Document Document Title
US08795563B2 Roll press comprising two mobile rolls
A roll press for the compression or compacting of granular products. Two detachable rolls separated by a roll gap are driven in opposite directions and mounted on shafts to rotate in a machine frame. The shafts of the mobile rolls are received in bearing housings arranged in a mobile manner in the machine frame. Two respective bearing housings of different rolls, arranged on one side of the rolls, are interconnected by at least one pressure cylinder having at least two working chambers. A method for centering mobile rolls in such a roll press. The at least two working chambers have a force effect acting in opposite directions, and are interconnected in such a way that a pressure medium can circulate between the chambers. In this way, the hydraulic system is positioned in a fixed manner on the machine frame, the rolls nonetheless being mounted in the machine frame in a floating manner.
US08795561B2 Process of forming a nanofiber non-woven containing particles
A process for forming a nanofiber non-woven includes mixing a first and second thermoplastic polymer and a plurality of particles, then subjecting the mixture to elongational forces when the first and second polymers are in a softened condition forming nanofibers of the first polymer. Next, the mixture is brought to a condition where the temperature is below the softening temperature of the first polymer forming a first intermediate. The first intermediate is consolidated forming the second intermediate where at least 70% of the nanofibers are fused to other nanofibers. Next, at least a portion of the second polymer is removed and at least 50% of the particles are positioned adjacent a surface of the nanofibers.
US08795559B2 Method for forming imagers
A micro-lens array with reduced or no empty space between individual micro-lenses and a method for forming same. The micro-lens array is formed by patterning a first set of micro-lens material in a checkerboard pattern on a substrate. The first set of micro-lens material is reflowed and cured into first micro-lenses impervious to subsequent reflows. Then, a second set of micro-lens material is patterned in spaces among the first micro-lenses, reflowed and cured into second micro-lenses. The reflows and cures can be conducted under different conditions, and the micro-lenses may be differently sized. The conditions of the reflows can be chosen to ensure that the focal lengths of micro-lenses are optimized for maximum sensor signal.
US08795558B2 Methods for formation of an ophthalmic lens precursor and lens
This invention discloses methods for generating one or both of an ophthalmic lens precursor with at least a portion of one surface free-formed from a Reactive Mixture. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens precursor is formed on a substrate with an arcuate optical quality surface via a source of actinic radiation controllable to cure a definable portion of a volume of Reactive Mixture.
US08795554B2 Sputtering target for oxide semiconductor, comprising InGaO3(ZnO) crystal phase and process for producing the sputtering target
Disclosed is a sputtering target for an oxide semiconductor, comprising In, Ga, and Zn. Also disclosed are a process for producing the sputtering target, a thin film of an oxide semiconductor using a sputtering target, and a method for thin-film transistor formation. The sputtering target comprises an oxide sintered compact containing a compound having a homologous crystal structure represented by InGaO3(ZnO) and exhibits such an X-ray diffraction pattern that the proportion of peaks at 2θ=62 to 63 degrees to the maximum peak of InGaO3(ZnO) is not more than 3%.
US08795552B2 Liquid-crystalline medium
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium containing one or more compounds of the formula I and one or more compounds selected from the group of the compounds of the formula IA to IE in which R0, R1, R2, X0, X1, X2, A1, Z1, m, p, q, v have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to the use thereof in electro-optical liquid-crystal displays.
US08795548B1 Silicon wafer polishing composition and related methods
A chemical mechanical polishing composition for polishing silicon wafers is provided, containing: water; a cation according to formula (I); piperazine or a piperazine derivative according to formula (II); and, optionally, a pH adjusting agent; wherein the polishing composition exhibits a silicon removal rate of at least 300 nm/min. Also provided are methods of making and using the chemical mechanical polishing composition.
US08795538B2 Profile method in magnetic write head fabrication
A method according to one embodiment includes depositing a dielectric hard mask layer above a polymer mask under-layer; forming a photoresist mask above the hard mask layer; transferring the image of the photoresist mask onto the hard mask layer using reactive ion etching, thereby defining a hard mask; determining that a critical dimension bias of the hard mask is within or outside a specification; and changing a level of an input source power used during a subsequent reactive ion etching step to move the critical dimension bias towards a target critical dimension bias when the critical dimension bias of the hard mask is outside the specification. Additional embodiments are also disclosed.
US08795532B2 Process for operating a cooling tower comprising the treatment of feed water by direct osmosis
A process for operating a cooling tower (10), said process comprising: introducing a feed solution into a cooling tower, evaporating solvent from the feed solution to produce a concentrated solution, removing a portion of the concentrated solution as blow-down, passing at least a portion of the blow-down through a first membrane in a nanofiltration unit (14), such that at least some of the solute in the blow-down are retained as a concentrated blow-down solution on the retentate-side of the first membrane, contacting at least a portion of the concentrated blow-down solution (42) with one side of a second membrane (12) and contacting a solution having a lower solute concentration than the combined concentrated blow-down solution and the return from the cooling tower with the opposite side of the second membrane, such that solvent flows across the second membrane to dilute the concentrated blow down solution by direct osmosis, and re-introducing the diluted blow-down solution to the cooling tower.
US08795529B2 Disposable monolithic column
Permeable polymeric monolithic materials are prepared in a plastic column casing. In one embodiment, the permeable polymeric monolithic materials are polymerized by the application of heat from an external source starting at a low temperature such as 40 degrees centigrade, depending on the mixture and size of the column, and continuing at a higher temperature, such as 60 degrees centigrade. The temperature at the start of the polymerization is low enough so as not to cause exothermal run-away conditions and to avoid high heat of reaction that would prevent a substantially constant temperature across the cross-section of the column. The higher temperature is used after sufficient monomer depletion has occurred and steric interference has increased so the polymerization reaction is sufficiently slow to avoid heat of reaction generation high enough to cause significant reduction in the homogeneousness of the pore sizes.
US08795527B2 Filtration system
A filtration system includes a vessel for housing at least two filtration elements. One or more of the filtration elements is a reverse osmosis membrane or a nanofiltration membrane and one of the other filtration elements is a microfiltration or ultrafiltration membrane. The vessel has an inlet port for providing a liquid feed to the filtration elements, an outlet port for directing a permeate produced by the elements from the vessel and an outlet port for directing a concentrate produced by the elements from the vessel. A number of vessels can be provided in a parallel arrangement and/or a series arrangement and the vessels can be arranged so as to allow regeneration of the microfiltration or ultrationfiltration membranes from another vessel in the arrangement.
US08795522B2 Lubricating oil conditioning filter containing improved pelletized conditioner
An improved oil filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, comprises a hollow filter housing defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet with a flow path therebetween; a mechanically active filter member disposed inside the filter housing in the flow path; and a chemically active filter member disposed inside the filter housing in the flow path. The chemically active filter member comprises a plurality of composite oil additive pellets. The plurality of pellets is interconnected to form a substantially integral permeable member, and the substantially integral permeable member is impregnated with an alkaline composition. The alkaline composition is provided to counteract acidic combustion products in lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine.
US08795515B2 Catalytic dechlorination processes to upgrade feedstock containing chloride as fuels
Processes for the catalytic dechlorination of one or more hydrocarbon products involve contacting a mixture comprising the hydrocarbon product(s) and a carrier gas with a dechlorination catalyst under catalytic dechlorination conditions to provide a dechlorinated hydrocarbon product, HCl, and the carrier gas. The dechlorinated hydrocarbon product may be separated from the HCl and the carrier gas to provide liquid fuel or lubricating base oil.
US08795512B2 Method for measuring and/or calibrating a gas sensor
A method for measuring and/or calibrating a gas sensor for determining oxygenic gas components in gas mixtures in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines. The gas sensor has one internal pump electrode IPE, one external pump electrode APE and one decomposition electrode NOE. The measurement and/or calibration may be carried out during the ongoing operation of the gas sensor by removing the gas component and/or oxygen from one of the chambers, by introducing oxygen in a controlled manner into one of the chambers with the aid of electrochemical pumping processes. The changes caused by the introduced oxygen are measured against an additional electrode and the gas sensor may be measured and/or calibrated using the measured values.
US08795510B2 Pool cleaner with integral chlorine generator
An automated self-propelled robotic pool cleaner having a housing and drive means for moving the pool cleaner over at least the bottom wall of a pool, is provided with an integral on-board electrochemical chlorine generator for producing chlorine from a chlorine compound, e.g., sodium chloride, that is dissolved in the pool water, a source of electrical power operatively connected to the electrochemical chlorine generator, control means for initiating and terminating the operation of the chlorine generator, and an outlet for discharging water containing chlorine ions produced by the electrochemical generator to thereby distribute the chlorine into the water proximate the exterior of the pool cleaner housing as the pool cleaner follows a programmed operational mode across the bottom and/or side walls of the pool. The operation of the chlorine generator is in response to a manually operated switch and/or signals generated by an automated testing probe, which signals are transmitted directly or indirectly to the control means.
US08795499B2 Isotachophoresis of blood-derived samples
Methods are provided for forming a complex comprising an analyte (or an analyte analog) from a blood-derived sample and labeling substances, and separating the complex from excess labeling substances and coexisting substances from the blood-derived sample, in a rapid, simple, convenient, and highly precise isotachophoresis (ITP) process by adding 2-(N-morpholino)ethane sulfonate (MES) salt and/or glutamate salt to the ITP sample. Methods are also provided for measuring the analyte in blood-derived samples with high precision and high sensitivity, based on the amount of the complex separated or the amount of uncomplexed labeling substance-containing molecules.
US08795498B2 Microbial cell and particle selection system and method of use
The invention comprises two key components: dielectrophoresis (DEP) and reversible binding surfaces. DEP has become an important tool for trapping dielectric particles. Moreover, DEP can manipulate cell movement as dictated by the intrinsic dielectric constant of the cell without modification. DEP therefore provides a mechanism by which to force targets in a flow channel to a reversible binding surface. By building selectivity into the binding surface, the capacity to choose which targets can be held after the dielectric field is turned off, providing a separation strategy that does not suffer from fouling issues, as large foulants can freely pass over the surface through the flow channel.
US08795496B2 Method for manufacturing a one-dimensional nano-structure-based device
A method for manufacturing a one-dimensional nano-structure-based device comprises the steps of: preparing a solution (14) containing one-dimensional nano-structures (18); providing a pair of electrical conductors (10, 12) each having a tip (101, 121), the tips thereof being spaced apart from and opposite to each other; applying the solution to the tips of the electrical conductors thereby the tips being interconnected by the solution; applying a voltage (16) between the two conductors thereby at least one one-dimensional nano-structure being interconnected between the tips of the electrical conductors; and applying an external energy to at least one of the conductors and the one-dimensional nano-structure so as to disconnect the conductors from each other thereby obtaining at least one conductor having the tip with the one-dimensional nano-structure connected therewith.
US08795495B2 Method for manufacturing a one-dimensional nano-structure-based device
A method for manufacturing a one-dimensional nano-structure-based device includes the steps of preparing a solution (14) containing one-dimensional nano-structures (18); providing a plurality of electrical conductors (42), each of the electrical conductors having a first tip (421) to be treated; providing a fixing device (44) having a second tip (441); connecting at least one of the one-dimensional nano-structures with one of the electrical conductors; and repeating the connecting step to another one of the first tips to be treated. Therein, the connecting step further includes the steps of, in part: applying at least a drop of the solution to the first and second tips thereby the first and second tips being interconnected by the solution; applying a voltage between the first and second tips thereby at least one one-dimensional nano-structures being interconnected therewith; and separating the second tip from the first tip.
US08795492B2 Gas sensor element
A gas sensor element includes a solid electrolyte body having oxygen ion conductivity, a pair of measurement and reference electrodes respectively provided on an opposite pair of first and second surfaces of the solid electrolyte body, a porous diffusion-resistant layer through which a measurement gas is introduced to the measurement electrode, and a protective layer. The protective layer is provided to cover, at least, an outer surface of the porous diffusion-resistant layer through which the measurement gas flows into the diffusion-resistant layer. The protective layer is hydrophilic at room temperature and water-repellent at high temperatures at which the solid electrolyte body can be activated.
US08795488B2 Apparatus for physical vapor deposition having centrally fed RF energy
In some embodiments, a feed structure to couple RF energy to a target may include a body having a first end to receive RF energy and a second end opposite the first end to couple the RF energy to a target, the body further having a central opening disposed through the body from the first end to the second end; a first member coupled to the body at the first end, wherein the first member comprises a first element circumscribing the body and extending radially outward from the body, and one or more terminals disposed in the first member to receive RF energy from an RF power source; and a source distribution plate coupled to the second end of the body to distribute the RF energy to the target, wherein the source distribution plate includes a hole disposed through the plate and aligned with the central opening of the body.
US08795487B2 Physical vapor deposition chamber with rotating magnet assembly and centrally fed RF power
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods and apparatus for physical vapor deposition (PVD) processing of substrates. In some embodiments, an apparatus for physical vapor deposition (PVD) may include a target assembly having a target comprising a source material to be deposited on a substrate, an opposing source distribution plate disposed opposite a backside of the target and electrically coupled to the target along a peripheral edge of the target, and a cavity disposed between the backside of the target and the source distribution plate; an electrode coupled to the source distribution plate at a point coincident with a central axis of the target; and a magnetron assembly comprising a rotatable magnet disposed within the cavity and having an axis of rotation that is aligned with a central axis of the target assembly, wherein the magnetron assembly is not driven through the electrode.
US08795486B2 PVD target with end of service life detection capability
A PVD target structure for use in physical vapor deposition. The PVD target structure includes a consumable slab of source material and one or more detectors for indicating when the slab of source material is approaching or has been reduced to a given quantity representing a service lifetime endpoint of the target structure.
US08795485B2 Microelectrode array
Microelectrode comprising a body formed from electrically non-conducting material and including at least one region of electrically conducting material and at least one passage extending through the body of non-conducting material and the region of conducting material, the electrically conducting region presenting an area of electrically conducting material to a fluid flowing through the passage in use. An electrochemical cell which includes such a microelectrode is also disclosed.
US08795483B2 Two-chamber coaxial electrolyser device
The disclosure relates to an electrochemical treatment of liquids and production of gases. Increased operating efficiency of an electrochemical device is achieved through the combination of measures: (1) sealing of the device on an element-by-element basis; (2) transfer of the liquid and gaseous phase interface into a passive extension of an anode chamber; (3) utilization of a tubular cathode as an inner wall and a cylindrical anode with an external coating as an outer wall; (4) positioning of channels and determining their dimensions so as to maintain helicity of electrolyte movement combined with the increase of the production output; (5) positioning and design of terminals, which provide for the reduction of their heating; and (6) ability of the device to operate under the conditions, when its longitudinal axis deviates from the vertical line by an angle of γ≦85° and under pumping conditions.
US08795475B2 System and method for recycling of carbon-containing materials
There is described a system and method for recycling carbon-containing material, in particular tires and plastics materials. The system includes a heating arrangement for anaerobically heating carbon containing material to produce carbon-containing gases. A condensing arrangement is also used to condense a proportion of the carbon-containing gases to provide condensed gases and non-condensed gases. In addition, a recirculating arrangement is provided for recirculating the non-condensed gases into the heating arrangement. Further systems and methods for pre- and post-processing of the carbon-containing material are also disclosed and products of the systems and methods are also described.
US08795472B2 Process for generating a hydrocarbon feedstock from lignin
The present invention discloses processes for generating a hydrocarbon feedstock for biofuels synthesis from lignin via hydroprocessing. Embodiments of the present invention can occur in a refinery setting or in a paper mill setting. Embodiments of the present invention can utilize the separated lignin or the entire black liquor solution.
US08795471B2 Composite intermediate, method for forming same, and use of the composite intermediate
A web-type composite intermediate is formed from fibers and plastic. The composite intermediate is formed by wet web formation from a substantially homogeneous liquid mixture which contains natural fibers, plastic particles having a diameter of less than approximately 1000 μm, and an agent that improves compatibility between natural fibers and plastic particles. In addition, a method for forming a composite intermediate and the use of the composite intermediate are also described.
US08795470B2 System and method for producing bonded fiber/cellulose products
A system and method of producing both loose cellulose insulation and bonded fiber/cellulose insulation products utilizing shredded paper particles, including making shredded paper particles in a shredded paper particle line and diverting a portion of the shredded paper particles to a bonded fiber/cellulose product line whereby the shredded paper particle line forms an in-process production and delivery of shredded paper particles to the bonded fiber/cellulose product line. Moisture is added to the shredded paper particles at the bonded fiber/cellulose product line, and bonded fiber/cellulose insulation products are produced with the bonded fiber/cellulose product line from the diverted portion of shredded paper particles and loose cellulose insulation is produced from shredded paper particles that are not diverted from the shredded paper particle line.
US08795468B2 Method and system for impregnating chips
The withdrawal screen section is for impregnation of chips during the manufacture of chemical pulp. Chips are steamed and impregnated in a low pressure impregnation vessel using pressurized hot spent cooking liquor BL. The spent cooking liquor produces most of the steam BLST necessary for steaming the chips. To reduce the need for adding fresh steam for chip steaming is a first withdrawal section in the impregnation vessel modified to be used both as a flash tank for warm pressurized wash filtrate and improved wash-out feature for the spent impregnation liquid behind the screen in the withdrawal section. The withdrawal volume is arranged with an upper part located above the liquid level LIQLEV of the impregnation vessel. Additional pressurized warm wash liquor REC1 is added to the withdrawal volume and flashed off steam is led in a steam duct to the chip volume above the liquid level.
US08795461B2 Method for stretching carbon nanotube film
A method for stretching a carbon nanotube film includes providing one or more carbon nanotube films and one or more elastic supporters, attaching at least one portion of the one or more carbon nanotube films to the one or more elastic supporters, and stretching the elastic supporters.
US08795460B2 Indexable cutter insert, construction for same and method for making same
A method of making a construction for an indexable cutter insert, the method including providing a wafer (20) comprising ceramic material, the wafer (20) being substantially unsupported by a cemented carbide substrate and having a mean thickness of at most 2 mm; providing an insert base (30) having proximate and distal major ends (33, 34) connected by peripheral sides (36), the proximate end (33) of the insert base (30) being configured to have at least two corners (35) defined by junctions of the peripheral sides (36); the wafer (20) being configured to have at least two corners (25) corresponding to the two corners (35) of the proximate end (33) of the insert base (30); the method including bonding the wafer (20) to the proximate end (33) by means of a bond material, the corners (25) of the wafer (20) being disposed adjacent the corresponding corners (35) of the proximate end (33) to provide the construction.
US08795459B2 Method for producing a trim element having a decorative area with a particular appearance
A vehicle interior trim element has at least one substrate layer covered with a skin having an outer surface containing a plurality of asperities, regularly distributed on the outer surface. The outer surface of the skin defines an outer surface of the trim element that is visible within the vehicle interior. The trim element may be processed by applying a heat source on part of the outer surface forming a decorative area, the application of the heat source being arranged to at least reduce the height of the asperities in the decorative areas such that the decorative area has a different appearance from the rest of the outer surface.
US08795458B2 Method of forming single face corrugated board
A method of bonding a substantially planar sheet material to a corrugated sheet material using an automated process the method characterized by the steps of a) applying adhesive in discrete amounts to the contact points of the corrugated sheet material, and b) holding the sheet materials together until a bond is formed between them.
US08795456B2 Fabric adhesion improvement for EPDM based low cost timing belt
The present invention is directed to timing belts having improved fabric adhesion to the tooth facing which can be achieved by the use of a combination of a RFL treated fabric and an EPDM body provided the RFL treatment or the body include ZDA or the RF latex is an X-HNBR latex.
US08795454B2 Manufacturing method for monolithic ceramic electronic component
In a manufacturing method for a monolithic ceramic electronic component, a plurality of green chips arrayed in row and column directions which are obtained after cutting a mother block are spaced apart from each other and then tumbled, thereby uniformly making the side surface of each of the green chips an open surface. Thereafter, an adhesive is applied to the side surface. Then, by placing a side surface ceramic green sheet on an affixation elastic body, and pressing the side surface of the green chips against the side surface ceramic green sheet, the side surface ceramic green sheet is punched and stuck to the side surface.
US08795452B2 System and method for joint integrity detection
An inspectable joint in a medical device is disclosed that includes at least one medical-grade tube having an end, a medical-grade fitting having at least one joining surface configured to accept the end of the tube, and a joining material disposed between the tube and the joining surface. The joining material includes a first component configured to couple the tube to the fitting and a second component configured to provide observable evidence of the presence of the joining material between the tube and the joining surface.
US08795451B2 Propellant and process for producing a propellant
A propellant for guns includes at least one energy carrier, nitrocellulose and cellulose acetate butyrate. At least part of the nitrocellulose is alcohol-soluble nitrocellulose. The nitrocellulose serves as a binder and for that purpose is present in a concentration of at least 15% by weight in the propellant. A process for producing a propellant is also provided.
US08795450B2 Manufacturing method for a steel pipe for fuel injection pipe
There is provided a steel pipe for fuel injection pipe that assures prolonged fatigue life and high reliability by securing a high critical internal pressure, at which fatigue fracture does not occur, while the material strength is high. A steel pipe for fuel injection pipe consisting of, by mass percent, C: 0.12 to 0.27%, Si: 0.05 to 0.40%, and Mn: 0.8 to 2.0%, the balance being Fe and impurities, the impurities containing Ca: 0.001% or less, P: 0.02% or less, and S: 0.01% or less, wherein the tensile strength thereof is not lower than 900 N/mm2, and the maximum diameter of a nonmetallic inclusion present during at least 20 μm depth from the inner surface of the steel pipe is not larger than 20 μm. Further, this steel pipe can contain one or more kinds of Cr: 1% or less, Mo: 1% or less, Ti: 0.04% or less, Nb: 0.04% or less, and V: 0.1% or less.
US08795449B2 Magnetostrictive material and preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to a Fe—Ga—Al-based magnetostrictive thin-sheet material and a process for preparation thereof. The raw materials used for production of the thin-sheet material is composed of the components according to the general Formula, Fe100-x-y-zGaxAlyMz, wherein x=10-30, y=1-10, and z=0.1-5, and M is any one, or more elements selected from V, Cr, Zr, Sb, Sn, Ti, SiC.
US08795448B2 Wear resistant materials
A hard phase material is provided for increasing the hardness of a matrix material and improving the wear resistance thereof. The hard phase material is an aluminum boride material having the structure AlB8-16. The aluminum boride hard phase may be incorporated into a matrix material by mixing particulate aluminum boride with the matrix material and through precipitation of aluminum boride from the matrix material. Materials including the aluminum boride hard phase may be used in coating applications to provide a hard and wear resistant coating. Aluminum boride hard phase may also be incorporated into metallurgical products to improve the hardness and wear resistance of the metallurgical products.
US08795439B2 Method and apparatus for washing temporary road mats
An apparatus for cleaning contaminants from a construction mat is described including a washing chamber and an automated conveyor assembly translating the construction mat into and out of the washing chamber. The washing chamber includes a plurality of elongated tines adapted to scrape debris from the was mat and a spray system direction cleansing liquid under pressure at the mat, and a closed loop water reclamation system for filtering and recycling cleansing liquid for reusing the spray system.
US08795438B2 Stethoscope disinfection monitoring and reporting system
A stethoscope disinfection monitoring and reporting system structured and configured to track, monitor and report the cleaning, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing of the head portion of a stethoscope is presented. The system comprises a stethoscope cleaning assembly cooperatively structured and configured to clean the head portion of the stethoscope, for instance, via the application of a cleaning fluid or solution thereto. The system further comprises a monitoring device and a cooperatively structured and disposed reader assembly. The monitoring device may be unique to, or otherwise serve to identify, the stethoscope. The reader assembly is structured and disposed to detect, identify, and record data pertaining to the monitoring device and/or stethoscope upon cleaning the head portion, or otherwise upon disposition of the head portion into a cleaning relation with the stethoscope cleaning assembly.
US08795437B2 Dishwasher with basket detecting device
A dishwasher (100) for pot washing, comprising a detector (160) for automatically detecting what type of washing basket (140) has been placed in the dishwasher (100). This enables automatic selection of water pressure and granule control, such that more sensitive crockery and plates are not damaged. The detector can be an inductive sensor (160) that detects an indicating member (141) of the washing basket. The washing basket can comprise one or several indicating members, for enabling a more reliable detection. A method of operating such a dishwasher (100) comprises the steps of automatically detecting what type of washing basket (140) is placed in the dishwasher, and then controlling the water pressure and granule addition according to what washing basket was detected. A system comprises an above dishwasher and an above washing basket.
US08795435B2 Susceptor, coating apparatus and coating method using the susceptor
In accordance with the embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a susceptor which includes an annular first susceptor portion for supporting the peripheral portion of a silicon wafer and further includes a second susceptor portion provided in contact with the peripheral portion of the first susceptor portion and covering the opening of the first susceptor portion. The second susceptor portion is disposed so that, when the silicon wafer is supported on the first susceptor portion, a gap of a predetermined size is formed between the silicon wafer and the second susceptor portion, and so that another gap of a size substantially equal to the predetermined size and directly connected to the above gap is formed between the first susceptor portion and the second susceptor portion.
US08795433B2 Substrate processing apparatus
There is provided a substrate processing apparatus that can easily grasp the relationship of a defect substrate between plural batches.A substrate processing apparatus 10 includes: a display unit 16; a storage unit that accumulates and stores production information of the substrate for each batch, the production information being produced when the substrate is processed; a selection receiving unit that receives the selection of plural batches stored in the storage unit; and a display control unit that controls such that substrate information is displayed on the display part, the substrate information being information relating to a state in which the substrates are held the substrate holding part in the plural batches received by the selection receiving unit.
US08795432B2 Apparatus for pulling silicon single crystal
An apparatus for pulling a silicon single crystal, comprising: a crucible that stores a silicon melt; a heater that heats the crucible; a crucible driving unit for rotating and/or lifting up and down the crucible; a chamber that holds the crucible and the heater; and a magnetic field applying unit that is provided outside the chamber and applies a magnetic field to the chamber, wherein the magnetic field applying unit is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the chamber such that substantially concentric circle-shaped equi-strength lines of the magnetic field are formed about a center axis of the crucible.
US08795430B2 Method of improving surface morphology of (Ga,Al,In,B)N thin films and devices grown on nonpolar or semipolar (Ga,Al,In,B)N substrates
A method for improving the growth morphology of (Ga,Al,In,B)N thin films on nonpolar or semipolar (Ga,Al,In,B)N substrates, wherein a (Ga,Al,In,B)N thin film is grown directly on a nonpolar or semipolar (Ga,Al,In,B)N substrate or template and a portion of the carrier gas used during growth is comprised of an inert gas. Nonpolar or semipolar nitride LEDs and diode lasers may be grown on the smooth (Ga,Al,In,B)N thin films grown by the present invention.
US08795427B2 Powder formed from mineral or rock material with controlled particle size distribution for thermal films
An ultra-fine powder formed from a naturally occurring mineral or rock material and having a controlled or “engineered” particle size distribution (PSD) to match the infrared spectra with a maximum particle size in the range of 14-17 microns measured as either D99, or preferably D95, and a minimum particle size D5 in the range of 4-7 microns. Preferably the maximum particle size is about 15 microns, the minimum particle size is about 5 microns and the D50 particle size is about 8-10 microns with the moisture content of the particle size “engineered” powder being less than about 0.20 percent by weight and preferably about 0.05 to 0.08 percent by weight of the powder. This specially “engineered” ultra-fine powder is used to reduce the thermicity of thermal film to a value less than about 20%.
US08795426B2 Reflective asphalt composition
An asphalt composition comprises aggregate, binder coating the aggregate and reflective particles embedded in the binder. In various embodiments, the binder may comprise one or more of clear bitumen, bio-bitumen or a polymer modified bitumen for cold application. The binder may comprise a glare control additive The reflective particles may be metal or metal oxide.
US08795424B2 Ink for ink-jet recording apparatuses and image forming method
An ink for ink-jet recording apparatuses includes water, a pigment dispersion, a humectant, and a penetrating agent. The ink includes glycerin of from 5% to 9% by mass and 1,3 -propanediol and/or 1,4-butanediol of from 30% to 45% by mass as the humectant. The ink also includes a C1-C4 monoalkyl ether of polyhydric alcohol of from 2.0% to 4.5% by mass as the penetrating agent.
US08795423B2 Ink for inkjet recording apparatuses, and method for forming image
An ink for inkjet recording apparatuses is provided in which an adsorbed resin proportion calculated from a total resin mass and a free resin mass in the ink is at least 0.95 and less than 1.00, the ink containing in specific amounts, respectively: water; a pigment dispersion including a resin with a molecular weight in the range of 35,000 to 140,000 and a specific amount of pigment; glycerin and 1,3-propanediol as humectants; and 1,2-octanediol, which has 8 carbon atoms, as a high penetrating agent, and further containing a C2-C4 monoalkyl ether of a polyhydric alcohol as a penetrating agent.
US08795419B2 Air dryer, in particular in a compressed air system in a commercial vehicle
An air dryer comprises an annular filter element (5) and a desiccant container (4) in a housing (2), the end faces of the filter element (5) being closed by end plate-type elements. The desiccant container forms at least one end plate-type element.
US08795418B2 Adsorptive member and apparatus using the same
The present invention provides an adsorptive member which is used in a heat exchanger such as an adsorptive heat pump or a humidity control apparatus such as a desiccant system and which is excellent in heat resistance and adhesion between adsorptive particles and a base material. The adsorptive member comprising a base material and an adsorptive material layer formed on the base material, wherein the adsorptive material layer comprises adsorptive particles and a binder as essential components, and the binder is an epoxy cured product comprising the following structural units (a) and (b): (a): a bisphenol type structural unit; and (b): a linear hydrocarbon structural unit having 4 or more carbon atoms, and/or a polyalkylene ether structural unit having 3 or more ether oxygen atoms.
US08795413B2 Method for dissolving carbon dioxide from flue or other gas and for neutralizing the solution obtained
The object of the invention is a method for dissolving carbon dioxide from flue or other gas and for the neutralization of the solution obtained. The gas, in which the partial pressure of carbon dioxide is at least 0.4 bar, is led to a dissolution process, where the major part of the carbon dioxide is dissolved into a flow of water. The aqueous solution of carbon dioxide thus obtained is neutralized by passing it through a material containing feldspar minerals, at which time the hydrogen ions of said solution are replaced by ions of alkali or alkaline earth metals, and the aluminum in said material is converted into aluminum compounds that can be separated and utilized.
US08795411B2 Method for recovering high-value components from waste gas streams
Method for recovering a desired component from a waste gas comprising (a) at an operating facility, introducing a waste gas comprising the desired component and one or more undesired components into an adsorber containing adsorbent material selective for the desired component, adsorbing at least a portion of the desired component therein, (b) terminating flow of waste gas into the adsorber; and (c) recovering and concentrating the desired component by either (1) isolating the adsorber, transporting the adsorber to a central processing facility, or (2) withdrawing from the adsorber an intermediate gas enriched in the desired component, compressing the intermediate gas and storing it in a vessel, isolating the vessel, transporting the vessel to a central processing facility to provide a concentrated product further enriched in the desired component.
US08795408B2 Method and device for controlling the introduction of several metals into a cavity designed to melt said metals
A method and a device control the introduction of several metals into a cavity configured to melt the metals in the form of ingots. In particular, the method is configured to control the introduction of several metals into a cavity for melting the metals so as to dip-coat a steel strip with the metals in liquid metal form. Whereby a first metal is introduced in the form of at least a first ingot having a high content of the first metal and a second metal is introduced in the form of at least a second ingot formed as an alloy of the first metal and the second metal. The second metal content of the second ingot is chosen from a range of significant contents for ensuring an intended overall flow rate for combined melting of the ingots, the range of significant contents being chosen in a limited interval of sequentially increasing values so as to minimize differences between melting points of the ingots.
US08795405B1 Beneficial use of carbon
Devices and methods for reacting carbon dioxide with ammonia to produce an ammonium bicarbonate containing product are disclosed. Further disclosed are methods and devices pertaining to the handling of ammonia, ammonium bicarbonate products, and waste products associated with that production.
US08795404B2 Sealed edge frame
The present invention relates to an air filter pack frame constituted of four profiled elements being held together by angle pieces and surrounding an opening there between, in which a pack of pleated filter medium is intended to be mounted, said profiled elements having a front side, which when a pack of filter medium is mounted in the frame is adjacent to an inlet side thereof, and a rear side, which when a pack of filter medium is mounted in the frame is adjacent to an outlet side thereof. According to the invention an inwardly open sealing channel extends along each profiled elements in the front end thereof.
US08795401B2 Filter with cyclone separation means
Disclosed in a filter for filtering a working fluid comprising a canister having an inlet and an outlet; a first partially perforated generally conical member positioned in said canister; a second generally conical member positioned inside said first partially perforated generally conical member, whereby the working fluid upon entering the inlet is caused to spin inside the canister, to pass through the perforated portion of the first generally conical member, to enter an inlet to the second generally conical member, to spin within the second conical member and to pass through the outlet.
US08795392B2 Catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of an oxygenate feedstock
A method for the hydrodeoxygenation of an oxygenate feedstock comprising contacting the feedstock with a sulphided catalyst composition under hydrodeoxygenation conditions, wherein the catalyst composition comprises: i) a porous carrier substantially comprised of alumina, the carrier comprising between about 0.001 and about 1 wt. % phosphorous and between about 0.001 and about 1 wt. % silicon (both calculated as oxides) and having a mean pore diameter in the range from about 5 nm to about 40 nm; and, ii) from about 1 to about 20 wt. % of an active metal component (calculated as oxides based on the weight of the composition) borne on said porous carrier and which comprises at least one Group VIB metal and at least one Group VIII metal.
US08795391B2 Colouring composition
The present invention relates to an aqueous oxidative coloring composition for keratin fibers especially human hair with improved conditioning effect, improved color fastness against washing and for achieving homogeneous even coloration. The object of the present invention is an aqueous composition for coloring keratin fibers especially human hair, based on at least one oxidative dye precursor, optionally at least one coupling agent and/at least one direct dye and furthermore comprising in a cosmetically acceptable medium at least one anionic surfactant, at least one branched fatty acid and at least one quaternary ammonium surfactant.
US08795389B2 Non metal tanning
Tanned leather, skin or pelt is produced by non-metal tanning, comprising the step of tanning a bated hide, skin or pelt with a tanning agent (A), the tanning agent (A) being at least one compound of a formula (I), wherein X signifies fluorine or chlorine, and/or (+NR3)0-1, wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted C1 to C6 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C6 to C10 aryl or a C5 to C6heteroaryl group, R1 signifies hydrogen, C1-8-alkyl or an alkyleneoxy radical of a formula (Ia), -(—C2-3 alkylene-O—)q—H (Ia), R2 signifies hydrogen or hydroxyl, m, signifies 1, 2 or 3, q is of from 1 to 10, M signifies hydrogen or an alkali metal cation or an ammonium cation, being a protonated tertiary amine or a quaternary ammonium cation, in a tanning bath having a pH of from 6 to 10 at the beginning of tanning step.
US08795385B2 Adjustable socket system
An adjustable socket system is configured to accommodate a residual limb. The adjustable socket system has first and second opposed sides and includes a rigid first component arranged along the first side of the socket. An adjustable second component has a plurality of interconnected vertebrae elements connected to the first component and is arranged along the second side of the socket system. The adjustable prosthetic socket also has a base connector secured to the distal end area of the first component.
US08795382B2 Cement products and methods of making and using the same
Disclosed are cement products, methods of forming cement using the cement product, and methods of using the cement product in orthopedic and dental applications. Generally, the disclosed cement product includes a first component comprising a polymerizable resin comprising ethylenic unsaturated double bond, a second component comprising a compound comprising more than one type of amine selected from the group consisting of primary amines, secondary amines, tertiary amines and quaternary amines, and, optionally, the cement product includes a bioactive component to promote bone formation.
US08795381B2 Methods and systems for hip replacement
Methods and apparatus of the present invention provide for orthopaedic replacement of the hip while substantially preserving muscles and soft tissues around the hip joint resulting in reduced healing time and decreased risk of dislocation following the procedure. In an exemplary embodiment, an intramedullary rod 1502 is inserted longitudinally into the femur. A prosthetic femoral neck 3102 is then inserted from a point along the side of the patient's body and into the side of the femur and through a pre-existing lateral bore in the intramedullary rod 1502 and through the remainder of the femur to join the prosthetic femoral head 1102. The methods and apparatus include structures and techniques for fixing the prosthetic femoral neck 3102 in relation to the intramedullary rod 1502.
US08795379B2 Variable prosthesis
The present teachings are directed to a shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between a stem and a head. In one example, a prosthesis has a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The prosthesis can include a head supported by the adaptor. The head can be selectively oriented and then coupled to the first taper and the combination can be selectively orientated and the coupled to the stem.
US08795378B2 Artificial joint components including synovial fluid deflecting structures and particle retaining structures
Artificial joint prostheses, including hip, knee and shoulder joints, are described. In some aspects, an artificial joint prosthesis includes: a bone-facing surface of an artificial joint prosthesis, the bone-facing surface configured to face a bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; a non-contact surface of the artificial joint prosthesis, the non-contact surface adjacent to the bone-facing surface of the artificial joint prosthesis; at least one fluid deflection structure attached to the non-contact surface, the fluid deflection structure positioned to direct a flow of synovial fluid away from the bone-prosthesis interface in vivo; and at least one particle retaining structure positioned to contact the directed flow of synovial fluid and configured to retain particles present within the synovial fluid.
US08795371B2 Intervertebral implant
In an intervertebral implant, having an upper part that has a support face for a vertebra and a lower part that has a support face for an adjacent vertebra, on each of which parts engagement elements, which are accessible from one side of the intervertebral implant, for a manipulation instrument are disposed, in order to minimize the structural height of the intervertebral implant upon insertion into an intervertebral space, it is proposed that the upper part and lower part each have protrusions and recesses aimed at the respectively other part, which are offset laterally from one another in such a way that when the upper part has been brought close to the lower part they mesh with one another; and that the engagement elements on the upper part and on the lower part are each disposed in protrusions of these parts in such a way that the engagement elements of the upper part and lower part are located side by side and at least partly overlap in the direction of the height of the intervertebral implant.
US08795358B2 Accommodative ocular implant
The invention relates to a device (1) for the vision correction of an eye (6), comprising: a converter (3, 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B) which can generate an electrical and/or magnetic and/or electromagnetic signal in response to the mechanical energy generated by a movement of the eye; and a soft lens (2) intended to be aligned with the eye. The converter is positioned in relation to the lens such that the electrical and/or magnetic and/or electromagnetic signal generated during the movement of the eye causes the optical properties of the lens to change. The invention is characterised in that the lens (2) includes a polymer material (7) containing a material (4) having a refractive index that can vary under the action of the electrical and/or magnetic and/or electromagnetic signal generated during a movement of the eye.
US08795356B2 Vascular implant
A vascular implant for replacing a native heart valve comprises a self expanding stent supporting a valve body having leaflets. The stent preferably comprises an anchoring structure configured to prevent the implant from passing through the valve annulus. For delivery, the implant is compacted within a delivery device and secured at one end. During delivery the implant is partially released from the delivery device, and positioning of the implant can be verified prior to full release. The implant can be at least partially resheathed and repositioned if desired.
US08795354B2 Low-profile heart valve and delivery system
Disclosed replacement heart valves can be designed to be delivered to a native valve site while crimped on a delivery catheter. The crimped profile of the replacement valve can be minimized by, for example, separating a frame or stent structure from a leaflet structure, along the axial direction. Disclosed replacement valves can be transitioned from a delivery configuration, in which the crimped profile can be minimized, to an operating configuration. The replacement valve can be fully assembled in both the delivery and operating configurations. In some embodiments, the leaflets can be positioned outside of the stent in the delivery configuration, and positioned inside of the stent lumen in the operating configuration. Disclosed replacement valves can include a flexible sleeve coupling the leaflets to the stent and facilitating the transition to the operating configuration. Methods of implanting said replacement valves are also disclosed.
US08795347B2 Methods and systems for treating a bifurcation with provisional side branch stenting
A system for treating a bifurcation includes first and second delivery catheters, each having an expandable member. A stent having a side hole is disposed on the second delivery catheter. A portion of the first delivery catheter is disposed under a portion of the stent. The first delivery catheter is slidable relative to the second delivery catheter, and the first delivery catheter passes through the side hole. Expansion of the first expandable member expands a portion of the stent and expansion of the second expandable member expands the rest of the stent.
US08795345B2 Vascular and bodily duct treatment devices and methods
A device including a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion, a main body portion and a distal end portion. Each of the self-expandable portions consists of a plurality of cell structures formed by intersecting strut members. In one implementation, at least one proximal cell structure in the proximal end portion has one or more struts that have a width and/or thickness greater than the width and/or thickness of the majority of strut members in the main body and distal end portions of the expandable member. Attached to at least one of the proximal-most cell structures in the proximal end portion is a proximally extending flexible wire having sufficient length and flexibility to navigate the tortuous vasculature of a patient. In another implementation, the device is delivered to the treatment site through the lumen of a delivery catheter.
US08795344B2 Color lighting system to influence perception of ambient temperature
A basic idea of the invention is to categorize color of light into groups on the basis of dominant wavelength. After the colors have been categorized into different groups, a particular group of colors may be selected on the basis of a predetermined criterion, one criterion being that an individual is to perceive the ambient temperature as higher than it actually is, while another criterion may be that the individual is to perceive the ambient temperature as lower than it actually is. Thereafter, a control signal is generated for controlling the dominant wavelength of light emitted from at least one light source in accordance with the selected group of colors. Finally, the generated control signal is transmitted to the light source(s) to be controlled, for emitting light of the selected group of colors, thereby influencing the thermoregulation of an individual being exposed to the light of the selected group of colors on the basis of the predetermined criterion. The present invention is advantageous, in that colored lighting is employed for changing an individual's perception of ambient temperature, which enables energy savings for heating and air conditioning systems. Using a lighting control device for varying color of light results in a flexible solution since the device easily facilitates changing to an environment that is perceived as warmer or as cooler than the actual room temperature.
US08795343B2 Pelvic Cable Solution
A device for treating bone fractures, comprises an actuating mechanism removably coupleable to a clamping mechanism including a clamp defining a cable receiving channel extending therethrough and a compression member coupled to the clamp for movement relative thereto, movement of the compression member relative to the clamp in a first direction moving the clamping mechanism into a clamping configuration in which at least a portion of the clamp is compressed into the channel to fix a cable received therein relative to the clamping mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a first member and a second member removably engagable with a clamping mechanism so that, when engaged, relative movement between the first and second members causes relative movement between the clamp and the compression member to move the clamping member between the clamping configuration and a release configuration, the actuating mechanism further including a tensioning mechanism.
US08795340B2 Vertical inline plate
A spinal plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface adapted to contact bone. A plurality of holes extend from the upper surface to the lower surface through the plate which is configured and adapted to receive bone fasteners for fixing the spinal plate to bone. At least one set screw receiving hole adjacent from each one of the plurality of holes, the set screw receiving hole configured to adapt with a set screw. The lower surface of the spinal plate comprises a ridge that protrudes from the underside of the plate and encloses the plurality of holes spaced inward from the perimeter of the spinal plate.
US08795338B2 Anti-splay member for bone fastener
An anti-splay member is configured for engagement with a bone fastener and includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and a threaded cavity extending along the longitudinal axis. The cavity is configured for engagement with a screw. Opposing retainer members extend transversely from the body and are configured to engage a proximal end of the bone fastener to prevent radial expansion of the proximal end. At least one locking member extends from the body and is configured for engagement with the proximal end of the bone fastener. Methods of use are disclosed.
US08795337B2 Apparatus for implementing a spinal fixation system with supplemental fixation
An apparatus for implementing a spinal fixation system with supplemental fixation includes a spinal fixation rod assembly and at least one supplemental fixation device. The spinal fixation rod assembly is adapted to provide primary fixation at a plurality of first fixation points by being secured to a plurality of first vertebral components except not into one of the first vertebral components of the plurality that is in a weakened structural condition and located between other of the first vertebral components of the plurality. The supplemental fixation device is adapted to provide supplemental fixation for the assembly at a second fixation point by being secured to a second vertebral component located adjacent to and offset from the one first vertebral component in the weakened structural condition and also to interconnect with the assembly to provide anchorage and thus additional fixation supplemental to the primary fixation.
US08795334B2 Tissue repair
An apparatus includes a flexible fixation member having a body with a longitudinal extent and a width, the body defining a plurality of openings through the body, each of the plurality of openings formed substantially cross wise through the width of the body, and a suture having two terminal ends, the suture being interwoven through each of the plurality of openings in the body of the fixation member such that multiple portions of the fixation member are slidably coupled to the suture and configurable to form a cluster within a surgical site.
US08795329B2 Removable intracardiac RF device
The present invention provides systems and methods for occluding or closing a patent foramen ovale of a patient (PFO). The invention includes a catheter carrying an energy delivery element. The catheter introduces the energy delivery element into the patent foramen ovale of a patient's heart. Once appropriately positioned, the energy delivery element applies energy, such as radiofrequency energy, to the tissues surrounding the patent foramen ovale. The application of energy causes the tissues to join together, occluding the patent foramen ovale. The energy delivery element may be removable or permanently implanted in the patent foramen ovale.
US08795328B2 Medical device for modification of left atrial appendage and related systems and methods
A medical device and system for modifying a left atrial appendage (“LAA”), as well as related methods, are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a medical device includes a plurality of discrete frame segments coupled with at least one ring member to form a frame structure. Each discrete frame segment includes an expanding leg, a collapsing leg and a hub extension. A tissue growth member is coupled with the plurality of discrete frame segments to define a substantially convex surface and a substantially concave surface.
US08795324B2 Working mechanism for medical manipulator and cleaning method therefor
A working mechanism for a medical manipulator and a cleaning method therefor are provided. A working unit of a medical manipulator is equipped with a hollow connecting shaft, wires of a motive force transmitting member disposed in the connecting shaft, and a distal end working unit disposed on one end of the connecting shaft and which is moved by the wires. A cover covers at least a portion of the distal end working unit. A gap is provided between the cover and the connecting shaft, with oblong holes being disposed laterally on right and left sides of the cover. A cleaning agent is made to flow through the holes and the gap and/or a brush may be inserted through the holes and the gap for cleaning the distal end working unit.
US08795318B2 Percutaneous retrievable vascular filter
Retrievable vena cava filters for the temporary or permanent prevention of Pulmonary embolism (PE) are disclosed. A filter in accordance with the present invention has a tube-within-tube structure with overlapping semi-spheres. The semi-spheres comprise a plurality of expandable legs. The first tube may have a plurality of slots allowing for deployment of a first or second sets of expandable legs on the second tube. The free end of each leg in the first set of expandable legs may be oriented in a direction the same as or opposite to the free end of each leg in the second set. The filter may also be formed from a single tube. In certain embodiments, the filter of the present invention can be retrieved from either end.
US08795317B2 Embolic obstruction retrieval devices and methods
An embolic obstruction retrieval device including a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion, a main body portion and a distal end portion. Each of the self-expandable portions consists of a plurality of cell structures formed by intersecting strut members. At least one proximal cell structure in the proximal end portion has one or more struts that have a width and/or thickness greater than the width and/or thickness of the majority of strut members in the main body and distal end portions of the expandable member. Attached to at least one of the proximal-most cell structures in the proximal end portion is a proximally extending flexible wire having sufficient length and flexibility to navigate the tortuous vasculature and access the embolic obstruction. In one implementation, the embolic obstruction retrieval device is delivered to the embolic obstruction through the lumen of a delivery catheter.
US08795313B2 Device detachment systems with indicators
A medical device detachment system receives an elongate delivery member, having a lumen, and an elongate core member. The system includes a housing, a user input mechanism for receiving a user input to effect detachment of a medical device, such as an embolic coil, from a distal end of the delivery member, and a grasping mechanism for grasping and moving a proximal end of the core member relative to a proximal end of the delivery member. The system also includes a first sensor detecting positioning of the proximal end of the core member within the housing, and a second sensor, detecting movement of the grasping mechanism. An indicator is connected to the first and second proximity sensors and provides feedback to a user.
US08795312B2 Inflatable, steerable balloon for elevation of tissue within a body
An apparatus for elevating tissue within a body, including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end and a central axis defined therethrough, in which the tubular member comprises a first lumen and a second lumen, separately formed therein, a balloon secured to a region of the tubular member, in which a region of the tubular member is engagable with an injection mechanism, in which the engaged injection mechanism is engagable to be in communication with the first lumen of the tubular member, and in which the first lumen of the tubular member provides a path to an interior of the balloon.
US08795311B2 Stoma dilator
A stoma dilator having a base dilator and a plurality of dilators coaxially disposed over the base dilator. The base dilator has a hub and an opening therethrough. Each of the plurality of dilators has a tapered distal end, a proximal end, and a tubular body, and are held in separated, telescoping position by a dilator positioner such that part of each distal end is exposed from beneath another dilator and is graspable for movement such that a smaller dilator does not become inaccessible inside of a larger dilator. The stoma dilator includes a hollow sheath positioned over an outermost dilator to hold open a tissue opening created by the plurality of dilators. The base dilator and the plurality of dilators may be removed while the sheath remains in a tissue opening. Another device may be inserted through the sheath, and the sheath may be peeled away therefrom.
US08795310B2 Methods and devices for accessing and delivering devices to a heart
Described here are devices, methods, and systems for accessing and delivering devices to a heart. The left atrial appendage may be used as an access port to allow pericardial access to internal structures of the heart. Systems that may be used to provide access to the heart via the left atrial appendage may comprise a first access element with a first alignment member, a second access element with a second alignment member, a piercing element, and an exchange element. Some systems may further comprise a left atrial appendage stabilization device. Methods of accessing and delivering devices to the heart via the left atrial appendage may comprise advancing a first access element into the left atrial appendage by an intravascular pathway and advancing a second access element towards the left atrial appendage through the pericardial space. The first and second alignment members may form an attachment through the wall of the left atrial appendage so that the first and second access elements are aligned. A piercing element may be advanced to pierce the wall of the left atrial appendage to form an access site therethrough. Optionally, an exchange element may be advanced to initiate a track between the inside and outside of the left atrial appendage, which may be used for device delivery. Also described here are various methods and devices to create a left atrial appendage access site to help position and operate devices within the heart.
US08795302B2 Surgical clip
A surgical clip for occluding a vein, artery or other body passageway 2 comprises a base portion 3, a pair of resilient limbs 4a, 4b configured to extend generally laterally outwardly from the base portion and each having a free end disposed forward of the base portion, and a reaction portion 9a/b mounted to the base portion 3, the reaction portion defining a generally forwardly directed reaction surface 10 disposed between the base portion 3 and the free ends of the limbs 4a, 4b, the limbs (4a, 4b) being movable under a resilient restoring force from a first, open, condition, in which a gap is provided between the limbs and the reaction portion for receiving the body passageway into the clip, to a second, closed, condition, in which the limbs cooperate with the reaction portion to grip the body passageway to occlude the same.
US08795298B2 Tether tensioning devices and related methods
Devices, methods, and kits for tensioning tethers during a tissue modification procedure are described. In some variations, a tether coupled to anchors embedded in tissue may be tensioned to provide a cinching effect that tightens or compresses the tissue by bringing two pieces or sections of the tissue together. In certain variations, the tether may then be locked (e.g., to maintain the tension), and/or excess tether may be severed. The devices, methods, and/or kits may be used, for example, in minimally invasive procedures.
US08795296B2 Needle and suture delivery device
A needle delivery device that has particular application for providing needles for minimally invasive spinal surgical procedures. The device includes an elongated pincher having opposing rails that is slidable within a channel defined in an extended base portion. Widened end portions of the rails hold the needle and push it out of an end of the device where it is released. The pincher is then retracted to a location where the end portions can pick up a next needle to be delivered.
US08795286B2 Methods and devices for treating a structural bone and joint deformity
The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to implantable devices for the treatment of a structural bone and deformity. More specifically, the various embodiments include systems, devices, and methods for implantation of a flexible or tension band for treating such a deformity, including hallux valgus.
US08795284B2 Instrumentation for repair of meniscus tissue
The invention is directed toward an instrumentation kit used to replace a damaged human knee joint meniscus with an allograft meniscus implant. The kit includes a workstation having a base and upright end sections with a clamping assembly is mounted on the end sections and a movable cutting guide mounted to a side wall of each end section. The tibia is then drilled with a drill to a desired depth and length and a groove is formed in the tibia with an osteotome so that the width is the same as the width of the bone base of the meniscus implant which has been trimmed in the workstation.
US08795283B2 Instrument kit for performing spinal stabilization
A disposable surgical kit for fixing the vertebrae using a posterior or postero-lateral route has at least one pedicle screw or vertebral screw and an assembly tube cooperating with the screw. The assembly tube is composed of two independent rigid half-shells. Each of the half-shells has, on the inner face of its proximal end, a shoulder with a shape complementing a recess formed on each side of the screw head in order to permit the gripping or the release of the screw by spreading apart the distal ends of the half-shells The kit additionally has a retractable securing element for securing the half-shells. The retractable securing element has longitudinal fastening means designed as a dovetail for engaging with complementary slides formed in the rigid half-shells.
US08795282B2 Apparatus and method for the extramedullary location of the mechanical axis of a femur
A surgical instrument and method determine the orientation of the mechanical axis of a femur. The instrument may include a rod with a first end of the rod rotatably secured at a first point on the surface of distal femur that corresponds to center of the knee joint so that the first end is coincident with the mechanical axis. The connection between the first end of the rod and the distal end of the femur defines a first point of rotation. The second end of the rod is slideably received within a sleeve that is rotatably connected to a support positioned distally away from the distal end of the femur. The connection between the sleeve and the support defines a second point of rotation. When the distance between the first and second points of rotation is minimized, a line drawn therebetween is coincident with the mechanical axis of the femur.
US08795279B2 Peripheral peg drill component
A peripheral peg drill component comprising a housing having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, at least two drill bits extending from the second side of the housing, a defined opening on the second side of the housing, the defined opening being configured to receive an alignment pin extending from a bony surface, and a driving mechanism within the housing, the driving mechanism being configured to rotate the at least two drill bits and cause them to simultaneously penetrate the bony surface.
US08795272B2 Liquid delivery apparatus for tissue ablation
An apparatus for use in a tissue ablation procedure includes a base, a fluid delivery tube coupled to the base, a first lever rotatably coupled to the base, the first lever having a first end biased to press against a portion of the fluid delivery tube to thereby close a lumen within the fluid delivery tube, and a second end, and a securing mechanism for securing the base relative to an ablation device. An ablation system includes an ablation device having an electrode, a fluid delivery tube coupled to the ablation device, and a control for simultaneously activating the electrode and opening the fluid delivery tube. A method of performing tissue ablation includes operating a control to activate an electrode, thereby delivering ablation energy to target tissue, wherein the step of operating the control also causes fluid to be delivered to the target tissue.
US08795271B2 Surgical probe for supporting inflatable therapeutic devices in contact with tissue in or around body orifice and within tumors
A probe that facilitates the creation of lesions in bodily tissue. The probe includes a relatively short shaft and an inflatable therapeutic element.
US08795267B2 Surgical resection apparatus
Surgical cutting apparatus having a treatment channel and a measurement channel for conveying microwave energy from a source to an antenna at a cutting edge. The measurement channel operates at lower power than the treatment channel for determining when higher energy can be safely applied. The apparatus may deliver microwave radiation at differing frequencies to one or more antennas at the cutting edge, e.g. to provide different treatment effects. The source may generate an output for an antenna whose frequency can be selected e.g. for most efficient operation. Selection may be automatic based on detected magnitude and phase of reflected signals during a frequency sweep of a forward signal. Power delivered to tissue via the cutting element may be manually boosted to deal with large blood vessels. The apparatus may include a reflected power monitor for recognizing behavior in reflected signals received from the antenna to trigger automatic pre-emptive action.
US08795266B2 Methods and apparatus for coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures
An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and an energy source.
US08795264B2 Method for decreasing the size and/or changing the shape of pelvic tissues
Methods for decreasing the size and/or changing the shape of pelvic tissues. Energy, preferably radio frequency or laser energy, may be applied to endopelvic fascia or other subcutaneous tissue transcutaneously, through one or more incisions in skin, or directly to the desired subcutaneous tissue after a strip of mucosa or skin has been removed. Such an application of energy may cause the subcutaneous tissue to shrink, thereby bringing the mucosa or skin edges closer together while minimizing damage to deep nerves and other surrounding tissues. Such manipulation of the layers of the skin may be utilized to decrease the size or change the shape of numerous anatomical structures and may also serve to alleviate the symptoms of urinary incontinence, dyspareunia, or chronic pelvic pain. The method steps of the present invention may further provide for the beneficial pretreatment of a tissue site prior to stem cell implantation.
US08795260B2 Refill of implantable fluid delivery devices based on therapeutic fluid expiration
An expiration time of a therapeutic fluid delivered by an implantable fluid delivery device is employed to calculate a fill volume and determine a refill interval for the fluid. The expiration time of the therapeutic fluid may be based on or dictated by a stability time set by the manufacturer of the therapeutic fluid, a clinician treating a patient to whom the fluid is to be delivered, the manufacturer of the device delivering the fluid, or combinations thereof.
US08795259B2 Drug delivery platform incorporating hydrogel pumping mechanism with guided fluid flow
A drug delivery platform is provided for delivering a controlled infusion of a drug to an individual. The drug delivery platform includes a reservoir for receiving the drug therein and a hydrogel engageable with the reservoir. The hydrogel is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration wherein the hydrogel exerts a pressure on the reservoir to urge the drug therefrom in response to a predetermined stimulus. A flow guide distributes the predetermined stimulus over the hydrogel in response to activation by an individual.
US08795254B2 Medical devices with a slotted tubular member having improved stress distribution
Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. A medical device may include an elongate tubular member. The tubular member may include a first circumferential tube segment, a second circumferential tube segment disposed next to the first circumferential tube segment, and a third circumferential tube segment disposed next to the second circumferential tube segment. The first tube segment and the second tube segment may be separated by a first set of slots formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment and the third tube segment may be separated by a second set of slots formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment may be connected to the first tube segment with a proximally-extending beam formed in the tubular member. The second tube segment may also be connected to the third tube segment with a distally-extending beam formed in the tubular member. A ring may be defined in the second tube segment between the proximally-extending beam and the distally-extending beam. The ring may have a first portion with a first width and a second portion with a second width different from the first width.
US08795253B2 Bi-directional perfusion cannula
A bi-directional perfusion cannula is provided that includes an elongate tube for insertion into an artery. The elongate tube has a first aperture at a distal end of the tube which is forward during insertion and configured so that blood can flow into the artery in the direction of insertion, an elbow formed in the elongate tube, and a second aperture formed in or slightly rearward of the elbow and configured for supplying blood into the artery in a second direction which is generally opposite to the insertion direction.
US08795251B2 Method and composition for hyperthermally treating cells
A method and composition for hyperthermally treating tumor cells in a patient under conditions that affect tumor stem cells and tumor cells. In one embodiment, the method provides a synergetic effect with chemotherapy.
US08795249B2 Disposable diaper
A disposable diaper is provided with a skin-contactable sheet piece above a liquid-pervious topsheet. The skin-contactable sheet piece is formed with openings extending in a back-and-forth direction through which body waste is guided toward the topsheet and both lateral zones of the sheet piece on both sides of these openings as viewed in a transverse direction B are provided with elastic members attached under tension. Outside the skin-contactable sheet piece as viewed in the transverse direction B, leak-barriers are provided and the lateral zones of the skin-contactable sheet piece are bonded to the leak-barriers along regions defined between proximal edges and free edges of the respective leak-barriers.
US08795247B2 Integrated contoured negative pressure bandages
An integrated negative pressure bandage is constructed with a non-woven polyurethane matrix pad secured on the outside surface to a sheet of polyurethane film formed with an outer adhesive boundary to establish a seal against the skin of the patient around the wound site. The inner surface of the non-woven matrix pad is covered with a silver nitrate mesh to promote healing of the wound site when the bandage is placed on top of the wound. A drain tube is contained within the non-woven matrix pad for connection with a source of negative pressure to draw the fluids and exudates from the wound for removal to a canister that is located remotely from the bandage. Contoured versions of the integrated bandage are provided for use on portions of the human body that present difficult locations for applications of negative pressure therapy, including the toes, heel, limbs, and sacral region.
US08795245B2 Sleeves, manifolds, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure to a subcutaneous tissue site
The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for applying reduced pressure to subcutaneous tissue site. In one illustrative embodiment, the apparatus includes a sleeve adapted for placement at a subcutaneous tissue site. The sleeve is further adapted to receive a manifold. The sleeve may also have an opening operable to transfer reduced pressure from the manifold to the subcutaneous tissue site. In one embodiment, the apparatus may also include a manifold that is insertable into the sleeve. The manifold may include at least one aperture, and may be operable to deliver reduced pressure to the subcutaneous tissue site via at least one aperture.
US08795243B2 Flexible reduced pressure treatment appliance
A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises an impermeable flexible overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. In other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay. In yet other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance also includes wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into an absorbable matrix comprising the wound packing means. In still other embodiments, the appliance may include a suction drain. In other embodiments, the appliance may include a collection chamber to collect and store exudate from the wound. In yet other embodiments, a suction bulb may be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to an impermeable overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound. Finally, methods are provided for using various embodiments of the wound treatment appliance.
US08795242B2 Resorbable polymeric device for localized drug delivery
An implantable device for facilitating the healing of voids in bone, cartilage and soft tissue is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device is arranged for the local delivery of therapeutic agent. A preferred embodiment is a porous resorbable implant, wherein the therapy delivery may be localized in nature, rather than systemic, such that higher doses at the target site may be allowed than would be tolerable by the body systemically.
US08795241B2 Deployment catheter
A deployment catheter is described herein that preferably is configured to deliver a medical device such as a valve to a location in a patient such as a patient's airway. Preferably, such a deployment catheter is configured to be used in conjunction with a bronchoscope. In some embodiments, a locking lever is provided to reduce the likelihood of accidental deployment of the device, and which resets conveniently after use to as to permit multiple device deployments.
US08795237B2 Transparent catheter securement system
A securement device for securing a catheter to a patient is provided. The securement device includes a proximal portion having a pliable support and at least one securement arm extending away from the pliable support. The pliable support defines a slot configured to receive at least a portion of a catheter. A distal portion of the securement device includes an adhesive surface configured to be folded over the proximal portion to secure the proximal portion to a patient.
US08795235B2 Devices for and methods of performing minimally-invasive surgical procedures through a single incision
The present invention relates to surgical access devices (or surgical access ports) and related methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to such devices that are advantageously adapted for use in single-incision laparoscopic surgical (“SILS”) procedures The present invention also relates to kits and methods involving such surgical access devices.
US08795230B2 Adjustable height needle infusion device
An infusion set has a retraction dial that can be removably assembled with the infusion set and access a threaded needle hub contained therein such that the dial can be used to advance or retract a needle hub and an inserted needle to a more precisely controlled insertion depth to deliver insulin or other medicament intradermally (i.e. to the upper 3 mm of skin surface). Position of the inserted needle can be maintained by providing a separated and isolated needle hub, main base and main hub of the infusion set that can isolate the inserted needle from external forces such that the needle can be maintained at a depth to deliver content to the upper 3 mm of skin surface during normal use.
US08795225B2 Fluid detection in an enteral feeding set
Detection of fluid conditions in an administration set. A light source is positioned to transmit an infrared light through administration set tubing and any fluid therein. A light sensor senses the infrared light transmitted through the tubing and generates an output signal. A frequency of the output signal is a function of an intensity of the light transmitted through the tubing. A processor receives and determines the frequency of the output signal, and compares the determined frequency to threshold frequency values to determine whether fluid is in the tubing. The processor also monitors the generated output signal to determine if the frequency of the output signal changes over time, and determines whether fluid is flowing in the tubing as a function of the determined change in frequency.
US08795216B2 Waist support with disc protection belt
Provided is a waist support with a disc protection belt having functions of strongly pulling and fixing the backbone as well as extending the backbone.
US08795215B2 Adjustable orthopaedic corset for spinal column support
An adjustable orthopedic corset to support a user's spinal column includes a rigid frame having a pair of upper, intermediate, and lower connecting slots to which a pair of front and rear straps, wrapped around the user, are connected. A further pair of connecting slots for a pair of pelvic straps, which join at the front of the user via abdominal plates, are envisaged at a lower end of the rigid frame. The pair of front and rear straps are provided by three sliding points for each side of the rigid frame. Each front strap is equipped with a first sliding point located at upper connecting slots. Each rear strap is equipped with an anchoring point located at the intermediate connecting slots, a second sliding point at slots secured to the lower ends of the two front straps, and a third sliding point at the lower connecting slots.
US08795214B1 Orthotic brace and method of using
An orthotic brace comprises a flexible panel having a first panel portion, a second panel portion and a central portion connecting the first and second panel portions, the first panel portion and the second panel portion being of sufficient length to wrap around a torso of a user, a closure structure disposed near ends of the first and second panel portions to secure the panel about the torso, an upper cord system and a lower cord system connected to the panel, the upper and lower cord systems being independently adjustable for a more anatomically correct fit and providing a mechanical advantage, the upper cord system and the lower cord system each having a first pull and a second pull, movable along upper and lower edges of the first and second panel portions, respectively, the first pull disposed at one of the first panel portion and the second panel portion, the second pull disposed at the other of the first panel portion and the second panel portion, wherein right side and left sides of the upper and lower cord systems may be tightened independently to tighten or loosen upper and lower portions of the orthotic brace at the central portion.
US08795213B2 Spinal orthosis
An orthosis for the treatment of congenital, developmental and degenerative spinal deformities or misalignments, including an upper thoracic component adapted to cover part or the whole thorax and made in non-elastic material, a pelvic component adapted to encircle the pelvis and made in elastic-material and reinforced with non-elastic materials, a non-elastic strapping system adapted to encircle the pelvis transversely and providing a stable fitting, resistant to transverse plane rotations and proximal migration, and at least four removable, corrective elastic bands running obliquely around part or all of the body circumference and attach from the thoracic component (right shoulder, left shoulder, right distal thorax, left distal thorax) to posterior-lateral and/or anterior sections of the pelvic component.
US08795211B2 Portable and rechargeable cast ventilating system having a climate control element
A portable and rechargeable cast ventilating system adapted for use on casts, the system comprises of a portable fluid flow manipulations device, a manifold collar, and at least one tube. The system is attached to a cast being worn by a user so that each tube is inserted between the cast and the body part of the user being covered by the cast, the manipulation collar is attached to the cast so that the collar operatively connects to the tubes, and the portable fluid flow manipulation device operatively connects to the collar. The system delivers a fluid flow within a cast being worn by the user. The temperature of the fluid flow delivered to areas being covered by the cast might be controlled by a heat transfer element of the fluid flow manipulation device.
US08795209B2 Chest compression belt with belt position monitoring system
An automated chest compression device for performing CPR, with distance sensors disposed on a compressing mechanism and on a structure fixed relative to the CPR patient, for determining inferior/superior movement of the compressing mechanism over the course of multiple compressions.
US08795206B2 Systems, methods and apparatuses for recording anatomic orientation and position
Systems, methods and apparatuses for recording anatomic orientation and position.
US08795205B2 Optical displacement sensor and apparatus for measuring displacement
An optical displacement sensor is provided according to one embodiment. The optical displacement sensor comprises a housing; a displacement member coupled to the housing, configured to contact an object under test and move based on displacement of the object under test; a light emitter coupled to the housing; an optical transducer coupled to the housing; and a reflecting surface coupled to the displacement member to reflect at least a part of the light emitted from the light emitter to the optical transducer, such that movement of the displacement member modifies intensity distribution of the light reflected to the optical transducer.
US08795204B2 Anatomical recognition and dimensional analysis of breast volume to assist breast surgery
Various systems, methods, techniques and/or modules are provided to allow for the automated analysis of the 3-D representation of the upper front torso (i) to recognize 3-D anatomical features, (ii) to orient the subject with reference to their anatomy or a display, (iii) to determine dimensional analysis including direct point-to-point lines, 3-D surface lines, and volume values, (iv) to simulate the outcome with the addition of breast implants including breast and nipple positioning, (v) to assist in the selection of the breast implants, and/or (vi) to assist in the planning of breast surgery. The automated analysis is based on the analysis of changes in a 3-D contour map of the upper torso, orientation analysis of 3-D features and planes, color analysis of 3-D features, and/or dimensional analysis of 3-D features and positions of the upper torso.
US08795199B2 Puncturing system, lancet reservoir system and manufacturing method, and method for positioning functional elements on carrier tape
A puncturing system includes a carrier tape carrying multiple lancets and having position marks, a housing comprising a conveying facility for positioning the lancets and a housing opening, a puncturing drive for accelerating a lancet positioned in a usage position, a storage medium for storing distance values that depend on distances between the lancets of the carrier tape and position marks allocated to the respective lancets, a sensor for detecting position marks in a detection position through which the position marks proceed upon motion of the carrier tape, and a control unit that controls the conveying facility. To position a lancet in the usage position, the control unit stops the conveying facility upon the carrier tape moving a positioning distance. The length of the positioning distance depends on the distance between the lancet to be positioned and the detected position mark and is determined by the control unit.
US08795192B2 System and method for calibrating and determining hearing status
Method and System for characterizing an incident pressure wave in a hearing test. The method includes introducing a sound signal of a predetermined frequency and amplitude into an ear canal, measuring at least a sound pressure level (Pm) in the ear canal, processing information associated with the sound pressure level, obtaining at least an acoustic reflectance (R) based on information associated with the sound pressure level, and determining an incident wave pressure parameter (P+) in the car canal according to the following formula: P + = P m 1 + R .
US08795188B2 Device and method for a medical intervention
The invention relates to a device and a method for a medical intervention on a patient. The device provided for carrying out the method comprises a medical instrument that is to be introduced into a moving body region of the patient, a robot which has a plurality of degrees of freedom of movement and on which the medical instrument can be disposed for guiding, and means for recording the movement of the body region, wherein the medical instrument can be introduced into the body region of the patient by means of the robot taking into account the movement of the body region and guided in the direction of a target tissue in the body of the patient.
US08795186B2 System, method, and computer software code for predicting an acute hypotensive episode
A system for determining onset of an acute hypotensive episode, the system includes a plurality of collectors configured to determine heart rate, mean arterial pressure, stroke volume, total peripheral resistance, and/or age of a patient, an estimate model configured to receive data from the collectors, a simulate model configured to receive information from the estimate model to simulate operation of an effector portion and a neural portion of an arterial baroreceptor reflex pathway, and a prediction model configured predict onset of an acute hypotensive episode based on results from the simulate model. A method and a computer software code for determining onset of an acute hypotensive episode are also disclosed.
US08795184B2 Wireless plethysmogram sensor unit, a processing unit for plethysmogram and a plethysmogram system
A wireless plethysmogram sensor unit is capable of obtaining a plethysmogram from a living tissue of a measuring object and of transmitting the plethysmogram to a processing unit outside the wireless plethysmogram sensor unit. The sensor unit includes a light source to emit measuring light into the living tissue and a light receiving element to receive light emerging from the tissue, which is accompanied by pulsation caused by absorption by arteries in the tissue. A memory stores a plethysmogram obtained in accordance with the light received by the light receiving element. A short range wireless communicator transmits the plethysmogram to the processing unit. A power source provides power to other elements in the sensor unit, and a controller controls the elements of the sensor unit.
US08795180B2 Ultrasound signal compression
A method and an apparatus for an ultrasound system provide compression of ultrasound signal samples after analog to digital conversion and before beamforming. The analog ultrasound signals received from an array of ultrasound transducer elements are digitally sampled by a plurality of analog to digital converters (ADCs) to produce a plurality of sequences of signal samples. Each sequence of signal samples is compressed to form a corresponding sequence of compressed samples. The resulting sequences of compressed samples are transferred via a digital interface to an ultrasound signal processor. At the ultrasound signal processor, the received sequences of compressed samples are decompressed. The typical processing operations, such as beamforming, downconversion and detection, are applied to decompressed samples. This abstract does not limit the scope of the invention as described in the claims.
US08795175B2 Biological measurement system measuring cerebral blood volume changes to find disease or danger
Cerebral blood volume changes are measured to evaluate, from properties of low-frequency components of such changes and heart rate changes calculated by analysis, a distribution of cerebral blood vessel hardness and its change over time to thereby estimate and display diseased and dangerous portions based on the evaluation. This is attainable by a biological measurement system having a cerebral blood volume measurement unit which measures a regional cerebral blood volume of a body under test, an analyzer unit that analyzes a signal measured by the cerebral blood volume measurement unit, an extraction unit for extracting, based on an output of the analysis unit, information concerning a regional cerebral blood vessel state of the test body, and a display unit which displays a measurement result of the cerebral blood volume measurement unit, an analysis result of the analyzer unit or an extraction result of the extraction unit.
US08795173B2 Methods and apparatus for assessment of atypical brain activity
In exemplary implementations of this invention, sensor measurements are taken before, during and after an epileptiform seizure of a human. The sensors measure electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate variability (HRV) of the human.The EDA and HRV measurements are used to assess sympathetic activity and parasympathetic activity, respectively. More particularly, in the case of HRV measurements, HF power is used to assess parasympathetic innervation of the heart. HF power is the power of the high frequency (e.g. 0.15 to 0.4 Hz) spectral component of the RRI signal.One or more processors analyze the sensor data to calculate the magnitude of a post-ictal autonomic disturbance. Based on that calculated magnitude, the processors assess the severity of the seizure.A wrist-worn sensor may take long-term, continuous EDA and motion measurements. The processors may analyze these measurements to detect the onset of a tonic-clonic seizure.
US08795170B2 Residual based monitoring of human health
Improved human health monitoring is provided in the context of sensor measurements of typical vital signs and other biological parameters, by a system and method using an empirical model of the parameters and disposed to estimate values of the parameters in response to actual measurements. Residuals resulting from the difference between the estimates and actual measurements are analyzed for robust indications of incipient health issues. Residual analysis is both more robust and more sensitive than conventional univariate range checking on vital signs.
US08795166B2 Remote tissue retraction device
A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue treatment device attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The tissue treatment device includes a first jaw opposite a second jaw, and each jaw is adapted to acquire tissue. A retractor is disposed along the tissue treatment device and adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The medical device also includes a collapsible barrier disposed between the first and second jaws of the tissue treatment device to direct tissue into the first and second jaws separately.
US08795164B2 Single port device including selectively closeable openings
A surgical port includes a port body having a lumen extending therethrough and a plate having an opening. The port body may be made from foam. The port is configured such that rotation of the plate with respect to the port body aligns the opening and lumen defining a passage therethrough for the insertion of surgical instruments.
US08795162B2 Illuminated suction apparatus
An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance non-fiber optic optical waveguide with suction. This device is useful in a wide array of surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.
US08795161B2 Button port
In one aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical access apparatus is disclosed for positioning within an incision in tissue that includes an elongated seal member configured to removably receive at least one surgical object, and a deployment member. In another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical access apparatus is disclosed for positioning within an incision in tissue that includes a housing configured to removably receive at least one surgical object, an elongated member, and at least one filament. A method of percutaneously accessing an underlying surgical work site using a surgical apparatus is also disclosed.
US08795160B2 Endoscope apparatus
An endoscope apparatus includes an insertion part which has an imaging mechanism at a distal end portion and which is bendable and elongated; a display part which displays an image acquired by the imaging mechanism; a manipulating part which has a swinging body and which performs curving manipulation of the insertion part; and a housing which provides the display part and the manipulating part to a front face thereof, and which connects the insertion part with a back face opposite to the front face.
US08795155B2 Electronic bending endoscope device and endoscope supporting device
The present invention provides an electric bending endoscope device which has an endoscope supporting device. The endoscope supporting device is provided with an electric bending unit and an insertion portion detachably configured in a state that an electric bending endoscope is always supported to improve an efficiency of an operation to be performed before and after an inspection and to reduce the work or burdens of the users, and in the state that the endoscope is being supported, the endoscope can be used, and similarly, the supporting device can be stored in the state that the endoscope is being supported. For the purpose, the electric bending endoscope device includes an endoscope 11 having an observation function and a treatment function of the inside of a body cavity, and an endoscope supporting device 40 having a first moving member (hinge 46) capable of moving up and down the endoscope in a direction perpendicular to a floor, a second moving member (arm movable portion 43 and slide guide 44) capable of moving the endoscope in a horizontal direction with respect to the floor, a first supporting portion (bearing portion 42a) for permitting the endoscope to rotate around an axis and supporting the endoscope, and a second supporting portion (supporting portion 42) for supporting the endoscope movably in vertical and horizontal directions.
US08795154B1 Propulsion inflatable penile implant
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an implantable penile prosthesis including an elongated cylinder that includes a pendulous portion configured to move from a non-pressurized state to a pressurized state. A tapered tailoring portion of the elongated cylinder is configured to anchor the elongated cylinder at a base of the penis. The elongated cylinder further includes a flared reservoir portion, at least a portion of which has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the pendulous portion.
US08795150B2 Heart help device, system, and method
A medical device for assisting in the maintaining of an opening created in the thoracic diaphragm is provided. The medical device comprises a diaphragm contacting part adapted to be placed in contact with the thoracic diaphragm and thereby assist in the maintaining of the opening created in the thoracic diaphragm. A pericardial drainage device for draining a fluid from the pericardium of a patient is further provided. The drainage device comprises a conduit; the conduit comprises a first and second section. At least a portion of the first section is adapted to receive a fluid inside of the pericardium. The second section of the conduit is adapted to be positioned outside of the pericardium of a patient and enable the exhaust of said fluid received from said pericardium through at least a portion of said second section.
US08795146B2 Implants including spacers for use in brachytherapy and other radiation therapy that resist migration and rotation
A brachytherapy implant includes a plurality of protrusions to reduce a tendency of the implant to migrate and rotate within a patient's body after implantation. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to spacers that resist migration and rotation. This abstract is not intended to be a complete description of the invention.
US08795137B2 Position tracking and guidance methods
We have disclosed a modular personal network (MPN) that includes multiple devices that may be worn, carried, or used in close proximity to a user. The devices communicate wirelessly. Functions of the MPN may be modified by adding or removing components. The MPN may communicate with a personal computer. General purpose devices may include a control unit, a display, a user input, and an audio output. The MPN may provide a variety of functions, including time, communication, entertainment, organization, guidance, athletic, medical, travel, outdoors, identity, security, and military.
US08795134B2 Control apparatus for vehicular automatic transmission
A control apparatus for a vehicular automatic transmission configured to selectively establish a plurality of shift positions by engaging respective combinations of two frictional coupling devices of a plurality of frictional coupling devices, with output hydraulic pressures of respective ones of a plurality of solenoid valves provided in a hydraulic control circuit, includes: a normal-state output regulation control portion and an electrically-normal-state determining portion.
US08795132B2 Control device for vehicle drive device
A control device of a vehicle drive device comprises a hydraulic power transmission device having an input-side rotating element to which power from an engine is input and an output-side rotating element outputting power to drive wheels, a first electric motor directly or indirectly coupled to the input-side rotating element, and a second electric motor directly or indirectly coupled to the drive wheels, the vehicle drive device further comprising an electric path through which power is electrically transmitted by giving/receiving electric power between the first electric motor and the second electric motor and a mechanical path through which power is mechanically transmitted via the hydraulic power transmission device, the control device of the vehicle drive device being configured to control an operating point of the engine by adjusting a torque of the first electric motor, the control device being configured to adjust the torque of the first electric motor such that a sum of an engine torque and the torque of the first electric motor is balanced with an input-side load torque generated in the input-side rotating element depending on a speed ratio of the hydraulic power transmission device when the operating point of the engine is controlled, the control device being configured to calculate the input-side load torque based on engine rotation speed indicated by the target engine operating point and determine the torque of the first electric motor based on the engine torque indicated by the target engine operating point and the input-side load torque, the vehicle drive device further comprising a capacity variable device varying a characteristic of a capacity coefficient of the hydraulic power transmission device relative to a speed ratio of the hydraulic power transmission device that is a hydraulic characteristic of the hydraulic power transmission device for determining the input-side load torque.
US08795130B2 Quick disconnect for a drive unit
A drive unit disconnect mechanism is operable to transmit or disconnect power from a vehicle power source to a driven unit, and can be disengaged by multiple methods depending on how much force is required to separate the internal components of the mechanism. In a first, relatively quicker method, a handle is pulled axially away from the hub to withdraw and internal gear from splined engagement with a corresponding driven gear. In a second, relatively slower method, the handle is rotated to threadably withdraw the entire disconnect mechanism from the hub, which in turn withdraws the internal gear from splined engagement with the driven gear. The quicker method is desirable in most instances, but the slower method allows disconnection of the driven unit from the vehicle power source when gear pressure prevents or impedes the quicker method.
US08795128B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include three clutches and four brakes actuatable in combinations of three to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
US08795127B2 Multi-speed transmission
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
US08795126B2 Disconnectable driveline for all-wheel drive vehicle
A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, a rear drive module having a torque transfer device providing a disconnect function, a speed synchronization function and a torque biasing function, and a control system for controlling actuation of the disconnect mechanism and the torque transfer device. The power take-off unit and the rear drive module can each be equipped with a two-speed range shift unit which, under the control of the control system, permits establishment of high and low speed drive connections.
US08795125B2 Tandem axle with optimized inter-axle drive
Various drive axle systems are described each having a bevel gear system associated with the front axle system that is designed to minimize the angle of the inter-axle driveline with respect to the rear axle pinion gear.
US08795124B2 Transfer gear-box
The present invention relates to a transfer gear-box having a casing, an input shaft, a rear output shaft, a front output shaft, and two planet gear sets, the rear output shaft being arranged co-axially to the input shaft, the front output shaft being offset in relation to the input shaft, the two planet gear sets being arranged co-axially to the input shaft, the first planet gear set being a simple planet gear set and consisting of a ring gear, a sun wheel, a planet carrier, and several planet wheels, which are rotatably mounted to the planet carrier, the second planet gear set being a simple planet gear set and consisting of a ring gear, a sun wheel, a planet carrier, and several planet wheels, which are rotatably mounted to the planet carrier.
US08795120B2 Drive unit for electric bicycle
A drive unit for an electric bicycle, the drive unit including a motor configured to generate a rotary force to drive a wheel of the electric bicycle, a reduction gear unit provided with a plurality of gears to decelerate a rotary force generated from the motor, and a ring gear configured to output the rotary force which is decelerated by the reduction gear, wherein a rib is formed on at least one of two lateral sides of the ring gear.
US08795116B1 Automatic transmission with integrated engine starter, remote mounted pump and drive system
An automatic transmission includes a plurality of planetary gear assemblies, an integrated starter, a remote mounted hydraulic pump and a common drive system. An input shaft of the automatic transmission is coupled to and drives a ring (spur) gear. In one portion of the automatic transmission, a starter motor is disposed and includes gear teeth on an output shaft that engage a pinion gear that, in turn, engages the input shaft ring gear. In another portion of the automatic transmission, preferably the lower portion, an off axis hydraulic pump includes a drive shaft and driven gear which also engages the input shaft ring gear.
US08795115B2 Hybrid dual configuration transmission
A hybrid dual configuration transmission for a vehicle having an electric motor, planetary gear set and a plurality of gear meshes is disclosed herein. The hybrid dual configuration transmission provides for a plurality of electrically variable transmission operating modes and a plurality of fixed gear operating modes. The hybrid dual configuration transmission may be operated utilizing exclusively the electric motor, exclusively an engine, or any combination of the electric motor and engine.
US08795113B2 Hybrid powertrain for a motor vehicle
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08795112B2 Lubricant and oil-free chain
An oil-free chain is constructed by alternately connecting a pair of outer link plates connected using pins and a pair of inner link plates connected using oil-impregnated bushings into which the adjacent pins of the outer link plates adjacent to the inner link plates are fitted. The oil-impregnated bushings are impregnated with a lubricant having a kinematic viscosity in the range of ISO-VG grade 46 to 460, the weight % of an ingredient having the highest content among the elution ingredients obtained by the GPC method is 95 wt % or more, Mn is 800 or more and 2300 or less, and the ratio of Mw to Mn is 1.0 or more and 1.3 or less. Oil film breakage at the sliding portions of the bushings is suppressed from occurring and the oil film strength is high such that an oil-free chain has a sufficiently long abrasion elongation-resistant life.
US08795111B2 Belt type continuously variable transmission control system
When a driver returns an accelerator pedal, preliminary pressure increase apparatus increases a line pressure to a preliminary pressure increase value according to the speed of return of an accelerator pedal detected by an accelerator pedal return speed sensor. When a braking state sensor detects that the speed of depression of a brake pedal is a predetermined value or above, pressure increase when braking apparatus further increases the line pressure from the preliminary pressure increase value to a slip preventing pressure increase value. The line pressure is increased to a preliminary pressure increase value when it is predicted that braking will be carried out subsequent to an accelerator pedal return operation, when subsequently there is sudden braking it becomes possible to increase the line pressure to a slip preventing pressure increase value that can prevent an endless belt from slipping accompanying sudden braking.
US08795109B2 Arrow construction system having tip canister electronics
An arrow construction system comprising a tip canister configured to receive an arrow tip and to attach to an arrow shaft. The tip canister contains a power source and sensitive electronics. The power circuit may be a battery, a primary storage capacitor, a coil and a rectifier, and/or a solar cell. The tip canister may be electrically connected to the nock via the shaft electrical conduction system. The electrical conductors may be integrated into the shaft. The wires may form a cable with standard connectors. The nock may contain a light. Alternatively, the fletching may comprise light emitting film or fibers. The circuits may include a flash circuit, an audio circuit, a radio beacon, a wireless transmitter, environmental sensors, a camera, a switch, and/or a GPS device. The switch may be activated by a current detected in a coil or by an accelerometer.
US08795105B2 Apparatus and methods for retaining tennis balls hit into tennis nets
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of apparatus and methods for retaining (e.g., controlling, funneling, redirecting, gathering, and/or capturing, etc.) tennis balls hit into tennis nets, to inhibit or prevent the tennis balls from bouncing off or rolling away from a tennis net back onto the main playing surface of a tennis court.
US08795102B2 Iron-type golf clubs and golf club heads with a wide sole
Golf club heads according to at least some example aspects of this disclosure include: an iron-type golf club head including an iron-type golf club head body, a ball striking face, or face plate, a rear plate, a sole, and a sole channel. According to aspects of the disclosure, the sole may be considered a wide sole as compared to conventional iron-type club head. The sole may be approximately 30-50% wider than conventional iron-type club heads. Further, according to aspects of the disclosure, the sole channel may be a channel generally defined as an undercut portion removed from the sole. The sole channel may be located generally within the sole portion of the club head.
US08795099B2 Golf club and method for adjusting characteristics of golf club
A golf club includes: a shaft; a head mounted on a leading end of the shaft; and a substantially cylindrical shaft case fixed to the leading end of the shaft, wherein: the shaft case is inserted into the tubular portion of the hosel of the head; the tubular portion includes a partition plate section in the lower portion thereof; a spacer is interposed between the leading end of the shaft case and partition plate section; the shaft case is unrotatably engaged with the spacer; the spacer and partition plate section respectively include stopper portions for preventing the rotation of the spacer; and a bolt inserted through bolt insertion holes respectively formed in the partition plate section and spacer from the sole side of the head is screwed into the shaft case, whereby the shaft case is fixed to the head.
US08795098B2 System for determining performance characteristics of a golf swing
An instrumented golf club system and methods are disclosed. A variety of golf swing parameters are measured by the instrumented golf club and wirelessly transmitted to a portable computer device. The portable computer device generates a user interface that displays the golf swing parameters against preferred golf swing parameters. The instrumented golf club system allows a golfer to receive feedback in real time while playing golf.
US08795097B2 Combination infant rocker and swing
An infant support structure includes a seat assembly having a handle extending upwardly from a receiving area. The handle includes an engagement member. A support frame includes a lower portion configured for engaging a supporting surface and an upper portion. A mounting portion is coupled to the upper portion of the frame. The engagement member is removably and pivotally coupleable to the mounting portion. A drive mechanism is coupled to the mounting portion, and includes a ram reciprocally movable relative to the mounting portion. The ram is engageable with the handle so that the seat assembly swings back and forth relative to the support frame.
US08795095B2 Motion ride method and apparatus for illusion of teleportation
A method and apparatus for a motion ride for creating an illusion of teleportation on a multiple of passengers in a ride vehicle. Multiple embodiments of varying apparatus are presented for completing four steps of the method. Passengers observe motion of the passenger vehicle over several environments creating an anticipated location for a perceived final destination of the passenger vehicle following motion through an enclosing structure. The enclosing structure has motion distinct from motion of the passenger vehicle over a predetermined amount of time creating a separation between the actual final destination of the passenger vehicle and the perceived final destination anticipated by passengers. Revealing the actual final destination of the passenger vehicle to passengers creates the effect of the passenger vehicle appearing in a different and unanticipated location instantaneously. The effect can be used for complimenting a story-telling teleportation event of a motion ride.
US08795094B2 Rotating amusement apparatus
A rotating amusement apparatus 200 have a rotary device 100. The rotary device 100 of rotating amusement apparatus 200 of the present invention comprises a drive motor 110 placed on a base substance 110, a crank 112 and a rotating plate 115. And the crank 112 is pivotally supported by a rotating shaft rotated by the drive motor 110. a rotating plate 115 is fixed by the crank 112 rotating together with the crank 112. And a playgame member 210 is fixed in a rotating plate 115 of the rotary device 100, and the playgame member210 rotating together with the rotating plate 115, by eccentric rotation.
US08795087B2 Load balancing in cloud-based game system
Technologies are generally described for a load balancing scheme for a cloud-based game system. In some examples, a load balancing system may include a resource usage measurement unit configured to measure resource usage of a game server, a determination unit configured to determine one or more client devices to stream non-interactive media files among a plurality of client devices connected to the game server based at least in part on the resource usage measured by the resource usage measurement unit, and a transmission unit to stream the non-interactive media files to one or more of the client devices upon occurrence of a predetermined game event.
US08795086B2 Referee mode within gaming environments
Systems and methods for providing referee control over game play within a gaming environment are provided herein. Exemplary methods may include establishing a referee role that allows an end user to exert referee control of game play relative to a competition, within a gaming environment, between a plurality of participants, establishing referee rights for the referee role, the referee rights being made available only to the end user upon which the referee role has been conferred; and, conferring the referee role upon the end user.
US08795082B2 Directional beam steering system and method to detect location and motion
A gaming system is disclosed comprising a console unit having a processor and transceiver circuitry. The transceiver circuitry couples to the processor and includes respective receiver and transmitter circuits. A first phased array antenna interface is employed to transmit and receive directional signals in response to the processor. The system employs a mobile game controller including a second phased array antenna interface to receive and redirect the directional signals back to the first phased array antenna interface. The processor generates proximity data based at least in part on a parameter associated with the directional signals, the proximity data representing the proximity of the mobile game controller with respect to the game console unit.
US08795079B2 Semantic gaming and application transformation including movement processing equations based on inertia
A gaming system comprises a handheld user input device, a processor for receiving input data from the handheld user input device and a gaming application for receiving data from the processor based on the received input data from the handheld user input device. The handheld user input device emulates one of a plurality of different devices associated with the gaming application. Each of the plurality of different devices have a set of input commands associated therewith. The set of input commands associated with the one of a plurality of different devices includes a command based on one of motion and orientation of the handheld device.
US08795078B1 Method and system providing compatibility between two different controllers
Techniques for providing compatibility between two different game controllers are disclosed. When a new or more advanced controller is introduced, it is important that such a new controller works with a system originally configured for an existing or old controller. The new controller may provide more functionalities than the old one does. In some cases, the new controller provides more sensing signals than the old one does. The new controller is configured to work with the system to transform the sensing signals therefrom to masquerade as though they were coming from the old controller. The transforming of the sensing signals comprises: replicating operational characteristics of the old controller, and relocating virtually the sensing signals to appear as though the sensing signals were generated from inertial sensors located in a certain location in the new controller responsive to a certain location of the inertial sensors in the old controller.
US08795068B2 Gaming device having sequential activations of a game and replay of previous activations of the game
A gaming device including a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols on each of the reels. At least one and preferably a plurality of the symbols on the primary reels are designated as tracking or back symbols. A tracking symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to flag the outcome of the current and all tracking spins in a memory storage device. A back symbol is a symbol that, when generated on a reel, causes the gaming device to retrieve the flagged outcomes of each flagged spin and to re-display the outcomes in a sequential manner and to provide the awards associated with the outcomes to the player. An additional embodiment of the invention automatically flags all spins of the gaming device for retrieval and display upon the generation of a back or bonus symbol. The gaming device determines if an award is associated with one or more of the symbols generated on the reels and provides any determined award to the player.
US08795066B2 Gaming system and method for providing a selection game
A game for a gaming machine having a plurality of different items to be selected by a player, each item having a value in an amount preset for a given bonus round, and a respective initial quantity in a preset amount. The player selects an item, such as one of many items for purchase in a store, and the value for that item is registered, along with subtraction of a unit from the quantity of that item. Provided that the quantity for that item selected is not then zero, the player continues to select another item, with registration of the value for that item and subtraction until an item is selected thereby having a zero quantity.
US08795064B2 Method and apparatus for outputting a message at a game machine
The invention allows a casino, or other entity, via a game machine, to provide relevant information at appropriate times, and/or in response to appropriate events, to players using the game machine. A dynamic and flexible system adapted to interact with players on an individual basis by aiding in the management, determination, distribution, and delivery of promotional, inspirational, instructive, informational, communicative, incentive, and other types of messages, is provided. Various methods are provided to ensure that receiving messages at a game machine enhances a player's overall gaming experience by selectively outputting helpful and desirable messages to players while minimizing interference with the players' gaming and to avoid overwhelming players with unsolicited, unwanted, and/or irrelevant messages.
US08795061B2 Automated data collection system for casino table game environments
Various techniques are disclosed for facilitating player tracking activities and/or player rating activities at a casino gaming table. One aspect is directed to different techniques for automatically starting, suspending, resuming and/or ending player tracking sessions at one or more table games. Another aspect is directed to different techniques for automatically starting, suspending, resuming and/or ending player rating sessions at one or more table games.
US08795060B2 Game processing server apparatus and recording medium
A game processing server apparatus providing a game service to a plurality of terminal devices connected with each other via a network, includes a game data generation unit that generates game data in the game service; a player information storing unit that stores player information including registration date data indicating a date when the player operating the terminal device is registered in the game service; and a group allocation unit that determines a player group to which the player belongs based on the registration date data of the player, wherein the game data generation unit generates game data for training, which is different from normal game data, to the player who belongs to the player group.
US08795059B2 Wagering game with expanding reels
A method for conducting a wagering game includes receiving a wager to play the wagering game. A base array of symbol positions arranged in a plurality of columns is displayed. A plurality of symbols is randomly distributed such that each of the symbol positions in the base array is associated with one or more of the symbols. An extent by which the base array of symbol positions is to be expanded is indicated by the symbols. The base array of symbol positions is expanded into an expanded array of symbol positions including at least one additional symbol position.
US08795058B2 Gaming system and method having player accumulated points and determining each player's chances of winning an award based on the accumulated points
The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides and tracks bonus event eligibility points accumulated by players playing the gaming devices in the gaming system. Upon a triggering of a bonus event, the gaming system generates, for each bonus event eligibility point accumulated for each player, a random number from a predefined range of numbers. The gaming system determines which one of the accumulated bonus event eligibility points is the designated bonus event eligibility point, such as by determining which bonus event eligibility point is associated with the highest valued random number generated. The gaming system then enables the player that accumulated the designated bonus event eligibility point to participate in the bonus event. In the bonus event, one or more awards are provided to the player that accumulated the designated bonus event eligibility point.
US08795053B2 Gaming system and method providing one or more indications associated with a player-selected symbol combination for a play of a pachisuro-style slot game
The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing one or more indications associated with a player-selected winning symbol combination for a play of a Pachisuro-style slot game. The gaming system includes a plurality of reels, each of which includes a plurality of symbols, and a separate stop input device associated with each reel. While each reel is spinning, the gaming system enables the player to activate the associated stop input device to cause the gaming system to stop that reel from spinning. For a play of the game, the gaming system enables a player to select a desired winning symbol combination. The gaming system spins the reels and, while the reels are spinning, indicates when the player should activate the stop input devices to cause the gaming system to stop the reels such that a probability of the desired winning symbol combination being displayed is maximized.
US08795052B2 Strategy game systems and methods
The present application relates to methods and systems for playing a strategy game in which two players take turns assigning a representative symbol to one or more locations of a playing field, with the ultimate goal being to own all (or most) of the playing field. In its most basic form, the playing field is defined by a plurality of nodes, each of which is directly connected to one or more adjacent nodes and indirectly connected to every other node of the playing field via a chain of adjacent nodes. After the current player assigns his symbol to a selected null node, it can be determined how the set of nodes owned by the current player partitions the set of nodes not owned by the current player into one or more transferable bounded sets. Ownership of the transferable bounded set(s) can then be transferred to the current player.
US08795050B2 Gaming system and method for providing improved element setting options
A gaming system configured to operate a game associated with a plurality of game elements is provided. The gaming system provides a quantity of the game elements to a player and a dealer. The gaming system forms a first dealer hand and a second dealer hand from the provided game elements according to one of a plurality of element setting rules. The gaming system enables the player to manually form a first player hand and a second player hand from the provided game elements or to instruct the gaming system to automatically do so according to one of the element setting rules. If the player manually sets the player hands, the gaming system indicates whether the player's hands were formed in accordance with any of the element setting rules. The gaming system determines any awards based on a comparison of the player hands with the dealer hands.
US08795041B2 Conditioned air supply method and supply system for aircraft
When conditioned air is supplied in an aircraft, the conditioned air in which at least one of oxygen concentration and humidity is adjusted is generated in the aircraft. The generated conditioned air is blown via a plurality of air blow-off ports 40a disposed inside the aircraft cabin so that the conditioned air reaches face disposition regions of passengers H in a plurality of seat locations inside the cabin.
US08795037B2 Double clipper
An improved system for stuffing material is described. The clipping system includes a first clipper comprising a clip reel, a clip rail, a punch, and a die, the punch configured to engage a single clip and the die having a set of two depressions configured to engage and bend a pair of legs of the single clip, and further includes a second clipper mounted adjacent the first clipper, the second clipper comprising a second clip reel, a second clip rail, a second punch, and a second die, the second punch configured to engage a pair of clips and the second die having two sets of two depressions configured to engage and bend the legs of the pair of clips.
US08795035B2 Chemical mechanical planarization pad conditioner and method of forming
A CMP pad conditioner including a substrate having a transparency window represented by an average internal transmittance of not less than about 90% over a wavelength range extending from about 400 nm to about 500 nm along a path length extending through the substrate of not less than about 10 mm a bonding layer overlying a surface of the substrate, and abrasive grains contained within the bonding layer.
US08795034B2 Brazed diamond dressing tool
A dressing blade for finishing and reconditioning new and used abrasive grinding and cutting tools has a slab-shaped shank with an extension protruding longitudinally from the shank. Superabrasive grains are disposed on the surface of the extension and held in place by a brazed metal composition. This composition is formed by brazing a powdered mixture of brazing metal components and active metal components. Specific extension configurations are provided which allow aligning the superabrasive grains in single layer arrangement for precise dressing and simple fabrication of the tool. The novel dressing tool exhibits excellent wear characteristics.
US08795032B2 Substrate processing apparatus, substrate processing method, substrate holding mechanism, and substrate holding method
An apparatus for processing a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a polishing section configured to polish a substrate, a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the substrate, and a cleaning section configured to clean and dry the polished substrate. The cleaning section has plural cleaning lines for cleaning plural substrates. The plural cleaning lines have plural cleaning modules and plural transfer robots for transferring the substrates.
US08795022B2 Interacting toys
There is provided a toy comprising: a processor (200); a memory coupled to said processor (202); an output (210) coupled to said processor; and means (212) for establishing a network connection with at least one further such toy; wherein the processor includes means for controlling the output of each toy with which a network connection has been established. Furthermore, the controlling means is adapted to transmit, over said network connection, instructions to control a plurality of the outputs (preferably all of the outputs) of each toy with which a network connection has been established.
US08795017B2 Method of manufacturing a spark plug electrode and a spark plug
A method for manufacturing electrodes for a spark plug that reduces manufacturing time. The method includes a supply step of supplying a workpiece to a die for extrusion forming, wherein the die has a supply hole and an extrusion hole located adjacent to the supply hole for forming the workpiece to have a predetermined cross-sectional shape. The supply hole has a cross section greater than a cross section of the extrusion hole. The method also includes a forming step of pushing the workpiece, supplied to the supply hole, through the extrusion hole so as to form the workpiece into a shape corresponding to the cross section of the extrusion hole. In the supply step, the workpiece is supplied such that a plurality of workpieces form a vertical line in the die.
US08795014B2 Workout raft
Disclosed is a flotation platform engineered to permit aquatic based exercise routines in a pool or Shallow calm waters for fitness or rehabilitation. An exercise method directed for a total body workout. A raft that exercise routines are performed on water to reduce stress, as if compared to ones workout With heavy equipment or on hard surfaces. The workout raft includes a removable pillow to allow more Resistance for both upper and lower body. The raft includes flexible connectors for the arm rest for a Variety of arm exercises. The raft includes a quarter hole behind the users knees to allow the user to Bend the raft easily in and out of the water. Disclosed is a raft that works out about every part of the Body. It has a number of color coded chambers that can be inflated for the desired level of resistance.
US08795012B2 Outboard motor tilt movement interruption device, outboard motor, marine vessel propulsion apparatus, and marine vessel
In an outboard motor tilt movement interruption device, when a tilt-up stop condition is established by a presence of an obstacle in a tilt-up movement range of an outboard motor and the obstacle and the outboard motor are equal to or less than a predetermined distance from each other, a circuit arranged to actuate a tilt device is cut off by an ON/OFF switch. On the other hand, when the tilt-up stop condition is not established, the circuit is connected. When the tilt-up stop condition is established during an operation of the ON/OFF switch, the circuit is cut off, and tilt-up of the outboard motor is stopped. Thereafter, when the tilt-up stop condition becomes canceled, the circuit is connected and tilt-up of the outboard motor is restarted.
US08795005B2 High-current insertion-type connector having annular resilient contact
A high current connector for transmitting electric currents, having a housing made of electrically conductive material for mechanical and electrical connection to a cable, an open side for the insertion of a matching plug connector made of an electrically conductive material, and a contact element disposed and formed in the housing such that it produces an electrical contact with a contact surface and contact pressure between the housing and the matching plug connector inserted therein, wherein the contact element has at least one annular helical spring.
US08795003B2 Contact set arrangement for right angle jack
A connector system includes a jack module mounted to a circuit board, which is connected to at least one processor. The jack module is configured to receive a plug connector having a first set of contacts spaced from a second set of contacts. The jack module includes a first contact arrangement configured to engage the first set of contacts of the plug and a second contact arrangement configured to engage the second set of contacts of the plug. The second contact arrangement is provided on a media reading interface, which may provide presence sensing. The first and second contact arrangements engage landings on the circuit board. One example jack module defines a right-angle jack.
US08795002B2 Co-edge connector
A co-edge connector (200) is provided that includes a housing (200a) that supports a plurality of terminals (210). One side of the housing includes a slot (230) that is configured to accept a panel (30) and first terminal contacts (213) are positioned in the slot. An exposed support surface (206) extends from a wall (204) on a second side and second terminal contacts (211) extend above the support surface. In operation, if the panel inserted into the slot is inserted in a vertical direction, the second contacts can engage pads of panel where the panel is mounted on the housing by moving the panel in a vertical direction.
US08794998B2 Switching hub device and connector lock releasing tool
A switching hub device includes a connector group including a plurality of connectors, the plurality of connectors each having a hole to insert a cable and including a locking unit to lock the cable inserted into the hole, a plurality of lock releasing members each to release the cable from the locking unit of each of the connectors by pressing a lock releasing unit provided in the cable, a supporting member to pivotally support each of the lock releasing members facing the lock releasing unit, and a handle having a fitting portion to fit with each of the lock releasing members supported by the supporting member, the handle gripping each of the lock releasing members fitted with the fitting portion.
US08794994B2 Connection terminal
A connection terminal having at least one busbar piece and at least one clamping spring. The connection terminal has at least one spring-force clamping connection formed from a clamping spring and a portion of a busbar piece, an insulating-material housing including at least one conductor insertion opening which leads to an spring-force clamping connection and extends in a conductor insertion direction, and at least one pivotably mounted operating lever designed to interact with at least one clamping spring in order to open at least one spring-force clamping connection. The operating lever can be arranged with its rotation axis in the conductor insertion opening or in the path of the conductor insertion opening in the direction of the clamping point. The connection terminal provides a space-saving and compact construction, which is also improved in respect of the force effect of the operating lever.
US08794993B2 Utility coupler with failsafe features
A utility coupler comprises a coupling unit that is coupled to a tool unit via the reciprocal linear actuation of a hooking cam member in the coupling unit engaging a latching pin in the tool unit. The hooking cam member includes a composite cam surface operative to couple and hold the two units together as the latching pin engages different surfaces of the composite cam surface. Failsafe features prevent the inadvertent decoupling of the units.
US08794991B2 Electrical connector including guidance and latch assembly
An electrical connector assembly includes first and second electrical connectors that include complementary guidance members and complementary latch members that engage when the first and second electrical connectors are mated.
US08794988B2 Detachment prevention component and electronic device using the same
Since a connector device 30 has a cover component 60 mounted thereto, and the cover component 60 includes a first restraining section 62a and a second restraining section 62b, displacements of a first holding component 33 and a second holding component 34 can be restrained. Therefore, even if the connector device 30 is subjected to impact or shaking from the outside, the first holding component 33 and the second holding component 34 are not disengaged from a memory module 20, and easy detachment of the memory module 20 from a first connector body 31 can be prevented. Further, the memory module 20 projects from an opening of a casing when the connector device 30 having the structure as described above is mounted to an electronic device. Therefore, addition or exchange of the memory module 20 is facilitated.
US08794986B2 Connector
The housing has a guide rail protruding from the upper face of the bottom wall portion and extending towards the rear end portion. The guide rail includes a wide portion near the front end portion and a narrow portion near the rear end portion being narrower in width than the wide portion. The sliding portion has a recessed guide groove slidably engaging the guide rail. The guide groove engages the wide portion when the card-type unit is in the locked position and engages the narrow portion instead of the wide portion when the card-type unit is in the ejection position.
US08794983B2 Electrical connector having low profile characteristics
An electrical connector includes an outer housing having two side arms extended from two opposite lateral sides of a holder base thereof and defining with the holder base a sliding space, a movable inner housing movable in and out of the sliding space and having two upright sidewalls at two opposite lateral sides of a bottom panel thereof and defining with the bottom panel a mating space, mating contact pins mounted at the bottom panel of the movable inner housing and partially suspending in the mating space, and a flexible connection interface electrically connected with the mating contact pins and extending out of the movable inner housing and the outer housing for connection to an external transmission interface.
US08794982B2 Electric junction box
Disclosed is an electric junction box capable of preventing an electric wire from entering into a second housing and contacting with an electric wire crimped part, and of allowing a bus bar smoothly to insert into a frame. The electric wire includes a frame and a bus bar. The bus bar includes a plate part, a plurality of terminals projecting in parallel with each other from one end of the plate, and an electric wire crimped part projecting from the other end of the plate. The frame includes a first housing accommodating the plate part and the plurality of terminals, and a second housing projecting from an end of the first housing and accommodating the electric wire crimped part. A tubular peripheral wall composing the second housing includes a slit passing the bus bar therethrough upon the bus bar being inserted into the frame.
US08794981B1 Electrical connector
An electrical connector may include a printed circuit board (PCB), the PCB including a plurality of contacts, a plurality of wires coupled to the plurality of contacts on the PCB, a non-conductive pad extending across the PCB, a plurality of pins extending across the non-conductive pad, and an overmold. The plurality of pins may be coupled to the plurality of contacts. The overmold may cover at least a portion of the PCB and at least a first portion of each of the plurality of pins. The overmold may include a first aperture exposing at least a second portion of each of the plurality of pins.
US08794980B2 Connectors providing HAPTIC feedback
A first connector may include a housing defining a first connector face to be positioned in a first position or a second position proximate to a second connector face of a second connector. A first extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit may be disposed in the housing for communicating with a second EHF communication unit of the second connector when the first connector face is positioned in first or second position relative to the second connector face. A first magnet may be disposed in the housing. The first magnet may align with and repel a second magnet disposed relative to the second connector face when the first connector face is positioned in the second position. The first magnet may be configured not to align with and not to repel the second magnet when first connector face is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face.
US08794979B2 Interactive presentation system
A computerized educational presentation system is provided. The system may include a presentation application program. The presentation application program may include a presentation module that is operable in an author mode to create an educational presentation having a plurality of educational resources. The educational resources may include at least a poll. Further, the presentation module may be operable in a presentation mode to make the educational presentation accessible for viewing at a plurality of student computing devices. The presentation application program further may include an interaction module. During the author mode, the interaction module may update one or more educational resources of the educational presentation in response to receiving user edits via an author tool. During the presentation mode, the interaction module may receive student feedback at a teacher computing device in response to presentation of the poll at the plurality of student computing devices.
US08794976B2 Systems and methods for evaluating neurobehavioural performance from reaction time tests
Method are provided for evaluating reaction time data obtained from a stimulus-response testing system. One exemplary method comprises: obtaining reaction time data, the reaction time data comprising a plurality of reaction times, each reaction time comprising an estimate of a time required for a subject to respond to a corresponding stimulus event; assigning a weight to each reaction time in the reaction time data in accordance with a weighting function, the weighting function comprising a rule that defines a mapping between reaction times and corresponding weights; and determining a weighted reaction time metric based at least in part on a sum of the weights assigned to the reaction times in the reaction time data.
US08794974B2 Method and system for automating the scoring of task information
A method and system for scoring task information. Through the use of an electronic time management device, such as a cell phone or other portable digital computer based device programmed to support this method, a user enters a description of a task and when the task should be completed. This information is then communicated to a scoring system, and the information is scored without human intervention and points are given. Optionally, if the information cannot be automatically scored, it is scored by a person. These points can be banked and then be used toward a socially desirable reward, such as sending text messages or playing music or watching videos. This is particularly effective in teaching time management skills to young students who may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
US08794971B2 Method and system for assigning a task to be processed by a crowdsourcing platform
A method and system for applying a task to a crowdsourcing platform for processing are disclosed. For example, a method forwards the task having a question to the crowdsourcing platform, and receives a plurality of answers to the question, wherein the plurality of answers is provided by a plurality of workers associated with the crowdsourcing platform. The method analyzes the plurality of answers on a per-worker basis to determine an adjustment, and applies the adjustment to the plurality of answers.
US08794967B2 Firearm training system
The present invention provides a firearm training system for actual and virtual moving targets comprising a firearm, a trigger-initiated image-capturing device mounted on a firearm, a processor, and a display. The system allows a user to visualize the accuracy of a shot taken when the trigger was pulled or the gun fired by showing the predicted position of the firearm's projectile in relation to the moving targets.
US08794961B2 Cooling arrangement for a combustion chamber
A cooling arrangement for a surface of a wall in a gas turbine engine, the wall having a plurality of effusion holes each with an outlet onto the surface for supplying an effusion flow to the surface and an inlet, the inlets of the effusion holes being arranged at the peripheries of groups tessellated on an opposing surface of the wall, each inlet being located on the peripheries of three groups. The arrangement comprises a second wall spaced apart from the opposing surface having impingement orifices each for directing a flow of air in use to a respective impingement location on the opposing surface, each group having a centrally positioned impingement location.
US08794959B2 Completely disposable cooking apparatus for filling and decorating of foods
A completely disposable cooking apparatus used for filling and decorating of foods, that is a one-piece disposable construction, comprising a one-piece, funnel-shaped bag with a soft side wall, having an open first end at the “top” or wider end of the funnel through which food material can be inserted into the bag and a closed second end at the “bottom” or narrow end of the funnel, with an integral, malleable, conical shaped, discharge orifice (also sometimes referred to as a nozzle or a tip). The orifice has serrations or ridges extending inwardly from the internal wall of the orifice, running longitudinally or parallel to the cone axis for all or a part of the length of the orifice. The orifice can either be initially closed or manufactured with a small opening or hole. 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. Regardless of the point of cut, i.e., regardless of the size of the hole or opening, the inwardly extending serrations or ridges that remain after the cut insure that the material is “treated” as it is expelled from the bag through the orifice. While the orifice is capable of “treating” the material as it is discharged from the bag, the orifice is also either: (a) elastic or flexible enough in order to allow the hole or opening in the orifice to expand to pass “clogs” or “lumps” and then return to its original shape; or (b) supple or deformable enough in order to allow the orifice to be compressed or collapsed “upstream” of the hole or opening so that the “clogs” or “lumps” can be broken up and then passed through the hole or opening when the orifice returns to its original shape.
US08794957B2 Method and apparatus for contouring composite pre-preg articles
A forming tool and method for its use with flat pre-preg composite laminate assemblies which incorporates a mandrel segmented into multiple forming blocks, the forming blocks sized to receive a draped composite laminate assembly with all portions of the composite laminate assembly spaced from a shaping surface on each block. A spline plate engages the shaping surface of the forming blocks to provide a neutral axis for maintaining the entire composite laminate assembly in tension during forming. In the exemplary embodiments, the draped composite laminate assembly is formed to the forming blocks from the flat composite laminate assembly and maintained in contact with the forming blocks using a vacuum bag. The mandrel forming blocks are then displaced to a desired curvature on the spline plate.
US08794952B2 Apparatus for molding electronic components
A molding apparatus for an electronic device comprises a first mold chase, a second mold chase and a middle plate which is configured to be clamped together with the electronic device between the first mold chase and second mold chase during molding. A molding cavity formed in the middle plate is configured for receiving molding compound. A package pin is mounted on the middle plate to be movable with the middle plate, and a portion of the package pin is positioned to protrude into the molding cavity to form a mark in the molding compound when molding compound is molded around the said portion of the package pin.
US08794948B2 Apparatus for the continuous production of a twin wall pipe with an integral socket
An apparatus for the continuous production of a twin wall pipe has mold block halves supplied in pairs to form a mold, and a pipe head, which has an external nozzle for the extrusion of an external hose and an internal nozzle for the extrusion of an internal hose. A support air and venting channel which is annular-cylindrical and concentric with respect to the center longitudinal axis of the pipe head opens out between the external nozzle and internal nozzle.
US08794945B2 Rotary pump or motor with orbital piston aspiration
Rotary components are described that include a housing comprising a rotor having a rotor working face and a gate having a gate working face and a pocket; at least one vane, wherein the vane is coupled to the rotor; at least one wiper coupled to the vane; a plurality of endplates coupled to the housing, wherein at least one of the endplates is a float plate; an intake chamber; and an outlet chamber. In addition, methods of aspirating a working medium by utilizing the rotary component having at least one float plate includes pulling the working medium into the intake chamber, depositing the working medium into a working chamber that is located between the intake chamber and the outlet chamber; maintaining the working medium in a stationary position until the vane sweeps around toward the outlet chamber; accumulating the working medium into the outlet channel of the outlet chamber; and centrifugally ejecting the working medium into the outlet chamber and out of the system.
US08794943B2 Rotary engine vane conduits apparatus and method of operation therefor
A rotary engine is described including: (1) a rotor located within a housing, the rotor configured with a plurality of rotor vane slots; (2) a vane separating an interior space between the rotor and the housing into at least a trailing chamber and a leading chamber, where the vane slidingly engages a rotor vane slot; (3) a first passage through the vane, the first passage including a first exit port into the rotationally trailing chamber; and (4) a second exit port to the rotationally trailing chamber, where the first exit port and the second exit port connect to any of: (a) the first passage through the vane and (b) the first passage and a second passage through the vane, respectively. Optionally, one or more seals affixed to the vane and/or the rotor valve the first passage, the second passage, a vane wingtip, and/or a conduit through the rotor.
US08794939B2 Fuel pump head having an external chamber
A pump head suitable for use in a fuel pump for a common rail fuel injection system, comprises a pump head housing defining a plunger bore and a pumping chamber. Fuel is pressurized within the pumping chamber by a plunger reciprocating within the plunger bore. The pump head housing includes an inlet valve arrangement for controlling fuel flow into the pumping chamber. The inlet valve arrangement includes a valve member movable between open and closed positions in response to fuel pressure within a gallery. The gallery communicates with an external chamber defined by a closure member externally mounted to the pump head housing. In use, the gallery communicates with a source of low-pressure fuel via the external chamber. The pump head housing has a projection which locates the closure member on the pump head housing.
US08794931B2 Fluid ejection device and medical device
A fluid ejection device includes: a pulse generation unit that changes the volume of a fluid chamber using a volume changing section to eject pulsating flow; a fluid supply unit including a pump chamber and a pump chamber volume changing section that changes the volume of the pump chamber to supply the fluid to the pulse generation unit; a drive control unit that inputs a pulsating flow drive signal for driving the pump chamber volume changing section and inputs a fluid supply drive signal for driving the fluid supply unit; and an operation command input unit that inputs an operation command to the drive control unit, wherein the fluid supply drive signal and the pulsating flow drive signal are input in conjunction with the input of the operation command.
US08794927B2 Fluid flow modification apparatus and method of manufacture
A fluid flow modification apparatus (10) has a surface (15), the surface having an edge (65) of length Y over or past which a fluid can flow in use. The edge (65) has a virtual boundary (30) of length X where Y is greater than X. At least a first portion of the apparatus (10) within the virtual boundary (30) comprises an opening (55) and at least a second portion of the apparatus (10) comprises a projection (60) which extends beyond the virtual boundary (30) to provide the edge (65). The edge (65) is multi-scale.
US08794926B2 Turbine blade with improved aerodynamic performance
One or more protuberances are provided on a turbine blade on its suction side in a vicinity of its trailing edge. The protuberances serve to reduce a separation zone in a vicinity of a blade surface that is responsible for disturbances that affect efficiency of the turbine.
US08794922B2 Assembly between a compressor shaft trunnion and a bevel gear for driving an accessory gearbox of a turbomachine
The invention relates to an assembly between a compressor shaft trunnion and a bevel gear for driving an accessory gearbox of a turbomachine. The assembly comprises a bevel gear, a compressor shaft trunnion arranged coaxially inside the bevel gear, torque transmission means between the compressor shaft trunnion and the bevel gear, a lock nut for preventing the bevel gear from moving axially on the compressor shaft trunnion, the lock nut being suitable for being screwed onto the bevel gear and including a shoulder projecting radially outwards and suitable for coming into axial abutment firstly upstream against a stop nut screwed onto an upstream end of the compressor shaft trunnion, and secondly downstream against a bearing surface of the compressor shaft trunnion, and an anti-rotation pin for preventing the lock nut from rotating.
US08794913B2 Steam turbine facility
A steam turbine facility suppresses the possibility of vibration from occurring and prevents a drastic increase in facility cost, thereby realizing an increase in size of the facility, even if steam conditions of 650° C. or higher are adopted. In the steam turbine facility including a high-pressure turbine, an intermediate-pressure turbine, and a low-pressure turbine, the intermediate-pressure turbine is separated into a first intermediate-pressure turbine on a high-temperature and high-pressure side and a second intermediate-pressure turbine on a low-temperature and low-temperature side. At least any one of the rotors and casings of the steam-introduction-side turbines into which steam with a temperature of 650° C. or higher is introduced is formed from Ni-based alloy, and at least any one of the overall rotors and the overall casings of the turbines are constructed by joining together a plurality of rotor members or casing members by welding.
US08794912B2 Strut and a gas turbine structure comprising the strut
A strut for application between an outer ring and an inner ring in a gas turbine structure and a gas turbine structure including such a strut are provided. The strut includes an end portion which has a diverging shape so that an internal space is formed in the end portion for receiving at least part of an engine mount. Engine mounting lugs can be positioned at such struts.
US08794911B2 Anti-rotation slot for turbine vane
A fixed vane section for a gas turbine engine includes an anti-rotation slot that receives a pin for maintaining a desired position while providing for movement encountered during operation. The example anti-rotation slot includes a compound radius on inner surfaces to reduce stresses encountered during operation.
US08794910B2 Gas turbine engine synchronizing ring bumper
A synchronizing assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a synchronizing ring. A composite bumper is secured to the synchronizing ring by a fastener. A structure is arranged between the bumper and the synchronizing ring. The fastener applies a first load through the structure to the synchronizing ring and a second load through the bumper. The second load is substantially less than the first load. In one example, the structure includes a bushing that extends through a hole in the bumper. The bushing is proud of the hole on the other side of the bumper and protrudes into the counterbore. The fastener is arranged in the bushing and applies a clamping load through the bushing to secure the bumper to the synchronizing ring.
US08794908B2 Stator stage for turbomachine compressor
A turbomachine stator stage including two coaxial shrouds, respectively an inner shroud and an outer shroud with substantially radial vanes extending therebetween, the radially outer ends of the vanes being welded to the outer shroud and the radially inner ends of the vanes passing through orifices in an outer ring of the inner shroud, the inner ends being held by elastomer spacers in an annular cavity formed between the outer ring and an inner ring that is fastened to the outer ring.
US08794898B2 Tipping and balancing hay bale cart
A hand-operated hay bale cart has only two wheels connected in a laterally spaced-apart fashion to a generally rectangular handle frame. The handle frame is generally near the top, or above, the wheels, creating an open space beneath the frame and between the wheels for receiving a bale of animal feed. Pivotally supported by the handle frame is a securement rack that swings freely on a horizontal axis and includes a set of curved hooks at or near both the front and back of the securement rack. A hook handle operates the hooks to rotate relative to the rack to impale the hay bale. The securement rack, if it is allowed to rotate freely, including when it has impaled and secured a bale of hay, may balance the lifted bale of hay between the two wheels for convenient transport.
US08794895B2 Decompression seal with screw connection for holding components together
Decompression seal (1) for connecting components (3, 4, 5) having openings (2) which opens on excessive pressure. It consists of a retaining-bolt-like arrangement (6) with a bolt head (7) and a locking head (8) with recesses (8-1, 8-2) into which, in the retaining position, the ends of leaf-spring arms (9-3, 9-2) engage. These recesses (8-1, 8-2) and the leaf-spring arms are formed in such a way that when a certain pressure accumulates on the side of the upper component (5) the retaining position is released and the retaining-bolt-like arrangement (6) is pushed axially (17) in direction (R) towards the bolt head (7). Through the threaded connection of the shafts (11, 12) this decompression seal (1) allows the components (3, 4, 5) to be drawn together by turning the bolt head (7). A rotation lock (15, 16) prevents the connection from working loose.
US08794894B2 Self-piercing rivet
A self-piercing rivet is disclosed. The self-piercing rivet integrally joins an upper plate member and a lower plate member overlapped with each other. The self-piercing rivet includes: a head portion; and a shank portion integrally connected to the head portion and provided with more than two slits.
US08794891B1 Round top set screw and application thereof
A round top set screw is provided, including a first section having a shape of substantially a cylinder having a threaded side surface, a second section for wrenching drive, the second section formed contiguously and concentrically to the first section and having a shape of substantially a polygonal prism, and a third section formed contiguously and concentrically to the second section, the third section having a cylindrical portion and a round top having a convex shape, the edge of which contiguously connects to a side surface of the cylindrical portion, wherein the curvature of the convex shape is predetermined to prevent damages to a metal plate when it is pressed at an angle against the third section of the screw. A tool is provided for attaching the screw to a base board and securing it by using a corresponding nut. An apparatus including the screws for flattening a metal plate is also provided.
US08794886B1 Cargo tie down
A cargo tie down includes a retainer and a shackle. The retainer includes a barrel having a proximal end and a distal end and a flange extending radially outward from the proximal end of the barrel. The shackle includes an arcuate portion merging into a distal end of a first leg and a distal end of a second leg and a necking portion extending between a coupling end and an interface end. A hinge including a pin extends through the shackle and the distal end of the barrel. A proximal end of the first leg and a proximal end of the second leg are separated by a first width. The coupling end spans the first width and joins the proximal end of the first leg to the proximal end of the second leg. The width of the necking portion decreases as it extends from the coupling end to the interface end.
US08794885B2 Active lashing materials and eyelets
A securing assembly adapted for promoting a more secure relationship through active material actuation, facilitating lashing, attenuating tension, reducing slack, and/or facilitating unlashing, include selectively or passively modified lashing material and/or eyelets comprising active material elements.
US08794883B2 Rotary spindle head with gear reducer
A rotary spindle head with gear reducer is provided, which comprises a rotary spindle unit, a fork-shaped type spindle base and a driving unit. The fork-shaped spindle base is for linking up the rotary spindle unit with a machine tool, and the driving unit comprises a torque motor and a gear reducer which are sited coaxially on the fork-shaped spindle base. The gear reducer is connected to the rotary spindle unit to drive and rotate the rotary spindle unit in the fork-shaped spindle base. The gear reducer is designed to lower decelerating rate. Besides, the input and output of the gear reducer are coaxial design, the torque of torque motor could be magnified to several times and maintain higher rotational speed to do the high speed light cutting and high torque heavy cutting work.
US08794877B2 Device for non-contact transporting and holding of objects or material
The present invention relates to a device for transporting and holding of touch-sensitive structural elements or materials, the device comprising the following features: At least an oscillatory plate-like take-up 2 for receiving the object to be transported or held, on which at least an oscillation generator 3 is fixed, and at least two supporting members 4, wherein the oscillation generator 3 is arranged on the plate-like take-up 2 at a predetermined position thereof to set the plate-like take-up into flexural vibrations, and the supporting members 4 are arranged at positions where the amplitude of the flexural vibration is lower than the maximum amplitude by at least 50%, and the oscillation generator 3 is operated with a frequency setting the plate-like take-up 2 into vibrations so that the structural elements or the material are (is) levitating in a contact-free way.
US08794875B2 Gravity foundations for tidal stream turbines
A method for mounting at last one tidal turbine and its associated support structures in a river or sea bed. The turbine and associated support structures are joined to a base of such weight as to involve gravitational forces of such magnitude as to be sufficient to withstand forces acting to tend to displace the turbine and its associated support structures. The base structure can be pre-assembled and transported to a required location of installation by lowering to the sea or river bed. Conveniently, the transportation is by means of an installation vessel incorporating a facility for lowering the entire assembly including at least one turbine, a support column, and the base structure in a controlled manner to rest at a desired position on the river or sea bed.
US08794872B2 Method for constructing membrane lined structures for holding large fluid volumes
A membrane lined structure for storing large fluid volumes comprising a base surrounding by supporting wall structures, and lined with a double membrane sealed at the edges and formed into a plurality of cellular components which can be inflated and deflated to assist in positioning for purposes of constructing the structure and securing the liner to the upper edges of the structural walls. The cellular membranes can further be monitored to ensure the integrity of the membrane liner prior to filling of the structure or during regular operations.
US08794870B2 Watercraft lift system
A clamping assembly for a watercraft lifting system comprises a load transferring member, a load receiving member, and a clamping member. The load receiving member has an outer tapered surface. The clamping member has opposing flanges extending from a base portion, an outer surface of at least one opposing flange attachable to the load transferring member. An inner surface defined by the flanges and base portion being complementarily tapered to closely nest with the outer tapered surface of the load receiving member.
US08794860B1 Rotational connector device
A device for rotational connection between structural members. A generally cylindrical housing may have a central cavity therein with an open bearing end and an open plug end. A shaft at a first end may be inserted into a bearing and retained therein. The bearing may be disposed in the open bearing end and retained by a first fastener ring. A second end of the shaft may protrude outwardly from the housing through the open bearing end. A plug may be threadably engaged with the open plug end that is threaded. The plug may be positioned at an interior end to be adjacent the first end of the shaft that may have a convex surface.
US08794856B2 Device for sampling a web movement, printing system and method for controlling a processing operation
In a method or device to sample a web movement, an incremental encoder translates the web movement into two phase-offset output signals. A quadrature decoder generates first and second digital output signals with two respective signal levels. The first output signal is designated as a forward signal and the second output signal is designated as a backward signal. An evaluation circuit outputs a control signal and has a first counter that counts a signal change of the forward signal and subtracts from the count a signal change of the backward signal. A second counter counts a signal change of the control signal. A comparator compares values of the first and the second counters. A disabling device enables the forward signal if values of both the first and second counters are the same so that the forward signal is output, and disables the forward signal if values of the two counters are different.
US08794853B2 Support head for an optical or video-photographic apparatus
A support head for an optical or video-photographic apparatus, having a first body traversed by a first axis of rotation with respect to a base of the head, a second body coupled in a rotary manner to the first body a third body traversed by a second axis of rotation and being coupled in a rotary manner to the second body. A user may lock by a single movement of a control member both the relative rotation of the first and second bodies about the first axis and the rotation of the second and third bodies about the second axis. The lock may be a tie-rod extended from the control member along the second axis and a slider connected to the tie-rod and interposed between the first body and the second body configured to lock the relative rotation of the second body with respect to the third body.
US08794850B2 Adapter configured with both optical and electrical connections for providing both optical and electrical communications capabilities
An adapter is provided that has both an electrical coupling configuration that complies with the RJ-45 wiring standard for electrical communications and an optical coupling configuration for optical communications. The adapter is configured as an interface for at least two modular connector assemblies to enable the modular connector assemblies to communicate with each other either optically or electrically, depending on whether the plugs of the assemblies are configured to have optical or electrical communications capabilities.
US08794848B2 Optical module
An optical module includes a rotating bail disposed on a front part of a case that is inserted into and removed from a cage; a slide plate that slides along a longitudinal direction of the case in conjunction with rotation of the bail; and an engagement member is disposed on the slide plate, freely engages with an engagement member of the cage, and is released from an engaged state by a sliding of the slide plate in conjunction with the rotation of the bail. The bail and the slide plate are formed by an integrated metal plate in a folded state.
US08794843B2 Rotation support device for pinion shaft
A rotation support device for a pinion shaft is configured such that, together with being able to sufficiently maintain axial rigidity of a rolling bearing on the side opposite from the pinion gear side, it is able to sufficiently reduce the dynamic torque during operation and the starting torque at the start of operation. Together with using a single-row angular contact ball bearing as the rolling bearing on the side opposite from the pinion gear side, the ratio of the radius of curvature Ro of the outer raceway and the diameter Bd of the balls (Ro/Bd) is regulated within the range 0.52
US08794842B2 Wheel bearing apparatus for a vehicle
A vehicle wheel bearing apparatus has an outer member, an inner member with a wheel hub and an inner ring. Double row rolling elements are freely rollably contained between the inner and outer raceway surfaces, respectively, of the inner member and the outer member. Seals are mounted in annular openings formed between the outer member and the inner member. The inner side seal of these seals comprises an annular slinger and an annular sealing plate. The sealing plate includes a steel plate metal core and a sealing member bonded to the metal core, via vulcanized adhesion. A plurality of sealing lips extends from the sealing member and is in sliding contact with the slinger. An outer circumferential lip is formed on the periphery of the sealing member. The outer circumferential lip extends radially outward. It has a substantially L-shaped cross-section and is adapted to fit into a gap between the outer member and a flange portion of a knuckle. An apex of the outer circumferential lip abuts against the flange portion of the knuckle with a predetermined engaging allowance.
US08794841B2 Toroidal bearing
A toroidal bearing (1) including a multiplicity of barrel-shaped rolling bodies (7) which roll about a bearing axis (8) between an outer ring (2) having a raceway (3) and an inner ring (4) having a raceway (5) is provided. According to the invention, on a circumferential surface (9) facing away from the raceway (3, 5) thereof, the outer ring (2) and/or the inner ring (4) has at least one lubricating groove (10), wherein the lubricating groove (10) is connected to the raceway (3, 5) via at least one lubricating bore (11).
US08794840B1 Conformal wear-resistant bearing assembly
A bearing apparatus includes: (a) an inner member comprising rigid material with a first contact surface; (b) an outer member comprising rigid material with a second contact surface; (c) an annular intermediate member between the inner and outer members, and having: (i) a third contact surface including first bearing elements contacting the first contact surface to define a first bearing interface, each first bearing element including a raised central portion flanked beam portions; and (ii) a fourth contact surface including second bearing elements contacting the second contact surface to define a second bearing interface, each second bearing element including a raised central portion flanked by a pair of beam portions; (d) wherein the contact surfaces of each bearing interface are wear-resistant; and (e) wherein the bearing elements are shaped and sized so as to conform in an irregular shape to the at least one contact surface.
US08794836B2 Easy-open heat-shrinkable packaging article and package made therefrom
A packaging article comprises a heat-shrinkable multilayer film having a first heat seal running the length of the article and a second heat seal running across the bottom of the internal volume of the article. The packaging article also comprises a skirt outward of the second heat seal, the skirt having first and second tear initiators positioned so that a superimposed straight line extending through the inward and outward ends of each tear initiator intersects a superimposed straight line extending through the ends of the first heat seal at a lesser included angle of from 25 degrees to 55 degrees, with the inward end of each the first and second tear initiators terminating at a location which is from 3 to 30 millimeters from the first heat seal and 3 to 50 millimeters from the second heat seal.
US08794833B2 Two-handled bag
A novel bag for holding, transporting, and pouring a bulk product is provided. The bag comprises two handles, with one handle being primarily configured for carrying (but also useful for pouring), and the other being primarily configured for pouring. The handles are positioned on adjacent sides of the bag, with the pouring handle being positioned near the bottom half of the bag to facilitate a controlled tilting of the bag. In one embodiment, the bag also includes a third handle on the same side of the bag as the pouring handle. The bag is typically formed of plastic, and can be used for salt, animal food, and other pourable products. The bag has a very high strength, with the second handle being particularly strong as a result of a longitudinal seam positioned adjacent that handle.
US08794832B2 X-ray diagnostic imaging apparatus and X-ray apparatus
An X-ray generation unit and an X-ray detection unit are held by an arm. Image data is generated based on X-ray projection data which is generated by the X-ray detection unit. A first support member supports the arm and rotates the arm in a first rotation direction. A second support member supports the first support member. The second support member rotates the first support member around a rotation center in a second rotation direction perpendicular to the first rotation direction. A movement unit can move the second support member in an up and down direction.
US08794826B2 Secure, protective cover for use with hot appliances
A secure cover for a hot appliance made with heat resistant material having an insulation layer between heat resistant layers that can be stitched with heat resistant thread. The cover prevents users from burning themselves and can be in a shape that covers the hot part of the appliance. The cover has an encasement enclosing a band. The encasement runs along the cover's perimeter and secures the cover on the appliance. The cover may include flares that are used to attach the secure cover to the hot appliance without having the user's fingers approach too close to the hot metal of the appliance. The cover transmits heat, allowing the individual to be aware of the fact that the appliance is hot. The cover may include temperature sensitive fabric, a light indicator or other visual display with a written indication that the appliance is hot.
US08794824B2 Case unit with opening covered with light transmission member, portable apparatus including such case unit, and method for assembling such case unit
A case unit includes a resin case main body including an outer peripheral surface and an opening forming surface enclosed by the outer peripheral surface and being formed with an opening. A step is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the opening to face an entrance of the opening. An elastic member is provided along the inner peripheral surface of the opening and mounted on the step. A light transmission member is press-fitted in the opening via the elastic member and covers the opening. And, a fitting part of a frame member is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the resin case main body to make an elastic member pressing part extending from the fitting part toward the entrance of the frame member cover at least a part of the elastic member at the entrance of the opening.
US08794821B2 Torsionally flexible, sealed drive
A simple, robust and low-cost torsionally flexible, sealed drive that allows external drives to provide agitation within a container. A torsionally flexible tube is sealed to a torsionally rigid portion of a container. A second end of the tube is sealed to a driven element within the container. The driven element is coupled to a drive-shaft that is partly contained within the tube. Motion of the protruding end of the drive shaft imparts a corresponding motion to the driven element, while maintaining a water-tight seal between container and drive-shaft. One useful motion is a rotary oscillation. A stepper motor may operate via such a drive to impart a rotary oscillation to an impellor in a bioreactor, or mixing container, suitable for agitating a cell culture in a nutrient medium or hydrating a powdered media in water. The drive is suited to use in disposable bioreactors and mixers.
US08794819B2 Extruder with feed-back means
Extruders for processing material have a selectively variable extruder volume. The extruders include an extruder barrel containing a bore sized to process 5 to 50 grams of material, wherein the bore has an upstream inlet portion for feeding the material to be processed and a downstream outlet portion connectable to an extruder exit for material processed through the extruder, and at least two recycle channels which differ from one another in at least one of volume, area of cross-section and length. A diverter valve of a flow control system is positioned at the outlet of the extruder for controllably directing material flow from the bore to either the extruder exit or at least one of at least two recycle channels.
US08794817B2 Stringed LED capsule lighting apparatus
A plurality of adjacent capsules, each comprising a base component, a body component carrying an LED circuit board, and a lens component, wherein the body and the base snap together and the lens snap-fits to the body. Such capsules are attached to a flexible electrical power cable by electrical connector components internal to the body and which conduct power from the power cable through the body to the LED circuit board.
US08794815B2 Modular lighting device
A modular lighting device includes a base and a lamp head unit. The base includes a base body and a first connecting module disposed at a top end of the base body and having a first connecting portion and a first conductive portion. The lamp head unit includes a bottom seat, a lamp body disposed on the bottom seat, and a lamp shell connected to the bottom seat. The bottom seat includes a second connecting module disposed at a bottom end thereof and having a second connecting portion connected removably to the first connecting portion, and a second conductive portion electrically connected to the first conductive portion. The lamp shell has a maximum width disposed at a position adjacent to a bottom end thereof and smaller than or equal to that of the bottom seat.
US08794813B2 Back frame, method for manufacturing back frame, and backlight system
The present invention provides a back frame of flat panel display device, which includes at least two primary assembling pieces. The at least two primary assembling pieces are joined to for a main frame structure of the back frame. The at least two primary assembling pieces includes a primary assembling piece that has a heat source arranged thereon. The primary assembling piece that has the heat source arranged thereon has a first heat transfer capability. The remaining one or more primary assembling pieces of the at least two primary assembling pieces that have no heat source arranged thereon have a second heat transfer capability. The first heat transfer capability is greater than the second heat transfer capability. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a back frame of flat panel display device and a backlight system. The back frame, the method for manufacturing back frame, and the back frame of the backlight system of the present invention has a simple back frame structure and can reduce the expenditure of the back frame mold, and can also save the material used for back frame so as to lower down the cost of flat panel display device.
US08794810B2 Backlight assembly and liquid crystal display having the same
A backlight assembly and a liquid crystal display having the same are provided. The backlight assembly includes a plurality of LED packages mounted on a substrate, and a lens unit that seals the LED packages. The lens unit includes a plurality of convex lenses arranged to partially overlap with each other or arranged proximate to each other. Light emitted from LED units in the LED packages is diffused by the interface between the lens unit and another material, such as air, to provide light incident on a light guide plate.
US08794807B2 Vehicle lamp steering mechanism using gear transmission
A vehicle lamp steering mechanism includes an output gear providing an eccentric block, a housing, a light source having an eccentric shaft connected to the eccentric block of the output gear, a transmission gear set, and a driving device for driving the transmission gear set to rotate the output gear in biasing the light source, thereby adjusting the illumination angle of the light source. By means of arranging the light source and the output gear in a coaxial relationship, the output torque of the output gear is fully reflected in the biasing of the light source, enhancing transmission efficiency.
US08794806B2 Light module
A light module for displaying a signal in a rearview mirror of a motor vehicle includes a circuit carrier, at least one light source disposed on the circuit carrier and a power supply circuit. The power supply circuit is for connecting the circuit carrier to an interface that is disposed at a distance from the circuit carrier and that leads to at least one of a control unit and a current or voltage source. The power supply circuit and circuit carrier are made of the same material, are configured in one piece and are formed by a flexible printed circuit board.
US08794804B2 System and method for supporting and leveling a light fixture
A system for supporting and leveling a light fixture having a fixture body supporting one or more light sources, and connectors on the fixture body, and a pair of V-shaped hanger rods, where each hanger rod has an apex area and first and second ends, and the first and second ends are each configured to be coupled to one of the connectors. A pair of suspension rods are each configured to engage an overhead structure. A pair of spring clip brackets each having a slot and an aperture are releasably and adjustably secured along the length of one of the suspension rods, and also have a receptacle with a locking tab that receives and retains the apex area of one of the hanger rods.
US08794803B1 Adjustable LED module with stationary heat sink
A luminaire includes a stationary heat sink and an LED module adjustably coupled to the stationary heat sink. The LED module is inserted into a cavity formed within the stationary heat sink and includes a slot therein. The slot includes a first and second end. According to some exemplary embodiments, a fastening device is inserted through the slot and fixedly coupled to an interior sidewall of the stationary heat sink. The LED module is directionally adjustable by sliding the slot between the ends with respect to the fixedly coupled fastening device. The LED module includes a second heat sink which is rotatable with respect to the stationary heat sink and maintains continuous contact with the stationary heat sink along the LED module's full rotational range. According to some exemplary embodiments, the first end is positioned lower than the second end. According to some exemplary embodiments, the slot is arcuately-shaped.
US08794799B2 Optical sheet, surface light source device and transmission-type display device
An optical sheet having both of an excellent light condensing function and an excellent scratch resistance is provided. An optical sheet includes: a sheet-like main body; at least three or more first unit shaped elements arranged on one surface of the main body; and second unit shaped elements arranged on the one surface of the main body. Each of the second unit shaped elements extend in parallel with in one direction on a sheet surface of the main body. A height H1 of each of the first unit shaped elements from the one surface is higher than a height H2 of each of the second unit shaped elements. A rate of an area occupied by the first unit shaped elements on the one surface is not more than 10.0%, when observed along a normal direction nd relative to the one surface.
US08794798B2 White film and surface light source using same
A white film has reflective properties, concealing properties and film-forming stability and can be made into a thin film, a white film, which contains voids therein and satisfies the following formulae (i) to (iii) is provided: 0.6≦nB/nA≦0.9  (i) 20≦nA  (ii) 15≦nB  (iii) (wherein, nA represents the number of interfaces in 10 μm of the surface layer in the film thickness direction; and nB represents the number of interfaces in ±5 μm of the central part in the film thickness direction).
US08794792B1 Optical spill light reducer for luminaires
A spill light reducer assembly includes at least one light source, at least one reflector, and a spill light reducer plate. The reflector includes a proximal end disposed about one or more corresponding light sources and a distal end extending outwardly from the proximal end. The spill light reducer plate includes at least one opening formed therein, which is positioned a predetermined distance away from the distal opening. The light source emits a main light beam and a spill light beam surrounding the main light beam. The spill light reducer plate reduces the amount of spill light emitted through the opening of the spill light reducer plate. A light fixture includes a housing that defines a cavity and a light emitting window. The spill light reducer plate is disposed within the cavity.
US08794788B2 LED light apparatus
Provided are an illumination device and a light fixture including the illumination device. The illumination device includes a body formed of a thermally-conductive material that includes a planar heat transfer surface and a fastener that is compatible with a base that couples the body to the light fixture. A substrate formed, at least in part from a dielectric material supports an array of light emitting diodes and a plurality of contacts electrically connected to the light emitting diodes. A thermally-conductive planar surface is provided to the dielectric material of the substrate to be placed in thermal communication with the heat transfer surface and conduct heat generated by the light emitting diodes to the body.
US08794785B2 Illuminated sports board
The present invention includes a skate board having a deck, a pair of trucks mounted beneath the deck and equipped with wheels. The deck is equipped with a plurality of light emitting devices, such as LEDs, which are mounted to the deck in a distinct pattern. The LEDs are in electrical connection with an energy source, such as a rechargeable battery. In a preferred embodiment, the rechargeable battery is mounted into the deck in a removable pack which can be charged without removing it from the deck. A microcontroller may be incorporated which provides for the selective illumination of the light emitting devices, and which may pulse, flicker, or create other aesthetically pleasing illumination patterns.
US08794783B1 System for distinguishing a target key from at least one other key in a dark environment and method of use
A system for distinguishing a target key which opens a lock from at least one other connected key in a dark environment includes a magnet which is positioned adjacent to the lock, and which produces a magnetic field. The system further includes a light assembly which is connected to the target key. The light assembly includes a magnetically activated switch and a light source. When the light assembly is moved into the magnetic field of the magnet, the magnetically activated switch is activated and causes the light source to give off light, thereby distinguishing the target key from the at least one other key.
US08794782B2 Baton light
A lightweight plastic baton includes a hollow cylindrical body which telescopically supports a flexible cylindrical plastic baton shaft. One or more slideways support and concentrically center the baton shaft within the hollow body. A flashlight having a strobed light operating mode is coupled to the baton body to provide a less than lethal deterrent to a potential assailant. A radially movable elastic switch cover is mounted substantially flush with the outer surface of the flashlight to prevent inadvertent actuation of one of several selectable flashlight operating modes.
US08794773B2 Deformable mirror having force actuators and distributed stiffness
The present invention relates to a deformable mirror (1) comprising a deformable membrane (2) with a reflective outer face (3) and an opposite face (4), a rigid support plate (7), and at least one force actuator (5, 6). Each actuator (5, 6) comprises at least two elements (5, 6) suitable for interacting with each other remotely so as to generate a force in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the initially non-deformed membrane (2), and suitable for being displaced relative to each other in the direction of said generated force so as to cause said membrane (2) to be deformed locally. One of the two elements (5, 6) is incorporated into the support plate (7) and the other element is coupled to the membrane (2). One of said two elements (5, 6) is suitable for controlling the intensity of said generated force. According to the invention, the mirror (1) further comprises reference means (7, 8) coupled to the membrane (2) via at least one rigid link means (10) and via at least one flexible link means (11). Each rigid link means (10) is secured to said membrane (2), and each flexible link means (11) is secured at least in part to the reference means (7, 8).
US08794770B2 Projection display and method of displaying an overall picture
A projection display includes at least one light source, at least one reflective image generator configured to represent frames in a two-dimensional distribution of subareas of same, a projection optics arrangement having a two-dimensional arrangement of optical projection elements and being configured to image an associated subarea of the at least one image generator onto an image plane in each case, so that images of the frames superimpose within the image plane to form an overall picture, and at least one beam splitter arranged within an optical path between the at least one reflective image generator and the two-dimensional arrangement of optical projection elements, on the one hand, and the optical path between the at least one light source and the at least one reflective image generator, on the other hand.
US08794766B2 System and method for physically disabled persons to read e-publications
A system for assisting individuals (e.g., those having physical or other disabilities) to read or otherwise experience electronic publications includes a projector having an optical projection assembly located at an end of an articulating arm assembly and configured to project images of an electronic publication and a controller that is sized and contoured to fit comfortably within or be held by a human hand. The controller may include a processor and a storage device communicatively coupled to the processor, which storage device stores processor-executable instructions for providing, via a wireless communication channel and responsive to one or more user inputs, one or more instructions in connection with projection of the images of the electronic publication via the projector.
US08794759B2 Contact lens and methods of manufacture and fitting such lenses and computer program product
The invention is directed to a contact lens design and methods of manufacturing, fitting and using such lenses. The contact lens may be designed for use in a corneal refractive therapy (CRT) program. The lens provides a design which allows proper fitting of a patient, whether for corrective contact lenses or for a CRT program. Due to the rational design of the lenses according to the present invention, a minimal number of lens parameter increments can be identified to cover the range of common corneas. It is therefore possible to provide pre-formed lens buttons or blanks which are easily formed into a final design, thereby simplifying and speeding up the treatment process. Further, any adjustment of the lens design which may be required based upon trial fitting or the like, is easily envisioned and implemented by the fitter.
US08794750B2 Ink containment system and ink level sensing system for an inkjet cartridge
An ink containment system for an inkjet cartridge, for storing ink for printing, comprises a rigid basin member and a rigid moveable plate. A flexible membrane is affixed to a surface of the basin member and to a surface of the plate forming an ink reservoir within the basin member, plate and flexible membrane. A spring-biased mechanism is disposed between the basin member and plate, for biasing the plate apart from the basin member, generating a negative pressure within the ink reservoir and the basin member remaining stationary relative to the movement of the plate. The basin member has a bowl-like configuration and the spring is seated within the reservoir in such a way that when the ink reservoir has collapsed due to depletion of ink, the flexible membrane and moveable plate are substantially flush with surfaces of the basin member.
US08794744B2 Inkjet unit and inkjet device
An inkjet unit and an inkjet device are provided. The inkjet unit includes a liquid compartment that forms a liquid receiving cavity and a jetting nozzle that forms a liquid discharge opening. The liquid receiving cavity is in communication with the liquid discharge opening to allow a liquid contained in the liquid receiving cavity to jet outward through the liquid discharge opening. The inkjet unit further includes a gas supply device. The gas supply device delimits a gas flow channel. The gas flow channel has a gas spray orifice that is arranged to surround an outer wall of the jetting nozzle. Accordingly, the gas supply device can spray a gas through the gas spray orifice toward the circumference of the jetting nozzle to clean the jetting nozzle, keeping liquid from attaching to the circumference of the jetting nozzle and thereby preventing the liquid from blocking the liquid discharge opening.
US08794743B2 Multi-film adhesive design for interfacial bonding printhead structures
In accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, a printhead assembly arranged to dispense ultraviolet curable ink or gel ink and method thereof is disclosed. The printhead assembly includes a plurality of functional plates stacked together; a first adhesive layer arranged between adjacent functional plates to provide bonding between the plates; and a second adhesive layer arranged between adjacent function plates to provide chemical resistance to the ultraviolet curable ink or the gel ink.
US08794738B2 Inkjet recording apparatus and method for maintenance of inkjet recording apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head having a nozzle and configured to discharge droplets of a recording fluid via the nozzle onto a recording sheet in an image forming operation; a sheet transport unit configured to transport the recording sheet in a sheet transport direction; and a maintenance unit configured to perform a maintenance operation for the recording head. The maintenance unit is configured to be moved in a forward direction corresponding to the sheet transport direction and a backward direction opposite the forward direction. The maintenance unit performs the maintenance operation when the maintenance unit is moved in the backward direction.
US08794737B2 Inkjet printing apparatus and control method for restore unit
An inkjet printing apparatus is provided that is capable of suppressing an increase in discarded ink by a restore operation of a restore unit. The apparatus is an inkjet printing apparatus that prints an image using a print head having a plurality of ejecting ports for ejecting ink and includes a restore unit that restores the ink ejection function of the print head, and a control unit that controls the restore unit so as to perform a restore operation depending on a parameter involving a growth rate of air bubbles existing inside the print head that is filled with ink.
US08794736B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes: a head main body having a manifold in which ink is retained, a compliance section absorbing a pressure change inside the manifold and a compliance space provided opposite to the compliance section, and discharging liquid from nozzles communicating with the manifold; an air chamber communicating with the compliance space and outside; and a liquid reservoir communicating with a liquid flow path supplying liquid to the manifold and volume of which is larger than the manifold, wherein the air chamber and the ink reservoir are divided by a resin adhesive where water vapor is capable of penetrating.
US08794735B2 Printing apparatus
Provided is a printing apparatus for printing an image on a medium, which is transported in a transport direction, by forming dots by ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles while moving the nozzles in an intersecting direction that intersects the transport direction. The printing apparatus has a first printing mode for printing a mirror image of a predetermined image as the image on the medium and a second printing mode for printing a positive image of a predetermined image as the image on the medium, the medium being a transparent medium. The first printing mode is different from the second printing mode in at least one of a transportation operation of transporting the medium and a dot-forming operation of forming the dots by ejecting ink while moving the nozzles.
US08794734B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes a flow channel forming substrate made of silicon and having pressure generating chambers that communicate with nozzles through which liquid is ejected, a piezoelectric elements that is disposed on the flow channel forming substrate so as to oppose the pressure generating chambers and varies a pressure of a liquid in the pressure generating chambers, and a protective substrate which has a holding section that houses the pressure generating unit and is bonded to a side of the flow channel forming substrate where the pressure generating unit is disposed, and the flow channel member is made of silicon and is provided with a thermistor that is disposed on a side of the flow channel member opposite to the flow channel forming substrate.
US08794732B2 Media processing device, method of controlling a media processing device, and a storage medium
Media that are processed to reliably prevent executing a recording operation when media is not set to the recording position can be segregated from other media, and a drop in media processing throughput can be suppressed. When the length in the conveyance direction of the image to be recorded on a check is greater than the length of the recording area determined from the length of the check 4 in the conveyance direction, the process control unit 70a of a multifunction device 1 changes the discharge unit to which the check is discharged and then conveys the next check stored in the storage unit.
US08794728B2 Ink jet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head, a cap, and a preliminary discharge unit. The recording head can discharge a plurality of types of ink. The cap caps a discharge port face of the recording head. The preliminary discharge unit causes the recording head to execute a preliminary discharge. The preliminary discharge unit changes a preliminary discharge operation according to a length of time during which the discharge port face is capped by the cap.
US08794717B2 Automatic release hand brake control system
In a rail vehicle hand brake having a release activated by a pneumatic cylinder, the present control system includes a manual valve having an output connected to a source of pressure at an input when manually activated. A volume is to be charged by the source of pressure. A choke connects the volume to exhaust. The volume and the choke prolong the time the source of pressure is connected to the pneumatic cylinder after the manual valve is activated.
US08794716B2 Brake fluid pressure control apparatus for vehicle
Brake fluid pressure control apparatus includes: fluid pressure passage from a fluid pressure source to a wheel brake; pressure regulating valve arranged on the passage; pump for feeding pressurized brake fluid to the passage between the valve and the wheel brake; motor for driving the pump; and controller which controls an electric current applied to the valve in accordance with target fluid pressure for the wheel brake to control fluid pressure supplied to the wheel brake. The controller includes: means for converting the target fluid pressure into fluid volume and calculating required flow rate from this fluid volume; means for calculating required rotation speed of the motor from the required flow rate and on the basis of efficiency of the pump; and means for increasing the electric current applied to the valve for a predetermined value when the required rotation speed exceeds actual rotation speed of the motor.
US08794712B2 Refractory material removal system and method
Apparatus for removing refractory lining the inside of a cylindrical structure comprising a traveler received within the structure and movable along its length and having a securing means, a rotatable nozzle assembly connected to the traveler, the nozzle assembly comprising one or more nozzle lines each terminating in a nozzle head that rotates, the nozzle assembly being configured in a manner that each nozzle head is suitably spaced from the refractory to be able to deliver a jet of fluid under pressure to the refractory, a nozzle rotation means for rotating the nozzle assembly, and a conduit means in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly suitable for delivering a flow of fluid to the nozzle assembly under sufficient pressure to cut the refractory material lining the structure. A method employing the apparatus for removing refractory.
US08794704B2 Backrest safety mechanism for car seat
A backrest safety mechanism is disclosed. The backrest safety mechanism includes a backrest frame, a seat frame, and an angle-adjusting device. A side of the angle-adjusting device is connected to the backrest frame, and another side of the angle-adjusting device is connected to the seat frame. When the backrest frame is located at a front limiting position or a rear limiting position, limiting structures respectively disposed on the backrest frame and the seat frame abut against each other.
US08794703B2 Adjustable folding chair for extended periods of seating
An adjustable folding chair is configured to include a central chair portion defining a pair of seat back mounting sections, a pair of front leg mounting sections, a pair of rear leg mounting sections, and a seat surface. A seat back is mounted on the seat back mounting sections for vertical movement to position the seat back at a desired position above the seat. Front and rear leg extensions are mounted on the front and rear leg mounting sections for vertical movement. A locking mechanism is housed in a horizontal strut in the front and rear leg extensions to control the positioning thereof. The locking mechanism includes a pair of opposing spring-biased locking pins and an actuator connected thereto that projects from the strut for engagement by the user. Such a chair construction permits the seat surface to be oriented in a plurality of discrete positions for comfortable utilization.
US08794694B2 Foot isolation platform
A foot isolation platform for a vehicle includes a base for connection with the vehicle floor to be movable with the vehicle floor; a foot support movable relative to the base and having an upper surface for supporting the feet of the vehicle occupant above the base; and an isolation member connected in a force-transmitting relationship between the base and the foot support. The isolation member supports the foot support in an extended position above the base. The isolation member acts to isolate the foot support from the vehicle floor in the event of rapid upward movement of the vehicle floor thereby to help protect the lower extremities of the vehicle occupant.
US08794693B2 Side structure for vehicle body
A side structure for a vehicle body, the side structure having: a side rail and a pillar that are provided at sides of door openings; and trim members that are provided to the side rail and the pillar. In the side structure, a pillar inner member is provided to the side rail while the upper end of the pillar inner member overlaps a joint of the side rail, and this forms intersections at which rail flanges and pillar flanges cross. At the intersections, stepped sections are formed at the pillar flanges, and in the rail flanges, recesses are formed at portions corresponding to the stepped sections.
US08794691B2 Folding top
A double buttress folding top has rear-side tensioning bows with two rearwardly directed U-shaped sections that are connected to each other via a central bow section. The tensioning bows tension the folding top cloth in the region of the buttresses. The folding top cloth is fastened to the tensioning bow. The tensioning bow bears from below against a folding top compartment cover and against edges of lateral body cutouts. The folding top compartment cover therefore has two lateral cutouts which, in the open position of the folding top, are closed by lateral flaps. The tensioning bow is of U-shaped design and, above a rear window, has a bow web to which the rear window is coupled in a hinged or pivotable manner.
US08794680B2 Apparatus for preparing knots and its method of use
An apparatus for use in the preparation of a knot in at least one length of material, wherein the apparatus includes a base portion, the base portion including; a) a loop former configured in use to form an open loop in the length of material; and; b) at least one restraining device configured to restrain the length of material on the loop former, and wherein the apparatus includes a twister configured to intercept and twist at least two portions of the length of material.
US08794679B2 Lockwireless anti-rotation fitting
A lockwireless, anti-rotation fitting for attachment to connectors, including a sleeve, nut, spring, and retaining washer. The sleeve is slidably inserted within the nut and the spring is inserted on the sleeve, grips it, and locks the sleeve with the nut. The nut includes a plurality of serrations which engage a tab extending from the spring. The spring, which is semi-anchored to the nut, can only rotate inwardly or in the clockwise direction. The tab of the spring may only ratchet over the serrations when a predetermined counter-clockwise or loosening torque is applied to the nut. The serrations allow for rotation in the clockwise direction, while preventing counterclockwise rotation until a predetermined torque is reached.
US08794675B2 Coaxial pipe element
A coaxial pipe element (1) includes an outer pipe (1a) and an inner pipe (1b), and at each of its ends a junction forging (2a, 2b), each forging having at least an inner first branch (32) set back (L1) from an outer first branch (31), in which all of the circular welds between the inner and the outer pipe and the junction forgings are made on the outside of the pipes.
US08794673B2 Hydraulic excavator
A hydraulic excavator includes an undercarriage having a crawler and a rotating superstructure. The rotating superstructure includes a plate-shaped rotating frame, an engine, a fuel tank a counterweight and a fuel line. The engine is mounted inside the rotating frame. The fuel tank is disposed on one side of the engine. The counterweight is supported on the rotating frame to the rear of the engine, and disposed so that a bottom end portion faces a rear end surface of the rotating frame with a gap interposed therebetween and the gap is open to the atmosphere. The fuel line is connected to the fuel tank and disposed in the gap between the rear end surface of the rotating frame and the bottom end portion of the counterweight.
US08794672B2 Method for downsizing a safety device for a motor vehicle
A method of downscaling the travel-time-function of a reference body of mass mt in a spring-mass system with a spring providing a spring force when the spring-mass system is exposed to an acceleration field with an acceleration which moves the reference body against the spring force according to the travel-time-function is provided. In this method, the downscaling is done by coupling the reference body of mass mt to additional masses mr which are kinematically linked together in such a way that they do not react to acceleration field.
US08794671B1 Anti-unlocking device for adjustable steering column
An adjustable steering column assembly includes a steering column and a lever moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The position of the steering column is adjustable when the lever is in the unlocked position and fixed when the lever is in the locked position. An anti-unlocking device is provided to prevent the lever from moving to the unlocked position from the locked position when a first force is applied to the steering column. The anti-unlocking device prohibits adjustment of the steering column when a first force is applied to the steering column. An example anti-unlocking device may include a member defining a slot, with the lever being at least partially insertable in the slot in the unlocked and locked positions. The member includes a wall defining a ramp surface configured to abut at least one surface of the lever when the first force is applied.
US08794668B2 Storage device having a front portion and a rear portion separable under the effect of a force
A storage device (6) having at least one front portion (14) and one rear portion (12) defining together a storage space (8). The front portion (14) and the rear portion (12) are attached to each other by a separable attachment device (16). The attachment device (16) is laid out so as to allow separation of said front portion (14) from the rear portion (12) under the effect of an external force greater than a predetermined threshold, so that the front portion (14) or the rear portion (12) is detached from the other portion and penetrates into the storage space (8) under the effect of said external force.
US08794664B2 Safety belt for a vehicle
A seat belt for a vehicle includes a belt webbing with several belt webbing layers and, in a shoulder belt region and a lap belt region, at least one belt interior located between at least two belt webbing layers and to which a gas can be applied. The belt webbing is routed through an opening of a latch plate that can be inserted into a buckle, by means of which latch plate the belt webbing is, if the seat belt is fastened, deflected at a lower deflection point in a transitional region from the lap belt region to the shoulder belt region. A gas passage connecting at least two sections of the belt interior is provided at the lower deflection point between the at least two belt webbing layers. The gas passage is in the form of a tube that is flexible at least in the radial direction.
US08794661B2 Vehicle interior assembly
A vehicle interior assembly includes a class A visible surface material having a first layer formed from a thermal plastic olefin and a second layer formed from a foam. The vehicle interior assembly also includes a substrate supporting the class A visible surface material. The substrate defines an opening for receiving a drop-in chute having an outer surface. In addition, the vehicle interior assembly includes a retention mechanism for securing the outer surface of the drop-in chute to the substrate.
US08794655B1 Shopping carts for use with wheelchairs
A shopping cart for use with a wheelchair includes two wheeled front legs and a rear leg. The rear leg is not attached to a wheel. The rear leg is adapted to be mounted to a foot rest of the wheelchair. The shopping cart also includes a container device supporting frame. The frame is coupled to and supported by the front legs and the rear leg.
US08794654B1 Folding balance bike
A folding balance bike includes a frame, a front wheel assembly pivotally mounted on one end of the frame, and a rear wheel assembly pivotally mounted on the other end of the frame opposite to the front wheel assembly. The front wheel assembly is pivotable with respect to the frame to steer the folding balance bike. The rear wheel assembly is pivotable with respect to and able to be received into the frame to adjust a wheelbase of the folding balance bike to cause the folding balance bike to be operable between an operative state and a stored state.
US08794653B2 Folding type bicycle
A folding type bicycle including a front frame provided with a front wheel and a handle, a center frame provided with pedals and a saddle, a rear frame provided with a rear wheel, and a hinge device to enable the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame to pivot about one another, to be foldable with respect to one another, wherein the hinge device comprises a hinge shaft configured to rotatably connect the front frame, the center frame and the rear from to one another at a central portion of the hinge shaft, an operating lever provided at an end portion of the hinge shaft, and a locking pin member provided while being spaced apart from the hinge shaft to fix an unfolded state of the front frame, the center frame and the rear frame in accordance with pivoting of the operating lever.
US08794652B2 System and method for connecting parts
A system and method for connecting dissimilar materials is described. In one embodiment, the system may be used to produce a break apart frame that includes a first section and a second part which is disengagably connected to the first part by fastening members. The first part includes a head tube, a top tube and a down tube. The second section includes a bottom bracket, a seat tube, a pair of seat stays and a pair of chain stays. A connection tube extends from the bottom bracket so as to be disengagably connected to the down tube. An end tube is connected to the seat tube and disengagably connected to the seat tube.
US08794651B2 Bicycle planetary gear transmission arrangement
A bicycle comprising a frame and at least one wheel attached to the frame, the frame further comprising a receiver, a first planetary gear transmission disposed in the receiver, the wheel having a hub, a second planetary gear transmission disposed in the hub, and an endless member for transmitting a torque trained between the first planetary gear transmission and the second planetary gear transmission.
US08794650B2 Hands free bicycle maintenance pedaler
One embodiment of a hands free bicycle maintenance pedaler provides means to the operator to have both hands free for adjusting, cleaning, lubricating, inspecting or locking the drive train components of a supported bicycle. One embodiment has a motor (1600) communicating with a power enclosure (1210) and a speed pedal (1205) to variably power said motor. Said motor frictionally engages with a motor plate (1500) through which an output shaft (1620) passes and frictionally engages with a crank interface arm (1700). Said crank interface arm contains a temporary connection means to a crank arm (190) using pair of connector rods (1745) along said crank arm. Said motor plate is pivotable and slidable along a carriage (1400). Said carriage is slidable along a tube (1300) or work stand (110) to achieve acceptable orientation between the device and an imaginary line through the center line of a bottom bracket of a bicycle.
US08794641B2 Multi use recreational utility vehicle
A micro weight enclosure when fully loaded with gear and equipment is capable of being towed by vehicles with gross tow weight ratings of less than 1000 lbs. This enclosure does not utilize a traditional chassis, rather uses common manufacturing of panel assemblies mechanically attached together forming the basic structural elements required for strength at minimal weight and reduced wind drag.The enclosure, being ergonomically optimized, allows enough space to stand in one location, but sit, recline, or lay prone in a most comfortable fashion, and to attend to human hygiene and related activity in a secure protected environment.The independent suspension couples directly to the enclosure lowers the vehicle, reducing wind drag, allowing enclosure leveling, improves ingress, egress, and overall occupant comfort.The enclosure being acceptable for day travel; surfing or partying in urban and rural environments as example, or extended travel; road trips or camping as example.
US08794639B2 Sealing assembly having liquid-filled seal
A sealing assembly for a liquid conveying system includes a first structure defining an aperture, such as a pipe receiving aperture. A second structure, such as a pipe is received in the aperture. And an annular seal is disposed within the aperture for radially sealing between the first structure and the second structure. The seal includes an outer radial portion embedded in the first structure and an inner radial portion in sealing engagement with the second structure. The inner radial portion defines an internal cavity containing a substantially incompressible fluid or gel that is movable within the cavity to provide a dynamic seal with the second structure.
US08794630B2 Games, and methods for improved game play in games of chance and games of skill
A variety of games and methods for enhancing game play are provided. In one aspect, a secondary or ancillary game is played in parallel with a first game, such as a lottery ball draw. Yet another embodiment of game play provides for the repurposing of an existing taped game show. The previously recorded game show would be segmented into subsets of issues, for example, presentation of questions or answers (as in the case of Jeopardy), those issues would be presented to one or more players, a response would be received from those players, and the answer would be compared to the correct answer. Scoring would then rank players relative to one another or to indicate the amount of the prize.
US08794622B2 Sheet stacking device and image forming apparatus
A stacker includes a plurality of sheet stacking units individually movable upward and downward. Sheets are selectively stacked onto either of the stacker trays. To remove the sheets stacked on one of the stacker trays, a door is opened. In a state where the door is open, the stacker trays moved by respective elevation units are movable only downward. In this manner, accidental upward movement of each of the stacker trays caused by a malfunction of a motor or the like is regulated, whereby damage to the stacker is prevented.
US08794620B2 Paper feed cassette device and image recording device with integrally sliding tray portions
The invention is directed to a paper feed cassette device to be removably installed to image recording device. The paper feed cassette device includes a paper feed cassette portion and a paper discharge tray portion that receives the recording media. The paper feed cassette portion has a first paper feed cassette portion and a second paper feed cassette portion that selectively contracts and extends by sliding along a particular direction. The paper discharge tray portion has a first paper discharge tray portion disposed above the first paper feed cassette portion and a second paper discharge tray portion that selectively contracts and expands by sliding along the particular direction. The second paper discharge tray portion selectively engages the second paper feed cassette portion, and the second paper feed cassette portion and the second paper discharge tray portion integrally slide with respect to the first paper discharge tray portion.
US08794616B2 Sheet post-processing apparatus and image forming apparatus using the same
A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a first unit having a guide device for guiding a sheet, a second unit having a first post-processing device for performing post-processing on the sheet, and a third unit having a second post-processing device for loading sheets and performing post-processing on the sheets in bunch form placed on the processing tray. A first coupling device is provided for coupling the first unit and at least one of the second and third units. A second coupling device is provided for coupling the second unit and the third unit. The second unit and the third unit are capable of being pulled out in the sheet carrying-out direction with respect to the first unit by releasing the first coupling device. The entire or front side of the second unit is shiftable to the first unit side with respect to the third unit by releasing the second coupling device.
US08794615B2 Sheet post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing on sheet bundle, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
A sheet post-processing apparatus capable of stably stopping a clamping member at a predetermined target position (holding position), of performing post-processing regardless of thickness of a sheet bundle. A holding member is used for holding a sheet bundle. A moving unit moves the holding member between a predetermined reference position and a predetermined holding position at which the holding member holds the sheet bundle. A sheet post-processing unit performs post-processing on the sheet bundle held by the holding member. A control unit configured to, when the holding member is moved from the reference position and is stopped at the holding position by the moving unit, decelerate a moving speed of the moving unit, before performing a stopping process of the moving unit, such that a deceleration rate of the moving speed is smaller as a thickness of the sheet bundle is larger.
US08794609B2 Miter clamp
The present invention relates generally to a clamp for achieving tight miter joints in wood casings or other materials comprising mitered ends. The clamp according to the present invention comprises a first handle and a second handle attached to each other to form a handle member and a first jaw and a second jaw attached to each other a clamping member. The handle member and clamping member are attached to each other in a manner that creates an over center cam mechanism that prevents the clamping member from opening unless the handle member is also opened.
US08794607B2 Supporting device for supporting an in-vehicle mounted object
A supporting device supports an in-vehicle mounted object on a vehicle body. The supporting device includes a bracket and an elastic member. The bracket has a side-plate part having an opening part. The elastic member is engaged with the first opening part so as to be provided between the bracket and the in-vehicle mounted object. The side-plate part includes a notch having one end connected to the opening part and the other end open outward. The notch does not intersect with a plane containing a line passing substantially a center of the opening part and extending in a main vibrating direction of the in-vehicle mounted object, the plane being substantially perpendicular to the side-plate part.
US08794605B2 Anti-vibration connecting rod
A first elastic member coupling a first inner cylinder and a first cylindrical part is integrated with the outer surface of the first inner cylinder and the inner surface of the first cylindrical part, thereby ensuring flexibility in molding the first cylindrical part. In addition, a stopper body is formed by making a part of the inner surface of the first cylindrical part facing the first inner cylinder in a main-load application direction project inward along a radius of the first cylindrical part.
US08794603B2 Humidifier with variable water delivery
A humidifier for adding humidity to an air stream of an HVAC system during a call for humidity includes an air intake configured to fluidically interface with an HVAC duct, a humidifier pad, a valve for controlling delivery of water from a water source to the humidifier pad, and a controller for controlling the valve. The controller may be configured to cause the valve to deliver a variable amount of water over a particular call for humidity. For example, and in some instances, the controller may cause the valve to deliver water to the humidifier pad for substantially less than all of the time for a particular call for humidity.
US08794600B2 Bubble generating device
A bubble generating device includes a body having a front cover and a rear cover connected to the front cover. The front cover has a nozzle which has a passage defined therein. The rear cover has a space defined therein. A connection tube is connected to the rear cover and has a through hole so as to be connected with a spray gun. A bubble generating unit has a first net member and a second net member, both of which are located in the space. The space is defined into an expansion area, a pressure area and a bubble accumulating area by the first and second net members. The detergent is delivered into the expansion area and generates bubbles in the bubble accumulating area. The bubbles are accumulated into big lump of bubbles and sprayed by the air stream.
US08794599B2 Manual misting fan
There is disclosed a non-electric portable manually operated misting fan assembly which is formed by a handle for allowing the user to grasp and manipulate the fan assembly, the handle formed by a container adapted to function as a reservoir for a supply of fluid and having an upper end which includes a pump assembly including a pump head extending upwardly therefrom for pumping fluid from the handle container through a fluid nozzle located in the pump head. The fan means are fixedly mounted on the handle and positioned above the pump head, the fan means bounded by an upper end and a lower end, the lower end being accurately formed over the pump head in order to allow the user to position his finger on the pump head to manipulate the pump in order to eject a fluid from the fluid reservoir incident to the fanning procedure.
US08794598B2 Fence
A fence (10) comprising at least two spaced-apart substantially upright fence posts (12a, 12b) anchored into the ground or other fixed structure and a stack of at least two boards (14) extending between each pair of adjacent fence posts. Each board (14) extends in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the upright fence posts and is supported at each end by a respective fence post (12a,12b). At least one pair of retaining components (16a,16b) are provided on each fence post (12a,12b) and each pair of retaining components forms a series of cavities that are each shaped to receive and retain a respective end of a board (14) of the stack to thereby support the respective end of the board (14) at the fence post (12a, 12b).
US08794595B2 Diaphragm valve with improved sealing performance and leak detection
Diaphragm valve with internal leak detection and improved external leak sealing performance. In diaphragm valves comprising diaphragms that have shields and backings, a rigid seal plate interposed between the shield and backing prevents peripheral regions of the shield from cold-flowing into the backing, despite the compression forces produced by tightening the fasteners that secure the diaphragm to the valve's bonnet assembly and body. An access port passing through the seal plate provides an interface between a void located between the shield and the backing and a breach detector. The breach detector is configured to detect pressure, volume, moisture or mass deviations in fluid disposed in the void, and the deviations indicate whether there's a rupture in the shield or the backing. The breach detector can be connected to an alarming device or signaling system to provide warnings and alerts to valve operators, process control panels or data communication networks.
US08794594B2 Temperature compensated valve for gas chromatography
Plungers and plunger assemblies for a diaphragm-sealed valve are provided. Each plunger is adapted to be received in a passage of the valve body and includes a base member and an upper member having a longitudinal play in this passage with respect to the base member. A resilient middle element is provided between the upper and base member. The base member is connected to a plunger actuating mechanism within the valve body. Optionally, the upper member may be self-aligning within the passage. The plunger can be used to compensate for temperature variations experienced by the valve in use.
US08794583B2 Device for supporting photovoltaic cell panels, support system and installed assembly
Device for supporting photovoltaic cell panels, which is formed from a section with a height between 5 and 25 cm, comprising a central portion (1), two gutters (2) symmetrical with respect to the support and running along the section over the entire length thereof, a retaining rail (3) at the base, fastening means (4), for fastening two photovoltaic cell panels (5), a thermal insulation, and a complementary sealing device.
US08794582B2 Carbon nanotube film supporting structure and method for using same
A carbon nanotube film supporting structure is provided. The carbon nanotube film supporting structure is used for supporting a carbon nanotube film structure. The carbon nanotube film supporting structure includes a body and a number of voids. The body has a surface defining a support region. The voids are defined in the support region. A void ratio of the support region is greater than or equal to 80%. The present disclosure also provides a method for using the carbon nanotube film supporting structure.
US08794577B2 Mounting system for under-mount sinks
A system for mounting a sink to the under-side of a countertop, the sink having a bowl and a laterally extending flange emanating from the bowl, comprising: a pair of rigid side mounting rails adapted to engage the underside of the flange and adapted to engage a side wall of a cabinet on which the countertop is mounted; the side mounted rails being “L” shaped and each having a plurality of openings spaced along the length of the side mounting rails, the openings being adapted to engage a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of threaded bolts; a rigid front mounting rail adapted to engage the underside of the flange and adapted to engaged the front wall of a cabinet on which the countertop is mounted; the front mounted rail being “L” shaped and having a plurality of openings spaced along the length of the side mounting rails, the openings being adapted to engage a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of threaded bolts; the plurality of threaded bolts is adapted to engage the plurality of openings in the side mounting rails and the front mounting rail and adapted to engage a plurality of mounting cups which are operatively associated with a plurality of mounting devices selected from the group comprising: mounting cups, mounting clips, or a combination thereof; and the plurality of mounting devices is adapted to engage the threaded bolts and adapted to engage the underside of the flange of the sink.
US08794573B2 Supply packs and methods and systems for manufacturing supply packs
A cost-effective pack adapted to be distributed from an aircraft in the event of a natural, military, political, or other disaster includes an outer package, at least one item in the outer package for aerial delivery, and at least one aerodynamic component formed on the outer package and methods and systems for making the pack.
US08794568B2 Aircraft engine attachment pylon comprising two front wing system attachments with orthogonal shearing pins
An aircraft assembly comprising a wing and an engine attachment pylon fixed to the wing by an attachment comprising a first and a second front wing system cleat connecting a rigid structure of the attachment pylon and a front longeron of the wing. The first front wing system cleat comprises a first shearing pin oriented in the transversal direction to ensure take-up of forces exerted in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the pylon, and the second front wing system cleat comprises a second shearing pin oriented in the longitudinal direction to ensure take-up of forces exerted in the transversal and vertical directions of the pylon.
US08794567B2 Control and safety system for an airplane
A Safety and Control System for an airplane that allows a pilot to adjust the direction of an airplane and protect the plane in emergency situations. The engine of the plane can create thrust in more than one direction for improved maneuverability. A plurality of parachutes and landing pads can be deployed to protect the plane, along with the people in it.
US08794566B2 Vehicle capable of stabilizing a payload when in motion
In specific embodiments, a vehicle propellable through fluids comprises a main work section and a plurality of propulsion units. The main work section includes a payload support hub, a payload support structure rotatable in 360° about the payload support hub in at least one axis, and a core including at least one microprocessor, the core at least partially nested within the payload support hub. The at least one microprocessor is adapted to substantially maintain an orientation of the payload support structure relative to a horizon line as the vehicle is propelled. One or more payloads are mountable on the rotatable payload support structure.
US08794565B2 Helicopter torque counteraction device
The torque resisting system for a helicopter which includes a body. Main rotor and a tail rotor, the system includes a deflector connected to an actuator for moving the deflector relative to the body. The system further includes a sensor that is operationally associated with the tail rotor and the actuator, such that the actuator moves the deflector upon: receiving a signal indicating that the tail rotor is operating below a predetermined rotation or a determination that the sensor is inoperable or absent.
US08794562B2 Mandrel cupping assembly
A mandrel cupping assembly for releaseably enraging the ends of a plurality of mandrels supported on a web winding turret assembly is disclosed. The turret assembly provides a plurality of mandrels extending parallel to a turret assembly central axis and driven in a closed mandrel path about the turret assembly central axis. The mandrel cupping assembly provides a cupping arm cooperatively associated with each mandrel, a cupping arm support having a hold-open cam track and a hold-closed cam track disposed radially about a surface thereof, and a first actuator for disposing the cupping arm from the hold-open cam track to the hold-closed cam track. The cupping arm has a mandrel cup for releaseably engaging the end of a mandrel. Each cupping arm is carried in a radial path about the turret assembly central axis while disposed in either of the hold-open cam track or the hold-closed cam track.
US08794560B2 Retracting tether for cell phones, pagers, and PDAs
A retractable tether is disclosed which may be used in conjunction with personal communication devices (such as a Cell Phone, Pager or PDA) mounting system for the prevention of loss or damage. The retracting tether may be clipped to a belt, pants or purse next to the location in which the device is being held or stored. The retractable tether allows the device to be easily used while connected to the retracting tether. Should the device be dropped or dislodged from it's clip mount, holster or storage pocket, the retracting tether prevents the device from hitting the ground thereby preventing loss or damage to the device. A separation mechanism is also incorporated to allow the device to be easily removed from the retractable tether.
US08794558B2 Dynamic element for the separating device of a stirring ball mill
An agitator ball mill with a cylindrical grinding container is disclosed. The grinding container includes at least one grinding stock inlet and at least one grinding stock outlet. An agitator shaft connected to a drive is disposed in the grinding container. The agitator shaft transmits a part of the drive energy of the drive to the auxiliary grinding bodies. The auxiliary grinding bodies are distributed loosely in the grinding container. Furthermore, the agitator ball mill includes a separation device assigned to the grinding stock outlet, wherein the separation device is disposed around a rotational axis and/or rotates around this rotational axis. The separation device includes at least two components, whereof one component is at least one separation device and a second component is a dynamic element for generating a material flow.
US08794553B2 Continuous meat grinding reclaiming system
An continuous meat grinding reclaiming system that provides a primary meat grinder unit and a secondary meat grinding unit for continuously and simultaneously processing a meat batch in a single processing run. The primary meat grinder unit is designed to grind a batch of meat by initially separating or extrapolating pure meat from the meat that contains bone; collecting the pure meat into a container; and transferring the meat that contains the bone to the secondary meat grinder unit. The secondary meat grinder unit is designed to further grind the batch of meat by separating additional pure meat from the meat that contains the bone; collecting this additional pure meat into the container with the original pure meat; and discard any remaining “undesireables”. The meat grinding reclaiming system also provides an inventive variable valve reducer for controlling the flow of the undesireables through the secondary transfer pipe.
US08794544B2 Combustor nozzle and method for modifying the combustor nozzle
A combustor nozzle includes a downstream surface having an axial centerline. A plurality of passages extend through the downstream surface and provide fluid communication through the downstream surface. A plurality of slits are included in the downstream surface, and each slit connects to at least two passages. A method for modifying a combustor nozzle includes machining a plurality of slits in a downstream side of a body. The method further includes connecting each slit to at least two passages that pass through the body.
US08794543B2 Low-speed pulsating showerhead
A showerhead may include a housing, a turbine, and a shutter. The housing may include a fluid inlet, at least one fluid outlet, and a chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and one or more outlets. The turbine and shutter may be placed in the cavity. The shutter may include at least one opening. The shutter may selectively cover and uncover fluid outlets, thus selectively fluidly connecting the fluid outlets with the chamber. Water flowing through the housing causes the turbine to spin. As the turbine spins, the shutter rotates at a slower speed than the turbine to produce a periodic interruption of water flow through the outlets by covering and uncovering the outlets as the shutter rotates within the housing.
US08794538B2 Hot water circulation system associated with heat pump
A hot water circulation system is associated with a heat pump and is advantageous in that heating or hot water supply can be performed smoothly even when an outdoor unit performing a heat pump cycle performs a defrosting operation.
US08794537B2 Additional encoding in conventional one-dimensional bar code symbologies
An additional layer of encoding is provided using conventional one-dimensional (“1-D”) bar code symbology. Dark bars of at least 2 heights are used (where the dark bars may be narrow or wide, and may be separated by a space that is narrow or wide) for 2-dimensional (“2-D”) encoding. Whereas the width of the dark bars is significant in the 1-D encoding, the height of the dark bars is significant for the 2-D encoding. In one approach, dark bars of a shortest height are used for encoding conventional 1-D data, while dark bars of other heights encode additional data in a 2-D portion of a bar code. In another approach, consecutive dark bars are used in combination, according to a mapping which correlates the various combinations of bar heights to respective characters. The 2-D encoding rules may be proprietary, providing a type of data privacy.
US08794534B2 RFID tag and electronic device equipped with RFID tag
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is commonly used in wired communication and wireless communication. Wiring of an antenna for the wireless communication is also used for wiring in the wired communication, and the wiring of the antenna is isolated in the wired communication.
US08794531B2 Radio frequency identification tag
The present invention relates to a radio frequency identification tag which is adapted to work at a frequency between 850 MHz and 950 MHz. The tag may comprise a planar inverted F antenna, a loop antenna, or a dual patch antenna.
US08794526B2 Indicia reading terminal processing plurality of frames of image data responsively to trigger signal activation
There is described a decodable indicia reading terminal which in one embodiment can capture and process a certain (e.g., a first) and a subsequent (e.g., a second) frame of image data, wherein the certain and the subsequent frames have different imaging attributes. In one embodiment the attributes between certain and subsequent frames are differentiated in that the certain frame represents light incident on pixels of a first image sensor and the subsequent frame of image data represents light incident on pixels of a second image sensor spaced apart from the first image sensor. Additionally, or in the alternative, the attributes between certain and subsequent frames can be differentiated in that the first frame represents light incident on an image sensor under a first illumination profile and the subsequent frame represents light incident on pixels of an image sensor under a second illumination profile. In one embodiment imaging attributes of a frame subject to decoding are maintained constant for each frame subject to processing during a time that a trigger signal remains active. In one embodiment the certain and subsequent frames can be processed to yield partial decoding results and the partial decoding results can be combined to form a complete decoding result.
US08794524B2 Smart scanning system
The present invention provides a smart scanning system comprising an integrated scanning and image capture system in which one or more image capture device(s) (e.g., still camera, video camera, etc.) and a barcode scanner are positioned within a common enclosure that is a component of a checkout station. The barcode of item is scanned and an image of the item is recorded. The identity of the item as determined based on the barcode is compared to its appearance as determined based on its image. If the identity is inconsistent with its appearance, a discrepancy is registered. It is then determined whether the discrepancy is due to fraud (e.g., theft) or device error. In the case of the latter, the system can be updated to prevent a repeat of the error.
US08794520B2 Method and apparatus for operating indicia reading terminal including parameter determination
A method for operating an indicia reading terminal is provided wherein image information can be processed for determining a location of a decodable indicia representation for a certain frame of image data, the result of the processing can be utilized for determination of an imaging parameter, the imaging parameter can be utilized for capture of a subsequent frame and the subsequent frame can be subject to image processing.
US08794519B2 Methods, systems, and products for ordering items
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for online ordering of items. An online order is received from a first user requesting to purchase an item. The first user is associated to a profile of a second user. A favorite item is retrieved from the second user's profile and automatically added to the first user's order.
US08794518B1 Conversion of loyalty points for a financial institution to a different loyalty point program for services
A graphical user interface includes a conversion option to convert quantities of loyalty points of a loyalty program of an entity into different loyalty points of a different loyalty program of a commerce partner. The different loyalty points are accepted by a commerce partner as at least partial payment for commerce partner services provided by the commerce partner as part of the different loyalty program. The commerce partner does not accept the loyalty points as payment for commerce partner services, at least without requiring the loyalty points be first converted to different loyalty points. Responsive to a received selection of the conversion option, a computer presents within a user interface a quantity of available different loyalty points for use as payment for the commerce partner services. The quantity of available different loyalty points results from converting the subset of loyalty points into the quantity of available different loyalty points.
US08794516B2 Data storage and access systems
Data storage and access systems enable downloading and paying for data such as audio and video data, text, software, games and other types of data. A portable data carrier has an interface for sending and receiving data, data memory for storing received content data, and payment validation memory for providing payment validation data to an external device. The carrier may also store a record of access made to the stored content, and content use rules for controlling access to the stored content. Embodiments store further access control data and supplementary data such as hot links to web sites and/or advertising data. A complementary data access terminal, data supply computer system, and data access device are also described. The combination of payment data and stored content data and use rule data helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access to data such as compressed music and video data, especially over the Internet.
US08794514B2 Card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method
An automated banking machine system operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system is operative to read a financial card bearing account indicia with a card reader. A user is able to perform at least one banking operation with an automated banking machine responsive to account indicia read by the card reader from the card. The banking operations include dispensing cash and accessing financial accounts. A user is also able to perform at least one banking operation with an automated banking machine responsive to financial account data received by the system from a mobile phone.
US08794512B1 Automated banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine can cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that can read from user cards, card data that corresponds to financial accounts. The machine can operate responsive to the read card data to carry out transactions that transfer and/or allocate funds between accounts. The machine can provide users a transaction receipt. The machine includes a cash dispenser that can dispense cash to machine users. Value of dispensed cash can be assessed to an account which corresponds to the read card data. The machine also includes an accepting device that can receive currency bills and/or checks from users. An account that corresponds to the read card data can be credited for the value of received bills and/or checks.
US08794509B2 Systems and methods for processing a payment authorization request over disparate payment networks
A point of sale (POS) device may be configured to locate a payment system and transmit a payment authorization request from a remote location to a payment system, either directly, or via a payment system directory and/or a SSL Gateway. The invention also includes inserting third party account information into an encrypted portion of the payment request, so the payment request appears as a normal request to the issuing bank, but the third party account information may be used by the third party to bill the customer. The payment system directory is further configured to determine one or more payment processors to direct a payment authorization request, such that a single transaction may me allocated among multiple payment processors for authorization. Moreover, the payment system directory is able to format alternative payment methods into a format that is able to be processed over existing payment networks.
US08794507B2 Method and apparatus for applying two-dimensional codes
A method and an apparatus for applying two-dimensional codes are provided herein. The method includes: obtaining two-dimensional code data; resolving the two-dimensional code data to obtain an operation procedure specified in the two-dimensional code data; and using an application to execute the operation procedure specified in the two-dimensional code data. In the embodiments of the present invention, a local application of the terminal may be executed to perform the service procedure according to the action sequence specified in the two-dimensional code. In this way, users have a friendly service operation guide, the information fed back by the users is standardized, and the processing of the service platform is simplified.
US08794505B1 Mailbox guard and newspaper holding system
A mailbox protection system that deflects debris away from striking a mailbox that is attached to a bottom area of a mailbox post to reduce a moment of force on the post. A deflection assembly is held in place utilizing a cantilevered structural mounting assembly. The deflection assembly is physically separated from a proximate mailbox that the deflection assembly is configured to protect. The mailbox protection system minimizes or reduces the moment of a force causes by debris striking the deflection assembly.
US08794503B2 Dispensing lid intended, in particular, for use with food-dispensing containers
The invention comprises a frame (2) secured to a container and a movable body (3) articulated with one end of the frame (2) by means of a hinge (4) formed along a common edge of the bodies articulated therewith, said movable body (3) having two side walls (6) and a front wall (7). The invention is characterized in that both ends of the upper inner edge (2c) of the frame include a pair of flexible tongues (17) which, in the closed position, engage with respective recesses (10a) on the upper edge of the side walls (6) of the movable body (3) and on the end adjacent to the front wall (7). The movable body (3) and the fixed frame (2) include a cavity (12) next to the hinge (4), said cavity allowing the movement of material in the closed position. The invention provides an improved sealing and closure system.
US08794500B2 Arrangement with a metal pipe and a connecting element, as well as method of mounting the connecting element
An arrangement is provided for a helically undulated pipe made of metal, which has an end face extending along a turn of the thread of its undulation and a connecting element to be fastened to the pipe. The connecting element includes a pipe piece which has a helically extending inner surface corresponding to the turn of the thread of the undulation of the pipe. The pipe piece is mounted on the pipe in the undulation of the pipe. A metal ring is arranged on the pipe piece, where the pipe piece has sections with different inner diameters arranged one behind the other in the axial direction.
US08794496B2 Rotating knob locking mechanism for surgical stapling device
A surgical stapling device having a rotating knob locking mechanism, and a method of using the surgical stapling device is disclosed. The surgical stapling device includes a housing, an actuation member, an elongated body portion rotatably supported on the housing, and a locking mechanism for preventing the rotation of the elongate body portion, the locking mechanism being automatically engaged upon actuation of the actuation member. The stapling device further includes a knob for rotating the elongated body portion. The locking mechanism includes a pivotably mounted member configured to engage the knob. The stapling device may further include an articulating tool assembly and an articulation lever for articulating the tool assembly. The articulation lever may be disposed on the knob for rotating the elongated body portion.
US08794494B2 Trunk storage device
A trunk storage device is provided. The trunk storage device may have a base constructed to be substantially planar, a storage unit attached to an edge of the base, and a connection portion connecting the storage unit to the base. The connection portion may provide a spacing between the base and the storage unit to allow passage of a mat positioned at a bottom of a vehicle trunk.
US08794491B2 Dispensing module and method of dispensing with a pneumatic actuator
An adhesive dispensing module includes a pneumatic actuator for actuating reciprocating movement of a piston on a dispenser valve member. The pneumatic actuator includes a valve element and a pneumatic housing with an inlet chamber, an exhaust chamber, and a piston chamber. The valve element includes a plurality of inlet passages and a plurality of exhaust passages. The valve element rotates from a first position in which the inlet passages deliver pressurized air from the inlet chamber to the piston chamber, to a second position in which the exhaust passages exhaust pressurized air from the piston chamber to the exhaust chamber. The valve element also includes a plurality of fins configured to be driven by an electromagnetic coil to move the valve element.
US08794484B2 Actuators principally for inflatable systems
Actuators, principally for inflating emergency-usage objects such as floats and rafts, are detailed. Two opposite positive actions may be required to effect complete inflation of the objects, inhibiting inadvertent deployment of, particularly, the rafts while readily permitting deployment when intended.
US08794482B2 Pill dispenser
Dispensers for packaging solid unit dosage forms, e.g., tablets, are described herein, the dispensers employing a deformable elastomeric wiper seal between a cover and a base. The cover is linearly or rotatably slidable relative to the base to seal and/or expose the compartments of the base.
US08794481B2 Package
A lid that can be sealed to a container to provide packaging includes an edge with a pull tab which facilitates removal of the lid from the container. The lid and pull tab are injection molded integrally, and the pull tab has the form of a flexible grid-like flap that is bendable to a substantially upright position. The pull tab is formed by a number of spaced, parallel and interconnected bars that extend in a direction substantially at right angles to the direction of pulling of the pull tab.
US08794476B2 Outer tank for cryogenic fuel
A motor vehicle outer tank for a cryogenic fuel which is situated in an inner tank which is positioned within the outer tank is, for space and weight-saving purposes, characterized in that it is of flat design, and is designed in particular as a parallelepiped, and in that planar side walls of the outer tank are at least partially of sandwich design or are reinforced with sandwich plates.
US08794466B2 Method and device for establishing desired proportions of water and coffee beans to make a coffee beverage
Described is a device for establishing desired proportions of water and coffee beans. The device includes a fluid vessel and a laterally attached coffee solid vessel. The fluid vessel has vertical height and a fluid volume capacity, with the fluid vessel being formed to hold water therein. The coffee solid vessel has vertical height and an interior that defines a coffee solid volume capacity, with the coffee solid vessel being formed to hold a solid coffee product therein. Importantly, each of the fluid vessel and coffee solid vessel are formed such that a desired solid-to-fluid ratio exists between the fluid volume capacity and the coffee solid volume capacity when laterally attached with one another, with the desired solid-to-fluid ratio being maintained along the vertical height of each of the vessels (which can be readily verified through a visual inspection of the horizontal equality of contents).
US08794463B2 Self-assemblable container for generic use and manufacturing method thereof
A self-assemblable container, manufactured from ecologic materials such as standard fiberboard, comprising as its main structural elements a bottom, two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides, all of a quadrangular shape and having cauterized perimetrical faces from obtaining the main structural elements by a perimetrical laser cutting process, the main structural elements being assembled together by the insertion of flexible tabs into receiving slots, the sides of two main structural elements which in the assembled container are adjacent each other having one or the other so as to correspond, wherein the container may further comprise an antisagging brace, a lid and/or two transverse laths.
US08794462B2 Container and method for blowmolding a base in a partial vacuum pressure reduction setup
A base of a container may include a standing surface, a first wall, a second wall, a first hinge, and a second hinge. The first hinge may be positioned between the standing surface and the first wall, the first wall being rotateable about the first hinge relative to a longitudinal axis of the container. The second hinge may be positioned between the first wall and the second wall, the second wall being rotateable about the second hinge relative to the longitudinal axis of the container, where rigidity of the base prevents substantial net distortion of the base during rotation of the second wall.
US08794453B2 Security hook for product display
A security product display hook assembly comprising a unique form of product display hook, in combination with a security lock, providing optional levels of product security and customer convenience. The display hook has a merchandise supporting arm formed with a back section, an intermediate section and a front section. The intermediate section is of sharply irregular configuration to allow, but inhibit, product removal, while effectively preventing mass product removal often attempted by shoplifters. The locking device is positionable in front of or directly behind the intermediate section to provide the highest security, with all products locked or an intermediate level, with a portion of the products locked. The locking device can also be positioned at the back of the back section such that all products are unlocked and available for customer selection.
US08794448B2 Separation device
A separator device comprises a cylindrical separation chamber within which a motor-driven rotor is situated. The rotor has vanes. In operation, an inflowing mixture enters through an inlet and is subjected to centrifugal force imposed by the rotation of the rotor. A lighter liquid fraction leaves through an annular outlet, and a heavier liquid fraction leaves through an annular outlet. Solids pass through a screen to a region where rotational flow is reduced or absent. The solids in the region are fluidized by liquid passing through the screen, and are extracted from outlets. Control means is provided to control operation of the device in response to changes in the incoming mixture.
US08794445B2 Packaging for storing products and methods of making and using such packages
The invention provides packages for storing consumable products and methods for making and using same. The packages may include containers housed within a housing, which may include at least one viewable area in a wall of the housing to allow a consumer to see through at least a portion of the housing. The containers may also include at least one viewable area in a wall of the containers and the location of the viewable area may correspond to a location of the viewable area of the housing. The containers may also be connected such that the containers may be removed from the housing, rotated about a hinged connection, and placed on a shelf for storage.
US08794444B2 Large-sized front opening unified wafer POD
A FOUP (front opening unified pod) is disposed with a plurality of supporting pieces, the positions of which are calibrated to be symmetrical for the supporting pieces to horizontally support wafers in the pod, and with an OHT pad (overhead hoist transport pad), a major function of which is to evenly distribute the weight of the FOUP and the wafers so that the transportation of the FOUP and the wafers by the OHT head can be further stabilized and more weight can be loaded to meet the demands of the process.
US08794442B2 Package structure for glass containers for pharmaceutical use
The package structure for glass containers for pharmaceutical use (e.g.: bottles, carpules and phials . . . ), comprises a tray (2) accommodating, at a raised position with respect to its bottom, a support plane (4) having a plurality of holes (12) for introducing containers spaced with a preset spatial order, the support plane comprising, at each introduction hole, elastically yielding means (13) for holding the container by means of a radial holding force, the holding means extending inside the volume enclosed by the projection of the perimeter of the hole in a manner parallel to the central symmetry axis (S) of the latter.
US08794440B2 Tray with ribs configured for redirecting compressive loads
A tray, as described herein, includes one or more ribs that increase the stacking or compressive strength of the tray and advantageously direct vertical compressive stacking forces to the relatively stronger portions of the tray. Specifically, the ribs direct the compressive stacking forces from the intermediate portions of the sidewall downward and outward toward the adjacent corners. The ribs can have an at least partially curvilinear shape between the intermediate portion of the sidewall and the adjacent corner thereof, such as having an intermediate generally bell-shaped region such that a vertex of the concave region is higher on the sidewall than where its legs intersect the corners of the tray. In another or alternative form, the tray can include one or more gripping portions that facilitate a user holding onto the tray.
US08794436B2 Protective sheath
A protective sheath for a portable electronic device having a display surface and a rear surface comprises a front plate for covering the display surface, a holding component for holding the portable electronic device on an inner surface thereof from the rear surface, a position limiting hinge disposed on an outer surface of the holding component, and a support plate is provided. The support plate is pivoted to the outer surface via the position limiting hinge. The front plate connects to the holding component or the support plate and is capable of rotating relative to the holding component or the support plate. When the support plate rotates relative to the holding component for a presetting pivoting angle, the position limiting hinge maintains the presetting pivoting angle between the support plate and the holding component, so as to let the portable electronic device stand on a carrying surface.
US08794435B1 Garment box
Various embodiments of the invention provided a garment box comprising a bottom panel and a container portion that includes a first side wall, a second side wall, a third side wall, and a fourth side wall. In particular embodiments, the garment box further includes a walled enclosure portion contiguous to the first side wall and comprising a first fold over panel, a second fold over panel, and a third fold over panel. In particular embodiments, the first and third fold over panels include holes located proximate a mid-point of the panels and the second fold over panel includes a slot. The holes are configured to support a rod that is inserted into the walled enclosure portion. The rod is configured to support one or more heads of clothes hangers inserted through the slot and hung on the rod to secure clothes placed in the container portion for shipping.
US08794427B2 Multi-generational carrier platform
A multi-generational carrier platform is configured to carry substrate carriers of different sizes depending on processing needs. Multiple carrier adaptors are provided on one side of a support plate, and substrate carriers can be distributed among the carrier adaptors to mount a maximum number of substrates under the constraint of non-overlap of the substrates and the substrate carriers. The multi-generational carrier platform can be configured to provide rotation to each substrate carrier mounted thereupon, and is compatible with chemical mechanical planarization processes that require rotation of substrates against an abrasive surface. The multi-generational carrier platform facilitates maximum utilization of a processing area provided by a tool configured to process substrates of different sizes.
US08794426B2 Pallet-based position adjustment system and method
A conveyor system that includes a track section including a control system, a drive system that is controlled by the control system and that is configured to provide power through a first electromagnetic field and through an alternating second electromagnetic field, a plurality of moving elements that are driven by the drive system and that are configured to receive power through the first electromagnetic field, where at least one of the plurality of moving elements includes a pick-up unit configured to receive power through the alternating second electromagnetic field, a pallet support apparatus, and a plurality of pallets that are configured to engage with the plurality of moving elements and move on the pallet support apparatus.
US08794424B2 Device and method for conveying flat objects
An apparatus for conveying and discharging flat, preferably flexible articles, in particular printed products, the apparatus including a plurality of grippers which can be moved in a conveying direction (F) along a continuous conveying path (U) defined by a conveying mechanism. The grippers include a first gripper jaw and a second gripper jaw, which can assume a clamping position and an open position relative to one another. The first gripper jaw is longer than the second gripper jaw and includes a first gripper part, which in the clamping position interacts with the second gripper jaw, and a second gripper part, which in the clamping position projects beyond the second gripper jaw. The orientation of the first and second gripper parts of the first gripper jaw relative to one another is variable and can be adjusted by a control means.
US08794422B2 Product discharge line
A module conveying device including a main conveying mechanism conveying products in a main conveying direction between an input location and an output location of the main conveying mechanism. The output location can be swiveled between two vertically arranged first transfer positions. A transverse mechanism accepts the conveyed products that likewise includes an input location and an output location, which input location is positioned in one of the two first transfer positions and the output location of the transverse conveying mechanism is positioned in a second transfer position. The output location of the main conveying mechanism can be swiveled between at least one additional first transfer position and the two first transfer positions. Each additional first transfer position is positioned in the event of one input location of an additional transverse conveying mechanism. The additional output locations of the additional transverse conveying mechanism are positioned in additional transfer positions arranged vertically to the second transfer position. The conveying device also includes a collecting conveying mechanism, including an input location and an output location, that can be positioned selectively between the transfer positions of the transverse conveying mechanism to accept products temporarily stored on a transverse conveying mechanism.
US08794411B2 Powertrain pressure control system
A pressure control system configured to control a selectable one-way clutch (SOWC) includes a pilot valve and a SOWC actuator. The pilot valve is configured to produce a pilot signal and includes a first valve, which is a MEMS microvalve. The pressure control system may further include a regulating valve in fluid communication with the pilot valve and configured to receive the pilot signal. The regulating valve is further configured to output a control signal. The SOWC actuator is configured to select between operating modes of the selectable one-way clutch in response to one of the pilot signal and the control signal.
US08794408B2 Device for absorbing impact applied to moving body
There is provided a device for absorbing impact applied to a moving body that can exhibit high impact absorption performance in various collision aspects when a moving body collides with an obstacle or the like.A bladder 10 is provided on the back surface of a front portion of a high-strength frame 2 of an airplane M1. The bladder 10 includes first and second sealing members 11 and 12 that are formed of elastic bag bodies in which a lubricant is sealed. When an obstacle X collides with the bladder 10, the lubricant S generates pressure, which is substantially uniform and perpendicular to boundary surfaces of the first and second sealing members 11 and 12, on the basis of Pascal's principle, and transmits the pressure. Accordingly, when the airplane M1 collides with the obstacle X, high impact absorption performance is exhibited in various collision aspects.
US08794403B2 Damping force generating mechanism for hydraulic shock absorber
A port (2a, 2b) allows a fluid to flow from a first fluid chamber (41, 42) to a second fluid chamber (42, 41) separated by the piston (1) of a shock absorber via a damping valve (10a, 10b). A flow sectional area of a passage (21d, 21e, 26d, 26e) connecting the first fluid chamber (41, 42) to the port (2a, 2b) is reduced by a throttle valve (12, 14, 51, 52) according to a pressure in the first fluid chamber (41, 42). A pressure of a pressure chamber (18, 19) and a biasing force of a plate spring (25, 29, 71, 72) acts on the throttle valve (12, 14, 51, 52) in an opposite direction to the pressure of the first fluid chamber (41, 42). The hydraulic shock absorber is thereby caused to generate different damping force characteristics depending on a stroke speed of the piston (1).
US08794402B2 Weight compensating shock isolator assembly
A weight compensating shock isolator assembly includes at least one spring with preload to return the isolator to an initial position, the at least one spring exerting a spring force that changes during the isolator stroke. The isolator includes a hydraulic cylinder containing hydraulic fluid and a piston that moves relative to the hydraulic cylinder, wherein hydraulic fluid is forced through or around a piston head during relative movement thereof with respect to the hydraulic cylinder to create a resisting force that is stroke and velocity dependent, with the damping constant C changing with stroke.
US08794401B2 Fluid shock absorber
A shock absorber (D1) comprises a ring-shaped seal member (3) supported by a cylinder (1) so as to cause a tip to contact the piston rod (2) resiliently. A ring-shaped actuator (4a) exerts an inward force on the outer circumference of the seal member (3). The actuator (4a) is constituted by a polymer material that varies its diameter upon impression of a direct-current voltage. By controlling the direct-current voltage depending on the relative displacement speed between the piston rod (2) and the cylinder (1), the frictional resistance which the seal member (3) exerts on the piston rod (2) is kept large when the relative displacement speed is in an extremely low operation speed region, and is decreased as the actuator (4) decreases the inward force when the relative displacement speed increases above the extremely low operation speed region.
US08794397B2 Pad for disc brakes
A pad (20) for disc brakes comprises a plate (22) acting as the support for a friction material layer (24). The plate (22) extends past the friction material layer (24) at least at a radially outer portion (E) of the pad. At least one load (30a, 30b) is applied to the plate (22) and fixed thereto by means of clinching. This load changes the mass of at least one portion of the plate such as to obtain an inertia of the pad which substantially avoids the vibrations of the pad during the braking action which are suitable to cause noisiness of the disc brake. The load (30a, 30b) comprises at least one projection (32) suitable to be clinched to fix the load to the plate. The projection (32) is inserted within a hole (34) of the plate and clinched.
US08794395B2 Electric linear motion actuator and electric disc brake assembly
In an electric linear motion actuator, it is proposed to uniformly distribute external thrust loads to respective planetary rollers while the planetary rollers are revolving around a rotary shaft while rotating about their respective axes with a helical rib of an outer ring member in engagement with circumferential grooves of the respective planetary rollers. The planetary rollers have bearing support surfaces on which thrust bearings are supported, respectively. The distance from the bearing support surface of each planetary roller to a predetermined reference position of each circumferential groove (6a) of the planetary roller is different from the corresponding distances for the other planetary rollers, whereby with the planetary rollers supported by the respective thrust bearings, the axial position of each circumferential groove coincides with the axial position of the portion of the helical rib of the outer ring member that is engaged in the circumferential groove.
US08794391B2 Safety braking system
A safety braking system of to a bike, motorcycle or any other linear two-wheel vehicle, or any vehicle with a right brake lever and a left brake lever to respectively control respective braking actions to the front wheel and the rear wheel of the vehicle. Whenever either of the right brake lever or the left brake lever is pulled, the safety braking system controls the rear wheel brake to be activated before the front wheel brake to be activated.
US08794390B2 Elevator cab accessory control device
An elevator cab accessory device having a control panel having a first timer and a first contactor, whereby the first timer operates the first contactor, an elevator door position sensor communicating with the first timer, and an occupant sensor communicating with the first timer, wherein the first timer operation is controlled by the elevator door position sensor and the occupant sensor, and a first elevator cab accessory communicating with the first contactor, whereby the first elevator cab accessory operation is controlled by the first contactor. A method for controlling elevator accessories and a method for installing an elevator cab accessory device.
US08794387B2 Traction system and an elevator arrangement incorporating said traction system
A traction system includes a composite rope (1), especially for an elevator. The composite rope (1) is driveable by a traction sheave (6). The traction system has a composite rope that is easy to handle, whereby high traction forces can be transferred, and the composite rope enables a narrower drive unit than known belt technology. To this end, the composite rope has parallel individual tension members (4) surrounded by an elastomer material which are interconnected by an elastomer connecting layer (5) on one side, and the tension members (4) engage in corresponding grooves (7) of the traction sheave (6). The penetration depth of the individual ropes (2) of the tension members (4) in the grooves of the traction sheave (6) is at least 25% of the diameter (d) of the individual ropes (2).
US08794377B2 Silencer for reducing acoustic noise of fuel cell system
A silencer installed in a fuel cell system includes a plurality of expansion chambers connected to a predetermined apparatus of the fuel cell system, wherein the plurality of expansion chambers serially reduces acoustic noise of air discharged from the predetermined apparatus and a resonator connected to an expansion chamber of the plurality of expansion chambers, wherein the resonator reduces acoustic noise received from the expansion chamber in another frequency band, which is different from a frequency band of the acoustic noise reduced by the plurality of expansion chambers, where one of the plurality of expansion chambers comprises an inlet pipe which receives air from the predetermined apparatus, another of the plurality of expansion chambers comprises an outlet pipe which discharges air flowed into the plurality of expansion chambers, and an intermediate pipe is disposed between the plurality of expansion chambers.
US08794376B2 Firearm flash suppressor system
A flash suppressor adapted to be attached to a muzzle of a barrel of a firearm coaxially therewith, the flash suppressor having a base, a tapered waist portion and a shoulder surface. The flash suppressor further having a plurality of tines, in which each tine of the plurality of times has a different mass to affect sound reduction as a result of expanding, and combusting gases exiting the muzzle of the firearm when the firearm is discharged.
US08794374B2 Acoustic transducer device
The present invention relates to a sound converter, and, more particularly, to a sound converter which can solve a problem in that a vibration space decreases in the sound converter requiring high outputs, as the overall height of a voice coil increases.
US08794372B2 Marine mechanical seismic source
A marine seismic source comprises a housing having a central axis, an open end, and a closed end opposite the open end. In addition, the source comprises a piston coaxially disposed within the housing. In addition, the source comprises a flywheel disposed within the housing and axially positioned between the closed end and the piston. The flywheel is configured to rotate about a rotational axis. Further, the source comprises a connecting rod moveably coupling the piston to the flywheel. The connecting rod has a first end pivotally coupled to the piston and a second end pivotally coupled to the flywheel. The second end of the connecting rod has a first position at a first distance measured radially from the rotational axis, and a second position at a second distance measured radially from the rotational axis. The first distance is less than the second distance.
US08794370B2 Powertrain system for motor vehicle and motor vehicle lower structure having the same
A powertrain system for a motor vehicle comprises a power unit (2), a differential module (3) and a propeller shaft (4) provided to extend in a frontward-rearward direction of a vehicle body to transmit drive power of the power unit (2) to the differential module (3). The propeller shaft (4) is divided into a front shaft segment (4a) a rear shaft segment (4b) through the intermediary of a third universal joint (43), and adapted to be contracted in such a manner that the front shaft segment (4a) is fitted into an end of the rear shaft segment (4b) over a contractable range D1, together with a part of the third universal joint (43). The differential module (3) has a module body (31), and a rear support section (33) which supports the module body (31) to allow a front portion of the module body (31) to be swingably moved downwardly.
US08794368B2 Motor assisted rotating wheel mechanism
A motor-assisted rotating wheel mechanism includes a rotating wheel, a rotating axle and an auxiliary motor. The rotating axle is rotationally disposed on a frame body and has two cranks with force-receiving members disposed at the two ends thereof, for allowing the force received by the force-receiving members to provide a rotational force to drive the rotating wheel to rotate and thus facilitate the auxiliary motor to output power, wherein the auxiliary motor is disposed between the two cranks disposed at the two ends of the rotating axle, and wherein the auxiliary motor includes a magnetic field having the same axle center as or parallel to the axle center, thereby facilitating the auxiliary motor to output power in cooperation with the rotating power provided by the rotating axle to synchronically drive the rotating wheel.
US08794366B2 Battery case structure for motorcycle
A battery case structure for a motorcycle can include a battery case for storing therein a battery to be mounted in a motorcycle, and a starter relay and a fuse box as related parts which can be connected to the battery. A starter relay mounting portion and a fuse box mounting portion in which the starter relay and the fuse box are disposed relative to the battery case are provided. A sub-case is disposed near the battery on an inside of a battery case main unit. The sub-case includes the starter relay mounting portion and the fuse box mounting portion.
US08794365B2 Hybrid vehicle
A main battery and an auxiliary battery are both mounted on a hybrid vehicle without narrowing a cargo room.A floor panel 102 includes a rising portion 102c that rises upward and extends in a widthwise direction of a vehicle 101, and a front portion 102a extending forward from the rising portion 102c. A rear seat 109 is mounted above the floor panel 102 in such a manner that a seat portion 109a is parallel to the front portion. The front portion 102a, the seat portion 109a of the rear seat 109, and the rising portion 102c form a housing space SP for mounting a main battery 110 and an auxiliary battery 111 side by side in the widthwise direction of the vehicle.
US08794358B2 Conversion system for a wheeled vehicle
A track assembly 30 for converting a wheeled vehicle 10 into a tracked vehicle. The track assembly 30 has a longitudinally adjustable support frame 40 having a motive source 170 with a drive sprocket 190, a plurality of support rollers 80, 84, 88, a tensioning assembly 90, and an endless track 200. The track assembly 30 is connected to a vehicle 10 by articulated, resiliently biased mounting assemblies 210, 410. Each mounting assembly 210, 410 includes a first attachment member 212, 412, a link 250, 450, and a second attachment member 300, 500, with the first attachment member 212, 412 configured to be removably attached to a position on a vehicle 10 where a wheel axle attached to an internal drive unit 19 would normally reside but which has been disconnected from its control lines and removed, and with the second attachment member 300, 500 configured to be connected to the support frame 40. The motive source 170 of the track assembly 30 is connected to and controlled by the same control lines 18 that were previously connected to the internal drive unit 19.
US08794355B2 Driven latch mechanism
A core barrel assembly having a driven latch mechanism that can lock the core barrel assembly axially and rotationally relative to a drill string. The driven latch mechanism can include a plurality of wedge members positioned on a plurality of driving surfaces. Rotation of the drill string can cause the plurality of wedge members to wedge between an inner diameter of the drill string and the plurality of driving surfaces, thereby rotationally locking the core barrel assembly relative to the drill string. Drilling systems including the driven latch mechanism and methods of using the driven latch mechanism are also described.
US08794353B2 System and method for surface steerable drilling
A system and method for surface steerable drilling are provided. In one example, the method includes monitoring operating parameters for drilling rig equipment and bottom hole assembly (BHA) equipment for a BHA, where the operating parameters control the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment. The method includes receiving current inputs corresponding to performance data of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment during a drilling operation and determining that an amount of change between the current inputs and corresponding previously received inputs exceeds a defined threshold. The method further includes determining whether a modification to the operating parameters has occurred that would result in the amount of change exceeding the defined threshold and identifying that a problem exists in at least one of the drilling rig equipment and BHA equipment if no modification has occurred to the operating parameters. The method includes performing a defined action if a problem exists.
US08794352B2 Drilling fluid recovery when drilling under an obstacle or water body
A system for recovering drilling mud in drilling an underground arcuate path around at least a portion of an obstacle has a conductor casing, a drill pipe surrounded by the conductor casing for at least a portion of an axial length of the drill pipe, a flow line connected to the conductor casing at a downhole position, and a pump coupled to the flow line placed at another downhole position. A volume of drilling mud within the underground arcuate path is pumped from the underground arcuate path to the surface and recovered for recirculation.
US08794349B2 Power-driven hand-held tool
A power-driven hand-held tool is disclosed. It comprises a housing, a drive motor arranged in the housing and having a motor shaft that defines a longitudinal axis, a workspindle comprising a tool holding fixture arranged outside the housing for holding a tool, wherein the workspindle defines a spindle axis arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein at least one battery unit is provided for supplying the drive motor with energy, wherein the drive motor is coupled to the workspindle for driving same oscillatingly about the spindle axis, wherein a center of gravity of the battery unit is located on a side of the longitudinal axis opposite the tool holding fixture.
US08794348B2 Hybrid impact tool
A power tool having a rotary impact mechanism and a mode change mechanism. The impact mechanism is driven by an output member of a transmission and includes a hammer and an anvil. The mode change mechanism includes a mode collar that is movable between a first position, in which the mode collar directly couples the hammer to the transmission output member to inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle, and a second position in which the mode collar does not inhibit movement of the hammer relative to the spindle.
US08794347B2 Arrangement and method comprising a flushing head for a rock drilling machine, and rock drilling machine comprising the arrangement
The invention relates to an arrangement designed to be inserted in a cavity (19) in a front part (14) of a rock drilling machine with a shank adapter (16). The arrangement comprises a cartridge (1) with a flushing head (2) and a guide (3) coaxially arranged to create a longitudinal channel (5) designed as a passage for the shank adapter (16).
US08794346B2 Towed implement stress relieved joints
An agricultural implement is provided that includes a first tool bar supporting first ground engaging tools. The agricultural implement further includes a second tool bar supporting second ground engaging tools and coupled to the first tool bar by a pivot joint. Additionally, the agricultural implement includes a working plate secured to the first tool bar and having a joint structure partially defining the pivot joint. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a stress feathering plate secured between the working plate and the first tool bar and secured to both the working plate and the first tool bar, the stress feathering plate extending beyond the working plate and having a contour that provides a reduced stress gradient when the first tool bar, the working plate and the stress feathering plate are loaded by engagement of the first and second ground engaging tools with the ground.
US08794337B2 Apparatus and method for controlling the connection and disconnection speed of downhole connectors
Apparatuses and methods for controlling the connection speed of downhole connectors in a subterranean well are disclosed. An apparatus includes a first assembly having a first downhole connector and a first communication medium that is positionable in the well. A second assembly includes a second downhole connector and a second communication medium and has an outer portion and an inner portion that are selectively axially shiftable relative to one another. A lock assembly including at least one lug initially couples the outer and inner portions of the second assembly together such that, upon engagement of the first assembly with the second assembly downhole, the lug is radially shifted releasing the lock assembly to allow axial shifting of the outer portion of the second assembly relative to the inner portion of the second assembly, thereby operatively connecting the first and second downhole connectors to enable communication between the communication media.
US08794335B2 Method and apparatus for expendable tubing-conveyed perforating gun
Methods and apparatus are presented for a “disappearing” perforator gun assembly. In a preferred method of perforating a well casing, inserted into the well casing is a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance. An inner structure is positioned within the outer tubular and holds one or more explosive charges. Upon detonating the explosive charges, the outer tubular is fragmented. The inner structure is preferably also substantially destroyed upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges. For example, the inner structure can be made from a combustible material, corrodible, dissolvable, etc., material. A disintegration-enhancing material is optionally positioned between the outer tubular and the inner structure. Additional embodiments are presented having gun housings which dematerialize upon detonation of the charges.
US08794333B1 Combination blowout preventer and recovery device
A combination blowout preventer and recovery device, comprising a lower part that is placed over a well pipe, and an upper part having a channel and plates to close it. The large end of the valve is placed over a well pipe through which fluid is flowing out. The small end of the valve is connected to the channel. A sleeve connected to the return pipe is placed over the well pipe. Positioning rings are attached to a high pressure pipe, that can fit inside the well pipe. Grinders remove matter from the well pipe. Pistons are attached to each of the plates. The pistons propel the plates across the channel to seal it off and stop the leak. Flanges may limit the pistons' movement. Gears can engage teeth on the pistons to withdraw the plates from the channel, to reopen it and allow the flow of fluid to resume.
US08794330B2 Apparatus for single-trip time progressive wellbore treatment
A single trip multizone time progressive well treating method and apparatus that provides a means to progressively stimulate individual zones through a cased or open hole well bore. This system allows the operator to use pre-set timing devices to progressively treat each zone up the hole. At each zone the system automatically opens a sliding sleeve and closes a frangible flapper, at a pre-selected point in time. An adjustable preset timing device is installed in each zone to allow preplanned continual frac operations for all zones. The apparatus is present as a “Frac Module” that can consist of three major components, a packer, a timing pressure device, and a sliding sleeve/isolation device. A hydraulic packer may be removed or replaced with a swellable type packer.
US08794323B2 Completion assembly
A completion assembly useful to fracture pack, gravel pack or otherwise treat production intervals traversed by an uncased wellbore is presented. The completion assembly may be used to stimulate production and/or prevent production of solid particles from the production intervals. A single trip method to fracture pack, gravel pack or otherwise treat multiple zones in an open-hole wellbore is disclosed where the wellbore has no liner or casing string installed through a production open hole portion.
US08794319B2 Multistage separator vessel for capturing LPGs
A method of recovering liquid petroleum gases (LPGs) from a wellbore includes: performing a well treatment operation by injecting the LPGs into the wellbore to increase the wellbore pressure; flowing a fluid stream from the wellhead into a separation vessel, the fluid stream comprising the LPGs; reducing the pressure of the fluid stream from the wellbore pressure to a separation vessel pressure, the fluid stream in the separation vessel comprising the LPGs in liquid form and in vapour form; separating the vapour form from the liquid form; transferring the liquid form of the LPGs to a pressure vessel; and passing the vapour form through a condenser to condense the vapour form, and depositing the condensed vapour form into the pressure vessel.
US08794317B2 Cased borehole tool orientation measurement
Methods and related systems are described for use for determining orientation of a measurement tool in a cased borehole. The measurement tool is deployed in a cased section of a borehole. The tool includes a volume containing a reference fluid having a first density, and a marker within the fluid having a different density. The position of the marker within volume containing the reference fluid is senses, and orientation information of the measurement tool is determined based at least in part on combining information relating to the position of the marker with prior recorded data representing orientation measurements made while the section of the borehole was not yet cased.
US08794315B2 Biogenic fuel gas generation in geologic hydrocarbon deposits
A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.
US08794311B2 Subterranean tool with shock absorbing shear release
A subterranean tool can be actuated with one or more control lines for a hydraulic release. It can further be actuated with a shear release after a lockout feature for the shear release is defeated. The shear release features a lock that limits relative movement so that a shear member can be defeated but without a release. A dog limits relative movement in a wider groove where dog movement in the groove allows a shock absorbing feature to act to cushion the release as the shear member breaks. The relative movement is reversed to let a retaining ring drop out of the way into a groove that comes into alignment with it. The relative movement is reversed again to pull a sleeve out from under gripping collets that have previously failed to release and the tool releases from that point on the same way as the control line actuated release.
US08794310B2 Support tube for a swell packer, swell packer, method of manufacturing a swell packer, and method for using a swell packer
Disclosed herein is a swellable packer having a support element. A portion of the support element is substantially adjacent to the base tubular. Another portion of the support element is separated from the base tubular and a portion of the area between the support element and the base tubular is filled with the swellable material. Also disclosed herein is a sealing system including a packer as described above and a method for sealing within a wellbore using a packer as describe above.
US08794302B2 Nubbed U-bend tube support
A self-supporting system for positioning and restraining the U-bend tubes in the U-bend region of a nuclear steam generator includes arrays incorporating unique support bars having nubs projecting in the out-of-plane direction of the tube planes. The system also includes assemblies for spacing the arrays, tie bars to prevent the arrays from splaying and saddle bar assemblies to support the outermost tube layers. The system provides positive restraint to nub engaged tubes in both the in-plane direction of the tube planes and the out-of-plane direction.
US08794301B2 Flow distributor assembly and a cooling unit with a flow distributor assembly
A flow distributor assembly (13) for distributing a fluid flow across at least two surfaces (15) to be cooled is disclosed. The flow distributor assembly (13) comprises a first flow distributor (1a) and a second flow distributor (1b). Each flow distributor (1a, 1b) has a set of flow cells (3) formed therein, and comprises a connecting region. The first connecting region and the second connecting region are adapted to interconnect in such a manner that the first flow distributor (1a) and the second flow distributor (1b) are joined to form the flow distributor assembly (13), and in such a manner that the first connecting region and the second connecting region in combination define an inlet manifold (9) and an outlet manifold (10), the inlet manifold (9) and the outlet manifold (10) being fluidly connected to each of the flow cells (3) of the first set of flow cells (3) and the second set of flow cells (3). Also disclosed is a cooling unit (17) comprising a housing (14) and a flow distributor assembly (13) arranged in an interior part of the housing (14). The two flow distributors (1a, 1b) allows fluid flow to be distributed across at least two surfaces (15) to be cooled. The flow distributor assembly (13) is easy and cost effective to manufacture because the manifolds (9, 10) are automatically formed when assembling the flow distributor assembly (13).
US08794300B2 Exhaust gas cooler for a motor vehicle
An exhaust gas cooler for a motor vehicle is provided that includes a first collector box on an inlet side and a second collector box on an outlet side, and a plurality of exchanger tubes extending between the collector boxes for exhaust gas to flow through. Air can flow around the exchanger tubes so as to cool the exhaust gas. At least one supporting member is attached to at least one of the collector boxes, a force produced by the thermal expansion of the exchanger tubes being passed into the supporting member.
US08794295B2 Cellular shade assembly and method for constructing same
An expandable and contractable shade assembly includes a plurality of closed cell structures aligned vertically one above another with juncture lines defined between adjacent structures. Each closed cell structure includes a front face and a separate back face. The front face and the back face are offset from one another in relation to a vertical axis. In one embodiment, for instance, the front face of a higher cell is connected to both the front face and back face of a lower cell, while the back face of the higher cell is only connected to the back face of the lower cell. In an alternative embodiment, the front face of a higher cell is only connected to the front face of a lower cell, while the back face of the higher cell is connected to both the front face and the back face of the lower cell. The above configuration can increase strength and dimensional stability of the interconnected cells.
US08794293B2 Single dose applicator and method
An applicator, related applicator system, and a method for delivering a self-adhesive material are provided. The applicator includes an outer surface, and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The inner surface of the applicator defines a void that is operable to receive the self-adhesive material. At least a portion of the inner surface releasably adhere the applicator side of the self-adhesive material where the adhesive force between the portion of the inner surface and the applicator side being less than adhesive force between the substrate and the substrate side. The applicator is used by placing the applicator in contact with a substrate, pressing the applicator against the substrate such that the self-adhesive material adheres to the substrate, and releasing the applicator from the substrate.
US08794289B2 Apparatus and method for making carbon nanotube film
An apparatus for making a carbon nanotube film includes a substrate holder, a bar supplying device, a carrier device, and a stretching device arranged in alignment in that order. A method for making a carbon nanotube film is further provided.
US08794284B2 Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire includes a tread portion extending in a tire circumferential direction and a pair of sidewall sections disposed on both sides of the tread portion in a tire width direction. At least one sidewall section includes a surface pattern region having a plurality of minute regions arranged along the circumferential direction and a tire radial direction. The minute regions are visually distinguishable from surrounding regions due to light reflection characteristics or surface unevenness. Width dimensions along the circumferential direction of adjacent minute regions juxtaposed with each along the circumferential direction vary among at least three different widths. The width dimensions of adjacent minute sections vary continuously or in steps along the circumferential direction. The adjacent minute regions are juxtaposed next to each other at at least three different interval sizes, and are arranged along the circumferential direction at prescribed intervals whose sizes vary continuously or in steps.
US08794282B2 Amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane adhesives for improved metal adhesion and metal adhesion retention to cured rubber
Amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes (amino AMS), and/or amino co-AMS compounds that also comprise a mercaptosilane or a blocked mercaptosilane, are excellent adhesives for coating plated or unplated metal wire for adherence of the wire to a rubber stock. The amino AMS and/or the amino/mercaptan co-AMS adhesives can be used with all types of rubber and there is no requirement for the use of special adhesive additives to the rubber vulcanizates, such as, but not limited to, cobalt, resins and high sulfur levels. In particular, the use of amino AMS and/or amino/mercaptan co-AMS compounds as adhesives for bonding wire to rubber also improves the adherence performance of the reinforcements to obtain sufficient bonding that is resistant to degradation over the course of time, especially resistance to thermal aging and/or thermo-oxidizing aging, in particular corrosion in the presence of water.
US08794279B2 Pneumatic tire with tread including thin groove having rounded corner portions
A thin groove 4 that continuously extends in the tread circumferential direction is provided in a shoulder rib 3. An annular groove 8 continuous in the circumferential direction is provided in a groove wall 4a on the tread equatorial surface side of the thin groove 4 to be contiguous to the groove bottom, in a cross section taken in the width direction of the tread. The shape of the annular groove in a cross section taken in the width direction of the tread is formed such that a corner portion contiguous to the groove wall on the tread equatorial surface side is rounded to a curvature radius R1, a corner portion of the innermost portion of the annular groove that is in the outer side portion in the tire radial direction is rounded to a curvature radius R2, a corner portion of the innermost portion of the annular groove that is in the inner side portion in the tire radial direction is rounded to a curvature radius R3, and a corner portion contiguous to a groove wall 4b on the tread end side is rounded to a curvature radius R4. According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the stone trapping resistance, tear resistance of defense grooves, and groove bottom crack resistance.
US08794277B2 Pneumatic tire for motorcycle
Provided is a pneumatic tire for motorcycle in which the abrasion resistance and the steering stability of the tire at the time when the motorcycle is travelling while leaning sideways are combined by resolving the above-mentioned problems and improving the tread pattern.Provided is a pneumatic tire for motorcycle including a tread portion 11, a pair of sidewall portions 12connected to both sides of the tread portion and a pair of bead portions 13individually connected to the sidewall portions. The tire tread portion has a tread pattern having a plurality of transverse grooves 1to 9. When quarter of the tread width from the tire center portion C is set as a tire middle portion M, a transverse groove arranged stretching across the tire middle portion M of the transverse grooves in the transverse grooves is formed such that the groove depth of the transverse groove varies in the tire width direction and is the deepest at the tire middle portion, and a part of the transverse groove has a disconnected portion 10between the tire center portion C and one tread end TE.
US08794273B2 Intermittent rotating machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products
An intermittent rotating machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products is provided. The machine consists of a conveying wheel having a group of pockets distributed according to at least two mutually parallel rows and a feeding device for feeding a capsule into each pocket. The feeding device has a hopper for containing the capsules, at least two rows of extraction channels of the capsules from the hopper, and a plurality of orienting channels adapted to transfer each capsule from the respective extraction channel to the relative pocket. Each oriental channel is provided with at least two respective inlet portions, which are aligned to two extraction channels of two different rows, and are limited by respective bottom walls that are mutually parallel and distinct.
US08794268B2 Voting hydraulic dump system
Systems and method for shutting down a turbine, with the system including a housing defining first and second flowpaths therein, and an inlet coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to a source of a fluid and to the first and second flowpaths. The system also includes a first outlet coupled to the housing and selectively coupled to the first and second flowpaths, and a second outlet coupled to the housing and selectively coupled to the first and second flowpaths. The system further includes first, second, and third control valves received in the housing and intersecting the first and second flowpaths. The first, second, and third control valves are each movable between a tripped position and an untripped position, such that if two out of three are in the tripped position, fluid is blocked from the first outlet and is directed to the second outlet.
US08794267B2 Gas transport delay resolution for short etch recipes
In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing a gas mixture of a plurality of gases, may have a plurality of mass flow controllers (MFCs), a mixing manifold in fluid connection with each plurality of MFCs, a plurality of mixing manifold exits positioned on the mixing manifold; and an isolation device in fluid connection with each of the plurality of mixing manifold exits.
US08794263B2 Filter assembly
A filter assembly for an additive manufacturing apparatus has a housing defining a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A filter element is located within the housing between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The assembly includes valves that can be actuated to seal the gas inlet and the gas outlet. Additionally the assembly has a fluid inlet for allowing ingress of a fluid into the housing. The assembly allows a filter element, which may contain volatile particles, to be changed safely. By sealing the gas inlet and outlet and flooding the housing with a suitable fluid, volatile particles captured by the filter can be neutralised.
US08794262B2 Quantum fluid transfer system
A miniature quantum fluid transfer system configured to regulate the flow rate of a fluid by allowing passage of small, discrete increments of fluid through the valve including a valve body having at least one inlet to receive fluid and at least one outlet to release fluid, and a valve rod movably disposed in a first chamber in the valve body. The valve rod has a plurality of fluid passages spaced longitudinally along the valve rod, and the valve rod is movable to align each fluid passage with an inlet or outlet port in the first chamber to allow fluid to flow through selected inlet or outlet ports corresponding to selected fluid passages. The quantum fluid transfer system has a plug movably disposed in a second chamber to push a corresponding volume of fluid out of the second chamber at the end opposite the end the fluid entered.
US08794258B2 Pressure harmonizer
An air pressure harmonizing system comprising: a central chamber hub, the hub having a longitudinally hollow body with a first and second end; a gauge means, positioned between the first and second ends extending radially outwardly from the body; an inlet port means, positioned between the first and second ends extending radially outwardly from the body, wherein the inlet port being configured and dimensioned to receive a standard sized air chuck; an outlet port means, positioned between the first and second ends extending radially outwardly from the body, the means being configured and dimensioned to selectively discharge surplus air to desired target pressure; and a plurality of air exchange ports extending radially outwardly from the chamber, wherein each air exchange port has a flexible conduit connected thereto, each conduit having a proximal and distal end, wherein an air chuck is cooperatively connected to the distal end of the conduit.
US08794256B2 Self-sealing check valve
A check valve includes a valve body defining an internal chamber and a valve seat disposed within the internal chamber adjacent to one of the first and second ends of the valve body. A poppet is mounted for linear movement along a poppet axis within the internal chamber between the first and second ends of the valve body and has a predetermined cross-sectional shape in a direction transverse to the poppet axis, a peripheral rim defining a movement guiding surface, a frustoconical surface provided in one axial end of the poppet and oriented in a direction toward the one end of the valve body, a sealing bead disposed on the frustoconical surface, and a predetermined plurality of passages formed in a predetermined pattern through at least one of the peripheral rim and the frustoconical surface in open communication with an opposed axial end of the poppet.
US08794254B2 Passive closing device for thermal self-protection of high pressure gas vessels
High pressure gas vessels can have a sensitivity to temperature of the compressed gas. Over-temperature conditions in particular may cause decreased durability and/or vessel damage, including gas leakage to the environment. Articles of manufacture, methods, and systems are provided for over-temperature protection using a passive device. The passive closing device does not require electrical power and no controller, sensors, or wiring is needed. This affords cost savings in comparison to other systems. Pressure vessels using the passive closing device can protect themselves, independent of the compressed gas fueling station configuration.
US08794250B2 Substrate processing method and substrate processing apparatus
A substrate processing apparatus according to the present invention is provided with a spin chuck (3) that holds a substrate (W) and rotates the same. A process liquid supply system (11, . . . ) is disposed to supply a process liquid to the substrate rotated by the spin chuck. There are disposed a fluid nozzle (12) that supplies to the substrate a drying fluid having a higher volatility than that of the process liquid, and an inert gas nozzle (13) that supplies an inert gas to the substrate. A nozzle moving mechanism (15, 52, . . . ) is disposed that moves the nozzles (12, 13) radially outward relative to a rotational center (Po) of the substrate, while maintaining the inert gas nozzle nearer to the rotational center of the substrate than the fluid nozzle.
US08794246B2 Self administrable hair extension system and method
A holder for securing a hair extension having a weft and a hair piece extending from the weft, to a wearer's natural hair. The holder includes a length, a transverse profile having a hair extension edge and a securing edge opposingly disposed from the hair extension edge. The holder comprises a channel disposed substantially longitudinally along the entire length of the holder and a plurality of apertures to receive a plurality of attaching means for securing the holder to the wearer's natural hair. The channel includes a neck and an interior cavity connected to the neck, wherein the neck defines an opening along the length of the channel at the hair extension edge. The interior cavity is configured to receive the weft and the neck is configured to enable penetration of the hair piece through the opening along the length of the channel.
US08794242B1 Infant eye guard apparatus
The infant eye guard apparatus has an elasticized lateral band to which is permanently adjoined one end of the elasticized cranial band. The T-member of the cranial band is selectively affixed to the interior of the lateral band posterior. The selectively affixed eye guard is typically worn partially below the lateral band. The cranial band can be worn from anterior to posterior on an infant's head, or side-to-side and the eye guard selectively fitted to the lateral band interior lateral loop. The lateral band is adjustable via elasticizing and also via the cut line by which the lateral band can be divided and adjustably fitted with the T-member of the cranial band. The cranial band prevents any downward slip of the lateral band. The orbitals of the eye guard fully cover and surround the exterior of an infant's eye, thereby ensuring no light invasion.
US08794239B2 Mask with integral cushion and forehead piece
A respiratory mask has an adjustable forehead support member that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The forehead support member may be adjusted by rotating a forehead pad about an off-center bore or by bending an angular adjustment beam. The mask has a mask cushion with an accordionate membrane having at least two hinged portions. The mask may be constructed with a mask frame, the mask cushion, and the forehead support member molded as one piece.
US08794236B2 Cardiac monitoring and therapy using a device for providing pressure treatment of sleep disordered breathing
A method of using CPAP equipment to sense cardiogenic oscillations in a patient's airflow, and to monitor and treat the patient's cardiac condition. The apparatus diagnoses cardiac morbidity conditions, such as the existence of arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities, and influences and optimizes cardiac stroke volume. The apparatus further monitors pulse-transit time, changes in the heart pre-ejection period, and the duration of the cardiac cycle.
US08794235B2 System and method for treating ventilatory instability
A therapy system adapted to treat a patient's ventilatory instability using a ventilatory therapy, a gas modulation therapy, or both. The algorithm implemented by the therapy system monitors the ventilatory instability, such as Cheyne Stokes Respiration (CSR), mixed apneas, CPAP emergent apneas, and complex sleep disordered breathing (CSDB) and treats the ventilatory instability. The algorithm also determine a reference point with respect to the ventilatory instability. The therapy delivery system initiate the treatment based on the reference point.
US08794234B2 Inversion-based feed-forward compensation of inspiratory trigger dynamics in medical ventilators
A ventilator and method of ventilator control. The ventilator includes a pneumatic system for providing and receiving breathing gas, and a controller operatively coupled with the pneumatic system. The controller employs closed-loop control to provide positive breathing assistance to a patient. Supplemental feed-forward compensatory assistance is also provided, in addition to and independently of that commanded by the closed-loop control. The supplemental assistance may be determined, set or selected based on a ventilator parameter and/or an operator parameter, and/or as an automatic ongoing compensatory mechanism responding to varying patient respiratory demand.
US08794233B2 Nitrous oxide anesthetic administration system
The present invention is a method and system for administering nitrous oxide. The system includes a fluid control system for controlling the flow of nitrous oxide and oxygen to the patient. A nitrous oxide and oxygen supply, vacuum source, a breather bag, and a nasal delivery interface system are fluidly connected to the fluid control system and a patient. The fluid control system also includes a safety scavenge system including a mass airflow sensor, master controller, nitrous oxide valve, and alarm. The mass airflow sensor reads the scavenging vacuum pressure which it communicates to the master controller. Depending upon the scavenging vacuum pressure, the master controller can activate an alarm or shut off the flow of nitrous oxide. In operation, the present invention provides a system for administering anesthesia/analgesia gas which prevents excessively high volumes of exhaled nitrous oxide in the operatory environment through monitoring of the scavenge vacuum pressure.
US08794232B2 Disposable monodose inhaler for powdered medicaments
A monodose inhaler for powdered medicaments consists of a hollow substantially pipe-shaped body that has a first portion (H), for housing a capsule or cartridge of powdered medicament, defined by a wall (W) in which there are formed slots (S) as air intakes to an inner region where the powder drops, and a second portion (M) connected to the first portion (H) for delivering the medicament by means of a primary stream (F) that carries the powder from the drop region along a delivery duct (D) whose end is suitable to be placed in the patient's mouth, and it further includes a secondary duct (D′) located under the delivery duct (D) and provided with its own air intake (S′) for delivering a powderless secondary stream (F′).
US08794231B2 Electrically heated smoking system having a liquid storage portion
An electrically heated smoking system includes a shell and a replaceable mouthpiece. The shell includes an electric power supply and electric circuitry. The mouthpiece includes a liquid storage portion and a capillary wick having a first end and a second end. The first end of the wick extends into the liquid storage portion for contact with liquid therein. The mouthpiece also includes a heating element for heating the second end of the capillary wick, an air outlet, and an aerosol forming chamber between the second end of the capillary wick and the air outlet. When the shell and mouthpiece are engaged or connected, the heating element is in electrical connection with the power supply via the circuitry, and a flowpath for air is defined from at least one air inlet to the air outlet via the aerosol forming chamber. In use, liquid is transferred from the liquid storage portion towards the heating element by capillary action in the wick. Liquid at the second end of the capillary wick is vaporized by the heating element. The supersaturated vapor created, is mixed and carried in the air flow from the at least one air inlet to the aerosol forming chamber. In the aerosol forming chamber, the vapor condenses to form an aerosol, which is carried towards the air outlet.
US08794226B2 Oven muffle
An oven muffle that has at least two wall elements adjoining each other, which delimit at least some regions of an interior space that is used as a cooking chamber. The wall elements are of a glass or a glass ceramic and the adjacent wall elements are oriented at an angle with respect to one another. In an oven muffle of this invention, along with ease of cleaning, a simple structural design is achieved if the wall elements are integrally joined to one another and constitute one formed part.
US08794222B2 Crankcase ventilation inside-out flow rotating coalescer
An internal combustion engine crankcase ventilation rotating coalescer includes an annular rotating coalescing filter element, an inlet port supplying blowby gas from the crankcase to the hollow interior of the annular rotating coalescing filter element, and an outlet port delivering cleaned separated air from the exterior of the rotating element. The direction of blowby gas is inside-out, radially outwardly from the hollow interior to the exterior.
US08794213B2 Internal combustion engine including valve deactivation mechanism
An internal combustion engine which includes a valve deactivation mechanism for reducing an output power shock upon changing of the cylinder number. In an internal combustion engine which includes a valve deactivation mechanism driven by a slide pin which is driven by hydraulic pressure, response delay time after a signal is sent to oil control valves until an intake valve and an exhaust valve are activated or deactivated is used to form a control map in response to control parameters, and the valve deactivation mechanism is controlled based on the control map.
US08794212B2 Engine and method of operating engine
A method of operating an engine comprises introducing into a cylinder volume a non-compression-combustible fuel, such as natural gas, a compression-combustible fuel, such as diesel, and an oxidant and mixing the components for greater than about 275 microseconds, prior to compression combusting the compression-combustible fuel. The mixing may be done such that the two fuels are at least partially homogenized in the cylinder volume. By mixing, or premixing, the two fuels prior to combustion, the compression-combustible fuel is then simultaneously combusted via compression at multiple ignition points in the volume. The second, non-compression-combustible fuel is ignited in response to the combustion of the first fuel. An engine that enables the various methods is also disclosed.
US08794211B2 Hybrid cycle combustion engine and methods
An improved internal combustion engine of the four-stroke variable volume type operates by refraining from introducing substantial fuel into the working medium during the compression stroke until substantially maximum pressure of the working medium has been reached and utilizing at least one of the following processes: (a) causing combustion of fuel under substantially constant volume conditions; and (b) causing the power stroke to provide a larger volume to combustion products than the compression stroke provides to the working medium. Related methods are also provided.
US08794198B2 Free piston engine
A free-piston engine has an engine cylinder and a single piston member. The single piston member has a double-ended piston that moves within the cylinder, and the piston member partitions the cylinder into two separate chambers, each of which are supplied with a compressible working fluid from one or more intake means. The piston moves over and past the intake means during each stroke such that the fluid is replenished within one chamber while the piston compresses the fluid held in the other chamber.
US08794191B2 Disposable, protective canine sock/boot requiring no fasteners
A disposable dog boot comprising a single, seamless piece of flexible latex or polymer material having a bulbously shaped, bottom closed end and a top open end of a smaller cross-section, wherein when a paw of the dog is slipped into the boot, the bottom end covers and loosely conforms to the paw to protect the paw, and the top end flexibly and removably secures, through the material's elasticity, the boot to a leg of the dog.
US08794188B2 Livestock house system and methods of quasi-continuously raising livestock in multiple phases
A multistage livestock house system may include an outer frame, and a plurality of adjacent stages within the outer frame. Each one of the stages may be configured to hold livestock of a predetermined age range for a predetermined time interval. The system may also include a wash system disposed in each stage, wherein at least one of the stages is configured to be washed by a respective wash system after each time interval. The system may also include an effluent tank that is configured to collect effluent that is washed from each stage by the wash systems.
US08794183B2 Milking hose support
A milking hose support comprising a frame adapted for supporting a milking hose, the frame having a hose coupler located on a side and adapted for supporting a milking hose; a hinge assembly, wherein the hinge assembly includes a hinge and connects the frame to the hinge; and a first flat bar, wherein the first flat bar is coupled to the hinge assembly, and extends away from the frame, wherein the hinge permits a variable angle of rotation between the frame and the first flat bar.
US08794181B2 System and method for three dimensional teat modeling for use with a milking system
A teat modeling device includes a housing with an illumination unit operative to project a structured light pattern on at least one teat of a dairy animal and a camera axially aligned with the illumination unit and positioned between the illumination unit and the at least one teat of the dairy animal, wherein the camera is operative to capture images of the structured light pattern reflected off the at least one teat. A teat modeling device further includes a memory unit storing expected shape parameters of the at least one teat based on a pre-defined shape of the at least one teat and a processor operative to compute a three dimensional model of the at least one teat based on the stored parameters, positioning of the reflected pattern on the image and spacing between elements of the reflected pattern.
US08794179B2 Method for manufacturing pattern formed body
The main object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a pattern formed body by the electric field jet method, capable of stabilizing the discharge amount and the discharge direction of a liquid. The present invention achieves the object by providing a method for manufacturing a pattern formed body characterized in that a pattern is formed on a substrate by: discharging a liquid from a discharge orifice by applying a voltage between a first electrode, disposed in the vicinity of the discharge orifice of a nozzle of a discharge head, and a second electrode, disposed in between the discharge orifice and the substrate, having an opening for discharge; and adhering the liquid onto the substrate by passing through the opening for discharge of the second electrode.
US08794178B2 Coating method and device
The invention relates to a novel coating device, the method carried out using said device, products obtained thereby, and use of said products.
US08794175B2 Rolling contact layer-by-layer assembly
A rolling contact layer-by-layer assembly device comprises at least one roller, a cylinder substrate and a motor to rotate the cylinder substrate. The assembly device optionally includes at least one rinsing nozzle and air applicator. The rollers each provide a polyelectrolyte solution to the surface of the cylinder substrate, the polyelectrolyte solutions having an affinity for each other. Excess polyelectrolyte solution can be washed using the rinsing nozzle followed by a drying step prior to the application of the second polyelectrolyte solution. A plurality of bilayers is produced by the continuous application of polyelectrolyte solutions to form an LBL article such as a nano-composite article or film. The film is then removed from the surface of the cylinder substrate.
US08794174B2 Coating installation and associated operating method
The invention relates to a coating installation, in particular for painting motor vehicle bodies, comprising a transport path (2, 12), along which a plurality of coating objects (1) are transported one after the other through the coating installation, and a plurality of treatment stations (13-17, 18-22, 23-27), in which the coating objects (1) are treated. It is proposed that the transport path (2, 12) branches into a plurality of parallel branches (5-9), in each of which at least one of the treatment stations (13-17, 18-22, 23-27) is arranged.
US08794170B2 Device for anchoring a boat
A device for anchoring a boat includes a multi part anchor line adapted to attach to the boat; a lead line having a first end and a second end; a first hook attached to the first end of the lead line adapted to releasably attach to a bow eye of the boat; and a second hook attached to the second end of the lead line adapted releasably attach to the anchor line. The anchor line and lead line cooperate to anchor the boat.
US08794168B2 Supply device
The invention relates to a supply device (32) for sewing material layers (16, 18, 20) of a large area sewing product such as mattress panels for example, comprising several sewing material layers (16, 18, 20), particularly at least three, preferably one sewing material layer of elastic material, for example foamed material, and one sewing material layer intended as a top layer, which layers are to be stitched together using a sewing machine (14) with at least one sewing unit, in particular a multiple-needle sewing machine, wherein said supply device consists of at least one roll receiver (34) capable of receiving at least two material rolls (24, 26, 28, 36, 38, 40), each material roll (24, 26, 28, 36, 38, 40) being rotatably supported in a holder (42) of the roll receiver (34), and wherein sewing material layers (16, 18, 20) can be removed from the material rolls (24, 26, 28, 36, 38, 40) arranged in a roll receiver (34) and fed to the sewing unit, wherein the sewing material layers (16, 18, 20) from a roll receiver (34) can be alternatively fed to the sewing unit.
US08794167B2 Sewing machine
There is provided a needle thread tension controller that can control a magnitude of tension on a needle thread for each stitch, that can draw the needle thread with a slim chance of occurrence of a thread break, that easily, accurately detects occurrence of the thread break when the thread break has occurred, and that does not cause any excess or deficiency of a quantity of accumulated thread, which would otherwise be caused by drawing a needle thread. There are provided an upstream grip section 40 and a downstream grip section 60 for gripping a needle thread and a turning section 80 for turning the needle thread. In a torque control zone, rotating force is imparted to a turning arm in accordance with a torque value.
US08794166B2 Sewing direction control apparatus for sewing machine
A sewing direction control apparatus for sewing machine, comprising: a base plate (10), a circular ring-shaped transmission element (20) dispose on the base plate (10) and a driving element (50) with a driving unit (52). During sewing, the driving unit (52) drives the transmission element (20), rotating a sewing product (A) placed at the center of the transmission element (20) with the driving element (52), thereby controlling the sewing direction of the sewing product (A), and thus improving the sewing accuracy. The direction control apparatus has low cost, and is suitable for various types of automatic sewing machines.
US08794158B2 Magnetic levitation vehicle comprising a pneumatic spring control system
A magnetic levitation vehicle is described, which comprises a car body (2), being mounted by means of pneumatic air springs (4) on a suspension frame (5), said suspension frame (5) being supported by means of supporting points (5b) on pairs of carrying magnets (35A, 35B). According to the invention a control device (14) is assigned to said pneumatic springs (4) in such a manner that on failure of one of the two carrying magnets (35A, 35B) the pressure in the pneumatic springs (4) can automatically be reduced to a pre-selected fraction of the nominal air pressure (FIG. 3).
US08794157B2 Automatic machine for leveling and alignment of railway in plate, prior to the concrete
Automatic machine for leveling and alignment of ballastless railway, prior to concreting, having a structure (1) that moves along the track, provided with fastening elements to, once located in the track section to be positioned, firmly grab both rails (10) keeping the track in suspension while it performs millimetric movements of displacement until placing it in the desired final position, both in plant and height of the rails and cant; said machine has a measuring system, which includes tilt sensors (11) and a total station (12) of GPS or topographic type, that allow to identify the actual position of the track, in real-time. It also has a control system that includes process software of the position data acquired by the measuring devices (11-12), from which it determines the required movements to be carried out to achieve the desired final position of the track.
US08794156B1 Safety projectile for firearms
A projectile package loaded in a firearm includes a projectile having a rod attached to its rear region. The rod is attached to a drag member or vanes having elastic properties. When fired, the projectile is expelled from the barrel of the firearm. Upon exiting the barrel and until the projectile reaches its effective range, reactionary air forces caused by the projectile traveling through the air result in the elastic vanes orienting themselves in a tight formation behind the rear region of the projectile. As a result, the vanes do not detrimentally affect the aerodynamics of the projectile's flight within the effective range of the projectile. However, once the effective range of the projectile has been exceeded, the slower velocity of the projectile causes the elastic vanes to laterally fan or spread out so as to impede the forward progress of the projectile.
US08794148B2 Printing press
A printing press includes an assembly and a cam mechanism for moving at least one part of the assembly. A cam of the cam mechanism has a curvature course with points, in particular bends or jumps, which are not constantly differentiable within a movement region of the cam. The cam mechanism can include an actuator for the temporal displacement of jolts which are induced by the points that are not constantly differentiable to the at least one part of the assembly. An adaptation of the movement which is produced to the operating state of the printing press is possible, with the result that a considerable reduction can be achieved in vibrations for all printing speeds.
US08794147B2 Anti-marking jackets comprised of fluoropolymer and methods of using in offset printing
In a printing press having a transfer cylinder for transferring a freshly printed substrate, an anti-marking device is provided. The anti-marking device comprises a flexible jacket comprised of fluoropolymer to engage the freshly printed substrate as it is transferred over the transfer cylinder, the anti-marking device removably attached with free play to the transfer cylinder. In an embodiment, a base cover is installed on the transfer cylinder between the anti-marking device and the transfer cylinder.
US08794146B2 Printing device using thermal roll imprinting and patterned plate, microfluodic element using the same, film laminating device for sensor, and printing method
A printing device using thermal roll imprinting and a patterned plate according to the present invention includes: a first supply roll continuously supplying a patterning film; a heating roll and a first sub-roll imprinting a first pattern in the patterning film supplied from the first supply roll by pressing the patterning film from both sides thereof to form a patterning plate; an imprinting mask provided with an original pattern to be imprinted to the patterning film and mounted on the surface of the heating roll; a first recovery roll recovering the patterned plate; a rotatable inking roll inking the first pattern imprinted to the patterned plate; a doctor blade forming a second; a blanket roll forming a third pattern; and a second sub-roll forming a fourth pattern by pressing a printing film and printing the third pattern of the blanket roll to the printing film.
US08794143B2 Printing method with a printing apparatus provided with an anilox roll
A printing apparatus has a printing device having a supply for a substrate to be printed and a supply for ink. The printing device has a printing roll with an image and an anilox roll mounted in a bearing. The anilox roll comprising a cylinder having a surface with a fluid distribution structure for receiving the fluid. The fluid distribution structure has a channel formed in the surface for distributing the fluid over the fluid distribution structure. The channel having a course and opposite channel walls positioned next to each other in a relative parallel oscillating fashion. Printing in a first operational mode, heavy layers of ink on said substrate with relatively large fluid droplets and Printing in a second operational mode, details on said substrate with relatively small fluid droplets.
US08794142B2 Method and apparatus for forming an anilox roll
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming an anilox roll. The method includes supplying a cylinder of the anilox roll that has an outer surface to be tooled, supplying at least a laser source and laser engraving the outer surface of the anilox roll with a laser spot that is formed by a laser source for obtaining a tooled anilox roll, and applying an optical guide in the light path of the laser for enabling the laser spot to move reciprocally on the outer surface to be tooled.
US08794140B2 Magnetic orienting and printing
Device and process for producing indicia comprising magnetically oriented magnetic or magnetizable particles in ink or coating composition on a sheet of substrate material. Device includes a flat-bed screen-printing unit having a flat printing screen and a printing platen for receiving a sheet. Printing platen has an upper surface facing the printing screen and a first direction along its upper surface along which said sheet is unloadable, and a magnetic orienting unit having multiple magnet assemblies. Magnetic orienting unit is disposed below upper surface of the printing platen, the multiple magnet assemblies are disposed along first direction, and all of the magnet assemblies are concomitantly movable from a first position away from the upper surface of the printing platen to a second position close to the upper surface of the printing platen. The magnetic orienting unit having one or more magnet assemblies is usable as a stand-alone flat-bed magnetization device.
US08794139B2 Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus operatively connectable to a mounting arm that comprises an interchangeable pallet unit with a longitudinal axis and operatively connectable to the mounting arm for movement along the longitudinal axis, an indexing mechanism operatively connected to the interchangeable pallet so as to permit the interchangeable pallet indexed movement in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis, and a bar unit operatively connectable to the mounting arm configured to receive a printing screen.
US08794134B2 Method and apparatus for forming bundles in a bundle former
An apparatus for a forming bundle composed of at least one layer of printed products includes a lift, wherein an area above the lift constitutes a holding space to accommodate the at least one layer. The lift is adapted to lower the at least one layer. A control unit is connected to control movement of the lift. A thickness determining device is coupled to the control unit and arranged to determine a thickness of the at least one layer. The lift is controlled to be lowered corresponding to a previously determined thickness of a layer to accommodate a following layer of a bundle or to accommodate a layer of a following bundle.
US08794133B2 Grating disc for a food processor
A grating disc (4) arranged to be rotatably mounted within a food processor (1), to rotate in a direction of rotation (26), which grating disc (4) comprises at least one grating tooth (24) for grating food to be processed. The grating disc (4) comprises at least one groove (28) extending from an inner region (21) to an outer edge (22) of the grating disc (4) to assist in guiding food particles outwardly during use of the food processor (1). With the provision of a grating disc in accordance with the present invention, improved output of processed food is accomplished in that the at least one groove with assistance of centrifugal force guides the processed food outwardly for retrieval.
US08794131B2 Grill with improved-configuration grease collecting box
A grill with improved-configuration grease collecting box comprising feet, a pan mounted on the feet and a heating device on the backside of the pan, the feet form an opening to contain the grease collecting box, both sides of the opening have supports, the opening mounted a grease collecting box inside, and the grease collecting box mounted on the supports, said pan has grease outlet orifices on the top of grease collecting box. The grease collecting box of the present invention located below the pan, it does not occupy the additional space and uneasy to be turn overed by incaution, which add the security; Mounting the grease collecting box on the feet does not need any additional fitting device, and the simple configuration is advantageous to be carried; The grease collecting box being hidden in the feet make the appearance of the grill to be more aesthetic.
US08794128B2 Device for frothing milk, comprising means for preventing blockage of an air restriction by milk residue
A device for performing a process of treating a liquid including a detachably arranged liquid treating unit and a basic part which is suitable for receiving and accommodating the liquid treating unit. The liquid treating unit has an air restriction for taking in air to be used in the liquid treating processes, wherein the air restriction includes a pin and a hole for receiving the pin. The pin is rotatably arranged in the hole, and means are provided for causing a rotation of the pin in case of a movement of the liquid treating unit relative to the liquid treating device.
US08794123B2 Double valve constructed from unitary single valves
A double valve includes a first unitary valve assembly and a second unitary valve assembly. Each unitary valve assembly includes a first outlet port, a second outlet port, and a spool. A first pilot assembly and a second pilot assembly are coupled to the first unitary valve assembly and the second unitary valve assembly, respectively. A plate is coupled to the unitary valve assemblies and includes a passage to provide a first common outlet passage that is coupled to the respective first outlet ports of the unitary valve assemblies and a second common outlet passage that is coupled to the respective second outlet ports of the unitary valve assemblies. When the spools are in a first position, fluid flows through the first common outlet passage, and when the spools are in a second position, the fluid flows through the second common outlet passage.
US08794122B2 Weapons system construction and modification including improved gas management system
This invention is directed to a rifle barrel sleeve system for a gas operated weapon system comprising: a rear sleeve surrounding a rear portion of the rifle barrel; a front sleeve surrounding a front portion of the rifle barrel; a gas elbow support surrounding the rifle barrel disposed between the rear sleeve and the front sleeve having a gas chamber allowing gas to escape from a barrel gas port into the gas elbow; and, a void defined between the rear sleeve, front sleeve, gas elbow and barrel having filler material.
US08794117B2 Apparatus for cutting elastomeric materials
A method and apparatus is provided for cutting an elastomeric laminate that may include a layer of reinforcement cords, into a desired length without cutting through the cords. The method includes the step of cutting through the gum portion of the elastomeric composite material at a desired skive angle, and then opening up the skived cut. Next, the cord reinforcement layer is cut without severing the reinforcement cords. An elastomeric composite strip cut to the desired length is produced and has cut ends. One of the cut ends has the gum portion cut at a desired skive angle adjacent an overhang portion of the reinforcement layer. The opposite end of the elastomeric composite segment also has a skived portion to mate with the skived portion of the first cut end, and a gap in the cord ply to mate with the cord overhang of the first end, resulting in a splice. An improved anvil having independently controlled vacuum zones is also provided, as well as improved cutting mechanisms.
US08794115B2 Single transfer insert placement method and apparatus
An apparatus and method is provided for single transfer insert placement. The apparatus receives continuous web material and cuts a discrete section or pad from the web. The pad is then supported on a single transfer surface. The single transfer surface then may spin the supported pad to a desired angle and provide the pad to a receiving surface at a desired interval.
US08794114B2 Electronic torque wrench with replaceable torque sensors
An electronic torque wrench (10) comprising a grip body (11) with a user interface (12) and a control electronics (13) for controlling the wrench. From one extremity of the grip body protrudes a mechanical connection element (14) that terminates at one extremity with a tightening head (16). In the connection element are torque sensors (18) for determining the torque transmitted between the grip body and the head and the connection element (14) is connected in a removable and replaceable way to the grip body (11) and comprises memory means (19) containing data for calibrating the wrench to such connection element (14) and means for transferring such data to the control electronics.
US08794110B2 Rotary ratchet wrench
A hand tool is disclosed. The hand tool has a gripping portion and a distal end with an attachment end disposed thereon. A ratcheting mechanism is combined with the attachment end to provide ratcheting action. A rotatable head is combined with the attachment end and engaged with the ratcheting mechanism. The rotatable head comprises a plurality of sockets and in some embodiments the rotatable head has four sockets of different size spaced thereon.
US08794108B2 Automatic transmission fluid accumulator replacement assembly
A fluid accumulator assembly used with 2002 to 2005 model years of ZF Getriebe's GmbH ZF-6HP19, ZF-6HP26, ZF-6HP32 automatic transmissions, and model years up to 2011 of Ford's 6R60 automatic transmissions. The fluid accumulator assembly includes a piston that can be received into a bore that is in fluid communication with a solenoid-controlled fluid circuit of the transmission. The fluid accumulator assembly also includes a compression spring sized and configured to fit within the piston, and used to provide an urging force to the piston.
US08794106B2 Mechanical restraint for securing motorcycle rider footwear to footpeg
A restraint is configured to restrain a rider's footwear to a motorcycle footpeg along at least a nearly vertical first axis. The footpeg extends away from the motorcycle along a second axis. The restraint is based upon a combination of a hook and a clasp. The restraint can be engaged by linearly moving the footwear alternatively along either of two axes including the first axis, and a third axis that is mutually perpendicular to the first and second axes. The restraint may also be disengaged by linearly moving the footwear along the third axis. The third axis generally passes from the heel to toe of the footwear. Moving the footwear in a backward direction (toe to heel direction) engages the restraint; moving the footwear in a forward direction (heel to toe direction) disengages the restraint.
US08794105B2 Device for connecting a shoe to a sports article, such as a cycle pedal
A device for connecting a shoe to a part of a sports article such as a bicycle pedal, of the type in which the shoe and the pedal comprise attachment members of complementary shapes, wherein the attachment members of the sole are comprised at least partly of alternations of depressions recessed into the outer envelope surface of the sole. The outer envelope surface of the sole is raised upwards ahead of the region of the attachment members of the sole.
US08794103B2 Accelerator pedal apparatus
An accelerator pedal apparatus includes a pedal arm rotating around a first rotation axis line and having a contact portion, a return spring and a reaction force adding mechanism including a drive source and a rotation member rotating around a second rotation axis line in a state of being contacted to the contact portion which adds reaction force to return the pedal arm toward the rest position. A first distance from the contact position of the rotation member with the contact portion to the first rotation axis line is longer than a second distance to the second rotation axis line. The rotation member includes a contact section having the contact portion displaced while being contacted so that the contact portion is to be closer to the second rotation axis line when rotating toward the maximum depression position and to be farther from the second rotation axis line when rotating toward the rest position.
US08794102B2 Accelerator pedal assembly for vehicle
An accelerator pedal assembly for a vehicle includes a pedal arm having a first end portion pivotally secured to the vehicle, a pedal pivotally mounted to a second end portion of the pedal arm, and a guard plate secured to the pedal arm forwardly of the pedal.
US08794101B2 Floor mounted pedal system for a vehicle
A foot support installed on a floor panel of an operator cab has a rear surface section that rises upward in a rear-to-front direction of the operator cab and an upper surface section that is provided in front of the rear surface section so as to continue therefrom and slopes downward in the rear-to-front direction of the operator cab. A heel position adjusting plate having a heel rest portion is mounted such that the relative distance of the heel rest portion with respect to the foot support is adjustable.
US08794094B2 Parallel gear unit for a gearbox for a wind turbine
A parallel gear unit (20) for a gearbox (30) for a wind turbine includes at least two parallel shafts (21, 22), at least one of the shafts (21, 22) being supported by roller bearings (24) and each shaft (21, 22) including a gear (23, 25) with helical teeth, the gears (23, 25) of each shaft (21, 22) being adapted for meshing with each other. The parallel gear unit (20) furthermore includes a thrust collar (26) on at least one of the shafts (21, 22). In a parallel gear unit (20) according to preferred embodiments, the bearings (24) supporting the gear do not suffer from high axial forces or at least suffer less from such axial forces than prior art bearings. A gearbox (30) including the parallel gear unit (20) and a wind turbine including such a gearbox (30) are described.
US08794093B2 Device for pressing on a rack
A device for pressing a rack onto a pinion engaging the rack, more particularly for a steering system of a motor vehicle, comprises a pressure piece which is slidably guided in a housing and which is loaded in the direction of the rack, and an adjusting device. Devices made of metal are known from the prior art, which, however, generate excessive noise emissions during operation. Therefore, the pressure piece is made of plastic and the adjusting device is made of metal and/or plastic.
US08794092B2 Disengageable interface mechanism between a motorization system of an aircraft landing gear assembly and a wheel
A motorization mechanism for a wheel of a landing gear assembly, including an input gear driven by a motor-reducer unit; a pendulum element, carrying two intermediate gear wheels driven in rotation by this element, with the intermediate gear wheels having synchronized rotation blocking mechanisms such that the two intermediate gear wheels can be simultaneously engaged or simultaneously released. The angular displacement of the pendulum element around its rotation axis is limited by a first and a second adjustable stop. These adjustable stops are set so that when the pendulum element comes into contact with an adjustable stop, the blocking mechanism of the intermediate gear wheels is freed, whereas it is engaged when the pendulum element is in the neutral position. This pendulum assembly faces a cog wheel that is capable of driving the hub of the said wheel.
US08794089B2 Transmission
A transmission includes first and second rotating shafts arranged in parallel and multiple gear sets including gears fixed to the first rotating shaft and rotatable gears rotatably supported on the second rotating shaft. Each gear set includes first and second engagement units engaged with first and second engagement-target portions formed on end surfaces of each rotatable gear and transmitting torque in first and second rotational directions; and a shift mechanism axially and independently moving the first and second engagement units. Each one of the first and second engagement units has a slanted portion allowing the engagement unit to withdraw from the rotatable gear when the other one of the engagement units is disengaged and torque transmitted in a corresponding direction is input. Each one of the first and second engagement unit of each gear set moves integrally with the other one of the engagement units of an adjacent gear set.
US08794087B2 Gear motor having safety mechanism
A gear motor having a safety mechanism includes a motor body, a speed reduction mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and a touch switch. The speed reduction mechanism includes a worm and a worm wheel drivingly engaged with the worm. The transmission mechanism includes a base fixed to the speed reduction mechanism, a lead screw rod pivotally connected to the base and rotatably driven by the worm wheel, and a nut threadedly connected to the lead screw rod. The touch switch is electrically connected to the motor body and provided aside the lead screw rod, thereby stopping the motor body when the nut contacts the touch switch. Thus, the gear motor not only controls the operation of the driven mechanism, but also allows various driven mechanisms to be mounted thereon. The assembled volume of the gear motor and the driven mechanism is reduced.
US08794086B2 Linear actuator and safety mechanism for the same
An electric linear actuator has a guide screw and a telescopic tube. A safety mechanism for the linear actuator includes a nut, a nut sheath, a sleeve, and a torsion spring. The nut connects the guide screw. The nut sheath is fixed on one side of the nut and is provided with a plurality of bumps. One end of the sleeve is put around the nut sheath and the other end thereof is connected to the telescopic tube. The sleeve is provided with a plurality of rabbets corresponding to the bumps. The torsion spring is disposed around the nut sheath and the sleeve. When the guide screw is rotated, the nut sheath is engaged with the sleeve by embedding the bumps into the rabbets. When the sleeve stops, the bumps and the rabbets depart from engagement to make the nut sheath and the nut freely rotate against the sleeve.
US08794081B2 Sensor for detecting bubbles in a liquid flowing through a flow path
A sensor for detecting bubbles in gas phase present in a liquid flowing through a flow path. The sensor can include a heating element for heating the liquid, which can be provided with a predetermined level of power at least during detecting, and a transducer arrangement arranged for generating a measurement signal indicative for the temperature of the heating element. The sensor furthermore can include a comparator arrangement for comparing a measurement value of the measurement signal with a predetermined threshold level, which can correspond to a reference temperature attainable by the heating element in response to the predetermined level of power and a minimum velocity attainable by the liquid in the flow path. Based on the latter comparison, the comparator arrangement can generate an output signal indicative for a possible presence of bubbles in gas phase.
US08794075B2 Multilayered NONON membrane in a MEMS sensor
Various embodiments relate to a MEMS pressure sensor including: a lower electrode; a first insulating layer over the lower electrode; a second insulating layer over the first insulating layer that forms a cavity between the first and second insulating layers; an upper electrode over the second insulating layer, wherein a portion of the cavity is between the upper and lower electrodes; and a NONON pressure membrane over the upper electrode.
US08794074B2 Sensor module and method for producing a sensor module
A sensor module is provided having a sensor element, a housing and a substrate, the sensor element being situated on the substrate and the sensor element is provided to be at least partially embedded in the housing; and the sensor module further having a compensation element for compensating for thermal deformations of the housing; the housing being essentially situated between the substrate and the compensation element.
US08794071B2 Ultrasonic wave sensor and method for attaching ultrasonic wave sensor
An ultrasonic sensor of the present invention is attached to the back face of a bumper 4, and provided with a matching member 3 that is in intimate contact with the ultrasonic wave transmitting surface of the ultrasonic sensor and the opposing face of the bumper 4 and that has an acoustic impedance smaller than each of the impedances of the sensor and the bumper.
US08794066B2 Micromechanical Coriolis rate of rotation sensor
The invention relates to a micromechanical Coriolis rate of rotation sensor for detecting rates of rotation with components around measuring axes in three spatial directions which are orthogonal to one another. The Coriolis rate of rotation sensor has a substrate, a detection mass and at least two drive masses, wherein the drive masses can each be driven to perform a primary movement relative to the substrate. The direction of the primary movement of one of the at least two drive masses is perpendicular to the direction of the primary movement of another of the at least two drive masses. The detection mass is coupled to the drive masses. The invention also relates to an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and to a method for detecting rates of rotation in three spatial directions which are orthogonal to one another.
US08794065B1 Integrated inertial sensing apparatus using MEMS and quartz configured on crystallographic planes
An apparatus for inertial sensing. The apparatus includes a substrate member comprising a thickness of silicon. The apparatus also has a first surface region configured from a first crystallographic plane of the substrate and a second plane region configured from a second crystallographic plane of the substrate. The apparatus has a quartz inertial sensing device coupled to the first surface region, and one or more MEMS inertial sensing devices coupled to the second plane region.
US08794063B2 System and method for optimizing sweep delay and aliasing for time domain reflectometric measurement of liquid height within a tank
A layer height measuring system in one embodiment has a transmission line including a probe for measuring a height of a first layer within a tank and a cable that connects the probe to an electronics unit. The electronics unit cyclically transmits interrogation pulses to the probe and receives reflections therefrom for time domain reflectometric measurement of the height of the first layer. The layer height measuring system may also have a memory and a processor configured by the memory to perform the steps of detecting first and second impedance transitions corresponding to first and second boundaries of a bounded region of known length; optimizing a sweep offset and a sweep gain so as to cause swept sample collection to occur substantially only within the bounded region; and detecting a third impedance transition within the bounded region, the third impedance transition corresponding to an interface between the first layer and a second layer, the first and second layers having respectively different dielectric constants.
US08794059B2 Tire testing apparatus having adjustable bead width
An adjustable width chuck assembly for a tire testing machine including upper and lower relatively movable rims by which a tire is clamped and held during a testing cycle. A pilot or nose cone forming part of one of the rims is gas pressure biased towards engagement with complementally formed structure on the other rim. The gas pressure bias is provided by a gas spring which can be replaced with gas springs of differing pressures in order to adjust the biasing force or, alternately, the gas spring can be removed from the chuck assembly and re-pressurized to a different level in order to change its biasing force. The use of a gas spring for providing the necessary biasing force expands the range of motion for the nose cone, thus allowing a given chuck assembly to accommodate tires having a wide range of bead widths.
US08794055B2 Abnormality detection apparatus and abnormality detection method for rankine cycle system
An abnormality detection apparatus for a Rankine cycle system includes: a gas-liquid separator that separates a cooling medium that circulates in an internal combustion engine into a gas-phase and a liquid-phase; a superheater that gives waste heat of the engine to the cooling medium; a waste heat recoverer that recovers energy of waste heat of the cooling medium; a valve provided in a passageway; a liquid surface sensor that detects liquid surface level of the liquid-phase cooling medium in the gas-liquid separator; a vapor temperature sensor that detects temperature of the gas-phase cooling medium in the superheater; and an ECU that determines whether the valve is abnormal on the basis of the amount of the liquid-phase cooling medium and the temperature of the gas-phase cooling medium if abnormality of the cooling medium supply portion of the engine is not detected.
US08794053B2 Fluidic devices and methods using them
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device configured to provide three-way switching or switching between three or more inputs or outputs. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to one or more switching valves to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system.
US08794052B2 Liquid chromatograph
In injecting a sample sucked into a sample loop in an autosampler from an injection needle into an analytical flow path via an injection port by a mobile phase, a sending flow rate of the mobile phase is reduced from a certain flow rate determined in an analysis condition to reduce pressure applied on a joint section between the needle and the injection port to thereby reduce the sample remaining in the injection port.
US08794047B2 Method for the precise measuring operation of a micromechanical rotation rate sensor
A method and apparatus for the precise measuring operation of a micromechanical rotation rate sensor, including at least one deflectively suspended seismic mass, at least one drive device for driving the seismic mass, and at least one first and one second trimming electrode element, which are jointly assigned directly or indirectly to the seismic mass, a first electrical trimming voltage (UTO1, UTLO1, UTRO1) being set between the first trimming electrode element and the seismic mass, and a second electrical trimming voltage (UTO2, UTLO2, UTRO2) being set between the second trimming electrode element and the seismic mass, the first and the second electrical trimming voltages being set at least as a function of a quadrature parameter (UT) and a resonance parameter (Uf).