| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08795429B2 |
Method for in-situ manufacture of a lightweight fly ash based aggregate
A method of making a rapid setting lightweight homogeneous foamed fly ash based cementitious aggregate composition with improved compressive strength for products such as panels is disclosed. The method mixes fly ash, alkali metal salt of citric acid, foaming agent for entraining air, optional foam stabilizing agent, a calcium sulfate such as stucco or gypsum, and water. Compositions are also disclosed which include mixtures of fly ash, particularly Class C fly ash alone or in mixtures with Class F fly ash, alkali metal salts of citric acid, foaming agents, a calcium sulfate such as calcium sulfate dihydrate or hemihydrate and an optional portland cement. |
| US08795425B2 |
Ink for ink-jet recording apparatuses and image forming method
An ink for ink-jet recording apparatuses, includes water, a pigment dispersion, and a super-penetrating agent and a high SP organic solvent respectively having a predetermined solubility parameter (SP value). All of differences (ΔSPs) between SP values of the neighboring organic solvents are from 0.5 to 5.0 in order of SP values thereof, and the difference of SPmax−SPmin is 12 or less in which SPmax is the highest SP value of an organic solvent among organic solvents in the high SP organic solvent and SPmin is the smallest SP value of an organic solvent among organic solvents in the super-penetrating agent. |
| US08795417B2 |
Composite oxygen transport membrane
A method of producing a composite oxygen ion membrane and a composite oxygen ion membrane in which a porous fuel oxidation layer and a dense separation layer and optionally, a porous surface exchange layer are formed on a porous support from mixtures of (Ln1-xAx)wCr1-yByO3-δ and a doped zirconia. In the porous fuel oxidation layer and the optional porous surface exchange layer, A is Calcium and in the dense separation layer A is not Calcium and, preferably is Strontium. Preferred materials are (La0.8Ca0.2)0.95Cr0.5Mn0.5O3-δ for the porous fuel oxidation and optional porous surface exchange layers and (La0.8Sr0.2)0.95Cr0.5Fe0.5O3-δ for the dense separation layer. The use of such materials allows the membrane to sintered in air and without the use of pore formers to reduce membrane manufacturing costs. The use of materials, as described herein, for forming the porous layers have application for forming any type of porous structure, such as a catalyst support. |
| US08795415B2 |
Process for recovery of carbon dioxide from a fluid stream, in particular from syngas
A process for removing carbon dioxide from a fluid comprises the steps of: (a) treating the fluid by bringing it into countercurrent contact with a liquid absorbent in a first absorption zone and thereafter in a second absorption zone to absorb at least part of the carbon dioxide contained in the fluid into the absorbent; (b) depressurizing the loaded absorbent to release a first stream of carbon dioxide and yield a partially regenerated absorbent; (c) recycling a first stream of the partially regenerated absorbent into the first absorption zone; (d) heating a second stream of the partially regenerated absorbent to release a second stream of carbon dioxide and yield a regenerated absorbent; (e) recycling the regenerated absorbent into the second absorption zone; (f) condensing water vapor entrained in the second stream of carbon dioxide by cooling the second stream of carbon dioxide and transferring at least part of the heat recovered to the partially regenerated absorbent by indirect heat exchange. The invention provides a two-stage carbon dioxide recovery process wherein the overall energy required for carbon dioxide recovery is reduced and/or wherein at least part of the carbon dioxide is recovered at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure so as to reduce the energy required for compression of the carbon dioxide, e.g., for sequestration. Also disclosed is a plant for removing carbon dioxide from a fluid. |
| US08795412B2 |
Methods for associating or dissociating guest materials with a metal organic framework, systems for associating or dissociating guest materials within a series of metal organic frameworks, thermal energy transfer assemblies, and methods for transferring thermal energy
Methods for releasing associated guest materials from a metal organic framework are provided. Methods for associating guest materials with a metal organic framework are also provided. Methods are provided for selectively associating or dissociating guest materials with a metal organic framework. Systems for associating or dissociating guest materials within a series of metal organic frameworks are provided. Thermal energy transfer assemblies are provided. Methods for transferring thermal energy are also provided. |
| US08795407B2 |
Machinability improving composition
An iron-based powder composition is provided comprising, in addition to an iron-based powder, a minor amount of a machinability improving additive comprising at least one silicate from the group of phyllosilicates. The technology further concerns the use of the machinability improving additive and a method for producing an iron-based sintered part having improved machinability. |
| US08795402B1 |
Filter and fan system
A filter and fan system having a fan with a first air intake component and an exhaust component, wherein air enters the fan via the air intake component and exits the fan via the exhaust component, a frame wherein the fan is housed, the frame has a first side and a second side, the first air intake component faces the first side, and a first track on the first side of the fan frame, an air filter is removably engaged in the first track, the air filter is in direct contact with the first air intake component and completely covers the first air intake component. |
| US08795400B2 |
Method for abrading a product using very low packing density ceramic abrasive grits
Producing and using very low packing density ceramic abrasive grits comprising various fused aluminum oxide materials with or without other oxide additives, fused aluminum oxide-zirconium oxide co-fusions with or without other oxide additives, or sintered sol gel aluminum oxide materials with or without other oxide additives where the ceramic abrasive grains are preferably made by crushing bubbles of the material. |
| US08795398B2 |
Apparatus for vaporizing and reforming liquid fuels
The present invention is an apparatus for the gasification of liquid fuels, involving: (a) a nozzle for atomizing and feeding a liquid fuel into a mixing region; (b) an inlet for feeding an oxidizer into the mixing region; (c) the mixing region for mixing the atomized fuel with the oxidizer; (d) a radiation hot box for vaporizing the liquid fuel, the radiation hot box comprising an ignition source positioned inside coiled catalytic reactor; (e) the coiled catalytic reactor comprising a coiled metal screen providing for a radial flow path from an inner diameter to an outer diameter of the coiled metal screen and providing for a plurality of void volumes in random order along the flow path from the inner diameter to the outer diameter; and (f) an outlet for exiting a gaseous reformate. |
| US08795388B2 |
Method, apparatus and system for remote management of mobile devices
An apparatus and system for enabling users to remotely manage their devices. Specifically, in one embodiment, in the event of a theft of a device or other such occurrence, a user may send a command to the device to execute a specified command. The command may include actions such as locking the device, shutting down the device, disabling logon's to the device and other such actions that may secure the device and the data on the device from unauthorized access. Upon receipt of an authorized unlock credential, the device may once again be made accessible. |
| US08795386B2 |
Below knee amputee prosthesis liner
A below knee amputee prosthesis liner including a molded polymer-like liner body for receiving a below knee amputation limb of a person. The liner body has a closed distal end and an open proximal end. The liner includes at least one thickening in a first region and/or in a second region. The first region is adapted to cover a head of the fibula of the amputation limb and the second region is adapted to cover a shinbone of the amputation limb, once the amputation limb is received in the liner body. |
| US08795383B2 |
Laparoscopic inguinal hernia prosthesis
An improved composite prosthesis for laparoscopic repair of inguinal or femoral hernias, and also for the laparoscopic repair of large incisional ventral hernias incorporates two different layers, namely an upper layer made of polypropylene mesh to promote tissue ingrowth, and a lower layer formed with an adhesion barrier material to prevent adhesions to the intestines. Both layers are secured together with a highly visible dark seam at the perimeter of the prosthesis to assist the surgeon in visualizing the peripheral edge. The lower layer is slightly larger than the polypropylene mesh so there is an adhesion barrier edge around the prosthesis to conceal the edges of the polypropylene mesh. The upper layer includes a guiding cone to facilitate placement of the prosthesis at the exact center of the hernial defect. The base of this cone is attached to the central part of the prosthesis, and the apex of the cone will be attached later to a guiding thread that is inserted to from the outside of the abdomen using a long straight needle through the skin and hernial sac. Furthermore the laparoscopic hernia prosthesis lower layer is provided with a bounding rim to guide the tip of the spiral tacker to the very edges of the prosthesis in order to stretch the prosthesis in place, and also to conceal the staples or tacks. |
| US08795380B2 |
Orthopaedic knee prosthesis having controlled condylar curvature
An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a femoral component having a condyle surface. The condyle surface is defined by one or more radii of curvatures, which are controlled to reduce or delay the onset of anterior translation of the femoral component relative to a tibial bearing. |
| US08795377B2 |
Implants and methods for correcting tissue defects
The present invention relates to mosaic implant (15) comprising a plurality of mosaic plates (17) connected by a wire or mesh anchoring arrangement (9). Methods for forming such implants and methods for using said implants for correction of bone and soft tissue defects are described. |
| US08795376B2 |
Positioning insert for intervertebral disc disorder
A positioning insert for two adjacent vertebral bodies includes a plate like insert adapted to fix relative positions of the two adjacent vertebral bodies and provided with a sharp edge oppositely formed relative to the dull side and first holes defined through a side face of the plate like insert, wherein the sharp edge is formed to have an angle between 5 to 15 degrees; and an annular insert adapted to be inserted into a space between the two adjacent vertebral bodies and having second holes and a slot defined in a peripheral side face thereof to accommodate the plate like insert so as to have the plate like insert received in the slot. |
| US08795375B2 |
Modular nucleus pulposus prosthesis
At least two substantially identical generally mirror image complimentary disc segments combined to form a generally discoid endoprosthetic disc and associated tools and methods for replacing the intervertebral disc. Complimentary disc segments include outer circumferential walls roughly equal to a semi-circle aligned along concave-convex inner wall inner walls forming an “s”- shaped common border to provide a generally symmetrical discoid congruent structure which is positioned within the annulus of a spinal disc section. Disc segments may include structures to support, position and secure the segments to one another intradiscally. Surgical tools include structures for inserting and aligning disc members together. Also disclosed is a system and method for replacing the nucleus pulposus using the surgical tools adapted for placement and alignment of the disc. |
| US08795374B2 |
Prosthetic intervertebral discs that are implantable by minimally invasive surgical techniques and that have cores that are insertable in situ using end plate guideways
The described devices are spinal implants that may be surgically implanted into the spine to replace damaged or diseased discs using a posterior approach. The discs are prosthetic devices that approach or mimic the physiological motion and reaction of the natural disc. |
| US08795369B1 |
Fracture reduction device and methods
A fracture reduction implant for treating a vertebral compression fracture and instruments and methods for implanting the fracture reduction device utilizing a minimally invasive lateral approach are described. The implant may be inserted into a fractured vertebra through a T-shaped cut formed in the vertebral wall. The T-shaped cut may be formed in the lateral aspect of the wall. After insertion, a portion of the implant may be elevated within the vertebral body to reduce the fracture. The implant may include a base assembly with an elevator plate and a support column. The support column may be configured for guided insertion into the base assembly. The support column may be locked to the base assembly after insertion. |
| US08795366B2 |
Expandable intervertebral implant and associated surgical method
The present invention provides an expandable intervertebral implant that is selectively disposed in the intervertebral space and deployed, thereby in-situ distracting, realigning, and/or stabilizing or fusing a portion of the spine of a patient in the treatment of injury, disease, and/or degenerative condition. The expandable intervertebral implant includes a superior member and an inferior member, each of which has a partially or substantially wedge or prismatic shape and a partially or substantially convex or other-shaped surface that is suitable for engaging the substantially concave surfaces of the associated bony superior and inferior intervertebral endplates. Once disposed in the intervertebral space, the expandable intervertebral implant is actuated and deployed, with the superior member and the inferior member moving apart from one another, seating against the associated intervertebral endplates, and distracting, realigning, and/or stabilizing them to a desired degree. The external surface of each of the superior member and the inferior member is provided with a plurality of ridges or other friction structures, providing purchase with the associated intervertebral endplates. |
| US08795364B2 |
System and devices for the repair of a vertebral disc defect
A system for repairing a vertebral disc defect, such as hernia or bulge, a full or partial tear in the annulus, or a weakened annulus wall as a result of an excision procedure. The system introduces a treatment device arranged to repair the defect, and may prevent the leakage of fluid from the nucleus. The components of the device may be resorbable materials, and may induce the ingrowth of cellular material into the components. The system may feature a locating device to ensure proper placement of the treatment device. |
| US08795360B2 |
Cam action detachment for tracheostomy tube
There is provided a mechanism for gently detaching a loading catheter from a tracheostomy tube once the tube is placed in the trachea of a patient. After dilating the trachea, a loading catheter is inserted into a tracheostomy tube with which it desirably engages. Once the loading catheter and tracheostomy tube are attached to each other, the entire unit is passed through the stoma until the flange of the tracheostomy tube is in contact with the throat. The loading catheter may then be removed by rotating or twisting the loading catheter handle. The loading catheter and tracheostomy tube have a cam-action mechanism that gently forces the two parts apart as they are rotated relative to each other. This “cam action” disengagement allows for the removal of the loading catheter without subjecting the trachea or throat to undue pressure or forces that might cause trauma or increase recovery time. Other accessories like cannulas and obturators may attach and detach from the tracheostomy tube in a like manner. |
| US08795359B2 |
Breast implant with regionalized analyte sensors and internal power source
Breast implants including sensor modules and related methods are described herein. Breast implants include those with: a shell configured to be substantially filled with a viscous material; a plurality of projections extending from an external surface of the shell, the projections forming a plurality of compartments adjacent to the external surface of the shell; at least one fluid-permeable cover attached to the projections, the cover completely enveloping the shell and the plurality of projections; a plurality of sensor modules attached to the shell, each of the sensor modules oriented to detect one or more analytes in a fluid within one of the plurality of compartments, wherein each of the plurality of sensor modules includes a unique identifier; and at least one power source operably attached to the plurality of sensor modules. |
| US08795357B2 |
Perivalvular sealing for transcatheter heart valve
The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of catheter-based prosthetic heart valves, and in particular, prosthetic heart valves having sealing devices configured to seal the interface between the prosthetic valve and the surrounding tissue of the native annulus in which the prosthetic valve is implanted. In one embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve includes an annular sealing member that can be placed in a delivery orientation extending axially away from one end of the valve when the valve is in a radially compressed state. When the valve is expanded, the expansion of the frame causes the sealing member to be pulled to an operative orientation covering a portion of the frame. The present disclosure also discloses new mechanisms and techniques for mounting valve leaflets to a frame of a prosthetic heart valve. |
| US08795355B2 |
Apparatus and method for implanting collapsible/expandable prosthetic heart valves
Apparatus for delivering a prosthetic heart valve into a patient by means that are less invasive than conventional open-chest, open-heart surgery. The prosthetic valve may be collapsed while in a delivery device. When the valve reaches the desired implant site in the patient, the valve can be released from the delivery device, which allows the valve to re-expand to the configuration in which it can function as a heart valve. For example, the delivery device may be constructed to facilitate delivery of the prosthetic valve into the patient via the apex of the patient's heart. |
| US08795352B2 |
Devices and methods for treating valvular regurgitation
A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a plurality of helical anchors and a tensioning filament. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a tensioning device to the annulus of a mitral valve in a trans-leaflet configuration, and applying a tension force to the tension filament in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the coaption of the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral is improved during ventricular contraction. |
| US08795350B2 |
Fenestrated endograft
A fenestrated endograft having an expandable stent frame and a lumen is described herein. The stent frame has a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a central portion. The central portion may include a fabric that has an aperture partially surrounded by part of the expandable stent frame. The lumen extends through the proximal end portion, the central portion, and the distal end portion. The stent frame is radially expandable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The central portion is coupled to a fabric, which extends about a perimeter of the central portion. The fabric has an aperture with a cross-sectional dimension that is substantially equal to a cross-sectional dimension of an outer cross-sectional dimension of the distal end portion. The central portion has a curved elongate member, which includes a curved segment extending around at least one-fourth of a perimeter of the aperture. |
| US08795346B2 |
Semi rigid edge protection design for stent delivery system
A system to deliver or remove an inflation expandable stent in a body vessel. The system avoids causing damage or embolisms to a body vessel it is traversing by restraining the edges of the stent from scraping against the walls of the body vessel. The edges are restrained by balloon folds, compressive wedging, and angled reflective resistance. In addition the device can also inflate or deflate the balloon more efficiently. |
| US08795339B2 |
Adjustable-angle spinal fixation element
A spinal fixation device is provided having first and second elongate members that are angularly adjustable relative to one another. Each elongate member can include a connecting feature formed on a terminal end thereof, and each connecting feature can be coupled to one another to allow angular movement of the first and second elongate members. The device can also include a locking mechanism that is adapted to couple to the connecting feature on each of the first and second elongate members to lock the elongate members in a fixed position relative to one another. |
| US08795331B2 |
Medical devices incorporating functional adhesives
Methods for treating a wound at a surgical target site are provided which includes utilizing a surgical access device having a plurality of reactive members of a specific binding pair releasably contained on a surface of the access device, the reactive members having affinity for binding a cellular component of tissue cells located at the target site; contacting the surface of the access device with the tissue cells, wherein upon contact of the reactive members on the surface of the access device with the tissue cells, the reactive members are released from the surface of the access device and bind to the tissue. A surgical access device for use in the minimally invasive surgery is also provided. |
| US08795330B1 |
Fistula flow disruptors
A device for disrupting flow through a fistula may include a woven textile having a compressed state and an expanded state. The woven textile may include, in the expanded state, a neck, a first bulb coupled to a proximal side of the neck, and a second bulb coupled to a distal side of the neck. The neck has a first braid angle. The first bulb may have a second braid angle greater than the first braid angle. The second bulb may have a third braid angle greater than the first braid angle. |
| US08795325B2 |
Handle assembly for articulated endoscopic instruments
An endoscopic surgical instrument is provided and includes a handle assembly for operating the surgical instrument, an articulatable neck assembly supported on and extending from the handle assembly, and an end effector operatively supported on the neck assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing; a trigger operatively supported on the housing; at least one actuation shaft operatively connected to the trigger and extending from the housing, wherein an actuation of the trigger imparts axial translation to the actuation shaft; and at least one articulation cable operable from the housing. The end effector includes a pair of pivotably mounted, juxtaposed jaws, wherein the jaws are movable at least between an open position and a closed position, and wherein a distal end of an actuation shaft is operatively engaged with the pair of jaws to effectuate opening and closing of the jaws. |
| US08795321B2 |
System and method for mechanically positioning intravascular implants
An intravascular implant delivery system carries an implant by retaining an engagement member engaging the implant in a position proximal of an aperture at a distal end of the delivery system. The engagement member is retained proximal to the aperture by a cord that obstructs the movement of the engagement member through the aperture. The engagement member is free to rotate and move within an area defined by the delivery system, allowing the implant to react to forces imparted to the implant by the movement of the delivery system and implant through a delivery catheter. Once the implant is in a desired implant position, the cord is moved away from an aperture and the engagement member is allowed to move away from the delivery system. |
| US08795316B2 |
Implantable medical device delivery system with a frangible portion and methods of making and using the same
An implantable medical device delivery system is provided with a carrier member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a frangible portion intermediate the proximal and distal portions. The frangible portion includes at least one notch providing a break hinge. A locking member is fixedly secured to the proximal portion of the carrier member and is releasably connected to an implantable medical device at or adjacent to the distal portion of the carrier member. In use, the implantable medical device is positioned generally adjacent to a target location of a body vessel and the frangible portion is broken about the break hinge. The proximal portion of the carrier member is then moved away from the distal portion to retract the locking member, thereby deploying the implantable medical device. |
| US08795315B2 |
Emboli capturing device having a coil and method for capturing emboli
An embolic capturing device for capturing emboli within a body lumen is disclosed. The embolic capturing device (10) comprises a filtering basket (20) and at least one coil (22) attached to the basket. The filtering basket includes a frame (23) and a filtering body (30) disposed on the frame. The at least one coil is attached to the filtering body for filtering emboli in the body lumen. |
| US08795309B2 |
Device for insertion of a cannula of an infusion device and method
A device for inserting a needle used to introduce a cannula can include a housing including a closed end, an open end, and an arm including a tab extending from the open end, and a sleeve configured to be placed against the patient's skin, the sleeve defining a slot extending along a length of the sleeve, and a barb positioned adjacent to an end of the slot. The slot is sized to receive at least a portion of the arm and the tab of the housing so that the arm and the tab of the housing slides within the slot as the housing is moved relative to the sleeve, and the barb is positioned to engage the tab of the housing to limit movement of the housing relative to the sleeve. The device can also include a threaded portion of the housing extending towards the closed end of the housing. |
| US08795308B2 |
Laparoscopic gastric and intestinal trocar
A trocar needle includes an elongate body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, a penetrating tip formed at the distal end portion of the body, and an attachment portion formed at the proximal end portion for attaching a tether thereto. A grip region can further be provided and can be formed for example, at the proximal end portion of the body to facilitate gripping by a surgical grasping device. Additionally or alternatively, a notch or otherwise reduced cross-sectional area can be provided. Such a feature can be formed, for example, at the distal end portion of the body, arranged proximal from a distal end thereof for enhancing haptic perception by a surgeon when utilizing the needle. |
| US08795305B2 |
Retrieval systems and methods for use thereof
The devices and methods described herein relate to improved structures for removing obstructions from body lumens. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen. |
| US08795301B2 |
Device for intermittently obstructing a gastric opening and method of use
The present invention relates to a device for intermittently obstructing a bodily opening, such as a gastric opening, and includes a proximal member connected to a distal member by a tether. The proximal member includes an apron member surrounding a first occluding member, which is formable from an elongated and narrower configuration to a contracted or expanded but wider configuration. When employed in the stomach, the device of the present invention is arranged transluminally, with the distal member disposed in the duodenum and the proximal member disposed against the pyloric valve, intermittently occluding the pyloric valve and preventing or delaying the flow of gastric contents through the pyloric valve. In certain embodiments, a reservoir may be included for releasing a substance of interest, for example for releasing insulin from a reservoir disposed in the distal member. Sensors, actuators, and data transmission devices may also be included. |
| US08795295B2 |
Multiple loop device for passing suture tails through a surgical pledget
A surgical pledget assembly includes a pledget body having first and second apertures extending through the body, one or more snares passing through the apertures in the pledget body and including first and second suture engaging loops disposed on a distal side of the pledget, an optional third folding loop disposed on a proximal side of the pledget, and a handle secured to the ends of the snare or snares proximal to the pledget. |
| US08795294B2 |
Delivery mechanism for tissue holding implants
A delivery mechanism for delivering tissue holding implants through tissues to be held in approximation includes a shaft having a tip at its distal end, and which is loaded with one or more implants. A wire channel which contains a driving wire is also located within the shaft. When the mechanism is actuated, the driving wire exhibits a proportional longitudinal displacement in the wire channel, such that the wire engages an implant, conveys it along the shaft's longitudinal axis towards the tip, and forces it through the tip. The implants are oriented such that they lie along or nearly along the shaft's longitudinal axis when being conveyed along the axis. The mechanism may optionally include an opposing jaw arranged such that, when actuated, the distal end of the jaw is moved towards the tip, such that tissues placed between the jaw and tip are pinned between them. |
| US08795292B1 |
Device and method for treating post-partum hemorrhage
A post-partum hemorrhage treatment device includes an anterior wall, a posterior wall, and a flexible joint that connects the anterior and posterior walls. The anterior and/or posterior wall includes an inflation chamber that is adapted for selective inflation. A left stud fastener and a left stud-receiving aperture are both located on a left lateral side of the device. A right stud fastener and a right stud-receiving aperture are both located on a right lateral side of the device. The left and right stud fasteners are selectively inserted into and retained in the left and right stud-receiving apertures, respectively, for securing the treatment device relative to a human uterus. A fluid is communicated into the inflation chamber to urge the anterior and posterior surfaces of the uterus toward each other. The stud fasteners are inflatable so as to be secured in their respective stud-receiving apertures. |
| US08795291B2 |
Specimen retrieval device
A specimen retrieval pouch (pouch) is provided. The pouch including a closed bottom portion, an open upper portion and an elongated tube operably coupled to an interior wall of the pouch. The elongated tube has a plurality of openings positioned along a length thereof. A suture accessible at a proximal end of the pouch is positioned within the elongated tube and extends past a distal end thereof. The suture is movable within the elongated tube and relative to the pouch. The suture has either a needle or a loop at a distal end thereof for attaching to tissue and subsequently drawing the tissue into the pouch when the suture is pulled. One or more reinforced tabs are operably disposed on the pouch. The reinforced tab(s) is/are configured to be grasped by a user to provide a counter pull force as the suture is being pulled through the elongated tube. |
| US08795287B2 |
Targeting device
A targeting device used in the insertion of an intramedullary nail into a bone. The targeting device includes a guide barrel having a frame portion formed of a non-radiolucent material. The guide barrel also includes a radiolucent material molded over the frame. In addition, the frame includes openings configured to allow a surgeon to view a relatively greater area around the guide barrel in an image of the assembly during surgery. |
| US08795281B2 |
Equipment for removing cement from bone cavities
The equipment for removing cement from bone cavities consists of an elongated body, hollow inside, that can be inserted inside a cement-filled bone cavity, and at least one rod for extracting the elongated body buried in the cement, that can be inserted inside the elongated body. The elongated body comprises a plurality of rigid elements aligned with each other and associated to one another by the interposition of spacer elements, tubular in shape and coaxial to the elongated body, the rigid elements including removable means for connecting to the extraction rod which are arranged inside the elongated body. |
| US08795276B2 |
Electrosurgical instrument employing a plurality of electrodes
An electrosurgical surgical instrument can comprise a handle and an end effector, wherein the end effector can comprise first and second jaws which can be opened and closed to capture tissue therebetween. The second jaw can comprise a first electrode and a second electrode while the first jaw can comprise an opposing electrode positioned opposite the first electrode and the second electrode when the jaws are in their closed position. The first and second electrodes can be independently and/or sequentially operated in order to conduct current between the first and second electrodes and opposing electrode in order to draw the tissue positioned between the first and second jaws toward the center of the first and second jaws and weld the tissue. In various other embodiments, other firing sequences of the electrodes are contemplated. During and/or after such tissue welding processes, a cutting member can be advanced to cut the tissue. |
| US08795275B2 |
Tubular shaft instrument
The present application relates to a tubular shaft instrument for separating tissue. The invention relates to a tubular shaft instrument that results in a more reliable, cleaner separation of tissue. To achieve this, in contrast to conventional cutting devices, the blade is not displaced through the fixed tissue, but glides over the latter until a complete separation is ascertained. |
| US08795273B2 |
Treatment tool for endoscope
In this treatment tool for endoscope, a sheath includes, at the distal end thereof, a tubular extended part having a predetermined thickness in the radially outward direction from an inner peripheral face of a first hole and extending further to the distal-end side, and a passive electrode is disposed such as to surround the outer periphery of the extended part. |
| US08795269B2 |
Rotary tissue sealer and divider
A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly defining a feed-in side. The end effector assembly includes first and second rotatable gear members positioned adjacent one another to define a gap therebetween. When the first and second gear members are rotated, tissue positioned adjacent the feed-in side of the end effector assembly is engaged by the first and second gear members and is fed into the gap between the first and second gear members for one or both of sealing and dividing tissue disposed between the first and second gear members. |
| US08795268B2 |
Microwave antenna
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a feedline having an inner conductor, an outer conductor and an inner insulator disposed therebetween and a radiating portion including a dipole antenna having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The antenna assembly also comprises a sheath disposed over the feedline and the radiating portion defining a chamber around the feedline and the radiating portion. The chamber is adapted to circulate coolant fluid therethrough. The antenna assembly further includes a connection hub having cable connector coupled to the feedline, an inlet fluid port and an outlet fluid port. The connection hub includes a bypass tube configured to provide for flow of the coolant fluid from the cable connector directly to the outlet fluid port. |
| US08795265B2 |
Electrosurgical apparatus to generate a dual plasma stream and method thereof
The present disclosure relates to an electrosurgical apparatus to generate a dual plasma stream to perform electrosurgery on a surgical site on a patient. The apparatus and method of the present disclosure generates a hot gas jet to a surgical site by generating two plasma beams that are electrically up to 180 degrees out of phase from each other. Since each beam uses the other beam to establish plasma currents at a load, the combined dual plasma stream can be used on non-conductive surfaces, e.g., a tissue at the surgical site. Furthermore, by applying different flow rates to the plasma beams, various scanning effects by the hot gas jet can be achieved. |
| US08795261B2 |
Medical device with an energy supply carrying a reservoir
According to one embodiment, a medical device may include an energy supply. The energy supply includes at least two battery stacks, a control unit and a reservoir. The at least two battery stacks include a backup energy source. The control unit may monitor and control the energy supply such that when the control unit detects a fault in the at least two battery stacks, the control unit disconnects a faulty battery stack. The reservoir may be carried by the energy supply. |
| US08795258B2 |
Urisheath with moulded unrolling strip
The urisheath provided here includes an element of thin material (a strip) that allows at least two lengths of it to run in a parallel fashion down either side of the sheath. The is obtained by injection molding the strip in liquid silicone in the silicone injection molding process for the urisheath, either by one, two or more component injection molding. The injection molding takes place in an injection molding form for a urisheath with a cavity for the body portion and a cavity for the strip portion wherein the cavity for the body portion is connected to the cavity for the strip portion creating an attachment zone between the strip and the sheath. |
| US08795257B2 |
Systems and methods for electrically detecting the presence of exudate in dressings
Systems and methods are provided for sensing fluid in a dressing on a patient and producing an electrical signal. In one instance, a galvanic cell is used as an electronic detection device. The galvanic cell is placed in the dressing and produces voltage when the dressing is substantially saturated. In one instance, the dressing is a reduced-pressure, absorbent dressing. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented. |
| US08795256B1 |
Breakaway valve for an IV
A break-away intravenous (IV) therapy fitting designed to eliminate loss of an intravenous site on a patient's arm is herein disclosed, comprising a two-piece coupling having a first side that connects to the IV tubing leading to an IV fluid supply. The second side is connected to the peripheral IV site on the patient's body. In use, the two (2) sides are connected, thereby allowing fluids to flow through. Upon application of a certain amount of stress against the IV tubing, the coupling would detach. Both halves of the coupling comprise internal valving members to avoid leakage, thus stopping flow on either side upon disconnection. |
| US08795255B2 |
Catheter with composite stiffener
A catheter comprising an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway defining a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends. The elongate tubular member comprises a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively flexible distal section. The proximal section includes an inner tubular liner, a first stiffener comprising a metal alloy, and a second stiffener comprising a non-metal alloy. The first and second stiffeners are coaxially wound exterior to the proximal inner liner. The distal section includes a distal inner tubular liner and the second stiffener coaxially wound exterior to the distal inner liner. The first stiffener terminates before reaching the distal section. |
| US08795248B2 |
Device and method for menstrual blood collection
A hemispherical receptacle made of compressible material for menstrual fluid collection is disclosed herein. In a preferred method the receptacle is compressed during insertion. The receptacle further has a resilience for restoring to its original shape after being inserted into the vagina. To facilitate removal, the receptacle includes a pulling ring at a lower end thereof; and a unique flange lid portion is included at an open upper end acting as a funnel to direct the menstrual blood into the receptacle. This unique flange portion is designed with a living hinge that transfers the device from a closed to an open position. In the closed position, the flange portion allows blood to get into the receptacle while preventing it from spilling out. The open position herein is for emptying and cleaning the receptacle. |
| US08795246B2 |
Alarm system
Described herein are alarm systems for suction devices for reduced pressure therapy. Alarms systems provide alerts to the patient and/or practitioner regarding the ability of the suction device to continue to provide negative pressure to a tissue region. Alarm systems comprise a sensor mechanism, which is capable of detecting the position of a slidable seal within the suction device, and generating an alert. Certain variations of alarms systems comprise magnetic field sensitive switches and/or electric switches. Other variations of alarm systems comprise rotary encoders to detect the motion and location of constant force springs, which signal the notification mechanism to issue alerts accordingly. Described herein are alarm devices configured to retain a suction device therein and to attach the suction device to a patient. The alarm devices disclosed herein detect the depleted state of the suction device and are capable of retaining the suction device in a plurality of orientations. |
| US08795239B2 |
Biasing mechanism for a drug delivery device
The invention refers to a method and an element for biasing a cartridge in a drug delivery device. The element for biasing the cartridge in a cartridge housing of a drug delivery device and an according system comprising the element and the drug delivery device are provided which is a self retained element comprising a first member having a shape that allows passage of a spindle of the drug delivery device. The self retained element biases the cartridge against an inner surface of the cartridge housing. This cartridge could be a removable cartridge. |
| US08795238B2 |
Adaptive devices for securing medical articles
Adaptive medical article securement devices are described. These devices retain a medical article, for example, a catheter hub or a connector fitting, in position on a patient's body and reduce or inhibit longitudinal or other movement of the medical article. The securement device includes an adaptive retainer and at least one anchor pad used to attach the securement device to a patient's skin. The adaptive retainer is a flexible element that can adapt and conform to an exterior portion of the medical article to be secured, and in doing so forms a central channel in which at least a portion of the medical article becomes disposed. In some embodiments the retainer includes at least one engaging element that can engage a retention element disposed on the medical article. The engaging element, alone or in conjunction with the retention element and/or the shape (e.g., tapering) of the central channel, reduces or inhibits longitudinal motion of the medical article in the central channel. |
| US08795236B2 |
One step cecostomy
The present disclosure describes a cecostomy tube having a head with an opening and a valve. There is a flexible catheter with a lumen having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the catheter in fluid communication with the opening in the head, a portion of the catheter extending away from the head to define the distal end. The catheter also has walls defining inside and outside surfaces from the opening defined in the head to the distal end of the catheter. There is a retainer provided on the distal end of the catheter. The retainer can change shape from a first profile or configuration to a second profile where the second profile is larger than the first profile and the second profile is adapted to retain the cecostomy tube in place in a body. The device may be placed in a single, initial surgical operation. |
| US08795234B2 |
Integrated spring-activated ballistic insertion for drug infusion device
An infusion set has an integrated ballistic inserter that can insert a needle at a controlled high rate of speed to a depth to deliver content to the upper 3 mm of skin surface, and a skin securing, adhesive layer to secure the skin surface at the insertion site such that the inserter that can insert a needle without a risk of tenting of the skin surface. A driving spring of the ballistic inserter is captured within the ballistic inserter, and can be released by user operation, to insert a needle at such a controlled rate of speed. |
| US08795233B2 |
Disposable wearable insulin dispensing device, a combination of such a device and a programming controller and a method of controlling the operation of such a device
A wearable insulin dispensing device has features and operation characteristics supporting and easing compliance by the users of the device. For example, the device may provide capabilities of rendering a very specific and well-tuned dosage which may be altered according to the specific development of the individual user. |
| US08795226B2 |
Cannula assembly for co-delivery of medicaments
A cannula assembly (10) comprising a hub (76) and a cannula (12) mounted in the hub (76). The cannula defines an inner space (36). The cannula comprises a distal end (16) and a proximal end (18). A first medicament (40) is provided in the inner space of the cannula. In one arrangement, the hub of the cannula assembly is configured to be coupled to an injection device (26). The cannula assembly may be removably or permanently coupled to the injection device containing a second medicament (17). |
| US08795223B2 |
Trocar assembly with pneumatic sealing
A trocar assembly for creating a pneumatic seal during a minimally-invasive surgical procedure. The trocar assembly including an elongated body having a lumen extending therethrough. The proximal end portion of the body defining a housing. A fluid supply plenum is defined in the housing configured to deliver pressurized insufflation fluid to a nozzle. The nozzle configured for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen and creating a pneumatic seal. A fluid return plenum is defined in the housing configured to collect spent insufflation fluid from as patient's abdominal cavity. The fluid return plenum including a plurality of axially and radially oriented elongate vanes configured to permit spent insufflation fluid to proceed between the vanes and direct spent insufflation fluid back to the fluid return plenum. |
| US08795222B2 |
Device and method for treatment of surface infections with nitric oxide
Topical exposure of nitric oxide gas to wounds such as chronic non-healing wounds may be beneficial in promoting healing of the wound and in preparing the wound bed for further treatment and recovery. Nitric oxide gas may be used, for example, to reduce the microbial infection and burden on these wounds, manage exudate secretion by reducing inflammation, upregulate expression of endogenous collagenase to locally debride the wound, and regulate the formation of collagen. High concentration of nitric oxide ranging from about 160 to 400 ppm may be used without inducing toxicity in the healthy cells around a wound site. Additionally, exposure to the high concentration for a first treatment period reduces the microbial burden and inflammation at the wound site and increase collagenase expression to debride necrotic tissue at the wound site. After a first treatment period with high concentration of nitric oxide, a second treatment period at a lower concentration of nitric oxide preferably ranging from about 5-20 ppm may to provided to restore the balance of nitric oxide and induce collagen expression to aid in the closure of the wound. |
| US08795221B2 |
Bypass device for influencing blood pressure
A bypass device for influencing blood pressure, including an implant with a volumetric chamber, having a connector or connecting means for connecting the volumetric chamber to a natural cardiovascular system, and having an adaptor or adaptation means, by which a change in volume of a volume of the volumetric chamber is enabled or effected upon a pressure change in the cardiovascular system or in the volumetric chamber. According to this invention, a change in volume in a lower pressure range between 50 mmHg and a pressure threshold value amounting to at least 100 mmHg amounts to at most 10 cm3, and in an upper pressure range between the pressure threshold value and 150 mmHg amounts to at least 10 cm3. With the device according to this invention, high blood pressure can be reduced in a carefully directed way. |
| US08795218B2 |
Method of removing unwanted molecules from blood
A method of removing unwanted molecules from blood includes (i) directing a flow of blood from a patient through a first hemofilter, (ii) removing a volume of fluid from the blood using the first hemofilter, (iii) combining a volume of first substitution fluid with an outflow from the first hemofilter, the volume of first substitution fluid being substantially equal to the volume of fluid removed from the blood using the first hemofilter, (iv) directing the combined first hemofilter outflow and the first substitution fluid volume from the first hemofilter through a second hemofilter, (v) combining a second substitution fluid with outflow from the second hemofilter, and (vi) returning the combined second hemofilter outflow and the second substitution fluid volume from the second hemofilter to the patient. |
| US08795217B2 |
Acoustic access disconnection systems and methods
An access disconnection system includes: an arterial line; a venous line; a transmitter configured to transmit a sound wave in one of the arterial and venous lines when connected to a patient; a receiver configured to receive the sound wave from the other of the arterial and venous lines when connected to the patient; and electronic circuitry coupled to at least one of the transmitter and receiver, the circuitry configured to send a disconnection output indicative of a change in the sound waves received by the receiver from the transmitter sufficient to expect that an access disconnection of one of the arterial line and venous lines has occurred. |
| US08795210B2 |
System and method for a low profile vibrating plate
A wearable medical treatment system and method are provided for the treatment of tissue ailments and/or conditions including vascular disease, deep vein thrombosis, orthostatic intolerance, reduced blood flow, weak bone structure, orthostatic hypotension, or other conditions, using a vibrating plate. The wearable system and method use magnetic layers to generate magnetic fields to provide vertical and/or horizontal vibrational motion to a platform, thus allowing the system to have a low profile. |
| US08795202B2 |
Guidewires and methods for making and using the same
Medical devices and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guidewire. The guidewire may include a core wire having a distal portion. A tubular member may be disposed over the distal portion. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. A polymeric member may be disposed along an outer surface of the tubular member. The polymeric member may have an uneven outer surface. |
| US08795201B2 |
Catalysts for body fluid sample extraction
An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site includes at least one skin-penetration member having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin, and a inner lumen in communication with the first end; at least one actuator operatively associated with the at least one skin-penetration member; and at least one catalyst device configured to cause perfusion of body fluid at the sampling site; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to locate the at least one skin-penetration member so as to obstruct the wound opening while transporting body fluid through the inner lumen. Associated methods are also described. |
| US08795200B2 |
Piercing device and blood inspection device
A puncturing apparatus includes a housing having a first case and a second case, the housing configured to move at least one of the first case and the second case so that the cases are in an overlapping state in which the first case and the second case overlap one another or a non-overlapping state. A puncturer is housed in the housing and a puncture starting mechanism, having a puncturing button, is configured to activate the puncturer. A first safety section is configured to prevent at least one of the puncturing opening and the puncturing button from being exposed, by placing the first case and the second case in the overlapping state, and a second safety section is configured to disable operation of the puncture starting mechanism in the non-overlapping state of the first case and the second case. |
| US08795197B2 |
Frictional trans-epithelial tissue disruption collection apparatus and method of inducing an immune response
In an embodiment of the invention, a frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain tissue biopsy samples. A frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain an epithelial tissue biopsy sample from lesions. The device can be otherwise used to sample specific locations. In various embodiments, the head of the device is narrow and pointed with a hybrid pear shaped diamond facet. Abrasive material can be adhered to the facet. |
| US08795196B2 |
Three-dimensional micro spike and method of manufacturing the same
A micro spike having a three-dimensional structure made of single crystalline silicon and being capable of picking an enough amount of a tissue to examine the tissue while minimizing an examinee's pain with a minimal invasion when picking the tissue and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The micro spike comprising: a main body part; extension parts inserted into a tissue when picking the tissue sample and integratedly extended from upper and lower parts of one side of the main body part; and a protrusion part integratedly protruded from at least one of side surfaces of the extension parts and inserted into the tissue to pick the tissue sample together with the extension parts when picking the living tissue sample. |
| US08795195B2 |
Graphical user interface for tissue biopsy system
A graphical user interface is disclosed for a tissue biopsy system having a tissue cutting member adapted for cutting one or more tissue specimens from tissue at a target site within a patient. The graphical user interface includes a first GUI area representing a first region of the target site from which the tissue cutting member has separated one or more tissue specimens. The graphical user interface further includes a second GUI area, visually distinguishable from the first GUI area, representing a second region from which the tissue cutting member may separate one or more additional tissue specimens from tissue at the target site. |
| US08795194B2 |
Tissue harvesting
The present disclosure relates to a tissue collection apparatus. The tissue collection apparatus comprises a housing defining an inlet and an outlet, a first filter disposed within the housing, a second filter disposed within the housing, the second filter configured to isolate tissue particles of a desired size that pass through the first filter under the application of an aspiration force applied through the housing. A method of harvesting tissue is also disclosed. |
| US08795191B2 |
Photobleaching method
The present disclosure provides an improved method for photobleaching an eye of a subject. The disclosed method may be used in a number of psychophysical test methods, including, but not limited to, measurement of dark adaptation. The improved method for photobleaching involves at least one of the following improvements: (i) the use of a bleaching light emitting a particular wavelength of light or a tailored spectrum of wavelengths; (ii) restricting or otherwise spatially tailoring the region of the retina that is subject to photobleaching; and (iii) utilizing a bleaching light having an intensity that is at or below the intensity of ambient daylight. The present disclosure additionally provides a combination of a photobleaching light and an apparatus to administer a psychophysical test suitable for use in practicing the disclosed methods. |
| US08795190B2 |
Digital tuning fork for sensation testing device
A digital tuning fork device for administering a vibratory sensation test to a human subject comprising an integrated vibratory mechanism and timer, with the vibratory mechanism generating vibrations having a known frequency and amplitude, with the amplitude of the vibrations degrading over time to replicate in a controlled manner the natural degradation of vibrations generated by a mechanical tuning fork, and a method of use thereof. Alternatively, the amplitude of the vibrations may be initially very small and then increase over time in a controlled manner to test first perception of feeling. |
| US08795189B2 |
System and method for determining pulmonary performance from transthoracic impedance measures
A system and method for determining pulmonary performance from transthoracic impedance measures is provided. Transthoracic impedance measures collected by an implantable medical device are correlated to pulmonary functional measures. The pulmonary functional measures are grouped by respiratory pattern. Pulmonary performance is evaluated. Differences are determined by comparing the pulmonary functional measures for each respiratory pattern to the pulmonary functional measures for at least one previous respiratory pattern. A trend is identified from the differences. An alert is generated upon sufficient deviation of the trend from a threshold criteria. |
| US08795181B2 |
System and method for analyzing carpal tunnel using ultrasound imaging
A system and method is provided for using dynamic ultrasonic imaging to analyze a subject's carpal tunnel and generate risk factors indicative of the health of the subject's subsynovial connective tissue and the subject's risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. The system and method uses speckle imaging techniques to track dynamic structures within the carpal tunnel and statistical analysis techniques to compare the properties of these dynamic structures of the subject to those of normal subjects and subjects having carpal tunnel syndrome. |
| US08795176B2 |
Integrated sample acquisition and analyte measurement device
A region of skin, other than the fingertips, is stimulated. After stimulation, an opening is created in the skin (e.g., by lancing the skin) to cause a flow of body fluid from the region. At least a portion of this body fluid is transported to a testing device where the concentration of analyte (e.g., glucose) in the body fluid is then determined. It is found that the stimulation of the skin provides results that are generally closer to the results of measurements from the fingertips, the traditional site for obtaining body fluid for analyte testing. |
| US08795169B2 |
Apparatus and method for monitoring and communicating wellness parameters of ambulatory patients
The monitoring device incorporates transducing devices for converting the desired measured parameters into electrical signals capable of being processed by a local computer or microprocessor system. The device interacts with the ambulatory patient and then, via a modem or other electronic communication device, transmits the measured parameters to a computer located at a remote site. At the remote location. the various indicia of the ambulatory patient's condition are monitored and analyzed by the medical professional caregiver. To provide the ambulatory patient with an added level of convenience and ease of use, such monitoring device is contained in a single integrated package. |
| US08795168B2 |
Method and system for capturing and monitoring a physiological parameter and movement within an area of at least one person
A method for capturing and monitoring at least one physiological parameter and movement within an area of at least one person are disclosed. The area is divided into cells having respective location identifiers. Each person is provided with a respective device for measuring at least one physiological parameter of the person. The physiological parameter is indicative of whether the person has a physical condition. Each device has a device identifier. The device is used to at least intermittently measure a physiological parameter of the person using the respective device to obtain a physiological parameter reading for each measurement. The physiological parameter reading is associated with the respective device identifier of the device by which, the respective location identifier of the cell in which, and a time at which the physiological parameter reading is obtained. The associated information is stored at a remote location. A system and a physiological parameter device are also disclosed. |
| US08795165B2 |
Pivoting dilator
A dilator (100) for expanding a vessel incision to assist insertion of a catheter thereinto and having a distal end (104) and a proximal end (106). The dilator has two portions (110,210) that are assembled together at a hinge (112,212) permitting angled-apart proximal ends (122,222) of the two portions at the proximal end (106) to be squeezed together about the hinge which slightly spreads apart the respective distal ends (114,214) of the two portions to enlarge the incision into the vessel. A spring (150) biases apart the proximal ends of the two portions to maintain the two distal ends (114,214) together until pried apart as desired to dilate the vessel incision. |
| US08795163B2 |
Interlocking seal components
Methods and devices are provided to allow for easy customization of a surgical access device by an end user. In one exemplary embodiment a surgical access device is provided that includes a plurality of elongate seal elements that are configured to form a sealed configuration between a surgical site and an outside environment. The seal elements can be disposed in a surgical opening and can mate directly to each other with the outermost seal elements mating directly to tissue of the opening. The seal elements can include one or more mating elements to provide the desired mating. The seal elements can also include sealable openings that are configured to receive surgical instruments for use at the surgical site. The sealable openings maintain the desired seal throughout the course of a surgical procedure. Exemplary methods for providing custom configurations on location are also provided. |
| US08795156B2 |
Methods for manipulating a channel within a medical device
Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positioning mechanism configured for movement through at least two degrees of freedom. |
| US08795147B1 |
Modifying the genetic regulation of bone and cartilage cells and associated tissue by EMF stimulation fields and uses thereof
An apparatus and method to modify the genetic regulation of mammalian tissue, bone, or any combination. The method may be comprised of the steps of tuning at least one predetermined profile associated with at least one time-varying stimulation field thereby resulting in at least one tuned time-varying stimulation field comprised of at least one tuned predetermined profile, wherein said at least one tuned predetermined profile is comprised of a plurality of tuned predetermined figures of merit and is controllable through at least one of said plurality of tuned predetermined figures of merit, wherein said plurality of predetermined tuned figures of merit is comprised of a tuned B-Field magnitude, tuned rising slew rate, tuned rise time, tuned falling slew rate, tuned fall time, tuned frequency, tuned wavelength, and tuned duty cycle; and exposing mammalian chondrocytes, osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, nucleus pulposus, associated tissue, or any combination to said at least one tuned time-varying stimulation field comprised of said at least one tuned predetermined profile for a predetermined tuned exposure time or plurality of tuned exposure time sequences. |
| US08795145B2 |
Brachytherapy apparatus and methods for using same
Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for delivering brachytherapy to a target tissue region of a human or other mammalian body. A flexible brachytherapy device may be implanted that includes a therapy delivery portion having one or more radioactive sources securely retained thereto, and a tail portion extending from the therapy delivery portion. Once implanted, the tail portion may extend outside the body, where it may be folded and secured flat against the skin. The device may be removed at therapy completion. |
| US08795144B2 |
Centrifugation apparatus for containers of biological material including conveyor, turntable and centrifuges
An apparatus for automatically centrifuging test tubes containing biological material including a plurality of centrifuges functionally identical to one another yet independent and adapted to centrifuge test tubes offered to an interface for centrifuging test tubes using a conveying system included in an automatic conveyor of test tubes. The plurality of centrifuges is fitted on a turntable adapted to offer each centrifuge at a suitable loading/unloading point adjacent to the loading/unloading point of the interface. Each centrifuge is provided with a motor adapted to generate the centrifugal motion by setting a rotor in rotation, and a test tube handling device including an arm with a first gripper adapted to load test tubes to be centrifuged and a second gripper adapted to unload centrifuged test tubes, simultaneously to the loading, the arm sliding along a curved guide adapted to generate a forced rotation of the grippers. |
| US08795143B2 |
Spinning force apparatus
A spinning force system and methods of operation are provided for measuring a characteristic of a sample. The system includes a detection module having a light source for illuminating the sample and an objective being aligned to the light source to define a light path for producing an image of the sample. A rotor is mechanically coupled to the detection module and configured to rotate the light path for applying a force to the sample. The force may include a centrifugal force and other forms of force (such as a viscous drag force) resulted from the rotation. In some examples, the force is applied in a direction that is not parallel to a surface of the sample. |
| US08795141B2 |
Composite chair storage device
A composite chair storage device includes a chair, a slide mechanism and an exercise module for storing a composite chair. A first roller and a second roller are embedded into two slide rails for performing linear displacement. With the assistance of a sliding third roller and a pressure element capable of turning over an exercise equipment of an exercise module, the exercise module can be stored into a containing space of the chair or unfolded from the containing space of the chair quickly and conveniently, to achieve the effect of folding and unfolding the composite chair effectively. |
| US08795140B2 |
Track start block for swimming
A starting block for swimming equipped with a single curved surface to facilitate track starts while reducing the trip hazard of such a surface. This allows for safer mounting from rear and side steps and removes undesirable gaps in the top surface of the starting block. A pliable embodiment of said curved surface can modify the distance of the curvature from the leading edge of the starting block to adapt to different swimmer needs. An apparatus to obtain said distance for a given swimmer from a meet management system to modify the pliable embodiment for quick change during time-constrained events such as meets. |
| US08795139B2 |
Lower-limb off-axis training apparatus and system
This invention provides a lower-limb off-axis movement training apparatus, which is mounted on the movement part of a sagittal plane exercise machine and allows the user to perform off-axis movement training during sagittal plane functional movements. The said apparatus for the lower limb off-axis training consists of a base, an off-axis movement generating part mounted on the base, and a foot container supported by the off-axis movement generating part. The said off-axis movement generating part comprising at least one of the following two: (1) off-axis pivoting generating part, which generates the pivoting movement of the foot container; (2) off-axis sliding generating part, which generates the sliding movement of the foot container. A feedback training system including the said training apparatus is provided. While the user performs sagittal plane movements of the lower limbs, the said system provides off-axis movement training integrated with the sagittal plane movements. The invented off-axis training apparatus and system can be used to help human subjects improve off-axis and sagittal plane neuromuscular control, reduce the incidence of lower limb injuries and facilitate post-injury rehabilitation. |
| US08795138B1 |
Combining data sources to provide accurate effort monitoring
By combining data from different sensors (on fitness device, mobile smartphone, smart clothing, other devices or people in same location), an intelligent system provides a better indicator of an individual's physical effort, using rich data sources to enhance quantified metrics such as distance/pace/altitude gain, to provide a clearer picture of an individual's exercise and activity. |
| US08795135B2 |
Method for controlling an engine during a restart
Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine being coupled to a transmission. One example method comprises, under selected braking conditions, shutting-off the engine and spinning-down the engine to rest while the vehicle is traveling, and in response to a foot-off-brake event, restarting the engine by at least partially engaging the transmission and adjusting engine torque control actuators. |
| US08795131B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing torque during a transmission upshift for a hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle powertrain that has an engine and an electric machine that may separately or jointly provide torque to a multi-speed transmission. A drivetrain including the engine and the motor is controlled to reduce the requested level of torque provided to the transmission during an upshift. The method is initiated by a request for a reduction of the level of torque and checking the operating state of the engine. If the engine is not on, the torque from the motor is reduced. If the engine is on, the torque from the motor is reduced first and then the torque from the engine is reduced to the requested level of torque. |
| US08795123B2 |
Epicyclic gear train for an aircraft capable of hovering
An epicyclic gear train, for an aircraft capable of hovering, having a sun gear rotating about a first axis; a fixed ring gear positioned coaxially with the first axis and radially outwards with respect to the sun gear; a number of planet gears, which are interposed between and mesh with the sun gear and the ring gear, and rotate about respective second axes, in turn revolving about the first axis; and lubricant feed means; the feed means having a number of nozzles arranged about the first axis and the sun gear to produce an annular flow of lubricant. |
| US08795122B2 |
Tapered bearings
A gear support assembly for a turbine engine includes an epicyclic gear arrangement and a first tapered bearing and a second tapered bearing spaced apart from the first tapered bearing. The first tapered bearing and the second tapered bearing are arranged axially forward of the epicyclic gear arrangement and support the epicyclic gear arrangement. |
| US08795121B2 |
Drive mechanism for selectively switching a drive between propulsion and torque vectoring mode
A hybrid vehicle is provided with a drive mechanism for transmitting torque to at least a first and a second output member as well as to such a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes, but is not limited to a torque generating drive member operably coupled to the first and second output members, a switching element operably coupled to the drive member for selectively coupling the drive member with the first and second output members either in a propulsion mode or in a vector mode. In the propulsion mode, the drive member's torque is inducted to first and second output members uni-directionally and in the vector mode, the drive member's torque is inducted to first and second output members in opposite directions. |
| US08795117B2 |
Continuously variable transmissions for motor vehicles
A transmission for transferring torque from a prime mover includes a first input shaft adapted to be driven by the prime mover, a second input shaft, an output shaft and an epicyclic gearset. The gearset includes a ring gear being driven by the first input shaft, pinion gears being driven by the ring gear, a sun gear driven by the second input shaft and driving the pinion gears, and a carrier driving the output shaft. A reaction motor drives the second input shaft. A controller controls the reaction motor to vary the speed of the second input shaft and define a gear ratio between the first input shaft and the output shaft based on the second input shaft speed. |
| US08795110B2 |
Disk set arrangement for a chain-CVT having a function-optimized disk set contour
A disk set arrangement for a chain-CVT having a function-optimized disk set surface contour. The CVT includes a first drive disk set and a second driven disk set, wherein the disk sets of the disk set arrangement in each case include two disks mounted on respective shafts. One disk of each of the disk sets can be displaced axially relative to an opposed axially fixed disk. An endless chain arrangement with rocker pressure pieces is operative between the disk sets to transmit torque. The rocker pressure pieces have longitudinal axes that extend parallel to the rotational axes of the shafts, and include outer axial ends that contact the contoured disk surfaces. |
| US08795108B2 |
Ball bat with governed performance
A ball bat includes a barrel in which one or more stiffening elements or damping elements, or both, are located. The stiffening or damping elements may be positioned at a variety of locations, and may have a variety of configurations, for selectively reducing the barrel's performance without appreciably increasing the bat's moment of inertia. |
| US08795107B2 |
Symmetrical wood composite bat
A composite bat is disclosed comprising a core and outer members, as well as inserts of other material. |
| US08795106B2 |
Sports safety padding
An energy absorbing termination post padding for hockey rinks includes energy absorbing foam pads configured to absorb impacts from sports play such as hockey. Energy absorbing foam panels may include a rigid foam alone or in combination with a relatively softer foam or impact layer. |
| US08795103B2 |
Low lift golf ball
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas, a first group of areas containing a plurality of first dimples and a second group of areas containing a plurality of second dimples, each area of the second group abutting one or more areas of the first group, the first and second groups of areas and dimple shapes and dimensions being configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a negative inflection in drag coefficient (CD) during the flight of the golf ball. |
| US08795101B2 |
Golf club head and golf club using the same
A golf club head provided with a hollow includes a head main portion made of metal material with an opening, a cover member made of fiber reinforced resin and covering the opening, wherein the opening includes a crown opening region provided in a crown portion and a sole-side opening region provided in the sole and side portions, and the crown opening region has an opening area projected onto an outer surface of the club head in a range of from 63 to 77% of a superficial area of the crown portion. The sole-side opening region has an opening area projected onto the outer surface of the club head being in a range of from 4 to 25% of the superficial area of the sole portion and the side portion in sum total. |
| US08795096B2 |
Motion ride method and apparatus for illusion of teleportation
A method and apparatus for a motion ride that creates the illusion of teleportation on passengers in a passenger vehicle. This is accomplished in four steps of the method. Multiple embodiments of varying apparatus are presented for completing the four steps of the method. Passengers in the first step view a primary environment, in the second step passengers are surrounded by a secondary environment, in the third step passengers experience Galilean invariance by viewing the velocity of multiple of images of motion of the secondary environment being relative to the velocity of the passenger vehicle as selected from a group consisting of equal magnitude and same direction, equal magnitude and opposite direction, greater magnitude and same direction, greater magnitude and opposite direction, lesser magnitude and same direction, and lesser magnitude and opposite direction, and in the fourth step passengers again view the primary environment. |
| US08795093B2 |
Torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus
A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus includes a first side plate, a second side plate, a lining plate disposed between the side plates, a connecting member that connects the side plates at a position that is radially inward relative to the lining plate, a pressure plate disposed between the second side plate and the lining plate, and an elastic member that biases the pressure plate toward the lining plate. The lining plate is slidably sandwiched between the first side plate and the pressure plate, and the first and second side plate each includes a reinforcing portion that includes a portion that is axially curved at a location that is radially outward relative to the connecting member. |
| US08795090B2 |
Hand-held video game platform emulation
A software emulator for emulating a handheld video game platform such as GAME BOY®, GAME BOY COLOR® and/or GAME BOY ADVANCE® on a low-capability target platform (e.g., a seat-back display for airline or train use, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone) uses a number of features and optimizations to provide high quality graphics and sound that nearly duplicates the game playing experience on the native platform. Some exemplary features include use of bit BLITing, graphics character reformatting, modeling of a native platform liquid crystal display controller using a sequential state machine, and selective skipping of frame display updates if the game play falls behind what would occur on the native platform. |
| US08795089B2 |
Game device, image processing method, and information recording medium
To enable images of game screens concerning a plurality of game programs to be systematically stored in a storage unit and a desired image to be swiftly displayed on a display unit in a later time, a game device of the present invention includes: a program executing unit for executing each of a plurality of game programs; an identification information acquiring unit for acquiring identification information on the game program during execution of the game program; an image acquiring unit for acquiring at least one image of a game screen generated during the execution of the game program; an image storing unit for storing the at least one image into the storage unit in association with the identification information; and a display control unit for reading the image stored in association with any one of the identification information from the storage unit based on a specification made by a user, and displaying the image on the display unit. |
| US08795080B1 |
Gaming platform providing a game action sweep mechanic
A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for providing a game action sweep mechanic are presented. A virtual game environment that includes a first virtual object and a second virtual object may be generated for a user. User interactions involving a game pointer and a selection input are then monitored. In response to detecting the selection input being activated while the game pointer is located proximate to the first virtual object, a game action is then performed on the first virtual object. A game action sweep mode is then activated. While the game action sweep mode is active, the game action is then performed on the second virtual game object in response to detecting the game pointer is located proximate to the second virtual object. |
| US08795075B2 |
Entertainment button device and game machine
An entertainment button device includes an entertainment button and a button-up-and-down mechanism configured to move the entertainment button up and down from a normal operation position to a protruding position in which the entertainment button protrudes upward from the normal operation position, and including: a shaft member extending in a moving direction of the entertainment button; a rotating mechanism that rotates the shaft member; an engagement part that moves up and down together with the entertainment button; and a spiral guide part formed in a spiral manner on an outer periphery of the shaft member, the engagement part engaging with the spiral guide part. When the rotating mechanism rotates the shaft member in a specific direction, the entertainment button moves to the protruding position, and when the rotating mechanism rotates the shaft member in an opposite direction from the specific direction, the entertainment button moves to the normal operation position. |
| US08795073B2 |
Game apparatus, storage medium, game system, and game method
A first display section is caused to perform stereoscopic display, and a second display section is caused to perform non-stereoscopic display. A pointed position within an image displayed on the second display section is detected on the basis of an input of a player, it is determined that a second object within the image displayed on the second display section is operated, on the basis of a result of the detection, and a first object displayed on the first display section is changed on the basis of the determination. |
| US08795072B2 |
Method and system for providing a virtual presentation including a virtual companion and virtual photography
A method and computer system for providing a virtual presentation is provided. A plurality of different groups of virtual objects within a virtual world on a display device, wherein at least one of the different groups is selectable by a user. The desired group of virtual objects are to be displayed within a virtual optical viewfinder. A selection tool is provided within the virtual optical viewfinder and is controllable by the user to select a target virtual object from the desired group of virtual objects displayed within the virtual optical viewfinder. The user is presented with a magnified image of the target virtual object and revealing an identity of the target virtual object that has been selected in response to selection of the target virtual object by the user. |
| US08795071B2 |
Apparatus, systems and methods for implementing enhanced gaming and prizing parameters in an electronic environment
System and methods are provided for effecting user experience in an electronic game environment through use of virtual currency or vCoins. In a multi-level game, the systems and methods include memory for storing information on game play, the information including input received from the user, information relating to levels within the multi-level game and game display information for output to the user. A processor is coupled to the memory for generating game play information, preferably including game play with virtual money. The virtual money is acquired through game play or cash purchase. The virtual money is convertible into a non-cash good comprising advancement to another level within the game. |
| US08795067B2 |
Gaming device having a selectively accessible bonus scheme
A gaming device having a bonus scheme, wherein the player may choose when to play a bonus scheme, so long as the player is qualified to do so. The method of qualifying the player to enter the bonus round connects or links the base game operation of the gaming device with the bonus scheme. The reels of the base game contain symbols which alone or in combination with other symbols yield one or more bonus awards to a player. The bonus awards are escrowed and displayed a bonus award escrow display. Once the player obtains a single bonus award, the player becomes eligible or qualified to play the bonus round and the player may choose to do so at any time. The player can accumulate bonus awards and use multiple bonus awards at one time. |
| US08795065B2 |
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. |
| US08795063B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device, and method for providing a multiple player game
A gaming system including a multiple player game, such as a community game associated with a plurality of gaming devices. This community game includes a community game area or matrix, such as a redemption area or redemption environment which is displayed to at least the players of the gaming devices. The community game matrix includes a plurality of displayed positions, spots or spaces. At least each of the players playing the primary games of the gaming devices of the gaming system are associated with a displayed participant or avatar that occupies or is otherwise positioned at one of the displayed positions, spots or spaces of the community game matrix. |
| US08795056B2 |
Gaming machine running common game
When a common game condition is established, at least one of the following games is run: a first common game in which a participating gaming terminal is able to win a bonus type more than once and a payout based on a unit payout amount corresponding to the bonus type that the gaming terminal wins is awarded to the gaming terminal; a second common game in which a participating gaming terminal is able to win a bonus type more than once and a payout based on the number of winnings is awarded to the gaming terminal; and a third common game in which one of the participating gaming terminals is able to win one of the predetermined bonus types and a payout is awarded to the gaming terminal which wins said one of the bonus types. |
| US08795055B2 |
Slot-type game with nudge and bonus game features
In a method of playing a game and a gaming device configured to present a game, a plurality of reels display a base set of symbols. The symbols are used to define a base game outcome. In the event a nudge feature is triggered, such as by receipt of trigger symbols in the base game, reels having associated trigger symbols are locked and individual ones of the reels are nudged to new positions, wherein after a particular reel has been nudged, a new game outcome is evaluated. The reels may be nudged sequentially. Other triggers, such as receipt of additional numbers of trigger symbols, may also trigger a primary bonus game, which bonus game may further trigger one or more secondary bonus games. |
| US08795049B2 |
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. |
| US08795047B2 |
Game machine with pop-out lighted target
A game machine includes a cabinet, a supporting rod disposed in the cabinet, a retaining base secured on top of the rod, a lighting device disposed on the retaining device, and a drive mechanism disposed in the cabinet. The rod defines a bore therein. The retaining base defines an aperture in communication with the bore in the rod. The lighting device has its electric wire extending through both of the aperture in the retaining base and the bore in the rod. The target is made of a light-transmissive material. The retaining base and the lighting device are housed in a receptacle of the target. The drive mechanism is configured to drive the rod to move up to have the target pop out of a hole in a table of the cabinet. |
| US08795044B2 |
Device for providing a game
One object is to provide a video game that implements a team battle where players can share a sense of unity. In accordance with one aspect, a server device according to an embodiment includes: an identification unit configured to identify specific players constituting a specific team and identify game contents owned by the specific players from game contents; a generation unit configured to generate a specific game content group for the specific team by using specific game contents selected from game contents owned by the specific players; and a battle processing unit configured to process a battle between an opponent and the specific team, wherein the battle processing unit compares an opponent evaluation value calculated using a characteristic value assigned to a game content owned by the opponent, with a self-evaluation value calculated using a characteristic value assigned to a specific game content included in the specific game content group. |
| US08795043B2 |
Game show with special vote counting method
A method of providing a game show that includes broadcasting performances from a plurality of contestants to audience members and receiving votes from the audience members during a voting period. The contestants who receive the most and the least votes are selected as winners. In addition, a winner from the audience members is determined by the timing of a winning vote based on a percentage of the total number of votes cast for the contestant receiving the least number of votes. |
| US08795042B2 |
Defroster nozzle
Provided is a defroster nozzle 4 which blows out air to an inner surface of a windshield 2 of a vehicle 1. The defroster nozzle 4 includes center-duct 45 forming member 41 and two end-portion-duct forming members 50. The center-duct 45 forming member 41 forms a center duct through which the air circulates, and has a center ventilation outlet 47 through which the air in the center duct is blown out to the inner surface of the windshield 2. The two end-portion-duct 54 forming members 50 are coupled respectively to two joint end portions 42, on outer sides in the vehicle width direction, of the center-duct forming member 41. Each end-portion-duct forming member 50 forms an end-portion duct which communicates with the center duct, and each end-portion-duct forming member 50 has an end-portion ventilation outlet 55 through which the air in the end-portion duct is blown out to the inner surface of the windshield 2. Each of the end-portion-duct forming members 50 is coupled to the center-duct forming member 41 so as to be capable of tilting relative to the center-duct forming member 41. |
| US08795033B2 |
Lapping carrier and method
Provided is a lapping carrier including a base carrier having a first major surface, a second major surface and at least one aperture for holding a workpiece. The aperture extends from the first major surface through the base carrier to the second major surface. The base carrier includes a first metal or a polymer. At least a portion of the first major surface or at least a portion of each of the first and the second major surfaces includes a polymeric region. In at least a portion of the polymeric region, at least one adhesion promoting layer is interposed between the polymeric region and the base carrier. The adhesion promoting layer includes an inorganic coating. |
| US08795030B2 |
Surface treatment of a polymeric stent
Methods of treating the polymeric surfaces of a stent with a fluid including a solvent for the surface polymer are disclosed. |
| US08795029B2 |
Apparatus and method for in-situ endpoint detection for semiconductor processing operations
An endpoint detection method includes processing an outer surface of a substrate, directing an incident light beam through a window in an opaque metal body onto the surface being processed, receiving at a detector a reflected light beam from the substrate and generating a signal from the detector, and generating a signal based on the reflected light beam received at the detector, and detecting a processing endpoint. The signal is a time-varying cyclic signal that varies as the thickness of the layer varies over time, and detecting the processing endpoint includes detecting that a portion of a cycle of the cyclic signal has passed, the portion being less than a full cycle of the cyclic signal. |
| US08795028B2 |
Magnetic spindle for machine tool
A spindle for a machine tool comprising a outer spindle portion and an inner spindle portion with each of the outer spindle portion and the inner spindle portion being rotatable relative to one another about the same axis. The outer spindle portion and the inner spindle portion each include a plurality of magnets that are arranged in an opposing manner with respect to one another whereby rotation of one portion of the spindle will induce rotation in the other portion of the spindle due to the attraction force between the magnets. |
| US08795026B2 |
Stick puppet
A puppet includes a hollow outer shaft having a first end and a second end, an inner shaft disposed substantially within the outer shaft and slidable in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer shaft. The inner shaft includes a first end and an opposing second end. The puppet further includes a first puppet piece attached to the outer shaft near the first end thereof, a second puppet piece attached to the inner shaft near the first end thereof, and a lever connected to the inner shaft and extending outward therefrom through a first slot formed in the outer shaft. The second end of the inner shaft extends outside of the outer shaft. One of the first and second puppet pieces is movable relative to the other by sliding the lever longitudinally relative to the outer shaft or by moving the second end of the inner shaft away from the outer shaft. |
| US08795023B2 |
Convertible play gym
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a children's play gym configured for being converted between different configurations providing unique functionalities. In certain embodiments, the convertible play gym is provided with one or more adaptable entertainer components including various entertainment features (e.g., lights and sound producing devices). In a first configuration adapted for infants, at least one of the entertainer components is suspended above the play gym's mat and configured for reacting to movement, sound, or other input provided by an infant child laying on the play gym's mat. In a second configuration adapted for toddlers, the suspended entertainer component may be detached from the play gym's support members and reconfigured as a children's entertainment table (e.g., by itself or as part of an assembly with other entertain components). |
| US08795018B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display and method for manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes preparing a substrate, forming a spacer on the substrate along an edge of the substrate, forming a driving circuit and an organic light emitting diode on the substrate to be surrounded by the spacer and forming an encapsulation thin film so as to substantially cover the driving circuit and the organic light emitting diodel. The mask that is used in the forming of the driving circuit and the organic light emitting diode is supported by and contacts the spacer. |
| US08795009B1 |
Watercraft with propulsion system
A watercraft has an elongate hull having an arcuately shaped bow and a propulsion system including a flow generator coupled thereto. A shroud extends below a forward portion of the hull, and in combination with said hull defines a conduit therethrough with the flow generator positioned in the conduit. The arcuately shaped bow and the conduit in combination at least partially form a funnel shaped forward-to-aft fluid path for water flow induced by the flow generator. The flow generator in operation produces a forward thrust vector and a Bernoulli thrust vector created by the forward-to-aft fluid flow of water flow along the partial funnel shaped forward-to-aft fluid path. |
| US08795007B2 |
Terminal fitting
A terminal fitting (10) includes a terminal main body (11) and a shell (12), which is a component separate from the terminal main body (11). The terminal main body (11) has a fitting portion (18) and resilient contact pieces (14). The shell (12) is a rectangular tube engaged with the fitting portion (18) of the terminal main body (11) and surrounding the resilient contact pieces (14). Even though being relatively expensive, an electrically conductive material such as copper alloy needs to be used as the material of the terminal main body (11) formed with the resilient contact pieces (14). However, an inexpensive material can be used for the shell (12) since electrical conductivity is not required. Therefore, cost can be reduced as compared with the case where a terminal fitting is made entirely of an expensive electrically conductive material. |
| US08795006B2 |
Reconfigurable electrical terminal with multiple configurations employing a clamp and a fastener
An electrical receptacle terminal includes a contact portion having a plurality of tabs, a clamp having a notch on one end and an aperture on a second end, and a fastener that engages the clamp aperture. The notch on the clamp is configured to receive any one of the plurality of tabs on the contact portion, so that the contact portion is substantially perpendicular to the clamp. The configuration of the terminal varies depending on which one of the plurality of tabs of the contact portion is engaged with the notch on the clamp. The positioning of the clamp in relation to the contact portion, and the ability to configure a terminal in a different orientation with the same component parts, allows for substantially identical terminal components to be used in one or more receptacle terminals as well as substantially identical terminal components across different types of receptacles. |
| US08794997B2 |
Wall outlet type USB hub with independent charging function
A wall outlet type USB hub with independent charging function includes a mounting case and a combined USB hub and socket unit. The mounting case includes a rear case portion for mounting on a wall and a front case portion assembled to a front opening of the rear case portion. The combined USB hub and socket unit includes a housing member held in the mounting case via retaining means and having multiple openings; a printed circuit board located inside the housing member and having a power module and a hub module; multiple data transfer ports electrically connected to the hub module and aligned with the openings on the housing member; and a power connector electrically connected to the power module. The wall outlet type USB hub matches general wall outlet's cover plate specification and can replace existing AC wall outlet to enable both data transmission and DC power supply functions. |
| US08794996B1 |
Power brick with a notch
An example power adaptor is provided. In one aspect, the power adaptor may include a brick and a cable. The brick may further include a notch with an insert disposed therein. A portion of the cable may be inserted through a narrow portion of the insert and secured within a slot of the insert. |
| US08794989B2 |
Modular driveline
A modular driveline includes a modular portion including a cable and a connector, the cable having terminations, and a percutaneous portion including a cable and a connector, the cable having terminations. The percutaneous portion connector couples to the modular portion connector, and cable terminations at the connectors are captured in the connectors by potting. The cable can include an inner member, conductors disposed about the inner member, a covering about the conductors, a layer extruded onto the covering, an armor braid over the extruded layer, and an outer jacket extruded over the armor braid. |
| US08794977B2 |
Implant training system
An implant training system based on a biomechanical modeling system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the implant training system includes a processor configured to load and execute instructions from an implant simulation module and the implant simulation module configured to provide a preloaded case representing a model patient to a user, receive input from the user to adjust the preloaded case to represent a particular patient, and provide outcome information for using an implant in the particular patient. |
| US08794975B2 |
Motor and cognitive skills development system
The motor and cognitive skills development system includes a series of exercise mats having various instructional patterns thereon in increasing degrees or levels of physical and mental difficulty from very basic to more advanced moves and instructions. Each mat includes a complete series of exercise instructions thereon, with the exercises ranging from a relatively simple series of progressive jumps along the mat, to more complex jumps requiring only one foot, lateral or backward jumps, jump turns, etc. The instructions may range from simple representations of foot patterns through representations of various objects, colors, alphanumeric indicators, caricatures, etc. The development system thus challenges students both physically and mentally, with the instructor determining the exercise(s) to be performed and the corresponding mats according to the needs of the student(s) and/or curriculum. The system is adaptable to very young children, autistic students, adults and younger people with special training or rehabilitation needs, etc. |
| US08794973B2 |
Contamination detection simulation systems and methods
Provided are contamination detection simulation systems and methods comprising a control unit that generates a first signal comprising data corresponding to a simulated source of contamination; a simulated detector that receives the signal from the control unit, the simulated detector positioned at a distance from a surface; a proximity detector that determines the distance between the simulated detector and the surface and outputs a distance result; and a processing unit that generates a second signal in response to the first signal and the distance result. |
| US08794969B2 |
Aircraft pneumatics training aid and methods
A vehicle pneumatic system training aid comprises simulated controls and indicators and a pneumatic circuit. The simulated controls and indicators correspond to at least a portion of controls and indicators on an actual vehicle. The pneumatic circuit comprises a connection to a source of pressurized fluid, and at least one fluid flow control device. The fluid flow control device is positionable in at least two different positions corresponding to different actual vehicle conditions that are simulatable. The simulated controls are actuatable to change a condition of the pneumatic circuit and the simulated indicators are operable to display an indication of the condition of the pneumatic circuit. |
| US08794968B2 |
Laser backrange and marksmanship apparatus and method
Methods and systems are provided for making more accurate range and marksmanship determinations in laser-based military engagements. These methods and systems allow a shooter and a target in a laser engagement system to be paired with one another in a substantially unambiguous manner. Such pairing allows the lasers to be used at full power and is particularly well suited for clustered environments in which multiple combatants may be in close proximity to one another. The methods and systems are also particularly well suited for testing new or experimental weapon systems by virtue of the more accurate range and marksmanship estimates provided. |
| US08794965B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for restoring and in-office customizing of dental implant abutments with a dental prosthesis
Methods for providing a dental prosthesis to a mouth or to prepare a mouth for receiving a dental prosthesis include obtaining an impression of an installed implant abutment and the surrounding portion of a mouth. The implant abutment is then removed from the mouth, installed in an additional fixture, and placed in a corresponding region of the impression. The impression is placed over a cavity of a transfer member containing mold material such that the mold material acquires the shape of the impression, and the additional implant fixture is retained in the mold. Modifications can then be performed to the implant abutment within the mold, as the mold approximates the surrounding region of the mouth. The modified implant abutment can then be returned to the mouth, a final impression can be made and a crown, bridge or similar dental prosthesis can be fabricated. |
| US08794960B2 |
Low NOx burner
A low NOx burner for installation on a furnace wall has an elongated tube connected to a combustion air supply, the furnace side end of which mounts a combustion air spinner that is spaced from the furnace wall. A plurality of air ports extend through the wall into the combustion chamber. Downstream ends of the air ports are spaced from the furnace wall as well as from the spinner, and they are configured to bias the discharged air flow towards the spinner. A plurality of first fuel gas spuds with fuel gas discharge orifices arranged about the spinner and discharges fuel gas into the combustion chamber downstream of the spinner. A second fuel gas spud is disposed in pockets between adjacent pairs of air ports which are closed against the furnace wall so that no combustion air flows through the pockets. The third gas spuds are placed inside the air ports. |
| US08794958B1 |
Ejection mechanism
An ejection mechanism has a base, a rotation disk and a feeding station. The base is configured for mounting of the rotation disk and the feeding station, The base further includes an arched guiding track, and the arched guiding track is disposed around the rotating gear. The rotation disk is fan-shaped and is rotatably coupled to the base by a rotating shaft such that the rotation disk is aligned above the arched guiding track. the rotation disk is further provided with an arched row of teeth on a bottom of the rotation disk corresponding to the rotating gear of the base. The rotation disk driven by the rotating gear causes the arched row of teeth to rotate and also to simultaneously cause the rotation disk to rotate around the rotating shaft on the arched guiding track. The ejection mechanism which is suitable for different sizes of elbow pipes. |
| US08794956B2 |
Mold system for forming multilevel blocks
A mold system for forming a multilevel block is disclosed which comprises a multilevel mold box insert for forming a multilevel block, a mold box frame adapted for receiving therein the multilevel mold box insert, a multilevel plunger assembly, and a press head plate adapted for receiving thereon the multilevel plunger assembly. |
| US08794953B2 |
Blow-molding device provided with means for attaching, by suction, a half-mold to a back wall of a corresponding recess of a mold carrier
Disclosed is a molding device (10) for a machine for manufacturing containers, in particular bottles, made of a thermoplastic material by blow-molding or stretch blow-molding a preheated preform. The molding device (10) includes: two half-molds (14), each of which is provided with a half-cavity (16) and each of which includes a sealing surface (18) and an outer surface (20); two mold carriers (34), each of which has a recess (40) for receiving a corresponding half-mold (14); and an attachment element (44, 52) for removably attaching each half-mold (14) into the recess (40) of the corresponding mold carrier (34), characterized in that the attachment element (44, 52) is controlled by the attraction of the half-mold (14) against the back wall (42) of the recess (40) of the mold carrier (34). |
| US08794950B2 |
Device for converting materials using induction heating and deformable compacting means
A heating device for the transformation of a material, includes: a lower mold element or matrix, made of an electrically conductive material and having a molding zone for contacting with the material to be transformed; an upper element that lacks a molding zone, made of an electrically conductive material; inductor elements for generating a magnetic field that envelops the matrix and the upper element, with the matrix and the element being electrically insulated from one another during the induction heating phase so that the surfaces opposite these two elements delimit an air gap in which the magnetic field that induces currents circulates at the surface of the molding zone of the matrix, thus making it possible to localize the action of the inductors at the interface of the molding zone/material to be transformed; and deformable pressure element, arranged between the matrix and the upper element, able to exert uniform pressure on the material to be transformed. |
| US08794949B2 |
High pressure relief assembly and assembly locking device for use with extruders
The invention provides devices that are attached to an extruder making the operation thereof more efficient and convenient and allowing for a quick change over of parts used to make various products prepared in the extrusion process. A high pressure relief assembly is attached to the extruder that allows for the rapid release of pressure from the extruder at the end of the process by venting product under pressure from the extruder and the extruder also has attached thereto a quick assembly locking device that allows for the exchange of assemblies, such as a density control assembly and other assembles, without the removal of nuts, bolts, and clamps by attaching the assembly to an arm that can be moved in and out of place in front of the extruder and wherein the device has a locking mechanism that seals and releases the assembly from the extruder. |
| US08794946B2 |
Compression molding machine
A compression molding machine includes a feeder that has a feeder main body, a sealing frame attached to the feeder main body and having a supply port allowing a powdery material to pass therethrough, a first elastic member comprised between the sealing frame and the feeder main body, a sealing member attached to the sealing frame and preventing the powdery material from leaking, and a second elastic member comprised between the sealing member and the sealing frame. |
| US08794944B2 |
Screw spindle machine and method of manufacturing the same
A screw spindle machine having a tubular casing (10) that is made of cast metal and is lined with a wear resistant layer (16), with the wear resistant layer (16) being encapsulated in a steel shell (20) that matches the outer peripheral shape of the layer (16). |
| US08794941B2 |
Compressor with liquid injection cooling
A positive displacement compressor designed for near isothermal compression. A rotor includes a curved sealing portion that coincides with a in an interior rotor casing wall. Liquid injectors provide cooling liquid. A gate moves within the compression chamber to either make contact with or be proximate to the rotor as it turns. Gate positioning systems position the gate in this manner, taking into account the shape of the rotor. Outlet valves allow for expulsion of liquids and compressed gas. The unique geometry and relationship between the parts provides for efficiencies and higher pressures not previously found in existing compressor designs. |
| US08794940B2 |
Scroll-type refrigerator compressor
This compressor comprises first and second volutes describing an orbital relative movement and each comprising a plate from which a spiral extends, the two spirals being engaged one inside the other and defining pairs of compression chambers of variable volume. The compressor has a housing formed in that surface of the plate of the first volute which is turned towards the spirals, which housing opens into one of the compression chambers, refrigerant delivery means leading into the housing, and a nonreturn device being mounted in the housing, the nonreturn device preventing communication between the delivery means and the compression chamber into which housing opens in a first or closed position, and allowing communication between the delivery means and said compression chamber in a second or open position. |
| US08794938B2 |
Cylinder piston arrangement for a fluid pump or a fluid motor
The invention relates to a cylinder piston arrangement for an especially volumetric fluid pump or a fluid motor, preferably comprising at least one axial expansion tubular membrane piston defining at least one inner pulsating working chamber. A particular field of application for such pumps or motors is the operation thereof with fluids loaded with extraneous materials, especially abrasive granulated materials. Especially high-speed machines with high working pressures of between a few hundred to a thousand bar are required, the energetic and also volumetric degree of efficiency thus becoming highly important factors. The aim of the invention is therefore to create pumps or fluid motors which are characterized by high degrees of efficiency and long service lives. To this end, at least one clearance driving body (TK1) is actively connected to the pulsating working chamber (AR). |
| US08794936B2 |
High-pressure fuel supply pump and fuel supply system
A high-pressure fuel supply pump includes a compression chamber, a plunger reciprocating in the compression chamber for pressurizing fuel in the compression chamber, a discharge valve for discharging pressurized fuel from the compression chamber to a high-pressure fuel passage of a high-pressure fuel supply system for supplying high-pressure fuel to an internal combustion engine, and a first solenoid actuated valve for connecting and disconnecting a first low-pressure fuel passage and the compression chamber. The first solenoid actuated valve is biased by a first biasing member in a closing direction of the first solenoid actuated valve, and is opened or kept open against the biasing force of the first biasing member, when the first solenoid actuated valve is energized. The high pressure fuel supply pump further includes a second solenoid actuated valve for connecting and disconnecting a second low-pressure fuel passage and the compression chamber. |
| US08794935B2 |
Axial flow fan
In an axial fan including a motor, a substrate that connects ends of a plurality of coils is disposed at a position axially under a bottom portion of a case with an axial gap therebetween. A spacer is interposed between the substrate and the bottom portion, and the substrate is fixed to the spacer. A plurality of through holes provided in the bottom portion are disposed in axial alignment with a plurality of through holes provided in the spacer. An air flow produced by rotation of an impeller at least partially passes through the interior of the case to be discharged to outside of the case through the through holes in the bottom portion so that heat generated inside the motor can be efficiently transferred to outside of the case. |
| US08794934B2 |
Linear compressor
A linear compressor for producing a driving force by magnetic induction and naturally modulating a cooling capacity according to a load includes a fixed member provided with a compression space, a movable member which linearly reciprocates inside the fixed member to compress refrigerant, a plurality of springs installed to elastically support the movable member in a motion direction, a first stator through which a current flows, a conductor member magnetically induced by the first stator to make the movable member linearly reciprocate, and a control unit which controls supply of a current with respect to the first stator. |
| US08794933B2 |
Hermetic compressor
A hermetic compressor includes a closed vessel for storing lubricating oil, an electric-driving element, and a compressing element driven by the electric-driving element. The compressing element includes a cylinder block forming a compression chamber, a piton that reciprocates inside the compression chamber, and an oiling device for supplying the lubricating oil to an outer circumference of the piston. A first oil groove is concavely formed on the outer circumference of the piston, and a second oil groove is concavely formed on a side opposite to the compression chamber relative to the first oil groove. The second oil groove has a spatial volume same or greater than that of the first oil groove. An expanded clearance portion is provided such that a clearance between the piston and the cylindrical hole portion broadens from a top dead point to a bottom dead point. |
| US08794925B2 |
Root region of a blade for a gas turbine engine
A root region of an airfoil includes an inner ply layer group that extends from an innermost root region at least partially into an intermediate platform region, the inner ply layer group includes an outermost ply and an attachment ply layer group attached to the outermost ply. |
| US08794924B2 |
Rotating body
A rotating body includes a rotor disk 10 that has a moving blade fitting groove 11 that is annularly provided along the outer circumference and a moving blade lead-in hole 12 that is provided in the outer circumference and is in communication with the moving blade fitting groove 11; a plurality of moving blades 20 that are consecutively provided in the outer circumference and that each have a blade root 21 that is fitted in the moving blade fitting groove 11 and a wing body 23 that projects to the outer side of the rotor disk 10; two special moving blades 20A and 20B that each have a blade root 21 of which a portion is fitted in the moving blade fitting groove 11 and a wing body 23 that projects to the outer side of the rotor disk 10, and that by mutually adjoining block the moving blade lead-in hole 12; and a tensioning key 13 that is inserted between the moving blades 20, in which the tensioning key 13 is provided with an insertion portion whose thickness dimension in the circumferential direction gradually increases from one end on the inner side in the radial direction toward the other end on the outer side in the radial direction. |
| US08794923B2 |
Gas turbine engine rotor tie shaft arrangement
Independent axial preloading of compressor and turbine disks in a gas turbine engine rotor is achieved by a dual tie shaft arrangement wherein a forward tie shaft engages forward and aft portions of a compressor hub within which the compressor disks are disposed to axially and compressively preload the compressor disks between the forward and aft portions of the compressor hub. An independent tie shaft engages an aft portion of a turbine hub within which turbine disks are disposed and an aft portion of the compressor hub to axially and compressively preload the turbine disks between the turbine and compressor hubs. |
| US08794921B2 |
Apparatus and methods for cooling platform regions of turbine rotor blades
A platform cooling arrangement for a turbine rotor blade having a platform and an interior cooling passage and, in operation, a high-pressure coolant region and a low-pressure coolant region, wherein the platform includes a topside, which extends from the airfoil to a pressure side slashface, and an underside. The platform cooling arrangement may include: an airfoil manifold that resides near the junction of the pressure face of the airfoil and the platform; a slashface manifold that resides near the pressure side slashface; a high-pressure connector that connects the airfoil manifold to a high-pressure coolant region of the interior cooling passage; a low-pressure connector that connects the slashface manifold to a low-pressure coolant region of the interior cooling passage; cooling apertures that extend from a starting point along the pressure side slashface to a connection with the airfoil manifold, bisecting the slashface manifold therebetween; and a plurality of non-integral plugs. |
| US08794920B2 |
Controlling blade pitch angle
A method and arrangement of controlling blade pitch angle of a set of rotor blades. The method comprises providing a target blade pitch angle to a controller mounted on the rotor; measuring the speed of rotation of the rotor using a rate gyro mounted on the rotor; calculating the blade pitch angle required to match the target blade pitch angle by summing the target blade pitch angle and the measured rotational speed; and actuating the blades to the calculated blade pitch angle. |
| US08794918B2 |
System for adjusting brush seal segments in turbomachine
A system includes a brush seal segment. The brush seal segment includes a movable support including a head, an extension, and a seal surface, wherein the head is configured to mount in a chamber. The brush seal segment also includes a brush coupled to the movable support along the seal surface, wherein the seal surface consists essentially of the brush. The brush seal segment also includes a biasing element coupled to the movable support, wherein the biasing element is configured to bias the movable support from a first position to a second position to increase a brush clearance in a space between the brush and a rotor, and the movable support is configured to move from the second position to the first position to decrease the brush clearance in response to a fluid flow from the space to the chamber. |
| US08794916B2 |
Shroud supporting structure for gas turbine engine
An annular shroud surrounding tip ends of turbine blades is fitted on an inner peripheral surface of an open end of a turbine case. In order to prevent the shroud from being dropped off in an axial direction by a retaining part provided on a retaining ring fitted on an outer peripheral surface of the open end of the turbine case, an annular groove formed in the outer peripheral surface of the turbine case and an annular groove formed in an inner peripheral surface of the retaining ring are opposed to each other, and a connection wire is inserted so as to straddle the two annular grooves, thereby connecting the retaining ring to the turbine case. Accordingly, it is possible to easily perform attachment/detachment of the retaining ring with respect to the turbine case only by inserting the connection wire into or pulling it out from the two annular grooves, thereby facilitating maintenance of the shroud and the turbine blades. Therefore, this can improve ease of attachment/detachment of the retaining ring retaining the shroud of a gas turbine engine to the turbine case. |
| US08794909B2 |
Water pump for vehicle
A water pump for a vehicle, may include a first shaft fixed to a pulley to be rotated thereby, a second shaft fixed to an impeller for pumping, and clutch that is disposed between the first shaft and the second shaft to selectively connect the first and second shafts to transfer a rotation torque of the first shaft to the second shaft. |
| US08794906B1 |
Turbine stator vane with endwall cooling
A turbine stator vane with an airfoil extending between an inner endwall and an outer endwall, and with a fillet formed between the airfoil and each of the endwalls, and a row of metering impingement and diffusion slots extending around the leading edge region and along the pressure side and suction side of the airfoil just below the fillet that discharges a layer of film cooling air onto the surface of the endwall. A showerhead arrangement of film cooling holes in the leading edge region of the airfoil also discharges a layer of film cooling air toward the leading edge fillet in order to form a double layer of film cooling air from the leading edge region of the endwall. |
| US08794905B2 |
Turbocharger
A turbocharger is disclosed. The turbocharger includes a seal plate facing a front portion outer periphery of an oil thrower arranged between a bearing portion and an impeller in front thereof, integral with a bearing housing. An oil-thrower facing part formed in the bearing housing faces a rear portion outer periphery of the oil thrower to provide an oil sump. The seal plate is in the form of press-fit plate, a diameter of the press-fit plate being smaller than an outer diameter of the impeller and being at least equal to a minimum working bore diameter for machining of an outer periphery or oil discharge openings of the oil-thrower facing part. |
| US08794903B2 |
Shrouded wind turbine system with yaw control
A wind energy systems includes a shroud for each turbine. The shroud is adapted to direct and accelerate wind towards the turbine. A strong adaptable support assembly is provided for securing turbines to a structure. An air glide yaw assembly facilitates rotational movement of the structure allowing the turbines to face oncoming wind. The turbine blades are optimized for use with a shroud. |
| US08794902B1 |
System and method to improve the exhaust pressure across a RAM air turbine through secondary flow mixing
A secondary flow lobe mixer increases the total-to-static pressure ratio across a Ram Air Turbine (RAT) by developing a localized pressure drop near the discharge of the turbine rotor exhaust. This pressure drop allows for additional power generation for a given free-stream flight condition. |
| US08794893B2 |
Fastening pin and manufacturing method thereof
A fastening pin has an enlarged head part, and a shaft part. The shaft part includes a large diameter section formed below the enlarged head part, a middle shaft section formed below the large diameter section, and a small diameter section extending from the middle shaft section to a leading end of the fastening pin. The large diameter section includes a round portion formed below the enlarged head part and a taper portion formed between the round portion and the middle shaft section. A diameter of the large diameter section at a side of the enlarged head part is larger than a diameter of the large diameter section at a side of the middle shaft section. The middle shaft section has a uniform diameter from a side of the large diameter section to a side of the small diameter section. |
| US08794892B1 |
Torque nut assembly
A torque nut assembly includes a multiple-piece nut body and a cap. The nut body can be positioned to define a threaded axial passage, and can expand radially to open the threaded axial passage. The cap is shaped and sized to substantially engage the nut body when the threaded axial passage is so-defined. The cap is locked to the nut body when the cap is engaged thereon. |
| US08794890B2 |
Variable wall thickness collar
A collar having a shank with an interior surface and an exterior surface. The exterior surface of the shank includes a first exterior surface extending from the first end to a first exterior inflection point, and a curvilinear exterior surface extending from the first exterior inflection point to a second exterior inflection point. The curvilinear exterior surface and an imaginary line extending from the first exterior inflection point to the second exterior inflection point form a first area that is sized and shaped to receive forward extrusion of the collar as the collar is being installed. |
| US08794887B2 |
Clip and support member
Insertion force for installing a clip to a body panel, and retaining force of the clip after installation, are obtained by an engagement leg section. A click sensation when the clip is installed to the body panel is obtained by a click leg section. |
| US08794882B2 |
Releasable thread chaser
A pivoting split thread chasing die with fastener is disclosed. In one example, the fastener can include a retainer that captures the fastener within one half of the thread chasing die. The thread chasing die may make it easier for a user to refurbish threads of large bolts and studs. |
| US08794881B2 |
Drilling tool
The invention relates to a drilling tool having a large drill, in particular a core drill, in which a center drill is guided in an axially flexible or movable manner, with the axial movement of said center drill relative to said large drill being limited by at least one limit stop, wherein at least one pin that is supported on the large drill, the shaft thereof or a transition therebetween, extends toward the center drill, and the pin (24) is formed at an attachment body (26) comprising a contact surface (46) that abuts on a counter contact surface (52) of the drilling tool (10) and in particular has at least partially a larger lateral extension than the pin. |
| US08794880B2 |
Core cutter
A core cutter includes a tubular body portion and a plurality of cutting blades arranged at a tip end of the body portion at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction. At least one cutting blade serves as an inner cutting blade, and the remaining cutting blades serve as outer cutting blades. Through grooves penetrate a tip end of the body portion to open toward a tip end side of the core cutter. Each of the cutting blades having the same circumferential-direction size as the through groove. Gullets are configured to discharge the chips, each of the gullets formed by an outer peripheral surface. The cutting blades are welded to through grooves such that a radially inner end of an axial-direction tip end portion of each of the cutting blades coincides with or substantially coincides with a peripheral surface of an axial-direction tip end portion of the gullet. |
| US08794879B2 |
Tool for machining workpieces
The tool has a clamping part (2) and a working part (11). It consists of a wear-resistant material, which contains tungsten carbide which has a grain size that lies in the range between approximately 0.2 and approximately 0.5 μm. The clamping part (2) consists of a tough material, which likewise contains tungsten carbide which has a grain size in the range between approximately 0.8 and approximately 1.3 μm. In a transitional region (11) between the working part (11) and the clamping part (2), the proportion of wear-resistant tungsten carbide decreases in the direction of the clamping part (2) to 0 and the proportion of tough tungsten carbide decreases in the direction of the working part (11) to 0. The mixing ratio between wear-resistant and tough tungsten carbide changes approximately steadily in the transitional region (10). |
| US08794876B2 |
Device and method for surveying jet grouting piles in the ground
A device and a method for surveying jet grouting piles in a subsoil, which is suitable for a drilling and grouting linkage assembly for creating a hole and a jet grouting pile in a region of the hole. A measurement device is integrated in the drilling and grouting linkage assembly and comprises a scanning element that is movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The scanning element is deflected inside the measurement device through a retraction and extension housing mounted on the measurement device. The scanning element comprises at least in segments a shape-memory alloy. |
| US08794874B2 |
Marine tensioner
A marine tensioner has a tensioner frame and multiple track units mounted in the frame. Each track unit comprises an elongated chassis, the chassis having a central portion between two end portions. Each track unit comprises an endless track supported by the chassis, the endless track having friction elements adapted to engage an elongated article. Between each track unit and the tensioner frame a connecting structure is provided that allows for lateral and pivotal motion of the track unit so as to adapt the position of the track unit to an elongated article diameter. One or more squeeze actuators are provided between the tensioner frame and the chassis of the track unit and actuator control means are provided which are associated with the one or more squeeze actuators and allow to control the squeeze force exerted by the friction elements of the track unit on the elongated article. |
| US08794873B2 |
Waste water electrical power generating system
An electrical power generating system is connected to a sewer for conveying waste water to a sanitary treatment station. Waste water is propelled through the sewer line by pumping equipment which simultaneously pulverizes most large objects carried by the waste water. The waste water drives one or more water-operated turbines. The turbines are operatively connected to electrical power generators for producing electrical power and dispersing the power through an electrical power transmission system. |
| US08794867B2 |
Asphalt milling machine control and method
An asphalt milling machine control is provided for an asphalt milling machine of the type which mills an asphalt pavement surface over which the machine travels. The machine has a milling machine body, and a rotatable milling drum mounted on the lower portion of the milling machine body, the bottom surface of the milling drum contacting the asphalt pavement surface to mill the surface to a design elevation. The machine further includes a plurality of machine body supports which are adjusted to raise or lower the height of the milling machine body and the rotatable milling drum with respect to the asphalt pavement surface. This defines the elevation of the surface that results from milling with the drum. The control includes a floating plate, mounted to the side of the milling machine and the rotatable milling drum, or a pair of floating plates mounted to either side of the machine, for sliding over the surface adjacent to the area to be milled. The floating plates have associated sensors and are vertically movable with respect to the machine body and the rotatable milling drum. The control includes a GNSS receiver on the machine body for determining the two dimensional coordinates of the floating plate or plates. The control includes a memory which stores a map of the unmilled asphalt pavement surface, and data defining a desired design surface. The control includes a sensor for detecting the relative vertical position of the floating plate with respect to the machine body and an inclinometer. Finally, the control includes a processor, responsive to the GNSS receiver, the inclinometer, and the sensors. Cross checking of various measurements may be made to determine error conditions. |
| US08794864B2 |
Camming element for fastener
A camming element (1) for forming a joint between two members has a pair of jaws (15,16) for engaging a head of a dowel member. The camming element has a torque drive connector (10) which is radially offset to its rotational axis. The camming element has a top plate (22) which is designed to sit below the surface of its mounting member in use. The camming element may be concealed in use by a cover cap. |
| US08794863B2 |
Connector for joining an elongated component to a threaded rod
A connector for joining a plastic, elongated component and a threaded rod insertable into a borehole of the elongated component, which in turn is guided within a stationary bush, includes a locking element for locking the threaded rod in the borehole. The elongated component has a slot between the borehole and its outer surface. The locking element includes a two-arm lever configured within the slot and has a first end which has an engagement portion that can engage in locking manner the thread of the threaded rod, and a second end projecting outward beyond the slot when the engagement portion engages the thread. The lever's first end is prestressed toward the borehole and the lever is dimensioned in a manner that the second end pivots into the slot as the component is being pushed into the bush, as a result of which the engagement portion leaves the borehole, whereas the lever pivots back when the component has been slipped so far into the bush that the second lever end is released from the bush. |
| US08794862B2 |
Seal for sealing an axial space
A seal is for sealing an axial space between first and second axially-spaced members, the first member having a radial surface and the second member having an outer circumferential surface. The seal includes an annular body having inner and outer circumferential surfaces and first and second axial ends, a radial sealing surface proximal to the first end to sealingly engage with the first member radial surface, and a circumferential sealing surface proximal to the second end to sealingly engage with the second member outer surface. At least a portion of the seal body extends circumferentially about and encloses the axial space. The seal may be incorporated in a joint assembly for a linkage having first and second links, the assembly including a shaft coupled with the first link and a boss coupled with the second link, receiving the shaft, and defining an axial space in which the seal is disposed. |
| US08794861B2 |
Connecting device for two workpieces, particularly for bar-type hollow profiled members
A connecting device joins a first workpiece that is provided with an interior space, particularly a bar-type hollow profiled member, to another such workpiece by a screw or similar element, the shank of which penetrates an opening of the workpiece and can be inserted into an opposite element within the interior space. The shank of the clamping screw penetrates a sleeve of the connecting device, which is fixed within a longitudinal groove of one workpiece such that a threaded area of the clamping screw protrudes beyond the face of the workpiece and is provided with a screw head at a distance therefrom. The screw head is able to be inserted into an undercut longitudinal groove of the other workpiece. The sleeve is removably fastened within the longitudinal groove of the workpiece and is connected thereto by a groove/spring system that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A) thereof. |
| US08794858B2 |
Dispenser handle
A hand-held dispenser handle for use with tubular containers, especially unit dose or single use containers, of various liquids or viscous fluids, which provides enhanced flow and locus control. |
| US08794855B2 |
Image forming apparatus, method for determining compatibility of sheet feeder, and non-transitory computer-readable medium
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feeder attaching unit, a communication unit, a connection determining unit, an acquiring unit, a storage unit, a compatibility determining unit and a forcible unconnected control unit. The connection determining unit causes the communication unit to communicate with a communication section of a sheet feeder, and determines whether the sheet feeder is connected based on a communication result. The acquiring unit acquires attribute information of the sheet feeder. The storage unit stores attribute information of sheet feeders being compatible, in terms of control, with the image forming apparatus. The compatibility determining unit determines whether the connected sheet feeder is compatible by comparing the acquired attribute information of the connected sheet feeder with the stored attribute information. The forcible unconnected control unit establishes a forcible unconnected state between the connected sheet feeder and the image forming apparatus if the compatibility determining unit determines not-compatible. |
| US08794849B2 |
Connector system with physical security features
A connector set of discriminating receptacles and plugs, the connector set comprising a plurality of different receptacles and a plurality of different plugs for optically or electrically coupling with the different receptacles, each different plug having a unique first geometry, each different receptacle having a unique second geometry; wherein each unique first geometry corresponds to one, and only one, unique second geometry such that the plugs and receptacles having corresponding unique first and second geometries in the connector set are mating pairs; wherein each mating pair is marked with a matching visual identification different from the plugs and receptacles having different first and second geometries in the connector set, the visual identification being at least one of color, alphanumerical, or symbol. |
| US08794839B2 |
Bearing apparatus, spindle motor, and disk drive apparatus
A bearing apparatus includes a stationary shaft, a first annular member, and a rotating member. The rotating member includes a first inner circumferential surface arranged opposite to the outer circumferential surface of the stationary shaft, and a second inner circumferential surface arranged opposite to an outer circumferential surface of the first annular member. A lubricating oil is arranged in a gap between a surface of a stationary member and the rotating member. On an upper side of an upper surface of the lubricating oil, the first annular member and the rotating member are arranged radially opposite to each other with a slight gap defined therebetween, so that a labyrinth seal is defined. The labyrinth seal and a fixing range over which the stationary shaft and the first annular member are fixed to each other are arranged to overlap with each other in a radial direction. |
| US08794837B2 |
Container material including tear-compliant opening system and method of production
A composite material to be used in construction of a container includes a tear compliant area in the form of a non-bonded strip between composite material layers designed to allow a user to more easily open the package and remove the contents. The non-bonded tear compliant strip incorporated in the composite material may also embody additional tear proponents in the form of perforations, slits or other material weakening feature included in the outside layer of the material. |
| US08794835B2 |
Draw tape bag
The plastic bag with a hem and draw tape may include flexible thermoplastic sidewalls that have a network pattern imparted onto them across the side seams. In one embodiment, the network pattern is below the hem seal. In another embodiment, the network pattern covers the hem seal. The bag may also include a ribbed pattern below the network pattern. The network pattern may be continuous or discontinuous. |
| US08794834B2 |
Reclosable packaging
A package reclosing strip includes an adhesive layer that extends the full width of a flexible film strip. Formation of a dry edge on the strip, suitable for grasping by the user, is accomplished either by adhering a strip of material such as a dry tape or by the application of a liquid overcoating which chemically deadens the adhesive. The dry edge tape material is preferably made of mono-oriented polypropylene. The film strip is substantially transparent and includes graphics on the underside, beneath the adhesive coating. The graphics show through the film strip, providing visibility of the graphics from the outside. |
| US08794829B2 |
Temperature-measurement probe
An apparatus, system and method for temperature measurement of a target site, such a human body site. The invention includes an intelligent temperature probe configured to physically contact a target site and to communicate with a host device, which can be implemented as a hand-held device or as a personal computer. The host device can compute, store and display an accurate predicted temperature, or an actual temperature at thermal equilibrium, of the target site for each of a plurality of different intelligent temperature probes that each have unique and varied operating characteristics. A set of unique operating characteristics for each temperature probe is represented by information communicated between each respective temperature probe and the host device. |
| US08794823B2 |
Magnetic resonator for a mechanical timepiece
A magnetic resonator, for a timepiece, is disclosed which comprises an oscillator of the tuning-fork type having first and second branches in the form of a U of which at least a first branch supports a first permanent magnet defining a first magnetic field, an escape wheel, designed to be arranged in engagement with a watchwork gear train in order to allow it to be driven by a power source of the timepiece and, situated within range of said first permanent magnet in order to undergo the influence of the first magnetic field. In particular, provision is made for the escape wheel to be free and support at least two permanent magnets, preferably at least four, arranged so that the vibrations of the first branch of the tuning fork, on the one hand, control the rotation speed of the escape wheel and, on the other hand, are sustained periodically by the magnetic interaction between the first permanent magnet of the tuning fork and the permanent magnets of the escape wheel in order to define a free escapement. |
| US08794820B2 |
Apparatus for the heat-exchanging and mixing treatment of fluid media
An apparatus for the mixing conveying of fluids with heat exchange includes a housing with installations that each include a first hollow structure for conveying a first fluid while a second fluid is able to flow around the first hollow structure. The second fluid flows along a main flow direction which is substantially disposed along the longitudinal axis of the housing. A second hollow structure is provided through which the first fluid can flow and which can be flowed around by the second fluid with the second hollow structure being arranged cross-wise with respect to the first hollow structure. The hollow structures have a flow cross-section with a first width B1 and a second width B2, with B1/B2 being larger than one and B1 oriented normally to a plane which contains the longitudinal axis of the housing or a line parallel to the longitudinal axis and an axis of the hollow structure. |
| US08794812B2 |
Light emitting devices and applications thereof
In one aspect, the present invention provides light emitting devices, including light fixtures and luminaires. In some embodiments, a light emitting device comprises at least one light source, a lightguide operable to receive light from the at least one light source at a first location on the lightguide, at least one light extraction region optically coupled to the lightguide and a substantially non-scattering region along a portion of the lightguide. |
| US08794811B2 |
Edge-illuminated flat panel and light module for same
An apparatus comprising a transparent or translucent panel and a light module comprising a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) devices. The light module is mechanically connected to an edge of the panel with the LED devices oriented to inject light into the edge of the panel. |
| US08794809B2 |
Light injection coupler for coupling light guides
A lighting system has one or more light guides capable of guiding light, each comprising a core and two optically smooth faces. A cavity adjacent to two of the optically smooth faces has an opening and a reflective-transmissive surface opposite the opening. A cover having a light source is proximate to and occludes the opening. A major portion of any light emitted from the light source is reflected by the reflective-transmissive surface of the cavity and is injected into the light guides, and a minor portion of any light emitted by the light source is transmitted through the reflective-transmissive surfaces of the cavity and emitted from the lighting system. A light injection coupler is also disclosed that has an optically transmissive housing and suitable for use to couple ends of at least one light guide thereby making a lighting system. |
| US08794808B2 |
Illumination device with a flexible printed circuit board
An illumination device including a light emitting element and a lighting control circuit on a metal base flexible printed circuit board (FPC) that is formed by integrating a flexible metal base with a flexible printed circuit board which is formed by integrating a copper foil pattern (conductive body) with films, wherein end portions of the metal base FPC are formed as thick terminal portions so that the end portions are thicker than the metal base FPC. |
| US08794802B2 |
Waterproof apparatus for outdoor lighting with electronic device sealed in cavity of an aluminum extrusion
A waterproof apparatus includes a housing, two first covers, an electronic device and two first waterproof elements. The housing is manufactured by aluminum extrusion and configured with a cavity. The first covers are disposed in the cavity. The electronic device is disposed between the first covers in the cavity. The first waterproof elements are located at one side of one first cover, which is opposite to the other first cover. |
| US08794801B2 |
Oblique illuminator for inspecting manufactured substrates
One embodiment relates to an oblique illuminator. The oblique illuminator includes a light source emitting a light beam, a first reflective surface, and a second reflective surface. The first reflective surface has a convex cylindrical shape with a projected parabolic profile along the non-powered direction which is configured to reflect the light beam from the light source and which defines a focal line. The second reflective surface has a concave cylindrical shape with a projected elliptical profile which is configured to reflect the light beam from the first reflective surface and which defines first and second focal lines. The focal line of the first reflective surface is coincident with the first focal line of the second reflective surface. The first and second focal lines of the second reflective surface may be a same line in which case the elliptical curvature is a projected spherical profile. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed. |
| US08794800B2 |
Lamp shield
A lamp shield (1) for coupling to an illuminating device (2) includes a housing (21) and a light source (22) disposed in the housing (21). The lamp shield (1) includes a top wall (11) having a reflecting surface (114) for facing the light source (22), and a surrounding wall (12) connected to the top wall (11). The surrounding wall (12) has a light transmissive portion (121), and an engaging portion (122) respectively proximate to and distal from the top wall (11). The engaging portion (122) has at least one slit (14) extending from a bottom edge (17) thereof toward the light transmissive portion (121), and is for engaging the housing (21). The light transmissive portion (121) includes a plurality of connecting ribs (123) interconnecting the top wall (11) and the engaging portion (121), and a plurality of light-passage holes (124) alternating with the connecting ribs (123). |
| US08794796B2 |
Configurable multi-socket with thermal relief for light emitting diodes
A method and a system are disclosed for using multiple LEDs for lighting applications using a single electrical source, while reducing thermal density to keep the LEDs at a cool operating temperature. In various embodiments, an LED multi-socket may be used to power multiple LEDs. The multi-socket may include two or more socket arms to effectively distribute light and dissipate heat. In some embodiments, the multi-socket is configurable to allow deployment of additional socket arms and corresponding LEDs to adjust maximum light output. In some embodiments, the multi-socket arms are repositionable to allow flexible positioning of LEDs to improve light distribution and to avoid thermal build-up. |
| US08794794B2 |
Lamp unit and luminaire
A lighting circuit substrate is arranged in a cap so that one surface of a lighting circuit substrate and a flat portion of a cap projection are arranged so as to face each other. Also, lighting circuit components are mounted on the one surface of the lighting circuit substrate, and the lighting circuit components are arranged within the cap projection. Arrangement is such that a clearance between the lighting circuit substrate and the flat portion of the cap projection becomes larger than the height of a component whose projecting dimension from the lighting circuit substrate is the largest from among the lighting circuit components. |
| US08794787B2 |
Modular light reflectors and assemblies for luminaire
A reflector assembly for a lighting apparatus, the reflector assembly comprising two or more reflector modules configured for associating with one or more light sources, each reflector module comprising one or more reflectors for being located adjacent to alight source when the reflector module is associated with the one or more light sources, the one or more reflectors configured to reflect light from the adjacent light source. The reflector modules may further comprising a cover plate defining a plurality of light source apertures for allowing a light source to protrude through the cover plate, at least a first of the one or more light source apertures disposed adjacent to an overhead reflector and at least a second of the one or more light source apertures disposed adjacent to a lateral reflector. The reflector assembly can comprising any number of reflector modules and the reflector modules can be arranged in different configurations to create different light distributions with the same reflector modules. |
| US08794786B2 |
Lighting device, display device and television receiver
The backlight unit 12 includes cold cathode tubes 18, a chassis 14, inverter boards 20, relay connectors 21, and covers 22. The chassis 14 houses the cold cathode tubes 18. The inverter boards 20 are arranged on a side of the chassis 14 opposite from the cold cathode tubes 18. The inverter boards 20 are configured to supply drive power to the cold cathode tubes 18. The relay connectors 21 are mounted to the chassis 14. The inverter boards 20 are connected to or disconnected from the relay connectors 21 in one direction along board surfaces thereof (the X-axis direction). The relay connectors 21 are configured to relay power from the inverter boards 20 to the cold cathode tubes 18. The covers 22 are arranged between the chassis 14 and the inverter boards 20. Each cover 22 includes a movable portion 22b attached to the chassis 14 so as to be movable along the connecting direction and the disconnecting direction of the inverter board 20 to the relay connectors 21 (the X-axis direction). |
| US08794780B2 |
Lighting device with light-scattering optical member
A backlight device 12 includes cold cathode tubes 17, a chassis that houses the cold cathode tubes 17 therein and having an opening 14b through which light emitted from the cold cathode tubes exits, and a diffuser plate 15 provided so as to face the cold cathode tubes 17 and cover the opening 14b. A light reflecting portion 30 is formed on a side of the diffuser plate 15 close to the cold cathode tubes 17 so as to have different light reflectance in every surface area of a surface of the diffuser plate 15. A scattering structure 31 is formed on a side of the diffuser plate 15 opposite from the cold cathode tubes 17 and scatters the light. |
| US08794779B2 |
Lighting device, display device and television receiver
A backlight unit 12 includes LED units 17, a light guide plate 18 and a follow-up mechanism. The light guide plate 18 has light entrance surfaces 18b and a light exit surface 18a. The light entrance surfaces 18b are provided so as to face the respective LED units 17. The light exit surface 18a is provided parallel to an arrangement direction in which the LED units 17 and the light entrance surface 18b are arranged (i.e., the Y-axis direction) and such that light exits therethrough. The follow-up mechanism is configured to move the LED unit 17U in the arrangement direction in response to a deformation of the light guide plate 18. The follow-up mechanism includes a support member 20 that supports the LED unit 17U. The support member is in contact with a surface of the light guide plate 18 along the light entrance surface 18bU. |
| US08794778B2 |
Top chassis assembly and display device having the same
A top chassis assembly includes a top chassis and a contact unit. The top chassis surrounds a non-display area of a display panel. The non-display area includes a pad part through which a signal is provided to the display panel. The contact unit is disposed at an inner surface of the top chassis and contacts the pad part on the non-display area of the display panel. |
| US08794777B2 |
Light emitting device, surface illuminant, and display device
A light emitting device includes: a substrate; a semiconductor light emitting element provided on the substrate; a sealing member which covers the semiconductor light emitting element; and a lens having a plurality of convex parts and a concave part. The light emitting device emits light having a non-concentric luminance distribution made up of a plurality of bright regions and a plurality of dark regions, the non-concentric luminance distribution being observed on a plane which is parallel to the substrate. This makes it possible to provide (i) a display device which has a thin body and hardly causes unevenness in luminance and in chromaticity, and (ii) a light emitting device and (iii) a surface illuminant suitable, which are suitable for use in the display device. |
| US08794775B2 |
Camera light source mounting structures
An electronic device may be provided with an electronic component such as a camera light source containing a light-emitting diode. During operation, the light-emitting diode may produce heat. Thermally conducting elastomeric structures may have features such as sidewalls that mate with external surface of the camera light source or other electronic component to dissipate heat from the electronic component. Metal structures such as a bracket may be used to press the elastomeric structures and the electronic component towards a wall of a housing for the electronic device. Support structures may be interposed between the wall of the housing and the elastomeric structures. The support structures may have an opening that is aligned with an opening in the housing wall. Insert structures may be received within the opening in the support structures. The electronic component may be aligned with the insert structures and the opening in the support structures. |
| US08794774B2 |
Vehicle mirror assembly with wide angle element
A mirror reflective element assembly for an exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing, a reflective element, an auxiliary wide angle element and a back plate. The auxiliary wide angle element is disposed at the rear surface of a mirror substrate. A back plate mounting structure may establish a space at the mirror actuator that is sufficient for a portion of the auxiliary wide angle element to be disposed between a rear surface of the reflective element and the mirror actuator. The back plate may have at least one sealing element at least partially around a perimeter region of a wide angle element receiving portion of the back plate, and the sealing element may engage the rear surface of the mirror substrate when the back plate is attached to the reflective element and may limit intrusion of adhesive between the back plate and the mirror substrate. |
| US08794772B2 |
Proximity projector having a dust-proof cover with an anti-reflection film
A proximity projection-type projector includes a housing; a dust-proof cover arranged on a top portion of the housing; and a projection unit arranged within the housing. The projection unit projects projection light though the dust-proof cover on the housing toward a screen disposed outside the housing. An anti-reflection film forms a light incident surface of the dust-proof cover. |
| US08794768B2 |
Projection display device and method of controlling the same
A projection display device including: an image projection section configured to project an image toward a projection surface; an imaging section configured to shoot the image projected on the projection surface; a location specifying section configured to specify a location of a position indication light based on a shot image by the imaging section; and a display control section configured to set a projection range of the image to a range including an image area corresponding to the location specified by the location specifying section, and to alter the projection range of the image in accordance with the set projection range. |
| US08794767B2 |
Liquid-cooling device and projector
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a liquid-cooling device to cool an optical element in a projector includes an optical element holding member configured to allow a flow of a cooling liquid therein and to hold the optical element so as to transfer heat to the cooling liquid. A liquid pumping unit is configured to circulate the cooling liquid. Liquid circulation members are configured to connect the optical element holding member and the liquid pumping unit and to define a flow channel of the cooling liquid. A thermoelectric conversion element has a heat-absorbing surface and a heat-radiating surface. The thermoelectric conversion element is connected to the liquid-cooling device to transfer the heat from the cooling liquid to the heat-absorbing surface. |
| US08794763B2 |
Method for finding the lateral position of the fovea in an SDOCT image volume
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for finding the lateral position of the fovea in an OCT image volume. In one instance, a cost function is developed whose minimum is located at or near the foveal center. This cost function includes one or more measures of retinal layer thickness and/or measures of distance from blood vessels or a priori locations. |
| US08794762B2 |
Device and a method for measuring a characteristic reading distance of an individual in a near vision natural posture
A measurement device for measuring a characteristic reading distance of an individual in a natural posture for near vision, includes a movable reading medium presenting a plane display portion suitable for displaying signs and a measurement subassembly including at least one ultrasound emitter member and at least one ultrasound receiver member. The emitter and receiver members are carried by the reading medium, and at least one of the members, referred to as the first measurement member possesses a measurement axis along which emission or reception by the first measurement member is privileged and that is inclined relative to the plane of the display portion by an angle lying in the range 10 degrees to 80 degrees or that is inclinable relative to this plane of the display portion at least over an angular range extending from 10 degrees to 80 degrees. |
| US08794758B2 |
Retractable earplug apparatus for an eyewear assembly and a vest assembly
An eyewear temple arm apparatus for an eyewear device including an elongated body member having a proximal end portion configured to mount to the eyewear device. The temple arm apparatus includes a functional element, an elongated flexible tether; and a guide base. The base is movably mounted to the elongated body member for movement thereof along a fixed path in a direction generally longitudinally therealong between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the guide base is positioned proximate to a proximal portion of the body member, while in the second position, it is oriented proximate to a distal portion thereof. One end of the tether is mounted to the guide portion and an opposite end thereof is mounted to the functional element such that when guide base is moved between the first and second positions, the functional element is moved between a parked condition, parked relative to the body member, and an operational condition, positioning the functional element sufficiently away from the body member to enable operation thereof. |
| US08794756B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes: a upstream roller pair arranged on the upstream side of a printing head with respect to a direction in which a sheet is conveyed; and a downstream roller pair arranged on the downstream side of the printing head with respect to the direction, wherein each of the upstream roller pair and the downstream roller pair includes a first roller and a second roller configured to hold the sheet therebetween. In both of the upstream roller pair and the downstream roller pair, a rotation shaft of the second roller is provided to be situated on the downstream side of a rotation shaft of the first roller with respect to the direction. |
| US08794755B2 |
Printed matter production process, printed matter and actinic ray curable inkjet ink
A printed matter production process including ejecting droplets of an actinic ray curable inkjet ink in a heated state through a head to supply the droplets onto a recording medium, thereby forming an image, the actinic ray curable inkjet ink including a polymerizable compound, a photopolymerization initiator and a gelling agent, having a viscosity of from 60 to 200 mPasecond at 25° C. and at a shear rate of 1000/second and showing a phase transition at a temperature of not lower than 25° C., characterized in that the actinic ray curable inkjet ink includes a bifunctional polymerizable compound with a molecular weight of not lower than 400 and with a viscosity at 25° C. of not more than 100 mPasecond in an amount of not less than 75 % by mass of the total amount of the polymerizable compound. |
| US08794753B2 |
Image formation method
An image formation method includes an ink ejection process of ejecting, from an inkjet head having a liquid-repellent film on an ejection surface thereof, an ink composition including: an oxidative-treated carbon black pigment having an average primary particle diameter of 25 nm or less and having an amount of oxygen of 5 atomic % or more on a surface thereof; a water-soluble nonionic compound including at least one selected from the group consisting of an ethyleneoxy chain and a propyleneoxy chain and in which a total number of the ethyleneoxy chain and the propyleneoxy chain is from 3 to 25; and water. |
| US08794752B2 |
Inkjet printer
According to one embodiment, an inkjet printer includes an inkjet head for discharging each of a plurality of visible color inks onto a medium and discharging at least one fluorescent ink onto only portions of the medium when printing an image onto the medium, such that at least a first visible color ink of the plurality of visible color inks is discharged onto the portions of the medium, and at least a second visible color ink of the plurality of visible color inks is not discharged onto the portions of the medium. The plurality of visible color inks reflect light at respective wavelength ranges of the visible color inks. The at least one fluorescent ink reflects light at a wavelength range that is the same as a wavelength range of at least one of the plurality of visible color inks discharged from the inkjet head. |
| US08794747B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid storage unit for collecting a liquid supplied to an ejecting head is provided. The liquid is supplied to a plurality of ejecting heads via a pressure regulating valve, and the liquid is suctioned from the plurality of ejecting heads by a circulation pump, and then is discharged to the liquid storage unit. In this way, since the liquid is suctioned from each of the ejecting heads, the passage resistance is decreased, so that the ink can be appropriately circulated. In addition, since the ejecting head is supplied with the liquid at an appropriate pressure from the liquid storage unit via the pressure adjusting valve, the liquid can be appropriately ejected. |
| US08794745B2 |
Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection method
A liquid ejection method is effected in a liquid ejection head that includes an ejection orifice for ejecting a liquid, a flow path for supplying the liquid from a liquid supply port to the ejection orifice, and a heat generating element. The heat generating element is rectangular with a long-side to short-side ratio of 2.5 or more for generating thermal energy used to eject the liquid, and a longitudinal direction of the heat generating element is arranged along an extending direction of the flow path. An end portion of the heat generating element on a downstream side with respect to a liquid flowing direction within the flow path is located between an end portion of the ejection orifice on the downstream side and an end portion of the ejection orifice on an upstream side when viewed from a direction in which the liquid is ejected from the ejection orifice. |
| US08794742B2 |
Discharge head and discharge apparatus
There is provided a discharge head including: a tubular member that includes a flat portion with an oblate shape where a cross-section of a tube path extends in a first direction, the tubular member being formed so that the flat portion includes a first wall that is flat and has an actuator attached to an outside thereof and the flat portion becomes a cavity with an internal volume thereof varying due to displacement of the first wall; and a nozzle opening that is provided at one end of the tubular member and discharges a liquid substance due to variation in the internal volume of the cavity. |
| US08794741B2 |
Inkjet recording apparatus and method for controlling the same
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head, a carriage, a wiping unit, and a controller. The recording head has a discharge port face with a plurality of discharge ports to discharge ink. The carriage has the recording head mounted thereon and performs reciprocal scanning. The wiping unit includes a sheet-shaped wiping member to wipe the discharge port face and a conveying unit to convey the wiping member. The controller controls an amount of conveyance of the wiping member by the conveying unit. The controller performs control so that the conveyance amount in a first case, where a time elapsed since a last conveyance operation of the wiping member is greater than or equal to a certain time, becomes greater than the conveyance amount in a second case, where the time elapsed since the last conveyance operation of the wiping member is less than the certain time. |
| US08794740B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a carriage with a recording head, a wiper holder that holds a wiper to wipe a discharge port surface of the recording head, a latch member arranged on the wiper holder that moves between a latch position where the wiper holder is held at a wiping position and a release position where the wiper holder is released, and a latch release member that moves the latch member from the latch position to the release position. |
| US08794739B2 |
Liquid droplet jetting apparatus
A liquid droplet jetting apparatus includes: a liquid droplet jetting head having a nozzle; a cap member having a suction port and an air intake port, and being attached to the liquid droplet jetting head to cover the nozzle; a switching mechanism connected to the suction port and the air intake port of the cap member and switching the air intake port to one of a state that the air intake port communicates with the atmosphere and a state that the air intake port is disconnected from the atmosphere; and a suction mechanism connected to the switching mechanism. The switching mechanism includes: a case member having a first opening, a suction port connection portion, and an air intake port connection portion; and a switching member contained in the case member to switch a position of the switching member with respect to the case member. |
| US08794733B2 |
Recording head and recording apparatus using the recording head
The present invention provides a recording head that has a driving circuit performing driving by dividing a plurality of heaters into a plurality of blocks and supplying electric current on a block-by-block basis based on recording data; a constant current source applying a common bias current to each temperature sensor group obtained by dividing temperature sensors disposed in correspondence to each heater of a plurality of heaters into blocks; a voltage output circuit having a switching element that turns electric current supply to the temperature sensors of the selected temperature sensor group ON and OFF, and obtaining a voltage generated at both terminals of the selected temperature sensor by supplying an electric current to the temperature sensor; and an amplifier circuit amplifying the detection voltages. |
| US08794729B2 |
Image recording apparatus, image recording method, and data generation apparatus
In a mask pattern that determines whether ink is to be discharged and recorded for each pixel, a distance between recording permitting pixels at a portion employed for recording nozzles corresponding to a region where the temperature of a recording medium is relatively low after ink droplets are applied is set to be longer than a distance between recording permitting pixels at a portion employed for a recording region corresponding to a region on the recording medium other than the above-described region. |
| US08794726B2 |
Inkjet head driving device
According to one embodiment, an inkjet head driving device includes a load-voltage generating circuit and a plurality of channel driving circuits provided to respectively correspond to a plurality of channels of an inkjet head. The load-voltage generating circuit selects any one voltage out of a reference voltage and a driving voltage having potential other than the reference voltage and outputs the voltage. Each of the channel driving circuits includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal, a third input terminal, an output terminal, a series circuit, and a parallel circuit. |
| US08794725B2 |
Direct acting vacuum control ink system
A piezoelectric DOD printing system including a piezoelectric-based print engine, a micro pump, an ink line, a vacuum sensor, and control circuitry. The micro pump delivers ink from a cartridge reservoir to the print engine. The ink line fluidly connects an outlet of the micro pump with an inlet of the print engine. The vacuum sensor is fluidly connected to the ink line. The control circuitry is electrically coupled to the vacuum sensor and programmed to control operation of the print engine and the micro pump. The control circuitry activates and deactivates the micro pump based upon information from the vacuum sensor. |
| US08794722B2 |
Drawer assembly for an appliance
A drawer assembly for an appliance is provided. The drawer assembly includes a container for receipt of items for storage and a linkage assembly positioned below the container. The container is supported by the linkage assembly such that the container is moveable along a transverse direction on the linkage assembly. |
| US08794720B2 |
Method for the secured release of an electromechanically actuable parking brake
A method to limit overheating of a brake equipped with an electromechanically actuable parking brake including the steps of: driving a threaded spindle by an electric motor until a power drain (Imax), corresponding to a brake application force (F), is reached; detection of a travel distance (x0) of the piston corresponding to the brake application force (F) of the brake caliper in a locked state; determination of a second travel distance (x1) by adding a further travel distance value (x11), which corresponds to the desired clearance value, to form (x0); driving of the electric motor until the second travel distance (x1) has been covered by the brake piston; and comparing the vehicle speed with a predefined first speed value, at the upward transgression of which the electric motor is driven once more in the release direction until a further, previously defined travel distance (x12) has been covered. |
| US08794718B2 |
Valve unit for an electro-pneumatic brake control device for controlling a parking brake
A valve unit for an electro-pneumatic brake control is connected to an input of an air-quantity-boosting valve for the aeration/venting thereof. A double-armature solenoid valve includes primary and secondary armatures each spring-loaded and actuated by a common magnet coil. The primary armature is a switch for a vent valve; the secondary armature is a switch for an intake valve. When the coil is not drawing current, the armatures are in spring-loaded position, the intake valve blocking intake and the vent valve venting. When a first current flows through the coil, the primary armature enters switching position, with the secondary armature in spring-loaded position; the intake valve blocking intake and the vent valve blocking venting. When a second current greater than the first flows through the coil, both primary and secondary armatures are moved into switching positions, so that the intake valve admits air and the vent valve blocks venting. |
| US08794714B2 |
Bicycle wheel having flexible spokes
A spoked wheel is described that uses flexible spokes having a termination on each end that couple with a rim using nipples. The flexible spokes are supported mid-span by a hub flange cradle that transfers torque from the hub to the rim via two sub-spokes. The hub flange cradle determines whether a sub-spoke is tangential or radial. A plurality of spokes may be used on each side of the wheel. |
| US08794710B2 |
Deep undersea mining system and mineral transport system
Systems and methods for recovering manganese nodules from the seabed are disclosed. A buoyant body is generated by freezing water, forming a clathrate ice, or using a liquid that is less dense than seawater. Nodules that have been collected from the seabed are incorporated into or otherwise coupled to the buoyant body. The buoyant body is then released to make a free or tethered ascent to the surface. |
| US08794709B2 |
Child restraint devices for use with seats
A child restraint device may include, in one embodiment, a base member and a back member. The back member may be foldably attached to the base member such that the base member and the back member may be folded together. The child restraint device may also include at least one back member securing belt and at least one base member securing belt. Moreover, the child restraint device may include a restraint harness disposed between the base member and the back member. The restraint harness may include an adjustable shoulder portion attached to the back member and an adjustable lap portion attached to the base member. |
| US08794708B2 |
Motor vehicle seat upholstery formation
The invention relates to the upholstery of a seat element for a motor vehicle and to the method of creating it, in which method a foam support block is produced to fit a frame element; a cover element is created by cold-forming a foam sprayed onto a polypropylene substrate and attached on the reverse side of a textile material in the form of a skin or synthetic material to define the visible shape of the seat element; and the cover element is attached to the support block. |
| US08794707B2 |
Adjusting device for a seat and method of operating an adjusting device
An adjusting device for a seat comprises at least one fluid chamber and a valve assembly in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. Each fluid chamber is configured to be installed in the seat to adjust at least a portion of the seat upon inflation or deflation. The at least one fluid chamber comprises a first fluid chamber. The valve assembly comprises a check valve and a 3/2-way valve. A first port of the 3/2-way valve is in fluid communication with the check valve, and a second port of the 3/2-way valve is in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber. |
| US08794706B2 |
Leg rest assembly for a chair
A leg rest assembly includes two connecting boards fixed to an underside of a seat of a chair. An actuation rod unit and a link unit are mounted to each connecting board. A rear end of each link unit is pivotably connected to one of the connecting boards and one of the actuation rod units. Each link unit has a slot aligned with a guiding groove of one of the connecting boards. A guiding rod extends through the slot of each link unit, the guiding groove of each connecting board, and each actuation rod unit. A mounting plate is pivotably connected to a front end of each link unit. An operative rod is operable to cause movement of the actuation rod units and to move the mounting plate between a first position in front of the base and a second position received in a compartment between the connecting boards. |
| US08794705B2 |
Headrest for vehicle seats
The invention relates to a headrest for motor vehicle seats, comprising an upholstery support (2), a support rod (3) displaceably arranged relative to the upholstery support (2), connecting the headrest (1) to a backrest of the motor vehicle seat and at least two bearing elements (4) arranged in the longitudinal axial direction of the support rod (3), spaced apart from one another on the upholstery support (2) and at least partially encompassing the support rod (3), for guiding the support rod (3), the bearing elements (4) being elastically pretensioned in the direction of the support rod (3). In order to provide a headrest which permits a rattle-free arrangement of the upholstery support on the support rod and which has easy adjustability, it is provided that the bearing elements (4) comprise guide webs (20) distributed over their inner periphery, protruding toward the support rod (3) and extending in the longitudinal axial direction of the support rod (3). |
| US08794702B2 |
Rotating seat
A rotating seat for suspension from a play set structure includes a seat body rotatable about a generally vertical axis with an upper seating surface configured to support a user, an elongated suspending element configured to support the seat body from the play set structure, and a handle assembly operably coupled with the suspending element to cause rotation of the seat body relative to the axis upon actuation by the user. The suspending element extends substantially vertically, presents opposite upper and lower end margins, is configured to operably couple with the play set structure along the upper end margin, and is operably coupled with the seat body at a location spaced from the upper end margin. A damped pivot connection assembly configured to operably secure the suspending element with the play set structure and allow restrained pivoting movement of the suspending element relative to a fixed bracket of the connection assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08794700B2 |
Mounting assembly for securing an entertainment device to a vehicle seat
A mounting assembly for securing an entertainment device to a vehicle seat having a pair of spaced headrest post guides extending through a top surface of the vehicle seat is provided. The mounting assembly includes a first bracket member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end and the second end each configured to attach to a respective headrest post guide with the first bracket member extending between the headrest post guides. A second bracket member is configured to support an entertainment device and is slidingly attached to the first bracket member and is selectively securable between forward and aft locations relative to the first bracket member to position the entertainment device rearwardly of the vehicle seat. |
| US08794697B2 |
Motor vehicle with a draft deflector cassette
A motor vehicle has a cowl (1) with an upper frame part (2) and a closable vehicle roof opening (27) in the region of the upper frame part (2). The cowl (1) has a draft deflector cassette (6) for movably mounting a draft deflector. An interior lining (10) and a frame seal (9) are connected to a side of the upper frame part (2) that faces an interior of the vehicle and a decorative seal (17) interacts with the interior lining (10). The draft deflector cassette (6) is arranged between the frame seal (9) and the decorative seal (17). The draft deflector cassette can be placed, with simple installation, in a visually attractive manner in the region of the upper frame part (2) of the cowl frame. |
| US08794692B1 |
Gull wing door assembly for all-terrain vehicles
A gull wing door assembly for an all-terrain utility vehicle (UTV) includes a hinge assembly configured to attach to an upper portion of the cage of the UTV, the hinge assembly having a rotational axis substantially parallel to the ground when attached to the cage, and a door configured to movably attach to the hinge assembly. The door may have a frame, one or more panels, a latch, and a lift-assist device such as a gas-strut. |
| US08794688B2 |
Door assembly for a vehicle
A door assembly for a vehicle is provided and may include a door selectively movable relative to the vehicle between an open state and a closed state. A first track may slidably support the door relative to the vehicle between the open state and the closed state and a second track may be spaced apart from the first track, may slidably support the door relative to the vehicle between the open state and the closed state, and may include a first track portion and a second track portion. The first track portion may be operable to slide relative to the second track portion when the door is moved a predetermined distance relative to the vehicle. |
| US08794684B2 |
Extended range single-joint elevator
An oilfield elevator is disclosed and has first and second body halves pivotally-coupled at a hinge and moveable between an open position and a closed position to receive and move a tubular segment. Slips are slidably received within corresponding tapered slots in the elevator and are configured to translate vertically within the tapered slots and, at the same time, radially so as to be able to capture a wider range of tubular having varied outside diameters. Tension handles are pivotally-coupled to the first and second body halves and moveable between locked and unlocked positions. Locking the tension handles engages the slips via biasing members, and forces the slips into radial contact with the tubular segment. Unlocking the tension handles releases the biasing members. |
| US08794681B2 |
Gate locking device
A gate locking device is easy to operate, tamper proof and kid friendly. The gate locking device can be used on gates that are on both on a leveled area, or with gates that are on grade. The gate locking device includes locking flanges that and rotate and/or pivot to align to allow a lock to be secured thereto. The gate locking device further includes drop bolts that can lock in place into a ground slot. The gate locking device can be used in a single gate design or a dual gate design. |
| US08794678B2 |
Vibration damper for vacuum pumps
In a vibration damper of a turbomolecular vacuum pump, a vacuum tightness function and a vibration damping function are both performed by one or more toroidal rings made of an elastic material. The elastic rings assume a resting configuration while the vacuum pump is not operating and the damper is at atmospheric pressure, and they assume a compressed configuration while the vacuum pump is operating and the damper is under vacuum conditions. In the compressed configuration, the elastic rings are deformed due to a compression force. This deformation of the elastic rings prevents metal-to-metal contact between the vacuum pump and a vacuum chamber to which the pump is connected through the damper. |
| US08794676B2 |
Device and method for connecting fluid conduits
A connector for connecting a first conduit to a second conduit including a body having a passageway therethrough, a first cavity and a second cavity, a first sealing member, a second sealing member, a first compression, a second compression fitting, a first set of one or more keys and one or more mated key ways for preventing rotation of the first conduit when the first sealing member is compressed, and a second set of one or more keys and one or more mated key ways for preventing rotation of the second conduit when the second sealing member is compressed, wherein each of the first cavity and the second cavity in the body is configured to receive one of the sealing members or a detachable holder configured to receive one of the sealing members. |
| US08794674B2 |
Security element and method for the production thereof
The present invention relates to a security element (20) for securing valuable articles, in which a thin-film element (32) having a color-shift effect and a relief pattern (26) present in an embossing lacquer layer (24) are stacked, the embossing lacquer layer (24) having the relief pattern (26) is metalized (28) in sub-regions, and the relief pattern (26) of the partially metalized embossing lacquer layer (24, 28) is leveled with a transparent lacquer layer (30) whose refractive index substantially corresponds to the refractive index of the embossing lacquer layer (24). |
| US08794670B2 |
Mobile work appliance with a supporting structure
The invention relates to a mobile work device, particularly a mobile concrete pump. The work device comprises essentially a chassis (12), two front and two rear support booms (38, 40) that can be moved out from a transport position into at least one working position relative to the chassis (12) and have a support leg (42) that can be supported on a substratum, in each instance, raising the chassis, as well as a drive unit (47) for controlling work assemblies and/or the support booms. A particular feature of the invention consists in that at least one of the support booms (40) having a beam profile or hollow-chamber profile has a transverse perforation (48) that can be configured as a housing for an ancillary assembly (52) of the drive unit, for example. |
| US08794669B2 |
Break away dash panel
A dash assembly for the occupant area of a vehicle including a stationary section, a moveable section, first interface and a second interface is provided. The moveable section includes at least one contact zone configured to be engaged by a driver's knee in the event of an accident to absorb forces from the driver's knee. The first interface is between the stationary section and the moveable section and secures the moveable section to the stationary section at a first location. The second interface is between the stationary section and the moveable section and secures the moveable section to the stationary section at a second location spaced away from the first location. The second interface is configured to release prior to the first interface upon sufficient forces being applied to the at least one contact zone during an accident. |
| US08794667B2 |
Road vehicle front airbag
A front airbag for a road vehicle; the front airbag having: a stowage compartment formed in a front portion of the dashboard of the road vehicle; a bag normally deflated and folded inside the stowage compartment; and a generator which is housed inside the stowage compartment, is connected to the bag, and inflates the bag in the event of collision; the inflated bag has a longitudinal depth that decreases substantially in a thrust direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the road vehicle. |
| US08794665B2 |
Inflator, module including an inflator, vehicle safety system and method of operating a vehicle occupant protection system
A vehicle safety system includes a module including an airbag and an inflator. The inflator includes a housing (12) in which a combustion chamber (16) containing a pyrotechnic propellant is arranged in which hot gas is generated and which housing includes at least one escape orifice (22) toward the environment of the inflator (10), as well as a coolant reservoir (24) arranged in the housing (12) in which coolant is accommodated prior to activation of the inflator (10) and which has at least one coolant outlet orifice (28′). The coolant outlet orifice (28) is arranged in direct vicinity of the outlet orifice (22). Upon activation of the inflator (10) coolant flows out of the inflator into the protection system and wets an adjacent wall (32) of the protection system against which also the hot gas is flowing. |
| US08794660B1 |
Ride-on vehicle with operator access assist bar
An assist handle for assisting an operator with climbing on to, or off of, a ground maintenance vehicle such as a mower, and a ground maintenance vehicle incorporating the same. The assist handle includes, in one embodiment, a grip portion movable between a deployed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a deployed elevation configured to assist the operator with ingress to, or egress from, a platform such as a seat; and a stowed position, wherein the grip portion is positioned at a stowed elevation lower than the deployed elevation. |
| US08794658B2 |
Suspension system for a ski
Suspension systems are provided for skis. In some implementations, the suspension system includes a spring-like element and a support structure configured to attach one end of the spring-like element to the central half of the longitudinal running length of a ski body. The spring-like element is configured so that the opposite end of the spring-like element contacts the ski body at a contact point on the front-most or rear-most fifth of the longitudinal running length of the ski body, and applies a downward force at the contact point such that the degree of free camber of the ski is increased relative to the natural free camber of the ski body without the suspension system attached. |
| US08794656B2 |
Trailer towing system with adjustable drawbar
A trailer converter dolly includes a frame bearing a fifth wheel supported by a suspension mechanism, an axle assembly, and a wheel assembly. A drawbar housing secured to the front of the frame moveably receives a drawbar which is configured to move toward and away from a leading truck or trailer, thus adjusting the distance between the towed trailer attached to the trailer converter dolly and a leading truck or trailer. A speed sensor determines the speed of the trailer converter dolly and provides one or more signals relating to the speed of the trailer converter dolly. An automatic adjusting mechanism associated with the moveable drawbar moves the drawbar in response to the one or more speed signals provided by the speed sensor. |
| US08794646B1 |
Vehicle structure
A vehicle structure includes: a suspension member for supporting a suspension mechanism of a vehicle; a rear-portion support member (inner members, a dash panel) provided above a rear portion of the suspension member and supporting the suspension member; a fastening member for fastening the rear portion of the suspension member to the rear-portion support member; and a latching member provided in the fastening member and latching thereto the rear portion of the suspension member to be displaced in a vehicle lower direction due to an impact load toward a vehicle rearward direction, so as to transmit, to the fastening member, a load toward the vehicle lower direction. |
| US08794645B2 |
Liquid crystal television and corresponding moving device thereof
The present invention provides a moving device for LCTV, which includes: a base, disposed with a plurality of rollers; two support racks, disposed on the base; each support rack being disposed with a support base, the support base at least extending partially into the enhanced beam of the backplane of the LCTV to be moved. The present invention also provides an LCTV disposed with enhanced beams on the backplane. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the moving device is easy to operate and low cost for moving large-size LCTV. |
| US08794643B2 |
Toy vehicle
A toy vehicle includes a body and a left front wheel, a right front wheel, a left rear wheel, and a right rear wheel, with each of these wheels being coupled with the body and rotatable relative to the body. The toy vehicle also includes a caster assembly that includes a swivel-type caster. The swivel-type caster is coupled with the body and includes at least one rotatable wheel. The swivel-type caster is swivelable relative to the body and is movable vertically relative to the body between a raised position and a lowered position. |
| US08794637B2 |
Seal
An annular sealing element to seal between metal surfaces for use in flanges, joints, packers and the like, located in oil and gas exploration and production equipment. The sealing element has inner and outer metal deformable surfaces joined at ends, defining an interior volume which is entirely filled with a plastic deformable material. The surfaces are arranged such that on compression of the element from the ends, the element will deform in a controlled manner on a cantilever principle. The volume of filler and the interior volume remain substantially equal during compression so that delamination does not occur. Thus the sealing element provides a seal combining the flexibility of elastomer seals with the integrity of a metal to metal seal. |
| US08794636B2 |
Self-sealing flexible seal for sealing inner surface of tube and movable body for inside tube equipped with said seal
A self-sealing flexible seal includes a seal component A and a seal component B, each being hollow ball-like. In the portion of two pole parts of the each seal component, there is one annular opening per pole. The form of two seal components is similar figures, and two seal components are formed from a flexible material. The seal component A is arranged on the outside of the seal component B. The seal component A and the seal component B are arranged by a two-sheet pile, and are arranged in the state where it moreover contacted. Each of the seal component A and the seal component B possesses the slits of N pieces which have similar figures, the form of each slit is the form prolonged from the near side of the annular opening to the near side of another annular opening. |
| US08794634B1 |
Seal assembly with anti-rotation pin for high pressure supercritical fluids
A seal assembly for sealing a machine with a first chamber and a second chamber is provided. A rotating shaft extends through the first and second chambers, and rotates therein. The seal assembly has a seal housing, a seal ring and a seal pin. The seal housing is positionable in the machine housing. The seal housing has a seal pocket extending into a fluid side thereof, and a housing receptacle extending into an inner diameter thereof at the seal pocket. The seal ring is positionable in the seal pocket of the seal housing for forming a seal therewith. The seal ring has a ring receptacle extending into an outer diameter thereof. The ring receptacle is positionable adjacent to the housing receptacle for defining a pin hole therebetween. The seal pin is loosely positionable in the pin hole whereby movement about the seal ring is accommodated while preventing rotation thereof. |
| US08794633B2 |
Leaf seal
A leaf seal assembly provides a fluidic seal between a first and second member and includes first and second cover plates defining a channel, with a first and second edge, respectively. A plurality of leaf elements are located within the channel, each element having first and second edges adjacent to the first and second cover plates, respectively and a projecting portion of each element extends beyond both edges. A fluid flow in a first direction causes the leaf elements to move away from the first member to create a fluid passage between the elements and the member, allowing a flow through the seal in the first direction; and a fluid flow in a second direction causes the leaf elements to move towards the first member such that a third edge of the projecting portion of each element contacts the member, opposing the flow through the seal in the second direction. |
| US08794631B2 |
Method of manufacturing of a compliant plate seal assembly
A compliant plate seal manufacturing method is provided. The method includes assembling a plurality of compliant plates and a plurality of spacer shims into a weld fixture, thereby forming a leaf pack having a front and rear end and sides and a curvature, welding the sides of the leaf pack to hook plates on the weld fixture, removing a portion of the weld fixture, removing a portion of the hook plates and applying a radial flow plate to the leaf pack. |
| US08794628B1 |
Method and apparatus for playing a poker-style game
A method and apparatus for playing a poker-style game including dealing cards to an initial dealer hand with one card face up and one card face down, and dealing cards to an initial player hand. The method may include receiving a further wager from the player that comprises a call wager from the player or a surrender by the player of a fraction of the raise wager, and dealing at least one community card face up. The method may include determining a player hand ranking by forming a best player hand as a subset of the initial player hand and the at least one community card, determining a dealer hand ranking by forming a best dealer hand as a subset of the initial dealer hand and the at least one community card, and comparing the player hand ranking and dealer hand ranking to determine a winner. |
| US08794624B2 |
Method and apparatus for a pneumatic baffle to selectively direct a cut media in a media feed system
An approach is provided for directing a cut media in a media feed system. The approach involves causing, at least in part, a media to be fed through an incoming media path. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, air to be supplied through an air input configured to input air along a curved baffle positioned between the incoming media path and at least a first outgoing media path. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, the media to take one of the first outgoing media path and a second outgoing media path based, at least in part, on an interaction between the air supplied through the air input and the curved baffle. |
| US08794614B2 |
Expandable workbench and a method of use
An expandable workbench that includes one or more expansion members slidingly connected to a frame, with the one or more expansion members expandable in a plane P between a first retracted position and a second expanded position. The workbench also includes a plurality of receiving members, each of which includes a receiving groove with a longitudinal axis L, with the longitudinal axis of the receiving grooves being at least pair wise parallel to each other and the plane P, and each of the one or more expansion members being equipped with one of the plurality of receiving members, such that the expansion members expand diagonally from the center of the frame. |
| US08794613B2 |
Device and method for aligning and holding a plurality of singulated semiconductor components in receiving pockets of a terminal carrier
In a device and a method for aligning and holding a plurality of singulated semi-conductor components in receiving pockets of a terminal carrier that are separated from each other, the terminal carrier has spring elements, which are part of a spring plate. The spring plate has a plurality of recesses disposed next to each other for forming a corresponding plurality of receiving pockets for the semi-conductor components, wherein the spring elements are formed from the spring plate in one piece. |
| US08794608B2 |
Vibration isolation apparatus
To provide a vibration isolation apparatus which prevents a vibration isolation leg from being pushed by a resin material injected in a resin molding process and to prevent generation of resin burrs. Because a rubber notch is formed in a first molding product, when the first molding product is placed in a resin mold in an insert molding process, the pressure of the flowing resin material injected in the resin mold through the injection gate can be relieved and thus first wall covering rubber parts may be less pushed by the resin material. This reduces positional deviation of a vibration isolation leg and sealing errors caused by deformation of the first wall covering rubber parts, and thus generation of resin burrs can be suppressed. |
| US08794606B2 |
Liquid sealed vibration isolating device
A liquid sealed vibration isolating device has an elastically movable diaphragm capable of preventing elastic deformation of a relief valve to realize high damping while preventing a cavitation phenomenon. The relief valve is provided in the elastic movable diaphragm arranged in a partition member in order to open and close a leak passage so as to prevent occurrence of the cavitation phenomenon. The relief valve is integrally formed with a fixing portion of the elastic movable diaphragm. There is provided an upwardly open concavity that the relief valve faces. The relief valve is made thicker and provided with an opening and closing adjustment groove at a basal portion of its inclined wall. The opening and closing adjustment groove is formed with a locally thin bending portion functioning as a starting point of bending in an opening and closing operation of the relief valve. |
| US08794597B1 |
Breaching tools for entry of doors and windows
A breaching tool for use by law enforcement or emergency personnel has a curving, tapered wedge at a first end, extending approximately perpendicularly from a tool handle, and providing a striking surface for driving the wedge between a door and door frame, for example. At an opposite end is a tapered chisel tail end, preferably with a claw for pulling nails or other fasteners. The tool may include a loop handle, generally in a trapezoid configuration connected to the main tool shaft, for manipulating the tool in service. |
| US08794596B2 |
Wire tensioner
A wire tensioner includes a plurality of rods that apply a tensile force to a plurality of wires. A fluid pressure providing means applies fluid pressure to the plurality of rods to apply the tensile force to the plurality of wires. A fluid control means is connected to the fluid providing means and to the plurality of rods to separately control a fluid pressure applied to each of the plurality of rods. |
| US08794593B2 |
Gate valve assembly with an axially flexible seat
A gate valve assembly having metallic valve seats that are axially resilient and maintain a static sealing interface between the valve seat and a body pocket and a sliding dynamic sealing interface between the valve seat and a gate in the valve assembly. The valve seats are annular members having slots formed radially through the valve seats from the inner and outer circumferences. Sleeves may be provided that are coaxial to the valve seats; the sleeves may be on the inner surface of the valve seats, outer surface of the valve seats, or both. Shims may optionally be set in the slots. |
| US08794592B2 |
Bidirectional pressure self-balancing stop valve
The present invention discloses a bidirectional pressure self-balancing stop valve, comprising a valve body, a valve disc, a press ring, a valve bonnet, a valve rod and a balance hole, in which the valve disc is located inside the valve body chamber, the press ring is threadedly disposed on the upper side of the valve body chamber, the valve bonnet is fixedly connected with the valve body, the valve rod passes through the valve bonnet and the lower end of the valve rod is movably connected with the valve disc. The excircle of the valve disc, the press ring and the valve body form an annular groove, inside which is disposed with a composite seal ring that is high temperature resistant or corrosion resistant. The composite seal ring includes an upper washer, an upper seal ring, an upper distance ring, a blocking ring, a lower distance ring, a lower seal ring and a lower washer from top to bottom. The invention uses a bidirectional self-sealing structure. As the high temperature resistant composite seal ring is made of high temperature resistant sealing material with low density, the similar pressure self-sealing property of O or Y-shaped seal rings can also be obtained and then the sealing quality and sealing lifespan will be durable and reliable. In addition, the corrosion resistant composite seal ring made of corrosion resistant sealing material can be used in many corrosive environments. |
| US08794589B2 |
Actuator having an override apparatus
Actuators having override apparatus are described herein. An example actuator having an override apparatus includes a first actuator stem coupled to a control actuation member. The override apparatus is operatively coupled to the actuator. A spring is coupled to an override member to move the first actuator stem to a predetermined position in response to an override condition. |
| US08794588B1 |
High pressure actuator regulating valve
An actuator regulating valve apparatus comprising an actuator assembly operably installed within a valve body assembly, a bellows assembly operably installed adjacent to the actuator assembly, a biasing assembly operably installed on the valve body assembly substantially opposite the bellows assembly and configured to bias the apparatus closed, and a non-compressible liquid filling the apparatus about a bellows of the bellows assembly and the effective working surface of a piston of the actuator assembly and communicating therebetween through an orifice. Alternatively, an actuator rolling diaphragm is configured so as to partially cover the piston and to have a convolution loop supported by a U-shaped insert within a groove about the piston. Further alternatively, a balancing diaphragm sub-assembly of the biasing assembly acts on a pushrod of the actuator assembly to produce a force substantially equal and opposite to the pressure in an inlet side of the apparatus. |
| US08794587B2 |
Mounting apparatus
A mounting apparatus includes a mounting pin having first and second ends, and a support having first and second sides. The support includes a passage between the first and second sides for receiving the mounting pin so that the first end of the pin protrudes from the first side and the second end of the pin protrudes from the second side. The second end of the pin engages an article to be mounted by the mounting apparatus. The first end rotates the pin about the axis of the pin to vary the position of a mounted article. A clamping plate clamps the first end of the mounting pin to the first side of the support for securing the rotational position of the pin with respect to the support. |
| US08794585B2 |
Compact coulomb damper
A coulomb damper is attached to a component of an exhaust system. The inner surface of the coulomb damper is in intimate contact with the outer surface of the component of the exhaust system. The intimate contact is defined by a pair of weld lines extending along an axial length of the coulomb damper in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the intimate contact is defined by at least a three point contact between the coulomb damper and the component of the exhaust system. |
| US08794584B2 |
Rubber mount
A rubber mount includes a cylindrical rubber member (6) formed with an annular groove (12) to engage a component part (4) to be supported, and a threaded bolt (7) passed through a central axial bore (11) of the rubber member and having a threaded part (24) in a forward end thereof to be threaded into a base member (1). The intermediate part is provided with a larger diameter than the threaded part, and a pair of annular grooves (25, 26) are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the intermediate part. The rubber member is axially compressed by the head (21, 22) of the threaded bolt when the threaded bolt is fully threaded into the hole. The rubber mount consists a small number of component parts, and is easy to install, but is still able to firmly support the component part and provide a favorable vibration insulation capability. |
| US08794581B2 |
Clip for construction machinery, having a latch that moves in multiple directions
A clip for a construction machine is provided, which prevents the damage of a fastening structure of a connector and facilitates the release of the connector when the connector is fastened to the clip using a connector fastening structure having the same shape in upper, lower, left, and right directions and a moving latch provided in the clip, in the case where the connector that is included in various kinds of wires and signal cables is mounted using the clip that is fixed to a structure of a vehicle of the construction machine. In addition, the clip has a structure whereby two connectors can be simultaneously fastened to one click using the fastening structure having the same shape, and the connector can be fixed to the clip in a desired direction without twisting of the wires using the fastening structure having the same shape in left and right directions. |
| US08794579B2 |
Support arm assembly
An assembly for supporting a device for movement between several positions, the assembly comprising a first four-bar subassembly including proximate and distal ends and a second four-bar subassembly including proximate and distal ends and first and second link members that pivot about substantially parallel axis, the distal end of the first four-bar subassembly linked to the proximate end of the second four-bar subassembly for rotation about an additional axis that is substantially perpendicular to the parallel axis. |
| US08794570B2 |
Protecting device for an aircraft exterior probe
A device (10) for protection of an external probe (12) of an aircraft that projects through an opening (14) that is made in the outside surface (16) of the aircraft. The protective device (10) includes a rigid flange (22) for attachment to the outside surface (16) of the aircraft and a flexible envelope (24) for protection of the probe. The flange is attached by rapid attachment elements to the outside surface of the aircraft. |
| US08794569B1 |
Overhead accommodations for aircraft
An accessible storage, rest, or work accommodation for an aircraft having a passenger cabin with a ceiling and a crown space above the ceiling, comprising: (a) a compartment in the crown space having at least one bunk; (b) an aperture in the passenger cabin ceiling, connecting the compartment to the passenger cabin; (c) a landing positioned below a floor of the compartment, below at least a portion of the aperture, inside the passenger cabin module; and (d) stairs or a ladder leading from the landing to a floor of the passenger cabin. |
| US08794564B2 |
Vehicle capable of in-air and on-ground mobility
In specific embodiments, a vehicle propellable through fluids or along surfaces, comprises a main work section and a plurality of propulsion units for propelling the main work section. The main work section supports one or more payloads. The propulsion units each include a rotor system and a ring-shaped wheel at least partially arranged about the rotor system and rotatable about the rotor system. The ring-shaped wheel is arranged at a banked angle relative to the rotor system. |
| US08794563B2 |
Integrated connector assembly for a rotary apparatus
A rotary apparatus comprises a rotary bobbin, a processing component fixedly attached to the bobbin and connectors fixedly connected to the processing component. At least one helical groove is located along the bobbin wherein the connectors are housed. A motor coupled to the processing component is operative to rotate the processing component together with the bobbin in two opposite rotary directions. |
| US08794557B2 |
Electric seasoning mill
An electric seasoning mill includes a grinding mechanism that is driven by a driving mechanism to grind seasonings, and a control unit that includes a control seat, a control element disposed in and movable relative to the control seat, and a resilient element disposed for biasing the control seat away from the driving mechanism. When the control seat is pressed toward the driving mechanism, the electric seasoning mill is operable from a power-off state, where the control element is away from the driving mechanism, to a power-on state, where the electric seasoning mill is convertible between activating and deactivating positions for controlling contact between the control element and the driving mechanism. |
| US08794555B2 |
Vegetable cutting machine
The machine disclosed herein is a vegetable cutting machine. It includes a base that houses a motor which activates the drive shaft of the cutting disks; a cover that closes off the base and that houses a cutting disk; a food feeder part joined to the cover in a way that allows dismounting; a food feeder mouth; and a curvilinear presser with a cylindrical tube projecting therefrom which is housed inside the feeder mouth. The presser is dismountable as a result of removable shaft. The presser has a turning handle at the end opposite the folding end thereof. The machine also includes a blocking device between the food feeder and the cover. The machine further incorporates a single support for the motor and all of the driving and motion transmission components. Lastly, the presser incorporates a safety lever which activates the power supply switch of the motor. |
| US08794551B2 |
Method for multiplexing the electrospray from a single source resulting in the production of droplets of uniform size
The present invention is directed to a multiplex system for electrospraying an electrosprayable fluid to produce essentially uniform droplets in the cone-jet mode from multiple cone-jets anchored at the outlet of at least one atomizer when the at least one atomizer is in the presence of an electric field. The system comprises at least one electrode spaced from the outlet of the at least one atomizer such that the electric field is between the outlet of the at least one atomizer and the at least one electrode. The at least one atomizer is shaped for intensifying the electric field at discrete points at its outlet such that the electrosprayable fluid partitions into multiple monodispersed cone-jet electrosprays that anchor to the discrete points about the outlet of the at least one atomizer when a sufficiently intense electric field is present. |
| US08794550B2 |
Fuel injection valve
An fuel injection valve has: a needle housed in a valve body in a reciprocable manner; an injection hole plate attached to a front end portion of the valve body, the plate having an injection hole connecting an inside and an outside of the valve body; and a valve sheet which the needle is attached to or detached from so as to close or open a fuel flow path that reaches the injection hole of the injection hole plate through an outer circumference of the needle. The injection hole plate has a recessed portion dented in an axial direction of the needle so as to cause fuel flowing toward the injection hole through the valve sheet to descend lower than a height of an inlet port of the injection hole and then, to turn to ascension so as to reach the inlet port of the injection hole on the injection hole plate. |
| US08794547B2 |
Smart solenoid compound gun driver and automatic calibration method
A device for calibrating a spray gun and an associated method are provided. The spray gun has a nozzle that is opened and closed by moving an internal needle out of and into sealing engagement therewith. A virtual position of the needle is tracked and recorded. The control system is recalibrated when the virtual position and the actual position of the needle do not correspond. The device includes a sensor structured to detect characteristics of the current used to power the solenoid, and to identify an anomaly in solenoid current characteristics associated with an actuator member seating against the solenoid. The solenoid is placed in a calibration configuration and the identifiable anomaly is detected. When the identifiable anomaly is detected, the spray gun is returned to an initial configuration and the virtual needle position is reset. The virtual needle position and the actual needle position are then calibrated. |
| US08794546B2 |
Adjustable sprayer
An adjustable sprayer comprising a fitting that includes a connector portion, an elongate cylindrical portion extending from the connector portion, and a bore formed longitudinally through the fitting. The sprayer includes a nozzle having a sleeve portion configured to receive the fitting's cylindrical portion whereby the nozzle is moveable, longitudinally, along the cylindrical portion between first and second spray positions. The nozzle includes a primary outlet and at least one secondary outlet radially spaced from the primary outlet. The cylindrical portion is in fluid communication with only the primary outlet when the nozzle is in the first spray position, and the cylindrical portion is in fluid communication with both the primary and secondary outlets when the nozzle is in the second spray position. |
| US08794539B2 |
Apparatus and method for operating pressure-compensated drippers at low flow rates
Apparatus for operating a group of normally closed, pressure compensated drippers at relatively low liquid flow rates includes a pulsating device having an inlet and an outlet that converts a low continuous liquid flow rate entering its inlet, through a flow control unit, to a high intermittent and pulsating flow rate ejected through its outlet. A manifold has an inlet connected to the outlet of the pulsating device, a group of normally-closed, pressure-compensated drippers being connected to the manifold. The pulsating device converts a low continuous flow rate of liquid entering its inlet, through the flow control unit, to a high intermittent and pulsating flow rate that ejects from its outlet and flows from its outlet through the manifold inlet and through the normally-closed, pressure-compensated group of drippers connected to the manifold, out from the drippers, at a pressure-compensated low flow rate. |
| US08794536B2 |
Multiple suction cup stored-value card for securing an electronic device on a surface
A mounting apparatus permits easy and quick attachment and removal of a portable electronic device to smooth surfaces for self-photos or videos, for example. A flat panel/card holds multiple, mini, double-sided suction cup units. One side of each cup unit may be connected to a portable electronic device such as a smart phone, or other lightweight digital media device with a smooth LCD or touch screen. The other side of each cup unit may be connected to a generally vertical surface or other object. The panel/card may be a single-layer plastic card with retention slots into which the double-sided suction cups are inserted. The panel/card may also function as a stored-value card, pre-paid gift card, or credit card incorporating bar codes, scratch-off codes, and magnetic strip features. |
| US08794533B2 |
One and two-part printable EM tags
The present invention relates to methods of assembly, labeling and programming decoupled EM tags used in the tagging and tracking of items wherein the tags including a printable label portion and a decoupler portion which are combined after printing on the surface of and programming a programmable device associated with the label portion. |
| US08794530B2 |
Optically variable magnetic stripe assembly
An optically variable magnetic stripe assembly comprises a magnetic layer (5); an optically variable effect generating layer (1) over the magnetic layer; and a metallic reflecting layer (3) adjacent the optically variable effect generating layer and comprising an array of spaced metallic regions shaped as regular polygons. |
| US08794529B2 |
Method and apparatus for communicating information via a display screen using light-simulated bar codes
Various types of light source, including those in use in pixel based display devices, may be used for light-simulated bar codes. Liquid crystal displays (“LCD”) which utilize a backlight for screen brightness may, for example, be very effective for producing light-simulated bar codes because the entire backlight may be modulated to provide the desired light/dark sequence. Even displays which have no backlight, for example but not limited to OLED and LED displays, may be used for light-simulated bar codes. While the entire display may be used, single pixels or pixel groups of the displays of such displays may be used. |
| US08794525B2 |
Method of and system for detecting produce weighing interferences in a POS-based checkout/scale system
A POS-based checkout/scale system having (i) a bar code symbol reading subsystem for reading bar code symbols on products being purchased at a retail POS station, and (ii) a produce weigh scale having a weigh scale assembly for weighing one or more produce items on a weigh platter during produce weighing operations carried out at the time of checkout at said retail POS station. The system also includes an automatic produce weighing interference detection subsystem, supporting an IR-based light curtain about the weigh platter, automatically detects when any object is overhanging the weigh platter during produce weighing operations, and generates an alert signal when such conditions are automatically detected. |
| US08794523B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image recording apparatus, image processing method, and recording medium storing an image processing program
In an image processing apparatus, after a rasterizer checks resolution of raster data, if the resolution of the raster data is lower than a predefined resolution, a barcode detector analyzes the raster data and detects a barcode area. If there is a barcode area, a barcode direction determining unit determines barcode direction, and a resolution convertor enhances resolution of the barcode on black planes in a direction perpendicular to the bar direction of the barcode. |
| US08794513B2 |
Self-service device servicing utilizing a hardware database
A system and method of utilizing a hardware database with a master ticket or a support ticket for individual financial self-service devices, such as an automated teller machine (ATM), that provides a technician with information about the self-service device and improves the self-service device servicing process is provided. The self-service device service system may include a processor; a self-service device, wherein the automated teller machine includes a self-service device support ticket attached to the self-service device; a self-service device hardware database that includes information about a plurality of self-service devices; and a handheld wireless device configured to scan and store the set of data from the self-service device support ticket and communicate the set of data to the self-service device hardware database. |
| US08794510B2 |
Method for processing banknotes
A method in which accounting units consisting of one or several bank notes are successively processed by a processing machine, wherein the bank notes are checked by a sensor device and a control device. One or several accounting units are inserted, the information items characterizing the accounting units are entered, the bank notes of each accounting unit are singled, checked, and in dependence on the check are assigned to output units of the processing machine The bank notes recognized upon the check are accounted for the respective accounting unit by the control device and transported into the assigned output unit. Bank notes not recognized upon the check are divided into two groups with a first group containing the unrecognized individual bank notes for which an identification feature characterizing the respective bank note can be ascertained by sensor device and control device, and a second group whose respective identification feature cannot be ascertained by the sensor device and control device. |
| US08794501B2 |
Method of transferring a light emitting diode
A micro light emitting diode (LED) and a method of forming an array of micro LEDs for transfer to a receiving substrate are described. The micro LED structure may include a micro p-n diode and a metallization layer, with the metallization layer between the micro p-n diode and a bonding layer. A conformal dielectric barrier layer may span sidewalls of the micro p-n diode. The micro LED structure and micro LED array may be picked up and transferred to a receiving substrate. |
| US08794499B2 |
Method for manufacturing substrate
In a method for manufacturing a substrate, connections are provided through metal columns of bumps press-fitted into an insulating resin layer between metal foils contact-bonded to a thermosetting insulating resin layer. Bumps of a conductive paste containing metal fillers are formed on a metal foil which is to be contact-bonded to an insulating resin layer, the bumps are heated to bound the metal fillers to each other, and form a metallic bond between the bumps and the metal foil, the metal columns are press-fitted into the insulating resin layer to contact-bond the metal foil to the insulating resin layer, and join the tips of the metal columns to a metal foil, the metal columns are then reheated to form a metallic bond between the metal columns and the metal foil. |
| US08794497B2 |
Surgical stapling head assembly with firing lockout for a surgical stapler
In various embodiments, a surgical stapling head is provided that may comprise a staple cartridge for supporting one or more staples, a core movable relative to the staple cartridge, at least one staple driver extending from the core, and a casing configured to at least partially hold the staple cartridge and movably receive the core and the staple driver(s). The casing may further comprise at least one retention member that is configured to move from a first position to a second position when sufficient external force is applied to the retention member, such as that provided by a shaft of a surgical stapler during insertion of the stapling head assembly into the shaft. When the retention member(s) are at the second position, the staple driver(s) may be prevented from driving staples from the staple cartridge, thereby providing a firing lockout feature to the stapling head assembly during insertion into at least a portion of a surgical stapler. |
| US08794495B1 |
Carrier for mobile phone
A carrier for mobile telephone provides a durable and flexible carrier element and an attachable decorative neck cord element. The position of the carrier upon the neck cord can be adjusted using an adjustable cord clasp. The front of the carrier can be adorned with various interchangeable ornamental adornments, such as jewelry, embroidered elements, and the like. |
| US08794493B2 |
Bicycle support bar
Providing a transporting system for a bicycle with a bicycle support bar that includes securing the bicycle with both wheels still attached to the bicycle and in an upright position while traveling to your destination, in the back of a pickup truck bed. The bicycle support bar Securing system has an anchoring member of nuts and bolts that attach to the truck bed inside and under the truck bed rail. Once secured this will allow you to secure your bicycle by using the velcro straps that are attached and wrap around your bicycle frame to secure it into place. With the bicycle support bar this will allow you to travel with your bicycle fully in tacked in an upright position in the back of your pickup truck. |
| US08794492B2 |
Article-storage unit
An article-storage unit is configured to store various articles in several compartments. The article-storage unit is compactable to assume a smaller size when not in use. |
| US08794490B2 |
Liquid dispensing device equipped with a sealing component moveable under the effect of pressure by a user
A liquid dispensing device including a sealing component which can take up a liquid release position and a liquid blocking position. The liquid dispensing device also includes a surface for immobilising the sealing component in its blocking position, configured to prevent the sealing component from taking up its liquid release position. |
| US08794489B2 |
Dispensing valve
A dispensing valve includes a resiliently flexible mounting portion, a resiliently flexible opening portion disposed radially inwardly of the mounting portion, and a resiliently flexible isolating portion disposed radially between and coupled to the mounting and opening portions. The isolating portion extends both radially outwardly and axially to form a first radial space between the opening and isolating portions, and is spaced radially inwardly of the mounting portion to form a second radial space between the mounting and isolating portions. The opening portion may include one or more slits. |
| US08794485B2 |
Frozen beverage dispenser
A system for dispensing a beverage includes a conical inner sleeve configured to receive a mixture of beverage components, a first blade, and a blade arm. An outer shell receives the first blade, blade arm, and the inner sleeve. A top couples the inner sleeve and outer shell in a fixed position. A tap module includes a tap handle and a tap control. The tap handle restricts and allows beverage flow through a beverage port. The tap control detects whether the tap handle is in a first position or a second position. The tap control prevents a motor from operation while the tap handle is in the first position and engages the motor while the tap handle is in the second position. |
| US08794483B2 |
Pill dispensing method and apparatus
The present invention is a pill dispensing method and apparatus wherein a first rotor rotates pills about a rotation axis along a first part of a spiral path at a first rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis. A second rotor receives the pills from the first rotor and rotates the pills about the rotation axis along a second part of the spiral path at a second, greater rotational speed whereupon the pills move spirally away from the rotation axis toward a discharge chute which dispenses the pills into a pill bottle or a storage container. |
| US08794480B2 |
Container, a transport unit formed by the latter, and a container system
The invention relates to a container (1) for intermodal transport by air and ship, train and/or motor car, comprising a block-shaped housing (2), which is characterized in that there are provided at the corners of the housing (2) castings (6) which are used for positioning when stacking the container (1) and/or for securing the container (1) during transport, and a plurality of containers (1) can be combined to form transport units (25) the base area of which corresponds to that of a standardized sea cargo container. |
| US08794478B2 |
Method for producing a pressure tank, a pressure tank and a pressure tank group
The present invention provides a method for producing a pressure tank for holding a pressurized fluid, comprising the steps of providing a shaped body; arranging one or more elements of a textile sheet material of reinforcing fibers on the shaped body; impregnating the reinforcing fibers, before or after the arrangement of the element or elements on the shaped body, with a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin; and curing the resin to form a composite fiber material surrounding the shaped body. The invention also provides a pressure tank for holding a pressurized fluid, comprising a hollow body which defines a storage space for the fluid, and a composite fiber material surrounding the hollow body which comprises one or more elements of a textile sheet material. The invention further provides a pressure tank group comprising a plurality of such pressure tanks. |
| US08794473B2 |
Console box
A console box includes a housing defining an article accommodating space therein and having an opening formed at a front side thereof; a cover coupled to the front side of the housing via hinge couplers disposed at opposite sides of the cover; dampers, each being disposed between each of the hinge couplers of the cover and the housing and controlling an opening speed of the cover; and a torsion spring disposed between each of the hinge couplers of the cover and the housing and elastically supporting the cover. The console box further includes a hinge cover disposed outside each of the hinge couplers of the cover and preventing the cover and the torsion spring from separating from each other. |
| US08794471B2 |
Container with improved tamper evident structure
A container comprises a basket having a basket lip and a lid with lid lip connected to a tear strip, the tear strip being bonded to the basket lip to form a seal. An applied force to the seal separates the tear strip from the lid so that the tear strip remains bonded to the basket lip and so that a lid tear surface is exposed. The basket lip includes a basket snap feature and the lid lip includes a lid snap feature. The basket snap feature and the lid snap feature are mateable to resist separation of the lid from the basket. |
| US08794470B2 |
Container assembly
A container assembly having a body and a cover. The cover includes a cover rim having an inverted U-shape defining an outer flange and an inner flange separated by a top section, a lower part of the outer flange terminating in an end. The body includes a body rim defined by an upstanding inner wall and an upstanding outer wall joined to the inner wall by a top wall, a lower portion of the outer wall terminating in a gutter. The outer wall includes a recess and the outer flange includes a protrusion to enable a fitting of the protrusion into the recess. The outer flange includes a tab extending parallel to the top section and arranged at the lower part of the outer flange. The outer flange has weakening lines to allow a tear out of a section of the outer flange. |
| US08794468B2 |
Fuel filler tube anti-siphon device
A fuel filler tube having a plurality of spaced ribs disposed within walls of the tube, the ribs being staggered along a length of the tube. The plurality of ribs span is disposed across opposing wall portions of the tube. |
| US08794465B2 |
Winch handle holder with beverage holder
A problem on all sail boats is the winch handle holders being occupied by beverage cans or other small items. A combination boat winch handle holder and beverage holder is made of a first housing adapted to hold the winch handle and mountable to a conventional winch handle holder position. A second housing, shorter and wider than the first, is adapted to hold a beverage can and is attachable in a manner that permits attachment and release of the second housing. The combination holder is preferably made of flexible, stretchable materials that are UV resistant. |
| US08794464B2 |
Assemblable and disassemblable container
An assemblable and disassemblable container is disclosed wherein a short wall member includes upper corner reinforcing members each formed at a corresponding corner formed by an upper horizontal flange and an endwise vertical side plate portion of the short wall member, and the upper corner reinforcing member includes an inclined coupling rib coupling the vicinity of the end of the upper horizontal flange to the vicinity of the upper end of the endwise vertical side plate portion, and wherein the lower end of the inclined coupling rib is positioned close to an endwise vertical side plate portion side of a lower horizontal rib of a horizontal portion included in a fitting block member. This configuration allows the short wall members and thus the container formed into a box shape to be increased in strength and rigidity, and can be prevented from undergoing torsional deformation. |
| US08794458B2 |
Container seal
A container for storing matter provides a container body having a resilient flange protruding outward therefrom to form a seal between the container body and a mating closure. The resilient flange is deflected by the inner surface of the mating closure to form a first releasable seal between the closure and the container body. The resilient flange includes an aspect ratio of length divided by thickness. A second releasable seal is formed in some embodiments between the upper edge of the side wall and the closure when the mating closure is positioned on the container body. |
| US08794457B2 |
Guide cabling arrangement for a crane
This invention relates to a crane, in particular a telescopic crane, with a frame suspended on the load hook for taking up a special load, in particular for taking up a rotor blade of a wind turbine. In accordance with the invention a single guide cable without guying function is provided, which proceeding from the boom foot is tensioned parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the boom system and is attached to the boom system at its end, wherein a frame suspended on the load hook is connected with the guide cable via at least two control cables. |
| US08794456B2 |
Pipeline pig storage rack apparatus
A pipeline pig support rack apparatus includes a frame having a plurality of supports mounted thereon, each extending upwardly from the frame. Each pipeline pig support includes clamps that are comprised of first and second u-shaped members that are attached with a hinge. A bolted connection opposite the hinge is provided for holding the u-shaped members together in a closed position when securing a pipeline pig. Lifting eyes on the frame are provided for enabling the frame, its pig supports and any contained pipeline pigs to be lifted as a unit. A basket receptacle optionally is provided that receives the frame. The frame and basket receptacle are each independently liftable. The basket receptacle prevents spillage of hazardous materials that might be residing upon the pigs after they have been used to clean a particular pipeline. |
| US08794452B2 |
Density phase separation device
A mechanical separator for separating a fluid sample into first and second phases within a collection container is disclosed. The mechanical separator may have a separator body having a through-hole defined therein, with the through-hole adapted for allowing fluid to pass therethrough. The separator body includes a float, having a first density, and a ballast, having a second density greater than the first density. A portion of the float is connected to a portion of the ballast. Optionally, the float may include a first extended tab adjacent a first opening of the through-hole and a second extended tab adjacent the second opening of the through-hole. In certain configurations, the separator body also includes an extended tab band disposed about an outer surface of the float. The separator body may also include an engagement band circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the separator body. |
| US08794451B2 |
Hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane with excellent fouling resistance
An object of the present invention is to provide a hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane that can be used in treatment in various aqueous fluids such as water purification, beverage treatment, seawater clarification, and that has excellent fractionation characteristics and permeability, while deterioration of its performance due to passage of time is minimized, and that has excellent recovery of the membrane-separation characteristics by cleaning. The main feature of the hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane of the present invention is that the specific surface area of the membrane surface to which raw water is supplied falls within the range from not less than 1.10 to not greater than 1.55. The present invention also provides a process for producing a hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane, wherein a heat treatment is conducted under the condition that the membrane having a residual organic solvent content of not greater than 300 mg/g. |
| US08794450B2 |
Channel filter having surface topology for filtering micro particles and method for manufacturing same
Disclosed is a channel filter for separating microparticles, and more particularly to a channel filter which can easily separate a sample having various sized microparticles by using a surface topology. In the disclosed channel filter, a topology having an upward/downward reference height from a sample inlet to an outlet is continuously or discontinuously formed, and thus it is possible to efficiently separate microparticles from a sample liquid. |
| US08794449B2 |
Device and method for operating a fuel filter
A device and a method for operating a fuel filter (1) with a diaphragm (16) for cleaning water separated from the fuel, comprising a collecting chamber (9) for the water geodetically arranged at the bottom in a housing (2) of the fuel filter (1), are proposed, comprising at least one sensor (10, 11) each for the maximum (10) and for the minimum (11) water level in the collecting chamber (9), by means of which a valve (13) for discharging the water from the collecting chamber (9) arranged between the collecting chamber (9) and a water purification device (14) containing the diaphragm (16) is controllable. A detection device (21) for detecting the flow behavior of the water between the collecting chamber (9) and the water purification device (14) is present with which at least the time interval (t) of the change of the water level between a signal of the sensor (10) for the maximum and of the sensor (11) for the minimum water level is detectable and in that a computing and memory unit (27) for the evaluation of the signals in the detection device (21) and for signaling (28) a deviation from a predetermined flow behavior of the diaphragm (16) is present. |
| US08794446B2 |
Sparging device for a flotation cell
A sparging device for a flotation cell may include a central gas tube with a central gas orifice which is adjoined by at least two connecting tubes each having a connecting gas orifice, the connecting tubes being aligned at a right angle ss to a longitudinal axis LZ of the central gas tube, the central gas orifice being connected to the connecting gas orifices, and each connecting tube being connected to at least one gas injection unit at its end remote from the central gas tube. A flotation cell with such a sparging device and a flotation method are also disclosed. |
| US08794443B2 |
Individually packaged product
[PURPOSE]To provide an individually packaged product that is resistant to contaminants infiltration and can be hygienically transported.[SOLUTION MEANS]An individually packaged product comprising a first individual package formed by covering an absorbent article with a packaging sheet, and a second individual package, wherein the packaging sheet has a middle region and a first region and second region located on either side of the middle region, the second region is folded onto the middle region sandwiching the absorbent article therebetween, and the first region being folded onto part of the second region, while the first region is anchored to the outer face of the second region, and the second individual package is situated on the first region and second region and anchored to at least part of the outer face of the first region. |
| US08794439B2 |
Product packaging
Described herein are systems relating to packaging boxes. In some implementations, the packaging boxes include one or more trays used to support product cups, such as k-cups. The product cups, for example, can be used to hold tea, coffee, or flavoring. Some examples of flavoring include honey or other liquid flavoring a user can add to tea or coffee to adjust the flavor of the tea or coffee (e.g., honey comb and lemon grass, creamer, orange marmalade, mint peach, etc.). The packaging boxes can include a longitudinal axis parallel to the top and a long side of the box. The trays placed in the packaging boxes, for example, can have a similar longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axes of the packaging box. |
| US08794438B2 |
Assembly with shrink bag container having non-shrunk integral handle
A container/package of filamentary material wound in a coil and encased in heat shrinkable film with a payout tube extending through a payout hole in the container/package, the heat shrinkable film is formed as a pouch having an open end into which the coil is inserted; one end of the shrink wrap material is folded back on itself to form a hand-held cutout; the open end of the pouch is sealed and the shrunk wrap material is heated to seal the coil in the shrunk wrap material while isolating the hand-hold cutout; and the container/package is thus formed with a heat shrunk pouch tightly containing the coil of filamentary material and an attached portion not exposed to heat and not shrunk. |
| US08794437B2 |
Packaged system including a protective housing for a treatment device carried on a catheter
The present invention is a packaged system that includes a housing to protect a treatment device mounted on a distal portion of a catheter. The housing holds the device suspended such that there is little or no contact between the housing and the device, protecting the device from physical damage and also from exchange of chemical components between the device and the packaging materials, which can occur when a device remains in contact with packaging materials over an extended period of time. A port in the housing allows a controlled environment, for example a vacuum, to be maintained within the housing. A hollow stylet inserted into the distal end of the catheter before the catheter is placed in the housing precludes compression of the catheter and provides an injection port through which the catheter may be flushed with a fluid prior to use, eliminating the need for a separate flushing cannula. |
| US08794432B2 |
Carrier puck and conveyor system
Carrier puck for a conveyor system, comprising a non-circular lower body, an upper body and an intermediate circular portion connecting the non-circular lower body with the upper body, where the rear section of the non-circular lower body comprises a further semicircular shape having the same radius as the semicircular front section and further comprises an intermediate waist in between the front section and the rear section. |
| US08794431B2 |
Conveyor system
A conveyor system is provided with a plurality of support members which are erected and spaced apart from each other, a plurality of holding units on which the plurality of support members are held, and a drive unit that moves the holding units in a conveying direction. A supporting plane on which a workpiece is supported and conveyed is formed by distal end portions of the support members. The support members are movable in parallel with respect to the supporting plane. |
| US08794428B2 |
Materials handling device suited to the transfer and storage of tire carcasses
Storage or handling device comprising at least one pair of rollers (11), the axes (rr′) of which are mutually parallel and are arranged a suitable distance (d) apart such that they can support a carcass (2) of substantially cylindrical shape of a tire that is in the process of being manufactured. The rollers (11) are mounted on a chassis (12) and are driven in rotation in the same direction (R) about their respective axes (rr′). One of the rollers (11) of said pair has a radial profile of sinusoidal overall shape comprising a succession of crests and of troughs, and the other roller of the pair has a cylindrical overall profile. |
| US08794421B2 |
Remote controlled passenger conveyor and method for remotely controlling a passenger conveyor
A system and method for remotely controlling a passenger conveyor is disclosed. The system and method may include capturing an image of a passenger conveyor and a status changing object with a camera, sending an initiate command from a remote control center to the status changing object, calculating a time delay based on a time the initiate command is sent from the remote control center to a time the image of the status changing object verifies that the status changing object is responding to the initiate command, confirming that no passengers are present on the passenger conveyor and initiating a limited time frame for remote control of the passenger conveyor based on the time delay calculated. |
| US08794419B1 |
Data generating device for push pull coin mechanism for vending and arcade machines and appliances
A coin counter is provided for push-pull coin vending machines, arcade machines and pay-per-use appliances. The counter comprises a bracket assembly having first and second chambers. The first chamber for receiving, processing and expelling a coin, and the second chamber having a switch assembly which is interactive with the coins moving through the first chamber by means of an actuator arm so as to register counts on a connected numeric display. The counter further comprises a stop which receives the weight of the coins processed through the machine and also redirects the coins, allowing the actuator arm to rotate in a reduced arc than the prior art. |
| US08794416B2 |
Clutch assembly with an energy control plate
A clutch assembly includes a housing, a clutch pack disposed within the housing and concentrically about a shaft, a clutch slave cylinder disposed between the clutch pack and the housing and concentrically about the shaft, and an energy control plate disposed between the clutch slave cylinder and the housing and concentrically about the shaft. The clutch slave cylinder and the energy control plate are generally secured to the housing with a set of fasteners. |
| US08794414B2 |
Coupling assembly
A coupling assembly for use in transmitting force includes a housing which at least partially encloses a rotatable disc. The housing has a plate portion with an annular force transmitting surface which is engagable with the rotatable disc. A cooling fluid channel is at least partially defined by a side of the plate portion opposite from the force transmitting surface. A plurality of projections extend into a path of flow of cooling fluid through the cooling fluid channel. A cooling fluid inlet includes a passage having a portion with a large cross section connected in fluid communication with a radially outer portion of the cooling fluid channel. A portion of the inlet passage having a small cross section is connected in fluid communication with a radially inner portion of the cooling fluid channel. Ribs extend across the radially inner and outer portions of the cooling fluid channel. |
| US08794413B2 |
Driving device and image forming apparatus
A clutch mechanism used in a system in which first and second driven members are driven using one driving source. The mechanism includes a driving member, a driving side engaging member, an idler side engaging member, an urging unit, a releasing member provided with a cam surface configured to cause the driving side engaging member to move axially, and to perform engagement or release of the driving side engaging member with or from the idler side engaging member, and a cam member provided with a cam surface configured to engage with the cam surface of the releasing member. In at least one of the releasing member and the cam member, at least a portion where collision occurs when the releasing member has moved in an axial direction to approach the cam member, is formed of an elastic member. |
| US08794412B2 |
Hydraulic clutch and transmission device provided with the same
A hydraulic clutch including a clutch drum with an outer cylinder fitted with a plurality of clutch plates and a side wall; a clutch piston that defines together with the clutch drum an engagement oil chamber, and moves in an axial direction to press the clutch plates by hydraulic pressure supplied to the engagement oil chamber; and a cancel plate that defines together with the clutch piston a cancel oil chamber that cancels centrifugal hydraulic pressure. The side wall of the clutch drum is formed with a first oil passage that radially extends and is in communication with the engagement oil chamber, and a second oil passage that radially extends and is in communication with the cancel oil chamber. One of the first and second oil passages is at least partially included in a range of an axial width of the other of the first and second oil passages. |
| US08794410B2 |
System adapted for one or more vehicles, which may be driven forward electrically
The present invention has its application to a system for driving an electric and by one or more batteries powered vehicle along a roadway, comprising “a” one or more vehicles, which may be driven by an individual electric motor or motors and where in the respective vehicles exhibit a power-controlling control circuit for creating the necessary power and/or speed control and wherein required power i.a. can be provided primarily by a chargeable can be provided primarily by a chargeable battery set associated with the vehicle and “b” a plurality of road sections road portions divisible for the roadway, each being allotted one or more vehicle external electric stations for charging the battery set thereby and/or for supplying necessary power and energy for driving the vehicle. The underneath side of the mentioned vehicle is provided with a contact means displaceably positioned up and down and sideways, counted in the direction of transportation. Said roadway and its road sections or portions exhibits an elongated track or groove, each road section is supporting two rails in the groove and disposed under the driving path of the road section or portion. The rails being supplied with current and voltage. Said contact means is coordinated with a control equipment for creating simple adaptation of the contact means for registering the contact means for mechanical and electrical contact against said two rails. |
| US08794407B2 |
Velocity progressive valving
A shock absorber has a valve assembly having a valve that is biased away from a valve body. A controlled restriction is defined between the valve and the valve body. During stroking of the piston of the shock absorber, the valve moves toward the valve body to close the restriction. The valve assembly can be used in the piston assembly, the base valve assembly or both. |
| US08794404B2 |
Hydraulic shock absorber
In a hydraulic shock absorber 10, a piston holder 41 has an axial side surface 41e formed with an opening of an inclined hole 48b exposed to a rod-side oil chamber 43B. A block ring 71 capable of closing the opening of the inclined hole 48b is provided around a piston rod body 22 at a position between the axial side surface 41e of the piston holder 41 and the upper end of a rebound spring 32. |
| US08794398B2 |
Brake disc for railway vehicle
A brake disc for a railway vehicle, including a ring-shaped plate portion with a front side serving as a frictional surface and a plurality of fins being projected and disposed radially on the back side of the plate portion, the plate portion being fixed to a wheel, wherein a rib is provided between fins adjacent to each other, and a slit developing in the direction from a wheel-side face of the rib toward the back side of the plate portion is disposed in a circumferentially intermediate portion of the rib, thereby making it possible to suppress the deformation caused by frictional heat. |
| US08794396B2 |
Seal groove with a projection
A caliper comprising: a piston bore and a seal groove located in the piston bore proximate to an open end of the piston bore, the seal groove comprising: a front wall; a rear wall; a bottom wall spanning between and connecting the front wall to the rear wall; a projection in a central region of the bottom wall suitable for allowing twisting of a seal during a brake retract and/or brake release; wherein the rear wall diverges away from the front wall as the rear wall extends away from the bottom wall and towards the bore surface. |
| US08794393B2 |
Compact disc-brake unit for vehicles on rails
A disc-brake unit (10) for vehicles on rails, comprising a brake pincer consisting of a pair of jaws (14), provided with relative friction gaskets (16), intended to rub on the two opposite surfaces of a disc (12). The jaws (14) are hinged at one of the ends of a pair of levers (18). The levers (18) are pivoted on respective hinges (20) fixedly connected to the main body of the braking unit (10), and are actuated by a braking force motor (22) provided with at least one first piston (26) that moves with alternate motion along an axis (A). The braking unit (10) also comprises a group (68) for automatically regulating the clearances between the friction gaskets (16) and the disc (12). The piston (26) transmits the braking force to a thrusting mechanism (48; 48′) inserted inside the braking force motor (22) to amplify and transfer the force, through the group (68) for automatically regulating the clearances and along an axis (B) perpendicular to the axis (A), to the ends of the levers (18) opposite the ends on which the jaws (14) are hinged. |
| US08794392B2 |
Rappelling device
In a rappelling device (10) for braking a load guided on a cable which can be fixed to the rappelling device (10), the cable (14) is friction-guided over a distance (22) and the cable (14) which runs through the rappelling device (10) is guided over a brakable shaft (24). The cable (14) is pressed onto the brakable shaft (24) by means of a pre-definable pressing force (29). The braking elements for the brakable shaft (24) can be kept small in weight and design because an additional braking of the cable (14) takes place over the friction-guided distance in the rappelling device (10). |
| US08794388B2 |
Elevator group control apparatus
According to one embodiment, an elevator group control apparatus performs group control of operations of cars. The apparatus includes a power consumption calculation unit that calculates power consumption when each of the cars is run according to the operation curve on the basis of object data stored in the object data storage unit and an operation curve created by the operation curve creation unit, a distributed waiting controller that sets a car in a waiting state among the cars as a distributed waiting target car and outputs a distributed waiting instruction to move the target car to a distributed waiting floor, and a distribution instruction controller that obtains, from the power consumption calculation unit, power consumption when the distributed waiting target car is moved to the distributed waiting floor and, on the basis of the power consumption, permits or inhibits a distributed waiting instruction output from the distributed waiting controller. |
| US08794384B1 |
Hunting blind
A firing support hunting blind particularly adapted for use in an existing tree stand includes a firing support structure and a textile hunting blind assembly. The device attaches to the tree using a ratcheting mechanism being positioned above the tree stand above the base of the tree. The device supports a padded circular rail which acts as a safety barrier, supports a camouflage curtain which conceals the user, and provides a solid comfortable support for the user's arms and/or a firearm during shooting. The various components of the device can be disassembled and transported. |
| US08794383B2 |
Ladder stand
A ladder stand configured to attach to a post to provide an elevated platform. The ladder stand includes a ladder and a platform assembly coupled to the ladder. A pair of lateral support members include proximal ends pivotally attached to opposite sides of the platform and distal ends configured to be positioned toward an opposite side of the post. The distal ends of the support members are configured to be secured to the post. A stabilizer member pivotally connects to an intermediate portion of the ladder and extends toward with the support post. The stabilizing member includes a stabilizing plate configured to engage the support post. At least one support straps connects the distal ends of lateral support members to the post and the distal ends of the lateral support members to the stabilizing member. |
| US08794382B2 |
Collapsible tree stand device with integrated storage and mounting system
A collapsible tree stand system for supporting a user at an elevated position on a tree includes a tree engagement member having a mounting plate, a plurality of tree gripping teeth, a retention strap and a connection member. The system also includes a removable, collapsible tree stand having an integrated frame with a gapped section for mating with the connection member, and for supporting a seat, a central platform and a pair of storage compartments thereon. |
| US08794381B2 |
Fittings for builders' trestles
A bracket (60) for securing a first kickboard (62) transversely of a second kickboard (54) comprises a socket (64) for receiving an end of the first kickboard and a clip (70) for securing the bracket to the second kickboard, the clip comprising a lateral extension (76) aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second kickboard for stabilizing the bracket thereon. Also disclosed are (1) a telescopic rail (46) for use in forming a guard or safety barrier for builders' trestles, staging, scaffolding or the like, comprising inner and outer telescopic parts (80, 82), in which the inner part is prevented from sliding free of the outer part in use; (2) a brace for stabilizing adjacent trestles; (3) a ladder support bracket; (4) removable safety rail components and (5) a longitudinal kickboard bracket attached to a trestle crossmember. |
| US08794380B2 |
Helicopter emplaceable cart for travel along electrical power lines
A cart for carrying a lineman along power line conductors includes a basket, vertical supports, a frame overhanging the basket, the frame mounting rollers which engage the conductors. The frame, vertical supports and basket define a generally C-shaped opening between the frame and the basket through which the conductors pass into vertical alignment with the rollers on the frame. The basket includes a wall remote from the opening which extends upwardly and away from the opening to provide a protected area for the lineman, the vertical supports being positioned between the opening and the area for protecting the lineman from conductors passing through the opening. The cart includes a safety cable affixed to the basket at the opening and removably attachable to the frame at the opening to provide a structural connection between the basket and the frame for strengthening the cart structure during cart movement. |
| US08794373B1 |
Three-dimensional air-adsorbing structure
A three-dimensional air-adsorbing structure for use in a volume in which there is a time-varying acoustic field. The structure has a three-dimensional, unitary, skeletal, porous scaffold having scaffold openings distributed within its volume, where the scaffold openings make up at least about 50% of the volume of the scaffold, air-adsorbing material particles, and a hydrophobic binder that couples air-adsorbing material particles to each other to form agglomerates and couples particles and agglomerates to the scaffold. The structure has structure openings in the agglomerates and structure openings between agglomerates, such structure openings being open to the outside environment, wherein the cumulative volume of the structure openings that have an apparent diameter larger than about 0.01 microns as measured by mercury porosimetry is at least about 40% of the volume of the air-adsorbing structure, and the cumulative volume of the structure openings that have an apparent diameter larger than about 5 microns as measured by mercury porosimetry is at least about 15% of the volume of the air-adsorbing structure. |
| US08794371B2 |
Power steering apparatus
An apparatus (10) for use in turning steerable vehicle wheels (14, 16) includes a first pump (30) driven by an engine (42) of the vehicle to supply fluid to the fluid inlet (38) of a power steering motor assembly (12). A second pump (46) is driven by the engine (42) to supply fluid under pressure to the power steering motor assembly (12). The second pump (46) has an input (48) connected in fluid communication with an output (36) of the first pump (30) when a pressure at the fluid inlet (38) is below a predetermined value. |
| US08794369B1 |
Motorcycle brake assist system
A standard foot-operated rear brake system on a motorcycle is converted to a hand-operated brake assist system by mounting a pneumatic cylinder in close proximity to the rear brake foot pedal such that, when pressurized, the piston of the pneumatic cylinder extends to depress the rear brake foot pedal. The pneumatic cylinder is controlled by a switch on the handlebar. |
| US08794367B2 |
Sensing system and moving robot having the same
A moving robot includes a sensing system. The moving robot includes light sources generating light, an optical guide to receive, diffuse, and emit the light generated from the light source, and light receiving sensors to receive the light emitted from the optical guide and then reflected by the object. Light irradiated from the light sources is diffused and emitted to a wide region through the optical guide, thereby allowing light to be emitted to the wide region with a small number of the light sources. |
| US08794364B2 |
Locking cap for a fluid reservoir
A locking assembly includes a release mechanism and a cap. The release mechanism includes a pin. The cap threadingly engages with a fill neck and includes a barrel portion and an engagement portion. The engagement portion radially surrounds the barrel portion. The engagement portion presents engagement threads which threadingly engage with threads of the fill neck. The annular cover portion radially surrounds the engagement portion. The annular cover portion rotates relative to the annular engagement portion in a second rotational direction to cause rotation of the engagement portion in the second rotational direction such that the engagement threads remain threadingly engaged with the neck threads. The annular cover portion rotates in the second rotational direction and causes rotation of the engagement portion in the second rotational direction to threadingly disengage the engagement threads from the threads when the pin is attached to the locking cap. |
| US08794363B2 |
Motor vehicle with a device for supplying cooling air
A motor vehicle has at least one adjustable air-guiding device on the underbody. The air-guiding device has a cross-sectionally U-shaped duct and is adjustable between a closed position and an open position. The motor vehicle also has a radiator device with a radiator and a radiator shutter with adjustable flaps for controlling the air flow through the radiator. A control device actuates the air-guiding device depending on the position of the radiator shutter so that, irrespective of the position of the flaps of the radiator shutter, an at least approximately identical pitching moment is obtained at the motor vehicle and at the same time the aerodynamic drag is reduced. |
| US08794361B2 |
Cooling structure for environmental-friendly vehicle
Disclosed is a battery cooling structure for an environmental-friendly vehicle. The battery cooling structure for the environmental-friendly vehicle includes a plurality of battery packs that supply power to a motor and are arranged in parallel so as to be spaced a predetermined distance from each other inside a tire well. An inflow duct is disposed to provide fluid communication and connection with the interior of the vehicle so that the air inside the vehicle is sucked into the inflow duct. A plurality of diverging ducts independently supply the air to the respective battery packs which are arranged and spaced a predetermined distance from each other on the downstream side of the inflow duct. A lower duct is disposed under the battery pack and joins diverging air flows, and a cooling fan is disposed on downstream side of the lower duct and is configured to discharge the air to the outside. |
| US08794360B2 |
Shutter unit for vehicle
A shutter unit for a vehicle, capable of properly determining failure of a shutter without using a sensor which directly detects a position of the shutter. The shutter unit includes a return spring for returning the shutter to a predetermined initial position by urging the shutter, and a rotating machine configured to be capable of converting input motive power to electrical power and input electrical power to motive power by electromagnetic induction action. The rotating machine drives the shutter by the motive power obtained by conversion. The shutter unit executes return control that stops supply of electric power to the rotating machine to return the shutter to the initial position by urging of the shutter by the return spring, and determines failure of the shutter based on a rotating machine induced voltage of the rotating machine, detected during execution of the return control. |
| US08794351B2 |
Device and method for drilling with continuous tool rotation and continuous drilling fluid supply
A device is for a drilling rig for forming of a bore hole in a subterranean structure. The drilling rig comprises a first, top driven drilling machine arranged vertically displaceable along a guide track, where a second drilling machine is arranged between the first drilling machine and the bore hole, vertically displaceable along a guide track and provided with a rotary table arranged to be able to take the weight of a pipe string. A rotary drive unit is arranged for continuous rotation of the pipe string. A fluid chamber is arranged to, in a fluid communicating way, be able to connect a pipe string end portion with a drilling liquid plant. As the fluid chamber is provided with pipe string ports comprising means arranged to, in a fluid sealing way, be able to close the pipe string ports. A power tong is arranged for continuous rotation of an element connected to the pipe string, as the power tong is arranged in the fluid chamber. Also, a method is for drilling with continuous tool rotation and continuous drilling liquid supply. |
| US08794350B2 |
Method for detecting formation pore pressure by detecting pumps-off gas downhole
A method for the detection of gas invading a wellbore during drilling by the influx of fluids which contain gas from the formations penetrated by a wellbore. |
| US08794345B2 |
Strip-till no build-up berm builder blade for strip-till farm implement
A berm building disc is designed to reduce the amount of soil that builds up on the inner surface of the disc as the disc pushes soil for berm formation. The disc has a disc body having an outer radial edge, and defining an inner concave surface and an outer convex surface. Features are formed on the inner concave surface to reduce the surface area or soil adhesion properties of the inner concave surface. |
| US08794343B2 |
Hitch assembly for an agricultural implement
An agricultural implement is provided that includes a frame assembly. Moreover, the agricultural implement includes a rear hitch assembly coupled to the frame assembly. The rear hitch assembly includes a first arm, a second arm, and a hitch. The first arm and the second arm extend between the frame assembly and the hitch. The hitch is configured to be coupled to an auxiliary implement. Furthermore, the agricultural implement includes a ground engaging assembly which is coupled to the frame assembly, positioned between the first arm and the second arm, and includes a closing system. |
| US08794342B1 |
Turf seamer
A turf seamer for seaming adjacent rows of turf is provided herein. The turf seamer has comprising a mounting frame with couplers for attachment to a transport vehicle for transport in a direction of travel. A conveyor carriage is attached to the mounting frame wherein the conveyor carriage comprises a front conveyor wheel and a rear conveyor wheel. A conveyor is on the conveyor carriage in a loop around the front conveyor wheel and the rear conveyor wheel. The conveyor has a multiplicity of conveyor base plates wherein each conveyor base plate is pivotally attached each adjacent conveyor base plate. Engagement pins extend from the conveyor base plates. The conveyor carriage also has a pivot for rotating the conveyor out of alignment of the direction of travel. |
| US08794340B2 |
Self-aligning cover spring for a concealed sprinkler
A spring may include an annular plate having a central aperture; a plurality of spring members protruding from the annular plate, the plurality of spring members being resiliently flexible and radially disposed around the central aperture; and a plurality of alignment tabs protruding from the annular plate. |
| US08794336B2 |
Tool for connecting pipelines
The invention concerns a tool for a tool for connecting an end of a first pipeline (22) to an end of a second pipeline (3) supported by a subsea structure (1) and being provided by at least two guide elements (11, 12). The tool comprising means for connecting the pipelines, and it comprises a receiving portion (32) provided to accommodate the end of the first pipeline in a slideable manner, and guiding means comprising at least two guiding sections (34, 35) extending from receiving portion (32). Each guiding section has an end arranged with an attachment portion (36, 37) interfacing with the guide elements (11, 12). |
| US08794334B2 |
Modular subsea completion
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a subsea tree and a tubing spool including a longitudinal bore configured to receive a tubing hanger. The tubing spool also includes a lateral flow passage extending from the longitudinal bore and configured to transfer product to the subsea tree. The subsea tree includes multiple valves each coupled to a structure positioned radially outward from the tubing spool such that the subsea tree does not block a subsea intervention connection or blowout preventer (BOP) access to the longitudinal bore. |
| US08794332B2 |
Annulus vent system for subsea wellhead assembly
A wellhead system for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation that includes concentric tubulars that form an annulus. The annulus is vented by flowing fluid from the annulus through a bleed line having a valve that is selectively opened and closed. Upstream of the bleed line valve, the bleed line is routed adjacent a production flow line. The temperature of the fluid in the production flow line is greater than annulus temperature and warms the bleed line. Hydrate formation in the bleed line is thereby inhibited by the thermal energy it receives from the production flow line. |
| US08794331B2 |
Tools and methods for use in completion of a wellbore
A ported tubular is provided for use in casing a wellbore, to permit selective access to the adjacent formation during completion operations. A system and method for completing a wellbore using the ported tubular are also provided. Ports within the wellbore casing may be opened, isolated, or otherwise accessed to deliver treatment to the formation through the ports. |
| US08794329B2 |
Downhole adjustable inflow control device for use in a subterranean well
A well system can include an inflow control device which resists flow into a tubular string. A selection from among multiple different flow resistances through the inflow control device can be performed in response to pressure manipulation. An inflow control device can include a piston which is displaceable to at least two positions. Flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a certain flow resistance when the piston is at one position, and flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a greater flow resistance when the piston is at another position. Fluid which flows through the inflow control device can be constrained to flow through an increased number of flow restrictors in response to displacement of the piston from the first to the second position. |
| US08794327B2 |
Enhanced oil recovery method using associative polymers
An enhanced oil recovery method using injection of aqueous polymer solutions into the reservoir rock, includes the stages of: injecting a first aqueous solution of non-associative hydrophilic polymers into the reservoir in a predetermined proportion so that they adsorb on the reservoir rock; and then injecting a second aqueous solution of associative polymers into the reservoir for oil recovery, with limited adsorption considering the adsorption of the non-associative polymers of the first solution. |
| US08794326B2 |
Perforating gun with variable free gun volume
A method of adjusting a pressure reduction to occur in a wellbore following firing of at least one perforating gun can include determining a desired free gun volume which corresponds to a desired pressure reduction in the wellbore resulting from firing of the perforating gun, and varying a free gun volume of the perforating gun until the free gun volume is substantially the same as the desired free gun volume. A well system can include at least one perforating gun positioned in a wellbore, the perforating gun comprising multiple perforating charges and a free gun volume, and the free gun volume being reduced by presence of a flowable material about the multiple perforating charges. |
| US08794322B2 |
Additives to suppress silica scale build-up
Treatments and compounds can be useful in subterranean formations where particulates and/or surfaces may be subject to silica scale build-up. Certain embodiments pertain to utilizing silica scale control additives with particulate packs. Of these, certain methods may treat particulate packs in a subterranean formation with silica scale control additives, certain methods may combine silica scale control additives with particulates prior to formation of a particulate pack, and certain compounds may provide the features of both silica scale control additives and particulates. |
| US08794316B2 |
Refracture-candidate evaluation and stimulation methods
Quantitative refracture diagnostic and fracture-injection/falloff models may be used in methods for oil and gas subsurface formation evaluation techniques. More particularly, such methods may be used to select candidate wells and well candidate layers for stimulation treatments in a subterranean formation. An example of a method for selecting well candidate layers for stimulation treatments in a subterranean formation may comprise the steps of: selecting a candidate well; selecting a reservoir layer to be tested; performing a quantitative refracture-candidate diagnostic test on the reservoir layer; determining at least one reservoir property of the reservoir layer using the quantitative refracture-candidate diagnostic test; and modeling a proposed stimulation treatment using the at least one reservoir property in a reservoir simulation model so as to predict the efficacy of the proposed stimulation treatment. |
| US08794314B2 |
Drill rod
The invention relates to a drill rod having at least two rod elements, which are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed and detachable manner, wherein the rod elements each have an inner pipe and an outer pipe, between which a ring-shaped receiving space is formed, the rod elements each have an energy and/or data line, which extends along a longitudinal axis of the drill rod, and the energy and/or data lines of the rod elements are each connected to an induction coil, wherein the induction coils can be coupled to each other inductively for energy and/or data transmission along the drill rod. A first rod element has an inner induction coil located at an outer circumference of its inner pipe and a second rod element has an outer induction coil located at an inner circumference of its outer pipe. |
| US08794313B2 |
Annular gap debris barrier
A debris barrier snap fits to a tubular groove of one of the tubulars that define the annular gap in which the barrier is to be mounted. It is loosely mounted so that it can center itself in the annulus as the relatively moving members go out of a concentric arrangement. The continuous carbon fiber material used for the debris barrier has lubricious qualities to act as a bushing when the annulus shape changes due to movement of the tubulars out of a concentric relationship. An outer or inner groove on the barrier acts to trap and retain small particles that manage to advance between the barrier and the outer tubular. The snap fit is accomplished with flexible spaced apart fingers with grip surfaces to engage a groove on one of the tubulars. The barrier has low expansion under thermal loads that acts to stop the entrance of debris. |
| US08794309B2 |
Frangible slip for downhole tools
Slip members for use with downhole tools comprise a body formed of a first or body material and one or more hard material elements formed of a second or element material. The element material is harder than the body material. The hard material element is disposed through the body and in communication with a first surface and a second surface of the body, the second surface being disposed opposing the first surface. During manufacturing of the slip members, the hard material element may extend outwardly from one or both of the first and second surfaces. After manufacturing, the hard material element can be shaped to provide a gripping member. |
| US08794303B2 |
Plate laminate type heat exchanger
Problem to be SolvedA plate laminate type heat exchanger having high heat exchange efficiency is provided.SolutionIn a plate laminate type heat exchanger 100, both ends of a protrusion 10 converge into an inlet port for high temperature fluid 58a and an outlet port for high temperature fluid 58b. A pair of core plates 53 and 54 is assembled in such a way that the side of the core plate 53 on which the protrusion 10 is not formed faces the side of the core plate 54 on which the protrusion 10 is not formed and the protrusions 10 and 10 formed on the respective core plates are paired but oriented in opposite directions. The pair of core plates 53 and 54 form a plurality of tubes surrounded by the walls of the protrusions 10 and 10, and the tubes form high temperature fluid compartments. |
| US08794297B1 |
Molding apparatus and method of forming a moldable article
A molding apparatus is provided. The molding apparatus includes a first block configured to receive a moldable article therein, a second block positioned a distance from the first block, and a shim including graphite. The shim is positioned between the first block and the second block, wherein the shim gradually disintegrates when heated such that the second block contacts the first block. |
| US08794296B2 |
Window blind without using a lift cord
A window blind includes a retractable shading unit, a headrail connected with an upper end of the shading unit, a bottom rail connected with a lower end of the shading unit, at least one connecting cord extended through the shading unit and having a first end secured on the headrail and a second end secured on the bottom rail, a plurality of limit members mounted in the bottom rail, and a control unit mounted on the bottom rail. The second end of the connecting cord is provided with an elastic section having a length that is changed elastically to correspond to an expansion length of the shading unit. Thus, the elastic section of the connecting cord is extended or loosened when the shading unit is expanded or retracted to prevent from producing noise during movement of the shading unit. |
| US08794292B2 |
Double-faced adhesive tape joining apparatus
Provided is double-faced adhesive tape joining apparatus that allows accurate joining of a double-faced adhesive tape on a tape joining surface of a workpiece in a curved or bent shape with no damage on a surface of a separator joined to the double-faced adhesive tape and no floating of the separator. Specifically, a hand-operable base includes a tape guide for guiding the double-faced adhesive tape successively supplied, and a joining head for pressing against the joining surface of the workpiece the double-faced adhesive tape supplied to a front end of the base. The base and the joining head are configured as to rotate relatively about a support axis toward a longitudinal tape direction. |
| US08794287B2 |
Wafer bonding apparatus
Provided is a wafer bonding apparatus which performs pressurization and heating and eliminates nonuniformity of wafer thickness by changing the shape of a pressurizing surface so that planarity of a wafer bonding surface is improved. The wafer bonding apparatus places a plurality of wafers to be bonded between an upper unit (101U) and a lower unit (101L), and bonds the wafers by applying pressure and heat by the upper unit and the lower unit. The wafer bonding apparatus is provided with a top plate (111), a pressure profile control module (131), and a heater section arranged between the top plate and the pressure profile control module for heating. Shape change generated on the surface of the pressure profile control module causes change of the surface of the top plate. |
| US08794286B2 |
Run-flat tire
Pneumatic vehicle tire, in particular a run-flat tire, having a carcass, a tread, and two tire beads, having a respective bead core, which are provided for fixing the tire in an associated wheel rim by the fact that the beads overlap with the associated wheel rim. According to the invention, to avoid relative motion between the tire bead and the wheel rim when the tire is subjected to impact load, the bead is designed in such a way in the nonloaded state mounted on the wheel rim the bead does not overlap with the wheel rim in the contact region of the wheel rim flange above the bead core. |
| US08794283B2 |
Run-flat tire
A run-flat tire is provided with a reinforcing cord layer adjoining the radial carcass at least from the belt end to the maximum width portion of the tire side portion; the cord constituting the reinforcing cord layer is nylon 66 cord, cellulose fiber cord, PET cord, PEN cord or aramid/nylon 66 hybrid cord, and has a cord angle of less than 10° with respect to the tire radius direction; and the elastic modulus of the cord pulled out from the tire at a temperature of 25° C. under the conditions of a load of 3 N is not higher than 40 cN/dtex, and the thermal shrinkage stress σ (cN/dtex) at a temperature of 177° C. and the elastic modulus E (cN/dtex) at a temperature of 177° C. under the conditions of a load of 10 N satisfy the following conditions: σ+0.025E≧0.36, 40≧E≧8, and σ≧0.05. |
| US08794280B2 |
Vehicle tire inflation system and a method of control
A tire inflation system and a method of control. The tire inflation system includes the first gas supply and a second gas supply. The first gas supply is configured to provide a first compressed gas mixture. The second gas supply is configured to provide a second compressed gas mixture having a greater concentration of nitrogen than the first compressed gas mixture. The first or second compressed gas mixtures may be provided to inflate a vehicle tire. |
| US08794276B2 |
Method and machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products
Method and machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products according to which a container containing a liquid phase and a gaseous phase is connected to an aspiration circuit of a given amount of the liquid phase; a flow sensor being provided for detecting the passage of the liquid phase and of the gaseous phase along the aspiration circuit. |
| US08794272B1 |
Granular filler transfer device
A granular filler transfer device is provided for transferring granular fill material from a source container into a destination container. The device includes a tubular member having a first end portion flared outwardly approaching a first end of the tubular member and a second end portion flared outwardly approaching a second end of the tubular member. A first strap is removably coupled to the tubular member proximate the first end portion. The first strap is configured for securing around an opening of a source container holding a granular filler material. A second strap is removably coupled to the tubular member and positioned proximate the second end portion. The second strap is configured for securing around an aperture of a destination container. |
| US08794270B2 |
Method for weaving an antiqued rag Tibetan weave carpet
A method for weaving a carpet including tying a row of knots with a yarn and weaving two or more weft strands next to the row of knots, where the weft strands are 100% cotton and the yarn is wool yarn hand-carded and hand-spun into a single strand is described. |
| US08794265B2 |
Damping valve arrangement for a vibration damper
A damping valve arrangement for a vibration damper includes a damping valve body, which has at least one through-flow opening for the damping medium, and at least one valve disk which at least partly covers the through-flow openings under the influence of a closing force. The damping valve arrangement includes at least one spring element which has at least one supporting portion axially supported at another structural component part of the damping valve arrangement, and at least one spring portion disposed at a distance from the supporting portion and which introduces a spring force into the valve disk at least indirectly, wherein the spring force of the spring element is directed counter to the closing force acting on the valve disk, and wherein the spring force of the spring element is less than the closing force of the valve disk. |
| US08794264B2 |
Fluid valve port optimized for robustness with standard O-ring seal
An optimized fluid valve port has the following features: 1) the seal is preferably a standard O-ring seated in a rectilinear seal channel of one of a first or second valve body, 2) the unsupported span of the O-ring during valve port crossing is limited to a length of less than approximately three O-ring diameters, the support being provided by a web disposed between port openings; and 3), within the area of the O-ring, the fluid flow area of the fluid valve port is maximized. |
| US08794260B2 |
Slam shut safety device
A safety device for a gas distribution system includes a valve body and an upper casing attached to the valve body, the upper casing housing two springs. The two springs are separated by a casting tube. The two springs are attached to a movable diaphragm that is exposed to gas system pressure. The valve body also includes a cam mounted within the valve body. A limit switch is directly connected to the cam such that the limit switch moves directly in response to movement of the diaphragm. Additionally, a reset pin extends from the valve body and interacts with the cam such that the cam may be reset from a closed position to an open position by moving the reset pin. |
| US08794259B2 |
Modular container and fuel supply system
A fuel system for a vehicle is provided and may include a first housing containing a supply of fuel therein, a second housing containing a supply of fuel therein and coupled to the first housing, and a fuel pump disposed within one of the first housing and the second housing that selectively pumps fuel from each of the first housing and the second housing to the vehicle. A first interface may be associated with one of the first housing and the second housing and may be coupled to a vehicle interface of the vehicle in a coupled state to supply the vehicle with fuel from at least one of the first housing and the second housing. |
| US08794252B2 |
Portable multifunctional mobility aid apparatus
A portable, foldable, and multifunctional mobility aid apparatus that assists a user in standing, sitting, and/or walking process. The apparatus has an integrated power source and is based on 4 wheels. Users can stand on it and drive it as an electric mobility device, or disable it and use it as a passive walker. The apparatus has a pair of supporting beams with adjustable width to be placed under the user armpits and support the user in standing up, sitting down, and/or moving around. The apparatus can be controlled by a control panel mounted on a pair of handles, and its functions can be controlled by the user with no need for help from another person. The apparatus can be minimized by a combination of multiple telescopic vertical minimization mechanisms and multiple folding mechanisms. |
| US08794251B2 |
Method and cleaning equipment for cleaning surfaces below water level
The washing apparatus employs a cup with integrated channels for the supply of fluid to integrated spraying nozzles arranged around the rim of the cup and with a central outlet at the top of the cup for removal of fluid and fouling material. |
| US08794249B2 |
Cartridge type shaving brush
Embodiments of the invention relate to a shaving brush including a housing having opposing first and second ends; a least one bristle located at the first end; and a replacable element located in the housing in fluid communication with the brush. |
| US08794248B2 |
Headband with angled top section for improved comfort and fit
A headband includes an angled top section that enables the headband to better conform to the contour of the top of the user's head for a better fit in that area. In addition, the headband may be made of a memory-flex deformable material that enables it to conform to the contour of the top and sides of the user's head for a more comfortable fit in those areas. In some embodiments the headband has generally linear legs and in other embodiment the legs are swept back so they are positioned farther behind the user's ears. |
| US08794247B2 |
Applicator device, in particular for a mascara applicator, cosmetics applicator, in particular mascara applicator comprising an applicator device, and application unit comprising the applicator device
The invention relates to an applicator device, in particular for a mascara applicator, having a core from which application organs extend. The applicator device can be produced using a primary forming process in which, at least in some portions, the application organs are disposed in a longitudinal extent in rows, as viewed along a longitudinal axis of the core, and comprise a central axis. The central axis of the application organs have at least one undulation with at least one change of curvature, and the central axis of an application organ lies completely or substantially completely within one plane or spanning a plane. |
| US08794245B1 |
Aroma pack for an electronic cigarette
The present disclosure generally relates to an aroma pack for electronic cigarettes. The aroma pack comprises an aromatic insert, which is infused with a tobacco-like aroma, located within a housing positioned inside the aroma pack. The aromatic insert emits the scent of tobacco when the top cover of the pack is opened. |
| US08794241B2 |
Relaxant device of muscle fascicles in the cervical district
The invention concerns a relaxant device of the cervical spine muscles of a human being, consisting of counterweight (c) and relative support (10, 11, 12) on a skull, suitable to arrange the counterweights in the rear part of the skull, the counterweights being such as to substantially balance the weight of the skull with respect to the rotation fulcrum thereof. |
| US08794238B2 |
Splash-fluid resistant filtering face-piece respirator
A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that comprises a mask body 12 and a harness 14 that is joined to the mask body 12. The mask body 12 includes a filter layer 30 and a nonwoven fibrous cover web 16. The fibrous cover web 16 is partially occluded and is generally parallel to and spaced from the filter layer 30 such that air passing through the cover web 16 can move freely between the cover web 16 and the filter layer 30 so that it can enter the filter layer 30 at essentially any available point over the filter layer surface 32. The inventive respirator is beneficial in that it can provide very good splash fluid and airborne contaminant protection while also exhibiting an extraordinary low pressure drop across the mask body during breathing. |
| US08794237B2 |
Oxygen concentrator apparatus and method having flow restricted coupling of the canisters
An oxygen concentrator may rely on a pressure swing adsorption process to produce an oxygen enriched gas stream from canisters filled with granules capable of separation of oxygen from an air stream. The adsorption process uses a cyclical pressurization and venting of the canisters to generate an oxygen enriched gas stream. The oxygen concentrator system may include one or more flow restrictors to allow controlled release of oxygen enriched gas between the canisters. |
| US08794228B2 |
Modular flue adapter system and method
A modular flue adapter system and method is described to accommodate a conduit for exhaust between a firebox and a firebox flue, wherein the firebox is inserted into a firebox opening, by providing an offset distance and/or direction between the exhaust of the firebox and the firebox flue. |
| US08794225B2 |
Narrow crossbow with large power stroke
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a crossbow may include a main beam; a compound bow assembly mounted to the main beam; and, a trigger mechanism mounted to the main beam for use in holding a bowstring in a cocked position. The crossbow may include wheels at opposite ends of the bow that operatively receive the bowstring. The wheels may be separated by a wheel distance (WD) when the crossbow is in an un-cocked position. The crossbow may also have a power stroke distance (PD) and the ratio WD/PD may be less than 2.0. |
| US08794220B2 |
Blow-by gas recirculating apparatus for an engine
The invention provides a blow-by gas recirculating apparatus for a crankcase with enhanced ventilation efficiency. A fresh air introducing chamber is remote from a head cover. An upstream intake passage of a throttle valve is communicated with the fresh air introducing chamber, and the fresh air introducing chamber is communicated with a crankcase through a crankcase communication throttle hole which is opened in the crankcase. Fresh air in the upstream intake passage of the throttle valve is introduced into the crankcase sequentially through a fresh air introducing passage, the fresh air introducing chamber, and the throttle hole, without being short-circuited to a PCV valve. In a reverse flow from the crankcase to the upstream intake passage of the throttle valve, a gas in the crankcase reversely flows into the upstream intake passage sequentially through the throttle hole, the fresh air introducing chamber, and the fresh air introducing passage. |
| US08794219B2 |
EGR control apparatus for internal combustion engine
An EGR control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of properly controlling an inert gas amount of two types of EGR gas supplied to cylinders of the engine via two paths different from each other, thereby making it possible to ensure a stable combustion state, reduced exhaust emissions, and improve operability. The EGR control apparatus includes low-pressure and high-pressure EGR devices, and an ECU. The ECU controls the low-pressure and high-pressure EGR gas amounts according to engine speed and demanded torque, and when a combination of engine speed and demanded torque is in a predetermined region, the low-pressure and high-pressure EGR gas amounts are controlled such that inert gas in low-pressure EGR gas exceeds in amount inert gas in high-pressure EGR gas, and the former more exceeds the latter as engine speed is higher or demanded torque is larger. |
| US08794214B2 |
Method for operating an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to a method that is intended for operating an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle and that flushes the temporarily unused injection valves with fuel for the purpose of preventing and/or removing deposits. In order to make possible in a simple way a complete conversion of the undesired exhaust gas constituents in a catalytic converter of an exhaust gas aftertreatment system of the internal combustion engine when the internal combustion engine is running, the invention proposes flushing the temporarily unused injection valves with fuel during an overrun mode of the internal combustion engine. |
| US08794210B2 |
Engine lubrication system
A system for lubricating an engine is disclosed. In one example, the system includes an oil purging passage in fluidic communication with an oil gallery within an engine block. The system may provide for reduced engine degradation related to debris that may be found in engine oil. |
| US08794209B2 |
Engine mounting system
An engine mounting system for power equipment includes a tubular frame, an internal combustion engine, and one or more supports for mounting the engine to the tubular frame. The internal combustion engine includes an engine block and a crankcase cover attached to the engine block. The one or more supports are integrally cast with and extend away from at least one of the engine block and the crankcase cover. Additionally, the one or more supports are designed to be mounted to the frame and are contoured to match a portion of a profile of the frame. |
| US08794208B2 |
Piston for an internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine has a piston head and a piston skirt delimited by a lower skirt edge. The piston skirt has a working surface assigned to its major thrust side (DS) and a working surface assigned to its minor thrust side (GDS), and a zone is assigned to each of the two working surfaces, which zone proceeds from the lower skirt edge and is exposed to a maximal stress during operation of the internal combustion engine. The zone of the working surface assigned to the major thrust side (DS) and/or the zone of the working surface assigned to the minor thrust (GDS) side is provided with a coating that has grooves that run vertically. |
| US08794205B2 |
Switchable lever for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine
The invention concerns a switchable lever (1) for a valve train of an internal combustion engine, said lever (1) comprising on one end (5), a bearing (6) for enabling a pivotal support of said lever (1) and, on another end (7), a support (9) for a gas exchange valve, a crossbar (2) of the lever (1) comprising a recess (10) comprising two cam rollers (11, 12) which are seated on an axle (15) mounted in bores (13, 14) of side walls (3, 4) of the lever (1) and displaceable in axial direction, a hollow axle (16) arranged on said axle (15) extending inwards out of the bore (13) of the first side wall (3), a first one of the cam rollers (11) being guided, axially fixed on said hollow axle (16) in front of an inner side (17) of the first side wall (3), said first cam roller (11) serving for a permanent contact of a first low lift cam (18) of a cam assembly (19), a second one of the cam rollers (12) being axially fixed on said axle (15) and being displaceable by said axle (15) into two positions, a first one of said positions serving to switch to a high valve lift during which the second cam roller (12) can be displaced through said axle (15) into a central position in the recess (10), so that a contact of a high lift cam (20) of the cam assembly (19) is enabled, a second one of said positions serving to switch off the high valve lift during which the second cam roller (12) can be displaced through the axle (15) into a position in front of the second side wall (4), so that a contact of a further low lift cam (21) of the cam assembly (19) is enabled. |
| US08794204B2 |
Valvetrain for overhead valve engine
An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a camshaft rotationally supported within the engine structure and including a lobe, a first rocker arm, a valve lift mechanism, a valve, and a second rocker arm. The first rocker arm may include a first end rotationally coupled relative to the engine structure and a second end defining a cam engagement surface engaged with the lobe and a convex lift surface opposite the cam engagement surface. The valve lift mechanism may have a first end engaged with the lift surface of the first rocker arm. The second rocker arm may be supported relative to the engine structure and engaged with a second end of the valve lift mechanism and the valve to selectively open the valve based on displacement of the lift mechanism by the first rocker arm. |
| US08794203B2 |
Valve cover with decoupled NVH isolation and sealing features
A cylinder head cover, and a gasket are disclosed for sealing a cylinder head and isolating cylinder head vibrations from a cylinder head cover body. An example cylinder head cover may include a gasket having an elongate first gasket part and a flexible second gasket part sealingly coupled with the first gasket part along a length of the first gasket part. A bottom carrier may be configured to hold the first gasket part against a cylinder head for sealing engagement with the cylinder head. In addition a cover body may be configured to provide a covering surface sealingly coupled with the second gasket part at a spaced apart distance from the cylinder head. |
| US08794202B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus
A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving-side rotation member, a driven-side rotation member, a fluid chamber, an advanced angle chamber and a retarded angle chamber, a fluid control mechanism, a first intermediate lock mechanism configured to selectively lock a relative rotation phase of the driven-side rotation member relative to the driving-side rotation member at a first intermediate lock phase and release a locked state of the relative rotation phase at the first intermediate lock phase, a most retarded angle lock mechanism configured to selectively lock the relative rotation phase at a most retarded angle lock phase and release a locked state of the relative rotation phase at the most retarded angle lock phase, and a second intermediate lock mechanism configured to selectively lock the relative rotation phase at a second intermediate lock phase and release a locked state of the relative rotation phase at the second intermediate lock phase. |
| US08794197B2 |
Cooling-means-equipped, liquid-cooled engine
A liquid-cooled engine provided with cooling means for cooling an area surrounding a combustion chamber using a cooling liquid cooled by a radiator and caused to flow through a cooling passage. The cooling passage is embedded inside a cylinder block and a cylinder head. The cooling passage is formed in a continuous fashion such that the cooling liquid is introduced from the radiator to cool an area surrounding the combustion chamber, and thereafter returns to the radiator by looping around an area surrounding an exhaust valve for opening and closing an exhaust port of the combustion chamber. |
| US08794194B2 |
Combustion state control apparatus
An ECU includes: an electronically controlled valve opening degree control unit for increasing the opening degree of an electronically controlled valve, as a temperature of a coolant detected by a water temperature detecting unit is higher; and a gear ratio control unit for changing the gear ratio of an automatic transmission to a gear ratio to be used when a vehicle runs at a slow speed, when the temperature of the coolant detected by the water temperature detecting unit is equal to or higher than a temperature when the electronically controlled valve opening degree control unit sets the opening degree of the electronically controlled valve to be a maximum opening degree, and when an engine speed detected by an engine speed detecting unit is slower than a preset engine speed and a load to an engine detected by a load detecting unit is larger than a preset load. |
| US08794192B1 |
Movement restraint device for animals
An animal movement restraint operable to inhibit the animal engaged with the restraint from moving their head in a lateral and rearward direction. The animal movement restraint further includes a neckband surroundably mounted to the neck of the animal. A lower torso strap is further included and is circumferentially secured to the lower torso of the animal and is generally immovable. A first side strap and a second side strap are operably coupled intermediate the neckband and the lower torso strap. The first side strap and second side strap are adjustable in length and operable to be tightened so as to reduce the movement of the head of the animal. A mounting strap is secured intermediate the first side strap and second side strap extending over the back of the animal. |
| US08794190B1 |
Livestock loader and method
An apparatus including a first compartment and a second compartment is disclosed through which livestock animals move. The first compartment includes a first extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. The second compartment is vertically movable and includes a second extension that is horizontally extendable and retractable. A method includes positioning a first end of an apparatus proximate a doorway of a building that contains a plurality of livestock animals; extending a first extension to the doorway; positioning a vehicle proximate a second end of the apparatus; moving at least one of the livestock animals from the building and into a first compartment; moving the animal from the first compartment to a second compartment; vertically moving the second compartment to a level of a deck of the vehicle; extending a second extension to the deck; and moving the animal from the second compartment onto the vehicle deck. |
| US08794189B1 |
Cleaning glove with selective water actuator
A washing glove includes a sheath designed to be pulled onto the hand and extend along a portion of the forearm, and includes at least one thumb opening for extension of the thumb there through and at least one finger opening at a distal end of the sheath for extension of one or more fingers therethrough. The glove also includes a section of protuberances with openings in-between and around various protuberances for flow of water onto a pet being washed while the pet is scrubbed via the protuberances; and an actuator for selectively actuating flow of the water to and through the openings in the section of protuberances. The section is located in an area for covering a palm of the hand, adjacent the thumb opening, and the actuator is located at a proximal end of the sheath in an area for covering a portion of a forearm. |
| US08794187B2 |
Trailer for transporting living fowl
A trailer for transporting living fowl is provided and includes an enclosure defined by a top, a front wall, a rear wall, a floor, and first and second side walls. The side walls are made of fabric so that the living fowl may be loaded and unloaded from the sides of the trailer. A main air supply duct extends a substantial portion of the length of the enclosure and receives conditioned air from an apparatus for generating conditioned air. A plurality of spaced apart vertical side ducts are connected to the main air supply duct and provide support for the top of the enclosure. A plurality of spaced apart floor ducts are connected to the vertical side ducts. |
| US08794182B2 |
System and a method for controlling an automatic milking system
A system (1) for controlling an automatic milking system (2), configured for automatically receiving, identifying and selectively milking a lactating animal in accordance with a set of milking parameters associated with the animal. The system comprises a thermal imaging device (3), configured for generating at least one current thermal image of at least a portion of an udder of the animal, a storage device (4), configured for storing at least one reference thermal image of the udder, and a processing device (7), configured for comparing at least one current value derived from the at least one current thermal image and/or at least one current thermal image with at least one reference value derived from the at least one reference thermal image and/or at least one reference thermal image. The processing device is arranged to selectively provide a status indication of the animal in response to a result of the comparison. |
| US08794173B2 |
Light enhanced flow tube
An improved fluid flow gauging device includes a light enhanced acrylic block flow tube to optimize visualization of pressure readings. An LED or other light source is fitted to the top of the flow tube and illuminates a float or bobbin from above to provide more accurate readings, especially in low light conditions such as modern operating rooms. In addition, the light enhanced flow tube provides a mechanical backup in the case of failure of newer electronic systems and visually matches the graphical flow display, simultaneously providing a double-check of the electronic system. |
| US08794172B2 |
Traffic declineator barrel
A durable, single walled plastic traffic or work area delineator barrel. The single walled barrel is molded in a blow molding operation and handle and base rim flange regions of the barrel in one construction include compressed wall surfaces that define hollow, open-cavity pillars or struts that span between the walls. The pillars are constructed by depressing portions of the walls into contact and thermally bonding the materials together. In another construction corners of the base rim flange include recessed indentations and surface corrugations that are aligned to strengthen the rim flange. |
| US08794171B2 |
Boat steering arrangement
A boat is provided with a steering arrangement comprising a main steering system and control-surface subsystem. The control-surface subsystem comprises a control-surface assembly attached to the stern of the boat and comprising a trim tab pivotally connected to the stern of the boat, and a skeg rotatably mounted by the trim tab. The control-surface assembly further comprises a trim-tab operating arrangement for pivoting the trim tab, and a skeg operating arrangement. The main steering system and the skeg operating arrangement can be selectively set to operate independently of each other, or in coordination with each other, in steering the boat. |
| US08794169B2 |
Power steering apparatus for small vessel
In a power steering apparatus for a small vessel, an electrically driven assist device (26) and a helm pump (27) formed of a swash plate type axial piston pump are arranged in parallel on a common base (28). The electrically driven assist device (26) and the helm pump 27 are connected through a transmission system (34) under the common base 28 and integrated into a steering oil pressure generating unit (6) functioning as the power steering apparatus. The electrically driven assist device (26) is carried on an instrument panel (3). The parallel arrangement of the electrically driven assist device (26) and the helm pump (27) allows the steering oil pressure generating device (6) to be reduced in vertical length, so that it is possible to shorten the distance between the instrument panel (3) and a bottom (2) of the vessel and to lower positions of a handle and an operator's seat, thereby realizing the low center of gravity. |
| US08794164B2 |
Planter bracket assembly for supporting appurtenances in substantial alignment with the seed tube
A bracket assembly for supporting seed planting appurtenances in substantial alignment with respect to a seed tube of an agricultural planter. The bracket assembly includes a shaft mount and a shank mount. |
| US08794163B1 |
Modular stackable table systems
A modular stackable table system providing stackable bar tables that may be selectively customized by interchanging of the base supports and tops. |
| US08794160B2 |
Low-floor railcar bogie and low-floor railcar including the same
A low-floor railcar bogie of the present invention includes: a bogie frame including a pair of left and right side beams and a cross beam, each of the left and right side beams including a front portion, an intermediate portion, and a rear portion in a vehicle longitudinal direction, the intermediate portion being located at a position lower than the front portion and the rear portion, the cross beam connecting the intermediate portions of the pair of side beams each other; a pair of front and rear axle beams formed separately from the bogie frame, respectively located on a front side and rear side of the cross beam, and each extending in a vehicle width direction; independent wheels rotatably supported by left and right side portions of the axle beams, respectively; primary suspensions configured to elastically couple the front and rear portions of the side beams and the left and right side portions of the axle beams; and secondary suspensions provided on upper surfaces of the front and rear portions of the side beams. |
| US08794155B1 |
Hollow point payload capsules
A system includes an incomplete cartridge for a firearm and a field-selectable capsule for the cartridge. The capsule contains a product that may tag a person for tracing, induce sleep, cause disease, or have other effects. Capsules are preferably removably adhered to a strip with each strip of capsules potentially serving a different purpose. The incomplete cartridge includes a bullet that has an opening at the payload end. The opening receives and retains a capsule upon insertion. The capsule is made of a frangible material that releases the product upon impact. The capsule may be formed with a snap-in ridge extending from its exterior wall, which snaps into a complementary recess in the bullet opening. Alternatively, the capsule may be coated with a contact adhesive so that it sticks to the bullet wall defining the opening. A peel-off covering atop the strip shields the contact adhesive from contamination. |
| US08794154B2 |
Artillery projectile with separately controlled booster actuation and fragment dispersion
An artillery projectile for firing from an artillery gun, mortar or artillery rocket launcher. The artillery projectile includes a body, a payload with a number of inert fragments located within the body, a booster motor associated with the body for accelerating the body with the payload to a penetration velocity, and an opening arrangement associated with the body and deployed for initiating release of the fragments. The artillery projectile further includes a control system causally associated with the booster motor and the opening arrangement. The control system is configured to generate a first command to actuate the booster motor and a second command to actuate the opening arrangement. |
| US08794153B2 |
Shaped charge liner comprised of reactive materials
A shaped charge liner comprises a powder, and the powder comprises a blend of particles. The particles comprise a core material, a first reactant material in intimate contact with the core material, and a second reactant material in intimate contact with the first reactant, where the core material has a density greater than 10 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc). |
| US08794151B2 |
Silicided MOS capacitor explosive device initiator
An explosive device using a semiconductor explosion initiator device provides an MOS capacitor formed on a semiconductor substrate and including a silicide layer formed over a doped silicon layer formed over an oxide layer. The oxide layer is formed on an N-well formed in a semiconductor substrate. A voltage source applies a voltage which may be a pulsed voltage, across the MOS capacitor sufficient to cause the avalanche breakdown of the oxide layer and the diffusion of metal from the silicide layer into the doped silicon of the N-well formed in the substrate. The chemical reaction between the metal and the doped silicon causes the generation of a plasma which ignites a pyrotechnic material or ignites or detonates other explosive material in contact with the semiconductor explosion initiator device. |
| US08794150B2 |
Apparatus and method for microcontact printing on indefinite length webs
An apparatus and a method for micro-contact printing on a substrate. A roll having very low drag is supported for rotation by air bearings and has a micro-contact printing stamp mounted to its outer surface. Contact between the substrate and the micro-contact printing stamp drives the roll and repeatedly imprints the pattern onto the web. In convenient embodiments, the roll is a sleeve positioned over a core with the sleeve supported for rotation by a layer of air between the sleeve and the core. |
| US08794145B2 |
Film transfer device
A film transfer device guides a transfer film at least partly around a transfer cylinder having a channel. As a result of entrainment of the transfer film by an edge region of the channel during indexing, considerable impairment to web tension occurs, requiring an indexing speed to be reduced so as not to cause damage to the film. In order to increase an indexing frequency, in one region, i.e. more precisely in an edge region of the channel of the transfer cylinder, a coating is provided having such a nature that it at least reduces an adhesion of a rear side of the transfer film to the edge region of the channel, i.e. to the transfer cylinder in this case. In this way, the film slides better off the edge region of the channel and a higher indexing speed can be achieved. |
| US08794141B2 |
Intaglio printing press systems for recto-verso intaglio-printing of sheets for the production of banknotes and like securities
Intaglio printing press systems for recto-verso intaglio printing of sheets, in particular for the production of banknotes and the like securities, wherein first and second intaglio printing presses are operatively-coupled to one another by a sheet processing and transporting system comprising an automated guided vehicle system for automatically transporting sheets from a sheet delivery station of the first intaglio printing press where recto printing is performed to a sheet feeding station of the second intaglio printing press where verso printing is performed. |
| US08794138B2 |
Screen printing apparatus and method
A screen printing apparatus and method for printing deposits of a print medium on workpieces, the apparatus comprising: a frame support unit for supporting a printing screen unit which comprises a screen sheet which includes at least first and second patterns of print apertures; a workpiece support unit; a print head unit; and at least one screen cleaning unit; wherein the at least one screen cleaning unit and the print head unit are operated in parallel, whereby, when the printing screen unit is in the first printing position, the at least one screen cleaning unit cleans the underside of the screen sheet at a location corresponding to one of the first and second sets of print apertures and the print head unit prints print medium onto workpieces through the other of the first and second sets of print apertures. |
| US08794137B2 |
Support with wearing parts for screw presses
A screw press (1) for removing liquid from a pulp suspension has a shell (2) which is provided with openings through which the liquid can pass. The shell (2) contains a rotating screw with a screw flight (4) to which wearing parts are attached. Wearing part (6) and support (7) are connected to one another in a substance-to-substance bond by a soldered joint and in a positive bond by a projection (8) located at one of the two parts and which meshes into a recess (9) in the other part. |
| US08794136B2 |
Robust bale ejector system
An ejector system for a bale-forming chamber comprises a shuttle assembly having protrusions. This shuttle assembly is able to reciprocate to propel at least two bales towards a discharge outlet. The system furthermore comprises a tilting mechanism for tilting the shuttle assembly to retract a subset of the protrusions from an extended position projecting into the bale-forming chamber to a retracted position disposed outside the bale-forming chamber, thus, during movement of the shuttle assembly towards the discharge outlet, propelling only the bale present in the bale-forming chamber closest to the discharge outlet. |
| US08794135B1 |
System and method for controlling compactor systems
An integrated system for: complete waste compactor/container operational control; remote fullness monitoring; and, remote performance and maintenance diagnostics. Such diagnostic information is transferred wirelessly or otherwise to one or more recipients, so as to directly provide a critical warning in real time. The waste compactor/container controller/monitor system allows for periodic substantially real-time oil viscosity measurements of the hydraulic fluid to account for changes in such viscosity. The system adjusts the timing of the compactor stroke to permit more efficient operation and inhibit damage to the hydraulic ram and/or container during use. The system provides for the monitoring and communication of substantially all aspects of compactor operation both on-site and remotely. |
| US08794132B2 |
Cutting apparatus for cured cheese blocks
An apparatus for preparation of cheese comprising at least one vertical column, a guillotine knife for cutting of curd blocks, and a guide of guiding the guillotine knife having plastic guide strips overlying its longitudinal edges. |
| US08794130B2 |
Arrangement for a grill
A grill has a base platter, a bell-shaped container, a heat diffuser, and a set of vertical skewers and baskets, with each of the skewers having a skewer rod for receiving a meat to be roasted and a handle located at one end of the rod, and each of the baskets having a middle rod and articulated baskets mounted on the middle rod, between which the meat to be roasted can be fixed, and a handle provided on one end of the middle rod, such that tips of rods of the skewers and the baskets are supported by braces of the base platter, intermediate extensions of the skewers and the baskets supporting the meat extend vertically along the bell-shaped container, and upper ends of the rods of the skewers of the baskets close to the handles remain coupled with the streaks of the upper wall of the bell-shaped container. |
| US08794125B1 |
Method and apparatus for capturing a rimmed single serving cup in an adapter
A single serving filter paper cup for making a brewed beverage. The filter paper cup includes a receptacle having a rim captured between an adapter base and lid. The receptacle is formed by pleats in a receptacle wall and the rim around the top of the receptacle wall. Preferably, a heat seal filter paper is used and the pleats are adhered by the heat to retain shape. The receptacle is inserted into an adapter and brewing material is placed into the receptacle. The cover is folded over the rim and an adapter lid is attached to the adapter. The adapter lid and body sandwich the cover and receptacle rim to hold the filter paper cup against the lid to pack the brewing material against the lid and facilitate injection of hot water into the brewing material. |
| US08794124B2 |
Hydraulic pump or motor
The present embodiments disclose an axial hydraulic pump including a residual pressure regenerating circuit (30) which is a pipe line communicating with a top dead center side communication port (31) and a bottom dead center side communication port (32). Further, the axial hydraulic pump includes cylinder ports (26-1 to 26-8) which are provided in the respective cylinder bores of the cylinder block (6) and are operated with the rotation of the cylinder block (6). Even further, the axial hydraulic pump includes communication holes (41-1 to 41-8) which communicate with the top dead center side communication port (31) and the bottom dead center side communication port (32). |
| US08794121B2 |
Short recoil impulse averaging weapon system
A weapon system is provided. The weapon system includes a receiver and an operating group. The operating group includes a barrel extension at least partially housed within the receiver and arranged to axially translate relative to the receiver; an operating rod (op-rod) assembly arranged to axially translate within the barrel extension; and a bolt assembly arranged to axially translate within the barrel extension. The system further includes a gas accelerator coupled to the barrel and the op-rod assembly; a buffer assembly including a self-centering spring and a hydraulic piston assembly having a first end coupled to the receiver and a second end coupled to the barrel extension; and a feeder coupled to the receiver and configured to provide the round to the operating group. |
| US08794120B2 |
Mortar
A mortar includes at least one barrel mounted movably over a ball journal in a bottom supporting device, and an aiming device serving to aim the barrel vertically and horizontally. In order to be able to aim the barrel of the mortar automatically in a simple and cost advantageous manner, the aiming device preferably comprises a carriage that can be moved along guideways essentially horizontally towards or away from the barrel. At the carriage, the first end region of a pivoted arm is mounted so that it can be rotated about a pivot axis, and the second end region of the pivoted arm is connected with a spherical plain bearing, guiding the barrel. The spherical plain bearing embraces a housing part, which is open at its end faces and in which an inner part is mounted spherically (rotatably), which contains a cylindrical barrel guide, for movably accommodating the barrel. |
| US08794118B2 |
Machine for alternating tubular and flat braid sections and method of using the machine
A braider comprises a plurality of horngears. The horngears can be arranged for forming at least two closed paths for braiding. Each horngear has a driving gear and a hornplate. Each horngear can be selectably operated in a first mode, to rotate with the driving gear, and in a second mode, in which the driving gear rotates, but the hornplate does not. Bobbin carriers are positioned on some of the horngears. A track is configurable in: a first flat braiding mode with the carriers arranged on the horngears, so that there is one or more separate closed path for forming a first flat braid configuration; and a second flat braiding mode for forming a second flat braid configuration different from the first flat braid configuration. A switch is provided for changing a configuration of the track between the first and second flat braiding modes. |
| US08794116B2 |
Perforating apparatus, sheet processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus
A perforating apparatus having an orientation correction device that corrects skewing and aligns the front edge by striking the front edge of the paper, a perforation device having a punch to conduct perforation processing on the paper; and a lateral registration adjustment device that can adjust, in a direction at a right angle to the direction of movement of the aforementioned paper, the position of the perforation device punch in relation to the paper with orientation corrected using an orientation constraint device prior to perforating by the perforation device. The perforating apparatus may also include a structure in which said perforation device can be inserted into and detached from a non-moving support unit having the drive source of a lateral registration adjustment device, and when mounted, the type of perforation device can be recognized. |
| US08794109B2 |
Tattooing apparatus
The present invention relates to a tattooing apparatus having a tattooing needle capable of automatically reciprocating in a linear direction. The tattooing apparatus according to the present invention includes a case, a motor disposed inside the case, a cam unit to convert rotation of the motor into linear reciprocation, a link connected to the cam unit and disposed inside the case to be linearly reciprocated by the cam unit, and a needle cartridge that is connected to a lower end of the case and has a tattooing needle to move according to the link and a tattooing ink to flow out along the tattooing needle. |
| US08794107B2 |
Submerged gear and bearing guard
A gearbox for an auxiliary power unit (APU) includes features that prevent submersion of gears in lubricant in extreme attitude orientations. The gearbox includes a plurality of gears that drive various pumps, generators and/or other aircraft systems. A shield surrounds a portion of one of the plurality of gears to prevent lubricant from submerging the gear. The shield defines at least a portion of an open chamber that is at least partially surrounded by lubricant at extreme attitude orientations. |
| US08794098B2 |
Parallel robot
A parallel robot includes a fixed platform, a movable platform, and a plurality of links positioned in parallel between the fixed platform and the movable platform. Each link includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, a first ball joint, and a second ball joint. The first connecting member connects to the second connecting member with a prismatic joint. The first connecting member connects to the fixed platform via the first ball joint, and the second connecting member connects to the movable platform via the second ball joint. Each of the first and second ball joints includes a ball member, a socket member, and a resilient pressing mechanism. The ball member couples with the socket member. The resilient pressing mechanism is positioned between the ball member and the socket member, applying compression to cause the ball member to tightly contact the socket member. |
| US08794096B2 |
Gearwheel and method for manufacturing a gearwheel
The invention concerns a gearwheel (1) with a gear rim (2) and an insert (3) whose external diameter (d3) is greater than half of the external diameter (d1) of the gearwheel (1), wherein the insert (3) is surrounded by injection molding by means of a cone mold during the manufacture of the gearwheel. In particular, the gear rim (2), including gear teeth on the external circumference, is formed at the same time during the injection molding process. |
| US08794088B2 |
Telescopic actuator
The invention relates to a telescopic actuator comprising a body (1) defining a cylindrical cavity of longitudinal axis (X); a rod (3) mounted to slide telescopically in the cylinder along the said axis; a nut (7) secured to the rod; a lead screw (4) mounted on the cylinder to extend along and rotate about the said axis (X) and collaborate with the nut in such a way that a rotation of the lead screw causes a telescopic movement of the rod in the cylinder; means (8, 9, 10) for driving the rotation of the lead screw.According to the invention, the nut is mounted on the rod to be axially retained thereon by retaining means (12, 13, 14; 30 to 38) which can be made to release the nut axially from the rod. |
| US08794085B2 |
Electromechanical telescopic actuator
A telescopic actuator comprising a cylinder having a structure for coupling the cylinder to a first external element a rod mounted to slide telescopically in the cylinder along a sliding axis and including a structure for coupling it to a second external element and a lead screw mounted to rotate in the cylinder about the sliding axis and extending inside the rod to co-operate with a nut secured to the rod, such that rotating the lead screw causes the rod to slide. There also is a drive structure for driving the lead screw in rotation and a retention structure for axially retaining the lead screw. The retention structure holds a bearing of the lead screw captive in an axial direction and is arranged to retain the bearing of the lead screw with axial clearance suitable for absorbing movements imparted to the rod relative to the cylinder. |
| US08794083B2 |
Low row steam generator inspection probe
An inspection assembly for inspecting a hollow member, with a probe head, which includes at least one sensor, and a flexible shaft connected to the probe head to transmit motive force. The shaft encloses at least one wire operatively connected to the probe head for sensory operation of the sensor. The shaft has a first part adjacent to the probe head and a second part distal therefrom. The first part is relatively more flexible that the second part. The shaft has an improved ability to follow a torturous path of the hollow member and for aiding in kink prevention of the shaft. In one aspect, the first part is made of polymer material and has a reduced-diameter and corrugations. Optionally, at least one non-metallic retrieval cable is enclosed within the shaft and connected to the probe head for transmitting a pulling force to the probe head. |
| US08794080B2 |
Ultrasonic flow sensor for detecting a flow of a fluid medium
An ultrasonic flow sensor for detecting a flow of a fluid medium in a flow tube includes at least one first ultrasonic transducer, at least one second ultrasonic transducer, and at least one waveguide configured to conduct ultrasonic waves between the at least one first ultrasonic transducer and the at least one second ultrasonic transducer by reflection on walls of the waveguide, and to enable the fluid medium to flow through. The ultrasonic waves are able to propagate between the first ultrasonic transducer and the second ultrasonic transducer on at least two ultrasonic paths. Sound energies of the ultrasonic waves transmitted on the at least two different ultrasonic paths differ from one another by no more than a factor of 100. |
| US08794079B2 |
Determining magnitude of compressive loading
An apparatus for determining a magnitude of a compressive load applied to a piston including a compliant film disposed between first and second elements is provided. The apparatus includes a first part movable with the first element in a movement direction along which the magnitude of the compressive load is to be determined, a second part movable with the second element in the movement direction and a sensor to measure a distance between the first and second parts in the movement direction, the measured distance being related to a deformation of the compliant film as the compressive load is applied. |
| US08794077B2 |
Pressure sensor
A pressure sensor, comprising: a monocrystalline membrane body, which includes a measuring membrane and an edge region surrounding the measuring membrane. The edge region has a greater material thickness than the measuring membrane and the edge region has a first mounting surface, whose surface normal is given by a first principal crystal axis. A monocrystalline substrate, which, with respect to crystal structure, comprises the same semiconductor material as the membrane body, the substrate has a second mounting surface, whose surface normal extends parallel to the first principal crystal axis. The membrane body is tightly connected to the substrate by joining the first mounting surface to the second mounting surface. The orientations of other principal crystal axes of the membrane body and the substrate are, in each case, oriented parallel relative to one another. |
| US08794067B2 |
Double-axis rotation rate sensor
A micromechanical rotation rate sensor, comprising at least one substrate, wherein the rotation rate sensor has at least a first and a second seismic mass which are coupled to one another by means of at least one coupling beam, and wherein the rotation rate sensor is embodied in such a way that it can detect rotation rates about at least a first and a second sensitive axis, wherein each seismic mass is assigned at least one actuator unit with which the deflection behavior of the seismic mass can be influenced. |
| US08794064B2 |
Measuring cup for waste oil extraction machine
A measuring cup for a waste oil extraction machine is disclosed in the present invention, comprising an organic glass made cup body (1) provided with an explosion-proof valve connecting hole (11), a negative-pressure meter mounting hole (12) and several pull-rod insertion holes (13) thereon; the top of the cup body (1) is in a cone shape; the cup body (1) is further provided with several water-drop-shaped bulges (14) projecting outwardly and longitudinal grooves (15) on the outer surface thereof; the bulges (14) and the grooves (15) can effectively improve strength of the cup body (1). |
| US08794061B1 |
Apparatus, system and method for measuring the properties of a corrosive liquid
An apparatus and method used to determine the density and other properties of a corrosive liquid, such as drilling mud. The apparatus uses at least two sensor elements with ceramic facings spaced a known vertical distance apart and inserted into the fluid. The differential pressure measurement provided by these sensors is used to calculate the density of the liquid. This density measurement is then reported in real-time to an operator. |
| US08794060B2 |
Accumulator piston position-measuring device
A hydraulic accumulator including a fluid chamber and a displaceable piston that is connected to a piston position-measuring means is disclosed. Embodiments of the hydraulic accumulator can provide a device that measures the available fluid volume in the accumulator. In embodiments, the displaceable part of the piston may separate fluid volume from gas volume, and may be connected to a wire that runs through the fluid volume and exits the outside of the accumulator through a sealed opening. Further, in embodiments, the wire may be led over pulleys and through a hollow member connected to the accumulator. The position of an associated metallic core member can be electrically monitored to provide position and fluid volume information. |
| US08794058B2 |
Device and method for measuring the tread depth of a motor vehicle tire
A device and a method for measuring the tread depth of a motor vehicle tire. The device includes at least one sensor element which is configured to acquire data on a change of the deformation characteristics of the motor vehicle tire in the area of the tire contact area and can be fixed in the area of the inner side of the motor vehicle tire opposite the tread; and a control and evaluation unit for evaluating and processing the acquired data. The unit is data-connected to the at least one sensor element. |
| US08794057B2 |
Diagnostic operation strategy for diesel oxidation catalyst aging level determination using NOx sensor NO2 interference
A method of determining aging of a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) in an engine exhaust system includes receiving a first sensor signal from a first nitrogen oxides (NOx) sensor positioned in exhaust flow upstream of the DOC. The first sensor signal is indicative of an amount of NOx in the exhaust flow upstream of the DOC. The method further includes receiving a second sensor signal from a second NOx sensor positioned in the exhaust flow downstream of the DOC. The second sensor signal is indicative of an amount of NOx downstream of the DOC. A difference between the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal is calculated by a controller. A DOC aging level based on a predetermined correlation between the difference and DOC aging can then be determined by the controller if at least one predetermined operating condition is satisfied. |
| US08794054B2 |
Sensor device and a method of manufacturing the same
A sensor device for analyzing fluidic samples is provided. The sensor device includes a stacked sensing arrangement having at least three sensing layers and a multilayer structure. The multilayer structure has a hole formed therein which is adapted to let pass the fluidic sample and the stacked sensing arrangement is formed in the multilayer structure in such a way that the fluidic sample passes the stacked sensing arrangement when the fluidic sample passes the hole. |
| US08794051B2 |
Combined rheometer/mixer having helical blades and methods of determining rheological properties of fluids
A method of determining rheological properties can include dispensing a fluid into a rheometer including a stator having at least one helical blade, measuring torque (T) due to relative rotation between the stator and a rotor of the rheometer at different rotational speeds (RPM's), calculating shear stress (SS) as follows: SS=Tβ/K, and calculating volume averaged shear rate (VASR) as follows: VASR=k1*RPMα, where K, k1, α and β are experimentally-derived coefficients. A method of mixing fluids and performing a rheological test on the admixed fluids can include dispensing a fluid into a rheometer, then dispensing another fluid into the rheometer, then mixing the fluids with at least one helical blade of the rheometer, and then measuring torque due to relative rotation between a stator and a rotor of the rheometer. A rotary rheometer can include a rotor, and a stator having at least one helical blade. |
| US08794050B2 |
Fluid sample analysis systems
A fluid sample analyzing system may be formed from an image sensor integrated circuit substrate. A glass wafer may be used to cover a wafer of image sensors. The glass wafer and the image sensor wafer may be attached using oxide bonding. Fluid channels may be formed in a layer that is interposed between the image sensor wafer and the glass wafer. The layer may be deposited on the image sensor wafer and the glass wafer prior to oxide bonding. A spacer may be used to deliver the fluid channel layer to the image sensor wafer before the glass wafer is bonded to the image sensor wafer. The spacer may be formed from a silicon wafer. The silicon wafer may be bonded to the image sensor wafer and thinned, leaving a thin spacer wafer layer on the image sensor wafer in which fluid channels may be formed. |
| US08794045B2 |
Cluster-type multistage rolling mill
A cluster-type multistage rolling mill includes: a top inner housing a top roll group; a bottom inner housing a bottom roll group; an entry-side outer housing provided at entry sides of the inner housings and having an opening portion which a strip is allowed to pass through; a delivery-side outer housing provided at delivery sides of the inner housings and having an opening portion which the strip is allowed to pass through; sets of pass line adjusters provided in upper portions of the opening portions, and pressing an entry-side pressing portion and a delivery-side pressing portion of the top inner housing, respectively; and sets of roll gap controlling cylinders provided in lower portions of the opening portions, and pressing an entry-side pressing portion and a delivery-side pressing portion of the bottom inner housing, respectively. |
| US08794040B2 |
Fabric treating machine
A fabric treating machine includes a spray nozzle for spraying water supplied from a water supply passage into an inner tub and a spray nozzle combining unit for combining the spray nozzle with a case. Fabric loaded in the inner tub can be effectively soaked through the spray nozzle. Furthermore, a spray direction of the spray nozzle can be accurately adjusted when the spray nozzle is fitted in the case, and thus the spray nozzle can be easily fitted in the case and water sprayed through the spray nozzle can be prevented from overflowing. |
| US08794036B2 |
Apparatus and method for separating a glass sheet from a moving ribbon of glass
Disclosed are methods for compensating the varying weight of a glass ribbon the glass ribbon is drawn from a molten glass forming material, and an apparatus therefore. The weight compensating apparatus is configured to apply a force to the glass ribbon that is inversely proportional to the weight of the glass ribbon such that as the glass ribbon weight increases, the force applied to the glass ribbon by the weight compensating device decreases. |
| US08794032B2 |
Jewelry set
A jewelry set includes a first jewelry item having a band for encircling a chosen part of a wearer's body and a second jewelry item having an attachment area and a decorative hoop, the hoop having a shape such that it can encircle the same chosen part of the wearer's body as the band. The first jewelry item has a connector for accepting and supporting the attachment area so that the hoop is maintained generally concentric with the band. The first jewelry item can be worn on the wearer's body either with both the band and the hoop encircling the chosen body part, or without the second jewelry item being attached, such that the second jewelry item can be worn separately from the first jewelry item. The first and second jewelry items may be, for example, a finger ring and a hoop earring. |
| US08794028B2 |
Refrigeration system
A refrigeration system including a refrigerant circuit with a plurality of evaporator paths and a distributor (5) for distributing refrigerants to the evaporator paths. The distributor including a controllable valve (14) for each evaporator path. The refrigeration system can be operated by using a distributor (5), which includes a housing (11) and a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing (11) and at least one radially oriented projection (15) on the circumference of the rotor, which interacts respectively with a valve element of a valve. |
| US08794026B2 |
Secondary cooling apparatus and method for a refrigerator
The present invention provides a secondary cooling apparatus and method of providing cooling to one or more features in a refrigerator. In one exemplary aspect of the present invention, the refrigerator includes a cabinet having a door, a first cooling loop in the cabinet, and a second cooling loop cooled by the first cooling loop. The secondary cooling loop is adapted to cool the one or more features in the cabinet or on the door of the refrigerator. In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method for providing cooling in a refrigerator to one or more features in a compartment or on a door of the refrigerator includes providing a first cooling loop within a refrigerator, cooling a secondary cooling loop directly or indirectly with the first cooling loop, and transferring cooling from the secondary cooling loop to the one or more features in the compartment or on the door of the refrigerator. |
| US08794025B2 |
Apparatus for preparing coloured ice cubes
An apparatus for the preparation of colored ice cubes (100, 100′, 100″) comprising: a connection for a water supply (10), a heater (20), a single cooler (30), an array of two or more color recipients (50, 50′, 50″), two or more associated mixers (60, 60′, 60″) for mixing the colored water from the recipients (50, 50′, 50″) with water from the single cooler (30), and at least one freezer (70, 70′, 70″) for preparing colored ice cubes (100, 100′, 100″), which is connected to the outlets of the mixers (60, 60′, 60″). Further a method for operating the apparatus for the preparation of colored ice cubes is presented. |
| US08794024B2 |
Refrigerator ice compartment latch and cover
An insulated icemaking compartment is provided in the fresh food compartment of a bottom mount refrigerator. The icemaking compartment may be integrally formed with the liner of the fresh food compartment, or alternatively, may be modular for installation anywhere in the fresh food compartment. A removable bin assembly with a front cover normally seals the icemaking compartment to maintain the temperature in the compartment. A cold air duct formed in the rear wall of the refrigerator supplies cold air from the freezer compartment to the icemaking compartment. A return air duct directs a portion of the air from the icemaking compartment back to the freezer compartment. An air vent with a damper in the icemaking compartment directs another portion of air into the fresh food compartment. A control system provides for controlling refrigerator functions in a manner that promotes energy efficiency, including movement of the damper between open and closed positions. An improved latch and seal are provided for the ice bin assembly to allow removal of the bin assembly and to ensure a positive seal between the bin assembly and the front cover of the ice compartment. |
| US08794023B2 |
Ice dispenser with crusher for a refrigerator appliance
An ice dispenser for a refrigeration appliance is provided that can deliver both crushed ice and whole or non-crushed ice. A rotating drum or cylinder carries one or more blades that can crush ice against non-rotating blades carried on an axis or rod that extends into the drum. The direction of rotation of the drum can be selected so as to determine whether crushed or non-crushed ice is dispensed. The dispensing system can be located on the door of the refrigerator. An ice maker can also be positioned with the ice dispenser on the door of the appliance or, optionally, can be located in a compartment of the refrigerator. |
| US08794018B2 |
System and method for the measurement and prevention of icing in a conduit
A system for preventing icing in a conduit, as can occur in an aircraft's air conditioning system, includes at least one sensor for acquiring mechanical oscillations of the conduits, an electronic evaluation unit and an electronic control unit. The sensor is connected to the electronic evaluation unit, which knows characteristics relating to the oscillation behavior of the conduit and is equipped to compare the measured conduit oscillations with these characteristics, and through correlation to interpret them as conduit icing, and in the case of conduit icing to emit a signal to the control unit. If the operation-associated oscillations are inadequate, oscillations can be generated or amplified through an actuator. With this system an icing state within the conduit can be detected without the use of sensors located in the interior cross section of the conduit, which itself serves as a sensitive element. |
| US08794017B2 |
Cooling medium distribution through a network of passages having a plurality of actuators
A system for managing distribution of a cooling medium includes a sensor configured to detect a condition, a first agent configured to receive the detected condition and to determine whether a characteristic of the cooling medium controlled via a first actuator is to be manipulated based upon the detected condition. The system also includes a second agent configured to receive at least one of the detected condition and the flow manipulation determination of the first actuator and to determine whether a characteristic of the cooling medium controlled by a second actuator is to be manipulated based upon the at least one of the detected condition and the characteristic manipulation determination of the first actuator. |
| US08794014B2 |
Ice making in the refrigeration compartment using a cold plate
A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet having a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment. There is a fresh food compartment door for providing access to the fresh food compartment and an ice compartment mounted at the fresh food compartment door. A cold plate is mounted within the fresh food compartment and adapted for cooling the ice compartment when the fresh food compartment door is in a closed position. |
| US08794011B2 |
Method and apparatus for utilizing in-situ measurements techniques in conjunction with thermoelectric chips (TECs)
According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus includes a surface and a first array. The surface emits radiation, and the first array is arranged over the surface and arranged to provide cooling to the surface, the first array including a plurality of TECs. At least a first sensing arrangement is substantially integrated with the first array, wherein the first sensing arrangement is arranged to make a non-contact measurement associated with the surface. The apparatus also includes a controller arranged to obtain the non-contact measurement and to use the non-contact measurement to control the cooling provided by the first array. |
| US08794009B2 |
Gas turbine engine buffer system
A gas turbine engine includes a buffer system that can communicate buffer supply air to a portion of the gas turbine engine. The buffer system can include a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit selects between a first bleed air supply having a first pressure and a second bleed air supply having a second pressure that is greater than the first pressure to render a first buffer supply air having an intermediate pressure. The second circuit selects between a third bleed air supply and a fourth bleed air supply to communicate a second buffer supply air. |
| US08794002B2 |
Thermal energy conversion method
A method for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy in a thermodynamic cycle includes placing a thermal energy source in thermal communication with a heat exchanger arranged in a working fluid circuit containing a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) and having a high pressure side and a low pressure side. The method also includes regulating an amount of working fluid within the working fluid circuit via a mass management system having a working fluid vessel, pumping the working fluid through the working fluid circuit, and expanding the working fluid to generate mechanical energy. The method further includes directing the working fluid away from the expander through the working fluid circuit, controlling a flow of the working fluid in a supercritical state from the high pressure side to the working fluid vessel, and controlling a flow of the working fluid from the working fluid vessel to the low pressure side. |
| US08793997B2 |
Internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine and a method of operation the internal combustion engine which includes a high pressure and a low pressure turbocharger having exhaust gas turbines arranged in series in an engine exhaust line provided with a high pressure exhaust gas recirculation line and a low pressure exhaust gas recirculation line via which exhaust gas can be conducted to an inlet line of the engine, the arrangement is switchable depending on the engine speed between an exhaust gas recirculation by way of the high pressure line and an exhaust gas recirculation by way of both, the high pressure and the low pressure line, to achieve low emissions and low fuel consumption. |
| US08793992B2 |
Thermoelectric device for use with Stirling engine
An exhaust gas manifold having thermoelectric devices in the exhaust manifold of a stirling engine is disclosed. |
| US08793990B1 |
Drive apparatus having gear reduction
A drive apparatus having a motor running surface formed on a first side of a center section and a thrust spacer mounted on the center section opposite the motor running surface. A motor cylinder block is rotatably disposed on the running surface and drives a motor shaft. A gear train including an output gear fixed on the motor shaft translates motion to the output axles. The drive mechanism may also include a brake having a stationary pin adjacent to a first face of a gear, a brake stator positioned on a second face of the gear opposite the first face and capable of bearing against the gear, a brake rotor having an inner gear form that engages the teeth of a second gear; and a brake puck capable of bearing against the brake rotor. |
| US08793989B2 |
Compressed air energy storage system utilizing two-phase flow to facilitate heat exchange
A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control. |
| US08793986B2 |
Combined cabin heater and EGR heat exchanger
A combined emission control device and exhaust gas heat exchanger for connection to the exhaust gas flow from an engine of a motor vehicle is disclosed having a number of exhaust gas transfer passages and a number of coolant passages so as to permit heat to be transferred from exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas heat exchanger to coolant used to supply heating for a cabin of the motor vehicle. The exhaust gas heat exchanger includes a tapping to permit cooled exhaust gas to be extracted for use in a Low Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation system. The exhaust gas heat exchanger thereby provides dual functionality being able to recuperate heat for use in a cabin heater and cool exhaust gas for use in the Low Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation system. |
| US08793981B2 |
Fuel processor with improved carbon management control
A method of regenerating a particulate filter which traps particulate matter contained in a product stream of a fuel processor. The method comprises a step which predicts the value of a parameter indicative of carbon accumulation in the particulate filter during operation of the fuel processor. When the predicted value meets or exceeds a first threshold value a regeneration process is initiated. Optionally, after a certain time or when the predicted value meets or falls below a second threshold value, the regeneration process is ceased. |
| US08793976B2 |
Sulfur accumulation monitoring systems and methods
A system for a vehicle includes a change determination module, a sulfur determination module, and a final equivalence ratio (EQR) module. The change determination module estimates a change in an amount of sulfur within a catalyst of an exhaust system of the vehicle. The sulfur determination module estimates the amount of sulfur within the catalyst based on the change. The final EQR module selectively adjusts fueling of an engine based on the amount of sulfur. |
| US08793974B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment device of diesel engine
The present invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment device of a diesel engine that is capable of increasing the concentration of PM in the EGR gas, wherein an exhaust gas separator 2 has electrodes 12 and 13 having different polarities from each other to allow the PM in the exhaust gas 3 to be charged to a given polarity by means of corona discharge between the electrodes 12 and 13 and thus to permit a peripheral wall 14 surrounding the exhaust gas swirl chamber 9 to have the electrode 13 having the opposite polarity to the charged PM, and the charged PM in the exhaust gas 3 swirling the exhaust gas swirl chamber 9 is localizedly positioned around the peripheral wall 14 of the exhaust gas swirl chamber 9 through a centrifugal force and an electrostatic force to allow the exhaust gas 3 containing the localizedly positioned PM to be separated as the EGR gas 4 and sent to a terminal end portion 15 of the exhaust gas swirl chamber 9, while the exhaust gas 3 around the central cylinder 7 is being separated as the emission gas 5 and sent to the interior of the central cylinder 7 through the plurality of emission gas entry holes 8. |
| US08793971B2 |
Fuel pumping system for a gas turbine engine
A fuel supply system for a gas turbine engine has a first pump for delivering fuel to a first use on a gas turbine engine, and a second pump for delivering fuel to a second use on the gas turbine engine. A valve allows flow from the first pump to be delivered to the first use, but also routes some flow from the first pump to supplement fuel flow from the second pump until a pressure downstream of the second pump increases. The valve then allows flow from the second pump to flow to the first use to supplement the flow from the first pump. |
| US08793970B2 |
Piezoelectric de-icing of an air inlet
A lip assembly for an air inlet of a turbojet engine nacelle includes an inner surface, an external surface. A portion of the external surface is covered by an ice-repellent coating. In particular, the ice-repellent coating includes a piezoelectric actuator which vibrates the external surface and is combined into a matrix of the ice-repellent coating. |
| US08793969B2 |
Round steel chain
A round steel chain has chain links articulated to one another, wherein the individual chain links each have opposite chain bends, which are connected to one another by chain legs. At least every second chain link is designed as a flat link, wherein the chain legs of the flat link are flattened at the edges in the cross-section of the chain legs and have a leg width greater than the diameter of the chain bends, such that the areas of the chain legs extending beyond the diameter to the leg width form lateral bulges, which extend up to the chain bends or into the chain bends, and chain bends have thickened sections arranged on the longitudinal outer surfaces of the chain bends. |
| US08793968B2 |
Methods of manufacturing a plastic spice container
A spice container and method of making same is provided. The spice container includes a plastic container body and a plastic lid ultrasonically welded to an open end of the container body. The method of making the spice container includes molding the container body from plastic as a one-piece construction. However, during molding, prior to cooling, the container body has a rectangular outer periphery proximate a closed end and an outer periphery at an opposite end having at least one side that bows radially outward. After molding and after cooling, the outer periphery proximate the opposite end has a generally rectangular shape as the bowed side cools and shrinks to a generally straight side. |
| US08793966B2 |
Building panels and methods of making
Light weight fiber-reinforced polymeric (FRP) structural building panels and panel assemblies, sized and configured for construction of wall structures. Fiber schedule and orientation in the panels provide enhanced properties of strength of a panel/wall per unit dimension relative to FRP layer thickness and/or mass of the panel/wall per unit dimension. Panel profiles as molded having draft angles, and molds to make such profiles, enhance panel fabrication. |
| US08793963B2 |
Method for laying a floor covering in a cabin of a vehicle
A method for laying a floor covering onto a floor in a cabin of a vehicle comprises the steps of applying a connection means to an element of a group comprising the floor covering and a floor, compacting the floor covering into a compact unit having an open end, bringing the floor covering into the cabin, pulling the open end of the floor covering along a length of the cabin beneath seats disposed in the cabin on the cabin floor and connecting the floor covering to the cabin floor using the connection means. The connection is made by way of one or more adhesive layers, for example. In this way, a carpet floor can be laid or replaced in a cabin of a vehicle without having to remove the seats located in the cabin. |