Document Document Title
US08815341B2 Carbon fiber substrates having carbon nanotubes grown thereon and processes for production thereof
Processes for growing carbon nanotubes on carbon fiber substrates are described herein. The processes can include depositing a catalyst precursor on a carbon fiber substrate, optionally depositing a non-catalytic material on the carbon fiber substrate, and after depositing the catalyst precursor and the optional non-catalytic material, exposing the carbon fiber substrate to carbon nanotube growth conditions so as to grow carbon nanotubes thereon. The carbon nanotube growth conditions can convert the catalyst precursor into a catalyst that is operable for growing carbon nanotubes. The carbon fiber substrate can remain stationary or be transported while the carbon nanotubes are being grown. Optionally, the carbon fiber substrates can include a barrier coating and/or be free of a sizing agent. Carbon fiber substrates having carbon nanotubes grown thereon are also described.
US08815335B2 Method of coating a substrate with nanoparticles including a metal oxide
One exemplary embodiment may include a method comprising: depositing a solution comprising an organometallic compound on a substrate, drying the solution to provide a film of the organometallic compound and at least partially oxidizing an organic component of the organometallic compound to provide nanoparticles including metal oxides on the substrate which would have multiuse industrial applications.
US08815333B2 Manufacturing method of metal structure in multi-layer substrate
Disclosed is a manufacturing method of metal structure in multi-layer substrate. The manufacturing method includes following steps: coating at least one photoresist layer on a surface of a dielectric layer; exposing the photoresist dielectric layer to define a predetermined position of the metal structure; removing the photoresist layer at the predetermined position to undercut an edge of the photoresist layer adjacent to the predetermined position by a horizontal distance of at least 0.1 μm between a top and a bottom of the edge; forming the metal structure at the predetermined position; and forming at least one top-cover metal layer to cover a top surface and two side surfaces of the metal structure. The present invention can form a cover metal layer covering the top surface and the two side surfaces by one single photomask.
US08815331B2 Film-forming apparatus, method of cleaning the same, and method of manufacturing a light-emitting device
A cleaning method of removing a vapor-deposition material adhering to equipments without exposure to the atmosphere is provided. A vapor-deposition material adhering to equipments (components of a film-forming apparatus) such as a substrate holder, a vapor-deposition mask, a mask holder, or an adhesion preventing shield provided in a film-forming chamber are subjected to heat treatment. Because of this, the adhering vapor-deposition material is re-sublimated, and removed by exhaust through a vacuum pump. By including such a cleaning method in the steps of manufacturing an electro-optical device, the manufacturing steps are shortened, and an electro-optical device with high reliability can be realized.
US08815326B2 Temperature telemetry in processing of material
In the process of coating pharmaceutical tablets in a moving bed, the temperature of the tablets is measured by incorporating a temperature transducer in the form of tablet into the bed of tablets, and transmitting temperature data to an external receiver by wireless telemetry.
US08815325B2 Medicinal inhalation device
A medical inhalation device or a component thereof having a diamond-like glass coating comprising hydrogen and on a hydrogen free basis about 20 to about 40 atomic percent of silicon, greater than 39 atomic percent of carbon, and less than 33 down to and including zero atomic percent of oxygen.
US08815321B2 Geranylamine derivatives as flavouring agents
Compounds of the formula (I) A is OH or a carbonyl group, n is 0 or 1, R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, in particular methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl or t-butyl; or a residue of a hydroxy carboxylic acid, in particular the residue —CH(OH)COOH, —CH(OH)CH2COOH, —CH2CH(OH)COOH or —CH(OH)CH(OH)COOH; and R′ is independently selected from H or OH.
US08815318B2 Packages for dispensing liquid and dry food
Describe are food packages having features such as multiple containers in a single package and multiple pieces for a package; the packages can contain multiple food products including (for example) cereal and milk, for consumption together in a convenient manner.
US08815316B2 Enzyme product for ruminants
A method is described for improving the digestibility of a forage diet for ruminant animals. A forage, including alfalfa, Chinese wildrye, corn silage, straw silage, corn stover, ryegrass or TMR, is treated with an enzyme product having cellulase, xylanase, beta-glucanase, pectinase, mannanase and alpha-galactosidase activities.
US08815315B2 Use of a multi-protease system to improve the protein digestibility of animal feeds containing vegetable meals
Disclosed is a method for improving the digestibility and amino acid profile of proteinaceous animal feed products by the use of a combination of acidic, alkaline and/or neutral proteases. The selection and amounts of the proteases is based on the particular animal feed product and on the conditions of the gastrointestinal tract of the animal to be fed the treated animal feed. Use of the treated animal feed will reduce the amount of amino acid supplementation required, reduce the amount of nitrogen in animal feces, and improve the economical performance of the animal.
US08815313B2 Compositions of rose hips enriched with seeds of rose hips and their use as anti-inflammatory natural medicine for alleviating/reducing symptoms associated with inflammation and joint diseases such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteo-arthritis
A composition containing rose hip flesh or rose hips including the naturally occurring amount of seeds, or a concentrate is enriched with rose hip seeds for reducing and/or alleviating symptoms of inflammatory diseases. A method of preparing the rose hip seeds involves separating the rose hip seeds from the flesh prior to or after drying. Drying is preferably performed below 50° C. with the rose hip seeds then ground into a powder and mixed with a rose hip composition, a concentrate or an extract containing rose hip shells or Rose hips including their naturally occurring amount of seeds providing a product enriched with Rose hips seeds preferably containing at least 50% up to 85%, (by weight) of rose hip seeds. The composition is useful in the prophylaxis, treatment or alleviation of symptoms related to inflammatory diseases, in particular joint diseases, such as arthritis rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteo arthritis.
US08815311B2 Methods for improving thyroid function in a subject
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods for improving thyroid function in healthy human beings.
US08815301B2 Stable iron oligosaccharide compound
The invention relates to an iron oligosaccharide compound with improved stability comprising a hydrogenated oligosaccharide in stable association with ferric oxyhydroxide, the content of dimer saccharide in said hydrogenated oligosaccharide being 2.9% by weight or less, based on the total weight of the hydrogenated oligosaccharide. In further aspects is provided a process for preparing said compound as well as the use of said compound for preparation of a composition for treatment of iron deficiency anaemia.
US08815297B2 Modulation of beta 2 adrenergic receptors by inhibitors of EGLN3 or pVHL
This present invention relates to methods, compositions, and kits useful for treating a patient having or at risk for developing a disorder associated with decreased expression of β2 adrenergic receptors or need for increased 132 adrenergic receptor activity.
US08815294B2 Pharmaceutical compositions of dextran polymer derivatives and a carrier material
Pharmaceutical compositions are provided comprising (a) nanoparticles of an active agent and a dextran polymer derivative, and (b) a carrier material.
US08815293B2 Organic compounds
A depot formulation comprising iloperidone and a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer. Preferably, the polymer is a star polymer.
US08815289B2 Tamper resistant dosage forms
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical dosage forms, for example to a tamper resistant dosage form including an opioid analgesic, and processes of manufacture, uses, and methods of treatment thereof.
US08815281B2 Transdermal drug delivery device including an occlusive backing
A transdermal drug delivery system for the topical application of one or more active agents contained in one or more polymeric and/or adhesive carrier layers, proximate to a non-drug containing polymeric backing layer which can control the delivery rate and profile of the transdermal drug delivery system by adjusting the moisture vapor transmission rate of the polymeric backing layer.
US08815279B2 Baby feeding formula and system
A method is provided for reducing the extent of or occurrence of long-term adverse health effects in human infants, comprising feeding to said infants when newborn a nutrient-containing-formula providing not more than 1 gram of protein per 100 ml of formula and/or not more than 50 kcal per 100 ml of formula. Also disclosed are methods of administering the infant formulas to reduce the occurrence or extent of insulin resistance in an individual later in life, to reduce the occurrence or extent of obesity or atherosclerosis in an individual later in life, or combinations thereof, by feeding newborn infants the newborn infant formula described herein.
US08815277B2 In situ forming hydrogel and biomedical use thereof
Disclosed are in situ-forming injectable hydrogel and medical uses thereof. In the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel two or more homogeneous or heterogeneous polymers are bonded to each other by a dehydrogenation reaction between phenol or aniline moieties on adjacent polymers, wherein a polymer backbone is grafted with a phenol or aniline moiety using a linker. In contrast to conventional hydrogel, the in situ-forming injectable hydrogel is superior in terms of in vivo stability and mechanical strength thanks to the introduction of a water-soluble polymer as a linker which leads to an improvement in the reactivity of phenol or aniline moieties. Having the advantage of superior bio stability and mechanical strength, the hydrogel finds a variety of applications in the biomedical field.
US08815275B2 Coatings for medical devices comprising a therapeutic agent and a metallic material
The invention relates generally to an implantable medical device for delivering a therapeutic agent to the body tissue of a patient, and a method for making such a medical device. In particular, the invention pertains to an implantable medical device, such as an intravascular stent, having a coating comprising a first coating composition comprising a therapeutic agent and, optionally, a polymer; and a second coating composition comprising a metallic material.
US08815271B2 Pesticidal compositions and processes related thereto
This document discloses molecules having the following formula (“Formula One”): and processes related thereto.
US08815269B2 Insecticidal formulations with improved long-term effect on surfaces
The present invention relates to compositions for the control of pests, in particular insecticidal suspension concentrates and spray solutions made from them, to processes for their preparation, and to the use of such formulations for the sustained control of animal pests (arthropods) on a variety of surfaces. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of certain polymer dispersions in pesticides, in particular to their use for extending the long-term activity of these compositions when they are applied to surfaces. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of the compositions according to the invention for controlling parasites, in particular ectoparasites, in animals.
US08815268B2 Oat extracts: refining, compositions and methods of use
A simple and efficient method for the production of stable, clear, high-potency oat extracts is disclosed. The method employs the use of differential dissociation constants and ultrafiltration to stabilise extracts, prevent hazing, and prevent the loss of functional activity as an anti-irritant and anti-oxidant. Also disclosed are compositions of oat extracts derived from whole oat grains and oatmeal. Further disclosed are compositions of oat extracts for use in cosmetic, nutraceutical, therapeutic medical and veterinary preparations.
US08815266B2 Peptide derivatives useful in the treatment, care or cleansing of the skin, mucosae, scalp or nails
The invention relates to peptide derivatives of general formula (I): R1-AA1-AA2-R3-AA4-R2  (I) their stereoisomers, mixtures thereof, and their cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, a method for obtaining them, cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use for the treatment, care and/or cleansing of those conditions, disorders and/or pathologies of the skin, mucosae, scalp and/or nails resulting from microorganism proliferation or being at risk of microorganism proliferation.
US08815260B1 Treatment of restenosis and stenosis with dasatinib
A method for treating or inhibiting artery obstructive disease, such as restenosis after angioplasty and stenting procedures and stenosis after coronary artery bypass surgery, in a subject by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of dasatinib or a derivative thereof. Also provided are drug-eluting medical devices, including stents, having a therapeutically effective amount of dasatinib.
US08815254B2 Method of detoxification
The present invention relates to a method of detoxifying bacterial cytolysins such as pneumococcal pneumolysin, utilizing chemical cross-linking compounds.
US08815250B2 Clotting factor-Fc chimeric proteins to treat hemophilia
The invention relates to a chimeric protein comprising at least one clotting factor and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region. The invention relates to a method of treating a hemostatic disorder comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a chimeric protein wherein the chimeric protein comprises at least one clotting factor and at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region.
US08815246B2 Fc receptor binding proteins
This disclosure provides, inter alia, proteins that bind to FcRn, e.g., immunoglobulins that inhibit FcRn with high affinity and selectivity. The FcRn-binding proteins can be used to treat a variety of disorders including autoimmune disorders.
US08815238B2 Methods for Preparing TACI-immunoglobulin fusion proteins
Molecules that interfere with the binding of a tumor necrosis factor receptor with its ligand, such as a soluble receptor, have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides improved soluble transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand-interactor (TACI) receptors.
US08815235B2 Tissue-specific imaging and therapeutic agents targeting proteins expressed on lung endothelial cell surface
Methods of delivering an agent in a tissue-specific manner, particularly lung tissue, by targeting a protein expressed on the endothelial cell surface, are described. The methods can be used for detecting, imaging and/or treating pathologies, as well as for diagnostics.
US08815232B2 Compositions and methods for treating cancer
The present invention is based, in part, on our discovery of compositions and methods that can be used to systemically deplete arginine and thereby treat arginine-dependent cancers. Our studies indicate that administering a composition that depletes arginine directly to the patient's small intestine will provide effective treatment for arginine-dependent cancers. Moreover, the methods can be carried out in such a way that various sources of arginine are restricted and side effects are minimized. For example, to deplete arginine, one can not only administer an arginine-depleting enzyme directly to the intestinal lumen but can also inhibit endogenous production of arginine, reduce arginine production by intestinal bacteria and limit arginine intake. To minimize side effects, one can inhibit protein breakdown, which may occur as a compensatory mechanism, provide systemic NO from a nitric oxide donor, provide a pressor peptide, and/or provide prostacycline or an analog thereof.
US08815228B2 Alloplastic injectable dermal filler and methods of use thereof
A composition comprising an alloplastic injectable suspension for use as a dermal filler comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent is provided. A method of making a composition comprising an alloplastic injectable suspension for use as a dermal filler comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent, said method comprising admixing a biocompatible and pliable material with a physiologically acceptable suspending agent, is also provided. A method of augmenting soft tissue to provide long-term reduction of a skin defect, said method comprising stimulating collagen beneath the skin defect is further provided. In an embodiment of the method of augmenting soft tissue, the stimulation of collagen production is effected by injecting into the deep reticular dermis an a dermal filler, said dermal filler being an alloplastic injectable suspension and comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent.
US08815227B2 Hydroxyapatite-targeting multiarm polymers and conjugates made therefrom
The present invention provides, among other things, polymeric reagents suitable for reaction with biologically active agents to form conjugates, the polymeric reagents comprising one or more polymer chains and a plurality of hydroxyapatite-targeting moieties, and optionally the reagents include one or more degradable linkages that serve to divide the polymer chains into polymer segments having a molecular weight suitable for renal clearance.
US08815214B2 Fluorescent imaging agents
Provided is a family of intramolecularly quenched imaging agents for use in both in vivo and in vitro imaging that contain at least one enzymatically cleavable oligopeptide and two fluorophores or a fluorophore and a quencher. When subjected to proteolytic cleavage, at least one fluorophore is unquenched and becomes capable of producing a fluorescent signal upon excitation with light of an appropriate wavelength. Also provided are in vivo and in vitro imaging methods using such imaging agents.
US08815212B2 Nanocarriers for imaging and therapy applications
Nanocarriers and methods of preparation and use of nanocarriers are presented. In some embodiments, a nanocarrier composition comprises an organic liquid comprising a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed therein; and a coating material disposed around the exterior surface of the organic liquid. Biological tissue may be imaged or treated by coming into contact with a nanocarrier composition, and, at least in some embodiments, irradiated.
US08815204B2 Method of preparing material for lithium secondary battery of high performance
Provided is a method for preparing a lithium mixed transition metal oxide, comprising subjecting Li2CO3 and a mixed transition metal precursor to a solid-state reaction under an oxygen-deficient atmosphere with an oxygen concentration of 10 to 50% to thereby prepare a powdered lithium mixed transition metal oxide having a composition represented by Formula I of LixMyO2 wherein M, x and y are as defined in the specification. Therefore, since the high-Ni lithium mixed transition metal oxide having a given composition can be prepared by a simple solid-state reaction in air, using a raw material that is cheap and easy to handle, the present invention enables industrial-scale production of the lithium mixed transition metal oxide with significantly decreased production costs and high production efficiency. Further, the thus-produced lithium mixed transition metal oxide is substantially free of impurities, and therefore can exert a high capacity and excellent cycle stability, in conjunction with significantly improved storage stability and high-temperature stability.
US08815201B2 Process for regenerating a reforming catalyst
The present invention is directed to an in situ process for regenerating a reforming catalyst within a reactor by: (a) removing a carbon containing deposit from the reforming catalyst, (b) contacting the reforming catalyst with oxygen under catalyst rejuvenation conditions to provide a rejuvenated catalyst, (c) purging a portion of the oxygen from the rejuvenated catalyst such that residual oxygen is retained within the reactor, and (d) introducing hydrogen into the reactor at a rate to provide a reactor temperature increase in the range from 25 to 45° F.
US08815198B2 Method of purifying gas streams
A method of purifying a gas stream formed from a process wherein a glyceride containing raw material is converted to hydrocarbon paraffins. The gas stream contains hydrogen or carbon dioxide as a major component and at least one sulphurous component selected from sulphide compounds as an impurity. The gas is contacted with an acidic aqueous wash solution of transition metal ions capable of binding to sulphide ions. A significant portion of the sulphide compounds contained in the gas are bound into practically insoluble transition metal sulphide compounds to remove sulphide compounds from the gas to produce a purified gas. The obtained purified gas is recovered. The method efficiently lowers sulphide concentrations to ppm or sub-ppm level and it can be implemented on an industrial scale with low investment costs. The metal can be recovered.
US08815192B1 Cyclical system and method for removing and storing carbon dioxide obtained from a waste gas source
A cyclical system that uses a metal hydroxide to produce a metal carbonate, remove carbon dioxide from a waste gas source, and produce more metal hydroxide needed for the beginning of the cycle. Initially, the metal hydroxide is mixed with waste gases in a carbon dioxide scrubber. The scrubber reacts the carbon dioxide with the metal hydroxide to produce a metal carbonate. Some of the metal carbon is removed, therein removing carbon dioxide from the environment. Some of the metal carbonate is heated to produce metal oxide and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is drawn away. Oxygen is introduced into the reaction chamber. The oxygen reacts with the metal oxide to produce an oxidized metal oxide and heat. The oxidized metal oxide is reduced with an acid and volatile base to produce metal hydroxide. The metal hydroxide is recycled. The acid is regenerated. The volatile base is recovered and recycled.
US08815191B2 Process for preparing catalysts involving the regeneration of metal carbonate precipitants
A process for manufacturing a catalyst composition includes the steps of (i) combining one or more soluble metal compounds with a solution of an alkaline metal carbonate precipitant to form a precipitate of insoluble metal carbonates, (ii) processing the insoluble metal carbonates into a catalyst or catalyst precursor with the evolution of carbon dioxide, (iii) recovering at least a portion of the evolved carbon dioxide, and (iv) reacting the recovered carbon dioxide with a suitable alkaline metal compound in an absorber column to generate an alkaline metal carbonate, wherein at least a portion of the generated alkaline metal carbonate is used as a precipitant in step (i).
US08815178B2 Integrated device for surface-contact sampling, extraction and electrochemical measurements
The invention relates to a device and method for non-invasive detection of an analyte in a fluid sample. In one embodiment, the device comprises: a collection chamber containing an absorbent hydrogel material; a fluidic channel connected to the collection chamber; a sensing chamber connected to the fluidic channel, wherein the device is comprised of a compressible housing that allows transfer of fluid collected by the collection chamber to be transferred to be extracted and withdrawn to the sensing chamber upon compression of the device, wherein the sensing chamber contains a material that specifically detects the analyte and wherein the sensing chamber is operably linked to a processor containing a potentiostat that allows detection of the analyte using electrochemical sensing.
US08815174B2 Steam sterilizer
A sterilizer having a cassette for holding metal instruments or medical devices. The cassette includes a metallic container that defines a sterilization chamber. The container has at least one outer surface. A plurality of spaced-apart, elongated rails extend along the at least one outer surface of the container. Each of the rails includes a free, longitudinal edge wherein the edges of the rails lie in a first plane. An insulating shell encases the metallic container and the plurality of rails. An outer surface of the insulating shell lies in the first plane. A receiving unit includes a housing having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface engages the edges of the rails and the outer surface of the insulating shell when the cassette is disposed within the inner housing. A plurality of spaced-apart elongated ribs extends along the outer surface of the housing.
US08815166B2 Process and apparatus for mixing two streams of catalyst
A process and apparatus for mixing streams of regenerated and carbonized catalyst involves passing a catalyst stream around an insert in a lower section of a riser. The insert fosters mixing of the catalyst streams to reduce their temperature differential before contacting hydrocarbon feed.
US08815165B2 Systems and methods for distributing particulate material into a particulate vessel and FCC units including the systems
A system for distributing particulate material into a particulate vessel includes a particulate material distributor for introducing the particulate material into the particulate vessel. The particulate material distributor includes a declined header that defines a plurality of orifices that are spaced along a length of the declined header for accommodating flow of particulate material from the declined header. The system also includes a vessel level controller for controlling a level of the particulate material in the particulate vessel. The vessel level controller controls flow of the particulate material through one or more of the orifices in the declined header through adjustment of the level of particulate material in the particulate vessel between the plurality of orifices in the declined header. A FCC unit including the system is also provided, along with a method for distributing particulate material into a particulate vessel using the system.
US08815162B2 Microelectronic sensor device for DNA detection
The invention relates to a microelectronic sensor device and a method for the investigation of biological target substances (20), for example oligonucleotides like DNA fragments. In one embodiment, the device comprises a reaction surface (RS) to which target specific reactants (10) are attached and which lies between a sample chamber (SC) and an array of selectively controllable heating elements (HE). The temperature profile in the sample chamber (SC) can be controlled as desired to provide for example conditions for a PCR and/or for a controlled melting of hybridizations. The reactant (10) and/or the target substance (20) comprises a label (12) with an observable property, like fluorescence, that changes if the target substance (20) is bound to the reactant (10), said property being detected by an array of sensor elements, for example photosensors (SE). The fluorescence of the label (12) may preferably be transferred by FRET to a different fluorescent label (22) or quenched if the target substance (20) is bound.
US08815161B2 Gas sensor
A gas-sensing element configured to measure a concentration of a specific component of a gas is mounted to a first circuit board which includes a driving circuit configured to drive the gas-sensing element. A moisture-proof material is disposed over at least one side of the first circuit board disposed in a tubular gas-sensing element case fixed to a sensor case. A gas-sensing chamber is defined by the first circuit board and an inner tubular surface of the gas-sensing element case, and opens at an open end of the gas-sensing element case to receive the gas to be monitored. A second circuit board which includes a control circuit configured to control the gas-sensing element via the driving circuit is fixed to a sensor case, and disposed in a position separate from the gas-sensing chamber such that the second circuit board is kept out of contact with the gas to be monitored.
US08815160B2 Chemical vapor sensor with improved temperature characteristics and manufacturing technique
A vapor sensor is constructed from a single glass filament less than 2 millimeters in diameter and greater than 1 millimeters in length, the filament having a first end and a second end separated by a long axis and comprising electrodes at each end, coated with a resilient material, and a first layer of conducting particles embedded in the resilient material and forming a conducting path between ends of the filament.
US08815158B2 Granular nanoparticles having bright fluorescence and giant raman enhancements
The present invention provides nanoparticles having bright fluorescence, where the total number of photons emitted from a single nanoparticle upon excitation with an excitation wavelength of the nanoparticle is at least 107, and giant Raman enhancements, where Raman signal for a molecule near a single nanoparticle increases at least 107 times. The nanoparticles of the invention comprise a plurality of crystallites that are each about 0.6 nm to about 10 nm in size. The present invention also provides methods for making the nanoparticles, which include mixing a matrix material with a reactant capable of being thermally reduced to form the nanoparticle; forming a mixed solid phase; and thermally reducing the mixed solid phase to form the nanoparticle.
US08815156B2 Sensor housing and reagent chemistry
A sensor comprises a sensor housing, having a channel; a porous substrate, in the channel; an analysis chemistry reagent, on the porous substrate; and a nozzle, in fluid connection with the channel. The porous substrate fills a cross section of the channel, and the cross-sectional area of the channel at the porous substrate is greater than the cross-sectional area at the nozzle.
US08815148B2 Magnesium-based alloy with improved combination of mechanical and corrosion characteristics
Multi-component magnesium-based alloy consisting essentially of about 1.0-15.0 wt. % of scandium, about 0.1-3.0 wt. % of yttrium, about 1.0-3.0 wt. % of rare-earth metal, about 0.1-0.5 wt. % of zirconium. Purity degree of magnesium base is not less of 99.995 wt. %. Impurities of Fe, Ni and Cu do not exceed 0.001 wt. % of everyone, the contents of other impurity in an alloy does not exceed 0.005 wt. %. The alloy demonstrates an improved combination of strength, deformability and corrosion resistance at room temperature. The alloy does not contain harmful and toxic impurities. The alloy can be used in the various practical applications demanding a combination of high strength, deformability and corrosion resistance, preferably in the field of medicine.
US08815145B2 Methods and systems for fabricating composite stiffeners with a rigid/malleable SMP apparatus
A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite part with a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus usable as both a rigid tool and as a bladder. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. The composite material may be applied onto the SMP apparatus and then placed into a rigid external mold and heated to composite cure temperatures at which the SMP apparatus is malleable. In some embodiments, an impermeable sheet of material may also be placed over portions of the composite material to compress it against the SMP apparatus. A pressure differential may be induced which urges the SMP apparatus to compress the composite material against the rigid external mold. When the composite material is cured, the pressure differential may be equalized and/or reversed and the malleable SMP apparatus may be removed from within the composite part.
US08815141B2 Method for building three-dimensional models with extrusion-based additive manufacturing systems
A method for building a three-dimensional model with an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system having an extrusion head, the method comprising depositing a consumable material from a liquefier assembly at an extrusion rate to substantially normalize a meniscus height within the liquefier assembly.
US08815139B2 Method and apparatus for forming flared tube ends
A method for forming a flare in the end of a flexible tube comprises heating the end of the flexible tube to a near-melted state, inserting the end of the flexible tube into a flare-forming die with a flare forming portion, and pressing a mandrel into the end of the flexible tube, thereby pressure forming a flare in the end of the flexible tube.
US08815138B2 Method of producing a recoil pad for a weapon
A recoil pad having a pad in which the elastomer contains a plurality of pockets having one or more pocket characteristics adjustable over the entirety or portions of the pad to achieve recoil pad characteristics which can be incrementally variably matched to the recoil energy characteristics and recoil energy transfer characteristics of a particular target stock.
US08815134B2 Process for manufacturing polyolefin films
A process for manufacturing a film of ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin comprising: (a) subjecting a starting ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin with a weight average molecular weight of at least 500 000 gram/mole in powder form to a compacting step using an isobaric press; and (b) subjecting the compacted polyolefin to a rolling step and at least one stretching step under such conditions that at no point during the processing of the polymer its temperature is raised to a value above its melting point. The process allows for the manufacture of ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin films of high quality.
US08815132B2 Method of configuring a patch body
A patch for a structure has a rework area with an inconsistency formed therein. The patch comprises a patch body having at least two regions including a fail-safe region and a safe-life region encompassing the fail-safe region. The safe-life region has a mode I interlaminar fracture toughness that is less than the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness of the fail-safe region.
US08815131B2 Apparatus and method for fabricating antimicrobial hybrid materials of natural product and carbon nanomaterials
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for fabricating an antimicrobial hybrid material of a natural antimicrobial particle and a carbon nanomaterial, capable of fully utilizing the antimicrobial property of a natural antimicrobial material and a carbon nanomaterial by maximizing adsorption of the natural antimicrobial material on the carbon nanomaterial.
US08815130B2 Method for producing a lens
A structure for pattern formation adapted for optically forming a pattern, characterized by comprising: a photocatalyst-containing layer provided on a substrate, the photocatalyst-containing layer containing a material of which the wettability is variable through photocatalytic action upon pattern-wise exposure.
US08815129B2 Device and method for forming lens
In order to realize a device and a method each capable of forming a lens with high accuracy and low costs, a lens forming device of the present invention includes a metal mold, an insulating substrate, a stage, a power source, a switch, and a UV radiating device. Dielectric resin is supplied onto the insulating substrate and a transfer surface of the metal mold is pressed to the dielectric resin so as to transfer a lens shape to the dielectric resin. At that time, the power source applies a voltage on the metal mold to generate an electric field between the metal mold and the insulating substrate so that an electrostatic attraction causes the dielectric resin to be attracted toward the transfer surface of the metal mold while the top of the dielectric resin has a sharp cuspate shape. Consequently, bubbles are less likely to be invade between the transfer surface and the dielectric resin, allowing transferring a highly accurate lens shape to the dielectric resin.
US08815122B2 Polycrystalline scintillator for detecting soft X-rays
A polycrystalline scintillator for detecting soft X-rays, which comprises Ce as a light-emitting element and at least Y, Gd, Al, Ga and O, and has a garnet crystal structure, and a composition represented by the general formula of (Y1-x-zGdxCez)3+a(Al1-uGau)5-aO12, wherein 0≦a≦0.1, 0.15≦x≦0.3, 0.002≦z≦0.015, and 0.35≦u≦0.55, with 0.05-1 ppm by mass of Fe and 0.5-10 ppm by mass of Si by outer percentage, a ratio μ50/μ100 of 3 or more, wherein μ50 is an absorption coefficient of X-rays at 50 keV, and μ100 is an absorption coefficient of X-rays at 100 keV, and afterglow of 800 ppm or less after 3 ms from the termination of X-ray irradiation.
US08815118B2 Lock and key colloids and methods of manufacture
A method and system for assembling building blocks of colloidal particles and also for shaping of colloids for self-assembly for manufacturing, processing and formation of compositions of matter. A first type of particle is selected as a “key” particle constructed to mate with a “lock” particle, the binding arising from depletion forces. A variety of shapes can be used to carry out this method and system to create compositions of matter. Colloids can be shaped by controlled deformation of multiphase colloid particles.
US08815114B2 Phenol stabilizers for fluoroolefins
The present invention relates to compositions comprising at least one fluoroolefin and an effective amount of stabilizer that may be at least one phenol or a mixture of at least one phenol with other stabilizers. The stabilized compositions may be useful in cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers, and heat pumps, as well as in applications as foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol propellants, fire extinguishants, and sterilants.
US08815110B2 Composition and method for polishing bulk silicon
The invention provides a polishing composition comprising (a) silica, (b) one or more compounds that increase the removal rate of silicon, (c) one or more tetraalkylammonium salts, and (d) water, wherein the polishing composition has a pH of about 7 to about 11. The invention further provides a method of polishing a substrate with the polishing composition.
US08815105B2 Method using block copolymers for making a master mold for nanoimprinting patterned magnetic recording disks with chevron servo patterns
A method for making a master mold used to nanoimprint patterned magnetic recording disks that have chevron servo patterns with minimal defects uses directed self-assembly of block copolymers. A pattern of chemically modified polymer brush material is formed on the master mold substrate. The pattern includes sets of slanted stripes and interface strips between the sets of slanted stripes. A block copolymer material is deposited on the pattern, which results in directed self-assembly of the block copolymer as lamellae perpendicular to the substrate that are formed into alternating slanted stripes of alternating first and second components of the block copolymer. This component also forms on the interface strips, but as a lamella parallel to the substrate. One of the components is then removed, leaving the remaining component as a grid that acts as a mask for etching the substrate to form the master mold. The disks nanoimprinted by the master mold have reduced defective areas in the transition regions of the chevron servo patterns.
US08815104B2 Copper-assisted, anti-reflection etching of silicon surfaces
A method (300) for etching a silicon surface (116) to reduce reflectivity. The method (300) includes electroless deposition of copper nanoparticles about 20 nanometers in size on the silicon surface (116), with a particle-to-particle spacing of 3 to 8 nanometers. The method (300) includes positioning (310) the substrate (112) with a silicon surface (116) into a vessel (122). The vessel (122) is filled (340) with a volume of an etching solution (124) so as to cover the silicon surface (116). The etching solution (124) includes an oxidant-etchant solution (146), e.g., an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The silicon surface (116) is etched (350) by agitating the etching solution (124) with, for example, ultrasonic agitation, and the etching may include heating (360) the etching solution (124) and directing light (365) onto the silicon surface (116). During the etching, copper nanoparticles enhance or drive the etching process.
US08815103B2 Process for preparing an optical preform
A method of preparing an optical preform includes the steps of: a) etching an optical preform to remove a portion of an oxide material deposited on the preform by using a gas comprising an etchant gas containing fluorine at a sufficient temperature and gas concentration to create a redeposited germanium containing compounds contamination such as GeOx in the remaining oxide material; and b) cleaning the etched preform using a cleaning gas containing at least one halogen gas at a sufficient temperature and gas concentration to remove the redeposited germanium containing compound contamination without any substantial further contamination of the remaining deposited oxide material. Preferably the halogen is either chlorine or bromine.
US08815101B2 Sediment removal tank and system
This invention relates generally to the field of separation of heterogeneous mixtures and, more particularly to a solid-liquid separating tank and system.A settlement tank including: a tank wall defining a tank inner space; an internal wall structure in the inner space and defining a fluid flow path from a center of the inner space to a fluid outlet at the tank wall; and a plurality of drainage pipes having an open internal end and an outer end connected to a drainage manifold, wherein the open internal end is positioned at a bottom of the inner space to remove gravity decanted sediment and hydrostatically decanted water from the inner space.
US08815093B2 Method and system for providing effluent from at least one wastewater treatment plant
Exemplary embodiments of using effluent from a wastewater treatment plant are provided, where treated wastewater can exploit geothermal energy while delivering usable thermal energy to buildings by passing through an effluent distribution system including mains. The effluent distribution system mains can also recover the effluent used in each building and return the thermally exploited effluent to one or more ecological recharge basins, where at each basin the mains can join an infrastructure to distribute effluent to vegetation or exploit geothermal energy throughout the basin before redistributing the geothermally regulated effluent to buildings, or export the effluent to a network of EDS, or import effluent from a network of EDS.
US08815091B2 Spiral wound membrane module for forward osmotic use
A spiral wound membrane module for forward osmotic use is disclosed. The membrane module may generally include a forward osmosis membrane in a spiral wound configuration. The module may include two inlets and two outlets, and may define first and second fluid flow paths. The inlets to each of the fluid flow paths may be generally isolated so as to prevent mixing. In some embodiments, the membrane module may include a distributer region and a collector region.
US08815090B2 Filter with water separation device
A filter, filter element and filter assembly are provided. The filter includes a water separating device for separating water from a dirty fluid flow. The water separator includes a fluid flow path that varies in cross-sectional area to vary pressure of the fluid therethrough. A top portion of the water separator is formed as a structurally independent piece from a bottom portion of the water separator. The top portion may be permanently or releasably secured to filter media of the filter via an end cap coupled to an end of the filter media. The bottom portion may be integrally or releasably secured to a housing of the filter. The bottom portion may also be integrally formed with a center tube upon which a filter element mounts.
US08815089B2 Wastewater purification with nanoparticle-treated bed
Nanoparticle-treated particle packs, such as sand beds, may effectively filter and purify liquids such as waste water. When tiny contaminant particles in waste water flow through the particle pack, the nanoparticles will capture and hold the tiny contaminant particles within the pack due to the nanoparticles' surface forces, including, but not necessarily limited to van der Waals and electrostatic forces. Coating agents such as alcohols, glycols, polyols, vegetable oil, and mineral oils may help apply the nanoparticles to the particle surfaces in the filter beds or packs.
US08815086B2 Fluid filter assembly
A fluid filter assembly prevents the filter from moving when fluid is not flowing through the filter. The filter assembly of the invention includes a mounting ring mountable in the filter opening. The mounting ring has a mounting interface, which includes an axially extending portion and a radially outwardly extending flange that has a diameter greater than the filter opening. A rib extends radially outwardly from and circumscribes the ring. The rib is seatable within an annular groove defined within the filter housing and circumscribing the filter opening. When the rib is positioned in the groove, the filter is releasably secured in the opening.
US08815077B2 Electrochemical sensor for measuring the oxygen partial pressure in a process fluid and a method for testing its function
An electrochemical sensor for measuring the oxygen partial pressure in a process fluid, comprises an electrolyte-filled sensor body, which is covered on one side charged with the process fluid by an oxygen-permeable membrane, a cathode on the membrane, an annular guard electrode surrounding the cathode, which in measuring operation lies at the same potential as the cathode, an anode charged by the electrolyte in the sensor body, a reference electrode charged by the electrolyte in the sensor body, wherein between the anode and cathode a voltage can be applied, which is controlled between the cathode (8) and reference electrode at a constant polarization voltage and the measuring sensor current flowing in measuring operation between the cathode and anode is a measure for the oxygen partial pressure in the process fluid, and a test voltage source which can be switched in a testing mode between the cathode and guard electrode for producing test oxygen in the electrolyte and/or in the process fluid between the cathode and guard electrode for testing the function of the sensor.
US08815075B2 Water electrolysis system and method of operating same
A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus for electrically decomposing water to generate oxygen and high-pressure hydrogen having a pressure higher than the oxygen, a gas-liquid separator connected to a hydrogen pipe which discharges the high-pressure hydrogen from the water electrolysis apparatus, for separating water contained in the high-pressure hydrogen, a high-pressure hydrogen outlet pipe for delivering the high-pressure hydrogen separated from water from the gas-liquid separator, a water drainage line for discharging the water from the gas-liquid separator, and a gas depressurizing line connected to the gas-liquid separator, for degassing the gas-liquid separator before the water is discharged from the water drainage line into the water drainage line.
US08815073B2 Web pressure welding method, pressure welding device, power supply method, power supply device, continuous electrolytic plating apparatus and method for manufacturing web with plated coating film
A web pressure welding method for pressure welding, with respect to a running web, a first belt-shaped annular body which contact surface rotates with running of at least one web, where an area pressure for pressure welding to the web side is applied on the contact surface of the first belt-shaped annular body.
US08815068B2 Mixing method and system for increased coalescence rates in a desalter
The present invention relates to crude oil-water separation processes, specifically desalting in a petroleum refinery. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for increase coalescence rates of water drops in a desalter.
US08815067B2 Electrodeionization device and method comprising control of the electric current by measurement of ion-exchange material expansion
Device for the removal of ions from a polar liquid, e.g. water, comprising at least one compartment which comprises at least one inlet for an entering polar liquid flow and at least one outlet for an outgoing deionized liquid flow, in which said compartment an electrochemically regenerable ion-exchange material fills a zone through which zone a liquid flow is able to pass, the device being characterized in that it comprises one sensor of at least one dimensional change of the ion-exchange material. The sensor can comprise a photo-sensor or a sensor of mechanical stress. Preferably an apparatus connected to the sensor is able to analyze this dimensional change and to control the electric current. Method of using said device, whereby the electrical current applied to the device is controlled according to the expansion of the resin.
US08815059B2 System and/or method for heat treating conductive coatings using wavelength-tuned infrared radiation
Certain example embodiments relate to systems and/or methods for preferentially and selectively heat treating conductive coatings such as ITO using specifically tuned near infrared-short wave infrared (NIR-SWIR) radiation. In certain example embodiments, the coating is preferentially heated, thereby improving its properties while at the underlying substrate is kept at low temperatures. Such techniques are advantageous for applications on glass and/or other substrates, e.g., where elevated substrate temperatures can lead to stress changes that adversely effect downstream processing (such as, for example, cutting, grinding, etc.) and may sometimes even result in substrate breakage or deformation. Selective heating of the coating may in certain example embodiments be obtained by using IR emitters with peak outputs over spectral wavelengths where the conductive coating (or the conductive layer(s) in the conductive coating) is significantly absorbing but where the substrate has reduced or minimal absorption.
US08815058B2 Extractive distillation of AsF5 and PF5 using HF
Arsenic can be an impurity in phosphorous pentafluoride production processes. It is desirable to remove arsenic from phosphorous pentafluoride prior to using of the phosphorous pentafluoride in the production of lithium hexafluorophosphate. The present technology provides methods of removing arsenic from phosphorous pentafluoride by extractive distillation.
US08815057B2 Perforated film clothing
A fabric for a papermaking machine is configured as a belt, the two side edges of which are configured in each case as closed lines. Furthermore, the belt is formed in one layer from a solid material and has pores which form passages between the two surfaces of the belt. The belt has regions with a width of approximately 400 micrometers (μm) or less. These regions extend in the longitudinal direction over the entire circumference of the belt, transversely with respect to the side edges, and include no pores formed therein.
US08815055B2 Press felt for papermaking
Press felts for papermaking include a batt fiber layer and a base fabric. The batt fiber layer is integrated into the base fabric. The base fabric includes a ground warp yarn, a ground weft yarn, and an additional warp yarn. The ground warp yarn and the ground weft yarn include monofilament yarns, and the additional warp yarn includes a material different from a material forming the ground warp yarn. The additional warp yarn is arranged so that, when the base fabric is viewed in cross-section in a warp yarn direction, the additional warp yarn ascends toward a wet paper web-side surface of the base fabric and descends toward a roll-side surface of the base fabric, relative to the at least one ground warp yarn.
US08815054B2 Methods for making fibrous paper structures utilizing waterborne shape memory polymers
The invention relates to the making of a cellulosic fibrous structure by adding a waterborne shape memory polymer to cellulosic papermaking slurry and forming a web from the waterborne shape memory polymer containing slurry. The web can be optionally foreshortened.
US08815053B2 Method of treating liquid flows at a chemical pulp mill
A method of treating and utilizing liquid flows at a chemical pulp mill including stages for: a) chemical pulp is produced in an alkaline cooking process, b) the brown stock generated in the cooking is treated, said treatment comprising washing of the stock and preferably oxygen delignification and subsequent washing of the stock, c) a bleaching process for the brown stock, the bleaching sequence comprising at least one stage using chlorine dioxide and additionally at least one oxidizing bleaching stage and having at least two washing stages for treating the stock with liquids and for producing filtrates, and d) filtrates from stage c) are purified at an effluent treatment plant of the chemical pulp mill, which comprises at least biological treatment, for obtaining purified effluent. The method further includes a stage e), where the purified effluent with a color of 200 mg/l (Pt color) or more and a COD value of over 150 mg/l is used as pulp treatment liquid in stage c).
US08815049B2 Method and apparatus for reduction of contaminants in evaporator distillate
A method and apparatus for producing high purity distillate in evaporators is useful for evaporation of waters where volatile silica or organic compounds are encountered such as in production of hydrocarbons from geological formations. An evaporator having a contaminant reduction system is provided. The contaminant reduction system includes an upflow first mist eliminator portion to remove entrained liquid droplets and produce an intermediate purity water vapor stream. A continuous spray system provides a spray of dilute caustic solution in a selected spray configuration for mass transfer contact with the passing intermediate purity water vapor stream, to remove volatile silica compounds therefrom, and produce a partially decontaminated steam stream having mist particles therein. An upflow second mist eliminator portion is provided to remove the residual mist particles, and produce a high purity water vapor stream. The high purity water vapor stream is condensed to provide a high purity distillate stream.
US08815044B2 Method of manufacturing spars, longerons and fuselage beams having a variable H cross-section
A beam of fiber-reinforced curable thermosetting composite material is preliminarily assembled in an uncured condition. The beam is placed between two forming tools, namely a lower and an upper tool, shaped in such a way as to give the lower and upper flanges a predetermined shape, at least one of the flanges having a non-rectilinear profile viewed in a longitudinal vertical plane. Two longitudinally elongate rigid inserts are placed between the flanges at the sides of the web and are covered in respective airtight tubular bags. The spaces between the upper tool and the lower tool on the two opposite longitudinal sides are sealed. The open opposite ends of the tubular bags are also sealed in such a manner that the pressure applied in an autoclave during the step of curing causes the tubular bags to swell and presses them against the two opposite faces of the web and against the flanges of the beam. On completion of curing, the upper forming tool is removed and the inserts are extracted sideways.
US08815043B2 Dry lamination method and laminate obtained by using the same
Provided is a dry lamination method, and a laminate having superior appearance obtained by the method. The method in which an adhesive having a solid matter content of 35 wt % or more diluted in a solvent is applied onto a film according to a gravure process, the solvent is volatilized, and the resulting film is adhered with another film to obtain a laminate, wherein the adhesive is applied by: a gravure cylinder in which the screen number of gravure cylinder is 135 to 270 lines/inch and cell volume is 10 to 30 cc/m2; a gravure cylinder which is engraved by an electronic engraving machine to have a stylus angle of 120 to 140° and the screen number of gravure cylinder of 120 to 270 lines/inch; or a ceramic roll in which the screen number of gravure cylinder is 135 to 350 lines/inch and cell volume is 10 to 30 cc/m2.
US08815039B2 Application of a processing pin to a gemstone which is to be cut or polished
A next processing pin is applied as a follow-on pin to a stone, wherein the stone is held by a preceding pin and fixed to the stone by way of a first adhesive bonding location. The preceding pin is separated from the stone. The follow-on pin is fixed to the stone by way of a second adhesive bonding location spaced from the first adhesive bonding location. The follow-on pin frontally receives a fluid adhesive at a spacing from the stone and the spacing between the adhesive-coated front end and the stone is reduced until the adhesive front end contacts the stone. The adhesive is hardened at the contact location as the second adhesive bonding location and heat is transferred by way of the preceding pin to the first adhesive bonding location A force component is exerted on the preceding pin to release the pin from the stone and to hold the stone with the next pin.
US08815037B2 Method of manufacturing absorbent articles, apparatus for manufacturing absorbent articles and disposable pant
A method of manufacturing absorbent articles (9) includes feeding a longitudinal web (1) of web material having openings (16) such that spaced apart, opposing margins (18) of web material are formed between the respective opening and opposing longitudinal edges of the web material; carrying out a folding action (20) of folding the web about itself along its longitudinal direction; carrying out a second (30) folding action of folding at least a portion of the web along its longitudinal direction; after the second folding action, forming a joint (46) in the web, the joint being formed at least in a part of the region in which the opposing margins have been brought together by the second folding action; finally separating (8) the web through the joint to separate an individual absorbent article from the end of the web.
US08815027B2 Fe-based shape memory alloy and its production method
An Fe-based shape memory alloy comprising 25-42 atomic % of Mn, 12-18 atomic % of Al, and 5-12 atomic % of Ni, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and an Fe-based shape memory alloy comprising 25-42 atomic % of Mn, 12-18 atomic % of Al, and 5-12 atomic % of Ni, as well as 15 atomic % or less in total of at least one selected from the group consisting of 0.1-5 atomic % of Si, 0.1-5 atomic % of Ti, 0.1-5 atomic % of V, 0.1-5 atomic % of Cr, 0.1-5 atomic % of Co, 0.1-5 atomic % of Cu, 0.1-5 atomic % of Mo, 0.1-5 atomic % of W, 0.001-1 atomic % of B and 0.001-1 atomic % of C, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities.
US08815024B2 Steel plate or steel pipe with small occurrence of Bauschinger effect and methods of production of same
The present invention provides steel plate or steel pipe with small occurrence of the Bauschinger effect and methods of production of the same, particularly steel pipe used for steel pipe for oil wells or line pipe with a small drop in the compression strength in the circumferential direction due to the Bauschinger effect when expanded and methods of production of the same, that is steel plate or steel pipe with small occurrence of the Bauschinger effect characterized by having a dual-phase structure substantially comprising a ferrite structure and fine martensite which is dispersed in the ferrite structure. Further, this steel plate or steel pipe contains, by mass %, C: 0.03 to 0.30%, Si: 0.01 to 0.8%, Mn: 0.3 to 2.5%, P: 0.03% or less, S: 0.01% or less, Al: 0.001 to 0.01%, and N: 0.01% or less and a balance of iron and unavoidable impurities.
US08815023B2 Boronization process and composition with improved surface characteristics of metals
Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide methods of boronizing titanium and other metals and metal alloys. The method proceeds, in an embodiment of the disclosed technology, by using a boron source, and placing it in a heated environment, followed by a reduced pressure environment, as is described in the disclosure. In a solid phase embodiment of the disclosure, boronized stainless steel alloys are produced having zero galling at 17,000 psi.
US08815022B2 Method for surface treating a heat exchanger, surface treatment agent, and aluminum heat exchanger
A method for surface treating a heat exchanger and an aluminum heat exchanger obtained from this method are provided that can effectively suppress the foul odor characteristic to flux that emanates following degradation of a hydrophilic coating film and a chemical conversion coating film in a non-corrosive flux brazed heat exchanger on which flux easily remains. The method for surface treating a non-corrosive flux brazed heat exchanger made of an aluminum material conducts a pickling treatment step, a chemical conversion treatment step, and a deodorizing treatment step on the heat exchanger, in which the acidic cleaning agent contains nitric acid and sulfuric acid as well as a predetermined amount of ferric salt, and the surface treatment agent contains silica grains coated by a vinyl alcohol polymer and polyallylamine resin such that the total content of the silica grains and the vinyl alcohol polymer is a predetermined amount.
US08815019B2 Bonding wire for semiconductor
It is an object of the present invention to provide a multilayer wire which can accomplish both ball bonding property and wire workability simultaneously, and which enhances a loop stability, a pull strength, and a wedge bonding property. A semiconductor bonding wire comprises a core member mainly composed of equal to or greater than one kind of following elements: Cu, Au, and Ag, and an outer layer formed on the core member and mainly composed of Pd. A total hydrogen concentration contained in a whole wire is within a range from 0.0001 to 0.008 mass %.
US08815015B2 Apparatus and method for fabricating organic light emitting diode display device
An apparatus and method for fabricating an organic light emitting diode display device are provided. The apparatus for fabricating an organic light emitting diode display device includes a chamber, a mask disposed in the chamber to mount a substrate on the upper surface thereof and having a certain pattern of openings, a deposition material source disposed under the mask and supplying a deposition material to the mask through the openings of the mask to form a layer on the substrate, and a holding unit pressing the substrate toward the mask. The holding unit includes a member that is capable of being deformed according to a deformed shape of the substrate such that the mask closely contacts the substrate.
US08815007B2 Alkoxylated polyamines and polyetheramine polyol compositions for foam control
This invention relates to novel compounds derived from the reaction of diamines or polyamines with alkylene oxides. The invention also relates to novel compounds derived from the reaction of amine terminated polyethers with epoxide functional compounds. The novel compounds of the invention are particularly useful as wetting and foam control agents. The disclosed compounds exhibit exceptional antifoaming and defoaming activity while simultaneously reducing the dynamic surface tension when incorporated at low levels in water-based systems.
US08815004B2 Tailings stream treatment processes
A process for treating a tailings stream comprises (a) contacting (1) a gelling agent and (2) an activator with said tailings stream to produce a gel; (b) entrapping solids including sand and clay, and other solid particles with the gel; and (c) allowing the gel to strengthen and solidify to produce a trafficable deposit; wherein the tailings stream comprises water and solids, which solids comprise sand, clay and other solids particles, and wherein 5% by volume to 100% by volume of the solids have a particle size less than 0.05 mm, based on the total volume of the solids. The process may further comprises spreading the gel produced in step (a) or the trafficable deposit produced in step (c) over a surface. The present invention is particularly useful to treat tailings streams produced in processes to extract bitumen from oil sands ores.
US08815001B2 Compound for manufacturing watermark in a textile sheet material and the corresponding composition, material, method and use
The invention relates to a compound for manufacturing watermark in a textile sheet material and the corresponding composition, material, method and use. The compound for manufacturing a watermark in a textile sheet material of formula wherein X is hexamethylene, trimethylhexamethylene, isophorone, dicyclohexylmethyl, tetramethylxylylene, tetramethylenexylene, xylylene, trimethylhexamethylene, hydrogenated 4,4′-diphenylmethylene, 1,12-dodecylene, 1,5-2-methylpentylene; 1,4-butylene; 1,4-cyclohexylene, or a compound of formula R1 is a linear aliphatic C1-C12 alkyl radical or a branched aliphatic C3-C18 alkyl radical R2 is a radical of formula wherein R4 is methoxy or ethoxy R5 and R6 are H, methoxy, ethoxy, methyl or ethyl R7 is cyclohexyl, phenyl or aliphatic C3-C6 alkyl R3 is a linear aliphatic C1-C12 alkyl radical or a branched aliphatic C3-C18 alkyl radical n is 0 or 1.
US08815000B1 Solid inks comprising liquid crystalline materials
A solid ink composition used for ink jet printing. In particular, the solid inks comprise a liquid crystalline material that can be jetted in a molten, amorphous state at elevated temperatures, electrically poled to align the molecules in an intermediate liquid crystalline state at lower temperatures, and then frozen into a robust, high quality image upon cooling.
US08814998B1 Method of preparation and application for flame retarding composition
The present invention teaches a three-step method for an aqua based chemical composition for flame retardation. The composition comprises: Sodium Borate, Boric Acid, Guanylurea Phosphate, Hydrogen Peroxide, Magnesium Chloride, and Sodium Silicate. The referenced salts are dissolved in distilled water, and the resultant flame retarding solution is coated on substrate surfaces to be protected against flame retardation. The flame retarding composition solution from step-1 alone may be used on non-prepared substrate surfaces. The flame retarding composition solution fully satisfies the Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 25.853(a) vertical burn test, and Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) 25.853(d) heat release test. The utility of the present invention extends to numerous commercial and non-commercial applications.
US08814995B2 Electrical screening device for structures near high voltage parts of electrostatic precipitators
An electrostatic precipitator having a collecting electrode plate assembly, including at least two electrode plates disposed substantially in a parallel to each other in the vertical plane within the electrostatic precipitator, forming a space between the collecting electrode plates, and a discharge electrode assembly interposed in said spaces, wherein the electrode assembly passing at least a supporting structure of the collecting electrode plate assembly. The supporting structure is provided with an electrical screening device at least in the area of the supporting structure facing said electrode assembly.
US08814991B2 Powder coating system with easily cleanable cyclone
A powder cyclone separator for use in a powder coating system is contemplated that is formed in two separate and separable sections. An upper section of the cyclone is mounted on a first frame and remains stationary. A lower section of the cyclone is mounted on a second frame that is movable laterally away from the first frame so that an operator has more ready access to clean interior surfaces of the upper section. Optionally, actuators may be provided to vertically raise and lower the cyclone lower section with respect to the cyclone upper section. Various optional alignment means are presented for aligning the cyclone upper and lower sections. Preferably, a control mechanism is mounted on the second frame which includes a switch that is manually operated by the user to raise and lower the lower section with respect to the upper section. This design allows an operator to see, and therefore verify, that virtually all internal surfaces of the cyclone have been effectively cleaned.
US08814989B2 Process for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a cycle gas system
A process for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) by means of an absorption medium from a cycle gas system, wherein the CO2 occurs within a process in which, in the gas phase, ethylene is oxidized by oxygen (O2) to ethylene oxide (EO) in the presence of a catalyst, in which, as by product, CO2 is generated, by using as absorption medium an aqueous solution of one or more amines, wherein, for further purification of the cycle gas stream obtained downstream of the CO2 absorption step, this cycle gas stream is brought into intimate contact with water to which no mineral acid and no higher glycol was added.
US08814988B2 Process and apparatus for recovering ammonia from a gas stream
The present invention relates to a process for the recovery of ammonia contained in a gaseous stream, said process comprising the following phases: (a) subjecting the gaseous stream containing ammonia to a washing with an aqueous washing solution having a pH lower than 7.0, with the formation of a purified gaseous stream and an aqueous solution containing an ammonium salt; (b) treating the aqueous solution containing the ammonium salt coming from phase (a) in a vertical falling film heat exchanger at a temperature from 50 to 250° C. and an absolute pressure ranging from 50 KPa to 4 MPa with the formation of a regenerated washing solution and a gaseous stream comprising NH3 and H2O; (c) recycling said regenerated washing solution to phase (a). The present invention also relates to equipment for effecting the above process.
US08814984B2 Process and apparatus for removing contaminants from a gas stream
A gas purification process for treating a gas stream includes supplying the gas stream to at least one membrane unit to produce a permeate stream and a retentate stream. The retentate stream contains a lower concentration of at least one of water, hydrogen sulfide, or carbon dioxide as compared to the gas stream. The retentate stream is supplied to a molecular sieve unit to remove hydrogen sulfide to produce a treated gas product stream.
US08814982B2 Tetrazole functionalized polymer membranes
The present invention discloses a new type of high selectivity UV-cross-linked tetrazole group functionalized polymer nanosieve (TZPIM) membranes, their preparation, as well as their use for gas and liquid separations. The UV-cross-linked TZPIM membrane showed more than 50% improvement in CO2/CH4 selectivity and more than 30% improvement in CO2/N2 selectivity compared to the uncross-linked TZPIM membrane for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 separations, respectively.
US08814981B2 Compression of carbon dioxide containing fluid
The present invention relates to a method of pressurizing a fluid comprising carbon dioxide, the method includes: obtaining the fluid from a unit for removing carbon dioxide from a process gas; compressing the fluid to a pressure above the critical pressure of carbon dioxide; and cooling the compressed fluid to a temperature above the critical temperature of carbon dioxide to produce a supercritical fluid. The invention further relates to an apparatus for pressurizing a fluid comprising carbon dioxide, the apparatus including: means for obtaining the fluid from a unit for removing carbon dioxide from a process gas; means for compressing the fluid to a pressure above the critical pressure of carbon dioxide; and means for cooling the compressed fluid to a temperature above the critical temperature of carbon dioxide to produce a supercritical fluid.
US08814979B2 Methods for the production of silver nanowires
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to novel methods for the solution-based production of silver nanowires by adaptation of the polyol process. Some embodiments of the present invention can be practiced at lower temperature and/or at higher concentration than previously described methods. In some embodiments reactants are added in solid form rather than in solution. In some embodiments, an acid compound is added to the reaction.
US08814977B2 Stabilized compositions comprising ammonium nitrate
Preferred aspects of the present invention provide ammonium nitrate compositions comprising ammonium nitrate and at least one stabilizing agent, and preferably a third compound. In certain preferred embodiments, the stabilizing agent, together with third compound, is present under conditions and in amounts effective to substantially reduce the detonation sensitivity of the composition and/or to otherwise improve a desired property of the composition.
US08814973B2 Air cleaner arrangements with end support for cartridge; components; and, methods
An air cleaner assembly is described and shown which includes a housing having an air flow inlet, an air flow outlet and a housing body and access cover. A serviceable filter cartridge is positioned within the housing. A projection/receiver arrangement providing for engagement between the cartridge and the access cover is provided. The projection/receiver arrangement can be configured in a manner that inhibits both cantilevered motion and rotational motion of the cartridge, once installed. An example projection/receiver arrangement is provided, which includes a serpentine receiving groove on the access cover and a serpentine projection on the filter cartridge.
US08814970B2 Trapping device that traps particles in vacuum atmosphere
A trapping device that traps a particle in a vacuum atmosphere includes a plurality of grooves arrayed on a surface of the trapping device. Each of the plurality of grooves has a shape that is obtained by replacing a bottom part of a U-groove is replaced with a V-groove.
US08814967B2 Abrasive article and method of making
An abrasive article includes a bonded abrasive having a body made of abrasive grains contained within a composite bond material. The composite bond material can include an organic material and a metal material. The body can also include a filler material made of a superabrasive material. In an embodiment, the filler material can have an average particle size at least about 10 times less than an average particle size of the abrasive grains.
US08814962B2 Engineered fuel storage, respeciation and transport
Techniques, systems and material are disclosed for thermochemical regeneration of biomass into renewable engineered fuel, storage of the renewable engineered fuel, respeciation of the renewable engineered fuel and transport. In one aspect, a method includes generating low density hydrogen fuel from biomass dissociation at a first location of a low elevation. The low density hydrogen fuel is self-transported in a pipeline to a second location at a higher elevation than the first location by traveling from the first location to the second location without adding energy of pressure. A high density hydrogen carrier is generated at the second location of higher elevation by reacting the low density hydrogen fuel with at least one of a carbon donor, a nitrogen donor and an oxygen donor harvested from industrial waste. The high density hydrogen carrier is delivered to a third location of a lower elevation than the second location while providing pressure or kinetic energy.
US08814955B2 Method for manufacturing lithium ion secondary battery, and packaging thereof containing pre-charged lithium ion secondary battery
There is provided a lithium ion secondary battery exhibiting a high capacity retention rate over a long period. There is also provided a method for manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery including a positive electrode, a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material layer containing a graphite, an aprotic electrolyte solution containing a sulfonate ester having at least two sulfonyl groups, and a packaging material including a laminate film involving the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the aprotic electrolyte solution, the method including: enclosing the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the aprotic electrolyte solution in the packaging material to fabricate a lithium ion secondary battery before pre-charge; pre-charging the lithium ion secondary battery; and opening the enclosure of the packaging material of the lithium ion secondary battery after pre-charge, thereafter vacuum sealing the packaging material, and regularly charging the lithium ion secondary battery after pre-charge, wherein the current for the pre-charge is 0.05 to 0.25 C, and the voltage thereof is 3.3 to 3.5 V.
US08814954B2 Method of manufacturing products having a metal surface
The method for manufacturing products having a metal surface by imparting microfeatures onto the metal surface. The method if further described as the steps of: creating a transfer tool from a microstructured intermediate fabricated from a microstructured prototype having microfeatures; and, transferring the microfeatures to said metal surface using the transfer tool.
US08814953B1 System and method for spray dyeing fabrics
A system and method are provided for dyeing fabric, the system including a dye spray station, a dye fixation station downstream of the dye spray station, and at least one rinse station downstream of the dye fixation station. The process includes opening the fabric with a spreader to maintain the fabric flat and taut, spraying the outer surfaces of the fabric with a dye, and exposing the fabric to atmospheric steam to chemically react and affix the dye to the fabric.
US08814948B2 Method for controlling an orthopedic knee joint
The invention relates to an orthopedic knee joint, comprising an upper part (2), on which upper connecting means (20) are disposed, a lower part (3) pivotally supported on the upper part (2), connecting means for orthopedic components (4), and a stop ( ) for delimiting an extension movement, wherein the stop (7) is configured displaceably and coupled to an adjusting device (64), which is coupled to a control device (6), which actuates the adjusting device (64) as a function of sensor data and changes the position of the stop (7).
US08814947B2 Deformable flap catch mechanism for occluder device
Devices, delivery systems, and delivery techniques for an occlusion device for closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. Specifically, an occluder with a catch member that holds the occluder in the deployed, expanded profile configuration is provided within a delivery sheath. The proximal end of the catch member includes a flap that when positioned proximal to the proximal end of the occluder holds the occluder in the expanded profile configuration. The flap is sized and formed of a material that allows the flap to deform by bending back and forth in axial and radial directions. In certain embodiments, the flap has segments divided by notches. In certain embodiments, deforming the flap in the proximal direction requires a different amount of force than deforming the flap in the distal direction.
US08814945B2 Implantable wrist joint assembly with spherical inter-support
A multi-component wrist joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper radius bone and at least opposing lower scaphoid and lunate bones. A first component is anchored into the upper radius reconditioned end surface and exhibiting a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into the lower scaphoid and lunate reconditioned end surfaces and exhibiting a second exposed support surface. A spherical shaped intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components.
US08814944B2 Tibial implant base
An orthopedic prosthesis includes a tibial implant and a tibial insert. The tibial implant includes an upper surface, a medial side, a lateral side and a first locking structure provided on the upper surface where the medial side and the lateral side of the tibial implant are defined by a medial-lateral midline. The tibial insert includes a second locking structure provided on its bottom surface. The first and second locking structures are configured for engaging each other along an engagement direction vector when the tibial insert is inserted into the tibial base towards the posterior side. The engagement direction vector is angled away from the medial-lateral midline of the tibial implant towards the medial side of the tibial implant by a predetermine angle.
US08814942B2 Bone graft applicator
A method for applying bone graft to an orthopaedic implant. The method includes using a bone graft applicator including a pair of arms, a bone graft receptacle coupled to the arms, and a linking mechanism coupled to the bone graft receptacle. The linking mechanism is slid over a portion of the orthopaedic implant. Bone graft is scraped into the bone graft receptacle. The user closes the bone graft receptacle over the portion of the orthopaedic implant and then removes one of the bone graft applicator and the orthopaedic implant from the other of the bone graft applicator and the orthopaedic implant.
US08814940B2 Systems and methods for spinal fusion
A system and method for spinal fusion comprising a spinal fusion implant of non-bone construction releasably coupled to an insertion instrument dimensioned to introduce the spinal fusion implant into any of a variety of spinal target sites.
US08814933B2 Foldable intravascularly inserted blood pump
A foldable intravascularly insertable blood pump employs an impeller with radially delivering vanes in combination with an annular deflection channel. The impeller is driven by a shaft extending through a catheter wherein the impeller and its envelope are foldable by relative displacement of the shaft and catheter.
US08814931B2 Staged deployment devices and methods for transcatheter heart valve delivery systems
A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle, including a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable within the movement space, and a first resheathing lock having a locked position and an unlocked position. The delivery device further includes a catheter assembly, including a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being fixedly connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. The distal sheath is moveable between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve. With the resheathing lock in the locked position, the distal sheath is unable to move to the open condition to fully deploy the valve.
US08814927B2 Partially biodegradable stent
A partially biodegradable stent includes a main net body of hollow cylindrical shape formed of elastically deformable wires interlaced with each other, the net body extending in a longitudinal direction and terminating at open opposite ends, and an auxiliary net portion provided at one of the open opposite ends of the main net body, the auxiliary net portion formed of a biodegradable wire which can be degraded and removed by a bodily fluid. The auxiliary net portion is formed by interlacing the biodegradable wire into a cylindrical shape independently of the main net body or by interlacing the biodegradable wire with the elastically deformable wires at one of the open opposite ends of the main net body.
US08814926B2 Methods and apparatus for stenting comprising enhanced embolic protection coupled with improved protections against restenosis and thrombus formation
Apparatus and methods for stenting are provided comprising a stent attached to a porous biocompatible material that is permeable to endothelial cell ingrowth, but impermeable to release of emboli of predetermined size. Preferred stent designs are provided, as well as preferred manufacturing techniques. Apparatus and methods are also provided for use at a vessel branching. Moreover, embodiments of the present invention may comprise a coating configured for localized delivery of therapeutic agents. Embodiments of the present invention are expected to provide enhanced embolic protection, improved force distribution, and improved recrossability, while reducing a risk of restenosis and thrombus formation.
US08814923B2 Light dispensing apparatus
There is provided an apparatus, a method and a computer program. The apparatus comprises medical imaging unit for generating a group of voxel values of a patient, a voxel value representing an electromagnetically detectable functional state in a brain voxel of the patient, data processing unit for generating from the group of voxel values of the patient an indication that represents a level of a specific medical disorder of the patient, and illumination unit for directing non-invasively a dose of light to the brain of the patient.
US08814922B2 Method for treatment of fingernail and toenail microbial infections using infrared laser heating and low pressure
A method of treating microbial infections, which consists of the steps of sequentially and repeatedly irradiating the microbe with continuous or pulsed infrared radiation and continuous or pulsed cooling such that heat and cold alternatively penetrates to the site of the infection in order to inactivate the pathogen.
US08814921B2 Tissue ablation and cautery with optical energy carried in fluid stream
Methods and systems for modifying tissue use a pressurized fluid stream carrying coherent light energy. The methods and systems may be used for resecting and debulking soft and hard biological tissues. The coherent light is focused within a stream of fluid to deliver energy to the tissue to be treated.
US08814916B2 Method and apparatus for minimally invasive subcutaneous treatment of humerus fractures
The instant invention is a novel method and construct for temporary or definitive minimally invasive treatment of a broken humerus. The method includes the steps of tunneling an elongated plate subcutaneously in the subcutaneous fat layer substantially parallel to the fractured humerus; and attaching the ends of the elongated plate to the fractured humerus. The elongated plate remains disposed in the subcutaneous fat layer and away from, but parallel to the humerus once attached to the humerus.
US08814911B2 Polyaxial bone screw with cam connection and lock and release insert
A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a threaded shank body having an integral upper portion receivable in a receiver, the receiver having an upper channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member and a lower cavity cooperating with a lower opening. A retaining member for capturing the shank in the receiver includes a sloping surface for a frictional, press fit, cammed engagement with the shank. A compression insert having a resilient structure provides non-floppy positioning of the shank with respect to the receiver and also independent locking of the shank with respect to the receiver.
US08814909B2 Modular multi-level spine stabilization system and method
A multi-level spine stabilization system is formed by providing a plurality of securing members, providing a plurality of rod segments configured to extend between the plurality of securing members, selecting a first rod segment from the plurality of rod segments based upon a first distance between a first vertebra and an adjacent second vertebra, selecting a second rod segment from the plurality of rod segments based upon a second distance between the second vertebra and an adjacent third vertebra, attaching a first, a second, and a third of the plurality of securing members to the first, the second, and the third vertebrae, respectively, forming a rod using the first and second rod segment, and attaching the rod to the first, the second, and the third securing members.
US08814908B2 Injectable flexible interspinous process device system
An injectable, flexible interspinous process device and a delivery system. The interspinous process device is flexible and can be fillable in situ with a desired amount of biocompatible material. The interspinous process device has a container portion. A support element, such as a self-expanding mesh, is used in conjunction with the container to provide added structural support. The mesh also facilitates deployment of the device when it is properly positioned. A conduit may be coupled to the interspinous process to fill the device. A delivery system is also provided for delivering the flexible interspinous process device to the desired location. The delivery system includes an outer catheter that is disposed over the interspinous process device to maintain it in the undeployed state and thus facilitate delivery of the device to the desired location. An inner removable sleeve and a guidewire may also be used with the delivery system.
US08814905B2 Surgical filament snare assemblies
A surgical filament snare assembly including an anchor capable of being fixated in bone and having a filament engagement feature. A first filament has a noose on a first portion of at least a first limb and has a second portion connected to the filament engagement feature of the anchor. Preferably, at least one free filament limb, which in some embodiments is a length of the first filament and in other embodiments is a second filament, is capable of being passed through tissue to be repaired and has at least one end passable through the noose to enable incremental tensioning of the tissue after the anchor is fixated in bone. The noose strangulates the free filament limb when tension is applied to at least one of the free filament limb and the noose.
US08814898B2 Methods and devices for deploying and releasing a temporary implant within the body
Methods, devices and systems for delivering a device assembly into a gastric or other space within the body, allowing the device to expand to occupy volume within the gastric space and, after an effective period of time, delivering a substance or stimulus to begin breakdown of the expanded device so that it may release from the body.
US08814897B1 Contagion prevention systems
Contagion prevention systems used in oral examinations.
US08814883B2 Minimally invasive surgical stabilization devices and methods
The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes.
US08814877B2 Use of micro- and miniature position sensing devices for use in TKA and THA
A system for assisting in a surgical process, comprising: (a) a surgical device taken from a group consisting of a surgical tool and a surgical implant; (b) a positional sensor carried by the surgical device, the positional sensor including a wireless transmitter and associated circuitry for transmitting sensor data from the transmitter; and (c) a computer system including a wireless receiver and signal conditioning circuitry and hardware for converting sensor data received by the wireless receiver into at least one of (i) audio feedback of positional information for the surgical device and (ii) visual feedback of positional information for the surgical device.
US08814874B2 Navigated cut guide for total knee reconstruction
A method and apparatus are disclosed that provides a system to perform a procedure on a patient or on a patient's anatomy. The apparatus can include a guide member that includes at least three degrees of freedom of movement of a guide or alignment portion. The apparatus can be used to guide or form reference points for a guide to resect a portion of an anatomy.
US08814871B2 Surgical tools with extendible and rotatable accessory components
Surgical tools are disclosed for minimally-invasive planing of bone surfaces that will support prosthetic implants, such as cartilage-repair implants. Such planing tools must create smooth surfaces that will closely fit the anchoring surface of an implant. Such tools can use a rotating cylindrical burr, partially covered by a cowl having adjustable components to control grinding depth and bone curvature. Burrs can be mounted on the ends of rotating shafts, or they can be angled, using drive-coupling interfaces. In other embodiments, shaver or burr tools can be supplemented by accessory-type devices (such as suction tubes, cautery tips, and pinchers) that can be extended beyond the normal working tip of a tool, to enable additional functions that will be useful during surgery.
US08814870B2 Hook shaped ultrasonic cutting blade
An ultrasonic surgical blade has a blade body and a shank. The shank is fixed at one end to the blade body and is operatively connectable at an opposite end to a source of ultrasonic vibrations. The shank has a longitudinal axis. The blade body is eccentrically disposed relative to the axis.
US08814868B2 Instrumented orthopaedic implant for identifying a landmark
A system (110, 150) for targeting a landmark (114, 160) is disclosed. The system includes an instrumented medical implant (112, 152), a control circuit (118, 153), a power supply (120, 157), and a landmark identifier (122, 154). The instrumented medical implant (112, 152) has one or more landmarks (114, 160) and each landmark (114, 160) has a corresponding coil (116, 162). The control circuit (118, 153) is electrically connected to the corresponding coil (116, 162), and the power supply (120, 157) is electrically connected to the control circuit (118,153). The landmark identifier (122, 154) has a magnetic sensor (124, 155) for sensing the corresponding coil (116, 162).
US08814866B2 Method for minimally invasive treatment of unstable pelvic ring injuries
The instant invention is a novel method for construct for temporary or definitive pelvic stabilization. The method uses the already established principles of anterior external fixation combined with internal hardware placed in a minimally invasive fashion. Fixation means are affixed to the ilia and both a rigid, subcutaneous anteriorly bowed elongated plate and a subcutaneous posterior plate are connected between the fixation means.
US08814861B2 Electrosurgical electrode and method of manufacturing same
An electrosurgical device coated an epoxy modified rigid silicone powder coating which includes a solvent-free hydroxyl functional solid phenyl silicone resin in the range of about 40% to about 60% parts per weight of the coating; a calcium metasilicate in the range of about 20% to about 40% parts per weight of the coating; an epoxy cresol novalac resin in the range of about 5% to about 15% parts per weight of the coating; an ultra-fine air micronized muscovite mica in the range of about 0% to about 10% parts per weight of the coating; a 60% active powder version of a methyl alkyl polysiloxane in the range of about 3% to about 7% parts per weight of the coating; a high temperature calcination of coprecipitated compound with manganese-copper-iron in the range of about 0% to about 10% parts per weight of the coating; an o-cresol novolac resin in the range of about 0.5% to about 3% parts per weight of the coating; and an acrylate copolymer in the range of about 0.5% to about 3% parts per weight of the coating. This coating is applied to the surfaces of an electrosurgical device minimize the build-up of charred tissue (i.e., eschar) on the surfaces of the electrosurgical device.
US08814856B2 Extension and retraction mechanism for a hand-held device
The disclosure describes a hand-held device that utilizes a mechanical lever system to operate the device with a single hand. The mechanical lever system is coupled to a sliding element within the housing of the hand-held device that slides linearly. The sliding element may be attached to another element that is extended, retracted, or rotated in or out of the device. For example, the hand-held device may be used for prostate ablation therapy. The hand-held device may include an ablation needle electrode that is extended out of a catheter and into a tissue of a patient by depressing an extension lever of the mechanical lever system to deliver ablation therapy. Depressing a retraction lever of the mechanical lever system may retract the needle electrode back into the catheter of the hand-held device. Other variations of the mechanical system and applications of the hand-held device are also described.
US08814851B2 Thermal ablation system
A thermal ablation system comprises a fluid handling unit receiving fluid from a fluid source at a first pressure, the fluid handling unit including a heater heating the fluid to a desired temperature and a pump and an introducer including a sheath which, when in an operative position, is received within a hollow organ, the sheath including a delivery lumen introducing fluid heated by the heater to the hollow organ and a return lumen withdrawing fluid from the hollow organ and returning the withdrawn fluid to the console via a return lumen, wherein the pump increases a pressure of the fluid between the fluid source and the delivery lumen of the introducer.
US08814845B2 Delivery of biological compounds to ischemic and/or infarcted tissue
The delivery of biological compounds to ischemic and/or infarcted tissue are described herein where such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, the imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to a region of tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid, such as saline, can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood, thereby leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Additionally, any number of therapeutic tools can also be passed through the deployment catheter and into the imaging hood for performing any number of procedures on the tissue for identifying, locating, and/or accessing ischemic and/or infarcted tissue.
US08814844B2 Absorbent article
Disclosed is an absorbent product wherein a pair of folded portions that can be folded back is formed on both sides in the width direction of the absorbent product on portions of a flap. On the pair of folded portions, latch members that can fasten to prescribed areas of a front waistline member or a rear waistline member are respectively disposed. The flap is connected to the front waistline member or the rear waistline member at the two ends in the width direction of the absorbent product. Between the two ends and the folded portions, non-connected regions are provided where the flap is not connected to the front waistline member or the rear waistline member.
US08814838B2 Respiratory secretion retention device, system and method
A novel and non-obvious apparatus, system, and method for managing respiratory secretions and fluids in sections of artificial airways. In an embodiment of the invention, a respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device configured to connect to an artificial airway can be provided. The respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device can include a housing that defines a passageway for the flow of respiratory gases, a chamber that is defined by the housing, where a portion of the chamber is configured to retain exhaled respiratory particulate and liquid, and at least one element configured to provide for repositioning at least a portion of the housing with respect to the artificial airway. In an aspect of this embodiment, the at least a portion of the housing can be repositioned with respect to the artificial airway without opening the artificial airway to the atmosphere.
US08814836B2 Devices, systems and methods for treating the skin using time-release substances
According to some embodiments, a microdermabrasion device for treating skin comprises a handpiece assembly having a distal end and a proximal end. The handpiece assembly includes at least one delivery conduit and at least one waste conduit. The microdermabrasion device additionally comprises a tip configured to be positioned along the distal end of the handpiece assembly, wherein the tip is adapted to contact skin surface. In several embodiments, the tip comprises a lip, a first opening in fluid communication with the fluid delivery conduit and a second opening in fluid communication with the waste conduit. In one embodiment, the device includes one or more abrasive elements positioned along a distal end of the tip, wherein the abrasive elements are configured to selectively remove skin as the tip is moved relative to a skin surface. In some embodiments, the delivery conduit is configured to selectively deliver at least one time-release material to the skin surface being treated.
US08814827B2 Retractable syringe
A syringe including a barrel, a needle subassembly holder positioned in the barrel, and a needle subassembly positioned in the holder. The needle subassembly includes a needle hub releasably connected to the holder and a needle connected to the hub. Further, the syringe includes a piston slidably received by the barrel. The piston includes a piston body and a piston head having a releasable portion temporarily covering a hatchway. The piston also includes a valve positioned proximal of the hatchway and movable between blocking and passing positions. A user may push the piston distally beyond an injected position in which the piston head contacts the holder causing the holder to move distally and the hub to contact the barrel, causing the barrel to bow, thereby storing potential energy. When the potential energy reaches a threshold amount sufficient to overcome forces holding the hub in the holder, the barrel rebounds toward its un-bowed shape thereby propelling the needle hub and needle proximally past the releasable portion and the valve and into the piston body. The valve then automatically returns to the blocking position thereby ensuring that the needle subassembly does not move proximally out of the piston body.
US08814824B2 Steerable short sheath access device
The present invention relates to steerable access sheath assembly (12). Moreover, the present invention relates to a steerable short sheath access device (10) for use in epicardial procedures. Embodiments of the present invention including shorter steerable access sheaths or introducers (10, 12) may provide epicardial access for various ablation tools and devices for the performance of various ablation procedures or procedures involving alternate energy sources. The steerable access device (10) provides an elongated member (20) having a proximal section (26) and a distal section (28), wherein the deflection of the distal section (28) provides a primary curve including an inner radius (r1) that result in a secondary curve of proximal section (26) having an inner radius (r2, r3), wherein the inner radius of curvature (r1) of the primary curve is less than the inside radius of curvature (r2, r3) of the secondary curve.
US08814822B2 Reciprocating delivery of fluids to the body with analyte concentration monitoring
A volume of an analyte-enriched fluid can be withdrawn out of a user's subcutaneous compartment using a patch unit that includes a reversible pumping mechanism. The volume can be withdrawn out of the body and into the patch unit through a cannula inserted into the subcutaneous compartment so that an analyte concentration in the volume can be measured using a sensing element within the patch unit. After analyte concentration analysis, at least the volume can be delivered back into the subcutaneous compartment by operating the pumping mechanism in a forward direction. biologically compatible fluid can optionally be pumped into the subcutaneous compartment from a reservoir in the patch unit and then allowed to partially or completely equilibrate with the analyte concentration in the interstitial fluid of the subcutaneous compartment via a permeable or semi-permeable cannula surface before being drawn back into the patch unit for analysis. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
US08814817B2 Ankle protector
An ankle protector comprises an elastic webbing element, formed with a tubular construction thereby to surround and embrace a user's ankle region. The webbing element is defined by upper and lower apertures to enable a user's foot to pass therethrough when putting the ankle protector on. Each of said upper and lower apertures is formed by overlock-stitching an edge of the elastic webbing material, such that said apertures have no perceptible ribs. A cushioning element is attached to the webbing element (11) and is adapted to cover and protect a user's Achilles tendon. The cushioning element protrudes inwardly relative to the circumference of the tubular webbing element.
US08814813B2 Cranial device with rotary tilt sensor
The invention relates to an improved cranial device with a rotary inclination detector, including a container box which can be secured to the cranium of sleeping person and which contains an electric motor and an eccentric counterweight coupled thereto, forming a vibrator. The device also includes a battery or a battery holder for at least one battery, which is provided with two axially opposed projecting contacts or studs. The container box is provided with inclined formations with dielectric properties, on which the battery or battery holder can roll by means of the studs thereof, and two electric contacts on which the inclined formations terminate, such that, when the battery holder is placed on the electric contacts, the motor circuit is closed, thereby activating the vibrator.
US08814812B2 Reciprocating brace
An apparatus for passive contraction of at least one finger of a patient with an upper arm unit, a lower arm unit, and at least one connective line. The apparatus is configured such that elbow extension of the patient promotes finger flexion. This is accomplished by taking advantage of the geometry of the arm, where the distance from a point on the patient's humeral area to the patient's fingers is greater when the patient's arm is in extension than when it is in flexion. In one aspect, the upper arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm between the patient's elbow and shoulder and the lower arm unit is configured to connect to a portion of the patient's arm intermediate the patient's hand and elbow.
US08814808B2 Body fluid sampling device
Body fluid sampling device comprising a skin-piercing element having a collection zone for receiving body fluid. In one embodiment, the collection zone includes a plurality of holes, e.g., 3 or more holes, or 50 to 100 holes. The hole size may be small, e.g., having a diameter of 0.01 to 0.5 mm. The holes may or may not extend through the lancet. In some embodiments, the holes have a depth of 50 to 500 μm. In other embodiments, the collection zone is porous, or is a roughened area. The collection zone can take up a very small volume of body fluid, e.g., 3 to 10 nL, in a very short time period, e.g., less than 0.5 seconds. In other embodiments, the device further comprises a fluid receiving means spaced apart from the collection zone so that body fluid in the collection zone will not contact the fluid receiving means initially.
US08814807B2 Spinal canal access and probe positioning, devices and methods
Methods and devices for detecting positioning of a probe in a tissue of a patient. A method can include providing a detection device; advancing a device coupled probe through the tissue of the patient and toward the patient's spinal canal; detecting a change in pressure about the distal portion of the coupled probe during advancing, where the detected pressure change indicates probe positioning in the patient's spinal canal; outputting the detected pressure change or indication of probe positioning to a visual display.
US08814806B2 Device for determining a condition of flow in a respiration system
A device for detecting the condition of flow in a respiration system combines the function of a nonreturn valve with the function of flow measurement in a common device. The device includes a valve arrangement (1) with a valve disk (9) and with a valve body (8), wherein the position of a valve disk (9) in relation to a valve seat (11) is detected. An indicator for a flow and a direction of flow (5), (6) is determined from the position of the valve disk (9). The position of the valve disk (9) can be determined inductively, electrically, electromechanically or optically. The flow and direction of flow (5), (6) determined can be used to control the respiration in a medical device.
US08814805B2 Complex signal demodulation and angular demodulation for non-contact vital sign detection
Methods for recovering a detected signal in non-contact vital sign detection are provided. According to one embodiment, a detected reflected signal from a non-contact vital sign detection system can be received and provided along I channel and Q channel signal lines. A complex signal S(t) can then be reconstructed from the I channel and Q channel signal lines through complex signal demodulation. A Fourier transform can be used to obtain the detected signal's spectrum for spectrum analysis. Angular demodulation can be used to recover the information corresponding to original body movement. The complex signal demodulation and angular demodulation techniques used to provide information to determine original body movement are capable of avoiding the null detection point without limitations on frequency tuning or channel selection.
US08814804B2 Interactive blood-alcohol content tester
A blood-alcohol content (BAC) tester for use at a facility serving alcohol. The BAC tester includes a breath-sampling unit having an air-chamber unit defining a closed position and an open position. The air-chamber unit has a first air-chamber block and a second air-chamber block, the first air-chamber block and the second air-chamber block defining an air chamber for receiving air exhaled from a user. The breath-sampling unit also includes a drive unit coupled to the second air-chamber block and an alcohol sensor. The BAC tester also includes a sensor circuit communicatively coupled to the drive unit and the alcohol sensor. The sensor circuit is configured to cause the drive unit to move the second-air chamber block relative to the first air-chamber block so as to cause the air-chamber unit to be in the closed or the open position.
US08814800B2 Apparatus and method for enhancing and analyzing signals from a continuous non-invasive blood pressure device
A system and method of enhancing a blood pressure signal is disclosed. The volume of an artery in a finger is measured by a photo-plesthysmographic (PPG) system, which produces a PPG signal. This PPG system is placed inside a cuff, and the cuff pressure is controlled by the PPG signal. The portion or component of the PPG signal having a frequency higher than a predefined threshold frequency is then modified or enhanced, such as by multiplying the high frequency component by a calibration factor. A blood pressure signal is then calculated using the cuff pressure and the modified PPG signal. A blood pressure contour curve may then be generated, and a variety of parameters may be calculated using the curve.
US08814799B2 Low profile intravascular ultrasound catheter
The present invention provides low profile intravascular ultrasound catheters adapted to access sites within the patient's body through narrow blood vessels, e.g., the radial artery. In an embodiment, a low profile catheter comprises an catheter sheath, a short guidewire receiver attached to the distal end of the catheter sheath, and a telescope assembly at the proximal end. The catheter sheath comprises a main portion and a tapered portion for increased flexibility toward the distal end of the catheter. In one embodiment, a rotatable and translatable imaging core is received within the catheter sheath for ultrasound imaging. A short guidewire receiver is used to allow the imaging core to be advanced farther distally with respect to the distal end of the catheter. In an embodiment, the catheter sheath extends through a portion of the telescope assembly to provide enhanced support of the imaging core within the telescope assembly.
US08814796B2 System and method for tissue ablation in a body cavity
A tissue ablation system and method of forming same includes an ablation device having a substrate with an outer surface and energy transport elements coupled to the outer surface. The substrate is configured to have a shape that approximates an interior shape of a uterus. The system and method further including an energy source electrically coupled to the energy transport elements and at least one ultrasonic transducer positioned in a lateral region of the uterus.
US08814791B2 Systems and methods for monitoring pain management
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring pain management using measurements of physiological parameters based on a PPG signal. A reference physiological parameter may be compared against a later measurement to identify a change in condition that may indicate a pain management problem.
US08814786B2 Guiding device for use with laryngoscope
A guiding device for use with a laryngoscope for assisting in the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient, the device comprising a guiding means for guiding an endotracheal tube through the patient's upper airways, and an attachment means to attach the guiding means to the blade of the laryngoscope. A laryngoscope comprising the guiding device is also disclosed.
US08814783B2 Illumination lens and endoscope
An illumination lens to be disposed in a front end of a light guide of an endoscope includes an entrance face and an exit face. The entrance face has positive power. The exit face has positive power. The following Expression (1) is satisfied while the following Expression (2) is satisfied. 1.2<1/r1×φ<1.8,  (1) 0.24<1/r2×φ<0.96,  (2) where φ [mm] is a diameter of the lens, r1 [mm] is a curvature radius of the entrance face, and r2 [mm] is a curvature radius of the exit face.
US08814782B2 Solid state variable direction of view endoscope
An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope further includes an imager comprising an imaging surface area that receives at least a portion of endoscopic image transmitted by the wide angle lens system and produces output signals corresponding to the endoscopic image field and image forming circuitry that receives the output signal and produces an image signal.
US08814779B2 Stereoscopic endoscope
Two side-by-side optical paths transmit stereoscopic right side and left side images onto the surface of a single image sensing chip. The single image sensing chip may be placed at various orientations with respect to the lens trains in the optical paths. In some embodiments a single prism is used to turn the light for both the right side and left side images onto the single image sensing chip. In other embodiments one prism is used to turn the light for the right side image and another prism is used to turn the light for the left side image, and the reflective surfaces of the two prisms are substantially coplanar such that the right side and left side images are incident on the single image sensor chip.
US08814777B2 Devices for minimally invasive pelvic surgery
The invention, in various embodiments, provides systems, devices, and methods for treating urinary incontinence.
US08814774B2 Radiation treatment method for use with a radiation treatment bra
A method for radiation treatment includes adjusting a plurality of adjustable elements on a radiation treatment bra to establish a reference breast geometry and aligning the patient to a radiation treatment machine by projecting a light field through windows provided in the radiation treatment bra during a radiation treatment planning session. To begin actual radiation treatment, the reference breast geometry is reestablished by repeating the original adjustments of the adjustable elements, as necessary. Alignment is re-established by viewing tattoos through the windows in conjunction with the light field.
US08814771B2 Tool holding and conveying chain
There is provided a tool holding and conveying chain adapted to securely lock and position a tool pot, i.e., a connecting pin, to a pin hole of either an outer or inner link plate so that the tool pot does not to turn and to achieve steady and smooth attachment and removal of a tool in and out of the tool pot with a simple attachment structure. The tool pot has a pair of positioning flat portions formed by cutting a link plate attaching outer circumferential region of the tool pot and the outer link plate has a pair of positioning cooperative flat portions formed so as to bulge out of an inner circumference to a center of a pin hole. The positioning flat portions of the tool pot is fitted into and locked by the positioning cooperative flat portions when the tool pot is attached in the link plate.
US08814770B2 Laser nozzle changing device
A method for processing workpieces with a laser processing machine including a laser processing head having a nozzle receiving member configured to receive a laser nozzle. The method includes holding a workpiece on a workpiece support plane of a workpiece support, transferring a laser nozzle between a nozzle magazine of a nozzle changing device located at a first side of the workpiece support and a nozzle receiving member of the laser processing head located at a second side of the workpiece support such that the laser nozzle is assembled on or disassembled from the nozzle receiving member, and moving the laser nozzle through a through-opening defined in the workpiece support along a transverse direction to the workpiece support.
US08814769B2 Machine tool and tool holder
A machine tool having a turning function and a milling function includes a spindle, a spindle housing supporting the spindle in a rotatable manner, a main clamp provided at the spindle, an auxiliary clamp provided at the spindle housing, and a double arm with a first gripper and a second gripper. The auxiliary clamp clamps a tool holder together with the main clamp during fixing a fixed tool. The double arm exchanges a tool holder grasped at the first gripper for another tool holder grasped at the second gripper by rotating and sliding movements. The auxiliary clamp is arranged at a position not interfering with the double arm that moves during exchanging tool holders. By such a configuration, a machine tool achieving a clamping force sufficient to withstand the load during a turning process, and that allows tool exchange in a short period of time, and a tool holder employed in such a machine tool, can be provided.
US08814767B2 Exercise device and method
An exercise device of the present invention includes a beam; rods removeably affixed and extending from ends of the beam; wheels rotatably mounted on the rods; handles positioned on outer ends of the rods; and a body-part engagement device for engaging a user's hands, feet, or knees with the device. Multiple exercises that exercise various muscle groups of the human body may be performed with the exercise device.
US08814766B2 Skiing exercise apparatus
An apparatus and method for exercising using an apparatus that includes an upper assembly, equipped with pedal platforms or a snowboard attachment, which is pivotally attached to a lower frame assembly. The lower frame assembly includes ski pole attachments that enable a user to maintain balance while using the apparatus. When the user stands on the pedals, elastic members coupled to the lower frame assembly and the upper frame assembly maintain level of the upper assembly while also providing some resistance to lateral movement. As the user shifts weight to simulate downhill skiing, the resistance by the elastic members, and an adjustable brake component, provide strength and core exercises similar to skiing.
US08814765B2 Exercise device and method of use
A hand held exercise device for providing a user with a portable workout. The device may generally comprise a central handle diametrically disposed within and spanning across a ring element having a toroidally shaped inner chamber. Internal bumpers within the inner chamber act to limit the range of motion or travel of at least one mobile element within the inner chamber. Rotational forces imparted by the user upon the handle cause movement of the at least one mobile element that is responded to and countered with user muscle flexion. In this manner, a user may perform a satisfactory workout by continually imparting and then resisting rotation force in alternating clockwise and counterclockwise directions.
US08814759B2 Integrated punching bag system
A punching bag base and punching bag assembly. The base provides multiple areas to store exercise accessories such as weighted dumbbells and weighted ankle weights. In one form, the areas formed in the base to receive weights or related exercise equipment form a shape that is complementary to that of the equipment stored in it. In another form, the base can be of a generally hollow construction to accept ballast to provide additional stability of the base when it is placed on a floor or related support structure. The system may also include an integrated hook placed on the pole that allows the user the ability to hang boxing gloves, towels or other exercise equipment. The system may also include a wheel assembly to facilitate ease of movement.
US08814755B2 Performance information sharing systems and methods
We have disclosed a system for sharing information about a first individual who has engaged or is engaging in a first physical activity. The system may include a first portable performance monitoring system that is capable of being carried with the first individual during the first physical activity. The first portable performance monitoring system may include a first processor configured to determine first performance information for the first individual and a transmitter configured to transmit the first performance information. The system may also include a second portable performance monitoring system that is capable of being carried with a second individual during a second physical activity. The second portable performance monitoring system may include a receiver configured to receive the first performance information and a second processor configured to generate display data based on the first performance information.
US08814746B2 Two-array planetary gear system with flexpins and helical gearing
A planetary gear system (P) includes a sun gear (2), a ring gear (4) a carrier (6) located between the sun and ring gears (2, 4), and planet pinions (8, 10) organized in two arrays and supported on flexpin assemblies (32, 34) in the carrier (6). All of the gearing is helical, with the sun and ring gears (2, 4) having their teeth arranged in at double helix angles (herringbone) and the planet gears (8, 10) at single helix angles. The pinions (8) of the one array engage the teeth of one angle on the sun and ring gears (2, 4) and the pinions (10) of the other array engage the teeth of the other angle on the sun and ring gears (2, 4). Torque transfers through the carrier (6) through two torque paths (a, b)—one to the flexpin assemblies (32) for one array and the other to the flexpin assemblies (34) of the other array—and the paths (a) is stiffer than the path (b). Owing to the helical cut of the teeth the planet pinions (8, 10) of the two arrays exert oppositely directed axial forces (A) on the sun gear (2). The sun gear (2) is free to shift axially or float with respect to the planet pinions (8, 10) of the two arrays, so the axial forces (A) imparted to the sun gear, while opposite, are equal. Hence, the tangential forces (T), which transfer the torque, are likewise equal, notwithstanding the difference in flexibility of the two torque paths (a, b). Even though the carrier (6) may undergo different deflections at the flexpin assemblies (32, 34) for the two arrays of planet pinions (8, 10), the planet pinions (8, 10) of the two arrays transfer torques of equal magnitude.
US08814743B2 Synchronizing disconnect device
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a set of four planetary gear sets each having first, second, and third members, a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms each selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the first, second, and third members with at least one other of the first, second, third members and a stationary member, and a synchronizer assembly that selectively connects and disconnects one member of one of the planetary gear sets.
US08814740B2 Two-speed power take-off unit with mode clutch
A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.
US08814737B2 Wheel driving device
A wheel driving device includes: a reduction mechanism of which at least a part is disposed on an inside of a wheel; a casing; a relative rotation member rotating relative to the casing; a bearing disposed between the casing and the relative rotation member; and an oil seal sealing a space where the reduction mechanism is present, wherein an outer race of the bearing includes a main body portion of which an outer periphery is disposed on an inside of the casing, and an extending portion which extends from the main body portion in an axial direction and of which an outer periphery is exposed from the casing, and the oil seal abuts on the extending portion and the relative rotation member.
US08814735B2 Metal V-belt of continuously variable transmission
Each steel element for a V-belt of a continuously variable transmission has a flank (4a) that comprises a plurality of equally spaced raised portions (41) each being placed between two fine grooves (42). A flat flatness ratio (FR) given by the equation (1) is set to the highest one of values that are capable of practically machining the flank (4a) of the steel element (4) and capable of causing the flank (4a) to exhibit a given and satisfied lubrication oil discharging effect, and a groove pitch (GP) that is a distance between the two fine grooves (42) is set to a value that is capable of practically machining the flank of the steel element and capable of causing the flank to exhibit a given and satisfied lubrication oil discharging effect. The groove pitch thus set is a value that is permitted by the higher value of the flatness ratio thus set. FR (%)=WRP/(WRP+WG)×100  (1) wherein: FR: Flatness ratio WRP: Width of the raised portion (41) WG: Width of the groove (42).
US08814733B2 Baseball or softball bat with modified restitution characteristics
A softball or baseball bat with modified restitution characteristics is provided. The bat can comprise a substantially rigid shell coupled with a single or multi-piece insert. The shell can comprise a tip end, a barrel, a handle taper, and a handle. The insert can be press-fit or adhered to the inside of the barrel of the shell. The insert can be a single or multi-piece design and can be single or multi-layered. The insert can comprise a material capable of impact absorption. Portions of the insert can be separated from the shell with a separation layer to improve restitution in certain areas of the bat. The insert can also comprise multiple layers that are separated from each other with a separation layer to improve restitution in certain areas of the bat. The material and thickness of the insert and the shell can be varied to meet applicable restitution requirements.
US08814729B2 Tackle practice apparatus and a method for practising tackling in a contact sport
Tackle practice apparatus (1) comprises an inflatable dummy element (3) in the shape of a person, and is releasably coupled to an inflatable ground engaging sled (4) from which a rope (5) extends to a harness (6) which is releasably coupleable to a person for pulling the tackle practice apparatus across a playing pitch for tackle practice by a player. The dummy element (3) comprises a base element (9) and an inflatable central bladder (7) extending upwardly from the base element (9). Two inflatable lower peripheral bladders (10) and two inflatable upper peripheral bladders (13) extend around the central bladder (7). The lower peripheral bladders (10) are located below a waist high position (14). The base element (9) comprises an inflatable first base bladder (15) which is inflatable with water to provide ballast to the dummy element (3), and an inflatable second base bladder (16) above the first base bladder (15) from which the central bladder (7) extends. On the dummy element (3) being correctly tackled below the waist high position (14) by a player, air from the central bladder (7) is expelled through a whistle (31), thus indicating a correct tackle. The sled (4) comprises an inflatable ring (21).
US08814728B2 Training and coordination device
A training and coordination device including a projectile member such as a ball or sack secured to an elastic string is described. The first end of the elastic string is attached to a location and the second end is connected to the projectile member. At least an end portion of the elastic string secure to the projectile member comprises multiple strands of an odd number. The multiple strands of the elastic string in conjunction with the elasticity of the string generate a random motion of the sack when the sack moves relative to the string.
US08814723B2 Rotational molded golf club heads
Wood-type golf clubs and/or golf club heads include: (a) a golf club head base member including a face member having a ball striking face; and (b) a polymeric body member engaged with the golf club head base member, wherein the polymeric body member is formed via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process) and/or engaged with the golf club head base member via a rotational molding process (or other centrifugal force inducing molding process). The polymeric body member forms at least a portion of a crown member of the club head in some structures.
US08814721B2 Method for making a golf club face
An improved face for a golf club head includes shallow and deep markings configured to provide a pleasing appearance when viewed head on, and to frame the central region of the impact surface of the face when viewed at address. Use of only shallow markings in the central region of the impact surface prevents existence of stress fractures resulting from use of deep markings in the central region. This allows for a face thinner than those incorporating conventional grooves in the central regions of their impact surfaces, resulting in both superior resistance to cracking and improved C.O.R. Specified methods of manufacture are particularly suited for making clubs incorporating these shallow and deep markings.
US08814720B2 Golf club heads with grooves and methods of manufacture
Embodiments of golf clubs, golf club heads, and methods of manufacture are described herein. In one embodiment, a golf club head includes a strike face having one or more grooves with edges, where one or more of the edges is unsmooth. Other embodiments are also described herein.
US08814716B2 Golf practice device
A golf practice device having a simulated putting green surface having artificial turf that is approximately the same height and an appearance similar to an actual grass putting surface. Surrounding the putting surface is a collar of artificial turf with grass blades that are longer than the putting surface portion. The turf surfaces may have the ability to float or a floatable substrate can be disposed below the turf for using the device as a floating target for golf shots.
US08814709B2 Intermodulation-resistant flexible shaft having electrically insulating coated wires
A flexible shaft for torque transfer has a plurality of metal wires that are helically wound in a plurality of layers with an opposite winding direction that alternates from layer to layer. Each of the metal wires is surrounded by an electrically insulating insulation layer. The insulating layer prevents a metal-on-metal contact between adjacent metal wires and thereby prevents unwanted intermodulation products.
US08814708B2 Torque limiter and power transmission device
A torque limiter mounted on a hybrid vehicle includes an output plate, an input plate including a first region facing a first main surface of the output plate and a second region facing a second main surface of the output plate, a friction member provided on the first main surface of the output plate and disposed between the first main surface and the first region, and a biasing member being in contact with the second main surface of the input plate, for biasing the output plate toward the first region.
US08814706B2 Radio candle mount
An electronic gaming machine including a candle mount for securing a candle device to the gaming machine and providing wireless communication capabilities to the gaming machine is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated alone or in combination with other stages convey information about the status of the gaming machine. A gaming machine with an existing candle device can be retrofitted with a candle mount that includes a wireless radio device that is operably coupled to the gaming machine.
US08814705B2 Game control device and storage medium including creating and arranging a character
An event starting unit starts an event which associates characters of first and second players. An event managing unit repeatedly executes alternately a first interaction including transmission of first question information to a communication terminal and reception of first answer information from the communication terminal, and a second interaction including transmission of second question information to the communication terminal and reception of second answer information from the communication terminal. A character creating unit creates a new character based on parameters of the characters of the first and second players when the number of times of the first and second interactions reaches a predetermined value. The new character created by the character creating unit is arranged in the first and second virtual spaces.
US08814703B2 Cross-promotion API
A system and computer-implemented method for promoting an electronic game of electronic games is provided. A user interface module is configured to receive an input from a user relating to playing a first and second electronic game. A processor-implemented association engine, operatively coupled to the user interface, is configured to associate user attributes of the first and second electronic games to the user based on the input. An application programming interface (API) is configured to associate a user attribute of a third electronic game different from the first and second electronic games, the API configured to associate based, at least in part, on rule engine implemented by the API and at least one of the user attributes of the first and second electronic games and game data of the third electronic game.
US08814700B2 Methods and systems for presenting pari-mutuel betting options and constructing wagers
Methods and systems of pari-mutuel wagering are disclosed to facilitate the wager construction process. Methods and systems of pari-mutuel wagering may enable an organization to set rules to display the gaming activity. Methods and systems of pari-mutuel wagering may enable players to make subscription as well as programmed bets.
US08814695B2 Amusement devices including simulated court games or athletic events
Some embodiments include a fantasy sports game. In some embodiments, an expected performance value may be determined. In some embodiments, a same player may appear multiple times in a team. Various other embodiments are described.
US08814694B2 Methods and apparatuses for displaying interactive content through a device
In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses detect a device; detect a status level corresponding to the device; receive content on the device based on the status level; and display the content on the device based on the status level.
US08814690B2 Game machine having data management ability
A game machine (10) includes a card interface (11) configured so that a magnetic card (20) is detachably attached thereto, an element (12) to record a card ID generated on the basis of time information specifying the date and time when the magnetic card (20) is attached to the card interface (11) in a magnetic data recording area (22) provided in the magnetic card (20), and an element (14) to print an access code uniquely obtained by the calculation of a predetermined function based on the card ID in a printing area (21) of the magnetic card (20).
US08814689B2 Method and/or system for mobile interactive gaming
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems for providing an interactive experience to game participants.
US08814687B1 Multi-player music game
A video game allows dynamic transitions in the number of players. A player may join other players already playing the game without interrupting the play of the existing players, and a player may cease playing the game without interrupting the play of players who continue playing. The video game uses a method including providing game play for at least one game player including displaying video information based on game program instructions and inputs from a controller. The method also includes determining whether a further player is joining the video game, and if the further player is joining the video game, displaying player specific information associated with the further player to the video information. The method also includes determining whether a player is quitting the video game, and if the player is quitting the video game, removing display of the player specific information associated with the player.
US08814681B2 Candle device for generating display interfaces on the main display of a gaming machine
A candle device for a gaming machine including a secondary processor is described. The candle device can include a number of stages that when activated convey information about the status of the gaming machine. The secondary processor, disposed within a secure enclosure in the candle device, can be configured to control peripheral devices disposed with a main cabinet of the gaming machine that receive control commands from a game controller. In particular, the secondary processor can be configured to determine a size and a position of windows on the main touch screen display where a first window is for outputting video content from the game controller and a second window is for outputting video content from the secondary processor. The secondary processor can use the second window to add new features to the gaming machine, such as a verification interface for transactions involving mobile devices.
US08814680B2 Controller device and controller system
An example device includes a generally plate-shaped housing, a display provided on the front side of the housing, analog sticks, an L button, and an R button. The analog sticks are provided respectively in left and right portions of the display above the center of the housing. The L button and the R button are provided on the back side of the housing so as to generally correspond to the analog sticks on the front side of the housing.
US08814678B2 Apparatus and method for gyro-controlled gaming viewpoint with auto-centering
An apparatus and method is provided for gyro-controlled gaming viewpoint with auto-centering. A virtual camera is positioned at a first position while the virtual camera views a first object at a first direction. Once the system moves, the virtual camera moves to a second position based on a measurement by an angular velocity sensor. While the virtual camera moves to the second position, the viewing direction of the virtual camera simultaneously so as to keep the first object positioned in a same position of a viewing direction of the virtual camera. The apparatus and method allow the system to move a virtual camera based on a measurement of a gyroscope while keeping an object of importance in the center of the field-of-view of the virtual camera.
US08814677B2 Using real-time constructive solid geometry to provide painting and thinning game mechanics
Techniques are described for providing a painting and thinning mechanic within a computer-generated environment (e.g., in a video game). The painting and thinning mechanic allows geometry within the computer-generated environment to be “painted” or “thinned.” Painting and thinning refers to a mechanic that involves making parts of the virtual environment visibly and collidably transparent (thinning) or visibly and collidably opaque (painting). The painting/thinning mechanic may be achieved using binary space partitioning (BSP) trees.
US08814671B2 Access control for electronic entertainment systems including health metrics and physical activity
Systems and methods are provided for controlling the use of electronic systems based upon monitored physical activity. The method can be implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable storage medium having programming instructions. The program instructions are operable to: provision rules associated with a user and at least one of health metrics and physical activity of the user; monitor the at least one health metrics and physical activity of the user over a predetermined time; and manage access to any of a plurality of electronic systems based on the monitored at least one health metrics and physical activity being in compliance or non-compliance with the provisioned rules.
US08814670B2 System and method for playing a multiplayer game
A system and method for playing a multiplayer game are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes, queuing a player for a multiplayer game, determining that at least one criterion for beginning the multiplayer game has not been met, beginning a queuing game for the queued player, and determining that the criterion has been met. In response to determining that the criterion has been met, the method continues by ending the queuing game for the player, determining a queuing game outcome for the player, and beginning the multiplayer game, wherein the multiplayer game is based, at least in part, on the queuing game outcome.
US08814667B2 Wagering game providing a progressive award having an actual value determined by follow-up game play
A gaming system includes an input device for receiving wagers to lay a wagering game in which the player is eligible to win first and second progressive award levels. At least one display device is configured to display a monetary value for the first progressive award level and a number of free spins for the second progressive award level. The gaming system includes two sets of reels, each set being associated with a respective mathematical model. A controller increments the monetary value and the number of free spins based on plays of the wagering game, and awards current values of the monetary value and the number of free spins in response to respective triggering events.
US08814666B2 Apparent skill games for use with predetermined outcomes
A gaming system having a game outcome generator separate from a gaming machine, where the gaming machine is operably connected to the game outcome generator and, upon a game play request from a player, generates a request for a game play result. The game outcome generator generates a specific game outcome (won amount if the game play is a winning result, or a no-win, o-value result) and sends it back to the gaming machine. The gaming machine uses the predetermined result to mimic or simulate a skill based game. The skill based game is designed to play just like an actual skill based game, which may result in poor players not getting the game to a state that has an equivalent value as that which is supposed to be awarded (equal to the predetermined game play). Each game includes a final game event, consistent with the game just played, which enables the game to make up any difference between the actual result of the skill based and the predetermined amount. This preserves the look and feel of the skill based game while allowing the game to award the player the total amount of the predetermined award.
US08814665B2 Gaming system and method for providing a slot driven video story
A gaming system includes a network server connected to a plurality of gaming devices that are adapted to provide a video payout on each play based on a set of payout parameters. Memory at each gaming device stores payout parameters that correspond to each possible gaming result or outcome. When a play is initiated by a player, a gaming result is generated at a gaming device. The gaming device responds by accessing a corresponding payout parameter from the memory which may be a monetary amount, a video presentation segment or a combination thereof. If the payout is video, the network server receives the payout parameter and transmits video presentation segment to the gaming device accordingly. The gaming device then provides a video payout, in the form of displayed video presentation, to the player. The player thus receives at least one form of payment on each play.
US08814661B2 Gaming machines having normal and hot modes
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic gaming machine having a default mode in which the electronic gaming machine provides a default average expected payback percentage for each play of a wagering game, and a different second hot mode in which the electronic gaming machine provides an increased average expected payback percentage for each play that wagering game. In The electronic gaming machine is in the default mode for certain periods of play, and is in the hot mode for certain periods of play when, in certain embodiments, a random determination is made that the hot mode will be employed. In various embodiments, players are not informed that the electronic gaming machine is in the hot mode.
US08814659B2 Techniques for generating a random awards using a plurality of average values
A method of providing a game for a gaming device is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of average values. Average values in the plurality of average values represent different values of a prize pool. A wager amount and an input to initiate game play are received. An average value is selected from the plurality of average values and a random award is determined from the prize pool. The random award is determined from the average value selected from the plurality of average values.
US08814657B2 Wagering game with rule set altered prior to completion of reel spin
A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a display and a controller. The display displays a plurality of spinning reels that stop to indicate a randomly selected outcome of a plurality of outcomes in response to accepting a wager input from a player. The controller is in communication with the display and is operative to conduct the wagering game in accordance with a basic set of gaming rules. The controller is further operative to cause a modification to a gaming rule of the basic set of gaming rules and to indicate the modification to the player.
US08814654B2 Gaming system, gaming device and method providing trace symbols
The gaming device includes a plurality of mechanical reels which have a plurality of symbols including a plurality of trace symbols. The gaming device includes at least one light source configured to illuminate portions of the mechanical reels when the mechanical reels generate the trace symbols so that for at least one subsequent spin of the mechanical reels, the gaming device can indicate that the mechanical reels generated the trace symbols during a previous spin of the mechanical reels.
US08814647B2 Gaming device and method of operating a gaming device including player controlled targeting
A gaming machine, system, and method including a game event in which a player aims at a target. In one embodiment, the game event includes a plurality of targets. The gaming device displays the plurality of targets to the player and enables the player to select one of the targets. The gaming device designates the player-selected target as the primary target for the game event. Based on the designated primary target, the gaming device identifies one or more of the other targets as secondary targets for the game event. The gaming device determines for each of the primary and secondary targets a probability that that target will be hit in the game event. The gaming device determines which of the targets is actually hit in the game event based on the probabilities associated with the targets.
US08814646B2 Method and apparatus for increasing potential payout opportunities in card games
Systems, apparatuses and methods for increasing potential payout opportunities using multiple card indicia representing multiple cards. One embodiment involves determining whether any one or more of a plurality of cards of a poker game having multiple poker hands are to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia representing multiple cards, presenting the plurality of cards of the poker hands, including the one or more of the plurality of cards determined to be randomly provided with multiple card indicia, and identifying a plurality of resulting hands for each of the multiple poker hands that include a multiple card indicia, where each of the plurality of resulting hands includes a different subset of a total of the indicia of the other cards in the respective poker hand and any cards provided with multiple card indicia.
US08814641B2 System and method for detecting moment of impact and/or strength of a swing based on accelerometer data
An example system and method is provided for detecting a moment of impact and/or strength of a swing based on moving a hand-held device including an accelerometer arrangement. A moment and a magnitude of simulated striking of the object are determined based on one or more accelerometer arrangement outputs resulting from the moving of the hand-held device. Using one or more of aural, visual and tactile outputs, the striking of the object is simulated in accordance with the determined moment of simulated striking and the determined magnitude of the simulated striking.
US08814640B2 Harvesting device and collecting container with improved filling device
A harvesting system includes a self-propelled harvesting machine and a drivable collecting container equipped with a drive unit, which can be positioned relative to the harvesting machine and moved in parallel therewith. Crop is fed directly or indirectly to the collecting container during harvesting operation from the harvesting machine using a feed pipe equipped with an outlet chute. The collecting container is equipped with a device for loading it with crop in a uniform manner. The collecting container is moved in a constant position relative to the harvesting machine by way of a control device while the crop is being conveyed. The collecting container is preferably a filling device, by way of which uniform distribution of the crop in the collecting container (8) can be attained.
US08814638B2 Variable duct apparatus
A variable duct apparatus that controls outside air flowing in to a radiator includes a variable louver that is provided so as to extend in the vehicle width direction between a grille opening and a radiator of a vehicle, and regulates the amount of outside air admitted to the radiator, a lower louver that is provided so as to extend in the vehicle width direction between an air inlet and the radiator, and regulates the amount of outside air admitted to the radiator, and a link mechanism that coordinates and synchronizes the variable louver and the lower louver with each other, and interrupts the coordination between the variable louver and the lower louver upon application of an external force to the lower louver to thereby permit swinging of the lower louver.
US08814634B2 Conveying apparatus and a blasting machine
This invention provides a conveying apparatus and a blasting machine equipped with the conveying apparatus that can prevent workpieces from being damaged by the used abrasives attached to the conveying rollers.For the conveying apparatus, a peripheral part 33a disposed at the peripheral surface of a rolling member 33 of a rolling roller 31 is made of a softer elastic material than the material of the panel P, wherein when used abrasives get stuck between the peripheral part 33a of the rolling member 33 and the panel P, since the peripheral part 33a acts as a cushioning material that can reduce the force caused by the used abrasives and loaded on the panel P, even if the panel P is made of a fragile material, such as glass, the panel P can be conveyed without flaws being caused by the used abrasives.
US08814631B2 Tracking spectrum features in two dimensions for endpoint detection
A method of polishing includes polishing a substrate, receiving an identification of a selected spectral feature to monitor during polishing, measuring a sequence of spectra of light reflected from the substrate while the substrate is being polished, determining a location value and an associated intensity value of the selected spectral feature for each of the spectra in the sequence of spectra to generate a sequence of coordinates, and determining at least one of a polishing endpoint or an adjustment for a polishing rate based on the sequence of coordinates. At least some of the spectra of the sequence differ due to material being removed during the polishing, and the coordinates are pairs of location values and associated intensity values.
US08814628B2 Toy vehicle track set
A toy track set for a toy vehicle is disclosed herein, the toy track set having: a first track path comprising a first looped vehicle path; a second track path comprising an alternate vehicle path, the second track path having a first segment and a second segment, the second segment being separated from the first segment by a gap, the second segment being pivotally mounted to the track set for reciprocal movement between a first position and a second position, wherein a toy vehicle travelling along the second track path from the first segment to the second segment will travel along a first portion of the second segment when the second segment is in the first position and the toy vehicle traverses the gap and wherein the toy vehicle travelling along the second track path from the first segment to the second segment will be captured in a receiving area of the second segment when the second segment is in the second position and the toy vehicle traverses the gap; a track diverter pivotally mounted to the track set for movement between a first position and a second position wherein the toy vehicle travelling along the first track path will remain on the first track path when the track diverter is in the first position and wherein the toy vehicle travelling along the first track path will be diverted to the second track path when the track diverter is in the second position; and a booster for propelling the toy vehicle along either the first track path or the second track path.
US08814627B2 Toy set, game control program, and game device and toy communication system
A toy set that enables communication between a game device and a toy without changing a hardware configuration of the game device includes a program stored in a storage medium that when executed causes the game device to detect a sequence of single frequency sounds, output a voice corresponding to a combination of the detected sounds, generate a plurality of single frequency sound and generate a control signal by a combination of the sounds. The toy incorporates a sound generation means, a voice input means, a control means and a sensing means. The control means includes a generation means for generating a control signal as a sequence of plurality of single frequency sounds sent out from the sound generation means of the toy. When the control signal is inputted from the game device, the toy performs a predetermined action which corresponds to the control signal.
US08814626B2 Expanding and contracting yo-yo
The expanding and contracting yo-yo is a spool formed by a pair of disks connected by a narrow diameter pin having a string wound around the pin. At least one, and preferably both, of the disks has a plurality of overlapping wings (also referred to as air foils or leaves) pivotally attached to the periphery of the outer face of the disk. A biasing member causes the wings to remain in a closed dome configuration until the disks begin to spin. When the yo-yo is dropped and pulled back in, centrifugal force, centripetal force, alternate lift and drag of air flow, and resilient bias cause the wings to alternately pivot and unfold outward, followed by pivoting inward to a dome shape. In an alternative embodiment, the wings may be formed with a resilient living hinge that permits the wings to expand and contract against the body of the yo-yo.
US08814625B1 Tactile, visual and aural toy for entertainment and learning
A tactile, visual and aural toy for entertainment and learning includes a base with receptacles for receiving a corresponding three dimensional shapes. Each shape is provided with lights and sounds which are energized when motion of the shape is detected. The placing of the first shape in its corresponding receptacle determines which musical rendition will be played by the base when all of the receptacles have been filled by their correct corresponding three dimensional shape. The three dimensional shapes may be coordinated with sections of the base related to a particular receptacle by color or animal. The base also provides a light show visible through a translucent dome on the base. The particular light show which occurs is determined in the same manner as the determination of which musical rendition is played.
US08814616B2 Autonomous vehicle with fuel cell and autonomous flushing system
An autonomous aquatic vehicle with one or more fuel cells, a controller, a plurality of sensors, a battery, and at least one electric motor and propeller. The one or more fuel cells provide power to the battery, and the battery provides power for the vehicle. Seawater is provided to anodes of the fuel cell and air or oxygen is provided to the cathode to produce power for supply to the battery. The seawater-anode reaction creates waste or byproduct that tends to decrease output of the fuel cell. The waste or byproduct is automatically flushed from the fuel cell using seawater.
US08814615B2 Outboard motor
In an outboard motor having a prime mover, a gear mechanism transmitting a driving force of the prime mover to a propeller, and a gear case housing the gear mechanism, it is configured to have a drain bolt fastened to a drain hole bored at the gear case and constituted as a magnetic member; a stacked portion provided at an exposed part of the drain bolt in an inside of the gear case and having a conductor, an insulator and a resistive element partially making contact with the conductor that are stacked in a gravitational direction; a current detector detecting a current value conducted from the conductor to the drain bolt under a condition where voltage is applied to the conductor; and a wear debris amount detector adapted to detect an amount of wear debris of the gear mechanism deposited at the drain bolt based on the conducted current value.
US08814613B2 Ventilation control system
An aeration control system and method for a marine vessel. The system includes a valve configured to be coupled to an aeration conduit of a marine vessel. The valve is configured to be responsive to a valve control signal having a first value so as to be open and to provide air to the aeration conduit, and the valve configured to be responsive to the valve control signal having a second value so as to be closed and not provide air to the aeration conduit. The aeration control system also includes a control device, electrically coupled to the valve, that provides the valve control signal to the valve.
US08814612B2 Crimp terminal
A conductor crimp portion (11) before being crimped to a conductor of an electric wire includes, in an inner surface (11R) of the conductor crimp portion (11), circular recesses (20) as serrations of the conductor crimp portion (11) scattered to be spaced from each other. Each of the recesses (20) is formed through a press machining of the conductor crimp portion (11) by using a metal mold (70) with a protruded portion (72) formed, by a discharge machining, in a position corresponding to each of the recesses (20) or by using a metal mold with a protruded portion (85) formed, by press fitting a pin (83) into a press fit hole (82) formed in a block (81), in a position corresponding to each of the recesses (20).
US08814611B2 Crimp terminal
A conductor crimp portion (11) includes, in an inner surface (11R) of the conductor crimp portion (11), circular recesses (20) as serrations of the conductor crimp portion (11) scattered to be spaced from each other. Each of the recesses (20) before crimping has an elliptical shape (oval shape) having a minor axis oriented in a front-rear direction and a major axis oriented in a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction, to take on a shape close to a perfect circle after crimping.
US08814599B2 Cable connector assembly with a crimping ring
A cable connector assembly comprises an insulative housing (1), a number of contacts (2), a cable (6) electrically connected with the contacts, and a metallic shell (3) enclosing the insulative housing. The insualtive housing includes a base portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from the base portion. The metallic shell comprises a front shell (31) and a rear shell (32) combined with each other, the rear shell defines a pair of continued portions (322) extending backwards from an upper surface and a lower surface thereof, the continued portions is pressing on the cable, and the cable connector assembly further has a crimping ring (7) enclosing on the continued portions and the cable.
US08814595B2 High speed, high density electrical connector
A broadside coupled connector assembly has two sets of conductors, each separate planes. By providing the same path lengths, there is no skew between the conductors of the differential pair and the impedance of those conductors is identical. The conductor sets are formed by embedding the first set of conductors in an insulated housing having a top surface with channels. The second set of conductors is placed within the channels so that no air gaps form between the two sets of conductors. A second insulated housing is filled over the second set of conductors and into the channels to form a completed wafer. The ends of the first and second sets of conductors and the blades are jogged in both an x- and y-coordinate to reduce crosstalk and improve electrical performance.
US08814593B2 Connecting element for data lines
Connecting element for data lines with a body with a receiving section with recesses for receiving wires of the data lines, whereby electrical conductors are disposed on the body, whereby the conductors are guided from the recesses to a contact area, whereby the electronic circuit is connected with the conductors, whereby the element is made of molded material.
US08814592B2 Hyperfrequency connection assembly having a body with an inner passage for accommodating a conductive rod surrounded by an insulating ring
The hyperfrequency connection element according to the invention, designed to be electrically connected with a complementary connector, comprises: a body having an inner passage surrounding a central axis, a monolithic conductive contact rod extending along the central axis, an insulating ring surrounding the central axis, The body includes at least one hole that connects an outer surface of the connector to the inner passage. The ring is solid and deformable and includes an outer peripheral slot communicating with the hole. A resin securing the ring with the body is housed in the hole and in the slot of the ring, and the ring is removable before the resin is housed in the hole and in the slot of the ring.
US08814590B2 Electrical connector for flexible LED strip seal
An electrical connector for a flexible LED strip seal comprises a metal body (9) which clamps an end of the strip of flexible material (2) previously covered by a hood made of flexible material (8), and a contact casing (10) made of plastics material mounted on the metal body (9) and movable relative thereto from a raised inoperative position into a lowered operative position in which the contact elements (14) carried by the contact casing (10) pierce the flexible material of said hood (8) and of said strip (2) and contact conductive pads (6) of a PCB (4) incorporated in the LED seal (2).
US08814585B2 Electrical connector having a positioning protrusion with a slanted guiding surface
An electrical connector mountable on a printed circuit board and adapted for mating with a complementary connector, includes an insulating housing and a plurality of contacts. The insulating housing defines a base section, an upper and a lower walls extending forwardly from the base section, and a receiving space defined between the upper and the lower walls. Each contact has a main portion, a contacting portion extending from the main portion and exposed to the receiving space, and a tail portion extending outside of the insulating housing. A positioning protrusion is formed on an inside face of the lower wall and extends into the receiving space, and defines a slanted guiding surface therealong opposing to the upper wall to guide an insertion or rejection of the complementary connector.
US08814584B2 Wet-mateable electrical connector
A wet-mateable electrical connector comprises a vertically movable female connector unit 52 locatable over a vertically fixed male connector unit 50. The female connector unit 52 defines a chamber 62 containing a gas to exclude water and the like therefrom and having a closed upper end and an open lower end for receiving an upper end of the male connector unit 50. An insulating sheath 6 is locatable within the upper end of the female connector unit 52 to move it from a first position that protects a first electrical contactor 4 provided on the upper end of the male connector unit 50 to a second position that exposes the first electrical contactor 4. The upper end of the female connector unit 52 houses a second electrical contactor 3 which is engageable with the first electrical contactor 4 upon movement of the insulating sheath 6 from the first position to the second position.
US08814581B2 Lever type connector
A lever type connector in which workability in inserting terminals is enhanced is provided. A lever type connector 1 includes a connector housing 22 for containing terminals 61 at terminal ends of wires, and a lever 30 which is rotatably mounted on the connector housing 22, and rotated at a wire extending side of the connector housing 22 thereby to move a mating connector to be engaged with the connector housing 22 up to a normally engaged position. The lever 30 includes a pair of arm parts 31 (31a, 31b), and a connecting part 38 for interconnecting respective base end parts 51 (51a, 51b) of the arm parts 31. A recess part 53 for enlarging a distance between the base end parts 51 is provided on at least one of inner walls 50 (50a, 50b) of the base end parts 51 of the arm parts 31 which are opposed to each other.
US08814577B2 Electric connecting structure between substrate and electric component and method of connection between substrate and electric component
An electric connecting structure between a substrate and an electric component includes a substrate mounted in a case, an electric component assembled to a member which the case is mounted, a bus bar fixed to the case and connected to an electric circuit on the substrate at its one end and a spring disposed in compressed state between the bus bar and an electrode formed on the electric component. The substrate is electrical lyconnected to the electric component through the bus bar and the spring and a held portion formed on the spring is held by a spring holding portion integrally formed on the bus bar.
US08814574B2 Male end of a telemetric transceiver
The present invention relates to an electronic device which has a male connection portion for connection with a female snap. The male connection portion comprises a conductive stud which is or can be screwed in to a portion of the electronic device via threading on the stud. Furthermore, an adhesive can be added to the stud or an opening of the electronic device in order to provide a secure and water tight seal between the stud and the electronic device. The stud generally makes an electrical connection between a conductive portion of the female snap and an electronic component within the electronic device. The male portion of the stud may also comprise a cavity or opening for receiving a tool for screwing the stud in to the electronic device and/or for receiving a guiding pin of the female snap portion.
US08814573B2 Cutaneous surgical training model of the head, neck and shoulders
The present invention relates to a high-fidelity three-dimensional surgical training model for demonstrating or practicing surgical techniques. The three-dimensional surgical training model simulates human tissues of the head, neck and shoulders. The three-dimensional surgical training model may comprise a wide variety of defects, including but not limited to various cutaneous defects. The present invention also relates to methods of building and utilizing a three-dimensional surgical training model.
US08814566B2 Prophy angle
The present invention provides a dental prophylaxis angle that includes a housing, a rotor disposed in the housing, and a drive shaft driving the rotor. The drive shaft and the rotor operate together with a sidewall of the housing against a common surface of the rotor to prevent removal of the rotor from the housing in a direction along an axis of rotation of the rotor.
US08814565B1 Surgical device for dental implant installation
This invention provides the safe elevation of the Schneiderian membrane for the tissue regeneration especially bone augmentation for dental implant before surgical placement of the dental implants in the grown maxillary jaw bone in order to obtain adequate volume of osseous structure by addition of the artificial bone draft material. A surgical device can include a main portion, a handle portion, a main element, an adjustment mechanism, an adjustment portion, an outer thread, a free end, a depth measurement marks, the first and second connection sections, a cylinder, the inner and outer threads, the first and second projections, and a handle element with a texture.
US08814562B2 Igniter/thruster with catalytic decomposition chamber
An ignition system and method of igniting the ignition system includes a main catalyst section in a staged relationship with a pilot-catalyst section to stage a decomposition though the pilot-catalyst section which preheats the main catalyst section.
US08814561B2 Method and apparatus for controlling operation of oxyfuel combustion boiler
Stable operation of oxyfuel combustion boiler is ensured and amplification in likelihood of or downsizing of forced draft fan is attained. Upon change of commanded boiler load from start value to target value by target time, a feed amount of oxygen from oxygen producing device is regulated for attainment of oxygen concentration on entry side of the boiler body from reference value to attainment point or target entry-side oxygen concentration within entry-side oxygen concentration regulation range by target time. After attainment to attainment point, control is made to return entry-side oxygen concentration to reference value at return point. Airflow rate of forced draft fan is controlled with change rate smaller than change rate with which air flow rate of forced draft fan reaches target value by target time.
US08814560B2 Device and method for stabilizing the pressure and the flow of a gaseous mixture supplied to a surface-combustion cylindrical burner
The invention relates to a gas burner comprising a perforated cylindrical wall used as a combustion surface, a bottom wall and an inlet opening through which a combustible gaseous mixture is fed inside the burner. The stabilisation device consists of a grid (4a) that can be positioned in the inlet opening of the burner, and that comprises a central ring (5a) surrounded by a series of diverting vanes (6), the grid being thus configured so as to allow the free passage of the central portion of the flow of gaseous mixture entering the burner through the central ring (5a) while said diverting vanes (6) generate an eddy movement in the peripheral portion of the flow entering the burner from the outside of the central ring (5a).
US08814548B2 Mold assembly
A mold assembly that forms an expansion molded body by expanding foam raw material inside a cavity, includes a first die, a second die that closes together with the first die, wherein a sealed cavity is formed between the first die and the second die when the first die and the second die are closed, and a sealing member that is provided on at least one of the first die or the second die and seals the cavity, wherein at least one of a first space that is on a side of the sealing member that faces the cavity and leads to the cavity, or a second space that is formed inside the sealing member and leads to the cavity, is formed when the first die and the second die are closed.
US08814545B2 Scroll-rotation prevention assembly of scroll compressor
A scroll-rotation prevention assembly of a scroll compressor includes a fixed scroll, an orbiting scroll and an Oldham ring. The fixed scroll is positioned in the compressor and has a body. Two blocks extend from the periphery of the body. The orbiting scroll is disposed to correspond to the fixed scroll and has a main body. Two protrusions extend from the periphery of the main body. The Oldham ring is sandwiched between the body of the fixed scroll and the main body of the orbiting scroll. The Oldham ring has a first surface provided with a pair of first troughs and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface is provided with a pair of second troughs. Each protrusion is slidably connected in the first troughs. Each block is slidably connected in the second troughs. Thus, the wear of the Oldham ring can be reduced.
US08814543B2 Conveying device for a fluid using an oscillating body arrangement
The invention relates to a conveying device for conveying a fluid in a conveying direction having one or more drive bodies which can be driven in an oscillating manner by means of a drive system transversely to the conveying direction. An acceleration of the fluid is achieved by a corresponding movement in translation or by a partially pivoting movement of the drive bodies in the manner of the fin principle known from biology (e.g. aerodynamics and hydrodynamics).
US08814540B2 Compressor system and frame
A reciprocating compressor is provided. In one embodiment, a reciprocating compressor frame includes a central body and at least two crosshead guides extending from opposite sides of the central body. Additionally, the compressor frame crosshead guide support structures extending outwardly from the central body along a respective crosshead guide. Other embodiments of compression systems, devices, and frames of such systems are also provided.
US08814536B2 System and method for a variable home position dispense system
Embodiments of the invention provide a system, method and computer program product for reducing the hold-up volume of a pump. More particularly, embodiments of the invention can determine, prior to dispensing a fluid, a position for a diaphragm in a chamber to reduce a hold-up volume at a dispense pump and/or a feed pump. This variable home position of the diaphragm can be determined based on a set of factors affecting a dispense operation. Example factors may include a dispense volume and an error volume. The home position for the diaphragm can be selected such that the volume of the chamber at the dispense pump and/or feed pump contains sufficient fluid to perform the various steps of a dispense cycle while minimizing the hold-up volume. Additionally, the home position of the diaphragm can be selected to optimize the effective range of positive displacement.
US08814532B2 Ejector
A nozzle of an ejector depressurizes and injects fluid, which is supplied to the nozzle. The nozzle is received in a receiving space of a body. The nozzle and the body are formed by press working. The nozzle includes nozzle-side ribs, which extend in an axial direction and project radially outward. The body includes body-side ribs, which extend in the axial direction and project radially outward. In a predetermined cross section of each of the nozzle and the body, which is perpendicular to the axial direction and includes the corresponding ribs, the nozzle or the body is formed seamlessly as a continuous single piece member.
US08814531B2 Pressure washers including jet pumps
A pressure washer includes a prime mover, a water pump, the water pump including a pump inlet for receiving fluid from a fluid source and a pump outlet for supplying a pressurized primary fluid, a jet pump including a primary fluid inlet fluidly coupled to the pump outlet, a secondary fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet, and a spray gun configured to be fluidly coupled to the fluid outlet of the jet pump, the spray gun including a spray gun outlet having a variable effective flow area. Wherein, in operation, in a high pressure operating mode, the pressurized primary fluid flows through the jet pump and exits through the fluid outlet of the jet pump, and in a high flow operating mode, the pressurized primary fluid flows through the jet pump and entrains a secondary fluid supplied through the secondary fluid inlet, resulting in a combined fluid flow.
US08814519B2 Fan, method for assembling a fan wheel and device
The present invention relates to a fan, to a method, and to a device for assembling the fan. The fan has an axis of rotation, which is connected to a dog, wherein the dog is connected to a fan wheel, wherein the dog, in a first number of contact surfaces, is in contact with additional contact surfaces of the fan wheel, wherein the dog and/or the fan wheel have more than the first number of contact surfaces and/or additional contact surfaces, wherein at least two contact surfaces have different height positions with respect to a central axis of the dog and/or the fan wheel.
US08814518B2 Apparatus and methods for cooling platform regions of turbine rotor blades
A platform cooling arrangement in a turbine rotor blade having a platform at an interface between an airfoil and a root, wherein the rotor blade includes an interior cooling passage that extends from a connection at the root to the approximate radial height of the platform, wherein, the interior cooling passage comprises a high-pressure coolant region and a low-pressure coolant region, and wherein a pressure side of the platform comprises a topside extending circumferentially from the airfoil to a pressure side slashface. The platform cooling arrangement may include: a platform cavity formed within the pressure side of the platform, a high-pressure connector that connects the platform cavity to the high-pressure coolant region of the interior cooling passage; a low-pressure connector that connects the platform cavity to the low-pressure coolant region of the interior cooling passage; and a pin bank formed within the platform cavity that includes radial pins.
US08814513B2 Ceiling mounted ventilation fan with illumination
A ceiling mounted ventilation fan with illumination capable of suppressing conduction of noise to inside of a room is provided. In the fan, a restriction member is provided for restricting passage of air between a lighting cover and a periphery of a lighting part, the lighting cover having a reflecting surface for reflecting light from the lighting part to lead the light to the inside of the room. A gap for air intake is formed between a lower end of the lighting cover and an edge of the indoor-side opening. Thus, air introduced into the main housing through the gap is discharged into the duct by the fan unit and conduction of noises produced by the fan unit to the room inside with the noise directivity enhanced in the lighting cover can be suppressed by the restriction member, so that conduction of noise to the room inside can be suppressed.
US08814505B2 Mechanical arrangement
A mechanical arrangement for an engine having two propeller stages, including: a first epicyclic gear stage including a sun gear, a planet gear, a planet carrier and an annulus, wherein the sun gear is driven by a shaft of the engine, the planet carrier is stationary and thereby permits static structure to be located there through, and the annulus outputs torque and/or drive; a second epicyclic gear stage including a second sun gear, a second planet gear, a second planet carrier and a second annulus, wherein the second sun gear is driven by the annulus of the first epicyclic gear stage and is annular to accommodate the static structure, the second planet carrier includes the output to one of the propeller stages and the second annulus includes the output to the other of the propeller stages; wherein the static structure provides mounting for static components on one or both sides of each epicyclic gear stage.
US08814502B2 Dual input drive AGB for gas turbine engines
A mechanical drive system of an aircraft gas turbine engine includes a tower shaft operatively connected to first and second shafts in an accessory drive gearbox. The first shaft rotates at a rotational speed lower than the rotational speed of the tower shaft and the second shaft rotates at a rotational speed equal to or higher than the rotational speed of the tower shaft.
US08814490B2 Article storage facility
An article storage facility is provided, which can reduce required space for installation in the rack fore and aft direction while preventing the configuration to become more complex. An article storage rack 2 having a plurality of storage units 1 arranged in a vertical direction and in a lateral direction, and an article transport device 4 which can transport articles 3 to each storage unit 1 in the article storage rack 2 are provided. The article transport device 4 consists of a movable body 12 movable in the rack lateral width direction of the article storage rack 2, a vertical movement guiding mast 13 movable in the rack fore and aft direction of the article storage rack 2 with respect to the movable body 12, and an article support 14 which is movable to a projected position for article transfer for the storage unit 1 and to a pulled back position away from the storage unit 1 by a movement of the vertical movement guiding mast 13 in the rack fore and aft direction and which is guided and supported by the vertical movement guiding mast 13 for vertical movement.
US08814489B2 Substrate processing system and substrate processing method
A substrate processing system includes a processing chamber that performs a preset process on a plurality of substrates in a batch-type manner; a substrate mounting table, installed within the processing chamber, configured to mount the plurality of substrates on a concentric circle and configured to be rotatable forward and backward; substrate accommodation units configured to accommodate the plurality of substrates in multi-stages in a vertical direction; substrate holders and configured to transfer the substrates between the substrate accommodation units and the processing chamber; elevating mechanisms configured to move the substrate accommodation units up and down. Unprocessed substrates are mounted on the substrate mounting table while the substrate mounting table is being rotated in one direction. After the completion of the processing of the substrates, unloading of processed substrates and loading of new unprocessed substrates are performed while the substrate mounting table is rotated in the another direction.
US08814481B2 Oil supply device for hole cutting apparatus
An inner cylinder, a pin, and a valve body are movable in a reciprocating manner in a direction along the rotational axis in relation to an oil supply pipe. At a proximate position, where a cutter attaching portion is close to the oil supply pipe, a rod portion of the valve body is supported by a pressure receiving portion of the holder inner cylinder due to the elastic force of a compression coil spring, such that an opening-closing portion of the valve body closes a valve port of the oil supply pipe. At a separated position, where the cutter attaching portion is separated from the oil supply pipe, the rod portion of the valve body is supported by the upper end of the pin due to the elastic force of the compression coil spring, instead of the pressure receiving portion, such that the opening-closing portion opens the valve port.
US08814478B2 Tool for turning/turn broaching or external milling of work pieces
The invention relates to a tool for turning/turn broaching or external milling of work pieces rotating about longitudinal axes during machining, comprising a disc-shaped tool support having cassettes (20) disposed peripherally thereon, each of said cassettes containing a cutting insert (12, 13, 14), said cassettes being fastenable to a circular, partially circular or segmented removable support (11) that is fastened either directly to a machine spindle or indirectly to a machine spindle by way of an adapter. According to the invention, the cassette (20) comprises a plate seat with a seating surface (21) and two lateral surfaces (22, 23) as contact surfaces for the cutting insert (12, 13, 14) and can be radially adjusted by way of an adjustment member (27) and can be fastened by way of a clamping member (18); the cassette (20) further comprises a slit-shaped groove (30) parallel to the seating surface (21) for the cutting insert (12, 13, 14), said groove having opposing groove walls with a distance and angle with respect to one another that are adjustable by way of an adjustment screw (33) such that the angular position of the seating surface (20) can be changed.
US08814476B2 Method, system, use of the system and reinforcement member for rock reinforcement
The present invention concerns a method, a system, the use of the system and a reinforcement member for the direct detection of the presence of a cavity in a drill-hole intended for the reception of a reinforcement member. The method comprises the injection of a drill-hole with hardening grout 6, the introduction of a reinforcement member 7, 40 to introduce a pressurized medium 37 and the measurement of the change in pressure or the detection of a flow of medium, whereby the fall in pressure or the presence of a flow of medium indicates the presence of a cavity. The system comprises a container 26 comprising a pressurised medium 37, a reinforcement member 7, 40 comprising a channel 15, 41 through which the pressurised medium in the container is added to the drill-hole at the presence of a cavity, and a pressure gauge 27 or a flow meter 50, where the pressure gauge measures a change in pressure or the flow meter detects a flow of medium, whereby a fall in pressure or a flow of medium indicates the presence of a cavity. The invention is used during the construction of tunnels and mines in order to ensure the quality of rock reinforcement that has been carried out.
US08814459B1 Adjustable adaptor kit for recessed can fixtures
An adaptor kit or system for use with conventional can light fixtures to adapt the can light fixture for use as a hanger assembly for auxiliary fixtures such as a hanging lamp, a flush-mounted lamp, or the like includes a stem member received within a stem-receiver. The stem-member includes a plurality of axial spaced detent positions and the stem-receiver includes a resilient spring clip the yieldable engages a one of the available detent position. Application of a sufficient axial force causes the spring clip to disengage with a current detent and re-engage with another detent to allow controlled extension thereof by an installer.
US08814455B2 Two-dimensional cosmetic system and method with applicator
A cosmetic device for applying makeup onto the lip area. The cosmetic device includes a top layer. The top layer includes a cosmetic applicator. The cosmetic device also includes a bottom layer aligned with and attached to the top layer. The top and bottom layers are attached in a two-dimensional manner so as to seal the cosmetic applicator and a product area between the top and the bottom layer.
US08814452B2 Printer and associated ejection assembly
An ejection assembly for a printer is provided, the ejection assembly being disposed downstream of a print head in order to receive web from the print head. The ejection assembly can include an ejection roller and a door having a closed configuration and an open configuration. The door can be biased toward the closed configuration and toward the ejection roller. Upon rotation of the ejection roller, the ejection roller can force the door from the closed configuration to the open configuration and can eject web past the door from the printer. In some embodiments, the ejection roller is rotated one full cycle, the ejection roller permits accumulation of web received from the print head and subsequently forces the door from the closed configuration to the open configuration and ejects the accumulated web past the door from the printer. Also provided are a corresponding printer and method.
US08814447B1 Moveable lens assembly within a display bezel of a computing device
In one general aspect, the computing device can include a base portion, and a display portion moveably coupled to the base portion, the display portion including a display bezel and an image sensor disposed within the display bezel. The computing device can also include an extension member coupled to the display portion and associated with a lens. The extension member can be configured to move at least a portion of the lens in a direction away from the image sensor to a position disposed outside of the display bezel and to move the portion of the lens in a direction towards the image sensor to a position disposed within the display bezel.
US08814441B2 Optical connector
An optical connector (10), in particular for outside use, for detachably connecting at least two optical cables along a connector axis (43) comprises a socket portion (11) and a plug portion (27), which portions are substantially of cylindrical design with respect to the connector axis (43), can be detachably plugged into one another along the connector axis (43) and can be locked in the plugged-in state. A locking mechanism (19, 20, 32, 33, 36, 46), which is equipped with a latch function and which latches automatically during insertion is provided for the purposes of rapid locking.
US08814439B2 Bearing assembly, clutch assembly and constant velocity transmission
A bearing for engaging an associated shaft and an associated body for axial movement on the associated shaft which includes a housing; a first set of a plurality of mounting shafts carried by said housing, each mounting shaft in said first set of a plurality of mounting shafts having a center line; and a first set of a plurality of rollers, each roller being carried a respective one of said plurality of mounting shafts and mounted for rotation about the centerline of the respective mounting shaft, each roller being dimensioned and configured for abutting relationship with the associated shaft.
US08814437B2 Roller bearing cage and method for the production thereof
A method for producing a roller bearing cage (1) is provided, including the following steps: a base body (2) which is close to a net shape is produced by a stereolithography method or by a 3D-printing method, and the provided base body (2) is coated with a thin, nanocrystalline coating (3). A roller bearing cage, including a base body (2) and a nanocrystalline coating (3) fixed to the base body (2) produced by this method is also provided. This method is suitable for producing roller bearing cages in only small quantities in a small series.
US08814435B2 Bearing unit
A bearing unit includes an outer ring member having an outer periphery on which a flange portion is formed, the flange portion being fitted to a vehicle body side; an inner ring member that is rotatably inserted in the outer ring member; and rolling elements in double rows, which are rollably arranged between the outer ring member and the inner ring member, wherein bolts are press-fitted in bolt holes formed in a peripheral edge portion of a wheel fitting flange that is formed on an outer periphery of the inner ring member, and a recessed portion is formed in an outer peripheral surface of the wheel fitting flange.
US08814433B2 Sliding component
A positive pressure generating mechanism comprising a positive pressure generating groove is provided to a high-pressure side of one of two sliding surfaces that slide relative to each other in a pair of sliding components, and a negative pressure generating mechanism comprising a negative pressure generating groove is provided to a low-pressure side. The positive pressure generating groove and negative pressure generating groove are communicated with a high-pressure fluid side and separated from a low-pressure fluid side by a seal surface.
US08814427B2 Instrumentation and method for optical measurement of samples
An optical measurement instrument includes one or more temperature sensors (122) arranged to measure sample well specific temperatures from sample wells (111-117) arranged to store samples (103-109) to be optically measured. A processing device (121) of the optical measurement instrument is arranged to correct, using a pre-determined mathematical rule, measurement results obtained by the optical measurements on the basis of the measured sample well specific temperatures. Hence, the adverse effect caused by temperature differences between different samples on the accuracy of the temperature correction of the measurement results is mitigated.
US08814419B1 Chesta vortex organizer
Blade systems mix fluids and/or air to create and organize unique vortexes. The vortexes periodically implode to provide superior mixing. The blade structures may comprise four fold lines upon a circular planar surface. The planar surface may be prepared by removal of just one small portion of material, the removed portion spanning approximately one radian of the perimeter.
US08814417B2 Backlight unit and display device using the same
Disclosed is a backlight unit and a display device using the same, which includes a first reflector, a second reflector 300 and at least one light source module 100 disposed between the first and second reflectors, wherein a back surface of the first reflector comprises an inclined plane 201 and a flat surface 202, with facing the second reflector, and the inclined plane is adjacent to the light source and the flat surface is extended from an end of the inclined plane, with the inclined plane and the flat surface being collinear.
US08814416B1 Broad color space light-emitting diode (LED) edgelight
The present invention is directed to a broad color space LED edgelight. The edgelight may implement high efficiency white LEDs and multi-color LED assemblies, wherein the white LEDs and multi-color LED assemblies may be configured in an alternating arrangement on the edgelight strip. The edgelight embodiments disclosed herein may provide good edge uniformity and improved broad color space performance.
US08814415B2 Light-emitting module and display device having the same
A light-emitting module includes a light guide plate and a light source unit in accordance with an embodiment. The light guide plate include an upper surface, a lower surface facing the upper surface, a plurality of side surfaces connecting the upper surface and the lower surface, and a cross-sectional surface connected to at least one of the side surfaces. The light source unit includes a substrate disposed in correspondence with the cross-sectional surface and a point light source mounted on the substrate to emit light to the cross-sectional surface. Thus, light-emitting efficiency may be enhanced and the arrangement of point light sources may be optimized, so that a required amount of emitted light may be obtained using a small number of the point light sources. In addition, uniformity of luminance and heat-radiating efficiency may also be enhanced.
US08814413B2 Backlight module and liquid crystal display using the same
The present disclosure provides a backlight module. The backlight module includes at least one light tube. Each light tube includes a light emitting side for emitting light and a first micro-structure disposed on the light emitting side for breaking total reflections of the light in the light tube. With the first micro-structure disposed on the light emitting side of the light tube, the total reflections of the light in the light tube can be broken to allow the light to be emitted from the light tube evenly. Also, the reflecting structure is disposed on non-light emitting side for improving the using efficiency of the light and reducing the manufacturing cost of the backlight module. Additionally, the fluorescent layer is coated on the light emitting side for improving a color saturation level of a LCD using the backlight module.
US08814409B2 Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a signal input module for inputting a signal as an opening formed at a case of a terminal body is pressed, and the signal input module includes an input key, a light guiding unit, a key mold, a light emitting unit, a circuit board, a dome switch and an actuator, which are all integrally fixed together and moved by being pressed. The light emitting unit is accommodated in a key mold having an opening for allowing light to be transferred to the light guiding unit. The input key, the light guiding unit, the key mold and the light emitting unit are mounted onto one surface of the circuit board, the circuit board is moved by being pressed, and the dome switch mounted onto another surface of the circuit board is transformed so as to generate a signal.
US08814408B2 LED-based dental exam lamp
Disclosed herein is an improved dental operatory lamp having an LED light source that directs light to a reflector that in turn reflects the light to illuminate a treatment area. In one embodiment, the lamp is adapted for efficient transfer of heat from the light source and into the environment. In another embodiment, the lamp is adapted to generate a predetermined pattern of light optimal for the treatment area. In other embodiments, the lamp includes structural features that enable the lamp to maintain optimum light intensity and/or temperature. Also, disclosed herein are unique reflector embodiments that intentionally provide a generally smooth surface, without facets, that reflect light at all visible and infrared wavelengths.
US08814397B2 Cooling element for a lighting device
A cooling element for a lighting device having a plurality of cooling fins, wherein adjacent cooling fins delimit a cooling fin intermediate space with at least one air duct for connecting at least two cooling fin intermediate spaces.
US08814396B2 Lighting apparatus
A lighting apparatus according to an embodiment includes an optical unit and a body. The Optical unit includes a light emitting module that has a light emitting element, a reflector that controls distribution of light from the light emitting module, and a unit supporting member that supports the light emitting module and the reflector. A plurality of optical units are mounted to the apparatus body such that each optical unit is detachable. And the body includes an irradiating portion that has an opening through which the optical units irradiate light.
US08814395B1 Solid state lighting device with extensible mounting base
A solid state lighting device with an extensible mounting base is provided. The solid state lighting device includes a housing and a moveable extension positioned in the housing. The moveable extension is aligned along a longitudinal axis of the solid state lighting device, and includes a closed position adjacent the housing and an open position remote from the housing. A base is affixed to an external end of the moveable extension. The base connects to a corresponding socket in order to provide electrical power to the solid state lighting device. The housing also includes a mechanical actuator therein. The mechanical actuator has a first end, affixed to the moveable extension, and a second end, affixed to the housing. The mechanical actuator allows the moveable extension to change from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.
US08814386B2 Lighting device system and method
A lighting device, system, and method are disclosed. The lighting system includes a connector configured to be coupled with a relatively stationary object. The connector may have a first coupling face. A light source support may be configured to support a plurality of light sources. The light source support may have a second coupling face configured to mechanically and electrically couple with the first coupling face. The second coupling face may be radially symmetric and able to couple with the first coupling face in a first orientation and in a second orientation. The second orientation may be substantially opposite the first orientation.
US08814385B2 Light-emitting apparatus, lighting apparatus and lens
The light-emitting apparatus includes: a first light-emitting source which emits light of a first chromaticity from a first light-emitting surface; a second light-emitting source which has a second light-emitting surface provided adjacently to the first light-emitting surface and which emits light of a second chromaticity different from the first chromaticity, from the second light-emitting surface; and a lens member having a light-entering surface which is arranged facing the first light-emitting surface and the second light-emitting surface and on which depressions and projections that mix light entering from the first light-emitting source and the second light-emitting source are formed, and a light-exiting surface which radiates light from the first light-emitting source and the second light-emitting source that has entered from the light-entering surface.
US08814383B2 Lighting module
A lighting module (10), for example of the LED type, for mounting on a rail comprises a circuit board (12) for carrying one or more light radiation sources (L), and a support structure (14) with a first side (14A) facing the rail and carrying the aforementioned circuit board (12) and a second side (14b) situated on the opposite side to the rail and carrying one or more lenses (16) for the light radiation sources (L). The support structure (14) carries one or more flexible electrical contacts (18) having a first end (18a) protruding from the first side (14a) of the support structure (14) for making contact with an electrical line (T) provided on the rail (R) and a second end (18b) which extends towards the circuit board (12) so as to provide electrical contact for the light radiation source or sources (L).
US08814379B2 Container illumination device
A self-contained illumination device (10) for attachment to a container, e.g. to the base of a bottle, comprises a printed circuit board (12), with LEDs (14) attached to the central region of a liquid-impervious flexible pad (11). The central region is surrounded by an annular adhesive region which is arranged to attach the pad to the container in liquid-tight manner. The pad comprises a base layer (32) of plasticized paper or PVC, covered by an adhesive layer (34) and, before attachment to the container, a peripheral layer (36) of a release paper.
US08814377B2 Backlight unit and display apparatus using the same
Disclosed herein are a backlight unit and a display apparatus using the same. The backlight unit includes at least one light source, a reflection layer to reflect light emitted from the light source, and a plurality of absorption patterns formed on a portion of the reflection layer adjacent to a light emitting surface of the light source, to partially absorb the light emitted from the light source.
US08814376B2 Lighting devices
A lighting device includes a cover portion configured to have a hinged connection for mounting on a housing. The cover portion includes a light emitting diode (LED) and a mixing chamber having a reflective internal surface for receiving light from the LED. A phosphorescent lens is disposed opposite the LED and is configured to reflect light from the LED back to the mixing chamber and to emanate absorbed light from the lens to a surrounding region outside of the mixing chamber. An LED driver circuit is configured to power the LED, the LED driver circuit being electrically connected to a power source. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08814374B2 System for combining exterior lighting and artificial lighting
A system for combining exterior light with artificial lighting, comprising a light shielding arrangement (2) for shielding exterior light from a space (5) and at least one light source (6) arranged to emit artificial light that is directed toward the exterior side of the light shielding arrangement (2), which light source (6) is controllable in response to current exterior lighting conditions. The system further comprises a controller (8) connected to said light source (6), which is arranged to control light emission of the light source (6) in response to a current position of the light shielding arrangement, so as to emulate an effect of exterior light escaping through the light shielding arrangement. The artificial light can thus be controlled (manually or automatically) to compensate for lack of sufficient exterior light, and the controller ensures that the artificial light is emitted in such a way as to be perceived as exterior light.
US08814372B2 Stiffening members for reflectors used in concentrating solar power apparatus, and method of making same
In certain example embodiments, a solar collector system including a plurality of reflectors is provided. Each reflector has a stiffening rib associated therewith and is attached thereto on a side facing away from the sun. At least one area on each stiffening rib is suitable for accommodating a polymer-based adhesive for bonding the rib to a side of the associated reflector facing away from the sun. Each stiffening rib is formed so as to substantially match a contour of the associated reflector. At least two of each rib, the associated reflector, and the adhesive have respective coefficients of thermal expansion within about 50% of one another. Each stiffening rib is sized and positioned on the associated reflector so as to increase an EI value thereof at least about 10 times or to at least about 9,180 pascal meters4. Methods of making the same also are provided in certain example embodiments.
US08814370B2 Composition for anti-reflective coating and anti-reflective coating film using the same
The present invention relates to an anti-reflective coating composition that can be used to form at least two layers by a single coating process and is allowed to provide an anti-reflective coating film having more improved interface adhesion between the formed layers and scratch resistance, and an anti-reflective coating film manufactured using the same.
US08814369B2 Optical member with plate-crystal film, method for producing same, and optical system
An optical member includes a ray effective area, a ray ineffective area, at least one continuous protective film arranged over the ray effective area and at least part of the ray ineffective area, a light-shielding film arranged on the protective film located in the ray ineffective area, and a plate-crystal film arranged on the protective film located in the ray effective area, the plate-crystal film including mainly aluminum oxide and having a textured structure on a surface thereof, and an optical system includes the optical member.
US08814367B2 3D image cinema system
A 3D image cinema system having at least one projection room for viewing 3D images or 2D images is divided into forward and rearward viewing directions for the projection of an image on a front screen and a rear screen which are provided in a front end and a rear end of the projection room, respectively. Further, a front direction chair and a rear direction chair having a different viewing direction are provided on a front step and a rear step between the projection room and the front and rear screens where the theater can be easily installed in a general building and the 3D and 2D image has as much as 1.5-2 times wider viewing as a prior image.
US08814360B2 Pediatric vision test
Disclosed are a method and kit for testing visual acuity in a subject. The examiner displays a test thread at a set distance in front of the subject's face, and then determines whether the subject grabs or looks at the test thread. These steps are repeated using subsequent threads of varying thickness. The smallest thread to which the subject responds is charted as their best VA in standard notation. The visual acuity of a young child can be quantified using standard adult Snellen acuity levels. The device can be used worldwide, as it transcends language barriers, and in a variety of practice settings, including pediatric ophthalmologist offices, general ophthalmologist offices, optometric offices, pediatricians and family doctors who see young children or persons unable to read a conventional Snellen chart and/or verbalize their responses.
US08814358B1 Binocular adaptive optics visual simulator and method for binocular adaptive optics visual simulation
A binocular adaptive optics visual simulator and a method for binocular adaptive optics visual simulation are provided. An example method may comprise: directing beacon light to a left eye and a right eye of a subject, respectively; sensing aberrations of the left and right eyes of the subject, and sensing a deflection angle of a pupil of each of the left and right eyes; correcting the aberrations based on the sensed aberrations to achieve a desired aberration configuration between the left and right eyes; and changing a direction in which the beacon light is directed based on the sensed deflection angle in such a manner that in a case where the pupil is subjected to deflection, the beacon light is incident onto the pupil of each of the left and right eyes of the subject at a substantially identical angle before and after the deflection of the pupil.
US08814356B2 Physical model eye systems and methods
An optically realistic model eye is described. The optically realistic eye model has an optical axis and includes: an anterior replaceable module comprising a model cornea, model iris and model lens rotatably mounted for rotation about said axis, said module being representative of an emmetropic or pathological natural eye; an enclosure located posterior to said module and adapted to enclose a retinal area within which an image of an external object is brought to focus by said module; and a photoactive device movable within said enclosure and retinal area and adapted to detect or reflect a portion of the image for inspection, processing or analysis.
US08814355B2 Unitary vision testing center
System and methods for testing and/or training a subject's visual ability are provided. More specifically, the method may include testing various aspects of the subject's visual acuity, such as clarity, contrast, tracking, etc. By using various tests, a more efficient examination may be administered. In accordance with the invention, an individual may be tested using methods of testing and/or training at a unitary center, where the unitary center is capable of presenting visual tests to the individual, receiving input from the individual, and processing the received input. Such a unitary test center may further be configurable, so that the tests administered may vary based on the needs of the individual. The received input may then, for example, be used to compute data related to the user's visual acuity, both overall and for each individual test.
US08814352B2 Method for producing an anti-UV plastic film with non-uniform spatial distribution of the UV absorber and photochromic optical elements covered with such a plastic film
Method for producing a plastic film containing a compound absorbing ultraviolet radiation comprising (a) depositing an alcoholic solution of polyvinyl butyral on a transparent plastic support film, (b) evaporating the solvent from the alcoholic solution of polyvinyl butyral so as to form a polyvinyl butyral layer on the transparent support film, (c) printing the polyvinyl butyral layer with an ink absorbing ultraviolet radiation (UV absorber) in a pattern, (d) heating the transparent plastic support film, coated with the printed polyvinyl butyral layer so as to enable at least part of the UV absorber to pass from the polyvinyl butyral layer to the plastic support film, (e) removing the polyvinyl butyral layer, preferably by washing with a suitable solvent. The application also relates to the film obtained by this method and the use of this film for producing a photochromic element with a spatially non-uniform behavior.
US08814351B2 Impact-resistant ophthalmic lens and its manufacturing process
An ophthalmic lens includes: a transparent ophthalmic lens substrate made of organic glass; an adhesive layer covering at least one of the faces of the transparent substrate; a transparent film made of a thermoplastic polymer fixed to the transparent substrate via the adhesive layer; and an abrasion-resistant coating covering the transparent thermoplastic polymer film, characterized in that the ophthalmic lens has a minimum thickness at the center of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm and even more preferably less than 1.2 mm. Two processes for manufacturing such a lens and the use of an adhesive multilayer film to improve the impact strength of such a lens are also described.
US08814345B2 Printing device and printing method
A printing device has a support and heating unit, a head for discharging color image ink and background image ink on a medium supported by the support and heating unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to perform one of a color image printing process for discharging the color image ink and printing a color image on the medium, and a background image printing process for discharging the background image ink and printing a background image that is a background of the color image on the medium, and to perform the other one of the processes subsequent to the one of the process. The controller is further configured to execute a wait process of evacuating the head to an evacuation position from above the support and heating unit to have the head wait at the evacuation position between the color image printing process and the background image printing process.
US08814343B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes the following elements. A carriage allows a head ejecting liquid which is curable by light irradiation to move in the moving direction intersecting the transporting direction in which a medium is transported. A precuring light source, provided for the carriage, radiates light for precuring to dots formed by applying the liquid ejected from the moving head onto the medium. A full curing light source is provided for the carriage so as to be located downstream of the precuring light source in the transporting direction. The full curing light source radiates light for full curing to the dots which have been irradiated with light for precuring.
US08814341B2 Ink, ink cartridge and ink jet recording method
Provided is an ink capable of recording an image that is excellent in ozone resistance, hardly causes blurring or color change even in a high-humidity environment, and is excellent in humidity resistance. The ink includes a coloring material and a lithium ion. The coloring material includes a compound represented by the following general formula (I) and a content of the lithium ion in the ink is 3.5 times or more in terms of molar ratio with respect to a content of the compound represented by the general formula (I).
US08814340B2 Image forming method, and image formed matter
An image forming method including: applying a pre-treatment liquid onto a coating layer provided on at least one surface of a support of a recording medium, jetting an inkjet ink onto the coating layer, onto which the pre-treatment liquid has been applied, so as to form an image, and applying or jetting a post-treatment liquid onto the coating layer, onto which the inkjet ink has been jetted, so as to form a transparent protective layer on the coating layer, wherein the inkjet ink contains the water-dispersible colorant, a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant, a penetrant and water, and wherein an amount of pure water transferred into the recording medium, provided with the coating layer, measured at a contact time of 100 ms with a dynamic scanning liquid absorptometer is 1 ml/m2 to 10 ml/m2, and the pre-treatment liquid contains a water-soluble aliphatic organic acid.
US08814336B2 Solid ink stick configuration
A solid ink stick configuration efficiently provides functional features for use of the ink stick in a phase change ink printer without adversely impacting the volumetric content of the ink stick and its appearance.
US08814332B2 Printing device
A printing device includes a printing material container, a controller and a voltage applying unit. The printing material container has a storage device, a plurality of terminals for the storage device, and first and second attachment detection terminals. The storage device stores information of the amount of a printing material. The controller is connected to the plurality of terminals for the storage device and controls reading or writing of data from or in the storage device. The voltage applying unit applies a voltage for detection of attachment to the first attachment detection terminal. When the voltage applying unit applies the voltage for the detection of the attachment to the first attachment detection terminal, the controller sets the terminals for the storage device to a high impedance state.
US08814331B2 Inkjet system with backpressure capacitor
A vacuum source is coupled to an ink reservoir to establish a backpressure to prevent ink from dripping from a printhead. The vacuum source is also coupled to a backpressure capacitor so that a first liquid-gas interface rises to a first level. When the vacuum source is decoupled, the liquid-gas interface falls to a second level so as to maintain sufficient backpressure on said ink to prevent it from dripping from the inkjet printhead.
US08814330B2 Directivity detection device of trajectories of drops issuing from liquid jet, associated electrostatic sensor, print head and continuous ink jet printer
Systems and methods for detection of the directivity of trajectories of charged drops issuing from a jet are disclosed. According to one aspect, an electrostatic sensor is disclosed which includes a flat functional surface. The electrostatic sensor is configured to function in a non-differential manner and has a geometric shape and arrangement that are substantially aligned relative to a nominal trajectory of drops. A trajectory of drops can be followed at the same time in a plane parallel to the flat surface of the sensor and in a plane perpendicular to the flat surface of the sensor. As a result, it can be verified whether a drop is present or remains in a predefined monitoring zone. According to another aspect, a method of controlling trajectories of drops in a print head having a continuous deflected jet, and a method of monitoring the effective recovery by the gutter of drops not intended for printing are disclose.
US08814327B2 Power supply apparatus and printing apparatus
The power supply includes a transformer for generating a first output voltage by a first secondary winding, and a superimposing voltage by a second secondary winding, and a driver. Furthermore, the circuit includes first and second rectifying and smoothing circuits for respectively rectifying and smoothing the first output voltage and superimposing voltage, and an adder for adding the rectified and smoothed superimposing voltage on the rectified and smoothed first output voltage to output a second output voltage. The first and second output voltages are fed back respectively by DC coupling, the fed-back first and second output voltages are respectively adjusted by first and second feedback factors, and the adjusted feedback components are combined and amplified to be applied to the driver for PWM-control.
US08814325B2 Printing device and print head
A print head has a first nozzle row that discharges yellow ink, a second nozzle row that discharges cyan ink, a third nozzle row that discharges magenta ink, a fourth nozzle row arranged between the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row that discharges black ink, and a fifth nozzle row arranged between the second nozzle row and the third nozzle row that discharges black ink. The first to fifth nozzle rows are arranged in sequence of the first, fourth, second, fifth and third nozzle rows from the upstream side of the conveyance direction of the print medium to the downstream side, and each consists of a plurality of nozzles arranged in the width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and ink is discharged on the conveyed print medium without scanning the print head.
US08814323B2 Inkjet printer maintenance arrangement and method
Inkjet printing apparatus has a printhead mounted on a printer carriage and a maintenance assembly mounted on a maintenance carriage. Media are transported to the printhead for printing. To prepare for maintenance operations, a printer drive unit drives the printhead carriage between a printing position and a printer parked position where it is spaced from the printhead. A maintenance drive unit drives the maintenance assembly between a maintenance assembly and a position next to the printhead where it occupies the space vacated by the printhead.
US08814322B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
An inkjet recording apparatus includes a recording head that includes a discharge port face on which a plurality of discharge ports for discharging ink is formed, a cap configured to cap the discharge port face, a suction recovery unit configured to suck ink from the recording head via the cap, and a control unit configured to control the suction recovery unit so that a suction amount changes based on elapsed time from when the discharge port face is capped by the cap, in a state where ink discharged from the recording head is present, wherein the control unit controls the suction recovery unit so that the suction amount decreases as the elapsed time increases when the elapsed times does not exceed a first time.
US08814318B2 Printing method with pre-treatment composition
Pre-treatment composition and printing method, for producing durable images, using it are disclosed. Said pre-treatment composition includes a liquid vehicle, a polyvalent metal salt as fixing agent, and a latex resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) ranging from −22° C. to 20° C. Said method encompasses applying the pre-treatment composition onto a recording medium and applying an ink composition including an aqueous liquid vehicle and a colorant, over said pre-treatment composition, wherein the time interval between the finishing point of the application of the pre-treatment composition and between the starting point of the application of the ink composition is between 1 and 30 seconds.
US08814317B2 Liquid ejection head and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a liquid ejection head formed by performing bonding and fixing operations speedily and highly accurately when a recording element board is bonded to a supporting member, the liquid ejection head having a high liquid-landing accuracy and achieving a high printing quality. A method of manufacturing the liquid ejection head is also provided.Heat is conducted from a holding member, which supports the recording element board, to a thermosetting adhesive via the supporting member, which supports the recording element board, in order to accelerate the curing of the adhesive.
US08814315B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a carriage, a chamber room, a heating part and an agitating part. A recording head is mounted on the carriage. The chamber room covers the carriage while allowing a nozzle face of the recording head to be exposed. The heating part is configured and arranged to heat an atmosphere inside of the chamber room. The agitating part is configured and arranged to agitate the atmosphere heated by the heating part.
US08814314B2 Method and apparatus for control of gloss level in printed images
An inkjet printer is configured to process print media having an ink image differently to alter a gloss level of the ink image on the print media. In one mode of operation, the printer moves print media bearing an ink image on one side only through a transfix nip a second time to reduce a gloss level of the printed image.
US08814311B2 Inkjet printer and control method for inkjet printer
A inkjet printer includes an ejection head, a curing-light-emitting part, a head retaining part, a relative scanning part, a drive output detecting part, and a curing-light-emission-control part. The ejection head ejects a photocuring liquid onto a printing medium retained by a medium retaining part. The curing-light-emitting part emits curing light onto the printing medium. The head retaining part retains the ejection head and the curing light emitting part. The relative scanning part performs relative movement of the head retaining part and the medium retaining part. The drive output detecting part detects an output of a drive source of the relative scanning part. The curing-light-emission-control part controls the curing-light-emitting part based on a detection result from the drive output detecting part.
US08814310B2 Printer
A printer includes a head for performing printing, a roll element on which a print medium is wound, a first conveying mechanism for rotating the roll element, an auxiliary roller positioned between the head and the roll, a second conveying mechanism for driving the auxiliary roller, a nip roller constituting a pair with the auxiliary roller to hold the medium on both sides, a nip roller drive mechanism for driving the nip roller and creating a state in which the medium is held on both sides and a state in which the medium is not held on both sides, and a controller for setting the nip roller to a first state in which the roll element is rotated in a forward direction to convey the print medium, and a second state in which the roll element is rotated in a reverse direction to convey the print medium.
US08814309B2 Ink jet recording apparatus
An ink jet recording apparatus is equipped with an upstream side conveyance unit arranged on a conveyance upstream side of a recording head and a downstream side conveyance unit arranged on a conveyance downstream side thereof. The ink jet recording apparatus obtains, by recording a test pattern on a sheet, a conveyance correction amount when conveyance is performed solely by the downstream side conveyance unit. The ink jet recording apparatus includes a control unit which, when effecting an arbitrary recording, effects control such that, when a sheet trailing edge leaves the upstream side conveyance unit, a rotating position of a drive side roller of the downstream side conveyance unit is the same as the rotating position of the drive side roller when the test pattern is recorded.
US08814307B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a controller configured to adjust ink ejection amounts from nozzles in a downstream nozzle array on a basis of a bypassing air flow degree. The bypassing air flow degree is calculated based on an ejection density of ink ejected from nozzles in an upstream nozzle array on a recording medium and indicates a generation degree of a bypassing air flow generated when a transfer air flow generated by transfer of the recording medium bypasses a self-generated air flow generated by ink ejected from the nozzles in the upstream nozzle array. The downstream nozzle array is a nozzle array located downstream in a transfer direction among a plurality of nozzle arrays. The upstream nozzle array is a nozzle array located upstream in the transfer direction among the plurality of nozzle arrays.
US08814301B2 Printing apparatus and printing method
A controller for printing a single region in which a background image is formed by the upstream background color nozzle row and the downstream background color nozzle row or in which a color image is formed by the upstream color nozzle row and the downstream color nozzle row is printed, among regions in the transporting direction, and an overlapping region in which a background image is formed by the upstream background color nozzle row and a color image is formed by the downstream color nozzle row or in which a color image is formed by the upstream color nozzle row and a background image is formed by the downstream background color nozzle row, among regions in the transporting direction, is provided. Here, the single region and the overlapping region are switched when one medium is printed.
US08814300B2 System and method for sub-pixel ink drop adjustment for process direction registration
A method of operating an inkjet printer reduces ink drop placement errors in a process direction. The method includes generating firing signals for inkjets in a printhead at a first frequency and initiating the generation of the firing signals to a first plurality of inkjets in the printhead at a second frequency, the first frequency being greater than the second frequency.
US08814299B2 Fluid discharge device, nozzle inspection method, and medium on which nozzle inspection program is recorded
To reduce the number of nozzles in an unstable state after a nozzle inspection, a fluid discharge device includes a discharge head capable of discharging a fluid from nozzle, a nozzle inspection process for inspecting a state of discharging of the fluid from the nozzle, and a controller for subjecting the nozzle to a pre-process for discharging the fluid under a discharge condition that a nozzle in an unstable state be put into a dot omission state, subsequently discharging the fluid for the sake of inspection, and executing an inspection process by the nozzle inspection part.
US08814294B2 Liquid supply device, liquid discharge device, and image recording apparatus having pressure buffering unit
A pressure buffering unit is reduced in size, and thereby the effect of a flexible membrane is suppressed while the performance of the pressure buffering unit is maintained. A liquid supply device includes: a liquid supply passage which communicates with a recording head in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged; a liquid pressure applying part provided in the liquid supply passage that applies a predetermined pressure to liquid; and a pressure buffering unit provided en route in the liquid supply passage and being configured to include a liquid chamber having a supply port and a discharge port through which the liquid flowing through the liquid supply passage flows in and out, a gas chamber provided to oppose the liquid chamber, and a flexible membrane interposed therebetween, wherein the flexible membrane is provided with initial bending in advance.
US08814293B2 On-chip fluid recirculation pump for micro-fluid applications
A micro-fluid ejection head has fluid ejection elements formed as thin film layers on a substrate. Fluid flow features on the substrate channel fluid from a fluid source to ejection chambers surrounding the ejection elements. A pump on the substrate circulates the fluid from the source to the ejection chambers and back again to the source. The flow refreshes the fluid in the chambers to minimize deleterious effects of evaporation. A controller coordinates the flow rate of the pump and other variables to optimize system productivity. Other embodiments contemplate pump locations, pump types, pump enumeration, and fluidic features, such as pathways, diffusers, chokes and dimensions, to name a few.
US08814292B2 Inkjet printer for semi-porous or non-absorbent surfaces
Inkjet printers are provided, in one aspect, an inkjet printer has an inkjet print engine that prints an image by jetting drops of hydrophilic liquid to form an inkjet image on a surface of at least one of a semi-absorbent recording medium or a non-absorbent recording medium; a transport system to transport the printed surface to a toner printer having a toner print engine to generate a liquid management toner image with toner particles that are at least in part hydrophilic and to transfer the toner image onto the recording medium where an unabsorbed volume of the inkjet ink will be present on the recording medium. A control system causes the inkjet printer to generate the inkjet image on the surface and causes the toner printer to generate a liquid management toner image that provides toner particles to manage an unabsorbed volume of the liquid.
US08814291B2 Nail printing device and printing control method thereof
A nail printing device includes a printing unit including a printing head which applies ink on a print target surface, and a control unit which controls the printing unit and sets a printing mode to a nail printing mode or a printing medium printing mode. In the nail printing mode, the control unit sets a surface of a nail portion as the print target surface and creates a nail printing image data for printing the surface of the nail portion corresponding to a curve-shape of the nail portion. In the printing medium printing mode, the control unit sets a planar surface of a printing medium as the print target surface and performs thinning correction to a nail printing image data formed corresponding to the curve-shape of the nail portion.
US08814289B2 Print apparatus and print control method
A print apparatus includes a selection unit, a print unit and control unit. The selection unit categorizes a curve-shape of a print target surface into one specific shape pattern among a plurality of shape patterns having shapes whose degrees of curving are different from each other. The print unit has a recording head that applies ink on the print target surface. The control unit controls the print unit to set an ink amount to be applied at the edge parts of the print target surface to predetermined amount which is set corresponding to the specific shape pattern.
US08814286B2 Side access storage rack for cold storage units
A cold storage unit includes a side access storage rack for holding storage boxes. The storage rack includes a housing with a top wall, a bottom wall, and a rear side wall extending between the top and bottom walls to define a storage space. The storage rack also includes a plurality of vertical dividers extending from the rear side wall and a horizontal shelf configured to be engaged with the plurality of vertical dividers to split the storage space into a grid of box receptacles for the storage boxes. The horizontal shelf includes an angled front portion that is bent and is configured to frictionally engage divider slots in the vertical dividers to thereby hold the horizontal shelf in position with respect to the housing. This frictional engagement simplifies manufacturing and improves the functionality of the storage rack.
US08814284B2 Refrigerator
The present embodiment relates to a refrigerator. With the present embodiment, a user can easily draw in and out foods stored in a storage chamber.
US08814281B2 System and method for tensioning a traction band and traction assembly therewith
A system and a method for controllably tensioning a traction band mounted to a traction assembly, and a traction assembly comprising such a system, are disclosed. The system is typically mounted at the front or at the rear of the support frame of the traction assembly such as to support one or more idler wheels. The tensioning system generally comprises a clamping ring assembly having received therein a rotatable cylindrical member. The cylindrical member supports an axle which is eccentrically located with respect to the center axis of the cylindrical member, and which pivotally supports one or more idler wheels. By rotating the cylindrical member within the clamping ring assembly using a torquing tool, the tension of the traction band about the wheels (i.e. drive wheel, idler wheels, and support wheels) of the traction assembly can be controllably adjusted.
US08814278B2 Driving-wheel supporting hub unit and its manufacturing method
When an inner ring of a driving-wheel supporting hub unit is fixed to a hub, a pressing die is displaced downward and an annular working surface at a lower end surface of the pressing die is pressed against a front end of a cylindrical portion over its whole periphery. Further, in this state, the pressing die is pressed downward toward the hub without rocking the pressing die relative to the hub. Thus, the cylindrical portion is plastically deformed radially outward along the working surface simultaneously over its whole periphery. By adopting this method, the operation of plastically deforming the cylindrical portion at the inner end of the hub to form a caulking portion, can be easily and performed accurately. Accordingly, the structure of the caulking portion forming apparatus can be simplified.
US08814276B2 System and method for a wheel lock ring assembly
Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in a lock ring assembly. In this regard, a lock ring assembly is provided comprising a wheel base having a side rim disposed about a circumference of the wheel base, an ID lock ring and an OD lock ring disposed within a gap between the wheel base and the side rim. The ID lock ring has two surface contacts with the wheel base and one surface contact with the side rim. The OD lock ring has two surface contacts with the side rim and one surface contact with the wheel base. In various embodiments, the ID lock ring and the OD lock ring are in contact.
US08814271B2 Vehicle seat
A headrest with a function of a dynamic damper that damps vibrations of a vehicle seat, and provide the headrest with an impact absorbing function with respect to a head portion of a seated vehicle occupant. A stay of a headrest is held at a seat back, and a cover, that covers at least a portion of the stay, is supported at the stay so as to be swingable in a seat front-rear direction around a seat transverse direction. Due to a torsion coil spring (an elastic member) elastically deforming when the cover swings, restoring force in a direction opposing a swinging direction of the cover is generated. Further, displacement other than in the swinging direction is suppressed by a suppressing portion that is provided between the stay and the cover.
US08814269B2 Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes a back frame, and a bracket assembled to the back frame and configured to reduce a load applied to a neck of an occupant by shock of a rear collision when the rear collision occurs in a vehicle, wherein the bracket has an inclined surface that is substantially parallel with a torso line at a normal posture of a seatback.
US08814267B2 Vehicle seat trim paddle attachment
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to securing a trim cover to a vehicle seat cushion. In at least one embodiment, a seat cushion assembly comprises a foam cushion having an “A” surface, a “B” surface, and at least one slot extending therebetween, a trim cover extending over the foam cushion, and a trim cover attachment assembly secured to the trim cover for securing the trim cover adjacent the foam cushion. In at least one embodiment, the trim cover attachment assembly comprises a flexible sheet having a first end attached to the trim cover and a second end having a paddle that sits adjacent the “B” surface of the foam cushion, the fabric extending through the slot of the foam cushion.
US08814266B2 Headrest for a passenger seat for an aircraft
The aircraft passenger seat headrest (20) includes a carrier (21) and a helmet (22) for at least partially housing the head of the passenger.The helmet is attached to the carrier and is movably mounted in relation to the carrier (21).Said helmet includes a body and at least one portion (32, 34) that is movably mounted onto the body to extend the latter.
US08814265B2 Head rest for a vehicle
A headrest for a vehicle seat has a first section that is oriented towards the head of a seat occupant, a second section, and a third section. The second section is arranged between the first and third sections. In the event of an accident, the first section may be displaced, due to the relative displacement of the second section, from a working position into a safety position and a comfort position in the direction of the head of the occupant. The relative movement of the sections is a rotation about a rotational axis substantially parallel to the direction of displacement.
US08814263B2 Containers and serving trays for snack foods
A snack holder includes a generally cylindrical cup sized and shaped lower section and a larger container or multiple container upper or adjacent section for holding snack foods, additional cups and the like.
US08814261B2 Adirondack chair with double fulcrum
Collapsible chairs and related chair systems. An exemplary chair includes a base member comprising a seat surface configured to support a user sitting thereon, a back supporting member behind the seat surface configured to support a user's back when a user is seated, and parallel first and second side members each including first and second fulcrums. The first fulcrums connect the side members to the base member disposed therebetween. The second fulcrums connect the side members to the back supporting member disposed therebetween. The side members define a frame within which the back supporting member and the base member may be rotated about their respective fulcrums. The fulcrums allow the chair to be collapsed to a more compact configuration (e.g., for storage).
US08814259B2 Frame for open roof construction
A frame for an open roof construction is provided, said frame comprising at least one channel member for guiding a drive member, such as a drive cable. Said channel member, as seen in cross section, comprises a base part which is defined by a corresponding local depression of the frame and a cover part connected to said base part. The connection between said base part and said cover part is continuous over the length of said channel member. It is possible that the cover part is connected to the base part through die slide injection molding.
US08814257B2 Vehicle roof device
In a vehicle roof device equipped with a sunroof member and a sunshade member driven by respective electric motors, an operation switch includes an operation member to be operated by a vehicle occupant, the operation member being movable between a neutral position, an opening operation position and a closing operation position, where the opening and closing operation positions are displaced from the neutral position in different directions. The vehicle roof device further includes a control unit configured which, when the operation member is moved to one of the opening and closing operation positions, controls the electric motors so as to drive the sunroof member and the sunshade member in an operation mode determined based on a relationship of a duration of the operation member held at the one of the opening operation position and the closing operation position with two different threshold time periods.
US08814256B2 Mounting structure for film-shaped electric device
Provided is a mounting structure for mounting a film-shaped electric device to a glass panel, comprising: a resin panel attached to a surface of the film-shaped electric device to form a panel-shaped electric device having first and second edges; and first and second retaining members attached to one surface of the glass panel in correspondence with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device, respectively, each first and second retaining member defining a groove such that the groove opens toward a region of the glass panel to be covered by the panel-shaped electric device, wherein the panel-shaped electric device is retained by the first and second retaining members with the first and second edges of the panel-shaped electric device being received in the corresponding grooves such that the surface of the film-shaped electric device having the resin panel attached thereto faces away from the glass panel.
US08814252B2 Side skirt for truck
A side skirt mounting apparatus may include a side skirt that may be installed to be supported by a one-touch locker in an upper portion thereof and a hinge in a lower portion thereof, wherein the locker includes an upper bracket, a lower bracket, a skirt frame to which the upper bracket and the lower bracket may be engaged, a shaft installed to slidably penetrate the upper and lower brackets and to be selectively inserted into a hole formed to a side skirt bracket, and an elastic member mounted on an outer circumference of the shaft between the upper and lower brackets to elastically support the shaft.
US08814251B2 Under covers for vehicle body
Under covers for a vehicle body are attached to a lower surface of the vehicle body in such a manner that, as seen in a direction of travel of a vehicle, the under covers are arranged at positions in front of rear wheels and in at least a rear half of a lower surface of the vehicle body. Recessed grooves are formed in pairs in a surface of an under cover body that faces a road surface, and are arranged so as face each other across a widthwise center of the vehicle, and gradually approach closer to each other as they extend rearward in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Rear ends of these grooves are located between the left and right rear wheels and are directed to the widthwise center of the vehicle.
US08814250B2 Automobile front portion structure
In an automobile front portion structure, a dilatant impact absorbing body that is formed from a material having dilatant characteristics is accommodated at an inner side of a crash box and is fixed to a front end surface of a front side member. A length dimension in a vehicle longitudinal direction of this dilatant impact absorbing body is set such that, when an axial compressive deformation amount of the crash box becomes greater than or equal to a set value that is smaller than a maximum value of the axial compressive deformation amount, the dilatant impact absorbing body receives compressive load between the front side member and a front bumper reinforcement.
US08814248B2 Motor vehicle body with reinforcing structure
A motor vehicle body having at least one side member located on the front side in front of a front wall is provided. The motor vehicle body having a first reinforcing element adjoining thereon in longitudinal direction, which, following the contour of a wheel housing panel, protrudes in vehicle transverse direction to the outside and which supports itself on a floor structure via second reinforcing element, which is arranged spaced from a lateral front wall portion adjoining the wheel housing panel.
US08814246B2 Truck bed storage system
A system is provided for storing items in the bed of a pickup truck. The system includes storage bins, storage bin covers, storage bin dividers, and a removable cover. The storage bins may be divided by the storage bin dividers, and items within the storage bins may be protected from the elements, and from theft, by the storage bin covers. The removable cover may fit in between the storage bin covers and provide a flat storage surface in conjunction with the storage bin covers, that provides the full truck bed area for additional storage of larger items. The removable cover also provides for storage underneath the removable cover such that long, irregularly shaped, or valuable items may be stored securely and be protected from the elements, and from theft.
US08814244B2 Accommodation structure for saddle type vehicle
An accommodation structure for a saddle type vehicle wherein the accommodation space can be expanded by a simple and easy configuration. An opening is provided in a rear wall of an accommodation box that is opened and closed by an occupant's seat. Further, a sub-accommodation box is provided that is in the form of a box open in a forward direction and is mounted so as to close up the opening and be swollen rearwardly farther than the opening.
US08814241B2 Robot hand
A robot hand, which has an arbitrary object grasping function in the same manner as a human hand and a high precision and stable grasping function in the same manner as an industrial gripper and performs a pose similar to a human hand while having complete opposability without any increase in complexity or degree of freedom. The robot hand includes a base part, and a plurality of finger connection parts, and a plurality of finger modules connected to the plurality of finger connection parts. The finger connection parts connected to the base part are connected to adjacent finger connection parts by roll joints such that each pair the finger connection parts connected by the roll joints is driven together, and the finger connection parts adjacent to the finger connection parts connected to the base part are driven separately from the finger connection parts connected to the base part.
US08814239B2 Techniques for handling media arrays
Techniques for handling media arrays are disclosed. The techniques may be realized as a system for handling a plurality of substrates. The system may comprise a plurality of row elements for supporting the plurality of substrates, wherein the plurality of row elements may be operable to change configuration of the substrates from open configuration to a high-density configuration, where a distance between adjacent substrates in the open configuration may be greater than a distance between the adjacent substrates in the high-density configuration.
US08814237B2 Utensils used for manipulating containers
A utensil for manipulating a container that includes an open end that is substantially in the shape of a cylinder or conical frustrum. In some examples, the utensil includes a substantially flat body further including a curved end complimenting the shape of the container and defining an aperture, an elongated support member affixed to the body opposite the curved end, and a retaining member that is affixed to the curved end the body, is configured to selectively retain the container in cooperation with the body in a position where the open end of the container overlies the aperture defined in the body when the container is selectively retained by the retaining member, and compliments the shape of the container. In further examples, the utensil's retaining member includes a plurality of de tents configured to selectively restrict the container in a position retained by the retaining member.
US08814235B2 Shock absorber and bumper device for vehicle
A shock absorber includes a cylindrical small diameter portion, a cylindrical large diameter portion, and an annular step portion that connects the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion to each other. The shock absorber absorbs load applied thereto through plastic deformation that starts at the annular step portion thereby absorbing impact energy. In the deformation, the small diameter portion is folded back into the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion has protrusions, which extend in the axial direction and protrude radially outward. Therefore, the shock absorber stabilizes turning deformation and is capable of efficiently absorbing impact energy. A bumper device for a vehicle is also provided.
US08814234B2 Vehicle bumper beam and method for manufacturing same
A bumper beam of the present invention is provided with a tubular bumper reinforcement member (1) and a tubular crush box (2). A reinforcement member hole (15) is provided in an outer peripheral wall (11) of the bumper reinforcement member (1) in a penetrated manner. A partition wall (22) is provided so as to bridge opposed inner wall surfaces of an outer peripheral wall (21) of the crush box (2). The tip end portion of the crush box (2) is arranged so as to penetrate the reinforcement hole (15). In this state, ridge portions (25a, 25b) are formed, by means of a tube expansion process using a tube expansion die, on the crush box (2) so as to extend in a circumferential direction thereof at a front side and a rear side of the reinforcement hole (15). With this, the crush box (2) is secured to the bumper reinforcement member (1). According to the present invention, the bumper beam can be reduced in size and weight.
US08814226B2 Door lock device for vehicle
A door lock device for a vehicle, provided with an opening lever driven as a door handle is operated, an opening link interposed between the opening lever and a lift lever of a latch mechanism, a lock operation unit for switching the opening link to an unlock position or a lock position, and a locking lever for driving the lock operation unit. A retaining portion is provided to the opening lever. The retaining portion holds the opening link at a retaining position between the lock position and the unlock position when the opening link becomes switched by the locking lever through the lock operation unit from the lock position to the unlock position with the opening link driven by the opening lever.
US08814217B2 Progress tracking aid labeling for medication containers
The present application is directed to progress tracking aids for a medicine container. A base label may be adhered to the medication container, and a plurality of data fields disposed on the base label. A top label may cover at least a portion of the base label.
US08814215B2 Response form security device
A response form security device is provided for use with a generally planar response form having an answer area bearing answer blanks upon which a respondent makes marks to indicate a plurality of responses. The security device includes a sleeve adapted and constructed to slidably receive and cover the response form. An access window is formed in the sleeve, and permits visual access by the respondent to a number of fewer than all of the answer areas of the response form. The length of the sleeve and the configuration of the answer window are chosen so as to prevent anyone other than the user from seeing a number of marks on the answer area sufficient to observe a repeatable pattern of marks.
US08814212B2 Apparatus, system, and method for controlling movement of a user on snow
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling movement of a user on snow. The apparatus includes a support member comprising a shaft made from a rigid material, a snow interface, and an engagement member. The snow interface extends from a first end of the shaft and includes a gliding surface opposing a propulsion surface. The engagement member is coupled to one of the gliding surface and the propulsion surface of the snow interface. The snow interface is positionable between a gliding position and a slowing position. In the gliding position, the gliding surface is positioned in contact with a surface of the snow and the engagement member is positioned out of contact with the surface of the snow. In the slowing position the engagement member is positioned in contact with the surface of the snow.
US08814211B1 Linear pretensioner for motor vehicle seatbelt restraint systems
A pretensioner for a motor vehicle belt restraint system mounted to a structure of the vehicle. The pretensioner is connected to a belt restraint component that is also connected to the belt restraint system. The pretensioner includes a conduit made of tubing and having first and second ends. At least a portion of the conduit defines an elongated piston bore with a piston slideably positioned therein. A cable is attached to the piston and extends through the conduit for connection to the belt restraint component. A micro-gas generator is also located within the conduit and positioned generally opposite of the piston. Upon activation of the micro-gas generator, a gas is generated in the piston bore and drives the piston such that the piston exerts tension on the cable and thereby on the belt restrain component.
US08814210B2 Belt presenter and seat belt system
A belt presenter for a seat belt system comprising a belt strap and deflection fittings (16) includes an arm (102) having a belt strap guide (104) and a mounting portion (106) by which the arm (102) is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle lining (10). The arm (102) is manually movable about an axis of rotation (108) into a plurality of locking positions. The axis of rotation (109) about which the arm (102) can be rotated is arranged, in the vehicle-mounted state, to be offset from a mounting point (18) of deflection fittings (16) of the seat belt system.
US08814209B1 Hitch apparatus and method
Hitch apparatus and a method of using the same with a vehicle hitch allows the use of a vise, anvil, grinder or other tool requiring mounting before use. Various apertures on the hitch apparatus allow for selected vertical or horizontal mounting on a vehicle hitch. The hitch apparatus further includes a leg to provide for additional strength and structural support.
US08814208B2 Advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system
An advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system that minimizes both actual and perceived dangers related to the deployment of vehicle air bag systems by distinguishing between the varying size and weight of a passenger and also sensing the imminence of a collision in order to cater the air bag deployment to the unique physical attributes of the passenger.
US08814207B2 Instrument panel integrally including an airbag door
In this instrument panel, a groove portion for forming an intended splitting portion in the door main body portion of the airbag door is formed at a cover layer side of the door main body portion. Therefore, when the door main body portion inverts from the recessed shape to a protruding shape due to inflation pressure of an airbag, the groove portion is stretched in the curvature direction of the door main body portion. As a result, stress arising at the intended splitting portion is dispersed, and splitting of the intended splitting portion before the door main body portion has completely inverted to the protruding shape is prevented. Therefore, unintended interference between a front side door portion and a rear side door portion may be prevented.
US08814204B2 Automobile seat in which side airbag device is installed
In an automobile seat, a portion of a side airbag is disposed further toward a vehicle front side than an inflator. Therefore, the side airbag can be expanded toward a vehicle front side of an outer-side side support portion, i.e., toward a side of a waist portion of a passenger. Moreover, because the inflator is disposed at a vehicle front side of an outer-side side frame, the inflator can be set close to a center of a waist of a passenger for which restraining by the side airbag is desired. Further, because the side airbag and the inflator are not structures that are disposed so as to interpose the outer-side side frame 20B therebetween, ease of assembly into a seatback is good.
US08814203B2 Side air bag assembly for vehicle seat having external rigid deflector sleeve
A vehicle seat air bag assembly (17) has an air bag module (18) including an inflator (38), an air bag (40) and a soft housing (44) enclosing the inflator and air bag. An external rigid deflector sleeve (50) receives an inner extremity (46) of the air bag module (18) and ensures air bag movement toward a deployment location (34) of the seat during inflation. The rigid deflector sleeve (50) may be made from metal, a synthetic resin and may have open ends (52), closed ends (54) or one open end (52) and one closed end (54).
US08814200B2 Airbag device
An airbag device includes an airbag, an inflator, a retainer and an airbag cover. The airbag is usually folded, and expands and develops in an emergency. The inflator supplies gas to the airbag. The retainer secures the airbag and the inflator. The airbag cover houses the airbag. The airbag cover has a plate-like part and an inner case. The plate-like part constitutes the interior surface of a vehicle. The inner case is disposed on the rear surface of the plate-like part and constitutes an expansion and development path for the airbag. The inner case has a plurality of retaining holes for retaining the retainer. The retainer has a roughly planar-shaped support body capable of being stored within the inner case and an annular belt-like body inserted into the retaining holes and attached to the support body.
US08814198B2 Adjustable trailer hitch
Using the trailer hitch of the present invention eliminates the need for the driver to drive back and forth several times attempting to align the trailer hitch with the socket on the trailer. The trailer hitch includes a fixed tow bar receiver, and a pivoting tow bar, which automatically locks in an extended position with the tow bar receiver, as the vehicle drives away. With other hitches, the driver must drive forward to line the trailer with the hitch, and then back up the tow vehicle to lock the hitch to prevent it from swiveling.
US08814197B2 Drop-down tilt stop assembly for fifth wheel assembly
According to the present invention, a fifth wheel hitch assembly includes a support bracket adapted to operably couple with a vehicle frame. The hitch assembly also has a hitch plate that includes a throat adapted to receive a kingpin of a trailer and a rear portion. The hitch plate is pivotably coupled with the support bracket and is pivotable between a first position and a second position. Further, the hitch assembly has a limiter linkage that includes a first end pivotably coupled with the rear portion. A second end of the limiter linkage is movable between a stowed and a deployed position. In the stowed position the second end is spaced from the vehicle frame. In the deployed position the second end of the limiter linkage is detachably coupled with the vehicle frame, thereby limiting movement of the hitch plate between the first and second positions.
US08814196B1 Shower transfer assistance scooter device
A shower assistance scooter device supports a person in a bathing facility. The device includes a base and a seat coupled to and extending upwardly from the base. The seat is rotationally coupled to the base. A handle assembly is coupled to the base and positioned adjacent to a front side of the base. The handle assembly is rotatable relative to the base. A plurality of wheels is coupled to the base including at least one drive wheel and a directional wheel coupled to the handle assembly for steering the device. A first front foot rest is coupled to the base adjacent to a front side of the base. The base, seat, handle assembly, wheels, and first front foot rest are each water resistant to support a person in a bathing facility while the person bathes.
US08814190B2 Compressed air supply assembly and control method
A compressed air supply assembly for operating a pneumatic assembly includes a compressed air supply; a compressed air connection to the pneumatic assembly; a purge connection to the environment; a pneumatic main line between the compressed air supply and the compressed air connection comprising an air dryer; a purge line between the compressed air connection and the purge connection; and a solenoid valve arrangement with a control valve to control a purge valve. The control valve is connected to a control valve connection in a pneumatic control line connected to a pressure control connection of the purge valve, and the purge valve is connected to a purge valve connection in the purge line. A pressure-maintaining device is connected to the pneumatic control line and maintains control pressure at the pressure control connection when the purge valve connection is open, independently of pressure in the purge line and/or the main line.
US08814189B2 Suspension element having a hydraulic strut connected to a pressure accumulator and independent suspension using the same
The present disclosure relates to a suspension element for maintaining a wheel on a frame of a vehicle. The suspension element can be attached to the frame via a fixed support. The wheel can be mounted to an arm that is pivotably connected to the fixed support. A hydraulic strut resists a pivoting movement of the arm in relation to the fixed support. A pressure accumulator comprises a gas chamber and a fluid chamber separated by a diaphragm. The fluid chamber is in fluid connection with the hydraulic strut. A movement of the arm relative to the fixed support causes a change of pressure in the pressure accumulator. An independent suspension comprising two such suspension elements is also disclosed. The two suspension elements comprise extensions of the fixed support mounted on the frame so that two wheels are coaxial when mounted on the frame.
US08814188B2 Strut mounting reinforcement unit of vehicle
The strut mounting reinforcement unit of a vehicle includes a shock absorber housing cover in which a strut may be inserted, the shock absorber housing cover being mounted to a vehicle body together with the strut, a shock absorber cover panel covering an upper portion of the shock absorber housing cover to be mounted to the vehicle body, and a closed space formed between the shock absorber housing cover and the shock absorber cover panel, thereby improving strength of a strut mounted portion of the vehicle body.
US08814187B2 Transverse link, and method for producing a transverse link
In a method of producing a transverse link for arrangement on a motor vehicle axle, a semifinished product is produced from an extrusion profile of light metal with at least three hollow chambers in side-by-side relationship. A top side and a bottom side of a middle one of the chambers is trimmed at ends thereof so that outer ones of the chambers form bearing arms which project beyond a base body. The middle chamber is formed with flanges which are bent and coupled with the base body. The bearing arms are bent and mounts for attachment are formed.
US08814185B2 Ride steer adjustment device and method of adjusting ride steer
A ride steer adjustment device for a vehicle includes an insert sleeve that has an opening configured so that the insert sleeve has an interference fit with a tie rod ball stud when the tie rod ball stud extends through the opening. The insert sleeve has external threads and is configured to be threaded to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. A distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod is adjustable by turning the insert sleeve relative to the knuckle steer arm at the external threads. Adjusting the distance between the knuckle steer arm and the tie rod changes the angle of the tie rod and thereby the ride steer.
US08814173B2 Seal and seal arrangement for confining leakage flows between adjacent components of turbo-machines and gas turbines
A seal for stemming leakage flows between adjacent components, especially of a gas turbine, has an elastically deformable, thin-walled sealing element and a thin-walled cover element which is U-shaped in cross section and between its legs and its base partially accommodates the sealing element. The legs of the cover element are arranged in the sealing arrangement, which features the seal, between two oppositely disposed walls of the other component in a movable manner relative to these walls which, together with the sealing surface of the other component, form a groove which is U-shaped in cross section. Forces, which act laterally upon the seal, are absorbed by the cover element and via the legs are diverted into the other component so that the integrity of the seal is maintained even in the case of lateral forces.
US08814167B2 Shooting target and method of manufacture
A shooting target comprising a target body having a front skin having a front face; a backing; an interior cavity; one or more fluid carriers adjacent the front skin and carrying colored fluid. Upon penetration of the front skin and the one or more fluid carriers, colored fluid is emitted from the one or more fluid carriers and onto the front face.
US08814166B1 Method, system, and device for conducting a game
A method, system, and device for conducting a game includes receiving a war base wager and a blackjack base wager. A player war hand and dealer war hand are dealt. The war base wager is resolved based on a comparison between the player war hand and dealer war hand. Optionally, the blackjack base wager may be supplemented by any war payout, or a portion thereof. An initial player blackjack hand and an initial dealer blackjack hand are dealt. Optionally, the initial player blackjack hand and/or initial dealer blackjack hand contain the player war hand and/or dealer war hand, respectively. Optionally, the blackjack base wager is resolved by forming a final player blackjack hand and a final dealer blackjack hand which are compared to one another and a target value.
US08814161B2 Sheet transporting device and image forming apparatus with regulating member and first transport member moving together
A sheet transporting device includes a regulating member that is arranged so that an edge of a sheet is abutted against the regulating member while moving downstream in a transporting direction of the sheet, and a first transport member that transports the sheet toward the regulating member while moving downstream in the transporting direction, and that pushes the sheet against the regulating member while slipping on a surface of the sheet in a state where the sheet is abutted against the regulating member, wherein the regulating member and the first transport member moving together downstream in the transporting direction.
US08814156B2 Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system
A sheet processing apparatus includes a feed-in path through which a sheet is fed, a first transport path through which a sheet fed from the feed-in path is transported, and a second transport path through which a sheet fed from the feed-in path is transported. The sheet processing apparatus also includes the following elements. A first processor sequentially stacks sheets output from the first transport path and performs first processing on a bundle of stacked sheets. A second processor sequentially stacks sheets output from the second transport path and performs second processing, which is different from the first processing, on a bundle of stacked sheets. A common retention path causes a sheet fed through the feed-in path to temporarily remain on the common retention path and causes the sheet temporarily remaining on the common retention path to be output to one of the first and second transport paths.
US08814151B2 Antivibration device
In an antivibration device (1), a partition plate (45) includes a main partition plate (46) made of an elastic material interposed between a protruding portion (60) and a support portion (54), and a reinforcement member (47) which is buried in the main partition plate (46) and is configured of a hard body that is harder than the main partition plate (46). The main partition plate (46) divides a main liquid chamber (9A) and a sub-liquid chamber (9B), and blocks the opening end of the hard member (50). A space surrounded by the hard member (50) and the main partition plate (46) constitutes a restriction passage (10). In the main partition plate (46), a communication portion (42) that penetrates therethrough in an axial direction and causes the main liquid chamber (9A) and the restriction passage (10) to communicate is formed. The reinforcement member (47) is disposed to surround the peripheral edge of the communication portion (42) in the main partition plate (46).
US08814147B2 System for feeding gas into liquid
A liquid aeration system comprising: an intermittent liquid feeding means (10) located at an upstream position for receiving liquid from a liquid resource; a liquid storage means (20) located at an downstream position for receiving the liquid from the intermittent liquid feeding means (10) quantitatively and intermittently; and a pipe (30) connected between the intermittent liquid feeding means (10) and the liquid storage means (20), the outlet of which is located below the liquid surface of the liquid storage means (20), such that the liquid can flow from the intermittent liquid feeding means (10) through the pipe (30) into the liquid storage means (20) intermittently and quantitatively using the liquid level difference between the upstream position and the downstream position, so as to inject the air existed in the pipe (30) into the liquid in the liquid storage means (20).
US08814146B2 Two phase reactor
A two phase reactor includes a source of liquid reactant and a source of gas reactant. A chamber has an inlet coupled to the source of gas reactant and a flat jet nozzle coupled to the source of the liquid reactant.
US08814140B2 Valve for controlling a fluid
A valve for controlling a fluid includes a closing body and a valve seat. The closing body opens and closes a passage at the valve seat along a sealing line. The valve seat and the closing body have a rotationally symmetrical region where the sealing line between the valve seat and closing body is formed. The valve seat and/or the closing body also has a nonrotationally symmetrical region, which adjoins the rotationally symmetrical region in a throughflow direction of the valve.
US08814136B2 Solenoid valve
A solenoid valve includes a linear solenoid and a ring-shaped rubber packing. The solenoid includes a yoke, an outer connector, a volume changing chamber, and a breathing passage. The yoke is made of a magnetic material and formed in a generally cylindrical cup shape having a cup-bottom part and a cup-opening part. The cup-opening part includes a notch. The connector is made of resin and exposed from the notch to an outside of the yoke. Volume of the chamber is changed in accordance with operation of the solenoid. The passage is formed inside the solenoid, and communicates with the chamber. The passage includes an outer opening, which opens into the outside of the yoke and is located at a fitted part between the yoke and the connector. The packing is attached around a base of the connector, where the yoke and the connector are fitted together.
US08814135B2 Device for controlling the flow of a liquid or gaseous medium
A device for controlling the flow of a liquid or gaseous medium, has at least one flow opening for the medium, and a movable valve element for controlling the flow opening. At least one damping body, which is preferably viscoelastic and acts on the valve element, is provided for obtaining a large dynamic range of the device in order to control flow in a fine, precise, and oscillation-free manner across a broad range of flow volume.
US08814132B2 Method for regulating an actual variable to a setpoint variable
A method for regulating an actual variable (X) to a setpoint variable (W), a manipulated variable (Y) being ascertained from the setpoint variable (W) and the actual variable (X), and the manipulated variable being supplied to an input of a controlled system, and a change in the actual variable (X) occurring only upon the manipulated variable being changed by a minimum amount, an intermediary manipulated variable (Y′), to which a correcting quantity (K) is applied in the steady-state condition of the regulation for forming the manipulated variable (Y), being first ascertained from the setpoint variable (W) and the actual variable (X), only values which change the manipulated variable (Y) by less than a minimum amount being allowed for the correcting quantity (K).
US08814131B2 Gas control unit for boiler
A gas control unit for a boiler includes a hollow housing; a solenoid; a rod; opening and shutting means that is disposed at the lower end of the rod to open and shut a gas outlet; and a spring between the housing and the opening and shutting means so as to elastically urge it downward. A coupling member is formed at the lower end of the rod and a coupling groove into which the coupling member is inserted is formed in the opening and shutting means so as to allow movement. The opening and shutting means is coupled to the rod through the use of the coupling member and the coupling groove, the opening and shutting means can move within a predetermined range about the coupling member with an application of an external force.
US08814129B2 Trolling motor mount
A trolling motor mount comprising a base for attaching the mount to a watercraft, an arm assembly pivotally attached to the base, a motor mount assembly pivotally attached to the arm assembly for rotatably securing the trolling motor, and an actuator adapted to move the arm assembly between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. The actuator may comprise a linear actuator. The arm assembly may comprise a single elongated arm or a four bar linkage system. The mount may further comprise a user control such a switch, a wireless remote control, or wired remote control.
US08814128B2 Display system for mobile electronic devices and associated methods
A display fixture for securely displaying a mobile device includes a cross brace and at least two corner members. The cross brace defines a center portion and arms each radially extending outwardly therefrom and terminating in a free end opposite the center portion. The at least two corner members each include a first substantially planar wall, a second substantially planar wall, and two sidewalls extending between substantially linear closed edges of the first substantially planar wall and the second substantially planar wall. A cavity is defined by each of the at least two corner members and is configured to receive a corner of the mobile device. Each of the at least two corner members is secured to a different free end of the cross brace such that an opening to the cavity of each of the at least two corner members faces the center portion of the cross brace.
US08814124B1 Article hanging device
A system for securing a maintaining an article, such as a picture frame, in a desired position on a vertical surface, such as a wall, is disclosed. The system comprises a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket has a first part of a pivot and includes at least one projecting nub. The second bracket has a second part of the pivot and at least one divot that are each cooperative with one of the at least one projecting nubs. In use, the first and second brackets are each fixed to either a rear surface of the article proximate a top edge thereof, or to the vertical surface. Each nub of the first bracket engages the cooperative divot of the second bracket when the article is in the desired position on the vertical surface. When jarred, the article pivots back and forth about the pivot until each nub becomes re-engaged with its cooperative divot, by gravity, to bring the article back into the desired position.
US08814120B1 Fuel tank support system
A fuel tank support system for providing a lightweight yet strong structure for supporting propane tanks above a ground surface. The tank support generally includes an elongated support pad having a platform, a base plate connected to the support pad, and a plurality of internal supports connected between the support pad and the base plate. A plurality of pairs of upper retainer rings extends from an underside of the platform to define upper receiver slots, and a plurality of pairs of lower retainer rings extends from an upper side of the base plate to define lower receiver slots. An upper end of each of the internal supports is received by the upper receiver slots and a lower end of each of the internal supports is received by the lower receiver slots. Handles, bottom grooves, and internal ribbing are also used with the tank support.
US08814119B2 Arbor apparatus for counterweight rigging system
An arbor apparatus for use in a counterweight rigging system includes a support structure for supporting counterweight bricks in stacked arrangement. The arbor apparatus can be front-loading with left side, back and right side supports. The arbor apparatus can include a plurality of shelf members spaced apart in a longitudinal direction between the top and bottom ends. The arbor apparatus can also include a gate mechanism. The arbor apparatus can be implemented as a retrofit to existing manual counterweight rigging systems.
US08814118B2 Holding device of cylindrical body and microphone holder
A microphone holder is provided that allows a microphone to be attached and detached by a one-touch operation and to be securely held. A first and a second magnet 77a and 72b are provided at positions where a holding frame 5 and a clamp arm 6 overlap with each other such that different poles are opposed to each other. The magnets are magnetically attached to each other to lock the movement.
US08814116B2 Navigation assembly, a foldable mount and a navigation assembly including such a mount
A portable navigation assembly is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the portable navigation assembly includes a portable navigation device including a housing, the housing including a speaker port defined by a speaker port periphery; and a mount including a connector arm. In at least one embodiment, the connector arm is adapted to be connected to the portable navigation device around at least a portion of the speaker port periphery without covering at least a portion of the speaker port.
US08814115B2 Mounting system for flat panel display
A mounting system for adjustably mounting a flat panel display to a support medium. The system consists of a frame assembly that can be attached to a support medium. One or more adjustable mounts are attached to the frame assembly, and a flat panel display is attached to the adjustable mounts. Each adjustable mount can extend from a retracted position to an extended position in order to tilt the flat panel display and provide an optimum viewing angle to a viewer. As the adjustable mount extends, the center of gravity of the attached flat panel display moves in approximately a horizontal plane, enabling the display to be tilted by a user with a minimum amount of applied force. In some embodiments, a friction assembly is provided to maintain the selected position of each adjustable mount.
US08814114B2 Tension window rods
A window rod assembly includes two support arm assemblies each including a bracket, a support arm having a first end rigidly connected to the bracket, and a tube rigidly connected to a second end of the support arm; a curtain rod including a first rod section and a second rod section configured in a telescoping arrangement and sized to fit into the tubes of the support arm assemblies; a locking mechanism for securing the relative axial position of the first rod section with respect to the second rod section; and a force adjusting mechanism mounted on at least one of the support arm assemblies and configured to apply an inward force to the curtain rod at a location within the first tube and an outward force to the support arm assemblies to force the brackets into support surfaces of a window opening or window casing.
US08814112B2 Article support device comprising a rotatable connection
Herein is disclosed an article support device capable of being attached to a mounting surface using a stretch-releasable adhesive tape, the device comprising a base and a support body that is rotatably and non-detachably connected to the base, wherein the support body is rotatable relative to the base, between a first position in which the base and the stretch-releasable adhesive tape are hidden, and at least one second position in which at least a portion of a pull tab of the stretch-releasable adhesive tape is visible.
US08814107B2 Fastening device, medical instrument and instrument system with such a fastening device
A fastening device (3) for detachably fastening a medical instrument (2A-2E) to a holding structure (1) includes two crossbeams (4A, 4B), two longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) with a claw (6) for extending behind a holding surface (1A) of the holding structure. A guide (7-9) is provided, by which the crossbeams (4A, 4B) are moved in the direction of the claws (6) of the longitudinal beams during a motion of the longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) in relation to one another. A clamping structure (12) is provided for moving the longitudinal beams (5A, 5B) in relation to one another.
US08814105B2 Apparatus for hanging an article
A picture-hanging device for hanging an object such as a picture or mirror that allows a picture to be adjusted vertically after securing the picture-hanging device to a wall. The device has an elongated adjustment member, an adjustable locking head that slideably engages with the elongated adjustment member, and a cable secured to either the elongated adjustment member or the adjustable locking head. The cable secures the picture to a picture-hanging device, and the height of the picture can be adjusted relative to the position of the picture-hanging device even after the picture-hanging device has been secured to a wall. This adjustable picture-hanging device allows the user to fine tune the placement of a picture without having worry about the precise placement of the picture-hanging device, or studs in a wall. The device also prevents unnecessarily drilling new holes in a wall.
US08814103B2 Position control system for cross coupled operation of fly-by-wire control columns
A aircraft control system is provided that provides tactile feedback between control columns of the aircraft relating to discrepancies in the control inputs to the sticks of the respective control columns. In one implementation, the sticks each have an associated feedback assembly that is adjustable relative to mechanical ground to adjust the feedback profile applied to the corresponding stick. The position of each feedback assembly is adjusted based on a relative displacement between the other feedback assembly and its corresponding stick to provide active feedback relating to the control of the other control column.
US08814100B2 Continuous moldline technology (CMT) elastomeric control surface
A continuous moldline technology elastomeric control surface and methods are presented. A control surface is coupled to a fluid-dynamic body. An elastomer interface is coupled to the control surface and the fluid-dynamic body such that a joint gap caused by movement of the control surface relative to the fluid-dynamic body is filled.
US08814097B2 Mounting set, system and method
A mounting set for use in mounting an external stores to a mounting station of an aerospace vehicle includes a mounting bracket arrangement and a strap arrangement. The bracket arrangement is configured for selective reversible engagement with respect to the mounting station and for cooperating with the strap arrangement. The strap arrangement is configured for securing the bracket arrangement to the stores in load bearing abutment therewith to enable transfer of loads between the stores and the mounting station via said bracket arrangement, in operation of said mounting set. A mounting system is also provided for mounting an external stores to an aerospace vehicle having two or more mounting stations, including a mounting set for each mounting station. Mounting methods are also provided.
US08814093B2 Covering device for an interior of an aircraft and a method for covering an interior of an aircraft
A cladding apparatus is provided for the interior of an aircraft that includes, but is not limited to at least one two-dimensional fabric sheet, at least one guide device, and at least one tensioning element. The guide device is configured to be attached in the interior along a direction of extension of the interior, and slidably guide the fabric sheet at least in a first section of the interior along the direction of extension. The tensioning element is, furthermore, configured to be attached in the interior, and by producing a tensile force that acts on the front edge and/or the rear edge of the fabric sheet to stretch taut the fabric sheet along the direction of extension of the interior.
US08814091B2 Floor made out of composite material and process for manufacturing such a floor
A floor can be attached to a vertical frame structure of a vehicle and includes a horizontal boxed structure having a plurality of boxes positioned side by side to form a continuous, uniform upper surface and lower surface, with the upper surface covered with an upper skin and the lower surface covered with a lower skin and means of attachment to attach the boxed structure laterally to the frame structure.
US08814089B2 Aircraft class divider
Disclosed herein is a divider utilized to provide part of a visual separation between sections of a passenger cabin of a commercial aircraft, the divider comprising several components. One component is a support arm fixedly connected to the frame of an aircraft above a passenger seat. Another component may be a curtain attached to a lower edge of the support arm and projecting vertically below the support arm. Yet another component may be a rigid view block adjacent the face of the luggage stowage compartment and configured to move therewith such that the view block is adjacent the face of the luggage stowage compartment while the luggage stowage compartment is in a closed position, and repositions with the face of the luggage stowage compartment when the compartment is opened.
US08814087B2 Interface system for use in an aircraft galley
An interface system for use in an aircraft galley includes a first connection element. The first connection element can be connected via a first appliance connection apparatus to an internal electrical system, an internal fresh water supply system, and an internal wastewater disposal system of a first galley appliance, and can be connected via a second appliance connection apparatus to an internal electrical system, an internal fresh water supply system, and an internal wastewater disposal system of a second galley appliance. Further, the first connection element can be connected via an aircraft galley connection apparatus to a complementary aircraft galley connection apparatus of a second connection element of the interface system. The second connection element can be fixed in a compartment in the aircraft galley, so as to connect the first connection element to an electrical system, a freshwater supply system and a wastewater disposal system.
US08814083B2 Aircraft provided with a tail plane including means for combating flutter
An aircraft (1) provided with a tail boom (4) including a tail plane (100) provided with an airfoil surface (5), the airfoil surface (5) being provided with at least one stabilizer portion (11, 12) extending laterally outside the tail boom (4) and with a central portion (13) extending inside the tail boom (4), said stabilizer portion (11, 12) being implanted in an orifice (6, 7) of the tail boom (4) that is defined by a peripheral wall (6′, 7′), clearance (21, 22) existing between said stabilizer portion (11, 12) and said peripheral wall (6, 7). The aircraft includes combating means (30) for combating the flutter phenomenon, which means are provided with stiffener means (31, 32) exerting predetermined compressive stress on said stabilizer portion (11, 12), said stiffener means (31, 32) being arranged at the root of the stabilizer portion (11, 12).
US08814075B1 Modular system and method for deployment and retrieval of large diameter hoses
A hose deployment and retrieval system is described that includes a modular reel assembly. The modular reel assembly includes a reel having a hub around which a hose may be wound and a wheel assembly on either side of the hub and spaced to accept the hose there between. The reel assembly also includes an axle in the center of the hub around which the hub can spin and a base holding the axle. A deployment fork assembly includes a reel assembly mount for engaging with the modular reel assembly and a drive mechanism to spin the reel when the deployment fork assembly is engaged with the modular reel assembly, wherein the deployment fork assembly is adapted to mount to a vehicle.
US08814073B2 Tooth construction
A tooth construction for a mineral breaker, the tooth construction including a tooth shaped support body covered by a shell on which is mounted a breaking tip formation to define the outer shape of the tooth construction; the support body having a front face, an opposed rear face, and a pair of opposed side faces extending therebetween; the shell being composed of a cover formation defining a front wall, opposed side walls, and a top wall overlying and seated in face to face contact with respective front, side and top faces of the support body; the breaking tip formation comprising a pick formation presenting a rear surface in face to face contact with and secured upon the front wall of the cover so as to project forwardly therefrom and a top formation extending rearwardly of the pick formation and presenting a lower surface in face to face contact with and secured upon the top wall of the cover.
US08814072B2 User-controlled adjustment mechanism for a food processing device
A food processor includes a base and a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly driven by a motor. The cutting assembly is adjustable to vary the thickness of the cut food items. The food processor includes an adjustment assembly that is operable to adjust the cutting thickness of the cutting assembly while the cutting assembly is driven by the motor.
US08814067B2 Optimized air delivery apparatus
An apparatus that uses an optimized body design incorporating one or more interchangeable nozzle inserts with a wide array of discharge orifice sizes, configurations and spacings to efficiently and effectively deliver a pressurized, high velocity, laminar flow air stream to dry, cool, or clean objects that are either stationary or moving transversely through the optimized air stream developed by the apparatus, all while minimizing the operational downtime required to implement the interchangeable nozzle insert modifications to the apparatus.
US08814066B2 Grip structure of water sprayer
A grip structure of water sprayer comprises a sprayer body, a grip body is extended downward from one end of the sprayer body, a front surface of the grip body is covered with a front grip fitting portion, a fixing structure is disposed on a back surface of the grip body, a back grip fitting portion is fitted on the back surface of the grip body. The back grip fitting portion has a fitting structure to be fitted and engaged with the fixing structure, so that the back grip fitting portion is fitted on the grip body. Accordingly, the back grip fitting portion of the present invention can be dismounted and replaced at will which is convenient for maintenance and usage.
US08814065B2 Nozzle unit for applying damping material, and damping material application apparatus
A nozzle unit for applying damping material onto a work piece includes a nozzle that has a slit-like discharge port and that discharges the damping material from the discharge port; a motor that is fixed to the nozzle; and a slit width changing device that changes the slit width of the discharge port using rotation of the motor.
US08814063B1 System, components and method for hydrating and cooling a cyclist
A new and useful system, method and components are provided, for hydrating and cooling a cyclist, in a manner that is efficient and effective, and in a manner that minimizes disruption of the cyclists attention to his/her riding. The components and system include a liquid container connected to a portion of a cycle and hydrating and actuating components that use the liquid (preferably water) in the liquid container. The liquid container has a body of liquid and the hydrating and actuating components include a drinking straw extending into the body of liquid, a spray device having a tube extending into the container with a spray head located outside the container, and an actuator mechanism comprising a pumping component in fluid communication with the liquid in the container and a hand actuated trigger mechanism located to be accessible to the hand of a cyclist. The pumping mechanism is actuated by the hand actuated trigger to draw liquid from the container to the pump and to pump the liquid to the spray head where it is sprayed on the cyclist.
US08814057B2 Minimizing flow disturbances in fluidic cells utilizing soft seals
Devices comprising multi-compartment fluidic cell with multiple inlets. Compartments can be separated from one another using soft seals. The main cell can be located between two adjacent secondary cells. The main cell carries the main flow while the secondary cells can carry either the main flow or any auxiliary flows. The flow in the multi-compartment cells minimizes fluid leakage and causes reduced pressure difference between the main cell and the two secondary cells especially under similar flow conditions.
US08814054B2 Inclusion of chip elements in a sheathed wire
A method for forming a sheathed wire includes the steps of: axially advancing a core through a sheathing zone; wrapping a sheathing fiber around the core in the sheathing zone; and providing, in the sheathing zone, a series of microelectronic chip elements each provided with a wire section, in such a way that the sheathing fiber that wraps around the core also wraps around a chip element and the wire section thereof to form a sheathed wire incorporating spaced-apart chip elements.
US08814052B2 Secure smart card system
A smart card usable in magnetic stripe swipe transactions with a transaction terminal configured to read transaction information encoded on a magnetic stripe of a standard transaction card includes a card body, which includes a magnetic stripe emulator for use with the transaction terminal, a smart card chip programmed with at least one transaction application for providing secured data for use in a transaction and dynamic card verification data, a power supply, and a card controller in communication with the magnetic stripe emulator. The card controller is configured to receive the dynamic card verification data and control the magnetic stripe emulator to emit a magnetic field encoded with at least a portion of the secured data and the dynamic card verification data.
US08814050B1 Advanced payment options for powered cards and devices
Advanced payment applications are provided to improve the functionality of cards and devices. For example, a user interface may be placed on a card (e.g., a physical button) or a telephonic device (e.g., a virtual button on a capacitive touch screen). Manual input provided to this user interface may, for example, cause an item purchased on credit to be paid via one or more user accounts (e.g., bank accounts) as soon as the next credit statement posts or becomes due. A user may decide to pay for an item when the next statement becomes due at a point-of-sale magnetic stripe reader by using an interface on a card to cause information to be communicated through the infrastructure indicative of a user's desire to pay the for an item when the next statement becomes due.
US08814044B2 Intellectual material object management method and system
An intellectual material object management method includes: an RF scanning device scans a carrier tag of a replenishment carrier and a shelf tag of at least one present supplying shelf among stock shelves of a warehouse to assist for putting the replenishment carrier on a target shelf for the replenishment carrier. An MO picking list for obtaining information of at least one selected MO is received. The RF scanning device scans an MO tag of a present picking MO on a present picking shelf among the stock shelves and a list tag of the MO picking list to assist for obtaining the selected MO from the stock shelves of the warehouse. A remaining amount of remaining MOs is counted. An amount tag for the remaining MOs is printed according to the remaining amount of the remaining MOs for sticking on a remaining MO carrier for loading the remaining MOs.
US08814041B2 Automatic financial automation equipment and control method thereof
An automatic teller machine (ATM) and a control method for the same are provided. According to the ATM and the control method, stacking of paper mediums being transferred to a stacking space of a carriage may be guided by a medium guide provided to the carriage. Position of the medium guide may be adjusted by a guide adjustment device corresponding to various types of the paper mediums.
US08814038B1 Identification code based information system
A system for providing information associated with an identification code to an operator of a machine is provided. The system includes a plurality of sensors configured to generate signals indicative of a parameter associated with an operation of the machine. The system also includes a display unit. The system further includes a controller communicably coupled to the plurality of sensors and the display unit. The controller is configured to receive the signals indicative of the parameter associated with the operation of the machine. The controller then determines an operation mode of the machine based on the received signals and identifies the identification code based on the determined operation mode. The controller further displays the identification code based on the determined operation mode on the display unit.
US08814036B2 Chip card with at least one application
The invention relates to a chip card with at least one application for which an implementation (4) and an entry (5) referring to the implementation (4) are present on the chip card (1). The inventive chip card is characterized in that a plurality of entries (5) referring to the same implementation (4) are present.
US08814034B2 Collapsible paperboard container and a blank for constructing the same
A collapsible paperboard container and a blank for constructing the same. The container has a bottom wall with a peripheral wall extending upwardly therefrom. A plurality of score lines are provided in the peripheral wall which facilitate movement of this wall from an expanded position to a collapsed position in response to a manual force being applied thereto to cause a first portion of the wall to move toward a second portion thereof. Visual indicators are provided on the container to identify to the consumer where and how to apply manual force to the peripheral wall.
US08814033B2 Triangular vented tray
A package for holding a food product. The package comprises a tray comprising a plurality of tray panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the tray. The plurality of tray panels comprise a tray central panel and at least one tray side panel foldably connected to the tray central panel. The package also comprises a lid comprising a plurality of lid panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the lid. The plurality of lid panels comprise a lid central panel and at least one lid side panel foldably connected to the lid central panel. The lid cooperates with the tray to at least partially close the package when the package is configured in a closed position and a venting position. Venting features are operable to vent the package when the package is configured in the venting position.
US08814032B2 Lunch box
A lunch box includes a main body having a bottom portion, two side portions, a front portion and a back portion to define a receiving space, and a cover that covers upper portion of the main body extending from the back portion. Two side portions extend from bottom part of the junction of the front portion and back portion to form first shaping lines, and a retracting portion is formed between two side portions and two first shaping lines, and an expanding portion is formed at the junction of first shaping lines and the front portion. When the cover is bended down to cover the main body, the front portion is restored when the retracting portion rebounds, and the expanding portion is outwardly against the junction of the front cover and side covers to form a restricting position, so the box can be closed securely without external securing components.
US08814030B2 Improvements of long term bondline reliability of power electronics operating at high temperatures
Alloy formation systems and methods and a mechanism, strategy and design for power electronics having high operating temperatures. The system creates a bondline targeted for performance in power electronics. The system provides for sequential alloy growth in high temperature operating power electronics. The system is at least applicable to wafer-to-wafer, die-to-wafer, die-to-substrate, or die-to-die bonding.
US08814027B2 Rotation tool for joining inner corner and joining inner corner method using the same
The present invention provides an economic rotation tool for joining a pair of metal members which form an inner corner by abutting the pair of metal members (1) each other, and a joining inner corner method using the same. The rotation tool for joining the pair of metal members which form an inner corner (1) by abutting the pair of metal members each other to perform friction stir welding on an inner corner portion formed by abutting a pair of metal members against each other comprising: a stirring pin (3) to be inserted into the inner corner portion; and a base block (2) supporting the stirring pin (3) and to be brought into contact with one and the other of the pair of metal members respectively, wherein the base block (2) includes: a body portion (4) having a taper shape; and a shoulder portion (5) formed detachably at a tip of the body portion, and the body portion (4) and the shoulder portion (5) are penetrated by the stirring pin (3).
US08814026B2 Friction stir welding apparatus
A friction stir welding includes a main body for holding a tool and a hot air and cool air separating unit. The separating unit is disposed at the main body and separates a supplied gas into hot air hotter than the gas and cool air cooler than the gas in a tube portion and ejects the cool air from a first end of the tube portion and ejects hot air from a second end of the tube portion. The hot air is supplied to a front side of a movement direction of the tool in the surface of the work piece from a tool side of the friction stir welding apparatus and the cool air is supplied to a rear side of the movement direction of the tool in the surface of the work piece from the tool side of the friction stir welding apparatus.
US08814019B2 Reconfigurable electrical wired cumberbund
An interchangeable cumberbund with integrated wiring to allow for connecting a variety of electronic devices for an intended purpose or mission and exchanging a configured garment for another. The reconfigurable cumberbund allows for multiple quick-disconnect cable harnesses to be weaved into the cumberbund which enables rapid and convenient removal of hardware that incorporates all I/O to a computer. The reconfigurable cumberbund connected to a wearable tactical vest containing a mobile ultra-rugged personal computer is the essential combination that allows hands-free use by the user.
US08814014B2 Device for mounting attachment externally supporting against body outer panel of vehicle body on body structure
A vehicle article carrier system for clamping a roof rail to a roof of a vehicle. The system enables a variation in the spacing between an outer layer of the roof and an underlying roof structure to be taken up when clamping a roof rail to the vehicle roof without causing deformation of the outer layer of the vehicle roof.
US08814012B2 Material spreader for use with an excavator
The present disclosure includes a material spreader mounted to a boom of an excavator for spreading bulk material over an area of interest. The material spreader includes a motor-controlled feeder for metering out the bulk material at a controlled rate. The material spreader further includes a mounting bracket configured to mount to a universal mounting portion of the boom.
US08814008B2 Seal assembly for a pressurised container
A seal assembly for a pressurised container 2 comprising a first seal portion 16 and a second seal portion 18. The first seal portion 16 is adapted to form a seal with an output section 14 of the pressurised container 2 and an end face 26 thereof, and the second seal portion 18 is adapted to form a seal with a side wall 28 of the output section 14.
US08814006B2 System and method for flavoring food
A system and method of flavoring food includes a metering tray coupled to a frame. The metering tray may be configured to hold a food flavoring. A metering roller also may be coupled to the frame. An exterior axial surface of the metering roller may define a plurality of indentations, which may be configured to capture the food flavoring as the metering roller rotates. The system may also include a metering blade and a displacement; each may be coupled to the frame. The metering blade may be configured to level the food flavoring as the food flavoring is dispensed by the plurality of indentations of the metering roller as the metering roller rotates. The displacement blade may have a plurality of teeth that are configured to correspond to the plurality of indentations. The teeth may be configured to positively displace the food flavoring as the metering roller rotates.
US08814002B2 Delivery system
A delivery system for dispensing at least two products wherein the delivery system selectively dispenses one of products using a single actuator having two directions of rotation on a single axis of rotation. The delivery system of the invention is economical in manufacturing and has a lesser cycle time during manufacturing.
US08813998B2 Dispensers for sanitary tissue products
A dispenser for sanitary tissue products is provided. The dispenser comprises a housing defining a cavity configured to receive sanitary tissue products therein and an opening defined in the housing. The sanitary tissue products within the cavity are configured to be dispensed through the opening. The opening is defined by a first portion having a first width, a second portion having a second width, and a third portion having a third width. The third portion extends between the first portion and the second portion. The first width and the second width are both larger than the third width.
US08813997B2 Apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles
An apparatus for dispensing solid pharmaceutical articles includes a housing, a drive mechanism and a sensor system. The housing defines a dispensing passage having a dispensing inlet and a dispensing outlet downstream of the dispensing inlet. The drive mechanism serves to force the articles along a path through the dispensing passage between the dispensing inlet and the dispensing outlet. The sensor system includes first and second sensors operative to detect articles passing through the dispensing passage and a controller to receive and use detection signals from the first and second sensors to monitor dispensing performance of the apparatus. The first and second sensors are spaced apart along the dispensing channel such that the second sensor is located downstream of the first sensor.
US08813995B2 Refrigerator and refrigerator door
Provided is a refrigerator and a refrigerator door. The refrigerator includes a main body configured to form a storage space, a door configured to selectively open and close the storage space, handle fixing parts coupled to the door and protruding from the door, a door handle disposed at the door and configured to be grasped by a user for opening and closing the door, holders disposed at both sides of the door handle for receiving the handle fixing parts, and a detachment preventing part. The detachment preventing part is coupled to a side of the holder at an acute angle with a front surface of the door and is configured to be locked by the handle fixing part for fixing the door handle. The door handle can be attached to the door more easily and firmly.
US08813991B1 Container cover
A container cover includes a cover plate, an annular frame and an annular gasket. The frame includes an annular surrounding wall and an annular flange. The surrounding wall extends substantially in a vertical direction, and is disposed outwardly of the cover plate to surround the cover plate. The surrounding wall cooperates with a peripheral surface of the cover plate to define a gap therebetween. The flange extends integrally and inwardly from the surrounding wall to contact an upper surface of the cover plate and to seal off one end of the gap. The gasket is disposed between the surrounding wall and the peripheral surface of the cover plate to fill the gap. The cover plate, the frame and the gasket are molded as one piece.
US08813990B1 Container for transporting hazardous material
A cargo container and method for transporting hazardous material includes a housing, a frame, and a lid, or, alternatively a door. The frame and housing define an opening and an interior storage space for containing the hazardous material. The lid or door is operatively connected to the frame and covers the opening for inhibiting access to the interior storage space. A first gasket fluidly seals the lid or door for inhibiting hazardous material from moving from the interior storage space to an outer environment. Additionally, the cargo container may include a second gasket, a seal arrangement, and/or a tortuous path for deflecting airborne hazardous materials from the first gasket and further inhibiting hazardous material from moving from the interior storage space to the outer environment.
US08813986B2 Touchless auto-drop sharps container
A closure for a waste receptacle is provided. The closure comprises a moveable component mounted to the closure for movement between a closed position, wherein the moveable component prohibits waste from entering the waste receptacle and an open position wherein the moveable component facilitates the entry of waste into the waste receptacle. A motor is coupled to the moveable component and configured to move the moveable component between the open position and the closed position. A sensor is adapted to transmit a signal when waste is proximal or contacting the closure, wherein the sensor communicates with the motor to move the moveable component between the open position and the closed position to deposit the waste into the waste receptacle.
US08813982B2 Cap for a container
A cap resistant to impact forces and providing a leak-tight fitting to a container while allowing simple and quick release.
US08813980B1 Twin beam shelf
A twin beam shelf including a wood grain support structure defining a first major surface, a second major surface and longitudinally spaced front and rear edges with a rabbet extending along the front and rear edges. The front and rear wood grain beams are configured and arranged for cooperatively engaging the front and rear edges of the support structure to form a flush adhesive joint. The front and rear wood grain beams either extend laterally beyond the second major surface of the support structure or are flush with both surfaces of the support structure.
US08813970B2 Filter screen with tension element
A filter screen including a frame having an upstream surface, a downstream surface opposite the upstream surface, a perimeter grating element, and a plurality of inner grating elements extending within the perimeter grating element and forming at least one opening extending from the upstream surface to the downstream surface; a filter element disposed on the upstream surface; and a tension element disposed on the downstream surface. A method of manufacturing a filter screen, the method including forming a frame having an upstream surface, a downstream surface opposite the upstream surface, a perimeter grating element, and a plurality of inner grating elements extending within the perimeter grating element and forming at least one opening extending from the upstream surface to the downstream surface; attaching a filter element to the upstream surface; and attaching a tension element to the downstream surface.
US08813965B2 Carton, blank and method of packaging
A carton (10) is formed from a unitary blank of material folded to produce a hollow walled structure for encircling a main product (11). The blank is also folded to produce at least one internal divider (35) which forms a support for holding the main product (11) in position in the structure and to define within the hollow walled structure an internal volume (36) for retaining a secondary item (37). The internal divider (35) may extend transversely or longitudinally. Where the internal divider is aligned longitudinally of the housing, it may be parallel to a side wall of the carton or it may extend across a corner between two side walls. The internal divider may be provided by a pair of kick-ins. The carton (10) may be an Easter egg carton. Methods of forming and filling the carton are also described.
US08813961B2 Automatically retracting cushioning device
An automatically retracting cushioning device includes a first air cylinder sheet, comprising a plurality of first air cylinders; a second cylinder sheet, in air communication with the first cylinder sheet, and comprising a plurality of second air cylinders; and a third air cylinder sheet, in air communication with the second air cylinder sheet, and comprising: a plurality of third air cylinders; and a plurality of retractable blocks, positioned on one end of the plurality of third air cylinders, and retracting the plurality of third air cylinders; wherein the third air cylinder sheet and the second air cylinder sheet are bent toward the first air cylinder sheet, allowing the third air cylinder sheet and the first air cylinder sheet to be approximately perpendicular to the second air cylinder sheet, thereby clamping an article.
US08813960B2 Latch system for containers
A latch system for stacked containers includes a plurality of bosses and a latch mechanism. The bosses are coupled to each of the stack containers and may include a pivot boss, a storage boss and a latch boss. The latch mechanism includes a pivot end portion, a flexible mid portion and a latch end portion. The pivot end portion is placed onto the pivot boss to allow rotation of the latch mechanism there about. In one embodiment, the pivot end portion includes a rounded inner diameter to permit both in-plane and out-of-plane rotation of the latch mechanism relative to the container. The latch end portion biasly engages either the storage boss of the same container or the latch boss of another container.
US08813958B2 Package box of liquid crystal glass
The present invention provides a liquid crystal glass package box, which includes a box body, a plurality of mounting sections mounted inside the box body, and cushioning devices respectively mounted to the mounting sections. The cushioning devices each include a cushioning section and a receiving section connected to the cushioning section. The cushioning section includes an air pocket. The receiving section forms a receiving channel corresponding to the respective mounting section in order to mount the cushioning device in the box body. The liquid crystal glass package box provided by the present invention uses an air pocket to serve as a cushioning section mounted inside the box body to provide effective cushioning to liquid crystal glass for protecting the liquid crystal glass from damage during shipping. The raw material used is economic so as to effectively lower down the material cost. The structure is simple and is easy to manufacture.
US08813954B2 Fluid displacement tissue container for molecular and histology diagnostics
A container for storing a biological sample for molecular diagnostic testing and/or histological testing is provided. The container includes a first chamber for receiving a sample holder therein, a second chamber, and a closure for enclosing the container. A transitional barrier, such as a valve, is in fluid communication between the two chambers. The transitional barrier is transitional between a first position in which the first chamber is in fluid isolation from the second chamber, and a second position in which fluid can pass from at least one of the first and second chambers to the other of the first and second chambers.
US08813952B2 Container limiting drying of paint
A container for holding an item having un-dried, oil-based paint thereon. A box has a removable lid with an outlet hole. The lid extends horizontally across and then upwardly on the container defining a first area to hold the item and a second area to hold a container of material when activated by a liquid to give off a gas heavier than oxygen. The oxygen is forced through the outlet hole limiting drying of paint on the item.
US08813947B1 Wood veneer diverter and processing system
A wood veneer diverter system comprises a plurality of veneer diverters operable to divert veneer downwardly and away from a belt based on the category or grade of the veneer. These veneer diverters are desirably rotated so that they pass through a veneer flow path in the direction of veneer flow. The veneer diverters may be configured to enhance their effectiveness in diverting veneer away from belts that move the veneer.
US08813946B2 Conveyors
Elongate packs of circular biscuits are fed at high speed from a wrapping output conveyor to a transverse indexing conveyor. The indexing conveyor has a series of compartments with inclined sides, each compartment receiving a pair of packs end to end. The conveyor indexes each time that it receives a pair of packs, the compartments holding the packs against movement longitudinally of the conveyor. The packs are removed in groups from the indexing conveyor and urged together on a tray of adjustable dimension. Orientation of the packs is maintained, for consistent presentation of printing ABCD.
US08813941B2 Workpiece support systems and related machines
In some aspects, a workpiece processing installation includes an operating area, an operating pallet able to be moved along a transport direction between a position within the operating area and a position outside the operating area, the operating pallet being configured to support a workpiece, and a pallet support that is configured to be transferred from a first position, in which the pallet support defines a storage area for the storage of the operating pallet outside the operating area, to a second position in which the pallet support protrudes away from the operating area in the transport direction to a lesser extent than it does in the first position. Transferring the pallet support from the first position to the second position includes moving at least a portion of the pallet support towards the operating area which results in the storage area defined by the pallet support becoming smaller.
US08813938B2 Device for taking back empty containers, in particular plastic bottles and metal cans
Device for taking back empty containers, in particular plastic bottles and metal cans, with a housing which has apparatuses for processing inserted empty containers, an intake chute accessible from the outside that receives empty containers as bulk material and a bottom sloping downward in direction of intake chute. Device is provided that prevents or impedes insertion of excessively large objects into device. Device provides almost unimpeded insertion of empty containers as bulk material into intake chute, and simultaneously prevents that excessively large objects can enter into the device. The bottom of intake chute has a plurality of grooves arranged side by side and running in the intake direction, the grooves flowing into a passage opening leading to the device and whose cross-section is dimensioned in such a manner that empty containers aligned longitudinally in the intake direction can pass unimpeded through the grooves.
US08813937B2 Clutch pack travel compensator for reduced drag
A clutch control assembly for a transmission, including a piston plate including a first side having a first circumferentially aligned and axially extending ramp, and a second side. The assembly includes an adjustment ring in contact with the first ramp, and at least one rotary piston with a first end fixed to the adjustment ring. In response to a first force applied to the second radially disposed side and the at least one rotary piston, the at least one rotary piston is displaceable to urge the adjustment ring in a first circumferential direction along the first ramp such that the adjustment rings displaces in a first axial direction away from the piston plate.
US08813936B2 Force transmitting assembly
A force transmitting assembly 20 transmits force to engage and disengage a driven shaft 28. When the force transmitting assembly 20 is engaged, front and rear annular pressure plates 32, 34 frictionally retain a rotor 36 fixedly mounted on the shaft 28 and stops rotation of the shaft 28. The force transmitting assembly 20 maximizes torque and minimizes inertia by providing friction surfaces with friction material substantially engaging the entire working surface of the rotor 36. The force transmitting assembly includes an axially moveable housing 22 attached directly to a mounting flange 24.
US08813935B2 Launch / disconnect clutch for P2 hybrid powertrain
A launch and disconnect clutch for the electric motor of a P2 hybrid powertrain is compact and provides improved operation. The clutch is mounted between the engine and transmission in the space formerly occupied by the torque converter. The clutch assembly is configured so that actuation, compensation and cooling are provided by only two oil channels. The clutch utilizes single-sided reaction plates which achieve high clutch gain thereby providing high torque capacity under electric operation and improved launch shudder characteristics.
US08813933B2 Cast-in spline sleeve for clutch hub
A composite, i.e., two element, two material clutch hub includes an inner sleeve of a heavy, high strength material to and about which is cast an outer element of a lighter, lower strength material. The sleeve typically includes a splined opening that is received on one or two complementarily splined shafts and a plurality of radially oriented pins or lugs or a discontinuous flange about which the outer element is cast. The outer element is splined to the friction plate of a clutch or other component. The high strength material is preferably, though not necessarily, steel and the lighter material is preferably, though not necessarily, an aluminum alloy. Alternatively, the sleeve may be a high strength aluminum alloy such as a metal matrix composite (MMC) and the outer element may be a lower strength, different aluminum alloy.
US08813927B2 Hydraulic pressure control system for torque converter
A hydraulic pressure control system for a torque converter includes a lock-up clutch operated according to pressure difference between an engagement and disengagement side oil chambers, a first hydraulic line communicated with the disengagement side oil chamber, second and third hydraulic lines communicated with the engagement side oil chamber, and a lock-up switch valve and a torque converter hydraulic pressure control valve that generate pressure difference between the second and the third hydraulic line communicated so that fluid within the engagement side oil chamber is circulated in lock-up on state of the lock-up clutch, and the lock-up switch valve and the torque converter hydraulic pressure control valve generate pressure difference between the second and the third hydraulic line in slip state of the lock-up clutch higher than the pressure difference between the second and the third hydraulic line in the lock-up on state of the lock-up clutch.
US08813925B2 Hydropneumatic suspension unit
A hydropneumatic suspension unit for a vehicle that includes an outer sleeve which defines a first chamber, and a damping piston which is arranged for sliding displacement in the first chamber. The first chamber contains gas mainly for providing spring action and liquid mainly for providing damping action. The gas is in direct contact with the liquid.
US08813922B2 Front fork
A front fork includes a body side tube, an axle side tube, a damper, a reservoir, a damping force adjusting flow passage, and a solenoid valve including a spool housing portion provided at an intermediate position of the damping force adjusting flow passage, a spool valve inserted into the spool housing portion movably in an axial direction, and a solenoid that drives the spool valve in an axial direction, and configured to adjust a flow passage area of the damping force adjusting flow passage. Pressure receiving areas on opposite axial sides of the spool valve on which a pressure in an upstream side of the damping force adjusting flow passage acts are made equal. An upper arrangement passage which is arranged at least higher than the upper end of the spool housing portion is provided in a downstream side of the damping force adjusting flow passage.
US08813919B2 Elevator safety system preventing collision of cars
An elevator installation includes a first elevator car and a second elevator car, each having a respective braking device, and a safety system that monitors the elevator cars. The safety system has for each braking device a braking force regulating device for regulating a braking force of the respective braking device. The safety system activates at least one of the braking devices by the associated braking force regulating device in order to prevent collision of the first elevator car with the second elevator car.
US08813917B2 Method and system for limiting access rights within a building
The present invention presents a solution for limiting access rights in a building, which building contains a conveying system, an access control system connected to the conveying system, which access control system comprises at least one short-range identification point and at least one long-range identification point and in which access control system passengers have a personal terminal device for giving service requests to the conveying system. A terminal device is taken into the operating area of a short-range identification point, the access rights connected to the service requests of the terminal device are activated, the terminal device is taken into the operating area of a long-range identification point and a service request generated with the terminal device is transmitted to the conveying system, if the access right connected to the service request is valid on the basis of the activation.
US08813916B2 Underground enclosure system for storing components, cables, and the like
A pressurized underground enclosure includes a battery venting system having a battery within a battery box in a sealed enclosure. A first pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and an ambient atmosphere and includes a vacuum generator for reducing a pressure in the battery box. A second pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and the ambient atmosphere and includes a one-way valve permitting airflow to the battery box and precluding airflow from the battery box to the ambient atmosphere. The enclosure includes a scissors lift including scissor linkage units having arms pivotally connected at terminal ends and at central positions. The scissor linkage units are moveable from a retracted to an extended position by pneumatic cylinders. The internal pressurization of the enclosure is selectively released and locking mechanisms are retracted before a rack of the scissors lift is extended through an opening of the enclosure.
US08813913B2 Emergency access apparatus and method
Emergency access apparatus including a ladder and at least one multi-functional emergency access module mounted on the ladder, the at least one multi-functional emergency access module including window glass shattering functionality and window frame engagement functionality.
US08813910B2 Operator cage with enhanced operator safety
An operator cage (6) for a machine such as a mobile elevating work platform comprises a base unit (22) and a fence assembly (25), a control console (32) and a load sensor (46) that is constructed and arranged to sense an external load applied to the console. The console (32) is mounted for pivoting movement and the load sensor (46) is constructed and arranged to detect movement of the console from an unloaded condition to a loaded condition.
US08813909B2 Control system of an operator cage with enhanced safety
A control system for a machine having an elevating operator cage, includes a control device (102), an input for activation signals (106), an input for control signals (108), an input for load signals (112) and an output for drive control signals (114), wherein the control device (102) is constructed and arranged to issue a stop drive control signal upon receiving a load signal, and to issue an override signal that overrides the stop drive control signal upon receiving an override input signal.
US08813908B1 HVAC blower with noise suppression features
A blower for an HVAC system of a motor vehicle. A fan is supplied with airflow by a duct having a bend adjacent to the fan that causes a low-pressure region at a face of the fan. A baffle is located immediately adjacent to the fan face and collocated with at least a portion of the low-pressure region to impede airflow through the face of the fan at that location. The baffle acts to reduce unwanted low frequency noise and improves the mechanical efficiency of the fan. The baffle covers a circular segment of the fan face and may have sound-suppressing features, such as ridges formed on at least one surfaces.
US08813907B2 Noise reduction system with chamber
A noise reduction system with a chamber includes a chamber (17) which is provided at a portion of a supply path connecting a flow path in an upstream side of a combustor in a jet engine to a plurality of microjet nozzles which is provided at an exhaust side peripheral edge of a main nozzle of the jet engine, wherein the supply path is configured to supply part of compressed air from the flow path into the chamber (17), and the chamber (17) is configured to inject the compressed air through the plurality of the microjet nozzles (63) to a jet flow.
US08813905B2 Rotating electrical machine control device and steering control system
A rotating electrical machine control device includes a target current value calculation section, a PWM signal generation section, a voltage application section, and a control section. The target current value calculation section calculates target current values of electric currents supplied to windings of a rotating electrical machine. The PWM signal generation section generates PWM signals for the respective windings based on the target current values. The voltage application section applies voltages to the respective windings based on the PWM signals. When the control section stops driving of the rotating electrical machine, the PWM signal generation section generates the PWM signals in which a timing of a pulse change in the PWM signal of at least one phase is different from timings of pulse changes in the PWM signals of the other phases.
US08813904B2 Electric power steering system
There is provided an urging mechanism that elastically urges a second end portion of a worm shaft that is supported so as to be pivotable about a first end portion. The urging mechanism is configured to adjust a backlash between the worm shaft and a worm wheel by elastically urging the second end portion in a perpendicular direction that is perpendicular to a direction in which an inter-axis distance between the worm shaft and the worm wheel increases and decreases, in a state where increases and decreases in the inter-axis distance is prevented.
US08813893B2 Inverted pendulum type vehicle
An inverted pendulum type vehicle includes electrical components configured and arranged efficiently to provide a compact structure. The inverted pendulum type vehicle includes a traveling unit, including a main wheel driven under inverted pendulum control. The vehicle also includes a vehicle body frame supported on, and extending upwardly from the traveling unit, as well as a driving unit, including a pair of driving motors supported on the vehicle body frame and disposed above the main wheel for driving the main wheel. An electrical control unit is supported on the vehicle body frame in front of the driving motors for controlling the driving unit. The driving unit is disposed behind a front edge of the main wheel, and the electrical control unit is disposed between a front edge of the main wheel and the front edge of the driving unit.
US08813885B2 Method and apparatus for controlling a multi-mode powertrain system
A method for operating a powertrain system to transfer torque among an engine, torque machines, and a driveline includes identifying a speed/torque search window responsive to a parameter affecting engine power output and the output torque request. A search is executed to determine a preferred engine operating point for operating the powertrain system in response to an output torque request. The search includes determining a candidate power cost associated with operating the powertrain system at the candidate engine torque and candidate engine speed for each of a plurality of candidate engine speeds and candidate engine torques within the speed/torque search window. A preferred engine operating point is determined as the candidate engine speed and the candidate engine torque associated with a minimum of the candidate power costs. Engine operation is controlled responsive to the preferred engine speed.
US08813878B1 Methods of fabricating a polycrystalline diamond compact
Embodiments relate to PDCs, methods of fabricating PDCs, and applications for such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate and a pre-sintered PCD table including an interfacial surface that is bonded to the substrate. The pre-sintered PCD table may be substantially free of leaching by-products in a region at least proximate to the interfacial surface. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a PDC includes providing an at least partially leached PCD including an interfacial surface. The method includes removing at least some leaching by-products from the at least partially leached PCD table. After removing the at least some leaching by-products, the method includes bonding the interfacial surface of the at least partially leached PCD table to a substrate to form a PDC.
US08813876B2 Downhole tool impact dissipating tool
An impact dissipation tool for supporting a downhole tool in downhole applications. The tool includes a base and a housing. The tool also includes a carriage located within the housing and coupled to the base, the carriage being movable relative to the housing upon a predetermined impact force. A dissipator disposed inside the housing is collapsible due to the relative movement of the carriage and the housing. The collapse of the dissipator dissipates the impact force transferred to the downhole tool.
US08813872B2 Methods and apparatus for download transfer of drill cuttings
A drilling fluid delivery system for drilling boreholes with a drill bit, includes a primary flow circuit having a relatively high flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the drill bit. The system also includes a secondary flow circuit having a relatively low flow rate for transferring drilling fluid to and from the primary flow circuit. Furthermore, the system includes a cuttings transfer system, such as a hydrocyclone or a rotating filter, between the primary and secondary flow circuits. When the cutting transfer system is in use, it receives fluid containing cuttings from the primary circuit and separates the fluid into a first stream that contains substantially no cuttings and a second stream containing cuttings. The first stream is returned to the primary flow circuit and the second stream is directed to the secondary flow circuit.
US08813871B2 Expandable apparatus and related methods
An expandable reamer apparatus and methods for reaming a borehole, wherein a laterally movable blade carried by a tubular body may be selectively positioned at an inward position and an expanded position. The laterally movable blade, held inwardly by blade-biasing elements, may be forced outwardly by drilling fluid selectively allowed to communicate therewith by way of an actuation sleeve disposed within the tubular body. Alternatively, a separation element may transmit force or pressure from the drilling fluid to the movable blade. Further, a chamber in communication with the movable blade may be pressurized by way of a downhole turbine or pump. A ridged seal wiper, compensator, movable bearing pad, fixed bearing pad preceding the movable blade, or adjustable spacer element to alter expanded blade position may be included within the expandable reamer. In addition, a drilling fluid pressure response indicating an operational characteristic of the expandable reamer may be generated.
US08813868B2 Auxiliary handle for use with a power tool
An auxiliary handle for use with a power tool includes a first clamp for engaging a housing of the power tool at a first location, and a second clamp for engaging the housing at a second location. The second clamp is movable independent from the first clamp in a first direction toward the first clamp to couple the auxiliary handle to the housing and the second clamp movable independent from the first clamp in a second direction away from the first clamp to uncouple the auxiliary handle from the housing. The auxiliary handle further includes a grip operable to move the second clamp in at least one of the first and the second directions, and together the first clamp and the second clamp surround only a portion of a chuck of the power tool.
US08813864B2 Support system for a box blade attached to a tractor
A support system for a box blade attached to a tractor. The support system includes a rear mounted frame supporting a box blade assembly and, optionally a scarifier. The box blade assembly may be pivotable around a substantially horizontal axis extending through the center of the tractor. The support system further includes trailing wheels that are pivotally attached to the frame and selectively laterally displaceable with respect to the horizontal axis.
US08813860B2 Fuel cell system for extinguishing fires
A fire fighting system for extinguishing a fire, which has a fuel cell for producing a nitrogen-enriched cathode exhaust air. The fuel cell is supplied with air and a fuel. Within the fuel cell, the air is then reduced to a determined oxygen content. The exhaust air is supplied to the fire source.
US08813852B2 Wellhead annulus monitoring
A subsea wellhead assembly includes a production casing hanger defining a series of passageways from an annulus between a production casing string and an outer casing to a region that can communicate, for example, by way of an isolation sleeve, with a production tree. The passageways extend to the interior of the casing hanger. A positionally adjustable sleeve fits within the casing hanger and carries exterior seals that are disposed so that for a first position of the adjustable sleeve within the casing hanger, fluid passage through the series of passageways is blocked, and for a second position of the sleeve within the casing hanger, the fluid passage is allowed. The adjustable sleeve can be operated by a simple tool through the production tree.
US08813851B2 Method of connecting a flexible riser to an upper riser assembly
A method is described for connecting a flexible upper riser part to a lower riser part via an upper riser assembly supporting a lower riser termination. The method includes securing a cable linkage to a riser connector at the lower end of the flexible upper riser part. The method includes operating a winching means on the upper riser assembly to wind in the cable linkage and draw the riser connector into a docking position on the upper riser assembly. Then coupling the riser connector to the lower riser termination occurs. A corresponding method of disconnecting the flexible riser part is also described, as well as a method of mounting the winching mechanism on a submerged landing platform.
US08813849B1 Oil well safety valve apparatus and method
An oil well control device automatically shuts in a well responsive to the removal of a work string (or other removable structure—ball retarding structure) from the device. The device is placed in the well as a section of the well casing. The device provides a pair of bores, one that aligns with the well bore or well casing, the other being a branch flow line containing a ball structure that will close the well if the drill pipe or drill string is removed. While conducting normal well activity (e.g. drilling, work over or the like) the ball retarder (e.g. work string) prevents entry of the ball structure into the main flow channel.
US08813844B2 System and method for drilling lateral boreholes
A drilling system for drilling a lateral borehole from a main borehole comprises a tubular conduit through which a fluid can be pumped, and a drilling assembly connected to the tubular conduit so as to receive fluid pumped therethrough. The drilling assembly comprises a power conversion unit, through which the fluid flows and which operates to provide a downhole power output; a drilling unit including a drilling apparatus powered by the output of the power conversion unit and operable to drill a lateral borehole into the formation surrounding the main borehole, and a liner unit for storing one or more liners for installation into the lateral borehole; and an anchor unit operable to anchor the drilling assembly in the main borehole when the drilling unit operates to drill the lateral borehole. A method of drilling a lateral borehole from a main borehole using such a drilling system comprises positioning the drilling assembly in the main borehole at a location of interest using the tubular conveyance; anchoring the drilling assembly in the main borehole using the anchor unit; operating the drilling unit to drill a lateral borehole from the main borehole; retrieving the drilling unit from the lateral borehole; releasing the anchor unit; and moving the drilling assembly to another location.
US08813841B2 Hybrid dump bailer and method of use
A hybrid dump bailer is disclosed herein comprising a bailer tubes for containing a material, such as cement slurry, to be dumped. The hybrid dump bailer comprises a pressure pulse piston that is accelerated by a spring causing a pressure pulse to expel the material to be dumped. The hybrid dump bailer further comprises a collet, a retaining rod, a piston, valve, and a supply of pressurized fluid which is holds the pressure pulse piston in place while the spring is compressed. Once the valve is opened, releasing the pressurized fluid, the retaining rod separates from the collet allowing the pressure pulse piston to accelerate can produce the pressure pulse to dump the material.
US08813839B2 Method of deploying and powering an electrically driven device in a well
A system for installing a powered device in a downhole tube, comprising a power line disposed along a production tube and terminating in a first power connector and an orientation profile disposed in the vicinity of the first power connector. An assembly includes a powered device having a second power connector and an extending orientation capable of radial outward movement from the assembly. The powered device being lowered down the production tube, causing the extending orientation to be urged radially outwards to engage with the orientation profile and orient the device, so that the first power connector and second power connector engage to connect the powered device to the power line in an automatic manner.
US08813836B2 Uni-bore dump line for fracturing manifold
The disclosure provides one or more manifolds having manifold portions primarily of fluid conduit and flow components mounted to the manifold portions, such as valves and fluid fittings. The manifold is formed with a uniform bore, so that the manifold portions are the same size along the flow path of the manifold, and the valves and fluid fittings have a bore the same size of the bore of the manifold portions. The uni-bore manifold creates a less turbulent flow path and allows draining of the manifold through one or more valves coupled to an end of the manifold that otherwise can become restricted or plugged with particles entrained in fluids in the manifold.
US08813835B2 Method and device for the “in-situ” conveying of bitumen or very heavy oil
A method for the “in situ” extraction of bitumen or very heavy oil is provided. An electric/electromagnetic heater to reduce the viscosity of bitumen or very heavy oil with at least two linearly expanded conductors are configured in a horizontal alignment at a predetermined depth of the reservoir. The conductors are connected to each other in an electrically conducting manner inside or outside of the reservoir, and together form a conductor loop, and are connected to an external alternating current generator outside of the reservoir for electric power. The heating of the reservoir is predetermined in a chronologically and/or locally variable manner in accordance with the electric parameters, and may be changed outside of the reservoir for optimizing the feed volume during the conveying of the bitumen. At least one generator is present in the related device, wherein the parameters thereof are variable for the electric power.
US08813834B2 Quick temperature-equlizing heat-dissipating device
A heat-dissipating device includes a hermetic container, a metallic sheet, and two metallic nets. The hermetic container contains a liquid working medium and has an internal top side and an internal bottom side. The metallic sheet is mounted inside the hermetic container, having a plurality of pores running therethrough and a plurality of support pieces protruding outward from its upper and lower surfaces respectively. The two metallic nets are supported by the support pieces to contact against the internal top and bottom sides of the hermetic container.
US08813823B2 Annular clean metal casting mold
An annular clean metal casting mold has a mold body which includes a cold bottom mold plate and a peripheral cold mold plate in connection with the cold bottom mold plate. An annular hot preservation layer is disposed inside the peripheral cold mold plate. A cyclic clean crystalline region is formed between the peripheral cold mold plate and the annular hot preservation layer. A sacrificial crystalline region is formed inside the cyclic hot preservation layer. As the outer race of the annular clean crystallization zone contacts large area of the peripheral low cold mold plate, releasing heat rapidly, while the inner race contacts the annular hot preservation layer 3, heat dissipation is extremely slow, naturally result in forming orientational crystallization. The vast majority of impurities and segregations in the liquid metal are gathered at the portion contacting with the annular hot preservation layer, and thus after the liquid metal is solidified, the gathered impurities and segregations can be removed easily, to obtain a clean casting ingot.
US08813817B2 Cold chamber die casting of amorphous alloys using cold crucible induction melting techniques
Various embodiments provide systems and methods for casting amorphous alloys. Exemplary casting system may include an insertable and rotatable vessel configured in a non-movable induction heating structure for melting amorphous alloys to form molten materials in the vessel. While the molten materials remain heated, the vessel may be rotated to pour the molten materials into a casting device for casting them into articles.
US08813814B2 Optimized multi-stage inductive melting of amorphous alloys
Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: heating at least a portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures slightly below a solidus temperature of the BMG, wherein the portion remains a solid at the temperatures slightly below the solidus temperature and wherein a temperature distribution of the portion is essentially uniform; heating the portion of the BMG feedstock to temperatures above a liquidus point.
US08813813B2 Continuous amorphous feedstock skull melting
Described herein is a method of melting a bulk metallic glass (BMG) feedstock, comprising: feeding the BMG feedstock into a crucible; melting a first portion of the BMG feedstock to form molten BMG, while maintaining a second portion of the BMG feedstock solid; wherein the second portion and the crucible hold the molten BMG.
US08813809B2 Electrical heating window curtains
An electrically heated window curtain of fire resistant material to heat up the draft flow of cold air that leaks through single pane glass windows with low voltage heating wires embedded in the fire resistant material, a power source, a thermostat, a battery pack, and a charger. Also included is a curtain rod and gripping strips on the curtain to hold the curtain in a rolled up position when not in use.
US08813808B2 Track for an adjustable blind assembly
A track for an adjustable blind assembly comprises a base and a slot. The base comprises a flange portion and a brace portion, the flange portion extends from the base and is securable to a spaced window pane by a window frame. The slot extends from the base and comprises a channel for a sliding adjuster. The slot comprises a side wall and a back wall extending from the base, a top wall connected to the side wall and the back wall, and a protrusion extending from the top wall, wherein the side wall, the back wall, and at least a portion of the top wall collectively define a hollow tubular cavity. The protrusion, the side wall and a portion of the base define the channel. The channel is open in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
US08813807B1 Window shade lifting apparatus
A window shade lifting apparatus that includes a tube disposed vertically on the window shade; a lifting cord disposed in the compression tube; a ladder structure including a vertical leg and a plurality of rungs, the ladder structure being connected to the tube; and connection rings, each connection ring connecting the ladder structure to the window shade.
US08813804B2 Tire for heavy goods vehicle having a reinforced bead
Tire (10) for a heavy goods vehicle comprising a radial carcass reinforcement (60) anchored in each of the beads (50) to an anchoring structure (700), comprising a circumferential reinforcement (70), the carcass reinforcement (60) being partially wrapped around the anchoring structure (700), the tire (10) also comprising a coupling reinforcement (150) comprising a first part (151) in contact with the carcass reinforcement (60) and being extended by a second part (152) in contact with the anchoring structure (700) as far as a point (157) radially on the outside of the anchoring structure (700), located axially between the axially innermost point (702) and the axially outermost point (704) of the anchoring structure (700), the tire (10) also comprising a stiffening reinforcement (160) surrounding the coupling reinforcement (150) and running radially on the inside of the anchoring structure (700) and of the coupling reinforcement (150), wherein the axially outside end point (166) of said stiffening reinforcement (160) is located at a radial distance DR from the radially innermost point (73) of the circumferential reinforcement (70), the radial distance DR being greater than or equal to 0.2 times and less than or equal to 0.6 times the distance DC between the radially outermost and radially innermost points (62, 63) of the carcass reinforcement, and wherein, radially on the outside of the anchoring structure (700), the minimum distance DT between the axially external portion (162) of the stiffening reinforcement (160) and the carcass reinforcement (60) is greater than or equal to 2 mm.
US08813799B2 Heavy duty radial tire
A heavy duty radial tire comprises a tread portion divided into four or five circumferential ribs and a tread reinforcing belt including a maximum width belt ply. The width Bw of the maximum width belt ply is 0.90 to 0.98 times the tread width Tw. The contour shape of the tire footprint has a ground contacting length CB at a 70% width position and a ground contacting length CC at a 97% width position, wherein the ratio CB/CC is 1.00 to 1.06. In a tread edge near region J, (1) the axially outermost shoulder rib is provided with no circumferential groove having a width of less than 5 mm, and a ratio Rs/Rc of an axial width Rs of the shoulder rib to an axial width Rc of a center rib is 1.25 to 1.45, or (2) the shoulder rib is provided with a narrow circumferential groove having a width of less than 5 mm to divide the shoulder rib into an axially inner main portion and an axially outer narrow portion, and a ratio Rs1/Rc of an axial width Rs1 of the axially inner main portion to an axial width Rc of a center rib is 1.25 to 1.45.
US08813798B2 Rubber composition for tire, and pneumatic tire
A rubber composition for a tire, and a pneumatic tire are provided in which the fuel economy, abrasion resistance, and deterioration resistance can be improved in a good balance. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for a tire, containing a rubber component that contains: a modified natural rubber having a phosphorus content of not more than 200 ppm; and butadiene rubber, wherein 60 to 95% by mass of the modified natural rubber and 5 to 40% by mass of the butadiene rubber are contained based on 100% by mass of the rubber component.
US08813796B2 Reusable adjustable gift wrap
A reusable gift wrap and a method of wrapping a gift comprising a sheet of material and a fastener. The sheet has a plurality of corners. The fastener comprises a body fabricated from a resilient material and is attached near one of the corners. A plurality of coterminous radially extending slits are formed in a face of the body and define the edges of a plurality of pivotable flaps and an opening for receiving the other corners of the sheet. The flaps comprises a living hinge which permit each of the flaps to pivot. The flaps increase in thickness from the living hinge to the edge of the flap. The three flaps simulate the appearance of a cuboidal gift box.