| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08852563B2 |
Cosmetic
A cosmetic, includes: a composite powder containing titanium oxide and 4-tert-butyl-4-methoxybenzoylmethane and having an average particle diameter of less than 1 μm; and sorbitan fatty acid ester represented by the following Formula (I): wherein, in Formula (I), R1 to R4 each independently represent —(CH2)nCOOH, —(CH2)nOH, —R5, or —OR6; R5 represents an aliphatic group having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms; R6 represents an acyl group having from 10 to 22 carbon atoms; n represents 0 or an integer from 1 to 29; and at least one of R1 to R4 represents —OR6. |
| US08852561B2 |
Fluoride varnish compositions including an organo phosphoric acid adhesion promoting agent
Fluoride varnish compositions for temporary application and adhesion to a person's teeth. The composition includes a carrier comprising a resin and an adhesion promoting agent comprising an alkyl phosphoric acid. A fluoride ion source (e.g., a fluoride salt such as sodium fluoride) is dispersed within the carrier so as to provide biologically available fluoride ions to the tooth tissue being treated. The composition adheres only temporarily to tooth tissue (e.g., for a period of at least about 4 minutes, but not more than about 1 year), after which the composition spontaneously wears away as a natural result of the action of the tongue, saliva and/or other factors. |
| US08852560B2 |
Adhesive dental bleaching compositions containing polyvinylpyrrolidone
A dental bleaching composition comprises a dental bleaching agent and a polyvinylpyrrolidone thickening agent. The bleaching composition may include water, flavoring agents, a basic substance and desensitizing agents, as desired. Polyvinylpyrrolidone avoids acid etching and chelation of teeth that were problematic in bleaches using carbomer as a thickener. A delivery system for delivering the bleaching composition comprises the aforementioned dental bleaching composition in combination with a moisture-resistant barrier layer such as a dental tray or a flexible strip of material. |
| US08852559B2 |
Borinic compositions
A stabilized oral care composition comprising a borinic acid derivative, e.g., a borinic ester. |
| US08852556B2 |
Animal model for evaluating vasomotor response in vivo
A method for evaluating the effect of a compound on vasomotor response in vivo comprises the steps of administering said compound to a rabbit and measuring the diameter of the vessel lumen of a central ear artery of said rabbit in comparison with the baseline diameter of the vessel lumen of said central ear artery of said rabbit, said baseline diameter being measured prior to the administration of said compound. |
| US08852555B2 |
Process for production of surface-coated inorganic particles
Nano-sized inorganic particles having uniform particle sizes and precisely controlled particle diameters have already been produced by synthesis in an organic solvent, but these nano-sized inorganic particles are hindered from dispersing in a polar solvent because of the adsorption of a long-chain fatty acid on the surfaces of the particles. Further, it was difficult to form nano-sized inorganic particles dispersible in a polar solvent by replacing the long-chain fatty acid coats. According to the invention, various surface-coated inorganic particles dispersible in polar solvents can be produced from fatty acid-coated inorganic particles by adding a temporary coating substance such as thiomalic acid to a nonpolar solvent containing fatty acid-coated inorganic particles dispersed therein to replace the fatty acid coats by the temporary coating substance, dispersing the inorganic particles coated with the temporary coating substance in a polar solvent, and then adding a coating substance dispersible in a polar solvent, e.g., citric acid to the obtained dispersion to replace the temporary coating substance coats covering the inorganic particles by the coating substance dispersible in a polar solvent. |
| US08852553B2 |
N-alkoxyamide conjugates as imaging agents
The present disclosure is directed to compounds, diagnostic agents, and related methods. In some cases, methods for treating patients are provided. More specifically, the disclosure provides compounds, diagnostic agents, and kits for detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring elastin rich tissues. In addition, the disclosure provides methods of detecting and/or imaging and/or monitoring the presence of coronary plaque, carotid plaque, iliac/femoral plaque, aortic plaque, renal artery plaque, plaque of any arterial vessel, aneurism, vasculitis, other diseases of the arterial wall, and/or damage or structural changes in ligaments, uterus, lungs or skin, as indicated by changes in total vessel wall area, internal lumen size, and exterior arterial perimeter. |
| US08852550B2 |
Chelator conjugates
The present invention relates to improved chelator conjugates with biological targeting molecules, suitable for forming metal complexes with radiometals. The radiometal complexes, especially with the radiometal 99mTc, are useful as radiopharmaceuticals. |
| US08852549B2 |
Method for maintaining the ratio of the oxime to equilibrium modifier concentration in solvent extraction circuits
Provided are methods for maintaining the ratio of the oxime to equilibrium modifier concentration in solvent extraction circuits, said solvents essentially consisting of at least one ketoxime and/or aldoxime; at least one equilibrium modifier; and at least one diluent. |
| US08852540B2 |
Apparatus and method for removing sulfur dioxide from flue gases
An apparatus and method for removing sulfur dioxide from a flue gas is described. The apparatus has sequentially operable scrubbing zone and regeneration zone, which communicate with one another via a molten eutectic mixture of lithium, sodium and potassium carbonates. In the scrubbing zone, an ingress flue gas interacts with the molten carbonates, resulting in chemical absorbance of the sulfur dioxide and in discharge of reaction gases. In the regeneration zone, ether a chemical or electrochemical melt regeneration takes place resulting in formation of sulfur-containing vapor which is cooled down for converting the sulfur-containing vapor into a liquid and solid phase for a further collection and utilization. |
| US08852537B2 |
Method of manufacturing a reaction vessel
A method of adapting an axial flow reaction vessel having opposed ports to an opposed axial flow reaction vessel includes installing a process fluid collection system within the body of the vessel in fluid communication with one or more of the ports; providing the vessel with a bed of particulate catalyst or sorbent containing a layer of inert particulate material around the process fluid collection system; and adapting the feed to the vessel through one or more of the ports such that a process fluid fed to the vessel is passed axially and in the opposite direction through the fixed bed of catalyst or sorbent and is collected by the process fluid collection system disposed centrally within the bed and in fluid communication with one or more of the ports. |
| US08852536B2 |
Hierarchical sample storage system
In one embodiment, a cold storage system for biological samples has one or more freezers, each freezer having one or racks, each rack receiving one or more boxes, each box receiving one or more sample containers. In addition to the biological sample, each sample container has a unique passive RFID tag. Control electronics in each box energize reader coils to query individual RFID tags. Control electronics in each rack communicate with and provide power to the control electronics of each corresponding box, and control electronics in each freezer communicate with and provide power to the control electronics of each corresponding rack, and a host computer communicates with the control electronics in each freezer. In each instance, communication and power provisioning is implemented using magnetic inductive coupling. The system is able to determine the identity of each sample container in the system and maintain that information in a database. |
| US08852535B2 |
Device and method for measuring elemental sulfur in gas in gas lines
A device and method for measuring the level of elemental sulfur present in a gas in a gas line. The device may include: an access fitting detachably connectable with the gas line, the access fitting having a first end and a second end; a probe detachably connectable to at least one end of the access fitting and adapted for insertion into a gas flow stream from the gas line to recover condensed components on the probe's outer surface; and a piping partially disposed within the probe for providing a cooling medium to the probe. The method may include the steps of: collecting a sample of elemental sulfur-containing gas from the gas line, wherein the sample is collected on an outer surface of a probe by condensing some or all of the elemental sulfur-containing gas in the gas line on a surface of the probe while the gas line is operational, the probe being removably placed into a gas flow stream from the gas line; separating the elemental sulfur from other species in the sample into an amount of elemental sulfur; and analyzing the amount of elemental sulfur collected. The device and method of the present invention for measuring the level of elemental sulfur present in a gas in a gas line, when compared with previously proposed devices and methods, has the advantages of: providing an accurate measurement of elemental sulfur, being able to distinguish between free elemental sulfur and sulfur in other sulfur-containing chemicals, and being practical and effective for use in process plant applications, particularly pressurized gas lines. |
| US08852526B2 |
Method of fabricating microfluidic systems
A method of fabricating a microfluidic system having microfluidic channels on a surface of a hydrophilic substrate, the method including the steps of: hydrophobizing the substrate surface; locating a mask defining the substrate surface, the mask having open areas defining the periphery of the microfluidic channels; and applying an irradiation treatment to areas of the substrate surface exposed by the open areas of the mask, said exposed areas becoming hydrophilic to therefore form said microfluidic channels. |
| US08852525B2 |
Various-substance holder, various-substance holder treating apparatus, and various-substance holder treating method
A various-substance holder, a various-substance holder treating apparatus, and a various-substance holder treating method are provided which enable the mutual identification of particulate carriers to which various substances are or can be immobilized without the need to arrange the particulate carriers at predetermined positions or in a predetermined order, eliminating the need for time and effort to arrange the various substances at predetermined positions or in a predetermined order to allow treatments to be quickly and easily achieved. The various-substance holder has a plurality of particulate carriers or plural sets of particulate carriers to which plural types of chemical substances are or can be immobilized and a carrier holding portion holding the plurality of particulate carriers or the plural sets of particulate carriers in a substantially stationary state such that the plurality of particulate carriers or the plural sets of particulate carriers can be externally measured. |
| US08852519B2 |
Exhaust gas purifying catalyst and production process thereof
Disclosed is an exhaust gas purifying catalyst in which grain growth of a noble metal particle supported on a support is suppressed. Also, disclosed is a production process of an exhaust gas purifying catalyst, by which the above exhaust gas purifying catalyst can be produced. The exhaust gas purifying catalyst comprises a crystalline metal oxide support and a noble metal particle supported on the support, wherein the noble metal particle is epitaxially grown on the support, and wherein the noble metal particle is dispersed and supported on the outer and inner surfaces of the support. The process for producing an exhaust gas purifying catalyst comprises masking, in a solution, at least a part of the surface of a crystalline metal oxide support by a masking agent, introducing the support into a noble metal-containing solution containing a noble metal, and drying and firing the support and the noble metal-containing solution to support the noble metal on the support. |
| US08852514B2 |
Electronic device for analyzing aqueous solutions
An electronic device for analyzing an aqueous solution may comprise a housing, one or more measurement circuits and a control circuit all arranged inside the housing. The housing may be configured to receive a test element. The one or more measurement circuits may be configured to produce one or more corresponding sets of measurement signals relating to an aqueous solution received on the test element. The control circuit may include a memory having instructions stored therein that are executable by the control circuit to process the one or more sets of measurement signals to determine one or more corresponding characteristics of the aqueous solution. |
| US08852513B1 |
Systems and methods for packaging integrated circuit gas sensor systems
Systems and methods are provided for packaging integrated circuit (IC) gas sensor systems that employ at least one gas sensor that is formed as part of an integrated circuit and configured to sense the presence and/or concentration of a target gas or other gas characteristics that may be present in the ambient gaseous environment surrounding the packaged IC gas sensor system. |
| US08852508B2 |
Microinjection apparatus and method
The present invention discloses a microinjection apparatus (100) for microinjection of substances into individual substances comprising at least one carrier (120, 130) on which at least one sample is immobilizable. In embodiments, the apparatus comprises at drivable support (110) on which at least one carrier is positioned, wherein the support drives the at least one carrier in a closed loop to a respective plurality of stations along the loop. The plurality of stations constitutes at least one sample-substance-providing station (141), at least one sample-substance microinjection station (142) and at least one sample-extraction station (143). |
| US08852504B2 |
Apparatus and method for detecting and identifying microorganisms
The present invention is an apparatus for detecting the presence, quantity and identity of one or more microorganisms in a sample and a method for using the same. The apparatus is composed of one or more chambers and a sensing element for sensing microorganisms. In particular embodiments, the sensing element is an array of chemoresponsive dyes deposited on a substrate in a predetermined pattern combination, wherein the combination of the dyes have a distinct and direct spectroscopic, transmission, or reflectance response to distinct analytes produced by the microorganism which is indicative of the presence, quantity and identity of the microorganism. |
| US08852502B2 |
Sterilization wrap system and methods of use
A method of sterilizing an article is provided. The method includes providing sterilization wrap system with which to wrap the article to be sterilized. The sterilization wrap system comprises a plurality of wrap units configured in a stack, at least one wrap unit in the stack being detachably attached to at least one other wrap unit in the stack. |
| US08852495B2 |
Method for producing a component made of a composite material and associated device
A process for manufacturing a piece made of composite material including a fiber preform that is embedded in a matrix, includes placing the preform in a first chamber that is delimited by a first semi-sealed wall, i.e., permeable to gas and impermeable to a product that is able to form the matrix, extracting the gases in a second chamber that is delimited by a second gas-tight wall and the first semi-sealed wall so as to obtain the diffusion of the product that is able to form the matrix in the preform, characterized in that it consists in using—as a first semi-sealed wall—at least one plate with a number of pipes of tapered shape that empty on either side of the at least one plate and at least one semi-sealed membrane that is superposed on the at least one plate. |
| US08852494B2 |
Method and apparatus of electrical field assisted imprinting
A method and apparatus for performing nanoimprint lithography. When an electric field is applied between the mold and the substrate, various forces can be generated among molds, substrates, and resists. The electrostatic force between the mold and the substrate can serve as an imprinting pressure to press the structured mold into the conformable resist. In addition, the electric field induces additional wetting forces (electrowetting or dielectrophoresis) in a liquid resist, which can assist the flow and filling of the liquid resist into fine structures. |
| US08852491B2 |
Method manufacturing electroforming mold
In a method of manufacturing an electroforming mold, a first photoresist layer is formed on an upper surface of a bottom conductive film of a substrate, and the first photoresist layer is divided into a first soluble portion and a first insoluble portion. A conductive material is thermally deposited on an upper surface of the first photoresist layer within a predetermined temperature range, to thereby form an intermediate conductive film. An intermediate conductive film is patterned. A second photoresist layer is formed on an exposed upper surface of the first photoresist layer after the intermediate conductive film is removed, and on an upper surface of the intermediate conductive film remaining after patterning. The second photoresist layer is divided into a second soluble portion and a second insoluble portion. Next, the first and second photoresist layers are developed, and the first and second soluble portions are removed. |
| US08852490B2 |
Systems and methods of concrete apparatus with incorporated lifter
Systems and methods for a concrete apparatus with incorporated lifter are provided. A concrete apparatus is formed by placing a reinforcement system in a mold. The reinforcement system comprises a lifter. Concrete is poured into the mold such that the lifter protrudes from the poured concrete. After the concrete has hardened and the mold is removed, the lifter is used to carry and position the concrete apparatus. After the concrete apparatus is positioned, the lifter is removed at the circumference of the concrete apparatus leaving no holes, thereby eliminating water leakage due to lifting methods. |
| US08852489B2 |
Process for preparing moldings using mixtures of amines with guanidine derivatives
The present invention provides a process for producing moldings, the curing of the mold being carried out using a blend comprising one or more epoxy resins and a mixture, the curing component a) being used within the mixture in the range from 0.3 to 0.9 amine equivalent per equivalent of epoxide of the epoxy resin used, and the hardener component b) being a compound of the formula I. |
| US08852488B2 |
Manufacturing process for high performance short ligno-cellulosic fibre—thermoplastic composite materials
The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of short or discontinuous lignocellulosic fiber in combination with synthetic fiber filled thermoplastic composites, in which the process consists of preferably, defiberization and dispersion of the cellulosic fibers in the thermoplastic matrix, further consolidation and dispersion of the blended thermoplastic composition, further blending of the same with inorganic fibers to get the moldable thermoplastic composition and further injection or compression or compression injection molded under high pressure ranging from 100 tones to 1000 tones and a temperature range from 170 to 210 degree centigrade into composite products. The said composites have a tensile strength of at least 75 MPa and a flexural strength of at least 125 MPa. The invention also relates to the use of the said composites in automotive, aerospace, furniture and other structural applications. |
| US08852484B2 |
Bead-forming apparatus
A bead-forming apparatus and method for its use are described. The bead-forming apparatus includes a base with a pair of legs extending from a top surface. First ends of the legs couple to respective eccentric elements. The eccentric elements removeably and rotatably couple to a platen. Second ends of the legs are rotatably and slideably mated with a gear train disposed within the base. The legs are slideably translatable into the base and the gear train maintains a rotational orientation of the legs and the eccentric elements coupled thereto. The platen is thus moveable through a circular path defined by the rotation of the eccentric elements and legs. As such, a plug of moldable material placed between the base and the platen and in contact with the platen, is formed into a double-cone shape by movement of the platen through the circular path. |
| US08852481B2 |
Method of encapsulating an electrical energy accumulation component
A method for encapsulating a device, such as an battery, having two opposite and parallel main faces and a peripheral edge, wherein one main face includes an electrical contact zone, includes the steps of retaining the device within an injection chamber of a mold and injecting encapsulation material into the injection chamber to overmold an encapsulation block on the device. The injection chamber is configured to hold a portion of the device, adjacent its peripheral edge, so as to center the device within the injection chamber. The mold includes centering structures that at least partially cover the electrical contact zone. Opposite positioning studs protrude into the injection chamber and bear on the opposite main faces of the device. The resulting packaged device includes an overmolded encapsulation block enveloping the device except for portions covered by the centering structure. |
| US08852478B2 |
Injection molding method including machining of both injection mold and molded product
A method for manufacturing an injection molded product includes producing an injection mold by building a one-piece mold block including a mold cavity sized and shaped to correspond to a desired shape of the injection molded product and a first feeder duct extending from the mold cavity and injecting a molten material into the mold cavity via the feeder duct to form an injection molded product and a sprue extending therefrom into the first feeder duct in combination with machining a portion of the injection block to expose the injection molded product and machining the injection molded product while the sprue firmly holds the product in a remaining portion of the injection mold. The product is then cut from the sprue. |
| US08852475B2 |
Method of making continuous filament reinforced structural plastic profiles using pultrusion/coextrusion
A system and method are disclosed for producing a continuous filament reinforced thermoplastic profile having consistent cross section. A continuous reinforcing filament is pre-wetted with a first thermoplastic resin and introduced into a die, where it is contacted with a second thermoplastic resin extruded from an extruder at melt state. The temperature of the die is carefully controlled so that the pre-wetted filament and first resin do not cure or solidify until after they have contacted and mixed with the second thermoplastic resin. The mixture temperature is then controlled to make a substantially solidified profile pre-shape. A capping layer comprising a third thermoplastic resin is then co-extruded onto the outer surface of the pre-shape. A multistage die for bringing together the filament and thermoplastic resins and for maintaining appropriate temperatures at each stage of the profile-forming process is also disclosed. |
| US08852474B2 |
Process for making fibrous structures
Processes for making fibrous structures and more particularly processes for making fibrous structures comprising filaments are provided. |
| US08852473B1 |
Reinforced polymer composite foams and method of manufacture
A pin or tube reinforced polymeric foam and a method of manufacture thereof. The reinforcing pins or tubes are incorporated into the polymeric foam during or after fabrication of the reinforced polymer foam and are preferably coated with an adhesive or binder layer prior to fabrication. |
| US08852472B2 |
Coated lipid complexes and their use
The present invention is related to a lipid composition comprising at least a first lipid component, at least a first helper lipid, and a shielding compound which is removable from the lipid composition under in vivo conditions. |
| US08852466B2 |
Switchgear for breaking a medium- or high-voltage electric current and a manufacturing method therefor
The present invention relates to switchgear for breaking a medium- or high-voltage electric current, which switchgear comprises a leaktight enclosure in which electrical components are found as well as a gaseous medium for extinguishing the electric arcs likely to occur in said enclosure, and which switchgear is characterized in that: the gaseous medium comprises at least one fluoroketone alone or in a mixture with at least one gas that does not form part of the fluoroketone family; the fluoroketone is present in the enclosure in part in the liquid state and in part in the gaseous state; and in that the enclosure further comprises means for absorbing molecular species that form after the ionization experienced by said fluoroketone during arcing. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing said switchgear. |
| US08852462B2 |
Light-reflective anisotropic conductive adhesive and light-emitting device
A light-reflective anisotropic conductive adhesive used for anisotropic conductive connection of a light-emitting element to a wiring board includes a thermosetting resin composition containing a silicone resin and a curing agent, conductive particles and light-reflective insulating particles. The light-reflective insulating particle is at least one kind of inorganic particles selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, boron nitride, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, and aluminum oxide. The silicone resin is a glycidyloxyalkyl-alicyclic alkyl-modified organopolysiloxane. |
| US08852458B2 |
Glycidyl carbamate coatings having improved corrosion resistance
This invention relates to coating compositions comprising a glycidyl carbamate functional resin, an epoxy resin, and an amine curing agent. The coating compositions have improved corrosion resistance, particularly on untreated steel substrates. |
| US08852457B2 |
Method for purification and conditioning of crude syngas based on properties of molten salts
A method for purification and conditioning of crude syngas based on properties of molten salts, includes removing particles at a high-temperature by enabling the high-temperature crude syngas produced by a gasification device to firstly pass through a high-temperature particle removal device to remove solid particles in the gas; removing hydrocarbons in the presence of oxygen by introducing an oxidant into the crude syngas after treatment, selectively removing the hydrocarbons in the crude syngas and simultaneously utilizing high temperature produced by oxidation of the hydrocarbons to crack tar; and removing gas pollutants and conditioning by introducing the obtained crude syngas into molten salts medium, removing pollutants containing sulfur and chlorine in the crude syngas, and simultaneously adjusting the H2/CO ratio of the syngas to obtain purified syngas. |
| US08852456B2 |
Method for the production of hydrogen combined with carbon dioxide capture
The present invention relates to a method for the combined production of hydrogen and carbon dioxide from a hydrocarbon mixture, in which the hydrocarbon mixture is reformed to produce a syngas which is cooled, then enriched with H2 and CO2, optionally dried, and treated in a PSA hydrogen purification unit to produce hydrogen, the PSA offgas being treated to capture the CO2 and to supply an offgas. This offgas is again treated to supply a stream enriched with H2 and CO2 which is returned to the PSA, where it constitutes a second feed distinct from the main feed. |
| US08852452B2 |
Core-shell lithium transition metal oxides
A lithium transition metal oxide powder for use in a rechargeable battery is disclosed, where the surface of the primary particles of said powder is coated with a LiF layer, where this layer consists of a reaction product of a fluorine-containing polymer and the primary particle surface. The lithium of the LiF originates from the primary particles surface. Examples of the fluorine-containing polymer are either one of PVDF, PVDF-HFP or PTFE. Examples of the lithium transition metal oxide are either one of —LiCodMeO2, wherein M is either one of both of Mg and Ti, with e<0.02 and d+e=1; —Li1+aM′1−aO2±bM1kSm with −0.03 |
| US08852449B2 |
Refrigeration oil and compositions with carbon dioxide refrigerant
Lubricant compositions comprising certain mixtures of esters of pentaerythritol, di-pentaerythritol, tri-pentaerythritol and higher pentaerythritol oligomers are ideally suited for use with CO2 as refrigerant in heat transfer devices provided that at least 30% by weight of the esters are esters of pentaerythritol oligomers containing 4 or more pentaerythritol monomer units and wherein a majority of the alkylcarboxylate groups are straight chain C3-6 alkanoyl groups, such as n-pentanoyl. Said mixture of alkylcarboxylate esters are shown to not only have higher than expected viscosity and exceptional CO2 miscibility, but also possess excellent lubricity, film building properties and load bearing properties even as part of a lubricant/CO2 solution. |
| US08852447B2 |
Porous nanostructures and methods involving the same
A method for simultaneously detecting and separating a target analyte such as a protein or other macromolecule that includes providing a porous silicon matrix on the silicon substrate, exposing the porous silicon matrix to an environment suspect of containing the target analyte, observing optical reflectivity of the porous silicon matrix; and correlating the changes in the silicon substrate to the target analyte. |
| US08852441B2 |
Apparatus for purifying liquids, in particular for purifying ballast water
The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying liquids, in particular for purifying ballast water. |
| US08852438B2 |
Membrane filtration module with adjustable header spacing
A membrane filtration device has a multiplicity of hollow fiber membranes, or fibers, unconfined in a shell of a module; a first header and a second header disposed in vertically spaced-apart relationship; said first header and said second header having opposed ends of each fiber sealingly secured therein, all open ends of said fibers open to a permeate-discharging face of at least one header; permeate collection means to collect said permeate, sealingly connected in open fluid communication with a permeate-discharging face of at least one of said headers; means to withdraw said permeate; said fibers, said headers and said permeate collection means together forming an integrated combination wherein said fibers are essentially vertically disposed and ends of individual fibers are potted in closely spaced-apart relationship in cured resin; with opposed faces at a fixed distance; each of said fibers having a length from 0.1% to less than 5% greater. |
| US08852435B2 |
Purification and separation treatment assembly (PASTA) for biological products
An assembly capable of capturing and purifying expressed biological products during or at the end of a bioreaction cycle is disclosed wherein a binding resin is kept separated from the contents of the bioreactor allowing capturing, harvesting and purification of biological products in a bioreactor; the invention additionally provides means of removing undesirable metabolic products as well as provides for efficient loading of chromatography columns. |
| US08852434B2 |
Filter element for a disc filter
A filter element (2) for use in a disc filter (1), wherein a plurality of filter elements (2) are arranged on a rotor shaft (3) in a manner allowing liquid communication between the inside (4) of the filter elements (2) and the inside (5) of the rotor shaft (3), for the filtering of liquids. The filter element (2) includes a framework (6) carrying a filter cloth (7) on both its side surfaces (8), wherein the framework (6) and the filter cloth (7) are permanently joined forming a single use filter element (2) and the filter element has at least one passage (21) in each edge (22) for liquid communication between the inside (4) of adjacent filter elements. A disc filter (1) including a single use filter element (2) is also provided. |
| US08852430B2 |
Water treatment device
A water treatment device includes a control module communicating with a feed line; an energy pipe communicating with the control module; a light wave pipe assembly communicating with the energy pipe; and magnetizing pipe communicating with the light wave pipe assembly through the second manifold then with an exit line. The light wave pipe assembly communicates with the light wave generator so that the wave guide tube grants the light wave energy to the water liquid. The magnetic energy of magnets of the magnetizing pipe magnetizes the water liquid. Furthermore, with the use of multiple loops which refine molecules of the water liquid, the energy of the water liquid increases to allow the water liquid to be easily absorbed by human body. |
| US08852426B2 |
Integrated hydrotreating and isomerization process with aromatic separation
Deep desulfurization of hydrocarbon feeds containing undesired organosulfur compounds to produce a hydrocarbon product having low levels of sulfur, i.e., 15 ppmw or less of sulfur, is achieved by hydrotreating the feed under mild conditions, and separating the hydrotreated effluent into an aromatic-rich fraction which contains a substantial amount of the aromatic refractory and sterically hindered sulfur-containing compounds, and an aromatic-lean fraction. The aromatic-rich fraction is contacted with isomerization catalyst, and the isomerized aromatic-rich fraction is recycled to the mild hydrotreating process. |
| US08852414B2 |
Converter for use with sensing devices
A system and method are disclosed for utilizing sensors with existing devices. An interface module is used in combination with a newer sensor, such as a fluorescence oxygen sensor, and an older legacy device. The older legacy device supplies a polarizing voltage, and anticipates a measured current of between 0 and 100 nA. The newer sensor requires no polarizing voltage and delivers an output of 0-10 volts in one embodiment, and 4-20 mA in another embodiment. The interface module receives the output from the sensor, and converts it into a useable signal to the legacy device. In another embodiment, the interface module comprises a number of outputs, such that both legacy devices and newer devices can be in communication with the sensor simultaneously. The interface module can be used in conjunction with a reactor chamber or other pharmaceutical process. |
| US08852407B2 |
Electron beam sculpting of tunneling junction for nanopore DNA sequencing
A nanodevice is provided that includes a reservoir filled with a conductive fluid and a membrane separating the reservoir. The membrane includes an electrode layer having a tunneling junction formed therein. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore is formed through other layers of the membrane such that the nanopore is aligned with the tunneling junction of the electrode layer. When a voltage is applied to the electrode layer, a tunneling current is generated by a base in the tunneling junction to be measured as a signature for distinguishing the base. When an organic coating is formed on an inside surface of the tunneling junction, transient bonds are formed between the electrode layer and the base. |
| US08852405B2 |
Dual-mode dividing wall column
A dual-mode dividing wall column capable of mode switching between a dividing wall column operating mode and a conventional column operating mode, and a distillation method using the dual-mode dividing wall column, wherein when compared to the existing conventional column, the invention can reduce device costs and energy and improve productivity is described. Furthermore, since a mutual conversion between a dividing wall column operating mode and a conventional column operating mode is enabled without shutting down a process, an economic loss which can occur during shutdown caused by the malfunction of a device can be prevented. |
| US08852403B2 |
Twin wire press
A twin wire press for dewatering solid-liquid suspensions, such as pulp suspensions, between top and bottom webs is described herein which includes consecutive primary, secondary and tertiary dewatering sections. The primary dewatering section includes a wedge area. The secondary dewatering section is positioned adjacent to the primary section downstream therefrom and includes grooved rolls in an s-roll configuration. The tertiary dewatering section includes rolls in a scissor-nip configuration. The press rolls in the secondary and tertiary section are all supported onto a frame. Whenever maintenance is to be performed on any one of the grooved rolls or on the press roll assemblies, an overhead crane can for example be used since no frame structure is provided on top thereof. |
| US08852402B2 |
Method for producing calcium carbonate during formation of a fibrous web
A method for production of calcium carbonate in a target suspension of a fibrous web forming process of a fibrous web machine, wherein the calcium carbonate is produced in a reactor, the method includes: injecting a chemical including carbon dioxide or lime milk through an injection mixer to the target suspension flowing through the reactor; allowing the chemical including to react while in the target suspension to form calcium carbonate crystals, and inhibiting precipitation of the chemical or a reaction product of the chemical on a surface of or in the reactor by application of an electric or magnetic field to or proximate to the surface along a region of the surface adjacent to the reaction involving the chemical. |
| US08852399B2 |
Polymer-containing articles of manufacture and methods for making same
Polymer-containing articles of manufacture that provide one or more superior properties, such as soil adsorption properties, mirror cleaning properties, and/or absorption properties, compared to known polymer-containing articles of manufacture, are provided. |
| US08852396B2 |
Sheet material comprising at least one watermark having a colored shade
The present invention relates to a sheet material (2) comprising at least one first layer defining an outer surface of the sheet material and having at least one first color, at least one second layer comprising at least one watermark (6) and having at least one second color, the first and second colors having at least different saturations and/or hue angles. |
| US08852394B2 |
Submerged combustion heating water evaporation for natural gas wells
Apparatus for evaporating waste water having chemicals therein which cause foaming comprises a holding tank having an inlet for receiving waste water, one or more submerged combustion chambers with burners suspended within the holding tank, and, one or more foam skimming weirs located in an upper portion of the holding tank, the one or more foam skimming weirs defining one or more foam collection zones. |
| US08852393B2 |
Submerged combustion heating water evaporation for natural gas wells
Apparatus for evaporating waste water having dissolved solids therein comprising a holding tank having an inlet for receiving waste water, a submerged combustion chamber with burner suspended within the holding tank, the submerged combustion chamber having a plurality of vertical slots defined therein near a bottom thereof which span a substantial portion of a height of the submerged combustion chamber, a blower connected to provide air under positive pressure to the burner, and, a vent stack coupled to an upper portion of the holding tank for allowing water vapor to exit the holding tank. |
| US08852392B2 |
Method for the production of an elastic composite material with a textile surface
A method for the production of an elastic composite material with a textile surface. First, a laminate is produced, which has elastic cover layers and a core composed of a nonwoven fabric. Subsequently, the laminate is separated into two strips, each of which has a cover layer and an adhering layer of nonwoven fabric, by tearing open the core. |
| US08852391B2 |
Method and apparatus for removing a reversibly mounted device wafer from a carrier substrate
New demounting methods and apparatuses for separating temporarily, permanently, or semi-permanently bonded substrates and articles formed from those methods and apparatuses are provided. The methods comprise demounting a device wafer from a carrier wafer or substrate that have only been strongly bonded at their outer perimeters. The edge bonds are chemically, mechanically, acoustically, or thermally softened, dissolved, or disrupted to allow the wafers to be easily separated with very low forces and at or near room temperature at the appropriate stage in the fabrication process. A clamp for facilitating separation of the bonded substrates is also provided. |
| US08852388B2 |
Plasma processor
The present invention relates to a plasma processor capable of regulating the temperature of the inner surface of the processing chamber efficiently and with excellent response, with a low-cost configuration. A plasma processor 1 includes a processing chamber 11, a processing gas supply device 20, an exhaust device 40, coils 23, a high-frequency power supply unit 24, a heater 26, a cooling device 30, and a control device 50. The cooling device 30 is configured with a cooling member 32 facing the processing chamber 11 at a distance therefrom, a cooling fluid supply section 31 for supplying cooling fluid into a cooling passage 32a of the cooling member 32 and circulates it, and annular seal members 35 and 36 provided between the cooling member 32 and the processing chamber 11. The exhaust device 40 reduces the pressure in a space S surrounded by the seal members 35 and 36, the cooling member 32, and the processing chamber 11. The control device 50 controls the exhaust device 40 to reduce the pressure in the space S when high-frequency power is not applied to the coils 23, and to set the pressure in the space S at atmospheric pressure when high-frequency power is applied to the coils 23. |
| US08852382B2 |
Thermosetting composition
A thermosetting composition comprising (a) 97 to 40 percent by weight of at least one bis(dihydrobenzoxazine) prepared by the reaction of an unsubstituted or substituted bisphenol with at least one unsubstituted position ortho to each hydroxyl group, formaldehyde and a primary amine; and (b) 3 to 60 percent by weight of at least one bisphenol, wherein the percent by weight refer to the total amount of components (a) and (b), with the proviso that (a) and (b) add up to 100 percent by weight; and (c) optionally other components. Cured products made from these compositions have valuable chemical, physical and mechanical properties. |
| US08852379B2 |
Method for exfoliating carbonization catalyst from graphene sheet, method for transferring graphene sheet from which carbonization catalyst is exfoliated to device, graphene sheet and device using the graphene sheet
A carbonization catalyst for forming graphene may be exfoliated from a graphene sheet by etching. A binder layer may be formed on the graphene sheet on which a carbonization catalyst is formed, to support and fix all or part of the graphene sheet. Further, the graphene sheet from which the carbonization catalyst is exfoliated may be transferred to a device. When exfoliating the carbonization catalyst from the graphene sheet, an acid may be used together with a wetting agent. |
| US08852376B2 |
Method for making heaters
A method for making a heater is related. A rotator having an axis and a flexible substrate with a plurality of electrodes located on a surface of the flexible substrate are provided. The flexible substrate is fixed on a surface of the rotator and a carbon nanotube film drawn from a carbon nanotube array is adhered on the surface of the flexible substrate. The rotator is rotated about the axis to wrap the carbon nanotube film on the surface of the flexible substrate to form a carbon nanotube layer. The flexible substrate and the carbon nanotube layer are cut along a direction to form the heater. |
| US08852374B2 |
Method for manufacturing optical film laminate including polarizing film
A method for manufacturing an optical film laminate including subjecting a laminate including the non-crystallizable ester type thermoplastic resin substrate and the polyvinyl alcohol type resin layer formed on the non-crystallizable ester type thermoplastic resin substrate to an elevated temperature in-air stretching to form a stretched laminate comprising a stretched intermediate consisting of a molecularly oriented polyvinyl alcohol type resin, impregnating the dichroic material in the stretched laminate to form a dyed laminate including a dyed intermediate comprising a polyvinyl alcohol type resin layer having the dichroic material impregnated therein in an oriented state, and stretching the dyed laminate in boric acid solution to form an optical film laminate. |
| US08852373B2 |
Method for manufacturing lace tip and lace tip
A method for manufacturing a lace tip includes: A glue layer, a pattern layer and a transparent layer are stacked in sequence on a predetermined location of a lace body. A surface of the pattern layer includes a plurality of first portions and a plurality of second portions which are alternately arranged on the pattern layer. The glue layer, the pattern layer and the transparent layer are fixed in sequence on the predetermined location of the lace body by thermal pressing. A plurality of concave portions and a plurality of convex portions are formed on a surface of the transparent layer which are alternately arranged on the surface of the transparent layer, so that the concave portions or the convex portions can refract light through the first portions and the second portions in accordance with changes of user's view angle. |
| US08852372B2 |
Pant-type absorbent article and a method for producing pant-type absorbent articles
A method for producing pant-type absorbent articles, each article including a chassis structure having at least one elastic panel and an integrated absorbent core component, the method including a continuous pant-forming process including forming the chassis structure and incorporating the absorbent core component into the chassis structure. The at least one elastic panel is formed by a) separately producing a two-layer laminate having a first non-elastic fibrous nonwoven web and an elastic film, b) activating the two-layer laminate by incremental stretching in at least one activation direction to render the two-layer laminate elastically stretchable, c) stretching the activated two-layer laminate by 10-200% in the activation direction, d) introducing the two-layer laminate) in the pant-forming process, and e) laminating the elastic film of the stretched two-layer laminate to an elastic or nonwoven chassis component. An absorbent pant-type article produced in accordance with the method. |
| US08852371B2 |
Method of forming an air passageway in an air maintenance tire
A method of forming an air passageway in a an air maintenance tire carcass includes: embedding an elongate strip within a pre-cured flexible tire component of a pre-cured tire carcass, the elongate strip extending in a longitudinal direction between an air inlet cavity and an air outlet cavity in the flexible tire component; curing the pre-cured tire carcass including the flexible tire component; extracting the elongate strip longitudinally end-to-end from occupancy within the flexible tire component; and defining an air passageway in the flexible component by the space previously occupied by the withdrawn elongate strip. A free end portion of the strip is accessible at either the air inlet cavity or the air outlet cavity, and the elongate strip may be extracted from either the air inlet cavity or the air outlet cavity by a tensile withdrawal force applied to the elongate strip free end. |
| US08852370B2 |
Labelling machine and method thereof
There is described a labelling machine for applying a plurality of labels to a respective plurality of articles; the machine comprises a conveying device movable along a given path (P) and having a plurality of operating units for receiving and retaining the articles to be labelled, feeding means for feeding the labels to the operating units, application means for applying the labels to the articles, and a marking unit (100) arranged upstream from the conveying device and comprising means (101) for marking a surface of each label with a mark (M) univocally associable with the corresponding operating unit by which said label shall be received and processed. |
| US08852368B2 |
Polyolefin coated fabric reinforcement and cementitious boards reinforced with same
The present invention provides a method making glass fiber fabric reinforcements, cement boards, and glass fiber coatings for such reinforcements. The glass fiber fabric reinforcement includes a glass fabric containing multiple yarns containing glass filaments and a polymeric coating disposed onto the multiple yarns to form a coated glass fabric. The polymeric coating comprises a polyolefin based copolymer composition whereby the glass fabric has a Gurley Stiffness measurement of about 100-3000 mg and an ASTM D 638 (2% Secant) modulus of compression of about 1-100 MPa. The reinforcement is sufficiently drapable and lacking in shape memory so as to be curved around the edge of a cement board during the manufacture of same. |
| US08852367B2 |
Method of production of high-strength hollow bodies from multiphase martensitic steels
A method of production of high-strength hollow bodies from multiphase martensitic steels includes a heating process, a forming process and a cooling process. A heating device heats hollow steel stock to the austenitic temperature of the material from which the stock is made. The stock is then converted by deformation in a forming device into a hollow body having the final shape. A cooling device thereafter cools the hollow body such that the material with the original austenite microstructure refined by deformation during the forming process cools to a temperature at which incomplete transformation of austenite to martensite occurs. The retained austenite stabilization is performed in an annealing device by diffusion-based carbon partitioning within the material from which the hollow body is made. The hollow body is cooled in a cooling device to ambient temperature after stabilization. |
| US08852364B2 |
Aluminum alloy and high strength bolt made of aluminum alloy
Provided is material for an aluminum alloy exhibiting a sufficient heat resistance, tensile strength as well as stress corrosion cracking resistance necessary for use as automobile parts. Also, provided are a forged part forged from such aluminum alloy and an aluminum alloy high strength bolt made thereof. The aluminum alloy (by mass) is consisted of (by mass) 1.0 to 1.7% of Si, 0.05 to 0.5% of Fe, 0.8 to 1.5% of Cu, 0.6 to 1.2% of Mn, 0.9 to 1.5% of Mg, 0.05 to 0.5% of Zn, 0.05 to 0.3% of Zr, 0.01 to 0.2% of V, and when needed, Ti exceeding 0% and not more than 0.05%, and, when further needed, Ni exceeding 0% and not more than 0.7%, the remainder being Al and unavoidable impurities. |
| US08852360B2 |
High strength hot-rolled steel plate exhibiting excellent acid pickling property, chemical conversion processability, fatigue property, stretch flangeability, and resistance to surface deterioration during molding, and having isotropic strength and ductility
This high strength hot-rolled steel sheet includes: in terms of percent by mass, C: 0.05 to 0.12%; Si: 0.8 to 1.2%; Mn: 1.6 to 2.2%; Al: 0.30 to 0.6%; P: 0.05% or less; S: 0.005% or less; and N: 0.01% or less, with the remainder being Fe and unavoidable impurities, wherein a microstructure includes specific ranges (in area %) of ferrite phases as well as martensite phases, and a maximum concentration of Al detected by a glow discharge emission spectroscopic analysis is in a range of 0.75 mass % or less in a region from a surface of the steel sheet to a thickness of 500 nm after being acid-pickled. |
| US08852358B2 |
Process for surface treating aluminum or aluminum alloy and article made with same
A process for surface treating aluminum or aluminum alloy comprises the following steps. Providing a substrate made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The substrate is treated with a chemical conversion treatment solution containing molybdate as the main film forming agent, to form a molybdate conversion film on the substrate. Then, a ceramic coating comprising refractory compound is formed on the molybdate conversion film by physical vapor deposition. |
| US08852357B2 |
Rheology modified pretreatment compositions and associated methods of use
Disclosed are methods for treating metal substrates that include contacting the metal with pretreatment compositions comprising: (a) a group IIIB metal, a group IVB metal and/or a group VB metal; and (b) a rheology modifier composition. |
| US08852356B2 |
Method for producing a hot rolled strip and hot rolled strip produced from ferritic steel
The invention relates to a method for producing a hot strip from transformation-free ferritic steel, wherein a melt is cast into a roughed strip and the latter is subsequently rolled into a hot strip. For this purpose, it is provided that the melt is cast in a horizontal strip casting facility under conditions of a calm flow and free of bending into a roughed strip in the range between 6 and 20 mm and is subsequently rolled into hot strip having a degree of deformation of at least 50%. |
| US08852355B1 |
Elevated potable water tank and tower cleaning system
A system for vacuuming out sediment when installed on the inside of a gravity feed, elevated potable water tank or tower holding water at a pressure head of the kind having a riser serving as a water inlet and outlet. The system having a manifold installed along the bottom wall of the tank or tower connected to a plurality of downwardly directed nozzles. The manifold is connected to a drain pipe passing down through the riser and is supported so that the nozzles are positioned above the bottom wall in the vicinity of the sediment. When water is allowed to flow through the drain pipe, the pressure head causes sediment which may otherwise be a health risk and promote electrolytic corrosion to be vacuumed out by the nozzles. |
| US08852354B2 |
Dishwasher and control method thereof
This invention relates to a dishwasher (1) and a control method thereof, where the effects influencing the washing performance negatively such as filter clogging, rotor blocking, foaming or increase in viscosity are identified by detecting the current (I) drawn by the circulation pump (4) from the network and the solution steps applied to solve this problem. |
| US08852353B2 |
Solid dishmachine detergent not requiring a separate rinse additive
New solid detergent compositions and methods of forming and using those compositions are provided. The compositions for forming the solid detergents comprise a copolymer, scale inhibiting agent, and non-phosphate builder dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system. Advantageously, the inventive solid detergents provide dramatically improved cleaning performance and drying time without the use of a separate rinse additive. The detergents are especially suited to commercial dishmachine processes. The solid detergents are also in the form of a solid, homogeneous, self-sustaining body for improved handling and use. |
| US08852347B2 |
Apparatus for chemical vapor deposition control
A gas heating device and a processing system for use therein are described for depositing a thin film on a substrate using a vapor deposition process. The gas heating device includes a heating element array having a plurality of heating element zones configured to receive a flow of a film forming composition across or through said plurality of heating element zones in order to cause pyrolysis of one or more constituents of the film forming composition when heated. Additionally, the processing system may include a substrate holder configured to support a substrate. The substrate holder may include a backside gas supply system configured to supply a heat transfer gas to a backside of said substrate, wherein the backside gas supply system is configured to independently supply the heat transfer gas to multiple zones at the backside of the substrate. |
| US08852344B2 |
Large area deposition in high vacuum with high thickness uniformity
The invention relates to an effusing source for film deposition made of a reservoir comprising one hole characterized by the fact that the hole diameter is less than one order of magnitude than the mean free path of the molecules determined by the pressure and its thickness is at least one order of magnitude smaller than the diameter. Preferably the source has several holes. |
| US08852338B2 |
Cementitious binders and wood particles-based incombustible coloured composite panel with structural high performance
A composite panel is made from wood and cementitious binders, with flat surfaces and several possible colors. The panel comprises 35 to 85% of grey or white Portland cement; 10 to 30% of debarked resinous wood particles; 5 to 20% of semi-hydrated calcium sulphate; 0 to 10% of a surface accelerator; 0 to 10% of aluminum sulphate solution; 0 to 30% of calcium carbonate; and 0 to 15% of pigments. The process of preparation for the existing VIROC panel is adjusted to the new material. This panel, in addition to being very resistant and showing high performances in terms of resistance to impact, humidity, temperature variation, noise and fungi, as well as other microorganisms, also complies with all the requirements of the associated product standard. |
| US08852337B2 |
Fiber reinforced cement based mixed material
Provided is a fiber reinforced cement based mixed material capable of securing high tensile strength and high toughness even after development of a crack. A fiber reinforced cement based mixed material contains cement, a mineral admixture, water, a chemical admixture, aggregate particles, and fibers, the aggregate particles contained in the fiber reinforced cement based mixed material in a proportion of 50 to 95% in terms of a weight ratio to the total weight of the cement and the mineral admixture, wherein a mean particle diameter of the aggregate particles is 0.2 to 0.8 mm, and at least some of the fibers is formed to be a bumpy fiber having asperities formed in the surface thereof, and a ratio (h/H) of a depth h of each of recessed portions among the asperities of the bumpy fiber to a smallest cross-sectional diameter H thereof is 0.05 to 0.8. |
| US08852334B1 |
Low pH compositions for hardening concrete and associated methods
A composition for hardening concrete that has a pH of less than 10, and may have a pH of 8 or less. Thus, the hardening composition may be free of or substantially free of alkaline materials. The hardening composition is water-based and includes silica particles and an aluminum-based (e.g., alumina, etc.) stabilizer, which may be present on portions of the surfaces of the silica particles. In use, the hardening composition is applied to the surface of concrete, either alone, with curing compounds, or as part of a polishing process. Any residue that remains on the treated surface may simply be swept, blown, or sprayed away. |
| US08852330B2 |
Separator tank for separating oil and gas from water
A separator tank (1) for separating oil and gas from water comprises an essentially cylindrical vertical tank with at least one separator tank unit. The separator tank unit has an inlet for fluid (2) and a first inner annular wall (5) a first conical portion (9) and a first central opening (8). A second inner annular wall (15) is positioned at a distance from the first inner annular wall and has a second conical portion (19) and a second central opening (18). A first flow opening (10) is provided at an end of said first inner annular wall (5) and a second flow opening (20) is provided at an end of second inner annular wall (15). |
| US08852329B2 |
Dry carbon dioxide capturing device with multistage supply structure
Disclosed is a dry carbon dioxide capturing device which can improve sorption efficiency by supplying sorbent for absorbing carbon dioxide or exhaust gas containing carbon dioxide to a recovery reactor in multistages at various heights. The dry carbon dioxide (CO2) capturing device with multistage supply structure comprises a recovery reactor 102 to recover CO2 by contacting a solid sorbent with exhaust gas; a recovery cyclone 110 connected to the recovery reactor 102 to discharge a gas while separating the CO2-captured solid sorbent only; a regenerator 114 connected to the recovery cyclone 110 to receive the CO2-captured solid sorbent and separate CO2 captured in the solid sorbent; and a pre-treatment reactor 122 connected to the regenerator 114 for cooling the solid sorbent free from CO2, wherein at least one of the exhaust gas supply line and the sorbent supply line has two or more arranged according to the height of the recovery reactor 102. |
| US08852327B1 |
Air dryer cartridge with integrated check valve
An air dryer cartridge having an outer shell, an inner shell positioned within the outer shell, and a check valve positioned at least partially between the inner and outer shells. The inner and outer shells each have an inlet and an outlet. The outer shell is preferably operable to removably engage an air dryer. The check valve is operable to regulate the rate of flow of fluid through the outlet of the inner shell. Preferably, the check valve also seals between portions of the inner and outer shells and/or is operable to sealingly engage an air dryer. |
| US08852321B2 |
Cold-weather recharging dehydrating breather
A recharging dehydrating breather for providing dehydrated air to electrical components includes a desiccant chamber configured to hold desiccant and a heating element configured to heat the desiccant held in the desiccant chamber to at least partially eliminate water. The device further includes a housing configured to hold the desiccant chamber and the heating element, an outlet configured to provide an outlet to guide the water away from the housing, and the outlet configured to be heated by the heating element. A process of configuring a recharging dehydrating breather for providing dehydrated air to electrical components is also disclosed. |
| US08852318B2 |
Method and apparatus for drying and compressing CO2-rich flow
In a method for compressing a water-containing CO2-rich fluid wherein the CO2-rich fluid is compressed in a compressor located upstream from the compression step, an antifreeze agent is injected into the water-containing CO2-rich fluid in order to lower the water solidification temperature. The antifreeze agent-containing CO2-rich fluid is frozen, water is extracted from the frozen fluid, and the frozen fluid is compressed in the compressor. |
| US08852316B2 |
Process for the preparation of silver nano particles
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of silver nano particles comprising dissolving a surfactant in ethanol to obtain a first solution; dissolving a silver precursor in water to obtain a second solution; adding the second solution to the first solution to obtain a third solution; dissolving a reducing agent in water to obtain a reducing agent solution and adding the reducing agent solution to the third solution to obtain silver nano particles. |
| US08852310B2 |
Filter and filter media having reduced restriction
A pleated filter media comprises a plurality of pleats comprised of pleat segments extending in an axial direction between first and second axial ends and extending in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction between first and second sets of pleat tips at least partially defined by first and second sets of bend lines. Axial flow channels are defined between the pleat segments in the lateral direction and the plurality of pleats has a width in the transverse direction that varies along the axial direction. |
| US08852304B2 |
Thermally stable diamond bonded materials and compacts
Thermally stable diamond bonded materials and compacts include a diamond body having a thermally stable region and a PCD region, and a substrate integrally joined to the body. The thermally stable region has a microstructure comprising a plurality of diamond grains bonded together by a reaction with a reactant material. The PCD region extends from the thermally stable region and has a microstructure of bonded together diamond grains and a metal solvent catalyst disposed interstitially between the bonded diamond grains. The compact is formed by subjecting the diamond grains, reactant material, and metal solvent catalyst to a first temperature and pressure condition to form the thermally stable region, and then to a second higher temperature condition to both form the PCD region and bond the body to a desired substrate. |
| US08852301B1 |
Composition of lignin pellets and system for producing
A system for treating biomass for the production of a composition of lignin pellets .is disclosed. Pellets comprising at least 50 percent lignin by dry weight is disclosed. Also disclosed are pellets produced from a lignin composition by a process comprising: pre-treating lignocellulosic biomass into pre-treated biomass; separating the pre-treated biomass into a first liquid component comprising sugars and a first solids component comprising cellulose and the lignin composition; hydrolysing the first solids component of the pre-treated biomass into a hydrolysed biomass comprising sugars and the lignin composition; separating the hydrolysed biomass into a second liquid component comprising sugars and a second solids component comprising the lignin composition; supplying the second solids component comprising the lignin composition to a pelleting apparatus to produce the pellets; wherein the lignocellulosic biomass comprises cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin. According to an aspect, at least a portion of the lignin is not sulfonated. |
| US08852300B2 |
Lithium conditioned engine with reduced carbon oxide emissions
This invention relates to an internal combustion engine combusting hydrocarbon fuel having a lithium conditioned combustion chamber for reduced carbon oxide engine emissions. The condition chamber is formed by combusting therein a hydrocarbon fuel containing a lithium salt. |
| US08852298B2 |
Fuel composition containing iron and manganese to reduce spark plug fouling
There is disclosed a method of reducing the conductivity of deposits formed from the combustion of a fuel comprising an iron-containing compound, said method comprising adding a manganese-containing compound to the fuel. |
| US08852293B2 |
Compound having triazine side chain, coloring composition, inkjet ink, inkjet recording method, color filter, and color toner
There is provided a compound represented by Formula (1), and a coloring composition including the compound: wherein, in Formula (1), R0 to R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and R0 and R1, R0 and L, or R1 and L may be combined with each other to form a ring, L represents a single bond or a divalent linking group, D represents a residue in which n hydrogen atoms are removed from a compound represented by Formula (2), n represents an integer of 1 or more, provided that when n represents an integer of 2 or more, a plurality of R0's to R3's and L's may be the same or different, the compound represented by Formula (1) has at least one ionic hydrophilic group, and in Formula (2), R4 to R24 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent. |
| US08852292B2 |
System and method for determining terrain transitions
A prosthetic or orthotic system including a sensor module and a processing module usable to determine a terrain variable, such as a terrain transition. In certain examples, the system is capable of anticipating a terrain transition prior to the user experiencing the terrain transition, which may include, for instance, a transition from level ground walking to walking on stairs or may include a change in a slope of the ground surface. In certain embodiments, the system advantageously monitors a posture and/or movement of the patient to anticipate the terrain transition. Furthermore, the system may control an actuator to appropriately adjust the prosthetic or orthotic device to encounter the anticipated terrain transition. |
| US08852289B2 |
Ureteral stent
A ureteral stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and the elongated portion defines a lumen extending therethrough. A retention portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and retains the position of the ureteral stent when placed substantially within the kidney. The retention portion includes an interior space that is in communication with the lumen within the elongated portion and has at least one opening for urine drainage. A flared portion extending from the other end of the elongated portion is positioned within the patient's bladder. The flared portion curves outward and includes an elastic member that maintains the shape of the flared portion when positioned within the bladder. |
| US08852287B2 |
Femoral head cap implant including a device for electrically stimulating tissue
In a femoral head cap implant having a cup-shaped cap component and a pin fixed to its concave inner surface, a pick-up coil is arranged in the latter, each respective terminal of the same being connected to a tissue electrode. One tissue electrode comprises a cap component, the other an electrode provided insulated on the pin or on at least one part of the pin which is electrically insulated from the cap component. By inducing a low-frequency alternating current in the pick-up coil by means of an external coil, this low-frequency alternating current flows from the two tissue electrodes through the femoral head bone provided with the implant, thereby promoting the maintenance of its vitality. |
| US08852284B2 |
Hydrogel proximal interphalangeal implant
A prosthetic for use in an interphalangeal joint including a body portion and a weave portion. The body portion may be manufactured from a hydrogel material. The body portion includes an pair of stems and an intermediate section located in between the two stems. The intermediate section includes a recess allowing for flexing of the body portion. |
| US08852283B2 |
Glenoidal component, set of such components and shoulder prosthesis incorporating such a glenoidal component
This glenoidal component for a shoulder prosthesis comprises a base which may be immobilized on the glenoid cavity of a shoulder, and an element provided to be mounted on this base and forming a convex surface of articulation centered on an axis of symmetry. This axis of symmetry is non perpendicular to a rear face of the base intended to abut against the glenoid cavity, this making it possible to compensate a defect in parallelism between the resectioned surface of the glenoid cavity and the axis of the patient's spinal column.A surgeon can select the component most adapted to the orientation of the resectioned surface from a set of components in which the axes of symmetry of the components are oriented differently with respect to their rear faces. |
| US08852279B2 |
Expandable fusion device and method of installation thereof
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube. |
| US08852277B2 |
Ear molding device for correcting misshaped ears
A system and method for correcting misshaped ears using a molding device having one or more braces supporting a scaphal mold. The one or more braces and the scaphal mold are adapted to retain the helix and the helical rim of a misshaped ear within a space defined between the one or more braces and the scaphal mold, and to maintain a substantially correct anatomical shape of the helix and the helical rim. |
| US08852267B2 |
Stent with flaps
A medicinal device with a tubular wall made of webs which delimit the cells, and a flexible membrane which forms at least one flap which has a first end connected to at least one first web of a cell, and a free second end which is disposed opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction of the flap. The flap, in the closed position, extends along the tubular wall and at least partially closes the cells, and can be moved to an open position in which the flap is radially deviated in relation to the wall in order to open the cells in a valve-like manner. |
| US08852265B2 |
Radiopaque compositions, stents and methods of preparation
The invention relates to an implantable radiopaque stent adapted to be disposed in a body lumen. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of elongate filaments including one or more radiopaque filaments are arranged to form a hollow tubular structure having a tubular wall that defines an inner surface and an outer surface and opposing first open end and second open end. One of the open ends of the stent is formed by an intersection of adjacent filament ends. A radiopaque compound is applied to the intersection, the radiopaque compound comprising radiopaque material and polymeric material. The radiopaque compound and radiopaque filament provide improved external imaging of the tubular structure on imaging equipment. |
| US08852255B2 |
Microprocessor controlled medical laser device
A microprocessor controlled medical laser device that has a precise laser beam alignment system indicated by a series of sequentially color changing LEDS. The power management system adjusts the LED'S power input so as maximize battery life, increasing it by up to six times. It's alignment is enabled by a triaxial accelerometer that may be accurately calibrated horizontally or to a plethora of angles relative to the horizontal axis. It is shock resistant and times out to turn the laser off after a predetermined time. |
| US08852252B2 |
Endosseous screws and orthopaedic device to assist the rigid osteosynthesis of fractures
Endosseous screw (1) for fixing a plate (102) to a bone site (300), comprising an at least partially threaded shaft (2), insertion means for inserting the screw into a bone site and a distal portion (33) provided for engaging said plate to fasten it to said bone site and comprising a head (3) having facets (30) defining an external peripheral profile provided for engagement with a tubular manipulating wrench, to allow the screw (1) to be extracted from the bone site (300) into which it has been inserted, wherein the facets (30) are curvilinear and the external peripheral profile defined by same facets (30) has a convex barrel-like shape, in order to allow a stable coupling between the tubular manipulating wrench and said profile, which is maintained during the untightening phase of screw from plate, even when said tubular manipulating wrench is oriented in an inclined direction with respect to a longitudinal axis (x) of the endosseous screw (1). |
| US08852251B2 |
Mechanical fixation system for a prosthetic device
A fixation system for a bone conduction device is disclosed. An abutment is coupled to a bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment pass into the bone anchor. The abutment defines a conduction path to the bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment are transferred to the bone anchor. The abutment comprises a plurality of interlocking stacked plates disposed adjacent the bone anchor, wherein the plates form part of the conduction path. The fixation system also comprises a vibratory coupler extending from the bone conduction device, comprising a second conduction surface and a magnet, wherein the magnet attracts to the abutment so as to couple the second conduction surface to the abutment, thereby enabling vibrations to pass through the conduction path. The plates are configured to slide laterally in response to tangential forces incident upon the abutment. |
| US08852246B2 |
Device for internal fixation of the bone fragments in a radius fracture
The present invention relates to a device for internal fixation of the bone fragments (2, 3) in a radius fracture (4). The device comprises at least one body (1) for abutment against the bone fragments (2, 3) in the radius fracture (4), and fixing elements (6, 7) which are intended to be locked to the body for fixation of said bone fragments. The body (1) itself has in a distal end portion (1a) at least two predrilled holes (8) for fixing elements (6), and in a proximal end portion (1b) at least two predrilled holes (9) for fixing elements (7). To allow effective optimum internal fixation of the bone fragments in the radius fracture, the predrilled holes (8, 9) run obliquely relative to a longitudinal axis (L) of the body (1) so that all of the fixing elements (6, 7) which, after the body has been caused to abut against the bone fragments (2, 3) in the radius fracture (4), are introduced into said bone fragments through holes (8, 9) in the body's distal end portion (1a) and proximal end portion (1b) cross the radius fracture (4) as viewed in the transverse direction of the body. Each fixing element (6, 7) has at least one fixing portion (10; 10a, 10b) for locking the fixing element in the bone fragments (2, 3) in the radius fracture (4) and for locking the fixing element to the body (1). |
| US08852245B2 |
Bone plate
A bone plate has an underside on the side of the bone, an upper side and a plurality of holes in the plate connecting the underside with the upper side, with a central hole axis. At least one of these holes in the plate has an internal jacket surface that tapers towards the underside, while the internal jacket surface has N≧3 recesses which extend radially away from the axis of the hole. |
| US08852244B2 |
Configured and sized cannula
A dilator retractor and the dilators that are used for minimally invasive spinal surgery or other surgery are configured to accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient as by configuring the cross sectional area in an elliptical shape, or by forming a funnel configuration with the wider end at the proximate end. In some embodiments the distal end is contoured to also accommodate the anatomical structure of the patient so that a cylindrically shaped, funnel shaped, ovoid shaped dilator retractor can be sloped or tunneled to accommodate the bone structure of the patient or provide access for implants. The dilator retractor is made with different lengths to accommodate the depth of the cavity formed by the dilators. |
| US08852239B2 |
Sagittal angle screw with integral shank and receiver
A spinal bone screw has a receiver with upstanding arms forming a channel for receiving a longitudinal connecting member, such as a rod, the receiver being integral with a threaded shank. The receiver further includes inner surfaces in sliding engagement with an insert, the insert having a seating surface for the rod. The insert and rod being pivotable with respect to the bone screw in a single plane. |
| US08852238B2 |
Implant system and minimally invasive method for immobilizing adjacent vertebral bodies
A spinal implant system for use in immobilizing adjacent vertebral bodies in a minimally invasive manner, including a pair of implants having lengths sufficient so that one of the ends extend outside of a patient's body when the implants are installed. Each implant has a pair of opposed elongated posts which in conjunction with an orthogonally arranged support surface define a transverse opening for receiving a stabilizing rod. A cap having upper and lower surfaces is associated with each implant, each cap and its associated post has means for advancing the cap along the posts toward the support surface to lock a stabilizing rod therebetween. The rod is pivotally coupled to one of the caps so that the rod, when pivoted, will extend between the transverse openings in adjacently installed implants. |
| US08852237B2 |
Spinal rod connector
A rod connector for joining a first rod and a second rod includes bore holes that are offset and/or non-parallel to each other. The rod connector provides an offset or non-parallel connection between the rods that allows for the rods to match the contour of a patient's body without requiring bending of the rods. The rod connector may include a first bore hole for receiving the first spinal rod and a second bore hole for receiving the second spinal rod that is adjustable relative to the first bore hole to adjust the position and/or orientation of the second spinal rod relative to the first spinal rod. The rod connector may comprise a first housing component defining the first bore hole and a second housing component that is movable relative to the first housing component and defining the second bore hole. |
| US08852234B2 |
System and method for spine stabilization using resilient inserts
An apparatus for anchoring a rod to a bone fastener in a spine stabilization system. A first resilient insert may have two deflectable arms and a first channel formed therein. A second resilient insert may have two deflectable arms and a second channel formed therein. A cylindrical body may have a passage, wherein the first resilient insert and the second resilient insert have a width greater than the inner diameter of the cylindrical body when the first resilient insert is in a neutral state. Advancement of the first resilient insert or the second resilient insert into the passage deflects the two deflectable arms inward, causing the width of the first or second channel to decrease, and inhibiting the first resilient insert or the second resilient insert from moving relative to the cylindrical body. |
| US08852229B2 |
Locator and closure device and method of use
An apparatus for sealing a vascular puncture and for properly locating and deploying a sealing member. The apparatus comprises a lumen which extends from an opening in the distal region of the apparatus to another opening in the proximal region of the apparatus. A sealing member is located at the end of the lumen. When the distal opening is positioned within the blood vessel lumen, blood flows through the distal opening, through the lumen and out of the proximal opening indicating that the sealing member is within the blood vessel lumen. When the sealing member is withdrawn from the vessel lumen, it blocks the blood flow into the distal opening. The sealing member may be further withdrawn a predetermined distance so that no part of the sealing member extends into the blood vessel lumen. The sealing device is then detached from the delivery apparatus to seal the vascular puncture. |
| US08852226B2 |
Vascular device for use during an interventional procedure
A vascular device for use during an interventional procedure, the device having a stent structure having a collapsed configuration, an expanded configuration, a proximal end, and a distal end; and a delivery member for delivering the stent to a treatment site within a vasculature, wherein the proximal end of the stent structure is fixed to the delivery member when the stent structure is in the expanded configuration at the treatment site. |
| US08852225B2 |
Emboli guarding device
A device including a stent structure or frame to which a sheet is attached for use in minimizing or preventing emboli, particles. and/or air bubbles from migrating into certain areas of the anatomy. The device can be placed in the blood stream in an area of the heart, such as the aortic arch, to direct particles toward the descending aorta rather than toward the brain. The sheet of the device can be a thin film material, which may include multiple fenestrations that are smaller in size than the particles that are to be filtered. |
| US08852224B2 |
Therapeutic delivery system
Therapeutic delivery systems are provided which, in a first embodiment, contain a plurality of multiphase capsules in which first and second therapeutic agents are contained in separate phases within said multiphase capsules, and are disposed to deliver said first and therapeutic agents by at least two different delivery mechanisms. |
| US08852223B2 |
Fixed wire dilatation catheter with an elongateable distal end
A fixed wire dilatation catheter for treating the vasculature of a patient. The dilatation catheter includes an elongated member that has a distal end portion which can be elongated to puncture through blockages within the blood vessels. The dilatation catheter also includes an expandable device located along the elongated member at a location proximal the distal end portion of the elongated member. |
| US08852216B2 |
Tissue approximation methods
Methods and devices for approximating tissue are disclosed. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end of the shaft and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end of the shaft. A variety of self-deploying implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device. |
| US08852213B2 |
Transapical mitral valve repair device
Methods and devices for repairing a cardiac valve. A minimally invasive procedure includes creating an access in the apex region of the heart through which one or more instruments may be inserted. The device can implant artificial heart valve chordae tendineae into cardiac valve leaflet tissues to restore proper leaflet function and prevent reperfusion. The device punctures the apex of the heart and travels through the ventricle. The tip of the device rests on the defective valve and punctures the valve leaflet. A suture or a suture/guide wire combination is inserted, securing the top of the leaflet to the apex of the heart. A resilient element or shock absorber mechanism adjacent to the outside of the apex of the heart minimizes the linear travel of the device in response to the beating of the heart or opening/closing of the valve. |
| US08852212B2 |
Suturing system and assembly
A suturing assembly is provided that is configured to pull a capsule attached to a suture through tissue. The suturing assembly includes a shaft aligned on a longitudinal axis of the suturing assembly, and a head coupled to the shaft. The head includes a proximal portion and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal portion by a throat. The proximal portion houses a needle that is movable through a needle exit port. The proximal portion of the head and the needle exit port are both aligned on the longitudinal axis. A proximal side of the distal end of the head defines a cavity adapted to receive the capsule and a distal side of the distal end of the head defines a slot adapted to allow the suture to pass through the distal end of the head and into the cavity. |
| US08852209B2 |
Instrument adaptor for image guided surgery
The invention relates to an adaptor for tracking an instrument location during image guided surgery. The adaptor has a drive shaft, a proximal handle and a distal instrument tip. The drive shaft has a linear proximal portion, a curved mid-portion and a linear distal portion that is co-linear with the linear proximal portion. Three tracking elements (such as reflective balls) are placed on the sinusoidal portion. When the handle is rotated, the two linear portions remain fixed on the longitudinal axis, but the tracking elements on the sinusoidal portion travel in orbits about the longitudinal axis, thereby allowing a computer to track the location of the instrument tip. |
| US08852208B2 |
Surgical system instrument mounting
Robotic surgical systems and methods of coupling a surgical instrument to a manipulator arm are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a base; a setup link operably coupled to the base, the setup link locating a remote center of motion for the robotic surgical system; a proximal link operably coupled to the setup link; and a distal link operably coupled to the proximal link. A plurality of instrument manipulators are rotatably coupled to a distal end of the distal link, each of the instrument manipulators including a plurality of actuator outputs distally protruding from a distal end of a frame. |
| US08852207B2 |
Compliant guiding catheter sheath system
A guiding catheter system employs a compliant shaft with an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal portion of the shaft. The inflatable balloon includes channels that allow some amount of blood to flow past the balloon when inflated in a blood vessel. One or more inflation lumens is in fluid contact with the balloon and allows inflating the balloon from a proximal end of the catheter. A series of perfusion orifices may be included on the shaft proximal to the balloon. |
| US08852202B2 |
Bone fixation tool
A tool and a method are provided for driving a bone pin into a fractured bone to stabilize the fractured bone by maintaining the fractured bone in a reduced state. The tool may be a handheld device including a cartridge having at least one passageway that receives the bone pin. The tool may also include a pneumatically-powered piston having a needle that is sized for receipt within the passageway of the cartridge, the needle applying sufficient force to the bone pin to drive the bone pin out of the cartridge and into the fractured bone. |
| US08852200B2 |
Device for injecting high viscosity material
A device for injecting a high viscosity material into a cannula, comprising a container being non-compliant and having an outlet adapted to communicate with the cannula for transferring the high viscosity material thereto, a pressure applicator in fluid communication with the container, the pressure applicator defining a fluid flow path through which an incompressible fluid is displaceable, and a material-moving member interrupting the fluid flow path and defining an incompressible fluid receiving portion on one side thereof in communication with the fluid flow path and a high viscosity material receiving portion in communication with the outlet of the container on an opposed side. The material-moving member being displaceable by a pressure of the incompressible fluid acting thereagainst to force the high viscosity material out of the high viscosity material receiving portion of the container and into the cannula. |
| US08852195B2 |
Guide templates for surgical implants and related methods
A guide template for use in resurfacing a portion of a bone includes a body adapted for positioning over a natural or resected articulation surface of the bone. The body has a top surface and an opposing bottom surface that each extend between a proximal end and an opposing distal end. The body at least partially bounds an opening extending between the top surface and the bottom surface. At least a portion of the top surface or the bottom surface has a convex curvature or a concave curvature that extends between the proximal end and the opposing distal end. At least three spaced apart supports project below the bottom surface of the body such that the body can be supported by the supports. Fasteners are provided for securing the body to the bone. |
| US08852192B2 |
Method and apparatus for osteochondral autograft transplantation
A surgical procedure for preparing a graft for insertion in an opening in a human body, according to which a mold is formed in the opening and transferred from the opening to a position adjacent a stylus. A contour of the mold is traced with the stylus; and the tracing movement of the stylus is transferred to corresponding movement of a cutting member so that the cutting member cuts the same contour in the graft. |
| US08852185B2 |
Apparatus for performing an electrosurgical procedure
An endoscopic forceps includes a housing having a shaft extending therefrom for treating tissue. A longitudinal axis is defined through the shaft. An end effector assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. A rotating assembly operably coupled to the shaft is configured to rotate the shaft and the end effector about the longitudinal axis. A drive assembly is configured to selectively and releasably engage the rotating assembly. Engagement of the rotating assembly with the drive assembly couples the rotating assembly to the shaft such that the shaft is rotatable about the longitudinal axis in a predetermined direction when the rotating assembly is rotated. And, disengagement of the rotating assembly from the drive assembly uncouples the rotating assembly from the shaft such that the shaft is non-rotatable about the longitudinal axis when the rotating assembly is rotated. |
| US08852183B2 |
Scissor tip for bipolar high frequency endoscope
A bipolar scissor for cutting and coagulating tissue includes a first blade having a first cutting edge and a first shearing blade surface and a second blade having a second cutting edge and a second shearing blade surface. Additionally, one of the first and second blades may include a non-conductive material having an embedded electrode. |
| US08852180B2 |
System and method for monitoring ablation size
A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. A radiation detection device is operably disposed on the microwave antenna. The radiation detection device is configured to generate a voltage corresponding to a radius of the ablation zone, wherein the radiation detection device is in operative communication with at least one module associated with the power source. The at least one module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold voltage is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone. |
| US08852179B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for monitoring tissue during an electrosurgical procedure
A system for monitoring and/or controlling tissue modification during an electrosurgical procedure is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical apparatus adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical apparatus configured to transmit energy to tissue. The system also includes a control system having one or more electromagnetic wave sources configured to generate the interrogator wave of one or more frequencies adjacent tissue. One or more sensors are configured to transmit and sense a reflected portion of the interrogator wave of at least one frequency to determine dielectric boundary data. A processor operatively coupled to the control system and to the electrosurgical generator configured to control the delivery of electrosurgical energy from the electrosurgical generator to tissue based on dielectric boundary data provided by the one or more sensors. |
| US08852178B2 |
Systems for treating a hollow anatomical structure
A working end of a catheter includes at least one therapeutic element, such as a resistive heating element, usable to deliver energy for ligating, or reducing the diameter of, a hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, the catheter includes a lumen to accommodate a guide wire or to allow fluid delivery. In certain embodiments, a balloon is inflated to place resistive element(s) into apposition with a hollow anatomical structure and to occlude the structure. Indexing devices and methods are also disclosed for successively treating portions of the hollow anatomical structure. In certain examples, marks along the catheter shaft provide visual verification to the physician of the relative position of the therapeutic element of the catheter. Embodiments of indexing devices may include pairs of rings and/or hinged arms that move a catheter a desired indexed position between successive treatments. |
| US08852176B2 |
Apparatus for opthalmological, in particular refractive, laser surgery
An apparatus for ophthalmological, in particular refractive, laser surgery includes a laser-beam source (20) for emitting a focused treatment laser beam (20′) and also includes an optical-coherence interferometric measuring device (34), for example an OLCR pachymeter, for measuring the z-position of a predetermined point of an eye to be treated in the coordinate system of the laser-surgery apparatus. A computer (C) serving as evaluating and control unit has been set up to assess, on the basis of the measured z-position, whether a desired treatment point of the eye in the z-direction falls in the focal plane of the treatment laser beam or is offset in relation to said plane. Depending on whether or not the patient is correctly positioned in relation to the focal plane, the computer (C) can bring about a range of actions. |
| US08852170B2 |
Auxiliary powered negative pressure wound therapy apparatuses and methods
A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus that can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection device, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing can be powered by auxiliary power sources such as high efficiency batteries, photovoltaic panels or cells, fuel cells, combustion generators, human powered generators, or other mechanical, electrical, or chemical power sources such as hand operated dynamos or wound springs, or any combination of the foregoing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a high efficiency pressure controller for controlling the output of the vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the pressure controller can control the pump without using a processor, and can have other features such as an intermittent delay function and an anti-stall mechanism to reduce the energy consumption of the apparatus. |
| US08852169B2 |
Suction device for evacuating fumes
A suction device for evacuating fumes includes a tongue depressor having a pair of opposed walls; at least one suction tube connected to the tongue depressor; an elongated support member to which the suction tube is connected; and a connecting member attached to an end of the suction tube for connecting the suction tube to a suction generating device. A light such as a fiber optic light can be added to the suction device. The tongue depressor, suction tube and elongated support member can be made of one piece. |
| US08852168B2 |
Connection system for multi-lumen catheter
A catheter connection system and a method of connecting the catheter connection system to a catheter. The catheter connection system includes a hub assembly and a collar. The hub assembly includes a cannula extending from a distal end thereof, and a collet defining an inner surface spaced apart from the cannula to permit passage of a catheter wall between the body and the cannula. |
| US08852167B2 |
Medical connector
A medical connector includes a body defining a lumen for fluid flow through the medical connector. The medical connector includes a luer member and an annular member disposed about the luer member. The annular member includes internal and/or external engagement structures. The medical connector may be provided on the outlet of a syringe or on a catheter. A fluid path is disclosed including a first section and a second section. The first and second sections may each include a medical connector to provide a removable connection with a syringe and a catheter, respectively. The medical connector may provide a removable connection between the first and second sections. A fluid delivery system is disclosed including an injector, a syringe operatively associated with the injector, and a fluid path connecting the syringe and a source of injection. The medical connector may provide a removable connection between the syringe and fluid path. |
| US08852165B2 |
Endoluminal drug delivery devices and methods
A device and method for delivering a drug from inside a body lumen to tissue surrounding the body lumen. An endoluminal drug delivery device includes a dual-lumen catheter for housing a guidewire and a needle connectable to a drug source. The guidewire exits the catheter through an opening at the distal end, and the needle exits the catheter through an exit port in the outer wall of the catheter. A distal portion of the catheter has a single lumen and includes a taper, allowing the distal tip to act as a dilator. The device optionally includes a catheter lumen splitter and/or a handpiece assembly. A method of delivering fluid to tissue surrounding a body lumen includes inserting a guidewire into the body lumen, tracking the device over the guidewire, deploying the needle through the exit port to the tissue, delivering fluid, and retracting the needle into the catheter. |
| US08852164B2 |
Method and system for shape-memory alloy wire control
A method for controlling a device using a shape-memory alloy wire is disclosed. The method includes determining an ontime for the shape-memory alloy wire based on a target volume to be pumped by a pump plunger, determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire and adjusting the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire. |
| US08852163B2 |
Renal neuromodulation via drugs and neuromodulatory agents and associated systems and methods
Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation. |
| US08852160B2 |
Venous access port with molded and/or radiopaque indicia
A venous access port assembly having a housing base, a flange, and a septum. The housing base defines an interior reservoir. The flange includes integrally molded X-ray discernable indicia identifying that the assembly is rated for power injection. The X-ray discernable indicia may extend through a height of the flange from a top surface to a bottom surface of the flange. According to one aspect, the flange may be formed from X-ray discernable material, and the X-ray discernable indicia may be formed from the X-ray discernable material of the flange, or they may be formed by voids in the X-ray discernable material. According to another aspect, the flange may be formed from a radiotransparent or radiolucent material and applied with a radiopaque agent, and the X-ray discernable indicia may be one or more voids in the radiopaque agent or may be portions of the flange applied with the radiopaque agent. |
| US08852155B2 |
Medicine reservoir for drug delivery device
A medicine reservoir (10) is provided for use with a drug delivery device (50). The medicine reservoir (10) is arranged for comprising a drug (13) and comprises a dispensing hole (15) for dispensing the drug (13) into an environment of the drug delivery device (50). The medicine reservoir (10) further comprises a deformable plug (14) which plug (14) is removable by pressure caused by a dispensing action of the drug delivery device (50). |
| US08852154B2 |
Huber needle safety enclosure
A method of using a safety enclosure for a needle, the needle including an aft end and a fore end together forming a right angle, the fore end including a sharp outer end. The method includes providing a safety enclosure including a needle housing and a panel unit, the needle housing having a finger pad, orienting the safety enclosure in a desired location for insertion of the needle, and applying pressure to the finger pad sufficient to cause penetration of the needle at the desired location and to move the panel unit to the installation position. |
| US08852151B2 |
Swallowable drug delivery device and method of delivery
Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Some embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. The device comprises a capsule sized to be swallowed and pass through the intestinal tract. The capsule can include at least one guide tube, one or more tissue penetrating members positioned in the guide tube, a delivery member, an actuating mechanism and a release element. The release element degrades upon exposure to various conditions in the intestine so as to release and actuate the actuating mechanism. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract. |
| US08852148B2 |
Infusion pump having function keys
An infusion pump having a plurality of function keys which initiate different processes depending on the state of the infusion pump is disclosed. In the configuration state, the function keys operate to set the various configurable options with regard to the desired medication treatment parameters. In the infusing state, the function keys operate to transmit various operational data to a readout screen depending on the function key pressed. Essentially, multi-function, state dependent function keys operable on an infusion pump is disclosed. |
| US08852146B2 |
Reinforced medical balloon
The invention relates to medical balloons, and methods of modifying said balloons by forming a void pattern in their exterior surfaces and filling the voids with a material, such as a fiber or a nanomaterial (e.g., nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes) and a matrix material, e.g., a polymer. |
| US08852144B2 |
Nursing device
A nursing device for feeding infants with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate includes upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes a bottle with an opening in its top for containing a liquid, a nipple and a screw cap for maintaining the nipple in sealing engagement with the opening. A submersible pump is disposed in the bottom of the bottle and connected to an opening in the nipple by a tube. A lower portion of the device includes a motor and a magnetic coupling for activating the pump. A microprocessor control timer regulates the timing and flow of a feeding cycle with a display for help in regulating the feeding cycle. |
| US08852133B2 |
Hyperextension brace assembly and methods of use
Embodiments of the hyperextension brace assembly utilize a cross-strap attached to mounting facilities about a joint to limit the extension of limbs about the joint. The cross-strap assembly is positioned from a cross origin behind the joint to attachment points on upper and lower mounting facilities on the upper and lower limbs and provides an opposing tensile force that limits the extension of mounting facilities and the limbs. In embodiments for a knee joint, the brace assembly provides a resisting force to resist hyperextension of the knee. Embodiments of the assembly are able to accommodate different joints, different size wearer's of the assembly and different tension settings such as for athletes during competition. Embodiments of the brace can be used bilaterally and can be made without metal bracing to comply with the requirements of some sports. |
| US08852131B2 |
Support surface system providing simultaneous alternating pressure and low air loss therapies
A support surface system provides alternating pressure therapy and low air loss therapy simultaneously using a single pump. The system includes a plurality of cells. Each cell has a foam-filled lower chamber and an upper chamber. Fluid communication between the lower and upper chambers is controlled by a normally closed valve that opens if the pressure within the lower chamber exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. Pressurized air is alternatingly supplied to the lower chambers of a first subset of cells and the lower chambers of a second subset of cells, thereby providing alternating pressure therapy. When the pressure in the lower chamber exceeds the threshold, the valve opens to allow air from the lower chamber to flow into the upper chamber. Air is expelled from the upper chamber through perforations therein, to remove moisture and humidity and possibly reducing the temperature of the micro-climate beneath a patient. |
| US08852129B2 |
Stroke rehabilitation program
A method for the treatment of paralysis caused by injury to the brain. A set of movements by a healthy extremity is recorded and stored in a computer. Movements made by an affected extremity are recorded and compared to the standard provided by the healthy extremity. A score based on the similarity of the movement is reported to the user to aid in tracking progress. A similar system may also be used to detect and track the progress of degenerative diseases by comparing past movements to current movements. |
| US08852124B2 |
Tape transport lance sampler
A lancet-sampler system is configured to automatically remove a protective cover from a lancet and automatically unpack a test pad just prior to use. This minimizes the risk of injury and reduces the chance of cross-contamination between the lancet and the test pad. The lancet defines a capillary groove for drawing body fluid from the incision via capillary action and a sample transfer opening for collecting the fluid from the groove. A carrier tape is coupled to the lancet. The carrier tape includes a test pad for analyzing the fluid. The tape is folded around the test pad to form an airtight package. The test pad is located at a position to align with the sample transfer opening when the tape is unfolded. The protective cover covers a portion of the lancet, and when the tape is pulled, the protective cover is automatically pulled from the lancet. |
| US08852117B2 |
Identification of disease characteristics using isotope ratios in breath
Methods are disclosed for distinguishing whether an animal is experiencing a bacterial infection or a viral infection. One monitors breath taken from the animal over time to measure the relative amount of a first breath stable isotope to a second breath stable isotope therein over time. A quick change in the isotope ratios within several hours from the likely infection is indicative of a bacterial infection. A delayed change in the isotope ratios, followed by periodic repeated alterations in the ratios, is indicative of viral infection. The methods are particularly efficient when using cavity ringdown spectroscopy for the monitoring. They may be used for monitoring a patient already admitted to a hospital, or for monitoring a patient initially complaining of adverse symptoms, or for triage, or for collectively monitoring a population of animals. |
| US08852112B2 |
Catheter with deflectable imaging device and bendable electrical conductor
An improved catheter is provided. The catheter may include a deflectable member located at a distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may comprise an ultrasound transducer array. The catheter may include a lumen extending from a proximal end of the catheter to the distal end. The lumen may be used to deliver an interventional device to a point distal to the distal end of the catheter. The deflectable member may be selectively deflectable in a pivot-like manner through an arc of at least 90 degrees. In embodiments where the deflectable member includes an ultrasound transducer array, the ultrasound transducer array may be operable to image both when aligned with the catheter and when pivoted relative to the catheter. When pivoted relative to the catheter, the ultrasound transducer array may have a field of view distal to the distal end of the catheter. |
| US08852103B2 |
Transmissive imaging and related apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods are described that include ultrasound imaging devices, which may operate in a transmissive ultrasound imaging modality, and which may be used to detect properties of interest of a subject such as index of refraction, density and/or speed of sound. Devices suitable for performing high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as well as HIFU and ultrasound imaging, are also described. |
| US08852101B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing analyte sensor insertion
Devices and methods for positioning a portion of a sensor at a first predetermined location, displacing the portion of the sensor from the first predetermined location to a second predetermined location, and detecting one or signals associated with an analyte level of a patient at the second predetermined location are disclosed. Also provided are systems and kits for use in analyte monitoring. |
| US08852098B2 |
Method and apparatus for deriving and reporting the thermic effect of food and calories consumed for an individual utilizing physiological parameters
Various methods and apparatuses for measuring a state parameter of an individual using signals based on one or more sensors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first set of signals is used in a first function to determine how a second set of signals is used in one or more second functions to predict the state parameter. In another embodiment, first and second functions are used where the state parameter or an indicator of the state parameter may be obtained from a relationship between the first function and the second function. The state parameter may, for example, include calories consumed or calories burned by the individual. Various methods for making such apparatuses are also disclosed. |
| US08852095B2 |
Headband for use with medical sensor
Headbands configured to provide pressure against a medical sensor secured to a patient's forehead are provided. The headbands may include one or more low friction materials to enable an elastic band of a tensioning mechanism to evenly stretch. Additionally or alternatively, the headbands may include two or more bands adapted to secure the headband to various portions of a patient's head. Still further, the headbands may be configured to independently vary the pressure created between two or more sensors and the patient's head. |
| US08852094B2 |
Physiological parameter system
A physiological parameter system has one or more parameter inputs responsive to one or more physiological sensors. The physiological parameter system may also have quality indicators relating to confidence in the parameter inputs. A processor is adapted to combine the parameter inputs, quality indicators and predetermined limits for the parameters inputs and quality indicators so as to generate alarm outputs or control outputs or both. |
| US08852093B2 |
Home care logistics and quality assurance system
A mobile home care logistics and quality assurance system to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, accountability, and overall level of care for nurses visiting patients in their home. The system has a patient home health communication interface to establish a communication between a patient and a central server to receive instructions from and to transmit collected data/information to a remote server. The remote server generates various reports including a home visit prioritization report and a routing report based on the collected and stored data. The information and reports are used for billing, performance reviews, and patient data for assessment of each homecare nurse's in-field assignments. |
| US08852086B2 |
Endoscope with variable direction of view
Provided is an endoscope with a handle, an endoscope shaft connected to the handle, and imaging optics arranged in the endoscope shaft. An object can be located in the direction of view of the imaging optics in front of the endoscope shaft. The endoscope may also include a swivellably housed deflecting element that sets the desired direction of view. The deflecting element can be positioned at the distal end of the endoscope shaft facing away from the handle. An actuating element can be attached to the handle, which is mechanically connected to the deflecting element, and with which the swivel position of the deflecting element can be changed in order to set a desired direction of view. |
| US08852085B2 |
Tissue resecting system
A surgical system includes a first instrument defining a first channel and a second instrument receivable by the first channel. The second instrument defines a second channel. A valve coupled to the first instrument controls fluid flow through the first channel, such that impedance of fluid flow through the first channel is substantially the same without the second instrument received in the first channel and with the first channel partially blocked by the second instrument. In another aspect, a surgical apparatus includes an outer member and an inner member received within the outer member to define a first channel therebetween. The inner member houses an optical lens and defines a second channel for receiving a surgical instrument. The first and second channels are configured such that a pump having an inflow rate of up to about 0.7 L/min connected to the second channel can maintain fluid pressure inside an organ. |
| US08852078B2 |
High-throughput and non-invasive method to vitrify porcine embryos
The present invention provides a practical, non-invasive, and efficient method for cryopreservation of an in-vitro-produced porcine embryo. The inventive method treats the NP (such as IVF- or NT-derived) embryo at the one-cell or cleavage stage prior to compaction with high osmolality followed by high speed centrifugation. The high osmolality treatment enlarges the periviteline space, and with centrifugation, enables the separation of the lipids from the cytoplasm. The lipid-separated embryos after high osmolality treatment have been successfully cryopreserved and later recovered and transferred to produce live offspring. |
| US08852072B2 |
Ventricular assist device for intraventricular placement
A ventricular assist device includes a pump such as an axial flow pump, an outflow cannula connected to the outlet of the pump, and an anchor element. The anchor element is physically connected to the pump, as by an elongate element. The pump is implanted within the left ventricle with the outflow cannula projecting through the aortic valve but desirably terminating short of the aortic arch. The anchor element is fixed to the wall of the heart near the apex of the heart so that the anchor element holds the pump and outflow cannula in position. |
| US08852069B2 |
Centrifuge with vacuum pump configured of auxiliary vacuum pump and oil diffusion pump
A centrifuge includes a vacuum pump machine configured of an auxiliary vacuum pump and an oil diffusion pump for exhausting gas inside a rotary chamber to outside, in which a rotor rotates at high speed. In the centrifuge, a thermistor for detecting a temperature of oil and an oil surface inside a boiler of the oil diffusion pump is provided inside the boiler, and power of a heater is adjusted with the temperature detected by the thermistor, so that a degree of vacuum inside the rotary chamber is stably reduced from atmospheric pressure to a high vacuum state. Besides, when the heater does not heat, a current is carried through the thermistor for self-heating, and it is determined from variation in a resistance value whether the oil exists or not at a position at which the thermistor 8 is placed. |
| US08852066B2 |
Hearth roll having high Mn build-up resistance
The hearth roll includes a thermally sprayed coating formed on the surface thereof. The thermally sprayed coating includes a nitride, an oxide, or a multiple oxide, and a matrix material composed of one or two or more metals. In the hearth roll having high Mn build-up resistance, the following expressions are satisfied: 3% by volume≦X1≦50% by volume; 3% by volume≦X2≦50% by volume; and 40% by volume≦X1+X2≦80% by volume, in which X1 is the percentage by volume of the nitride contained in the thermally sprayed coating with respect to the total volume (10% by volume) of the thermally sprayed coating, and X2 is the percentage by volume of the oxide or the multiple oxide contained in the thermally sprayed coating with respect to the total volume of the thermally sprayed coating. |
| US08852065B2 |
Rolling roll, rolling ring, rolling mill, and rolling roll assembling method
The present invention provides a rolling roll that has a shaft, which rotates around an axis and has one end that is connected to an output shaft of a rolling mill, and is configured such that a tubular sleeve member is mounted to a portion of the shaft on the side of another end, and a rolling ring, which is formed from a hard material, is fixed to an outer circumference of the sleeve member, wherein an inner circumferential support part is disposed on an outer circumferential side of the sleeve member; the rolling ring is supported by the sleeve member via the inner circumferential support part; a pressing member and a pressing mechanism are disposed on the other end side of the rolling ring; and the pressing member and the pressing mechanism press the rolling ring toward the one end side, thereby fixing it. |
| US08852064B2 |
Reduced feed roll wear using carbon nanotube additives in rubbers
In accordance with the invention, there are media feeding assemblies and methods of making a roll of a media feeding assembly. The method can include providing a soluble carbon nanotube composition, providing a first elastomeric rubber composition, and mixing the soluble carbon nanotube composition with the first elastomeric rubber composition to form a composite rubber composition, such that the soluble carbon nanotubes are substantially uniformly dispersed in the composite rubber composition. The method can also include applying the composite rubber composition to a mold and curing the composite rubber composition to form a composite rubber tire, such that the substantially uniformly dispersed soluble carbon nanotubes in the composite rubber tire provide at least about 10% decrease in wear. |
| US08852063B2 |
Humerus-stabilized shoulder stretch device
A humerus-stabilized shoulder stretching device including a first rod, gripping handle coupled to the first rod, force handle, and stationary arm having a first portion and a second portion oriented relative to each other by an angle. The first portion of the stationary arm is coupled to the gripping handle by the first rod and the force handle is coupled to stationary arm via the second portion. An elbow cradle having a base coupled to the stationary arm is configured to accommodate a user's arm such that when the user's elbow is within the elbow cradle and the user grips the gripping handle with the hand of that arm, the user's forearm will be releasably constrained between the gripping handle and the elbow cradle and the distance between the base and the gripping handle will be maintained by the first rod at a length approximately equal to the user's forearm. |
| US08852061B2 |
Exercise device with suspended inertial core
An inertial exercise device includes a hollow outer ball and a weighted inner ball elastically suspended inside the outer ball by at least two opposing suspension members. The weighted inner ball may contain a fluid mass. The hollow outer ball, the weighted inner ball and the at least two opposing suspension members may all be integrally formed with each other. In one embodiment, the outer ball, the inner ball, and the suspension members are all formed from integral segments of a pliant tube. The hollow outer ball is formed by everting first and second end segments of the tube over the middle segment of the tube and joining the first and second end segments of the tube together at their openings. The weighted inner ball is formed from the middle segment of the tube which, in one embodiment, is a bulge in the tube. |
| US08852058B1 |
Interactive finger ladder
An interactive device includes a housing and a finger ladder held within the housing and having a number of parallel rungs. Each rung includes at least one sensor. A display system, which may include panels attached to either side of the ladder, produce sounds and/or images when the rungs of the ladder are contacted sequentially. Alternately, the display system may be integral with the finger ladder. The sounds and/or images may produce a song or a familiar sequence, such as the alphabet. The sequential activation of the sensors results in the development of both gross and fine motor skills, for example, in children, persons with developmental differences, and persons needing physical or occupational therapy. |
| US08852057B2 |
Structure for connection and separation between an engine and a main unit
Problems to be solved: Providing a structure for connection and separation between an engine and a main unit, adapted to release coupling by separating a centrifugal clutch.Means for solving the problems: A structure for connection and separation includes an engine side adapter (1) with a clutch shoe (11), an engine side annular surface (121), and an engine side projection (13); and a main unit side adapter (2) with a clutch drum (21), a main unit side annular surface (221), and a main unit side projection (23), wherein the engine side projection (13) projects in a radial direction from a circle centered on the power transmission shaft as a center, and the main unit side projection (23) projects in a direction radially opposite to the direction in which the engine side projection (13) projects; and when the engine side adapter (1) or the main unit side adapter (2) is relatively rotated about the axis of the power transmission shaft with the engine side annular surface (121) and the main unit side annular surface (221) brought into contact with each other, the engine side projection (13) and the main unit side projection (23) are moved to a back side of each other from the circumferential direction to be engaged in the axial direction of the power transmission shaft. |
| US08852055B2 |
Vehicle drive control apparatus
Provided is a vehicle drive control apparatus including a shift mechanism configured to be able to selectively switch its shift position to either a driving position or a non-driving position; and a controller configured to control the drive force output from a motor serving as a drive source of the vehicle according to operation of an accelerator, to transmit the drive force from the motor to wheels when the shift position is in the driving position, and to stop the transmission of the drive force from the motor to the wheels when the shift position is in the non-driving position. The controller also performs drive force suppression processing to control the drive force, when the shift position is switched from the non-driving position to the driving position with the accelerator turned ON, such that the acceleration of the vehicle does not exceed an upper limit of acceleration. |
| US08852052B2 |
System, method, and apparatus for controlling power output distribution in a hybrid power train
A method includes operating a hybrid power train having an internal combustion engine and an electrical torque provider. The method further includes determining a machine power demand and an audible noise limit value for the internal combustion engine. The method includes determining a power division description in response to the machine power demand and the audible noise limit value, and operating the internal combustion engine and the electrical torque provider in response to the power division description. |
| US08852050B2 |
Continuously variable transmission
Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) having a control system adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT are provided. In one embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. |
| US08852048B2 |
Planetary harmonic differential transmission
Described is a planetary harmonic differential transmission, comprised of a rigid externally-toothed inner sprocket, a rigid internally-toothed outer sprocket, a deformable belt that is toothed on both its internal and external faces, and a set of free-rotating planetary sprockets that are mounted on a rotating carrier cage and cause the belt to progressively engage and disengage from successive portions of the rigid sprockets. The input to the transmission is the relative motion between the carrier cage and the inner sprocket, and the output is the relative motion between the outer sprocket and the inner sprocket, resulting in a differential transmission. |
| US08852045B2 |
Electric oil pump system and control method thereof
An electric oil pump system and a control method thereof include an electrical oil pump that is derated or the derating of the electrical oil pump is released according to a coil temperature of the electrical oil pump, and a torque of a transmission is control according to whether or not the electrical oil pump is derated. |
| US08852044B2 |
Torque split type automatic transmission
A torque split type automatic transmission which transmits torque output from an engine through two paths, adds the torque passing through and increased in each path, and outputs a final torque, may be provided wherein the torque of the engine is dividedly transmitted to first and second power delivery paths, a launching device for converting the torque and a transmission device for achieving multiple-shift are disposed on the first power delivery path in series, and a torque combining device is disposed on the second power delivery path, and wherein the first power delivery path is connected to the torque combining device such that output torque of the first power delivery path is added to output torque of the second output path to output the final torque. |
| US08852040B2 |
Switchable friction clutch having a drive wheel driven by a drive motor via a drive belt, and drive unit
The proposal is for a switchable friction clutch having a drive wheel (5) driven by a drive motor via a drive belt, wherein a first electromagnet arrangement (19) is provided for actuating a first friction clutch (21), and a second electromagnet arrangement (24) is provided for actuating a second friction clutch (23) in order to be able to drive a drive shaft (13) of an auxiliary unit (3) at different rotational speeds via the drive wheel (5) at one rotational speed of the drive wheel. According to the invention, a belt drive arrangement is provided between the drive wheel (5) and the drive shaft (13) of the auxiliary unit (3) to drive the drive shaft (13) at the different speed. |
| US08852036B2 |
Baseball or softball bat, and method for manufacturing a baseball or softball bat
A baseball or softball bat and a method for manufacturing the bat are provided. The bat includes a batting portion formed of wood into a cylindrical shape, and a bat main body made of a fiber-reinforced plastic. A part of the bat main body is inserted in the batting portion from an open end of the batting portion, and the rest of the bat main body is exposed from the batting portion. The bat further includes a suppressing member arranged on an outer circumference of the bat main body. The suppressing member prevents change of orientation of fibers in the fiber-reinforced plastic. The suppressing member is positioned so as to contact a step formed between the outer circumference of the bat main body and an outer circumference of the batting portion at the open end of the batting portion. |
| US08852034B2 |
Basketball backboard
A basketball backboard assembly and a method of making the backboard assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a backboard frame structure and an acrylic backboard which are bonded together with a suitable elastomeric adhesive, providing adequate adhesion and flexibility. The elastomeric adhesive has a bond gap in the range from 2 to 2.5 mm. The adhesive is catalyzed to provide control of the set time in the range from about 5 minutes to 1 hour. A plurality of bond gap spacers are located between the frame bonding surface and the backboard bonding surface to provide the bond gap. |
| US08852033B1 |
Hand grip
A flexible, semi-rigid hand accessory designed to harness power from relatively strong, tough areas of the hand and disperse stress away from weak, sensitive areas by means of anchors pressing into tough fleshy areas with connecting structure capable of bracing and leveraging a handle away from sensitive bony areas, relocating fleshy areas into supporting and insulating positions, preventing bone bruises, enhancing finger gripping and widening the effective grip of the hand for greater control while augmenting the hand's range of motion especially in swinging a baseball bat. |
| US08852032B1 |
Bat swing training machine
A bat swing training machine for improving a user's bat swing technique and developing muscular strength includes a frame carried by an adjustable post for height adjustment and two mounting brackets for installation in various locations. The machine also includes a torsion spring, a swing arm with swivel linkage and a bat handle. The machine provides torsional resistance with precise positional control throughout the swing motion and does so equally for right and left handed swings. Backswing is relatively un-resisted thereby allowing the athlete or trainee to stay in position and continuously repeat the swing motion. |
| US08852031B2 |
Training harness for a basketball defender
A wearable training harness for dissuading the committing of reach in fouls and including a looped belt adapted to be worn about a waist of a wearer, from which an upwardly extending suspender includes a first portion extending from a rear midpoint of the belt. A pair of second portions branches from the first portion and is adapted to extend over shoulder locations of the wearer, the second portions connecting at opposite lower ends to forward locations of the belt. A pair of elongate linkages are pivotally secured to a rigid planar member supported at a location associated with the first suspender portion. A pair of circular bands are adapted to be worn about the arms of the wearer, the bands pivotally secured to remote extending ends of the linkages. |
| US08852029B2 |
Golf handicap systems and methods to calculate a golf handicap
Embodiments of golf handicap systems and methods to calculate a golf handicap are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08852026B2 |
Golf balls having multi-layer cores based on polyalkenamer compositions
The present invention generally relates to golf balls and more particularly to golf balls having multi-layered cores comprising a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. A cover layer is disposed about the multi-layered core. At least one of the center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer comprises a polyalkenamer rubber. The polyalkenamer rubber may be blended with other rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene diene, and styrene-butadiene rubbers. The polyalkenamer rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel. |
| US08852025B2 |
Multi-layer golf ball
Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer. |
| US08852024B2 |
Golf club head having a nanocrystalline titanium alloy
Embodiments of a golf club head and methods to manufacture such a golf club head are generally described herein. The golf club head generally includes at least one ball-striking face, which comprises a titanium alloy that is associated with an average grain size measuring no more than about 1 micron (μm) in the longest dimension. |
| US08852023B2 |
Golf club head having a bridge member and a damping element
A cavity back golf club head having a bridge member and a damping element is disclosed. The bridge member extends across a first rear cavity connecting a heel and a toe of the golf club head to control the trajectory of a golf ball. For the longer iron clubs, a damping element extends from the sole portion of the cavity back golf club head to the bridge member to define a second cavity to further influence the trajectory of the golf ball. For the shorter iron clubs, the damping element extends from the top portion of the cavity back golf club head to the bridge member. The damping element may reduce the vibration and sound of the golf club head upon impact with a golf ball. |
| US08852021B2 |
Golf club shaft and golf club using the same
A golf club shaft in which the isotropy of the prepregs configuring a torsion rigidity holding layer is high and in which sufficient torsional rigidity can be secured with fewer plies of fewer prepregs. The golf club shaft includes a torsional rigidity holding layer made of a thermosetting resin which contains reinforced fibers extending obliquely to a longitudinal direction of the shaft. The torsional rigidity holding layer includes a multilayer set prepreg, in which at least two layers of prepregs made of reinforced fibers are impregnated with a thermosetting resin. A plurality of prepregs in the multilayer set prepreg include reinforced fibers extending in mutually different directions. The multilayer set prepreg is continuously wound by at least two turns with the plurality of prepregs layered on each other. A golf club uses the shaft. |
| US08852019B2 |
Variable length golf club shaft
A variable length shaft assembly comprising at least one upper shaft portion, a lower shaft portion and a threaded fastener, wherein the threaded fastener removably connects the upper shaft portion to the lower shaft portion, is disclosed herein. The variable length shaft assembly may further comprise at least two upper shaft portions having different lengths so a golfer can adjust the total length of the shaft by removing one upper shaft portion and replacing it with another upper shaft portion having a different length. Methods of adjusting the length of a golf club shaft without damaging any portion of the shaft and variable length shaft kits are also disclosed herein. |
| US08852017B2 |
Golf sand bunker simulator
A golf sand bunker simulator which mimics the feel of sand by using beaded chains that are attached to a mat. The golf sand bunker simulator creates a sand-like experience which can assist a golfer to develop their sand shot technique. The golf sand bunker simulator is portable and because it does not generate dust or debris provides a clean golf training experience for both indoor and outdoor practice. The golf sand bunker simulator can also have a grass turf attached to enable a golfer to practice both sand and grass shots. |
| US08852005B2 |
Angled offset ball type constant velocity joint for vehicle
An angled offset ball type constant velocity joint for a vehicle, which can enhance the strength of the joint by compensating for a contact surface pressure between an outer race groove and a ball while maintaining an outer diameter of the outer race by making rotation centers of the outer race and the inner race positioned to be symmetrical with respect to each other by an offset angle. The angled offset ball type constant velocity joint includes an inner race connected to an end of a shaft, an outer race installed outside the inner race, a plurality of balls for transmitting a torque of the inner race to the outer race, and a cage having windows for supporting the respective balls, wherein a rotation center of an outer race ball track is symmetrical with a rotation center of an inner race ball track by an offset angle. |
| US08852004B2 |
Downhole torque limiting assembly for drill string
A method includes a rotary torque limiting assembly including a rotary input member having an internal cavity having sprag receptacles. A rotary output member is disposed within the internal cavity, the secondary rotary member having radial protrusions and recesses. Radial ratchet members are disposed radially between the input member and the output member, each ratchet member having a radially inner surface, and a radially outward surface that includes at least one radially protruding sprag. Bearings are disposed radially between the ratchet members and the output member. A retaining assembly is adapted to provide a compliant force to maintain contact among the ratchet members, bearings, and second rotary member. Each bearing is partly retained between one of the ratchet members and the second rotary member, and each sprag is partly retained within a corresponding sprag receptacle. |
| US08852003B2 |
Storage medium storing a game program, game apparatus and game controlling method
A game apparatus includes an inward camera, and a skin color is extracted from an imaged image imaged by the inward camera. During execution of the game, it is determined whether or not a skin color region being above a predetermined ratio is detected at a specific region. If the skin color region is above the predetermined ratio, it is determined the face of a user is correctly recognized, and feature points are detected from the imaged image. By detecting whether or not the entire face of the user is recognized, by detecting a part of the face or its movement, on the basis of the feature points, the game is progressed depending on whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. However, if the skin color is equal to or less than the predetermined ratio, it is determined that the face of the user is not correctly recognized, and a determination based on the feature points is not performed. |
| US08852001B2 |
Tournament gaming systems
Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods for presenting tournament games. According to one embodiment, a gaming system for presenting tournament games includes a plurality of gaming devices in communication with a tournament server as well as a plurality of tournament displays positioned throughout a gaming establishment. Each gaming device is configured to enable concurrent play of a base game and on-demand tournament games in which the on-demand tournament games are player initiated. The tournament server manages play of the on-demand tournament games. The plurality of tournament displays are positioned throughout a gaming establishment, and the tournament displays are also in communication with the tournament server. |
| US08852000B1 |
Using crowd-sourcing to verify the accuracy of results of client-side determinations
The accuracy of results of client-side determinations used for defining views of a virtual space may be verified via crowd-sourcing. Results of primary client-side determinations may be received from client computing platforms. Individual ones of the primary client-side determinations may be performed by individual client computing platforms presenting views of an instance of the virtual space to users. The results of the primary client-side determinations may form a basis for determining view information. The accuracy of the results of the primary client-side determinations may be verified by comparing the results of the primary client-side determinations with results of secondary client-side determinations performed by one or more client computing platforms. Individual ones of the secondary client-side determinations may simulate corresponding primary client-side determinations. |
| US08851994B2 |
Game device, game control method, and game control program adapted to control game by using position and posture of input device
A game device is provided with a position acquisition unit for acquiring the position of an input device for moving the position of a given object on a screen displayed on a display device; an inclination acquisition unit for acquiring the inclination of the input device; and a position computation unit for determining the position of the object on the screen based on both a positional displacement amount of the input device and an inclination displacement amount of the input device. |
| US08851990B2 |
Method and apparatus for audio scaling at a display showing content in different areas
A method and device for scaling audio content associated with first and second sources at a user apparatus such as a gaming machine. When the gaming machine is in a first condition displaying only game content speakers are controlled to produce game related audio content. In a second condition where the display is controlled to share game content and other content from a remote source in a picture-in-picture arrangement, the method and device control the speaker volumes to associate the audio content with the associated video content to provide audio directionality and primacy. |
| US08851989B2 |
Method and apparatus for hinging and hanging a gaming machine door
A gaming machine includes a cabinet having a compartment for housing circuitry for gaming and a door for closing the compartment. The door is attached to the cabinet by a hinge system. The hinge system includes a first portion attached to a door and a second portion attached to the cabinet. The first portion includes a first pin proximate a first corner of the door, and a second pin further including a round head proximate a second corner of the door. The second pin has a longitudinal axis aligned to the longitudinal axis of the first pin. |
| US08851987B2 |
Method and apparatus for adapting to gaming venue states
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for receiving a signal representative of a displacement of at least a portion of a computer mouse from a surface of a mouse pad, and causing a change in a state of a video game presented by a gaming system according to the signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08851983B2 |
System and method for insuring casino operators against improbable gaming outcomes
Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed generally to systems and methods for providing gaming insurance to casino operators by aggregating historical gaming results over an electronic medium or network of qualified casino patrons who choose to participate in one or more gambling loyalty programs and modeling those players against available games within a specific property to predict future gross gaming revenue so an insurance contract can be structured to protect against statistical variances in the gross gaming revenues. |
| US08851982B2 |
Wagering game with multi-level progressive game
A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed. |
| US08851980B2 |
System and method for conducting online video game tournaments
The present invention is a system and method for conducting online video game tournaments involving a series of levels. The system comprises a tournament server connected to a communications network that is in electronic communication with remotely located players who register for the tournament. The server maintains a record of registered players competing in the tournament indicating at which level each player is eligible to play and, after players indicate they are ready to play a match, the server matches players who are ready to play at the same level. This matching may be repeated at regular intervals. After being matched, players play a match and the results are reported back to the server which may award prizes or allow players to unlock other levels based on the results. In general, a player who wins a pre-defined number of matches is a row wins a grand prize. |
| US08851979B2 |
Gaming system and method for providing a symbol elimination game
In various embodiments, the gaming system disclosed herein provides a symbol elimination game which utilizes a single continuous series or chain of symbols displayed at a plurality of symbol display positions of a formed path and further utilizes one or more eliminators displayed at one or more eliminator display positions associated with and distinct from the symbol display positions of the formed path. Specifically, in various embodiments, the gaming system: (i) displays the chain of symbols continuously moving through the path of symbol display positions, and (ii) eliminates zero, one or more of such symbols based on one or more interactions between such symbols and the symbol display eliminators displayed at the eliminator display positions. |
| US08851976B2 |
Wagering game with game enhancement feature
A gaming system includes at least one memory device that stores instructions that cause a processor to operate with a display device an input device to display a wagering game having a basic game and a bonus game having a first end-game outcome, trigger a first instance of the bonus game during play of the basic game, provide a first number of award opportunities during play of the first instance of the bonus game, complete the first instance of the bonus game in response to the first end-game outcome, store any remaining award opportunities in the at least one memory device in response to the first end-game outcome being achieved with at least one award opportunity remaining, trigger a second instance of the bonus game during play of the basic game, and provide any stored remaining award opportunities during play of the second instance of the bonus game. |
| US08851973B2 |
Method, system, and device for conducting a gambling game to issue an escrow award
A user device is programmed to display a game application outcome. Among the possible outcomes is at least one escrow award which may be earned through the game application but is not issued at the user device. When an escrow award is earned, it is stored at an award server, optionally in association with a player identifier. A gaming device includes a primary display for displaying a gambling game and an escrow display to display escrow awards retrieved from the award server (optionally in response to receipt of a player identifier). A gambling game is conducted and resolved. Through the course of conducting one or more gambling games, a determination is made whether an escrow award trigger has occurred and, if so, an escrow award is issued. Optionally, an escrow award is held at the escrow display until an escrow display refresh event. |
| US08851972B2 |
Gaming device having multiple interacting independently operable wheels
A gaming device having multiple interacting independently operated symbol generators, such as wheels. In one embodiment, each wheel includes a plurality of sections that are associated with a plurality of different outcomes which are displayed to a player. One or more of the wheels are activated, either sequentially or simultaneously and the results of the wheel activations influence one or more subsequent wheel activations. Upon a terminating event, an outcome based on the results from one or more spins of one or more of the wheels is provided to the player. |
| US08851970B2 |
Method of simultaneous indication of multiple winning combinations in a symbol matrix
The present invention teaches novel methods for simultaneous indication of winning combinations in the symbol matrix. More specifically, the present invention simultaneously indicates all winning combinations formed by symbols appearing in symbol positions common to multiple pay lines. In a preferred embodiment, symbol positions common to multiple pay lines that display winning symbol combinations are simultaneously indicated to the player in a first manner. In addition, the remaining symbol positions for each of said multiple pay lines are simultaneously indicated in a second manner. |
| US08851967B2 |
Skill calibrated hybrid game
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate a networked system for a skill calibrated hybrid game that includes: a gambling game; an entertainment game; a game world engine constructed to manage the entertainment game and communicate gameplay gambling event occurrences based upon a player's skillful execution of the entertainment game that trigger a wager in the gambling game; and a skill calibration module constructed to: receive player data for a player, where the player data is indicative of a player's gameplay performance at the entertainment game; analyze the player data to determine a player's skill level; determine whether the terms of a wager of a gambling game are calibrated in a manner appropriate to the player's skill level; and send a command during play of the skill calibrated hybrid game that causes the real world engine to calibrate the terms of a wager in the gambling game. |
| US08851966B2 |
Predictive analytics for targeted player engagement in a gaming system
A gaming system may include an event filter to identify players as targets for engagement. The player may be modeled to predict what they might do under a given situation. One or more engagement actions may be developed based at least on the player's predicted behaviour. The player is then engaged in accordance with the engagement actions. Results from engagements with many players may be assessed and the gaming system may be adjusted according to the assessment. |
| US08851961B2 |
Sharpener for a snow travel member such as a ski or a snowboard
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a sharpener for sharpening a corner edge of a snow travel member, which may be, for example, a ski or a snowboard. The corner edge is between a bottom face and a side face of the snow travel member. The sharpener includes an angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the angle between surfaces on the sharpener that support the bottom face and side face of the snow travel member, in order to accommodate different snow travel members, that may have different angles between their bottom face and their side face. For example, the angle adjustment member may be capable of adjusting the angle between a bottom face orienting surface on the sharpener and a side face orienting surface on the sharpener between a range of angles. The range of angles may be, for example, a range from 85 degrees and 90 degrees. |
| US08851958B2 |
Method for the simultaneous double-side material-removing processing of at least three workpieces
A method for simultaneous double-side material-removing processing of at least three workpieces includes disposing the workpieces in a working gap between rotating upper and lower working disks of a double-side processing apparatus. The workpieces lie in freely movable fashion in respective openings in a guide cage and are moved under pressure in the working gap using the guide cage. Upon attaining a preselected target thickness of the workpieces, a deceleration process is initiated that includes reducing an angular velocity ωi(t) of a respective drive i of each of the upper working disk, lower working disk and guide cage to a standstill. The reducing is carried out such that ratios of the angular velocities ωi(t) with respect to one another as a function of time t deviate by no more than 10% from initial ratios of the angular velocities ωi(t) corresponding to when the preselected target thickness was attained. |
| US08851954B2 |
Yo-yo with an accessory attachment system and a movable string bead
This invention is a yo-yo with a non-spinning and externally accessible, independently rotating axle that functions as an accessory attachment system to which stunt attachments can be attached. Also described are a variety of possible trick and stunt accessories. Further disclosed is a bead, which surrounds the yo-yo string, such that recoil of the yo-yo is controlled through engagement with the internal wall of the rotating disks. |
| US08851947B2 |
Inflatable watercraft with battery powered motorized cassette
An inflatable watercraft comprises a motorized cassette and at least one inflatable chamber. The at least one inflatable chamber is foldable relative to the motorized cassette at least when the inflatable watercraft is in a deflated configuration. The motorized cassette includes a motor, an impeller, at least one battery, and a pump configured to inflate the at least one inflatable chamber. The pump can include a reversible pump configured to deflate the at least one inflatable chamber. |
| US08851943B2 |
Motorized water vehicle adapted for supplying a pressurized fluid and associated delivery system
A Motorized Water Vehicle (MWV) adapted to operate as a fluid-compression station in addition to the primary transport function thereof. Such an MWV can supply compressed fluid to a third device. In a preferred and non-exhaustive manner, such an MWV can supply a passenger propulsion device allowing the propulsion device to move through the air or through a fluid. A propulsion system is thereby provided, in which a remote station is a motorized water vehicle adapted to engage with a propulsion device. |
| US08851942B2 |
Thrust generating apparatus
A thrust generating apparatus which is positioned under water and configured to generate a thrust by ejecting water includes a duct-shaped stator provided with a plurality of armature coils, and a plurality of ring-shaped rotors which are arranged radially inward of the stator and provided with permanent magnets respectively corresponding to the plurality of armature coils, wherein the plurality of rotors are arranged in series in a rotational axis direction thereof and each of the rotors has a propeller vane protruding radially inward. A thrust generating apparatus is capable of outputting a high driving power without increasing a propeller diameter. |
| US08851941B2 |
Crimping terminal and manufacturing of same
Disclosed is a crimping terminal that suppresses as far as possible an increase in contact resistance with an electrical wire even in a severe thermal impact environment. A crimping terminal is formed into a substantial U-shape section with a bowed bottom plate. Also, a bead is formed whose in inner surface is made convex by punching a concave shape from an outer surface of a wall plate, on the wall plate at any position in a range from at least a bottom plate to a conductor swage piece. A work hardening portion hardened by crushing at a center portion in a width direction of the bottom plate is also formed. |
| US08851936B2 |
Terminal block including a conductor routing system for an apparatus including an electrical component and method of routing a conductor across a terminal block
A terminal block for an apparatus includes at least one terminal conductor having a first end that extends to a second end. The first end includes a first connection portion and the second end includes a second connection portion. A non-electrically conductive member covers the at least one terminal conductor. The non-electrically conductive member includes a body having a first end section arranged at the first end extending through an intermediate section to a second end section arranged at the second end. The first end section includes a first opening exposing the first connection portion, and the second end portion includes a second opening exposing the second connection portion. The body further includes a conductor routing system having at least one conductor routing member configured and disposed to restrain and guide a conductor member across the at least one terminal conductor. |
| US08851934B2 |
Electrical module housing
An assembly is configured to retain a plurality of electrical modules and mate with a shroud having a plurality of connecting interfaces configured to mate with the plurality of electrical modules. The assembly includes a frame having at least one shroud-securing bracket and at least one bay configured to retain at least one of the plurality of electrical modules, and at least one keying insert retained within at least one insert passage of the at least one shroud-securing bracket. The at least one keying insert includes at least one adjustable keying feature that is configured to be adjusted to different positions in order to accommodate a reciprocal alignment post of the shroud. |
| US08851933B2 |
Releasable electrical connection
A releasable electrical connection and related methods use lateral compression of an electrically conductive spring to form a forced abutting solderless connection between the spring and a corresponding electrical lead, with the lead pressed between the spring and a support. The connection can be readily broken and remade for servicing related electrical equipment, such as an oxygen sensor assembly. |
| US08851931B2 |
Electrical connector with soldering sections of contacts exposed on a single side
A plug connector compatible to type-A USB 3.0 standard includes an insulative housing having a supporting portion, and a number of contacts divided into a first contact group and a second contact group on the insulative housing. The first contact group includes a number of first contacts compatible to USB 2.0 standard. The second contact group includes a number of second contacts compatible to USB 3.0 standard together with the first contacts. Each first contact and each second contact includes a flat first soldering section and a flat second soldering section, respectively. The flat first soldering sections and the flat second soldering sections are supported by and exposed on a single side of the supporting portion. As a result, cables can be easily and simultaneously soldered to the first and the second soldering sections for improving assembling efficiency. |
| US08851928B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector comprises an insulating seat, a plurality of conductive terminals inserted on the insulating seat, and a cage covering on the insulating seat. The insulating seat comprises a body, a tongue plate projecting forward from the body for the arrangement of the conductive terminals, and a bottom plate extending along from the body under the tongue plate. The cage includes a bottom wall located between the tongue plate and the bottom plate of the insulating seat. The electrical connector further comprises a securing part for securing the insulating seat. The securing part comprises a main body abutting above the bottom plate of the insulating seat and two soldering parts bend downwards and extending from two ends of the main body respectively. |
| US08851924B2 |
Electrical assembly connection of a motor vehicle
An electrical motor connection, in particular of an electrical cooling fan motor for a motor vehicle, has a connected cable harness whose cable ends are connected to a motor-end connecting terminal. A connecting housing has two housing parts, which are joined together in the assembled state to form a cavity, and which hold connection-end cable ends of the cable harness. One of the housing parts has at least one filling opening, which opens into the cavity, for filling with a curable encapsulation compound, and with the cured encapsulation compound surrounding the cable ends in the area of the connecting terminal, and being joined to the housing parts. |
| US08851923B2 |
Hermetically sealed terminal pins with holes for connecting to wires
A hermetic terminal assembly includes a terminal body and terminal pins extending through the terminal body. The terminal pins each have a first end configured for connection to a power source disposed outside of a hermetic compressor and a second end configured for direct connection to motor windings disposed within hermetic compressor. |
| US08851918B2 |
Electrical connector with automatic lock member
The operability and usage durability of a lock cancellation operating part (12e) can be improved with a simple configuration. A latch lock part (12a) and a lock cancellation operating part (12e) are integrally provided to an elastically-displaceable lock arm member (12g), which is integrally extending like a cantilever from a board connecting part (12c) solder-joined with a main wiring board. The board connecting part (12c), the latch lock part (12a), and the lock cancellation operating part (12e) are integrally provided with the lock arm member (12g) so that a retaining action and a cancelling action of the inserted signal transmission medium (F) is carried out by operation of a single member. |
| US08851916B2 |
Card edge connector with improved locking arm
A card edge connector includes an insulative housing, a number of contacts and a pair of locking arms for holding a card. Each locking arm includes a retaining portion fixed to the insulative housing and a resilient arm extending forwardly from the retaining portion. The resilient arm is deformable outwardly so as to lock or unlock with the card. The resilient arm includes an engaging portion extending inwardly and a hook at a front of the engaging portion. The engaging portion includes a downwardly inclined surface for guiding installation of the card. The hook protrudes upwardly beyond the engaging portion so that when the card is not so inserted along a card-insertion direction, even if the card is downwardly pressed, a top edge of the hook resists against the card so as to prevent the card from further downward movement. |
| US08851913B2 |
Electrical connector
A connector for a light source comprises a first cam having a contact surface that is mounted such that the contact surface is extended and retracted relative to the housing. An electrical contact is provided and positioned to contact an electrical terminal in the socket. A conductor is electrically coupled to the electrical contact where the conductor is connected to a light source. An actuator rotates the cam to the retracted position. The connector may be inserted linearly into the socket and the actuator released to mount the light source in the socket. |
| US08851910B2 |
Connector
A receiving housing is displaceable in the direction to be pushed out from the opening of a bottom panel by a connecting operation. One end of a lever can be engaged with a counterpart housing and the other end can be engaged with a rotating shaft protrusion of the bottom panel. The counterpart housing is pulled towards the receiving housing by means of the lever that pivots around a portion to be engaged with the rotating shaft protrusion of the bottom panel as a fulcrum by the displacement of the receiving housing in cooperation with the connecting operation. |
| US08851907B2 |
Contact node of portable terminal
A contact node of a portable terminal includes: a body fixed on a main board of the portable terminal; at least one first contact piece protruding through one side surface of the body; and at least one second contact piece protruding through another side surface of the body, wherein one of the first contact piece and second contact piece is disposed toward an outer side surface of the portable terminal. |
| US08851905B2 |
Field-replaceable printed circuit board cable assembly and method of use
A field-replaceable printed circuit board (“PCB”) cable assembly comprises at least one field-replaceable PCB, at least one cable, a connector with a plurality of beams, and top and bottom hood portions. A first end of the at least one field-replaceable PCB is attached to the at least one cable, and a second end of the at least one field-replaceable PCB is attached to the plurality of beams. The at least one field-replaceable PCB can be replaced by disassembling the hood portions, detaching the at least one field-replaceable PCB from the plurality of beams, and attaching at least one new field-replaceable PCB. |
| US08851904B2 |
Shielding socket with two pieces housing components
An electrical connector for electrically connecting a chip module with a printed circuit board includes an insulative housing and a number of contacts fixed in the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes an upper component and a lower component cooperated with the upper component. The upper component has a protruding portion and the lower component has a hole cooperated with the protruding portion. The protruding portion is in touch with the hole and the contacting area is plated with a metal fillings. It is easy to assemble and it has better shielding effects. |
| US08851903B2 |
Connector assemblies for connector systems
A connector assembly includes a housing having a body and a head extending outward from the body. The housing is coupled to an LED circuit board with the head mounted to a front side of the LED circuit board and with the body extending through an opening of the LED circuit board to a rear side of the LED circuit board. The housing has driver card slot in the body configured to receive a driver card from the rear side of the LED circuit board. The housing has a contact channel open to the driver card slot with a contact therein. The contact has a mating interface configured to engage and be electrically connected to the driver card. The contact has a mounting leg extending from the head that is configured to be mounted to the front side of the LED circuit board. |
| US08851895B1 |
Method and system for teaching and practicing articulation of targeted phonemes
A method and system for teaching and practicing articulation of targeted phonemes for use in the treatment of various speech sound disorders including problems with articulation, phonological processes, voice and resonance. A student chooses cards intentionally or randomly from a deck and places them on spaces provided in a story template. The cards include words or images that contain the phoneme to be practiced and which are appropriate for completing the story. The student then reads the story orally or just the words on the cards inserted into the spaces thereby drilling on the phoneme to be practiced. The student also has an opportunity to use learned phonemes in conversational speech in response to questions. |
| US08851886B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
Provided is a substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus includes a reaction tube; a heating device configured to heat the reaction tube; and a manifold installed outward as compared with the heating device and made of a non-metallic material. A first thickness of the manifold defined in a direction perpendicular to a center axis of the reaction tube is greater than a second thickness of the manifold defined at a position adjacent to the reaction tube in a direction parallel to the center axis of the reaction tube. The manifold includes a protrusion part of which at least a portion protrudes inward more than an inner wall of the reaction tube, and a gas supply unit disposed at at least the protrusion part for supplying gas to an inside of the reaction tube. |
| US08851885B2 |
Air fire lighter
An air fire lighter having fuel, an igniter and a ducted fan for igniting a solid fuel fire. The fuel travels through the fire lighter to a collar at a distal end of the fire lighter, transforming into a vapor that is ignited by an igniter. As the solid fuel begins to glow at the initiation of the fire, the fan is activated, shutting off the vapors from the fuel. The fan blows air through a chamber onto the fire, causing the fire to spread throughout the solid fuel, establishing and spreading the fire through an ignition period. The chamber has a volume and ducting for providing optimal airflow to the fire. The fan is battery-operated. The lighter is lightweight and compact with a swiveling handle that adjusts for optimal placement of the lighter for addressing the solid fuel, folding for portability and storage. |
| US08851882B2 |
System and apparatus for applying an electric field to a combustion volume
According to an embodiment, combustion in a combustion volume is affected by at least two sequentially applied non-parallel electric fields. According to an embodiment, a combustion volume is equipped with at least three individually modulatable electrodes. According to an embodiment, an electric field application apparatus for a combustion volume includes a safety apparatus to reduce or eliminate danger. |
| US08851877B2 |
Die for extrusion forming of honeycomb formed body, and method of forming honeycomb formed body
Provided is a die for extrusion forming for extrusion forming of a honeycomb formed body comprising a honeycomb forming die having a structure that there is provided at a surface a groove-like slit in a form of a cell block as well as there is provided at a backside a clay introduction hole in communication with the slit, and a frame-shaped presser plate that is disposed at an outer peripheral portion of the honeycomb forming die and that regulates a shape and dimension of a honeycomb formed body. Among the cell blocks, in an extrusion direction of forming clay, a cell block which end face is positioned to be overlapped with an inner circumferential surface of the presser plate is formed to be shorter than the other cell blocks resided inside the inner circumferential surface of the presser plate. |
| US08851874B2 |
Mold and method for manufacture thereof
There is disclosed a mold comprising a first mold portion and a second mold portion engageable to define a mold cavity in a closed position of the mold. The first mold portion comprises a first part-line surface and the second mold portion comprises a second part-line surface. The first part-line surface comprises a projection portion and the second part-line surface comprising a resilient portion for substantially sealing engagement with the projection portion in the closed position of the mold. The present mold allows for the production of a so-called “positive seal” between the two mold halves at the part-line of the mold, particularly in the areas of the part-line where there is no vent. This allows for production of a molded part having minimal or no flash produced at the part-line of the mold. |
| US08851866B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for joining a pumping cartridge to a pump drive
Embodiments are described for engaging a pumping cartridge with a pump drive. In certain embodiments, the cartridge, including a cylinder and a movable piston assembly, is initially assembled or subsequently positioned so that the distance between the attachment point on the piston assembly for coupling to a drive assembly, and a reference point on the cylinder, is greater than the maximal distance that will be encountered during normal oscillation of the piston during use. The cartridge, in certain embodiments, may be pressed into a drive assembly that immobilizes the cartridge and couples the piston assembly to the driveshaft. In certain embodiments, when the cartridge is fully inserted into the drive assembly, the piston is pressed into the cylinder sufficiently to establish a selected distance so that the piston shaft is in the proper position to engage with a coupling mechanism carried on the driveshaft. |
| US08851863B2 |
Gas booster system and related method
An improved booster for use in piped fluid systems includes a motor, a fan wheel and a hermetically sealed tank assembly. Fluids enter the tank assembly through an inlet and are compressed within the tank assembly by a rotating fan wheel, before leaving the tank assembly through an outlet, which may be aligned in a plurality of angular configurations. The motor is powered by a versatile electrical connection which enters the tank assembly through a connector that maintains the hermetically sealed condition in the tank assembly, and can accommodate power of any voltage or frequency. The incremental pressure gain provided by the booster may be controlled by modifying the speed of the rotating fan wheel, and a sled assembly provides structural support and positional alignment for portions of the tank assembly when the booster system is opened for access. |
| US08851862B2 |
Oil sand slurry transportation system and method for variable slurry flow rates
Provided is a system for transporting an oil sand slurry, comprising a pump, upstream and downstream lines, a shaft connectable to the pump, a driving mechanism driving the pump and a regulator for regulating the torque applied to the shaft between positive and negative torque modes, to pump the slurry at higher or lower flow rates. Also provided is a method comprising pumping the slurry through a pipeline using a pump driven by a motorised shaft and adjusting the flow rate of the slurry by varying the torque applied to the motorised shaft between positive and negative torque modes. The oil sand slurry transportation system and method enable positive head (regular pump action) for normal and high flow rates and negative head (pump brake action) for low flow rates, which reduces system energy loss, pipeline wear, vapor breakout and sanding off. |
| US08851851B2 |
Super low noise fan blades, axial flow fans incorporating the same, and commercial air cooled apparatuses incorporating such axial flow fans
Large diameter axial Super Low Noise flow fans and commercial air cooled apparatuses incorporating such fans are provided. The large diameter axial flow fan is mounted on the air cooled apparatus for generating an axial air flow in the air cooled apparatus for accomplishing the cooling. The fan has a diameter of at least four feet. The fan has plurality of blades. Each blade includes a leading edge opposite a trailing edge. The entire of the leading edge of each of the blades is linear and forward swept, and each blade includes a metallic outer surface. |
| US08851850B2 |
Annulus filler assembly for a rotor of a turbomachine
An annulus filler assembly for a rotor of a turbomachine, the assembly comprising: an annulus lid (56) having a radially outwardly facing surface (58) for forming an inner wall of a flow annulus of the rotor and a radially inwardly facing surface; and a frame for supporting the annulus lid (40), the frame being mountable to a disc of the rotor such that the annulus lid (56) is spaced away from the disc, wherein the frame (40) comprises a connection portion (46) which, in use, passes through an aperture (60) in the annulus lid (56) from the radially inwardly facing surface towards the radially outwardly facing surface (58) such that at least a portion of the connection portion (46) is visible from the radially outwardly facing surface (58); the assembly further comprising a locking element (68) which locks the connection portion (46) to the annulus lid (56) via the visible portion of the connection portion (46). |
| US08851843B2 |
Rotating blade and air foil with structure for increasing flow rate
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a rotating blade, having a collision face that collides with fluid and is rotated by the flow of said fluid, has at least one flow path that has been caved in from said colliding face; said flow path is located forward with respect to said rotation direction so that it is located in the rear with respect to the inlet wherein said flow is introduced and said rotation direction, and it has an outlet from which said fluid exits. Here, the cross-sectional area of said inlet may be greater than the cross-sectional area of said outlet. In addition, the cross-sectional area of said inlet may gradually decrease toward said outlet. |
| US08851838B2 |
Displayable wind turbine
The present invention relates to a displayable wind turbine. The displayable wind turbine includes a central shaft arranged vertically to a flow direction of fluid. Radially extending upper spokes are coupled to an upper hub. Radially extending lower spokes are coupled to a lower hub. Blades have first ends connected to an end of the upper hub and second ends connected to an end of the lower hub. A pitch control unit adjusts a blade pitch angle. A detection unit includes a fluid direction detection unit, a fluid velocity detection unit, a central shaft speed detection unit, and a central shaft position detection unit. A light emitting unit includes a printed circuit board and light emitting devices. A control unit controls operations of the pitch control unit and the light emitting unit. |
| US08851836B2 |
High efficiency wind turbine including photovoltaic cells
A wind turbine is provided with turbine blades mounted for axial rotation about an axis. The blades are surrounded by a shroud to define an axial air passage. A conical ring is attached to the shroud and includes vanes for directing the airflow. Plates are attached to the shroud at a position radially outward from the shroud forming an air passage between the shroud and the plates. The plates have gaps between the adjacent plates so that air exiting the downstream opening of the shroud and air moving through the axial air passage between the shroud and the plates are mixed and a portion of the mixed air exits through the gaps. The wind turbine includes photovoltaic cells to increase the electricity generated by the wind turbine. |
| US08851835B2 |
Air cycle machine compressor diffuser
A diffuser for an air cycle machine defines airflow both to a compressor rotor from the inlet and from the compressor rotor through a plurality of vanes that define radially extending airflow passages. The size and shape of both the inlet and the vanes of the diffuser define and tailor the character of airflow presented to and leaving the compressor rotor to provide a desired change in air flow. |
| US08851830B2 |
Harmonization of multiple gear train configurations
A gear arrangement is disclosed herein. The gear arrangement includes a housing. The gear arrangement also includes a plurality of gears at least partially disposed in the housing and engaged with respect to one another. The gear arrangement also includes a support post mounted to the housing. The support post supports at least one of the gears. The support post has a first portion extending away from the housing and encircled by one of the gears. The support post also has a pin projecting away from the first portion. The first portion and the pin are eccentric to one another such that the first portion is centered on a first axis and the pin is centered on a second axis. The first and second axes are parallel to and spaced from one another. The gear arrangement also includes a plurality of pin apertures defined by the housing. The plurality of pin apertures are positioned about a circle and each is operable to receive the pin for adjustably positioning the first portion in one of a plurality of different positions. |
| US08851829B2 |
Vacuum pump
A pump insert (50) for supporting a rotor (14) of a pump comprises an annular resilient support (52) for engaging the body (26) of the pump, the support (52) extending about a rolling bearing (10) having an inner race (12) for engaging the rotor (14), an axially preloaded outer race (16) fixed to the support (52), and a plurality of rolling elements (18) located between the races. During assembly, the rolling bearing (10) can be accurately positioned within the support (52) so that there is a very low tolerance stack-up when the insert (50) is fitted to the rotor (14). Consequently, the position of the rotor (14) will hardly change, if at all, when the rolling bearing (10) is replaced during servicing of the pump. |
| US08851827B2 |
Automated system and method of automatically order-picking or consolidating articles
The invention relates to a method for automatically order-picking or consolidating articles of a wide variety of different formats and varieties, using the following steps: separating the stored articles, storing the articles in a rack bay, retrieving the articles and palletizing them. The method is predominantly characterized in that the articles which are to be order-picked for an order are put together in a rack bay already in the sequence which is necessary for palletizing. The invention also relates to an installation for implementing the method. |
| US08851822B2 |
Seed cart
A vehicle for transporting bulk seed containers and for transferring seed from the bulk seed containers to a seed planting machine includes a frame; a number of bulk seed container supports attached to the frame, each bulk seed container support supporting a bulk seed container; a feed tube connected to each of the bulk seed container supports, each feed tube engaging a bulk seed container; a delivery tube connected to each feed tube; a funnel commonly connected to the delivery tubes; an auger tube connected to the funnel, and an auger to transfer seed to a seed planting machine. |
| US08851820B2 |
Substrate container storage system
A storage system and methods for operating a storage system are disclosed. The storage system includes a storage system assembly positioned at a height that is greater than a height of a tool used for loading and unloading substrates to be processed. The storage system locally stores one or more containers of substrates. The storage system assembly includes a plurality of storage shelves, and each of the plurality of storage shelves have shelf plates with shelf features for supporting a container. Each of the plurality of storage shelves are coupled to a chain to enable horizontal movement and each is further coupled to a rail to enable guiding to one or more positions. A motor is coupled to a drive sprocket for moving the chain, such that each of the plurality of storage shelves move together along the rail to the one or more positions. The rail has at least some sections that are linear and some sections that are nonlinear and the sections are arranged in a loop. |
| US08851818B2 |
Automatic warehouse and control method thereof
An automatic warehouse includes a rack including vertically arranged shelves and traveling vehicles each of which is provided to a corresponding one of the shelves. The automatic warehouse includes stations receiving an article to be stored on and an article unloaded from the rack, elevators each mediating traffic of articles between the corresponding station and at least one of the traveling vehicles, and a shelf assigning unit assigning, to each of the stations, one or more of the shelves to which the station has priority of use over the rest of the stations. |
| US08851812B1 |
Quick change power tool chuck
A chuck device for holding an unmodified, circumferentially round tool shaft or collet includes an annular head portion having a distal end surface, a laterally spaced coupling end section, an outer circumferential surface, and a central longitudinally extending bore with an inner circumferential bore surface to slidingly receive the tool shaft or collet with the tool axis aligned collinearly with the bore axis. The head portion includes a first slot extending inwardly on one side of the annular head and normal to the distal end surface, and a second slot extending from the outer circumferential surface normal to and intersecting the first slot to form stationary and pivotable segments having a bore-facing, tool grasping surface that radially directs a compressive grasping force in an amount sufficient to hold the tool with a slip-torque of up to about 430 inch-lbs. at a rotational speed of up to at least about 20,000 rpm. |
| US08851808B2 |
Drill having multiple flanks
A drill capable of suppressing inter-layer peeling (delamination) while keeping hole diameter accuracy even if the number of holed to be worked increases is provided. The drill includes a first flank which has a ridge line forming a cutting edge, a second flank which is adjacent to the first flank and has a ridge line forming a land portion, and a third flank which is adjacent to the first flank and has a ridge line forming a chisel edge. The drill further includes a fourth flank which is surrounded by a ridge line forming the first flank, a ridge line forming the third flank, and a trough line forming the second flank. |
| US08851805B2 |
Telescopic mine roof support
A longitudinally yieldable support for underground roof support includes a first support section with a first elongate outer shell filled with a solid compressible filler material and a second support section filled with a second solid compressible filler material with a second elongate outer shell extending above the first elongate outer shell. The second support section has density that is greater than a density of the first solid compressible filler material. A pair of attachment members are coupled to the second elongate outer shell and are configured for lifting the second elongate outer shell relative to the first elongate outer shell and for securing the second elongate outer shell relative to the first elongate outer shell once lifted. |
| US08851797B1 |
Three rail multi-directional direct cantilever skidding system
The present subject matter provides a three-rail multi-direction direct cantilever skidding system suitable for an offshore drilling system, where the three-rail multi-direction direct cantilever skidding system comprises movable guides accommodating the cantilever of a Jackup drilling unit and enabling transverse skidding rails to provide direct support for the cantilever so the cantilever may be moved in both longitudinal and transverse directions. |
| US08851794B2 |
Methods and systems for sulfur disposal
Methods and systems are provided for sulfur disposal through preparation of a micro-sized sulfur slurries. Micro-sized sulfur slurries are created for downhole disposal by forming sulfur particulates, which are then combined with a carrier fluid. The micro-sized sulfur slurries may be introduced to a subterranean formation, in some cases, to an unconsolidated sand formation by way of a dilation mechanism. Some embodiments comprise forming micro-sized sulfur slurries through a conversion process that converts molten sulfur to powder sulfur by gas cooling of atomized sprays of molten sulfur. Advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein as compared to many conventional methods include higher efficiencies, lower cost, and enhanced disposal of sulfur material. Furthermore, forming a micro-sized sulfur slurry allows for a more convenient form of transport. Additionally, high sulfur loading rates may be achieved, ultimately allowing for more economical sulfur transport. |
| US08851793B2 |
Water wave breaker assembly
A water wave breaker assembly comprising a buoyant wave breaker element including a plurality of longitudinally extending members spaced-apart from one another and defining an open cage structure; and an anchor assembly connectable to the buoyant wave breaker element and which can allow rotation of the buoyant wave breaker element when floating on a body of water. The buoyant wave breaker element can include a plurality of transversal arms extending through the open cage structure and outwardly past the longitudinally extending members. The water wave breaker assembly can be provided as a kit. |
| US08851792B1 |
Rotary mixer and method for controlling material gradation thereof
A rotary mixer herein includes: a rotor chamber configured to receive a first surface and produce a reclaimed surface, the rotor chamber including: a front door, a rear door, and a rotor; a particle size detector configured to detect a particle size of the reclaimed surface; and an electronic control module (ECM) electronically coupled to the rotor chamber and the particle sensor, the ECM configured to: receive a particle size from the particle sensor, compare the detected particle size to a desired particle size, adjust the degree of pulverization of the reclaimed surface according to the difference between the detected particle size and the desired particle size. |
| US08851791B1 |
Manhole cover venting and precipitation guarding devices
A manhole cover venting and rain guarding device for a manhole cover having an exterior manhole cover surface and an interior manhole cover surface includes a device housing adapted for attachment to the manhole cover. The device housing includes manhole cover venting and precipitation guarding device includes a device housing adapted for attachment to the manhole cover, the device housing including a head portion having a head portion surface adapted to protrude beyond an entire plane of the exterior manhole cover surface and a device bore extending through the head portion and adapted to communicate with the interior manhole cover surface of the manhole cover. |
| US08851787B2 |
Corner joint and method of manufacturing
Corner joints and methods of forming corner joints. The corner joints may provide the appearance of a mortise and tenon joint on both the exterior and interior surfaces of the corner joint, but include a mitered connection within the joint. Structures including at least one of the corner joints are also described. |
| US08851782B2 |
Brush having storage bag
A brush includes a substrate, a number of brush bristles, a storage bag, and a pushing element. The substrate includes a main body and a handle extending from the main body. The main body has a first loading surface supporting the brush bristles. The first loading surface defines a through hole. The main body defines a first receiving groove communicating with the though hole. The handle has a second loading surface, and defines a second receiving groove communicating with the first receiving groove. The second receiving groove passes through a portion of the second loading surface adjacent to the first receiving groove. The storage bag receives paste, and is received in the second receiving groove and partially extends into the first receiving groove to communicate with the through hole. The pushing element squeezes the storage bag to make the paste flow into gaps between the brush bristles. |
| US08851778B2 |
Content-reservoir/product-applicator assemblies, and packages
The present invention relates to a content-reservoir/product applicator assembly that comprises a refill associated to a housing that supports an applicator for applying a product, the assembly being associable, in a detachable and interchangeable manner to a storage package, the storage package storing the assembly. The refill contains cosmetic products and comprises a case; a neck; a housing; and an applicator. The applicator is a substantially spherical, continuous rotary surface and is associated to the housing. The housing is associable to the housing by thermal welding. The refill is made from a squeezable flexible material. |
| US08851767B2 |
Magnetic driver, method of manufacturing the same, light amount controller, and optical apparatus
A magnetic driver includes a rotor magnet, a coil bobbin around which a coil is wound, and which has a through hole in a central portion, a yoke including a straight portion to be inserted into the through hole, and an arcuate portion connected to a distal end of the straight portion, a support member which rotatably supports the rotor magnet, and a thrust receiving member which includes an engaging portion to be engaged with the support member, has one surface which regulates one end of the rotor magnet in a thrust direction, and the other surface on which the coil bobbin is placed, and is held between the coil bobbin and the arcuate portion of the yoke. The yoke is assembled as an integrated yoke by inserting the straight portion into the through hole, and fixing the straight portion to the arcuate portion as another member. |
| US08851761B2 |
Split cage for rolling bearing and rolling bearing using the split cage
In a split cage for a rolling bearing, cage segments each having a plurality of pockets that accommodate rolling elements are arranged in a circular manner along the circumferential direction. Protrusions are formed on end faces of rims of one of the adjacent cage segments, and grooves are formed in end faces of rims of the other one of the adjacent cage segments. By fitting the protrusions into the grooves, the adjacent cage segments are prevented from moving relative to each other in the radial direction. |
| US08851759B2 |
Rolling bearing for power steering mechanism
The rolling bearing, in particular for a power steering mechanism, comprises an inner ring, an outer ring, an elastic sleeve in contact axially and radially with one of said rings, and a housing holding the sleeve. The housing provides an axial portion and two lateral flanges extending the axial portion and mounted in contact against the sleeve to exert an axial pre-stress on said sleeve. |
| US08851757B2 |
Bearing unit for a vehicle wheel
A bearing unit has an axis of rotation and a stationary ring and a rotatable ring, these rings being coaxial with each other and axially delimited on one side by respective axial surfaces which are transverse to the axis. An encoder is fixed to an outer cylindrical surface of the inner ring, and a protective cover is mounted on the outer ring to protect the encoder and to close off a space formed between the two rings. The axial surface of the outer ring and the protective cover jointly delimit a compartment for housing the encoder that is positioned substantially outside the space and that extends radially from the outer cylindrical surface to a boundary in the proximity of an outer cylindrical surface of the outer ring. |
| US08851752B2 |
Bag with a bag wall designed to dissolve in a moist environment and use of the bag as a cement bag
A bag, consisting of a single-layer or multi-layer bag wall, which is bonded to form a tube (1) and, at least at one end, has a bottom (4) which is suitable for filling with charge through a filler of a bag-filling machine, is folded and bonded and is realized with a valve opening (13), and said bag wall being designed to dissolve in a moist environment thereby releasing the charge, makes complete dissolving of the bag wall (2) possible even in the region of the bottom (4) which is provided with the valve opening (13), characterized in that the bonding of the bottom (4) is effected using a dextrin adhesive. |
| US08851748B2 |
Thermal detector, thermal detector device, electronic instrument, and method of manufacturing thermal detector
The thermal detector includes a substrate, a thermal detector element including a light absorbing film, a support member supporting the thermal detector element and supported on the substrate so that a cavity is present between the member and the substrate, and at least one auxiliary support post of convex shape protruding from either the substrate or the support member towards the other. The height of the at least one auxiliary support post is shorter than the maximum height from the substrate to the support member. |
| US08851744B1 |
Calibration apparatus and method for heat transfer measurement
A calibrator for calibrating a compatible heat transfer meter comprises a temperature controlled reference thermowell and a reference temperature sensor. The reference thermowell is similar in dimensions to thermowells usable for measuring inlet and outlet temperatures of a heat exchanger so that the reference temperature sensor is selectively insertable into any of the thermowells. The calibrator also comprises temperature measurement circuitry operable to generate a temperature reading from an output of the reference temperature sensor; and control circuitry operable to control the temperature of the reference thermowell. |
| US08851743B1 |
Trigger mechanism for a chronograph watch
A trigger mechanism for remotely operating the chronograph functions of a watch. A lever mounted to the watchcase is swingable about a pivotal connection for rotating a cylindrical cam. A rotary cam follower is displaced by the cam. A striker member extending from the cam follower actuates a pushbutton for controlling the chronograph functions. |
| US08851741B2 |
Emulsifier with two shear stages
An agricultural system including an emulsifier, an oils and additives tank, an oils and additives feed pump, a water tank, a water feed pump, a spray pump, and at least one spay nozzle, wherein the agricultural system is configured for shearing oil drops into oil droplets at a first mechanical shear stage of the emulsifier and forcing the oil, the additive, and the water by centrifugal force for shearing the oil droplets at a second mechanical shear stage of the emulsifier into oil emulsion droplets against a centrifugal force. |
| US08851740B1 |
Liquid level detection and autonomous calibration for self-serve blending apparatus and methods
A self-serve drink blending device includes a blend chamber, at least one product source, a water source, an ice source, a liquid level sensor, a controller and a dispenser. The blend chamber includes a blending blade. The at least one product source is configured to deliver a volume of product to the blend chamber. The water source is configured to deliver a volume of water to the blend chamber. The ice source is configured to deliver a volume of ice to the blend chamber. The liquid level sensor is mounted to the blend chamber and configured to create a liquid level signal when contents in the blend chamber reach a predetermined level. The controller is configured to automatically calibrate the at least one product source, the water source, and the ice source based on the liquid level signal. The dispenser is arranged to dispense contents from the blend chamber. |
| US08851738B2 |
Dough blender with scraper
A dough blender includes a handle and a plurality of tines. The tines may be in the form of thin plates having channels between them. A scraper is provided on the tines, attached to the blender to be moved across the tines to scrape food particles from the channels between the tines. |
| US08851736B2 |
Light emitting module with heatsink plate having coupling protrusions
Provided are a light emitting module and a backlight unit. The light emitting module comprises a module board comprising a plurality of first and second pads and a plurality of protrusion holes, a heatsink plate corresponding to a second surface opposite to a first surface of the module board, the heatsink plate comprising a plurality of protrusions respectively inserted into the protrusion holes of the module board, and a plurality of light emitting devices, each comprising a heatsink frame connected to the protrusions of the heatsink plate which comprises a first frame part on which the plurality of protrusions are disposed and a second frame part folded from the first frame part and disposed under the module board. |
| US08851732B2 |
Light-guide module, method of manufacturing the same and backlight assembly having the same
In a light-guide module, a method of manufacturing the light-guide module and a backlight assembly having the light-guide module, the light-guide module includes a light-guide plate (“LGP”) and a thin-film layer. The LGP has a light-incident surface into which lights are incident and a light-exiting surface through which lights exit. The thin-film layer is formed on the LGP. The thin-film layer has a concavo-convex pattern formed on an opposite surface of a surface contacting the LGP. Accordingly, a thin-film layer having a concavo-convex pattern is formed on a light-incident surface of an LGP, so that a reflectance of light incident into the LGP may be decreased. Moreover, a light amount transmitted through the LGP is increased in accordance with a decreasing of reflectance, so that a light transmittance may be increased in total. |
| US08851731B2 |
Light-diffusion LED lamp
The light-diffusion LED lamp according to the present patent application includes LED blue light chips and light-guiding column, wherein a substrate of the LED blue light chips is provided with a blocking wall made of reflective heat-conducting materials, chips thereof are provided within the blocking wall, and the upper surface of the substrate within the blocking wall is covered with a transparent heat-conducting layer. The lower portion of the transparent light-guiding column is attached with a cover plate, the bottom surface of which is provided with stepped grooves that match with the LED blue light chips, the side wall of the second stepped groove thereof and the upper surface of the cover plate are provided with a light reflective layer, the top surface of which is covered with a fluorescent layer, and the top portion of the transparent light-guiding column has a reflective structure mounted thereon. |
| US08851729B2 |
Vehicular lamp
A vehicular lamp includes: a light source that emits light; a lamp body, inside of which the light source is arranged; a circuit board that has a conductive pattern that functions as an electrically-conducting path of drive current to be supplied to the light source, and on one end portion of which an electrode portion connected to the conductive pattern is formed; a socket connected to the lamp body; and a contact member that is arranged in the socket and has an elastically deformable connecting terminal portion connected to the electrode portion of the circuit board, and a plug connecting portion, to which a power supply plug is connected, wherein the circuit board is pressed by restoring force of the connecting terminal portion, elastically deformed, so as to be held by the contact member. |
| US08851727B1 |
Vehicle tail light operational indicator
A vehicle tail light operational indicator is mounted to a vehicle tail light to visually communicate the proper operation of turn signals, tail lights, and brake lights to an operator seated in the driver's seat of a motor vehicle. The vehicle tail light operational indicator comprises a reflecting light bar positioned to be viewable in a side view mirror of the vehicle. The vehicle tail light operational indicator further comprises a pair of base anchors that are adhesively attached to a vehicle tail light and which support the light bar. Each base anchor further includes a hinge and threaded adjuster which allows adjustment of the vehicle tail light operational indicator on various tail light designs as well as allowing the vehicle tail light operational indicator to pivot without damage if accidentally struck by an object while driving. |
| US08851719B2 |
Bicycle lighting systems and methods
Systems and methods for providing adequate lighting and sighting for a bicycle are disclosed. A lighting system that includes an illumination ring configured to be coupled to a wheel is also disclosed. The illumination ring is configured to simultaneously project light forward and to the side of a front wheel and to project light rearward of and to the side of a rear wheel. The illumination ring may be mounted to or integrated with the bicycle wheel. Methods of controlling light sources on the illumination ring are also disclosed. |
| US08851717B2 |
Directable magnetic mount for light emitter, a light source, a base and an illumination system
The invention relates to a directable magnetic mount (10) for a light emitter (20). The invention also relates to a light source (200), to a base (40) and to an illumination system (100). The directable magnetic mount comprises interface means (30) configured for conducting thermal energy away from the light emitter to a heat sink (40), and comprises a magnetic connector (50) configured for magnetically connecting the directable magnetic mount to the base. The magnetic connector is configured for thermally interconnecting the interface means and the heat sink. The interface means is configured for being thermally connected to the heat sink at a plurality of orientations of the interface means with respect to the heat sink. Each of the plurality of orientations of the interface means comprises a different emission direction of the light emitter.The effect of the measures according to the invention is that it enables to omit the need for a heat sink in the light source which enables to reduce the size of the light source while also allowing to reposition and redirect the light emitted from the illumination system. |
| US08851713B2 |
Lens member and optical unit using said lens member
A lens member includes a central axis, a light-incident side including a Fresnel-lens surface provided with a plurality of annular prisms concentrically arranged with respect to the central axis, and a light-exit surface opposite to the light-incident side. The Fresnel-lens surface further includes an annular lens portion that is concentrically arranged with respect to the central axis and that is extended to be longer and wider than the plurality of annular prisms. Provided is an optical unit in which a light source and a lens member are combined, and parts are disposed in a space provided in an outer periphery of the annular lens portion. |
| US08851712B2 |
Slim waveguide coupling apparatus and method
In various embodiments, an illumination structure includes a discrete light source disposed proximate a bottom surface of a waveguide and below a depression in a top surface thereof. A top mirror may be disposed above the discrete light source to convert modes of light emitted from the discrete light source into trapped modes, thereby increasing the coupling efficiency of the illumination structure. |
| US08851711B2 |
Heat sink for a lighting system
A heat sink module is provided for transferring heat from at least one light source in a modular lighting system. The heat sink module may include an integral molded body defining: at least one heat transfer element extending generally in a first direction; at least one molded wiring channel configured for routing wiring to the at least one light source; and at least one air flow opening configured to allow ambient air flow through the heat sink body. |
| US08851709B2 |
Remote control of illuminating headlamp
A remote control operation of an illuminated unit attached to a headset consisting of a headband and at least one optical device providing illumination at a known distance from the optical device attached to the headband is disclosed. The remote control unit incorporates a sensing unit that causes power to be switched on and off by the detection of motion in front of the sensing unit. In addition, the illumination may be increased or decreased based on a signal strength of a detected remote sensing signal. |
| US08851707B2 |
Highly collimating reflector lens optic and light emitting diodes
The present invention is directed to a beacon light with a light emitting diode (LED) optic. In one embodiment, the LED optic includes at least one LED comprising an LED plane, a first reflector positioned above the LED plane and comprising a curved cross-section, wherein the at least one LED is positioned approximately 90 degrees with respect to an optical axis of the first reflector and at least one second reflector positioned above the LED plane. |
| US08851705B2 |
Laser light source apparatus
A laser light source apparatus comprises a laser light source that emits laser light; a prism with one optical flat face, through which the laser light from the laser light source passes, that is perpendicular to an optical path of the laser light; and a vibration driving device that vibrates the prism to move the prism parallel to a direction in which an optical path length of the laser light in the prism changes, along a flat face located in the other optical flat face that does not intersect perpendicularly with the optical path of the laser light in the prism. |
| US08851704B2 |
Seamless connecting shell and lighting device using the same
The present invention provides a shell for a lighting device. The shell comprises a first lamp body, a second lamp body, a first connecting part, and a second connecting part. The ends of the second lamp body have a first end surface and a second end surface. The first connecting part lying along a first direction is set in the first end surface and threads through the first bottom surface. The second connecting part lying along a direction opposite to the first direction is set in the second end surface and threads through the second bottom surface. When the first lamp body is connected with the second lamp body, the two ends of the first lamp body are disposed extending over edges of the first end surface and the second end surface separately. |
| US08851699B2 |
Multi-level thermal air cooled LED light fixture
There is provided a lighting fixture adapted to be installed on a ceiling having a predetermined plane. A light emitting diode light source is supported by the lighting fixture. At least a portion of the lighting fixture protrudes below the plane of the ceiling supported by the lighting fixture. A heat sink is attached to the back side of the LED light source. The heat sink includes a thermal chimney directing heat away from the LED light source. |
| US08851697B2 |
Compact flashlight
A compact flashlight that allows a user to view documents in a dark situation without having to hold a flashlight. The pocket light fits easily over the top of the pocket and can be covered by a conventional pocket flap. The light is an LED display device that produces a significant amount of light so a user can check identification or documentation, as in a license check, or registration verification for police. The pocket light has a push button power switch that can be activated by the user through the fabric of their shirt. |
| US08851692B2 |
Holding device for an operating device
A holding device for an operator control on a front cover of an electrical appliance is designed for attachment to the front cover and has a feedthrough for a rotating shaft of a rotary encoder of the operator control. The holding device is embodied in an annular fashion around the feedthrough and has a front cover attachment part as well as a lighting ring part which is fitted onto the front of the front cover attachment part. The lighting ring part essentially covers the front cover attachment part toward the front, wherein the two parts have a circular-ring-like intermediate space between them, in which intermediate space at least one component carrier, which has a plurality of LEDs on the side toward the front cover attachment part, is arranged. |
| US08851689B2 |
Interferometer, and optical assembly each having a three-pin mount for mounting an optical element at at least three points or areas and method of mounting same
A frame for optics used in interferometers that may include different materials having substantially similar, identical, or as close as practicable coefficients of thermal expansion from the material(s) used to make the beamsplitter and/or compensator without warping, bending, tilting or distorting the optics. The beamsplitter and/or compensator are mounted onto the frame of the interferometer using a three-point method of mounting, preferably using three pins for each component. Preferably, the pins are made of the same material as the beamsplitter and compensator, and all three components are made of Potassium Bromide (“KBr”) or Calcium Fluoride (“CaF2”) such that the optic instrument can operate to scan into the mid or far infrared. Stability in optical alignment is therefore achieved without requiring the optic instrument include only one material. The invention provides stability in situations where it is not possible to utilize a single material for every component of the interferometer. |
| US08851683B2 |
Light source device and projection-type display device
Provided is a light source device capable of effectively cooling a bulb included therein. The light source device includes: a luminous tube having a bulb to seal a pair of electrodes that generates light by electric discharging; a reflector formed into a concave surface shape and configured to emit light from the bulb; and an air blowing device that generates a flow of gas to cool the luminous tube. The light source device includes: a first flow path for jetting out gas along the inner surface of the reflector to a first hemispherical part located far from the installation surface of the bulb; a second flow path for jetting out gas along the inner surface of the reflector to a second hemispherical part located near the installation surface of the bulb; and a movable plate for separating the first flow path and the second flow path from each other to form a part of each flow path, adjusts the amount of gas flowing into each flow path to adjust the ratio of the air flow in each flow path, and gradually narrows the flow path area in the flow path adjusted to increase the air flow in the gas jetting-out direction. |
| US08851681B2 |
Illumination device and display unit
An illumination device includes: a light source section having plural kinds of light sources, in which the light sources emits light beams having different wavelengths; a parallelizing optical system parallelizing each of the light beams entered from the light sources, and allowing each of the parallelized light beams to exit therefrom; a light path unifying optical system unifying the parallelized light beams exited from the parallelizing optical system into a single light path; an expanding optical system expanding a beam diameter of each of the parallelized light beams unified into the single light path, and allowing each of the expanded and parallelized light beams to exit therefrom; and a uniformizing optical system uniformizing an in-plane intensity distribution in each of the expanded and parallelized light beams exited from the expanding optical system. |
| US08851678B2 |
Visual perimeter measurement system and method
In one example of the invention a patient display is provided on which a fixation graphic or video is shown in substantially the center of the display, and then target graphics or video are shown at different positions on the display about the center. A test subject is positioned in front of the patient display a known distance therefrom, and a camera captures an image of the test subject's eyes, to allow gaze direction determination to be performed. The captured images are displayed to a clinician user by a controlling test application, the clinician making a determination based on the images as to whether the test subject saw a target graphic or video when it was displayed. The clinician user then makes an appropriate input into the controlling test application, which also logs the position at which the target image was displayed. By displaying target graphics at multiple locations on the screen and logging the clinician inputs, the controlling test application is able to build up a plot of the peripheral vision field of the test subject. This plot can then be graphically displayed to the clinician user, and stored with the test results for future clinical use. |
| US08851676B2 |
Gonio lens system with stabilization mechanism
This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in viewing and positioning an eye with a gonio lens system, such as during ocular exams and ocular surgeries. Some embodiments of the gonio lens system can include a gonio lens for viewing one or more tissues and structures of the eye. In addition, the gonio lens system can include one or more positioning features for controlling movement positioning of the eye. |
| US08851675B2 |
Hybrid OCT scanning device
The invention provides a hybrid OCT scanning device which improves OCT scanning of targets, including adaption for a ophthalmic targets (i.e. cornea, retina and fovea areas). The invention provides a movable beam modifying element which is adapted to be interposed in the probe radiation directed to the target, and the interposition of the movable element is synchronous with the periodicity of the OCT scan beam. The beam modifying element may include any of angular deflection regions, optical delay regions, or combinations of deflection and delay regions. Such regions of deflection and/or delay translate into a governable scan range, both lateral and depth, of a target region. |
| US08851674B2 |
Ophthalmologic apparatus, control method therefore, and recording medium storing method
Provided is an ophthalmologic apparatus that can realize alignment with high stability when performing continuous automatic alignment. The ophthalmologic apparatus includes: an acquiring portion which acquires specific information of an eye to be inspected; a moving unit which moves the acquiring portion relatively to the eye to be inspected; a first positioning unit which performs positioning between the acquiring portion and the eye to be inspected by controlling the moving unit to move the acquiring portion relatively to the eye to be inspected within a first moving area; and a restriction unit which restricts a moving area of the acquiring portion by the moving unit to a second moving area smaller than the first moving area by controlling the moving unit, when a position relationship between the acquiring portion and the eye to be inspected satisfies a first condition by the first positioning unit. |
| US08851668B2 |
Glasses
Glasses are described having a frame (3) and having nose pads (6) provided in the region of frame attachments (7), which have catch positions arranged in succession in an adjustment direction. To allow an advantageous glasses adaptation, it is proposed that the nose pads (6) be provided on the side opposite to their support surface (10) with a plug-in attachment (9) protruding transversely to the support surface (10), which forms at least two catches (11) in succession in the plug-in direction for alternately engaging in a catch recess (8) of the frame attachments (7). |
| US08851659B2 |
Recording apparatus
Provided is a recording apparatus including: a recording unit for performing recording on a recordable medium; a transportation unit for transporting the recordable medium; and a drier for accelerating the drying of the recordable medium by ejecting gas to the recordable medium, wherein the drier is configured such that the ejection range of the gas in a direction perpendicular to the transportation direction of the recordable medium is changeable. |
| US08851657B2 |
Hybrid ink jet printer and method of hybrid ink jet printing
This hybrid ink get printer HIP includes; a print medium supply unit MS for supplying a print medium W; and a printing unit 4 for printing on the print medium W, the printing unit 4 comprising at least two print head units each configured from a print head that discharges ink, and a drying format differing between ink discharged by one of the print head units and ink discharged by another of the print head units. |
| US08851651B2 |
Ink jet recording method and record
An ink jet recording method includes forming a first image by applying by an ink jet method a glitter ink in which a glitter pigment is dispersed to a first region of a recording medium in which the glitter first image is to be formed, and forming a second image by applying by an ink jet method a color ink containing a coloring material to a second region of the recording medium in which the colored second image is to be formed, the amount per unit area of the glitter ink ejected in an overlapping region in which the first region overlaps the second region being larger than the amount per unit area of the glitter ink ejected in the first region excluding the overlapping region. |
| US08851649B2 |
UV ink jet printing ink composition
A 1K UV-ink jet printing ink composition comprising effect pigments, wherein the composition comprises:a) at least one difunctional (meth)acrylate monomer,b) at least one photoinitiator,c) effect pigments having a volume averaged particle size distribution with a D98<10 μm,d) optionally trifunctional and/or polyfunctional (meth)acrylate monomers, and wherein the viscosity of the ink jet printing ink composition is at maximum 30 mPas, measured at 25° C. for 10 minutes with a Brookfield R/S rheometer using a double gap cylinder according to DIN 53453 (German Industrial Standards) at 150 rpm and wherein the total concentration of the at least one difunctional (meth)acrylate monomer of a) and the trifunctional and/or polyfunctional (meth)acrylate monomers of d) is in a range of 75 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total amount of (meth)acrylate monomers. |
| US08851645B2 |
Liquid container
A liquid container contains liquid to be supplied to a body of an image forming apparatus. The liquid container includes a liquid supply port part having a liquid supply port supplying the contained liquid and a cap member mounted on the liquid supply port part. The cap member has a sealing part sealing the liquid supply port and a holding part holding an information storage device storing information concerning the liquid. The sealing part and the holding part are separably connected together. When the cap member is mounted on the liquid supply port while the sealing part and the holding part are connected, the holding part is immovably fixed to the liquid supply port via the sealing part. When the sealing part has been separated from the holding part, the holding part comes to be able to move with respect to the liquid supply port. |
| US08851640B2 |
Ink jet recording apparatus
An ink jet recording apparatus includes a head unit, a discharge port including a region where a recording medium on which a recording is performed by the recording head is discharged and an ink tube having flexibility, that is connected to the head unit and leads the ink from an ink containing unit. The ink tube protrudes to the outside of the apparatus from discharge port side of the front surface. |
| US08851639B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a head including: a nozzle configured to eject liquid; a supply port to which the liquid is continuously supplied; and a recovery port from which the liquid is continuously recovered; a supply flow channel through which the liquid is supplied to the head; and a recovery flow channel through which the liquid is recovered from the head. A flow channel resistance inside the head from the supply port to the nozzle is R_HEAD_IN. A flow channel resistance inside the head from the nozzle to the recovery port is R_HEAD_OUT. A flow channel resistance of the supply flow channel is R_CHANNEL_IN. A flow channel resistance of the recovery flow channel is R_CHANNEL_OUT. The supply and recovery flow channels are laid out so as to satisfy a condition of R_CHANNEL_IN>R_CHANNEL_OUT when R_HEAD_IN>R_HEAD_OUT, or a condition of R_CHANNEL_IN |
| US08851637B2 |
Passivation of ring electrodes
An inkjet device includes a pumping chamber bounded by a wall, a piezoelectric layer disposed above the pumping chamber, a ring electrode having an annular lower portion disposed on the piezoelectric layer. A moisture barrier layer covers a remainder of the piezoelectric layer over the pumping chamber that is not covered by the annular lower portion of the ring electrode. |
| US08851633B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus including: a head having: nozzles arranged in a nozzle-row direction; and ejection-energy applying portions; a drive IC for driving the ejection-energy applying portions; a control circuit board for controlling the drive IC; a wiring member on which the drive IC is mounted; and a support member for supporting the wiring member. The wiring member extends toward the control circuit board from a connection portion thereof connected to the ejection-energy applying portions, the wiring member having a first wiring portion extending in a first direction intersecting the nozzle-row direction and a second wiring portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The support member supports at least one of the first wiring portion and the second wiring portion, the at least one being located between the ejection-energy applying portions and the control circuit board. |
| US08851630B2 |
Low adhesion sol gel coatings with high thermal stability for easy clean, self cleaning printhead front face applications
Various embodiments provide oleophobic, low adhesion coatings with high thermal stability and methods of forming and using them in an ink jet printhead, wherein the oleophobic, low adhesion coatings can include a sol-gel cross-linked coating by a self-condensation process of at least a silane-functionalized perfluoropolyether based polymer precursor. |
| US08851629B2 |
Image forming device and method of image forming
An image forming device includes, the first head which ejects the first ink, the second head which ejects the second ink, a movement mechanism which moves a relative position of the first head and the second head in a predetermined direction, and a control unit which causes an ejection operation in which ink is ejected from nozzles while relatively moving the head and a medium in the movement direction intersecting the predetermined direction, and a transport operation in which the head and the medium are relatively moved in a predetermined direction to be repeated, and adjusts a head interval as an interval of the first head and the second head in a predetermined direction. |
| US08851628B2 |
Wiping device having on-board mechanism for rotating wiper roller for printhead
A wiping device for maintaining a printhead is provided having a body supported within a maintenance unit of the printer, a porous roller rotatably mounted to the body, and a mechanism mounted to the body for rotating the porous roller. The body is configured to be lifted from the maintenance unit so as bring the porous roller into contact with a printhead of the printer. The mechanism rotates the porous roller so that the porous roller rotates against the printhead wiping the printhead clean. The mechanism is connectable to a power supply of the printer and is configured to be lifted from the maintenance unit together with the body while connected to the power supply. |
| US08851625B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a liquid ejecting head which has a nozzle formation surface that ejects a liquid containing a solvent in a vaporized state with a specific gravity greater than that of air onto a recording medium, and is in a standby state in which the nozzle formation surface faces a lower side in the vertical direction at a standby position deviating from a region where the recording medium is disposed during non-ejection of the liquid; and a head accommodation portion which has a concave portion that accommodates at least a part including the nozzle formation surface of the liquid ejecting head in the standby state and is provided so that a bottom portion of the concave portion opposes the nozzle formation surface in a state where the part is accommodated. |
| US08851624B2 |
Maintenance liquid
Disclosed is a maintenance liquid for property carrying out imprints excellent in patternability. The maintenance liquid for imprints of an ink-jet discharging device comprises a compound comprising an ester group and/or an ether group. |
| US08851620B1 |
Image formation device and transport control method for recording medium
An image formation device includes a transport section that transports a recording medium in a transport direction, a width-direction positional change section that changes a position of the recording medium in a width direction, a detector that detects a position of an edge of the recording medium in the width direction within a detection area, a control section that performs width-direction positional control by operating the width-direction positional change section in accordance with a detection result of the detector and by performing feedback control on the position of the recording medium in the width direction, and an image formation section that is located so as to face the recording medium and performs image formation on the recording medium. The control section performs control, during the image formation, in a first control mode where the width-direction positional control is performed with a first frequency response characteristic corresponding to a frequency band including a high frequency band or in a second control mode where the width-direction positional control is performed with a second frequency response characteristic corresponding to a frequency band lower than the high frequency band. |
| US08851619B2 |
Apparatus for optimizing non-ejection correction parameter of ink-jet head, and ink-jet printer
The present invention efficiently optimizes a non-ejection correction parameter for each nozzle. The non-ejection correction parameter for each nozzle is optimized by repeatedly executing the operations of generating test chart data based on a non-ejection correction parameter for each of a plurality of nozzles provided on an ink-jet head; acquiring read data of a test chart recorded on a recording medium by ejecting ink from the plurality of nozzles based on the test chart data while relatively moving the ink-jet head and the recording medium; evaluating a correction intensity of the non-ejection correction parameter for each of the nozzles based on the acquired read data; and updating the non-ejection correction parameter for each of the nozzles based on a single variable root-finding algorithm using iteration method from the evaluated correction intensity. |
| US08851618B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus and inkjet printing method
An ejection complement process is performed during which both a usual ejection failure and a sudden ejection failure can be appropriately coped with, without being accompanied by a frequent maintenance process. In a case wherein sequential printing is not currently being performed, the first detection process is performed with a high accuracy while being accompanied by the maintenance process, and in a case wherein sequential printing is currently being performed, the second detection process that requires only a small process load is performed at a predetermined timing without being accompanied by the maintenance processing. At this time, when the number of ejection failed nozzles detected in the second ejection process has reached a predetermined value or greater, the maintenance process is performed, and only the information for the ejection failed nozzle, detected in the second detection process, is reset. |
| US08851616B2 |
Print head pre-alignment systems and methods
Systems and methods for pre-aligning print head(s) to alignment adapter(s) to increase print resolution of printed matter, and to reduce offline time of a printing system due to print head alignment, include the use of an alignment adapter to which a print head is pre-aligned and which includes precision alignment features which precisely engage cooperating precision alignment features on the print head carriage mounting plate of the print head carriage. Print head(s) can be pre-aligned and fine-tuned to alignment adapter(s) even while the printing system is still in print production. Pre-aligned print head/alignment adapter assemblies can then be quickly mounted on the print head carriage using the cooperating precision alignment features of the adapter and print head carriage mounting plate. Duplicate sets of print head mounting sockets can include print heads aligned at different relative offsets (e.g., half a pixel) to increase the print resolution. |
| US08851614B2 |
Liquid ejection head and liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection head includes a nozzle plate on which nozzle openings for ejecting liquid are provided, a flow path formation substrate on which pressure generation chambers communicating with the nozzle openings are provided, communicating portions in which the liquid to be supplied to the pressure generation chambers is stored, and piezoelectric elements which generate pressure change in the liquid in the pressure generation chambers. In the liquid ejection head, a thermistor is arranged on a surface of the flow path formation substrate at an opposite side to the nozzle openings and one lead wiring of the thermistor is connected to wiring layers which are formed on the surface of the flow path formation substrate in a state where one side ends of the wiring layers face to the communicating portions. |
| US08851611B2 |
Correction information determination method and recording apparatus
A correction information determination method may be used to control a recording apparatus. The recording apparatus includes a first conveyance unit, a second conveyance unit, and a recording unit arranged between the first and second conveyance units. The first conveyance unit is caused to rotate and record patterns for measuring a conveyance distance when a conveyance state changes from both the first and second conveyance units being utilized to the second conveyance unit being utilized. A conveyance start rotation phase of the first conveyance unit is acquired. Based on the conveyance distance measured based on the patterns, correction information about a rotation amount of the first conveyance unit is determined, the rotation amount used when the conveyance state is changed during recording by the recording apparatus. |
| US08851610B2 |
Image processing device
A calculator calculates a total value of tone values of all pixels in each aggregation by allocating each pixel of M-valued image data to one aggregation. Each block is either one of ejection-port groups including ejection ports having a common liquid channel serving as a liquid supply source or one of divided ejection-port groups. Each aggregation includes pixels of the M-valued image data corresponding to dots formed on a medium when liquid is ejected from ejection ports in one block during one L ejection period. Each L ejection period is obtained by dividing, by a plural number, a number of ejection cycles required to record an image on one recording medium. A tone-value reducer reduces tone values of at least part of pixels in an adjustment-requiring aggregation so that the total value becomes less than a threshold. A transmitter transmits the adjusted M-valued image data to a liquid ejecting device. |
| US08851603B2 |
Driving device for driving liquid discharge head, recording apparatus, and recording method
A driving device, and a liquid discharge head and a recording apparatus using the driving device are provided which permit precise printing under various conditions. The driving device includes a latch signal generation circuit for generating a latch signal every Tc seconds; a delay time retention circuit for retaining data of delay times of less than Tc seconds; a plurality of first latch circuits which are capable of retaining one-line pixel data, and latch pixel data from outside by the latch signal; a plurality of second latch circuits which are divided into a plurality of second latch circuit groups, and latch pixel data retained in the plurality of first latch circuits after the delay time of data retained in the delay time retention circuit for each of the second latch circuit groups is passed after the latch signal is transmitted; and a driving signal transmission circuit. |
| US08851601B2 |
System and method for compensating for drift in multiple printheads in an inkjet printer
A method for calibrating in situ a plurality of printheads in an imaging device has been developed. Firing signals operate a plurality of printheads to form ink test patterns on an image receiving member. Reflectance measurements of light reflected from the test patterns and optical density measurements for a portion of the patterns formed by only one printhead in the plurality of printheads are used to adjust the firing signals and enable the printheads to print within a predetermined range about an average reflectance value and a predetermined optical density. |
| US08851599B2 |
Print control device and program
A plurality of test patterns that are disposed in a predetermined direction are printed using dot arrays formed along an intersecting direction interesting with the predetermined direction using nozzles included in an overlapping portion of a first nozzle array and a second nozzle array, a plurality of rules lined in the predetermined direction are printed so as to be adjacent to the test patterns using nozzles included in the first nozzle array and the second nozzle array, density correction values are computed according to density of each of raster lines of the test patterns, and the positions of nozzles specified from the positions of rules are associated with the positions of the raster lines for which density correction values are computed. |
| US08851595B2 |
Liquid discharger and image forming apparatus having the same
A liquid discharger is provided, which includes a condition determining unit configured to, based on a remaining amount of first liquid detected by a first liquid remaining amount detector and a remaining amount of second liquid detected by a second liquid remaining amount detector, determine whether a predetermined condition is satisfied under a situation where the remaining amount of the second liquid is less than the remaining amount of the first liquid. When the condition determining unit determines that the predetermined condition is satisfied, a second liquid discharge head is controlled to discharge onto image formation areas the second liquid of an amount smaller than an amount of the second liquid to be discharged onto the image formation areas in a case where the condition determining unit determines that the predetermined condition is not satisfied. |
| US08851594B2 |
Fill reduction for printing
Systems and methods of fill area reduction during printing are disclosed. An example of a method includes identifying a fill area. The method also includes generating a depletion matrix corresponding to the fill area. The depletion matrix identifies which of the plurality of print heads to deactivate. The method also includes selectively adjusting output from the plurality of print heads based on the depletion matrix in order to reduce fill area during printing. |
| US08851589B2 |
Refrigerator includes an auxiliary shelf folded by contacting a shelf guide on a back surface of a second door
A refrigerator includes an auxiliary shelf unfolded by being linked with an opening/closing of a second door which opens or closes a storage space defined in a first door. The second door covers the storage space and is rotated in the same direction as the first door. |
| US08851588B2 |
Sliding drawer storage rack for cold storage units
A sliding drawer storage rack for cold storage units includes a rack body and a plurality of shelves operatively coupled to the rack body. A drawer defines a storage cavity and is configured to be supported for sliding movement by at least one of the plurality of shelves. A plurality of divider lips extends upwardly from the drawer to divide the storage cavity into a plurality of box receptacles sized to receive a storage box. At least some of the plurality of shelves are defined by opposing first and second L-shaped supports laterally spaced from each other and coupled to the rack body, thereby reducing material use and weight of the storage rack. |
| US08851584B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a refrigerator body with a storage space defined therein, a door frame rotatably coupled to the refrigerator body to open and close the storage space, a transparent molded body coupled to a front surface of the door frame, and a glass panel coupled to a front of the transparent molded body. The transparent molded body may include a three-dimensional pattern formed on a surface thereof, and the glass panel may include a two-dimensional pattern having a gradation in at least one of brightness, saturation and hue. |
| US08851583B2 |
Track with rotating bushings for track-type vehicles with improved sliding bearings
A track (10) for track-type vehicles is described, comprising a continuous sequence of articulated joints (12, 12′) of the hinge type, oriented according to a first axis (A-A) substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal development axis (B-B) of the track (10). The articulated joints (12, 12′), provided with pins (36, 36′), are connected to each other and maintained at a constant distance through pairs of links (14) having longitudinal development, arranged laterally and symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis (B-B). Around each pin (36, 36′) a bushing (40) is mounted free to rotate with respect to the pin (36, 36′) itself and at least one sliding bearing (44) is press-fitted between each pin (36, 36′) and the links (14). The presence of sliding bearings (44) made in composite material and having a small thickness and the geometrical/size characteristics of the links (14) and of the sliding bearings (44) themselves makes it possible to improve the stability and the fatigue and wearing resistance of the articulated joints (12, 12′) of the track (10). |
| US08851580B2 |
Control valve system
A pneumatic brake system that includes at least one pneumatic latching valve; a single device, such as a solenoid, for providing momentary pilot signals to pneumatic latching valve; a source of pressurized supply air in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; a spring brake or other pneumatic device in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; and, optionally, an indicator device for monitoring and displaying the state of the pneumatic latching valve. Upon receiving a first momentary pilot signal the pneumatic latching valve changes from closed to open and delivers pressurized air to the spring brake. Upon receiving a second momentary pilot signal, the pneumatic latching valve changes from open to closed and exhausts pressurized air from the spring brake to the external environment. The valve remains “latched” in its current state until the signaling device is energized and the next momentary pilot signal is received. |
| US08851574B2 |
Folding vehicle head restraint assembly
A head restraint assembly is provided to be mounted within a vehicle. A head restraint is supported by the cross member in a lateral direction and adapted to rotate about a lateral axis of the cross member. A fixed locking member is mounted within the head restraint. A latch is mounted to slide on the cross member between a first latch position engaged with the locking member and at a second latch position released from the fixed locking member. A lever is provided proximate the latch to move the latch between the first latch position and the second latch position. A motor is in communication with the lever such that the motor moves the lever to translate the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. The head restraint is rotatable about the cross member when the latch is in the second latch position. |
| US08851567B2 |
Tie down cord assembly and method of making and using same
Disclosed are tie down cord assemblies and methods of assembling same. According to some aspects, the tie down cord assembly includes a webbing having a tunnel portion and a flat portion, with the tunnel portion configured to receive a slotted cord and the flat portion configured to attach to fabric. The slotted cord weaves in and out of the tunnel portion and is configured to interact with a seat frame or other suitable structure to secure the fabric to a seat frame. The tie down cord assembly is configured to be universal so that it can be used with seat frames having different dimensions and/or configurations. |
| US08851566B2 |
Ventilated saddle structure
A ventilated saddle structure for bicycles, motorbikes and/or pedal powered machines, comprising: a support frame (2) designed to be anchored to a bicycle, motorbike and/or pedal powered machine, a seating surface (3) associated with the frame (2), wherein the seating surface (3) comprises a membrane (4) made of a perforated and at least partially deformable material, shaped to match the user anatomy. The frame (2) comprises at least one thrust device designed to elastically interact from below with the membrane (4) to appropriately counter the deformation thereof and to support the user. |
| US08851564B2 |
Chair with foldable desk
A chair with a foldable desk includes a support leg having a crossbar. A seat plate installed above said support leg includes an upper seat, a lower cover and a coupler into which the crossbar is rotatably inserted. The seat plate rotates between a vertical position and a horizontal position. A back installed above a rear side of the seat plate is capable of tilting forward and rearward with tilting means. A desk installed above a side of the support leg includes an upper plate with an attachment member on its bottom. The upper plate may swing between an upper position and a lower position within an angle range. |
| US08851562B2 |
Head restraint for a vehicle seat
A vehicle head restraint on a seat back is adjustable in height from a non-usage position to a usage position. The head restraint is disposed on a retaining element formed from a U-shaped tubular section and of which a horizontally disposed section forms the axis of rotation of the head restraint. The head restraint and retaining element are coupled by means of a spring element such that a biasing force of the spring element is applied to the head rest, wherein sections of the spring element engage in respective cutouts disposed on both sides in the region of rounded portions of the retaining element, and the biasing force generated rotates a lower end of the head rest automatically in the direction of the retaining element as the head rest is moved from the non-usage position to the usage position. |
| US08851558B2 |
Vehicle body structure
A vehicle body structure of the present invention includes an elastic base frame formed in a ring shape; and three elastic upper frames each formed in a ring shape, the three upper frames being disposed on the base frame so as to configure a tetrahedron with the base frame, the three upper frames being connected to the base frame, and the upper frames that are adjacent to each other in a peripheral direction of the base frame being connected to each other. A vehicle body structure is hence provided capable of exhibiting high impact absorption properties. |
| US08851557B2 |
Saddle-ride type vehicle
A rear fender of a vehicle can include a front-side rear fender forming a front part and a rear-side rear fender attached to a rear portion of the front-side rear fender. The rear-side rear fender can include an outer fender configured to be visually recognized as exterior when viewed from the rear of the vehicle, an inner fender provided inside the outer fender, and a metal rear stay provided between the outer fender and the inner fender. The rear stay is detachably attached to a vehicle body frame. |
| US08851555B2 |
Cab rollover protective structure for enhanced visibility
The cab of a mobile machine may include a first vertical plane centrally positioned along a width of the cab and extending along a length of the cab. The cab may also include a frame with an integrated rollover protective structure. The frame may include an A-post, a B-post, and a C-post arranged along a side of the cab and extending along a height direction of the cab. An elongated portion of the A-post may be inclined from a vertical axis of the cab to make an acute angle with the first vertical plane and an acute angle with a second vertical plane orthogonal to the first vertical plane. And, an elongated portion of the B-post may be inclined from the vertical axis to make an acute angle with the first vertical plane and an acute angle with the second vertical plane. |
| US08851552B2 |
Vehicle door
A vehicle door includes a run channel including a molded rubber part that is molded using a mold and an extruded part that is molded by extrusion molding. A covering lip is formed on the molded rubber part in such a manner as to extend rearward from an inner side of the molded rubber part. A mounting hole is covered by the covering lip. The covering lip and an extruded lip are accommodated in a recess of a corner garnish and clamped between a flange and the corner garnish, so that the molded rubber part is strongly fixed to the upper corner of the door sash. |
| US08851548B2 |
Floor latch mounted to a seat bottom and compensating for vehicle striker height variation
A height compensating latch supported upon an underside of a rotatable vehicle seat and including a pair of spaced apart support plates, between which are pivotally supported a hook rotatable between a floor supported striker engaging position and a further position permitting rotation of the seat. A cam is also supported between the plates and triggers actuation of the hook. A pair of pliant and resilient portions are supported within mounting apertures associated with the plate, an open interior of each resilient portion receiving a mounting fastener for securing the plate to the seat and providing a degree of height compensation between the latch and striker. The pliant and resilient portions include a pair of rubberized bushings sandwiched between the support plates, each of the bushings further including an integrally formed grommet supported within first and second aligning pairs of mounting apertures associated with the plates. |
| US08851544B2 |
Console assembly with automatic egress for foreign objects
A slidable tray assembly is provided having an aperture located on the housing near the track of the slidable tray assembly to promote egress of foreign objects out of the track. The housing includes a grid-like assembly to strengthen the overall housing assembly. The grid-like pattern promotes foreign objects to become stuck within the track thereby prohibiting movement of the slidable assembly. Foreign objects enter the tray by means of a gap between the slidable tray and a panel from the interior of the vehicle. The aperture located on the housing is sized in proportion to the gap created between the panel and the slidable tray. |
| US08851541B2 |
Modular robotic accessory system
A system is provided in which a robot may be used having a robotic arm with a camera and gripper assembly, that enables the use of tools while also allowing use of a gripper assembly located at the end of the robotic arm. Mounting rails may be secured to the gripper assembly to provide a system that is easily adaptable to allow the relatively fast exchange of different tools. Tools may be secured to the mounting rails to allow for both the use of the tools and the existing gripper assembly on the robotic arm. The accessories may be configured to allow enhanced viewing of the accessory through a camera mounted to the robotic arm. |
| US08851540B1 |
Grill grate removal device
A grill grate removal device lifts and removes grates from a grill in order to clean the grill grates. The device includes a main body. A lifting member is coupled to the main body and is configured to lift grates from a grill. The lifting member has a first portion coupled to and positioned perpendicular relative to a second portion wherein the second portion is configured for positioning perpendicularly between adjacently positioned grates such that a top end of the second portion abuts a bottom edge of the grates wherein upward force on the grates permits removal of the grates from the grill. |
| US08851536B2 |
Handle for a door leaf of a motor vehicle
A handle for a door leaf of a motor vehicle, including a stationary portion mounted on the outer panel of the door leaf, and a gripping lever pivotably mounted relative to the stationary portion and configured to be operated by a user. The gripping lever includes: a pivotably movable outer shell having a front surface visible to a user and a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a recess provided in the outer shell, which forms an opening in the visible front surface of the outer shell, and a decorative insert attached inside the recess and having a front wall that is substantially flush with the front surface of the outer shell, a rear wall attached to the rear surface of the outer shell, and at least one rib connecting the front and rear walls of the decorative insert, the front and rear walls and the rib being made of one piece. |
| US08851535B2 |
Security device for a double door
A security device for a double door, including a first locking portion having a curved portion and an elongated male portion, and a second locking portion having a curved portion and an elongated female portion. A lock mechanism includes a pair of rows of teeth having a gap therebetween and associated with the bottom side of the male portion and a locking prong mounted to the female portion. The locking prong has a flexible finger portion that terminates in a T-shaped end. The finger portion can slide between the gap in the rows of teeth. A release button mounted on the female portion, when pressed, causes the locking prong to bend downward, disengaging the T-shaped end from between the teeth and allowing the first and second locking portions to separate, thereby unlocking the security device. |
| US08851530B2 |
Electric latch retraction bar
An electric latch retraction device comprising a housing for receiving a plurality of internal components of the electric latch retraction device. An actuator mechanism is included in the housing, the actuator mechanism is adapted to impart linear movement on a latch, such that the latch is retracted towards the housing. A holding mechanism is also included in the housing, the holding mechanism holds the latch in a fully retracted position. |
| US08851527B2 |
Reusable fitting for tubing
A fitting for use with corrugated tubing, the fitting comprising: a nut having a passage therethrough for receiving the tubing, the tubing being corrugated tubing having a series of peaks and valleys; a plurality of retainers positioned forward of the nut, the retainers having a sealing surface for placement in a valley of the corrugated tubing; a body having an annular pocket formed circumferentially around the retainers, the body having a body sealing surface, wherein upon sealing, the tubing is compressed between the sealing surface and the body sealing surface; a spring positioned within a cavity in the retainers, the spring driving the retainers into the pocket when the fitting is not sealed. |
| US08851526B2 |
Cap for a quick connect fitting assembly and method of assembly using same
A cap for a quick connect fitting assembly is a unitary component having a terminal portion and a body portion extending from the terminal portion to define an inner cavity. The body portion defines a first opening opposite the terminal portion and a second opening extending from the first opening toward the terminal portion. The terminal portion has a first locating feature and the body portion has a second locating feature. The first and the second locating features are spaced relative to one another such that the unitary component will connect to the quick connect fitting assembly with both of the locating features contacting predetermined locations of the quick connect fitting assembly only if a male fitting is inserted into a female fitting to a predetermined position, the unitary component thus ensuring proper connection of the quick connect fitting assembly. A method of assembly using the cap is provided. |
| US08851523B2 |
Vehicle frame having rear sub-pipe removably attached to rear pipe and main frame
A frame for a vehicle to accommodate a large-sized accessory, such as a fuel tank, to be mounted downwardly of a rear pipe without having to lower a rear sub-pipe. A large-sized accessory, such as a fuel tank, can be inserted into a space under a rear pipe by removing a second rear sub-pipe from a main frame and the rear pipe. The second rear sub-pipe can be fixed to the main frame and the rear pipe by simply tightening bolts. Similarly, by simply loosening the bolts the second rear sub-pipe can be removed from the main frame and the rear pipe and the large-sized accessory can be removed onto an outside in a vehicle width direction. This facilitates mounting and helps reduce the number of man-hours involved in mounting the accessory. |
| US08851522B1 |
Seatbelt anchor assembly
A seatbelt anchor assembly includes a ferrule, a cable, and seatbelt buckle. The ferrule can be mounted at one end to a seat base or other mounted structure of the vehicle, and can further include an anti-rotation pin that is received in a locating hole of the seat base to limit rotation of the ferrule during mounting and during normal occupant use. The pin can be made from aluminum or other material that can shear off in response to a dynamic vehicle load, allowing the ferrule to pivot about its mounting location to align the loads. The ferrule can be in the form of a blank including a body portion and a head portion having a pair of ears, and can include a recess between the ear portions and the body portion to limit tension in the ferrule when the ferrule is crimped to mount a cable thereto. |
| US08851521B2 |
Travel trailer having improved turning radius
A travel trailer configured to be coupled to and towed by a vehicle is provided. The travel trailer has a compartment that is attached to a chassis which includes a front end and a rear end. A plurality of wheels are attached to the chassis adjacent the rear end, and a hitch assembly is attached to the chassis adjacent the front end. The compartment at the front end of the chassis forms first and second corners. A recess, directed inwardly toward the interior of the compartment, is located at each corner of the compartment. Cavities formed by each recess may receive a portion of the vehicle while the vehicle is engaged in a turn. |
| US08851519B1 |
Releasable tether retention system
A releasable tether retention system is provided. The system includes a housing, a movable member movably mounted within the housing, and a sliding element coupled to the movable member so as to move with the movable member and so as to be extendible to an exterior of the housing to engage a tether. |
| US08851515B2 |
Method and device for protecting a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat of a vehicle
A method for protecting a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat of a vehicle that includes at least one protection element arranged on the vehicle seat and that can be triggered in order to protect the vehicle occupant located on the vehicle seat is triggered in the event of an impending collision or in the event of a collision. A momentum (motion impulse) is exerted on the vehicle occupant or at least one body section of the vehicle occupant when the protection element is triggered. Due to the momentum the vehicle occupant or at least one body section of the vehicle occupant is moved away from a collision section of the vehicle that is colliding or will collide with the object. The intensity of the momentum is varied in relation to a determined accident severity and/or a determined accident type. |
| US08851507B1 |
Airbags with sewn leak reducing panels
An airbag, or inflatable cushion assembly, can include an inflatable cushion and a throat liner. The throat liner can be coupled to an interior surface of the inflatable cushion at one or more coupling sites. The one or more coupling sites can include one or more panels that can be coupled to at least a portion of both of the inflatable cushion and the throat liner. The one or more panels can be configured to control or inhibit egress of an inflation gas at the one or more coupling sites. |
| US08851501B2 |
Fifth wheel hitch assembly with lock timing assembly
The latch assembly of a fifth wheel hitch plate comprises a latch member movable between lock and unlocked positions, a plunger member movable between engaged and unengaged positions, an actuator movable between coupled and uncoupled positions, a locking member movable between first and second positions, and a biasing member that biases the locking member from the disengaged position to the engaged position, wherein the latch member abuts the locking member as the latch member is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position, thereby moving the locking member from the first position to the second position. |
| US08851499B1 |
Electronically retractable motorcycle wheel stabilizer device
Aftermarket motorcycle stabilizer that attaches to motorcycle crash bars without making irreversible structural modifications to the motorcycle frame. The device is optimized to supplement motorcycle stability during intermittent periods of stopping or very slow speed operation. The stabilizer operates by way of a fixture (often a two part fixture) designed with various complementary indentations designed to allow the two parts of the stabilizer fixture to clamp onto different types of motorcycle crash bars. A pivoting arm is also attached to the fixture, along with an electronic actuator attached to both the arm and the fixture. The actuator raises or lowers the arm upon receiving appropriate manual or automatic signals. The opposite end of the arm has at least one small wheel. Thus extending the arm brings the wheel into contact with the ground, while retracting the arm will bring the arm generally flush with the motorcycle body. |
| US08851498B2 |
Adjustable geometry bicycle rear wheel suspension system
A bicycle rear wheel suspension system having a number of movable suspension links includes a pair of adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies that connect respective members of the movable linkage to the underlying fixed shape portion of the bicycle frame assembly. Each adjustable eccentric pivot assembly is preferably infinitely adjustable within a range of rotation of the respective pivot assembly relative to the underlying bicycle frame to manipulate an orientation of an axis of rotation of the respective movable link relative to the underlying bicycle frame assembly. The pair of adjustable eccentric pivot assemblies is coupled to one another in a manner that creates a dependency between the orientations of the respective eccentric pivot assemblies thereby providing various geometric configurations of the moveable members of the suspension system without changing the leverage ratio provided by the suspension system. |
| US08851496B2 |
Motorcycle having a multi-piece frame assembly
A motorcycle includes a first frame having a steering head and a first mount, an engine-transmission assembly coupled to the first frame, a steering assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, a front wheel rotatably coupled to the steering assembly, a swing arm assembly pivotably coupled to the first frame, a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the swing arm assembly, a second frame having a second mount coupled to the first mount with a threaded fastener, and a suspension component having a first end coupled to the swing arm assembly and a second end coupled to the second frame. Forces exerted by the suspension component on the first frame are directed through the second frame and the second mount. |
| US08851495B1 |
Integrally molded polymer hitch step
A trailer hitch step, integrally molded of a polymer compound, is capable of accepting a predetermined off-axis vertical load without an objectionable degree of torsional displacement, while also being capable of resiliently absorbing energy from rear impacts. |
| US08851494B1 |
Combined step/muffler housing for a land vehicle
A combined step/muffler housing for a land vehicle is mounted on a land vehicle immediately subadjacent to a doorway through which a user enters or exits the motor vehicle. The unit includes a housing on which is mounted steps that can have non-slip coatings and the housing contains a muffler which is fluidically connected to the engine of the motor vehicle. |
| US08851492B2 |
Mechanical stop for axle/suspension systems
An axle/suspension system for heavy-duty vehicles having a frame and at least one suspension assembly operatively connected to the frame, the axle/suspension system including a mechanical stop having a plurality of links and a first end and a second end, the second end rigidly attached to the suspension assembly and the first end rigidly attached to the vehicle frame, wherein the first end and the second end control a distance between the first end and the second end, and control the plurality of links to attain a movement tolerance range of said mechanical stop from about 0.0 inches to about 2.0 inches. |
| US08851491B2 |
Mechanically self-powered driveshaft center bearing height adjustment
A link is configured to mechanically transfer movement sensed at an axle suspension assembly to a center bearing bracket for a vehicle driveshaft. |
| US08851488B2 |
Modular cargo dolly
An improved cargo dolly has at least two top rail assemblies and a frame with an inner rail having mounting brackets for receiving the top rail assemblies. Each top rail assembly spans the width of the frame but not the length of the frame and can move between an attached state and an unattached state by actuating fasteners that pass through the top rail assembly to its respective mounting brackets on the frame. The movement between the attached and unattached states occurs independently of an attached or unattached state of the other top rail assembly. |
| US08851487B2 |
Infant transport apparatus and method
An infant transport apparatus includes a Bucket assembly, an Insert assembly, and a Ring assembly (i.e. a BIR arrangement). The bucket assembly includes a bucket construction and a handle assembly. The bucket construction includes two bucket-based, leg-receiving apertures adjacent the bucket bottom. The inner bucket surface defines a volumetric space for receiving an infant. The insert assembly includes a liner assembly and a harness assembly. The liner assembly is sized and shaped to fit the inner bucket surface. The harness assembly is removably attached to the bucket assembly and donnable by the infant. The ring assembly includes an upper ring assembly. The bucket assembly is received and supported by the upper ring assembly such that the bucket-based and certain mesh-based leg-receiving apertures of the upper ring assembly are aligned. The bucket assembly is selectively removable from the mesh sack for transporting the infant. |
| US08851481B2 |
Seal assembly with pre-strained sealing member
A seal for sealing a space between a shaft and a housing, includes a base member coupled with one of the housing and the shaft and a generally annular, elastomeric sealing member sealingly contactable with the other one of the housing and the shaft. The sealing member is coupled with the base member such that the sealing member is circumferentially strained to reduce friction between the sealing member and the other one of the housing and the shaft. The seal assembly is preferably formed by providing a base member having a generally annular carrier portion and a generally annular, elastomeric sealing member, coupling the sealing member with the annular portion of the base member, and plastically deforming at least a section of the base member carrier portion such that the sealing member is circumferentially strained. |
| US08851480B2 |
Lip type seal
A lip type seal has a cartridge fitted to an inner periphery of a shaft hole, a first lip seal member, a case, a resin second lip seal member, a backup ring and an adapter, a protrusion section in a partial portion on a circumference is provided in a first flange section of the case to engage with the second lip seal member, whereby the second lip seal member is prevented from whirling with respect to the case and coming off to an inner side in a radial direction, and a projecting section in a partial portion on a circumference is provided in a flange section of the backup ring to engage with the second lip seal member, whereby the second lip seal member is prevented from whirling with respect to the backup ring and coming off to the inner side in the radial direction. |
| US08851479B2 |
Shuffled playing cards and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides shuffled playing cards which eliminate the need for a game host to shuffle cards before games by taking a lot of time as well as eliminate the possibility of cheating. A shuffled playing cards (1) obtained by shuffling a predetermined number of decks of playing cards (12) using a shuffling machine is packaged as an individual pack. The shuffled playing cards (1) is individually packaged and sealed with an adhesive label (13). A bar code (13a) which represents a unique shuffled card ID has been printed on the adhesive label (13). The shuffled card ID is registered in a database by being associated with information which allows identification of a shuffling machine used to shuffle the playing card set. |
| US08851477B2 |
Educational game board
An educational device comprising a game board demarcated with a plurality of positions, each position having associated with it and actuator, actuation of which causes the communication device to provide instruction to the player as to what the player is supposed to do. A player can activate a random number generator to determine how many positions to move. Once instruction has been received, the player utilizes game pieces on the game board to execute the instruction. By going through this process, any player can learn a particular skill or gain particular knowledge that can be applied in life. |
| US08851476B2 |
Strategy game
A game set and method for playing a strategy game on a playing surface by one or more persons including a plurality of playing pieces, each playing piece having a predetermined number of edges, wherein each edge is at least one of an exterior edge and a connecting edge; a plurality of playing cards, each playing card containing an indicia corresponding to the shape of one of the plurality of playing pieces; and a playing surface. Each player randomly selects a plurality of playing cards; exchanges each of the playing cards for a corresponding one of a plurality of playing pieces, and places each playing piece obtained by the exchange on a playing surface by (i) orienting an exterior edge according to a perimeter of the playing surface and (ii) orienting a connecting edge according to a corresponding connecting edge of an adjacent playing piece. The strategy game may be played in various configurations, including without playing cards, without playing pieces, without a game board, or with a timer. |
| US08851475B2 |
Electronic gaming system
The present invention relates to a gaming system for providing a random number, comprising a touch screen, and a control unit connected to the touch screen, wherein the control unit is configured to identify a user movement on the touch screen corresponding to an activation signal for generating a random number, provide the activation signal to a random number generator, receive a random number from the random number generator, and display the random number on the touch screen, wherein the random number generator is an externally arranged hardware random number generator configured to receive a gambling device for generating the random number. Advantages with the invention include for example increased security in relation to manual operation of a dice game. |
| US08851471B2 |
Image forming apparatus and sheet adjusting device incorporated therein
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device and a sheet adjusting device to adjust a lateral position of the sheet by moving a sheet in a lateral direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction. The sheet adjusting device moves a driving roller in one of a first direction and a second direction for adjusting a lateral position of the sheet between the driving roller and a driven roller and then adjusting a lateral position of the driven roller to the driving roller by moving the driving roller in the second direction until the misaligned driven roller laterally contacts respective stoppers to restrict a range of lateral movement of the driven roller while the sheet is separated from the driving roller and the driven roller and by further moving the driving roller to a predetermined position while the driven roller remains contacting the stoppers. |
| US08851465B2 |
Medium cassette and recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a medium cassette provided with a medium accommodation tray that has a medium accommodation unit for accommodating a medium which is transported to a recording unit, and a paper discharge tray that is disposed on the upper side of the medium accommodation tray and that receives a medium on which recording has been performed at the recording unit. The paper discharge tray has a cutout formed from an end portion of the paper discharge tray which is on a feed-out side in a transport direction of the medium accommodation unit, and the cutout exposes the medium accommodation unit. |
| US08851462B2 |
Level adjusting device for worktable of jointer/planar machine
A woodworking machine includes a base, an adjusting device, and an adjustable worktable. The adjusting device is engaged with the base and includes a platform, a plurality of adjusters, and a plurality of fastening members. The platform is slidably engaged with the base. The plurality of adjusters are adjustable, and the plurality of fastening members are releasably inserted through the plurality of adjustors respectively. The adjustable worktable is engaged with the adjusting device. Moreover, the platform bears the adjustable worktable and the plurality of adjusters are abutted against the adjustable worktable. Additionally, the adjustable worktable is adjustably moved upon adjusting of the adjustors, and prior to adjusting each adjustor, the fastening member engaged therewith is removed. |
| US08851459B2 |
Elastic device structure
An elastic device structure includes two identical connection seats and multiple elastic members. Each connection seat is defined with a central line and has a protruding connection section and a connected section. The connection section and connected section are symmetrically disposed on two sides of the central line. A laterally protruding lateral hook is disposed on the connection section. The connected section is formed with a receiving channel for receiving the connection section of the other connection seat. A stop raised block is disposed in the receiving channel and positioned at a dead end of slide paths of the lateral hook. Multiple receiving sockets are disposed beside the connection section and connected section. Two end sections of the elastic members respectively extend into the receiving sockets, whereby the two connection seats are elastically slidable relative to each other. |
| US08851456B2 |
Barbed tape with sensor conductor and reinforcement wire
The present invention provides a fencing system having interconnected tubular elements comprised of longitudinally extending conductor wires and reinforcement wires. Said conductor wires are conventionally disposed in an outer casing's cavity with an open round or rounded section. Said outer casing is formed by a crimping process such that said conductor wires are reinforced by parallelly extending reinforcement wires, the latter wires being disposed in a separate partition of the longitudinal inner volume of said outer casing. Said partition assigned to said reinforcement wires provides that said reinforcement wires does not damage said conductor wires during the final stage of crimping process in which barbed tapes with pointed and/or cutting barbs are transversely folded around the interconnected tubular elements. |
| US08851452B2 |
Self-aligned plunger for chromatographic valve
Plungers and plunger assemblies for a diaphragm-sealed valve are provided. Each plunger is adapted to be received in a passage of the valve body and includes a base member and an upper member having a transversal play in this passage with respect to the base member. A resilient middle element is provided between the upper and base member. The base member is connected to a plunger actuating mechanism within the valve body. The upper member may therefore be self-aligning within the passage. |
| US08851450B2 |
Metallic composite component, in particular for an electromagnetic valve
A composite component includes at least two sections having different magnetization, the at least two sections in the integrally formed component lying directly next to each other. The base material of the composite component is a semi-austenitic steel. A first section has a higher saturation polarization JS than an adjacent second section, the second section having a minimum saturation polarization JS of 0.1 T to 1.3 T and/or a maximum relative permeability μr of 2 to 150. The composite component is suitable for use in electromagnetic valves, e.g., in fuel injectors of internal combustion engines. |
| US08851449B2 |
Magnetic valve
The invention relates to a valve having a closure element which is movable in an inner chamber and closes or clears a valve seat. The closure element is activated by a magnetic assembly in the magnetizable wall surrounding the inner chamber. According to the invention, the closure element has a low density. It comprises a hollow body having at least one activator body made of magnetizable material that is freely movable therein. The closure element has a low weight and a large surface. The large surface facilitates the resetting of the closure element on the valve seat by the action of the flowing medium. |
| US08851446B2 |
Cam operated valve
A product transfer valve (1) includes a valve body (3), an inlet port (2), an outlet port (18). A safety interlock mechanism includes a segmented collar (22) with internal threads (23) for mounting the valve to a connection. A safety collar (6) is axially movable between a valve open position and a valve closed position, and causes movement of the segmented collar. An interference member (12) is supported on the cam operated mechanism (8) and engages the safety collar (6) to prevent inadvertent radial outward movement of the internal threads on the segmented collar until the safety collar is moved to the valve closed position. |
| US08851444B2 |
Pump flow restricting device
A restrictor mechanism is provided in a pilot operated solenoid valve that restricts the pilot flow to the actuating piston of the valve if the pressure differences within the valve are great. This reduces the actuating forces allowing the valve to open or close softly. As the pressures within the valve start to balance, the restrictor device opens, allowing full pilot flow to hold the valve in position. |
| US08851436B2 |
Cup holder
The cup holder includes a base adapted to be fixed to an attached portion; a lid body provided switchably between a closed position and an open position by turning relative to the base, overlapped with the base in the closed position, and supporting the cup from a lower side thereof in the open position; and a holder supported at the base or the lid body through an arm, and moving in association with a turning of the lid body to become a housed state when the lid body is in the closed position, and to become a used state when the lid body is in the open position. The arm includes a support portion controlling the lateral movement of the cup in the used state of the holder. |
| US08851435B1 |
Rod assembly with reversible locking device
A curtain rod assembly comprises a set of telescoping tubes running between brackets and a locking assembly for setting the length of the telescoped tubes. The locking assembly comprises a screw body, attached to the end of the smaller inner tube, which has a tapered screw along which a captive expansible sleeve moves. The sleeve may be a split cylinder with spring elements running across the gap of the split. When the tubes are twisted relative to each other, the sleeve moves lengthwise along the tapered screw and expands radially outwardly to lock the assembly; and simultaneously with the locking action there is a desirable small change in the length of the tube assembly. The screw body is reversible within the tube assembly, so the rod assembly can be used in applications where the rod both pulls inwardly on, or pushes outwardly against, a window frame. |
| US08851428B2 |
Cable fixing bracket and manufacturing method thereof
A cable fixing bracket includes: a fixed section fixed to a supporting body; a connection section integrally extended from one surface of the fixed section; and a cable supporting section folded from the end section of the connection section to be integrally extended towards the other surface of the fixed section and supporting a cable. The cable fixing bracket is manufactured integrally in a single process, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process, reducing the manufacturing cost and improving productivity. |
| US08851427B2 |
Space debris removal management system and method of operation thereof
A debris removal management system and a method of removing space debris. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a frame, (2) a plurality of net sections coupled to the frame and (3) a plurality of microvehicles, coupled to the plurality of net sections, configured to employ propulsion units therein to be ejected relative to the frame to deploy the plurality of net sections, the plurality of net sections cooperating to form a net configured to capture space debris. |
| US08851426B1 |
Enhanced cruciform parachute
A modified cruciform parachute is configured to provide improved aerodynamic efficiency and/or reduced construction expense. In an exemplary parachute, a shoulder panel is disposed between a center panel and a side panel to at least partially equalize load path lengths in the cruciform parachute. Components of the parachute may be two-dimensional in construction in order to reduce construction expense. Components of the parachute may also be modular and/or interchangeable. The cruciform parachute may be steerable and/or may be configured to glide via inclusion of venting means on the parachute canopy. |
| US08851419B2 |
Method and apparatus for changing a deployed position for a tail skid assembly
A method and apparatus for positioning a tail skid assembly for a maximum rotation angle for an aircraft may be provided. A determination may be made as to whether the tail skid assembly is to be deployed for takeoff or landing. A set of parameters may be identified based on a determination of whether the tail skid assembly is to be deployed for takeoff or landing. A desired maximum rotation angle for the aircraft may be identified using the set of parameters. The tail skid assembly may be deployed to allow the desired maximum rotation angle for the aircraft. |
| US08851412B2 |
Recording apparatus and roll medium lifting device
A roll medium lifting device of a recording apparatus includes: an elevating unit that has a loading unit therein and can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction; an operation lever that is rotatable about a fulcrum; and a cam that performs force transmission by converting rotational movement of the operation lever in the vertical direction to vertical movement of the elevating unit at a position closer to the fulcrum in the operation lever. Further, when the operation lever is rotated to cause the cam to move the elevating unit upward, a portion of the cam that makes contact with the elevating unit faces to the moving direction when the elevating unit is moved upward. |
| US08851406B2 |
Pump apparatus including deconsolidator
A pump apparatus includes a particulate pump that defines a passage that extends from an inlet to an outlet. A duct is in flow communication with the outlet. The duct includes a deconsolidator configured to fragment particle agglomerates received from the passage. |
| US08851405B2 |
Auto-feeding device for food processor
An auto-feeding device includes a container provided on one side with a hollow sleeve; a bottom cover operably connected to an open bottom of the container; a fixing seat having an upright rod upwardly rotatably extended into the hollow sleeve and a stop rod normally located below the bottom cover; and a swaying arm upwardly connected to the fixing seat opposite to the stop rod. When the auto-feeding device is mounted on a bowl of a food processor filled with water, and blades in the bowl are rotated at a preset time to produce swirling water, the swaying arm is pushed by swirls to move the stop rod away from the bottom cover, so that the bottom cover turns downward to open the bottom of the container, allowing foodstuffs in the container to automatically fall into the bowl and be directly heated and ground into different types of food juice. |
| US08851400B2 |
Sprinkler head for an embedded sprinkler
A sprinkler head for an embedded sprinkler includes a base having a adjust device arranged to an upper portion thereof and an inlet pipe formed to a lower portion thereof. The inlet pipe has a lateral outlet and a receiving chamber. A nozzle is received to the receiving chamber. A gap is formed between the nozzle and the receiving chamber so as the nozzle can be easily removed. A lower toothed ring indirectly rotated by the adjust device is arranged to a bottom of the inlet pipe. Angle between a flexible adjusting sheet extending from the lower toothed ring and a fixed adjusting sheet extending from a bottom of the base can be changed. A sleeve is arranged to the inlet pipe to receive an axial tube of a sprinkler so as to oscillate clockwise and counterclockwise with a driving shaft of the sprinkler. |
| US08851399B2 |
Spraying member, spraying device comprising such a member and spraying installation comprising such a device
The invention relates to a member (10) for spraying a coating product comprising a primary surface (20) for spreading the product and at least two secondary, inner (21) and outer (22) surfaces for spreading the product that extend downstream of the primary surface (20), the primary (20) and secondary (21, 22) surfaces being coaxial (X10-X10), the downstream portions of the secondary surfaces (21, 22) defining an inner spraying edge (23) and an outer spraying edge (24). The downstream portions (21b, 22b) of the secondary surfaces (21, 22) have, relative to one another, directions (A21, A22) that are overall divergent towards the downstream direction. The inner edge (23) has a diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the outer edge (24). |
| US08851397B1 |
Bell cup atomizer having improved cleaning capability
Rotary bell cup atomizing apparatus is provided having a rotatable bell cup driven by a motor shaft dimensioned so as to provide an annular gap between the outer, rear surface of the cup and the shaft extending an effective distance axially adjacent the shaft. Solvent channels extend within the assembly circumventing the gap and discharge into the gap. During cleaning of the atomizer, solvent passes partially through the paint nozzle and partially through the solvent channels impinging directly upon the shaft, then migrating over the outer surface of the cup. The inner and outer surfaces of the bell cup and the motor shaft are simultaneously cleaned. A replaceable sleeve placed inside the cup adjacent the front surface thereof absorbs the force of paint impinging thereon. The cup may have at least one balancing indentation immediately adjacent the sleeve. |
| US08851394B2 |
Expansion valve and method of producing the same
An expansion valve to expand high-pressure refrigerant and send the expanded refrigerant toward an evaporator is used in a refrigeration cycle, and includes a body portion, an element portion, and a valve portion. The body portion has a first passage through which the high-pressure refrigerant passes, a throttle passage located in the first passage so as to expand refrigerant, and a second passage through which refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator passes. The element portion arranged outside of the body portion has a pressure responding member to be displaced in accordance with a difference between an inner pressure of a seal space and a pressure of refrigerant flowing through the second passage. Temperature sensing media is filled in the seal space, and a pressure of the media is changed by temperature. The valve portion is displaced in accordance with the pressure responding member so as to control an opening of the throttle passage. Additive is filled in the seal space with the media so as to lower a condensing temperature of the media. |
| US08851393B1 |
Air conditioner/heater system
A bureau is adapted to monitor and forecast weather conditions and to generate forecasting data. A thermostat operatively coupled to an air conditioner/heater initiates and terminates both heating and cooling. A communication network operatively couples the bureau and the thermostat. Operational components within the thermostat are a first screen to display the actual temperature, a second screen to display the desired temperature, a mode switch having a primary position for cooling and a secondary position for heating, and an electronic controller for receiving input from the bureau and for operating the mode switch and for generating signals for the operation of the air conditioner/heater, the interpreting being based upon the generated forecasting data. |
| US08851388B2 |
RFID (radio frequency identification) tag
An RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag includes a grounding casing, an coupling casing disposed opposite to the grounding casing and an RFID module. The coupling casing includes a coupling part cooperating with the grounding casing to define a coupling space there-between. The RFID module is disposed in the coupling space and includes an RFID chip and a coupling member coupled electrically to the RFID chip such that upon receipt of one of the driving signal and the identification signal, surface current is generated on an upper surface of the RFID tag, which, in turn, induces a resonant electromagnetic energy within the coupling space, thereby increasing a detecting strength of the RFID module relative to the one of the driving signal and the identification signal. |
| US08851387B2 |
Anti-counterfeiting bottle
An anti-counterfeiting bottle includes a metal cap, a bottle body and a RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) tag. The RFID tag includes a grounded surface, a monopole antenna and a RFID chip. The grounded surface is attached to the bottle body. The monopole antenna is attached to the bottle and is electrically connected to the grounded surface. The RFID chip is attached to the bottle and is electrically connected to the monopole antenna and the grounded surface respectively, wherein the RFID chip, the monopole antenna and the grounded surface form a loop structure. When the RFID tag is torn up, the loop structure is destroyed as well, such that the RFID tag cannot be read anymore, thus achieving the anti-counterfeiting function. |
| US08851384B2 |
Coded fibers
Provided herein are coded fibers. In some embodiments, informationally-encoded carbon fiber structures are provided. In some embodiments, methods of manufacturing and/or reading a coded fiber are provided. |
| US08851377B2 |
Card reader and processing method thereof
A card reader for use with a card having a magnetic stripe may include a card path through which the card having the magnetic stripe is transferred, a magnetic head placed in the card path, and card position detecting sensors for detecting a position of the card. The card position detecting sensors may be located at positions where the magnetic stripe passes through in the card path. |
| US08851375B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating in-aisle scanning
Various methods are described for facilitating in-aisle scanning of one or more items to be purchased at a store. One example method may comprise scanning a barcode associated with an item. The method may further comprise adding the item to a list of items to be purchased. Additionally, the method may comprise receiving an indication that the item needs to be weighed. The method may further comprise flagging the item in the list to be weighed during checkout. Similar and related methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are also provided. |
| US08851374B2 |
Coupon device
A device includes first, second, and third components. The first component scans a coupon. The coupon is moved from the first component to the second component after the first component scans the coupon and the coupon has been validated. The second component holds the coupon and other coupons associated with just the current checkout session until the current session has been successfully completed, at which time the coupons are moved in unison from the second component to the third component. The third component stores these coupons, together with additional coupons associated with other checkout sessions. The first component returns the coupon where validation of the coupon has failed. The second coupon permits a user to retrieve the coupons associated with just the current checkout session where the current checkout session has been unsuccessfully completed, without the user having to look through the coupons associated with the other checkout sessions. |
| US08851373B2 |
Tracking information in a note handling facility
Tracking information in a note handling facility, such as an amusement gaming facility, involves, in some implementations, communications between components of the system to facilitate tracking the location and movement of note acceptors and cassettes for storing notes. Such components can include host machines, note acceptors, cassettes for storing notes, databases, and/or note counting machines. RF tag chips can be embedded in or mounted to some of the components to facilitate the communications. RF tag readers can be provided at appropriate locations within the facility to facilitate reading information from and writing information to the RF tag chips. |
| US08851372B2 |
Wearable personal digital device with changeable bendable battery and expandable display used as standalone electronic payment card
Provided is a wearable personal digital device and methods for enlarging display space using the wearable personal digital device. The wearable personal digital device may comprise a processor, a memory unit, an expandable display, a camera, a projector, a communication circuit, a swipe card reader, one or more biometric sensors, one or more accelerometers, a housing, and a band. The expandable display is be communicatively coupled to the processor and configured to expand to enlarge display space using a flip up portion, detachable portion, or bending the expandable display. The band may include one or more rechargeable batteries configured to power the wearable personal digital device. Biometric sensors and accelerometers provide data for monitoring health and activity of the user. The swipe card reader is configured to read payment card data. |
| US08851371B2 |
In-lane money transfer systems and methods
The present invention provides systems and methods to initiate, facilitate, process and/or perform money transfers. One such method includes receiving a request for a transfer pair verification from a vendor location (360), and verifying that the transfer pair is associated with a valid transfer pair record (362). The method includes sending the transfer pair verification to the vendor location (368), receiving a money transfer request (370) associated with the transfer pair from the vendor location, and authorizing a money transfer (372) to at least one of a first and second customers associated with the transfer pair. In this manner, a vendor location, which may include a point-of-sale device and may be a retail outlet (e.g., grocery store, gas station, or the like), can be used to facilitate a money transfer between two customers. |
| US08851368B2 |
Money handling system
When a recognition result matches with a denomination stored by the storage unit and the number of the moneys for the denomination counted by the recognition unit has not yet reached the number of the moneys for the denomination stored by the storage unit, the transport unit transports the moneys to the dispense unit. When a recognition result matches with a denomination stored by the storage unit and the number of the moneys for the denomination counted by the recognition unit has already reached the number of the moneys for the denomination stored by the storage unit, the transport unit transports the moneys to the plurality of storing and feeding units. When a recognition result matches with no denomination stored by the storage unit, the transport unit transports the moneys to the plurality of storing and feeding units. |
| US08851361B2 |
Container, blank, mandrel and method of forming the container
A blank (2) comprising a row of body panels (P1-P4), and a row of end closure panels (P6-P9) extending substantially parallelly to the row of body panels (P1-P4), whereof each end closure panel (P6-P9) has an edge (E1-E4), and whereof each of the second (P7) and fourth (P9) end closure panels has oblique lines of weakness (S1, S11, S2, S12) which divide its panel into a central sub-panel (P7a, P9a) adjacent the corresponding second or fourth body panel (P2, P4) and two end sub-panels (P7b, P7c, P9b, P9c) adjacent the corresponding edges (E2, E4), wherein the end sub-panels (P7b, P7c, P9b, P9c) bulge away from its corresponding edge (E2, E4). A container formed from the sheet material blank and a method of forming the container is also described. The method involves the use of a mandrel cap including a bearing surface (102) and a bridging surface portion (112) substantially flush with said bearing surface (102), and extending between recessed surface portions (104) at respective opposite sides of said bridging surface portion (112). |
| US08851358B2 |
Method for aligning plate-like members and method for manufacturing electrical connecting apparatus
One plate-like member and the other plate-like member to be aligned with each other are provided with guide holes and guide portions to be received in the guide holes, respectively. The plate-like members are aligned appropriately, and in a state in which this alignment is held, the guide portions are formed on land portions provided on the other plate-like member so as to be aligned with the guide holes. Accordingly, regardless of presence/absence or size of a process error in the guide holes, the guide portions appropriate to the respective guide holes can be formed. Consequently, by aligning the guide portions with the guide holes, the plate-like members can be aligned appropriately without relative fine adjustment between the members. |
| US08851357B2 |
Apparatus and method for removing weld flash
An apparatus and method for removing weld flash from a structural assembly are provided. The apparatus generally includes a tool with a head that defines an edge and first and second opposite surfaces disposed at an angle converging toward the edge. A shaft, which extends from the first surface of the head, is configured to be engaged to a shaft holder of an actuation device so that the head extends from the actuation device and is configured to lift the flash from a surface of the assembly as the tool is moved in a path along a surface of the assembly with the edge contacting the flash. |
| US08851352B2 |
Setting tool
A setting tool for driving a fastening element in a constructional component includes a housing (11), a drive member (13) displaceable in a guide (12) located in the housing, a bolt guide (15) adjoining the drive member guide (12) in direction of the operational axis (A) and forming a dog point (16) for abutting the constructional component and a drive-in depth setting tool (20) for displacing the bolt guide (15) axially relative to the drive member guide (15) for setting a distance between a drive end (14) of the drive member (13) and the dog point (16) in the initial position of the drive member. |
| US08851340B2 |
Container for beverage
A container having a female dispensing valve and containing a gas-containing beverage, wherein around the dispensing valve a first coupler (10) extends, furthermore including a dispensing line which has a coupling element which has a second coupler (14); the coupling element has a largely hollow stem with an end and an opening, wherein the dispensing line links up with the stem opposite the end, such that in coupled condition of the couplers, the stem extends against or into the valve and has brought the valve into and keeps it in an opened position, such that beverage can flow via the valve and the opening into the dispensing line. |
| US08851339B2 |
Applicator for self-adhesive products
A device for application of a self-adhesive product, wherein the device operates with at least a first step and a second step. The first step and second step being temporally separate. A device for application of a flowable product includes a first section and a second section, the first section being sized such that at least a portion of the first section fits within the second section, the first section being slidable relative to the second section. A device includes a first section having a protrusion extending from its outer surface that fits through a slot in the second section. |
| US08851338B2 |
Controlled dispenser
A dispenser device for dispensing a controlled number of solid items, or a certain quantity of a variable quantity substance, such as a powdered, granular or liquid substance, through rotation of a roller having one or more cavities for delivering an item or substance. |
| US08851337B2 |
Liquid crystal dropping device
The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal dropping device, including: a container for containing liquid crystal and being provided with at least one nozzle on an end thereof for ejecting liquid crystal from the container; a driver connected to the container for driving the liquid crystal to eject from the container; at least two dropping heads connected to the at least one nozzle; and at least one corrosion-resistant connecting pipe arranged between the at least one nozzle and the at least two dropping heads for communicating the at least one nozzle with the at least two dropping heads. The dropping device of the present disclosure is capable of shortening the time of manufacturing the liquid crystal panel, improving the efficiency of manufacturing the liquid crystal panel, and avoiding uneven arrangement of the liquid crystal. |
| US08851333B2 |
Dosing cap for container
A dispenser cap (10) for a liquid container having an opening, the cap (10) comprising a means for attachment (30) to the container, a housing (12) inserted into the opening and comprising a liquid inlet (14), a channel and a liquid outlet (16), the channel comprising a moveable seal (18) defining an outlet-side liquid volume (24) and an inlet-side liquid volume (26), the moveable seal (18) is moveable from a first position to a second position towards the liquid outlet (16) by increasing the inlet-side liquid pressure, thereby causing a dispensable volume of liquid flow out of the outlet (16), the moveable seal (18) also comprising a liquid outlet seal means (22) to seal the liquid outlet when the moveable seal (18) is in its second position, thereby preventing further flow of liquid out of the outlet (16), the cap (10) also comprising a dispensable liquid volume adjustment means (32,34) to adjust the fixed volume of dispensable liquid. |
| US08851331B2 |
Fluid dispensers with adjustable dosing
A fluid dispenser includes an adjustable dosing mechanism that permits adjustment of the amount of fluid to be dispensed. An adjustable dosing mechanism may be inserted into the dispenser in either a high dose orientation or a low dose orientation. The body further includes pair of dose adjusting flanges. When the adjustable dosing mechanism body is received into the dispenser in the high dose orientation, a relatively larger quantity of fluid product is dispensed. When the adjustable dosing mechanism body is received into the dispenser in the low dose orientation, a relatively smaller quantity of fluid product is dispensed. |
| US08851330B1 |
Press-on cosmetic container
A press-on cosmetic container has a main tube, an inner tube, a spring and an actuator. The main tube has multiple positioning protrusions and multiple sliding slots. The inner tube has multiple ribs. Two ends of the spring respectively abut the main tube and the inner tube. The actuator is mounted between the main tube and the inner tube and pushes the ribs, such that the ribs are revolved and each rib is positioned alternately through the sliding slots and abutting the positioning protrusions of the main tube. A user can hold the press-on cosmetic container with one single hand to allow a sprayer of a bottle mounted in the cosmetic container to protrude outside or to be stored inside, which is convenient for use. |
| US08851329B2 |
Systems and methods of selecting and dispensing products
Embodiments of a dispensing system for dispensing a number of products to a user are disclosed. The dispensing system may include an input/output device and a dispenser. The input/output device may be adapted to receive a selection of one of the products from the user. The dispenser may be adapted to dispense a plurality of diluent components, the diluent components and a ratio of the diluent components corresponding at least in part to the selection of the user. |
| US08851321B2 |
Storage tank containment system
A CNG or LNG storage containment tank is formed from four substantially vertical hollow tubular walls with first and a second ends positioned approximately 90 degrees apart. Eight horizontal hollow tubular walls interconnect and are in in fluid communication with the respective vertical tubular wall ends to form a six-sided cube-shaped tank configuration defining an interior fluid chamber. A tank support connected to the outer surfaces of the tubular walls and configured to reinforce the tank against loading arising from dynamic movement of fluid within the fluid chamber. In one example, bulkheads are positioned inside the horizontal tubular walls to reduce the sloshing of fluid through the tubular walls and thus the resulting sloshing loads. In another example, a plurality of gusset plates are positioned in a space between the tubular walls at an interior of the tank and connected between the tubular walls to further reinforce the tank. |
| US08851320B2 |
Storage tank containment system
A storage tank containment system including a cubic-shaped tank having an outer shell having cylindrical walls for the efficient storage and transportation of large quantities of fluid, for example, liquid and compressed natural gas. |
| US08851316B2 |
Trashcan liner dispenser
A trashcan liner dispenser that comprises a combination caddy and liner cartridge that self-locks together when nested, the caddy including an arrangement whereby an access opening in the liner cartridge cooperates with a supply of folded liners housed therein to reduce the pulling force required to remove a liner from the nested cartridge. |
| US08851313B2 |
Electrical junction box
An electrical junction box configured to stably hold a cover member in a standby state in a first position apart from a connector-mounting section. The electrical junction box includes a cover member rotatably attached to a casing about rotary support axes, an engaging projection provided on the casing that engages the cover member to position the cover member in the first position, a guide projection provided on one of the casing and the cover member, and a pair of positioning walls provided on the other of the casing and the cover member, wherein the cover member is positioned with respect to the engaging projection in an axial direction of the rotary support axes when the pair of positioning wall portions pinch the guide projection. |
| US08851312B2 |
Synthetic resin bottle with a handle
Pinhole detection is achieved when pinholes happen to develop near stoppers used to fit a handle. A biaxially drawn synthetic resin bottle has a recessed portion, and a synthetic resin handle, fitted in an undercut engagement to the recessed portion by insert molding. The handle comprises upper and lower fitting arms disposed at a grip in a vertically long plate shape. Both arms extend forward from the grip. A stopper extends upward from a front end of the upper fitting arm, and a stopper extends upward and/or downward from a front end of the lower fitting arm. A ridge or groove is formed extending rearward of a stopper of either arm, along a top surface of the upper fitting arm or along a top surface and/or an underside surface of the lower fitting arm. A connecting passage for air release is formed along the ridge/groove. |
| US08851310B2 |
Closure for a container
A closure for a container comprises: a pouring spout having a neck defining a pour opening and a cover portion closing one end of the neck; a cap fittable to, and removable from, the pouring spout; a cam for transforming rotation into a stroke having a rotational component and a translational component to couple/detach the cap with/from the pouring spout; a weakening line on the end of the neck; first opening promoting mechanism on the cover portion; and second opening promoting mechanism on the cap to engage the first opening promoting mechanism upon removing the cap from the pouring spout to separate the cover portion from the neck along the weakening line; the first and second opening promoting mechanisms comprise at least one further cam element arranged along an angular portion of the annular periphery of the cover portion to enhance lifting thrust produced by the cap on the cover portion. |
| US08851307B2 |
Frame for panel and method for attaching a frame to a panel
A frame for attachment to the periphery of a panel having a main portion, a surrounding wall designed to surround an edge of the panel, and attachment means for attaching the frame relative to the panel having at least one locking element, the locking element being connected to the main portion by a hinge and being movable relative to the main portion between an open position, in which the panel is capable of being inserted into the surrounding wall without interaction with the locking element, and a closed position, in which, when the surrounding wall surrounds the edge of the panel, the locking element is facing a main face of the panel. |
| US08851306B2 |
Concealable storage rack
A concealable storage rack for mounting to an underside of the shelf includes a mounting bracket, a swing mechanism and a plate member. The storage rack hangidly supports containers having a readily extending flange. The mounting bracket is mounted to the underside of the shelf. The plate member includes a generally planar top surface having a plurality of apertures formed therein to hangidly support the containers. The plate member is pivotably attached to the mounting bracket by the swing mechanism for movement between a storage position in which the plate member is positioned adjacent to the mounting bracket and a use position in which the plate member is spaced apart from the mounting bracket. |
| US08851305B2 |
Unidirectional tension rod mechanism
A tension rod mechanism for a tension rod having a first outer shaft with a second inner shaft slideable therein has a unidirectional slip-lock configured to be received in the first outer shaft for rotational movement therewith and unidirectional slidable axial movement relative thereto. A threaded shaft is fixedly connected to the unidirectional slip-lock. A collar is threadingly engaged with the threaded shaft and configured to be fixedly received in the second inner shaft for movement therewith. When the unidirectional slip-lock is in the first outer shaft and the collar is fixedly received in the second inner shaft, slidable axial movement of the unidirectional slip-lock relative to the first outer shaft may occur only in an expansion direction A rotation of the first outer shaft relative to the second inner shaft increases the axial distance between the unidirectional slip-lock and the collar. |
| US08851296B2 |
Blood processing filter and the method for manufacturing the same
This invention relates to a blood processing filter including a band-shaped first seal part that seals an inlet-side flexible container of the blood processing filter and a filter element of the blood processing filter so as to surround an inlet port, and an annular second seal part that seals at least the inlet-side flexible container and an outlet-side flexible container and is formed surrounding the first seal part at a position that is closer to an outer edge than the first seal part. A valley part corresponding to the first seal part is provided on an outlet side of the filter element. An outlet opening that communicates with an inside of the outlet-side flexible container is formed in the outlet port. At least one portion of the outlet opening is arranged so as to overlap with the valley part. |
| US08851295B2 |
Filter device
A filter device for filtering fluid, in particular an oil filter, is provided. The filter device includes a first filter medium and a second filter medium, the first filter medium having a greater filter action than the second filter medium, and the filter media being folded in pleated form and having a plurality of folds, the first filter medium and the second filter medium being connected to one another in the longitudinal direction of the folds. An easily producible and highly effective filter device is thus achieved. |
| US08851292B2 |
Packaging system for shipping, storing, displaying, and/or dispensing absorbent articles
A blank having panels and flaps, a carton foldably constructed from the blank, a polybag, and a packaging system that includes the carton, the polybag, or both. The packaging systems include, among other things, certain tabs, flaps, cut out, and tear lines that allow absorbent articles contained in the several systems to be easily viewed and removed, while maintaining sufficient integrity of the packaging system. |
| US08851289B2 |
Vacuum packing bag
This invention provides a vacuum bag, including vacuum bag (1), gas nozzle (13) on the bag (1) which can exhaust air out, inlet (11) in the upper part of vacuum bag through which items can be placed into the bag, and sealing device (12) which can seal the inlet. The invention is characterized in its outer packing part (2) which can incorporate up the bag, and tightening device (3) between the vacuum bag and outer packing part. This invention overcomes the shortage of current craft and provides a vacuum bag with reasonable structure, that is easy to use and can be stacked neatly and prevents from damage. |
| US08851284B2 |
Adhesive bandage dispensing arrangements
A bandage strip includes a plurality of flat adhesive bandage packages of conventional configuration, having sealed therein an adhesive bandage with a pad and an adhesive substrate for adhering to a patient and holding the pad in place on the patient's skin. The packages are adhered to an elongated substrate in end-to-end, spaced relation to form a flat, elongated bandage strip, with perforations in the substrate between the packages. A user can dispense a length of substrate, sever it at the perforations, and remove the bandage from the substrate for use in the conventional manner. A bandage dispensing device is attachable to the wrist of a user for convenient dispensing of bandages from a strip of individually packaged bandages. |
| US08851283B2 |
Display and storage tool box
A tool box includes a main part having a connection portion and a locking member which is directly or indirectly connected to the connection portion. A restriction portion and a block extend from the main part. A reception portion is defined therein so as to receive objects therein. A base has a connection portion supporting the restriction portion of the main part and the locking member connects the main part to the base. A recess is defined in the base and the blocks are located above the recess. A positioning portion is located in the base and restricts the locking member. A movable part has a pivot which is rotatably located in the recess of the base. A locking portion of the movable part connects the movable part to the main part. An inner box is located in the movable part so as to receive tools therein. |
| US08851282B2 |
Mobile tool box
A transportable tool box comprising a large compartment configured with upright extending side walls defining a top opening of the large compartment configured with a locomotive arrangement, and two compartmented covers slidingly displaceable over the top opening of the large compartment between a closed position wherein the covers coextend and cover the top opening, and an open position wherein the two covers are displaced away from one another and expose the large compartment to allow access thereto. A locking arrangement is provided for arresting the compartmented covers at the closed position. |
| US08851275B2 |
Screening examination system and method
A screening examination system for screening and examining paper roll is disclosed to include a first conveyor unit, which comprises a first movable wheel set, a first drive wheel, a first fixed wheel and a first conveyor belt, a second conveyor unit, which comprises a second movable wheel set, a second drive wheel, a second fixed wheel and a second conveyor belt, and an examination unit, which examine test products and adjusts the relative positioning between the first movable wheel set and the second movable wheel set subject to examination result for enabling defective products to fall into the gap between the first conveyor unit and the second conveyor unit, accordingly, quality product to be delivered from the first conveyor unit to the second conveyor unit. |
| US08851272B1 |
Conveyor system with multiple level convergence apparatus
A conveyor system and method is described for conveying articles between different levels of a structure. The conveyor system utilizes stacked helical shaped conveyors to move articles up from a first level and down from a third level to a common second level. The conveyor system may also move articles down from the second level to the first level or up from the second level to the third level. The stacked helical conveyors eliminate the need for gated lifts or ramps and also minimize the footprint required to convey articles between levels. |
| US08851271B2 |
Restrictor clip
Conveyor belts are made from modular links having offset forward and rearward projecting eye parts to intercalate eye parts from one belt link between eye parts with oval lateral apertures. Connecting rods inserted through aligned apertures hingedly connect adjacent links. Clips restrict lateral turning of the belt links. Clips have general U-shapes with two legs, a bridge portion end, and opposite free ends. Projecting members at the free ends have lengths parallel to the legs and smaller than the lengths of the apertures in the belt links in which the clip is to be installed, and have heights equivalent to or smaller than the heights of the aperture in the belt link in which the clip is to be installed. The lateral distance between the two legs of the U, is larger than the lateral extent of an eye part in the belt link in which the clip is installed. |
| US08851270B2 |
Feeding unit for feeding media of varying thickness and media processing apparatus thereof
A feeding unit for feeding media of varying thickness includes a plurality of rolling members defining a media feeding port therebetween, at least one pressing arm located on one of the rolling members, at least one elastic member, and a switch member. The pressing arm has a main body, a first pressing end formed on one end of the main body and a second pressing end formed on the other end of the main body, and the main body has a fulcrum thereon. The first pressing end is selectively connected onto said one of the rolling members. One end of the elastic member abuts against the first pressing end. The switch member is slidable to selectively press the second pressing end. |
| US08851268B2 |
Apparatus and method of manufacturing absorbent article
An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent article includes a processing device that, processes semi-finished products, and an inspecting device that inspects whether an actual processing position by the processing device is within an allowable range of the process target position on the semi-finished product. The inspecting device includes, a sensor section located in the transport direction and outputting a detection signal while the actual processing position of the semi-finished product is being detected, a reference signal outputting section outputting a reference signal having a waveform in which one wavelength is equivalent to a unit transport amount corresponding to a single semi-finished product, the reference signal having a first waveform portion at a phase corresponding to the allowable range in the wavelength, and a determining section determining whether the actual processing position is within the allowable range by comparing the detection signal with the reference signal. |
| US08851267B2 |
High efficiency sorting conveyor with improved friction drive motor assembly
A sorting conveyor for transporting objects and unloading objects at one or more unloading stations adjacent the conveyor. The sorting conveyor includes a conveyor track, a train of conveyor carts connected end-to-end, and an opposed roller motor assembly. The opposed roller motor assembly may include a motor; a support frame attached to the conveyor track for supporting the motor; and a pair of cantilevered, drive rollers connected to the motor and to one pivot block assembly and another pivot block assembly adapted for positioning the drive roller adjacent to one surface of an extended fin driven member. The pivot block assemblies may be coupled together with a self-tensioning adjustment assembly. In some examples, the self-tensioning adjustment assembly may be adapted so that movement of each pivot block assembly mirrors movement of the other pivot block assembly. |
| US08851265B2 |
Reverse vending machine
The present invention is a reverse vending machine which accepts non-metallic and metallic beverage containers for processing. The beverage containers are inserted by the user into an intake chute, where they are then compacted, sorted, and deposited in storage bins contained in the machine. A number of additional functions are provided by the reverse vending machine, including a self cleaning system, a video screen for displaying information to users, a bar code scanner for scanning bar codes, a user ID reader, and a coupon printer for issuing coupons to users. All transaction information is processed by a computer and stored electronically. The invention automatically returns non-empty containers and containers with unacceptable or unreadable bar codes to the user. The user is also provided warning messages when the storage bins are nearly full, or when a container is jammed in the machine. |
| US08851262B2 |
Coupling device actuated by centrifugal force
A coupling device actuated by centrifugal force has a holder and at least one flyweight supported on the holder so as to be moveable in a radial direction relative to an axis of rotation about which the coupling device is rotatable. The flyweight is movable between an inner radial position and an outer radial position. At least one spring acting on the flyweight is provided that forces the flyweight into the inner radial position. At least one securing element secures at least one component of the coupling device in an axial direction of the axis of rotation. The securing element is monolithically formed on the flyweight. |
| US08851260B2 |
Positively engaging shifting element which can be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated
The invention relates to a positively engaging shifting element which can be hydraulically or pneumatically actuated, comprising a hydraulically or pneumatically actuatable piston (I) having a piston compartment (2) containing a hydraulic medium or pressure medium, a jaw (3) having a dog-type gearing (4) and a mating jaw (5) with which the dog-type gearing (4) meshes when engaged. The engaging speed of the jaw (3) can be increased by decoupling the jaw (3) from the hydraulic or pneumatic volume flow when the jaws (3) and (5) are in a tooth butt position in relation to each other and by pretensioning the jaw (3) by means of a mechanical device (6) that is actively connected to the piston (I). The gap between the jaws, i.e. the window into which the jaw (3) can be engaged is maintained as narrow as possible in order for a tooth butt position of the jaws (3) and (5) in relation to each other being highly probable when the shift element is applied. |
| US08851258B2 |
Driven accessory with low-power clutch for activating or de-activating same
A driven accessory having a clutch that permits selective operation of an accessory portion. The clutch employs rotational inertia to control driving engagement of a wrap spring to an interior clutch surface on a drive member and/or driving disengagement of the wrap spring from the interior clutch surface. |
| US08851257B2 |
Fluid accumulator chamber
The present invention relates to a fluid accumulator chamber (1) of a fluid clutch device having an inner boundary wall (2) which runs around a central axis of rotation (M), having an outer boundary wall (3) which runs around axis of rotation (M), and having at least one filling opening (4) arranged in the outer boundary wall (3), wherein the outer boundary wall (3) has, at the location of the filling opening (4), a maximum spacing (R1) to the central axis (M), which spacing decreases continuously to a point (P) of minimum spacing (R3) to the central axis (M). |
| US08851256B2 |
Transmission between an engine input shaft and an output shaft of a motor vehicle
A transmission between a driving primary shaft and an outlet shaft of a self-propelled machine, includes a housing within which there are housed, at least in part: a stepdown mechanism; two clutch mechanisms, one being progressive and the other being non-progressive with a movable dog; and a clutch control device including first and second clutch control elements. The second clutch control elements include at least one spring blade extending along the outlet shaft, the spring blade being mounted to move axially on the outlet shaft during axial movement of the dog from the unclutched extreme position towards a clutched position as a result of the movable dog bearing thereagainst, the spring blade being drivable axially on the shaft and being elastically deformable between an active position in which the dog comes into abutment against the spring blade, and an inactive position in which the dog slides along the spring blade. |
| US08851255B2 |
Ratchet load binder with removable lever
A ratchet assembly for a load binder includes a pawl bearing assembly biased between a surface of the pawl and a biased movable element whose movement is actuated by the insertion or withdrawal of the lever. In one position of the movable element, the bearing assembly is urged against the pawl to lock it. In the other position of the movable element, the bearing assembly is allowed to reduce its pressure on the pawl. |
| US08851251B2 |
Handle for luggage
An ergonomic handle for luggage is provided. In one aspect, the handle comprises at least one palm grip. The handle is attached to a compartment with wheels. The palm grip can be used to push the luggage as the wheels roll over a rolling surface. |
| US08851247B2 |
Damper, washing machine and washing/drying machine
A damper includes a bobbin which is housed in a cylinder and on which a coil is wound and yokes housed in the cylinder. At least one of the yokes is disposed at a first axial side of the bobbin, and at least one other of the yokes is disposed at a second axial side of the bobbin. A magnetic viscous fluid is retained on inner surfaces of the yokes and an inner surface of the bobbin. Sealing members are configured to prevent leakage of the magnetic viscous fluid. A shaft extends through the yokes, the bobbin and the sealing members and is configured to be axially reciprocable relative to the yokes, the bobbin and the sealing members such that reciprocation of the shaft does not substantially displace the magnetic viscous fluid. The coil, the bobbin and the yokes are fixed together by a resin. |
| US08851244B2 |
Parking brake controller and system for air brake vehicles
A push/pull valve controller, including a switch and a fluid actuator, and system for use in combination with a push/pull valve to set and release a parking (or emergency) brake in a vehicle having an air brake system. The push/pull valve controller and system may further include additional safety features, such as a key lock. |
| US08851243B2 |
Brake actuator
A brake actuator (10) having a housing (12) in which is provided a movable brake actuating assembly (18, 30), the brake actuating assembly (18, 30) being movable between a brake apply position which, in use results in the application of a brake to which the actuator (10) connected, and a brake release position which, in use, results in the release of the brake, the brake actuator (10) further including a lock (34) which is operable to prevent movement of the brake actuating assembly (18, 30) from the brake apply position to the brake release position, the brake actuating assembly (18, 30) including a first movable member (18), a second movable member (30) and a resilient biasing element (32) which extends between the second movable member (30) and the first movable member (18) and which, if one of the first or second movable members (18, 30) is moved relative to the other from an equilibrium separation, exerts a force tending to return the first (18) and second (30) movable members to the equilibrium separation, the brake actuator (10) further including compliance control chamber (50) between the first movable member (18) and the second movable member (30), the compliance control chamber (50) having a port (58a) and being sealed such that flow of fluid into or out of the compliance control chamber (50) other than through the port is substantially prevented. |
| US08851240B1 |
Wheel chock and method
A wheel chock and method for stopping the rotation of a wheel including a U-shaped member and a pair of downwardly depending flanges, each of the pair of flanges attached to opposite sides of the U-shaped member and extending outwardly therefrom. Each of the flanges has a width shorter than the vertical height of the U-shaped member. While most wheel chocks either move when subject to sufficient horizontal force or are permanently fixed to a surface, this chock is designed with a removable lag assembly to secure the chock from inadvertent displacement but can be removed and transported for wheel security at another destination. |
| US08851239B2 |
Elevator tension member monitoring device
A tension member monitoring device is provided with at least one contact sensor (21) and a defect determining device (20). The contact sensor (21), which is arranged next to a corresponding tension member (3) without touching the tension member (3), is configured to output a contact signal when contacted. The defect determining device (20), which receives the contact signal, is configured to determine whether there is a defect in the tension member (3), based on the contact signal. |
| US08851237B2 |
Variable-capacity self-adjusting pneumatic load elevator
A pneumatic system with multiple air reservoirs is connected to the bellows of a load elevator. A plurality of valves enables the optional pneumatic connection of different combinations of reservoirs so as to change the range of operation of the elevator to meet the self-adjusting weight requirements of a particular job at hand. In the preferred embodiment, the air actuator is pneumatically connected to a main air reservoir, which in turn can optionally be coupled in series with one or two additional reservoirs of different capacities. As a result of this configuration of its pneumatic system, the elevator can be switched between and operated at three different load levels, at the convenience of the operator, without changing the amount of air in the system. |
| US08851236B2 |
Safety lockout system
A safety lockout system for releasably locking a mast guided working surface to a mast is provided. The safety lockout system may include an outer rollcase, an inner rollcase, and a lockout assembly. The lockout assembly includes a retractable dog that is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The lockout assembly may include a dog release device that operates both manually and automatically to move the retractable dog from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Automatic operation of the dog release device is triggered when the working surface experiences a tilted condition. A dog emergency release device may be provided to manually move the retractable dog to the disengaged position in the event of a malfunction. The lockout assembly may include a lockout assembly locking device that allows a portion of the lockout assembly to fold up and move the retractable dog to the disengaged position. |
| US08851235B2 |
Braking mechanisms
An eddy-current braking mechanism including a rotor, rotatable about a rotor axis; at least one electrically conductive member coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith; at least one magnet configured to apply a magnetic field extending at least partially orthogonal to the plane of rotation of the conductive member, and characterized in that upon rotation of the rotor, the conductive member is configured to move at least partially radially from the rotor axis into the applied magnetic field. |
| US08851232B2 |
Rope climbing apparatus
A rope climbing apparatus includes two spaced side members. Each side member has a climbing rope end and a tethering end. The climbing rope ends each include a pair of spaced apertures. The tethering ends each include a cooperative aperture. Two friction elements are disposed between the spaced side members. The friction elements are axially disposed between the pair of spaced apertures in the climbing rope end for receiving a rope therebetween the friction elements. A tether connector is axially disposed between the cooperative apertures in the tethering end for connecting a tether thereto. The climbing apparatus is useable as a brake while descending a rope through angular movement of the tethering end relative to the rope. |
| US08851231B1 |
Land vehicle exhaust noise control apparatus
A housing with a first end wall and second end wall with a first baffle and second baffle spaced apart and positioned between end walls with a cover attached to form a first chamber, an intermediate chamber and a third chamber. An intake tube is inserted through the first end wall, first baffle and second baffle to terminate at an exit end in the third chamber. An exhaust tube is inserted through the second end wall, second baffle and first baffle to terminate at an intake end in the first chamber. The intake tube and exhaust tube each have openings in an intermediate tube wall. The exhaust tube has openings in a second tube wall portion. There is an intermediate port in the first baffle. A threaded shaft of a valve is threadably engaged in a fitting attached in the second end wall to be positioned opposed the exit end. |
| US08851226B2 |
Mechanical boolean steering
A steering system for a vehicle adapted to travel on a track or a guideway includes a drive shaft having a rotational axis and first and second substantially semicircular gear elements provided on the drive shaft and adapted to engage first and second racks, respectively. The first and second substantially semicircular gear elements are offset along the rotational axis of the drive shaft and are located about a common end of the drive shaft. The first substantially semicircular gear element engages the first rack when the drive shaft is rotated in a first direction while the second substantially semicircular gear element engages the second rack when the drive shaft is rotated in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. Both first and second substantially semicircular gear elements engage the first and the second rack, respectively, when the drive shaft is in a neutral position. |
| US08851220B2 |
Air cleaner device
An air cleaner device can include an air cleaner case including a case main unit and a cover. An intake duct can be disposed on the cover, and an intake path can be disposed on the case main unit. An air cleaner element can be accommodated in the air cleaner case. When the air cleaner device is mounted in a vehicle and viewed from a vehicle side, the air cleaner case is formed to be vertically long. The intake duct is formed to have an upstream-side opening portion thereof oriented toward a first side of the air cleaner case, and a downstream-side opening portion thereof can be oriented downwardly. The intake path is formed to have an upstream-side opening portion thereof oriented upwardly to face the downstream-side opening portion of the intake duct, and a downstream-side opening portion thereof is oriented toward a second side of the air cleaner case. |
| US08851212B2 |
Forward carrier assembly with a reversible inter-axle differential for a tandem axle vehicle, a powertrain for a tandem axle vehicle, and a tandem axle vehicle
A tandem axle vehicle includes a powertrain. The powertrain includes an input shaft, a forward drive axle assembly including a forward carrier assembly including a forward differential, and a rear drive axle assembly coupled to the forward drive axle assembly via a connecting driveshaft and including a rear carrier assembly including a rear differential. The forward carrier assembly includes an inter-axle differential (IAD), the IAD including an IAD housing, a differential spider including a plurality of legs attached to the IAD housing and a plurality of spider gears mounted on the legs, a first side gear engaged with the spider gears on a first side of the spider and arranged to drive a shaft for driving the driveshaft, and a second side gear engaged with the spider gears on a second side of the spider and arranged to drive the forward differential. A clutch is movable between an unlocked position, the clutch rotationally coupling the input shaft and the IAD housing when in the unlocked position, and a reverse position, the input shaft being rotationally decoupled from the IAD housing when the clutch is in the reverse position. |
| US08851211B2 |
Multi-unit mobile robot
A multi-unit mobile robot comprising a plurality of separate carriages or units linked together by linkages. Each unit comprises hinged first and second segments which facilitates pitch relative motion between the segments, and accordingly the units. By controlling actuators to the hinges, one can cause the robot to coil around and compress against the exterior, or compress against the interior, of an object to be traversed. The linkage between mobile units facilitates at least one of lateral pivot or yaw relative motion between units, and optionally roll. Each hinged platform is carried by a pair of Mecanum wheels, which facilitate movement of the unit in any direction.Among other possible uses, the multi-unit mobile robot can be used to service windmill blades and towers, and carrying cargo up and down windmill towers by directing a multi-unit mobile robot to wrap around the and traverse the tower. |
| US08851206B2 |
Oblique face polycrystalline diamond cutter and drilling tools so equipped
A superabrasive cutter including a superabrasive table having a cutting face in non-perpendicular orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cutter. A superabrasive cutter having a cutting face of a superabrasive table in non-parallel orientation to a back surface thereof. |
| US08851197B2 |
Self contained fire extinguisher system including a linear temperature sensor
A self contained fire extinguisher system that does not need external power in order to sense or initiate a release of a fire suppression medium, includes components configured to utilize a linear sensor network that can be connected to at least one and/or different sources of fire suppression mediums. A linear temperature sensing cord can be routed over a large area not practical with individual sensors. The cord can also actuate several and different sources of fire suppression mediums to maximize the suppression of a fire. |
| US08851195B2 |
Differential dry pipe valve
A differential dry pipe valve is provided having a body including an inlet chamber having an inlet port, an exit chamber having an exit port, and a gasket flange positioned between the inlet and exit chambers facing the exit port, the inlet and exit ports being substantially aligned. The valve also includes a gasket attached to the gasket flange and an openable cover hingedly attached to the body. The gasket has an inner water lip in fluid communication with the inlet chamber and an outer air lip surrounding the water lip. The spacing between the water lip and air lip varies. The air and water lips are coaxial. The cover is configured to be sealingly engaged with the seal when in a closed position and to be sealingly disengaged in an open position when the pressure in the exit chamber is lower than the pressure in the inlet chamber. When the cover is in the open position, a direction of a path between the inlet and exit ports is substantially unaltered. |
| US08851191B2 |
Selectively fired high pressure high temperature back-off tool
A method for unseating a threaded connection of wellbore tubing within the wellbore. The method utilizes a back-off tool which consists of a tubular metal housing, a shaped charge and HNS detonating cord within the housing, and an explosive material attached to the housing. The back-off tool is detonated near the threaded connection, creating a shockwave that strikes the threaded connection with sufficient force to unseat the connection. |
| US08851187B2 |
Method for mobility control in oil-bearing carbonate formations
A method for enhancing recovery of oil from an oil-bearing carbonate formation within a reservoir. The method has the steps of (a) introducing a viscous gel under pressure into the oil-bearing carbonate formation and (b) extracting oil. The aqueous viscous gel has water and an amount of a non-polymeric viscosifying surfactant sufficient to provide the flooding fluid with an oil/water interfacial surface tension of about 10 mN/m or less and a viscosity of about 10 cP or more of the one or more non-polymeric surfactants. The one or more non-polymeric, viscosifying surfactants is selected from the group of one or more cationic surfactants, one or more zwitterionic surfactants, one or more anionic surfactants, one or more amphoteric surfactants, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous viscous gel is also substantially free of solids. |
| US08851185B2 |
Dual metal seal system
A wellhead seal assembly has a primary seal and a secondary seal, each seal forming a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A primary metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. A secondary metal seal is located below the seal ring and has a bottom portion that contacts an upward facing shoulder of a hanger. A primary energizing exerts downward force on the primary seal, causing a secondary energizing ring, located below the primary energizing ring, to energize the secondary seal. Once the secondary seal is energized, thus stopping downward movement of the (primary seal and secondary energizing ring, the primary energizing ring energizes the primary seal. |
| US08851184B2 |
Process, device, and system to cap and seal oil and gas in a riser pipe
A containment valve assembly using the upcoming pressures to control the flow of oil/gas through a riser pipe with a stop flow plug positioned within the valve housing that has an outer surface shaped to fit within and against the riser pipe, and an inner socket cavity having a conical nose receiver portion with a relief vent allowing the oil/gas to escape through the valve assembly, when desired. The stop flow plug is shaped to fit within the inner socket cavity and moves between an open position and a closed position, wherein the stop flow plug fits securely against the conical nose receiver portion, sealing the relief vent. At the top of the valve, a nut will lock the stop flow plug to the close out plate for additional stoppage. A second embodiment adds a heavy duty insert to supplement the sealing pressure, when needed. Electronic monitors convey data remotely. |
| US08851183B2 |
Casing hanger lockdown slip ring
A seal seals an annulus in a subsea assembly between a wellhead and a casing hanger landed on a shoulder within a bore of the wellhead. The seal includes a casing hanger seal ring disposed within the annulus. The seal ring engaged with an inner diameter surface of the wellhead, and engaged with an outer diameter surface of the casing hanger so that the seal ring prevents flow through the annulus. A lockdown slip ring is secured to a lower end of the seal ring so that, when the seal ring is energized, the lockdown slip ring engages a substantially smooth inner diameter surface portion of the wellhead and a substantially smooth outer diameter surface portion of the casing hanger to limit upwards axial movement of the casing hanger. |
| US08851182B2 |
Wellhead hanger shoulder
A well production system including a wellhead and a first casing string supported from a first casing hanger landed on a shoulder in the wellhead bore. A loading shoulder assembly is installable in the wellhead and includes an energizing ring, a loading ring threaded into the interior of the energizing ring, a lock ring, and a hold-down ring threaded into the interior of the loading ring. The hold-down ring engages the first casing hanger to prevent rotation of the hold-down ring and restrain rotation of the loading ring. The lock ring is expandable from an unset position into supporting engagement with the wellhead in a set position upon rotation of the energizing ring. The hold-down ring is also moveable axially out of the loading ring to restrain the first casing hanger. |
| US08851179B2 |
Process and process line for the preparation of hydraulic fracturing fluid
A process and process line is provided for preparing a friction-reduced hydraulic fracturing fluid at a central location which can be readily transported to an oil or gas well in a formation at a well site, comprising: preparing a mixture of polymer and water at the central location by shearing the polymer in the water in a high shear environment to create the friction-reduced hydraulic fracturing fluid; pumping the friction-reduced hydraulic fracturing fluid through a series of pumps and pipelines to the well site; and injecting the hydraulic fracturing fluid into the oil or gas well at a pressure sufficient to cause fracturing of the formation. |
| US08851178B2 |
System and method for fracturing while drilling
A method of fracturing a formation while drilling a wellbore. The method includes providing a bottomhole assembly (“BHA”) having a reamer positioned above a pilot hole assembly, connecting the BHA to a drill string, actuating the BHA to drill a first wellbore section with the reamer and to drill a pilot hole with the pilot hole assembly, hydraulically sealing the pilot hole from the first wellbore section, and fracturing the formation proximate the pilot hole. |
| US08851177B2 |
In-situ kerogen conversion and oxidant regeneration
The invention relates to methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface shale formations. The methods utilize in-situ reactions of kerogen involving liquid phase chemistry at formation temperatures and pressures. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen to render it mobile, using chemical oxidants. In one embodiment, an oxidant is provided to the subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen in an inorganic matrix, the oxidant converting the kerogen to form organic acids, and forming a mobile kerogen-based product. The spent oxidant is regenerated in-situ to restore at least some of the original oxidation activity. At least a portion of the mobile kerogen-based product is recovered. The kerogen-derived product can be upgraded to provide commercial products. |
| US08851174B2 |
Foam resin sealant for zonal isolation and methods for making and using same
Foamable epoxy-based zonal isolation sealing compositions include epoxy resin and a blowing agent and methods for isolating zones in borehole of oil and gas wells using the compositions, where the foam nature of the cured seals provide sufficient compressibility and resiliency to be used with expandable tubing without substantial loss in sealant integrity and in squeeze operations. |
| US08851172B1 |
High strength, low density metal matrix composite ball sealer
High strength, low density ball sealer for sealing openings in oil or gas wells, such as perforations formed through the well casing or openings formed through slidable packers or sleeves received within a tubing string in the well, from the flow of a fluid injected into the well. The ball sealer is formed as having an inner core, and a metal matrix composite layer surrounding the core. |
| US08851167B2 |
Mechanical liner drilling cementing system
A packer setting tool sets a liner top packer by mechanical rotation of the running tool and set down weight following cementing of a liner. The packer setting tool includes a tubular release body mounted on an end of the running tool. An annular dog sub circumscribes a portion of the release body. The dog sub is linked to the release body with a shear screw. A thread on an outer surface of the release body engages a thread on an inner surface of the dog sub to define a threaded connection between the dog sub and the release body. When the running tool rotates, the thread on the release body rotates with respect to the thread on the dog sub driving the release body in an axial direction fracturing the shear screw and urges an adapter sleeve against the packer assembly to set the packer assembly. |
| US08851164B2 |
Tubular handling device and methods
A tubular member handling apparatus including a tubular member running tool, an elevator, first actuators each extending between the running tool and the elevator, and second actuators each extending between the running tool and a corresponding first actuator. The running tool includes a slotted member having a plurality of elongated slots, a recessed member slidably coupled to the slotted member and having a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of rolling members each retained between one of the recesses and one of the slots. Each rolling member partially extends through an adjacent slot when located in a shallow end of a corresponding recess, and retracts to within an outer perimeter of the slotted member when located in a deep end of the corresponding recess. |
| US08851159B1 |
Method and pattern of dispensing thermal interface materials
An interface is formed by pressing a first surface and a second surface together, with a particle-loaded thermal interface material (TIM) in between. By applying the thermal interface material to controlled locations on the first surface in controlled amounts, final layer thickness at a given squeezing pressure, and time required to squeeze, are minimized. The locations and amounts are controlled such that small islands of TIM merge only just before final layer thickness is achieved. Better TIM thermal performance and quicker manufacturing result. |
| US08851156B2 |
Heat exchanger header assembly
A freeze protection system to repeatedly protect the coils or tubes of a heat exchanger/radiator that does not require any maintenance after the contained fluid in the heat exchanger/radiator has experienced a freeze. The system lends itself to construction as a repeatable grouping of diversely different geometric shapes that can then be used to build a freeze protection system for a plethora of sizes of heat exchangers/radiators or, can be made into a unitary, monolithic sheet for a specific sized heat exchanger. |
| US08851155B2 |
Heat exchanger
A heat exchanger having a housing with a bottom, an upper wall and side walls. Additionally, onto two pairs of opposite side walls, a front wall and a back wall respectively, are connected a supply and a discharge for the gas to be cooled. A mechanism is provided in the housing for separating condensate from the cooled gas. The mechanism includes a series of corrugated vertical walls upon which are provided crosswise extending ribs forming vertical gutters extending only from the bottom up to the upper wall of the housing. Additionally, holes are provided in the bottom for the discharge of the separated condensate from the gutters via a collector. The collector extends from at least under the holes to under an opening which is provided in the bottom between the mechanism for separating condensate and the back wall. |
| US08851154B2 |
Cooling module and system for lamp device
A cooling module includes a casing with a thermal-transmittance wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a coolant inlet, a vapor outlet, and a converting component with a plurality of orifices and dividing an interior of the casing into a coolant chamber and a vaporization chamber. A liquid coolant is ejected through the plurality of orifices to form plumes toward the interior surface of the thermal-transmittance wall and exchange heat with the thermal-transmittance wall resulting in coolant vapor. In a cooling system, a vapor conduit then carries the vapor to a condenser, and a coolant conduit returns the condensed coolant to the cooling module. The cooling system is used to cool a lamp device. |
| US08851150B2 |
One-piece slide-on sunshade hook
A sunshade hook assembly includes a body having a generally J-shaped hook. The hook has a first, proximal portion that merges into the body, and a second, distal portion forming an open-ended terminal end dimensioned to receive a rod of the associated sunshade. An attachment member extends from the body and includes a detent mechanism that requires a predetermined force for securing the body to an associated bracket. |
| US08851146B2 |
Architectural apparatus and method
According to one aspect, there is provided a curtain assembly including a curtain and a plurality of rails. The curtain can be used to cover a variety of openings. The plurality of rails can be attached to and disposed horizontally on the curtain to provide rigidity to the curtain when in an open position (covering the opening). The plurality of rails can be made of two main sections, a first and a second coupled to opposite sides of the curtain. The second section can be configured to provide the lateral stability to the curtain, permitting the first section to be made of almost any material. Typically both sections are metal. The first section can also include folded over portions which wrap around the edges of the curtain. The folded over portions provide for attachment and also insure no sharp edges exist on the exterior sides of the curtain. The plurality of rails can be bonded to the curtain using an adhesive. The curtain can include prepared bonding surface to receive the rails. Both can be spaced to minimize overlap between the plurality of rails when the curtain is in a recessed position (wound around a roller). |
| US08851139B2 |
Paper stripping member and image forming apparatus
A paper stripping member is removably supported by a supporting member disposed facing a circumferential surface of a photoreceptor drum, and strips a paper sheet off the circumferential surface. The paper stripping member includes an acute-shaped stripping nail, a holding member and a cover member. The holding member is configured removably from the supporting member, and holds the stripping nail in such a manner that the stripping nail extends toward the circumferential surface. The cover member is configured removably from the holding member, and covers at least part of the stripping nail in the extending direction of the stripping nail in a state where the cover member is attached to the holding member. |
| US08851137B2 |
Winding method and apparatus
A winding apparatus comprises a rotating winding drum, a lay down station, a cutting station, a web assembly hold down element and a wound assembly discharge station. The rotating winding drum further comprises a plurality of winding stations. Each winding station comprises a winding mandrel, a winding nip, a web stabilizing bed and a cutting anvil. |
| US08851133B2 |
Method and apparatus of holding a device
Provided is an apparatus and a method of holding a device. The apparatus includes a wafer chuck having first and second holes that extend therethrough, and a pressure control structure that can independently and selectively vary a fluid pressure in each of the first and second holes between pressures above and below an ambient pressure. The method includes providing a wafer chuck having first and second holes that extend therethrough, and independently and selectively varying a fluid pressure in each of the first and second holes between pressures above and below an ambient pressure. |
| US08851126B1 |
Wire loading magazine for twist attachment device
A wire loading magazine for a twist attachment device includes a magazine assembly adapted to carry a supply of attachment wire segments and a wire loading assembly carried by the magazine assembly and adapted to individually and sequentially load the attachment wire segments from the magazine assembly into the twist attachment device. |
| US08851122B2 |
Aircraft including a fuel pump fastened to a tank panel
The aircraft includes: a fuel tank panel; a fuel pump bell, the bell being fastened to the panel; and a metal support arranged so that the bell is fastened to the panel entirely via the support. |
| US08851120B2 |
Fluid handling apparatus and fluid handling system
Chip body 130 in which a through hole or concave is formed, intermediate film 140, on one surface of which adhesive layer 150′ is formed and lower film 170, on one surface of which transfer function layer 160 is formed, are prepared. Intermediate film 140 and lower film 170 are bonded together such that transfer function layer 160 is embedded in adhesive layer 150′ to form a laminated body. The laminated body and chip body 130 are bonded together by thermocompression to manufacture micro-chip 100. |
| US08851113B2 |
Shared gas panels in plasma processing systems
Methods and apparatus for shared gas panel for supplying a process gas to a plurality of process modules are disclosed. The shared gas panel includes a plurality of mixing valves and at least two mixing manifolds for a given mixing valve to service at least two process modules. The mixing manifolds are disposed on a given plane and staggered to save space. Components of the shared gas panel are also stacked vertically in order to reduce volume of the shared gas panel enclosure. Components are optimized such that the two mixing manifolds coupled to the given mixing valve receive equal mass flow to eliminate matching issues. |
| US08851110B2 |
Methods and apparatus for splitting multi-phase flow
A multi-phase fluid is split in a flow splitting device that includes a feed pipe in which a flow redistribution element induces tangential motion in the phases such that the denser phase is forced to redistribute around the periphery of the feed pipe. The so redistributed flow is then split into two or more distribution conduits that are typically perpendicular to the flow direction of the feed flow. Most typically, the feed pipe is in a vertical position. |
| US08851106B2 |
Gas supplying apparatus, cylinder cabinet provided with the same, valve box, and substrate process apparatus
A disclosed gas supplying apparatus includes a pressure controller that reduces a primary pressure thereby providing a secondary pressure greater than a process pressure at which a predetermined process is performed and less than the atmospheric pressure in a secondary pipe; a pressure sensor that measures a pressure in the secondary pipe; a first open/close valve provided in the secondary pipe; an open/close valve controller that opens or closes the first open/close valve; a pressure comparator that compares the pressure measured by the pressure sensor in the secondary pipe with a first set pressure that is greater than the process pressure by a predetermined pressure; and a controller that outputs a signal to the open/close valve controller thereby closing the first open/close valve, when the pressure comparator determines that the pressure in the secondary pipe is less than the first set pressure. |
| US08851105B2 |
Mass flow meter, mass flow controller, mass flow meter system and mass flow control system containing the mass flow meter and the mass flow controller
An object of this invention is to provide a superior mass flow meter or the like that can flexibly cope with a change of a sample fluid such as a gas kind without requiring a special troublesome labor and that can measure a flow rate with high accuracy. The mass flow meter comprises a sensor section that detects a flow rate of a sample fluid flowing in a flow channel, a setting section that sets a flow rate characteristic function that is intrinsic to each fluid to determine a flow rate based on a flow rate detected value output by the sensor section and an instrumental error correction parameter that is independent from the flow rate characteristic function and common to multiple sample fluids to correct an instrumental error of each mass flow meter, and a flow rate calculating section that calculates a flow rate measurement value of the sample fluid by applying the flow rate characteristic function and the instrumental error correction parameter to the flow rate detected value. |
| US08851104B2 |
Elevating fire hydrant assembly
Disclosed is an elevating fire hydrant assembly. The elevating fire hydrant assembly includes: a water pipe which supplies firefighting water in accordance with the open or shut operation of a water control valve buried underground; an elbow pipe connected to the water pipe; a fixing pipe connected to the elbow pipe; an elevating pipe which is coupled to the fixing pipe to retract into or extend from the ground, and the lower end of which is coupled to a guide block that slides along the inner surface of the fixing pipe; a sealing plate coupled to the top of the fixing pipe to prevent the elevating pipe from escaping; a head block which is coupled to the top of the elevating pipe, and which has a hose connector for connecting a firefighting hose; and valve means for opening or shutting the lower end of the elevating pipe. |
| US08851103B2 |
Microfluidic valve systems and methods
The present disclosure provides a mini-scale microfluidic valve including a valve housing disposed at a fluid dispensing orifice of a mini-scale microfluidic system dispensing nozzle. The valve housing comprises a base member having a base member orifice that aligns with the fluid dispensing orifice to provide a fluid dispensing pathway through which a system-fluid is dispensed from the system dispensing nozzle to an external ambient environment. The housing additionally comprises an open valve channel exposed to the external ambient environment and intersecting the fluid dispensing pathway. The valve further includes a liquid-film movably disposed within the open valve channel such that the liquid-film is exposed to the external ambient environment. The liquid-film comprises a substantially non-volatile, immiscible liquid, and a valve control subsystem structured and operable to control movement of the liquid-film within the open valve channel to selectively cover and uncover the base member orifice. |
| US08851102B2 |
Windshield washer fluid supplying system and method
A windshield washer fluid supplying system for a vehicle having a windshield washer device comprising a reservoir mounted in the vehicle for storing washer fluid is disclosed, the supplying system comprising a supplying tube having a first end portion and a second end portion; a first end piece comprising a portion mountable on the reservoir and an aperture therethrough for receiving the first end portion of the supplying tube so as to enable fluid communication between the first end portion of the supplying tube and the reservoir; and a second end piece comprising a portion adapted for mounting on a container of washer fluid placed in the vehicle and an aperture therethrough for receiving the second end portion of the supplying tube so that the second end portion of the supplying tube extends inside the container proximate a bottom portion thereof when the second end piece is mounted on the container, thereby establishing a siphonage circuit between the reservoir and the container with the supplying tube for enabling distribution of the washer fluid from the container to the reservoir. |
| US08851098B2 |
Rupture sealing apparatus
A system for sealing a vessel, including: a sealing assembly including a sheet of material and an actuator; and a bracing assembly including a mesh structure. In response to an actuating signal: the actuator is arranged to dispose the sheet of material along at least a portion of an inner wall of the vessel; and the bracing assembly is arranged to displace the mesh structure such that the mesh structure urges the sheet of material into sealing contact with the at least a portion of the inner wall. |
| US08851097B2 |
Infant seat cover
A seat cover includes a frame and cover. The frame includes a flexible member with a first end and a second end, a first connector configured to receive the first end of the flexible member, a second connector configured to receive the second end of the flexible member, and a support configured to receive the first connector and the second connector. |