| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08821996B2 |
Substrate fluorescent non-overlapping dot patterns for embedding information in printed documents
The teachings as provided herein relate to a watermark embedded in an image that has the property of being relatively indecipherable under normal light, and yet decipherable under UV light. This fluorescent mark comprises a substrate containing optical brightening agents, and a first dot design printed as an image upon the substrate. The first dot design has as a characteristic the property of strongly suppressing substrate fluorescence. A second dot design having a property of providing a differing level of substrate fluorescence suppression from that of the first dot design such that when rendered in close spatial proximity with the first dot design image print, the resultant image rendered substrate suitably exposed to an ultra-violet light source, will yield a discernable image evident as a fluorescent mark. |
| US08821995B2 |
Fiber, tapes, monofilaments based on ethylene copolymers with alfa-olefins
Fibers, tapes, monofilaments including copolymers of ethylene and α-olefins which exhibit improved tensile properties expressed as a balance between tenacity and elongation at break. The copolymers may be prepared by use of metallocene catalyst systems in particular by use of monocyclopenadienyl catalyst systems. The fibers, tapes, monofilaments of the invention are particularly suitable for end-use applications including artificial grass, woven and nonwoven fabrics, cordages, ropes, netting and flexible intermediate bulk containers. |
| US08821987B2 |
Combinatorial processing using a remote plasma source
Methods and apparatus for processing using a remote plasma source are disclosed. The apparatus includes an outer chamber, a remote plasma source, and a showerhead. Inert gas ports within the showerhead assembly can be used to alter the concentration and energy of reactive radical or reactive neutral species generated by the remote plasma source in different regions of the showerhead. This allows the showerhead to be used to apply a surface treatment to different regions of the surface of a substrate. Varying parameters such as the remote plasma parameters, the inert gas flows, pressure, and the like allow different regions of the substrate to be treated in a combinatorial manner. |
| US08821979B2 |
In-line printing process on wet non-woven fabric and products thereof
A process for manufacturing a non-woven fabric having on its surface distributed elements having a physical dimension, comprises screen printing on wet fabric a desired shape using a paste that expands under heating by virtue of a puffing agent contained therein. |
| US08821976B2 |
Method for elaborating carbon nanotubes on a substrate
A method for elaborating carbon nanotubes on a substrate is provided. The method may comprise a step for growing on the substrate the nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition by having a stream comprising a carbon source, a precursor source of an oxide compound and, optionally a catalyst source, pass over the substrate. |
| US08821973B2 |
Method of forming Fe3-xCrxO4 (O Both ends of a circulation pipe of a film formation apparatus are connected to a piping of a BWR plant. A chemical including chromium ions and formic acid is injected into a film formation solution flowing in the circulation pipe heated to a temperature within a range from 60° C. to 100° C. Furthermore, a chemical including iron (II) ions and formic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrazine are injected into the circulation pipe. Due to the injection of these chemicals, a film formation solution of pH 7.0 including iron (II) ions, chromium ions, formic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrazine is generated in the circulation pipe. This film formation solution includes hydrazine of, for example, 1000 ppm. The film formation solution is supplied to the piping, thus, a Fe3—xCrxO4 film (here, 0 |
| US08821971B2 |
Use of polyolefins having atactic structural elements in floor coverings
The present invention relates to the use of polyolefins having atactic structural elements in floor coverings, in particular in carpets or artificial lawns. |
| US08821970B2 |
Slip agent for protecting glass
This disclosure features use of a paper or polymer film that includes a slip agent that can transfer to its surfaces. Once the paper or film is pressed against a glass sheet, this will leave a thin surface roughness of slip agent that can prevent or reduce glass surface scratches from other surfaces or particles during shipping or finishing (e.g., cutting to size, conveyance of glass), thereby improving the yield of glass shipments between glass forming plants and customers. The thin discontinuous layer of slip agent remaining on the glass surface can be washed off easily in subsequent washing processes. The paper or film can have the slip agent imbibed within the paper or coated on it as a surface member. |
| US08821969B2 |
Method for making modified current collector of lithium ion battery
A method for making a modified current collector of a lithium ion battery is provided. In the method, the modifier and a metal plate are provided. The modifier is a mixture of a phosphorus source having a phosphate radical, a trivalent aluminum source, and a metallic oxide provided in a liquid phase solvent. The modifier is coated on a surface of the metal plate to form a coating layer. The coated metal plate is heat treated to transform the coating layer into a protective film formed on the surface of the metal plate. |
| US08821968B2 |
Process for making layer-structured catalysts at the electrode/electrolyte interface of a fuel cell
A method of fabricating a layer-structured catalysts at the electrode/electrolyte interface of a fuel cell is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, depositing an electrolyte layer on the substrate, depositing a catalyst bonding layer to the electrolyte layer, depositing a catalyst layer to the catalyst bonding layer, and depositing a microstructure stabilizing layer to the catalyst layer, where the bonding layer improves adhesion of the catalyst onto the electrolyte. The catalyst and a current collector is a porous catalyst and a fully dense current collector, or a fully dense catalyst and a fully dense current collector structure layer. A nano-island catalyst and current collector structure layer is deposited over the catalyst and current collector or over the bonding layer, which is deposited over the electrolyte layer. The fuel cell can be hydrogen-fueled solid oxide, solid oxide with hydrocarbons, solid sensor, solid acid, polymer electrolyte or direct methanol. |
| US08821965B2 |
Accurate deposition of nano-objects on a surface
The invention notably concerns a method for depositing nano-objects on a surface. The method includes: providing a substrate with surface patterns on one face thereof; providing a transfer layer on said face of the substrate; functionalizing areas on a surface of the transfer layer parallel to said face of the substrate, at locations defined with respect to said surface patterns, such as to exhibit enhanced binding interactions with nano-objects; depositing nano-objects and letting them get captured at the functionalized areas; and thinning down the transfer layer by energetic stimulation to decompose the polymer into evaporating units, until the nano-objects reach the surface of the substrate. The invention also provides a semiconductor device which includes a substrate and nano-objects accurately disposed on the substrate |
| US08821963B2 |
Deposition method and method for manufacturing light-emitting device
A first substrate which includes a reflective layer having an opening, a light-absorbing layer, and a material layer formed in contact with the light-absorbing layer over one of surfaces is provided; the surface of the first substrate over which the material layer is formed and a deposition target surface of the second substrate are disposed to face each other; and irradiation with laser light whose repetition rate is greater than or equal to 10 MHz and pulse width is greater than or equal to 100 fs and less than or equal to 10 ns is performed from the other surface side of the first substrate to selectively heat a part of the material layer at a position overlapping with the opening of the reflective layer and deposit the part of the material layer over the deposition target surface of the second substrate. |
| US08821962B2 |
Method of forming dielectric layer with a dielectric composition
An electronic device, such as a thin-film transistor, includes a substrate and a dielectric layer formed from a dielectric composition. The dielectric composition comprises a dielectric material and a low surface tension additive. The low surface tension additive allows for the formation of a thin, smooth dielectric layer with fewer pinholes and enhanced device yield. In particular embodiments, the dielectric material comprises a lower-k dielectric material and a higher-k dielectric material. When deposited, the lower-k dielectric material and the higher-k dielectric material form separate phases. |
| US08821961B2 |
MgO-based coating for electrically insulating semiconductive substrates and production method thereof
The present invention relates to a magnesium oxide-based (MgO) inorganic coating intended to electrically insulate semiconductive substrates such as silicon carbide (SiC), and to a method for producing such an insulating coating. The method of the invention comprises the steps of preparing a treatment solution of at least one hydrolysable organomagnesium compound and/or of at least one hydrolysable magnesium salt, capable of forming a homogeneous polymer layer of magnesium oxyhydroxide by hydrolysis/condensation reaction with water; depositing the treatment solution of the hydrolysable organomagnesium compound or of the hydrolysable magnesium salt, onto a surface to form a magnesium oxide-based layer; and densifying the layer formed at a temperature of less than or equal to 1000° C. |
| US08821955B2 |
Protein concentrates and isolates, and processes for the production thereof
Protein concentrates and protein isolates, in addition to processes for the production of protein concentrates and protein isolates, are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure relates to the removal of fiber from an oilseed meal using low g-force centrifugation. |
| US08821952B2 |
Stabilized acidified milk products
Embodiments of the present application relate to mildly acidic milk drinks and methods for preparation of mildly acidic milk drinks having a pH between about 4.7 and about 5.4. The acidic milk drinks generally include a milk product and a low ester pectin (LM-pectin). The milk product may be present in an amount sufficient to provide milk solids non-fats (MSNF) content in an amount of less than or equal to about 8.5% by weight of the acidified milk drink. The LM-pectin may have a degree of esterification (DE) in the range of about 25% to about 45% and a degree of amidation in the range of about 10% to about 20%. |
| US08821951B2 |
Method of sintering a composition
The present invention relates to a method of sintering at least two powdered compounds with different water activities and glass transition temperatures keeping the total water content constant. The method allows sintering of two materials in a closed environment wherein the structure of one material is kept intact. |
| US08821945B2 |
Method for transdermal iontophoretic delivery of chelated agents
Embodiments provide devices, systems and methods for the transdermal delivery of chelated compounds. One embodiment provides a method for the iontophoretic transdermal delivery of a chelated iron complex for the treatment of anemia. A first patch comprising an active electrode and a chelated iron complex is applied to the skin; a second patch containing an electrode is also applied. An electrical current is then delivered to the skin from the active electrode. The chelated complex is transported across the skin via electromotive force from the current, with the iron being substantially chromogenically unreactive with the skin during transport so that there is little or no tattooing of the skin due to the formation of insoluble oxidative products. The complex is then dissociated by phagocytosis or related process to release the iron where it may be bound by transferrin or ferritin and carried to other sites for storage or metabolic use. |
| US08821935B2 |
Microcapsules with modified release of active principles with low solubility for oral delivery
The present invention is directed to microcapsules for reliably modified release and adapted to industrial reproduction of an active principle hardly water-soluble, other than anti-hyperglycemia agents. Each of said microcapsules comprises a core of hardly soluble active principle and a coating film applied on the core. Their mean diameter is less than 1000 microns. The coating film contains a film-forming polymer (PI) insoluble in gastrointestinal tract fluids, a water-soluble polymer (P2), a plasticizer (PL), and optionally a lubricating surfactant (TA). Said coating film represents at least 4% p/p of dry matter of their total weight, and its components P1, P2, PL satisfy the following characteristics: dry weight mass fraction of PI relative to the total coating weight ranging between 40 and 90%; dry matter weight fraction of PL/P1+P2 ranging between 15 and 60%; dry matter weight fraction of PL/P1+P2 ranging between 1 and 30%. The present invention is also directed to the uses of said microcapsules in galenic formulation. |
| US08821931B2 |
Micro-particles containing a 3-D polymeric structure
Micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure of cells are provided. Also provided is a method of producing micro-sized particles having a polymeric structure comprising: (1) forming a homogenous solution by heating a mixture of a high molecular weight polymer and a low molecular weight material, wherein said low molecular weight material makes up at least about 50% by weight of the homogenous solution, (2) forming a dispersed solution by dispersing the homogenous solution formed in step (1) into an inert material, (3) cooling the dispersed solution to cause the high molecular weight polymer to phase separate from the low molecular weight material, (4) forming solid particles comprised of said low molecular weight material trapped inside a structure of cells of said high molecular weight polymer, and (5) removing the solid particles from the dispersed solution. |
| US08821923B2 |
Using bucky paper as a therapeutic aid in medical applications
Methods, systems, and uses of bucky paper are provided in the present invention. These embodiments include covering medical implants with single or multiple layers of bucky paper, treating bucky paper with various therapeutics to be released through the bucky paper to a target site, shaping bucky paper into non-conventional configurations for improved therapeutic deliver, and using bucky paper alone or in conjunction with other materials to treat a target site. |
| US08821911B2 |
Coating and coating method
The present invention discloses a coating for a medical implant, wherein at least a part of said coating contains an osseointegration agent and the same and/or a different part of the coating contains an antimicrobial metal agent. |
| US08821910B2 |
Alkylaminoalkyl oligomers as broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent
The present application relates to oligomeric antimicrobial compounds and compositions comprising the same. The oligomers are formed by polymerizing aminoalkyl(meth)acrylate or aminoalkyl(meth)acrylamide monomer(s). In addition to imparting materials with broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, the oligomers can impart antimicrobial activity to substrates such as hair and skin. |
| US08821909B2 |
Methods for treating a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant
Methods of treating a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant are provided. Embodiments of the subject methods include identifying a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant and applying an assimilable carbon-skeleton energy component-comprising composition to the identified plant. Embodiments of the subject compositions may include one or more of a macronutrient component, micronutrient component, vitamin/cofactor component, complexing agent and microbe. Kits for use in practicing the subject invention are also provided. The subject methods find use in a variety of different applications in which a plant is phytotoxic or at least in danger of becoming phytotoxic due to exposure or potential exposure to a phytotoxicant. |
| US08821908B2 |
Mold-resistant construction materials
Mold-resistant construction materials distinguished by the presence therein of an azole alone or in combination with a sporulation inhibitor and/or with a substance which is antiadhesive with respect to microorganisms. |
| US08821907B2 |
Biocidal N-halamine epoxides
N-halaminehydantoinyl epoxide compounds which can be used for the construction of coatings and materials which can be rendered biocidal by exposure to halogen solutions either before or after curing the coating or material are disclosed. The biocidal coatings and materials can then be used to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, as well as virus particles, which can cause infectious diseases, and those microorganisms which cause noxious odors and unpleasant coloring such as mildew. The coatings are compatible with a variety of substrates including, but not limited to, cellulose, chitin, chitosan, synthetic fibers, cement grout, latex caulk, acrylic films, polyurethanes, plastics and paints. |
| US08821906B2 |
Biocompatible polymer
The present disclosure relates to a biocompatible polymer composition for an article comprising a surface intended to contact blood, tissue, skin, epithelial layers, wounds, cells in culture fluids, body fluids, dialysis fluids, therapeutic fluids, or mixtures thereof for removal or infusion. The invention also relates to a method for the preparation of an article comprising the biocompatible polymer composition and a use thereof. |
| US08821905B2 |
Oil-in-water emulsified composition
The present invention provides an oil-in-water emulsified composition comprising the following ingredients (A)-(G) characterized by miniaturization of the emulsified particles by means of high pressure emulsification: (A) salt type drug (B) hydrophilic nonionic surfactant (C) N-long chain acyl acidic amino acid mono salt (D) two or more types of higher fatty acids and alkali that constitutes higher fatty acid soap (E) higher alcohol (F) oil component (G) water. The object of the present invention is to provide an oil-in-water emulsified composition prepared by miniaturizing emulsified particles by means of a high pressure emulsification method, said composition being superior in terms of emulsification stability such that electrolyte salt type drugs can be stably blended in. |
| US08821904B2 |
Topical composition and use thereof for the prophylaxis and the treatment of defects connected to inflammatory dermopathies
A topical composition and its use for the prophylaxis and the treatment of defects connected to inflammatory dermopathies. Particularly, a topical composition including at least an alum, 18-β-glycyrrhetic acid and/or one derivative thereof, and vitamin A and/or one derivative thereof, and the use of such composition for the prophylaxis and the treatment of inflammatory dermopathies, preferably of the seborrhoeic dermatitis and of those affections in which the presence of an excess of sebum occurs. |
| US08821901B2 |
Method of preparing polymeric adhesive compositions utilizing the mechanism of interaction between the polymer components
A method of selecting components for use in water-absorbing pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions is provided. The method involves selecting a film-forming polymer, a ladder-like non-covalent crosslinker that is capable of forming a ladder-like interpolymer complex with the film-forming polymer selected, and selecting a carcass-like non-covalent crosslinker that is capable of forming a carcass-like complex with at least one of the film-forming polymer selected or the ladder-like non-covalent crosslinker selected. The adhesive hydrogels provide high adhesion in a swollen state and bridge the gap between conventional pressure sensitive adhesives and bioadhesives. Methods for preparing and using the resulting compositions are also disclosed. |
| US08821899B2 |
Method and process for the production of multi-coated recognitive and releasing systems
The present invention includes compositions, methods, systems for the controlled delivery of an active agent within a polymeric network upon the binding of a molecule that decreases the structural integrity of the polymeric network at one or more micro- or nanovacuoles. |
| US08821894B2 |
Compositions and methods related to protein A (SpA) variants
The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treating or preventing a bacterial infection, particularly infection by a Staphylococcus bacterium. The invention provides methods and compositions for stimulating an immune response against the bacteria. In certain embodiments, the methods and compositions involve a non-toxigenic Protein A (SpA) variant. |
| US08821877B2 |
Methods for inhibiting HIV-1 replication involving the administration of an anti-CCR5 receptor monoclonal antibody and small molecule CCR5 receptor antagonist
This method provides a method for reducing HIV-1 viral load in an HIV-1-infected human subject which comprises administering to the subject at a predefined interval effective HIV-1 viral load-reducing doses of (a) a humanized antibody designated PRO 140, or of (b) an anti-CCR5 receptor monoclonal antibody. This invention also provides a method for inhibiting in a human subject the onset or progression of an HIV-1-associated disorder, the inhibition of which is effected by inhibiting fusion of HIV-1 to CCR5+CD4+ target cells in the subject. This invention also provides a method for treating a subject infected with HIV-1 comprising administering to the subject (a) a monoclonal antibody which (i) binds to a CCR5 receptor on the surface of the subject's CD4+ cells and (ii) inhibits fusion of HIV-1 to the subject's CCR5+CD4+ cells, and (b) a non-antibody CCR5 receptor antagonist, in amounts effective to treat the subject. |
| US08821872B2 |
Identification and characterization of a specific CCK-C receptor antibody for human pancreatic cancer and its use for early detection and staging of pancreatic cancer
Human pancreatic cancer cells possess a distinct plasma membrane CCK receptor variant that can be differentiated from the classic CCK-B receptor with selective monoclonal antibodies. Use of this receptor may be helpful in early detection or treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer. |
| US08821871B2 |
Anticoagulant antidotes comprising antibodies that bind dabigatran and/or related compounds and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to antibody molecules against anticoagulants, in particular dabigatran, and their use as antidotes of such anticoagulants. |
| US08821866B2 |
Methods of treating and preventing colitis involving IL-13 and NK-T cells
Method of treating or preventing the inflammatory response of colitis in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a substance that modulates IL-13 activity (FIG. 3). The invention also provides a method of treating or preventing the inflammatory response of colitis in a subject comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a substance that modulates NK-T cell activity. The invention also provides for the screening of substances that treat or prevent the inflammatory response of colitis. |
| US08821865B2 |
High concentration anti-TNFα antibody liquid formulations
The invention provides a liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising a human anti-TNFa antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, which reduces pain associated with injection in a subject by at least about 50% when compared to injecting an otherwise identical formulation comprising at least one salt and/or at least one buffer. The invention also provides a liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising a human anti-TNFa antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, having increased bioavailability upon subcutaneous administration into a subject. The formulation may comprise a therapeutic protein, such as a human anti-TNF-alpha antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, or a biosimilar thereof. |
| US08821861B2 |
Fibrin sealant
A fibrin sealant, comprises (a) thrombin, (b) fibrinogen, (c) polyP, and (d) calcium. The thrombin and the fibrinogen are separated prior to application. |
| US08821857B2 |
Human placental collagen compositions and methods of making and using the same
The present invention provides compositions comprising human placental telopeptide collagen, methods of preparing the compositions, methods of their use and kits comprising the compositions. The compositions, kits and methods are useful, for example, for augmenting or replacing tissue of a mammal. |
| US08821856B2 |
Method of targeted gene delivery using viral vectors
Methods and compositions are provided for delivering a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest to a target cell using a virus. The virus envelope comprises a cell-specific binding determinant that recognizes and binds to a component on the target cell surface, leading to endocytosis of the virus. A separate fusogenic molecule is also present on the envelope and facilitates delivery of the polynucleotide across the membrane and into the cytosol of the target cell. The methods and related compositions can be used for treating patients having suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV; cancers, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer; and hematological disorders, such as severe combined immunodeficiency. |
| US08821855B2 |
Methods for isolating phage and for controlling microorganism populations with the phage
A lytic virus specific for a target strain of a microorganism and substantially free of undesirable genes may be utilized in processes including control of populations of microorganisms. The virus may include a host-range mutant, or “h-mutant.” A method for generating virus includes growing virus-resistant variants of a target strain of a microorganism in the presence of viruses that are specific for the target strain. Only h-mutant viruses will proliferate. Wild-type virus-resistant and virus-resistant variants of a microorganism are also disclosed, as are methods generating such variants. Methods for controlling target strain microorganisms include introducing virus into a treatment site where control of a population of a target strain microorganism is desired or introducing virus-resistant variants of a microorganism into treatment sites where the presence of the microorganism is desired. |
| US08821854B2 |
Methods for inhibiting microbial infections associated with sanitary products and for enhancing sanitary product degradation
The present invention describes compositions and methods for inhibiting microbial infections associated with the use of sanitary products, such as diapers, bandages, sanitary napkins, tampons, and the like. The present invention comprises providing for use a sanitary product containing an effective amount of a viable, non-pathogenic, lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as Bacillus coagulans, or an extracellular product thereof, useful for inhibiting growth of parasites and pathogens on the epithelial tissue in contact with the sanitary product during use of the product. The present invention also provides for enhancing biodegradation of sanitary products after use and disposal. Also described herein are methods using the product and systems containing the compositions. |
| US08821850B2 |
Protein-polymer-drug conjugates
A drug conjugate is provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -LD-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by LP. Each occurrence of D is independently a therapeutic agent having a molecular weight ≦5 kDa. LD and LP are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions. |
| US08821848B1 |
Ferrate and povidone iodine (PI) composition
A composition and method useful in promoting hemostasis, absorbing ooze, and being antimicrobial with respect to an open wound. The composition broadly includes an antimicrobial agent, preferably povidone iodine, preferably a ferrate compound, and a cation ion exchange resin. This composition will destroy a biofilm which has formed over the open wound in providing a soluble iron compound, a cation chelation compound, and an active antimicrobial compound effective against planktonic microorganisms and biofilms. The antimicrobial agent is locked or sealed within the scab formed over the wound to maintain long-term positioning and anti-dilution of the antimicrobial over the wound. |
| US08821846B2 |
Method for lengthening keratin fibers
There is a method for lengthening keratin fibers. The method has the steps of a) applying to the keratin fibers a composition having a solvent and one or more polymers soluble or solubilizable in the solvent b) allowing the solvent to evaporate. The composition is applied in an amount sufficient to lengthen the keratin fibers. There are also other methods for lengthening keratin fibers. There is also a mascara composition. |
| US08821845B2 |
Concentrated ingredient for treating and/or modifying surfaces, and use thereof in cosmetic compositions
The present invention relates to a concentrated ingredient for treating and/or modifying surfaces, especially for treating and/or modifying the skin and/or the hair. The invention also relates to the use of this ingredient in cosmetic compositions, for example in shampoos, shower gels or leave-in or rinse-out hair conditioners. The ingredient comprises a conditioning agent and a polymer for aiding deposition. |
| US08821842B2 |
Isoalkane mixture, its preparation and use
The present invention relates to an isoalkane mixture, to a method for its preparation and to cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions which comprise such a mixture. |
| US08821841B2 |
Copolymers for cosmetic applications
The present invention relates to aqueous skin or hair cosmetic preparations which comprise at least one polymer A which comprises, in copolymerized form, at least one ester of (meth)acrylic acid, at least one olefinically unsaturated, free-radically polymerizable anionogenic or anionic compound, at least one free-radically polymerizable olefinically unsaturated urethane-group-containing compound which comprises no silicone groups and, if appropriate, further free-radically polymerizable compounds. |
| US08821840B2 |
Bleaching composition
The present invention relates to bleaching composition for keratin fibers, especially human hair, comprising at least one compound with bleaching and/or highlighting effect and a quaternized hydroxyethyl cellulose polymer with cationic substitution of trimethyl ammonium and dimethyldoceyl ammonium. |
| US08821834B2 |
Hydrogen generator with aerogel catalyst
The present invention concerns a hydrogen gas-generating apparatus (10) comprising (1) a reservoir (100) comprising an aqueous component (110), (2) a fuel compartment (200) comprising a solid metal borohydride fuel component (210), and (3) a reaction chamber (300) comprising an aerogel catalyst (310). A first fluid path introduces the aqueous component into the fuel compartment where the solid metal borohydride fuel component is dissolved into a liquid metal borohydride fuel component (210′). A second fluid path introduces the liquid metal borohydride fuel component into the reaction chamber to produce a hydrogen gas by means of a hydride-water oxidation reaction that is accelerated by the aerogel catalyst. The temperature and/or pressure of the reaction chamber are predetermined to maintain the water in the borate byproduct to be substantially in the liquid phase to minimize the precipitation of the borate byproduct. |
| US08821825B2 |
Methods for producing silane
Methods and systems for producing silane that use electrolysis to regenerate reactive components therein are disclosed. The methods and systems may be substantially closed-loop with respect to halogen, an alkali or alkaline earth metal and/or hydrogen. |
| US08821824B2 |
Process for the detritiation of soft housekeeping waste and plant thereof
A process for removal of tritium from materials that are contaminated thereby envisages the use of a detritiation reactor RT, in which the reaction for the removal of tritium from the waste takes place, the waste being recovered by a flow of moist inert gas in which an extremely low percentage of humidity is used. The heated waste releases a current of tritiated gases, the current of gases being removed from the reactor via the moist inert gas, which conveys it into a membrane reactor RM for decontamination. The membrane reactor, in fact, is able to remove selectively the tritium present in the mixture of gases: there is thus the dual advantage of purifying the mixture of gases and of recovering the tritium contained therein. |
| US08821823B2 |
Dry sorbent injection during non-steady state conditions in dry scrubber
Methods of reducing emissions levels during upset periods such as startup are disclosed for use with a dry scrubber desulfurization system. A dry calcium hydroxide powder is injected into the gas flowpath and hydrated in the spray dryer absorber. The resulting hydrated powder is then deposited on the filter bags in the baghouse. This can be done at lower temperatures than the spray dryer absorber would otherwise be operable, enabling desulfurization to occur earlier in the combustion process, such as during startup of a cold combustion system at ambient temperature. The operation of the combustion system can also be backed up, made up, trimmed, or augmented depending on various operating scenarios. |
| US08821812B2 |
Method and means for creating fluid transport
An absorbing zone for establishing and/or maintaining fluid transport through or along at least one fluid passage is manufactured on the basis of a non-porous substrate having a surface, the non-porous substrate having projections substantially perpendicular to the surface, and the projections having a height, diameter and a distance or distances between the projections such, that lateral capillary flow of the fluid in the zone is achieved. |
| US08821809B2 |
Test strip reader for detecting bioreaction changes
A test strip reader for reading a test result of a test strip plate or cassette is provided. The test strip plate or cassette includes a test strip and is configured for generating a control line or a test line in the test strip according to the test result. The test strip plate or cassette reader includes a light source, a driver configured for driving the light source to emit light to a section of the test strip corresponding to the control line or the test line, a photo detector configured for receiving light reflected from the section and generating a detecting signal corresponding to the test result, a signal processor configured for processing the detecting signal to obtain the test result and generating a corresponding result signal, and a display configured to display the test result based upon the result signal. |
| US08821807B2 |
Container and system for decontaminating a medical device with a fog
A pouch for retaining an endoscope during and after a decontamination process includes a first pouch side, a second pouch side attached to the first pouch side to form the pouch that is configured to retain the endoscope, and a port member coupled to the second pouch side. The second pouch side is securable to the first pouch side to seal the endoscope within the pouch. The second pouch side is configured to permit passage of a decontaminating substance. The port member is coupled to the second pouch side and includes an external interface configured to be connected to a device that provides the decontaminating substance for passage through the port member into an interior of the pouch. |
| US08821800B2 |
System and method for catalyst preparation
Techniques are provided for catalyst preparation. A system for catalyst preparation may include an agitator disposed inside a polymerization catalyst tank and configured to mix a polymerization catalyst and a solvent to generate a polymerization catalyst solution. The system may also include a heating system coupled to the polymerization catalyst tank and configured to maintain a temperature of the polymerization catalyst solution above a threshold. The system may also include a precontactor configured to receive feed streams comprising an activator and the polymerization catalyst solution from the polymerization catalyst tank to generate a catalyst complex. The system may also include a transfer line configured to transfer the catalyst complex from an outlet of the precontactor to a reactor. |
| US08821799B2 |
Method and system implementing spatially modulated excitation or emission for particle characterization with enhanced sensitivity
A method and system for using spatially modulated excitation/emission and relative movement between a particle (cell, molecule, aerosol, . . . ) and an excitation/emission pattern are provided. In at least one form, an interference pattern of the excitation light with submicron periodicity perpendicular to the particle flow is used. As the particle moves along the pattern, emission is modulated according to the speed of the particle and the periodicity of the stripe pattern. A single detector, which records the emission over a couple of stripes, can be used. The signal is recorded with a fast detector read-out in order to capture the “blinking” of the particles while they are moving through the excitation pattern. This concept enables light detection with high signal-to-noise ratio and high spatial resolution without the need of expensive and bulky optics. |
| US08821797B2 |
Hydrogen detection system
A hydrogen detection system can include an exposed detection element made of a catalytic metal which burns hydrogen so as to generate combustion heat. A hydrogen sensor can detect a hydrogen concentration based on a detected value of the detection element. A heating unit can heat the detection element. A hydrogen storage unit is included, and a hydrogen guiding pipe can guide the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage unit to the detection element. A flow rate adjusting device is attached to the hydrogen guiding pipe, and adjusts a flow rate of the hydrogen. A first dilution unit can dilute the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage unit with a dilution gas, and a controller can control the heating unit and the flow rate adjusting device. |
| US08821794B2 |
Sensor chip and method of manufacturing the same
A sensor chip (100) for detecting particles, the sensor chip (100) comprising a substrate (102), an electric connection structure (104) arranged in a surface portion of the substrate (102) and adapted for an electric connection to an electric connection element (106), a sensor active region (108) arranged in another surface portion of the substrate (102) and being sensitive to the presence of the particles to be detected, and a continuous dielectric layer (110) covering the substrate (102) including covering the electric connection structure (104) and the sensor active region (108). |
| US08821790B2 |
Diagnostic measuring system
The invention concerns a diagnostic tape unit with a test tape that can be wound onto a spool which comprises a transport tape and a plurality of test elements mounted thereon, where the test elements have an analytical reagent layer, a carrier foil supporting the reagent layer and a piece of adhesive tape connecting the carrier foil with the transport tape, and where the front side of the reagent layer facing away from the carrier foil is designed for the application of a sample substance. According to the invention it is proposed that the test elements in combination with the light transmitting transport tape in each case form an optical multi-layer system for a rear-side reflection-photometric measurement of the reagent layer. |
| US08821788B2 |
Electron beam sterilisation for containers
The method for sterilizing containers, wherein a treatment head is guided into the interior of a container to be sterilized and the treatment head emits radiation in the interior of the container at least intermittently over a predefined time period (dT), wherein the container is moved relative to the treatment head in a longitudinal direction (L) of the container at least intermittently at a relative movement speed (v) over the predefined time period (dT). The relative movement speed (v) of the treatment head located in the interior of the container varies over the predefined time period and is controlled as a function of an internal profile of the container. |
| US08821786B1 |
Method of forming oxide dispersion strengthened alloys
A method of forming an oxide-dispersion strengthened alloy and a method for forming an oxide-alloy powder where the oxide-nanoparticles are evenly distributed throughout the powder. The method is comprised of the steps of forming an oxide-nanoparticles colloid, mixing the oxide-nanoparticles colloid with alloy-microparticles forming an oxide-alloy colloid, drying the oxide-alloy colloid solution to form an oxide-alloy powder, applying pressure to the oxide-alloy powder, and heating the oxide-alloy powder to a sintering temperature. The oxide-nanoparticles are sized to be between 1-10 nanometers in diameter. The ratio of oxide-nanoparticles to alloy-microparticles should be 1-5% by weight. Heating of the oxide-alloy powder can use a spark plasma sintering process. |
| US08821784B2 |
Bottles prepared from compositions of polypropylene and inorganic nucleating agents
This invention discloses bottles and pre-forms prepared by injection-stretch-blow-molding (ISBM) from a composition comprising polypropylene and an inorganic non-sorbitol nucleating agent. |
| US08821781B2 |
Fabricating objects with integral and contoured rear projection
A method for manufacturing a three dimensional (3D) object with a rear projection (RP) surface. The method includes providing a rapid prototyping machine, such as a stereolithography machine, with input material, such as a white photopolymer resin. The method includes providing a digital prototyping file, which defines thin, separately grown layers of a digital representation of the 3D object, to a computer control system. With the computer control system, the rapid prototyping machine is operated to form a 3D object using the input material and the digital prototyping file. As a result, the 3D object includes an RP element, which behaves as an RP substrate or surface. A structural portion of the 3D model has a first thickness and an RP portion has a second thickness that is less than the first thickness such that it is translucent to provide an RP element integrally formed with an adjacent structural element. |
| US08821780B2 |
Method and machine for producing a hollow product
A method and injection machine for producing a hollow product, such as a urisheath, use of the method for producing a urisheath as well as the urisheath. The machine comprises an annular cavity for receiving a silicone material. The material is injected in a cold state via a coldrun nozzle (20) and cured by heat in the cavity. The cavity has a narrow cross-sectional area over a substantial portion of the cavity and the cavity is connected to a venting area (13). The cavity has an annular enlarged portion (18) at the proximal portion of the cavity, arranged adjacent said inlet (24) and a groove (14) at the distal portion of the cavity. The narrow cross-sectional area has a decreasing radial dimension towards the distal portion of the cavity. The surface of the cavity is grit blasted. |
| US08821779B2 |
Method of molding a microneedle
A method of molding a microneedle including providing a mold apparatus having a mold insert having the negative image of at least one microneedle, a compression core, a mold housing configured to allow a reciprocal motion between the mold insert and the compression core. The method includes placing the mold apparatus in a closed position, injecting polymeric material into the closed mold apparatus, compressing the injected polymeric material between the mold insert and the compression core by a reciprocal motion between the compression core and the mold insert, opening the mold, and removing a molded microneedle from the mold. The mold insert has a mold insert height and the molded microneedle has a height that is from about 90% of the mold insert height to about 115% of the mold insert height. |
| US08821778B2 |
Method for encapsulating electrical and/or electronic components in a housing
The invention relates to a method for encapsulating electrical and/or electronic components in a housing, the components being arranged on a printed circuit or a strip conductor in an assembly. Said assembly is positioned in the housing and is encapsulated with a curing, electrically insulating molding compound. The method according to the invention is characterized by encapsulating preferably in a molding chamber at a pressure below atmospheric pressure and by removing the negative pressure after encapsulation and before curing. |
| US08821777B2 |
Foam seat element, mold for the production thereof and method to manufacture the mold
There is disclosed an improved seat element having a seating surface element that incorporates a plurality of peak portions and a plurality of valley portions. Preferably, the plurality of peak portions and the plurality of valley portions is incorporated in an outermost surface of the seating surface element. The term “outermost surface” is intended to include an area of the seating surface element for contact by and/or support of an occupant of the seat element and does not include, for example, grooves or trenches in which there is disposed a component for attachment of a trim cover. A process and a mold for production of such a seat element are also described. |
| US08821773B2 |
Graphene composite electrodes for energy storage devices
Aspects of the invention are directed to a method for forming a graphene composite structure. Initially, an encapsulating film is formed on a substrate. The encapsulating film comprises graphene. Subsequently, a plurality of particles are deposited on the encapsulating film, and then a temporary layer is deposited on the plurality of active particles and the encapsulating film. The substrate is then removed. Lastly, the temporary layer is also removed so as to cause the plurality of particles to form a cluster that is at least partially encapsulated by the encapsulating film. |
| US08821771B2 |
Flame spray pyrolysis method for forming nanoscale lithium metal phosphate powders
A flame spray pyrolysis method for making nanoscale, lithium ion-conductive ceramic powders comprises providing a precursor solution comprising chemical precursors dissolved in an organic solvent, and spraying the precursor solution into an oxidizing flame to form a nanoscale, lithium ion-conductive ceramic powder, wherein a concentration of the chemical precursors in the solvent ranges from 1 to 20 M. The precursor solution can comprise 1-20% excess lithium with respect to a stoichiometric composition of the ceramic powder. Nominal compositions of the nanoscale, ceramic powders are Li1.4Al0.4M1.6(PO4)3 where M is Ti or Ge. |
| US08821765B2 |
Cathode active material for lithium secondary battery
The present invention provides a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery containing therein an open pore having a protrusion which is formed so as to extend from the inner surface of the open pore toward the center of the open pore. Specifically, the protrusion is formed so as to extend toward the center of a virtual circle formed by approximating the shape of a cross section of the open pore to a circular shape. The protrusion is formed of the same material as the remaining portion of the cathode active material. |
| US08821761B2 |
Antistatic agent, antistatic film and articles coated with antistatic film
An antistatic agent, a water-soluble electroconductive polymer, a solvent and a water-soluble polymer. In preferred embodiments, the water-soluble polymer has a polypeptide bond or a specific polyvinyl structure. Also disclosed is an antistatic film incorporating the antistatic agent, an article coated with an antistatic film and a pattern-forming method using the antistatic film. |
| US08821758B2 |
Complex crystal phosphor, light emitting device, surface light source apparatus, display apparatus, and lighting device
A complex crystal phosphor is an inorganic composition containing at least an M element, an Al element, silicon, oxygen, and nitrogen. The inorganic composition has particles having at least two types of crystal phase, and the at least two types of crystal phase include a first crystal phase which is the same as a M2SiO4 crystal and a second crystal phase as a β-sialon crystal. Here, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), and barium (Ba). |
| US08821754B2 |
Additive for preserving the fluidity of fluids containing gas hydrates
The present invention relates to the use of a specific group of alkoxylated and/or acylated non-quaternary nitrogen-containing compounds as anti-agglomerants for gas hydrates.The invention also relates to a method for inhibiting the agglomeration of gas hydrates in a conduit, and compositions comprising the gas hydrate anti-agglomerant, a corrosion inhibitor and/or a paraffin deposition inhibitor. |
| US08821752B2 |
Etching composition and method for fabricating semiconductor device using the same
The present invention provides an etching composition, comprising a silyl phosphate compound, phosphoric acid and deionized water, and a method for fabricating a semiconductor, which includes an etching process employing the etching composition. The etching composition of the invention shows a high etching selectivity for a nitride film with respect to an oxide film. Thus, when the etching composition of the present invention is used to remove a nitride film, the effective field oxide height (EEH) may be easily controlled by controlling the etch rate of the oxide film. In addition, the deterioration in electrical characteristics caused by damage to an oxide film or etching of the oxide film may be prevented, and particle generation may be prevented, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the etching process. |
| US08821750B2 |
Metal polishing slurry and polishing method
The present invention relates to a metal polishing slurry containing abrasive grains, a metal-oxide-dissolving agent, and water, wherein the abrasive grains contain two or more abrasive grain species different from each other in average secondary particle diameter. Using the metal polishing slurry of the present invention, a metal polishing slurry can be obtained which gives a large polishing rate of an interlayer dielectric layer, and is high in the flatness of the polished surface. This metal polishing slurry can provide suitable method for a semiconductor device which is excellent in being made finer and thinner and in dimension precision and in electric characteristics, is high in reliability, and can attain a decrease in costs. |
| US08821746B2 |
Fabrication method of semiconductor device and chemical mechanical polishing apparatus
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes dressing a surface of a polishing pad with a conditioning disk held by an arm while rotating a platen that holds the polishing pad in a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus, wherein the dressing is performed by pressing the conditioning disk to the polishing pad, and rotating the arm around a rotational axis of the arm thereby to move the conditioning disk substantially along a radius direction of the platen between a center part and a circumferential part of the platen, and wherein torque N applied to the arm is measured at plural positions of the conditioning disk along the substantial radius direction during the dressing, and it is determined whether maintenance to the arm is necessary in accordance with an average value |
| US08821736B1 |
Method for making a perpendicular magnetic recording disk with template layer formed of nanoparticles embedded in a polymer material
A method for making a perpendicular magnetic recording disk includes forming a template layer below a Ru or Ru alloy underlayer, with a granular Co alloy recording layer formed on the underlayer. The template layer is formed by depositing a solution of a polymer with a functional end group and nanoparticles, allowing the solution to dry, annealing the polymer layer to thereby form a polymer layer with embedded spaced-apart nanoparticles, and then etching the polymer layer to a depth sufficient to partially expose the nanoparticles so they protrude above the surface of the polymer layer. The protruding nanoparticles serve as controlled nucleation sites for the Ru or Ru alloy atoms. The nanoparticle-to-nanoparticle distances can be controlled during the formation of the template layer. This enables control of the Co alloy grain diameter distribution as well as grain-to-grain distance distribution. |
| US08821735B2 |
Manufacturing method of a glass substrate for a magnetic disk
An object of the invention is to effectively remove particles on the glass substrate surfaces, even in the case wherein abrasive particles having a small particle size is used in the polishing step of the glass substrate and a supersonic treatment is performed at a high frequency at the supersonic cleaning step after the polishing step. In a manufacturing method of a glass substrate for a magnetic disk comprising a polishing step for performing polishing of the glass substrate and a supersonic cleaning step for performing supersonic cleaning of the glass substrate after the polishing step, the polishing step uses abrasive particles having a particle size of 10 nm to 30 nm and a first supersonic cleaning is performed at a frequency of 300 kHz to 1,000 kHz to form secondary particles and then a second supersonic cleaning is performed at a frequency of 30 kHz to 100 kHz in the supersonic cleaning step. |
| US08821734B2 |
Method for purifying oil and apparatus therefor
An oil purifying liquid filter, having an annular ring element receiving space, wherein the ring element has two axial end disks, a cover selectively fastened to a housing to close the receiving space, an inlet that is formed within the housing on a crude side, an outlet that is formed within the housing on a pure side, a first additional opening that is formed within the housing, a second additional opening that is formed within the cover, a first closure that is formed on the first end disk of the filter element in order to close the first additional opening, and a second closure that is formed on the second end disk of the filter element to selectively close the second additional opening. |
| US08821732B2 |
Device for simulated moving bed separation
A device (SMB) for separation by simulated moving bed adsorption comprises a plurality of elementary zones Zi in series operating in a closed loop, each of said zones comprising, between two successive fluid injection or extraction points, a unique bed Li of adsorbant solid with volume VAi and a non-selective free volume Vi, in which the majority of the zones are ordinary elementary zones each having an identical volume VA of the same adsorbant S, and a substantially identical non-selective free volume equal to V;the device also comprises at least one particular elementary zone Z0, termed the particular elementary zone, comprising a non-selective free volume V0 which is greater than V, and a unique bed L0 of adsorbant S0 with volume VA0 which is less than VA, S0 having a volume adsorption capacity C0 which is greater than that, C, of S, such that the overall adsorption capacity C0×VA0 of Z0 is closer to the overall adsorption capacity C×VA of each of the ordinary elementary zones than the overall adsorption capacity of Z0 calculated as if the adsorbant solid of bed L0 of Z0 were not the solid S0 but the solid S. |
| US08821725B2 |
Waste bin
A slurry handling and disposal system is provided for waste slurry and particulates. The system includes a waste bin provided with support structures for retaining a flexible removable filter element with a filter element supported above a floor of the waste bin. The particulate matter component of a volume of the waste slurry and particulates deposited in the filter element is retained in said filter element while the liquid component of the waste slurry and particulates are collected in a base portion of the waste bin. |
| US08821724B2 |
Liquid filter arrangement; components; and, methods
Liquid filter arrangements are described and shown. The arrangements generally include a filter member comprising a shell enclosing a filter cartridge. Unique features for interface between the enclosed filter cartridge and the shell are provided. Also provided are unique features for interaction between the cartridge and a filter head, in use. |
| US08821716B2 |
Desulfurization of hydrocarbons by ionic liquids and preparation of ionic liquids
The present invention relates to an improved desulfurization process using an ionic liquid compound of general formula C+A−, where C+ represents an organic cation such as alkyl-pyridinium, di-alkyl imidazolium and tri-alkyl imidazolium; and A− is an anion of halides of iron (III), such as, for example, FeCl4−. The desulfurization process is also improved when producing the ionic liquid compound by heating the reactants using microwave energy. The ionic liquids can be used to desulfurize hydrocarbon mixtures by a liquid-liquid extraction. |
| US08821714B2 |
Catalyst based on a material with a hierarchical porosity comprising silicon, and a process for hydrocracking/hydroconversion and hydrotreatment of hydrocarbon feeds
The invention describes a catalyst comprising at least one material with a hierarchical porosity comprising silicon and at least one hydrodehydrogenating element from group VIB and/or group VIII of the periodic table of the elements. Said material with a hierarchical porosity comprising silicon is constituted by at least two elementary spherical particles, each of said spherical particles comprising zeolitic nanocrystals having a pore size in the range 0.2 to 2 nm and a matrix based on silicon oxide, which is mesostructured, having a pore size in the range 1.5 to 30 nm and having amorphous walls with a thickness in the range 1 to 30 nm, said elementary spherical particles having a maximum diameter of 100 μm. The matrix based on silicon oxide may contain aluminum. The catalyst also optionally comprises at least one doping element in a controlled quantity selected from phosphorus, boron and silicon, optionally at least one element from group VB of the periodic table of the elements, and optionally an element from group VIIA. The invention also concerns hydrocracking/hydroconversion and hydrotreatment processes employing said catalyst. |
| US08821713B2 |
High shear process for processing naphtha
A method and system for processing naphtha, including a high shear mechanical device. In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a dispersion of gas in a naphtha hydrocarbon liquid in a high shear device prior to introduction in a cracking reactor/furnace. In another instance the system for processing naphtha comprises a high shear device for mechanically shearing hydrocarbons. |
| US08821711B2 |
Process to recycle end of life CDTE modules and manufacturing scrap
A method for recycling of thin film Cadmium Telluride photovoltaic modules at the end of their life, and manufacturing scrap, has been developed. This method allows for minimum glass fine generation, requires little or no acid compared to other methods, and generates a pure cadmium and tellurium product at recoveries in excess of about 80 percent. In addition, the process allows for the recovery of a clean soda-lime plate glass product. |
| US08821709B2 |
System and method for oxidizing organic compounds while reducing carbon dioxide
Methods and systems for electrochemically generating an oxidation product and a reduction product may include one or more operations including, but not limited to: receiving a feed of at least one organic compound into an anolyte region of an electrochemical cell including an anode; at least partially oxidizing the at least one organic compound at the anode to generate at least carbon dioxide; receiving a feed including carbon dioxide into a catholyte region of the electrochemical cell including a cathode; and at least partially reducing carbon dioxide to generate a reduction product at the cathode. |
| US08821706B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing conductive polymer film
A method for producing a conductive polymer film using an apparatus comprising a prism having a working electrode, a light-emitting means, a light probe disposed on both sides of the prism, a container having an electrolytic solution containing a conductive-polymer-forming monomer and a dopant, a counter electrode immersed in the electrolytic solution, a power supply connected to a working electrode and the counter electrode, and a controller connected to the light probe and the power supply means. The method comprises determining an absorption spectrum from light reflected by the conductive polymer film, storing the relation between the absorbance of the conductive polymer film obtained from the absorption spectrum and a parameter of the conductive polymer film in the controller, and controlling current supply to the electrodes based on the relation of the absorbance and the parameter to obtain a desired parameter. |
| US08821705B2 |
Digital microfluidics system with disposable cartridges
A digital microfluidics system manipulates samples in liquid droplets within disposable cartridges and has disposable cartridges each with a bottom layer, a top layer and a gap therebetween. A base unit with cartridge accommodation sites and at least one electrode array with electrodes works with a cover plate at the sites and a control unit for controlling selection of the electrodes and for providing them with voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the cartridges by electrowetting. The cover plate has an electrically conductive material that extends parallel to the array. A selection of disposable cartridges and a method for manipulating samples in liquid droplets that adhere to a hydrophobic surface can be used with the system. |
| US08821704B2 |
Control of chemical reactions using isotachophoresis
Isotachophoresis (ITP) is exploited to control various aspects of chemical reactions. In a first aspect, at least one of the reactants of a chemical reaction is confined to an ITP zone, but the resulting product of the chemical reaction is separated from this ITP zone by the ITP process. In a second aspect, one or more reactants of a chemical reaction are confined to an ITP zone, and one or more other reactants of the chemical reaction are not confined to this ITP zone. In a third aspect, ITP is employed to confine at least one reactant of a chemical reaction to an ITP zone, and at least one reactant of the chemical reaction is delivered to the ITP zone in two or more discrete doses. These aspects are especially relevant to performing polymerase chain reactions using chemical denaturants as opposed to thermal cycling. |
| US08821703B2 |
System and method for automated bioparticle recognition
The invention relates to a method for identifying the source of shed bioparticles and an apparatus that implements the method. The method involves collecting a sample of bioparticles from the environment, selecting from that sample the bioparticles most effective in identifying their source, and gathering data from those bioparticles to form bioparticle signatures. The bioparticle signatures are then processed into a multi-dimensional vector which is then compared to the multi-dimensional vector derived from a standard using a pattern recognition strategy that identifies the source. The apparatus has a particle collection device to collect the sample, a transfer device that selects information-rich bioparticles and a detector that restricts the movement of the information-rich bioparticles. The restricted movement is then translated into a bioparticle signature. |
| US08821702B2 |
Devices and methods for electroosmotic transport of non-polar solvents
A microdevice for supporting a flowing nonpolar fluid is disclosed. The microdevice includes a substrate that is at least partially coated by one or more amphiphilic layers. Methods for using the device in biological and chemical assays are also disclosed. |
| US08821694B2 |
Method and device for the positioning of operating units of a coal filling cart at the filling openings of a coke oven
The invention relates to a method of positioning service equipment of a coal-charging larry cart at charging ports of a coke oven, wherein a rail-guided larry cart is moved on the roof of a coke oven and is positioned at locations known by a machine control system and corresponding to charging ports in the oven roof in order to charge the oven chambers, and wherein then at least one piece of service equipment of the coal-charging larry cart is guided to the charging ports by horizontal biaxial positioning movements. According to the invention, an optical measurement method is used after each positioning of the larry cart to detect the coordinates of at least one marking that is applied to the oven roof and that has a fixed relationship with the center axis of a charging port within a measurement field that is predefined by the measurement method and to compare them with reference values that are stored in the machine control system for the marking. The deviations between the measured coordinates and the coordinates stored in the machine control system are determined for both axial directions. Differential values are then taken into account as correction values during the positioning movement of the piece of service equipment. The subject matter of the invention is furthermore formed by an apparatus for carrying out the described method. |
| US08821693B2 |
Refractory oven doors and refractory oven door framing walls of a coke oven battery
A heat-resistant door device for closing a horizontal coke oven chamber is made of a refractory material, using a material containing silica or a material containing silica and aluminum oxides, in particular. The material has a low temperature expansion coefficient and it is thermally well insulating so that the door is not deformed and/or distorted during the coal carbonization process. The door device is built of a coke oven wall mainly located above the door and embracing the door as well as of a mobile door located underneath. Thereby less cold ambient air enters into the coke oven chamber and radiation losses are minimized. The door may be comprised of an ellipsoidal bulge by which the coke can be better pushed into the coking chamber. The oven wall embracing the oven door can also be made of a refractory material containing silica or of a material containing silica and aluminum oxides. |
| US08821691B2 |
Reactor vessel having single convergence sidewall plates
A reactor vessel including: an upper inlet and a bottom discharge; a generally vertically oriented sidewall between the upper inlet and bottom discharge, wherein the sidewall defines a perimeter of an interior flow passage in the vessel; a first pair of support plates arranged on opposite sides of the sidewall, wherein the first pair of support plates reduces a cross-sectional flow area of the flow passage in a first single direction of convergence, and a second pair of support plates arranged on opposite sides of the side wall, wherein the second pair of support plates reduces a cross-sectional flow are of the flow passage in a second single direction of convergence, wherein the second single direction is angularly offset to the first single direction, and the second pair of support plates is at a different elevation of the vessel than the first pair of support plates. |
| US08821686B2 |
Method and equipment for treatment of black liquor at pulp mill
The invention relates to a method and equipment for treatment of black liquor at a pulp mill in order to recover chemicals and energy contained therein. In the invention, the black liquor is pyrolyzed in a pyrolysis reactor (4), the formed gaseous components are forwarded for utilization and the solids are mixed with water, whereby the formed solids are returned to a lime burning kiln (1) and the sodium-hydroxide-containing liquid is returned to the pulp cooking process. |
| US08821685B2 |
Method and apparatus for creasing facing material used in the manufacture of wallboard
Aspects of this disclosure relate to a method of manufacturing wallboard which includes providing a first layer of facing material, creasing the first layer facing material intermittently to create a series of creased portions, providing a gypsum slurry on the first layer of facing material and providing a second layer of facing material over the gypsum slurry. Further, creasing the first layer of facing material intermittently can include intermittently creasing the first layer of facing material in a substantially linear fashion extending in a first direction of the first layer of facing material so that the first layer of facing material exhibits a linear series of creased portions extending in the first direction of the first layer of facing material and a series of portions that are not creased extending in the first direction of the first layer of facing material. |
| US08821681B2 |
Apparatus and method for wet treatment of disc-like articles
Disclosed is an apparatus for wet treatment of a disc-like article, which comprises: a spin chuck for holding and rotating the disc-like article, and an inner edge nozzle dispensing treatment liquid directed towards a first peripheral region of the first surface of the disc-like article, wherein the first surface is facing the spin chuck and the first peripheral region is defined as being a region of the first surface with an inner radius (ri), which is greater than 1 cm less than the disc-like article's radius (ra), wherein the inner edge nozzle is positioned in a stationary manner between the disc-like article (when placed on the spin chuck) and the spin chuck, wherein the inner edge nozzle is feed through a central pipe, which is disposed in a stationary manner and penetrates centrally through the spin chuck, for supplying a treatment liquid against a first surface of the disc-like article. |
| US08821679B2 |
Bimetal laminate structure and method of making the same
The present invention provides a bimetal laminate structure and improved method for manufacturing the same. The method includes: applying a layer of adhesive to a metallic substrate; and laminating a decorative metallic sheet to the metallic substrate in such a manner that substantially all surface defects and all read through appearance along an outer surface of the decorative metallic sheet are eliminated. The resultant bimetal laminate includes a decorative metallic layer consisting of a first metallic material, and a metallic substrate consisting of a second metallic material that is different from the first metallic material. The metal substrate has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the decorative metallic layer. An adhesive layer is disposed between, and spans substantially the entirety of the decorative metallic layer and metallic substrate to rigidly attach the same. |
| US08821678B1 |
Electronic device enclosure assembly
A method includes forming an assembly of a first part of a computing device enclosure and a second part of the computing device enclosure by disposing a thermoplastic adhesive layer between a surface portion of the first part and an opposing surface portion of the second part. The surface portion of the first part and the opposing surface portion of the second part define one or more bonding areas of the first part and the second part across a lateral extent of the assembly. The assembly has a non-uniform thermal mass distribution across its lateral extent. The method further includes applying spatially varying amounts of heat to the assembly across its lateral extent to soften the thermoplastic adhesive layer in the bonding areas relatively uniformly across the lateral extent of the assembly compared to applying a non-spatially varying amount of heat across the lateral extent of the assembly. |
| US08821675B2 |
Carbon nanotube based micro-tip structure and method for making the same
A method for making a carbon nanotube micro-tip structure is disclosed. A carbon nanotube film structure and an insulting substrate are provided. The insulating substrate includes a surface. At least one strip-shaped recess is defined at the surface. The carbon nanotube film structure is covered on the surface of the insulating substrate, and has a suspended portion covered on the at least one strip-shaped recess. The suspended portion of the carbon nanotube film structure is laser etched, to define a first hollow pattern in the suspended portion and form a patterned carbon nanotube film structure according to the first hollow pattern. The patterned carbon nanotube film structure includes two strip-shaped arms. The two strip-shaped arms are joined at one end to form a tip portion. The tip portion is suspended above the strip-shaped recess. |
| US08821671B2 |
Process and system for waterproofing semimanufactured products of footwear, gloves, clothing items and accessories as well as semimanufactured products obtained with this process or system
Process for waterproofing a semimanufactured product (3) of footwear, gloves, clothing items and accessories, said semimanufactured product (3) having a three-dimensional conformation with at least one inner surface and one outer surface, characterized in that it comprises the following operative steps: arranging on a shaped support (1, 1a, 1b) the semimanufactured product (3) with at least one waterproofing sheath (4) shaped for entirely or partially cover the surfaces to be waterproofed of the semimanufactured product (3), at least one glue layer being applied between these surfaces and the waterproofing sheath (4); sealing the semimanufactured product (3) and/or the waterproofing sheath (4) for preventing the transfer of fluids from the outside between the sheath (4) and the shaped support (1, 1a, 1b); inserting the shaped support (1, 1a, 1b) provided with the semimanufactured product (3) and with the sheath (4) into an autoclave (7) for joining under pressure the sheath (4) to the semimanufactured product (3). The present invention also relates to a system that carries out said process, as well as the products obtained with said process or system. |
| US08821667B2 |
Multilayer composite pressure vessel and method for making the same
A pressure vessel for containing materials under elevated pressures includes a metal liner and an adhesive layer, applied to the outer surface of the metal liner, where the adhesive layer is treated with a vacuum bag in order to secure the adhesive to the outer surface of the liner. An overwrap layer is applied on top of the adhesive on the outer surface of the metal finer, where the overwrap layer is formed by winding a filamentary material around the liner, such that the filamentary material adheres to the adhesive forming an overwrap layer on the outer surface of the metal liner, forming the pressure vessel. |
| US08821658B2 |
Thermal forming of refractory alloy surgical needles
A method of thermal forming of refractory alloy suture needles is disclosed. Needle blanks made from refractory alloys are used to form surgical needles, which are heated to a temperature above the ductile to brittle transition temperature but below the recrystallization temperature of the refractory alloy. The heated needle blanks are then mechanically formed into a surgical needle. |
| US08821656B2 |
Vertical heat treatment apparatus and heat treatment method
According to the present invention, there is provided a vertical heat treatment apparatus which is a vertical heat treatment furnace comprising at least: a reaction tube; a heat treatment boat configured to hold a substrate; a heater configured to heat the substrate; a gas introduction tube configured to introduce an atmospheric gas into the reaction tube; a gas supply tube connected to the gas introduction tube; and a gas port portion that is formed at a flange body provided under the reaction tube or the reaction tube and into which the gas introduction tube is inserted, wherein the gas introduction tube is connected to the gas supply tube through a joint outside the reaction tube, the joint has at least a metal short tube having a flange portion, and the gas introduction tube is inserted into a through hole formed by connecting the flange portion of the metal short tube to the flange portion provided at the gas port portion through an O-ring and further connected to the gas supply tube through the joint. As a result, there can be provided the vertical heat treatment apparatus that can avoid damages to the gas introduction tube and easily achieve connection between the gas introduction tube and the gas supply tube without haze on a substrate. |
| US08821652B2 |
Steel for induction hardening and induction hardened steel part
Steel for induction hardening wherein coarsening of austenite crystal grains can be prevented even at a high temperature of over 1100° C. such as which occurs at projecting parts of steel parts at the time of induction hardening, the steel for induction hardening characterized by containing, by mass %, C: 0.35 to 0.6%, Si: 0.01 to 1%, Mn: 0.2 to 1.8%, S: 0.001 to 0.15%, Al: 0.001 to 1%, Ti: 0.05 to 0.2%, and Nb: 0.001 to 0.04%, restricting N: 0.0060% or less, P: 0.025% or less, and O: 0.0025% or less, satisfying Nb/Ti≧0.015, and having a balance of iron and unavoidable impurities. |
| US08821645B2 |
Cosmetic removal apparatus
A method of removing makeup from skin of humans comprising providing a system comprising: multiple, individual conical elements having an at least adsorbing surface; at least some of the individual conical elements each seated in contact with a respective underlying next individual conical element as an upper and a lower pair of individual conical elements; contacting a tip of an uppermost individual conical element with skin adjacent to an area of skin having makeup thereon; moving the tip into contact with makeup; wiping off and at least adsorbing excess makeup onto the tip; and removing the uppermost individual conical element with makeup at least adsorbed thereon from contact with the skin and from seating with the next individual conical element to expose an at least adsorbing surface of the next individual conical element without any makeup being present on the exposed surface of the next individual conical element. |
| US08821642B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing flat-panel display
Disclosed herein is a flat panel display (FPD) manufacturing apparatus for performing a desired process for a substrate positioned in a chamber after establishing a vacuum atmosphere in the chamber. The vacuum chamber is divided into a chamber body and an upper cover to ensure easy opening/closing operations of the upper cover. |
| US08821639B2 |
Apparatus for spatial and temporal control of temperature on a substrate
An apparatus for control of a temperature of a substrate has a temperature-controlled base, a heater, a metal plate, a layer of dielectric material. The heater is thermally coupled to an underside of the metal plate while being electrically insulated from the metal plate. A first layer of adhesive material bonds the metal plate and the heater to the top surface of the temperature controlled base. This adhesive layer is mechanically flexible, and possesses physical properties designed to balance the thermal energy of the heaters and an external process to provide a desired temperature pattern on the surface of the apparatus. A second layer of adhesive material bonds the layer of dielectric material to a top surface of the metal plate. This second adhesive layer possesses physical properties designed to transfer the desired temperature pattern to the surface of the apparatus. |
| US08821636B2 |
Single-crystal manufacturing apparatus
The present invention is a single-crystal manufacturing apparatus based on the Czochralski method having a main chamber configured to accommodate hot zone components including a crucible, and a pull chamber configured to accommodate and take out a single crystal pulled from a raw material melt, the apparatus further comprising a multipurpose chamber interchangeable with the pull chamber, wherein a heating means for heating a raw material charged into the crucible and a cooling means for cooling the hot zone components after pulling the single crystal are placeable in the multipurpose chamber respectively. As a result, there is provided a single-crystal manufacturing apparatus that enables, in manufacture of a single crystal of a large diameter, e.g., approximately 200 mm or more, an operating rate of the single-crystal manufacturing apparatus and productivity of the single crystal to be improved. |
| US08821633B2 |
Cast bodies, castable compositions, and methods for their production
A low-water-content castable composition produces cast products with an increased modulus of rupture, an increased cold crushing strength, and decreased porosity. The composition employs closed fractions of constituent particles with specified populations and specified gaps in the particle size distribution to produce these properties. The composition is suitable for refractory applications. |
| US08821632B2 |
Aqueous asphalt/wax emulsions for use in gypsum compositions and building products
Aqueous asphalt/wax emulsions are disclosed herein for use in gypsum formulations and other building products. The emulsions may include water; a wax component; an asphalt component; and at least one emulsifier. Optional additives may also be included in the emulsion or in a slurry formed from such emulsion for preparing a settable gypsum composition herein. Methods of making such emulsions are also provided. |
| US08821630B2 |
Carboxylated-carboxylic polyglycerol compositions for use in cementitious compositions
The invention relates to compositions and methods for modifying cementitious materials such as by reducing setting time. Polymer compositions of the invention are derived by polyetherifying mono-glycerols, optionally with alkylene glycols, to obtain polyglycerol homopolymers or copolymers, and then carboxylating the obtained polyglycerol homopolymers and/or copolymers with an organic acid having at least two carboxylic functionalities. The set retardation effect of the carboxylated-carboxylic polyglycerol polymer compositions in cementitious materials is reduced is compared to polyglycerol polymer not having the carboxylated-carboxylic groups, while its water reducing ability is maintained without loss of early compressive strength. Cementitious compositions and methods involving the carboxylated-carboxylic polyglycerol are also covered by the invention. |
| US08821629B2 |
Light-weight composition and mix for masonry, mortar and stucco
A pre-mixed mortar, stucco or masonry composition includes from 70 to 80 percent sand and from 20 to 30 percent of a light-weight cement mix composition that comprises either slag cement, Gypsum or a combination of slag cement and gypsum; Portland cement; clay; and polystyrene. |
| US08821626B2 |
Adhesive for inorganic fiber
An adhesive for inorganic fibers including SiO2, CaO and Al2O3 within a range excluding the range I defined by the following points A, 8, 18, 19 and 20 in the SiO2—Al2O3—CaO state diagram shown in FIG. 1, and including no zeolite. Point A: SiO2 (0%), Al2O3 (100%), CaO (0%): Point 8: SiO2 (20.8%), Al2O3 (79.2%), CaO (0%): Point 18: SiO2 (46.3%), Al2O3 (35.8%), CaO (17.9%): Point 19: SiO2 (31.5%), Al2O3 (53.6%), CaO (14.9%): Point 20: SiO2 (25.2%), Al2O3 (57.5%), CaO (17.3%). |
| US08821622B2 |
Pre-filtration and maintenance sensing for explosion-proof enclosures
A filter system for an explosion-proof enclosure is described herein. The filter system can include a pre-filter assembly located outside the explosion-proof enclosure. The pre-filter assembly can include a pre-filter material configured to control air passing therethrough. The filter system can also include a filter assembly coupled to the pre-filter assembly. The filter assembly can further control the air received from the pre-filter assembly and passing therethrough into the explosion-proof enclosure. |
| US08821619B2 |
Adsorbent cartridge assembly with end cap
This invention relates to an adsorbent cartridge assembly having at least one end cap, and systems related thereto, for removing gaseous contaminants from the air or other gases. |
| US08821614B1 |
Constant pressure high throughput membrane permeation testing system
The disclosure relates to a membrane testing system for individual evaluation of a plurality of planar membranes subjected to a feed gas on one side and a sweep gas on a second side. The membrane testing system provides a pressurized flow of a feed and sweep gas to each membrane testing cell in a plurality of membrane testing cells while a stream of retentate gas from each membrane testing cell is ported by a retentate multiport valve for sampling or venting, and a stream of permeate gas from each membrane testing cell is ported by a permeate multiport valve for sampling or venting. Back pressure regulators and mass flow controllers act to maintain substantially equivalent gas pressures and flow rates on each side of the planar membrane throughout a sampling cycle. A digital controller may be utilized to position the retentate and permeate multiport valves cyclically, allowing for gas sampling of different membrane cells over an extended period of time. |
| US08821610B2 |
Phlegmatized metal powder or alloy powder and method and reaction vessel for the production thereof
A method and a device are described for the production of metal powder or alloy powder of a moderate grain sizes less than 10 μm, comprising or containing at least one of the reactive metals zirconium, titanium, or hafnium, by metallothermic reduction of oxides or halogenides of the cited reactive metals with the aid of a reducing metal, wherein said metal powder or alloy powder is phlegmatized by adding a passivating gas or gas mixture during and/or after the reduction of the oxides or halogenides and/or is phlegmatized by adding a passivating solid before the reduction of the oxides or halogenides, wherein both said reduction and also said phlegmatization are performed in a single gas-tight reaction vessel which can be evacuated. |
| US08821608B2 |
Exhaust gas purification device
Inner cases are connected to outer cases through joining flanges which protrude toward outer peripheries of the outer cases. A plurality of combinations each including filters, the inner cases, and the outer cases are provided. Both the joining flanges are sandwiched and fixed between a pair of sandwiching flanges, thereby connecting the plurality of outer cases to each other. |
| US08821599B2 |
Systems and methods for biomass gasifier reactor and receiver configuration
A method, apparatus, and system for solar-driven chemical plant may include a solar thermal receiver to absorb concentrated solar energy from an array of heliostats. Additionally, some embodiments may include a solar driven chemical reactor that has multiple reactor tubes. The concentrated solar energy drives the endothermic gasification reaction of the particles of biomass flowing through the reactor tubes. Some embodiments may also include an on-site fuel synthesis reactor that is geographically located on the same site as the chemical reactor and integrated to receive the hydrogen and carbon monoxide products from the gasification reaction. |
| US08821596B2 |
Nitrogen-free deposit control fuel additives and one step process for the making thereof
The present invention provides a nitrogen-free fuel detergent additive, fuel additive and fuel compositions containing the same, as well as a process for making such additives, where the additive may be described as a hydrocarbyl-substituted alkyloxy and/or hydroxy aromatic compound and may be produced by the reaction of (i) an alkyloxy and/or hydroxy aromatic compound and (ii) a polyolefin containing from 4 to 350 carbon atoms, in the presence of an optional solvent and/or catalyst, wherein the resulting nitrogen free additive provides acceptable engine deposit control that is comparable and/or better than the deposit control provided by nitrogen-containing fuel additives. |
| US08821594B2 |
Synergistic additive composition for petroleum fuels
Disclosed herein is a fuel oil composition with enhanced conductivity. The oil composition comprises a Petroleum Based Component and a combination of Lubricity and Conductivity additives. In one aspect, additional additives can be added such as: (a) low temperature operability/cold flow additives, (b) corrosion inhibitors, (c) cetane improvers, (d) detergents, and (e) dyes and markers (f) anti-icing additives, (g) demulsifiers/anti haze additives, (h) antioxidants, (i) metal deactivators, (j) biocides, and (k) thermal stabilizers. Further, the present disclosure describes a method of using such composition is described. |
| US08821593B2 |
Method for manufacturing electrode for electrochemical element
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an electrode for an electrochemical element, that is capable of forming an electrode active material layer on a current collector, particularly a perforated current collector having through-holes extended from the obverse surface to the reverse surface thereof, such as a punching metal or an expanded metal, simply, evenly and with good adhesion. The method is characterized by comprising the steps of (1) forming an electrode active material layer on a surface of a base material by using an electrode composition containing an electrode active material, an electroconductive material, and a binder, (2) laminating a current collector on the electrode active material layer formed on the surface of the base material, followed by hot pressing to bond the electrode active material layer and the current collector to each other, and (3) separating the base material from the electrode active material layer. |
| US08821591B2 |
Hair decoration article and hair dyeing and bleaching method using same
A hair cosmetic article includes a composition A including an alkali agent; a composition B including an oxidizing agent; a composition C including a powdery oxidation assistant; and a hair cosmetic applicator including a container part (4) in which a hair cosmetic material (3) produced by mixing the compositions A, B and C and having a viscosity of 3 to 30 Pa·s at 30° C., an application part (2) by which the hair cosmetic material (3) is applied to a hair-bundle, and an extension part (5) having a liquid-leading passage (51) which communicates the container part (4) to the application part (2). The application part (2) includes a discharge port (21) and a comb part (23), and the comb part (23) includes a plurality of comb teeth (22) which are disposed substantially annularly so as to surround the discharge port (21). |
| US08821588B2 |
Method for anchoring prosthetic and orthotic devices
Anchoring system for a prosthetic or orthotic device includes a fastener comprising a base and a clasp-engaging member, wherein the fastener further comprises an adhesive to secure the base directly to skin of a wearer; and a clasp comprising a first end configured to engage and rotate about the clasp-engaging member and a second end configured to engage the activation cable of a prosthetic or orthotic device. Also included is a prosthetic or orthotic system that includes the anchoring system in combination with a prosthetic or orthotic device, as well as a method of securing a prosthetic or orthotic device on a wearer using the anchoring system. |
| US08821583B2 |
Interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel
A strain-hardened interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel is provided. The interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel is based on two different networks. The first network is a non-silicone network of preformed hydrophilic non-ionic telechelic macromonomers chemically cross-linked by polymerization of its end-groups. The second network is a non-silicone network of ionizable monomers. The second network has been polymerized and chemically cross-linked in the presence of the first network and has formed physical cross-links with the first network. An aqueous salt solution having a neutral pH is used to ionize and swell the second network in the interpenetrating polymer network. The swelling of the second network is constrained by the first network, and this constraining effect results in an increase in effective physical cross-links within the interpenetrating polymer network, and, in turn, an increase its elastic modulus. The strain-hardened interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel is attractive and useful for medical, industrial, and personal hygiene purposes. |
| US08821582B1 |
Hip implant with porous body
A hip implant has a neck body that connects to a bone fixation body. The bone fixation body has a porous structure with an elongated shape. An internal cavity is formed in the bone fixation body and includes a substance to stimulate bone growth. |
| US08821580B2 |
System for making a bone repair
A method and system is provided for repairing bone fractures at locations where high levels of stability are required. The system employs two plates to buttress a fracture from both the dorsal and volar sides. The plates are affixed to one another using screws that are installed from a volar plate, through the bone and into a dorsal plate. The method provides for use of a directional guide that allows the precise placement of Kirschner wires for temporary fixation of the fracture, installation of a first bone fixation plate using the installed K-wires for alignment, installation of a second bone plate adjacent the bone to be repaired and opposite the first bone plate, and installation of cannulated fasteners between the two opposing bone plates such that the fasteners rigidly engage both of the bone plates. |
| US08821578B2 |
Intervertebral implant device for a posterior interbody fusion surgical procedure
An intervertebral implant device is presented that may comprise a pair of substantially parallel opposed arcuate surfaces, a pair of substantially parallel opposed frictional surfaces each including a plurality of raised structures, a substantially curved end wall joining the par of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces, and a substantially recessed end wall joining the pair of parallel opposed arcuate surfaces. In certain embodiments, the intervertebral implant device defines one or more voids in which a bone graft material is selectively disposed. Preferably, the substantially recessed end wall is configured to selectively and pivotable receive one or more surgical implantation devices. |
| US08821576B2 |
Intervertebral disk prosthesis
An intervertebral disk prosthesis is disclosed. The intervertebral disk prosthesis has a base plate, a top plate opposite the base plate, and an intervening core located between the top plate and base plate. One of the plates has a first concave contact face facing the core, which has an adjacent first convex contact face. A groove is provided around one of the contact faces in which an elastic ring is placed. When placed in the groove, the elastic ring is also in contact with the opposite contact face. |
| US08821574B2 |
Valve assemblies for expandable implants and tissue expanders
A valve assembly for an implant has an inner shell, a self-sealing material disposed within the inner shell, and an insertion pathway extending through the self-sealing material. At least one gap is formed in the self-sealing material that intersects with the insertion pathway to define a proximal pathway section and a distal pathway section. A filling tube is passed through the valve assembly for filling the outer shell of the implant with a fluid. After the implant is filled, the filling tube is removed. As the filling tube is removed, if the self-sealing material within the distal section of the pathway is unable to self-seal before the fluid reaches its proximal end, the fluid is diverted into the gap. The time that elapses before the gap is completely filled by the fluid provides sufficient time for the self-sealing material within the proximal section of the pathway to self-seal. |
| US08821573B2 |
Method and devices for tissue expansion
A device for maintaining or achieving soft tissue expansion applicable to any body region already temporarily expanded including: an adhesive element deformable and capable of adapting to the shape of this body region, and which can then itself become mechanically rigid enough to resist tendency of the expanded tissue to recoil or to which a second material can be applied to form a stent adapted to the shape of the body area to provide the necessary structural rigidity to prevent recoil of the expansion and thereby induce its retention of its expanded shape after the stent is removed. |
| US08821572B2 |
Intraocular lens delivery device having a cartridge with an internal coating
An intraocular lens (IOL) delivery device is disclosed. The device includes an intraocular lens cartridge having an internal coating wherein the coating includes a polymeric material that is compatible with a polymeric material of a material that forms the cartridge. Preferably, the polymeric material of the coating, the cartridge or both is a polyurethane material. |
| US08821565B2 |
Stent/graft device for open surgical placement
An assembly for open surgical repair of a damaged wall portion of a body vessel includes a stent/graft device comprising an elongated stent body and a graft material covering the stent body. The device is expandable from a compressed condition having a diameter less than a diameter of the vessel to an expanded condition at least as great as the diameter of the vessel. A sheath enclosing the device when in the compressed condition includes a sheath body and a pull string for selectively splitting the sheath body to allow expansion of the device. The device and enclosing sheath are sized for insertion through the damaged wall portion into the vessel, wherein the pull string is extendable through the damaged wall portion for splitting the sheath body. |
| US08821564B2 |
Stent graft
Some embodiments are directed to a stent graft comprising a first stent graft having a first and a second stent and a first and a second inner graft supported by the first stent, and an outer graft. The second inner graft can be spaced apart from the first inner graft so that a portion of the first stent is not covered by either the first inner graft or the second inner graft. A first and second portion of the outer graft can be attached to the first stent, the outer graft being unsupported by the stent between the first and second portions so as to form a fillable space between the outer graft, the first inner graft, and the second inner graft. Some embodiments further comprise a second stent graft deployable within the inside of the first stent graft to sealingly cover the uncovered portion of the first stent. |
| US08821556B2 |
Support and mounting for surgical objects
The invention relates to a support (1) for receiving at least one surgical object, in particular at least one bone screw (2), in a receiving position (A). Said support (1) comprises at least one supporting surface (3) which is designed and arranged in such a manner that a supporting area (5) of the object can be brought into contact with the supporting surface (3) in the receiving position (A). Said object can be removed from the receiving position (A) in the direction of removal (E). The direction of removal (E) extends at an angle of a maximum 45°, preferably a maximum 20°, more particularly essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the object housed in the receiving position (A). Said support (1) comprises at least one mounting surface (4) that can be moved in relation to the base body (23) and which is designed and arranged in such a manner that the object can be maintained by means of the mounting surface (4) in the receiving position (A), in particular in a clamped manner. The invention also relates to a mounting (26) for fixing a bone plate support (27) for a bone plate (28) to a base plate (29), a bone plate support (27) and a system comprising a mounting (26) and a unit (33) from a bone plate support (27) and a bone plate (28). |
| US08821555B2 |
Intervertebral implant with integrated fixation
A system for spinal surgery includes a prosthesis comprising a plurality of bone anchors which engage an intervertebral construct for fusion or motion preservation. The fusion construct comprises a spacer optionally encircled by a jacket. The motion preservation construct may comprise an articulating disc assembly or an elastomeric disc assembly. Any of the constructs may occupy the intervertebral disc space between adjacent vertebrae after removal of an intervertebral disc. The anchors slidingly engage the construct to securely fix the prosthesis to the vertebrae. The anchors and jacket of the fusion construct provide a continuous load path across opposite sides of the prosthesis so as to resist antagonistic motions of the spine. |
| US08821552B2 |
Spinal-column plate implant
The invention relates to a plate-implant for use in osteosynthesis, comprising at least one first plate component with throughbores for receiving fastening screws and a connection means, at least one second plate component with throughbores for receiving fastening screws and a receiving means for receiving a connection means. According to the invention, each plate component is slidable in one direction relative to the other plate component, the plate components being provided with a device limiting their slide path relative to each other. The device comprises a clamping screw (18) having a thread and a screw head and, in the mounted state of the two plate components (2, 3), the thread cooperates with the connection means (5) and the screw head with a longitudinal borehole (14) provided in the second plate component (3) in such a way that a clamping effect is obtained between the screw head and the longitudinal borehole (14) and between the connection means (5) and the receiving means (6). |
| US08821551B2 |
Method and device for reducing angular bone deformity using a bone stabilization plate and cerclage material
The present invention is a method and device for the correction and reduction of bone deformities, such as metatarsus primus adductus, using a plate body with winged buttresses and dorsal loop. The method and device can be affixed to a bone without any drilling or violating of the bone and can use a tethering technique which does not require drilling into the second metatarsal, nor does it require the placement of a prominent suture knot/button device medially along the first metatarsal. |
| US08821546B2 |
Vertebral screw arrangement with locking pin
Techniques for anterior partial transpedicular stabilization are disclosed. The techniques may be realized as a vertebral stabilization assembly including a first vertebral screw having a shaft with a first end, a threaded portion, and an engaging portion, and a second vertebral screw having a shaft with a first end, a threaded portion, and an engaging portion, the threaded portions configured for threading engagement of the vertebral screw with a vertebral body of a first vertebra. The vertebral stabilization assembly may further include a beveled connecting member having a first end and a second end configured to be disposed adjacent to a first side portion of an anterior side of the first vertebra, the first end of the beveled connecting member configured to engage with the first vertebral screw and the second vertebral screw. |
| US08821543B2 |
Adjustable anchor systems and methods
An adjustable anchor system for securing tissue to bone, including an anchor having at least one passage extending from a proximal end toward a distal end. The passage defines a restriction such as a restricted opening. The anchor has at least one bone-engaging feature disposed between the proximal and distal ends. The system further includes a first material formed as a closed loop and capable of being placed through a portion of the tissue, and a second filament having a terminal end, a post limb and a sliding knot tied between the terminal end and the post limb to establish an elongated, adjustable-length loop which extends beyond the proximal end of the anchor and captures the closed loop of the first material. The knot of the second filament is restrained by the restricted opening when tension is applied as desired to the post limb to shorten the elongated loop to draw the tissue toward the anchor. |
| US08821541B2 |
Suture anchor with insert-molded rigid member
A threaded suture anchor with an eyelet shield transversely molded at a distal end of the anchor body, over which one or more strands of suture is looped. The anchor body is threaded and has a tapered distal portion. The proximal end portion of the suture anchor body has a polygonally shaped opening to accept a polygonal drive head, preferably hexagonal or square. The peripheral surface defining polygonally shaped opening is rounded and smooth to prevent abrading sutures placed in contact therewith. In another embodiment, a push-in anchor is provided with an eyelet shield at the proximal end of the anchor. |
| US08821536B2 |
Methods and apparatus for delivering staples to a target tissue
A device for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue includes a pilot member and a staple push rod. In some embodiments, the pilot member has a distal end and at least a pair of prongs extending from the distal end. The prongs are configured to form pilot holes when the distal end of the pilot member is pressed against the target tissue. The staple push rod is disposed within at least a portion of the pilot member and slidable relative thereto. The staple push rod includes at least a pair of stakes. Each stake is dimensioned to engage a surface of a staple to apply pushing forces thereto. Each stake is positioned relative to a prong along an inner surface of the pilot member so that the stakes advance into the pilot holes when the stakes are moved in a distal direction. Methods for attaching a sheet-like implant to a target tissue are also disclosed. |
| US08821535B2 |
Vacuum closure device
This invention relates to the design of tissue covering elements for use in vacuum assisted tissue apposition systems, wherein the geometry of the covering elements favors the application of contractile forces over compressive or extensive forces at the tissue interface. |
| US08821534B2 |
Clip applier having improved hemostasis and methods of use
A hemostasis assembly having a selectively expandable hemostasis member can be used with a medical device and in a method for delivering a closure element through tissue and into an opening formed in, or adjacent to, a wall of a blood vessel or other body lumen of any size while maintaining or improving hemostasis. The medical device and method of use utilizes such an expandable hemostasis member to maintain or improve hemostasis throughout a medical procedure for closing and/or sealing openings through tissues and/or blood vessels. |
| US08821527B2 |
Cannula tips, tissue attachment rings, and methods of delivering and using the same
A surgical cannula system. The surgical cannula system includes a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. A tissue attachment ring, being configured to be coupled to a biological tissue, includes a lumen extending therethrough. A locking mechanism has a first locking state, in which the cannula is configured to move with respect to the tissue attachment ring, and a second locking state, in which movement of the cannula with respect to the tissue attachment ring is resisted. |
| US08821523B2 |
Structure for applying sprayable wound treatment material
The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments, structures and methods for enhancing the properties of tissue to be repaired or joined. According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical stapling apparatus is provided including a wound treatment material dispersion system for delivering wound treatment material to a target surgical site. The dispersion system includes an aperture formed in the anvil assembly oriented to dispense wound treatment material in an outward direction; and a source of wound treatment material in fluid communication with the aperture of the anvil assembly. |
| US08821520B2 |
Loader for knotting element
A device for loading a surgical knotting element on an applicator tool. One embodiment of the device includes a channel dimensioned to receive an applicator tool comprising a coupling. A surgical knotting element comprises a coupling complementary to the coupling of an applicator tool and a suture path. A carriage receives the surgical knotting element. The carriage is moveable in a transverse direction relative the channel between a first position where the knotting element is misaligned with the channel and a second position where the couplings are engaged with one another. |
| US08821519B2 |
Apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing
An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle; and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle. |
| US08821518B2 |
Suture passing instrument and method
A suture passer device may include a first jaw, a second jaw, and a tissue penetrator which may penetrate through tissue positioned between the first and second jaws to carry a suture. Further, the device may include an actuator which may manipulate at least one of the first or second jaws and the tissue penetrator Additionally, the first and second jaws may be substantially parallel to one another at any position to which the at least one jaw is manipulated. Additionally, the tissue penetrator may travel along an arcuate path from a first position, recessed within the first jaw, to a second position where the tissue penetrator extends through the tissue to be positioned in communication with the second jaw. |
| US08821517B2 |
Mechanical method and apparatus for bilateral tissue fastening
A mechanical system for bilaterally securing skin tissue preferably utilizes a tissue manipulator apparatus to approximate a portion of an interior surface of each of two pieces of living dermis tissue along a vertical interface below an exterior surface without overlapping either interior surface across the vertical interface. An applicator apparatus includes a driving head portion positioned in the vertical interface and at least partially below the exterior surface and a handle portion positioned at least partially above the exterior surface. The applicator apparatus bilaterally drives at least one portion of the fastener through each piece of the living dermis tissue behind the interior surface of that piece of tissue such that the fastener is positioned below the exterior surface and a portion of the fastener is positioned generally transverse to the vertical interface. |
| US08821509B2 |
Surgical instrument and method of using same
A surgical instrument for use in performing anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions includes an elongate body section having a handle portion for a user to grasp the instrument, and a head section having a curvilinear groove formed therein adapted for receiving and frictionally engaging a guide wire. The head section can include an end portion having a contour anatomically conforming to the femur. The instrument can direct a guide wire to an anatomic position on the femur. |
| US08821504B2 |
Method for treating joint pain and associated instruments
The embodiments provide provides devices, instruments, and associated methods for treating joint pain. A joint is evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging to detect any defects in the subchondral bone. For example, using T2-weighted MRI images, bone marrow lesions or edemas can be identified, and using T1-weighted MRI images, associated regions of sclerotic bone adjacent to the bone marrow lesion can be identified. The treatment method may involve introducing a bone void filler material at the site to address the bone marrow lesion or edema, and/or drilling and inserting an implant to address the sclerotic bone, bone marrow lesion or edema, and insufficiency or stress fractures. An access path is mapped to a location in the subchondral region where the insufficiency fracture resides. The access path attempts to preserve an articular surface of the joint. A reinforcing member that stabilizes the insufficiency fracture is then implanted via the access path. |
| US08821503B2 |
Ancillary tool and method for positioning a prosthetic acetabulum of a hip prosthesis
The ancillary tool according to the invention comprises a handle for manipulating an acetabulum provided, in its distal part, with a head for gripping the acetabulum and, in its proximal part, with a surface for application of a force of impaction. The tool further comprises at least one added endpiece adapted to be removably connected to the distal end of the handle. This endpiece defines both a face for wedging the acetabulum and an opposite face for interaction of the endpiece with the head of the handle, these faces both being borne by a radially deformable supple ring. The invention is particularly applicable to the positioning of an acetabular prosthesis in an anatomical or prosthetic cavity of a patient's hip. |
| US08821497B2 |
Method and apparatus for maxillo-mandibular fixation
Apparatus and method of use which can be used to immobilize maxilla and mandible in dental occlusion utilizing the tissue of the interdental space. |
| US08821492B2 |
Suture distal locking
A system for locking an intramedullary nail to a bone includes a first plate sized and shaped to be inserted through a channel of an intramedullary nail and dimensioned to prevent its passing through a locking hole of the intramedullary nail and a second plate sized and shaped to be positioned along a portion of an exterior of a hole drilled in the bone and dimensioned to prevent its passing through the hole drilled in the bone along with a connector couplable to the first and second plates and slidable through the channel of the intramedullary nail to extend through the locking hole from an interior of the channel to an exterior of a bone in which the intramedullary nail has been inserted. |
| US08821487B2 |
Temperature regulating patient return electrode and return electrode monitoring system
A temperature regulating patient return electrode and return electrode monitoring system for use in monopolar surgery, includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material disposed on its surface. The PTC material responds to local increases in temperature by increasing local resistance. This quality decreases the probability of a patient burn as a result of monopolar surgery. The return electrode monitoring system includes a generator for generating current; an active electrode coupled to the generator for supplying the current to a patient; and a return electrode coupled to the generator with a surface for receiving the current from the patient and returning the current to the generator. A positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material is disposed on the return electrode for regulating the temperature over the surface of the return electrode. |
| US08821486B2 |
Tissue ablation systems and methods
Tissue is treated using a radiofrequency power supply connected to an applicator having a chamber filled with an electrically non-conductive gas surrounded by a thin dielectric wall. A radiofrequency voltage is applied at a level sufficient to ionize the gas into a plasma and to capacitively couple the ionized plasma with the tissue to deliver radiofrequency current to ablate or otherwise treat the tissue. |
| US08821484B2 |
Methods and devices for monitoring tissue ablation
A method, system, and device for detecting whether an expandable member completely occludes an anatomic passageway allows a user, such as a physician, clinician, or surgeon, to perform a medical procedure more efficiently and increases the procedure's chances of success. An incomplete occlusion can be immediately detected by monitoring the pressure difference across the expandable member. Through this method, a user can quickly diagnose the problem and reposition the expandable member in the anatomic passageway. In particular, in a cryoablation procedure, devices incorporating this method can help ensure a uniform and complete lesion in the pulmonary vein to electrically isolate the pulmonary vein from the atrium, thus preventing atrial fibrillation. |
| US08821482B2 |
Device and method for the treatment of skin, and use of the device
The invention provides a skin treatment device comprising a laser source (40) and focusing optics (50), such that a focal spot (18) is positioned in a dermis layer (24) of the skin to be treated. The laser beam (42) is powered and focused (16) such that a LIOB (laser induced optical breakdown) phenomenon is obtained, which affects the skin in order to stimulate re-growth of tissue. This in turn reduces wrinkles (30). The device may comprise wrinkle-determining means (52, 54, 56, 58). The focusing optics (50) may have a numerical aperture of at least 0.4. The invention also provides a corresponding method to treat skin, in particular to reduce wrinkles (30), by providing a focused laser beam (16) that causes LIOB in the dermis layer (24) of the skin. The advantage is that damage to overlaying epidermis layers may be avoided by the use of the very local LIOB phenomenon. |
| US08821480B2 |
Four-cable wrist with solid surface cable channels
A wrist mechanism for an instrument used in minimally invasive medical procedures employs only four drive cables for control of the pitch, yaw, and grip of an effector. To reduce part count, no pulleys are used. Instead, solid surfaces of clevises in the wrist mechanism cradle the drive cables and are curved in multiple directions to maintain a fixed moment arm for cable torques and eliminate the need for large cable wrap angles. Further, the stiffness of each of the four drive cables can be controlled for improved clinical performance. In particular, the stiffness of the two drive cables that cause grips to close can be greater than the stiffness of the remaining two drive cables that cause the grips to open. The arrangement can minimize cable slack, improving fidelity of motion. |
| US08821474B2 |
Slow release liquid drug delivery device
A drug delivery device includes a first portion, formed primarily from elastomeric material, and a closure portion, cooperating with an opening of the first portion so as to complete an inflatable drug reservoir. The closure portion extends into the first portion inwards from the opening, defining at least one region of overlap between the first portion and the closure portion. The first portion and the closure portion define an outlet flow path for releasing a drug from the drug reservoir, with at least part of the outlet flow path passing between the first portion and the closure portion in the region of overlap. The region of overlap is disposed so as to be acted upon by a pressure within the drug reservoir thereby changing a flow impedance of the outlet flow path to provide an at least partially pressure compensated flow regulating mechanism. |
| US08821473B2 |
Methods and compositions to treat myocardial conditions
Methods, devices, kits and compositions to treat a myocardial infarction. In one embodiment, the method includes the prevention of remodeling of the infarct zone of the ventricle. In other embodiments, the method includes the introduction of structurally reinforcing agents. In other embodiments, agents are introduced into a ventricle to increase compliance of the ventricle. In an alternative embodiment, the prevention of remodeling includes the prevention of thinning of the ventricular infarct zone. In another embodiment, the prevention of remodeling and thinning of the infarct zone involves the cross-linking of collagen and prevention of collagen slipping. In other embodiments, the structurally reinforcing agent may be accompanied by other therapeutic agents. These agents may include but are not limited to pro-fibroblastic and angiogenic agents. |
| US08821472B2 |
Reservoir device with integrated mounting means
The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a housing and a flexible reservoir adapted to contain a fluid and having a septum member formed from a needle-penetratable self-sealing material. The flexible reservoir is arranged within the housing in combination with mounting means arranged within or formed by the housing, wherein the mounting means engages the septum member to thereby mount the flexible reservoir relative to the housing. In this way a secure fixation between the reservoir and the housing is provided without having to interfere with the general flexibility of the reservoir, e.g. substantially the entire flexible reservoir apart from the outlet/mounting means may be arranged free to move relative to the housing, this allowing the reservoir to be emptied to a high degree. |
| US08821471B2 |
Drug bag container
A drug bag is housed inside a container, which has two shells movable between an open position and a closed position; and a gripper fitted outside the shells and defined by two jaws movable between a grip position and a release position to grip and release at least one conduit allowing access to the content of the bag. |
| US08821469B2 |
Disposable pants-type wearing article
A disposable pants-type wearing article includes belt-shaped leg elastic members. Respective opposite side edges of front and rear waist regions of the article are fusion-bonded together to define joined regions. The belt-shaped leg elastic members respectively have front side upper ends lying in the front waist region and included by the put flat and joined together regions and rear side upper ends lying in the rear waist region and included by the put flat and joined together regions. In the joined regions, lower edges of the upper ends and lower edges of the rear side upper ends are displaced one from another in such a manner that the one pair of the lower edges lies below the other pair of the lower edges. |
| US08821467B1 |
Absorbent article with front waist belt
A washable absorbent article with a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion therebetween. The article is constructed with a fully detachable one-piece adjustable belt which is hidden from view when the article is adorned. The belt attaches to rear sideflaps from opposing ends wherein alternate sized belts can be interchanged. Alternative hidden adjustable belts comprise partially detachable one piece units or elongated extensions of the rear sideflaps; and are intended to be wrapped around the waist of the user so the absorbent article can remain in place while a user is performing bodily functions. The belts can be partially or fully detached if a pull up underwear type garment is desired. The front portion is constructed to be brought up between the legs wherein the front portion elongated side flaps are attached to the rear portion of the article to assume a pant like shape. The caregiver may use existing attachment means to keep the absorbent article away from the genitalia while the wearer is performing bodily functions, including fastening front portion sideflaps to back portion sideflaps or laundry securing tabs. Additional washable external absorbent pads can be secured on the absorbent article for added absorbency. Furthermore, the article can be provided with leg coverings by affixing the absorbent body onto open crotch pants. |
| US08821465B2 |
Disposable ostomy assemblies
Disposable elements for use in ostomy. In one embodiment a cap with an integral bag is provided. In another embodiment a sealable bag is provided with means for sealing. In another embodiment, the ostomy port itself is disposable. |
| US08821463B2 |
Drainable ostomy pouch
The present invention concerns a drainable ostomy pouch comprising first proximal pouch wall and second distal pouch wall joined together along the outer periphery to form a cavity for accommodating waste material and to form an outlet portion with an outlet for draining the content of the pouch; an inlet provided in the first pouch wall for receiving waste into the pouch; a comfort layer provided at least on the distal side wall; a closure system with first and second fastener strips provided on at least one, preferably both exterior sides of the pouch walls for in cooperation to close the outlet by folding the outlet portion upon itself, wherein the second fastener strip is provided between the comfort layer and the distal side wall such that the outlet portion when folded up may be releasably secured to the comfort layer between the comfort layer and the distal side wall. |
| US08821462B2 |
Percutaneous abdominal implant
An implant for percutaneous implantation through the abdominal wall for encircling and engaging an externalized length of a body duct of a human or animal patient. The implant has an exterior tubular section defined by an circumferential exterior wall at least a part of which is adapted to protrude outwardly from the abdominal wall with a free end for mounting of a detachable device, an interior section defined by an circumferential interior wall adapted to extend through the abdominal wall and inside the patient for internal fixation of the implant, wherein the exterior tubular section and the interior section have a common axis A. The circumferential exterior wall of the exterior tubular section and the circumferential interior wall of the interior section are arranged axially spaced apart at a distance D from each other to provide an axial gap between opposing free ends of the exterior tubular section and the interior section, with the exterior tubular section and interior section being connected inside the sections. |
| US08821458B2 |
Evaporative body-fluid containers and methods
Body-fluid containers, methods, and systems are presented that include a container that has a container housing formed, at least in part, by a liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable material. The liquid-impermeable, vapor-permeable material allows water to evaporate and be transmitted outside of the container. The evaporation allows more fluid to be processed by the container than the container could otherwise hold. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented. |
| US08821448B2 |
Apparatus for sealing, securing and adjusting the length of a flexible tube
An apparatus for sealing, securing and adjusting the length of a flexible tube is disclosed. The apparatus has a housing and an anchor. The housing has a sealing section, middle section and a opposing end. The housing has an outer surface and an inner lumen. The housing has at least one pair of abutted surfaces which define a slit from said outer surface to said lumen. The anchor has a base and a grip. The grip extends upwardly from the base. The grip is configured to engage the middle section of the housing. A method for using an apparatus for sealing, securing and adjusting the length of a flexible tube is also disclosed. |
| US08821446B2 |
Applicators for microneedles
A microneedle applicator is provided which has two roughly concentric portions which may be, for example, a solid disk and an annulus surrounding it. On the skin-facing side of the inner portion of the applicator a microneedle array is located. The outer portion of the applicator is placed against the skin, contacting it at a zone. The microneedle array is then pressed towards the skin. |
| US08821444B2 |
Multi-utility surgical instrument
A multi-utility surgical instrument may include a nosecone, a handle, a housing sleeve, an actuation facilitating sleeve, a piston tube, a hypodermic tube, and an end plug. The hypodermic tube may be disposed within the piston tube; the piston tube may be disposed within the actuation facilitating sleeve; the actuation facilitating sleeve may be disposed within the housing sleeve; the end plug may be disposed within a portion of the housing sleeve; the housing sleeve and the end plug may be disposed within the handle; the nose cone may be fixed to a distal end of the handle; and the hypodermic tube may be fixed to the nosecone. |
| US08821440B2 |
Dual thermal coefficient dispensing chamber
An injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, and a temperature control device. The dispensing chamber housing has a first part and a second part. The first part is thermally coupled to a needle. The second part is thermally coupled to the first part. The second part has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with an inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing, is capable of sliding in the dispensing chamber housing, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing and is capable of altering a temperature of the substance in the dispensing chamber. The second part has a greater thermal coefficient than the first part. |
| US08821439B2 |
Needle guard
A needle guard assembly having a resilient arm extending from a base situated to slide along the shaft of a needle. In one implementation the needle guard has an elongate containment member that rides with the resilient arm and is co-operable with the resilient arm to effectuate a covering of the entire distal tip of the needle upon the needle being retracted into the needle guard. |
| US08821436B2 |
Dual container fluid transfer device
A fluid transfer device is disclosed and described, the device comprising a housing comprising a first piercing assembly associated with the housing, the first piercing assembly adapted for accessing a first container, the first piercing assembly comprising a first piercing member comprising at least one conduit. A second piercing assembly is associated with the housing, the second piercing assembly adapted for accessing a second container, the second piercing assembly comprising a second piercing member comprising at least one conduit. |
| US08821435B2 |
Device for administering medicine
The invention provides a medicine dispenser device for liquids intended to be swallowed, particularly by children and patients who find it difficult to cooperate, the device comprising an elongated cylinder serving as a container for the liquid, the device being provided, in accordance with the requirements of its use and the type of liquid to be dispensed, with at least one dispensing exit outlet at the distal end of the cylinder, the cylinder having a longitudinal axis and the at least one dispensing outlet being positioned to direct at least one stream of dispensed liquid at an angle of between 20° and 170° relative to the distal end of the longitudinal axis of the container, the safety arrangement of the device being such that upon introduction of the distal end of the device into the mouth of a patient, the at least one stream of dispensed liquid is directed to exit towards at least one enveloping surface of the mouth cavity and not in a direction toward the patient's windpipe and the throat opening. |
| US08821434B2 |
Delivery of a solid body and/or a fluid using a linear Lorentz-force actuated needle-free jet injection system
A method for transferring a solid body across a surface of a biological body includes (i) applying an electrical input to a controllable electromagnetic actuator; (ii) producing with the electromagnetic actuator a mechanical force corresponding to the electrical input; and (iii) applying the mechanical force to a reservoir coupled at one end to a nozzle, the mechanical force producing a pressure within the reservoir, a magnitude of the pressure varying with the mechanical force and causing ejection of a fluid from the reservoir to drive the solid body into the biological body. A method for delivering a substance to a target body includes (i) positioning a needle-free injector proximate to a surface of the target body; (ii) injecting the substance into the target body; and (iii) while injecting, moving the needle-free injector along the surface, thereby sweeping the surface. |
| US08821433B2 |
Insulin pump having basal rate testing features
Methods of establishing an insulin delivery rate in a pump and an insulin pump are disclosed. A method includes selecting a set of alerts from one or more sets of alerts. The method also includes initiating a test process based on the set of alerts. The method further includes, upon activation of each alert in the selected set of alerts, prompting a user to input a blood glucose level. |
| US08821430B2 |
Flow control method and device
An arterio-venous graft (16) is provided with a constriction device (20) near its arterial end. The constriction device (20) is used to reduce the flow through the AV graft under normal conditions and to relieve the constriction when high flow through the AV graft is required, such as for vascular access for hemodialysis. |
| US08821426B2 |
Leg support
A leg support is adapted to be secured to a leg. The leg support includes an elongate and continuous strut having first and second rigid or semi-rigid segments, and a flexible middle segment located therebetween. The strut is arranged for securing to a posterior side of a leg and is centrally located along a medial-lateral plane of a leg. A resilient device is secured to the strut against a first surface thereof and extends across a length of the middle strut segment whereby the resilient device is configured to assist and resist certain movements of a leg. A coupling arrangement is arranged to be secured to footwear. |
| US08821425B2 |
Device and method for applying pressure to mammalian limb
A therapeutic pressure strap for applying pressure across a muscle or muscle groups on a mammalian limb is described. The strap is particularly well suited for treating “tennis elbow”. The strap contains an adjustable fastening means for securing and tightening the strap around a limb. The strap also possesses a plurality of pressure members (e.g., elongated rubber tubes) that apply separate and discrete areas or points of pressure in a line across a muscle or muscle group and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the limb. |
| US08821416B2 |
Patient management device, system and method
A portable apparatus for managing a plurality of events related to a patient and for recording and storing input data related to said events is disclosed. The portable apparatus comprises a man machine user interface; a timer unit; a control unit, arranged to provide an invitation to the patient as an instruction via the interface to perform a motion exercise, upon a trigger from the timer unit or upon a patient self initiation. In an embodiment the apparatus comprises a sensor to record measurements related to said motion exercise. Further, a storage unit is arranged to retrievably store patient input data and said measurements. This enables diagnosing a degree of a neurological disease or an effect of a medication on said neurological disease. |
| US08821415B2 |
Physiological acoustic monitoring system
An acoustic monitoring system has an acoustic front-end, a first signal path from the acoustic front-end directly to an audio transducer and a second signal path from the acoustic front-end to an acoustic data processor via an analog-to-digital converter. The acoustic front-end receives an acoustic sensor signal responsive to body sounds in a person. The audio transducer provides continuous audio of the body sounds. The acoustic data processor provides audio of the body sounds upon user demand. |
| US08821412B2 |
Delivering and/or receiving fluids
The present invention generally relates to receiving bodily fluid through a device opening. In one aspect, the device includes a flow activator arranged to cause fluid to be released from a subject. A deployment actuator may actuate the flow activator in a deployment direction, which may in turn cause fluid release from a subject. The flow activator may also be moved in a retraction direction by a retraction actuator. In one aspect, the device may include a vacuum source that may help facilitate fluid flow into the opening of the device and/or may help facilitate fluid flow from the opening to a storage chamber. In one aspect, a device actuator may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and the flow activator may be actuated after the enablement of fluid communication. |
| US08821403B2 |
Non-invasive measurement of suprasystolic signals
An apparatus for assessing cardiovascular status of a mammal comprises a system for locally applying a pressure to an artery capable of restricting blood flow through said artery, a wideband external pulse transducer having an output and situated to measure suprasystolic signals proximate to said artery, and a computing device receiving said output for calculating vascular compliance values. The method described is particularly useful for determining cardiac output, assessing whether a pregnant female has preeclampsia or a patient has cardiac insufficiency, or assessing cardiac arrhythmias. |
| US08821398B2 |
Capsule medical apparatus guidance system
A system includes a capsule body having a casing introduced into a subject to perform, in liquid, examination of or treatment on the interior of the subject, the casing containing a permanent magnet, a mass of the casing excluding the magnet being set to be less than a product of a volume of the casing and a density of the liquid; a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic attraction for the magnet to guide the capsule body; and a magnetic field generation device that controls the magnetic field generator to generate the magnetic attraction by setting a maximum value of the generated magnetic attraction vertically upward to the capsule body, to be equal to a maximum value of the generated magnetic attraction vertically downward to the capsule body, and by setting the maximum values to be less than a value obtained by multiplying a mass of the magnet by a gravitational acceleration. |
| US08821395B2 |
Vaginal speculum apparatus
A vaginal speculum apparatus includes a disposable speculum and a releasably attachable illumination assembly. A handle portion of the disposable speculum includes a receiving cavity that is adapted to interchangeably receive either a first or a second illumination assembly. |
| US08821394B2 |
Methods and devices for tissue retraction
Methods and devices are provided for retracting tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, a retractor is provided that includes a base, a plurality of blades extending from the base, and an actuator coupled to the base and operatively connected to the blades. The actuator can be configured to be actuated to move the blades relative to the base, thereby allowing the blades to retract tissue. The actuator can be self-locking so as to allow the blades to be freely movable within their entire range of motion relative to the base through actuation of the actuator without using another mechanism to lock the blades in a fixed position and to unlock the blades from the fixed position. The retractor can be formed from one or more radiolucent materials. |
| US08821391B2 |
Methods and devices for providing access into a body cavity
Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. In one embodiment, a surgical access device is provided that includes a housing coupled to a retractor. The housing can be have one or more movable sealing ports for receiving surgical instruments. Each movable sealing port can include one or more sealing elements therein for sealing the port and/or forming a seal around a surgical instrument disposed therethrough. Each movable sealing port can be rotatable relative to the housing and each sealing element can be rotatable relative to the housing along a predetermined orbital path. |
| US08821389B2 |
Endoscopic aspiration device
An endoscopic aspiration device is mounted on a manipulating head of an endoscope, from which an elongated insertion rod member is extended forward, the endoscopic aspiration device being composed of a valve casing which is mounted on the manipulation head in communication with an aspiration passage running through the insertion rod member, and a valve assembly unit including a valve member, a valve guide member and a connector member attached to the valve guide member to communicate same with a proximal aspiration passage on the side of a suction source. The valve member is put in a sliding displacement along the valve guide member to bring the aspiration passage into and out of communication with the proximal aspiration passage on the side of a suction source. The valve guide member is coupled with the valve casing through a coupling mechanism which permits to turn the valve assembly unit on and relative to the manipulating head. The coupling mechanism is arranged to perform a function of coupling and uncoupling the valve guide unit with and from the valve casing, and a function of locking the valve guide member in the valve casing to prevent spontaneous dislodgement from the latter. |
| US08821387B2 |
Atraumatic arthroscopic instrument sheath
A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument. The sheath is provided with a cylindrical grip on the proximal end to resiliently squeeze the proximal end of the arthroscopic instrument. A lever is provided to move the grip radially outwardly to release the grip from the arthroscopic instrument. |
| US08821383B2 |
Slotted clear cannula
A slotted cannula for endoscopic surgical procedures is disclosed. The slotted cannula has a tubular body having a distal end, a proximate end, an open slot extending longitudinally from the beginning of the proximate end to the proximity of the distal end, and a pair of wings integrally formed on the proximate end. The tubular body is made from a transparent material and has an inner diameter large enough to accommodate an endoscope. |
| US08821382B2 |
Image pickup unit
An image pickup unit includes a board to which an image pickup device is electrically connected, the board is provided with a first terminal portion which includes a plurality of terminals and is used when a first endoscope is configured, and a second terminal portion which includes a plurality of terminals and is used when a second endoscope is configured, a folding portion is provided between the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion of the board, when the board is used as an image pickup unit of the second endoscope, the board is folded at the folding portion, and a signal transmission member is connected to the second terminal portion, and at least one of a terminal size and a space between terminals in the second terminal portion is set to be larger than at least one of a terminal size and a terminal space in the first terminal portion. |
| US08821378B2 |
Device and method for minimally invasive spinal intervention
The invention proposes a device for minimally invasive intervention in the skeletal region, in particular on the spinal column, having at least a cannula with a distal end generally bevelled in shape relative to a symmetrical axis of the cutting tool and an optical probe (endoscope) for insertion through the cavity of the cannula. The device is further characterized in that the cannula takes the form of a hollow cutting tool, in which the most distal region of the distal end comprises a cutting edge, which is incorporated into the edge of the wall of the cutting tool. |
| US08821376B2 |
Devices and methods for performing medical procedures in tree-like luminal structures
Apparatus is described for use with an imaging device (31) that acquires a pre-procedure image of a portion of a subject's body disposed at a pre-procedure position. An input unit receives from a user an indication of two or more lines within the image that correspond to respective branches of a multi-branch luminal structure. A probe (1) moves within the portion along two or more lines in the structure that respectively correspond to the two or more lines within the image. A location sensor (18) coupled to the probe senses location coordinates along the two or more lines, while the portion is at a current position. A control unit (34) registers the image of the portion with the portion's current position by registering (a) the two or more lines within the image, with (b) the location coordinates along the two or more lines. Other embodiments are also described. |
| US08821374B1 |
System and method for treating pelvic organ prolapse
A system for treating pelvic organ prolapse includes a plug, a skirt, and an anchor. The plug includes a base opposite an apex with the base wider than the apex. An exterior surface of the apex is shaped to conform to an interior apical portion of a vagina. The skirt is attachable to the plug and includes multiple pores that are sized to allow tissue of the interior apical portion of the vagina to grow through the skirt. The anchor has a proximal portion that is insertable through the vagina and the skirt for attachment to the apex of the plug. The anchor has a length that allows a distal portion of the anchor to be attached to a sacrum of a patient. |
| US08821373B2 |
Directionless (orientation independent) needle injection port
Generally described herein are certain embodiments directed to an orientation-independent injection port fluidly coupled to a gastric banding system. The injection port may be configured to simplify the port-targeting process when a medical professional attempts to penetrate the injection port with a needle during a gastric band-adjusting procedure. For example, the injection port may be orientation-independent with the entire outer shell acting as the needle access point. Alternatively, and/or in addition, the inner core of the injection port may be hard or firm, thereby allowing for easier locating (e.g., when the medical professional performs palpation). Furthermore, the hard inner core may prevent needle over-throws, and help stabilize pressure. |
| US08821372B2 |
Endoscopic mesh delivery system with integral mesh stabilizer and vaginal probe
A mesh delivery system for sacral colpopexy procedures is disclosed. The system uses a mesh stabilizer (30) that is introduced in a compressed configuration through a surgical port into the abdomen, and a vaginal probe (10) (inserted through the vagina) with a magnetic or non-magnetic head that engages with the mesh stabilizer (30), anchoring it in position. The mesh stabilizer (30) employs a pseudoelastic shape memory alloy, and folds compact to deliver multiple mesh straps or a single Y-shaped surgical mesh in a streamlined configuration into the abdomen for facilitating the sacral colpopexy procedure. After delivery, the stabilizer (30) expands to a functional configuration where it interfaces with the probe (10) head and stabilizes and adjustably feeds the mesh strap(s) for suturing while maintaining stabilization of the mesh on the vaginal apex and while keeping excess mesh from obscuring the surgeons view. After suturing, the stabilizer can be removed back through the surgical port. |
| US08821368B2 |
Warming therapy device including modular humidification system
An apparatus and method for performing warming therapy is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a base for supporting a medical patient and a humidifier module removably coupled to the base. The humidifier module may include a main reservoir and an evaporator reservoir separated by a channel. Both the main and evaporator reservoirs may be protected by a cover, which may be made removable. The design of the humidifier module is such that the component parts thereof may be easily removed, so that the reservoir body including the main reservoir and the evaporator reservoir may be easily cleaned, such as through use of an autoclave. |
| US08821367B2 |
Warming therapy device including rotatable mattress tray
An apparatus and method for providing patient access in a warming therapy device (e.g., incubator, warmer, etc.) is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a mattress tray assembly having at least two axes of rotation, and in another exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a mattress tray assembly having at least four axes of rotation. |
| US08821365B2 |
Rotation drive device and centrifugal pump apparatus using the same
A centrifugal blood pump apparatus includes an impeller provided in a blood chamber, a plurality of permanent magnets provided in the impeller, and a plurality of sets of magnetic materials and coils provided in a motor chamber for driving the impeller to rotate with a diaphragm interposed therebetween. The plurality of permanent magnets are aligned with a gap therebetween in a rotation direction of the impeller. Accordingly, if the weight of the permanent magnets is maintained at a constant value, a magnetic field can be strengthened even with a wide motor gap due to the diaphragm, as compared to an example where there is no gap between the permanent magnets. |
| US08821362B2 |
Multiple modular in-line rotary separator bundle
An apparatus and method for separating a mixed flow into a higher-density component and a lower-density component is provided. The apparatus may include a casing having a fluid entrance assembly, a fluid outlet assembly, and a drain. The apparatus may also include a plurality of rotary separators disposed in the casing. Each of the plurality of rotary separators may include an inlet in fluid communication with the fluid entrance assembly, a discharge in fluid communication with the fluid outlet assembly, and an outlet passage in communication with the drain. At least one of the plurality of rotary separators may include a stationary housing and a rotatable drum disposed at least partially in the stationary housing. The stationary housing may define a slot at least partially providing the outlet passage, and the rotatable drum may be configured to centrifuge the mixed flow. |
| US08821357B2 |
Dumbbell castor exercise device
A dumbbell caster assembly includes a first omnidirectional wheel assembly mechanically coupled to a grip. A second omnidirectional wheel assembly is mechanically coupled to the grip. The omnidirectional wheel assemblies can include a plurality of wheel sub-wheels. The dumbbell caster assembly allows a user to perform exercises, such as push-up exercises and abdominal exercises, that require omnidirectionality. |
| US08821355B2 |
Adjustable skipping rope
A skipping rope having at least one handle comprising an elongate hand grip, a mounting portion which is fixed to the hand grip and an attachment arrangement by which a rope or cord is affixed to the mounting portion, the attachment arrangement allowing the rope or cord to be secured to the mounting portion at any of a range of locations along its length. |
| US08821352B2 |
Myofascial roller wrap
The present invention provides in some embodiments, a cover for an exercise roller. The cover can include an elongate tubular structure defining a generally cylindrical elongate lumen extending through the length of the elongate tubular structure. A wall of the cover can have an inner face surrounding the generally cylindrical elongate lumen, which is configured to surround an outer surface of the exercise roller. The outer face of the elongate tubular structure can have a textured surface, and the elongate tubular structure has a density configured for myofascial release. Additionally, the inner face of the wall and the outer face of the wall define a thickness of the cover for an exercise device. The invention can also include a method of using a progression of covers having different densities, thicknesses, and textures to provide myofascial release. |
| US08821348B2 |
Dynamic filtering for stop/start vehicle launch preparation
A vehicle includes an engine configured for automatic shutdown and restart. The vehicle is provided with a controller that is configured to restart the engine when a difference between an actual brake pressure and a filtered brake pressure is greater than a threshold value. The filtered brake pressure is dependent upon a magnitude of the actual brake pressure and a rate of change of the actual brake pressure. |
| US08821343B2 |
Method for operating a drive train
A method of operating a drive-train comprising an auxiliary output on the engine side that can be coupled to the combustion engine via a continuously variable transmission and a generator such that when the engine is running, the generator can be driven at a constant rotational speed regardless of the speed of the engine, such that a condition parameter of the auxiliary output is regulated between a pair of limit values. The condition parameter is regulated as a function of its current actual value, the limit values of the condition parameter and also as a function of a current and/or anticipated driving situation such that parameters are determined, in the regulator, for the energy input into the auxiliary output as a function of these input data, and hence for a corresponding energy uptake from the engine. |
| US08821338B2 |
Elastic rotary actuator
Rotary actuators having a final output member rotatable about an axis of rotation; a motor unit designed to drive the final output member for rotation about the axis of rotation; and an elastic unit arranged between the motor unit and the final output member and having an input member torsionally coupled to the motor unit and an output member rigidly connected for rotation with the final output member are provided. |
| US08821334B2 |
High efficiency transfer case
A multi-speed power transmission device includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts and a planetary gearset. An axially moveable sleeve fixes the first output shaft and the input shaft for rotation when in a first position and the sleeve fixes the sun gear and the input shaft for rotation when in a second position. A hub is axially moveable and free to rotate relative to the first output shaft when in the first position. The hub is fixed for rotation with the first output shaft when in the second position. A cam plate is continuously fixed for rotation with the carrier and urges the hub toward its second position when in a second axial position. The input shaft drives the first output shaft at a reduced speed via the planetary gearset when the sleeve, hub and cam plate are at their second positions. |
| US08821327B1 |
Engine accessory mount for improved stretch belt installation
An engine includes an engine structure defining a plurality of cylinders. A crankshaft is rotatably mounted to the engine structure and a plurality of pistons are each disposed in a corresponding one of the plurality of cylinders and drivingly connected to the crankshaft. A drive pulley is drivingly connected to the crankshaft. An accessory is mounted to the engine structure and includes a driven pulley connected to the drive pulley by a belt. The belt has a load direction extending through an axis of rotation of the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The accessory includes a housing having two slots extending generally parallel to the load direction of the belt and each receiving a fastener therein. A tensioner bolt is located between the two slots and extends generally parallel to the load direction to apply a tension force on the housing in the load direction. |
| US08821326B2 |
Ratchet-type tensioner
In a ratchet-type tensioner having a plunger with rack teeth formed thereon and a piston with ratchet teeth that engage the rack teeth, the ratchet teeth can be disengaged from the rack teeth by insertion of a tool through a tool insertion hole in the tensioner housing and exerting a prying action on the toothed end of the piston to move the piston away from the plunger. Alternatively if an oblique camming surface is formed on the toothed end of the piston, the ratchet teeth can be disengaged from the rack teeth by pushing the tool inward against the oblique camming surface. The piston and the hole in which it slides are shaped to prevent rotation of the piston. The ratchet teeth on the piston and the rack teeth on the plunger can be oblique to allow setback of the plunger when excessive force is exerted on the plunger. |
| US08821324B1 |
Adjustable base assembly and method of using same
An adjustable base assembly (10) having a base connector (30) and a base mounting platform (14) with a mating base connector (32) releasably connectable with the base connector (30) with a mounting stud (36) for attaching the bottom (26) against a playing surface (28). The connector (30) and the mating base connector (32) have at least two pairs of mating surfaces including one pair of locking surfaces (40 and 42) that prevents separation of the base (12) from the base mounting platform (14) in response to any lateral forces. Other pairs of different non-locking, mating engagement surfaces (48 and 50, 54 and 56, and 60 and 62) enable separation of the base (12) from the base platform (12) in response to different preselected minimum lateral threshold forces applied against another one of the sidewalls (18, 22 and 16). |
| US08821323B2 |
Swing trainer for exercise
A swing trainer for exercise contains a handle having a first end and a second end relative to the first end, and the second end having a screw rod; a body having a first segment and a second segment relative to the first segment, the first segment fitting with the second end of the handle, and the screw rod being inserted into the body, between the first segment and the second segment being axially defined a defining rail; a counterweight block fixed in the body, the counterweight block having a first screw orifice defined thereon to screw with the screw rod of the handle and a slot axially defined on a side of an outer surface thereof to match with the defining rail of the body; a limiting member for limiting a connection of the handle and the body so that the handle moves relative to the body. |
| US08821319B2 |
Designing method for dimple pattern of golf ball
A designing method according to the present invention includes the steps of: (1) dividing a surface of a phantom sphere of a golf ball 2 into a plurality of units U by division lines 14 obtained by projecting edge lines of a regular polyhedron inscribed in the phantom sphere, on the surface of the phantom sphere; (2) obtaining a base pattern by randomly arranging a plurality of dimples 8 in one unit U such that the dimples 8 do not overlap each other; and (3) developing the base pattern over other units U such that patterns of two adjacent units U are not mirror-symmetrical to each other. The regular polyhedron is preferably a regular dodecahedron or a regular icosahedrons. |
| US08821318B2 |
Golf ball
A golf ball which has excellent abrasion-resistance and spin performance is provided. The golf ball of the present invention includes a core and a cover covering the core and containing polyurethane as a resin component, wherein the polyurethane has, as a constituting component, a polyisocyanate component, a high-molecular weight polyol component, and a mixture of cis-1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol and trans-1,4-cyclohexane dimethanol as a chain extender. |
| US08821315B2 |
Golf ball
Provided is a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer, an intermediate layer, and a cover having a plurality of dimples. The core has a hardness which gradually increases from a center to a surface thereof, the hardness difference in JIS-C hardness units between the core center and the core surface being at least 15 and, letting (I) be the average value for cross-sectional hardnesses at a position about 15 mm from the core center and at the core center and letting (II) be the cross-sectional hardness at a position about 7.5 mm from the core center, the hardness difference (I)−(II) in JIS-C units being not more than ±2. The envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have hardnesses which satisfy the condition: cover hardness>intermediate layer hardness>envelope layer hardness. |
| US08821313B1 |
Iron-type golf club head
An iron-type golf club head comprising a high strength face plate with a face support is disclosed herein. In particular, the face plate is affixed to a perimeter region and to a face support that extends upwards from the sole proximate a front opening. The face plate preferably is welded to the perimeter region and brazed to the face support to optimize the sound and feel of the golf club head while preserving the strength of the face. |
| US08821310B2 |
Golf club
A golf club includes a shaft and a head, the torque of the entire length of the shaft being in a range of 3 to 5°. From viewpoints of a torsional rigidity distribution of the shaft, an integrated value of the torsional rigidity on the grip end side of the shaft is 85% or less of the integrated value of the torsional rigidity of the entire length of the shaft. The head has a distance to the center of gravity of 40 to 48 mm and a gravity center angle of 22 to 30°. |
| US08821308B2 |
Club-swing alignment apparatus and a frame thereof
A club-swing alignment apparatus includes a tee and a frame assembled to the tee. The tee has a positioning portion and a ball supporter. The frame includes two rails and a crossbar interconnected between the two rails. The two rails and the crossbar jointly form a reference movement path. The crossbar includes an engaging portion assembled to the ball supporter of the tee. A frame of a club-swing alignment apparatus includes two rails and a crossbar interconnected between the two rails. The crossbar has an engaging portion. The two rails and the crossbar jointly form a reference movement path. |
| US08821305B2 |
Apparatus, systems, and methods for gathering and processing biometric and biomechanical data
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for measuring and analyzing movements of a body and for communicating information related to such body movements over a network. In certain embodiments, a system gathers biometric and biomechanical data relating to positions, orientations, and movements of various body parts of a user performed during sports activities, physical rehabilitation, or military or law enforcement activities. The biometric and biomechanical data can be communicated to a local and/or remote interface, which uses digital performance assessment tools to provide a performance evaluation to the user. The performance evaluation may include a graphical representation (e.g., a video), statistical information, and/or a comparison to another user and/or instructor. In some embodiments, the biometric and biomechanical data is communicated wirelessly to one or more devices including a processor, display, and/or data storage medium for further analysis, archiving, and data mining. In some embodiments, the device includes a cellular telephone. |
| US08821303B1 |
Double occupancy infant swing
A double occupancy swing provides for two (2) infant seats arranged in a side-by-side configuration. The seats are attached to a swing mechanism and comprise features allowing each seat to be reclined or rotated side-to-side allowing the infants to face each other. The top portion of the infant swing is provided with means to hold an electronic device which provides visual and/or audio effects such as nursery rhymes, pictures, and music to help keep the child entertained. |
| US08821291B2 |
System and method for conducting a fantasy sports competition
The present invention embodiments pertain to conducting fantasy sports or other competitions, where users select or draft an entirely new team of professional players each week (or at other suitable time interval). The competition types (including playoffs) include fee based and free. Each fee based competition has a pre-determined entry fee, and prizes are awarded to the winner of that competition each week. The free competitions similarly include weekly prizes and further provide for a grand prize. Within each of the free and fee based types of competitions, users may compete in a “private” competition or a randomly composed “open” competition. Users within the free and fee based competitions may accumulate points that qualify for redemption to obtain prizes. These points are accumulated based upon the statistical performance of the drafted players for each team. The present invention embodiments further provide mechanisms for information sharing and interaction between users. |
| US08821289B2 |
Partial pay progressives
A progressive jackpot system includes a progressive jackpot system controller, and a plurality of gaming machines coupled to the progressive jackpot system controller and participating in a progressive jackpot game in which a progressive jackpot is awarded in response to a triggering event at one of the gaming machines. A method of operating the progressive jackpot system includes maintaining data in the progressive jackpot system controller representing a composite progressive jackpot pool comprising a predetermined base component, and an incremental component funded by a portion of wagers made at the gaming machines. A message is sent from the gaming machine to the progressive jackpot system controller in response to the occurrence of a triggering event on the gaming machine. The message indicates that the triggering event has occurred and includes data representing a desired proportion of the progressive jackpot pool to award to the player. The progressive jackpot system controller calculates a composite progressive jackpot award for the player based on the desired progressive jackpot proportion. The composite progressive jackpot award comprises a first component funded from the predetermined base component of the progressive jackpot poll, and a second component funded from the incremental component of the progressive jackpot pool. A message is sent from the progressive jackpot system controller to the gaming machine indicating the amount of the progressive jackpot award for the player. The progressive jackpot system controller replenishes the base component of the progressive jackpot pool to the predetermined amount. |
| US08821287B2 |
Video game display system
A hand-held display system for playing video games includes a housing grippable by a user's hands, a liquid crystal display viewable by the user gripping the housing, input devices operable by the user when the user grips the housing and a connector for, in use, operatively connecting to portable storage media storing video game programs for the video games. First processing circuitry processes video game programs having a first program specification and second processing circuitry processes video game programs having a second program specification. |
| US08821284B2 |
Adapter apparatus for a handheld controller
According to various embodiments of the invention an adapter apparatus is provided that is combinable with a computer or video game controller. In accordance with one embodiment, the adapter apparatus is a controller adapter, comprising: a housing configured to attach to a controller having a controller input, wherein the housing at least partially covers the controller input when the housing is attached to the controller, the housing comprising: a holding mechanism configured to secure the housing to the controller when the housing is attached to the controller; an adapter input disposed on an exterior surface of the housing opposite the controller input; and a translation element positioned between the adapter input and the controller input such that a user input to the adapter input translates to a corresponding user input to the controller input. |
| US08821283B2 |
Wagering game audio ending in key of current state
In a wagering game machine, operations and systems are disclosed for ending wagering game audio in a key of the current state. In one embodiment, the use of markers to denote the state of a music file enables following the continuous music and ending wagering game bang-up audio in whatever key the continuous music is in at the precise moment the bang-up ends. The continuous music, bang-ups and marker file are all started at the same time and may be the same length. The continuous music is audible, the bang-ups are heard by raising the volume when programmatically called for, and the marker file continuously sends out signals at a set rate which the code then interprets to determine the state of the song to trigger the appropriate musical ending. When the bang-up ends it can then be played in the key corresponding to the current state of the music. |
| US08821277B2 |
Colour barcodes and cellphone
A two dimensional barcode with default background and foreground colors uses other foreground colors, to make separate means of encoding data, used by decoding hardware and software, or by an observer's perception. The new colors show text or graphics. A barcode on a dynamic display shows a progress indicator for an operation started by a user who imaged the barcode with her phone. Or it shows the number of votes for users who picked it with their phones. The barcode could show scrolling text. A barcode on a computer screen simulates a pushbutton; pressed when the user takes a photo of it with a cellphone. Suppose a barcode has a symbol drawn on its foreground rectangles, and the barcode encodes a URL. The URL is crafted to maximize the number of foreground rectangles that the symbol intersects, helping a human interpolate the symbol from fragments. |
| US08821276B2 |
Image integration, mapping and linking system and methodology
An adapter interface apparatus has a user input device and an associated video display. The user selects a distinguishable visual image representation for association into an audiovisual presentation, such as where that user is identified. For example, color, size graphics or shape can be used to distinguish users. In one embodiment a digitized image of each user's face is used as the distinguishable representation. Alternatively, the user can create an original image or select one of a predetermined set of visual images as the user's identification for use in the audiovisual presentation. In one embodiment, the adapter interface is coupled to an audiovisual presentation system and a storage card containing User Images. The adapter interface system integrates a selected User Image from the Storage Card into the audiovisual presentation. |
| US08821274B2 |
System and method for augmented reality gaming using a mobile device
Disclosed is a method for enabling a user in an augmented reality gaming venue to use an augmented reality gaming venue component and a mobile device to find a particular game or gaming machine. The method includes: controlling a camera on the mobile device using the augmented reality gaming venue component, once the component is activated; determining the location of the mobile device; determining the orientation of the mobile device; querying a casino management system to retrieve data for the augmented reality gaming venue; generating a list of gaming machines and other objects currently visible to the camera; rendering a camera-captured image on a display of the mobile device; and overlaying icons on the image for each visible object to display additional visual information to a user on the display of the mobile device in response to the user aiming the mobile device at gaming machines or other objects of interest in the augmented reality gaming venue. |
| US08821273B2 |
Preventing a media display from hijacking a gaming machine
A gaming machine includes a display device and a processor coupled to the display device. The processor is configured to monitor at least one display property of a media display on the display device, detect that the at least one display property is equal or greater than a preselected threshold, and generate an alert in response to the detection. |
| US08821271B2 |
Techniques for providing narrative content for competitive gaming events
Various embodiments for providing a narrative summary for content related to competitive gaming are described. An aspect may provide receiving data about a competitive gaming event, the data comprising one or more data items; selecting a narrative template for the competitive gaming event according to the data, the narrative template comprising one or more word slots and one or more data slots; filling a data slot in the narrative template with a data item; filling a word slot in the narrative template with a word selected from a word list configured for the word slot; and publishing the narrative template with the one or more word slots and the one or more data slots filled as competitive gaming narrative content. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08821269B2 |
Wager market creation and management
Methods and systems are provided herewith for creating and managing wagers on possible states within a live event, such as possible outcomes of subparts of a sporting event or other possible occurrences within the event. An initial state and multiple possible future states of a performance parameter of the event is determined based on state information of the event. A betting market may be created by determining probabilities and odds for the possible future states. The betting market is closed after bets are received and before an end of an initial state of the performance parameter. A payout may be made to a winner who selected the correct outcome of the performance parameter. |
| US08821264B2 |
Controlled entity hybrid game
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate a controlled entity hybrid game. The controlled entity hybrid game, includes a real world engine constructed to provide a randomly generated payout of real world credits from at least one wager in a gambling game, an entertainment software engine constructed to execute an entertainment game providing outcomes based upon a player's skillful execution of the entertainment game, and a game world engine constructed to manage the entertainment software engine and communicate, to the gambling game, a gameplay gambling event occurrence based upon a player's instruction of a controlled entity to consume an enabling element of the entertainment game that triggers a wager in the gambling game. |
| US08821263B1 |
Leveraging optional game features to remove in-game assets from a virtual economy
A method of removing virtual currency from a virtual economy associated with a game is disclosed. A notification is received. The notification indicates that a player of the game has accepted an offer to enable an optional feature of the game in exchange for having a rake performed on winnings of the player. The feature of the game is enabled. It is detected that the player has received the winnings. The rake is deducted from the winnings. The rake is removed from the virtual economy. The player is provided with the remaining winnings. |
| US08821262B2 |
Gaming system and method providing third party promotions
A gaming system and method disclosed herein enable players to earn promotional awards at gaming machines without sacrificing or surrendering player tracking points. The gaming system and method also provide value to players without the casino absorbing the cost of such value. The gaming system and method disclosed herein creates a new type of currency redeemable for a good or service (or a discount on a good or service) associated with a point-of-sale independent of the casino. In one form, the player tracking currency does not cost the casino or the player anything. |
| US08821261B2 |
Selecting a wager for an event
Technologies are generally described for processes and systems effective to select or determine a wager for an event. A wager processor may be configured to be in communication with a wager database and an event status processor over a network. The wager processor may be effective to receive event information and crowd information. The event information may relate to a status of the event. The crowd information may relate to demographics and/or interests of the participants at the event. The wager processor may select or determine the wager based on the event information and the crowd information. |
| US08821260B1 |
System and method for granting in-game bonuses to a user
Disclosed herein is technology for providing in-game bonuses to a user's in-game persona. The technology involves virtual items that provide quality-based bonuses and level based bonuses. The technology provides systems and methods for upgrading an item's level and enhancing the item's quality. If an upgrade or enhancement is unsuccessful, the item may be broken and the quality bonuses and level bonuses may be decreased until the item is repaired. |
| US08821259B2 |
Gaming system and gaming machines utilizing cash tickets having a feature trigger
A casino gaming system includes gaming machines which are configured to accept and read tickets. The ticket may comprise cash-value tickets or non-cash value tickets. The tickets may also include secondary feature triggering indicia. A player may obtain a ticket from a system kiosk. The player may then present that ticket to a gaming machine, such as by inserting it into a media reader such as a bill acceptor. Associated monetary value or non-monetary credits may be credited to the machine. In addition, if the ticket includes a feature triggering indicia, when such an indicia is detected, the gaming machine preferably triggers or initiates the feature. |
| US08821255B1 |
Slot machine promotional system and method
A method to tracking a playing history chain of a cashless ticket. When an uncarded player first plays a slot machine and proceeds to cash out, inserts the latest ticket into another machine, plays, cashes out, inserts the latest ticket into yet another machine, plays, cashes out, etc., the entire chain of play can be automatically tracked. When the player redeems the ticket at a ticket redemption machine, the player can be presented with a message as to how many comp points the player would have earned had the player had and used a comp card. The player can also be presented with a voucher to be awarded the comp points if the player signs up for the casino's players (or slot) club. |
| US08821250B2 |
Method of reimbursing players for slot machines
A method of reimbursing players adopted for slot machines. The method includes steps of: executing a recording module, executing a reimbursement judgment module, executing a reimbursement game module, executing a win judgment module and executing a game selection module. The recording module records game rounds and game conditions of the slot machine. The reimbursement judgment module judges whether a reimbursement condition is satisfied, if yes, repeatedly execute the reimbursement game module to accumulate game scores; otherwise, execute the game selection module. The win judgment module stops execution of the reimbursement game module and executes the game selection module after having judged that the game conditions have reached a reimbursement threshold setting. The game selection module allows a player to select to restart the game or end the game. Thus the invention assures the player to get a certain amount of the game scores during playing the slot machine. |
| US08821249B2 |
Gaming machine with multiple selection groups
A gaming system for conducting a wagering game comprising a value input device for receiving a wager, a display for displaying a plurality of selection groups, and a processor coupled to the display. Each selection group includes a plurality of selectable elements. The processor is operative to alternately select the elements in the selection groups until encountering an end-feature condition, and provide awards associated with the selected elements. |
| US08821248B2 |
Bingo gaming system and method for providing multiple outcomes from single bingo pattern
The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides a bingo game wherein a single bingo pattern is associated with a plurality of outcomes. In one such embodiment, a first bingo pattern is associated with a static outcome, such as an award of a designated value, and a second bingo pattern is associated with an open-ended outcome, such as a progressive award. If a bingo pattern associated with a progressive award is covered, the disclosed gaming system and method causes the bingo game to display, a symbol combination associated with the progressive award. In one embodiment, the disclosed gaming system and method selects the symbol combination from a plurality of symbol combinations associated with the progressive award. |
| US08821246B2 |
Co-located lottery game for a gaming device
A lottery system/slot machine interface has been developed. The interface includes an electronic detector to detect selected slot machine event occurrences and generate event occurrence notification signals upon detection of the selected events. The invention also includes an interface that detects the event occurrence notification signals, analyzes the signals and outputs a lottery entry command. Finally, a printer receives the lottery ticket printing commands and prints a lottery entry ticket. |
| US08821244B1 |
Extending presentation of mood-related gaming effects
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting a winning event during a wager cycle of a wagering game played during a wagering game session. In some embodiments, the operations further include presenting a congratulatory gaming effect in response to the winning event and extending presentation of the congratulatory gaming effect for a duration after the wager cycle. |
| US08821240B2 |
Wagering game with collection of objects to influence game outcome
A wagering game system is provided and includes a plurality of gaming terminals, each gaming terminal communicating with a gaming control system configured to conduct a basic wagering game and a group game. The gaming control system is configured to assign at least a portion an award or a wager associated with a gaming terminal to the group game. In the group game, each player's assignment is applied to perform a collecting or building of an object or objects in the group game. Upon satisfaction of a predetermined realization event in the basic wagering game or the group game, an award is awarded for a selected group of objects in the group game at a time of the predetermined realization event. |
| US08821235B2 |
Non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and server device
A game program according to the invention instructs a computer to perform the following processes: a reception process in which a building request that requests building of a character group into which a plurality of characters are organized is received from a player terminal that is used by a player when the player plays a game; an image generation process in which a group-building game image is generated in response to the building request, the group-building game image being displayed on a display unit of the player terminal when the player builds the character group, the group-building game image including images of characters owned by the player and pieces of suggesting information that causes the player to estimate an attribute set for each of these characters; and a process in which the group-building game image generated in the image generation process is sent to the player terminal. |
| US08821232B2 |
Platform apparatus for serious game
A platform apparatus that processes the execution results of one or more serious games, the platform apparatus comprising a data processing unit that receives output packets produced from each serious game in execution for measuring and developing a user's cognitive abilities and that generates game data from the output packets; an analysis processing unit that generates, based on the game data, analysis data for measuring the user's brain function; and a result display unit that displays the analysis data to the user through an UI (user interface), wherein the one or more serious game includes serious games for memory, for psycho-motor, for attention, for executive function, and for emotion. |
| US08821231B2 |
Fantasy sport auction draft application
Methods and system include obtaining attributes of athletic players from one or more sources. The attributes define statistics of the athletic players. Minimum requirements are determined for teams organized in a group. A listing is generated for each team in the group. The listing includes a plurality of entries wherein each entry is configured to present attributes of an athletic player or a team that is part of the group. Select ones of the plurality of entries in the listing are static and select ones of the entries are dynamic. The entries that are static are used to provide minimum requirements defined for each team in the group and the entries that are dynamic are used to provide attributes of the teams or the athletic players. The dynamic entries are adjusted during a drafting process to provide current status of the teams and the athletic players. |
| US08821229B2 |
Grain cleaning system for an agricultural combine
A grain cleaning system of an agricultural combine directs a flow of high velocity air in a first direction about an inlet end of a cleaning shoe. The system further monitors the cleaning shoe in order to detect a change in an operational parameter of the cleaning shoe, wherein the operational parameter is one of a transient effect of a sieve of the cleaning shoe, a flow rate about and exit end of the cleaning shoe and a flow velocity about an exit end of the cleaning shoe. Further, the flow of high velocity air about the inlet end of the cleaning shoe can be redirected in a second direction in response to a detected change in the operational parameter. |
| US08821227B2 |
Heat dissipating system
A heat dissipating system includes a housing having a compartment divided into first and second air channels by a partitioning board. The partitioning board includes an opening through which the first air channel is in communication with the second air channel. A driving unit is mounted in the first air channel. The driving unit includes a rotating shaft extending through the opening into the second air channel. A first impeller is mounted in the first air channel, coupled to the rotating shaft, and aligned with the opening. A second impeller is mounted in the second air channel, coupled to the rotating shaft, and aligned with the opening. The first and second impellers mounted in the first and second air channels are driven by the driving unit to simultaneously dissipate heat generated by electronic elements in the first and second air channels while having a simplified structure. |
| US08821226B2 |
Vent member
A vent member (1) includes a support body (2) provided with a through-hole (3), a permeable membrane (6) closing the through-hole (3) in the support body (2), and a cover part (10) covering the permeable membrane (6). A ventilation hole (10a) is made in a ceiling portion (11) of the cover part (10) and a notch (10b) is made in a side wall portion (12) thereof. These ventilation hole (10a) and notch (10b) function as a passage for ventilation between the interior and the exterior of the cover part (10). The ventilation hole (10a) establishes a positional relation that it does not overlap a permeable region of the permeable membrane (6) in the axial direction. Further, the side wall portion (12) extends to the lower side in the axial direction below a position at which the permeable membrane (6) is disposed, and the permeable membrane (6) is protected entirely along a circumferential direction by the side wall portion (12). The permeable membrane (6) is disposed on a mesa-like portion (14) that is convex to the upper side in the axial direction. |
| US08821216B2 |
Method and device for removing a secondary burr on an end-cut work piece wheel
A method and a device for removing secondary burrs raised on the tooth flanks of a work piece wheel by a chamfering of the end tooth edges of said work piece wheel provides a tool wheel that rotationally meshes with the work piece wheel. Said tool wheel has cutting edges on its tooth flanks (5, 6) and their cutting motion, caused by the meshing, removes the secondary burrs by cutting. |
| US08821215B2 |
Polypyrrolidone polishing composition and method
The invention provides a polishing composition containing a pyrrolidone polymer, an aminophosphonic acid, a tetraalkylammonium salt, and water, wherein the composition has a pH of about 7 to about 11.7. The invention further provides a method of using such a polishing composition to polish a substrate, especially a substrate containing silicon. |
| US08821212B2 |
Active coolant flow control for machining processes
A method for operating a machining tool, comprising: setting a flow rate and a pressure of a flow of coolant to a target flow rate and a pressure target, respectively, the coolant flow being provided to the machining tool; machining a work-piece using the machining tool; measuring the flow rate and the pressure of the flow of coolant; and detecting an anomaly with respect to the coolant flow; and taking a corrective action depending on the type of the detected anomaly. |
| US08821211B2 |
Device for cutting of glass sheet
Disclosed herein is a device for cutting a glass sheet, continuously supplied after a melting and solidification process, into quadrangular glass substrates. The glass sheet cutting device includes two or more cutters for cutting a glass sheet into quadrangular glass substrates, a defect inspector for scanning the glass sheet to three-dimensionally check defect positions in a length direction, a width direction and a thickness direction of the glass sheet, a position adjuster for moving at least one of the cutters to a portion of the glass sheet at which few defects are distributed, and a controller for informing the position adjuster of positions of the cutters based on the scanned results received from the defect inspector. |
| US08821207B1 |
Method for teaching skills to a child and apparatus therefor
A method and apparatus for teaching skills to a child includes a toy barn kit which has a plurality of structural elements including walls, gables, and roof panels which can be assembled into a completed toy barn. The structural elements have color coded connectors and mating connectors which assist the child in the assembly process. In performing the assembly, the child learns skills of (1) principles of construction, (2) spatial relationships, (3) sequential thinking, and (4) color recognition and matching. |
| US08821201B2 |
Vessel propulsion apparatus
A vessel propulsion apparatus includes a second shaft that is inserted in a first driven gear and in a second driven gear, that is connected to a dog clutch, and that is arranged to undergo a thrust. The vessel propulsion apparatus includes a first bearing disposed between the first driven gear and the second shaft, a second bearing disposed between the second driven gear and the second shaft, and a case to which a thrust applied to the second shaft is transmitted via the first bearing and the first driven gear or via the second bearing and the second driven gear. The vessel propulsion apparatus includes an adjusting member disposed between the second shaft and at least one of the first driven gear and the second driven gear and arranged to apply a preload onto the first bearing and the second bearing. |
| US08821197B2 |
Fuse terminal
In a fuse terminal in which a frame is formed by a bottom wall part, a pair of sidewall parts and a top wall part, a pair of contact terminals are respectively arranged at right and left positions within the frame, and the tab terminal of a fuse advanced into the frame is inserted between the pair of contact terminals and closely made in contact therebetween by contact loads due to elastic restoring forces of the pair of contact terminals, one of the contact terminals is a wound spring type contact terminal which is formed by being extended from the frame and folded for a plurality of times along the one sidewall part, and the other contact terminal is a leaf-spring type contact terminal which is extended from the frame through a flexible rod part and arranged almost in parallel to the other sidewall part via a gap. |
| US08821194B2 |
Connector assembly
A connector assembly includes a connector plug and a connector socket. The connector plug includes an outer surface which includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a plurality of first plug signal transmitting pins. The second portion includes a plurality of second plug signal transmitting pins. The connector socket includes an inner surface. The inner surface is divided into a first area and a second area by a first insulating portion. The first area includes a plurality of first socket signal transmitting pins. The second area includes a plurality of second socket signal transmitting pins. The connector plug inserts in the connector socket to connect the plurality of first plug signal transmitting pins to the plurality of first socket signal transmitting pins, and simultaneously connect the plurality of second plug signal transmitting pins to the plurality of second socket signal transmitting pins. |
| US08821192B2 |
Electrical connector have a grounding terminal with a tongue for improving mechanical stability
An electrical connector electrically connecting a chip module to a printed circuit board includes an insulative housing that a number of contacting terminals and a number of grounding terminals received therein, the insulative housing includes a mating surface and a mounting surface opposite to the mating surface, the grounding terminal is adjacent to the contacting terminal, and wherein the insulative housing also comprises a plurality of retention slots depressed from the matching surface thereof for fixing a retention portion of the grounding terminals, the retention slot has a sidewall that plated with a metal layer, the retention portion comprises a tongue and elastic contacted with the metal layer. |
| US08821188B2 |
Electrical connector assembly used for shielding
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing has a mating surface and a mounting surface opposite to the mating surface, a plurality of receiving holes penetrated from the mating surface to the mounting surface, a plurality of terminals received in the receiving holes and a grounding route assembled on the mating surface, wherein a shielding device exposed in the receiving holes and electrically connecting with the grounding route. |
| US08821185B2 |
Locking device for a connecting arrangement
A locking device for a connecting arrangement between a connecting piece and a plug-type connector, which connecting piece has, radially on the outside, at least one first undercut region extending in the circumferential direction, which plug-type connector has, radially on the inside, at least one second undercut region which is suitable for corresponding with the first undercut region in an engagement position and can be elastically deformed in the radial direction such that the first undercut region and the second undercut region can be engaged or disengaged. The locking device is suitable for preventing a radial elastic deformation of the plug-type connector at least to such an extent that, in the connecting position, the first undercut region and the second undercut region are fixed in the corresponding engagement position. |
| US08821181B1 |
Electrical connector
According to an example embodiment, an electrical connector may include an electrical cord comprising a plurality of wires, and a plug connected to the electrical cord. The plug may include electrical contacts coupled to the plurality of electrical wires, and at least one latch. The at least one latch may be biased to extend away from the plug, an end surface of the at least one latch being within two tenths of a millimeter of an end surface of the plug opposite from the electrical cord. |
| US08821176B2 |
Low profile connector system
A low-profile electrical connector includes a housing having exterior perimeter sides and top and bottom surfaces, where the bottom surface is configured to extend along a user's body site and the top surface is spaced above the bottom surface. The connector also includes a side-entry guide channel disposed along the bottom surface. The channel includes an opening along the exterior perimeter side that is configured to receive an electrically conductive element. The channel is also configured to guide the electrically conductive element within the housing. The connector includes a receptacle positioned within the housing and forms an electrically conductive interface with the electrically conductive element. |
| US08821175B2 |
USB connector, USB housing, and wireless modem
A Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, a USB housing, and a wireless modem are provided in the embodiments of the present invention. The USB connector includes a USB housing, a subcard, a cable, a metal terminal, and a rotating shaft assembly. The USB housing includes a bottom with a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate respectively disposed on two opposite sides. The second fixing plate is disposed with a second hole. The subcard, the first fixing plate, and the second fixing plate are disposed on a same end of the bottom. The metal terminal is disposed on a surface of the subcard. One end of the cable is connected to the metal terminal. The rotating shaft assembly penetrates the second hole. |
| US08821173B2 |
Docking station having preload and connector isolator system
A docking station for a portable computer or other portable computing device. The docking station having a docking tray formed of a tray body formed with a bearing surface that is adapted for receiving thereon a body portion of the portable computing device. A device receiver structure is positioned adjacent to an edge of the bearing surface of the tray body, and a device clamping mechanism is coupled opposite from the receiver structure for cooperating therewith. At least one substantially resilient preload mechanism is positioned adjacent to bearing surface with at least a portion thereof being projected thereabove. A floating expansion connector that is connectable with the device I/O connector is projected from the bearing surface and is resiliently movable in three dimensions relative thereto. |
| US08821169B2 |
Connector
An electrical connection device comprises an electrical connector, a receiving portion, and a limiting element. The electrical connector comprises a housing, a plurality of terminals supported by the housing, and a mounting face positioned at a bottom side thereof. The receiving portion is provided to the bottom side of the electrical connector and positioned in front of the mounting face and has a receiving groove extending in a front-rear direction. The limiting element is provided through the receiving groove and positioned in the receiving portion and has an abutting-retaining face inclined to the ground and facing the mounting face. When the electrical connection device is mounted to a circuit board, the mounting face is mounted to an upper surface of a circuit board, and the abutting-retaining face abuts against a front edge of a lower surface of the circuit board. |
| US08821165B2 |
Hoof mounting for farrier training system
A hoof mounting for a farrier training includes a positioning block with a fixture for attaching to a central shaft of an artificial horse leg. The block has a front surface, a rear surface and first and second side surfaces and first and second securing ledges that extend laterally from the side surfaces. An artificial hoof has an open interior space with a partially open top, a closed bottom, a closed front wall, closed first and second side walls and an open back. The side walls have mating grooves sized and shaped to fit slidably about the securing ledges. At least one securing channel extends from a closed portion of the partially open top into one the mating grooves. A fastening latch has an activating tab and a locking portion that is slidably mounted to the positioning block and fits the securing channel when the block is within the hoof. |
| US08821162B2 |
Translucent veneering for a dental prosthesis formed by a press to metal process
A dental prosthesis, typically formed in a press to metal process, includes application of a porcelain composition sufficient to form a veneer on a dental prosthesis supporting metal structure, the composition having an integrated tooth-like translucency providing an aesthetic appearance. The composition is formed of a dentin frit and an enamel frit, typically sintered into a desired ingot shape including an amount of composition sufficient to veneer the prosthesis. The porcelain composition is a component of a kit that includes opaquers, other porcelains and stains useful in finishing to provide an aesthetic prosthesis. |
| US08821161B2 |
Pre-charged prophy angle
A prophy angle is provided that includes a paste-dispensing assembly that includes an actuator at the proximal end of the housing, a push rod linked to the actuator and supporting a plunger on the push rod is provided, where the push rod is supported by the housing in a biased manner to permit longitudinal movement within the housing in a reciprocating manner as actuated by the actuator, to dispense a controlled quantity of paste out of the prophy angle. |
| US08821160B2 |
Nano bubble generating nozzle and oral cleaning device including the same
Disclosed is a nano bubble generating nozzle including: a passage passing through an interior thereof to provide a flow path through which liquid flows; a nano bubble generating part corresponding to a part of the passage, and formed such that a cross-section of the nano bubble generating part becomes small and then large again along a flow path of liquid so that the nano bubble generating part has a pressure lower than an external pressure of the nozzle body; and a gas inlet formed in the nozzle body, and connected to the nano bubble generating part so that gas is introduced into the nano bubble generating part due to a difference between an external pressure of the nozzle body and a pressure in the nano bubble generating part. |
| US08821154B2 |
Combustion apparatus and method for combustion control thereof
A combustion apparatus. Combustion means (burner) generates flame by combustion. Air supply means (intake fan) supplies air to the combustion means. Flame current detecting means (FRB) is set at a certain detection position and detects a flame current value included in the flame which is generated by the combustion means. Determination means (control device) determines a distribution where the flame current value that is detected is included for the flame current detecting means. Control means (control device), when the flame current value is not included in a distribution, which is set as normal values, outputs a control command of increasing or decreasing at least one of the supply of the air by the air supply means and the supply of fuel based on a determination result by the determination means. |
| US08821153B2 |
Method and system for the production of a combustible gas from a fuel
Method and system for the production of a combustible gas from a fuel, comprising the conversion of the fuel, at a temperature that is between 600 and 1000° C. and at a pressure that is lower than 10 bar, into at least a combustible gas that comprises CH4, CO, H2, CO2, H2O and higher hydrocarbons in a reactor installation (1). At least part of the higher hydrocarbons present in the combustible gas is catalytically converted into at least CH4, CO, H2, CO2 and H2O in a reactor (45) at a pressure that is lower than 10 bar. After this catalytic conversion, an amount of H2O and an amount of CO2 are removed from the combustible gas in a separator installation (50) at a pressure that is lower than 10 bar. After the removal of H2O and CO2, the pressure of the combustible gas is raised by a compressor (71). |
| US08821152B2 |
Injection-molding machine having at least two toggle lever mechanisms
An injection-molding machine for processing plastics has, on a mold-closing unit (F), at least one injection mold (10) which can be accommodated between a stationary mold carrier (12) and a movable mold carrier (11). The mold carriers are moved by means of at least one pair of toggle levers with two toggle lever mechanisms (K), which are driven in a closing direction (s-s) independently of one another each by a drive unit (A), wherein the toggle lever mechanisms (K) are mounted on a bearing plate (14). Since the bearing plate (14) is mounted on the injection-molding machine such that it can move along guides (28), and the drive units (A) are mounted on the movable bearing plate (14) on which the actuating elements for the at least two toggle lever mechanisms (K) are mounted, it is possible to influence the parallelism of the mold carriers both in the static and in the dynamic state. |
| US08821151B2 |
Side gate nozzle assembly
Disclosed is a side gate nozzle assembly (108) having a nozzle body (210) and at least one side gate nozzle tip assembly (112) wherein the nozzle body (210) and the at least one side gate nozzle tip assembly (112) are slidably engaged to each other. |
| US08821146B2 |
Mold for manufacturing an I/O port of a computer front panel
A mold includes a mold core, a first cover, and a second cover. The mold core includes a cavity and a pair of elastic pieces. The pair of elastic pieces is in the cavity and divides the cavity into a first room and a second room. The first cover covers the first room of the cavity. The first cover defines a plurality of first plug holes. A first I/O can be formed in the first room by injecting a first liquid plastic material in the first room via the plurality of first plug holes. The second cover covers the first room and second room of the cavity. The second cover defines a plurality of second plug holes. A second I/O port assembly can be formed by injecting a second liquid plastic material in the first room and the second room via the plurality of second plug holes. |
| US08821143B2 |
Vane rotary compressor
In a vane rotary compressor, a discharge valve on a discharge flow channel communicates an operating chamber in a compression element with a discharge hole. The discharge valve is pushed from an opening portion of a discharge valve groove to an outer circumferential surface of a roller by a high-pressure refrigerant when pressure in an operating chamber is lower than the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant. The discharge valve is pushed back into the discharge valve groove by the refrigerant pressure in the operating chamber when the pressure in the operating chamber is higher than the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant. The discharge flow channel is closed by the outer circumferential surface of the discharge valve pushed out from the opening portion of the discharge valve groove and the outer circumferential surface of the roller, and opens when the discharge valve is pushed back into the discharge valve groove. |
| US08821140B2 |
Gear pump
A gear pump having double-helical gears with bearing assembly seals and gear end seals which provided double seal interfaces between the pump cavity and bearing cups having disposed therein bearing assemblies for supporting pump shafts for rotation. The double seal interfaces preclude pumped fluid, particularly contaminated fluid including entrained abrasives from making contact with the bearing assemblies. An adjustable packing seal mechanism, a gear gap adjustment mechanism, a fluid pressure relief system, and pump heat exchanger features are also disclosed. |
| US08821139B2 |
Balance plate assembly for a fluid device
A fluid device includes a displacement assembly and a balance plate assembly disposed adjacent to the displacement assembly. The displacement assembly includes a ring and a rotor disposed in a bore of the ring. The ring and rotor cooperatively define a plurality of volume chambers. The balance plate assembly includes a housing that defines a cavity. A balance plate is disposed in the cavity. The balance plate includes a first end surface and an oppositely disposed second end surface. The balance plate is adapted to move axially between a first position in which the second end surface of balance plate abuts a first end face of the ring to a second position in which the second surface of the balance plate is recessed in the cavity. |
| US08821138B2 |
Gerotor apparatus for a quasi-isothermal Brayton cycle engine
According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes an outer gerotor having an outer gerotor chamber, an inner gerotor, at least a portion of which is disposed within the outer gerotor chamber, and a synchronizing apparatus operable to control the rotation of the inner gerotor relative to the outer gerotor. The inner gerotor includes one or more entrance passages operable to communicate a lubricant into the outer gerotor chamber. |
| US08821136B2 |
Supercharger
A supercharger includes a centrifugal compressor having an impeller, a rotational shaft coupled to the impeller, a motor having a stator and a rotor housed in a casing, and a journal air bearing supporting the rotational shaft. The journal air bearing includes a hollow cylindrical member having an inner space therein and a heat transfer member fitted in the inner space. The heat transfer member is made of a material which is less rigid and has a greater coefficient of thermal conductivity than the hollow cylindrical member. The impeller radiates heat transferred through the heat transfer member into ambient air. |
| US08821134B2 |
Fluid disc pump
A pump having a substantially cylindrical shape and defining a cavity formed by a side wall closed at both ends by end walls wherein the cavity contains a fluid is disclosed. The pump further comprises an actuator operatively associated with at least one of the end walls to cause an oscillatory motion of the driven end wall to generate displacement oscillations of the driven end wall within the cavity. The pump further comprises an isolator operatively associated with a peripheral portion of the driven end wall to reduce dampening of the displacement oscillations. |
| US08821133B2 |
Transportable medical air compressor
A method and apparatus provides a continuous source of medical grade air. A substantially tubular and rigid housing includes a first end, at least one aperture extending through the housing and positioned a predetermined distance from the first end; and a second end, opposite the first end. A valve extends from the first end of the housing for dispensing medical grade air to a patient. A medical grade air compressor provides medical grade air for output by the valve, the medical grade air compressor being positioned within the housing on a side of the at least one aperture opposite the valve. An air flow generator is positioned between the second end of the housing and the medical grade air compressor, the air flow generator draws air into the housing through the at least one aperture. The air passes over and around the medical grade air compressor to reduce a temperature of the medical grade air compressor and to the medical grade air compressor for generating medical grade air. |
| US08821132B2 |
Device and method for preparing liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel
Apparatus (1) for providing a supply of natural gas fuel comprising a compressor (2) having an inlet (3) for a stream of natural gas (4), wherein the inlet (3) may be placed in fluid communication with an LNG storage tank (5) in order to provide a supply of boil-off gas (6) from out of the LNG storage tank (5), and an outlet (7) which may be placed in fluid communication with a natural gas supply pipe (8), characterised in that the compressor (2) comprises a first and subsequently a second compression stage (9, 10), wherein the first and the second compression stage (9, 10) take the form of labyrinth-sealed piston-compressors (11, 12) or piston-ring-sealed piston-compressors (15), and wherein the first compression stage (9) features a larger piston diameter than the second compression stage (10), and that the compressor (2) comprises at least a third subsequent compression stage (13, 14), which takes the form of a piston-ring-sealed piston-compressor (11, 12) or a labyrinth-sealed piston-compressor (15). |
| US08821130B2 |
Pump for vehicle suspension system
A pump includes a housing defining an interior volume, a diaphragm partitioning the interior volume into a pumping chamber and an actuating chamber, a diaphragm support associated with the actuating chamber and configured to limit movement of the diaphragm, and a dispersion element coupled to the housing. The dispersion element is configured to laterally distribute a fluid within the pump. |
| US08821121B2 |
Speed regulatable rotor assembly for wind turbine
A rotor assembly for a wind turbine includes a hub adapted to be carried by a shaft of the wind turbine, a plurality of prop arms extending from the hub, a plurality of blades carried by the plurality of prop arms, and a rotor speed regulating mechanism adapted to alter a pitch of the plurality of blades responsive to varying wind speeds, thereby regulating the speed of the plurality of blades. |
| US08821117B2 |
Turbine apparatus
A fluid turbine apparatus which is able to increase the fluid velocity and consequently increase the rotation speed of the fluid turbine. The fluid turbine apparatus has a convergent section, a fluid turbine section and a divergent section. The fluid enters into the fluid turbine through the convergent section, passes through the fluid turbine and exits through the divergent section. The combination of the convergent section and the divergent section creates a Venturi effect and increases the fluid velocity and thus the energy density entering turbine for increasing the energy extracted by the turbine. |
| US08821115B2 |
Seal assembly
A seal assembly arranged adjacent to a primary flow region, the seal assembly including: first and second components; a seal arranged between the first and second components to seal a secondary flow region from the primary flow region; and a first recess portion provided in the first component and arranged adjacent to the seal and the primary flow region, the first recess portion further being arranged to receive flow from at least one of the primary flow region and the secondary flow region and shed flow to the primary flow region, wherein the first recess portion is configured to promote a first flow feature within the first recess portion, the first flow feature flowing with a portion of the first flow feature adjacent to the primary flow region and the portion of the first flow feature being shed to the primary flow region in substantially the same direction as the flow in the primary flow region. |
| US08821112B2 |
Variable geometry turbine
A variable geometry turbine comprises a turbine wheel supported in a housing for rotation about a turbine axis. The housing defines an annular inlet passage around an inducer portion of the turbine wheel and an outlet passage including a tubular wall disposed around an exducer portion of the turbine wheel; the inlet passage is defined between first and second radial inlet surfaces, one of the inlet surfaces being defined by a moveable wall member and the other of the inlet surfaces being defined by a facing wall of said housing. The moveable wall member is moveable relative to the facing wall of the housing along the turbine axis to vary the size of the inlet passageway. The moveable wall member is displaceably mounted within an annular cavity defined between the tubular wall and a surrounding wall of the housing. |
| US08821108B2 |
Method of controlling a wind power plant
It is presented a method for controlling the instantaneous power output from a wind power plant. Wind speed and wind directions are determined, wherein an upper limit power output for the specific wind speed and wind direction is determined from a previously measured power output value at the same wind speed and wind direction, and wherein the power output of the wind power plant is controlled based on the determined upper limit power output. A wind power plant is also presented. |
| US08821104B2 |
Loader work machine
A loader work machine is disclosed in which a base portion of each of right/left arms (77) is received by an arm support portion (164) of a first lift link (81) and pivotally supported by a first arm shaft (88), and a hydraulic pipe arrangement (167) connected to a hydraulic actuator (98) extend through an support frame (11) from inside to outside of its inner wall (12), and toward an arm (77). The base portion of the arm (77) is supported to the arm support portion (164) at a position adjacent a link outer wall (157) in a transverse direction so that a hose accommodation space (165) is formed between a link inner wall (156) and an internal side face of the base portion of the arm (77). The hydraulic pipe arrangement (167) runs frontward of the first arm shaft (88) and a first link shaft (85), and is disposed in the hose accommodation space (165). |
| US08821100B1 |
Portable railcar unloading pit and method of using the same
A portable railcar unloading pit includes a pair of opposed steel sidewalls secured to a steel back wall to define an enclosure having an at least partially open top and an open front. A hopper is secured within the enclosure, with the hopper narrowing downwardly from an inlet proximate the top of the enclosure to an outlet. A pair of rail beams is supported over the inlet of the hopper, and a conveyor extends through the open front of the enclosure and is supported beneath the outlet of the hopper. |
| US08821098B2 |
Load port
A load port is disclosed which allows a wafer to be transferred between the inside of a FOUP and the inside of a semiconductor fabrication apparatus even during a purge operation. The load port is provided adjacent the semiconductor fabrication apparatus in a clean room and includes a purge stage having a purge port through which a gas atmosphere in the FOUP is replaced into nitrogen gas or dry air, an opener stage provided in a juxtaposed relationship with the purge stage and having an opening communicating with the inside of the semiconductor fabrication apparatus and a door section capable of opening and closing the opening, and a moving mechanism for moving the FOUP between the purge stage and the opener stage. |
| US08821095B2 |
Screw assembly and method for component stacking tolerance control
A screw assembly for maintaining a substantially constant gap between adjacent components includes a first screw including: an exterior surface including a first threaded surface; and an inner wall defining a bore, the bore being coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the first screw, the inner wall including a second threaded surface, wherein one of the first threaded surface or the second threaded surface is arranged with a right-hand thread, and the other one of the first threaded surface or the second threaded surface is arranged with a left-hand thread. |
| US08821093B2 |
Wheel nut assembly
A wheel nut assembly for fixing a wheel to a vehicle hub which includes a wheel nut with an internal thread; a wheel stud having an external thread to co-operate with the internal thread of said wheel nut and having an end portion adapted to project beyond the wheel nut which end portion includes axial grooves o ribs on its external surface; a retaining cap with internal grooves or ribs complementary to the external ribs or grooves on said wheel stud adapted to fit over said wheel stud and said wheel nut; and means to secure the retaining cap to said wheel nut. The retaining cap prevents rotation of the nut once it has been tightened In some embodiments an aesthetic cover is provided to improve the appearance of the wheel. This aesthetic cover may also be used to lock the retaining cap to the nu and provide an indication that the nut is securely fastened. |
| US08821091B2 |
Component part mounting structure
A component part mounting structure for mounting a cup holder base (2) on a front surface (1a) of a side lining (1) of a vehicle by using a self-tapping screw (3), wherein the side lining (1) comprises a base portion (15) projecting from a rear surface (1b) of the side lining (1) and defining a space (16) in cooperation with the rear surface (1b), and a boss portion (17) projecting from the base portion and defining a through hole (18) opening out toward the space (16), characterized by that the cup holder base (2) is provided with a fastening seat (6) abutting the front surface (1a) of the side lining (1), and the self-tapping screw (3) is configured to be passed through the fastening seat (6) and side lining (1) from the side of the cup holder base (2), and engaged by the through hole (18) of the boss portion (17) at a free end thereof. |
| US08821088B2 |
Air cargo rollout stop
A cargo rollout stop includes a base, and a guide head pivotally mounted to the base. The guide head is movable between a raised blocking position, and a lowered non-blocking position. A retraction pedal is pivotally mounted to the guide head, and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the guide head. The retraction pedal permits downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its second position, and blocks downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its it first position. |
| US08821087B2 |
Attachment method
An attachment method for attaching a piece of plant machinery such as a mini-excavator to mount, for example a mount on a transporter or trailer. The piece of plant machinery is moved to a mounting location and a moveable portion arrangeable relative to the body is arranged in cooperative engagement with the mount to attach the piece of plant machinery thereto. The moveable portion may for example comprise a moveable drive 10 portion, a scraping blade or an arm. |
| US08821086B2 |
Method and apparatus for controlled-fracture machining
An apparatus (100) and method (200) of contact machining having applications in profiling operations utilizes at least one static cutting tool (101) and turret (102) driven by rotary motion (103) about a support mechanism (109) for providing sufficient force to achieve deformation by controlled fracturing (523). This allows the separation of material from a workpiece (105) without imposing axial symmetry upon either the cutting tool (101) or the workpiece (105). The apparatus and method mitigates and/or eliminates the adverse effects of plastic deformation (504) while machining a wider range of shapes and materials with greater productivity and precision than existing methods of machining. |
| US08821082B1 |
Stiffening sleeve for tool holders
A method and apparatus may be present for performing an operation on a workpiece. A tool holder with a sleeve and workpiece may be positioned relative to each other. The rod tool holder may be attached to a machine and may have a first stiffness. The sleeve may have a channel and a second stiffness. The channel may be configured to receive at least a portion of the rod. The operation may be performed using the rod with the tool on the workpiece. |
| US08821080B2 |
Cutting insert for high feed face milling
A cutting insert for milling operations, such as, face milling, slot milling, plunge milling, and ramping operations. The cutting insert exhibits a combination of favorable cutting edge strength, and unique cutting edge geometry, thus, allowing milling operations at relatively high feed rates. The cutting insert includes at least four cutting edges, wherein at least one of the cutting edges is a convex cutting edge. Certain embodiments of square cutting inserts will have four convex cutting edges which may be connected by nose corners. The convex cutting edge may comprise at least one of a circular arc, a portion of an ellipse, a portion of a parabola, a multi-segment spline curve, a straight line, or combinations of these. Wherein the convex cutting edge comprises a circular arc, the circular arc may have a radius greater than or equal to two times a radius of the largest circle that may be inscribed on the top surface. |
| US08821078B2 |
Fluid-based article distribution and sorting system
A fluid-based radial distribution system includes an internal passageway and a plurality of openings radially spaced around the internal passageway. A plurality of gate members are associated with at least some of the plurality of openings, with the gate members are configured to move between an open position that allows product to move through the opening associated with that gate member and a closed position that restricts product from moving through the opening associated with that gate member. |
| US08821077B2 |
Production and application of biodegradable sediment control device
An elongated web of flexible material having a covering of excelsior across a portion thereof has an elongated edge portion uncovered. The elongated covered portion is folded over upon itself a number of times, and the elongated uncovered side portion (a tail) are wound upon a roll for utilization after unrolling, as a sediment barrier, properly staked into the ground. |
| US08821074B2 |
Load bearing construction pile
A load bearing pile arrangement comprising a plurality of load bearing construction pile assemblies. Each comprises a pile provided with a support manifold at an upper end thereof. Each pile includes an outer tube and an inner tube between which, when the assembly is in use, provides a pathway for fluid pumped from above and down through the inner tube to a vortex manifold where the fluid swirls before passing upwards between the inner tube and the outer tube. The fluid also swirls as it passes upwards between the tubes and by at least one collar comprising an annular ring fixedly mounted on the tube the ring having helices, which cause the fluid to continue swirling as it passes upwards between the tubes and. In use, the load bearing pile arrangement can be used to recover heat from the surrounding ground; store heat in the surrounding ground; or, to store coolth, especially in a desert locality. |
| US08821072B2 |
Ground drilling method and apparatus
An apparatus for drilling the ground, in particular for the installation of foundation piles, includes a drilling turret (2) with a vertical guiding antenna (3), a rotary head for driving drilling batteries including a continuous ground drilling rotary propeller (5) housed inside at least one covering tube (7). A inner drive is adapted to drive said propeller (5), and a second external drive is connected to the tube (7) and allowing movement thereof, a driving cab (8) for an operator, which includes all the manipulators for operating the machine and the systems for displaying measured parameters. The apparatus further includes a system for controlling the excavation parameters, which is enabled to receive information from the drilling parameter control sensors. |
| US08821069B2 |
Linear pipe recovery/lay tensioners and methods of using same
Linear pipe recovery/lay tensioners can include one or more pivot assemblies for rotatably moving an upper track away from a lower track to facilitate placement of a pipe segment between the two tracks. In addition, or alternatively, the tensioners can include one or more hydraulic cylinders that provide flexible suspension to the upper and lower tracks so the tracks can move and rotate as necessary due to differing pipe segment shapes. In addition, or alternatively, the upper and lower tracks include one or more gripping pad having one or more gripping member that is sheathed by a compliant member until such time as the pipe segment compresses the compliant member causing the gripping member(s) to protrude from the compliant member and bite into the pipe segment. Rotation of the tracks is controlled by a hydraulic pump capable of rotating the tracks at the same rate or at different rates. |
| US08821067B1 |
Boat lift step
A step that may be attached to a boat lift rail. The boat lift rail may be in between the dock and the boat. Therefore, a user may board the boat from the dock using the step. Further, the step may raise and lower with the lift with the top of the step staying above the surface of the water. |
| US08821065B2 |
Arcuate shields for compactor wheel assembly and compactor using same
A compactor wheel assembly includes a substantially cylindrical wheel surface having a plurality of compactor wheel tips extending radially therefrom. The wheel surface and the plurality of compactor wheel tips define an overall diameter. A plurality of arcuate shields are coupled with the wheel surface and define a substantially cylindrical wrapper around the wheel surface. The wrapper includes first and second bands. The first band has a diameter greater than the overall diameter and defines a substantially continuous surface for engaging the ground. The second band has a diameter less than the overall diameter and defines a substantially continuous surface for engaging the wheel surface. |
| US08821064B1 |
Acrylic-modified asphalt rejuvenating emulsion
A polymer-modified emulsion used for rejuvenating or repairing deteriorated asphalt pavement includes an asphalt phase containing an asphalt and a rejuvenating agent, and an aqueous phase including water, an acrylic polymer or copolymer and an emulsifying agent. |
| US08821062B2 |
Utilities access closure
A concrete lid for an in-ground utilities box includes a reinforcement structure filled with concrete. The reinforcement structure includes a plastic frame and one or more reinforcing trusses that extend between opposing sidewalls of the plastic frame. The reinforcing trusses also extend substantially between the upper and lower edges of the opposing sidewalls. For example, a reinforcing truss may include a flat truss member that is substantially coplanar with the lower edges of the sidewalls, and an arched truss member that extends towards (but does not reach) a plane defined by the upper edges of the sidewalls. The reinforcing trusses include openings that allow wet concrete to pass through. The sidewalls of the plastic frame protect the edges of the lid from damage. The reinforcing trusses reinforce the concrete lid, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement material. |
| US08821059B2 |
Cosmetic container
To make a cosmetic container convenient, a closing part 6b of a discharge cylinder 6 closes an insertion hole 2h of a middle cylinder part 2 and seals a cosmetic A when a moving part 3 is positioned at a first stopping position, the discharge cylinder 6 protrudes by a predetermined length from an end face of the insertion hole 2h and slits 6c of the discharge cylinder 6 are exposed when the moving part 3 is moved from the first stopping position to a second stopping position separating in an axial direction, so that a user can visually confirm that the cosmetic can flow out through the slits 6c, the discharge cylinder and a discharge cylinder opening part 6a, and the moving part 3 is left at the second stopping position, so that the cosmetic A can securely flow out without variation when in use. |
| US08821058B2 |
Paint applicator
A paint applicator including an applicator head for carrying an applicator attachment, a substantially rigid elongate support having a hollow interior for supplying paint to the applicator head, a pivot mechanism interconnecting the elongate support and the applicator head, and a flexible conduit interconnecting the hollow interior of the elongate support and the applicator head. The pivot mechanism includes a detent arranged such that it releasably secures the applicator head in any of a plurality of discrete preset orientations with respect to the elongate support. |
| US08821053B2 |
Paper discharge guide with protruding part for supporting paper at an angle
A paper discharge device has a paper feed mechanism configured to convey recording paper; an automatic cutter that has a drive unit and configured to cut the recording paper conveyed by the paper feed mechanism into a slip by drive power from the drive unit; and a paper guide unit that has a paper guide surface configured to support the slip cut by the automatic cutter, and a protruding part that is disposed proximate to the guide surface and supports part of the cut end of the slip at a position configured to cause the part of the cut end to contact the recording paper conveyed by the paper feed mechanism. |
| US08821048B2 |
Image recording device with recording medium tension control, and image recording method with recording medium tension control
An image recording device includes: a conveyor unit for conveying a recording medium; a drum for rotating under force of friction against the recording medium being conveyed by the conveyor unit, the recording medium being wound around the drum; and a recording unit for recording an image onto a portion, wound around the drum, of the recording medium being conveyed by the conveyor unit; the conveyor unit starting the conveyance of the recording medium in a state where a first tension has been applied to the recording medium, but executing a switching operation for switching the tension applied to the recording medium after the conveyance of the recording medium has been started, to a second tension that is lower than the first tension. |
| US08821047B2 |
Printing system with periodic acquisition of tape width for displaying on display screen, print data generating device, method of controlling print data generating device and program product
A printing system includes: a control device configures to generate print data; and a printer configured to print the print data transmitted from the control device on a tape, wherein the control device includes a status information acquisition section for periodically acquiring status information including a tape width of the tape loaded in the printer, a display section for displaying an editing screen of the print data and the status information, and a display control section for performing a display control of the display section, and the display control section performs display control of the display section to display a present tape width based on the latest status information acquired, as the status information, on the display section. |
| US08821046B2 |
Accessory, imaging apparatus, and detection method
There is provided an accessory that is attachable to or detachable from an apparatus body having a plurality of contact terminals, the accessory including a plurality of connection terminals that are connected to the plurality of contact terminals, respectively, and exchange a signal with the apparatus body, when the plurality of connection terminals are attached to the apparatus body, a lock lever that is operated between a lock position and a non-lock position and performs locking with respect to the apparatus body, when the lock lever is operated to the lock position, and a detection activation section that starts a detection operation of a connection state of the plurality of contact terminals and the plurality of connection terminals, when the lock lever is operated to the lock position. |
| US08821043B2 |
Device for a motor vehicle comprising a movably mounted camera unit and motor vehicle
The invention relates to a device (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a movably mounted camera unit (10), which can be brought into an idle position (A) and an active position (B) by means of a drive unit (11), and to a protection element (12), which can be transferred into a closed position and an open position, wherein the camera unit (10) is located in the idle position thereof inaccessible from the outside behind the protection element (12) when the protection element (12) is in the closed position and the camera unit (10) is located in the active position for image acquisition when the protection element (12) is in the open position wherein the camera unit (10) is arranged on a movably mounted pivot arm (3), which connects the drive unit (11) to the protection element (12), wherein a movement of the pivot arm (3) triggered by the drive unit (11) can transfer the protection element (12) into the closed position and open position and the camera unit (10) into the idle position and the active position. The invention further relates to a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising such a device. |
| US08821035B2 |
Optical element and system using the same
A method for transmitting a signal in an optical system includes generating an optical signal along an optical axis for transmission through an optical element, positioning the optical element so that a surface discontinuity is positioned along the optical axis such that the optical signal defines a substantially radially symmetric intensity profile, and launching the optical signal into an input face of an optical fiber such that the intensity profile is substantially null proximate an optical axis associated with the optical fiber. |
| US08821023B2 |
Dirt grooves in lubricated sliding bearings
A lubricated plain bearing having at least one dirt guide groove formed on the sliding surface, which dirt guide groove extends at least partially to a greater extent in the circumferential direction of the bearing shell than in the axial direction of a shaft mounted therein, extends as far as an edge of the bearing and is open at the edge, such that dirt particles transported by the dirt guide groove to the edge can be discharged to the outside. |
| US08821014B2 |
Temperature sensor and heat treating apparatus
A temperature detecting element is fixed reliably at an accurate position to enable improvement in a rising characteristic of a temperature and high-accuracy temperature control. Provided is a temperature sensor including a temperature detecting element detecting a temperature in a branch tube branched from a main tube and a positioning supporting mechanism positioning and supporting the temperature detecting element. Tension is applied to a cord of the temperature detecting element. The positioning supporting mechanism is supported by the tensioned cord to position and support the temperature detecting element. The positioning supporting mechanism includes a supporting tube supporting the temperature detecting element, a positioning member supporting the supporting tube and fixed at a set position, and a tensioner applying tension to the cord of the temperature detecting element. |
| US08821012B2 |
Combined device identification and temperature measurement
Both a device-identification feature and a temperature-sensor feature are combined on a single integrated circuit. In various embodiments, both features are not operative simultaneously. |
| US08821009B2 |
Thermal sensors having flexible substrates and use thereof
Methods and apparatuses for Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) resonator to monitor the platform temperature. Fabricating the resonator on a relatively low cost flexible polymer substrate rather than silicon provides mechanical flexibility as well as design flexibility with respect to sensor placement. Sensor readout and control circuits can be on silicon if desired, for example, a positive feedback amplifier to form an oscillator in conjunction with the resonator and a counter to count oscillator frequency. |
| US08821006B2 |
Microscopic flow passage structure, microscopic liquid droplet generating method, microscopic liquid droplet generating system, particles, and microcapsules
Plural types of fluids that are incompatible with each other are merged. A disturbance is induced at an interface between the fluids by causing the fluids to flow through a merged flow passage having a cross-sectional area that changes. One type of the fluids is turned into microscopic liquid droplets. |
| US08821005B2 |
Edge-lit backlight model
The present invention relates to an edge-lit backlight model, which comprises a back board, a heat sink arranged on the back board, and a light bar fixed on the heat sink, a light guiding plate is arranged above the back board, a plurality of back board clips are arranged on the back board and the heat sink is held under the back board clips; a elastic element is arranged between the back board and the heat sink and the elastic element applies horizontal elastic force to the heat sink towards the back board, so that the heat sink is immovable along its width direction. The edge-lit backlight model can prevent the light guiding plate from being bent and guarantee the efficiency of light coupling. |
| US08821001B2 |
Light source device and display
A light source device includes: a light guide plate having a first internal reflection plane and a second internal reflection plane which face each other; one or more light sources each applying illumination light through a side surface of the light guide plate into an interior thereof; and an optical device disposed to face the light guide plate, and modulating, for each of partial regions thereof, a state of light rays exiting therefrom. One or both of the first and the second internal reflection planes each have scattering regions each allowing the illumination light from the light sources to be scattered and exit from the first internal reflection plane of the light guide plate, and one or both of the first and second internal reflection planes each have total-reflection regions allowing the illumination light from the light sources to be reflected in a manner of total-internal-reflection. |
| US08821000B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a display panel, a first covering part, an upper frame and a lower frame. The first covering part is disposed on the display panel. The upper frame is disposed under the first covering part and includes a first combining portion. The lower frame is combined with the upper frame through the first combining portion, and overlaps a peripheral portion of the display panel. |
| US08820998B2 |
Computer bezel with light-guide structure
A computer bezel includes a bezel body; a light-guide structure mounted to the bezel body, and one or more light sources mounted on the bezel body. The light-guide structure includes a guiding portion and a lighting portion extending from the guiding portion. The lighting portion defines an outer surface exposed out of the bezel body. The guiding portion includes a first bottom surface and a first end surface connected to the first bottom surface. An obtuse angle is defined between the first end surface and the first bottom surface. The light source corresponds to the first end surface. The guiding portion is configured to guide a plurality of light beams emitted from the one or more light sources to the lighting portion to enable the plurality of light beams to be refracted from the outer surface so as to be visible to a user. |
| US08820994B2 |
Vehicle indicator display, and method of forming
A lighting apparatus includes a light-transmitting member, a first light source, a second light source, and at least one laser-formed light-reducing baffle. The light-transmitting member is for transmitting light within the light-transmitting member. The first light source is for emitting a first light into the light-transmitting member. The second light source is for emitting a second light into the light-transmitting member. The at least one laser-formed light-reducing baffle is disposed in the light-transmitting member for reducing transmission of the first and second lights within the light-transmitting member. |
| US08820989B2 |
Fixing structure of indoor lamp
A fixing structure of an indoor lamp includes a lamp unit and an interior wall member. The lamp unit includes a design part arranged at an indoor side of the interior wall member and a functional part arranged at an outdoor side of the interior wall member and assembled with the design part through a lamp attachment hole in a state that the functional part holds the interior wall member therebetween. The functional part has a connector portion for connecting a connector. The design part has a regulating portion which forms a connector insertion portion together with the connector portion when the design part is assembled with the functional part. The regulating portion engages with the connector inserted into the connector insertion portion to regulate displacement of the design part in a disengagement direction from the functional part. |
| US08820988B2 |
Lighting system for installation in ceiling portion of passenger compartment
A lighting system for installation in a ceiling portion of a passenger compartment, including a lamp unit; a selection unit having a different shape from the lamp unit; and a case having a first unit installation opening configured to detachably accommodate the lamp unit and a second unit installation opening configured to detachably accommodate the selection unit. The selection unit may be selected from a plurality of selection units, where the plurality of slection units may each have a different application. |
| US08820984B2 |
Programmable lighting effect device and system
A programmable lighting effect device and system includes a main body having a plug secured to the first end, a socket secured to the second end, and a controller secured within a middle portion. The controller utilizes the alternating current frequency of the supplied electricity as a common clock and further instructs a light bulb installed within the socket to perform a predetermined illumination effect based on stored operating instructions. |
| US08820983B2 |
Downlight support
A downlight support to enable installation of a downlight luminaire within a fixture is provided. The support includes has a tubular band. The tubular band has a first section, having a first diameter, and a second section, having a second diameter. The first diameter and the second diameter are arrayed about a longitudinal axis. A plurality of leaf springs is positioned on the second diameter. Each leaf spring in the plurality of leaf springs extends parallel to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of pairs of tension spring receptors is arrayed about the first diameter. Each pair of tension spring receptors extends inwardly toward the longitudinal axis. |
| US08820977B2 |
Light emitting device and display apparatus
A light emitting device includes: a light emitting chip arranged on a substrate; and a resin lens formed to cover the light emitting chip, wherein the center of the light emitting chip and the center of the resin lens are offset so that the centers do not match each other. |
| US08820969B2 |
Explosion protection housing with signaling device
The invention relates to an explosion protection housing having a threaded opening. A threaded bushing comprising a glass body in the interior thereof is mounted in the threaded opening. The glass body has a diverging lens on the exterior and a converging lens on the interior. A light-emitting diode is present at the focal point of the converging lens. In this manner, that light impinging within the capture region of the converging lens is converted into parallel light passing through the glass body to the diverging lens. The parallel light bundle is converted back into a divergent light bundle by the diverging lens so that the emerging light is visible from a wide angle range. |
| US08820964B2 |
Linear lighting system
Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a lighting system that includes a primary optic having a length, a plurality of discrete light sources disposed along an axis, and a ribbed refractor. The ribbed refractor can include a plurality of linear ribs that are arranged substantially perpendicular to the line of discrete light sources. The ribbed refractor can refract light from the plurality of discrete light sources into a continuous line of light as viewed along the length of the primary optic, thereby masking the discrete nature of the light sources. In some embodiments, the ribbed refractor does not substantially alter the photometric distribution of light perpendicular to the axis. |
| US08820961B2 |
Lamp for camera-attachable streetlight
A lamp for a camera-attachable streetlight is provided, which includes a camera-integrated bulb module. In the camera-integrated bulb module, there is a bulb portion, a camera module has a camera for capturing a predetermined area and a transceiver for transmitting data captured by the camera to an external server, a connector is inserted into a commercial socket, for receiving an external commercial power and has the same structure as a commercial connector inserted into a commercial socket, for receiving a commercial power, and a power distributor distributes the power received through the connector to the bulb portion and the camera module. |
| US08820960B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a white light emitting unit including a first light source emitting a white light; a red light emitting unit including a second light source emitting a white light and a red coating member having a red fluorescent material which converts the white light from the second light source into a red light; and a green light emitting unit including a third light source emitting a white light and a green coating member having a green fluorescent material which converts the white light from the third light source into a green light. The light emitting device further includes a driver for individually driving the white, the red and the green light emitting unit. |
| US08820955B2 |
Power tool with light emitting assembly
A power tool includes a housing having a large diameter rear portion and a narrow diameter nosepiece. An end effector is rotatably coupled to the housing. A holder with a substantially annular holder body is received over the nosepiece and non-rotatably coupled to the housing. A substantially annular cover having at least one transparent surface, and an internal annular groove, is received at least partially inside the holder body, and non-rotatably and axially fixed with respect to the holder. A substantially annular printed circuit board is received at least partially inside the annular groove in the cover, and non-rotatably and axially fixed with respect to the cover. A plurality of lighting elements is operatively connected to the printed circuit board and radially disposed about the printed circuit board. The lighting elements are aligned with the at least one transparent surface so as to illuminate a workpiece. |
| US08820952B2 |
Streetlight controllers
The subject matter included in this disclosure can be embodied in an apparatus that includes a computing device having memory and a processor. The processor can be configured to establish a wireless connection with a streetlight controller that communicates with a streetlight, initiate transmission of a set of parameters related to commissioning the streetlight, and receive, from the controller, status and identification information associated with the streetlight. |
| US08820951B2 |
LED-based light source with hybrid spot and general lighting characteristics
A luminaire includes an LED based illumination device with a light emitting area and an optical element that is configured to produce a hybrid emission pattern with a spot beam emitted within a predetermined far field angle and a background level spherical emission pattern. The optical element, for example, may be configured with an input port and an output port, and a perimeter that increases in size from the input port to a maximum perimeter and decreases from the maximum perimeter to the output port. The optical element receives an amount of light from the LED based illumination device at the input port, emits a first portion of the light from a curved, semitransparent sidewall, and emits a second portion of the light at the output port, wherein the emission area of the output port is less than a maximum perimeter of the optical element. |
| US08820949B2 |
Key sheet, light blocking effect sheet, push button switch and key sheet manufacturing method
Provided is a key sheet or a lightproof light guiding sheet guiding light efficiently through an interior of the key sheet and preventing light leakage through a periphery of key tops. On a base sheet, a transparent resin layer, and further, a lightproof dark print layer are provided as needed, with at least one of the transparent resin layer and the lightproof dark print layer being formed of a non-corrosive coating liquid. Further, a smooth surface is formed between the base sheet and the dark print layer. |
| US08820945B2 |
Projector and control method
A projector includes a lens driving section that drives a lens section having a projection lens, an accepting section that accepts first control value indication information indicating a first control value including a drive instruction value of the lens section, a determining section that determines whether a drive instruction direction for the lens section is a first drive direction that is same as the last drive direction or a second drive direction that is different from the last drive direction, and a control section that drives the lens section by using a second control value whose drive instruction value is greater than the drive instruction value of the first control value in case that the drive instruction direction is the second drive direction. |
| US08820942B2 |
Light dividing structure and optical machine system comprising the same
A light dividing structure used in an optical machine system of a projection apparatus is provided. The light dividing structure includes a first prism, a second prism, a third prism and a fourth prism. The first prism includes a first exiting surface, a first reflecting surface, a first concave portion and a second concave portion. The second prism is disposed on the second concave portion and is adjacent to the first prism. The third prism includes a second exiting surface, a second reflecting surface, a third concave portion and a fourth concave portion. The fourth prism is disposed on the fourth concave portion and is adjacent to the third prism and the first prism. The first prism, the second prism, the third prism and the fourth prism are connected together sequentially. |
| US08820938B2 |
Projector light source having an airflow collision position above a light emission portion
A light source device includes: an arc tube having a light emission portion containing a pair of electrodes and configured to emit light by discharges induced between the pair of the electrodes; and a container body that accommodates the arc tube, the container body has a space in which the arc tube is accommodated, and a plurality of openings through that cooling fluids introduced from the outside of the container body are supplied into the space, the plural openings are formed at positions that allow the cooling fluids passing through the openings to collide with each other at a collision position above the light emission portion. |
| US08820937B2 |
Optical polarization state modulator assembly for use in stereoscopic three-dimensional image projection system
An optical polarization state modulator assembly for use in a stereoscopic three-dimensional image projection system includes a spatial light modulator, a light source emitting multiple wavelength components of light for incidence on the spatial light modulator, and a projection lens. A polarization converter system cooperates with the spatial light modulator to produce in alternating sequence polarized light carrying first and second perspective view images of a scene in different ones of first and second subframes. A polarization modulator, in response to first and second drive signals, imparts to, respectively, the image-carrying polarized light a first output polarization state during the first subframe and to the image-carrying polarized light a second output polarization state during the second subframe. The image-carrying polarized light in the first and second output polarization states propagates through the projection lens for transmission to an observer. |
| US08820936B2 |
Electronic device having 3-D image projection mechanism and 3-D image projection method of the same
An electronic device having a 3-D image projection mechanism is provided. The electronic device comprises a display panel, a processing module, a projection screen and at least two micro projectors. The display panel is formed on a main body of the electronic device to display a 2-D display frame. The processing module determines whether a 3-D display request is received and generates a 3-D display command when the 3-D display request is received. The projection screen is formed according to the 3-D display command and is substantially vertical to the display panel, in which a light refractive rate of the projection screen is different from that of the air around the projection screen. The micro projectors are disposed in a circumference of the display panel and project image on the projection screen according to the 3-D display command such that a 3-D display frame is formed thereon. |
| US08820934B1 |
Passive surface acoustic wave communication
This disclosure relates to systems and/or methods for detection of eye blinking by interrogating a passive surface acoustic wave based contact lens using an interrogation signal and interpreting reflections of the interrogation signal from the passive surface acoustic wave based contact lens. |
| US08820931B2 |
Optical coherence tomography-based ophthalmic testing methods, devices and systems
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an optical coherence tomography-based ophthalmic testing center system includes an optical coherence tomography instrument comprising an eyepiece for receiving at least one eye of a user or subject; a light source that outputs light that is directed through the eyepiece into the user's or subject's eye, an interferometer configured to produce optical interference using light reflected from the user's/subject's eye, an optical detector disposed so as to detect said optical interference; and a processing unit coupled to the detector. The ophthalmic testing center system can be configured to perform a multitude of self-administered functional and/or structural ophthalmic tests and output the test data |
| US08820929B2 |
Real-time measurement/display/record/playback of wavefront data for use in vision correction procedures
One embodiment is an apparatus/system for providing feedback to a procedure. The apparatus includes a real time wavefront sensor for measuring the wavefront of an optical beam, a real time video camera for capturing a scene where the optical beam comes from, a computer for processing the captured wavefront data and synchronizing the data with the video and outputting the synchronized information to a display, and a display for simultaneously displaying the synchronized wavefront and video information. Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for providing feedback to a procedure. The method involves the steps of measuring the wavefront of an optical beam with a real time wavefront sensor; capturing a video of a scene from which the optical beam comes; processing the captured wavefront data and synchronizing it with the video; and simultaneously displaying the wavefront information with the video on the same display screen. |
| US08820928B2 |
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses
Silicone hydrogel contact lenses are produced without using volatile organic solvents to extract materials from the polymerized contact lens bodies, and instead are washed with aqueous liquids. The silicone hydrogel contact lenses so produced have ophthalmically wettable lens surfaces such that less than five percent of a batch of twenty or more such silicone hydrogel contact lenses have visually identifiable non-wetting spots when the contact lenses are located on eyes of subjects. |
| US08820927B2 |
Limited echelette lens, systems and methods
Methods for designing an ophthalmic lens that provides enhanced image quality across a wide and extended range of foci include utilizing pupil size measurements and based on the measurements determining the size of echelettes. |
| US08820925B2 |
Polymerizable contact lens formulations and contact lenses obtained therefrom
Contact lenses, such as hydrogel contact lenses, are described. The present contact lenses include a lens body that is the reaction product of a polymerizable composition. The polymerizable composition includes one or more monomers and a crosslinker that crosslinks the one or more monomers during polymerization. The polymerization of the one or more monomers occurs in the presence of a hydrophilic polymer that is present in the polymerizable composition, which comprises a polymer of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine. The present lenses are capable of releasing the hydrophilic polymer from the contact lens for prolonged periods of time and also have a reduced surface friction compared to similar lenses without the hydrophilic polymer. The present invention also relates to packaging systems for use with such lenses and methods of producing such lenses. |
| US08820922B2 |
Eyeglass joint and eyeglass frame
The invention relates to an eyeglass hinge, composed of two hinge parts and at least one clamp connection. Further, the invention relates to an eyeglass frame, composed of two eyeglass hinges according to the invention, two eyeglass earpieces and one lens mounting rim. The eyeglass hinge (1) according to the invention comprises two hinge parts (2, 2a) and at least one clamp connection (3), whereby the at least one clamp connection (3) holds hinge parts (2, 2a) together in an articulated manner. When force is increased, the construction of the eyeglass hinge according to the invention makes possible a problem-free exceeding of frame opening angle α from a value of αopen which amounts to approximately 180° up to a value of αmax of approximately 186° (over-bending) and going below frame opening angle α from a value of αclosed, which amounts to approximately 90°, down to a value of αmin of approximately 85° (under-bending). |
| US08820917B2 |
Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus, including: a support portion; a recording portion; a first casing; a second casing; a positioning mechanism including a guide pin and a guide hole, for defining a relative position of the recording portion and the support portion by engagement of the guide pin and the guide hole when the second casing is positioned at a close position; and a movable member disposed at one end of the guide hole for moving in a direction away from the other end of the guide hole, so as to be retracted from a moving region of the guide pin that moves relative to the guide hole in association a pivotal movement of the second casing, wherein the movable member is for biasing the guide pin engaging the guide hole in a direction toward the other end of the guide hole such that the guide pin contacts the other end. |
| US08820916B2 |
Managing condensation in an inkjet printing system with co-linear airflow
Methods for operating an inkjet printing system are provided. In one method, a cross-module airflow is used to limit concentrations of an evaporated inkjet carrier fluid between barrier that is between inkjet printheads of a printing module and a receiver. In the method, inkjet droplets are printed along a first print line and a second print line as the receiver is moved past the first print line and as the receiver is moved past the second print line. A co-linear airflow that flows along with ink droplets to the receiver is also supplied. Between the first print line and the second print line the receiver is moved to create an integration area in which the cross-module airflow and co-linear airflow can integrate and flow from between the printing module and the receiver without disrupting the travel of ink droplets. |
| US08820909B2 |
Black ink composition, ink set, and image forming method
A black ink composition includes a resin-coated carbon black containing a water-soluble resin and carbon black, a water-soluble polymerizable compound, a polymerization initiator, and water, wherein an average primary particle diameter of the carbon black is 20 nm or more, and an absorbance ratio of absorbance at a wavelength of 350 nm with respect to absorbance at a wavelength of 600 nm (absorbance at a wavelength of 350 nm/absorbance at a wavelength of 600 nm), when the black ink composition is diluted 5,000-fold with water, is 1.9 or lower. |
| US08820907B2 |
Amphoteric dispersants and their use in inkjet inks
The present disclosure provides a ink-jet ink, having a pH greater than 7, comprising a first aqueous vehicle, a colorant, more typically a carbon black pigment, and an amphoteric polymeric dispersant, wherein the amphoteric polymeric dispersant is a block copolymer comprising an A block and a B block, wherein the A block is a segment consisting essentially of an amine monomer; and the B block is a segment comprising an acidic monomer and at least one hydrophobic monomer; wherein the dispersant is neutralized, and the B block is free of an amine monomer. The disclosure further pertains to an ink set comprising this ink jet ink and at least a second ink which contains a reactive species with appropriate cationic agent, salt, or pH modifying agent capable of destabilizing the colorant containing dispersion of the first ink. Still further, the disclosure pertains to a method of printing wherein the first ink and second ink of the ink set are printed in an adjacent relationship, thereby minimizing penetration, feathering and/or bleed of the colorant and improving print quality. |
| US08820906B2 |
Ink composition and recording method
An ink composition has a viscosity of 25 mPa·s to 35 mPa·s at 20° C., wherein a, b, and c are 800 or more, 7.4 to 14, and 0.16 to 0.22, respectively, when a cylindrical portion is formed by expanding the ink composition so as to have a free surface parallel to the expanding direction of the ink composition, the rate of change in width of the cylindrical portion with time is measured in the expanding direction thereof, and the rate of change in width of the cylindrical portion with time is fit to a quadratic function given by the following equation: S=−at2−bt+c (1) where S is the rate of change in width of the cylindrical portion and t is the time in seconds. |
| US08820903B2 |
Cartridge
A cartridge includes N number of printing material supply ports, N being a natural number of 2 or more, a printing material containing section, and a negative pressure generating member. The N printing material supply ports are arranged along the Y axis in a surface. The printing material containing section is provided between a pair of side surfaces opposing each other in a direction along a Y axis, and contains a printing material. The negative pressure generating member is provided between the side surfaces, and generates negative pressure in the printing material containing section. A relationship between a length W1 along the Y axis from one of the side surfaces to the other and a length W2 along the Y axis of the negative pressure generating member between the one side surface and the other side surface satisfies W2 |
| US08820899B2 |
Apparatus for fluid droplet ejection having a recirculation passage
A system for ejecting droplets of a fluid is described. The system includes a substrate having a flow path body that includes a fluid pumping chamber, a descender fluidically connected to the fluid pumping chamber, and a nozzle fluidically connected to the descender. The nozzle is arranged to eject droplets of fluid through an outlet formed in an outer substrate surface. The flow path body also includes a recirculation passage fluidically connected to the descender. The system for ejecting droplets of a fluid also includes a fluid supply tank fluidically connected to the fluid pumping chamber, a fluid return tank fluidically connected to the recirculation passage, and a pump fluidically connecting the fluid return tank and the fluid supply tank. In some implementations, a flow of fluid through the flow path body is at a flow rate sufficient to force air bubbles or contaminants through the flow path body. |
| US08820898B2 |
Droplet-ejecting head, droplet-ejecting apparatus, and piezoelectric element
A droplet-ejecting head including a substrate including a pressure chamber communicating with a nozzle hole and also a piezoelectric element that includes a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer which is formed above the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed above the piezoelectric element and that causes a change in pressure in a liquid contained in the pressure chamber. The piezoelectric layer includes a first piezoelectric sub-layer located on the lower electrode and a second piezoelectric sub-layer located between the first piezoelectric sub-layer and the upper electrode. The first piezoelectric sub-layer has a polarization axis predominantly directed in an in-plane direction of the first piezoelectric sub-layer. The second piezoelectric sub-layer is predominantly (100)-oriented in the pseudocubic coordinate system. |
| US08820895B2 |
MEMS jetting structure for dense packing
A fluid ejector includes a fluid ejection module having a substrate and a layer separate from the substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of fluid ejection elements arranged in a matrix, each fluid ejection element configured to cause a fluid to be ejected from a nozzle. The layer separate from the substrate includes a plurality of electrical connections, each electrical connection adjacent to a corresponding fluid ejection element. |
| US08820892B2 |
Inkjet printing head substrate, inkjet printing head and inkjet printing apparatus
Second etching is performed to the bottom through dry etching of a substrate to suppress image degradation even if an opening position of an ejection opening at a substrate end deviates. Provided is an inkjet printing head substrate including: a first surface, a second surface, and a plurality of ink supply openings, wherein the plurality of the heat resistive elements and the plurality of the ink supply openings are arranged in such a manner that each of distances between a heat resistive element closer to an inclined surface of the recessed portion in the inkjet printing head substrate among the plurality of the heat resistive elements and two ink supply openings adjacent to the heat resistive element is longer than each of distances between a heat resistive element closer to the center of the inkjet printing head substrate and two ink supply openings adjacent to the heat resistive element. |
| US08820887B2 |
Liquid ejection device
A liquid ejection device includes a liquid ejection head, a cap member and a cleaning liquid. The liquid ejection head has a nozzle face in which a nozzle is formed. The cap member is attached to the nozzle face such that a space exists in a region facing the nozzle. The cleaning liquid ejection port is arranged inside the space to eject a cleaning liquid toward the nozzle face. |
| US08820885B2 |
Printhead having apertures for application of a surface treatment fluid
A printhead enables surface treatment fluid to be applied to the face of the printhead through at least one aperture located in the printhead faceplate. The printhead receives pressurized surface treatment fluid, which flows through a reservoir in the printhead, through at least one channel in the jet stack, and out the at least one aperture onto the surface of the faceplate. The surface treatment fluid is spread across ink apertures in the faceplate to disable ink from drooling from the ink apertures. |
| US08820881B2 |
Printing apparatus and method
A printing apparatus includes a printing unit, a heater, and a control unit. The printing unit prints an image on a sheet without an ink receiving layer by repeating scanning of a print head. The heater heats an area on the sheet to which ink is applied by the print head. The control unit controls output and drive timing of the heater based on a parameter for each scanning of the print head. |
| US08820877B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus includes a replaceable set tray on which a target printing material is set, an ink discharge unit which prints by discharging ink according to printing data onto the target printing material, a storage unit which stores the type of set tray specified in the printing data when printing is performed, a detection unit which detects the type of set tray, and a control unit which controls the tray detection operation. The tray detection operation is performed by the detection unit before printing starts and detects the type of set tray when necessary. The control unit compares the type of set tray specified in newly acquired printing data and the type of set tray stored in the storage unit. When the types are different, the tray detection operation is performed. When the types are the same, the tray detection operation is omitted. |
| US08820876B2 |
Printing apparatus and inspection method
There are provided a printing apparatus and an inspection method which can reduce a position deviation of an inspection pattern upon reading the inspection pattern to perform an accurate inspection. A sheet conveyance misalignment in a continuous sheet is corrected in a corrective unit. The inspection pattern is printed on the corrected sheet by a print head of an inkjet type, and the sheet on which the inspection pattern is printed is dried. A sheet conveyance misalignment in the dried sheet is again corrected in the corrective unit, and the inspection pattern of the corrected sheet is read to perform a color shading inspection. |
| US08820875B2 |
Image forming method and inkjet recording device using the same
An image forming method including applying a processing fluid for inkjet recording to both sides of a recording medium and, after applying the processing fluid, discharging ink onto at least one side of the recording medium to form an image thereon. The processing fluid for inkjet recording comprises water and a hydrosoluble organic solvent. |
| US08820864B2 |
Refrigerator drawers with trim
An appliance that includes a storage compartment includes either a drawer or a wire basket located in the storage compartment, a handle, and a trim portion. The drawer or basket stores at least one item and the drawer is movable relative to the storage compartment. The handle is snappingly secured to a peripheral edge of the drawer or basket. The trim portion is snappingly secured to at least one edge of the drawer or basket where the trim portion is secured independently of the handle. In another example, a humidity control device is located on the drawer and controls the humidity within the interior portion of the drawer. A knob that controls the humidity control device is received through a cutout in the trim portion. |
| US08820862B1 |
Floor mounted attendant station
A storage unit that may be used in place of an attendant seat, fits into the approximate space of the attendant seat and may employ the same attachment system for securing the storage unit. The storage unit comprises an enclosure having a door and a mounting bracket. The storage unit has a profile that may be configured to match that of a floor-mounted attendant seat, wherein the storage unit may be used to replace the floor-mounted attendant seat. The enclosure may be formed having a resilient structure that forms a compartment, a front wall enclosing the area of the compartment, at least one vertical rail, a top cap. The storage unit further comprises a mounting bracket and a plurality of fasteners for attaching the storage unit to a support frame. |
| US08820860B2 |
Fiber optic enclosure having tamper resistant lock
A housing includes a first panel having a keeper, a hinged door shiftable between a first position generally perpendicular to the first panel and a second position, and a lock mounted on the door, the lock comprising a rotatable cylinder having an axis of rotation perpendicular to the door and a cam. The cam has a first end connected to the cylinder for rotation with the cylinder and a second end spaced from the first end by a cam body, the second end extending at an angle to the cam body and lying in a second plane parallel to the axis of rotation. When the door is in the first position, the cam is shiftable from a first orientation with the cam second end spaced from the keeper to a second orientation with the cam second end overlying a side of the keeper opposite the cylinder to lock the door. |
| US08820852B2 |
Sprocket mounting carrier for a bicycle
A sprocket mounting carrier has a cylindrical body which on the outside is provided with grooves extending in axial direction. The sprocket mounting carrier has such a shape that both sprockets of a first type and sprockets of a second type can be slid onto it. These sprockets each have a central hole whose bounding wall has cams. The bottoms and side walls of the grooves of the sprocket mounting carrier, in the event of sprockets being present on the sprocket mounting carrier, engage with the cams of the sprockets, so that the sprockets are secured to the sprocket mounting carrier both in radial direction and in tangential direction. |
| US08820849B2 |
Linepan and longwall mining machine
A longwall mining machine and a linepan section, the linepan section may include a face-side rail, a gob-side rail opposite the face-side rail, and a conveyor pan between the face-side rail and the gob-side rail. The face-side rail may have a generally horizontal top surface at a top surface height and with a top surface width, an angled loading surface extending toward the mining face and the ground surface and arranged at an oblique angle relative to the top surface, the loading surface being at a loading height and with a loading surface width, the loading surface width being at least about 25 percent of the total width, and a material cavity defined in the face surface below the loading surface and recessed toward a gob-side. |
| US08820847B2 |
Block caving method
A method of block cave mining comprising excavating undercut tunnels (21) at an undercut level; drilling undercut blast holes (25) through the undercut tunnel roofs and setting and detonating explosive charges in those holes to blast rock above the undercut tunnels to initiate the formation of broken rock caverns (26) above the undercut tunnels (21); excavating extraction level tunnels (22) at an extraction level below the undercut level; drilling drawbell blast holes (33) upwardly from the extraction level tunnels at selected drawbell locations toward the broken rock caverns (26) and setting and detonating explosive charges in those holes to blast drawbells (32) through which broken rock falls down into the extraction level tunnels (22); and progressively removing such fallen rock from the drawbell locations through the extraction level tunnels (22); wherein some of the excavation is done mechanically by tunnel boring machinery. |
| US08820846B2 |
Automated pre-tramming operation of a mining machine
Methods and systems for automatically operating a continuous mining machine. One method includes accessing at least one coordinate of a cutting face stored in a computer-readable medium, automatically operating a first actuator to position a platform a predetermined clearance distance from the at least one coordinate, the platform supporting a cutterhead, and automatically operating a second actuator to position an arm at a tramming position after positioning the platform the predetermined clearance distance from the at least one coordinate, the arm coupled to the platform and including the cutterhead. |
| US08820844B2 |
Frame type dump deck for dump truck
A frame type dump deck for a dump truck includes a front panel having a pocket formed in a center portion of the front panel having side wall panels which extend perpendicularly from an interior face of the center portion. Two side panels attached to opposing ends of the interior face of the front panel extend in a deck length direction. A floor panel has floor frames arranged in two parallel rows which extend in the deck length direction and terminate at the front panel. Pocket frames extend from the terminal ends of the floor frames in parallel along each edge of the pocket, and include top portions connected via a pocket reinforcement member. The pocket frames are integrally formed on an outside face of the front panel so that an eye end cylinder may be connected to a cylinder hinge above the pocket. |
| US08820841B2 |
Racquet chair
A chair includes a first component resembling sporting equipment and including a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion is pivotable about a first axis located on the handle portion. The chair also includes a second component that is substantially identical to the first component and interconnects with the first component to form a chair. The second component also resembles sporting equipment and includes a head portion and a handle portion. The head portion of the second component is pivotable about a second axis located on the handle portion of the second component. When assembled, one of the head portion of the first component and the head portion of the second component forms a seat of the chair. |
| US08820836B2 |
Seating
A seating arrangement for stadia and the like includes a beam for receiving one or more seats, where the seat has a backrest portion fixedly mounted to the beam and a movable seat portion mounted on the beam for pivotable movement about the beam from a generally horizontal seating position to a generally upright non-seating position. |
| US08820835B2 |
Resilient chair incorporating multiple flex zones
A reclining chair has a base coupled to a chair back. The chair back is adapted to recline from an upright position to a reclined position. To accommodate that reclining motion, the chair back includes a flex zone formed with notches extending through an inner portion of the flex zone. Those notches narrow as the chair back reclines from the upright position to the reclined position. The flex zone also includes an outer portion that is separated from the inner portion by a gap, the outer portion having one or more notches extending through the outer portion. Those notches also narrow as the chair back reclines from the upright position to the reclined position. |
| US08820834B2 |
Device and method for imparting a rocking motion to an infant car seat
A device for imparting a rocking motion to a rockable object having a curved bottom surface comprises a wedge-shaped housing and a reciprocating drive mechanism. The wedge-shaped housing comprises an upper housing having an upper surface configured for contacting the curved bottom surface of the rockable object, the upper housing having a proximal end and a distal end; a lower housing having a base configured for sitting on a surface, the lower housing having a proximal end and a distal end; and a hinge portion hingedly joining the proximal ends of the upper and lower housings. The reciprocating drive mechanism alternatingly moves the distal end of the upper housing upward to an extended position and downward to a retracted position. |
| US08820828B2 |
Foldable artist bench
A foldable artist bench includes a seat panel and first and second legs pivotally coupled to opposing ends of the seat panel so as to be pivotal between a working position and a storage position folded alongside the seat panel. A work support panel is formed integrally with the first leg at one end so as to be foldable therewith into the storage position. The second leg is spaced inwardly from the end of the seat panel such that the work support can be used in multiple operating positions including supporting the seat panel: i) horizontally with the work support upright at one end; ii) upright with the work support similarly upright; or iii) upright with the work support transversely oriented at the top end of the upright seat panel. |
| US08820826B2 |
Table and seating apparatus
A rolling table and seating system includes a first assembly folding between a first position with the first assembly forming a seat bottom, and a second storage position. A second assembly moves between a first position with the second assembly forming a table and a second position at which the second assembly forms a seat back complementary to the seat bottom. First linkages fold the first assembly and include a leg supporting the seat bottom at the first position, and lift and pivot the leg at the second storage position. Second linkages fold the second assembly and include a leg supporting the table at the first position and move the leg to a position with a lower end of the leg laterally outward from an upper end of the leg. |
| US08820825B2 |
Supporting frame of folding chair and folding chair with adjustable backrest
The present application provides a supporting frame of a folding chair, including a frame body and backrest support rods arranged on two sides of the frame body. The backrest support rod includes a first support rod hingedly connected to a top connecting member of the frame body, a second support rod sleeved to the first support rod, a sliding sleeve hingedly connected to an end portion of the second support rod, and a return member arranged between the first support rod and the second support rod. The sliding sleeve is sleeved on a forward-tilting chair rod of the frame body. The present application further provides a folding chair with an adjustable backrest which allows the user to easily adjust the angle of the backrest when sitting on the folding chair. |
| US08820820B2 |
Rear motor vehicle floor module
A rear floor module is arranged between two rear frame rails of a vehicle body running essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The floor module includes, but is not limited to a floor tray essentially extending flatly between the frame rails and at least one integrated cross member, which is configured for separately connection with the frame rails for transmitting mechanical forces, and which is provided with a connecting structure to which at least one component of a vehicle chassis can be secured. |
| US08820819B2 |
Vehicle floor frame structure
In a vehicle floor frame structure, side members 2 each include a floor side member 21 and a rear side member 22; the floor side member 21 is disposed on a main floor panel 11; the rear side member 22 is disposed on a rear floor panel 12; a reinforcement 3 is stacked on the floor side member 21 in a vertical direction with the main floor panel 11 interposed therebetween; an upper surface 3a of the reinforcement 3 becomes higher toward the rear of the vehicle body; a front portion 3b and lower portions of side surfaces 3c of the reinforcement 3 are joined to the main floor panel 11; a rear end portion 3d of the reinforcement 3 is joined to the vertical wall 13a in a front portion of the rear floor panel 12; a closed section space S1 enclosed by the main floor panel 11, a front portion 13 of the rear floor panel 12, and the reinforcement 3 is formed in a side view; a lower surface portion 21b of a rear end of the floor side member 21 becomes higher toward the main floor panel 11; and the upper surface 3a of the reinforcement 3 and the lower surface portion 21b of the floor side member 21 are inclined at almost the same angles and are formed to have a monotonous cross section in a side view. |
| US08820818B2 |
Vehicle with tilt cab
A vehicle comprises a chassis and a tilt cab which is mounted to said chassis and is tiltable with respect to the chassis. The vehicle furthermore comprises a tilting system for tilting said tilt cab relative to the chassis between a lowered position and a raised position. The tilting system comprises a reservoir for hydraulic fluid, a pump and at least one double-acting hydraulic tilt cylinder having a push chamber and a pull chamber. The cylinder has a movable piston and piston rod assembly, wherein the piston separates the push chamber and the pull chamber. The cylinder is connected to the chassis and to the cab, such that when hydraulic fluid is supplied to the push chamber the cab moves to the raised position and when hydraulic fluid is supplied to the pull chamber the cab moves to the lowered position. The tilting system furthermore comprises a control valve, which in a first position connects the pump to the push chamber of the cylinder and connects the reservoir to the pull chamber, and in a second position connects the pump to the pull chamber of the cylinder and the reservoir to the push chamber. The tilt cylinder has a safety release device, which releases pressure from the pull chamber side to the push chamber side of the tilting system, in the event that the cab is in the lowered position and the pressure in the pull chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. |
| US08820816B2 |
Outer panel for back door
The present invention provides an outer panel for a back door that includes a glass-fitted opening and a plurality of guide grooves provided on an outer peripheral edge of the glass-fitted opening. Each of the guide grooves is arranged on opposing left and right sides on the outer peripheral edge and has a shallow groove and either a deep groove or a through hole. |
| US08820815B2 |
Ducted seat for a vehicle
A vehicle includes a passenger compartment, a cargo compartment, a battery, and a ducted seat. The battery is disposed in the cargo compartment and dissipates heat when energized such that air in the vehicle becomes heated air. The ducted seat is operatively disposed in the passenger compartment. The ducted seat includes a base layer, a ducting layer, and a cover layer. The ducting layer covers the base layer. The cover layer covers the ducting layer. The ducting layer presents a leading opening and trailing opening in fluid communication with one another such that the ducting layer is configured to receive air therein through the leading opening and exhaust air through the trailing opening. The trailing opening is disposed in fluid communication with the cargo compartment such that the exhausted air flows from the trailing opening into the cargo compartment. |
| US08820812B2 |
Ambulance vehicle for transport of patients, injured persons and the like
A vehicle for transport of injured persons, patients and the like, which comprises: a sanitary compartment including a treading plane raised with respect to a ground surface, and an upper zone, opposite the treading plane; a lifting device for loading and unloading a stretcher located between a first extracted position in which the stretcher is resting on the ground and a second housed position in which it is arranged internally of a sanitary compartment; in which the lifting device comprises: collecting means configured to pick up the stretcher and being mobile between a lowered configuration below the level of the treading plane and a raised configuration; movement means of the collecting means, internally associable to the sanitary compartment at the upper zone for moving the stretcher between the first position and the second position and being destined to maintain the collected stretcher suspended above the treading plane. |
| US08820806B1 |
Compact collapsible shovel
A portable, collapsible shovel that can be carried within a backpack without becoming caught on the backpack or other items stored in the backpack is provided. The shovel has hollow tubular handle, a spade frame assembly, a t-handle, and a fabric spade sheath that can be assembled to form a shovel suitable for digging. When not being used, the spade frame, the t-handle, and the fabric spade sheath are completely stored within the hollow tubular handle for easy carrying and storage. |
| US08820803B2 |
Electromagnetic lock having distance-sensing monitoring system
An emergency exit door lock system configured to cooperate with a door hinged in a door frame for sensing when a person attempts to open the door, and for allowing the door to open after a subsequent delay. The system comprises an electromagnet affixable to a door frame for electromagnetically attracting an armature resiliently affixed at a variable armature separation distance to an armature mounting device, the device being affixable to the door. A proximity sensor including an analog Hall Effect device is mountable to the frame for detecting movement of the door away from a closed position. A controller, such as a micro-controller, receives a signal from the sensor and causes an alarm as a function of the signal. The signal is indicative of the armature separation distance, the controller being calibrate-able to provide a door alarm signal and door opening signal at any desired value of the armature separation distance. |
| US08820801B2 |
Multi-wall corrugated pipe couplings and methods
A coupling for multi-wall, corrugated pipe, the pipe including a corrugated wall having a plurality of primary corrugations, is disclosed. The coupling includes a first pipe section having disposed at one end a bell portion, the bell portion having a bell portion of corrugated wall and an outer wall; a second pipe section having disposed at one end a spigot portion, the spigot portion having a spigot portion of corrugated wall between an inner wall and an outer wall; and a gasket disposed in a groove extending around a circumference of the spigot portion and engaged between the bell portion of corrugated wall and the spigot portion of corrugated wall. A multi-wall, corrugated pipe section, and method for assembling a plurality of multi-wall, corrugated pipe sections, are also disclosed. |
| US08820800B2 |
Multi-wall corrugated pipe couplings and methods
A coupling for multi-wall, corrugated pipe, the pipe including a corrugated wall having a plurality of primary corrugations, is disclosed. The coupling includes a first pipe section having disposed at one end a bell portion, the bell portion having a portion of the corrugated wall and an outer wall; a second pipe section having disposed at one end a spigot portion, the spigot portion having a portion of the corrugated wall between an inner wall and an outer wall; and a gasket engaged between the corrugated wall of the bell portion and the outer wall of the spigot portion. A multi-wall, corrugated pipe section, and method for assembling a plurality of multi-wall, corrugated pipe sections, are also disclosed. |
| US08820797B2 |
Non-rotating mechanical joint for a hose coupling
A hose coupling is described. The hose coupling includes a stem to which is staked a ferrule. The stem includes a radially inwardly directed groove into which a radially inwardly directed wedge of the ferrule is staked. The wedge includes a width that is greater than the width of the groove before staking. Moreover, the groove includes a bottom surface from which first and second canted sides extend at a first angle, while the wedge includes an inner surface from which first and second canted sides extend at a second angle. The first and second angles are not parallel but within five degrees of one another. The stem and ferrule form at least six distinct regions of surface contact to guard against rotation of the ferrule relative to the stem. |
| US08820795B2 |
Fitting for joining pipe elements
A fitting for joining pipe elements together includes housing portions held preassembled in spaced apart relation to permit pipe elements to be inserted without disassembly of the fitting. Elbow and tee fittings include sealing elements which support the housing portions in spaced relation. Angled surfaces on each housing portion interact with one another to rotate the housing portions in opposite directions to form a rigid joint between the fitting and the pipe elements. |
| US08820781B2 |
Attachment structure for driver seat airbag device
An attachment structure for driver seat airbag devices that enables smoother operation of a horn switch. The attachment structure includes: an armature connected to a steering mechanism of the vehicle; and a housing that accommodates the airbag module and that is positioned with respect to the armature. The housing includes positioning pins for implementing relative positioning in XY directions with respect to the armature at a plurality of locations and first openings for implementing positioning in a Z direction at a plurality of locations. The armature is provided with a plurality of second openings through which the positioning pins of the housing are inserted and with a plurality of protrusions that are inserted through the first openings of the housing. The position of Z-direction lower edge sections of the first openings of the housing lies within a range of the depth of the second openings of the armature. |
| US08820780B2 |
Seat with side airbag guide chute
A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a back frame, and a foam cushion assembly positioned adjacent the back frame. A trim cover is secured over the foam cushion assembly. The trim cover includes a first edge and a second edge sewn together to define a tear seam. A side airbag module is attached to the back frame. The side airbag module includes an airbag that is deployable through the tear seam. A guide chute includes a first strap end attached to the trim cover adjacent the tear seam, and a second strap end attached to a component of the seat assembly other than the back frame, such as the foam cushion assembly. |
| US08820777B1 |
Collapsible valet cart
A portable, foldable clothes rack and table serving cart is provided, including a frame on wheels, a hanger bar for handing clothes placed on hangers, a laundry basket platform to support a laundry basket full of clothes, and a table serving cart all of which can be compactly folded and stored neatly between a clothes washer and dryer essentially out of sight. |
| US08820773B2 |
Convertible hand truck
A convertible hand cart can be converted among a panel cart, a tray cart, a hotel cart, a utility cart, a mechanic's cart, a gardener's cart, and the like. The convertible hand cart can be used to transport items through doorways and through narrow halls. In addition to the ability to hall panels, the panel cart configuration has the ability to haul long lumber, doors, windows, mattresses and many other odd shaped items. The convertible hand cart has a removable, repositionable handle and a removable tongue to provide various configurations. |
| US08820769B2 |
Collapsible ski
A ski comprising a front runner (1), a centre runner (2) and a rear runner (3); the runners (1, 2, 3) connectable together to form a longitudinal running surface, the centre runner further comprising a locking mechanism (4) operable to urge the front and rear runners into engagement with the centre runner. Part (5, 7) of the locking mechanism is concealed within the body of the ski and the remaining part (12, 13) is positioned in-between the ski boot (16) bindings so that when the ski boot is clamped into the bindings it forms a protective canopy over the locking mechanism and the assembly takes on the appearance of a one piece ski When the ski is dismantled it can be carried in a case compatible with automated luggage handling systems and inside automobiles without the need for a roof rack. |
| US08820767B1 |
Trailer with height-adjusting mechanism
A height adjusting mechanism for changing the height of a load supporting portion of a trailer. An axle is rotatably connected to a trailer frame of the trailer for rotation between a towing position and a loading position. The axle has a first portion and a pair of axle shafts that are resiliently mounted with respect to the first portion for rotation over a limited angular range of motion and are biased toward a neutral position. A pair of opposed pivot arms are rotatable in response to rotation of the axle between the towing position and the loading position. The pivot arms are rotatable with the axle shaft of the axle in response to rotation of the axle shaft with respect to the central portion of the axle. |
| US08820766B2 |
Tricycle with variable position footboards
A tricycle has a frame, a front wheel with drive pedals, a seat, and a footboard. The footboard of the novel tricycle can optionally be mounted on the frame in a first orientation and at least a second orientation. |
| US08820765B2 |
Ride-on toy with adjustable seatback
A vehicle includes a seating platform featuring a first pair of seat mounting holes, a second pair of seat mounting holes positioned rearward of the first pair of seat mounting holes and a third pair of seat mounting holes positioned rearward of the second pair of seat mounting holes. A seatback is provided with a pair of hooks and a pair of snaps. Each of the snaps includes a catch portion. The hooks and snaps are adapted to engage the first and second pair of seat mounting holes to secure the seatback in a first position. The hooks and snaps are also adapted to engage the second and third pair of seat mounting holes to secure the seatback in a second position. |
| US08820761B2 |
Top mount, integrated housing and strut spring bearing
One variation includes a top mount, integrated housing and spring bearing. |
| US08820759B1 |
Plates allowing adjustment of caster and camber
An apparatus allows for the independent adjustment of caster and camber for vehicles utilizing MacPherson strut front suspensions. The apparatus has, in stacked arrangement, a fastener plate, a lower plate, and an upper plate. Camber adjustments are generally made by manipulation of the lower plate and caster adjustments are generally made by manipulation of the upper plate. The upper plate may be mounted in two different positions to allow for different camber adjustments, such as for competitive situations and non-competitive situations. The device utilizes a thrust bearing having a race in the upper face of the spring perch and an opposing race which mounts around the base of the bearing cup. |
| US08820751B2 |
Seal with plastic inner cup
A heavy duty composite oil seal with an outer cup and a plastic inner cup. The outer cup includes a major diameter mounting flange portion terminating in a curl, a minor diameter wear sleeve portion, and a transition portion joining the major and minor diameter portions. There is an elastomeric seal body and an embedded stiffener, with the elastomeric seal body having a sealing lip contacting the inner axial surface of the wear sleeve portion. There is a plastic inner cup member with an axial flange substantially co-extensive with the mounting flange and entrapped along the major diameter flange portion between the curl portion and the transition portion of the outer cup. The inner cup also has a radially extending flange that engages a radial portion of the elastomeric seal body. The plastic inner cup member has a continuous curvilinear inner surface. |
| US08820745B2 |
Device and method for handling, shuffling, and moving cards
Card-handling devices include a card-holding area and a card output shoe. The card output shoe includes a card-way for passage of cards from the card-holding area into a dealing-ready area. A movable gate is positioned between the card-way and the dealing-ready area to prevent cards in the dealing-ready area from re-entering the card-way. Card shufflers include a gate mounted to allow movement of randomized groups of cards from card-receiving compartments to proximate a terminal end plate of a card output shoe and to block movement of cards in an opposite direction. In related methods of moving cards, card movement through the card-way to the dealing-ready position is allowed by a movable gate and card movement from the dealing-ready position into the card-way is prevented by the movable gate. |
| US08820742B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a first discharge opening and a second discharge opening, a sheet discharge portion, a restricting member and a sheet discharge tray. The sheet discharge portion is connected at a position below the first discharge opening, and the sheet discharged through the first discharge opening is to be placed thereon. The restricting member stands up on a downstream side of the sheet discharge portion in a discharging direction of the sheet and can come into contact with a downstream end edge of the sheet discharged to the sheet discharge portion in the discharging direction. The sheet discharge tray includes a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion to be fixed to an upper end part of the restricting member and is attachable above the sheet discharge portion, and a sheet discharged through the second discharge opening is to be placed thereon. |
| US08820741B2 |
Paper conveying apparatus, jam detection method, and computer-readable, non-transitory medium
There are provided a paper conveying apparatus, a jam detection method and a computer-readable, non-transitory medium which can precisely determine any occurrence of a jam by a sound which is generated by paper for various types of paper. The paper conveying apparatus includes a sound signal generator, provided with a sound detector near a conveyance path of a paper, for generating a sound signal corresponding to a sound generated by a paper during conveyance of the paper, a paper thickness setting module for setting a thickness of a paper conveyed to the conveyance path, and a sound jam detector for determining whether a jam has occurred based on a signal of a specific frequency band in the sound signal, wherein the sound jam detector determines the specific frequency band based on a thickness of the paper. |
| US08820739B1 |
Method for optimizing feeder module feeder tray capacity
A method and apparatus that adjusts the step count at which a tray low paper condition is declared based on the number of outstanding feed commitments and the average number of feeds between tray increments. After a first tray increment has occurred, feeder software will wait a pre-determined number of additional tray increments, and will then calculate the average number of feeds between increments. Using this average and the number of outstanding feed commitments a low paper condition is declared when a predetermined logical test is true. |
| US08820730B2 |
Bill transmission channel device
A bidirectional bill transmission channel device (02) with multi-path steering, which is arranged between an upper core (01) having functions of recognizing and separating bill and a lower core (03) for storing bill, is used for transmitting and separating bill in a reversing way. The device (02) comprises a channel bracket (0200), a power shaft (0203) mounted on the channel bracket (0200), a transmission belt (0202), channel boards (02041, 02042), an auxiliary transmission wheel set (0205) and a corner guide plate (0210), wherein floating wheels (0211, 0211′) are provided in a steering transmission route formed by the corner guide plate (0210) and the power shaft (0203), the floating wheels (0211, 0211′) correspond to the power shaft (0203) for transmission belt (0202), and form rolling friction assembly with the belt (0202). |
| US08820729B2 |
Magnet holding jig
When a rare earth magnet block is cut or ground by a cutting or grinding tool, a jig is used for holding the magnet block in place. The jig comprises a base, a pair of metal support members disposed on opposite sides of the base and provided with grooves, and rubber rods received in the support member grooves such that the rubber rod partially protrudes from the groove and abuts on the groove bottom. The magnet block is rested on the base and clamped between the rubber rods. The volume of the groove is larger than the volume of the rubber rod. |
| US08820725B2 |
Assembly device for assemblying camera module
An assembly device includes a bottom base, two baffles, two screws, and two magnetic members. The bottom base includes a receiving portion configured to receive a camera module. The receiving portion includes two adjacent fixed members and two adjacent moveable members. The baffle is secured to a sidewall of the bottom base. The screw passes through one baffle and can push one moveable member. The magnetic member is arranged on one moveable member. When the screw is rotated toward a first direction, the one screw pushes the corresponding moveable member to move toward the opposite fixed member, when the one screw is rotated toward a second direction, the attraction between the one screw and the first magnetic member draws the corresponding moveable member away from the opposite fixed member. |
| US08820724B2 |
Spring-mounted vibration system to reduce vibration
Spring-mounted vibration system to reduce vibration with a first spring-mounted part and a second spring-mounted part, wherein the first spring-mounted part and the second spring-mounted part can oscillate relative to each in at least one vibration direction and at least one of the spring-mounted parts can be exposed to a return force on a vibration movement. A control unit is arranged with at least one travel linkage which is connected with at least one of the spring-mounted parts and in which is arranged displaceably at least one guide element connected with a spring element generating the return force and/or the other spring-mounted part. |
| US08820723B1 |
Method, apparatus and system for concentrating solutions using evaporation
A system, apparatus and method for concentrating a solution. The system includes a humidification device and a solution flow path for flow of a solution to be concentrated to the humidification device. The humidification device includes humidification media to facilitate evaporation of liquid from the solution to be concentrated to gas as the solution to be concentrated passes through the humidification media thereby concentrating the solution. The method includes flowing a solution to be concentrated along a flow path to a humidification device including humidification media, flowing a gas through the humidification media, and flowing the solution to be concentrated through the humidification media. There is evaporation of liquid from the solution to the gas as the solution passes through the humidification media thereby concentrating the solution and producing a humidified gas. The solution to be concentrated may be salt water and the gas may be air. |
| US08820722B2 |
Barrier fencing system
A barrier fencing arrangement, including a foundation member positioned at least partially below a ground surface, wherein the foundation member includes a body with a top portion and at least one fin extending from the body. An extension member, having a body attached to or integral with the body of the foundation member, extends from the top portion of the body of the foundation member at least partially above the ground surface. |
| US08820721B1 |
Glass railing anchor system
An improved glass railing anchor system for multiple glass panels in high-rise buildings which can experience hurricane strength winds, and which includes an elongated base member having two hollow wall sections which create a channel for receiving the glass panels. Aligned with and beneath the hollow wall sections are integral keyways which receive T-shaped anchors that also elevate the base member to allow for drainage. The anchors are slidable and can be selectively positioned for easy and secure installation. The base member, hollow wall sections, keyway and drainage areas can be integrally incorporated into a unitary device. |
| US08820720B2 |
Winch
A self-tailing arrangement for a winch comprises a rope guide channel defined by upper and lower guide rings which are rotatable with a drum and adapted to grip rope therein. A feeder arm guides rope between the drum and the rope guide channel and is fixed with respect to a support. A spring-mounted retainer guide guides rope between the rope guide channel and an unloaded end of the rope. The drum is rotatable with respect to the retainer guide. The retainer guide has a retainer lip extending partially circumferentially around the self-tailing assembly to at least partially enclose a portion of the rope guide channel. The retainer guide further defines at least one side of an opening adjacent the retainer lip, the opening being sized to conduct rope through the opening during reverse winding of the winch, the rope thereby being retained in the rope guide channel by the retainer lip. |
| US08820698B2 |
Break-away hook assembly
A break-away hook assembly is adapted for installation for use with a low-voltage residential communication cable. A pair of members is coupled. One of the members has a connector with a terminal portion which receives a terminus of the other member. The connector breaks to release the second member from coupled engagement with the first member so that upon application of a stress in excess of a pre-established load, the cable will sag while maintaining the communication integrity of the cable. |
| US08820694B2 |
Seat slide structure for vehicle
A lower rail or an upper rail has a first wall provided at a position on a first one of opposite sides in a widthwise direction thereof, and a second wall provided at a position on the other, second, side in the widthwise direction and disposed opposed to the first wall. At least one of the first wall and the second wall has an opening. At least one of an outer portion of the holding member in the widthwise direction and an outer portion of the nut member in the widthwise direction is inserted in the opening and disposed opposed to an inner side-surface of the opening facing in a frontward-rearward direction. |
| US08820691B2 |
Adjustable support structure for an after-treatment component
An adjustable support structure for an after-treatment component is disclosed. The adjustable support structure may have a housing wall. The adjustable support structure may also have a plate. The plate may have a base edge fixedly connected to the housing wall. The plate may also have a distal edge. The adjustable support structure may also have a bracket connected to the plate at the distal edge. The bracket may be configured to engage the after-treatment component. The adjustable support structure may also have first and second legs extending from the bracket toward the housing wall. The first and second legs may be spaced apart from each other to receive the distal edge of the plate therebetween. |
| US08820689B2 |
Guide rail having a quick fastening device
A guide rail configured to be mounted on bars of a grid side part of a household appliance or furniture. The bars run horizontally and are bent at an angle in bent end regions. The guide rail includes a quick fastening device including two mounting elements attached in end regions of the guide rail and configured to be detachably fixed to the bars of the grid side part. A first mounting section partially encloses one of the bars in a longitudinally extending region of the bar. A second mounting section partially encloses the bar at one of the bent regions of the bar. One of the mounting sections faces a rear bent end region and is open in a direction towards a rear of the guide rail. A resilient catch lug extends upward from the leg and engages behind the bar that is enclosed by the mounting elements. |
| US08820685B2 |
Method for managing the circulation of vehicles on a railway network and related system
A method is provided. The method includes, the railway network being subdivided into resources, the state being driven by a ground controller, and each vehicle including an onboard controller being capable of communicating with the ground controller. The method includes planning, by a regulating unit, of a vehicle's mission, transmitting said mission to the vehicle. The onboard controller of identifying a group of resources permitting the vehicle to continue its mission, reserving the identified resources with the ground controllers, once all of the resources are allocated, interlocking each resource in a required state, verifying that each resource is reserved and is in the required state and, when this verification is positive, extending permission for the vehicle to move on the path corresponding to said group of resources. |
| US08820683B2 |
Electrothermal wing ice protection system
An electro-thermal wing ice protection solution controller for managing and controlling electrical power generated to heat and de-ice the wing of an aircraft. The system is comprised of a number of power control modules (PCMs) and at least one master control unit (MCU). These elements can be stacked together and mounted into rack systems in order to provide scalable organized power distribution for a wing de-icing and ice protection system. |
| US08820682B2 |
High privacy passenger aircraft cabin arrangement
An aircraft that includes a cabin that has a floor, side walls, a ceiling and an interior, a first class section positioned in the interior that includes a longitudinally extending first aisle extending therethrough, a first door positioned fore of the first class section, an economy class section positioned in the interior and aft of the first class section, and a longitudinally extending second aisle that extends parallel to the first aisle and that does not extend through the first class section. An economy class passenger that enters through the first door travels down the second aisle to enter the economy class section and never enters the first class section. |
| US08820678B2 |
Relative positioning of balloons with altitude control and wind data
The positions of balloons in a communication network of balloons, such as a mesh network of high-altitude balloons, may be adjusted relative to one another in order to try to maintain a desired network topology. In one approach, the position of each balloon may be adjusted relative to one or more neighbor balloons. For example, the locations of a target balloon and one or more neighbor balloons may be determined. A desired movement of the target balloon may then be determined based on the locations of the one or more neighbor balloons relative to the location of the target balloon. The target balloon may be controlled based on the desired movement. In some embodiments, the altitude of the target balloon may be controlled in order to expose the target balloon to ambient winds that are capable of producing the desired movement of the target balloon. |
| US08820675B2 |
Motor for driving aircraft, located adjacent to undercarriage wheel
The invention disclosed is a self-propelled aircraft undercarriage for driving an aircraft on the ground, comprising: an axle; a strut supporting said axle; at least one wheel rotatably mounted on said axle; and drive means for driving said at least one wheel; characterized in that said drive means is disk shaped and is external to said wheel. In one embodiment of the invention, said drive means is mounted on said axle between said strut and said wheel. In a second embodiment, said drive means is mounted on said axle, on the side of said wheel furthest from said strut. |
| US08820674B2 |
Rotor carrier structure with a damper device for avoiding unstable coupling between resonant vibration modes
A carrier structure for a rotor and a method of preventing the coupling of the vibration modes of a carrier structure of a flying machine with the vibration modes of a rotor are provided. The carrier structure has an airframe and a mounting structure suitable for being engaged with the rotor. A vibration-damper mechanism is fitted to the mounting structure and has a resonator that includes a weight element, a damper, and a first deformable member. The weight element is a flapping weight element and is carried by the mounting structure via the first deformable member. The first deformable member allows the weight element to move with respect to the mounting structure and restrains the mobility of the weight element. The damper is interposed between the weight element and the mounting structure for damping the movement of the weight element. |
| US08820672B2 |
Environmental sampling with an unmanned aerial vehicle
Environmental samples are collected and analyzed using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In some examples, the sample is drawn into engagement with a sensor onboard a UAV by the existing fluid flow generated by a rotor fan through a duct of a ducted fan of the UAV. The quality characteristics of the fluid sample may be physically or wirelessly delivered to a remote location. In some examples, samples are drawn into engagement with the sensor by a flexible tube that is attached to an outer surface of the UAV. The flexible tube may allow the UAV to precisely target and collect samples of dust and moisture and other materials from the ground over which the UAV operates. |
| US08820670B2 |
Dual-bearing reel
A dual-bearing reel for forwardly releasing a fishing line includes a reel unit, a handle, a spool shaft, a spool, and a rotary operation knob. The reel unit includes a frame, a first cover, a second cover, and a shaft support part. The first cover has a recess and a circular opening formed in the recess. The shaft support part is mounted to the first cover, and is relatively rotatable to the first cover. The shaft support part is pivotable between an attachment position and a detachment position. The shaft support part has a knob portion disposed astride the opening. The spool is mounted to the spool shaft to be rotated in conjunction with rotation of the handle. The rotary operation knob is disposed concentrically to the spool shaft in a position where the knob portion is disposed axially outside and astride the rotary operation knob. |
| US08820669B2 |
Dual-bearing reel
A dual-bearing reel includes a reel unit, a handle, a spool shaft, a spool, and a casting control mechanism. The handle is rotatably supported by the reel unit. The spool shaft is rotatably supported at an end thereof by the shaft support part. The spool is mounted onto the spool shaft, where the spool is configured to be rotated in conjunction with rotation of the handle. The casting control mechanism includes a brake knob rotatably supported by the shaft support part, a first plate being disposed to be contactable with the brake knob and one of end surfaces of the spool shaft, and a second plate being disposed to be contactable with the other of end surfaces of the spool shaft. The brake knob is disposed entirely in the recess. The first plate is configured to be pressed in conjunction with rotation of the brake knob. |
| US08820668B2 |
Roller press, particularly for interparticle comminution
In order to create a roller press, particularly for comminuting a bed of material, the roller press having two rollers separated from each other by a roller nip and using hydraulic cylinders to press the one roller against the oppositely situated roller over the material situated in the roller nip, the stress on the surface of the rollers to be reduced and their service life to be increased, it is proposed according to the invention that both rollers are designed as loose rollers that are displaceable transversely relative to the roller nip, the bearing housings of the rollers being supported on side parts of the machine frame by hydraulic cylinders that apply the roller compaction pressure. |
| US08820664B2 |
Multiple nozzle differential fluid delivery head
A multiple nozzle differential fluid delivery head is disclosed. The fluid delivery head includes a body that defines a fluid chamber having a longitudinal axis. The body includes an inlet for connection to a fluid source, and the inlet is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. The fluid delivery head includes a plurality of outlet ports connected to and extending away from the body. Each outlet port has an interior space in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. The fluid delivery head includes a nozzle insert removably secured in an outer end of each outlet port. At least one nozzle insert has a fluid delivery aperture in fluid communication with the interior space of its associated outlet port for delivering fluid out of the interior space of its associated outlet port. One or more of the outlet ports is angled away from a plane normal to the axis of the fluid delivery head. |
| US08820656B2 |
Dispenser for aerosol systems
An aerosol system for dispensing liquid material, comprising a container assembly and an actuator assembly comprising an outlet member defining an outlet opening, a collar member, an actuator member, and a selector member. The actuator member supports the collar member and the outlet member such that movement of the collar member relative to the actuator member causes the collar member to deform the outlet member. Movement of the selector member relative to the collar member moves the collar member relative to the actuator member. Deformation of the outlet member alters a cross-sectional area of the outlet opening. When the actuator assembly is in a first position, the liquid material is prevented from flowing out of the container. When the actuator assembly is in a second position, the liquid material is allowed to flow out of the container assembly through the outlet opening. |
| US08820655B2 |
Temperature sensitive actuator attaching structure
Provided is a temperature sensitive actuator attaching structure wherein the ease of attachment is improved. A heat generating element (51) generates heat by energizing a temperature sensitive actuator (2) via conducting terminals (41, 42). The generated heat expands a wax (W) to project a piston (21), and an elastic member (23) biases the piston (21) in a direction opposite to the projecting direction. In order to attach the temperature sensitive actuator (2) to an attachment portion (11) of an object member (1), fixing protrusions (41a) are provided in the conducting terminal (41) of the temperature sensitive actuator (2), and receiving portions (14) which can receive the fixing protrusions (41a) in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the piston (21) are provided in the attachment portion (11). The temperature sensitive actuator (2) is attached to the object member (1) by inserting the fixing protrusions (41a) into the receiving portions (14). |
| US08820651B2 |
Indoor environment regulating system
The invention provides an indoor environment regulating system with excellent energy efficiency. The indoor environment regulating system of the invention is provided with an indoor surface structural member 300, 400 constructed of a material comprising a far-infrared emitting substance that emits and absorbs far-infrared rays and has a far-infrared emissivity of 0.6 or greater, and a cooling and/or heating source 200, 301 having a cooling and/or heating surface constructed of a material comprising the same far-infrared emitting substance as the far-infrared emitting substance of the indoor surface structural member, and wherein when the cooling surface of the cooling source 301 is cooled, the far-infrared emitting substance of the cooling surface absorbs the far-infrared rays emitted by the far-infrared emitting substance of the indoor surface structural member 300, 400, and/or when the heating surface 200 of the heating source is heated, the far-infrared rays 62 emitted by the far-infrared emitting substance of the heating surface are absorbed by the far-infrared emitting substance of the indoor surface structural member 300, 400. |
| US08820650B2 |
Systems and methods for passive identification circuitry
A card reader includes a read head in a housing. A jack is coupled to the housing and adapted to be inserted into a microphone input associated with a mobile device. An electronic system includes a card reader circuit, a communication system, a monitor system to manage card reader behavior between power cycles, a pathway system and a power subsystem that in operation receives a bias voltage from a mobile device. |
| US08820649B2 |
Electronic card with a programmable magnetic stripe
An electronic card with a programmable magnetic band which operates to emulate a magnetic stripe on a payment card. The card connects to a smartphone for reducing the amount of cards in a wallet using a NFC protocol. The electronic card with programmable magnetic band includes a magnetic stripe emulator, NFC communication unit, energy harvesting battery management, and high level security. Buttons are used to enter a personal code for using a default card. The card can be used on all payment terminals, and devices that can read magnetic stripes. |
| US08820644B2 |
Camera applications in a handheld device
A hand held device containing at least one camera can perform various functions. In some embodiments, the optical path between the lens and the optical sensor may be redirected at least once to allow it to fit within the body of a narrow device. For example, at least one reflector or beam combiner may be used to redirect the light so that part of the optical path is perpendicular to another part of the optical path. |
| US08820641B2 |
Magnetic read device
A magnetic read device including: a magnetic read head including a first conductive winding; and a second conductive winding connected in phase opposition to the first winding. |
| US08820640B2 |
Magnetic card reader and magnetic data read method
The present invention improves the environment resistance performance of a magnetic card reader, and also improves the operation stability of a system including a higher-level device. Specifically to describe, the magnetic card reader 1, for reading magnetic data recorded in a card 4 by using a magnetic head 5, includes: a storage section (a part of a RAM 104) for storing the magnetic data read and acquired by using the magnetic head 5; a first comparing section for comparing the total number of data in the magnetic data with a prescribed first threshold; and a first judgment section for judging that the magnetic data is effective data when the total number of data in the magnetic data is less than or equal to the prescribed first threshold in the first comparing section. |
| US08820638B1 |
System and methods related to an available balance debit/credit card
A wirelessly updated consumer spending card includes a spending card housing, a memory module on the spending card housing, a processor module on the spending card housing in operable communication with the memory module, an output display on the spending card housing in operable communication with the processor, a transceiver on the spending card housing operable for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data across a metropolitan area in operable communication with the processor and display, and a power source on the spending card housing in operable connectivity to the memory, processor, transceiver and display. The card may further include a biometric input device on the spending card housing in operable communication with the processor. |
| US08820637B1 |
Time-varying security code for enabling authorizations and other uses of financial accounts
A portable device is provided that carries account data. The account data may include a security code having a value that is time-varying. The value of the security code may be programmatically varied based on at least one of an algorithm or event. Authorization and use of the account may be sought from an authorization agent using the account data provided on the portable device. |
| US08820635B2 |
Processing a transaction by a terminal
A system and method for providing digital receipts for purchase transactions are provided. The method includes the steps receiving information for a first credit card account for executing a transaction; retrieving a first customer record from a database using information from the first credit card account; charging an amount of the transaction to the first credit card account; and transmitting a receipt to a predetermined location of the customer. The predetermined location may be an e-mail address of the customer or a server residing on the network. By receiving digital receipts, a customer or end-user will be able to digitally store these receipts and view or print the receipts out when necessary. Furthermore, the customer will be able to manage the receipts with conventional software packages. |
| US08820634B2 |
System and method for accepting closed loop cards and codes at a merchant point of sale
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for redeeming a closed loop card/code funded with an amount of money. The system receives from a merchant point of sale an indication of use of a closed loop card/code not issued by the merchant and presented by a consumer, queries and receives a confirmation of an amount of money in an account associated with the closed loop card/code, presents the consumer with an offer to buy the closed loop card/code at a discount price, and upon accepting the offer, closes out the closed loop card/code and pays the discount price to the consumer. Paying the discount price can include applying the discount price to a purchase by the consumer at the merchant. The merchant can provide cash back to the consumer for excess value of the discount price over the consumer's purchase. Merchants can apply more than the discount price. |
| US08820629B1 |
Barcode scanning for communication
A method, computer program product, and system for barcode scanning for communication is described. Barcode information is received. Location information associated with the barcode information is identified. Communication session information associated with a user is determined based upon, at least in part, the identified location information. |
| US08820628B2 |
Enabling distant reading of scannable codes
A system for displaying a QR code in vicinity of a commercial sign, the system comprising a panel comprising a QR code displayed thereon; and a fastener to attach the QR code panel to a signage system such that size of the QR code is larger than a 2×2 cm square where interested parties are able to scan the QR code from more than 10 feet away. |
| US08820623B2 |
Position-measuring device
A position-measuring device includes a code, including a series of code elements arranged one behind the other in a measuring direction, in which at least two consecutive code elements respectively form a code word containing a position information item, and a scanning device having detector elements for reading the at least two code elements of the code that form a code word, and an evaluation device in which the code word having the current position information may be ascertained from the scanning signals of the detector elements. The scanning device and the code are arranged in a moveable manner relative to each other in the measuring direction. Between adjacent code elements, which have identical properties in the transition region, separating elements having complementary properties are inserted. |
| US08820616B2 |
Method and apparatus providing fine alignment of a structure relative to a support
A method for fine positioning a component through the use of fusible elements having two or more melting points so as to establish intermediate displacements between totally melted fusible elements and unmelted fusible elements. Because of the use of non-eutectic fusible materials, fine adjustments in the displacement may be achieved. |
| US08820612B2 |
Injection molded solder process for forming solder bumps on substrates
Solder bumps of uniform height are provided on a substrate through the use of injection molded solder. Copper pillars or ball limiting metallurgy are formed over I/O pads within the channels of a patterned layer of photoresist. Solder is injected over the pillars or BLM, filling the channels. The solder, which does not contain flux, is allowed to solidify. It forms a plurality of solder structures (bumps) of equal heights. Solder injection and solidification are preferably carried out in a nitrogen environment or a forming gas environment. Molten solder can be injected in channels formed in round wafers without spillage using a carrier assembly that accommodates such wafers and a fill head. |
| US08820611B2 |
Method and apparatus for printing a substrate, in particular a printed circuit board, with a printing paste
The present invention relates to a method for printing a substrate, in particular a printed circuit board, with a printing paste, in particular a solder paste, comprising the following steps: —applying a printing screen to the substrate, —printing the substrate using screen printing technology through openings in the printing screen so as to achieve at least one printed structure consisting of printing paste, —separating the printing screen and the substrate by lifting these parts off from one another, —inserting an optical inspection unit between the printing screen and the substrate, —checking the printed structure in terms of the printing paste thickness thereof by means of the inspection unit, —ending the printing when the result of the printing corresponds to at least one preset value. The invention furthermore relates to an inspection unit (1) and a printing device (2). |
| US08820610B2 |
Using friction stir processing to form foamed metal precursors
The present invention provides a qualitatively-stable functionally gradient material precursor having gradient material composition, as well as a production method of the functionally gradient material precursor, at low cost. Further, the present invention provides a functionally gradient material having gradient material composition, or having both gradient material composition and gradient porosity, so as to achieve high-functionality; as well as a production method of the functionally gradient material. A functionally gradient material precursor is formed by the steps of: forming plural kinds of metal foam precursors, each obtained by performing heat treatment on a metal member so that a plurality of pores are generated within the metal member, by making the material composition of the metal member different; and friction stir welding the plural kinds of metal foam precursors. Further, a functionally gradient material is formed by performing heat treatment on the functionally gradient material. |
| US08820609B2 |
Wire bonding tool
A wire bonding tool including a body portion terminating in a tip portion is provided. The tip portion includes opposing walls defining a groove, each of the opposing walls having a curved profile. |
| US08820605B2 |
Robotically-controlled surgical instruments
A surgical instrument. Various embodiments of the surgical instrument include an end effector that has a moveable cutting implement. A main drive shaft assembly operably interfaces with the end effector for transmitting an actuation motion to the movable cutting implement therein. A gear drive train is connected to the main drive shaft assembly. The gear drive train is actuated by a motor that is configured to receive control signals from a robotic system. Various embodiments include a sensor arrangement that operably interfaces the end effector to communicate forces experienced by the end effector to the robotic system. |
| US08820599B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing peripheral portion of a glass sheet
Process for removing peripheral portions such as bead regions of a glass sheet including a step of pushing the glass sheet in the peripheral portion using a pushing mechanism such as a pushing bar, and corresponding apparatus. As a result of the use of the pushing mechanism, the engagement completion time for suction cups, if used, are reduced significantly. A process without using suction cups is enabled with enhanced yield. The increased process stability and enlarged process window are particularly advantageous for processing glass sheets having high flexibility. |
| US08820596B1 |
Convertible carrying case
A convertible carrying case having a first container and a second container that is convertible between a primary configuration and a secondary configuration. Each container having a primary face (with primary access structure for accessing the interior of the container when the convertible carrying case is in the primary configuration) and a secondary face (with secondary access structure for accessing the interior of the container when the convertible carrying case is in the secondary configuration). A first matable half and a second matable half of an openable-closeable connection are connectable to secure the containers in either a primary configuration or a secondary configuration. Preferably, contents within the containers may remain during conversion between the primary configuration and the secondary configuration. A method for converting a convertible carrying between the primary configuration and the secondary configuration. |
| US08820594B2 |
Folding system for fabric product
A folding system for a fabric product is provided. The folding system includes an information obtaining device, a folding device and a width controlling device. The information obtaining device obtains first information held by a fabric product. The folding device includes a platen member, a width adjusting mechanism and a folding mechanism. The platen member is for holding the fabric product. The width adjusting mechanism adjusts the width directional length of the platen member. The folding mechanism folds the fabric product on the platen member. The width controlling device controls the width adjusting mechanism by using the first information obtained by the information obtaining device. |
| US08820591B2 |
Closure valve assembly for a container
A closure assembly for a container assembly for a container having a housing with a fluid passage, a retaining ring attached to an inner surface of a wall of the housing and having a sloping centering flange, and a valve positioned in the housing and sealing the fluid passage. |
| US08820590B2 |
Deformable small packaging structure
A deformable small packaging structure for free-flowing products has a valve-like closure (10) produced by a two-component injection molding process and including a dimensionally stable carrier element (11) and an outer jacket (12) which envelopes the carrier element (11) at least in part and has a flexible squirt-nozzle (16) with slotted openings. The outer jacket (12), in relation to the withdrawn squirt-nozzle (16), has a meander-shaped configuration adjacent to the squirt-nozzle (16). The squirt-nozzle (16), in relation to the withdrawn state, is configured as a pot-shaped recess. The outer jacket (12) has an inner annular flange (17) which engages in a recess of the carrier element (11) and is firmly connected therewith. Further, the outer jacket (12) has adjacent to the inner annular flange (17) a circumferential web (18) which engages in a groove of the carrier element (11) and is also firmly connected therewith. |
| US08820582B2 |
Product dispenser connector
A product dispenser connector comprises a front portion, a rear portion, and a connector portion. The front portion includes a receiving member configured and arranged to releasably connect a product dispenser thereto. The rear portion includes a connecting member and an adjusting member. The connecting member is configured and arranged to releasably connect the rear portion to a mounting member. The adjusting member has an engaging portion. The connector portion interconnects the front portion and the rear portion. The rear portion is rotatably operatively connected to the front portion and the connector portion. The connector portion includes a first notch and a second notch. The engaging portion engages the first notch in a first configuration and engages the second notch in a second configuration. The adjusting member is configured and arranged to deflect to disengage the connector portion to change configurations. |
| US08820580B2 |
Dispensing nozzle assembly
A dispensing nozzle assembly for dispensing a number of micro-ingredients into a fluid stream. The dispensing nozzle assembly may include a micro-ingredient mixing chamber, a number of micro-ingredient lines in communication with the micro-ingredient mixing chamber such that the micro-ingredients mix therein, and a mixed micro-ingredient exit such the mixed micro-ingredients are dispensed into the fluid stream. |
| US08820578B2 |
Packaging
The packaging comprising an essentially dimensionally stable, elastically deformable external container, an easily deformable inner bag arranged therein, which receives the filling material, and a valve, is characterized in that the valve comprises a base body which extends over the opening of the external container and comprises at least one through opening for the filling material and a pin oriented away from the external container, and a cap which is fastened to the neck of the external container and covers the base body and the upper end wall of which is formed by a membrane which delimits a receiving chamber for the filling material between the cap and the base body and comprises an outlet opening for the filling material which in the unpressurized state of the packaging is closed by the pin in that the membrane with the area containing the outlet opening rests under preload on the pin, the membrane being lifted from the pin upon exertion of pressure on the external container by the pressurized filling material contained in the receiving chamber, so that filling material can exit, and that the cap comprises an air chamber which is separated from the receiving chamber for the filling material and sealed relative to the receiving chamber and the external container and which is connected via at least one hole through the wall of the external container to the intermediate chamber between the external container and the inner bag and via at least one venting valve to the exterior atmosphere. |
| US08820577B2 |
Device for dispensing a liquid
A device for dispensing a liquid is connectable to a container containing the liquid and detachably connectable to a base station having a drive member, the device including a liquid duct and a pump actuated by the drive member for effecting passage of liquid through the duct, characterized in that the device includes a cutter for piercing a tamper resistant foil positioned across the outlet of the container and that a push pin for actuating the cutter is operable from outside the device. |
| US08820568B1 |
Trash can assembly
A trash can assembly positionable upon a surface is provided. The assembly comprises a trash bag restable on a base having a back edge and a front edge. A back wail extends from the base and has a first and second back connection edges. A door is provided having first and second door connection edges. The first door connection edge is liingedly connected to the first back connection edge and closable to completely encase the trash bag between the back wall and the closed door. Upon the door being in the closed position, the distance of the first and second door connection edges to the back edge of the base is less than the distance of the first and second back connection edges to the front edge of the base. The trash bag is completely contained within the assembly and removable upon opening of the door. |
| US08820565B2 |
Clamp-style closure
A closure (10) for sealing fluid within a pressure vessel having a hub (70) with an opening therein includes a door (12) and a plurality of clamp ring segments (14) for fitting over an exterior portion of both the closed door and the hub. A plurality of interconnecting members (18) connect ends of adjacent clamp ring segments, and an actuator mechanism (20) moves the plurality of clamp ring segments into and out of engagement with the door. |
| US08820562B2 |
Filler neck
A filler neck is equipped with a neck main body having a pipe shaped resin inner layer and resin outer layer, and a retainer made of metal mounted so as to cover the edge part of the neck main body. The resin inner layer and the resin outer layer are made of resin materials for which one layer has superior fuel permeability resistance to the other layer. The resin inner layer has a screw part for screwing into a screw part of a fuel cap on the inner wall of the resin inner layer. The retainer has a seal part for sealing between the gasket, and a round cylinder shaped outer circumference protector part. The lower end of the outer circumference protector part is on plane perpendicular to the center axis of the fuel path. The plane includes the screw part. |
| US08820556B2 |
Molded bottle for liquids
A molded bottle for liquids is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the bottle includes a hollow body portion adapted to store liquids therein, with an opening on a top of the body portion to access an interior of the bottle. In addition, the bottle includes a sidewall that extends outward around a bottom periphery of the body portion, where the bottle is supported by an edge of the sidewall when the bottle is placed on a planar surface. The sidewall is configured to flex when the bottle is pressed down onto the planar surface to form a vacuum between the body portion and the planar surface to prevent the bottle from moving. |
| US08820555B2 |
Synthetic resin round bottle
A synthetic resin round bottle having a shape of the peripheral groove ribs that can increase the plane rigidity of the peripheral sidewall, without lowering the buckling strength in the vertical directions and the moldability of the bottle, including a round bottle having a neck, a tapered cylindrical shoulder, a cylindrical body, a bottom, a pair of peripheral groove ribs disposed at certain height positions of the body and formed in groove shapes, with one groove over the other groove in proximity to each other, where bases of these peripheral groove ribs are inclined relative to the direction of central axis of the bottle in a vertical sectional view, and the incline of a rib base for the upper peripheral groove rib has a direction opposite that of the incline of the rib base for the lower peripheral groove rib. |
| US08820553B2 |
Closure device for a container
A closure device for sealing an opening of a container, wherein the container opening has an opening edge which includes an inner wall and an outer wall. The closure device further includes a sealing element so that the opening of the container can be tightly sealed. A closure device of this kind is characterized in that a sealing of the container by the closure device is independent of a contact pressure applied from the closure device onto the container, in particular onto the opening edge. |
| US08820550B2 |
One-piece packaging comprising a container and a closure
The present invention concerns a packaging comprising a container with a container body (1), and a container opening (2) having an upper edge (3), and a closure element (4) for closing said container, characterized in that the closure element (4) is rigid and is ultrasonically sealed onto the upper edge (3) of the container opening (2), so that said closure element (4) and said container (1, 2) form one single unitary part. |
| US08820547B2 |
Movable rack unit
Provided is a movable rack unit for taking in and out a storage object with respect to a storage space. The movable rack unit includes a guide part including a track member linearly laid inside the storage space and along a depth direction of the storage space and a moving body that moves along the track member. A support member is rotatably borne on the moving body, and the support member supports the storage object within the storage space. Further, this unit includes a rotation guiding part, and the rotation guiding part changes the attitude of the support member in accordance with the position of the moving body with respect to the track member. When the moving member reaches an opening portion side of the storage space, the rotation guiding part rotates the support member so that merely the support member is set outside the storage space. |
| US08820539B1 |
Crusher and mechanical bucket for use therewith
A motor driven crusher for agitating and crushing material is provided. The crusher includes a frame removably coupled to a mechanical bucket and a plurality of shafts rotatably coupled within the frame and operationally coupled to the motor. The crusher further includes a plurality of crushing agitators coupled to each shaft of the plurality of shafts; and a plurality of screening spaces each having a predetermined spacing, wherein material placed on a top side of the crusher is agitated and crushed by the plurality of crushing agitators while the plurality of shafts rotate, screening small material through the plurality of screening spaces while crushing the larger material on the top side of the crusher to fit within the plurality of screening spaces. |
| US08820537B2 |
Jig assembly for orienting, sorting and selecting fastener nuts
A jig assembly for selecting and presenting fastener nuts in the correct orientation, each fastener nut including a nut cap and an assembling portion formed on an end of the fastener nut. The diameter of the nut cap is larger than the diameter of the assembling portion. The jig assembly includes an electric cabinet, a jig bracket, a feed container, and a sorting tray. The feed container includes a selector with an opening. The width of the opening is equal to the height of the fastener nut, the first sidewall of the selector forms a plurality of restricting protrusions, and each two adjacent restricting protrusions cooperatively define a restricting groove therebetween. The width of each restricting groove is equal to the diameter of the assembling portion, thus only fastener nuts in the correct orientation are capable of passing through the selector to be collected in the sorting tray. |
| US08820527B2 |
Blocking element and its use in protective structure
The disclosure provides a blocking element and its use in a protective structure. The blocking element includes a base and a first blocking plate. The base includes a surface and a recession formed downwardly towards the surface. The first blocking plate is connected to a first cross-connect part of the recession. The first blocking plate is used for pivoting on the first cross-connect part and includes a first blocking position and a first closing position in relative to the first cross-connect part. When the first blocking plate is at the first blocking position, a first blocking part of the first blocking plate protrudes from the surface. When the first blocking plate is pressed towards the recession to the first closing position by an external force, at least one portion of the first blocking part is contained in the recession. |
| US08820523B1 |
Sports equipment bag
A sports equipment bag assembly having a removable bag enclosure for heating bats using sunlight. The removable bag enclosure has a transparent outer panel and a solar reflective inner panel. The reflective surface both insulates and reflects the solar light to heat the bats. The removable bag enclosure is removably fastened to a larger bag assembly by a fastener such as a zipper. The removable bag enclosure and the larger bag assembly have hooks that enable them to be hung upon a fence or similar structure. The sports equipment bag assembly further provides a shoulder strap to facilitate carrying. |
| US08820518B2 |
Accumulating conveyor
The invention relates to an accumulating conveyor, in particular for use in the motor vehicle industry, for example for conveying body parts on pallets. The pallets are automatically coupled in a form-fitting manner at the reversing station or at the reversing stations by at least one centering pin, wherein, after the relevant reversing station has been passed, the centering pin or the centering pins is or are automatically released again. |
| US08820516B2 |
Device for loading and unloading a freeze drying system
A device for loading and unloading the standing surface of the drying chamber of a freeze drying installation. The device includes a carriage disposed above an unloading position of the surface which extends transversely to a movement direction during a loading or unloading process and in parallel with the standing surface and forms a movable guiding edge for the drying vessels. Guides disposed on both sides of the standing surface extend in parallel with the movement direction and form fixed guiding edges for the drying vessels. The carriage is driven by two linear motors, the respective primary parts of which are fixedly connected to both side ends of the carriage and are supported on the guides which at the same time receive the secondary parts. All of the components of the devices thus defined are located within the drying chamber, wherein a mechanically extremely simple and low-wear construction is achieved. |
| US08820514B2 |
Universally adjustable star wheel
A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed. An automated adjustment mechanism for adjusting a star wheel to accommodate different articles is also disclosed. The automated adjustment mechanism may be used with any suitable star wheel. |
| US08820513B2 |
Methods for transferring discrete articles
The present disclosure is directed to a method of transferring discrete articles from or to a moving carrier member using a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly comprises a frame defining a rotation axis and a transfer member comprising a transfer surface configured to receive one of the discrete articles. The method comprises rotating the transfer member about the rotation axis and maintaining the transfer surface at a substantially constant minimum distance away from the moving carrier member at the point of discrete article transfer. |
| US08820512B2 |
Workpiece supplying apparatus and workpiece supplying method
A workpiece supplying apparatus includes a plurality of carriers, a carrier case, a first gear pair, a guide, and a second gear pair. Each carrier includes a base and a plurality of holding portions, which project from a surface of the base. The holding portions are arranged in a one-dimensional manner and each hold workpieces. The carrier case accommodates the carriers. The first gear pair draws out each carrier from the carrier case toward a workpiece unloading position along a drawing direction. The guide guides the carrier drawn out by the first gear pair in a direction that differs from the drawing direction while bending the carrier so that its rear surface is located at an inner side. The second gear pair collects the carrier guided by the guide. |
| US08820510B2 |
Conveyor and a construction machine with a conveyor
The present invention relates to a conveyor or a similar conveying means for mounting on a construction machine, and in particular a road surface milling machine, which conveyor can be linked with a coupling area to the construction machine in an articulated manner and is pivotable by way of a lifting apparatus with a loading area in relation to the construction machine. |
| US08820507B2 |
Currency discrimination and evaluation
The disclosure relates to modeling the structure of an item of currency and to predicting the behavior of a currency sensing system as related to the structure of a tested item of currency. For a specified set of parameters of an item of currency, the response of the currency sensing system can be predicted. A particular construction of an item of currency can be determined based on theoretical responses from the item of currency being tested with a theoretical currency sensing system. |
| US08820505B2 |
Pivot ring for a manual clutch
A pivot ring for a clutch assembly which has a first annular segment, a second annular segment, and a radial segment. The first annular segment has a first face on a front side of the pivot ring and the second annular segment has a second face, predominately opposing the first face, on a back side of the ring. The radial segment is disposed between the first annular segment and the second annular segment, connecting the first annular segment and the second annular segment. The first annular segment, the second annular segment, or both the first annular segment and the second annular segment can include axial protrusions with arcuately shaped pivot portions. Preferably, in the clutch assembly, the pivot ring is disposed between the diaphragm spring and the pressure plate, allowing for rotational freedom between the pressure plate and the diaphragm spring. |
| US08820500B2 |
Auxiliary and motive electric power pick-up structure for land vehicles
An auxiliary and motive electric power pick-up structure for articulated and non-articulated land vehicles, such as electric public transport vehicles, that pass close to a collector-shoe-type power supply member mounted on a stationary support (17) along the route of the vehicle and positioned at intervals along the length of the route in order to provide auxiliary and motive electric power to the vehicle by way of the shoe (16). The structure comprises at least one conductor rail mounted on insulating supports (11) attached to the vehicle by suspension points (34), each including an elastic suspension unit (30) and a pneumatic, hydraulic or other type active suspension unit (33). In the case of articulated vehicles, the pick-up structure is divided into power supply segments (14) separated by a conducting link (19) at each articulated unit of the vehicle. |
| US08820498B2 |
Expandable suitcase
In one embodiment of the present invention, an expandable suitcase comprises: a front portion; a back portion; a plurality of side panels, each side panel aligning with one of a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side of the suitcase, and each side panel having a primary board, at least a first side board rotatably connected to the primary board about a common edge therewith, and a first side flap rotatably connected to the first side board about a common edge opposing the common edge with the primary board; and a plurality of hinges disposed at an intersection of two side panels, each hinge comprising a first hinge panel attached to one of the side panels and a second hinge panel connected to the other side panel, wherein the hinge remains in a substantially planar position in a rested state. |
| US08820497B1 |
Sports bag with chair device
The sports bag with chair device provides a rigid front connected to a pliable rear, a top spaced apart from a bottom, and a pair of spaced apart sides, a top handle disposed within the top pliable rear, a pair of spaced apart wheels disposed on the rigid front bottom, the wheels extended forwardly from the front, an upper compartment disposed within the pliable rear top, a lower compartment disposed rearwardly and downwardly within the pliable rear, a closure selectively closing each compartment, a recess disposed about midway within the rigid front, a pivoted chair disposed within the recess, the pivoted chair selectively positioned within and without the recess, and a pair of spaced apart telescopic legs pivotally affixed forwardly and downwardly on the pivoted chair. |
| US08820494B2 |
Hydraulic shock absorbing apparatus of vehicle
A hydraulic shock absorbing apparatus of a vehicle is described in which hydraulic shock absorbers are provided at both left and right sides of a wheel. One hydraulic shock absorber is provided with a compression side damping valve in one oil passage of a piston, is provided with a check valve in another oil passage, and is provided with a volume compensating oil passage of a piston rod communicated with an oil reservoir chamber in a piston rod side oil chamber. The other hydraulic shock absorber is provided with an expansion side damping valve in one oil passage of the piston, is provided with a check valve dosing at the time of expansion and opening at the time of compression in another oil passage, and is provided with a volume compensating oil passage of the piston rod communicated with the oil reservoir chamber in a piston side oil chamber. |
| US08820493B2 |
Shock energy absorber
A shock energy absorber includes, in one example, a cylinder having a closed end and an open end, a sleeve fixed about the open end of the cylinder, and a damping material in the form of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene material in the cylinder. A plunger is positioned to be driven into the damping material via the sleeve. When the plunger is impacted and driven into the damping material, the damping material changes from a solid to a viscous fluid state thereby enabling absorption of a significant amount of energy. |
| US08820492B1 |
Soft matrix magnetorheological mounts for shock and vibration isolation
A soft-matrix magnetorheological material vibration isolation system includes a first mounting plate. A first layer of soft-matrix magnetorheological material has opposing first and second faces, the first face coupled to the first mounting plate. A first electromagnet has opposing first and second pole faces, the first pole face coupled to the second face of the first layer of soft-matrix magnetorheological material. A second layer of soft-matrix magnetorheological material has opposing first and second faces, the first face coupled to the second pole face of the first electromagnet. A second mounting plate is coupled to the second face of the second layer of soft-matrix magnetorheological material, the second mounting plate adapted to be coupled to a load mass. |
| US08820491B2 |
Bi-metal disc brake rotor and method of manufacturing
The invention provides a method for manufacturing a friction damped disc brake rotor, including the steps of: (A) providing a ceramic coating on an insert, wherein the insert has a body with tabs extending therefrom to hold the insert in a desired position within a mold; (B) washing the ceramic coating off of the tabs; (C) positioning the insert into the mold; and (D) casting a rotor cheek of the disc brake rotor in the mold around the insert such that a portion of each tab is bonded with the rotor cheek, and such that the coating is substantially non-bonded with the rotor cheek so that the coating provides a proper interfacial boundary between the body and the cheek for damping, and the at least partial bonding of each tab with the rotor cheek prevents corrosion-causing exterior elements from reaching the interfacial boundary when the friction damped disc brake rotor is in use. |
| US08820485B2 |
Locking system for a lift door
A locking system for a lift door, in particular a car door of a lift car and/or a shaft door, comprises a locking device which in an unlocked state enables opening of the lift door, and in a locked state restricts, in particular prevents opening of the lift door; a reference element; a counter element which interacts with the reference element, in particular mechanically, electrically, magnetically, acoustically and/or optically, in a prescribed measure when the lift car is located in a permissible position relative to a shaft door; a sensor for outputting a preferably electrical signal when the reference element and the counter element are interacting with one another; and a control device for transferring the locking device from the locked state into the unlocked state as a function of the signal, the reference element preferably being arranged on the shaft door. |
| US08820483B2 |
Elevator machine support
An exemplary elevator system comprises a machine support (30) including a first portion (32) situated in a generally horizontal position at least partially within a hoistway (24). A second portion (34) is oriented generally perpendicular to the first portion. The second portion has one end supported by a support surface (52) adjacent the hoistway such that a portion of a load of the machine support is transferred to the support surface. One end of the first portion (32) is supported by the second portion (34) and another end of the first portion is supported by a structural member at least partially in the hoistway such that a remainder of the load of the machine support is transferred to the structural member. |
| US08820482B2 |
Elevator monitor and drive safety apparatus
Safety apparatus for elevator apparatuses which can move a cab via a drive, wherein the drive can be monitored via a monitoring unit for monitoring the drive, including: a first safety circuit, which has a closed conduction state and an open conduction state, with an interruption apparatus for interrupting the drive depending on the conduction state of the first safety circuit, a safety device, which includes at least two sensors, which can be switched between at least two switching states depending on a state to be detected by the sensors. To provide improved maintenance, a switching unit is provided, which can be switched between at least two switching states by connection to the safety device and is designed to effect the closed and/or open conduction state of the first safety circuit, wherein the switching unit includes a transmission device for transmitting data and/or monitoring signals to the monitoring unit. |
| US08820480B2 |
Compressed air lubricator
The invention relates to a compressed air lubricator comprising a casing (1) having a flow channel (2) for the compressed air and an oil container (3), whereby the flow channel (2) has a constriction (4) as well as at least one connection (6, 7) with the oil container (3) and an atomizer unit (8) connected to the constriction (4) is provided.In order to guarantee a constant conveyed oil quantity over a large range in terms of air flow and to provide a long transport length through a very fine oil mist, it is envisaged that the atomizer unit (8) arranged on the base of the oil container (3) and having outlet nozzles (15) for air and oil supply holes (16) is supplied with air via a tube (9) exiting from the flow channel (2) before its constriction (4), with a pipe (10) running from the atomizer unit (8) and opening into the constriction (4) for taking up and introducing the oil mist into the flow channel (2). |