second pivot axis; and a third pivot member having a third pivot axis to allow the second end of the frame to pivot towards the first end of the frame about the third pivot axis. |
| US08789838B1 |
Vehicle suspension system
A suspension system for a vehicle comprising at least one pair of axles with one axle of each pair disposed on each side of the vehicle, each axle having a shaft, an arm connected to the shaft's outer end projecting tangentially to a terminal end and located outside of the vehicle's frame, a spindle affixed to the terminal end of each arm and adapted to engage a wheel; a rotational attachment means for affixing each axle to the underside and for allowing it to rotate, at least one axle retainer adapted to prevent lateral movement of each axle; a torsion means for resisting rotation of each axle in response to a load supported by each axle; and at least one limiter to limit rotation of each axle relative to the frame, whereby, application of a load biases the axle against the torsion means supporting the frame and absorbing shocks. |
| US08789836B2 |
Wheeled container carrier
A portable transporting carrier for standard size buckets and for standard size propane gas tanks with wheels connected by an axle element and configured to position and support the bucket or the tank on the axle element and with an offset handle positioned over a center of gravity of the bucket or tank to facilitate lifting and carrying of the carrier with supported bucket or tank. The carrier is optionally convertible to a transportable working skid. |
| US08789835B2 |
Roller skate
The described roller skate is essentially composed of a boot, to the sole of which the plate of a roller carrier element is detachably connected with screws penetrating the through holes. The screw holes are located on both sides of the vertical symmetry axis on the center longitudinal line. Bearing blocks and are connected to the underside of the plate via a web extending in the longitudinal direction. The floating axles of the inline rollers and of the outer rollers are inserted in bores through or through. The bearing blocks and with their different bores through or through are likewise embodied and arranged in a mirror symmetrical manner with respect to the vertical center line. The explained symmetry of the roller carrier element makes it possible for it to be used for the left and right roller skate. |
| US08789833B2 |
Turbine assembly and method for assembling a turbine
According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine assembly includes a first stationary component, a second stationary component positioned radially outside the first stationary component, a first key feature on the first stationary component configured to mate to a second key feature on the second stationary component and a seal assembly positioned between the first and second key features to reduce fluid flow between the first and second key features. The seal assembly includes a V-shape member and a second member adjacent to the V-shape member, the second member and V-shape member having different rates of thermal expansion. The seal assembly also includes a latch feature coupled to the V-shape member configured to expand the seal assembly from a compressed state to an expanded sealing state when the seal assembly is subject to an elevated temperature. |
| US08789832B2 |
Split-ring gland pipe coupling with corrugated armor
An annular gasket configured to seal a split-ring gland of a pipe coupling onto an end of a pipe having an annular outer gasket and a separate inner annular gasket. The outer gasket has an inner circumferential surface and the inner gasket has an outer circumferential surface, the circumferential surfaces being removably engaged. The inner gasket may be wider than the outer gasket to form a lip that projects beyond the outer gasket. The inner circumferential surface of the outer gasket and the outer circumferential surface of the inner gasket may include triangular shaped interdigitations configured to prevent axial movement between the gaskets. |
| US08789831B2 |
Compression limiter with molded insert for gaskets
The present invention is directed to an insert for a cylinder head gasket for an internal combustion engine. The cylinder head gasket may be made from metal, a composite material, or a combination of the two, and is disposed between a cylinder head and a cylinder block. The insert has an outer plate having upper and lower surfaces, an outer perimeter and a closed inner perimeter. A removable molded insert is located within the closed inner perimeter of the outer plate. The removable molded insert has a bead portion and an inner land portion. A metallic carrier is substantially enclosed within the bead portion and planar portion of the removable molded insert. The removable molded insert may be attached to the outer plate by mechanical or chemical means. The insert may be attached to a cylinder head gasket by mechanical means. |
| US08789828B2 |
Banknote inclination correction device and ATM
A banknote inclination correction device and an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) including the banknote inclination correction device. The banknote inclination correction device includes: an inner channel board (008); an outer channel board (009); a banknote transfer channel formed between the inner channel board (008) and the outer channel board (009); a reference wall (008a) arranged on one side of the inner channel board (008) and the outer channel board (009); a transfer wheel (011) located at the inlet of the banknote transfer channel, and arranged on the inner channel board (008) or the outer channel board (009); multiple inclination correction wheel groups (014) configured on the inner channel board (008) or the outer channel board (009); and a transfer side wheel (019) located between the reference wall (008a) and the multiple inclination correction wheel groups (014), the transfer side wheel (019) is parallel to the reference wall. Each inclination correction wheel group (014) includes at least one inclination correction wheel, and the inclination correction wheel is inclined towards the reference wall (008a). The edge line speed of the transfer side wheel (019) is larger than that of the inclination correction wheel of the inclination correction wheel groups (014). The multiple inclination correction wheels of the transfer side wheel (019) improve the effect of inclination correction, so that the banknote can reach a corrected state at a time, and various types of banknotes can be transferred continuously and at high speed. |
| US08789824B2 |
Test platform
A test platform includes a supporting member, an annular first slide rail below the supporting member, and an annular conductive second slide rail below the first slide rail. The second slide rail is electrically connected to a power source. An uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is mounted on a bottom of the supporting member. A power socket is mounted on the supporting member and electrically connected to the UPS. A number of first wheels are mounted on the bottom of the supporting member. Each first wheel rests on and can roll along the first slide rail. A number of conductive second wheels are mounted on a bottom of the UPS. Each second wheel rests on and can roll along the second slide rail. |
| US08789823B2 |
Fixing apparatus and measuring method for optical fiber hole insert
An apparatus for fixing an optical fiber hole insert in coordinate measurement, is provided. The apparatus includes a main body and a cover plate. The main body includes a front side surface, a back side surface and a support surface, a plurality of first grooves formed in the support surface and exposed at the front side surface, a plurality of second grooves formed in the support surface and exposed at the back side surface, and a through hole defined in the support surface. The first grooves is aligned with the respective second grooves, the first and second grooves communicate with the through hole and are configured for cooperatively receiving the optical fiber hole insert. The cover plate is configured for covering the support surface and coming into contact with the optical fiber hole insert. A method for measuring the optical fiber hole insert using the apparatus is also provided. |
| US08789821B2 |
Tab welding bracket
Present invention provides a handy tool that can be used to facilitate welding job, where (second) work objects can be held on by the holding surfaces of the first positioning frame of the welding bracket; the first positioning frame is used to hold on to another (first) work piece between the generally v-shaped swinging foot pieces on the v-frame; the two swinging foot pieces can pivot on respective axle, allowing for adjustment to different size/diameter of first work piece, and the bolt and butterfly nut structure allows adjustment to be made between first positioning piece and the v-frame, for purpose of adapting to welding object of different thickness held on by the holding surfaces on the positioning frame. |
| US08789812B2 |
Base frame for a cable winch having removable support members
A lifting apparatus, especially a cable traction mechanism, comprising a base frame that has at least two base plates, further comprising at least two longitudinal beams which have a first end and an opposite second end and which interconnect the base plates and keep the same apart from each other. The lifting apparatus, especially a cable traction mechanism, comprises a simple design and can readily be mounted, dismounted, or modified by detachably fastening the first end and the second end of the longitudinal beams to the base plates in such a way in an operational state of the lifting apparatus and designing one of the at least two base plates in such a way that the longitudinal beams can be inserted or removed in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof when mounting, dismounting, or modifying the base frame. |
| US08789809B2 |
Auxiliary device for alignment of floor boards when laying plank flooring
Disclosed is an auxiliary device (1) for alignment of floor boards (2) when laying plank flooring. The auxiliary device is a tensioning unit (10) with two floor-side, protruding, lower contact jaws (12, 14) for resting against board side edges. The contact jaws are joined together via a displacement guide (16) for changing of their mutual internal distance (X1, X2), and with an upper lever mechanism (18) positioned opposite the lower, floor-side contact jaws (12, 14). The lever mechanism (18) is designed according to the toggle principle and is connected to the contact jaws (12, 14) such that by pivoting of the lever mechanism (18) the contact jaws (12, 14) can be moved from a starting position with a larger distance (X1) into a tensioned position with a smaller, defined distance (X2). |
| US08789801B2 |
Self-leveling receptacle with a positioning lock
A symmetrical, balanced receptacle for storing, displaying or transporting goods, materials, people, plants or animals is suspended from a double-axis gimbal mounted on a framework. The receptacle is attached to the gimbal by adjustable bearings and a locking mechanism holds the receptacle in various positions, tilted forward or back, and swiveled to one side or the other. When the receptacle is unlocked, gravity holds it level, which is especially useful when the device is used to hold or transport cargo on sloping ground, turbulent water or shifting air currents. The framework may be stationary or attached to a wheeled vehicle, water craft, aircraft or other means of transport. |
| US08789799B2 |
Cable holder
A cable holder for a cable includes a guide section for guiding the cable that can be pivoted in sections for a change in direction of a run of the cable. |
| US08789798B2 |
Slat configuration for fixed-wing aircraft
A slat for fixed-wing aircraft that includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a chord, and an inboard edge that includes particular dimensions to affect airflow over the wing. |
| US08789796B2 |
High capacity broadband satellite
A high capacity broadband service is provided from an Earth orbiting satellite having a payload that includes multiple large antennas, the satellite having an inverted configuration when deployed on orbit. The satellite has an aft surface proximate to a launch vehicle structural interface, a forward surface opposite to said aft surface, and a structure disposed therebetween. In a launch configuration, two or more deployable antennas are disposed, undeployed, on or proximate to and forward of the forward surface; on-orbit, the payload is operable when the satellite is disposed with the aft surface substantially Earth facing while the forward surface is substantially facing in an anti-Earth direction. Each deployable antenna is disposed, so as to be Earth facing, when deployed, in a position substantially forward and outboard of the forward surface. |
| US08789794B2 |
Inert gas distribution system for a fuel tank
A method and apparatus comprising a tube, an opening in the tube, and a valve associated with the opening. The tube is configured to carry an inert gas in a fuel tank. The valve is configured to control an amount of the inert gas that exits the opening based on a level of fuel relative to the opening. |
| US08789790B2 |
Aircraft engine attachment pylon
An aircraft engine attachment pylon including a box formed by an assembly of a first spar, a second spar, two lateral panels, and an aft engine attachment fitted with an aft attachment body. The engine attachment may be provided with two lateral fittings associated with the two lateral panels to which they are fixed to and project from laterally outside the box, each of the fittings forming a plane attachment interface with the attachment body through which bolts pass. Each attachment interface may be in the shape of a straight segment inclined at 45° from a vertical direction of the pylon. |
| US08789785B2 |
Device for micronization of solid materials and its use
A device for increased micronization efficiency of solid materials. The device including a housing with two discs, separately driven by motors through axles, such that the discs rotate in opposite directions. Each of discs bears at least two or more wreaths of blades such that two adjacent wreaths that belongs to different discs do rotate, relatively one to another, in opposite directions, forming an area where micronization of material takes place. The wreaths of blades of different discs are faced one against another. All blades of wreaths are identical, in the shape of a “T”, and include three wings; two wings are dimensionally identical and set under the right angle, whereas the third wing is set dimensionally larger than the other wings. Centerline of all three wings meet each other in the center of the blade, on a circle that goes through half of the wreath. |
| US08789784B2 |
Mobile self-contained loading and crushing apparatus
A mobile self-contained loading and crushing apparatus is described for processing concrete, rock, masonry waste and the like, which includes a crusher unit and a loading device affixed to a mobile carrier. The crusher unit has an inlet and an outlet. The loading device is capable of loading feed material into the inlet of the crusher unit. The crushing unit is capable of producing an output of crushed material, e.g., uniform crushed granular material with a diameter as small as one inch. The mobile self-contained crushing apparatus is useful for on-site or near-site recycling of concrete, rock, masonry waste and the like resulting from construction/demolition activities, and converts the solid crushable waste material into crushed product material that can be employed as a gravel base for streets and foundation structures, or as a recycled component for concrete. |
| US08789783B2 |
Shredder with shock absorbing element
Disclosed herein is a shredder with a shredder housing and a shredder mechanism received in the housing, the shredder mechanism enabling the at least one article to be shredded to be fed into cutter elements and a motor being operable to drive the cutter elements in a shredding direction. The shredder also includes at least one shock absorbing element configured to connect the shredder mechanism and shredder housing. The shock absorbing element has a first leg connected to the shredder mechanism, a second leg connected to the shredder housing, and a resilient section interconnecting the first and second legs in a spaced apart relation, so that the shock absorbing element may at least reduce vibrations transmitted from the shredder mechanism to the shredder housing during operation of the shredder. |
| US08789782B1 |
Caked grain breaking device
A caked grain breaking device is provided for facilitating free flow of grain from a bin by utilizing gravity to break up caked grain prior to flowing through a bottom outlet in the bin. The device includes an elongated support and a plurality of struts. Each strut has an upper end coupled to the support. Each strut further extends downwardly and outwardly from the support. The struts are arranged to form a pair of coplanar arrays of spaced the struts extending from the support. Each of a plurality of braces is coupled to and extends across an associated one of the arrays whereby the support, the struts, and the braces form a frame. A plurality of blades is coupled to the frame. |
| US08789777B2 |
Concrete separating device
The present invention relates to a separating device for crushing concrete. The separating device comprises at least two crusher members which, optionally in co-action with bounding elements situated adjacently of the at least two crusher members, define at their upper outer ends an inlet opening for concrete to be crushed and at their lower outer ends an outlet opening for crushed concrete or at least concrete fractions. The separating device further comprises a drive device adapted to move repetitively at least a part of one of the two crusher members in the direction away from and toward the other crusher member. Outlet restriction means are provided under the outlet opening to limit an outflow of crushed concrete and/or concrete fractions. The invention further relates to a method for crushing and separating a composite material, in particular concrete, into original components. |
| US08789776B2 |
Apparatus preventing ferrous objects from entering a garbage disposal
A magnetic strap for preventing the undesired passage of articles through a sink drain hole and into a garbage disposal includes a strap member having a first end and a second end, with mating fastening members provided at the first end and the second end for selectively securing the first end to the second end so as to form a loop. A plurality of magnets are secured to the strap member, the magnets exhibiting sufficient strength to attract and trap ferrous objects by drawing the ferrous objects toward a sink flange where the ferrous objects are frictionally held to thereby prevent the ferrous objects from inadvertently slipping through the sink drain hole and into the garbage disposal. |
| US08789766B2 |
Mixing device for aircraft air conditioning system
This invention relates to a mixing device for an aircraft air conditioning system with a supply conduit for fresh air from the air conditioning system, with a second supply conduit for recirculated air from a pressurized region of the aircraft, and with a discharge conduit for supplying mixed air into the pressurized region of the aircraft, wherein a non-return valve is integrated in the mixer. |
| US08789761B2 |
Transaction card
This invention relates to a transparent or translucent transaction card having a base comprising a core of substantially transparent or translucent material with a plurality of coats, including optically recognizable ink comprising one or more infrared blocking dyes and other nanoparticles, such as rare earth nanophosphors and other metal nanoparticles, and/or optically recognizable film comprising nanoparticles, such as rare earth nanophosphors, and other metal oxide and/or non-oxide complexes, and methods for their preparation. |
| US08789760B2 |
Method and apparatus for powering barcode readers
An apparatus includes (1) a first housing for housing therein a barcode reading arrangement and (2) an enclosed space for housing therein a battery configured to power the barcode reading arrangement located outside the enclosed space. The first housing includes a window made from one or more materials that has a lower flaming critical temperature than that of any material for making the enclosed space for housing the battery. |
| US08789758B2 |
Picture taking reading apparatus
An apparatus having an image sensor is provided. An image sensor of the apparatus can include a two dimensional image sensor. A lens assembly can be provided in combination with an image sensor. In one aspect, an apparatus can attempt to decode a decodable symbol representation. In one aspect an apparatus can output a frame of image data. |
| US08789757B2 |
POS-based code symbol reading system with integrated scale base and system housing having an improved produce weight capturing surface design
A POS-based system including (i) a system housing having a horizontal housing portion and a vertical housing portion. The vertical housing portion is configured substantially orthogonal with respect to the horizontal housing portion. At least one reading window is formed in the system housing. A support frame having a plurality of spaced apart support surfaces, supports the system housing when the system housing is position over the support surfaces. A convex weigh surface is integrated with the vertical housing portion, for supporting the weight of produce items supported thereon during weighing operations. A code symbol reading subsystem is disposed in the system housing, for optically reading code symbols on objects being transported through a 3D reading volume definable relative to at least one code symbol reading window, and producing symbol character data representative of the read code symbols. An electronic weigh scale subsystem is provided including a base portion having a plurality of load cells for measuring the weight supported thereupon. |
| US08789753B1 |
Method for using and maintaining user data stored on a smart card
In a method for using and maintaining user data stored on a smart card, a smart card receives a user data request for the user data stored on the smart card. The smart card determines whether the user data request is a data maintenance request or a data use request. A data maintenance request is for modifying user data stored on the smart card. A data use request is for read only access to user data stored on the smart card. The smart card uses a first process to determine whether to allow the user data request when the user data request is determined to be a data maintenance request. The smart card uses a second process, different from the first method, to determine whether to allow the user data request when the user data request is determined to be a data use request. |
| US08789752B1 |
Conversion/transfer of in-game credits to entity independent or negotiable funds
In one embodiment, an account is established for in-game credits provided by an entity to one or more users. The entity owns or controls a computer game. One or more users play the computer game to earn at least a portion of the in-game credits. Game play occurrences are detected that earn a quantity of in-game credits, which are added to an account maintained by the entity. A quantity of the in-game credits are subtracted from the account, as a result of a conversion operation. The conversion operation converts the in-game credits to a quantity of negotiable or entity independent funds in accordance with agreement terms established between a commerce partner and the entity. The commerce partner is compensated for granting the negotiable or entity independent funds for the in-game credits. |
| US08789751B2 |
Medium process apparatus and financial device
A medium process apparatus is provided. The medium process apparatus comprises a state detection unit configured to detect a state of a transferring medium and a support unit configured to support the transferring medium. The support unit comprises a plurality of support parts successively disposed in a transfer direction of the medium. The plurality of support parts comprise a second support part facing the state detection unit and a first support part disposed at a front or rear side of the second support part in the transfer direction of the medium. |
| US08789746B2 |
Product authentication using integrated circuits
Authentication of a product could be accomplished by utilizing encryption and decryption engines onboard two integrated circuits namely a DECENC chip and a READER chip. A unique serial number in either an encrypted or un-encrypted format is programmed into eFuses, or OTP devices on board the DECENC chip where this chip is then attached to the product. During the authentication procedure, the encrypted and decrypted serial number on board the DECENC chip is transferred to the READER chip. The READER chip subsequently performs a decryption of the serial number from the first chip if this serial number is in encrypted form or performs an encryption of the serial number from the first chip if this serial number is in un-encrypted form. The READER chip then compares its result of decryption or encryption against the corresponding decrypted or encrypted versions of the serial number received from the DECENC chip. If the results of decryption or encryptions for both chips are the same, then the READER chip signals an authentic product, otherwise it will reject the product as fake. |
| US08789740B2 |
Linear cutting and stapling device with selectively disengageable cutting member
A surgical stapling instrument including a selectively actuatable cutting member. The stapling instrument may be used as a surgical stapler without cutting tissue or, if desired, the surgeon may selectively actuate the cutting member to cut tissue as the staples are being deployed and formed. A stapling instrument can include an actuator knob that has at least one pusher bar attached thereto. Advancement of the actuator knob in a distal direction causes the pusher bars to apply a firing motion to the staples contained within a staple cartridge supported within the stapling instrument. A knife bar may be selectively coupleable to the actuator knob by a selector switch that is movable from an actuated position wherein movement of the actuator knob in the distal direction advances the knife bar which has a cutting blade portion to advance between rows of staples in the staple cartridge to an unactuated position wherein movement of the actuator knob advances the pusher bars without advancing the knife bar. |
| US08789736B2 |
Staples, staplers, anastomosis devices, and methods for their applications
A stapling element is provided, operative to pierce and penetrate a tissue by a first end, and close around the tissue. Three factors help prevent local necrosis: 1. The self-closing feature of the staple does not lead to tissue crushing. 2. Edge seams are applied generally perpendicular to the tissue edge, allowing for blood supply to the tissue edge. 3. Excess tissue is cut off at the seam, minimizing the amount of tissue that may undergo local necrosis. A physical feature prevents the staple from rotating, when in an application shaft, to maintain a predetermined closing direction. The stapling element may be formed of an alloy, a pure metal, a polymer, or a composite of at least two materials. Additionally, staplers, anastomosis devices, and methods for their applications are described. |
| US08789734B2 |
Carry bags with tensile strand reinforcing elements
A carry bag may include a container portion and a strap portion. The container portion defines an interior compartment for containing objects, and the strap portion extends from the container portion. At least one of the container portion and the strap portion include (a) a base element formed from a two-dimensional material and (b) a strand formed from a one-dimensional material. The strand lies adjacent to and substantially parallel to a surface of the base element for a distance of at least five centimeters. |
| US08789730B2 |
Backpack with collapsible stretcher and collapsible wheel assembly
A backpack employs a collapsible stretcher and a collapsible wheel assembly. The backpack may be transformed from a compact mode suitable for portability of the backpack to an extended mode wherein the stretcher is extended. A pair of wheels are inflated so that the wheels at one end contact the terrain and at the other end the stretcher is engaged to the backpack to provide for an efficient transport of an injured individual placed in the stretcher. |
| US08789719B2 |
Apparatus and methods for permanently attaching fuel delivery system components to fuel tanks
Apparatus and methods to permanently attach fuel delivery system components to fuel tanks are described herein. An example apparatus includes an insert material integrally formed with at least a portion of the fuel tank. The insert material includes a first layer material having a low permeation characteristic and a second layer material adjacent the first layer material having a relatively lower melting point than a melting point of the first layer material to enable permanent attachment of a coupling apparatus to a surface of the fuel tank by melting at least a portion of the second layer material. |
| US08789718B1 |
Lid with a removable protective cover
The present disclosure relates generally to a lid comprising of: a brim latch adjoining a rim that extends around a periphery of the lid; a support tab in mating engagement with at least one wing that comprises of a top rim, an elevated member that extends upward and circumferentially from the brim latch, at least one sloped wall, and two side walls; and at least one film strip removably attached to the at least one wing, wherein the at least one film strip substantially covers the top rim of the at least one wing, which includes an arcuate portion sloping from side to side forming a u-shaped slope wherein the sides protrude upward and outward defining a lip contacting area causing a seal to be formed when the lip contacting area is engaged by an individual's lips. |
| US08789716B2 |
Multi-chamber container system for storing and mixing liquids
The present disclosure is drawn to a multi-component container system and related methods for storing and mixing liquids and associated methods of use. The system includes a first chamber configured to hold a first liquid and which has at least one opening and a second chamber and a second chamber configured to hold a second liquid and having at least one opening. The at least one opening on the second chamber is capable of being operably connected to the at least one opening of the first chamber and the second chamber can be smaller relative to the first chamber. The system can have two configurations, a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the second chamber can be removably disposed within the first chamber. In the second configuration the second chamber can be external to the first chamber and the at least one opening of the second chamber is operably connected with the at least one opening of the first chamber such that the second liquid is allowed to contact the first liquid. |
| US08789714B1 |
Septic tank having deformation-resisting top access flange
A plastic septic tank has a body made by rotational molding or blow molding and at least one access opening in the top. A ring flange is structurally attached to the top of the body so the bore of the flange fits the access opening. A plastic ring flange has a flexural modulus which is greater than 100,000 psi and at least twice the flexural modulus of the plastic material of the tank body. An exemplary flange is made of a plastic material which includes 5-30 weight percent glass fibers, a significant portion of which are aligned with the plane of the flange upper surface. |
| US08789713B2 |
Surgical instrument caddy
A surgical instrument caddy includes an elongated, generally rectangular main body having a support rod secured to one end and a plurality of hollow channels disposed therein. Each of the channels includes a first end terminating at the top surface of the main body, and a second end terminating at the bottom surface of the main body. |
| US08789711B2 |
Dishwasher with crockery basket having adjustable storage tray
A dishwasher, especially a household dishwasher, at least comprising a crockery basket provided with a storage tray for items to be washed, said storage tray comprising at least one holding device to be brought into contact with a first section of the crockery basket in order to fix to the crockery basket in a first storage position for placing items to be washed. According to the invention, the holding device is designed to be brought into contact with a second section of the crockery basket in order to fix to the crockery basket in a second storage position for placing items to be washed. |
| US08789708B2 |
Atmospheric pressure microwave plasma treated porous membranes
Versions of the invention include compositions and methods for making them that include a polymeric porous membrane with one or more atmospheric pressure microwave plasma modified surfaces. The modified porous membrane is stable, non-dewetting, and retains its mechanical strength. |
| US08789706B2 |
Screening and alignment of nuclear fuel pellets
A conveyor device has a sequence of two vibrating screens vertically separated (d) from each other and supplying an alignment bowl, to eliminate chips and residue from nuclear fuel pellets stored in bulk in a boat and to align them in order to fill fuel rods. Due to these two screens, pellets are set aside and turned over, and chips are efficiently separated in a pot, without any congestion of the system. |
| US08789701B2 |
Oral care kit
An oral care kit includes a sachet having a ring shaped reservoir for an oral care material configured around a central opening. The sachet has a first weakened portion for forming a dispensing nozzle. The oral care kit also includes an oral care implement sized so that a portion of the oral care implement fits through the central opening. The oral care implement is configured to be used to tear the first weakened portion of the reservoir. |
| US08789700B2 |
System and method for communicating and inspecting a multiple tablet order
A system and method for communicating a multiple tablet order to a multiple tablet order production facility is described. The method includes communicating the multiple tablet order to the production facility, the verified multiple tablet order including a plurality of different tablets that are prescribed to be consumed at the same time. The multiple tablet package is filled with at least a first tablet and a second tablet that is different from the first tablet. The multiple tablet package is then sealed. An automated inspection of the sealed multiple tablet package after the multiple tablet package is filled with the first tablet and the second tablet is then performed. The automated inspection includes an inspection module that operates at visual wavelengths and analyzes a tablet color and a tablet shape. |
| US08789699B2 |
Container assembly
A container assembly for the storage and transport of goods, the assembly including a first portion having an interior with a substantially flat interior bottom surface. The assembly further includes a second portion pivotally connected to the first portion. The first portion has an outer surface that includes a first stacking pattern and the second portion has an outer surface that includes a second stacking pattern which is different from the first stacking pattern and configured to engage the first stacking pattern enabling the container assembly to be bi-directionally stacked on another of the container assemblies. |
| US08789698B2 |
Package box of liquid crystal glass
The present invention provides a package box of liquid crystal glass, which includes a box body, a plurality of mounting sections arranged in the box body, and cushioning devices mounted to the mounting sections. The cushioning devices each include a cushioning section, a retention section connected to the cushioning section, and a projection. The mounting sections each include a first receiving channel and a through hole respectively corresponding to the retention section and the projection of the respective cushioning device. The retention sections are respectively received in the first receiving channels and the projections are respectively fit into the through hole so as to fix the cushioning devices inside the box body. The package box uses cushioning devices that are mounted inside a box in a snap-fitting manner so that the operation of assembling and disassembling the cushioning devices is simple, making it easy to re-work. |
| US08789690B2 |
Protective covers for phylacteries
Protective covers for Phylacteries including an upper shell member and a lower shell member at least partially separable from one another and which, when together, define a hollow interior contoured to fit the Phylactery. One or two lateral extension portions, depending on whether the protective cover is for a head Phylactery or an arm Phylactery, are situated partly on each of the upper and lower shell members outward from a respective plane including a side surface of the cube-shaped portion and have a width of at least about 1.2 centimeters. A supplemental platform or support surface may be arranged alongside a rear side of a cube-shaped portion of the upper shell member facing the slot of the protective cover to support for a knot of the strap of the head Phylactery when the head Phylactery is housed in the protective cover. |
| US08789679B2 |
Transferring device
A transferring device includes a conveyer system, a reloading mechanism, and a jig. The reloading mechanism includes a blocking assembly and a grasping assembly. The blocking assembly includes a holding member mounted on the conveyer system, a stopping member, and a first driving member positioned on the holding member. The stopping member is connected to the first driving member. The grasping assembly includes a fixing member mounted on the conveyer system, a second driving member mounted on the fixing member, a third driving member mounted on the second driving member, and a pair of catches. The catches are positioned at opposite ends of the third driving member. The jig includes a top cover and a bottom cover engaged with the top cover. The jig is transferred on the conveyor system. |
| US08789672B2 |
Mechanical device for the transmission of a force with a threshold
A mechanical transmission device for transmitting a threshold force, comprising first and second elements rotatably mounted relative to each other about an axis of rotation, and having a transmitter member interposed between them to constrain the two elements to rotate together when a torque is imparted to one up to a threshold torque beyond which the two elements become movable in rotation. The transmitter member has a first friction disk constrained to rotate with the first element, and a second friction disk facing the first disk. It also has a bearing member that is axially movable to press the disks together and against a bearing turntable of the first element under drive from a presser member. Finally, it has a rotary drive, interposed between the bearing member and the second element, which are arranged to cause the bearing member to move axially against the presser member during rotation. |
| US08789671B2 |
Multiple output transmission systems
A transmission system for driving one or two of a plurality of drivable devices by a single drive motor including an input shaft (4) for connection to the drive motor, a plurality of output units, each output unit including a drive member (6), which is drivable by the input shaft (4), an output shaft (16) and a clutch mechanism (8,18). A clutch engagement actuator (30) is arranged to act on a selected one of the clutch mechanisms (8, 18) to connect the input shaft (4) to the associated output shaft (16). The drive members (6) are carried on a common drive shaft (2) and are rotatable with respect to it. The clutch mechanisms (8,18) are operable to selectively connect the drive member (6) to the drive shaft (2) to rotate with it. |
| US08789670B2 |
Decoupler featuring helical wrap clutch spring and coil damper springs
A decoupler having a hub, a drive member and an isolator. The drive member is disposed about the hub for rotation about a rotational axis and includes an inner clutch surface. The isolator couples the hub and the drive member and includes a carrier, a plurality of arcuate springs, and a wrap spring. The carrier is received between the hub and the drive member and includes a carrier member, which defines a pair of apertures, and a pair of reaction blocks that are mounted in the apertures. The arcuate springs are mounted in the carrier member and are disposed between the hub and an associated one of the reaction blocks. The wrap spring has an end and a plurality of helical coils that are engaged to the inner clutch surface of the drive member. The end has an end face that is abutted against one of the reaction blocks. |
| US08789667B2 |
Adjustable damping valve device having an emergency operation valve
An adjustable damping valve device for a vibration damper includes a housing with an axially movable valve body. The valve body has in the direction of a valve seat surface a pressure-loaded surface AOED which is operative in the lift direction of the valve body and a surface ACloseD which is loaded by pressure in the closing direction, wherein a resultant force comprising a force of at least one valve spring and an actuating force of an actuator acts on the valve body, and wherein an additional surface ACloseD2 of the valve body is pressure loaded by damping medium in closing direction of the valve body. The damping valve device has an emergency operation valve by means of which a pressure level can be at least indirectly adjusted in a control space for an emergency operation. The emergency operation valve is operative only in one flow direction. |
| US08789664B2 |
Combined service brake and spring brake cylinder with sealing assemblies consisting of a guide ring and at least one sealing element
A combined service brake and spring brake cylinder for vehicle brake systems, includes a service brake piston and a spring brake piston. A sealing assembly is located in a central bore of a partition and seals off the interior of the service brake cylinder from the interior of the spring brake cylinder. The radial outer peripheral surface of the spring brake piston has an additional sealing assembly for sealing off a spring chamber. At least one of the sealing assemblies contains a guide ring that guides the spring brake piston rod in the bore of the partition, or the spring brake piston in the spring brake cylinder. The guide ring consists of a more rigid material than that of at least one sealing element. The sealing element consists of an elastomer that is connected to the guide ring by original forming methods such as injection molding or transfer molding. |
| US08789663B2 |
Bicycle hydraulic brake clamp
A bicycle hydraulic brake clamp includes a clamp, two piston assemblies and a separation board. The clamp has a first slot defined on the middle thereof so that a brake disk is received therein. A second slot and a third slot are respectively defined in two sides of the clamp. A through hole is defined through the clamp and communicates with the third slot. The separation board is fixedly engaged with the through hole via the first slot by a way of welding. The two piston assemblies are respectively installed in the second and third slots via the first slot. The separation board is securely engaged with the through hole so as not only to prevent the separation board from dropping from the clamp by exterior impact, but also to protect the separation board from being damaged by the exterior impact. |
| US08789659B2 |
System and method for operating a motor during normal and power failure conditions
A system continuously drives a motor during normal and power failure operating conditions. A regenerative drive delivers power to the motor from a main power supply during the normal operating condition and from a backup power supply during the power failure operating condition. A controller operates the regenerative drive to provide available power on the regenerative drive to the backup power supply during the normal operating condition. |
| US08789658B2 |
Traction device, traction system incorporating said traction device and an elevator arrangement incorporating said traction system
A traction device includes tension members (2) coated with an elastomer material to form jacketed tension members (3). The jacketed tension members (3) are arranged next to each other in a plane in the cross section of the traction device, at such a distance from each other that there is a clear space (6) between each two mutually adjacent ones of the jacketed tension members (3). The jacketed tension members (3) are connected at the back thereof by a back layer. The clear space (6) begins on the side facing away from the back layer (4) and extends at least beyond the center point (5) of the tension member, and the ratio of the second diameter (d2) of the jacketed tension member (3) in relation to the first diameter (d1) of the tension member (2) is between 1.05 and 2.25. The invention is also directed to a traction system which includes the traction device which can be driven by at least one traction sheave (9), and each jacketed tension member (3) engages in a corresponding groove (10) of the traction sheave (9). The back layer (4) is arranged on the side of the jacketed tension members (3) that faces away from the side engaging in the grooves (10) of the traction sheave (9). At least one tension member (2) engages in the corresponding groove (10) of the traction sheave (9) by between 5% and 25% of its diameter (d1). |
| US08789652B2 |
Attenuators, arrangements of attenuators, acoustic barriers and methods for constructing acoustic barriers
An attenuator for attenuating acoustic waves, the attenuator comprising: a first body defining a cavity therein and an elongate open aperture extending across a substantial portion of the first body, the first body being configured to attenuate acoustic waves over a resonant frequency band. |
| US08789647B2 |
Steer by wire apparatus
A steer by wire apparatus performing steering operation by turning a wheel when a vehicle turns, may include a tie rod provided with one end pivotally connected to a knuckle of the wheel, a coupling unit rotatably mounted at a sub-frame of a vehicle body, connected to the other end of the tie rod, and converting rotation direction of torque from a first rotation direction to a second rotation direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first rotation direction so as to slidably move the tie rod from the coupling unit and control a steering angle of the wheel, and a motor unit fixed to the sub-frame and supplying the torque to the coupling unit according to a control signal of a vehicle ECU, the rotation direction of the torque being the same as the first rotation direction or being opposite to the first rotation direction. |
| US08789643B2 |
Motor control apparatus
A motor control apparatus includes an electric motor, a homing control section, a distance determination section, and a forbiddance section. The electric motor moves a control object equipped to a vehicle at least between two positions. The homing control section executes a homing control for controlling the electric motor to move the control object so that the control object press-contacts a stopper wall when an initialization condition is satisfied. The distance determination section determines whether a user of the vehicle is apart from the vehicle at a distance greater than a predetermined distance. The forbiddance section forbids the homing control during a period, which starts at a time of the homing control execution and ends at a time when the user of the vehicle is apart from the vehicle farther than the predetermined distance, even when the initialization condition is satisfied during the period. |
| US08789634B2 |
Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle has a battery pack under a floor panel. The battery pack includes battery modules having an electricity storage function, a first case holding the battery modules therein, and a power shut-off mechanism temporarily interrupting the electric power of the battery modules. The floor panel includes an access port communicating between the inside and outside of a cabin. The battery pack further includes a second case extending upward from an upper surface of the first case adjacent to the floor panel and including the power shut-off mechanism therein. The second case has an opening for allowing the access to the power shut-off mechanism from the outside of the second case, the opening being oriented in an access direction where the power shut-off mechanism is accessed from the access port toward the opening. |
| US08789633B2 |
Vehicle including intake assembly having snorkel
A vehicle includes a frame, a steering assembly, an engine, a seat, an intake assembly, at least two electrical conductors, and an electrical coupler. The intake assembly includes a snorkel and a cover member. The snorkel includes an inlet and outlet port. The inlet port has a neck portion that defines an opening. The cover member is in fluid communication with the inlet port of the snorkel. The electrical coupler is engaged with the at least two electrical conductors and is configured to facilitate selective manual electrical disconnection of the at least two electrical conductors. A first imaginary plane intersects the opening and is substantially horizontal. A second imaginary plane extends laterally across the vehicle, intersects the opening, and intersects the first imaginary plane at a right angle. The electrical coupler is disposed entirely above the first imaginary plane and entirely forwardly of the second imaginary plane. |
| US08789632B2 |
Powered wheelchair with articulating drive wheels
A seated vehicle comprises a frame, one or more first wheels at a first position relative to the frame, one or more second wheels at a second position relative to the frame, and a wheel-positioning system. The wheel-positioning system includes one or more arms pivotally coupled to the frame, and an adjustment mechanism operatively coupled to a first position of the one or more arms. The one or more first wheels are operatively coupled to a second position of the one or more arms. The adjustment mechanism moves the one or more arms between a first position and a second position so that the one or more first wheels are in a first position relative to the one or more second wheels when the one or more arms are in the first position and are in a second position relative to the one or more second wheels when the one or more arms are in the second position. |
| US08789630B2 |
Variable stiffness leg structure for multipede running robots
According to one aspect, this invention provides an apparatus for varying the stiffness of a leg of a robotic system. The apparatus includes a compliant spine assembly including a compliant spine mounted for movement adjacent the leg and a rack coupled to the compliant spine. It also includes a motor assembly positioned to move the compliant spine of the compliant spine assembly with respect to the leg, the motor assembly including a gear engaging the rack of the compliant spine assembly and a motor coupled to drive the gear. The compliant spine of the compliant spine assembly is configured to vary the stiffness of the leg of the robotic system as it is moved by the motor assembly with respect to the leg. |
| US08789626B2 |
Ultra hard/hard composite materials
The invention provides for an ultra hard or hard composite material comprising a primary ultra hard or hard particulate material and at least one secondary ultra hard or hard particulate material dispersed in a matrix material. The primary ultra hard or hard particulate material has a thermal expansion coefficient lower than that of the matrix material and the at least one secondary ultra hard or hard particulate material has a thermal expansion coefficient greater than that of the matrix material. |
| US08789621B2 |
Hydrocarbon well completion system and method of completing a hydrocarbon well
The present apparatus and method of use allows a blow out preventer to be installed as a unit with a section of casing, and does not require the blow out preventer to be removed as subsequent strings of casing are installed, thus efficiently utilizing drilling rig time. The present invention further allows a casing string to be landed and cemented in place, and then the drilling rig may move off the location, without a permanent wellhead housing attached to the well. The primary apparatus utilized in the invention is a tubular connector which suspends a string of casing during cementing, and which receives a casing plug for sealing the well when drilling operations have been completed. When completion operations commence, a permanent wellhead housing is attached to the tubular connector utilizing a unique metal to metal seal. |
| US08789616B2 |
Apparatus and method for inhibiting propagation of a flame front
Apparatus and a method are provided for inhibiting the propagation of a flame front that is ignited by a pumping mechanism which draws a waste stream from a process chamber. The apparatus comprises a foreline for conveying the waste stream which is drawn from the process chamber to the pumping mechanism. The foreline comprises an isolation valve for selectively isolating the pumping mechanism from the process chamber and a bypass positioned around the isolation valve. The apparatus further comprises a controller for actuating the isolation valve. The controller is configured to cause the isolation valve to be closed when the waste stream is initially drawn from the process chamber. During which time the waste stream is conveyed to the pumping mechanism via the bypass, the bypass comprises means for inhibiting propagation of a flame front therethrough. The controller is also configured to cause the isolation valve to be opened once a pressure within a region upstream of the isolation valve has been reduced below a value at which propagation of a flame front within the waste stream can be sustained. |
| US08789615B2 |
Sprinkler assembly
A sprinkler assembly includes a body, a support, which extends from the body, and a closure device that releasably closes the discharge opening of the body. The sprinkler assembly further includes a trigger that releasably holds the closure device at the discharge opening. The support is adapted to allow the fluid flowing from the discharge opening, when the closure device is released, to pass through the support substantially unimpeded by the support and, further, is adapted to reshape the flow of fluid as it flows through the support. |
| US08789614B2 |
Ultra-high pressure fire-fighting system
Embodiments of the invention provide a fire-fighting system including a low-pressure system and an ultra-high pressure system (UHPS). The fire-fighting system can also include a foam proportioning system, which can inject a foamant into the low-pressure system and/or the UHPS. The low-pressure system and the UHPS can be simultaneously operated. Some embodiments of the fire-fighting system can be installed on aircraft rescue fire fighting (ARFF) vehicles. |
| US08789612B2 |
Open-hole packer for alternate path gravel packing, and method for completing an open-hole wellbore
Zonal isolation apparatus includes at least one packer assembly and can be used in completing an open-hole portion of a wellbore, which open-hole portion extends through at least two subsurface intervals. The zonal isolation apparatus includes base pipe and filter medium, which together form a sand screen. Each packer assembly comprises at least two mechanically set packer elements. Intermediate the at least two mechanically set packer elements is at least one swellable packer element. The swellable packer element is actuated over time in the presence of a fluid such as water, oil, or a chemical. Swelling may occur should one of the mechanically set packer elements fail. The zonal isolation apparatus also includes alternate flow channel(s) that serve to divert gravel pack slurry from an upper interval to lower intervals during gravel packing operations. A method for completing a wellbore using the zonal isolation apparatus is also provided herein. |
| US08789609B2 |
Submersible hydraulic artificial lift systems and methods of operating same
The present invention is directed to methods for extracting fluids from oil and gas wells. More specifically, it is directed toward methods and apparatuses to power and control down hole hydraulic devices using subterranean centrifugal pumps. This invention represents a vast improvement over current hydraulic artificial lift systems. This invention provides for safe, efficient, and increased fluid recovery of oil and gas reserves from subterranean reservoirs in all types of wells, including deviated and horizontal wells. |
| US08789605B2 |
Riser clamp
A riser clamp (20) comprising a first jaw portion (211) and a second jaw portion (212) that can be opened and closed relative to each other. The jaw portions (211/212) each comprise a thermoplastic body (301/302) that can be, for example, injection molded pieces of polyethylene (e.g., HDPE). The jaw portions (211/212) can be connected by a hinge (39) that is integrally formed therewith. The clamp (20) can also include cradles (701/702) and caps (711/712) for holding auxiliary lines. |
| US08789604B2 |
Standalone liquid level sensing apparatus for tensioner system
A riser tensioner has a cylindrical barrel and a piston rod that telescopingly engage each other. An external accumulator containing a hydraulic fluid and a gas is mounted outside of the barrels for communicating the hydraulic liquid to an end of the barrel. Depending on the stroke of the piston rod, the liquid level in the accumulator will fluctuate and the gas pressure vary. A composite rod within the accumulator is embedded with an array of PVDF sensors. The PVDF sensors provide an output signal to indicate the liquid level in the accumulator when the liquid comes in contact with the sensor, allowing for reliable monitoring of liquid levels. |
| US08789599B2 |
Radio frequency heat applicator for increased heavy oil recovery
A radio frequency applicator includes a radio frequency (RF) source configured to apply a differential mode signal. The RF source is connected to a coaxial conductor that includes an outer conductor pipe and an inner conductor. The inner conductor is coupled to a second conductor pipe through at least one metal jumper. At least one current choke is around the outer conductor pipe and the second conductor pipe to concentrate electromagnetic radiation within a hydrocarbon formation. |
| US08789594B2 |
Water injection systems and methods
A system comprising a well drilled into an underground formation; a production facility at the topside of the well; and a water production facility connected to the production facility; wherein the water production facility produces water by removing some ions and adding an agent which increases the viscosity of the water and/or increases a hydrocarbon recovery from the formation, and injects water into the well. |
| US08789591B2 |
Method and apparatus to release energy in a well
The present invention is directed towards methods and apparatus to release energy into wells using combustion of monopropellants. More specifically, this invention is directed to industrial methods to enhance the extraction of well fluids from wells by using the in-situ energy released from this inventions apparatus, methods, catalyst, and fluids blends for subterranean catalytic combustion of monopropellants. |
| US08789589B2 |
Coiled tubing orienter tool with differential lead screw drive
A technique facilitates control over the orientation of a bottom hole assembly. The bottom hole assembly comprises an orienting tool having a dual-spline drive which, in turn, comprises a first lead screw portion and a second lead screw portion having threads of a first pitch and a second pitch, respectively. A motor is connected to the dual-spline drive to impart rotational motion with respect to the first threads having the first pitch. A difference in pitch between the first pitch and the second pitch enables the rotational motion imparted by the motor to be converted to a slower, higher torque, output via the second lead screw portion. As a result, the orienting tool is able to provide a selective, high torque, low-speed adjustment to the drilling orientation of the bottom hole assembly. |
| US08789587B2 |
Monitoring of downhole parameters and tools utilizing fiber optics
A method and system for monitoring and controlling an injection operation is disclosed. A plurality of distributed fiber optic sensors is located in a production well. Fluid is injected into an injection well spaced apart from the production well. A parameter of a formation between the production well and the injection well is determined from measurements from the formation obtained using the fiber optic sensors. At least one of an injection of fluid into the injection well and a flow into the production well is controlled in response to the determined parameter. |
| US08789584B2 |
Processing hydrocarbons
Systems and methods that include providing, e.g., obtaining or preparing, a material that includes a hydrocarbon carried by an inorganic substrate, and exposing the material to a plurality of energetic particles, such as accelerated charged particles, such as electrons or ions. |
| US08789582B2 |
Apparatus and methods for well cementing
An apparatus for regulating fluid-flow during a primary cementing job comprises a bottom cementing plug, adapted to house a one-way valve and means to regulate fluid flow through the plug interior. The apparatus is useful for minimizing or preventing free fall or U-tubing during primary cementing. The apparatus is compatible with conventional cementing-plug launching systems. |
| US08789576B2 |
Fire or smoke protection device
A fire or smoke protection device (12) with a flexible partition device (16) which can be put in a protection arrangement in which the partition element (16) can work to its full protective effect, and a storage arrangement, and a winding shaft (18) upon which the partition element (16) is wound up in the storage arrangement, and a mounting device (20) for fixing the fire or smoke protection device (10) on a building section (14), wherein at least one anchoring device (22) positively interacts with the winding shaft (18) if and only if the partition element (16) is in the protection arrangement. |
| US08789575B2 |
Stringless blinds
A stringless blind structure includes a mail rail, a secondary rail, a main blind body and a string body. The main rail, the secondary rail and the main blind body are connected and operated through the string body and a string, so the cost of the structure is lower and the it is more convenient and easier to assemble. Also, the string body winds around two connecting units, and is restricted by the string. When the main blind body expands or restores through the movement of the main rail and the secondary rail, the movement is restricted and controlled by the string to achieve the goal of stringless movement to reduce the noise when the blind moves and to further improve the life quality at home. |
| US08789574B2 |
Hard and soft window cornice kit and return
A cornice includes a substantially U-shaped return having a substantially horizontal base plate with a first end and a second end. A first substantially vertical plate has an upper end attached to the first end of the base plate. A second substantially vertical plate has an upper end attached to the second end of the base plate. A façade is removably coupled to the return via at least one fastening device. Each fastening device is configured to be repeatedly fastened and unfastened. |
| US08789572B2 |
Intermittent cutting transferring device
In the cutting transferring device according to the present invention, the cut film sheet is configured to be sucked onto the outer peripheral surface of the lower blade roll at a position where both side edge regions of the cut film sheet and a front end region thereof in a proceeding direction face an edge area 41B-1 in 41B of the second region while a remaining region of the cut film sheet faces a center area 41B-2 in 41B of the second region. And a suction holding force in the edge area 41B-1 is stronger than a suction holding force in the center area 41B-2. |
| US08789569B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing ultrathin substrate using a laminate body
Provided is a laminated body comprising a substrate to be ground and a support, where the substrate is ground to a very small thickness and can then be separated from the support without damaging the substrate. One embodiment of the present invention is a laminated body comprising a substrate to be ground, a joining layer in contact with the substrate to be ground, a photothermal conversion layer comprising a light absorbing agent and a heat decomposable resin, and a light transmitting support. After grinding the substrate surface which is opposite that in contact with the joining layer, the laminated body is irradiated through the light transmitting layer and the photothermal conversion layer decomposes to separate the substrate and the light transmitting support. |
| US08789568B2 |
Tape detection system
Machines for manufacturing photovoltaic modules and methods for manufacturing photovoltaic modules can include tape handling components. |
| US08789567B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire (1) having a sound absorption effect by lateral grooves is provided. The tire tread (2) has circumferential grooves formed continuously in the circumferential direction and lateral grooves extending from a circumferential groove. One end of each lateral groove is connected to the circumferential groove and the other end is a dead end. Each of the lateral grooves (7) includes a one-directional groove (11) extending in one direction from the circumferential groove (5) toward a side edge of the tire and an another-directional groove (14) extending in another direction from the circumferential groove toward the side edge of the tire. A root section (11a), which is close to the circumferential groove, of the one-directional groove (11) and a root section (14a), which is close to the circumferential groove (5), of the another-directional groove (14) are formed by a common groove (15). And a leading part (1b) of the one-directional groove (11) and a leading part (14b) of the another-directional groove (14) are branching away from each other from a leading end of the common groove (15). |
| US08789566B2 |
Various improvements to stump cutting tool discs
The present invention is generally directed to a grinder tool preferably having one or more of the following aspects or features: (i) some, preferably most, of the footprint of its bit being shielded by the disc; (ii) the peripheral edge of the disc is at least partially covered by a rock stop hard surface layer; (iii) non-rigid mounting hardware structured to provide a non-rigid mechanical connection between the well and the bit sub-assembly (for example, the non-rigid mounting hardware may include: a rubber isolator; a mesh isolator; and/or a fluid filled isolator); (iv) a stump grinding tool rotating disc assembly having at least one first type bit sub-assembly (including a bit) and at least one second type bit sub-assembly (including a bit), where: (a) the first type bit sub-assembly has a first bit footprint geometry, (b) the first type bit sub-assembly has a first bit footprint geometry, and (c) the first bit footprint geometry is different than the second bit footprint geometry; (v) a rotating disc assembly includes a disc that includes multiple guide protrusions extending axially from both axial ends of the disc around an angular range leading the angular position of each bit sub-assembly; (vi) a rotating disc assembly having rollers built into the peripheral edge of the disc; and/or (vii) disc assembly with a bit holder member that extends over a portion of the opposite axial faces of the disc. |
| US08789565B1 |
Air manifold attached to a plurality of balloons for inflating and deflating a balloon cluster used in decorative showroom and party displays
An air manifold adapted for attaching to an air fill opening in a side of plastic, polymer balloons and receiving compressed air therein. The air manifold includes a hollow manifold body with a plurality of outwardly extending manifold air ports attached to and spaced around an outer circumference of the manifold body. The air ports are adapted for releasable or permanent attachment to the air fill openings in the side of the balloons. The manifold body also includes an air tube. The air tube has one end attached to and in fluid communication with the manifold body. An opposite end of the air tube is adapted for receiving the compressed air therethrough and into the manifold body. When the compressed air is received through the air tube and into the manifold body, the balloons attached to the manifold air ports are inflated for forming a balloon cluster around the manifold body thus providing an attractive and decorative display. |
| US08789563B2 |
Intelligent grain bag loader
A system for controlling the loading of grain in a grain bag is described. The system includes a grain cart, a tractor attached to the grain cart, and a grain bagger with an attached grain bag. The grain bagger further comprises a steering and steering control systems and a braking and braking control system. A hopper connected to the grain bagger receives grain from an auger connected with the hopper and auger and defines a loading position in which a distal end of the auger is positioned relative to the hopper such that grain transfers from the auger into the hopper. A controller provides velocity and steering commands to the tractor and a coordinated movement system connected to the controller receives position information as to the auger and hopper and provides course adjusting information so as to maintain the auger and hopper in the loading position. |
| US08789558B2 |
Fluid system for supplying a device with highly pure liquid
The fluid system for supplying a dialysis device with permeate has a secondary ring line which is guided within a common insulating hose or another form-fit sheathing. Thus, heat loss is reduced and use is facilitated. The insulating hose having the inner lines is adapted to a flow-optimized coupling handpiece having low dead space, which can preferably be coupled to a mating coupling piece. |
| US08789555B2 |
Mounting system for hot and cold wall faucets
A system for interconnecting a faucet assembly to a wall member is provided that employs a mounting bracket for interconnection to the wall member. The mounting bracket is configured to accommodate various configurations of faucets with any number of fluid delivery tubes. The mounting system provides structural rigidity to the faucet/building interconnection while minimizing occupation of interior wall space. |
| US08789554B1 |
Rainwater collection/distribution system
An adaptor accommodates both of the most predominant sizes of downspouts and, when positioned between an upper and lower section, diverts rainwater through an opening in a sidewall to a collection system such as one or more rain barrels. Preferably, the collection system is attached to a soaker hose which provides on-demand irrigation of a treated plot of soil. A central passageway accommodates rainwater which exceeds the capacity of the collection system. |
| US08789553B2 |
Control block comprising an oil channel for temperature control
The present invention relates to a control block provided with a plurality of control block elements in each of which a valve arrangement for controlling an associated hydraulic consumer is provided. Said control block also comprises an oil channel which runs through at least one control block element for controlling the temperature thereof independently of the control of the valve arrangement. |
| US08789532B2 |
Ventilation mask
A ventilation mask having a cushioned facial interface and an adjustable support structure. The ventilation mask can have a gas delivery port with a gas delivery tube rotatably coupled thereto. The cushioned facial interface may have one or more interior membranes and an extended lower portion. The support structure may have an adjustable slide allowing a wearer to adjust the mask to increase comfort while maintaining a gas-tight seal between the mask and the face of the wearer. |
| US08789525B2 |
Tub for humidifier
A humidifier includes a tub configured to hold a supply of water. The tub includes a tub lid and a tub base adapted to be coupled to the tub lid. The tub further includes a base plate formed of a heat conducting material and adapted to be coupled to the tub base and a seal positioned between the base plate and the tub base. The tub also includes a retaining mechanism with at least one projection that projects from the tub base and is configured to force the base plate against the seal so that the seal is secured against the tub base. |
| US08789513B2 |
Fuel delivery system
A fuel delivery system for a direct injection internal combustion engine having two fuel rails and a plurality of fuel injectors attached to and fluidly connected with each fuel rail. A first fuel pump has its output connected with the first fuel rail while a second fuel pump has its output connected with the second fuel rail. A crossover pipe fluidly connects the outlets of both the first and second pumps. Both the first pump and the second pump each have an intake stroke and a pumping stroke. Furthermore, the intake stroke of the first pump coincides with the pumping stroke of the second pump and vice versa. |
| US08789497B2 |
Laser spark plug and method for operating same
A laser spark plug is described, in particular for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, having a combustion chamber window situated in an end area facing the combustion chamber. Arrangement is provided for cooling a volume region present in the area of the combustion chamber window and/or a medium present in the volume region. The cooling arrangement has a cooling body which has material having a relatively great thermal conductivity, in particular having a thermal conductivity of approximately 90 Watts per Kelvin and meter at room temperature or more. The cooling body is designed essentially annularly. An inner diameter of the cooling body in the area of a front side facing the combustion chamber of the cooling body is smaller than an inner diameter of the cooling body in the area of a front side of the cooling body facing away from the combustion chamber. |
| US08789496B2 |
Articulating chew toy
A toy for an animal is provided which comprises a covering of a first polymeric composition; a core of a second polymeric composition which is harder than the first polymeric composition. The core comprises a first member having a first member longitudinal axis connected with a second member having a second member longitudinal axis, wherein the first member is pivotable relative to the second member longitudinal axis and the second member pivotable relative to the first member longitudinal axis. |
| US08789493B2 |
Sealed elastomer bonded Si electrodes and the like for reduced particle contamination in dielectric etch
An electrode assembly for a plasma reaction chamber used in semiconductor substrate processing having a backing member having a bonding surface, an inner electrode having a lower surface on one side and a bonding surface on the other side, and an outer electrode having a lower surface on one side and a bonding surface on the other side. At least one of the electrodes has a flange, which extends underneath at least a portion of the lower surface of the other electrode. |
| US08789492B2 |
Coating apparatus and method
The invention is an alternative to a conventional atomizing coating apparatus. The apparatus and associated coating methodology of the invention provides a uniform atomized fluid stream, and, in turn, a uniform coating to an object on an industrial scale. The apparatus and methodology addresses many of the critical parameters associated with the conventional curtain and atomizing coating techniques, including but no limited to, uniform distribution, acoustical transparency, reduction or elimination of clogged nozzles, and elimination of the need for reciprocating nozzles. |
| US08789491B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus for applying uniform pressure on an applying roller
A cap sheet metal (and pivot sheet metal) is configured to be able to move linearly with a cap arm (and an arm stay) via engagement between an engagement hole and a fitting shaft. Furthermore, the cap sheet metal (and the pivot sheet metal) can move pivotally with respect to the cap arm (and the arm stay) using the fitting shaft, which engages with the engagement hole, as a pivotal shaft. Thus, even if, for example, the direction of biasing toward the applying roller deviates or a positional relationship with the applying roller deviates slightly, the liquid holding member moves and pivots in the bias direction depending on the deviation. As a result, the contacting pressure of a contacting portion on the applying roller can be made uniform. |
| US08789485B2 |
Device for securing a portion of a line
A device for securing a length of rope includes a housing with at least one pair of apertures therein defining a passage through the housing for receiving a line of rope. The device includes a pin extending at least partially through the interior of the housing, and a torsion spring disposed within the housing. The device further includes at least one cam member with a grooved edge portion, pivotally mounted on the pin and biased by the torsion spring so as to pivot the cam member's grooved edge portion in a direction towards an interior wall of the housing for engaging a line of rope received within the passage between the cam member's grooved edge portion and the interior wall. The at least one cam member has a lever depending from the cam member, which enables pivotal movement of the cam. |
| US08789483B2 |
Seed singulator housing and agricultural machine equipped with it
A sow housing for piecemeal sowing of seeds. The sow housing includes a seed bin and a rotating seed element having a wall that has a plurality of through holes. Each hole is arranged to, during a first part of the revolution of the hole, retain a seed as a consequence of pressure difference between the two sides of the wall. A cover is arranged to cover each hole during a second part of the revolution of the hole. |
| US08789482B2 |
Seeding machine with seed delivery system
A seed delivery system for use in a seeding machine that removes seed from a seed meter by capturing seed therefrom. The delivery system moves seed down to a lower discharge point and accelerates seed horizontally rearward to a speed approximately equal to the forward travel speed of the machine such that the seed, when discharged has a low or zero horizontal velocity relative to the ground. The delivery system uses a brush belt to capture, move and accelerate the seed. By capturing the seed and moving it from the meter to the discharge, each seed is held in place relative to other seeds and the planter row unit. As a result, the seeds are isolated from row unit dynamics thereby maintaining seed spacing. |
| US08789481B2 |
Seeding assembly in grain seeding machines
An articulated device for controlling seeding depth of a seeding assembly in grain seeding machines, more precisely, a seeding assembly with a hinge mechanism in the front part of the assembly, which allows control of the distance between the depth control wheel and the opener disk. This allows minimizing the entrance of vegetable residues, dust and moist soil, while also aiding in their expulsion, and provides an efficient and prompt way for cleaning to avoid longer out of service times of the machine. |
| US08789479B2 |
Oxygen mixer for oxygen combustion boiler
In an oxygen mixer for an oxygen combustion boiler, circulating exhaust gas heated in a rotary preheater is mixed with oxygen. Resultant mixed gas is guided to a boiler furnace through a combustion gas duct having bends. At the bend closest to the rotary preheater in the combustion gas duct, an oxygen injection nozzle is arranged to have a plurality of injection ports for injection of oxygen into circulating exhaust gas. |
| US08789472B2 |
Quasi self-contained energy storage and power supply system
Disclosed is a system of energy storage and electrical motorization to be installed on a towed car of a convoy. The system includes an energy storage module having the capacity to receive energy, to accumulate the energy over time and to restore the energy upon request in electrical form; a motor/generator transforming electrical energy into mechanical energy and vice versa. An acceleration detector is configured to generate a first signal, the first signal indicating an acceleration undergone by the car. A controller establishes for establishing commands and provides control signals to different system components according to the first signal energy storage module accumulating or restoring the energy to the electrical converter. The controller is configured to cause the motor/generator to progressively apply a tractive force in response to the first signal, the tractive force being an increasing function of the acceleration indicated by the first signal. |
| US08789471B2 |
Seal tape for gas generator
A seal tape, a gas generator for a restraining apparatus using the seal tape, and a method for manufacturing a gas generator are provided. The seal tape closes, from an outside of the gas generator housing, a gas discharge port in a housing. The seal tape includes, a rupture portion for forming a door portion, and including a fragile portion and a rupture blocking portion at a tip of the fragile portion, a fixing support portion remaining attached to the housing, and the door portion bounded by the rupture portion and the fixing support portion being adjusted such that the gas discharge port is entirely open in a case where the door portion is opened. |
| US08789468B2 |
Reactive material breaching device
A breaching device that may be used to create a linear and, if desired, continuous, cut or breach in a metal structure. The cut or breach created may be non-linear in shape and not deviate from the functionality of the device. The device includes a plurality of containers joined together, such as by a metal wire or the like to form a series of cutting charges. One or more of the containers includes Reactive Material (RM) that may be ignited electronically or some other activation mechanism. The containers that do contain RM are sealed with the RM therein and preferably fabricated to be sufficiently heat resistant so that the RM is only ignited intentionally. The RM that is contained in the containers may be fired simultaneously, sequentially or in a programmed pattern, depending on the requirements of the application. |
| US08789467B2 |
Surface safe explosive tool
An explosive tool comprises a body structure, a charge, a detonator to ignite the charge via propagation of thermal energy, a pressure actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to a surface pressure and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the pressure actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined pressure threshold, and a temperature actuated safety to prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to a surface temperature and to not prevent propagation of sufficient thermal energy to ignite the charge when the temperature actuated safety is subjected to at least a predefined temperature threshold. The charge, the detonator, the pressure actuated safety, and the temperature actuated safety are contained within the body structure. |
| US08789463B2 |
Ink storing unit for a hand-operated stamp
An ink-storage unit (5) for a hand stamp (1), including a retainer (12) in which a storage body (6) is arranged, and a frame (13) in which a printing plate (7) is arranged, wherein the frame (13) sits in a provisional mounting position on the retainer (12), in which position the storage body (6) and the printing plate (7) are held at a distance from each other, and the frame (13) can be moved into a final mounting position on the retainer (12), in which position the storage body (6) and the printing plate (7) lie against each other, wherein the storage body (6) is fixed in the retainer (12) by at least one engaging part (20); and a hand stamp including such an ink storage unit. |
| US08789460B1 |
Divided unitary cake pan
A divided cake pan and a method enable simultaneous baking, in a single unitary cake pan, of at least two varieties of cake in corresponding complementary cake segments for presenting a single predetermine cake configuration in the at least two varieties. A single batch of cake batter is divided into sub-batches, each having different ingredients, and the sub-batches are baked simultaneously in the unitary cake pan to establish the complementary cake segments with complementary faces. The complementary cake segments are removed from the cake pan, joined at complementary faces, and presented as a single integrated predetermined cake configuration including at least two varieties of cake. A preferred cake configuration is a simulated bundt cake configuration wherein the cake segments have a substantially arcuate configuration for presentation in a completed integrated ring-like configuration. |
| US08789458B2 |
Brewing system
The system includes a vertically-oriented cylinder sized to receive a selected amount of water and a substance such as coffee to be brewed. A plunger is slidingly received within the cylinder. A filter assembly separates the grounds from the brewed drink. A heating element is wrapped around the cylinder to maintain a selected temperature within the cylinder. |
| US08789456B2 |
Piston cylinder-type high-pressure generating device
A cylinder portion is divided into a cylinder main body, and two side cylinders coupled to opposite ends of the cylinder main body. The cylinder main body is configured so that a sample-enclosing capsule in which a sample and a pressure medium are enclosed can be disposed inside the cylinder main body. Pistons for load transmission are disposed at opposite ends of the interior of the cylinder portion; and locking nuts are provided on the outer sides of the positions. The pistons are moved in an axial direction by screwing the locking nuts. With this configuration, a piston cylinder-type high-pressure generating device in which a cylinder having a small outer diameter is formed of a non-magnetic material can generate a high pressure while securing a sample space having a predetermined effective volume. |
| US08789453B1 |
Dispenser pod
A dispenser pod, which includes a dispenser chassis with a first chassis end, a second chassis end and a chassis chamber, a first chassis end cover for covering the first chassis end, a second chassis end cover for covering the second chassis end, a launch system, and at least one sway brace. The first chassis end cover has at least one expendable passageway for accepting an expendable launch canister such that the expendable launch canister can enter the chassis chamber. The launch system is for expelling the expendable launch canister from the chassis chamber and through the expendable passageway. The at least one sway brace is for securing the expendable launch canister within the chassis chamber. |
| US08789448B2 |
System for and method of re-profiling locomotive and rail car wheels
One embodiment relates to an apparatus for configuring a wheel associated with a train. The apparatus comprises a tool configured to engage the wheel a compound slide system for positioning the cutting tool in at least two axes and a computer control coupled to control the compound slide system. The compound slide system is controlled so that the wheel is configured in accordance with a profile. An alignment device can be utilized to align the apparatus. The apparatus can have a low profile. |
| US08789446B1 |
Screw feeding apparatus to deliver a screw from a vibrating rail to a screw guide tube
Disclosed is a screw feeding apparatus to deliver a screw from a screw feeder having a vibrating rail to a screw guide tube. The screw feeding apparatus comprises a first actuator having a pocket and a second actuator having a screw pickup. The first actuator is moveable between a detection position and a retracted position, wherein the first actuator is configured to detect a screw in the pocket received from the vibrating rail of the screw feeder in the detection position and to then move to the retracted position. The second actuator is moveable between a pickup position and a drop position, wherein the screw pickup of the second actuator is configured to pick up the screw from the pocket of the first actuator in the pickup position and to move to the drop position to drop the screw into the screw guide tube. |
| US08789445B1 |
Air powered nut runner
An air driven nut rotation device to rapidly advance a nut along a threaded rod. An apertured engagement disk is registerable about a nut threadably positioned on a rod. A plurality of radially positioned drive arms extend from said disk providing multiple spaced air impingement surfaces which when driven by a stream of air rapidly rotate the disk and nut engaged thereby advancing it along the threaded shaft in selected directional rotation depending on airstream directional engagement. |
| US08789443B2 |
Transmission and transmission housing with multiple dipsticks and dipstick apertures, circumferentially positioned internal lugs and an adjacent fluid inlet port
A transmission housing, or transmission including a transmission housing, having a plurality of oil pan access ports positioned on the housing for receiving in each access port, or one of the access ports, a transmission fluid indicator that is used to monitor a level of transmission fluid in an oil pan mounted to a bottom of the transmission housing. The transmission fluid indicator may be a manual indicator, such as a dipstick, or an automated indicator, such as a sensor that is configured to generate one or more electrical signals indicative of a level of the transmission fluid in the oil pan. |
| US08789441B2 |
Pedal feel simulation system
A system and method for simulating pedal feel. The system includes a brake pedal having a support, a brake pedal arm pivotably attached at a pivot connection to the support, and a torsion spring mounted at the brake pedal arm pivot connection. In addition, a compression spring, spaced apart from the pivot connection, is connected to the support and to the brake pedal. |
| US08789435B2 |
Cam self-adaptive automatic speed shift hub
A cam self-adaptive automatic speed shift hub comprises a left hub frame (7), a right hub frame (18), a case body (4), a power input device, a drive shaft (1), a wheel (14) and a brake device (20). The hub further includes a low-gear drive shaft (12), a low-gear transmission mechanism positioned on the low-gear drive shaft (12), and a cone-disc clutch cam self-adaptive speed shift assembly positioned on the drive shaft (1), in which the low-gear drive shaft (12) positioned in the case body (4) is in rotation fit with the case body (4) and in parallel with the drive shaft (1). Such a cam self-adaptive automatic speed shift hub can allow the motor/engine output power and vehicle running condition always in an optimal matching state, to achieve balance control between the vehicle driving torque and the comprehensive driving resistance. |
| US08789434B2 |
Seven speed dual clutch transmission
A transmission connectable to an input member and having an output transfer gear, first and second transmission input shaft members, first and second countershaft members, an idler shaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the transmission input members and the output member. |
| US08789432B2 |
Inspection vehicle for inspecting an air gap between the rotor and the stator of a generator
An inspection vehicle (24) for inspecting an air gap (14) between the rotor (11) and the stator (12) of a generator (10) includes drive elements (26, 27) for the independent progressive movement in the air gap (14). A particularly compact construction and flexible application is achieved by the drive elements (26, 27) being formed as elongated, flexionally elastic, torsionally rigid, magnetic rolls. |
| US08789428B2 |
Measuring transducer as well as measuring system formed therewith
A measuring transducer comprises at least one measuring tube for carrying a flowing medium as well as a transducer housing mechanically coupled with the at least one measuring tube. The transducer housing includes: an inner shell forming a cavity accommodating the at least one measuring tube; and an outer cladding formed at least partially by means of yarn, namely cladding placed outside of the cavity and surrounding the inner shell. |
| US08789425B2 |
Micro/nano-mechanical test system employing tensile test holder with push-to-pull transformer
A micromachined or microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based push-to-pull mechanical transformer for tensile testing of micro-to-nanometer scale material samples including a first structure and a second structure. The second structure is coupled to the first structure by at least one flexible element that enables the second structure to be moveable relative to the first structure, wherein the second structure is disposed relative to the first structure so as to form a pulling gap between the first and second structures such that when an external pushing force is applied to and pushes the second structure in a tensile extension direction a width of the pulling gap increases so as to apply a tensile force to a test sample mounted across the pulling gap between a first sample mounting area on the first structure and a second sample mounting area on the second structure. |
| US08789423B2 |
High frequency vibration system
A method and apparatus for testing an object. A testing unit comprises a base structure, a contact structure, and piezoelectric transducers. The piezoelectric transducers are located between the base structure and the contact structure. A preload is present on the piezoelectric transducers. |
| US08789419B2 |
Ultrasonic non-destructive testing
An apparatus and method for ultrasonic non-destructive testing provides an elongate strip of ultrasound transmissive material coupled at a proximal end to an object under test. The elongate strip has a transverse cross-section with a width and thickness giving an aspect ratio greater than unity and matched to the ultrasonic transducer such that excitation induces a substantially non-dispersive ultrasonic signal to propagate along the elongate strip to the proximal end and to enter the object under test. These non-dispersive pulses are particularly suited for time-of-flight measurements, thickness measurements, crack measurements and the like. The elongate strip helps to separate the transducer from a potentially hostile environment associated with the object under test. The elongate strip also has a large area of contact with the object under test allowing efficient transmission of energy into the object under test. |
| US08789417B2 |
Inertial sensor and angular velocity detection method using the same
Disclosed herein is an inertial sensor including: a driving part displaceably supported by a support; a driving electrode vibrating the driving part; and a detecting electrode detecting a force acting on the driving part in a predetermined direction, wherein the driving part includes: a center driving mass positioned at the center of the inertial sensor; side driving masses connected to and interlocking with the center driving mass and positioned at four sides based on the center driving mass; and connection bridges connecting the center driving mass, the side driving masses, and the support to each other. |
| US08789415B2 |
Gravity gradiometer
The present disclosure provides a gravity gradiometer that comprises a detector for detecting a gravity gradient. The detector comprises at least one movable sensing element and that is arranged to generate a signal in response to a change in gravity gradient. The gravity gradiometer also comprises a support structure for supporting the detector in an aircraft and a component that is arranged to reduce transmission of an aircraft acceleration to the detector. The at least one movable sensing element and the support structure together are arranged to reduce an influence of the aircraft acceleration on the signal by a factor of at least 107 when the gravity gradiometer is airborne and exposed to the aircraft acceleration. |
| US08789413B2 |
Unidirectional clutch assembly
A unidirectional clutch assembly for coupling an input shaft to a driven shaft, uses an internal shaft positioned within a moveable clutch disc and a stationary clutch disc. The moveable disc has an engaging element for releasably engaging the internal shaft when the moveable clutch disc is rotated in a primary rotation direction by the driven shaft. The stationary clutch disc has a second engaging element for releasably engaging the internal shaft when the internal shaft is rotated relative to the stationary clutch disc in the opposite direction. When the driven shaft rotates in the primary rotational direction, the moveable clutch disc engages, and the stationary clutch disc disengages, the internal shaft, allowing it to rotate freely in the primary rotational direction. When the driven shaft rotates in the opposite direction, the moveable clutch disc disengages, and the stationary clutch disc engages, the internal shaft preventing its rotation. |
| US08789412B2 |
Transmission device for transmitting information about tire condition and tire condition monitoring system
A tire condition monitoring system includes a transmission device, a receiving device, and a monitoring section. The transmitting device includes a sensor which detects, as tire information, a condition of gas in the tire cavity area surrounded with a tire and a rim, a transmitter which wirelessly transmits the tire information, and a housing having a wall surrounding the sensor and the transmitter and separating an inner space from the tire cavity area. The housing wall defines a communicating through hole which enables communication between the cavity area and inner space and a selectively non-communicating through hole having a member which is movable between blocking and unblocking positions to impede and enable communication, respectively, between the cavity area and inner space. The receiving device receives the tire information, and the monitoring section determines whether a tire anomaly exists based on the tire information and provides a result. |
| US08789410B2 |
Device for monitoring metal wires in a tire
The device (18) for checking a tire (14) reinforcing thread comprises: an induction member (68, 70) that induces a magnetic flux (P1, P2; P) in the thread (42a-b; 100; 102), a support (67) supporting the induction member (68, 70) having the overall shape of a U and comprising legs (82, 84) that conduct the magnetic flux (P) into the thread (42a-b; 100; 102), the legs defining a direction of alignment of the device, at least one receiver member (74) that receives the magnetic flux (P1, P2; P) flowing through the thread (42a-b; 100; 102) situated between the legs (82, 84). The dimensions of the receiver member are designed so as to measure only the magnetic flux flowing through the thread (42a-b; 100; 102) when, in operation, the direction of alignment (18) is parallel to the thread (42a-b; 100; 102). |
| US08789407B2 |
Method and measuring device for determining the content in at least one filter aid in a liquid medium
The invention relates to a novel method for determining or measuring the content of at least one filter aid in an un-filtered product. |
| US08789401B2 |
Method for producing a support roll for a rolling mill
Disclosed is a support roll for a rolling mill, such as a plate rolling mill, flat rolling mill, or similar, comprising a jacket and a roll shaft which is embodied in several parts. The invention also relates to a method for producing a support roll. |
| US08789399B2 |
Method for leveling parts in a roller leveling machine
A method for leveling parts in a roller leveling machine, which includes an upper and a lower roller frame, and in which upper and lower leveling rollers are each arranged in a separate leveling roller block, at least one of the leveling roller blocks being variable in its position and angle so that the leveling gap can be adjusted, wherein at least one leveling gap setting device is arranged at the infeed side and at the outfeed side of the leveling machine, and an automatic leveling gap control is provided to set the leveling gap. The method includes determining, for each leveling triangle of the roller leveling machine, an offset value based on the thickness, width, and bending moment of the part to be leveled and characteristics of the leveling machine including a max deflection of the roller frame, and readjusting a setting device of the leveling gap as a function of the leveling triangles mapped onto the part to be leveled as it moves through the leveling gap. |
| US08789395B2 |
Washing machine and balancer thereof
The washing machine includes a rotating tub arranged to be rotatable about a shaft. A first mass member is mounted to the rotating tub so as not to be moved relative to the rotating tub in a circumferential direction of the rotating tub. The first mass member serves to apply load imbalance to the rotating tub upon rotation of the rotating tub. Also, a second mass member is arranged to be movable in the circumferential direction of the rotating tub. The second mass member serves to compensate for load imbalance of the rotating tub upon rotation of the rotating tub. |
| US08789394B2 |
Resin-coated glove
Provided is a glove which has good adhesiveness to a rubber or resin coating material and excellent durability and further fits a hand well enabling good work efficiency. The glove is knitted from a covered yarn obtained by winding a sheath yarn around a core yarn and at least a part of the surface thereof is coated with a rubber or resin coating material, wherein the sheath yarn is a crimped yarn made of a high strength fiber having, as a property of a raw yarn, a tensile strength of 1.75 N/tex or more as measured according to JIS L 1013 8.5, and the crimped yarn simultaneously satisfies the following (1) to (3): (1) a degree of bulkiness of 40 cm3/g or more as measured according to JIS L 1013 8.16 A method after hot water treatment at 90° C. for 20 minutes, (2) a bulk compression modulus of 80% or more as measured according to the same method, and (3) a shrinkage/elongation ratio of 20% or more as measured according to JIS L 1013 8.11 A method. |
| US08789393B2 |
Optical fiber preform, method of manufacturing optical fiber preform, and method of manufacturing optical fiber
A porous layer is formed by depositing a silica glass particle around a core rod. The porous layer is dehydrated. The dehydrated porous layer is sintered under a decreased pressure until the dehydrated porous layer becomes a translucent glass layer containing a closed pore. The translucent glass layer is vitrified under an ambient atmosphere including an inert gas other than a helium gas. |
| US08789391B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing a crucible of quartz glass
The invention starts from a method for producing a crucible of quartz glass in that SiO2 inner layer granules are vitrified in a rotating melting mold, which is covered at least in part by a heat shield, in a light gas-containing atmosphere under the action of a plasma to obtain a transparent inner layer, at least part of the light gas being supplied to the melting mold through a gas inlet of the heat shield. In order to form an inner layer with a particularly low bubble content and with minimal efforts in terms of energy and material, it is proposed that in a layer forming step preceding the vitrifying step a granule layer consisting of the SiO2 inner layer granules is formed on the inner wall of the crucible, and that the plasma zone and the heat shield are movable together with the gas inlet and are moved laterally in the direction of the granule layer during the vitrifying step taken for vitrifying the granule layer. |
| US08789390B2 |
Near net fused silica articles and method of making
A near-net or net shape fused silica glass article, such as a radome. The article is formed by depositing silica soot onto a mandrel having a shape that corresponds to the shape of the fused silica glass article. In some embodiments, the mandrel is inductively heated to a temperature that is sufficient to consolidate or sinter the silica soot upon deposition onto the mandrel to form fused silica glass. The fused silica glass article may have an outer layer that is under compression and/or multiple layers comprising various dopants that can alter or affect physical, mechanical, electrical, and/or optical properties. |
| US08789384B2 |
Computer rack cooling using independently-controlled flow of coolants through a dual-section heat exchanger
Embodiments of the present invention include a cooling system and method for cooling a computer rack by circulating liquid coolant through different sections of a rack heat exchanger under separately controlled flow and temperature conditions. In a method according to one embodiment, a first liquid coolant is supplied to a first section of an air-to-liquid heat exchanger. A second liquid coolant is supplied to a second section of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger at a different temperature than the first liquid coolant. Airflow is generated through rack-mounted computer components to the first and second sections of the air-to-liquid heat exchanger. The flow rates of the first and second liquid coolants are independently controlled to enforce a target cooling parameter. The independent operation of the first and second fin tube sections allows for the increased use of un-chilled water without sacrificing heat removal objectives. |
| US08789383B2 |
Vehicle fairing for use with air conditioning unit
A vehicle including a vehicle body, an air conditioning unit, and a fairing. The vehicle body includes a roof having a front portion and a rear portion. The air conditioning unit is disposed within the vehicle body and includes a condenser configured to receive air from outside the vehicle body through an opening in the rear portion of the roof. The fairing is disposed over the rear portion of the roof and the opening thereby defining an interior volume between the fairing and the rear portion of the roof. The fairing includes a leading portion oriented toward the front portion of the roof. The leading portion has an air inlet such that when the vehicle moves in a forward direction air from outside the vehicle body enters the interior volume through the air inlet, passes through the opening, and passes through the condenser. |
| US08789378B2 |
Magnetic flux detection apparatus
A magnetic flux detection apparatus and a system with the magnetic flux detection apparatus are provided. The magnetic flux detection apparatus includes the magnetic material, at least one heated or cooled magneto caloric effect material (MCEM), a permanent magnetic element, at least one magnetic sensing element, and at least one amount of magnetic flux or magnetic flux path. The heated or cooled magneto caloric effect material is disposed to the magnetic material. The amount of magnetic flux or magnetic flux path is formed and passing through the permanent magnetic element, the cooled magneto caloric effect material, and the first portion of the magnetic material. A magnetic sensing element senses the amount of the magnetic flux or the magnetic flux path for outputting a sensing voltage and a corresponding sensing voltage value so as to apply the best thermal energy-applying algorithm into the magnetic system to output power efficiently. |
| US08789377B1 |
Gas turbine engine with liquid metal cooling
A gas turbine engine with a closed loop liquid metal cooling fluid system for cooling stator vanes within the turbine, in which the stator vanes include a liquid metal cooling passage lined with Tantalum or Molybdenum and a liquid metal cooling fluid of Bismuth or Lead or Zinc or Tin or alloy mixtures of these metals. |
| US08789371B2 |
Power generation apparatus
A power generation apparatus including a boiler feedwater pump turbine control system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a power generation apparatus is disclosed, including: a boiler feedwater pump turbine having a low pressure steam inlet and a high pressure steam inlet; a high pressure control valve for controlling admission of high pressure steam to the high pressure steam inlet; a low pressure control valve for controlling admission of low pressure steam to the low pressure steam inlet; and a control system operably coupled to the high pressure control valve and the low pressure control valve, the control system configured to close the low pressure control valve and prevent flow of the low pressure steam to the boiler feedwater pump turbine in response to a request for increased power output from a power grid. |
| US08789364B2 |
Vacuum assist pump system
A vacuum assist pump system includes a vacuum assist pump for assisting to a brake system by vacuum, wherein it includes a suction compensation pump connected with the vacuum assist pump. Advantageously, a vacuum compensation reservoir is arranged between the vacuum assist pump and the suction compensation pump. The vacuum compensation reservoir comprises a vacuity sensor for its internal vacuity and two interfaces. One of the two interfaces communicates to the suction compensation pump, the other communicates to the vacuum assist pump. |
| US08789362B2 |
Metering system for injecting a reducing agent into the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine
A metering system for injecting a reducing agent into the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine for selective catalytic reduction, including a reducing agent tank, a metering pump, an air compressor for a compressed air supply, at least one nozzle which is in a flow connection to a pressure line of the compressed air supply and a pressure line of the metering pump and by which the reducing agent can be injected into the exhaust gas flow by means of compressed air, the air compressor being located on a mounting plate and having channels which form intake and pressure lines of the air compressor and which have connection regions at the outlets from the mounting plate and one or more pockets which are in a flow connection to the channels and which form the intake connection and/or the pressure connection of the air compressor. |
| US08789356B2 |
Zoned catalytic filters for treatment of exhaust gas
Provided is an SCRF article having different SCR catalysts compositions disposed on a wall-flow filter substrate in zones that are arranged in series with respect to the inlet and outlet faces of the substrate. Also provided is method of reducing backpressure and ammonia slip that involves the use of such SCRF articles. |
| US08789354B2 |
Gas turbine engine with separate core and propulsion unit
A gas turbine engine includes a propulsion unit mounted to rotate about a first axis, and a core engine mounted to rotate about a second axis, and wherein the first and second axes are non-parallel. A gas turbine engine includes a propulsion unit driven by a free turbine which is adjacent to the propulsion unit and an associated fan, and having a gas generator core engine including a compressor, combustor and turbine section. A method is also disclosed. |
| US08789352B2 |
Layered cord for tire belt
A compact metal cable having two layers (C1, C2) of construction 1+N, rubberized in situ, usable in particular as a reinforcing element for a tire belt for a heavy industrial vehicle, comprising a core or inner layer (C1) comprising a single core wire of diameter d1, and a saturated outer layer (C2) of N wires of diameter d2 wound together in a helix at a pitch p2 around the layer C1. The layered cable has the following characteristics (d1, d2, p2 in mm): 0.15 |
| US08789346B2 |
Exotic air for commemorating event
Air is trapped in a container at an origin location associated with an event, and the container is sealed to hermetically confine the trapped air therein. The container is provided with a commemorative object or indicia identifying the event associated with the air that was trapped, typically by fixing the object on the container or on a support carrying the container. The container with the commemorative object are then moved to a destination location distant from the location at which the event took place, and the container holding the air and provided with the commemorative object is displayed there. |
| US08789345B2 |
Transportation of sulphur from solid sulphur deposits, in blocks of large dimensions
Procedure for the low-risk and zero-emission transportation of sulphur from solid sulphur deposits, in blocks of large dimensions, characterized in that it comprises the formation of blocks of sulphur, having suitable dimensions for being moved, by means of water cut techniques and the wrapping of the blocks obtained in polyethylene sheets. |