| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08858695B2 |
Modified colorants and inkjet ink compositions comprising modified colorants
The present invention relates to a modified colorant comprising a colorant having attached at least one organic group. Various embodiments of the organic group are disclosed. For each of these embodiments, preferably the organic group has a defined calcium index value. Also disclosed are various uses for these modified colorants, including inkjet ink compositions. |
| US08858694B2 |
Zinc oxide precursor containing alkyl zinc halide and method of depositing zinc oxide-based thin film using the same
A zinc oxide precursor for use in deposition of a zinc oxide-based thin film contains an alkyl zinc halide having the following formula: R—Zn—X, where R is an alkyl group CnH2n+1, and X is a halogen group. The n is a number ranging from 1 to 4, and the alkyl group is one selected from among a methyl group, an ethyl group, an i-propyl group and a t-butyl group. The halogen group contains one selected from among F, Br, Cl and I. A method of depositing a zinc oxide-based thin film includes loading a substrate into a deposition chamber; and supplying the zinc oxide precursor which contains the above-described alkyl zinc halide and an oxidizer into the deposition chamber and forming a zinc oxide-based thin film on the substrate via chemical vapor deposition. The zinc oxide-based thin film is deposited on the substrate via atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. |
| US08858688B2 |
Toxic gas removal and air conditioning system for human life support in enclosed refuge spaces
An intrinsically safe, self-contained toxic gas removal and air conditioning system for use in an underground mine environment to continuously remove from air sealed in the chamber the CO2 and/or CO from exhalations of up to thirty adult occupants. The system includes an explosion-proof/fire-proof shell strong enough to withstand a 15 psi explosion outside the survival chamber in which the air-scrubbing system is installed. In the event of normal power loss, the system runs on an internal battery capable of 96+ hours of continuous operation while incapable of creating an explosion hazard. A fan motor mounted inside the external shell is driven by a fan driver circuit and is coupled to a driveshaft extending outside the external shell to drive an air scrubber fan. A fan driver/controller circuit powers the fan and detects the loss of externally-provided AC power to automatically start operation when such power loss is detected. |
| US08858685B2 |
Gas storage and dispensing system with monolithic carbon adsorbent
A pyrolyzed monolith carbon physical adsorbent that is characterized by at least one of the following characteristics: (a) a fill density measured for arsine gas at 25° C. and pressure of 650 torr that is greater than 400 grams arsine per liter of adsorbent; (b) at least 30% of overall porosity of the adsorbent including slit-shaped pores having a size in a range of from about 0.3 to about 0.72 nanometer, and at least 20% of the overall porosity including micropores of diameter <2 nanometers; and (c) having a bulk density of from about 0.80 to about 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter, preferably from 0.9 to 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter. |
| US08858684B2 |
Method for water recovery from atmosphere
A method to recover water from the atmosphere is provided. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. An integral heat exchanger adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection. |
| US08858681B2 |
Patterned porous venting materials
A patterned gas permeable venting material is affixed within a venting apparatus which has an opening. The venting material forms a liquid tight, gas permeable seal of the opening. The patterned material comprises a PTFE membrane of porosity less than 80% and with a surface indentation of depth greater than 12 microns. |
| US08858680B2 |
Separation of oxygen containing gases
The present invention is directed to a method and a system for separating oxygen from air. A compressible air stream that contains oxygen is mixed in a substantially co-current flow with an incompressible fluid stream comprising an incompressible fluid in which oxygen is capable of being preferentially absorbed. Rotational velocity is imparted to the mixed streams, separating an incompressible fluid in which at least a portion of the oxygen is absorbed from other compressible components of the air stream. The compressible air stream may be provided at a stream velocity having a Mach number of at least 0.1. |
| US08858679B2 |
Separation of industrial gases
The present invention is directed to a method and a system for separating hydrogen or helium from gas having a mixture of gaseous components. A compressible feed stream that contains at least one target compressible component and hydrogen or helium is mixed in a substantially co-current flow with an incompressible fluid stream comprising an incompressible fluid in which the target component(s) is/are capable of being preferentially absorbed. Rotational velocity is imparted to the mixed streams, separating an incompressible fluid in which at least a portion of the target component is absorbed from a compressible product stream containing the hydrogen or helium. The compressible feed stream may be provided at a stream velocity having a Mach number of at least 0.1. |
| US08858678B2 |
System and method for making metallic iron with reduced CO2 emissions
A method and system for making metallic iron nodules with reduced CO2 emissions is disclosed. The method includes: assembling a linear hearth furnace having entry and exit portions, at least a conversion zone and a fusion zone, and a moving hearth adapted to move reducible iron bearing material through the furnace on contiguous hearth sections; assembling a shrouded return substantially free of air ingress extending adjacent at least the conversion and fusion zones of the furnace through which hearth sections can move from adjacent the exit portion to adjacent the entry portion of the furnace; transferring the hearth sections from the furnace to the shrouded return adjacent the exit portion; reducing reducible material in the linear hearth furnace to metallic iron nodules; and transporting gases from at least the fusion zone to the shrouded return to heat the hearth sections while in the shrouded return. |
| US08858677B2 |
Method and apparatus for recovering valuable substance from lithium secondary battery
A valuable-substance recovery method according to the present invention includes: a solvent peeling step (S3) of dissolving a resin binder included in an electrode material by immersing crushed pieces of a lithium secondary battery into a solvent, so as to peel off the electrode material containing valuable substances from a metal foil constituting the electrode; a filtering step (S4) of filtering a suspension of the solvent, so as to separate and recover the electrode material containing the valuable substances and a carbon material; a heat treatment step (S5) of heating the recovered electrode material containing the valuable substances and the carbon material, under an oxidative atmosphere, so as to burn and remove the carbon material; and a reducing reaction step (S6) of immersing the resultant electrode material containing the valuable substances into a molten salt of lithium chloride containing metal lithium, so as to perform a reducing reaction. |
| US08858675B2 |
Iron-based powder combination
A powder metallurgical combination is provided comprising an iron-based powder A comprising core particles of iron to which core particles nickel is diffusion alloyed and wherein said nickel diffusion alloyed to said core particles comprises 4-7% (preferably 4.5-6%) by weight of said iron-based powder A, and a powder B substantially consisting of particles of pure iron. Further a method is provided for preparing a powder metallurgical combination. |
| US08858669B2 |
Oil coalescing filter
An oil coalescing filter may be used in an oil separator tank with an industrial sized compressor/vacuum package, like a rotary screw compressor/vacuum or a liquid ring compressor/vacuum. The oil coalescing filter has filter media including: a first fiber media adapted for continuously removing oil; and a second fiber media adapted for final oil coalescing; the first fiber media having a greater basis weight than said second fiber media. |
| US08858668B2 |
Wedge-shaped filter element with two leaf filters
A filter element includes a holding frame with an intake opening, an air intake disposed on the intake opening, and an anti-twist mechanism configured such that the filter element is only insertable into a filter housing in one position. The anti-twist mechanism includes a body with two asymmetrically configured recesses extending along a longitudinal axis of the holding frame. The filter element also includes two bellows disposed on the holding frame, the bellows and holding frame delimiting a cavity. |
| US08858667B2 |
Coupling head with a filter element
The present invention relates to a coupling head for coupling a towing vehicle to a trailer.According to the invention, in the coupling head a filter element is used. The filter element is bypassed by a continuously open by-pass. Preferably, the path through the by-pass has at least one redirection in the region of an undercut. As a result of the redirection, contaminants in the compressed air are not or not fully transferred through the by-pass. The by-pass might also ensure a supply of compressed air to the trailer, for example, when the filter element is at least partly blocked due to the contaminants. According to the invention, a valve element used to open the by-pass in the case of increasing blockage of the filter element is not required. |
| US08858665B2 |
Method for making fine diamond PDC
A method for making a PDC cutting element for use in rock drilling containing sub-micron size diamond particles within the diamond body. Metals that do not readily dissolve carbon are employed to limit the dissolution and re-precipitation of fine diamond during the sintering of the diamond to the substrate. |
| US08858663B2 |
Methods of forming cutting elements having different interstitial materials in multi-layer diamond tables
Methods of forming cutting elements for earth-boring tools include providing a barrier material between a first powder and a second powder each comprising diamond grains, and subjecting the powders and barrier material to high temperature and high pressure conditions to form polycrystalline diamond material. The formation of the polycrystalline diamond material is catalyzed, and catalytic material may be hindered from migrating across the layer of barrier material. Cutting elements for use in earth-boring tools include a barrier material disposed between a first layer of polycrystalline diamond material and a second layer of polycrystalline diamond material. Earth-boring tools include one or more such cutting elements for cutting an earth formation. |
| US08858661B2 |
Method and apparatus of gasification under the integrated pyrolysis reformer system (IPRS)
A gasification system reduces volume of a bulky carbonaceous feedstock by pyrolysis to bring about a significant reduction in volume. The system includes a pyrolysis chamber, a reformer, a syngas burner, and a syngas storage tank. Flue gas is provided from the chamber to the reformer. Hot gases are introduced to the reformer from the syngas burner. The pyrolysis reaction occurs in the reformer to produce syngas of at least 1200° C. Some of the produced syngas is used to heat the pyrolysis chamber and the rest returns to the reformer with the flue gas. The syngas burner is situated horizontally at the bottom of the reformer, while the pyrolysis chamber is situated vertically at the top of the reformer. The reformer is inclined relative to each of the syngas burner and the pyrolysis chamber. |
| US08858657B1 |
Direct conversion of algal biomass to biofuel
A method and system for providing direct conversion of algal biomass. Optionally, the method and system can be used to directly convert dry algal biomass to biodiesels under microwave irradiation by combining the reaction and combining steps. Alternatively, wet algae can be directly processed and converted to fatty acid methyl esters, which have the major components of biodiesels, by reacting with methanol at predetermined pressure and temperature ranges. |
| US08858656B2 |
Method for thermally cleaving organic waste having high molecular weight
The invention relates to a method for thermochemically converting organic waste material having high molecular weight into liquid combustible materials and fuels, comprising the following steps: feeding organic waste material into a reactor, heating the organic waste material to a temperature between 250° C. and 500° C. while avoiding exceeding critical coking temperatures in the reactor, feeding biogenic substances to the reactor, collecting and condensing the gases and vapors released from the mixture of organic waste material and biogenic substances, collecting the condensate and letting phases form, and removing the phase(s) containing liquid combustible materials and fuels. |
| US08858651B2 |
Laundry care compositions containing dyes
This application relates to laundry care compositions comprising thiophene azo carboxylate fabric shading dyes and methods of treating a textile comprising such laundry care compositions. |
| US08858645B2 |
Constrained mobile bearing hip assembly
An acetabular hip implant includes an acetabular shell component having a first feature and a first insert having a second feature that cooperates with the first feature of the acetabular shell component and further includes a third feature. The implant further includes a second insert having a fourth feature that cooperates with the third feature of the first insert and further includes a fifth feature. A femoral head component includes a sixth feature that cooperates with the fifth feature. Interaction between the first and second features, between the third and fourth features, and between the fifth and sixth features mechanically constrains the acetabular hip implant to prevent dislocation of the femoral head during rotation. |
| US08858639B2 |
Systems and methods for cranial implant assembly adapted for insertion during craniectomy procedure
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for a cranial implant assembly adapted for insertion during a craniectomy procedure. In aspects, the inventive cranial implant assembly can contain a peripheral attachment member for attachment to the edge of a skull opening, as well as an articulated spanning member that over-arches and holds a cover in place over the opening. The articulated spanning member contains a central implant fastened or connected to a swollen dura in the skull opening. As swelling of the dura subsides, tension is exerted on guidewires in both the spanning member and cover to draw those constructs into a rigid state. The tips of the spanning member can gradually approach the peripheral attachment member, and register into place using a locking mechanism, such as a pair of opposing magnets. As a result, only one surgical operation or procedure Is required to both perform a craniectomy and implant a supporting assembly for eventual skull regeneration. |
| US08858634B2 |
Soft tissue attachment device
Methods and devices are disclosed for the attachment of a soft tissue structure (e.g., tendon or ligament) to bone or a prosthetic implant. In one form, the device includes a clamp having a convex tissue engaging surface. A fastener compresses the soft tissue between the tissue engaging surface and the bone or the prosthetic implant. In another form, the device includes a second clamp comprising a porous metallic material. The second clamp has a first surface, a concave tissue engaging surface opposite the first surface, and a throughhole for a fastener. The second clamp is placed adjacent the bone, the soft tissue is placed adjacent the second clamp, and the first clamp is placed adjacent the soft tissue. The soft tissue is compressed between the convex tissue engaging surface of the first clamp and the concave tissue engaging surface of the second clamp using the fastener. |
| US08858629B2 |
Systems and methods for mastopexy
A mastopexy implant for maintaining the breast in an elevated and aesthetically pleasing position includes a lower pole support comprising end portions which may be affixed to the chest wall or to a previously installed upper suspension strut. The implant is loaded in an insertion device. The insertion device is inserted through a small incision and into a subcutaneous pocket created in an inferior half of the breast. The lower pole support may have various constructs and in one embodiment includes a unitary conformable mesh having a plurality of arm or band members which are attached across the breast parenchyma and to the chest wall. |
| US08858627B1 |
Accomodative intraocular lens
An accommodative intraocular lens having a soft deformable resilient inner lens portion or core with an exposed anterior inner optic surface and exposed posterior optic surface, the surfaces responsively becoming simultaneously optically steeper and moving axially away from each other. The exposed anterior and posterior surfaces of the inner lens portions may be spherically shaped or aspherically shaped and the shape of the outer lens portion may be spherically or aspherically shaped. |
| US08858621B2 |
Methods of implanting a prosthetic heart valve
The present disclosure concerns embodiments and methods of use of an introducer that is adapted to facilitate insertion of a prosthetic device, such as a prosthetic heart valve, into a patient's vasculature. In one embodiment, the introducer comprises an elongated body defining a central lumen extending between distal and proximal ends of the body. The introducer body can also have a longitudinally extending gap extending along the length of the body between the distal end proximal ends. The gap in the introducer allows a user to place the introducer around implant sutures by passing the sutures through the gap and into the central lumen. Similarly, the gap allows the introducer to be easily removed from the sutures and/or a delivery device by passing them outwardly through the gap. |
| US08858620B2 |
Methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a heart valve
The invention includes methods of and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. One aspect of the invention provides a method including the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in an unexpanded configuration; and applying an external non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to change the shape of the anchor, such as by applying proximally and/or distally directed force on the anchor using a releasable deployment tool to expand and contract the anchor or parts of the anchor. Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus including a replacement valve; an anchor; and a deployment tool comprising a plurality of anchor actuation elements adapted to apply a non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to reshape the anchor. |
| US08858617B2 |
Barbed anchors for wire stent
An endoluminal prosthesis that includes a support structure comprising a curvilinear portion having a first strut and a second strut that meet at an apex. Disposed on the support structure is an anchor with an anchor body and one or more barbs extending outwardly from the anchor body and where the anchor body comprises a multi-filar tube fits at least partially about, and conforms to the first strut, second strut, and the apex. |
| US08858615B2 |
Preventing vascular stenosis of cardiovascular stent
A novel cardiovascular stent for preventing vascular stenosis is disclosed. The basic components of the cardiovascular stent of the present invention include V-shape rib unit, multi-link unit and connective ring unit. In addition, each ring rib part is formed by a plurality of double V-shape rib units that are connected together via the bridging portions of the multi-link units. Also, each connective part comprises a plurality of connective ring units. The integrally formed stent of the present invention is formed with the ring rib parts that are connected together by the connective parts. |
| US08858613B2 |
Stent graft delivery systems and associated methods
Stent graft delivery systems are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, a stent graft delivery system can include a stent graft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a proximal sheath and a distal sheath. The proximal sheath can be configured to cover the proximal portion of the stent graft, and the distal sheath can be configured to cover the distal portion of the stent graft. The proximal sheath and the distal sheath can be independently removable from respective ends of the stent graft such that the proximal and distal portions of the stent graft are independently deployable. |
| US08858611B2 |
Sterilization methods and apparatus
Sterilization methods for implantable prostheses are described where a polymeric stent may be sterilized, e.g., via ETO sterilization, at a temperature below a glass transition temperature of the stent. A separate delivery catheter may be sterilized separately and the stent and delivery catheter may then be combined in an aseptic or semi-aseptic environment and sterilized as an assembled system such that the requirements for sterilizing the system are relatively lower. Additionally and/or alternatively, valve and filter assemblies may be used with an optional mandrel assembly for maintaining sterility of the internal components of a catheter system. |
| US08858610B2 |
Forced deployment sequence
A fixed sequence activation handle is described that forces a predetermined activation sequence. Such handles are suitable for use in the delivery of medical devices or for other application that require a fixed sequence of activations. |
| US08858606B2 |
Tissue repair assembly
The present disclosure relates to a fixation device. The fixation device includes a base portion including a first leg, a second leg, and a groove located between the first and second legs and a top portion extending from the base portion. A tissue repair device and a method of tissue repair are also disclosed. |
| US08858605B1 |
Tab bone screw system
Presented herein is a bone screw system that comprises a fixation element, a receiving element, coupling element, and a compression element. The fixation element can be a screw. The receiving element defines an internal bore sized to receive the shank portion of the fixation element and a seat adapted to support the head portion of the fixation element. The seat of the receiving element is shaped to substantially conform to an exterior portion of the head portion of the fixation element. A breakaway groove is positioned externally on each leg or leg extension. The breakaway groove extends inwardly at least partially through the wall of each leg or leg extension. This creates an aperture or slit in the wall leaving the wall with at least on, preferably a pair of leg attachments on each leg or leg extension adjacent the aperture. |
| US08858600B2 |
Dynamic spinal stabilization device
The present invention provides a dynamic stabilization device positionable about a portion of a spinal column. The stabilization device may generally include a first component and a second component, where the first and second components are movably coupled to one another to define an arcuate path of motion. The stabilization device may also include one or more adjustment elements positionable within first and second adjustment openings to affect the path of motion between the first and second components and/or the behavior and characteristics of the movement. In addition, one or more resistive elements may be adjustably positionable within either and/or both of the first and second adjustment openings to provide resistance and/or dampening of the forces experienced as the first and second components move relative to one another. The stabilization device may further define a joint having three degrees of freedom to adapt to movement of a spinal column. |
| US08858599B2 |
Systems and methods for flexible spinal stabilization
Devices, methods and systems for stabilizing at least a portion of the spinal column are provided. Anchors are engageable to vertebra and a stabilization member is engageable between the anchors. The stabilization member includes an elongate tension member and a compression member in a passage of the tension member. |
| US08858596B2 |
Suture anchor having a suture engaging structure
A suture anchor for implanting in hard tissue, such as bone. The suture anchor carries thereon a suture engaging structure formed from a loop of suture material, which structure cooperates with working or repair suture associated with an inserter device so as to attach the working suture to the suture anchor to reattach soft tissue to bone. |
| US08858583B2 |
Lancing device with integrated thermoelectric cooler
A lancing device (e.g., pen) having an integrated thermoelectric (e.g., Peltier) cooler. The lancing device includes an elongated heat accumulator having a lumen along which a piston having a lancet thereon translates back and forth. A Peltier device and a cooling ring are thermally interconnected to one end of the heat accumulator and include central apertures through which the lancet can extend. The lancing device also includes an integrated battery and microcontroller for supplying and regulating power to the Peltier device. Upon a current being sent through the Peltier device, a cold side of the Peltier device and hence the cooling ring gives up thermal energy and reduces in temperature. The cooling ring can then be placed about a body tissue (e.g., skin) for a period of time (e.g., 3-5 seconds) to desensitize the body tissue, and then the lancet can be fired to puncture the body tissue. |
| US08858579B2 |
Method for performing a vascular anastomosis
A method for performing a coronary artery bypass graft procedure on a patient to connect a bypass vessel to a target vessel includes the steps of creating an opening in the patient that communicates with the thoracic cavity of the patient; providing a bypass vessel having a lumen and at least one free end; passing the free end of the bypass vessel from the thoracic cavity through the opening to a position outside the body of the patient; attaching a connector to the free end of bypass vessel while the free end of the bypass vessel is outside the body of the patient; passing the free end of the bypass vessel from the position outside the body of the patient through the opening and into the thoracic cavity; and connecting the free end of the bypass vessel to a target vessel with the connector. |
| US08858576B2 |
Tissue fastening tool, stent, applicator for placing the same, and tissue fastening method through natural orifice
A tissue fastening tool which fastens a first biological tissue and a second biological tissue adjacent to the first biological tissue, includes a first tissue fixing section which is hooked onto the first biological tissue and the second tissue fixing section which is hooked onto a second biological tissue adjacent to the first biological tissue. |
| US08858575B2 |
Methods and devices for the treatment of urinary incontinence
Methods and devices for treating female stress urinary incontinence are disclosed. The methods include transvaginally accessing the pelvic cavity and introducing a suburethral sling into the retropubic space. In some embodiments the ends of the sling are attached to an anatomical support structure. In other embodiments, the ends of the suburethral sling are not attached to an anatomical support structure. The devices include a surgical instrument for blunt dissection of the pelvic cavity which includes a curved shaft and a blunt distal end. A hook deployment device may optionally be attached to the surgical instrument. |
| US08858573B2 |
Apparatus and method for suturing body lumens
An apparatus for suturing body lumens is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible elongated member that has a proximal end, a distal end, a central passage and multiple needle lumens extending from the proximal end toward the distal end. The flexible elongated member further includes an elongated subsection spanning from the end of the needle lumens in the elongated member to a barrel portion that includes corresponding needle lumens on the proximal end of the elongated member. The elongated subsection provides sufficient space between the needles and the barrel portion to allow transapical insertion of the elongated member into a body lumen. The apparatus further includes needles disposed within and advanceable from the needle lumens. The apparatus also includes a handle disposed at the proximal end of the elongated member. The handle is operable to retract the needles through the needle lumens toward the handle at the proximal end. |
| US08858571B2 |
Hydraulically and electrically actuated articulation joints for surgical instruments
Articulation joints for use in connection with a surgical instrument that has a portion that must be passed through a trocar or similar structure and then articulated relative to another portion of the instrument received within the trocar. Various embodiments of the articulation joint include at least one flexible driven member to articulate the surgical implement relative to the handle assembly of the instrument. |
| US08858569B2 |
Stone retrieval device
A kit for surgically removing stones comprising: a double barreled sheath including a first barrel and a second barrel joined side-by-side; a first connector which is engaged at the proximal end of the first barrel; a second connector which is engaged at the proximal end of the second barrel; a first rigid tube interconnecting the first barrel with the first connector with the first connector being releasably engaged to the first rigid tube and the first rigid tube, first barrel and first connector being co-axial; a second rigid tube interconnecting the second barrel with the second connector with the second connector being releasably engaged to the second rigid tube and the second rigid tube, second barrel and second connector being co-axial; and a wire basket retriever adapted for insertion into one of the barrels and being releasably engaged with a connector or an actuation device. |
| US08858565B1 |
Inserter for soft tissue or bone-to-bone fixation device and methods
A positioning and installation tool for a fixation implant is inserted through a single, simple drill hole and positioned in place. The device controls the degree to which the implant is deployed and prevents accidental disengagement of the device from the implant before deployment has completed. The device also guides the components of the implant involved in active tendon compression at the aperture of the bone tunnel. The implant is deployed simply by rotating a knob, thereby creating an anchor point of high stiffness and fixation strength. When deployment has completed, the inserter is disengaged from the affixed implant by simply pulling a release mechanism. |
| US08858564B2 |
Wedge plate inserter/impactor and related methods for use in implanting an artificial intervertebral disc
A wedge plate inserter/impactor instrument is provided primarily for holding, inserting, repositioning, removing, impacting, extracting, and otherwise manipulating an artificial intervertebral disc having features suitable for being manipulated thereby. A spring-loaded holding pin of the instrument can be used to engage a corresponding hole on the disc and confront the angled surfaces of the disc to enable the holding and manipulation of the disc. A forward wedge extension of the inserter/impactor has upper and lower surfaces that engage inwardly facing surfaces of the disc to hold the baseplates of the disc at a preferred lordosis angle with respect to one another. The instrument can engage the disc from a variety of surgical approach angles. |
| US08858561B2 |
Patient-specific alignment guide
An orthopedic apparatus includes an alignment guide attachable to one of a femoral joint surface of a femur of a patient. The alignment guide has a patient-specific three-dimensional engagement surface, and at least one guiding portion defining a guiding passage. The engagement surface anatomically matches a corresponding portion of the femoral joint surface. |
| US08858560B2 |
Arthroscopic harvesting and therapeutic application of bone marrow aspirate
Methods of arthroscopic harvesting of bone marrow aspirate from bone joints and therapeutic application of the bone marrow aspirate in a bone joint. The method of harvesting includes extracting bone marrow from a joint, adding a biomaterial, and adding clotting agent to form a clot. |
| US08858559B2 |
Saw blade stability and collet system mechanism
A surgical system for cutting tissue of a patient includes an outer housing and a reciprocating assembly structurally configured to carry a cutting tool in a reciprocating motion. An actuator knob is manually accessible to the user and may be fixed axially to the outer housing. The reciprocating assembly may reciprocate relative to the actuator knob. The actuator knob may be configured for rotational movement between a lock position and an unlock position. The system may also include a locking mechanism configured to retain a cutting tool within the reciprocating assembly. The locking mechanism may be responsive to movement of the actuator knob to maintain the tool within the output shaft when the actuator knob is in the lock position and permit removal of the tool when the actuator knob is in the unlock position. Surgical cutting tools, such as blades include thickness enhancing features. |
| US08858558B2 |
Combination male/female hip joint and installation kit
A hip implant assembly including body exhibiting a substantially spherical shaped ball and an elongated stem. An annular defining rim separates the ball from the stem and abuts, in a maximum inserting condition, an exterior surface of a reconditioned femur upon inserting the stem within an interior passageway associated with the femur. A three dimensional and interior volume defining support secures around the ball in a universally articulating permitting fashion, the support being fixed to a reconditioned acetabulum socket associated with an ilium bone by interconnecting posts and anchors established between the fixed support and the reconditioned surface of the acetabulum. A corresponding installation kit assists the preparation of the femur and ilium bones defining the hip joint, as well as the installation of the implant body into the upper conditioned femur end and the outer socket support to a reconditioned acetabulum defined in the ilium bone. |
| US08858556B2 |
Revisable anterior cervical plating system
An improved anterior cervical plating system and methods of cervical fusion using such a system are provided. The cervical plating system includes an interlocking mechanism that integrated into each of the plates such that any two plates may cooperatively engage through the interlocking mechanism such that a new cervical plate can be interconnected with a pre-existing plate during revision surgery without removal of the pre-existing plate. |
| US08858553B2 |
Dielectric jaw insert for electrosurgical end effector
The present disclosure relates to an end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument and methods of manufacturing the same. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members and a jaw insert. Each of the opposing jaw members has a tissue contacting surface and one or more of the jaw members are monolithic. Additionally, at least one of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other from a first, open position to a second, closed position for grasping tissue. The monolithic jaw member also has a cavity defined therein. The jaw insert is selectively positionable within the cavity of the monolithic jaw member. The jaw insert includes a tissue contacting surface and a portion of the jaw insert includes a dielectric material configured to reduce the thermal mass of the monolithic jaw member. |
| US08858552B2 |
Vacuum coagulation probes
An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for coagulating soft tissue such as atrial tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia; tendon or ligament shrinkage; or articular cartilage removal. The surgical device integrates a suction mechanism with the coagulation mechanism improving the lesion creation capabilities of the device. The surgical device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about conductive elements capable of coagulating soft tissue when radiofrequency or direct current energy is transmitted to the conductive elements. Openings through the insulative covering expose regions of the conductive elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source. Suction causes the soft tissue to actively engage the opening thus the integrated, exposed conductive elements to facilitate the coagulation process and ensure the lesions created are consistent, continuous, and transmural. The embodiments of the invention can also incorporate cooling mechanisms associated with the conductive elements and coupled to a fluid source to passively transport fluid along the contacted soft tissue surface to cool thus pushing the maximum temperature deeper into tissue. |
| US08858551B2 |
High-frequency treatment apparatus
A high-frequency treatment apparatus includes an insertion portion, a covering portion provided in a distal end portion of the insertion portion, an electrode portion provided in the covering portion, through which high-frequency current is to flow, including a side treatment portion arranged along an outer surface of the covering portion and a distal end treatment portion formed of a distal end portion of the electrode portion, and configured to be moved between a forward position where the distal end treatment portion is protruded from the covering portion with respect to a forward and backward movement direction and a backward position where the distal end treatment portion is arranged within the covering portion with respect to the forward and backward movement direction, and an operation member inserted through the insertion portion and connected to the electrode portion wherein the electrode portion is configured to be moved by operating the operation member. |
| US08858548B2 |
Independent passive cooling design for ablation catheters
A medical system, including a catheter having a fluid flow path and a distal portion separated from the fluid flow path; a plurality of electrodes coupled to the distal portion; at least one temperature sensor coupled to the distal portion; a heat sink in thermal communication with each electrode and in fluid communication with the fluid flow path; a radiofrequency signal generator in communication with the plurality of electrodes; and a fluid source in fluid communication with the fluid flow path. |
| US08858547B2 |
Cut and seal instrument
A combined electrical tissue sealing and mechanical tissue cutting instrument. The instrument has two opposing jaw members. A removable cartridge is positioned in one of the jaw members. The cartridge includes a tissue sealing electrode and a tissue cutter. As either the tissue sealing electrode or the cutter deteriorates with use, the cartridge is replaced with a new cartridge. Cartridges are configured with various electrode geometries to accommodate various associated electro-surgical units. One or more pressure sensors in the cartridge or in the instrument jaw that supports the cartridge provide an indication that a required clamping pressure exists between the jaw members to carry out the tissue sealing. A cut and seal controller allows various actions to be carried out when particular clamping pressures are sensed, or when an indication that tissue sealing is complete is sensed. |
| US08858538B2 |
Apparatus and methods for hybrid endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery
Apparatus and methods are described allow the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to be combined into a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique called NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Manual and robotic-controlled versions of a modular laparoscopic tool are described having a small diameter shaft that is delivered laparoscopically to a surgical site. Larger diameter working tips are delivered through a NOTES delivery tube inserted to the surgical site through a natural orifice and joined to the shaft of the modular laparoscopic tool. Larger diameter working tips improve the effectiveness of the modular laparoscopic tools and the number and size of laparoscopic ports used can also be reduced. |
| US08858534B2 |
Wound closure and drainage system
A vacuum system for draining an open wound from liquids exuded therefrom, comprising an enclosure sealable to the wound circumference, a vacuum pump including a disposable pump unit detachably attachable to a non-disposable drive unit, and a waste container for collection of drained liquids. The enclosure has an outlet connected by means of a tube to an inlet of the pump unit and the waste container is connected to an outlet of the pump unit, such that when the vacuum pump is operated the drained liquids flow through the vacuum pump. The enclosure has one or more bleeding holes provided therethrough or adjacent to its outlet so that ambient air may enter the tube and flow together with the drained liquids. The enclosure and the waste container are disposable so that the drained liquids contact only disposable elements and may be disposed of together with all disposable elements. |
| US08858533B2 |
Methods and systems for providing fluid communication with a gastrostomy tube
A low profile adaptor is disclosed to reduce the length of a gastrostomy tube that has been inserted by means of conventional endoscopic procedures or with a replacement feeding tube inserted into the patient's stomach. The gastrostomy tube is cut to the appropriate length by the physician. The adaptor comprises a stem which is inserted into the open end of the gastrostomy tube. The valve assembly contains a seal that functions as a one-way valve to prevent reflux of gastric contents but permits the introduction of feeding solution into the feeding tube. A lock and key mechanism is incorporated into the hub of the gastrostomy tube to prevent disconnection of the feeding tube. A cover is placed over the opening of the adapter to prevent contamination of the lumen of the gastrostomy tube. |
| US08858532B2 |
Medical connector structure
A medical connector structure configured in such a manner that a first member body which constitutes a connector base and a second member body which consists of a different material from the first member body are formed by two-color injection molding. The first member body is a tube body which has a connector-side section having a structure connected to a mating section, and also has a tube-side section having on the surface thereof projections and recesses. The second member body is a tube body which allows a raw material to be filled into the portion in which the projections and recesses are provided and into which a raw material is filled so as to allow a tube body to be inserted. The tube-side section and the tube body are adhered together. |
| US08858529B2 |
Catheter shaft with improved manifold bond
A catheter shaft with an improved manifold bond and methods for making and using the same. The catheter shaft may include a sleeve disposed, for example, near its proximal end. The sleeve may include a first layer that is attached to the catheter shaft and a second layer to which a hub or manifold may be attached. |
| US08858524B2 |
Skin friendly diaper
An absorbent article is disclosed including a fluid and vapor pervious combination sheet having a shape defining a longitudinal axis, a minimum lateral dimension and a maximum lateral dimension, and a containment assembly having a shape defining a maximum lateral dimension which is less than the maximum lateral dimension of the combination sheet. The containment assembly includes a central, fluid permeable portion of the combination sheet; a fluid impermeable backing film disposed beneath the combination sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the central portion of the combination sheet and the backing film. The containment assembly is integrally attached to the combination sheet along the longitudinal axis, and the combination sheet forms a plurality of breathable regions laterally disposed beyond the containment assembly. The backing film forms at least a portion of a stay away zone that resists engagement by the laterally disposed breathable regions. |
| US08858521B2 |
Disposable diaper with integral disposal system
The present invention provides a diaper assembly comprising an integral disposal system, the diaper assembly comprising a disposable diaper comprising an outer layer comprising an aperture on an outer surface thereof, an inner layer and an absorbent layer disposed between said outer layer and said inner layer and a bag disposed between said outer layer and said inner layer, said bag being folded and adapted to be retrieved via the aperture and to receive and enclose said diaper, wherein the absorbent layer is of a greater thickness than the height of the folded bag. |
| US08858517B2 |
Power saving control system for negative pressure wound therapy pumps
An operating system for a medical device pump has a microprocessor controlling the operation of the pump features in a manner to minimize power consumption and maximize the life of the batteries powering the pump. The microprocessor associated with the medical device pump includes a modulation circuit that operates the pump on an intermittent basis and only when a pressure sensor indicates that the pressure asserted by the pump is at a threshold level. The operation of other sensors are powered only in situations when information from the sensor is needed, while other more essential sensors are operated on an intermittent basis by the modulation circuit. A fill sensor is operated intermittently, while a tilt sensor is only activated when a signal is received from the fill sensor. An optical sensor is only activated when the canister is removed from the pump housing, during which the pump is de-powered. |
| US08858513B2 |
Disposable intravenous flow control device
A disposable intravenous flow control device (20) includes a rigid casing (21) defining a flow passage having a fluid entrance (23) and a fluid exit (22); a flow regulator (10) disposed in the flow passage of the casing (21) and comprising an annular flange (11) extending upward, a hollow, cylindrical protrusion (12) raised upward from a central portion, the protrusion (12) being open to the bottom, an open fluid storage (13) defined between the flange (11) and the protrusion (12), and a hollow, cylindrical skirt (14) extending downward from the bottom of the protrusion (12); and a suction cup (15) releasably secured to the skirt (14) for blocking the fluid exit (22) when fluid in the casing (21) is consumed. |
| US08858509B2 |
Needle based helical coil safety device
The present disclosure describes anti-needle stick safety mechanism that is passively activated during the normal course of giving an injection. In one embodiment, the device includes a spring member coupled at a proximal end to a needle member and at a distal end to a needle cover. The passive activation of the device is triggered when the needle is inserted to a minimum depth into the patient's tissue to unleash the force of a compressed spring to urge a needle cover towards the distal end of the needle. As the needle is withdrawn from the tissue, the needle cover advances to the end of the needle and as it partially clears the end of the needle, it adopts an orientation that prevents the needle tip from re-emerging from the needle cover. |
| US08858507B2 |
Cap lock
A needle assembly for a medical device comprising a needle cannula which is mounted in a hub connectable to a medical device, and which needle assembly comprises releasable locking means which co-operates with the connection means of the hub such that the needle cap is locked to the hub when the releasable locking means is not released. Once the locking means is released by activation of the connection means, the needle cap is unlocked from the hub. The activation of the locking means is preferably done automatically when the needle assembly is attached to the medical device. |
| US08858506B2 |
Safety device for drug delivery devices and containers
A drug administration safety device having a label configured to be attached to a drug container such as a syringe or IV bag, an adhesive on the back face of the label, and a backing or substrate for holding the label and protecting the adhesive prior to the application of the label to the drug container. In one embodiment, the label includes a first drug name section in a first orientation, a second drug name section in a second orientation, a third drug name section in a third orientation, a drug concentration section, a variable information section, and a gradiation viewing section. The first orientation, second orientation, and third orientation are different from each other to enable a user to readily see the drug name regardless of the position and orientation of the drug container. |
| US08858505B1 |
Catheter injection port lock
A lock for an outpatient's peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line limits access to the catheter by patients seeking to abuse injectable narcotics. The lock has two plastic housing halves which slide together, and which define an interior enclosure which receives the catheter line injection port. The housing halves have overlying flanges, through which a fastener extends to secure the device in a closed configuration. The fastener interacts with the flanges in such a way that it cannot be removed without distorting the device and giving evidence of tampering. A zippered sleeve may be provided which surrounds the line leading to the injection port and which has a pull tab which may be engaged within the housing to further prevent access to the line directly. |
| US08858504B2 |
Haemostatic valve assembly
The haemostatic valve assembly (10) includes a housing (14) with a chamber (16) therewithin. A flexible valve element (26) is located in the chamber (16) and supported by the housing (14). A resilient element (21), for example of foam, is located in the chamber (16) and applies a constant closing force on the valve element (26). The valve (10) can be opened by aspirating fluid held within the chamber (16), for example by means of a pump or syringe, thereby to create a vacuum therein which compresses the resilient element (21). Removal of the vacuum allows the resilient element (21) to expand again and to close the valve (10). |
| US08858503B2 |
Tip shield with gripping surfaces and guard features
An asymmetrical gripping surface is incorporated into a needle shield of an intravenous catheter assembly. The asymmetrical gripping surface provides a gripping position nearer the catheter adapter, catheter and needle tip for improved balance and control of the catheter assembly during insertion of the catheter. Additionally, the asymmetrical gripping surfaces include a guard feature to prevent a user's unintended contact with various components of the catheter assembly whereby the contact may result in an undesirable “over the bevel” condition. |
| US08858493B2 |
Cap, particularly a disinfection cap, detection device for peritoneal dialysis, bag set for peritoneal dialysis, and the use thereof
A cap, especially a disinfectant cap, is for protecting and/or closing off the abdominal connector used in peritoneal dialysis, and to a detection device for peritoneal dialysis. There is a bag set for peritoneal dialysis and use thereof. In view of the sometimes serious consequences of an incorrect sequence of fluids in the patient's abdominal cavity, it is desirable to prevent an incorrect sequence of fluids during peritoneal dialysis. This is achieved by providing the cap, especially a disinfectant cap, with information about the medium contained at any one time in the patient's abdominal cavity. In this way it is always possible—even after the fluid has been dispensed into the abdominal cavity and the bag disposed of—to determine which medium is currently in the patient's abdominal cavity and/or to record other details, such as the amount, the concentration, the manufacturer, etc. of the medium, and to take this information into account, especially during subsequent stages of the peritoneal dialysis treatment. |
| US08858492B2 |
Ophthalmic surgery kits for priming tubes for ophthalmic surgical procedures
An ophthalmic surgery kit includes a priming vessel defining a reservoir for holding a fluid, an auxiliary aspiration channel, an irrigation channel, a handpiece channel, and an ophthalmic surgical handpiece retained by the handpiece channel. The ophthalmic surgical handpiece includes a tip disposed within the reservoir. An auxiliary aspiration tube 15 retained by the auxiliary aspiration channel with a first end disposed within the reservoir. An irrigation tube first end is retained by the irrigation channel within the reservoir. |
| US08858486B2 |
Method and arrangement for determining the recirculation in a fistula or the cardiopulmonary recirculation, and a blood treatment device comprising a device for determining the fistula recirculation or the cardiopulmonary recirculation part
A method for determining the recirculation in a fistula and/or the cardiopulmonary recirculation part during an extracorporeal blood treatment is disclosed, where the blood to be treated flows in an extracorporeal blood circuit through a blood chamber of a dialyzer split by a semi-permeable membrane into the blood chamber and a liquid chamber, and dialysis liquid flows in a dialysis liquid path through the dialysis liquid chamber of the dialyzer. A device for determining the recirculation in a fistula and/or the cardiopulmonary recirculation part, and a blood treatment device including such a device are also disclosed. The method and device are based on the fact that the sum of the fistula recirculation and the cardiopulmonary recirculation part, i.e. the total recirculation, is determined for two blood flow rates which differ from each other. The fistula recirculation and/or the cardiopulmonary recirculation part are then determined from the recirculation for the two blood flow rates. |
| US08858483B2 |
Supporter for Achilles tendon
Provided is an Achilles tendon support capable of suppressing a dorsiflexion of an ankle joint as well as suppressing a twist of the ankle joint. The Achilles tendon support includes: an inner support section for covering an Achilles tendon and both side edge portions thereof, upper portions of the inner support section being fastenable to each other on a front side of an upper ankle portion with a hook and loop fastener; and an outer support section for covering the Achilles tendon and both the side edge portions thereof in a range from a sole through a back heel portion, upper portions of the outer support section being fastenable to an outer surface of the inner support section with a hook and loop fastener. |
| US08858478B2 |
Method and system for fluidized lower leg protection
The present invention relates to a fluidized lower leg protection and support system and method. The system can include an inner positioner. The inner positioner can displace and contour three-dimensionally as though it was fluid to the sides and top of the leg while not having flow characteristics that would result in migration of the medium under the force of gravity. The system can also include an outer support which is received over the inner positioner. The outer support can be in the shape of an open boot. The outer support can include an ultra low pressure plenum. The ultra low pressure plenum is filled at a predetermined low pressure for distributing pressure along the length of the outer support, but not providing significant elevation of the lower leg and heel by itself. |
| US08858472B2 |
Lip suction device and related methods
A lip suction device. A rigid hollow form has an opening at a first end of the rigid hollow form and a cavity therein extending from the first end to a second end of the rigid hollow form. The rigid hollow form has an outer surface and a thickness at the opening between the outer surface and a surface of the cavity. The opening has an edge with a rounded shape, across the thickness at the opening, which is configured to form a substantially air-tight seal between a user's face and the edge when the rigid hollow form is pressed against the user's face near the user's lips. The rigid hollow form is configured so that when the user draws air into the user's mouth after forming a substantially air-tight seal, the user's lips are drawn into the rigid hollow form towards the second end of the rigid hollow form. |
| US08858467B2 |
Lancing and analysis device
A lancing device for generating a puncture wound in a body part to obtain a body fluid sample for analytical or diagnostic purposes, in particular, by using integrated disposables that comprise a lancing element as well as an associated test element is disclosed. In order to achieve a high success rate in obtaining the body fluid sample, a drive can be designed such that the lancing element or the test element can be moved into a contact position while remaining in a position near the body part contact opening during a deployment period. If the amount of sample obtained in a lancing movement is inadequate to carry out the analysis or diagnosis, the lancing element can be brought into contact with the sample by a user by manual positioning the lancing device to manually take up a sample obtained by manually milking the sampling site in the region of the puncture wound. |
| US08858466B2 |
Disposable diagnostic part and a method for the manufacture thereof
The invention concerns a disposable diagnostic part comprising a lancing element (14) which is designed for puncturing the skin (26) and has a collecting channel (16) for taking up body fluid, and comprising a detection element (18) which has a test layer (42) provided with reagents for the detection of an analyte in the body fluid and is disposed in the collecting channel (16). In order to ensure an improved stability and biocompatibility it is proposed that the detection element (18) is provided with a sealing layer (20) that is applied to the test layer (42) and covers the reagents. |
| US08858462B2 |
Biopsy probe and targeting set interface
A biopsy system includes a biopsy targeting assembly, a needle, and a biopsy device. The biopsy targeting assembly includes a cradle. The needle is releasably supported by the targeting assembly. The biopsy device includes a body having a tissue collection assembly and a cutter. The cutter is translatable relative to the body and extends distally from the body. The cradle of the targeting assembly releasably supports the body of the biopsy device distally of the tissue collection assembly. The biopsy device translates a distal portion of the cutter within the needle with the needle supported by the targeting assembly. |
| US08858452B2 |
Check valve structure, diaphragm pump, and sphygmomanometer
A check valve structure has a first space and a second space. The check valve structure is configured to allow a flow of a fluid from the first space to the second space and to inhibit flow of the fluid from the second space to the first space. The check valve structure has a partition wall arranged between the first space and the second space and provided with a communication hole providing communication between the first space and the second space, an elastic film body for covering the side of the second space of the communication hole so as to prevent a reverse flow of the fluid, an elastic member having a wall portion surrounding the communication hole for holding the elastic film body, and a nipping member for nipping the elastic member with the partition wall. |
| US08858450B2 |
Photoplethysmography apparatus and method employing high resolution estimation of Time-Frequency Spectra
A photoplethysmography apparatus and method is provided for high resolution estimating of Time-Frequency Spectra (TFS) and associated amplitudes using Variable Frequency Complex Demodulation (VFCDM), in a two-step procedure using a Time-Varying Optimal Parameter Search (TVOPS) technique to obtain TFS, followed by VFCDM to obtain even greater TFS resolution and instantaneous amplitudes associated with only specific frequencies of interest, via the combined TVOPS and VFCDM. |
| US08858449B2 |
Systems and methods for monitoring heart function
Characteristics of a user's heart are detected. In accordance with an example embodiment, a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor is used to detect heart characteristics of a user, and provide a BCG output indicative of the detected heart characteristics. The BCG output is further processed using data from one or more additional sensors, such as to reduce noise and/or otherwise process the BCG signal to characterize the user's heart function. |
| US08858445B2 |
Synchronization of repetitive therapeutic interventions
A medical device of the type used for assisting a user in manually delivering repetitive therapy to a patient (e.g., chest compressions or ventilations in cardiac resuscitation), the device comprising a feedback device configured to generate feedback cues to assist the user in timing the delivery of the repetitive therapy, at least one sensor or circuit element configured to detect actual delivery times, at which the user actually delivers the repetitive therapy, and a processor, memory, and associated circuitry configured to compare the actual delivery times to information representative of desired delivery times to determine cue times at which the feedback cues are generated by the feedback device. |
| US08858442B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic image processing apparatus
A speckle pattern is removed from each image such that each image obtained by a multi-resolution decomposition is decomposed into a low-band signal component, a high-band signal horizontal component, a high-band signal vertical component, and a high-band signal diagonal component, the decomposed signal components are subjected to a morphological reconstruction process, and then a multi-resolution reconstruction is performed. |
| US08858441B2 |
System and method for electromechanical wave imaging of body structures
A system and method for detecting electromechanical wave propagation within a body structure of a patient in a series of image frames representing movement the body structure. Image data is acquired comprising a series of image frames corresponding to the movement of a body structure. A correlation calculation is performed on the image frames to generate a displacement map representing the relative displacement between the first and second image frames. A video is generated comprising a series of displacement maps. The parameters of movement of the body structure are detected by analysis of the displacement maps. The image acquisition may detect the movement of the body structure without inducing such movement. |
| US08858437B2 |
Method of transforming a doppler velocity dataset into a velocity vector field
A method and device for transforming a Doppler velocity dataset into a velocity vector field, the including: (a) providing a 2D or 3D Doppler velocity dataset, acquired by means of 2D or 3D ultrasonography from an object; b) calculating a velocity vector field by assuming the velocity at each point of the dataset to be the sum of the provided Doppler velocity and an additional vector field derived from an irrotational flow velocity, and by assuming the velocity vector field to be mathematically continuous, therefore solving an elliptical equation of the Poisson type. |
| US08858436B2 |
Systems and methods to identify interventional instruments
Systems and methods which operate to identify interventional instruments and/or other objects in images are shown. Embodiments operate to extract relevant information regarding interventional instruments from a multi-dimensional volume for presenting the information to a user in near real-time with little or no user interaction. Objects may be identified by segmenting a multi-dimensional volume, identifying a putative object of interest in multiple multi-dimensional volume segments, and determining a position of the object of interest within the multi-dimensional volume using the putative object of interest segment identifications. Identification of objects of interest according to embodiments may be utilized to determine an image plane for use in displaying the objects within a generated image, to track the objects within the multi-dimensional volume, etc., such as for medical examination, interventional procedures, diagnosis treatment, and/or the like. |
| US08858434B2 |
Transcutaneous analyte sensor
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. |
| US08858429B2 |
Lighting device for endoscope and endoscope device
A lighting device includes first and second light sources, a wavelength converting member and a light quantity ratio changing unit. A first light source uses a semiconductor light emitting device as an emission source. A second light source uses, as an emission source, a semiconductor light emitting device of a different emission wavelength from the first light source. A wavelength converting member is excited for light emission by light emitted from at least one of the first light source and the second light source. The light quantity ratio changing unit changing a light quantity ratio between the light emitted from the first light source and the light emitted from the second light source. |
| US08858425B2 |
Disposable endoscope and portable display
Various embodiments for providing removable, pluggable and disposable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and/or image capture devices. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or other conditioning purpose. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged onto the exterior surface of another medical device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device. |
| US08858424B2 |
Endoscopic system for surgical instrument position control and position control method thereof
In an endoscopic system, when an affected area of a biomedical tissue in an image is treated with a scalpel and a holding pair of forceps which movably extend from a distal portion of an endoscope through the endoscope while the image taken by the endoscope in a body cavity in a time-series manner is being observed, a treatment is performed in which the holding pair of forceps holds the affected area detached from the biomedical tissue by the scalpel. When any motion is detected in the distal portion of the endoscope included in the image, a motion direction and a motion amount of the distal portion of the endoscope attributed to the motion are detected, and the distal portion of the endoscope is curved to return the scalpel to an original treatment position. |
| US08858419B2 |
Balanced armature devices and methods for hearing
A device to transmit an audio signal to a user comprises a transducer and a support. The support is configured for placement on the eardrum to drive the eardrum. The transducer is coupled to the support at a first outer location to decrease occlusion and a second inner location to drive the eardrum. The transducer may comprise one or more of an electromagnetic balanced armature transducer, a piezoelectric transducer, a magnetostrictive transducer, a photostrictive transducer, or a coil and magnet. The device may find use with open canal hearing aids. |
| US08858417B2 |
Warming therapy device including dual channel air circulation system
An apparatus and method for performing warming therapy is described. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a patient support assembly and an air circulation system coupled to the patient support assembly, which includes first and second air flow channels which are separate from one another. The first and second air flow channels may be separately activated, depending upon the air flow required. Additionally, the elements of the air circulation system are easily disassembled, so as to allow easy cleaning of the system which, in turn, maintains a sterile patient environment. |
| US08858412B2 |
Pickup roller and image forming apparatus having the same
A pickup roller includes a supporting layer and a pickup layer, which includes a base surrounding the outer perimeter of the supporting layer and a plurality of particles which are distributed throughout the base and have a different hardness than a hardness of the base. |
| US08858410B2 |
Multi-directional body swing trainer with interchangeable and adjustable attachments
An exercise apparatus for providing multi-directional training to the body of a user is disclosed. The exercise apparatus allows the user to exercise the mid-section, hips, legs, ankles and connective tissues enjoining all the muscles in these areas. The exercise apparatus comprises a support, two foot platforms, and means for attaching the foot platforms to the support. The exercise apparatus is designed to be free standing or to be mounted onto other supporting structures. The apparatus has multiple interchangeable parts, attachments and accessories for allowing several types of exercises. |
| US08858405B2 |
Multiply-adaptable physical training system
An exercise device includes a frame with a pair of longitudinal support rails arranged side by side in a spaced apart arrangement, a connector for connecting the rails and a first end adapted to accept a wheel. The frame is bent at its first end such that when the frame is laid level on a surface, the wheel is not in contact with the surface upon which the frame lies and when the second end of the frame is raised, the wheel engages the surface. The frame also has one or more weight support members for receiving weights such as weight plates. |
| US08858404B2 |
Hand-held exercise weight
An exercise weight includes a weight member, a handle member spaced apart from and substantially surrounding the weight member, and at least one attachment member joining the weight member to the handle member so that the weight member is located inside the handle member. The exercise weight has a relatively narrow profile, or width, to avoid contact with the body during exercise. |
| US08858403B2 |
Exercise machine
An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members. |
| US08858398B2 |
Training scripts
A training script device is described that conveniently allows a user to create a training script defining one or more steps of a workout routine, where each step may include an activity, a duration for performing that activity, and an intensity at which the activity is to be performed. Further, one or more steps of the training script can be self-starting in response to performance data detected by sensors of training script device executing the training script. This conveniently frees the athlete from having to continuously monitor the status of his or her workout activities. Still further, the training script device conveniently allows a user to transfer training scripts to other training script devices, so that athletes can share successful training scripts. |
| US08858396B2 |
Device and method for controlling ISG logic
A device controls ISG (Idle Stop & Go) logic mounted in a vehicle equipped with an ISG system. The device includes a transmitting unit that shows the current state of a gear in the vehicle and controls the hydraulic pressure of a transmission in idle stop or restarting an engine, a driving unit that performs the idle stop when the pedal of a brake becomes ON, with the gear at a D (Drive)-range, and restarts the engine when the pedal of the brake becomes OFF, with the gear of the vehicle at the D-range, and a brake unit that controls movement of the vehicle by controlling the hydraulic pressure of the brake, in which brake unit controls the hydraulic pressure of a brake to be kept for a predetermined time from when the pedal of the brake becomes OFF. |
| US08858394B2 |
Apparatus and method for automated transmission clutch fill during engine start-stop operation
An apparatus and a method for engaging a friction element, e.g., a clutch, in an automatic transmission. The apparatus includes a piston contained within a housing that is used to apply pressure to and operate the friction element. The piston divides the housing into first and second chambers that are supplied with fluid by various valves. The pressure of the fluid in the chambers controls the position of the piston. |
| US08858393B2 |
Apparatus and method for rapid warm-up of a combustion engine
A transmission and a method for loading an engine in a vehicle. The transmission includes a gear set, an input shaft coupled to the gear set, and a plurality of friction elements coupled to the gear set. The transmission also includes a control system to direct a subset of the plurality of friction elements to engage the gear set to stall the input shaft thereby placing a load on the engine. The load causes additional heat that may be used to warm up the vehicle's passenger compartment and/or defrost the vehicle's windshield. |
| US08858391B2 |
Dog clutch with synchronizer and method
A transmission disconnect clutch assembly and method are provided. The clutch assembly operates to place the transmission in a low-loss state, by decoupling the base transmission from the differential gearing, thereby maximizing fuel economy and increasing efficiency. The transmission disconnect clutch assembly may be a dog clutch assembly, which may include a dog clutch hub, a clutch apply plate, and a synchronizer. When the dog clutch is disengaged the vehicle may operate in EV mode, propelled by an electric motor and rear e-axle. When the dog clutch is engaged the vehicle may operate in hybrid mode, propelled by torque transmitted to a front axle by an engine and the torque transmitted to the rear e-axle by the electric motor. A method for transitioning a vehicle between EV mode and hybrid mode, as well as a method for transitioning a vehicle between hybrid mode and EV mode are also provided. |
| US08858386B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission includes an input and output member, four planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, five interconnecting members continuously interconnecting members of the four planetary gear sets and six torque transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first members, second members, and third members with at least one of another of the first members, second members, third members, and a stationary member. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. |
| US08858384B2 |
Bevel gear and differential device therewith
A bevel gear used in a differential device for a vehicle is comprised of: a body having an axis, a conical pitch surface around the axis, an opposite surface opposed to the conical pitch surface, and a side surface around the axis; gear teeth formed on the pitch surface, each of the gear teeth having a top land projecting from the pitch surface; and clutch teeth formed on the opposite surface, each of the clutch teeth having a bottom land standing back from the opposite surface, each of the bottom lands of the clutch teeth being aligned with any of the top lands of the gear teeth in a line parallel to the axis. |
| US08858382B2 |
Pin retainer
A gear arrangement for a planetary gearbox includes a planet carrier, a planet pin, a planet gear, bearing means located between the planet pin and the planet gear, the bearing means including a bearing ring, a retainer secured to the planet carrier by one or more bolts, and one or more shims located between the retainer and the planet pin. The planet pin is hollow and is in fluid communication with an inside surface of the bearing ring and with an inlet. This means that a fluid forced via the inlet and the hollow planet pin applies a radial force to the bearing ring, reducing the contact friction between the bearing ring and the planet pin and allowing an axial position of the planet pin to be adjusted to provide a correct preloading to the bearing means. This means that the bearing can be pre-set, in-situ using hydraulic actuator and oil injection. |
| US08858378B2 |
Electronically controlled range valve for multi-speed planetary transmission
A shift by wire control for a multi-speed vehicle transmission is provided. The control includes a shift by wire shift valve in fluid communication with other shift valves and clutch trim valves to provide double blocking features in the neutral range and a reverse range. The shift by wire valve is configured with multiple differential areas to provide failure modes for all forward ranges. |
| US08858371B2 |
Light'em up: football QB trainer
A sports training system having at least two target stations, each target station having a target support structure configured to support a target in a stationary position above a playing field, at least one light attached to the target in a vicinity of a periphery of the target, a target control module functionally connected to the target light, an activation control module located remotely from the target stations and in wireless communication with the target control module. The activation control module and the target control modules are configured and programmed so that activating a button on the activation control module results in activating a randomly selected target light on a randomly selected target station. |
| US08858370B2 |
Knitted goal shot training systems and devices
Goal shot training systems and devices comprise a training covering having a top edge, a bottom edge, and side edges. The devices are configured to obscure a net of a goal, and the covering is composed of a knit material defining multiple openings such that air passes through the covering. The covering material creates negative viewing space by obscuring visual access behind the training covering and forms at least one user-configurable opening that allows visual access of positive viewing space including a portion of the net of the goal when the covering is affixed to the goal. A user may configure the covering to practice shots originating from different positions on a playing area by adjusting the location of the covering relative to the net of the goal. |
| US08858369B2 |
Baseball holder for a batting tee
A baseball holder for a batting tee is disclosed. The baseball holder includes a body to couple the baseball holder to the batting tee, and a plurality of supporting members that extend out from the body to suspend a baseball. The plurality of supporting members cooperates to define an unimpeded zone to enable the baseball to be struck off the baseball holder in a direction having at least a partially downward trajectory. |
| US08858349B2 |
Padding layer for multi-layered sports playing field
The present document describes a padding layer for a multi-layered sports playing field. Various improvements are proposed for enhancing athlete's safety, surface hardness, water drainage, heat management, ease of assembly/installation, durability/longevity, uniformity, resistance to change in weather according to seasons, and stability. The improvements include: matching (multiple-wise) of spacing between rows of backstitches of the top layer and the drainage channels on top surface of the padding layer; a slit in the external tab portion of the padding layer panel, a slit near the lateral part of the tab or blank portion providing a hinging effect thereto, and/or protrusions at various positions on the tab or blank portions to account for change in size of the padding layer panel; drainage holes within the drainage channels; and various configurations of drainage channels on the bottom surface of the padding layer to improve evacuation of water toward the sides of the playing surface. |
| US08858344B2 |
Damper having torque limiter function
A damper includes an outer cover having a front cover and a rear cover. The covers are joined to form a lubricant oil accommodation chamber for accommodating liquid. A damper device, a limiter mechanism, a first plate including a first collar portion located toward the front of the limiter mechanism, and a second plate including a second collar portion located toward the rear of the limiter mechanism are arranged in the outer cover. The limiter mechanism includes a first limiter plate, which is an input side on the torque transmission path, a second limiter plate, which is an output side on the torque transmission path, and a limiter disc spring, which presses the limiter plates. |
| US08858343B2 |
Server-based gaming chair
A gaming chair includes a plurality of speakers, at least one electronic display device, a network interface configured to couple to a network, and a processor coupled to the speakers, the electronic display device, and the network interface. The processor is configured to receive game data from a remote server via the network interface, wherein the game data includes audio signals and video signals, and to cause the speakers to output audio based on the audio signals. The processor is also configured to cause the display device to display at least one image based on the video signals. |
| US08858342B2 |
Flexibly configurable button panels for gaming machines
Flexibly configurable button panels for electronic devices and dynamic display systems for wager based gaming machines are disclosed. Button panels include a flexible cable, surface mount or other cable connectors spaced along and coupled thereto, and button assemblies coupled thereto via the cable connectors to provide electrical access from buttons to circuit lines. Relative physical locations of buttons are then reconfigurable to form different button panel configurations while the buttons remain coupled to the flexible cable. A dedicated dynamic button panel controller for processing button functions and a button panel identification device having an identification code can also be provided. Buttons can be removably coupled to the cable connectors, and can also include dynamic displays thereupon. Other gaming machine dynamic displays can also be provided. Separate dynamic display controllers can be provided to control dynamic displays directly to alleviate processing burdens on the master gaming controller. |
| US08858330B2 |
Music video game with virtual drums
A video game maps each of a plurality of outputs to inputs associated with a video game controller. In some embodiments, the plurality of outputs represent the various potential outputs of a drum set. Combinations of video game controller inputs are used to generate the outputs. Video game controller inputs include traditional input devices such as button inputs, as well as input signals generated from positioning and movement of the video game controllers. In some embodiments, a video game console provides a video representation of the outputs generated by input combinations received from the video game controllers. |
| US08858329B2 |
Apparatus and method for using a dedicated game interface on a wireless communication device with projector capability
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for a game interface on a wireless communication device with projector capability. In one example, an apparatus has an integrated projector lens on a casing of a wireless communication device and a dedicated game interface with a directional control and a fire button. In another example, an apparatus has a dedicated game interface with at least one directional control, a fire button, and a projector body with a projector lens which can extend from, retract to, or dock with a casing of a wireless communication device. Furthermore, this apparatus may include a novel hardware and/or software module which can invert, adjust, and/or re-orient a desired image before a corrected orientation of the desired image is projected from the integrated projector lens, depending on frontal, rear, or another surface usage of the wireless communication device by the user. |
| US08858328B2 |
Storage medium having game program stored therein, hand-held game apparatus, game system, and game method
An information processing section of a game apparatus executes a program including: a step of setting a puzzle area to be cut from an image taken by an outer camera; a step of setting the division number representing the number of portions into which the puzzle area is divided in accordance with a stage; a step of generating one-dimensional arrangement data representing a state in which puzzle pieces are positioned at random: a step of executing a game process by updating the one-dimensional arrangement data of the puzzle pieces which are selected based on a tilt of the game apparatus; and a step of switching, in accordance with the one-dimensional arrangement data, texture coordinate data of the puzzle pieces calculated based on a tilt of a virtual camera, and displaying an obtained image. |
| US08858318B2 |
Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods with volatility control games
Gaming systems, gaming devices and methods that provide games that control volatility. In one embodiment, the gaming system disclosed herein enables a player to select values, or cells associated with values, that are displayed in a particular arrangement. The player selected values are distributed to other values or cells according to one or more predefined rules. In one embodiment, one or more of the player selectable values are progressive award values. At some point during the game, the gaming system randomly picks one of the remaining values that have not been selected and provides an award to the player based at least in part on the selected value. |
| US08858310B2 |
Combine sieve assembly with an auger trough clean-out assembly
An auger assembly for a combine harvester includes an auger trough having side walls with a length so as to extend laterally between opposed side sheets. Guide tracks are configured along bottom edges of the side walls. A flexible bottom cover member is slidably engaged within the guide tracks. The cover member is removably attached to the side walls by being slid into and out of the guide tracks from a longitudinal end of the side walls outboard of the side sheets for an auger clean-out procedure. |
| US08858309B2 |
Air louver for refrigerated display case
A louver for directing airflow in a refrigerated display case, and a refrigerated display case employing a louver. In some embodiments, the louver includes a plurality of fins positioned to define a plurality of channels therebetween through which airflow can be directed substantially in a first direction. Each fin can be elongated in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction to define a length. Each fin can include an inlet end and an outlet end in a cross-section taken along the length. The louver can further include a curved inlet profile defined by the inlet ends of the plurality of fins. |
| US08858308B2 |
Methods and apparatus for efficiently pressurizing and ventilating an air-supported structure
A set of methods and apparatus for efficiently pressurizing and ventilating an air-supported greenhouse or other structure requiring pressurization and ventilation.A method for efficiently pressurizing and ventilating an air-supported structure comprises directing any external wind flow and external wind pressure into mechanical flow means, such as a fan, or fans in parallel, operating in the intake direction, and into the internal space of the air-supported structure and out of the internal space of the air-supported structure through internal pressure regulating exhaust means, whereby the internal space of the structure will be ventilated and pressurized with the assistance of any external wind and the reliability of mechanical flow means (fans). This method allows for the efficient, effective, and economical cooling, through ventilation, of a protected space created by a light permeable membrane (cover), which is supported only by internal air pressure against the weight of the membrane and dynamic pressures of the external wind, itself.Apparatus for directing any external wind flow and external wind pressure into mechanical flow means are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for internal pressure regulation are also disclosed.Some benefits are less power consumption, minimal internal static pressure (just enough to overcome the external wind), less potential film breakage (than conventional frame-supported poly greenhouses), more light transmission, less cost, and more portability. |
| US08858304B2 |
Adjustable curve hand sander
A hand-held sander for sanding a curved surface includes a structurally rigid frame having a left hand hold and left channel oppositely disposed from a right hand hold and right channel. An open-ended concave recess is formed between and perpendicular to the channels. A flexibly resilient and flat substrate has a left substrate end oppositely disposed from a right substrate end. The left substrate end is abutting and slidably captured within the left channel and the right substrate end is abutting and slidably captured within the right channel. A center adjustment knob is rotatably fixed to the frame having a female threaded end. A shaft is fixed to a center of the substrate and includes a male threaded end. The male threaded end of the shaft is configured to threadably engage the female threaded end of the knob, wherein rotation of the knob causes curvature of the substrate. |
| US08858302B2 |
Retainer rings of chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and methods of manufacturing the same
A retainer ring of a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a base portion having a ring shape, the base portion including a pressurizing surface and a combining surface opposite the pressurizing surface, slurry inflowing portions on the pressurizing surface of the base portion, the slurry inflowing portions having groove shapes, and minute grooves at least on a surface portion of the slurry inflowing portions. |
| US08858301B2 |
Attachment mechanism for a cutting disc
Disclosed herein is a power tool (10) comprising a body (12), a rotatable drive shaft (14) having a free end (15) extending from the body (10), and a motor (16) for transmitting torque to the drive shaft (14). A cutting disc (24) having a mounting aperture (26) is engageable on the drive shaft (14). An attachment mechanism is provided for attaching the cutting disc (24) to the drive shaft (14). The attachment mechanism comprises a releasable locking member (30) associated with the drive shaft (14), the locking member (30) being movable between a locked configuration for retaining the cutting disc (24) on the drive shaft (14) and an unlocked configuration for releasing the cutting disc (24) for removal from the drive shaft (14). A biasing member (54) is associated with the locking member (30) for resiliently biasing the locking member toward the locked configuration. A release mechanism (56) is associated with the locking member (30) for moving the locking member into the unlocked configuration against the bias of the biasing member (54). |
| US08858299B2 |
Device and method for processing a blade edge
A blade processing (e.g., sharpening) device includes two sets of overlapping edge processing rings. Inner diameter surfaces of the edge processing rings define a notch suitable for effectively processing a blade with a convex cutting edge profile. Certain types of edge processing rings are movable relative to one another to adjust an edge processing angle of the notch. Certain types of blade processing devices also can also process blades with concave cutting edge profiles. The rings may be contained at least partially within a protective housing. A blade can be processed by inserting a blade through a blade insertion opening in the housing and into the notch while a handle of the blade remains outside the housing. By grasping the handle, the blade can be manually reciprocated within the notch during edge processing. |
| US08858296B2 |
Method and system for endpoint detection
A process control system is provided for use with a processing tool for thin film patterning by a material removal processing system. The system includes an optical end-point detector operable within a working area defined by the processing tool when the processing tool is applied to an article, the optical end-point detector performing in-situ measurements of parameters of patterned thin film on the article. An optical integrated monitoring tool is installed with the processing tool and operable outside the working area for measuring parameters of the patterned thin film on the article. A control unit is connected to the end-point detector and to the integrated monitoring tool, and includes processing and computational intelligence responsive to data received from the end-point detector and to the measured data received from the integrated monitoring tool for analyzing data and generating a signal for terminating the patterning of the thin film on the article. |
| US08858288B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid crystal display device
According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device includes forming a first substrate including first display regions, forming a second substrate including second display regions, forming seal members of a loop shape around the first or second display regions, dropping a liquid crystal material onto the first or second display regions surrounded by the seal members, and bonding the first and second substrates to each other by the seal members such that the first display regions oppose the second display regions. In the dropping, a greater amount of liquid crystal material is dropped onto display regions close to ends of the first or second substrate, than onto display regions close to a center of the first or second substrate. |
| US08858287B2 |
Organic EL display provided with gel-state encapsulant incorporating a desiccant and a high molecular-weight medium
A sealing substrate is arranged to oppositely face an element substrate on which organic EL layers are formed in a matrix array with a sealing material sandwiched therebetween. A gel-state desiccant is filled in an inner space surrounded by the element substrate, the sealing substrate and the sealing material. Since the gel-state desiccant is in a gel state, the gel-state desiccant is flexibly filled in the inner space of the organic EL display device thus completely eliminating a gap. Since the inner space is filled with the gel-state desiccant, moisture hardly intrudes into the inner space from the outside and, at the same time, a mechanical strength of the organic EL display device is also enhanced. |
| US08858286B2 |
Organic electroluminescent display device and method of fabricating the same
A method for fabricating an organic electroluminescent display device includes: forming a switching thin film transistor, a driving thin film transistor and an organic electroluminescent diode on a mother substrate having a plurality of unit cell areas; forming a cutting portion in a metal foil having a plurality of unit metal foil areas, the metal foil having a size corresponding to the mother substrate; forming an adhesive layer on the metal foil; attaching the mother substrate and the metal foil such that the adhesive layer contacts the mother substrate; and cutting the mother substrate and the metal foil along the cutting portion. |
| US08858285B1 |
Life streamer system
A generally rectilinear buoyant life preserver has a head hole and an upper section constituting a reception area above the head hole. A box-like pouch is coupled to the reception area. The pouch has an open front with a chamber created within the pouch. A buoyant cover is adapted to be coupled to and uncoupled from the pouch to close and open the chamber. A streamer fabricated of a flexible plastic sheet material has an inner end attached to the pouch and an outer end attached to the cover. |
| US08858284B2 |
Apparatus for aquatic exercise
An aquatic exercise device comprising a base arranged to be held in particular with a foot or with a hand, and webbing, in particular corolla-shaped webbing, that is secured to the base and that is suitable for deforming under pressure from the water that is exerted while the device is moving. |
| US08858281B2 |
Outboard motor control apparatus
In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine to power a propeller, and a transmission being selectively changeable in gear position to establish speeds including a first speed and a second speed and transmitting power of the engine to the propeller with a gear ratio determined by established speed, it is determined whether acceleration is instructed to the engine when the second speed is established and whether a preset condition is met, and operation of the transmission is controlled to change the gear position from the second speed to the first speed when the acceleration is determined to be instructed and the preset condition is met, thereby improving the acceleration performance of immediately after the acceleration is started. |
| US08858276B2 |
Terminal and strip thereof with improved tearing structure
A terminal strip includes a number of terminals and a strip connecting the terminals. The terminal has a body, a soldering portion extending downwardly from the body and a spring beam extending upwardly from the body. The strip has a number of slots defined during punching the soldering portion thereof. The body has a bottom edge and a connecting portion connecting with the soldering portion. A breaking cut is formed in the connecting place between the bottom edge and the strip. The breaking cut is distributed into a number of slots connecting with each other. The configuration of the breaking slot can make several slots each with a short tearing journey when the terminals are separated from the strip, that can improve the efficacy of the product yield. |
| US08858271B2 |
Speaker interconnect
An interconnect for an internal device, such as a speaker, coupling power from a flexible connector to the speaker at two or more terminals. The interconnect includes a flexible element, such as a “minus” terminal, and a second element, such as a “plus” terminal, which are coupled to corresponding terminals on the flexible connector. A screw can be threaded through a hole in the flexible element, the corresponding terminals, and can be terminated at the second element. The screw presses the “minus” terminal and the “plus” terminal into their corresponding terminals, making an electrical connection and a physical connection. |
| US08858270B2 |
Rechargeable battery pack including low-resistance battery-pack interconnect
A battery pack comprising: at least one battery including at least one electrode and at least one terminal in electrical connection with the electrode; a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising at least one layer having an electrical circuit in electrical connection with the at least one battery, the PCB including at least one PCB interconnect for electrical connection with the at least one battery; and at least one battery-pack interconnect in electrical connection with the at least one PCB interconnect and the at least one terminal of the battery. The PCB interconnect comprises a PCB-interconnect aperture formed therein and having an electrically conductive inner surface structured to receive the battery-pack interconnect for direct electrical connection between the two. |
| US08858266B2 |
High speed communication jack
A high speed communication jack including a housing including a port for accepting a plug, the port including a plurality of pins each connected to a corresponding signal line in the plug and a shielding case surrounding the housing. A flexible circuit board between the shielding case and the housing having a substrate, a plurality of vias extending through the substrate with each via being configured to accommodate a pin on the housing, a plurality of traces on a first side of the substrate, with each trace extending from a corresponding one of the plurality of vias, and a shielding plane on a second side of the substrate opposite the first side of the substrate. |
| US08858259B2 |
Connector having a housing with integrally formed restrictions and a locking lance with reinforcement ribs
A connector includes two receiving ribs (16) in a housing (10) at opposite sides of a locking lance (12) in a width direction. Two first restrictions (17) are formed on opposite left and right outer side surfaces of the locking lance (12) in the width direction and at a side of the receiving ribs (16) opposite to a terminal accommodating chamber (11) in the resilient deforming direction of the locking lance (12) and held out of contact with the receiving portions (16) when the locking lance (12) is not deformed. Two second restrictions (18) are formed on the opposite left and right outer side surfaces of the locking lance (12), opposed to a bottom surface (32) of a terminal fitting (30) formed with a locking hole (35) and held out of contact with the bottom surface (32) when the locking lance (12) is not deformed. |
| US08858256B2 |
Connector fixing structure
In an inner peripheral surface of metal collar fixed to a flange part of a power receiving side connector, a female screw is formed. When the flange part is attached to a connector attaching part from the outer surface side of a vehicle body, the flange part is fastened to the connector attaching part by a first male screw member inserted into the metal collar and a nut screwed to the first male screw member. When the flange part is attached to the connector attaching part from the inner surface side of the vehicle body, the flange part is fastened to the connector attaching part by a second male screw member screwed to the metal collar. |
| US08858251B2 |
Connector having a coupler-body continuity member
A connector having a coupler-body continuity member is provided, wherein the coupler-body continuity member electrically couples a coupler and a body, thereby establishing electrical continuity between the coupler and the body. Furthermore, the coupler-body continuity member facilitates grounding through the connector, and renders an electromagnetic shield preventing ingress of unwanted environmental noise. |
| US08858250B2 |
Electrical cable assembly
A cable assembly structure, the structure including a connector having a connector body having a back end and a front end, a cam extending from and coupled to the back end of the connector body, a wire bundle extending from and coupled to the back end of the connector body; and a pair of guidance features extending from the front end of the connector body; and a receptacle having a receptacle body having a fixed end and an open end, and a pair of cam guides positioned on a top and a bottom surface of the receptacle. The cam is operable to couple the connector with the receptacle based on the guidance features aligning the connector with the receptacle, the cam guides being operable to receive the cam associated with the connector. |
| US08858249B2 |
Connector having a cam operating portion which presses a connection object with being rotated
Provided is a connector including a plug and a receptacle which are adapted to be fitted together. The plug includes a plate-like or sheet-like connection object, a ground shell which is disposed on one surface side of the connection object so as to be spaced apart therefrom, and a guide covering front end portions of the connection object and the ground shell. The receptacle includes contacts and an actuator having a cam operating portion which is made of a material different from that of the ground shell. When the actuator is operated in a state where the plug and the receptacle are fitted together, the cam operating portion is rotated on the ground shell to press the connection object onto the contacts. |
| US08858248B2 |
Housing for an electrically powered device
There is provided a housing comprising an electrically powered device and electrical connecting means. The (electrical connecting means of the) housing fits an interface means of an electrical power supply. The housing is provided with one or more protruding elements movable between an idle position and a depressed position. In the idle state the one or more protruding elements prevent an electric current from passing between the electrical connecting means and the electrically powered device. The interface means comprise a front side which interacts with the one or more protruding elements by pushing the one or more protruding elements into the depressed state, thereby enabling an electric current to pass between the electrical connecting means and the electrically powered device exclusively when the housing has been properly installed. |
| US08858247B2 |
Electrical card connector
An electrical card connector 100 comprises an insulative housing 1 defining a card receiving space 12, a plurality of contacts 2 retained in the housing 1, an ejector 3 assembled to the housing 1 and a metal shell 4. The ejector 3 comprises a slider 31, a spring 32 and a cam follower 33 for controlling positions of the slider 31. The cam follower 33 comprises a pivoting end 331, a sliding end 333 and a connecting portion 332 connecting with the pivoting end 331 and the sliding end 333. The housing 1 has a recess 112 defining an opening along an up-to-down direction, the pivoting end 331 of the cam follower 33 is received in the recess 112 and extends laterally beyond an outer side of the recess 112, the shell 4 has a limiting portion 4102 mating with the recess 112 near the opening. |
| US08858244B2 |
Battery pack busbar module
Abnormal noise at a battery pack busbar module is prevented. A battery pack busbar module includes busbar accommodating portions each accommodate busbars which connect in series batteries, cover portions coupled by hinges to one of side edges of openings in the busbar accommodating portions to cover the openings, and lock portions to lock the cover portions by bringing first engagement portions provided on the other side edges of the busbar accommodating portions and second engagement portions provided on the cover portions into engagement with each other, and ribs projecting from the cover portions to come into abutment with the busbar accommodating portions are formed in positions spaced away from the lock portions, a height of the ribs being set such that the second engagement portions are not brought into engagement with the first engagement portions when the ribs abut the busbar accommodating portions. |
| US08858243B2 |
Electrical connector with grounding bar to reduce cross talking
An electrical connector includes a housing including a base portion and a tongue portion and contacts. The contacts include contacting plate at the tongue portion, leg portion extending from the rear and retaining portions retained in the base portion. The contacts includes a first group and second group, each group including ground contacts and signal contacts. The contacting plates of the first group are located along a first side face of the tongue portion, the contacting plate of the second group are located along an opposite second side face, the retaining portions of the first and second groups being spaced from each other. A one-piece grounding bar is retained in the base portion, the ground bar includes a beam portion hidden in the base portion and between said retaining portions of the first group and second groups, and fingers touch with corresponding retaining portions of ground contacts. |
| US08858240B2 |
Cable assembly
A cable assembly comprises: a metallic housing; a PCB received into the metallic housing. The PCB defines a plurality of grounding conductive pads and a plurality of pairs of signal conductive pads formed on a rear end thereof. Each pair of signal conductive pads are intervened between two grounding conductive pads. And a cable having a plurality of wires are electrically connected with the PCB. Wherein at least one wire of the plurality of wires comprises a pair of differential signal conductors electrically connected to a corresponding pair of signal conductive pads, and a grounding conductor electrically connected to two grounding conductive pads located at two sides of the pair of signal conductive pads. |
| US08858239B2 |
Electrical connector assembly for blind mating for board to board use
An electrical connector assembly includes a female connector (100) and a male connector (200) mating with each other. Each of the female connector and the male connector includes a housing (1, 4) and a number of terminals (2, 5) secured in the housing. The housing has a number of channels and a number of standoffs (13) arranged alternately along a lengthwise direction, and a number of indentations (14) each defined beside a corresponding standoff. Two adjacent standoffs are staggered. Each terminal has a contacting section. The contacting sections of the terminals of the female connector contact with those of the terminals of the male connector. The standoffs of the male connector engage with the indentations of the female connector. |
| US08858237B2 |
Receptacle connector having improved contact modules
A receptacle connector (100) includes a housing (10), a front contact module (30) and a rear contact module (20) assembled in the housing. The housing has a cavity (12) opening along a horizontal direction. The cavity has a top wall (121) and a bottom wall (122) opposing to each other, the bottom wall having a tongue portion (120) at a front side of the housing. The rear contact module has a first contacts (22) and a second contacts (23) positioned on the top wall and the bottom wall respectively. The front contact module includes a one-piece insulator (31) assembled to a bottom side (13) of the housing, and a number of third contacts (32) insert-molded with the insulator. |
| US08858236B2 |
Rotatable plug assembly and method of reducing strain in a wire
A rotatable electrical plug assembly for a volatile material dispenser includes a support block having first and second opposing lateral sides and electrical plug pins extending from the support block and including terminals connected to the plug pins. The plug assembly further includes a wire extending from one of the terminals toward the first side of the support block, wherein the wire forms a loop between the terminals and the first side and further extends toward the second side of the support block. |
| US08858234B2 |
Distortion training table
An apparatus and methods for training workers to recognize distortions. One example method includes positioning vacuum arms on a tilt-table top of a distortion training table situated in a horizontal position. The method further includes positioning locator arms on the tilt-table top in proximity to the vacuum arms, positioning a body panel on the locator arms to situate an inner surface of the body panel adjacent to each of the vacuum arms, applying suction to the inner surface of the body panel using the vacuum arms wherein the suction creates non-destructive distortions on an outer surface of the body panel, instructing the workers in tactile recognition of the distortions on the outer surface of the body panel, moving the tilt-table top from the horizontal position to a vertical position, and instructing the workers in visual recognition of the distortions on the outer surface of the body panel. |
| US08858233B2 |
Simulation system for training in endoscopic procedures
A simulation system for training in endoscopic procedures includes an endoscope apparatus, which includes an operating part with at least one valve, a control device to generate a virtual image of an endoscopic operating scene depending on an actuation of the valve and a display device to display the virtual image, the endoscope apparatus includes for example a siphoning line, an insufflation line and/or a flushing line upon which the valve acts. The simulation system includes pressure-generating means to impact the siphoning line, the insufflation line and/or the flushing line with reduced or excess pressure, sensor means to measure pressure and/or flow in the siphoning line, the insufflation line and/or the flushing line and transmission means to transmit the measured values provided by the sensor means to the control device to be used in generating the virtual image. |
| US08858228B2 |
Method and kit for dental implant drilling guides
Method and kit for producing implant drilling guides positioned at the proper orientation to avoid inadvertent damage to critical regions of the patient's jaw when drilling to place dental implant screws. The method works by placing a small post device with x-ray visible depth markers in the root socket of the patient's tooth immediately after tooth extraction. The post device may additionally be configured to guide the drill at a position and angle that is different from that of the original tooth socket. This post device is used to construct a removable guide that anchors to the patient's adjacent teeth, and preserves the location and orientation of the extracted tooth root. Once the root socket is filled in with new bone, the guide, in conjunction with the X-ray post depth information, can be used to direct drilling along the same route as the old tooth root, thus avoiding critical structures. |
| US08858224B2 |
Detonation wave arrestor
An apparatus and system disclosed herein provides detonation wave arrestor including a detonation wave deflector and a burst element. The detonation wave arrestor disclosed herein attenuates and defects the propagation of a detonation wave characterized by a supersonic flame front propagation. The detonation wave arrestor provides deflection of detonation wave towards the burst element. The rupture of the burst element provides venting of hot gases remaining from the detonation, thus providing separation and attenuation of combusted gas residuals. The detonation wave arrestor disclosed herein may be used in a combustible fuel delivery system. |
| US08858223B1 |
Glycerin fueled afterburning engine
A Glycerin Fueled Afterburning Engine utilizes the power generation unit exhaust heat to pre-heat the glycerin, or similar difficult to combust fuel, and then utilizes regenerative burner heating to fully vaporize and superheat the fuel above the auto ignition temperature. The combustion inlet air is also highly preheated by the recuperative power generation cycle. The actual combustion process is then accomplished by hypergolic ignition from mixing the hot vapor with the hot air. The overall engine process operates on a cycle of (1) air compression, (2) indirect heating of air in an air heater, (3) air expansion, (4) air heating by combustion, and (5) air cooling by heat transfer to the incoming compressed air charge in the recuperator. This invention comprises (1) air heater modifications for glycerin preheating, (2) combustor modifications for glycerin vaporization, (3) staged combustion for complete combustion and flame temperature control and (4) means for starting the process before it is able to become regenerative. |
| US08858218B2 |
Tool for a resin transfer moulding method
A tool for a resin transfer molding method comprises a cavity, a resin trap and a transition region, wherein the cavity is designed such that a component can be accommodated in it. Furthermore, the resin trap is integrated in the tool, and the transition region is designed such that with it a connection between the cavity and the resin trap can be established. |
| US08858215B2 |
Injection blow mold manifold and nozzle
A system for producing blow molded articles. The system includes an injector nozzle mounted to a parison cavity block having a parison cavity such that the injector nozzle injects molten plastic into the parison cavity to form a parison. The injector nozzle is mounted to the parison block by means of two seats, a distal seat where the distal end of the injector nozzle is seated within an opening in the parison cavity block and a proximal seat, a linear distance inwardly from the distal seat, where a circular flange on the injector nozzle is seated within an annular shelf formed in the parison block. The two spaced apart seats ensure an accurate alignment between the centerline of the injector nozzle and the parison cavity. As a further feature, there is a system to heat the nozzle tip to reduce the temperature differential between the nozzle and the parison cavity. |
| US08858213B2 |
Equipment and processes for the application of atomized fluid to a web substrate
An apparatus for the application of atomized fluid to a permeable web material is disclosed. The apparatus has a fluid source and a receipt plenum. The fluid source is disposed in proximate fluid contact with the first surface of the web material. The fluid source has a positively pressured permeable roll having atomized fluid and at least one aperture disposed therein. The apertures provide fluid communication between an inner portion of the roll and a surface thereof. The fluid is disposable from the inner portion to the surface through the apertures into contacting engagement with the permeable web material. The receipt plenum has an opening disposed adjacent to the second surface of the web material that provides a source of negative pressure to the second surface of the web material that causes the fluid to traverse through the web. |
| US08858205B2 |
Compressor having an inlet port formed to overlap with a roller and a cylinder-type rotor for compressing a refrigerant
A compressor is provided in which a rotary member suspended on a stationary member is rotated to compress a refrigerant. The rotary member is suspended on a first stationary member and rotatably supported on a second stationary member spaced apart from the first stationary member, which achieves the structural stability and allows the components to be easily centered and assembled. A refrigerant suction passage and a refrigerant discharge passage are such that the refrigerant may be sucked and discharged without a valve. |
| US08858204B2 |
Dry vacuum pump having multiple lubricant reservoirs
A vacuum pump includes a pumping stage, a rotary shaft supported by a lubricated support bearing; a lubricant deflector mounted between the lubricated support bearing and a ring seal which is mounted on the rotary shaft between the lubricant deflector and the pumping stage, a first reservoir containing a first reserve of liquid lubricant and in communication with the lubricated support bearing in a first volume, a lubricant splashing unit mounted on the rotary shaft in the first reservoir and having one end bathed in the first reserve of lubricant. A second reservoir includes a second reserve of liquid lubricant separated from the first reservoir by a separation wall having an aperture through which the first and second reserves of lubricant communicate. A lubricant return channel having one inlet facing the lubricant deflector opens into the second volume of the second reservoir above the second reserve of lubricant. |
| US08858202B2 |
Rotary diaphragm pump
The rotary diaphragm pump has a flexible, resilient diaphragm band surrounding an elliptical frame within a case having four chambers surrounding an elliptical core. An articulating mechanism has a plurality of wheels traveling along the elliptical edges of the frame. The mechanism extends and retracts as the wheels move from maximum extension along the major axis of their elliptical tracks to minimum extension at the minor axis of their tracks. This mechanism drives a pair of actuator rollers along the inner surface of the diaphragm, periodically forcing the diaphragm into the surrounding chambers to produce the pumping action. Each chamber has an inlet port and an outlet port. The various ports may be interconnected to provide one or more multi-stage pumps in combination with one or more single-stage pumps, as desired. Two or more pumps may be joined in tandem to provide greater capacity from a single drive shaft. |
| US08858201B2 |
Fluid transporting device of the peristaltic type with a push pin and push plate arrangement
A fluid transporting device includes an elastic tube, a tube frame that holds the elastic tube in an arc, a rotary push plate arranged in the arc for facilitating fluid flow inside the elastic tube, and a plurality of push pins disposed between the elastic tube and the center of the arc. Each push pin includes a semispherical end portion that contacts the rotary push plate, a pushing end portion that places a bias on the elastic tube, and adjacent end portions of at least two push pins close the elastic tube when the semispherical end portions are pushed by an outer circumference arc of the rotary push plate. |
| US08858189B2 |
Pumping device for sucking or draining fluid
A pumping device includes a barrel (1), a top cover (2), a switching valve (3), a cylinder (4), a piston (53), a connecting unit (6), an operation unit (5), a delivery unit (7), a pressure gauge (8), and a pressure release unit (9). Thus, the user has to pull or push the switching valve to extract or suck the air in the barrel so as to deflate or inflate the barrel so that the pumping device has a security process and is operated in a safer manner. In addition, the flow of the fluid is proceeded in the barrel so that the pumping device is operated smoothly and conveniently. |
| US08858188B2 |
Vacuum pump or vacuum apparatus with vacuum pump
The invention relates to a vacuum pump or vacuum apparatus having a vacuum pump for the evacuation of one or a plurality of volumes, the vacuum pump having a plurality of pressure stages and at least two suction inlets. According to the invention, an outer suction inlet for a first pressure stage spatially encompasses an inner suction inlet for a second pressure stage such that the inner suction inlet seals only against pressure within the outer suction inlet, not against external pressure. |
| US08858187B2 |
Reciprocating rod pump for sandy fluids
A downhole pump has a barrel and a plunger movably disposed therein. The gap between the barrel and plunger has first and second seals. The barrel and plunger each have a one-way valve restricting fluid passage out of it. A filter or screen is disposed on the plunger between the first and second seals. In a downstroke, fluid and particulate in the barrel transfers into the plunger. In an upstroke, fluid and particulate in the plunger lifts uphole. At the same time, a volume in the barrel fills with fluid and particulate. During either stroke, the first seal prevents particulate uphole of the plunger from passing into the gap. The filter or screen, however, prevents at least some particulate (i.e., most or larger particulate) inside the plunger from passing out of the plunger with fluid flowing into the gap between the first and second seals. |
| US08858185B2 |
Fluid flow rate compensation system using an integrated conductivity sensor to monitor tubing changes
An infusion system and method for controlling the fluid flow from a pump includes a pump system that has a controller that utilizes an algorithm to control the flow rate of fluid through tubing. A plurality of electrodes operatively contacts an electrically conductive portion of the tubing that is also acted upon by the pump system. The electrodes monitor electrical properties of the tubing and provide an electric signal indicative thereof to the controller, which varies the flow rate of the fluid through the tubing as a result of the electric signal. |
| US08858183B2 |
Rotor blade for a rotary-wing aircraft
A rotor blade for a rotary-wing aircraft includes a core member having a first end that extends to a second end, and a spar member positioned about the core member. The spar member includes a first end section that extends to a second end section. A tip core assembly is mounted at the second end section of the spar member. The tip core assembly is formed from a honeycombed material. The rotor blade also includes a rotor blade skin mounted about the spar member and the tip core assembly. |
| US08858177B2 |
Fluid turbine
A turbine for extracting power from a flowing fluid comprises a blade for interaction with the fluid, the blade being rotatable both about a primary axis and a blade axis. The blade axis is proximate to the blade, substantially parallel to the primary axis and spaced therefrom. Rotation actuating means is provided to rotate the blade about the blade axis in dependence upon the rotation of the blade about the primary axis such that the rotation angle of the blade about the blade axis is a function of the rotation angle of the blade about the primary axis. The rotation of the blade about the blade axis is in the same direction of rotation as the blade axis about the primary axis. |
| US08858176B1 |
Turbine airfoil with leading edge cooling
An air cooled turbine blade with a leading edge region cooling circuit that includes a row of vortex chambers connected to a cooling air supply cavity, with each vortex chamber connected to a showerhead arrangement of metering and curved diffusion holes that meter and diffuse cooling air prior to discharge onto the blade surface. Thin metering slots supply cooling air to the vortex chambers to promote a vortex flow. The vortex chambers and metering and curved diffusion holes are formed from a metal printing process that cannot be formed using a ceramic core with an investment casting process. |
| US08858174B2 |
Wind turbine torque-speed control
The present subject matter relates to methods and systems for operating a wind turbine that, in some embodiments may include a gearbox. The wind turbine is provided with a blade having an adjustable pitch angle and the tip speed ratio (TSR) of the blade is monitored. In operation, the method and system is configured to increase the pitch angle of the blade concurrently with an increase in TSR to maintain turbine operation within an identified high power coefficient (Cp) operational region for the blade. TSR may be monitored by monitoring one of the velocity of the tip of the blade, wind speed, the rotational speed of the blade, or the rotational speed of a component within the gearbox. |
| US08858173B2 |
Bearing assembly with damping features
A turbocharger bearing assembly can include a compressor side bearing; a turbine side bearing; and a spacer configured to axially space the compressor side bearing and the turbine side bearing where the spacer includes lubricant passages to direct lubricant to spacer-bearing interfaces and where the spacer optionally includes a spring disposed in a central through bore to load the bearings. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed. |
| US08858170B2 |
Centrifugal pump assembly
The invention relates to a centrifugal pump assembly with at least one impeller, with a suction union, which is situated on the entry side of the impeller, and with a pressure union, which is situated on the exit side of the impeller. A flow sensor and at least one guidance element are arranged in a conduit section, which is formed by the suction union and/or by the pressure union. The guidance element is suitable for influencing the flow prevailing in the conduit section. |
| US08858167B2 |
Airfoil seal
A gas turbine engine component has an airfoil and a squealer tip. The airfoil has a pressure side and a suction side. The squealer tip is located at one end of the airfoil to engage with an adjacent surface and thereby form a seal. The squealer tip terminates in a squealer tip apex with an arched cross-sectional profile in a plane extending from the pressure side to the suction side of the airfoil. A method for producing an airfoil seal for the gas turbine engine component is also provided. |
| US08858166B2 |
Rotary machine seal assembly with butt gap seal elements
Systems and devices for substantially fluidly isolating portions of a rotary machine are disclosed. In one embodiment, a seal assembly for a rotary machine includes: a complementary set of seal segments configured relative one another so as to form a substantially continuous body with butt gaps between the seal segments, the segments including: a head flange; and an axial neck connected to the head flange, wherein the axial neck extends radially inboard and includes an axial slot formed substantially there through; and at least one butt gap seal element, wherein the at least one butt gap seal element includes an axial flange and a radial flange, the axial flange disposed within the axial slots of adjacent seal segments; and the radial flange extending radially inboard from the axial slots to a proximity of the rotary machine substantially forming a barrier to axial flow through the butt gap. |
| US08858156B2 |
Fragment containment assembly and method for adding a fragment containment assembly to a turbine
A fragment containment assembly for a turbine is provided. The fragment containment assembly includes a plurality of bands disposed around a shroud of the turbine and positioned such that the shroud is disposed between blades of the turbine and the bands along radial directions outwardly extending from a shaft of the turbine. The bands include a material having a first modulus of toughness parameter that is greater than a second modulus of toughness parameter of the shroud at temperatures of at least 260 degrees Celsius. The bands are disposed around the shroud to prevent debris of the turbine from being released outside of the bands along the radial directions caused by failure of the turbine. |
| US08858153B2 |
Top mount method and system
This invention relates to a top mount method, a top mount system and a combination of forklift truck and carrying vehicle having such a top mount system. The top mount method differs from the known methods in that the forklift truck lifting assembly at least is provided with a remote control unit to permit the operator of the forklift to mount the forklift onto the carrying vehicle from a position remote from the forklift. The top mount system comprises a track having a carriage slidably mounted therein and a ram for moving the carriage relative the track. The obviates the need to use the drive of the forklift under remote operation. Finally, there is provided a combination of a forklift and a carrying vehicle having the top mount system which together provide a useful and safer alternative to the known combinations. |
| US08858152B1 |
System for replacing batteries in electric cars
A system for replacing a discharged battery in a vehicle featuring a trolley with wheels operatively connected to a driving mechanism, the trolley can be directed to a battery tunnel of a vehicle via sensors; a moving battery tray mounted atop the trolley via a hydraulic cylinder, which functions to move the moving battery tray upwardly and downwardly; a charged battery removably disposed atop the moving battery tray; a locking system for locking the charged battery into the battery tunnel of the vehicle. The system allows the trolley to deliver the charged battery from a charging station to the vehicle. The discharged battery is removed from the vehicle in the same process the charged battery is installed in the vehicle. The trolley can carry the discharged battery back to the charging station for recharging. |
| US08858151B2 |
Machine having hydraulically actuated implement system with down force control, and method
A machine includes a frame having ground engaging propulsion elements coupled therewith, and a hydraulically actuated implement system having a linkage, an implement coupled with the linkage, and a hydraulic actuator coupled with the linkage. The machine further includes a control system having an electronic control unit configured to receive an implement down force control command, and responsively adjust a pressure of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator such that the implement rests with controlled down force upon a substrate below the machine. The controlled down force may be less than a quiescent down force of the hydraulically actuated implement system. Related methodology is also disclosed. |
| US08858149B2 |
Remote docking port
This invention is a floating docking port that allows ships to dock within the port structure and be loaded, unloaded, and refueled, while converting the energy generated from wave motion into a usable source of power. The docking port isolates the vessels from waves and adverse sea currents, which allows for more effective cargo transfer. The docking port is extremely large and functions as a storage and distribution center for naval vessels. The loading and unloading of cargo and containers is accomplished by a container handling system that utilizes hoists, railed carriages, and cargo elevators to facilitate efficient loading and unloading of containers. |
| US08858148B2 |
Binding plant for hardcover books and a method of binding for these books
Binding equipment and false cover forming equipment for hardcover books are disclosed. The false cover forming equipment carries out false covers, by positioning a pair of endpapers in correspondence of lateral binding flaps of a respective backstrip, arranging folds of the endpapers at a pre-assembling distance associated with the thickness of the text block and gluing margins of past-down sheets of the endpapers with binding edges of the backstrip. The binding equipment is feedable, at a cover input “IC”, with the false covers for carrying out book blocks by gluing the backstrips of the false covers with the binding edges of corresponding text blocks and refolding the pairs of endpapers on the respective text blocks. An electronic processing unit is settable for the control of the false cover forming equipment and the binding equipment as a function of the dimensions of the hardcover book to be bound. |
| US08858146B1 |
Insulated support for electric conductors, finger grip, and method of making same
A manufacturing method and device for supporting conductors. Using a non-metallic insulating material extending beyond the inside of one or both parallel legs of a staple the thumb and forefinger may grip this extension while the staple is being driven into a supporting structure. This finger grip allows for a small, insulated staple to be held with increased safety to thumb and forefinger during penetration of staple into support. |
| US08858144B2 |
Threaded fastener and fastener system
A wave threaded fastener and system. A wave thread extends from the outer surface of the body and is made up of a profile wave and a lateral wave. The profile wave includes a plurality of profile crests and profile roots defining a plurality of profile thread widths. The lateral wave includes at least one lateral crest and at least one lateral root defining at least one wave period. Each wave period forms a period arc having a period arc angle and the sum of all period arc angles about the lateral wave equals three hundred and sixty degrees. Each of the profile crests and roots are aligned with corresponding lateral crests and roots and the wave thread travels one profile thread width per each period arc traveled. |
| US08858139B2 |
Retainer device for vehicle cargo space
A retainer device retains an object within a cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo area is defined at least partially by a cargo area floor, a rear panel that extends upright from the cargo area floor, and a plurality of side panels that extend upright from the cargo area floor and that are disposed at respective sides of the rear panel. The retainer device includes a retaining member operable for retaining the object thereto. The retainer device also includes a coupling member that moveably couples the retaining member to an interior surface of the rear panel. The retaining member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. |
| US08858136B2 |
Storage unit for dunnage
The current invention is directed to an improved storage unit for dunnage wherein the dunnage comprises load supporting plates and load locking bars, the load supporting plates being stored in a horizontal orientation. |
| US08858134B2 |
Drilling tool having point thinning
A rotatable drilling tool has cutting edges (on a face side) that merge inwardly into a chisel edge, with the chisel edge(s) running on the face side about a central region surrounding the tool axis, with the chisel edges forming, in the innermost region (or about a point thinning region), a residual chisel edge, with cutting edge corners being formed at the outer ends of the main cutting edges, with a straight connecting line that runs through two cutting edge corners of main cutting edges situated opposite one another in relation to the tool axis, or if an opposite main cutting edge is not present, through a cutting edge corner and the tool axis, with the chisel edge inner region running from the outer end of the residual chisel edge within a region with an angle of between −15° and +15° in relation to a parallel to the connecting line. |
| US08858133B2 |
Cutting apparatus
Cutting apparatus includes a pilot arrangement which has a tip. The tip engages a workpiece to form a pilot recess to engage the workpiece and prevent the apparatus skidding across the surface of the workpiece. The tip can retract against the action of a spring. Accordingly, the apparatus is prevented from skidding across the workpiece, but wear on the tip is minimized. |
| US08858129B2 |
Segmented orbital drill
A segmented orbital drill includes a segmented portion with a semi-finishing cutting portion and a plurality of finishing cutting portions. The semi-finishing cutting portion and finishing cutting portions are separated by grooves formed by a front wall and a rear wall. The segmented portion allows for a fresh cutting edge (i.e., rear wall of the groove) to be revealed as the orbital drill wears in the axial direction. The segmented portion also causes less contact with the workpiece, which reduces power consumption and minimizes deflection of the orbital drill. The segmented orbital drill also includes an optional pilot at one end of the drill, and a clearance neck portion between a shank and the segmented portion. A method of machining a workpiece using the segmented orbital drill is also disclosed. |
| US08858125B2 |
Tool assembly for removing material from a work-piece
A tool assembly for removing material from a work-piece is disclosed herein. The tool assembly includes a cutter having a plurality of cutting teeth spaced circumferentially about an axis of rotation along a cutting end periphery. The cutter also includes a body extending away from the cutting end periphery along the axis of rotation. The tool assembly also includes a passageway for directing a flow of coolant to the cutting end periphery. The passageway is defined at least in a part by the cutter. The tool assembly also includes a cap engaged with the cutter. The cap includes a dispersion disk positioned in spaced relation to the cutting end periphery whereby an annular gap is defined between the cutting end periphery and the dispersion disk along the axis of rotation. The gap communicates with the passageway for directing coolant radially outward to all of the cutting end periphery. |
| US08858124B2 |
Excavation system
An excavation system utilizes a vacuum truck having a vacuum system in combination with a small backhoe to which an excavator assembly is affixed to the backhoe extendable and articulating arm whereby manipulation of the excavator assembly can be controlled by an operator positioned in the backhoe operator cab. The vacuum assembly and the excavator assembly are operatively attached by an elongated, at least partially flexible vacuum hose operatively attached to the vacuum truck pump to permit material that is excavated to be transported from the excavator assembly to the vacuum assembly for storage or disposal. |
| US08858123B2 |
Injection system for solid particles
An injection system for solid particles comprises a conveying hopper (11) located at an upstream location (1), a fluidizing device (21) for fluidizing the solid particles at the outlet of the conveying hopper (11) and forming a solid-gas flow, a pneumatic conveying line (15) for conveying the solid-gas flow from the fluidizing device (21) to a downstream location (2) and a static distribution device (17) with a plurality of injection lines (19), connected thereto. An upstream flow control system controls the mass flow rate in the pneumatic conveying line (15) at the upstream location (1) by controlling the opening of an upstream flow control valve (35) responsive to the solid material mass flow measured in the pneumatic conveying line (15) at the upstream location (1). A downstream flow control system controls the mass flow rate in the pneumatic conveying line (15) at the downstream location (2) by controlling the opening of a downstream flow control valve (51, 79i) responsive to the instantaneous mass flow rate sensed by a main downstream mass flow rate sensor (53). |
| US08858120B2 |
Liquid containment system
A liquid containment barrier is formed by corrugated panels connected end to end and supported by upstanding brackets at spaced positions around the peripheral wall and a liner attached to the wall. Each panel has the top edge as a raw edge with a plurality of elongate extruded plastics spring channel members engaged over the top edge. A plurality of additional clamp collars are arranged to surround a part cylindrical portion of the channel members to bridge between panels and to form a local clamping force on the channel member. Each bracket has an inner vertical edge engaging the panels and a rod member hooked to the brace at the lower end and engaging over the channel members at the upper end. The bracket also includes an upwardly extending flange parallel to the inner edge to form a channel for the bottom edge of the panel. |
| US08858118B2 |
Erosion control mat system
An erosion control mat provides a plurality of concrete blocks. Each block has an upper portion and a lower portion, each with a plurality of side walls. The block has an upper surface and a lower surface and a block periphery in the form of an edge. Cables or ropes connect the blocks together to form a block matrix. Each block has a boot with a plurality of inclined side panels affixed to the block lower portion. The boot has a lower panel, a boot interior that is receptive of at least part of the block lower portion. A plurality of anchor posts are attached to the boot interior surface. Some of the anchor posts are attached to the boot side wall panels and lower panel to enable a connection to be formed between the boot and the block inclined lower side walls and lower surface. |
| US08858117B2 |
Pneumatic compactor weight sensing system
A weight sensing system for a pneumatic compactor is provided. The weight sensing system includes a pressure sensor in communication with a pneumatic cylinder. The pressure sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a pressure exerted on the pneumatic cylinder. Further, a controller is communicably coupled to the pressure sensor. The controller is configured to receive the signal indicative of the pressure exerted on the pneumatic cylinder. The controller is also configured to determine a compaction weight of the pneumatic compactor based on the received signal, a weight distribution on the pneumatic compactor, and a fixed volume of the pneumatic cylinder. |
| US08858114B2 |
Adjustable support apparatus for a utility access cover
A support apparatus for a frame of a utility access cover comprises an inner support member and an outer support member in telescopic engagement with the inner support member. The height and inclination of the support apparatus is adjustable by selectively positioning the first support member relative to the second support member and securing the first support member to the second support member with the fasteners. |
| US08858112B2 |
Road barrier
The present invention provides a roadway barrier or guard rail system which has a post (12) which passes through the carriage (20) with the carriage (20) being free to move up along the post (12). The carriage (20) is prevented from moving down the post (12) by means of a stop or restraint (12.60,12.50,12.40,12.30) which is separate from and underneath the carriage (20) and which the carriage (20) abuts, with the stop or restraint (12.60,12.50,12.40,12.30) being located on the post (12). The carriage (20) is not otherwise restrained from moving up the post except by the curved channels through the carriage (20) which engage the extremities of the post, and the friction this may produce. Further systems are provided with the same features but additionally additional frictional or other forces such as shearing forces, produced by means of formations or fixtures to the post or the carriage which must be overcome after the carriage starts moving relative to the post, such as restraints or stops on the post above the carriage. In other embodiments additional frictional or shear forces must be overcome before movement between the carriage (20) and the post (12) will occur. The movement of the carriage (2) on the post (12) is guided by formations on the carriage (20) cooperating with the mating formations on the post (12). |
| US08858109B2 |
Cosmetics applicators
Cosmetics applicators are disclosed. An example cosmetics applicator includes a plurality of application bodies with front end portions, the front end portions protruding from a container and being capable of applying cosmetic materials, the plurality of application bodies extending in an axial direction, and where the plurality of application bodies are arranged in line, connected integrally by a melt-bonding portion, and collectively inserted with the melt-bonding portion into a cotton core within the container, the cotton core impregnated with the cosmetic materials. |
| US08858108B2 |
Keypad shield
A shield for overlying a keypad such as a PIN pad. The shield 10 permits manual access to the pad 24 and comprised a screen 30 having a transverse direction and a longitudinal direction and formed from a transparent material through which in use the keypad is viewable by a user of the keypad only from within a limited angular range. The screen has an upper side 44 directed in use generally toward a user and a lower side 41 directed in use generally toward the keypad, the screen further having an upper series of transversely extending parallel opaque strips 45 and transparent gaps, and a similar lower series of strips 40 and gaps, which lower series is offset from the upper series so that, when viewed from above, the opaque strips of the upper and lower series overlap and block the view. |
| US08858107B2 |
Media processing device with enhanced media and ribbon loading and unloading features
A device for processing media may include a front panel, a rear panel, a side panel, a support surface, and an access door assembly. The access door assembly may be pivotally coupled to the support surface and may include a major door pivotally coupled to a minor door. The minor door may be movable from an operational position to a minor support position and the major door may be movable from the operational position to a major support position in which the major door is positioned against and supported by the support surface. The side panel may define an imaginary plane that extends upward beyond the support surface and the access door assembly may be sized to be supported on the support surface without crossing the imaginary plane. |
| US08858106B2 |
Image recording device
An image recording device includes a tray having a recess, a recording unit, a drive roller, a first driven roller, a second driven roller, a first urging member and a second urging member. The first driven roller is movable between a first basic position to contact the drive roller and press with a first force and a first nip position to press a first portion, corresponding to the recess, with a third force. The second driven roller is movable between a second basic position to contact the drive roller and press with a second force and a second nip position to press a second portion, not corresponding to the recess, with a fourth force. A difference between the first force and the second force is smaller than a difference between the third force and the fourth force, and the third force is smaller than the fourth force. |
| US08858104B2 |
Image recording apparatus and image recording method
An image recording apparatus includes: a heating section which is located further on the downstream side of a transport pathway than an image recording area, but further on the upstream side of the transport pathway than a transport roller which is rotated by a motor; and a control section which lowers the suction power of a suction section to a medium from a first suction power to a second suction power lower than the first suction power during a recording operation and makes a first torque which is generated at the motor in a period which is during the recording operation and in which the suction power of the suction section is a suction power lower than the first suction power, be lower than a second torque which is generated at the motor during a transport operation. |
| US08858100B2 |
Auto focus-zoom actuator or camera module contamination reduction feature with integrated protective membrane
A camera module includes a lens system, an image sensor, and an actuator. The actuator is fixed relative to the image sensor, and the actuator moves the lens system relative to the image sensor to achieve focus. Components that move relative to each other result in gaps or spaces between the components, an in particular there is a gap between the lens system and the actuator. Such a gap provides a traveling path for foreign material, or particulates, to enter the camera module and reach the image sensor, or other intermediate optical components between the lens system and the image sensor. A camera contamination reduction apparatus is implemented as a protective membrane that prevents foreign material from reaching the internal optical components through the traveling path. |
| US08858097B2 |
Miniature ball tripod
A miniature tripod assembly adapted to mount to the bottom of a camera, or other device, and to be small enough to fit within the profile of the device. The miniature tripod assembly may use a ball joint which allows for multi-axis movement of the device relative to the legs of the tripod. |
| US08858095B2 |
Optical-electrical connector having a resilient member for urging ferrule against lens member
An optical-electrical connector (100) includes a housing (11), a circuit board (3) received in the housing and having a transducer for bidirectional optical-electrical signal conversion, a lens member (42) mounted on the circuit board, a ferrule (43) receiving a number of optical channels and having a resisting face (431), a supporting portion (51) having a base wall (511), and a resilient member. The ferrule is situated behind the lens member within the housing and aligned with the lens member along a front-to-back direction. The resilient member is permanently maintained an invariable compressed state between the base wall and the resisting face of the ferrule to provide an invariable forward resilient force to the ferrule for fixing the ferrule to the lens member, when the optical-electrical connector is used and unused. |
| US08858094B2 |
Fiber optic connector system
A fiber optic connector system is described which includes a plug and a socket. The optically active surfaces of the plug and socket are automatically protected from soiling as soon as the connection is opened. |
| US08858093B2 |
Optical connector having high coupling precision
An optical connector includes a jumper, optical fibers and an optical-electric coupling element. The jumper includes a first side surface and a second side surface. A locating flange extends from the first side surface. The locating flange includes a first vertical surface. The jumper defines receiving holes through the first and second side surfaces and the first vertical surface. Each of the optical fibers is received in a respective receiving hole. The optical-electric coupling element includes a third side surface defining a locating cavity. The locating cavity includes a second vertical surface forming coupling lenses. The locating cavity also includes a lower sidewall and an upper sidewall defining an opening. The second vertical surface is substantially perpendicular to the upper sidewall. The locating flange is inserted into the locating cavity, with each coupling lenses aligned with a respective optical fiber. |
| US08858090B2 |
Ferrule holders with an integral lead-in tube employed in fiber optic connector assemblies, and related components, connectors, and methods
Ferrule holders with an integral lead-in tube employed in fiber optic connector assemblies, and related components, connectors, and methods are disclosed. By integrating the integral lead-in tube as part of the ferrule holder, the integral lead-in tube may be less expensive to manufacture and easier to install. The integral lead-in tube may also be less susceptible to inadvertent removal by friction with a bonding agent syringe or by vibration during shipment. The ferrule holder may include a ferrule holder body and integral lead-in tube. The integral lead-in tube may guide an optical fiber from a rear end of a fiber optic connector to an internal passage of the ferrule holder, where the optical fiber may be further guided to a ferrule for precise alignment. The integral lead-in tube may also protect the optical fiber during installation, shipment, and use in the fiber optic connector. |
| US08858088B2 |
Tapered roller bearing and method of designing the same
In a tapered roller bearing assembly, a crowning profile formed portion of the roller rolling surface is made up of a contact area crowned portion, which is held in contact with an inner ring raceway surface, and a non-contact area crowned portion which is held in non-contact with the inner ring raceway surface. The contact area crowned portion and the non-contact area crowned portion have their generatrices extending in an axial direction of a roller, which generatrices are represented by corresponding continuous lines represented by different functions and continued smoothly at a point of connection, and the curvature of the generatrix of the non-contact area crowned portion in the vicinity of the connection point is chosen to be smaller than the curvature of the generatrix of the contact area crowned portion. |
| US08858086B2 |
Rolling bearing
A bearing includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements. In the bearing, each of an inner ring raceway surface and an outer ring raceway surface has a contact area that comes into contact with the rolling elements, and a non-contact area that is formed adjacent to an outer side of an end portion of the contact area and does not come into contact with the rolling elements. A lubricant retaining portion having a recessed portion and a large number of non-uniform projections and depressions is formed at the non-contact area of at least one of the inner ring raceway surface and the outer ring raceway surface. |
| US08858084B2 |
Rotating device and component for fluid dynamic bearing unit thereof
A rotating device includes a fixed body having a base and a shaft, a hub, and a rotating body having a rotating-body-side encircling member fixed to the hub and encircling the shaft. A lubricant is present between the fixed body and the rotating body. The rotating-body-side encircling member and the shaft are each formed with a radial dynamic pressure generating groove. The fixed body includes a base-side encircling member having a disk part encircling the base-side portion of the shaft and a cylinder part encircling the rotating-body-side encircling member. The base-side encircling member has the disk part fixed to the shaft by interference fitting, and has the cylinder part fixed to the base. An air-liquid interface is located in a gap in the radial direction between the inner periphery of the cylinder part and the outer periphery of the rotating-body-side encircling member. |
| US08858081B2 |
Sliding bearing
A sliding bearing includes a center portion and end portions on a bearing surface 1. Convexo-concave portions are respectively formed in the center portion and the end portions. The average height of the vertexes of convex portions 1A in the center portion is set smaller than the average height of the vertexes of convex portions 1B in the end portions. Average height Lh of the convexo-concave portion 1A in the center portion and average height LH of the convexo-concave portions 1B in the end portions are set to the same height. The center portion may be formed flat. |
| US08858080B2 |
Linear motion guide unit using balls
A porous compact impregnated with lubricant fits into an end cap in a fashion exposed in part to a turnaround passage to apply the lubricant around balls while the balls roll through the turnaround passage. The porous compact is placed in a concavity in an end cap major part and a slot rounded at opposite ends thereof is formed in an outside curved portion of the turnaround passage to communicate the concavity with the turnaround passage. An applicator nose of the porous compact is exposed to the turnaround passage through the slot. The balls while being guided along edges of the slot come into rolling-contact with the exposed surface of the porous compact to be coated with the lubricant. |
| US08858078B2 |
Vacuum baggie
Embodiments of the invention include a re-sealable and re-useable storage device with an integral vacuum sealing feature that can be used to create an air tight vacuum sealed environment within the storage device without a machine or pump. Embodiments of the invention further include retrofit kits for adding a vacuum sealing function to a storage device configured to provide an air tight seal but not otherwise configured to allow air to be removed from such storage device once sealed. |
| US08858077B2 |
Reclosable pouch closures and related packaging and methods
A reclosable package that includes a pouch of flexible material that includes a reclosable closure secured to the flexible material adjacent an opening to releasably retain the opening of the pouch in a closed state. The closure includes fastenable closure strips that extend along opposite sides of the opening and that are releasably fastenable in multiple relative positions spaced along each of two perpendicular directions. The closure and flexible material of the pouch are configured to provide a maximum stiffness, in resistance to bending about a pouch axis extending along the pouch perpendicular to the closure strips, as determined at a point along the closure with the closure strips fastened, that is more than 10 times the maximum stiffness, in resistance to bending about the pouch axis, of one of the closure strips as secured to the flexible material, as determined at the point along the closure with the closure strips unfastened. |
| US08858075B2 |
Apparatus and method for remote monitoring
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for remote monitoring that includes immersing a first temperature sensor at least partially into a heat transfer material situated in a thermo-well of a mobile container housing a material for transport, wherein the first temperature sensor includes a conductor routed through a first passage of a fitting, while providing access to the thermo-well for the insertion of a second temperature sensor through a second passage of the fitting, and receiving a signal from the first temperature sensor at a remote communication unit secured at least indirectly to the mobile container, wherein the signal is representative of the temperature of the material being transported. |
| US08858074B2 |
Damped EGT probe
A temperature probe includes a flange, a support structure, thermocouple wires, and guide plates. The flange has a midline. The support structure is attached to the midline and extends away from the flange. The thermocouple wires extend along the support structure, and terminate in a set of outer sensing tips and a set of inner sensing tips. The guide plates secure the thermocouple wires to the support structure. The guide plates are offset laterally from the midline of the flange. |
| US08858069B2 |
Optical fiber temperature distribution measuring device
There is provided an optical fiber temperature distribution measuring device which measures a temperature distribution along an optical fiber (3) using backward Raman scattering light generated in the optical fiber. The device includes: a reference temperature thermometer (11) disposed in the vicinity of the optical fiber so as to measure a reference temperature (T1, T2) of the optical fiber; an arithmetic controller (7) that calculates a temperature (T) of the optical fiber based on the backward Raman scattering light; and a temperature corrector (12) that corrects the calculated temperature (T) based on a correction formula containing the reference temperature as a parameter. |
| US08858061B2 |
Concrete slump measurement and control system
An apparatus and method to measure and control the slump of concrete by monitoring sensor within the interior surface of a concrete mixer and a liquid flow meter. Data is analyzed by a computer processing unit to determine the slump of the concrete, liquid needed the quantity of concrete within the mixer, the amount of concrete poured, and the starting and ending time of the pour. |
| US08858058B2 |
Asymmetric serrated edge light guide film having circular base segments
A planar light guide film for a backlight unit having at least one point light source is disclosed. The light guide film includes a light input surface for receiving light from the point light source, a light redirecting surface for redirecting light received from the light input surface and a light output surface for outputting at least the light redirected from the light redirecting surface. The light input surface includes a composite lens structure having a first and second circular tip segment each circular tip segment with a first contact angle, and a first and second circular base segment each circular base segment with a top and bottom contact angle, the contact angles of the circular base segments being greater than the contact angle of the circular tip segments. |
| US08858053B1 |
Systems and methods of eliminating shadowing in recessed luminaire and hydrographic printing of the same
The present disclosure provides a recessed luminaire and recessed luminaire frame. The recessed luminaire frame includes a curved inner surface design in which the entire inner surface receives light from the luminaire and thus can be seen. The disclosure further provides a hydrographic printing process in which various desired designs can be printed onto a base material of the frame. |
| US08858052B2 |
Backlight module
The present invention relates to a backlight module and a manufacturing method thereof. The backlight module comprises a thin film unit, a light guide unit, an insulation layer and at least a light source. The thin film unit is installed with a first circuit. The light guide unit is installed with a second circuit. The insulation layer is installed between the thin film unit and the light guide unit. The light source is electrically connected to the first circuit, and the light thereof projects into the light guide unit. |
| US08858050B2 |
Vehicular lamp with plurality of light source and complex lens
A vehicular lamp having first and second light source units disposed behind a projection lens is provided. In the second light source unit, light from a second light source disposed at a position lying further downward than the position of an optical axis of the projection lens is reflected toward the projection lens by a reflection surface of a second reflector disposed to extend downward from a front end edge of a shade. In this case, an upper area of the projection lens is configured such that light from a rear focus of the upper area of the projection lens is emitted further downward than emission light from a general area other than the upper area. |
| US08858045B2 |
Reflector attachment to an LED-based illumination module
An LED based illumination module includes a thermal interface surface that is coupled to a thermal interface surface of a reflector using engaging members that generate a compressive force between the thermal interface surfaces. The engaging members may be, e.g., protrusions that interface with recesses, spring pins, formed sheet metal, magnets, mounting collar, etc. The reflector may include a vented portion that is not optically coupled to the LED based illumination module to allow air to pass through the reflector. |
| US08858043B2 |
Electrically illuminated flame simulator
An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used. |
| US08858040B2 |
Cooling methodology for high brightness light emitting diodes
The present invention is a compact, highly efficient method for convectively cooling substrates, where the substrates contain light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other highly dissipative electronic components. The methodology exhibits very low acoustic noise, extended operating life of moving parts and minimum susceptibility to dust. Also, the improved cooling methodology for high brightness light emitting diodes employs one or more high-density, high-surface-area, single or multiple-element metallic structures having superior heat-transfer properties in the presence of low-speed, minimally turbulent air flow, and enhanced electronic-power-management. |
| US08858039B2 |
Illuminating apparatus
Provided is a lighting apparatus that is suitable as a substitute for a conventional halogen lamp when positively utilizing leaked light. The lighting apparatus comprises: a heat dissipator 12 that is in one of a bottomed cylindrical shape and a bowl shape, and that has a bottom portion, a circumferential wall portion, and an opening; and a light-emitting device 18b that is provided inside the heat dissipator 12 at the bottom portion and is operable to emit light, wherein the heat dissipator 12 has one or more windows 19 for leaking the emitted light outside the heat dissipator 12. |
| US08858032B2 |
Lighting device, heat transfer structure and heat transfer element
A heat pipe configured to transfer heat from a central portion of a lighting device to an edge portion of the lighting device, the heat pipe comprising one region which extends along a portion of a diameter of a substantially circular, substantially annular shape and another region that extends along a diameter of the shape. Also, a lighting device comprising a housing, a reflector, a light emitter and a heat pipe as described above. Also, a self ballasted lamp comprising a solid state light source, an electrical connector, an AC power supply, a reflector configured to receive light from the source and emit reflected light from an aperture, and a thermal management system. Also, a lighting device, comprising a housing, a reflector, a light emitter comprising an array of solid state light emitters, a heat pipe and a sensor. |
| US08858030B2 |
Laser light source
A laser light source for emitting coherent electromagnetic radiation has a vertical far-field radiation profile, having a series of semiconductor layers for generating the coherent electromagnetic radiation. An active region is located on a substrate. The coherent electromagnetic radiation is emitted during operation in an emission direction at least from a main emission region of a radiation output surface, and the radiation output surface is formed by a side surface of the sequence of semiconductor layers. A filter element suppresses coherent electromagnetic radiation in the vertical far-field radiation profile. The radiation was generated during operation and emitted by an auxiliary emission region of the radiation output surface. The auxiliary emission region is vertically offset from and spatially separated from the main emission region. |
| US08858025B2 |
Lighting device
Provided is a lighting device, including: a printed circuit board; one or more light emitting units formed on the printed circuit board; a resin layer which is formed on the printed circuit board, in which the light emitting units are embedded; a diffusion plate formed on an upper side of the resin layer, whereby an entire thickness of the lighting device can be reduced, and when the product is designed, a degree of freedom in design can be improved because flexibility is secured. |
| US08858023B2 |
Light mixing lamp
An light mixing illumination device includes an array (1) of a plurality of solid state light sources, and an array (2) of a plurality of collimating lenses, each collimating lens being aligned with a solid state light source to collimate the light emitted from the solid state light source into a near parallel light; and a pair of first (5) and second (6) fly-eye lenses, wherein the collimated light from the collimating lens array (2) passes through the first and second fly-eye lens successively. |
| US08858020B2 |
Illuminated display for representing a three-dimensional object
An illuminated display for representing a three-dimensional object includes a display element containing the object, wherein information becomes visible when light is coupled into the display element. The display element is transparent. The three-dimensional object is made from a first plastic material having a first refractive index and is partially or completely surrounded by a second plastic material having a second refractive index. |
| US08858019B2 |
Light emitting diode (LED) lamp replacement safety switch for linear fluorescent lamps
Provided is a system for replacing a fluorescent lamp with a light emitting diode (LED) into a conventional fluorescent lighting fixture without modifications. The lighting assembly includes an LED unit having a first end and a second end. The lighting assembly also includes a safety locking device positioned on at least one of the first end and the second end of the LED unit and coupled to a lighting fixture. The safety locking device comprises a safety switch defining an unarmed state and an armed state. To prevent a risk of shock, the safety switch is changed from the unarmed state to the armed state upon manual activation of the safety switch after the LED unit is moved into a locked position. The armed state enables an electrical communication between the two ends of the LED unit to activate the LED unit. |
| US08858018B2 |
Modular light fixture with power pack
A light fixture including first and second raceways, and at least one support structure extending between and coupled to the raceways. A plurality of LEDs are coupled to the structure and spaced apart along at least a portion of a length of the structure between the first and second ends of the light fixture. A power pack extends between the raceways, and the power pack includes at least one driver configured to be electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs, power input wiring that is configured to receive power for the light fixture, and a detachable cover provided substantially over the at least one driver and the power input wiring. A modular power input connector is coupled to the power pack, and is configured to allow a power cord to supply power to the light fixture without removing the cover. |
| US08858017B2 |
Multipolar cell power supply device and flashlight using the same
A multipolar cell power supply device and a flashlight using the same are provided. The multipolar cell power supply device includes a shell, an electric core inside the hollow part of the shell, a positive pole power distribution unit and a negative pole power distribution unit arranged on the two ends of the shell and respectively corresponding to the positive pole and the negative pole of the electric core, a conductive sheet group for electrically connecting the positive pole power distribution unit to the negative pole power distribution unit, and a controller which is on the end of the shell and electrically connected with the positive pole power distribution unit. The flashlight includes a tube body, the multipolar cell power supply device, a tube head provided with an illuminant and an back end cover provided with a soft cap cover which is corresponding to a signal switch of the controller. |
| US08858013B2 |
Low heat transfer magnetic shelf attachment
A merchandiser including a case defining a product display area and having case structure. The merchandiser also includes a light assembly. The light assembly has a light housing and a light source coupled to the light housing to direct light generally toward the product display area. The merchandiser further includes an attachment mechanism having a magnet housing and a magnet substantially enclosed by the magnet housing. The attachment mechanism is coupled to the light housing opposite the light source to attach the light assembly to the case structure. |
| US08858008B2 |
Display device
A display panel (10) of a display device (1) is sandwiched between a chassis (31) and a bezel (20). The bezel (20) and a contact part of the chassis (31), which contact part is in contact with the display panel (10), are made of materials having identical thermal expansion coefficients. A bottom wall (32) of the chassis (31) is made of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient higher than those of the bezel (20) and the contact part. |
| US08858006B2 |
Light emitting diode lamp
The LED lamp includes a housing, an LED chip, a control module, a battery and a heater with a temperature controlled switch. The housing is composed of a front cover and a back cover. The LED chip, control module and the battery are received in the housing. The control module is electrically connected to the LED chip for driving the LED chip. The battery is electrically connected to the control module for providing alternative power to the LED chip. |
| US08858001B2 |
Fogless mirror
In one embodiment, a mirror comprising a squeegee and a slot for receiving the squeegee blade is used in steamy environments. The mirror may include a reservoir to be filled with hot water to prevent the mirror from fogging. |
| US08858000B2 |
Projector having fluoroscent body and associated sensor
A projector includes a light source that emits excitation light, a fluorescent body that converts the excitation light into fluorescence, a liquid crystal optical modulation device that modulates light output from the fluorescent body, an optical sensor that detects at least one of the excitation light passing through the fluorescent body and the fluorescence converted by the fluorescent body, and a control device that controls at least one of the light source and the liquid crystal optical modulation device based on a detection result of the optical sensor. |
| US08857999B2 |
Projection in response to conformation
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to projection. |
| US08857996B2 |
Illumination optical system and image projection apparatus
An illumination optical system include a first lens array including multiple lens cells that split a light beam emitted from a light source into multiple light beams, a second lens array including lens cells that the light beams split by the lens cells of the first lens array are incident thereon, and an optical element configured to illuminate an image display element by superposing light beams emerging from the second lens array on the image display element. At least one of the first lens array and the second lens array includes at least two lens cells each having a curved surface that is formed so as to be continuous with a curved surface of an adjacent lens cell, the at least two lens cells being decentered, and at least two lens cells of the first lens array have different radii of curvature. |
| US08857993B2 |
Ophthalmologic apparatus
An ophthalmologic apparatus including a measurement unit configured to measure a subject's eye, a sliding substrate configured to slide the measurement unit with respect to a base via a guide shaft, a plurality of shaft guide members provided on the base and configured to guide the guide shaft in an axial direction thereof, and an inclination reduction unit provided between the plurality of shaft guide members and configured to reduce inclination of the guide shaft with respect to the base. |
| US08857987B2 |
Ophthalmic apparatus
An ophthalmic apparatus comprising: a fundus observation optical system; a designating part for designating an area of the fundus other than a macular area from a fundus image displayed on a monitor to make alignment of the fundus area of the fundus image displayed on the monitor with the fixation target displayed on a LCD display; a judging part for detecting an approaching state of the fixation target projected on the fundus and the designated fundus area based on positional information of the fundus area designated by the designating part on the monitor after movement and positional information of the fixation target displayed on the LCD display, and judging based on a detection result, whether or not the designated fundus area and the fixation target projected on the fundus are coincident in a predetermined allowable range; and a display control part for changing the display state of the fixation target based on a judgment result of the judging part. |
| US08857984B2 |
Apparatus and method for assessment and rehabilitation after acquired brain injury
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the assessment and rehabilitation of vision impairment. In particular, the invention is concerned with an apparatus displaying visual stimuli and the method of using this device for the purpose of assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain injury and visual impairment resulting therefrom. The apparatus comprises a display means with a plurality of visual stimuli switched on and off in predetermined sequences. The sequences are adapted to be used to assess and rehabilitate a person's visual impairment. |
| US08857983B2 |
Ophthalmic lens assembly having an integrated antenna structure
Antennas and antenna systems may be designed and configured for incorporation into mechanical devices, including medical devices, such as ophthalmic devices, including contact lenses. These antennas and antenna systems may be utilized to transmit data from the mechanical device to a receiver, to receive data from a transmitter, and/or to inductively charge an electromechanical cell or the like incorporated into the mechanical device. |
| US08857980B2 |
Automatically stretchable folding spectacles
Automatically stretchable folding spectacles, comprising: a first rim, with a first lens being provided within the first rim; a second rim, with a second lens being provided within the second rim; a first leg; and a second leg, wherein the first rim and the first leg are elastically connected via a first elastic member; the second rim and second leg are elastically connected via a second elastic member; a middle beam mechanism is provided between the first rim and second rim; and a locking mechanism is provided between the first leg and the second leg, which makes the spectacles capable of keeping a folded state after the spectacles are completely folded. The wearer needs only to press the locking mechanism with one hand, and the whole spectacles will stretch naturally and exhibit an available state under the action of the tension of the elastic members. |
| US08857975B2 |
Ink jet printing apparatus
An ink jet printing apparatus includes a placement table on which recesses in which swelling portions of a printing target material fall are formed and the printing target material is placed, and an ink jet head that discharges ink onto a surface of the printing target material of a printing side placed on the placement table so as to execute desired printing. The swelling portions such as seams fall in the recesses on the printing target material so that the swelling portions and the ink jet head can be avoided from rubbing with each other. |
| US08857974B2 |
Duplex printing apparatus
A duplex printing apparatus comprising: a turnover unit 16 arranged at one of a site between the paper supply unit 2 and the feed roll unit 6a on the paper supply side and a site between the paper takeup unit 5 and the feed roll unit 6b on the paper takeup side, whereby the web of paper 3 is turned over through and is allowed to bypass the turnover unit; a mark sensor 15 arranged upstream in a direction of travel of the paper for detecting a timing mark 14 printed by the digital printer 4 on an under surface of the paper; and a control unit 7 operable in response to a detection value from the mark sensor for controlling the digital printer so that on the upper surface of the paper there is printed an image corresponding to an image printed on the under surface of the paper. |
| US08857973B2 |
Sheet conveying device and recording apparatus
A sheet conveying device having a rolled-sheet supporting unit, a conveying unit, a driving unit, a tension applying unit, and a control unit. The rolled-sheet supporting unit supports a continuous sheet rolled up into a roll. The conveying unit conveys the continuous sheet from the rolled-sheet supporting unit as driven by the driving unit. The tension applying unit applies tension to the continuous sheet downstream of the conveying unit in a conveying direction. The control unit controls a driving amount of the driving unit per unit conveyance distance as the conveying unit conveys the continuous sheet. The driving amount is larger in a case where a first tension is applied by the tension applying unit compared to a case in which a second tension, that is larger than the first tension, is applied. |
| US08857971B2 |
Method an apparatus for leveling a printed image
An approach is provided for curing an image applied to a substrate by way of a printing process. The approach involves causing, at least in part, one or more portions of the image to be cured to a predetermined degree to form one or more pinned portions. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, other portions of the image different from the pinned portions to reflow among the pinned portions to level the image. The approach further involves causing, at least in part, the reflowed portions of the image to be cured. |
| US08857970B2 |
Water-based ink for ink-jet recording and ink cartridge
A water-based ink for ink-jet recording includes a dye represented by a general formula (1), water, a water-soluble organic solvent, and 0.5% by weight to 4% by weight of a cationic polymer; wherein in the general formula (1): n1 is 1 or 2, each of three Ms is sodium or ammonium and the three Ms may be same or different from one another, and R0 represents a monoalkylamino group substituted by a carboxyl group and having a number of carbon atoms of 1 to 8. |
| US08857968B2 |
Ink composition, ink container, and ink jet recording method
An object of the present invention is to provide an ink composition which has excellent storage stability and has good curing sensitivity regardless of the type of a light source for irradiation, and an ink container. Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording method which provides a cured image having excellent image gloss even with an LED light source. The ink composition comprises: a radically polymerizable compound; a radical polymerization initiator; and a colorant, and having a dissolved oxygen content of 9 mg/L or more. The ink container, having a gas-impermeable structure and encapsulates the ink composition. The ink jet recording method comprises: a degassing step of reducing a dissolved oxygen between the ink container that stores the ink composition and ink-discharging nozzles; and a discharging step of discharging the degassed ink composition from the nozzles. |
| US08857967B2 |
Set of ink and reaction liquid, and image forming method
A set of an ink containing a self-dispersible pigment and a water-soluble resin, which is a copolymer having a unit derived from (meth)acrylic acid, and a reaction liquid containing a surfactant, which is an ethylene oxide adduct of a higher alcohol of a linear primary or secondary alcohol or an isoalkyl alcohol and has a HLB value of 13.0 or more determined by the Griffin method, and having buffering ability in an acid region. Content of the surfactant in the reaction liquid is 0.20 times or more in terms of mass ratio as much as total content of the pigment and water-soluble resin. |
| US08857964B2 |
Inkjet ink composition including latex polymers
An inkjet ink composition includes latex polymer particles. The latex polymer particles are present in the ink composition in an amount ranging from about 0.5 wt % to about 40 wt %. The latex polymer particles have: a Tg ranging from about −40° C. to about 125° C.; and up to about 100% of total cross-linkable sites being present: on surfaces of the latex polymer particles; throughout a bulk of the latex polymer particles; or combinations thereof. The latex polymer particles are formed from monomers including at least one hydrophobic monomer, at least one acidic monomer, and at least one crosslinkable monomer, the at least one crosslinkable monomer including at least one keto group. The ink composition further includes at least one cross-linker compound selected from the group consisting of diamino compounds, polyamino compounds, and combinations thereof. Yet further, the ink composition includes at least one colorant and at least one aqueous solvent. The latex polymer particles are configured to form a crosslinked latex polymer film as and/or after the aqueous solvent is depleted from the latex polymer particles after the ink composition is applied by inkjet printing onto a medium. |
| US08857963B2 |
Inks and ink sets for improved performance and image quality
Ink sets can include a plurality of aqueous inks. In one embodiment, a first ink can include a magenta dye and a magenta pigment. A second ink can include a cyan pigment, and a third ink can include a yellow pigment, wherein the second and third inks are substantially devoid of dye. The inks can independently include 2-pyrrolidone or 2-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone and an additional solvent selected from a glycol, a second pyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, an aqueous ink-jet ink can comprise a pigment and a liquid vehicle including water, 2-pyrrolidone, 2-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, tetraethylene glycol, and 1,6-hexanediol. |
| US08857962B2 |
Image forming method and image formed record
An image forming method of the present invention including applying a pretreatment liquid to a recording medium, and discharging an inkjet recording ink dropwise according to an image signal to form an image on the recording medium on which the pretreatment liquid has been applied, wherein the recording medium is regular paper which has no coat layer, the pretreatment liquid contains a cationic polymer compound, a surfactant A, water and a water-soluble organic acid, and the inkjet recording ink contains a water-dispersible colorant, a water-soluble organic solvent, a surfactant B, a penetrating agent and water, and wherein the pretreatment liquid has a static surface tension of 20 mN/m to 30 mN/m. |
| US08857953B2 |
Liquid ejection head formed of piezoelectric plates
A liquid ejection head includes a piezoelectric block body having a plurality of pressure chambers arranged two-dimensionally to face respective ejection ports, a plurality of air chambers arranged adjacently relative to the plurality of pressure chambers, and a plurality of flow channels arranged along the pressure chambers. The pressure chambers are deformed by expansion and contraction of piezoelectric members disposed between the pressure chambers and the air chambers so as to drive the liquid stored therein to flow toward the ejection ports. A connection flow channel is provided at the ejection port side of the piezoelectric block body so as to make each of the pressure chambers communicate with at least one of the flow channels for partial recirculation of the ink. |
| US08857948B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus, inspection method, and program
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a head having a first ejecting unit including a first liquid ejecting nozzle, a first pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a first drive element, and a second ejecting unit including a second liquid ejecting nozzle, a second pressure chamber communicating with the nozzle, and a second drive element. The first nozzle ejects liquid by applying a drive signal to the first drive element, and the second nozzle ejects liquid by applying the drive signal to the second drive element. The first nozzle state is determined using a first detection signal obtained by applying a first drive signal to the first drive element and a second drive signal to the second drive element, and a second detection signal obtained by applying the first drive signal to the first drive element and a third drive signal to the second drive element. |
| US08857947B2 |
Apparatus and method for paper position sensing using transparent transport belt
A printing apparatus has a print head and a transport mechanism including a continuous transparent belt for transporting a sheet medium past a print head. The apparatus includes a through optical sensor operable to direct a sensing beam through the belt for sensing the position of the transported sheet medium when the sheet medium breaks the beam. |
| US08857943B2 |
Duplex printer with movable print head
A duplex printer system includes a double-sided label web and a duplex printer operable to print both sides of the label web. The label includes exposed adhesive on a first side thereof. The duplex printer includes a printer frame and a pair of print heads arranged to print respective sides of the label web. One of the print heads is shiftably mounted relative to the printer frame for movement into and out of a printing position, in which the print head is operable to print within a printable region of the first side. The print head is selectively shifted out of the printing position so as to avoid contact with exposed adhesive during label web advancement. |
| US08857942B2 |
Printer and printing system
A printer 3 with a paper consumption output function resets the count of a paper consumption counter 32 (ST22) when a start measuring command C1 is received from the host computer 2 side, and measures the paper consumption 32A from a specific start measurement time to a specific stop measurement time using a paper consumption counter 32 (ST23b to ST27b). When a fetch paper consumption command C2 is received (ST41), the printer 3 outputs the paper consumption 32A, which is the count of the paper consumption counter 32, to the host computer 2 (ST43). |
| US08857936B2 |
Ink-jet recording apparatus
A drive signal generating unit that generates a drive signal applying, in one pixel period, at least one drive waveform for causing ink droplets to be discharged can generate two types of drive waveforms, a large droplet waveform and a small droplet waveform. The large droplet waveform includes an expansion pulse expanding the volumes of pressure chambers and a contraction pulse making the volumes of the pressure chambers contract. The expansion pulse width of the large droplet waveform is 2.8 AL or longer but 3.4 AL or shorter. The small droplet waveform includes an expansion pulse, a pause period, and a contraction pulse, and the expansion pulse width of the small droplet waveform is 0.8 AL or longer but 1.2 AL or shorter, where AL represents a half of an acoustic resonance period of a pressure wave in the pressure chamber. |
| US08857933B2 |
Ink supply reservoir
A reservoir of an ink supply system is described. |
| US08857931B2 |
Refrigerator with vacuum space
A refrigerator includes a body having a storage space. The body includes an inner case having the storage space, an outer case having an inside surface spaced a predetermined gap from an outside surface of the inner case to house the inner case, a vacuum space provided between the inner case and the outer case sealed to maintain a vacuum state for heat insulating between the inner case and the outer case, a supporting portion provided to contact with the outside surface of the inner case and the inside surface of the outer case to maintain a spaced state of the vacuum space, and a dewing preventive unit adjacent to the supporting portion for preventing dewing from taking place at the outer case by suppressing surface temperature drop of the outer case caused by cold conducted from the inner case to the outer case through the supporting portion. |
| US08857930B2 |
Refrigerator having storage container
A refrigerator including a storage container that may be selectively coupled to a refrigerator body or to a door by a storage container support device is provided. The refrigerator may include a refrigerator body having a storage compartment formed therein, a rotatable door to open or close the storage compartment, a gasket provided between the door and the refrigerator body, a storage container that may be selectively coupled to the door or to the refrigerator body, a storage container support device provided at the door, the refrigerator body or the storage container to allow the storage container to be selectively coupled to and supported by the refrigerator body or the door, and a control device provided in the door to selectively control operation of the storage container support device from an exterior of the door. |
| US08857926B2 |
Deck storage bin system
A deck storage bin system has a hatch, a deck frame assembly that has an outer lip and an inner lip, a storage tub having a bottom surface, and at least one inner support. The hatch is moveable between the closed position and an open position. The outer lip of the deck frame is configured to engage a perimeter of a predefined aperture in a floor surface of a deck such that a portion of the deck frame assembly extends into the predefined aperture. The inner lip defines an opening and the inner lip is sized and configured to support the hatch when the hatch is in a closed position. The storage tub extends below the opening defined by the inner lip of the deck frame and is attached to the at least one inner support. |
| US08857922B2 |
Hydraulic vehicle brake system
A hydraulic vehicle brake system including a brake line for conducting a hydraulic pressure medium and a master cylinder attached to a non-pressurized storage vessel. A wheel brake has a first pressure modulation valve on the inlet side and a second pressure modulation valve and a low-pressure accumulator on the outlet side of the wheel brake. A pump is disposed on a return line downstream of the low-pressure accumulator for removing pressurizing medium from the low-pressure accumulator to regulate the brake pressure via the first pressure modulation valve and also via an isolation valve disposed in the brake line upstream of the first pressure modulation valve. An electromagnetically opening changeover valve is inserted in a pump suction line discharging into the return line between the master cylinder and the low-pressure accumulator. The pressure provided by the master cylinder can be fed to the low-pressure accumulator, bypassing the wheel brake. |
| US08857920B2 |
Obstacle traversing wheel assembly
An obstacle traversing wheel assembly can include at least one primary wheel member mounted with a primary axis of rotation and capable of rolling engagement with a supporting surface, and at least one secondary wheel member mounted with a secondary axis of rotation. The secondary wheel member can have a plurality of surface engaging protrusions which enable the wheel assembly to traverse an obstacle by imparting climbing movement to the primary wheel member in response to engagement with the obstacle. The surface engaging protrusions can be defined by rolling wheel members. The obstacle traversing wheel assembly can be incorporated on a wide variety of wheel-bearing devices, such as wheelchairs, personal transportation devices, and intravenous fluid support racks. |
| US08857917B2 |
Cutting tool mounting assembly
A cutting tool mounting assembly adapted for attachment to a surface of a rotatable driving member of a cutting tool machine. The cutting tool mounting assembly includes a tool holder having a key shank, a base attached to the surface of the rotatable driving member with the base having a mounting groove for receiving the key shank of the tool holder, and a resilient retention structure configured to interact with the base and the tool holder to facilitate a friction fit between the tool holder and the base. |
| US08857915B2 |
Scanning system for 3D mineralogy modelling
A method of mining comprising: using a vehicle fitted with scanning module to scan a bench face of a mine bench for both geometric and geological information; making ore grade assessments of material at the bench face from the information provided by the bench face scan; removing material from the bench; and transporting removed material for processing. At least one of said removing, transporting, and processing is performed at least partially dependent on the ore grade assessments. |
| US08857908B2 |
Controllable comfort shell for vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes a seat back having a backrest, a backrest support, and a linkage arranged to interconnect the backrest and the backrest support. The linkage is configured to support the backrest for movement relative to the backrest support. |
| US08857906B2 |
Pelvis support assembly
A pelvis support assembly is provided. The assembly includes a bottom plate having a first end portion and a second end portion. The assembly further includes a pelvis support plate having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the pelvis support plate is pivotally coupled to the first end portion of the bottom plate. The pelvis support plate is sized to support a human pelvis region thereon. The assembly further includes a positional adjustment member operably coupled between the bottom plate and the pelvis support plate. The positional adjustment member holds the pelvis support plate at one of a plurality of operational positions relative to the bottom plate. |
| US08857903B2 |
Roof system for a vehicle
A roof system includes a closure that opens a roof opening in a vehicle. An operating mechanism for the closure includes a first device including a lever configured to move the rear edge of the closure towards a raised position above the roof. A second device includes a lever configured to move the front edge of the closure in a vertical direction. At least one of the levers has a first pivotal connection at a first end of the closure, and spaced second and third connections connecting the respective lever at least to a guiding slide. At least one of the levers is pivotally connected to a sliding member at one of said second and third connections. The sliding member is separate from the guiding slide, slides in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail and is supported by the guide rail in directions perpendicularly to the longitudinal sliding direction. |
| US08857902B2 |
Front vehicle body structure
On each of left and right sides of a vehicle body, a gusset is provided spaced in a rearward direction of a vehicle body from the distal end of a front side frame by a predetermined distance, a tension member extends between and interconnects the distal end of the front side frame and an outer end portion of the gusset so as to prevent the gusset from peeling off the front side frame, and a mounting plate spans between and interconnects the respective front ends of an inner bumper beam extension extending forward from the front end of the front side frame and an outer bumper beam extension extending forward from the front end of an upper member. A bumper beam is joined to the mounting plates on the left and right sides of the vehicle body. |
| US08857896B2 |
Structure for dispersing collision energy of front pillar during car crash
A structure for dispersing the collision energy of a front pillar during a car crash, may include a front impact absorption member formed in the interior of a front frame of a vehicle and configured to receive a collision energy when a car crashes into on its front side; upper and lower impact absorption members configured to disperse the collision energy of the front impact absorption member to a front pillar and a lower side of the front pillar; and an impact transition member connected to a lower side of the lower impact absorption member and connected to a front end portion of the side sill. |
| US08857892B1 |
Camp and utility trailer
A combination camp and utility trailer is disclose comprising a trailer frame having a trailer floor, and a first and second trailer side extending longitudinally along opposing sides of the trailer floor. A first and second bed support are detachably carried by the first and second trailer sides. A pair of front pivotal gates and a pair of rear pivotal gates are carried by the first and second trailer sides at the front and rear of the trailer. The front and rear pivotal gates pivot approximately 180° to locate beneath the first and second bed supports in the pivot position. The first and second bed supports may be removed and stored to provide a utility space in a utility trailer configuration. |
| US08857888B2 |
Car with a sun roof provided with internal and external vertical posts
A car having: a frame provided with two external vertical posts, which are arranged facing each other on opposite sides of the car, and two internal vertical posts, which are arranged between the two external vertical posts and at a given distance from the external vertical posts; a passenger compartment; a sun roof, which is supported by the frame and can be set in an open position or a closed position with respect to the passenger compartment; a housing for containing the sun roof when the sun roof itself is set in the open position; a movable cover for closing the housing; and a rear window, which is mounted in a sliding manner so as to move between an extracted position, in which the rear window projects from the car body, and a withdrawn position, in which the rear window is housed inside the car body. |
| US08857887B1 |
Tonneau cover having magnetic fasteners
Tonneau cover assemblies including a cover and side rails that are attached to sidewalls of the cargo box. The cover and side rails include magnetic fastener elements or a combination of hook and loop and magnetic fasteners to secure the cover to the side rails. Preferably, the respective side rails will have a raised ridge so that magnets on the respective sides of the cover can abut against this raised ridge to prevent the magnets from sliding off of the side rail. Various embodiments further include an end plate having two spring biased locking members and a draw cord interconnecting the two locking members; wherein the draw cord includes a pull loop which can be drawn away from the end plate to draw the respective locking members away from respective the side rails so that the end plate can be disengaged from the respective side rails. |
| US08857885B2 |
Roll-up tarp apparatus
A roll-up tarp apparatus for attachment to an open top truck trailer having a truck box, having end caps at each end that partially cover the top opening. Preferred embodiments include at least one magnet on at least one of the end caps; even more preferably, a plurality of magnets along each end of the end caps, which are configured to releasably secure the flexible tarp to the end cap when the flexible tarp is in the secured position. Preferably, the flexible tarp is wound around an elongated roll bar that is secured to at least one arm that connects the elongated roll bar to the truck box and selectively activates movement of the elongated roll bar to move the flexible tarp from an open position to a secured position. Various embodiments include biasing members to bias the arm(s). |
| US08857882B2 |
Toolbox seat for pickup truck bed
A combination toolbox and seating assembly is provided. The toolbox seating assembly is installed in the bed of a pickup truck, wherein the toolbox includes a hinged lid, and wherein a bench style seat may be stored the toolbox when not in use, and may be positioned within the upper portion of the toolbox when in use to provide comfortable rearward seating within the bed of the truck. |
| US08857881B2 |
Drawer device
To easily handle a drawer device for a combined use as a container box and a cup holder to selectively use as the container box or the cup holder without requiring a troublesome operation. A connecting mechanism (80) is provided, which connects both a cup holder plate (50) and a tray (20) in a case wherein both are housed inside a housing (12) from a state wherein both are drawn to the maximum drawn position, and separates a connection between the cup holder plate (50) and the tray (20) in a case wherein the tray (20) is housed inside the housing (12) from a state wherein only the tray (20) is drawn to the maximum drawn position. |
| US08857880B2 |
Cargo box extension assembly for vehicle
A modular ramp and cargo box extension assembly is provided for use in connection with a pickup truck cargo box. The ramp assembly has a ramp connector assembly provided on the vehicle tailgate and ramps having a connector for connecting to the ramp connector to serve as loading ramps. The ramp connector has a pivoting clevis bracket and tangs that connects into a channel on the tailgate. Vertical tracks are provided proximate walls of the cargo box and rails are provided in the tracks to retain the ramps and move between retracted and extended positions so as to extend the height of the cargo box. |
| US08857876B1 |
Robot hand, robot, and holding mechanism
Fingers for holding a target project from shift members, and shift in accordance with the movement of the shift members shifted in predetermined axial directions by a shift mechanism to hold the target. Sliding members for shifting the shift members in the predetermined axial directions project from the shift members, and guide the shift members by sliding. According to this structure, a robot hand becomes smaller in size by decreasing the clearances between the fingers (moving the shift members closer to each other). Thus, the robot hand can hold a small target object within a small work space even though the robot hand conducts a parallel shift of the fingers. |
| US08857872B2 |
Convertible transporter basket
A transporter for holding articles to be lifted includes a base having a plurality of perimeter beams connected to a plurality of transverse interior beams, the base having a load carrying deck with a load carrying surface, and the deck extending above the transverse beams and to the perimeter beams. There are a plurality of wall panels including multiple removable wall panels that can each be removably affixed to the base, and a plurality of lifting eyes secured to the base externally of the walls. There are multiple cutout openings in the walls, each cutout enabling a diagonally placed lifting line to extend from one of the lifting eyes, through the opening and upwardly of the base to a position above the central portion of the deck. A winch rail extends along the upper surface of one of the perimeter beams. At least one of the wall panels with a cutout opening is one of the removable wall panels. |
| US08857871B2 |
Clay target magazine
A clay target magazine comprising a wall of cylindrical shape, said wall having at least one sight window provided therein, said magazine having slots provided in said wall proximate to said walls lower end to accept a retaining means therein, said magazine sized to hold a plurality of clay targets, said magazine further sized in order to be loaded into the carousel of a clay target trap. |
| US08857869B2 |
Bumper system for a vehicle
Bumper system for a motor vehicle with a cross member which is arranged cross to longitudinal members and having a top side, a bottom side, a front side and a back side and with at least one means to ensure adequate energy impact into the cross member 2 characterized in that at least one means on the top side and/or on the bottom side of the cross member is arranged in that way that it is pointing away from the cross member wherein air can stream at least partially through a region above and/or beneath the cross member during driving of the motor vehicle. |
| US08857867B2 |
Outside handle device for vehicle door
An outside handle device for a vehicle door including an outer panel having a latching hole and an insertion hole formed therein for provisionally assembling a handle main body onto the outer panel. The latching hole is engaged with a bolt screwed into one end part of a grip portion. The insertion hole is engaged with a penetrating portion provided on the other end part of the grip portion. A base plate includes a first engagement recess and a second engagement recess so as to open on a side edge of the base plate. The first engagement recess houses the bolt having an enlarged diameter head portion engaged therewith. The second engagement recess houses the penetrating portion so that the other end part of the base plate can engage with the latching groove of the penetrating portion by pivoting the base plate around an axis of the bolt. |
| US08857864B2 |
Tamper proof lock and method
A tamper proof lock mountable to a door and configured to functionally cooperate with a strike plate having a hole that is mounted to a portion of a door frame. The lock comprises a wedge bolt having an oblique surface configured to cooperate with the strike plate. The wedge bolt is configured to be inserted in the hole to retain the door in its closed position. A shield is provided and configured to cooperate with the wedge bolt such that the oblique surface of the wedge bolt is rendered inaccessible when the wedge bolt is disposed in the hole of the strike plate and the oblique surface of the wedge bolt is exposed in anticipation for interaction with the strike plate when the door is not disposed in the closed position. |
| US08857863B1 |
Method and apparatus for connecting conduit
A method and apparatus used for connecting adjoining conduit segments in oil and gas well operations is disclosed. The apparatus and method discloses use of a receptacle assembly attached to one conduit segment and stinger assembly attached to a second conduit segment. A rotatable wheeled hub threadably joins the stinger assembly to the receptacle assembly. The conduit connection ends of the stinger assembly and the receptacle assembly may be configured to accommodate a variety of common types of conduit connections such as Chiksan, hose, pipe, tubing, casing, flanges, hubs and other conduits for conveying media. |
| US08857854B2 |
Passenger restraint device for vehicles
A vehicle occupant restraint system that includes a clutch mechanism, an electric actuator, a spindle and a power transmission mechanism that transmits motive power from the actuator to the clutch mechanism. The transmission mechanism has a low reduction transmission path that reduces rotation of the actuator at a low reduction ratio, a high reduction transmission path that reduces rotation of the electric actuator at a high reduction ratio, and switching means. When a possible collision is detected, the actuator is positively rotated and rotation is transmitted to the clutch mechanism at a high speed and low torque via the low reduction transmission path, until coupling of the clutch mechanism is complete. Subsequently, the transmission mechanism is switched to the high reduction transmission path and rotation is transmitted to the clutch mechanism, at a low speed and high torque, to wind the seatbelt around the spindle. |
| US08857851B2 |
Restrained shift cable bracket in an adjustable steering column
An adjustable steering column for a vehicle is provided. The adjustable steering column includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to an adjacent portion of the vehicle, the mounting bracket including at least one arm having a rake slot. A column jacket is pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket, the column jacket extending along a first axis and pivotable relative to the mounting bracket for adjustment in a rake direction and movable along the first axis for adjustment in a telescope direction. The adjustable steering column also includes a shift assembly having a shift mechanism secured to the column jacket and a shift cable bracket extending from the shift mechanism. The shift cable bracket is supported firstly by the shift mechanism and supported secondly adjacent to the mounting bracket at a distal anchor point. |
| US08857850B2 |
Cushioned barrier for pets in a vehicle
A cushioned barrier for a pet in a vehicle comprising a central body, where the central body includes a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface, and where the central body is covered in a textured cover; a first protrusion on the first vertical surface; and a second protrusion on the second vertical surface, where the first protrusion and the second protrusion wedge the cushioned barrier between a front seat and a seat cushion of a backseat. The first protrusion may be an angled support and the second protrusion may be a square support where each are attached with Velcro® to the central body to enable adjustments of the protrusions along the central body. |
| US08857848B2 |
Collapsible vehicle trailer
A collapsible vehicle trailer comprises a detachable lightweight enclosure (1), consisting of flexible, collapsible walls (21) and floor (22). The enclosure has two or more support frame members (2) integral to the structure of the enclosure. The support frame members are integrated into the structure of the enclosure by virtue of horizontal loops (3) and vertical loops (4). The enclosure is detachably connected to the rigid frame of the vehicle trailer, by means of the integral support frame members and the front transverse frame member (5) and the rear transverse frame member (6). The enclosure becomes a self supporting, freestanding structure when detached from the trailer frame. The enclosure also acts as a storage bag for the constituent components of the collapsed trailer frame. |
| US08857846B1 |
Frame structure of a baby carriage
An improved frame structure of a baby carriage is provided, including a handle, a connecting rod, a folding assembly, a support rod and a linkage rod assembly. The connecting rod has one end connected to the handle and the other one connected to the folding assembly. The folding assembly includes a first transmission rod and a second transmission rod. The first transmission rod has one end connected to the connecting rod and the other end connected to the support rod. The second transmission rod has one end connected to the first transmission rod and the other end connected to the linkage rod assembly. The improved frame structure is easy to use and portable. |
| US08857839B2 |
Lever drive system for a scooter
A lever drive system for a scooter including a crank arm having a first distal end pivotally carried on a frame and operatively associated with a drive sprocket, wherein reciprocating movement of the crank arm causes rotation of the drive sprocket for moving a drive chain operatively associated with a wheel assembly. A footrest is disposed on the crank arm for operating the crank arm. A cam member is pivotally mounted to the frame generally adjacent the crank arm. A cam follower is carried by the crank arm engaging the cam member, wherein movement of the crank arm causes the cam follower to move along a contoured control surface of the cam member for controlling an up and down movement of the crank arm. |
| US08857837B2 |
Trailer for transporting freight containers and method of use
A suspension assembly for securing a wheel to opposed sides of a container carrying frame. A pivoted wheel support arm is secured at a forward pivot end to a pivot pin retained in the frame. A wheel axle assembly is secured at the rear free end of the pivot arm and adapted to connect a wheel thereto and has a shock absorber connecting bracket. A shock absorber connecting member extends above the pivot pin and is pivotally displaceable in facial alignment with a stationary shock absorber connector secured to the frame. A shock absorber is retained captive between the shock absorber connecting member and the stationary shock absorber connector to absorb vertical displacement loads transmitted to the pivotal wheel support arm. |
| US08857832B2 |
Knee-walker
Knee-walkers allow amputees and individuals with injuries to maintain independent movement. Their stability and steering is very important. The invention comprises a knee-walker (10) comprising a frame (20), at least two ground-engaging wheels (50) at the front, a seat (90), a steering column (70), and a steering belt (200) linking the steering column to the two front wheels, the two front wheels being steered by rotation of the steering column and consequent rotation of the belt. |
| US08857827B2 |
Manually driven cart with biased-direction rear wheels
A cart having a platform and at least one forward located non-direction biased caster wheel and two rearward located direction biased caster wheels. A second forward located non-direction biased caster wheel may be provided. Various cart types are disclosed including lumber, flatbed, nursery, utility and luggage carts. An embodiment for converting between biased direction and non-biased direction rear wheels is also disclosed. |
| US08857823B2 |
Coupling means
A coupling means arranged in a binding, the binding including an upper chassis section and a lower chassis section which are engaged via the coupling means, and which are pivotally arranged relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, the coupling means comprising a spring back component arranged at either chassis section; and at least one bolt element arranged for engaging, at at least one selected position, with the other chassis section and being arranged on an opposite side of the spring back component in relation to that other chassis section, so that when the chassis sections are pivoted in relation to each other, the spring back component is lifted by the at least one bolt element thereby counteracting the pivoting movement. |
| US08857822B1 |
Methods of biking or cycling on varied surfaces
The invention provides a bike with wheels and skis that can be used to ski on the bike downhill in snow and other surface conditions. The bike can also be used to travel on many different surface conditions. |
| US08857817B2 |
Board game and method of play
A game board surrounded and partially supported by perimeter walls that extend above and below the playing surface of the game board. The game board has a plurality of sockets for holding either covers, projectile coins, or player tokens, and a smaller plurality of those sockets have holes through the game board. Supporting the game board from underneath is a deflection structure that deflects projected tokens which fall though the holes and urges them out through elongated openings at the bottom of each wall. Projectors, such as catapults, are mounted slidingly on each perimeter wall. Players have covers with which they can cover a portion of the holes on their “properties. The board has designated paths for player token movement according to turn and a die role. An elevated socket is provided. The rules for an exemplary game to be played with the game board are explained. |
| US08857813B1 |
Cut sheet media inverting system
A media inverting system for inverting a media sheet, including a first media transport, a rotatable member, and a second media transport. A rotatable member force mechanism is switchable between a first state where a first side of the media sheet is held to the rotatable member and a second state where the media sheet is released. A control system controls the rotatable member force mechanism according to a control sequence including: switching the rotatable member force mechanism to its first state to receive the media sheet from the first media transport and hold the media sheet to the rotatable member while it is wrapped around the rotatable member; and switching the rotatable member force mechanism to its second state to release the media sheet in synchronization with the media sheet being received by the second media transport. |
| US08857811B2 |
Sheet transport device and image forming apparatus incorporated with the same
A sheet transport device has a housing member, a sheet tray, a transport path, a dispensing portion, a feeding portion, and a projecting member. Sheets are accommodated in the sheet tray. The sheet tray is detachably attached to the housing member, and is configured to be pulled out of the housing member in a first direction. The transport path is disposed in the housing member, and extends from the sheet tray in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The dispensing portion dispenses the sheets to the transport path. The feeding portion is rotated in contact with the sheet for feeding the sheet toward downstream of the transport path. The projecting member is configured to be projected and retracted with respect to the transport path near the imaginary line extending from a sheet nip portion in the first direction. |
| US08857809B2 |
Sheet separation/conveyance device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A sheet separation/conveyance device that is included in an image forming apparatus includes an attraction/separation unit including an endless belt on which a region of attraction and a region of no attraction that divides the region of attraction are aligned in a sheet conveying direction, the endless belt configured to hold an uppermost sheet placed on top of a sheet stack contained in an image forming apparatus by using electrostatic attraction, a charger configured to charge a surface of the endless belt, the charger including an electrode configured to contact the surface of the endless belt due to a supply of a voltage and a detector configured to detect a charged condition on the surface of the endless belt based on a detection result obtained when the electrode contacts the endless belt, and a sheet conveying unit configured to convey the uppermost sheet held by the electrostatic attraction. |
| US08857804B2 |
Clamping jig, a friction testing device having the clamping jig, and friction test method
A clamping jig for clamping a test object includes a first clamping member extending in a left-right direction, two second clamping members connected to and extending transversely of the first clamping member and spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, and a third clamping member connected to and extending transversely of the second clamping members. The third clamping member is movable along the second clamping members in a front-rear direction to adjust a distance between the first and third clamping members. The first, second, and third clamping members are adapted to clamp therebetween the test object. |
| US08857801B2 |
Composite coil spring
A composite coil spring includes a coil body that extends along a coiled axis. The coil body includes a core and a plurality of fiber layers impregnated with a polymer material. The plurality of fiber layers are arranged around the core at different radial distances from the coiled axis. Each of the plurality of fiber layers extends around the coiled axis at an oblique fiber angle to the coiled axis. Each of the plurality of fiber layers includes a number of fibers that is a product of a common base number of fibers multiplied by a positive non-zero integer from a set of positive non-zero integers. The positive non-zero integer of at least one of the plurality of fiber layers is different from the positive non-zero integer of at least one other of the plurality of fiber layers. |
| US08857799B2 |
Advanced conformance encased coil spring units
Encased coil units with advance conforming properties have various interconnections and structures between individually encased or wrapped coils. In the various embodiments, encasement structures between coils such as closure or attachment of sheet material or fabric, which encase the coils, are configured to allow and enhance independent movement of coils with respect to adjacent coils and remote coils of the unit. Modifications in the sheet material or fabric which encases the coils include variations in the points of connection or disconnection between adjacent coils, proximate to top ends of the coils to allow more freedom of movement of the top or upper ends of the coils and with respect to adjacent coils, and to reduce load transfer or cratering of the coil springs about the locus of the force vector. |
| US08857793B2 |
Butterfly valve having function of maintaining sealing performance under low and high temperatures
Disclosed is a butterfly valve capable of controlling a flow of a fluid according to a rotation of a disk. The butterfly valve includes a body provided with an inner space having two open ends; a disk unit having a disk rotatably installed at the inner space, and configured to selectively open and close the inner space according to a rotation of the disk; a first seat portion protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the disk; a second seat portion protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the body, and arranged to face the first seat portion; and a sealing unit mounted to the body, and formed to contact the first and second seat portions such that a gap between the outer circumferential surface of the disk and the inner circumferential surface of the body is sealed. Under this configuration, the butterfly valve may have an enhanced reliability under low and high temperatures and a high pressure. |
| US08857792B2 |
Seal ring assemblies for use with rotary valves
Seal ring assemblies for use with rotary valves and methods to manufacture the same are disclosed. A seal ring assembly is described that includes a ring-shaped seal to be fixed within the rotary valve, where the seal enables the sealing engagement of a control member with a flow control aperture. The seal is compressed between a first seal clamp and a second seal clamp by a compressive force maintained by a plurality of fasteners extending through the seal and fixed to the first and second seal clamps. |
| US08857790B2 |
Locking mechanism for unisex ball valve coupling
A unisex ball valve coupling includes an interface end that engages an interface end of a mating coupling half assembly. A valve of the coupling has a valve body, which has an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal passage and a closed position in which the valve body closes off fluid flow through the internal passage. A valve shaft rotates with the valve body between the open position and the closed position. The valve shaft has a first surface. A blocking member is movable from a blocking position to a non-blocking position within the body portion. In the blocking position, the blocking member engages the first surface of the valve shaft to secure the valve body in the closed position and, in the non-blocking position, the blocking member does not engage the first surface of the valve shaft to permit opening of the valve. |
| US08857785B2 |
Thermo-hydraulically actuated process control valve
A thermo-hydraulically actuated valve including a housing; a closure member capable of preventing and permitting fluid flow through the housing. An actuation fluid chamber disposed at the housing and sealed from an external environment. A motive force transmitter in force transmissive communication with the closure member. The transmitter being in fluid communication with the actuation fluid chamber; and a heating element in thermal communication with the actuation fluid chamber. The valve being devoid of a dynamic seal between an area of the valve to be contacted by a managed fluid within the valve and an environment outside of the valve. |
| US08857782B2 |
Floor slab formwork with longitudinally adjustable supporting girder
A formwork system comprising a supporting girder for the support girders that receives the support of floor slab formwork boards. The upper face of the supporting girder is provided with a plurality of successive housings for receiving the girders, arranged one after another forming a series of housings along the entire length of the upper face without interruption, such that the girders can be transversely arranged and, where appropriate, overlapped with one another for their extension, in any position along the supporting girder. The housings can have identical transverse dimensions, therefore the supporting girders can also be overlapped with one another to extend their length. |
| US08857779B2 |
Holder for a holographic grating
An adjustable holder (1) for a concave holographic grating (2) for enabling the correct positioning of the grating vis-à-vis a light entrance port (15) and a light exit port (20), characterized in, that it comprises a grating hinge (10) fixed to said grating, said grating hinge (10) enabling rotational adjustment of the grating position with respect to said holder (1), the center point of the rotational adjustment being located at the vertex of said grating (2). |
| US08857777B2 |
Anti-theft/safety hanger
An anti-theft/safety hanger is provided with a plate body having an U-shaped wedge portion. The wedge portion includes a wedge corner portion on one of sidewalls and is connected to the plate body via a connecting edge. The wedge corner portion is movable between a first position and a second position. When the connecting edge is uncut-off, the wedge corner portion is located in the first position and the wedge portion is relatively undeformable so that a socket sleeved around the wedge portion is limited and detachable. When the connecting edge is cut off, the wedge corner portion is pushed and blocked by a blocking corner portion of the plate body so as to be located in the second position. The wedge portion is depressed, and the socket is thus unblocked by the wedge portion and detachable. |
| US08857775B1 |
Camera mount with spring clamp
A camera system is configured to detachably couple to a camera mount, which in turn can be attached to an apparatus. The camera mount is a spring clamp including two arms, each include a handle component and a jaw component. The spring clamp can be attached to an apparatus when the two jaw components are closed around the apparatus. A strap is adjustably coupled to the spring clamp and is tightened around the apparatus to further secure the apparatus. In some cases, a flexible neck is fastened to the camera mount, and the camera system is detachably coupled to the flexible neck. This allows a mounted camera system to be situated at any desired angle for taking photographs. |
| US08857771B2 |
Conduit attachment device for use with a trapeze
A conduit attachment device is disclosed for use with a trapeze for providing for the placement and suspension of apparatus between existing structural members of an overhead structure. In one embodiment, the conduit attachment device includes a body having four sides formed of a continuous sheet with three bends in an open-ended rectangular box design. A fastening join joins two sides of the continuous sheet. A window including first and second substantially continuous U-shaped engagement surfaces adapted to form a friction fit with a conduit is located at one of the ends. Two sizes of threaded openings are located on opposite sides of the body for mating with two different sizes of threaded suspension rod. Another threaded opening is located in the body for mating with a set screw that further secures the conduit. |
| US08857766B2 |
Aircraft comprising a fuselage with a floor extending in the longitudinal plane of the fuselage
An aircraft including a fuselage that includes a floor extending in the longitudinal plane of the fuselage and separating a first space from a second space accommodated in the fuselage. The first space includes a fuselage portion having a length essentially equal to the width of the floor along the fuselage cross-section, and the distance between the fuselage portion and the floor is essentially constant along the width. |
| US08857763B2 |
Vehicle crewstation seat assembly
A movable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end and an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location and the ingress/egress location, wherein the seat has an operational orientation at the operational location and an ingress/egress seat orientation at the ingress/egress location; the ingress/egress seat orientation being substantially angled relative to the operational seat orientation. Another moveable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end, an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a standby location along the path there between; and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location, the standby location, and the ingress/egress location; wherein the position of the seat is adjustable at the operational location. |
| US08857761B2 |
Variable geometry aircraft pylon structure and related operation techniques
An aircraft control structure can be utilized for purposes of drag management, noise control, or aircraft flight maneuvering. The control structure includes a high pressure engine nozzle, such as a bypass nozzle or a core nozzle of a turbofan engine. The nozzle exhausts a high pressure fluid stream, which can be swirled using a deployable swirl vane architecture. The control structure also includes a variable geometry pylon configured to be coupled between the nozzle and the aircraft. The variable geometry pylon has a moveable pylon section that can be deployed into a deflected state to maintain or alter a swirling fluid stream (when the swirl vane architecture is deployed) for drag management purposes, or to assist in the performance of aircraft flight maneuvers. |
| US08857755B2 |
Vertical/short take-off and landing passenger aircraft
The present aircraft comprises a pair of spaced apart and parallelly disposed fuselages, a pair of wings, each wing is attached to an outer portion to each fuselage, a pyramid structure adapted to connect the pair of fuselages and an articulated propulsion system having a thrust axis, wherein the articulated propulsion system is pivotably attached to the pyramid structure and configured for angle of rotation of from about 0 degrees corresponding to the thrust axis disposed substantially parallel but at an offset to a longitudinal axis of the aircraft to about 90 degrees corresponding to the thrust axis disposed substantially at right angle to the longitudinal axis. The thrust axis substantially intersects the center of gravity when the thrust axis is disposed substantially at right angle to the longitudinal axis and the thruster is capable of angle of rotation of about 0 degrees or 90 degrees during take-off or landing. |
| US08857749B2 |
Dual-cutting bone mill
A tissue processing device, including a housing defining a first passage through at least a portion thereof, the first passage defining a longitudinal axis; a first processing member rotatably coupled to the housing and extending across at least a portion of the first passage; and a second processing member rotatably coupled to the housing and extending across at least a portion of the first passage, the second processing member being substantially parallel to the first processing member, the second member being offset from the first processing member in a first direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis and in a second direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08857747B2 |
Food preparation device
A food preparation plate is replaceable and engagement means for retaining the food preparation plate are present between the food preparation plate and a retaining part. The food preparation plate can move in translation in a direction perpendicular to a plane constituted by the retaining part. Two places on the back side of the food preparation plate that is retained in the retaining part can be simultaneously pressed in the direction of the front side by the digits of different hands; and by simultaneously pressing those two places with digits of different hands, the food preparation plate is moved in translation in the direction of the front side thereof, so as to release the engagement means and allow the food preparation plate to be detached. |
| US08857743B2 |
Fuel injection valve
The objective of the present invention is to realize the structure, of a fuel injection valve, in which bouncing of the needle can be suppressed and the armature position can be fixed while the valve is closed, without increasing the number of components and the number of processes. In a fuel injection valve including an armature that is repelled or attracted by a core, by de-energizing or energizing a coil, a needle that opens or closes a valve seat in accordance with a reciprocal travel of the armature, and a valve-closing spring that biases the needle so as to close the valve, when the coil is de-energized, the valve-closing spring is disposed on the armature, and the needle and the armature are fixed in such a way that the armature can travel in an axis direction by a predetermined amount with respect to the needle. |
| US08857742B2 |
Flow shut-off valve for sprinkler
In one embodiment, a sprinkler valve includes an actuator member that is rotatably disposed within a sprinkler head and restricted from vertical movement. The inside of the actuator member includes a helical groove within an inner cavity. A plunger at least partially fits within the actuator member's inner cavity and further includes a thread that mates with the helical groove of the actuator member. As the actuator member is rotated by a user, its helical groove causes the plunger to move downwards toward the top of a tube or water passage. If fully extended downward, the flat portion of the plunger fully covers and seals the top of the tube, preventing water from escaping from the sprinkler. |
| US08857735B2 |
Fragrance nebulizer with drainage system
A device for generating a scented mist of an atomized liquid fragrance oil includes an atomizer complex, a reservoir assembly, a drainage tube, and a vacuum tube. The atomizer complex can atomize the liquid fragrance oil into a scented mist and deliver the scented mist to air outside of the atomizer complex, where the liquid fragrance oil the fragrance oil that is not atomized into the scented mist delivered to the air outside of the atomizer complex includes collected oil that is collected and drained to a reservoir assembly. A drainage tube extends from a bottom area of the atomizer complex into the liquid fragrance oil. The device can filter the liquid fragrance oil in the reservoir assembly and the collected oil from the atomizer complex that drained down the drainage tube. The vacuum tube can suction the filtered liquid fragrance oil and the collected oil into the atomizer complex for atomization. |
| US08857730B2 |
Sump sprinkler control system
A sump sprinkler system for use with residential and commercial buildings. The sump sprinkler system comprises a system controller and a sprinkler pump in communication with the system controller. The sump sprinkler system also comprises an intake tube connected to the sprinkler pump, wherein the intake having an end arranged in a sump of a building. The sump sprinkler system also comprises at least one sprinkler connected to the output of the sprinkler pump, wherein the sprinkler is in communication with the system controller. The sump sprinkler system also comprises a water level member in communication with the system controller, wherein the water level member is arranged in the sump. |
| US08857728B2 |
Rail support arrangement
An arrangement for supporting a rail extending in the longitudinal direction and having curvature, which is configured to vary, in the vertical or horizontal plane. The arrangement comprises at least one support beam extending in the longitudinal direction, the support beam having a support surface extending along its length, the support surface being curved along the length of the support beam. The arrangement further comprises at least one rail extending in the longitudinal direction and supported over the support surface of the at least one support beam. |
| US08857727B2 |
System for generating an incrementally completed 3D security mark
A system (10) for generating an incrementally completed 3D security mark (20′″) includes a computer-readable medium encoded with a computer program. The computer program has computer readable code for selecting a color transformation process at each stage in a workflow associated with the 3D security mark (20′″); computer readable code for selecting a scrambling technique for data to be placed into a carrier object (20, 20′, 20″, 20′″) of the 3D security mark (20′″) at each stage in the workflow; computer readable code for selecting a manner in which a state change of the carrier object (20, 20′, 20″, 20′″) at each stage in the workflow results in a predictable change in the 3D security mark (20′″); and computer readable code for weighting writing schemes at each stage in the workflow. The system (10) further includes further includes memory and a processor operatively coupled to the memory and to the computer-readable medium. |
| US08857726B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating and recognizing barcode in portable terminal
An apparatus and a method for generating and recognizing a barcode in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus for generating and recognizing a barcode in a portable terminal includes a barcode generator for dividing a barcode into a symbol region, in which data is stored, and a pattern region, in which information on a position of the barcode and the data stored in the symbol region is stored, and positioning a plurality of groups of error correction blocks while interconnecting a plurality of error correction blocks belonging to a same group in the symbol region; and a barcode recognizer for extracting information on the position of the barcode and the data stored in the symbol region through the pattern region of the barcode and searching for a symbol in the symbol region to extract data from the searched symbol. |
| US08857725B2 |
RFID tag sensors and methods
Radio frequency identification (RFID) devices for use in RFID-based sensors and related methods are described herein. In one implementation, an RFID sensor system includes an RFID device having a near field only RFID tag and a conductive element which functions as a far field antenna. The near field only RFID tag and the conductive element are located in at least a first position and a second position relative to each other; wherein in the first position, the RFID device only operates in a near field, and in the second position, the RFID device operates in both the near field and a far field. The system may also include an RFID reader and controller located within the far field to read the RFID device only when the components are located in the second position. |
| US08857723B2 |
Connection cable for the electrical or optical fiber connection of two system devices
A connection cable is provided for connecting two system devices that each include a connection element or receiving socket, the connection cable having a coupling element or plug at each end, each coupling element of the cable including an RFID antenna. A line connection which is electrically separate from the connection cable extends between the two RFID antennas. The line connection can be housed within the same cable sheath as the connection cable. Each of the system devices includes an RFID transmitter, one being an RFID transponder and one being an RFID reader which transmits and receives. The RFID and line connection apparatus enables a simple form of monitoring correct connection of two system devices. |
| US08857719B2 |
Decoding barcodes displayed on cell phone
A method of decoding a barcode includes generating a first illumination towards a target object with a first illumination level, capturing a first image during a first exposure time period, and determining a first location and a second location on a scan line in the first image to find a switchover condition. If the switchover condition indicates the presence of a mobile display device, the method further includes generating a second illumination towards the target object with a second illumination level, capturing a second image during a second exposure time period, and decoding the barcode in the second image. Here, at least one of the second illumination level and the second exposure time period is determined based on values of pixels on the scan line between the first location and the second location. |
| US08857715B2 |
Multi-function apparatus and method of controlling the same
A document including a two-dimensional barcode recorded therein is scanned, the two-dimensional barcode of the scan image is decoded, a text recorded in the document is extracted, the extracted text or a document produced by a document editing unit is attached to an e-mail, and the e-mail is transmitted. The text attached to the e-mail can be viewed at the side of a receiver. Since the document can be edited using at least one of the position, the size, the color and the arrangement of the text, readability of the text can be improved. Accordingly, it is possible to search the received text to easily find a desired document at the side of the receiver. |
| US08857714B2 |
Ballistic sight system
A system can include a camera configured to mount to a firearm and a scope configured to mount to the firearm. A display can be configured to show an image from the camera. The scope can be configured to view the display. The image from the camera can be electronically movable relative to scope and camera to facilitate compensation for bullet drop and windage. Moving the image can allow use of higher scope magnification and/or electronic camera zoom. |
| US08857710B1 |
Method and system for assessing merchant risk during payment transaction
Systems and methods for assessing transaction risk. A consumer tenders a transaction card to a merchant to purchase a good or service. A payment device of the merchant, such as a merchant's payment terminal or mobile communication device, is used to process the payment utilizing a risk assessment system. Card data received by the payment device is sent to the risk assessment system, which processes card data and generates an indicator representing the risk associated with accepting payment using the card. The indicator is sent to the payment device to provide the merchant input regarding risk associated with using the card (e.g., likelihood of fraud or chargeback) in a seamless manner. If the risk level is too high, the merchant may reject the card. The risk indicator may be based on different types of data from different sources, e.g., data from a first source related to the credit history of the consumer and data from a second source related to the identity of the consumer. |
| US08857709B2 |
Automatic package delivery and retrieval system
Described herein are an automatic package delivery and retrieval apparatus, system and method. The automatic package delivery and retrieval includes a Package Delivery Kiosk (PDK), associated front end and back end package delivery management systems, portals for the consumer and the retailer, portals for the common carrier, sender, and recipient, a package inventory management system, integrated retailer access, a real and automated retailer bidding system and a kiosk for distribution. In one embodiment, a system for automated package retrieval and delivery includes a kiosk, package retrieval apparatus, and various computing systems for running the systems. A method for providing packages to customers includes providing a notification with a code to a user that a package is available for retrieval. The method includes storing a package in the kiosk. The method further includes receiving the code from a user at the kiosk and retrieving the package with the automatic retrieval mechanism. |
| US08857707B1 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An apparatus operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The apparatus includes a card reader that is operative to read card data from a user card. At least one computer in operative connection with the card reader is operative to cause a determination to be made that the read card data corresponds to an authorized financial account. The at least one computer is operative to cause a financial transfer to or from the account responsive to the determination and user inputs to at least one input device of the machine. The automated banking machine includes a housing. The housing is at least partially surrounded by an enclosure that operates to protect the housing and machine from environmental conditions. |
| US08857706B2 |
Mail processing system with loaded tray validation
Mail processing system, methods, and computer-readable media. A method includes detecting and reading a tray label of a tray being placed on or in the mail processing machine to determine a tray identifier. The tray is a mail item container containing a plurality of mail items to be processed by the mail processing machine in a current mail processing function. The method includes validating the tray identifier for the current mail processing function. The method includes, when the tray identifier is valid for the current mail processing function, activating a valid-tray indicator, and otherwise when the tray identifier is invalid for the current mail processing function, activating an invalid-tray indicator. |
| US08857705B2 |
Methods for embedding device-specific data to enable remote identification and provisioning of specific devices
The invention provides systems and methods for providing a unified single-scan user interface for accessing and managing a remotely located device throughout its life cycle, including cellular network provisioning, cloud data provider registration, initialization and activation, as well as providing end users with easy access to the device and its data. The end user simply powers the device on and the device automatically connects with the communication network and the cloud data provider. The device comes to the end user already provisioned and paired and activated with the cloud data provider and the communication network provider. Device-specific data is, at manufacture, encoded onto machine-readable labels and complied in a table within a remote database. The present invention thus allows identification and provisioning of individual devices using a mobile device such as a smartphone or the like. |
| US08857697B2 |
Automated welding of moulds and stamping tools
A tool welding system is disclosed that includes a table that heats a tool. A multi-axis robot includes a welding head that is moved relative to the table in response to a command. A controller is in communication with the robot and generates the command in response to welding parameters. The weld parameters are based upon a difference between an initial tool shape and a desired tool shape. The difference between the initial tool shape and the desired tool shape corresponds to a desired weld shape. The desired weld shape is adjusted based upon initial tool shape variations, which includes thermal growth of the tool. The tool is welded to provide the desired weld shape to achieve a desired tool shape. |
| US08857693B2 |
Surgical instruments with lockable articulating end effector
Hand-held surgical instruments that have and end effector attached to an elongate shaft are disclosed. The end effector has at least a portion that is movable in response to opening and closing motions applied thereto by a closure member. An articulation control system is provided to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. An articulation locking system is provided to lock the end effector in a desired articulated position. The locking system interfaces with the closure member and is activated upon application of a closure motion to the end effector. |
| US08857686B1 |
Rear mounted bike rack
A rack for mounting on a bicycle, comprises a platform, having a top surface, and structure for removably mounting the platform with respect to the frame of a bicycle. A post is mounted on the platform so that it can extend above said top surface of said platform. Left and right skirts are also mounted on the platform, and are deployed position to inhibit grocery bags engaged on the post from engaging the rear wheel of the bicycle. The skirts are mounted on the platform so that they can be carried on the platform in a stored position. A storage back is positioned over the platform and skirts, the storage bag having inside facing pockets for accommodating at least a part of the skirts. |
| US08857684B1 |
Slide-out truck tool box
A tool box assembly for a truck is formed of nested boxes that telescope out to add additional storage space. There is an outer box and one or more inner boxes slidably engaged so that the inner boxes telescope out of the outer box, which is normally fixed to the truck's cargo bed across the width of the truck so that when they slide out, the inner boxes move out horizontally toward the rear end of the truck. The rear wall of each inner box locks in extended telescoped position to fill in the hole in the wall created by its having been telescoped out. Each inner box preferably has a top cover that slides around the bottom and sides of the inner box to close the top opening of the inner box. |
| US08857678B1 |
Hanger for supporting garment and device for enhancing use of hanger
A hanger may be used for supporting a garment. The hanger may include a hook, a medium connected to the hook, a first branch, a second branch, a third branch, and a fourth branch. The first branch may be connected through the medium to the hook and oriented according to a first direction. The second branch may be connected through the medium to the hook and oriented according to a second direction. The third branch may be coplanar with both the first branch and the hook, disposed between the first branch and the hook, connected to the medium, and oriented according to a third direction different from the first direction. The fourth branch may be connected to the medium and oriented according to a fourth direction different from the second direction, wherein the medium may be disposed between the third branch and the fourth branch. |
| US08857677B2 |
Lower neck indicator for wire hook hangers
In a lower neck sizer for a garment hanger and a combination turnable wire hook hanger and lower neck sizer, the lower neck sizer includes a body dimensioned to generally surround a cylindrical projection and the support flanges adjacent to the body flange of the hanger, and an inwardly extending tab secured to the sizer body configured to engage the hanger at the lower neck region to resist removal. The lower neck sizer also has a discontinuity traversing the height of the body to facilitate mounting on the hanger. |
| US08857670B2 |
Dispenser with directional flow controlling flange and corresponding systems
A dispenser (300) includes an arched flange (303) that works as a baffle to prevent dispensed media from exiting a nozzle erratically. The dispenser (300) can be configured with a connector (402), connector extension (403), and nozzle (401) for use with vessels (802). Alternatively, a dispenser cap (1100) can include a coupling mechanism (1200) configured to attach to prior art dispensers. Dispensed media is directed along the dispensing surface (301) in a ventral direction (302) relative to the dispenser (300), thereby eliminating the possibility of the media being dispensed into the user's face or eyes, regardless of clogs present or user hand position. |
| US08857669B2 |
Water dispenser with a reservoir system and faucet manifold therefor
A water dispenser is disclosed having a housing for a reservoir in communication with a faucet to draw water therefrom. A water bottle is positioned spout-down at the top of the housing or in the top section of the reservoir. Water flows to the faucet via gravity without the use of pumps and the like. The configuration of the reservoir and the positioning of conduits provides to place the faucet closer to the top of the water dispenser again without the use of pumps and the like. The faucet includes separate compartments as well as inlets and outlets so as to divert water towards a variety of water treatment apparatuses such as hot tanks, carbonators, chillers and the like. The faucet includes controllable valves which provide the user to choose between hot, cold, carbonated or otherwise treated water. The faucet and reservoir can form an assembly which can be removed from the housing without tools. |
| US08857666B2 |
Wine dispensing system
A wine dispensing system comprises a cabinet with refrigerated compartments for maintaining bulk wine in boxes and dispenses any one of a number of wine varieties upon pressing an appropriate button. Check valves in the system prevent air from spoiling unused wine, and a computer measures each pour, updates inventory, and accepts demographic information to assist in marketing and sales promotion. |
| US08857664B2 |
Tube with gussets
Provided are tubes with gussets and methods of making such tubes. In one aspect, a tube with gussets includes a fitment with at least one substantially curved concave region, and a tube body joined to the fitment, wherein the tube body is interconnected at a first end to the fitment such as to form at least one side gusset along at least a portion of the length of the tube body and complementary to the at least one substantially curved concave region of the fitment, and wherein the tube body is sealed at a second end distant from the fitment. The tube with gussets allows for the thickness of the film used to form the tube body to be less than the film thickness for a comparably sized tube without the gussets due to the improved tube body stiffness. |
| US08857662B2 |
Dispensers and functional operation and timing control improvements for dispensers
A method of operating a dispensing device includes the step of entering a first active state, in which the detection of sensory input by a sensor initiates a first pattern activation sequence to energize a drive unit of the dispensing device for a first length of time and a second subsequent length of time to actuate a container. Upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, the device enters a second active state. The detection of sensory input in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to energize the drive unit for a third length of time and a fourth subsequent length of time to actuate a container if the sensory input is detected before a time period P lapses. The dispensing device initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the sensory input is detected after the lapsing of the time period P. |
| US08857658B2 |
Packaging container
A packaging container includes a base, a cover including a resilient unit and defining a deformable slot at the resilient unit, and a positioning hinge member provided at the base and rotatably received at the deformable slot to pivotally couple the cover with the base so as to enable the cover being pivotally folded between an opened position and a closed position, wherein the positioning hinge member has a non-circular cross section and is arranged in such a manner that when the positioning hinge member is rotated within the deformable slot, the resilient unit generates a resilient restoring force to assist the cover being folded between the opened and closed positions. |
| US08857657B2 |
Cookware article with a hollow handle
An article of cookware has a hollow outward extending handle that is subdivided into a flange, a tubular or hollow grip portion and a terminal portion that seals the grip portion. The terminal portion is also hollow, but has a downward facing aperture to facilitate storage in a vertical position. |
| US08857651B2 |
Spherical filling body
A spherical hollow filling body is provided for filling containers for combustible and inflammable liquids or gases. The filling body is used for preventing explosive combustion processes and explosions, for extinguishing fires, as protection against corrosion in tanks, for separating fuels and water, as protection against bacteria and fungi in fuel tanks, as protection against theft, for reducing hydrocarbon emissions, for increasing the stability and safety of tanks in the event of a crash, for reducing the boil-off effect of hydrogen, for applications in the chemical industry, for deriving static electricity from fuel containers, for protection against electromagnetic interferences, for reducing the B.L.E.V.E. effect, for increasing the filling quantity of gas containers, for heating and cooling liquids and gases, and for reducing evaporation loss. The filling body has a plurality of disk-type circular vertical surfaces and a plurality of disk-type circular horizontal surfaces which are parallel to each other. |
| US08857649B2 |
Lid for mixing cups of paint guns
The invention relates to a lid for a closeable mixing container for a paint gun. The lid is provided with a ventilation opening. The ventilation opening is embodied as a labyrinth seal with three cylinders (11, 12, 14), inserted into each other and allowing air to flow. |
| US08857644B2 |
Container
Containers comprising a closure system comprising a fixed element and a movable closure element are disclosed. The containers may be constructed to be resealable and improve sanitary conditions of the dispensing portion and allow for easier opening with the ability to be reclosed, over a conventional container. |
| US08857643B2 |
Vessel for storing a fuel and/or operating medium for vehicles
A vessel for storing a fuel and/or operating medium for vehicles, in particular, for utility vehicles, having a filler neck for receiving a pump nozzle and a magnet configured to prevent erroneous tank filling. The vessel is formed from a plastic and has a filler neck holder formed in one piece with the vessel. The filler neck holder is shrink-fitted onto the filler neck. The filler neck has an annular chamber in which the magnet is captively accommodated. |
| US08857638B2 |
Push-and-turn child-resistant closure, shells, and package
An inner shell for a child-resistant closure includes radial driven lugs extending in a radially outward direction from an inner skirt and extending axially along the inner skirt, radial abutments extending in a radially outward direction from the inner skirt and extending axially along the inner skirt adjacent to and spaced apart from the radial driven lugs in a counterclockwise direction around the inner skirt, and pockets disposed between the radial driven lugs and the radial abutments. An outer shell for the closure includes radial driving lugs extending in a radially inward direction from an outer skirt. |
| US08857620B2 |
Cementitious composition and apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
A cementitious composition capable of forming high early strength cement when admixed with water may comprise, for each 100% by weight, no more than about 60% by weight C3S, at least about 4% by weight C2S, and between about 7% and about 11% by weight SO3, wherein the cementitious composition has a particle size distribution such that substantially all of its particles are of a size of about 10 microns or smaller. A cementitious composition may have a ratio of weight % SO3 to weight % Al2O3 of at least about 1.5 and a particle size distribution such that substantially all of its particles are of a size of about 10 microns or smaller. An apparatus and method for making such a cementitious composition are also described. |
| US08857618B1 |
Child'S activity station
A child's portable travel station includes an enclosure with a handle, the enclosure having a lid hinged to a case and having a bean bag or other conformable member attached to the bottom of the case. A receptacle for a beverage container is open at the top surface of the lid and is supported on the floor of the case. An opening in the top surface opens into the beverage container. The top of the beverage container is generally flush with the top surface. The top surface provides a work surface for a child using the travel station. The enclosure includes an internal volume to hold toys, books, writing utensils and other possessions of the child. |
| US08857616B2 |
Reference apparatus
Reference apparatus and storage and dispensing apparatus (such as for storing and/or dispensing the reference apparatus) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reference apparatus may include a unitary planar material having a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel disposed between the first and second panels. The first and second panels may be configured to be folded between a folded position in which the first and second panels are parallel to the third panel, and an unfolded position in which the first and second panels are coplanar with the third panel relative to the folded position. One of the first and second panels may include an attachment portion configured to receive a receiving portion of the other of the first and second panels to secure the first, second, and third panels together in the folded position. |
| US08857614B2 |
Container of wipes with dispensing nozzle
The invention relates to a container (1) of wipes with a dispensing nozzle (20). A housing (2A, 2B) is provided containing wipes (10). The wipes (10) formed on a continuous sheet of impregnated material with spaced lines of perforations (11) dividing the sheet of material into wipes. A dispensing nozzle (20) extends from the housing. The nozzle (20) is formed with a resilient aperture (21) through which wipes can be withdrawn from the housing. The resilient aperture (21) is expandable to allow withdrawal of (wipes 10) therethrough, but is biased towards a contracted state. In use a wipe can be withdrawn through the nozzle and separated by rupturing the perforations joining the wipe to a next adjacent wipe with the nozzle expanding as required to allow passage of the wipe through the nozzle aperture. The nozzle contracts around the tail of the next adjacent wipe to prevent release of moisture from the inside of the housing and to help prevent wicking of moisture from a wipe tail. |
| US08857610B1 |
Self-standing container for packaging a product for retail display
A container for packaging a product for retail display includes a base defining a product containment area with an annular rim defining an opening into the containment area and a lid mated to the rim for selective attachment to and detachment from the rim for opening and closing access into the containment area. At least one leg, preferably a pair of legs, is connected outwardly to the base adjacent the rim for supporting the assembled base and lid for self-standing on a substantially horizontal retail display surface with the base and the lid in a substantially vertical orientation. |
| US08857609B2 |
Unit for separating a pre-cut substrate positioned downstream from a cutting unit
A unit for separating a pre-cut-out substrate into a plurality of separate sub-substrates (20). The unit includes upstream (2) and downstream (2a) transverse guides; conveyor ramps, which convey the pre-cut-out substrate and the separate sub-substrates (20), the ramps are slidably and pivotably mounted on the guides (4). Upstream and downstream locks holds each ramp (3) in a locked position. A movable element supports upstream and downstream unlocking devices for engaging the upstream and downstream locking devices to release the ramps (3). Upstream and downstream grasping devices grasp and drive the ramps (3) along the upstream (2) and downstream (2a) guides to arrange the ramps in a fan-like configuration. |
| US08857607B2 |
Conveyor belt with alignment features
A conveyor belt is provided that may include a first link having a first protrusion. The first protrusion may include a first mating surface and may be disposed proximate a first rod receiving aperture extending through the first link. The conveyor belt may include a second link having a second protrusion extending a second distance from a surface of the second link. The second protrusion may include a second mating surface, wherein the second protrusion is disposed proximate a second rod receiving aperture extending through the second link. The first mating surface of the first protrusion may be disposed in a mating relationship with the second mating surface of the second protrusion. Further, the conveyor belt may include a connecting rod extending through the first rod receiving aperture of the first link and the second rod receiving aperture of the second link. |
| US08857605B2 |
Feeder and positioner for discrete articles, and system for sealing containers using such feeder and positioner
The feeder and positioner for trays for food products (209) according to the invention comprises A) at least one conveyor guide (227); B) at least one conveyor chain (211) which for a section further upstream is substantially side-by-side with the at least one conveyor guide, and is designed to engage with a plurality of trays (V) and to make them advance along the at least one conveyor guide (227). At a moving pulley (213) the conveyor chain (211) is substantially diverted from the path of the at least one conveyor guide (227) so as to disengage from the trays (V). The feeder and positioner (209) comprises a slide (223) on which the pulley (213) is mounted. By moving repeatedly, the slide (213) moves the point in which the trays (V) disengage from the chain (211) and deposits a plurality of N trays in a row on the guide (227). The N trays can be picked up simultaneously from the guide (227). |
| US08857604B2 |
Conveyor belt take-up assembly and method
An improved take-up assembly used on spiral conveyor belt with interconnecting links. The take-up assembly is designed to prevent damage to the belt due to obstructions, excessive tension or excessive buckling. The take-up assembly includes a pivoting swing arm assembly coupled to an obstruction sensor that automatically shuts-off the drive motor used to move the conveyor belt when an obstruction is detected upstream from the take-up assembly. A second obstruction sensor can be used on the upper portion of the take-up assembly to detect obstructions. Also disclosed is a buckling arm located above and longitudinally aligned with the belt and pivotally attached to the distal end of the lower swing arm assembly. The swing arm is designed to pivot beyond the position where the first obstruction sensor is activated so that the amount of belt that continues to be drawn into the stack as the stack coasts to a stop. |
| US08857603B1 |
System for adjusting conveyor direction
The present invention relates to an apparatus for aligning a bidirectional conveyor belt. The apparatus comprises two parallel idler rollers mounted in a parallel configuration between two brackets. The two rollers rotate in opposite directions and are mounted to the underside of a bidirectional conveyor belt. During operation, the apparatus shifts upward and downward along the axis of a shaft, allowing each of the rollers to come into contact with the conveyor belt in an alternating manner. The idler rollers act to maintain alignment of the conveyor belt in either the forward or reverse directions, thus preventing erosion of the belt and the conveyor system. The invention is further directed a system for maintaining the alignment of a conveyor belt using the idler assembly, ad a method of aligning a bidirectional continuous conveyor belt. |
| US08857601B2 |
Slip conveyor assembly
A slip conveyor assembly 10 is disclosed. The assembly 10 includes six slip conveyors 11 to 16 being arranged in series. Each of the conveyors 11 to 16 includes a tray 18 of “U” transverse cross-section. Each tray 18 is operated by a drive assembly 19 that horizontally reciprocates (oscillates) the associated tray 18 to cause product to advance along the assembly 10. Adjacent trays 18 may be displaced so that there is a gap between adjacent trays through which product may be delivered. |
| US08857598B2 |
Paper sheet conveying device and automatic cash transaction device
There is provided a paper sheet conveying device of the present invention has: at least three or more conveying paths that are for conveying paper sheets and at each of which at least a partial segment is formed in an arc shape; and at least one or more switching portions for switching the conveying path that conveys the paper sheets, wherein the plural conveying paths are disposed such that two connection positions of each of the arc-shaped segments are connected to the connection position of the arc-shaped segment of a respectively different one of the conveying paths such that outer sides of arcs face one another, and the switching portion switches the conveying path that conveys the paper sheets, at a place of connection of the plural conveying paths. |
| US08857597B2 |
Banknote handling apparatus
A banknote handling apparatus recognizes and handles banknotes. The banknote handling apparatus includes a depositing unit, a dispensing unit, a plurality of banknote storing units, a transport unit, a recognition unit, and a control unit. The banknote handling apparatus further includes a portion for an optional attachment to which an escrow unit temporarily storing the banknotes in a process of the handling is selectively attachable. The control unit includes an option control unit performing control corresponding to an attached state of the escrow unit and control corresponding to an unattached state. |
| US08857595B2 |
Load torque lock and apparatus having load torque lock
The invention relates to a load torque lock (1) comprising a sling element (12) that frictionally interacts with a brake component (13) for blocking a torque, and a drive wheel (14) that is coupled in a torque transferring manner to a carrier (15; 15a) having at least one contact area (25) to the sling element (12) and engaging axially in the drive wheel (14), by means of which a torque to be blocked can be initiated in the sling element (12). According to the invention, the carrier (15; 15a) has means for reducing the bending tension in the at least one contact region (25). |
| US08857587B2 |
Method for the operation of an open 3-line type hydrodynamic coupling device
A method for operating an open 3-line type hydrodynamic coupling device, in which a fluid pressure displacing a clutch piston in an engaging direction is provided in the first space area for engaging the lockup clutch, and a fluid pressure displacing the clutch piston in the disengaging direction is provided in a second space area for disengaging the lockup clutch. A fluid supply pressure for the first space area and/or a fluid supply pressure for the second space area are/is adjusted depending on at least one operating variable in the engaged state of the lockup clutch and/or in the disengaged state of the lockup clutch and/or for engaging the lockup clutch and/or for disengaging the lockup clutch. |
| US08857586B2 |
Lockup device for torque converter
The lockup device includes a piston that is coupled to a front cover, a drive plate coupled to the piston, a plurality of outer peripheral-side torsion springs to which torque is inputted from the drive plate, and a float member that is arranged on the turbine side of the outer peripheral-side torsion springs and serves to make two of the outer peripheral-side torsion springs operate in series. The float member has a main body portion and an inner peripheral support portion. The main body portion covers an outer peripheral portion and a turbine-side side portion of the outer peripheral-side torsion springs. The inner peripheral support portion extends from the main body section toward an inner periphery and supported on an output side of the intermediate member. |
| US08857583B2 |
Hydraulic shock absorber
A hydraulic shock absorber that can reduce outflow amount of oil by maximally removing an oil film attached to an outer periphery of a rod and that can achieve securement of high slidability between the rod and a rod packing and prevention of wear of the rod packing. A rod packing interposed between an outer periphery of a rod and an inner periphery of a rod-side end wall includes a first lip for scrapping off an oil film attached to the outer periphery of the rod, and a ring-shaped grease holding member for supplying holding grease to the outer periphery of the rod. The grease holding member is in contact with the outer periphery of the rod at a position closer to a rod distal end than the first lip. |
| US08857582B2 |
Hydraulic shock absorber
In a hydraulic shock absorber, a damping force generating device is provided between a piston side oil chamber and a rod side oil chamber of a cylinder, and in a compression stroke, a compression side flow path for circulating oil in the piston side oil chamber of the cylinder through an outside flow path of the cylinder toward the rod side oil chamber is provided in the damping force generating device, while in an extension stroke, an extension side flow path for circulating the oil in the rod side oil chamber of the cylinder through the outside flow path of the cylinder toward the piston side oil chamber is provided in the damping force generating device. |
| US08857579B2 |
Linear shock absorber
A shock absorber comprises a tubular housing (10), a cover (14), and a piston (34) defining within the tubular housing (10) a working chamber (W) 34g 34h and an accumulator chamber (A). A first fluid pathway (34p, 42, 34g) and a second fluid pathway (46, T, 34f) arranged in parallel connect the working chamber (W) to the accumulator chamber (A). The first fluid pathway establishes a permanent fluid communication between the working chamber (W) and the accumulator chamber (A). A valve assembly comprises an obturating element (44) arranged around the piston (34) and slidable along an axial length of the piston (34). The second fluid pathway comprises a first pathway section (34f) formed through the piston and a second pathway section (46, T) formed between the piston (34) and the obturating element (44). The second fluid pathway is able to selectively assume an open configuration and a closed configuration, and it has a lower fluid resistance than the fluid resistance of the first fluid pathway. |
| US08857573B2 |
Chain locator
A brake mechanism having a chain locator comprises a chain coupled between a braking mechanism and a railway car brake system, a marker is releasably secured to the chain, and a sensor is coupled to the railway car proximate the chain for detecting the state of the railway car brake system. The chain is moveable between a first position in which the marker is not sensed by the sensor, and a second position in which the sensor detects the marker. |
| US08857572B2 |
Elevator position detection with optical marking units
An elevator device for transporting persons and/or objects within an elevator shaft of a three-dimensional formation including at least two levels, in particular a building or the like. The elevator device includes an elevator car, in which the persons and/or objects to be transported can be accommodated, a running framework for mounting and guiding the elevator car, a position determining device for determining the position of the elevator car within the elevator shaft and/or with respect to the running framework. The position determining device includes marking units for marking the position of the elevator car relative to the running framework and the elevator shaft, a detection unit for detecting and/or reading out the marking units and also an evaluation unit for evaluating the measured values of the detection unit. The marking units are formed as carriers of a barcode, in particular a 2-D code, and the detection unit is formed as an image sensor, in particular as a camera. |
| US08857568B2 |
Rolling toe assist
A ladder, system, and methods are disclosed. The ladder is used on a steep-pitched roof and has a first section with rungs, a second section connected to the first section, a third section connected to the second section, and a paw pivotally connected to the third section. The third section has a length less than or equal to a length of the second section, and the third section also has a length less than a distance between a first rung of the rungs and an end of the first section. The ladder can be used in a system that utilizes the ladder and a roof-anchor apparatus, where the roof-anchor apparatus has two portions and two shoes interconnected to the portions. A method includes positioning the ladder and then positioning the roof-anchor apparatus, on and over a steep-pitched roof, respectively. |
| US08857556B2 |
Arrangement structure of canister in motorcycle
In an arrangement structure of a canister disposed near a cylinder of an internal combustion engine of a motorcycle, the motorcycle including a left and right pair of frames, extending rearwardly from a head pipe, for suspending the internal combustion engine laterally, to enable protection of the canister without involving an increase in the number of parts of a protective member. The canister is disposed between the frames and the internal combustion engine so as to overlap at least partly with the pair of frames in a side view. |
| US08857554B1 |
Steerable axles transaxle assembly
A transaxle assembly is provided which is configured to be mounted to a frame of a vehicle. The transaxle assembly includes a transmission that has two separately attached pivotable knuckle assemblies. Each pivotable knuckle assembly can be independently steered and includes an axle driven by the transmission. Each axle drives a wheel of the vehicle. In another configuration, the two pivotable knuckle assemblies are joined by an integrally formed crossmember. |
| US08857551B2 |
Rear suspension for three-wheeled car
A rear suspension of a three-wheeled car with two front wheels and one rear wheel installed in the car body frame may include a pair of roll links that may be connected to the front wheels and twists as the car turns, and a roll connector that pivots around a shaft as the roll links twist, and a knuckle assembly, which may be joined to a rear wheel, installed in the rear end of the car body frame, and connected to a roll connector so that it turns left and right as the roll connector turns, wherein the knuckle assembly turns in the same direction the front wheels turn. |
| US08857546B2 |
In-wheel motor drive device
An object of the invention is to always maintain an outer pin holder and a housing in a speed reducer section at their predetermined positions, to prevent damage to such components as revolving members, outer circumferential engagers, and motion conversion mechanism upon a large axial load due to turning or sudden acceleration/deceleration, etc., and to eliminate rattling noise caused by the housing and the outer pin holder. A casing immobilizing member which is fixed to an inner surface of a speed reducer section casing and a housing immobilizing member which is fixed to an outer surface of a speed reducer section housing are provided between the speed reducer section casing and the speed reducer section housing. The casing immobilizing member and the housing immobilizing member are bonded with each other via a rubber member. |
| US08857545B2 |
In-wheel drive apparatus
The present disclosure provides an in-wheel drive apparatus. The apparatus includes a motor housing open at one side thereof, a motor unit mounted within the motor housing, and a rear cover coupled at one side thereof to the motor housing to close the open side of the motor housing and coupled at the other side thereof to a trailing arm. The rear cover includes a planar section constituting an outer peripheral surface of the rear cover; and a cover recess connected to an inner peripheral surface of the planar section to be integrally formed with the planar section and depressed from the planar section towards the rotor to form a recess to which the trailing arm is coupled. |
| US08857543B2 |
Motor vehicle
In a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine disposed in an engine compartment provided with a hood, and also an electrical machine for at least assisting in driving the vehicle and generating electric energy, and a power electronics system for controlling the electric power supply to, and from the electric machine during operation of the motor vehicle by the internal combustion engine and/or the electrical machine, the power electronics system is arranged in the engine compartment above the internal combustion engine and below the hood. |
| US08857533B2 |
Portable power wrench with a manually operated power control means
A portable power wrench of an angle type includes an elongated housing with an angle drive head and a rear handle and supports a motor. The power wrench also includes a manually operated power control device including a main power control trigger located at the rear handle and an auxiliary power control trigger located at the angle drive head. The motor as well as the main trigger and the auxiliary power control trigger are connected to a programmable control unit in which there are stored operation parameter sets suitable for a screw joint running down phase and a final tightening phase, respectively. The auxiliary power control trigger is arranged to activate the running down parameter set only, whereas the main power control trigger is arranged to activate the final tightening parameter set. |
| US08857530B2 |
Automatic depth control system for an agricultural implement
An agricultural implement system is provided that includes an implement, and a fluid control unit configured to mount to a tow vehicle. The agricultural implement system also includes a depth control cylinder mounted to a frame of the implement and fluidly coupled to the fluid control unit. The depth control cylinder is configured to adjust a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the implement by varying a height of a ground engaging wheel. In addition, the agricultural implement system includes a sensor communicatively coupled to the fluid control unit and configured to output signals indicative of the penetration depth of the ground engaging tool. The fluid control unit is configured to automatically control fluid flow to the depth control cylinder based on the signals to maintain a user-selectable penetration depth. |
| US08857529B2 |
Adjustable packer wheel seeding system and method
In one embodiment, a seeding implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame, and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, wherein the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a position of the ground engaging tool, wherein the packer wheel is positioned directly behind the ground engaging tool when the ground engaging tool is engaging a soil region. Further, the implement includes an adjustment mechanism configured to shift the packer wheel rearwardly upon the ground engaging tool encountering an obstruction and to shift the packer wheel forwardly after the obstruction has been passed by the ground engaging tool. |
| US08857528B2 |
Flame-blocking system and construction method
A flame-blocking system includes flame retardant foam having at least one through hole and at least one flame retardant tube passing through the through hole. Both the flame retardant foam and the flame retardant tube comprise graphite, aluminum hydroxide and ammonium phosphate in addition to a base resin. The flame-blocking system prevents flames and toxic gases generated during a fire or a similar accident from being spread through holes through which a wire, a cable or a pipe is installed across a wall of buildings or ships, which can reduce damage to life and property. |
| US08857524B2 |
Method and apparatus for suspending a cable in a pipe
Apparatus (14) for supporting a cable (16) in a fluid-filled pipe (10) extending through an underground borehole, comprising a body for connection to an end of the cable extending along the pipe, the body being buoyant in the fluid filling the pipe, such that when the body is connected to the end of the pipe, it floats at or near the surface (15) of the fluid in the pipe. A method of supporting a cable in a fluid-filled pipe using such apparatus, comprises connecting the cable to the body, and dropping the body into the pipe so as to float on the surface of the fluid filing the pipe. |
| US08857515B2 |
Silica control agents for use in subterranean treatment fluids
Methods involving the use of subterranean treatment fluids comprising a silica control agent and an aqueous base fluid wherein the treatment fluid is placed into a portion of a subterranean formation and wherein the silica control agent is present in an amount of at least 75% of the saturation point in the treatment fluid. The methods include fracturing and gravel packing operations using a treatment fluid including a silica control agent present in an amount of at least 75% of the saturation point in the treatment fluid. |
| US08857512B2 |
Situ extraction process for the recovery of hydrocarbons
An in situ extraction process for the recovery of hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon bearing formation, including the steps of injecting a solvent consisting substantially of one of the group of H2S, Ammonia or COS into the formation to mobilize the hydrocarbons for extraction by forming a mobile in situ extraction fluid; and lifting the extraction fluid containing the mobilized hydrocarbons from the underground formation to the surface. In a further aspect an extraction method for a specific reservoir is provided including the steps of: establishing a minimum desired extraction rate, based on a value for the porosity, permeability and dead oil viscosity of the in situ bitumen in the specific reservoir, determining a desired minimum operating extraction temperature determining a desirable range of operating pressures identifying solvents predicted to deliver the operating extraction temperature within the range of operating pressures, and selecting a preferred solvent to use in the process. |
| US08857509B2 |
Subterranean well tools having nonmetallic drag block sleeves
Disclosed is a drag block assembly for use on a downhole tool for location in a cased wellbore. The tool has a hollow mandrel for suspension from a tubing string. The drag block, slips and packing elements mounted on the mandrel are moveable between the run and set positions by movement of the drag block, while engaging a lug on the mandrel. The drag block assembly comprises longitudinally spaced rings comprising resilient material connected together by longitudinally extending members. |
| US08857508B2 |
Valve assembly
A downhole valve assembly including at least one membrane permeable to a flow of a downhole fluid, the at least one membrane defining a passage through a chamber. A quantity of particles is disposed in the chamber and the at least one membrane is impermeable to the particles. The particles are responsive to a magnetic field. At least one magnetic element is operatively arranged to produce the magnetic field for enabling the at least one magnetic element to selectively move the particles between a first position at which the particles impede the flow of the downhole fluid through the at least one membrane and a second position at which the particles do not impede the flow of the downhole fluid through the at least one membrane. A method of controlling a flow of fluid is also included. |
| US08857506B2 |
Alternate energy source usage methods for in situ heat treatment processes
Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method for providing power to one or more subsurface heaters is described herein. The method may include monitoring one or more operating parameters of the heaters, the intermittent power source, and a transformer coupled to the intermittent power source that transforms power from the intermittent power source to power with appropriate operating parameters for the heaters; and controlling the power output of the transformer so that a constant voltage is provided to the heaters regardless of the load of the heaters and the power output provided by the intermittent power source. |
| US08857505B2 |
Structured heat exchanger tube and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a heat exchanger tube with at least one structured region on the inside of the tube, which has the following features: a) integral internal ribs of height H run on the inside of the tube in axially parallel or helical-line-shaped manner continuously over the circumference at an angle of inclination β1, measured with respect to the tube axis, with primary grooves being formed, b) the internal ribs are crossed over the entire circumference of the tube by spaced-apart secondary grooves which, parallel to one another at an angle of inclination β2, measured with respect to the tube axis, have a notch depth T2 and a groove opening angle α2, c) the internal ribs and the secondary grooves are crossed over the entire circumference of the tube by spaced-apart tertiary grooves which run continuously over the circumference parallel to one another at an angle of inclination β3, measured with respect to the tube axis, and have a notch depth T3 and a groove opening angle α3. A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing heat exchanger tubes of this type, with integral external ribs running around the outside of the tube in a helical-line-shaped manner and running on the inside of the tube in an axially parallel or helical-line-shaped manner, and internal ribs which are crossed and notched by secondary grooves and by tertiary grooves. |
| US08857500B2 |
Heat exchange device and heat generating element containing device using same
A main body case containing therein an air blower for circulating ambient air and a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the ambient air circulated by the air blower and inside air, flange provided in main body case and having wall surface joining surface joined to wall surface where main body case is arranged, and cover attached to flange, having a louver in a side of the inside air, and a plurality of opening holes in a side of the ambient air and covering the ambient air side of main body case, thereby making an attachment and a detachment of cover easy, and achieving a reduction of a maintenance work. |
| US08857497B1 |
Rolling shutter system with a plurality of single wall slats
A rolling shutter assembly for covering an opening of a facility. A rolling shutter housing is mounted to the facility and connects with first and second shutter rails. A rolling shutter cover forms part of the rolling shutter housing and contains a rotating axle with a drive mechanism or gear assembly engaging the rotating axle positioned between side caps that close the sides of the rolling shutter cover. A plurality of single wall shutter slats are contained in a rolled up configuration within the rolling shutter housing and deployable to form a protective curtain, with a first single wall shutter slat connected to the rotating axle and additional single wall shutter slats connected in series to the first shutter slat. |
| US08857476B2 |
Coinfusion apparatus
A coinfusion apparatus including a coinfusion operation section; a coinfusion processing room; a supply section; and a transfusion bag retention section. The coinfusion operation section consists of first and second robot arms. The first robot arm retains a medical agent container. The second robot arm performs an operation to insert a syringe needle of a syringe to a mouth section of the medical agent container and an operation to insert the syringe needle of the syringe to a coinfusion mouth of the transfusion bag. The coinfusion processing room holds the coinfusion operation section. The supply section supplies the medical agent container and the syringe into the coinfusion processing room. The transfusion bag retention section retains the transfusion bag at the outer side of the coinfusion processing room and positions the coinfusion mouth of the transfusion bag at the coinfusion communication mouth formed in the coinfusion processing room. |
| US08857472B2 |
Integrated hydraulic accumulator arrangement
A compact and light-weight hydraulic accumulator configuration for a hydraulic brake includes a high-pressure storage chamber, a medium-pressure storage chamber and an atmospheric-pressure storage chamber. The high-pressure storage chamber, the medium-pressure storage chamber and the atmospheric-pressure storage chamber are disposed in a common housing which delimits the high-pressure storage chamber along with a high-pressure piston movably guided within the housing while delimiting the medium-pressure storage chamber along with a medium-pressure piston movably guided within the housing. A high-pressure spring located in the housing rests on the high-pressure piston outside the high-pressure storage chamber and a medium-pressure spring located in the housing rests on the medium-pressure piston outside the medium-pressure storage chamber. |
| US08857469B2 |
Water valve suitable for use with a bathtub
A water valve suitable for use with a bathtub has a housing, a control bolt, an angular positioning device, an upper ceramic plate, a lower ceramic plate and a valve base. The water valve is mounted onto a water supply unit of the bathtub and used for switching between different water outlet options. |
| US08857465B2 |
Method and system for realizing a vacuum in a vacuum chamber
The invention relates to a method for realizing a vacuum in at least one vacuum chamber. The method comprises providing an arrangement comprising a plurality of vacuum chambers, wherein each vacuum chamber is connected to a shared vacuum system. The shared vacuum system comprises a plurality of turbo molecular pumps, at least one common fore pump, and a piping system comprising one or more pipes for connecting the at least one common fore pump to each of the plurality of turbo molecular pumps. Each turbo molecular pump is separately connected to a corresponding vacuum chamber. The piping system further comprises flow regulators for controlling a flow within the piping system. The method further comprises selecting at least one vacuum chamber for pump-down, and separately pumping down the at least one selected vacuum chamber by means of the shared vacuum system. |
| US08857464B2 |
Valve actuators having magnetic angle sensors
A valve actuator including a magnetic angle sensor is disclosed. The magnetic angle sensor may function as an absolute position encoder. The magnetic angle sensor may also function as an incremental position encoder. The magnetic angle sensor may generate angular velocity data. The magnetic angle sensor may be used in quarter-turn and single-turn rotary valve actuators. The magnetic angle sensor may also be used in multi-turn rotary and linear valve actuators. |
| US08857463B1 |
Monitor for pressurized canisters
A sensor system is provided for pressure vessels. In one embodiment, a compressor directs compressed air into a purification chamber for removing carbon monoxide from the air. A sensor system housing is fastened to an opening on the purification chamber. The sensor housing provides an electrochemical sensor driven by an independent power supply and an electronic processor for receiving a signal from the electrochemical sensor. If the carbon monoxide in the purification chamber reaches a predetermined level, the electronic processor is programmed to initiate a shutdown of the compressor utilizing a relay cable. |
| US08857462B2 |
Manipulation of microfluidic droplets
The invention provides methods for assessing one or more predetermined characteristics or properties of a microfluidic droplet within a microfluidic channel, and regulating one or more fluid flow rates within that channel to selectively alter the predetermined microdroplet characteristic or property using a feedback control. |
| US08857461B2 |
Flow rate control using mass flow rate control device
A process and device enabling accurate mass flow control is described. A mass flow controller can be re-specified corresponding to multiple types of actual process gases and multiple flow rate ranges, even after the mass flow controller has been shipped. Calibration gas data is derived using actual flow rate versus a flow rate setting signal to generate calibration gas data. Actual gas data is derived by measuring actual flow rate versus a flow rate setting signal for each actual gas and saving. Subsequently, prior to operating the mass flow rate control device, the characteristic data for an actual and the calibration gas characteristic data is recalled. The calibration gas characteristic data is then converted to controlled flow rate correction data based on the actual gas characteristic data that is saved to the control unit and the actual gas flow rate is corrected based on this controlled flow rate correction data. |
| US08857455B2 |
Method for regulating a valve
A method for regulating a steam bypass valve is provided. The bypass valve is arranged in a steam line and the steam line includes a device for spraying water. The equation, t Rest , 0 = FB max m . W , SOLL - m . W , IST is used to determine when to close the steam bypass valve. The steam bypass value is closed when tRest,0 is smaller than a value Δt. An actual volume of water {dot over (m)}W,IST, a desired volume of water {dot over (m)}W,SOLL and a maximum water-volume deficiency FBmax are used in the equation. |
| US08857454B2 |
Valving system and method of selectively halting injection of chemicals
A valving system includes, a plurality of flow control valves, and a plurality of chemical control valves in operable communication with a plurality of the plurality of flow control valves such that each of the plurality of chemical control valves is actuated between closed and open positions when the flow control valve it is in operable communication with is actuated between closed or open positions. |
| US08857438B2 |
Devices and methods for acoustic shielding
Acoustic shielding system and method for protecting and shielding non-targeted regions or tissues that are not intended to be treated by ultrasonic procedures from acoustic energy using a shield. In some embodiments, the shield comprises multiple layers made of one or more materials with one or more acoustic impedances. In some embodiments a multilayered shield includes materials with relatively different acoustic impedance levels. In some embodiments, the shield includes active components such as energy diversion devices, heating, cooling, monitoring, and/or sensing. In some embodiments, the shield is configured to protect an eye, mouth, nose or ear while allowing the ultrasound to treat the surrounding tissue. One embodiment of an eye shield is configured to fit under at least one eyelid and over a portion of the eye. |
| US08857434B2 |
Retainer clip for securing breathing devices
A retainer clip configured to engage a tubing member includes a base portion and a clamp portion which may be formed as a unitary structure. The base portion is generally disc-shaped and has a front side and a back side. The clamp portion is disposed on the base portion and extends upwardly from the front side and includes a spaced pair of clamp fingers which collectively define a slot that opens into a channel. The channel is adapted to frictionally engage the tubing member. The back side includes a layer of adhesive for adhering the retainer clip to the patient such as to the patient's skin. An interface assembly for delivering gas from a gas source to a patient includes a user interface, at least one tubing member extending from the user interface, and at least one of the retainer clips configured to anchor the tubing member to the patient. |
| US08857433B1 |
Safety glasses with hidden deployable facepiece
The disclosure discloses an eye protection adjunct that provides protection to a person's eyes and resembles a normal pair of eyewear, but contains a hidden facepiece that deploys into a face protection system for the eyes, face, nasal and pharyngeal openings. |
| US08857431B2 |
Breathing mask with oxygen reduced consumption
Embodiments of the invention provide a breathing mask for aircraft crewmember. The breathing mask includes an on-demand regulator with an inlet connected to a source of breathing gas and an outlet to exhaust the breathing gas. The outlet has an aperture controlled by a movable valve having an open position when the crewmember breathes out and a closed position when the crewmember breathes in. The breathing mask also has a latch member operable by a crewmember to latch the valve in the open position, the latch member including an unlocking member to release the valve when the cabin pressure is below a predetermined value. |
| US08857427B2 |
Snorkel and mouthpiece assembly thereof
A snorkel and a mouthpiece assembly of the snorkel are disclosed, in which the mouthpiece assembly includes a main body, a mouthpiece and a whistle. The mouthpiece is connected to the main body; and the whistle has a pivoting portion and a blowing portion opposite to the pivoting portion, in which the pivoting portion is pivotally connected to the main body. The snorkel further includes a tube connected to the main body and communicating with the mouthpiece. In this way, the user can rotate the whistle against the main body for making the whistle face the mouth of the user, instead of greatly rotating the mouthpiece assembly against the tube. |
| US08857425B2 |
Solar lens water heating system
A solar water heating system, including: (a) a solar heating collector, having: (i) an array of convex lenses; (ii) a panel disposed below the array of convex lenses, wherein the array of convex lenses focuses sunlight on the panel to heat areas of the panel; (iii) a fluid chamber disposed below the panel; and (iv) a plurality of members extending from the panel into the fluid chamber to transfer heat from the panel into fluid in the fluid chamber; (b) a fluid reservoir; (c) a fluid inlet line for moving fluid from the fluid reservoir into the fluid inlet of the solar heating collector; (d) fluid outlet line for moving fluid from the fluid chamber of the solar heating collector to the fluid reservoir; and (e) a pump for moving fluid cyclically through the fluid chamber of the solar collector and the fluid reservoir. |
| US08857424B2 |
Exhaust hood with adjustable supply air containment air streams and air curtains
An exhaust hood and related methods for exhausting fumes are disclosed. The exhaust hood comprises a housing forming a collection region having an entry portion and an upper portion disposed above the entry portion, an exhaust inlet coupled with the housing and configured to draw air from the entry and upper portions, and a supply assembly coupled with the housing and configured to output a flow of supply air. The supply assembly is configured to direct a first portion of the supply air across the collection region generally towards the exhaust inlet and direct a second portion of the supply air generally downward away from the collection area. The directed first portion of the supply air divides the collection region into the entry and upper portions. The portion of the supply air directed into at least the first portion or the second portion can be adjustable. |
| US08857422B2 |
Oven door assembly having shield for drawing heat away from an oven door window
An oven door assembly is provided that selectively closes and permits access to an access opening of an oven cavity of the oven. The oven door assembly includes an outside door panel having a non-opaque pane, an inside door panel having a non-opaque pane, the inside door panel being located closer to the oven cavity of the oven than the outside door panel, and a middle non-opaque pane, and a shield fitted relative to the middle non-opaque pane for drawing heat away from the middle non-opaque pane. |
| US08857415B2 |
Charge air cooler
A charge air cooler for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The charge air cooler includes at least one connecting piece for connection to at least one cooling circuit configured to conduct coolant. The charge air cooler includes at least one coolant pump for circulating the coolant. The at least one coolant pump is integrated in at least one flow path within the charge air cooler. |
| US08857408B2 |
Real-time dynamic heavy-vehicle idle alarm
A system for managing engine idling operation is provided. The system includes a communication center communicatively coupled to at least one vehicle having an engine. A database is provided that has idling regulation information stored therein based, at least, upon geographic location. The vehicle with the engine further includes an idling detection system. The idling detection system includes an idle detect sensor, a processor and a location information module, such as a GPS receiver. The processor is operably coupled to the idle detect sensor. The location information module is operably coupled to the processor to provide position information relative to the vehicle. The processor is configured to monitor vehicle idling and provide a warning thereof based upon an idling regulation stored in the database selected by current vehicle position information. |
| US08857405B2 |
Turbulent jet ignition pre-chamber combustion system for spark ignition engines
An ignition system for an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber where the ignition system includes a housing, an ignition device, an injector, and a pre-chamber having a nozzle disposed spaced from the proximal portion of the pre-chamber. The igniter portion of the ignition device and the nozzle of the injector are operatively supported in the proximal portion of the pre-chamber and disposed flush therewith. The igniter portion ignites the fuel in pre-chamber such that partially combusted pre-chamber products are forced through orifices in the pre-chamber nozzle and extinguish, but dispersed through the combustion chamber so as to ignite the main fuel charge therein. |
| US08857403B2 |
Lubrication system for an internal combustion engine, and method for lubrication
Embodiments for a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine are provided. In one example, a lubrication system for an internal combustion engine comprises a lubricant circuit, a radiator for cooling the lubricant, a heat accumulator arranged upstream of the engine for warming up the lubricant, the heat accumulator connected in parallel to the radiator, and a valve for switching over the lubricant circuit between the radiator and the heat accumulator. In this way, the oil may be rapidly heated during cold engine start conditions. |
| US08857401B2 |
Low drag piston
Disclosed is a low drag piston for a reciprocating engine that comprises a piston head that reduces mechanical and viscous friction while improving oil lubrication and thermal load dissipation throughout the piston stroke. The piston comprises a cylindrical crown and lower skirt area such that these elements are the only surfaces in contact with the cylinder walls and support a plurality of piston rings, while the interior skirt region is recessed inward in a concave shape to reduce drag, friction and thermal expansion interferences. An additional oil control ring increases oil outflow to further reduce friction and drag, while the pin boss that holds the connection between the piston head and the connecting rods is recessed inward within the inwardly concave central portion. |
| US08857396B2 |
Igniter for igniting a fuel-air-mixture using HF corona discharge and engine fitted with such igniters
An igniter for igniting a fuel-air-mixture in a combustion chamber, in particular in a combustion engine with one or several combustion chambers, by generating a high frequency corona discharge, said ignitiger comprising an assembly comprising an ignition electrode, an outer conductor surrounding the ignition electrode, which has a front end and a rear end, and an electrical insulator arranged between the ignition electrode and the outer conductor, wherein the ignition electrode is part of an electrical high-frequency resonant circuit, protrudes over the front end of the outer conductor, and is connected to an alternate current source or alternate voltage source which feeds the HF-resonant circuit, and delivers a high frequency alternate current or a high frequency alternate voltage, respectively. The ignition electrode is branched into more than four electrode branches extending away from the outer conductor, in different directions. |
| US08857385B2 |
Integrated exhaust cylinder head
A cylinder head including an integrated exhaust manifold (IEM cylinder head) is coupled to a cylinder block of an engine. The IEM cylinder head comprises an exhaust collector coupled to cylinder exhaust valves, an exhaust port coupled to the exhaust collector, and a coolant jacket for cooling the cylinder head. An upper wall of the cylinder head at a region above the exhaust collector and proximal to the exhaust port may include a degas valve and a temperature sensor. The degas valve may be coupled at a top most dome portion of an upper coolant core of the coolant jacket to direct accumulated steam and/or gas out of the upper coolant core to a degas bottle. |
| US08857384B2 |
Construction machine
A construction machine includes a main body portion that has an engine compartment formed therein, a cooling unit arranged in the engine compartment, an inlet formed as opening in a side surface of the main body portion so that the cooling air is drawn into the engine compartment by the cooling fan through the inlet, an exhaust gas after-treatment device arranged on an upper side relative to the engine on the downstream side relative to the cooling fan on a flow path of the cooling air, an engine hood that covers the exhaust gas after-treatment device, and an upper outlet arranged immediately above the exhaust gas after-treatment device and formed in at least one of a top surface of the engine hood and a side surface of the engine hood in a front-and-rear direction of the main body. |
| US08857372B2 |
Method of fabricating optical fiber using an isothermal, low pressure plasma deposition technique
An isothermal, low pressure-based process of depositing material within a substrate has been developed and results in creating an extremely narrow reaction zone within which a more uniform and efficient deposition will occur. Sets of isothermal plasma operating conditions have been found that create a narrow deposition zone, assuring that the deposited material is clear glass rather than soot particles. The chemical delivery system, in one arrangement, utilizes rods of solid phase source material (which may otherwise be difficult to obtain in gaseous form). The operating conditions are selected such that the hot plasma does not transfer a substantial amount of heat to the substrate tube, where the presence of such heat has been found to result in vaporizing the reactant material (creating soot) and developing hot spots. |
| US08857369B2 |
Gauge
A pointer assembly includes a guide, a helical drive member supported in the guide, a motor for axially rotating the helical drive member, a follower carried by the helical drive member, and a pointer coupled to the follower and movable relative to the guide for indicating a measured value, wherein axial rotation of the helical drive member in a clockwise rotation causes the follower and the pointer to move in a first direction relative to the guide and axial rotation of the helical drive member in a counterclockwise rotation causes the follower and the pointer to move in a second direction relative to the guide. |
| US08857367B2 |
Portable electronic devices with moisture control and moisture indication features
Connector structures for electronic devices may be provided with moisture indicators. The connector structures may include a connector such as data port connector that has a rear opening. A moisture barrier structure may cover the rear of the data port connector and may have an opening that is aligned with the rear opening. A moisture indicator may cover the opening in the moisture barrier structure. A transparent window structure such as a layer of clear film may be used to prevent moisture from traveling through the rear opening of the data port connector and the opening in the moisture barrier structure to the moisture indicator. An audio port connector may be provided with a moisture indicator and a transparent window structure that helps prevent moisture from reaching the moisture indicator through the audio port connector. |
| US08857366B2 |
Manually-operated boat canopy system
A manually-operated canopy deployment system for mounted attachment onboard recreational boats comprises a pair of spring-loaded tubular actuators telescopically assembled and coupled in parallel alignment to deploy a flexible canvas from a roller member transversely mounted between the actuators with a gear box operatively connected to the roller member to control the canvas deployment. Each actuator assembly includes a rearward outer tube, and separate forward and intermediate interior tubes each fitted with inner end caps and coaxially disposed to move longitudinally within the outer tube, with compression springs separately disposed within the respective tube chambers to apply outbound forces axially upon the inner ends of the respective interior tubes. Forward and intermediate cross bars connected across the interior tubes serve to draw the canvas from the roller member and support canvas deployment, with a pair of loop attachments provided on the surface of the canvas to prevent billowing thereof. |
| US08857365B2 |
Fleet protection attack craft and underwater vehicles
A marine vessel comprising a command module, first and second buoyant tubular foils, and first and second struts for connecting the first and second buoyant tubular foils to the command module, respectively, wherein the first and second buoyant tubular foils provide substantially all buoyancy required for the marine vessel, and wherein the marine vessel further comprises first and second engines enclosed within the first and second buoyant tubular foils, respectively, and first and second propulsion units connected to the first and second engines, respectively, for moving the marine vessel through water, and means for reducing drag on the vessel as the vessel moves through water. |
| US08857358B2 |
Rudder group for boats
Rudder group (10) for boats (100) comprising a rudder blade (12) releasably coupled to a rudder pin (11), the rudder pin (11) being able to rotate along an axis (A) passing on the plane of the rudder blade (12) to define the forward direction of the boat (100), the rudder blade (12) also being connected in a rotatable manner to a support element (14) fitted onto the rudder pin (11) so that the rudder blade (12), when released by the rudder pin (11), can freely rotate between a lowered position, in which it is arranged longitudinally with respect to the rudder pin (11), and a maximum raised position in which it is substantially perpendicular to the rudder pin (11), in which the releasable coupling of the rudder blade (12) with the rudder pin (11) is obtained through a connection element (13) that can break at a predetermined load to free the rotation of the rudder blade (12) with respect to the support element (14). |
| US08857356B1 |
Method and apparatus for insta fill wake system
A Method and Apparatus for Insta Fill Wake System have been disclosed. By using a gate that can be positioned as closed, flood, and drain and deployable on a boat, controlled filling/emptying/holding of water in ballast tanks is possible without the use of pumps. |
| US08857353B2 |
System and method for controlling air flow to a metering system
A system and method for controlling air flow to a metering system is provided. One agricultural cart for distribution of an agricultural product in a field includes a metering system having a plurality of metering sections. At least one metering section is selectively controllable to not meter product while at least one other metering section is metering product. The agricultural cart also includes an air conveyance system having a blower and a conduit for producing and directing an air stream for moving the metered product toward a distribution device. The agricultural cart includes control circuitry configured to alter operation of the air conveyance system based upon whether the at least one metering section is metering or not metering product. |
| US08857351B2 |
Modular support assembly with fortifying flange
A modular support assembly generally comprising vertical support members and a horizontal support member, such as a shelf, for supporting objects. The horizontal support member includes a main panel portion and flange portions connected along the sides of the panel for fortifying same. The vertical support members have cavities on their inner surfaces, and the horizontal support members have protrusions at their ends corresponding to the cavities. In some embodiments, the flanges are hingedly connected to the panel such that they pivot between a flat position and a supporting position perpendicular to the panel. In certain embodiments, the protrusions are integrally formed with extend out from the flanges. In some embodiments, the assembly is blow-molded article. |
| US08857345B2 |
Consist having shared electrolyte tanks
A system for distributing energy among a plurality of power consumers may include a plurality of reaction cells configured to receive electrolytes and provide electric power. The system may also include a first tank configured to contain a supply of fluid including positively charged electrolytes and a second tank configured to contain a supply of fluid including negatively charged electrolytes. The system may also include at least one pump configured to pump fluid among the plurality of reaction cells and the first and second tanks. The system may include a controller configured to control operation of the at least one pump based on a desired power supply to at least one of the plurality of power consumers. |
| US08857343B2 |
High volume multiple component projectile assembly
A projectile includes a head, a tail, and an interface that interconnects the head and tail. Multiple sections of the interface are deformed by being compressed radially inwardly into respective annular recesses formed between the interface and the head and tail during manufacturing or by rifling when the projectile is fired. The amount of deformation is controlled by the depth of each of the annular recesses. In all embodiments, annular ridges formed in the head, the tail, or both, define the longitudinal extent of the annular recesses. The interface includes an annular obturation region and has a beveled open leading end to facilitate insertion of the head and tail into the interface. |
| US08857341B1 |
Flying primer for hand grenade fuze
A more IM compliant grenade fuze assembly includes a fuze body, an energetics train disposed in the fuze body, and a striker lever rotatably attached to the fuze body. A spring-loaded rotor assembly is rotatably fixed to the fuze body. The rotor assembly includes a primer. A firing pin is disposed in one of the rotor assembly and the fuze body. Placing the primer in the rotor assembly decreases the area of the fuze assembly that is vulnerable to initiation by impact from a bullet, fragment, or shape charge. |
| US08857340B2 |
Simulant material for primary explosives
Provided is a simulant material including a primary explosive and a carrier. |
| US08857336B2 |
Transporting a web through a press
A method, system and apparatus for transporting a web through a press are disclosed. The web has a first print zone on a first side and a second print zone on a second side opposite the first print zone. The first print zone is fed past a first print station and then in an inward spiraling direction around and toward a second print station. The second print zone is fed past the second print station and then in an outward spiraling direction. |
| US08857332B2 |
Aluminium strip for lithographic printing plate carriers comprising water-based coatings
The invention relates to an aluminum alloy strip for the production of printing plate carriers comprising water-based coatings, wherein the aluminum alloy strip has a thickness of at most 0.5 mm. The object is to propose an aluminum alloy strip for the production of printing plate carriers comprising at least one water-based coating so that punctiform coating faults are prevented. The object is achieved for an aluminum alloy strip in that the aluminum alloy strip, in a longitudinal polished section prepared using water as a lubricant, has etch figures with a cubic etching, of which the longitudinal extent is at most 15 mm. |
| US08857331B2 |
Flexographic proofing tools and methods
A hand holdable ink proofing tool including an anilox roll and an ink transfer roll, supporting a resilient printing plate. A metering roll adjacent the anilox roll is shiftable to be in contact with the anilox roll and to force ink into cells of the anilox roll; and a leading edge doctor blade is positioned to shear excess ink from a surface of the anilox roll. |
| US08857329B2 |
Screen printing apparatus
A screen printing apparatus includes a printing execution unit that performs screen printing on a substrate. At least one substrate support table that is provided movably along a specific direction orthogonal to the conveying direction. A table drive mechanism that moves the substrate support table at least between substrate entry and exit positions along a specific direction. The substrate entry and exit positions are set asymmetrically with respect to the specific direction. A printing execution unit drive mechanism is provided to drive the printing execution unit along the specific direction. A control unit is provided to control the printing execution unit drive mechanism so that the printing execution unit is driven to set the printing position on a substrate conveying path needed for the substrate support table to move from the substrate entry to the substrate exit. |
| US08857324B2 |
Steam oven for aircraft
Water leakage of a steam oven provided on an aircraft for heating ingredients is to be prevented.Two solenoid valves 6 and 7 are inserted in series in a water supply circuit of a steam oven. A power switch 12 supplies a 15 V direct current to the solenoid valves 6 and 7. A controller 1 transmits a command to driving circuits 4 and 5 of the solenoid valves according to a signal of a temperature sensor 10 in the oven. An output of a clock generator 14 is counted by a frequency counter and a time in which the valves are opened is counted. When count of a valve opening time becomes longer than a predetermined value, the power switch 12 of the solenoid valves is disconnected to prevent water leakage. |
| US08857322B2 |
Roller grill
A roller grill for heating a pre-cooked food product includes a housing structure adapted to support the roller grill; a plurality of tubes having outer surfaces adapted to transfer heat to the pre-cooked food product; a plurality of non-metallic gears, each non-metallic gear mounted on an end of a corresponding tube; a motor including a motor shaft and adapted to generate a rotational power through the motor shaft at a first rotational speed; and a drive sub-assembly adapted to transfer the rotational power from the shaft to the plurality of non-metallic gears at a second rotational speed. |
| US08857319B2 |
Roller grill
A roller grill for heating a pre-cooked food product includes a housing structure adapted to support the roller grill; a plurality of tubes having outer surfaces adapted to transfer heat to a pre-cooked food product; a plurality of tube gears, at least one tube gear mounted on an end of a corresponding tube; and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a motor having a shaft adapted to rotate at a first rotational speed; and a plurality of idler gears mounted to a portion of the housing structure and contactingly engaged with the plurality of tube gears, the idler gears adapted to transfer a rotational power from the motor to the plurality of tube gears at a second rotational speed. |
| US08857317B2 |
Portion-controlled nutrition system and method using capsules
Nutritional delivery system using single-serve capsules comprising: a dispenser for a nutritional composition comprising means for providing water into a single-use capsule containing a portion-controlled serving of a nutritional formula; different types of capsules (10,11,12,13,14,15,16) being designed according to a nutritional feeding plan corresponding to persons or categories of persons to be fed, each type comprising capsules containing a nutritional formula; the capsules of different types having at least one differentiating characteristic so that each type of capsules corresponds to a feeding time period determined by the feeding plan; control operation means associated to each type of capsules, said means comprising information relating to at least one differentiating operational parameter relevant to produce and deliver a differentiated nutritional liquid in the dispenser according to the feeding plan. |
| US08857316B2 |
Apparatus for producing coffee or other beverages
An apparatus for producing coffee or other beverages has two brewing cylinders and brewing pistons which are movable in the brewing cylinders and which form a brewing chamber. A loading station is provided for loading the brewing chambers with ground coffee or the other media. One brewing cylinder can be moved in each case together with the associated brewing piston from a brewing position to the loading station and back again, wherein the associated brewing piston can be removed for the disposal of the used coffee or medium from the brewing cylinder. The second brewing cylinder can therefore be moved to the same loading station as the first, and this therefore results in a simplification of the design of the apparatus. |
| US08857311B2 |
Apparatus for providing protection from ballistic rounds, projectiles, fragments and explosives
An apparatus for providing protection from ballistic rounds, projectiles, fragments and explosives. The apparatus includes a core, grinding layer and bonding layer. The core is shaped and configured as a structural truss of the apparatus, in which the core includes a plurality of parallel, adjacent rows and the core distributes and dissipates force impacting on the apparatus. The grinding layer is positioned on at least one side of the core facing towards potential threats, in which the grinding layer grinds rounds, projectiles, fragments or other materials impacting the apparatus, helping to dissipate the impacting material and its momentum. The bonding layer bonds the grinding layer together and the grinding layer to the core and provides an outer coating to the apparatus on a side of the apparatus facing potential threats and through which rounds, projectiles, fragments or other materials impact and penetrate the apparatus. |
| US08857309B2 |
Method and device for protecting objects against rocket propelled grenades (RPGs)
A device and a method for protecting objects against rocket-propelled grenades having a hollow nose cone includes a netting of knotted and coated superstrong fibers disposed in front of the object, in such a manner that the nose cone of a rocket caught in the netting will penetrate one of the meshes of the netting and be deformed through strangulation, thereby disabling the detonator. |
| US08857308B1 |
Cannon breechblock insert assembly
A sliding breechblock for a cannon includes a translatable, removable insert assembly that contains electrical firing pin and data link modules. The removable insert assembly is translatable in a direction normal to the central longitudinal axis of the barrel thereby enabling removal of the insert assembly without removing the breechblock from the breech ring. Mating portions formed on the breechblock and on the insert assembly prevent displacement of the insert assembly with respect to the breechblock in the direction along the central longitudinal axis of the barrel. |
| US08857299B2 |
Hand tool
A hand tool is provided that is configured to provide ready access to individual tool members. In this regard, the hand tool may provide improved features for facilitating storage and operation of the tool members. One example hand tool includes first and second jaws capable of translating between an extended position and a retracted position. Such a hand tool provides a locking member configured to lock to prevent translation of the first and second jaws from the retracted position. Another example hand tool includes a tool member carried by a handle and rotatable between an open position and a stowed position. Such a hand tool provides a ramp defined on the tool member to facilitate easy rotation of the tool member to the stowed position. |
| US08857296B2 |
Ratchet wrench body and manufacturing method thereof
In a ratchet wrench body and its manufacturing method, the body comprises a handle and a head, and the head has a through hole, a control compartment, and a slot chamber. The head has a first surface and a second surface, and at least one embedded hole formed between the slot chamber and the first and second surfaces, and each embedded hole is penetrated through one side but not penetrated through the other side, and each embedded hole is smaller than an elastic element and a propping element contained in the slot chamber, and the slot chamber is extended from each embedded hole inwardly towards the slot chamber and formed by the total volume occupied by adjacent intersected surfaces. |
| US08857292B2 |
Pedal-cleat assembly
An improved pedal/cleat assembly includes a cleat that can be releasably secured to a pedal assembly without the need to contact the sole of a rider's shoe. The cleat is configured to include forward and rearward projections, as well as inward and outward feet, and the pedal assembly is configured to include a spindle, a main pedal body mounted on the spindle, and a cleat support base mounted on the main pedal body. The cleat support base includes inward and outward pads configured to support the cleat's inward and outward feet, and it mounts forward and rearward cleat retainers configured to receive and secure the forward and rearward cleat projections. A spring-bias device yieldably biases the forward and rearward cleat retainers toward each other. The pedal/cleat assembly thereby is configured such that the cleat can be secured to the pedal assembly without the need to contact any portion of the shoe sole. |
| US08857291B2 |
Flywheel, internal combustion engine with flywheel and system comprising an internal combustion engine and a machine driven thereby
In a flywheel for mounting as a coupling element between an internal combustion engine and a machine to be driven thereby, including a flywheel flange for connecting the flywheel to the machine and a driver flange for connecting the flywheel to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, coupling structures are provided between the flywheel flange and the driver flange which coupling structures include insulating connecting areas which electrically insulate the flanges from each other. |
| US08857288B2 |
Connection structure of control cable
A connection structure of a control cable includes one control cable, the other control cable, a joint case separable into pieces on respective sides of one and the other control cables, a joint member, and an attachment member. The other control cable includes first and second control cables. The attachment member has a fitting portion allowing fitting of an inner cable of each of the first and second control cables into an outer circumferential surface of the attachment member. The fitting portion can be exposed from an internal space when the joint case is separated. Thus, a connection structure of a control cable with which an inner cable can readily be removed can be obtained. |
| US08857287B2 |
Vehicle shifter
A vehicle shifter 1 comprises a shifter body 2, a shift lever 3, an interlocking member 4, and a selecting return spring 5 serving as a biasing member. The interlocking member 4 is configured such that a front end thereof is pivotally supported by the shifter body 2, and a rear end thereof is swingingly movable around the front end as a swing center during a manual operation for moving the shift lever 3 in a selecting direction. The selecting return spring 5 is configured to pull the rear end of the interlocking member 4 toward a rear end thereof. |
| US08857284B2 |
Multiple clutch transmission and vehicles and apparatus including a multiple clutch transmission
A multi clutch transmission includes a first clutch plate mounted on a first input shaft, a second clutch plate mounted on a second input shaft arranged concentrically around the first input shaft, a third clutch plate mounted on a third input shaft arranged concentrically around the second input shaft, and a clutch housing comprising a plurality of reaction plates, the first, second, and third clutch plates being individually and selectively engageable and disengageable with reaction plates in the clutch housing. A multi clutch transmission can also include at least three countershafts arranged around the input shafts. |
| US08857282B2 |
Method and sample holding assembly for use in sample preparation
A method and sample holding assembly are described for use in the preparation of samples for analysis. The method comprises the steps of collecting a sample in a concentration tube which is open at one end and closed at the other, the closed end being selectively openable. A vial is coupled to the open end, the tube is inverted, the closed end is opened, and then solvent is evaporated from the sample via the opened end until the concentrated sample is confined to the vial. A sample holding assembly for use in the present method is also described. It comprises a concentration tube, and an adaptor arrangement for coupling a vial to the open end of the tube and defining a fluid path between the tube and the vial. |
| US08857281B2 |
Differential gas component probe having a passage containing a reaction catalyst
A probe for use in determining the amount of a first gas component in a combustion gas containing the first gas component and a second gas component which is obtainable from the first gas component by reduction or oxidation, the probe comprising: a first component probe for taking a first sample of the gas and converting the first gas component present in the first sample to the second gas component, the first component probe including a first passage for conveying the first sample, the wall of the first passage in contact with the first sample being made of a material that converts the first gas component to the second gas component; and a second component probe for taking a second sample of the gas, the second component probe including a second passage for conveying the second sample. |
| US08857277B2 |
Pressure gauge and pressure detecting circuit thereof
The present invention provides a pressure detecting circuit, which is electrically connected to a coil to receive an induced electromotive force from the coil, including a movement detecting unit electrically connected to the coil to receive the induced electromotive force from the coil and find a distance of the movement of the magnetic device according to the induced electromotive force; and a converting unit electrically connected to the movement detecting unit to generate the voltage signal to indicate the distance. In addition, the present invention further provides a pressure gauge incorporated with the pressure detecting circuit. |
| US08857276B2 |
Pressure detection unit
A pressure detection unit includes a first substrate and a second substrate which are disposed in opposition to each other and subject to load from the outside, a pressure detection portion having a pair of electrodes provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and in the first substrate and the second substrate, and electrically conductive pressure-sensitive ink disposed between the pair of electrodes and having electrical characteristics which varies according to the load, and a load transmission member disposed between the first substrate and the pressure detection portion and/or between the second substrate and the pressure detection portion, the load transmission member transmitting the load to the pressure detection portion in a concentrated manner. |
| US08857274B2 |
Force sensor
A force sensor having a compressible layer, an electrically grounded layer and an electrically active layer is disclosed. The electrically active layer comprises a transmitter electrode configured to capacitively couple to a receiver electrode. The compressible layer is compressible to allow the electrically grounded layer to move closer to the electrically active layer, so as to reduce the level of capacitive coupling between the receiver electrode and the transmitter electrode in dependence upon the magnitude of an applied force. |
| US08857271B2 |
Wraparound strain gage assembly for brake rod
An apparatus comprises a brake rod and a flexible dielectric membrane wrapped around the brake rod. The membrane has a plurality of substrate cutouts at precise locations for strain gage substrates. |
| US08857264B2 |
Catheter die
A catheter die is provided and includes an elongate body having first and second opposing end portions and an end face at the first one of the first and second opposing end portions. The elongate body defines a cavity within the first end portion with an interior facing surface of the cavity disposed to extend alongside at least a portion of the first end face. At least one or more piezoresistive pressure sensors are operably disposed proximate to the cavity. |
| US08857262B2 |
Systems and methods for ultrasonically evaluating structural properties
Systems and methods for ultrasonically evaluating one or more microstructural material properties of a structural specimen are disclosed. An example system comprises an ultrasonic sensor unit including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers that generate ultrasonic backscatter within the specimen, and an evaluation module that performs an autocorrelation function on the ultrasonic backscatter data. An autocorrelation algorithm is configured to execute a single scattering response (SSR) model that computes second order grain statistics of the structural specimen. |
| US08857261B2 |
Sensing device and method of attaching the same
A sensing device and a method of attaching the sensing device to a target object is disclosed. The substrate of the sensing device has one or more bonding material vias that allows the bonding material used to attach the substrate to the target object to flow from one side of the substrate to the other side of the substrate. The bonding material forms rivets to secure the substrate to the target object and to secure the layers of the substrate to each other. |
| US08857260B2 |
Motion detection using capacitor having different work function materials
An apparatus for detecting mechanical displacement in a micro-electromechanical system includes a capacitor having first and second plates spaced from one another, the first and second plates having different work functions and being electrically connected with each other. The capacitor plates are movable with respect to one another such that a spacing between the plates changes in response to a force. A current through the capacitor represents a rate of change in the spacing between the plates at a given time. |
| US08857253B2 |
Measuring device for measuring adhesive strength of two-sided adhesive tapes
A measuring device for measuring adhesive strength of two-sided adhesive pieces includes a frame, a supporting apparatus fixed to the frame, and a positioning apparatus installed on the supporting apparatus. The frame includes a pull member slidably installed on the frame along a first direction. The supporting apparatus includes a base secured on the frame, and a supporting assembly slidably installed on the base along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The positioning apparatus includes a supporting plate slidably installed on the supporting assembly along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and a number of pulling blocks. Each adhesive piece is adhered between the supporting plate and a corresponding pulling block. Each pulling block is connected to the pull member to be pulled up to disengage from the supporting plate, thereby measuring the adhesive strength of the adhesive piece. |
| US08857245B2 |
System and method for measuring or monitoring of a low concentration dispersed phase
Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring and/or monitoring concentrations of a dispersed phase in a fluid. A wettable surface may be used that is configured to be selectively wettable by the dispersed phase in the fluid being tested/monitored and the amount of or the rate of change of the wetting/deposition of the dispersed phase on the wettable surface is sensed and used to monitor the concentration of the dispersed phase. |
| US08857241B2 |
Gas sensor
A protector (100) of a gas sensor (1) includes an inner protector (120) and an outer protector (110). The inner protector accommodates a gas sensor element (10) and has a tubular side wall (122) having inner gas introduction holes (130), and a bottom wall (124). The outer protector has a tubular side wall (112) having outer gas introduction holes (115), a frustum-like taper wall (117) tapering frontward and an outer gas discharge hole (170) formed inside a front end edge (117s) of the taper wall. When SL represents an area defined by the front end edge of the taper wall, the area S of the opening of the outer gas discharge hole satisfies the relational expression ½×SL≦S≦SL. A cover portion (127) and a bottom wall (124) are partially away from each other along the axial direction, thereby forming side openings (162). |
| US08857239B2 |
Transfer bar
A connecting device connecting a remaining bar and a movable bar of a transfer bar includes a remaining-side clamp and a movable-side clamp. The clamps respectively have a male fitted portion and a female fitted portion that are fitted to one another around a connecting direction, defining a first connector. A male engagement portion and a female engagement portion are provided inside the clamps, defining a second connector. The female engagement portion of the second connector includes a sphere in a form of a movable member moving in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction. A movement of the sphere effects an engagement and disengagement of the female engagement portion from the male engagement portion. |
| US08857238B2 |
Method for manufacturing a quick release axle assembly that has greater strength and lighter weight
A method for manufacturing a quick release axle assembly includes preparing an elongate bar, pressing the elongate bar to form two mounting portions, at least one elongate groove and a projection, cutting the elongate bar to remove the projection from the periphery of the at least one elongate groove, and dieing the elongate bar to form a first external thread on one of the mounting portions of the elongate bar and a second external thread on the other one of the mounting portions of the elongate bar so as to produce an axle which includes the mounting portions, the at least one elongate groove, the first external thread and the second external thread. Thus, the axle is stamped and formed directly by the stamping die so that the axle is produced easily and quickly. |
| US08857235B2 |
Rolling mill for long articles
The present invention relates to a rolling mill 20 which defines a rolling axis X and comprises at least two rolling stations 22. At least one rolling station comprises a fixed structure 40, a roll-holder cartridge 24 and three actuators 32. The cartridge is connected removably to the fixed structure and comprises three rolling rolls 26. The rolls are movable radially and rotatable about three respective axes arranged at 120° from each other. The three actuators are mounted on the fixed structure and comprise pistons 50 movable along respective radial axes t arranged at 120° from each other. Each of the actuators is able, during use, to act on one of the rolls so as to impart a radial force suitable for rolling the article 44. The rolling mill 20 according to the invention is characterized in that the three actuators are of the single-stroke type and are arranged so that, when the pistons of two actuators are completely retracted to the end-of-travel stop of the working stroke, a path P is created free from obstacles and parallel to the axis of the third actuator. The path P which is created is such that allows the cartridge to pass out laterally on the opposite side to that where the third actuator is situated. |
| US08857233B2 |
Pipe bending processing apparatus
An object of the invention is to provide a compact and inexpensive pipe bending processing apparatus. To attain this object, provided is a pipe bending processing apparatus which positions a pipe with respect to a bending roll in response to the rotation of a rotary shaft, and bends the pipe by moving the pipe along the bending roll while pressing the pipe against the bending roll, wherein an outer cylinder in which a linear slit is formed along a bus line and a circumferential slit extending in a circumferential direction is formed at an upper end of the linear slit is arranged in a machine casing, an inner cylinder formed with a spiral groove is rotatably arranged inside the outer cylinder, the rotary shaft is inserted into the inner cylinder so as to be vertically movable and rotatable, a pin is provided in a protruding manner at the rotary shaft and is inserted into the spiral groove of the inner cylinder and into the linear slit of the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder is linked to an output shaft of a rotary actuator, and the rotary shaft is lifted and is also rotated at an uppermost position by the rotary actuator. |
| US08857231B2 |
Steering lock antitheft device for motor vehicle
The invention relates to a steering lock antitheft device for a motor vehicle comprising: an antitheft body (3) intended to house a lock (2) capable of turning between a neutral position (STOP) and a start position (DEM) via an intermediate position (MARCHE), a cam (4) intended to rotate as one with the lock (2) to actuate locking means of the antitheft device (1) according to the position of the lock (2), a nonreturn means to prevent the said cam (4) from turning in the opposite direction towards the start position (DEM) once it has reached the intermediate position (MARCHE) when moving from the start position (DEM) towards the neutral position (STOP) without first of all moving via the neutral position (STOP), characterized in that a cam profile (5) is formed in a radial wall of the said cam (4) and in that the said antitheft device (1) further comprises a control finger (6) and a means of elastically returning the said control finger (6) against the action of the said cam profile (5), the said cam profile (5) and the said control finger (6) working together firstly to form a nonreturn means and secondly to index the angular position of the cam (4). |
| US08857228B2 |
Self-feeding steam generator
An apparatus for generating steam comprised of a water reservoir chamber for holding a source of water, a steam chamber and a vertical partition there between. A water communication port is located at a vertical height within the vertical partition. The water communication port allows the source of water to pass from the water reservoir chamber to the steam chamber. A pair of electrodes is located in the steam chamber, the electrodes arranged to provide an electric current through water fed to the steam chamber. The vertical height determines a set level of water contacting the electrodes as the source of water is fed from the reservoir chamber to the steam chamber. Water feeding occurs as gas in the steam chamber is passed through the water communication port at periodic intervals and replaced by the source of water in the reservoir chamber to equalize pressure difference between the two chambers. |
| US08857227B2 |
Status sensor for a clutch on a washing machine appliance
A sensor for determining the mode or cycle of a washing machine appliance is provided. The sensor detects the position of a clutch mechanism that is used to shift a wash basket between a spin mode and a wash or rinse mode. The sensor can provide a signal to a controller of the appliance to identify the position of the clutch. |
| US08857226B2 |
Laundry treatment machine
A laundry treatment apparatus is provided comprising a cabinet having a prescribed shape; a supporter provided in the cabinet; a drum configured to rotate and provided on the supporter, the supporter supporting a circumferential portion of the drum, a cross section of the drum being a simple closed curve where first distance between a rotational axis of the drum and a first location on an inner surface of the drum is different from second distance between the rotational axis of the drum and a second location on the inner surface of the drum; and a motor to rotate the drum. |
| US08857223B2 |
Washing method which has no need of adding detergent by the user and the washing machine thereof
A washing machine which has no need of adding detergent by the user and the washing method thereof the said washing method comprises balancing setting the PH surface tension electrical conductivity and hardness of the washing liquid in a certain range, washing in general automatic washing machine with the use of a high PH electrolyzed water combined with a regulator; in which the PH of the said washing liquid is in the range of 8.5-1 I, the electrical conductivity of it is in the range of 261 us/cm-875 us/cm the surface tension is in the range of 2540 mN/m, the hardness is in the range of 5-400 ppm, if necessary 0.20.3 g/time of the regulator could be added in the above condition according to, the method of the invention it is possible to, realize washing without detergent; because the washing liquid is subjected to the treatment, the cost of the detergent will be saved and the pollution caused by detergents will be avoided, at the same time, the fabric hardening due to, it will be overcome, and an optimum washing condition will be obtained. |
| US08857218B2 |
Cooling tube nozzle for a post-manufacture glass container thermal strengthening station
An apparatus for manufacturing strengthened glass containers, and more particularly the construction and operation of a cooling tube nozzle in an apparatus for thermally strengthening glass containers in a glass container manufacturing line at a location intermediate the hot end and the cold end. Glass containers formed at an I. S. machine are conveyed through a special tempering Lehr that heats them uniformly to a high temperature that is short of temperatures at which they may become deformed. Subsequently, the glass containers are rapidly thermally strengthened in a cooling station in which the outer and inner surfaces including all areas of the glass containers are simultaneously cooled to a temperature below the Strain Point of the glass used in the glass containers, with the cooling tube nozzles being used to cool the inner surfaces of the glass containers. |
| US08857216B2 |
Burner modules, methods of forming glass sheets, and glass sheets formed thereby
A burner module comprising a burner gas inlet block, a lower flow plate, an upper flow plate, a burner gas flow disperser, and a burner gas discharge block. The burner gas inlet block, the burner gas flow disperser, and the burner gas discharge block each comprising a plurality of channels separated by partitions. The partitions of the burner gas flow disperser and the burner gas discharge block comprising a knife edge. The upper flow plate and the lower flow plate each comprising a plurality of pressure holes in fluid communication with the plurality of channels. Additionally, the method of forming a glass sheet or ribbon using the disclosed burner module and a glass sheet or ribbon formed using the method. |
| US08857215B2 |
Apparatus and method for heat treating glass sheets
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for heat treating glass sheets, and in particular for heat treating very thing glass sheets arranged in closely spaced stacks. The glass sheets are positioned on a moving belt such that their major surfaces are substantially perpendicular to a direction of belt travel through the apparatus to aid in producing a uniform temperature profile within the glass sheets. The apparatus comprises air curtains positioned at the inlet and outlet of the apparatus to minimize the ingress of particulate into the apparatus. A reduced velocity of heated air flow within a lower portion of the apparatus relative to a velocity of the heated air in an upper portion of the apparatus causes particulate to drop out of the lower portion air flow. A rotating brush and vacuums positioned adjacent a lower portion of the belt assist in removing particulate from the moving belt. |
| US08857212B2 |
Process for the separation of contaminant or mixture of contaminants from a CH4-comprising gaseous feed stream
The invention provides a process for the separation of a contaminant or mixture of contaminants from a CH4-comprising gaseous feed stream, comprising the subsequent steps of: a) passing a CH4-comprising gaseous feed stream comprising the contaminant or the mixture of contaminants into and through a cold porous body having a temperature below the sublimation temperature of the contaminant or the mixture of contaminants and contacting the CH4-comprising gaseous feed stream at elevated pressure with the surface of the cold porous body to obtain a porous body comprising solid contaminant or mixture of contaminants and a contaminant-depleted product gas; and b) reducing the pressure to obtain fluid contaminant or mixture of contaminants and a cold porous body. c) removing the fluid contaminant or mixture of contaminants, wherein the contaminant is selected from CO2, hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans, siloxanes and carbonyl sulphide, or a mixture thereof. |
| US08857209B2 |
Apparatus for carrying/storing baked goods and the like
An apparatus carries and stores foodstuffs in a desired ambient temperature, and comprises a primary tray, a shroud, and a lid. The primary tray comprises an inner support platform portion and an outer shroud-receiving portion. The shroud comprises an inner cover portion and an outer wall portion contiguous with the inner cover portion. The inner cover portion defines a downwardly open matter-receiving space for covering matter supported by the support platform portion. The outer wall portion and the inner cover portion define an upwardly open medium-receiving space for receiving and positioning a heat transfer medium adjacent the matter-receiving space. The lid is seatable upon the shroud for covering the medium-receiving space. A series of fastening mechanisms removably fasten the primary tray to the shroud. A heat transfer medium is receivable in the medium-receiving space for effecting heat transfer intermediate the medium-receiving and matter-receiving spaces. |
| US08857204B2 |
Real time individual electronic enclosure cooling system
A computer server enclosure (such as in a server farm) evaporative cooling system. The system includes multiple cooling towers and includes cooling coil heat transfer equipment locally associated with a server enclosure or group of server enclosures, with the system subject to command and control equipment. |
| US08857199B2 |
Refrigerating apparatus
A refrigerating apparatus includes first and second refrigerant circuits including respective first and second compressors, condensers, pressure reducers, and evaporators, connected circularly with first and second refrigerant pipes, respectively, refrigerants discharged from the first and second compressors being respectively condensed at the first and second condensers and thereafter respectively evaporated at the first and second evaporators to acquire a cooling effect; a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of an internal portion of a cold storage cabinet, the first and second evaporators being disposed to cool the internal portion simultaneously; and a first control device that controls the first and second compressors such that the first compressor and the second compressor start being alternately operated each time a temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches a first temperature, and are continuously operated until the detected temperature reaches a second temperature lower than the first temperature. |
| US08857196B2 |
Optronic infrared system with predictive maintenance in terms of the number of cycles before breakdown
The invention relates to an optronics system equipped with: a detector cooler having a cooling machine, a cryostat, an IR detector placed in the cryostat, and a sensor for measuring the temperature TD of the detector; and a processing card which includes means for servocontrolling the cooling machine according to the temperature TD. The system includes a sensor for sensing the system's internal temperature TS, and the processing card includes means for calculating: the refrigerating time (TMF) based on the temperatures TD and TS, on each “on-off” cycle of the detector cooler, the trend of the drift in the refrigerating time TMF, as a function of the number of “on-off” cycles of the detector cooler, a number of “on-off” cycles of the detector cooler before breakdown as a function of said trend of the drift of the TMF, and means for storing data used in said calculations; these data are aggregated data and not the measurements of temperatures TD and TS, nor said TMFs, in order to limit the size of the storage means. |
| US08857194B1 |
Host-guest complexes used as thermal energy systems
A thermal energy storage material is described, including a host-guest complex wherein the combined rotational, vibrational, translational, and binding energies of a guest molecule are dependent upon the temperature of the surrounding environment. The host-guest complex may include nanoparticles having a topography, such as nanotubes, nanobowls, nanospheres, and nanocages. The host-guest complex may include a metal organic framework. The guest of the host-guest complex may be water, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, oxygen, acetone, methanol, ethanol, or another inert compound. |
| US08857193B2 |
Intermediate casing for a gas-turbine engine
An intermediate casing for a gas-turbine engine has an outer ring (3), an inner ring (1) and an intermediate ring (2) mutually supported by mutually aligned outer and inner supporting struts (4, 5). A radial drive shaft (6), positioned through inner and outer supporting struts (4.1, 5.1) aligned at a 6-o′ clock position, connects to an auxiliary gear drive (7). Four additional outer supporting struts (5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5) are spaced apart 72°. A mounting bracket connects to the outer ring at a side facing an aircraft fuselage in areas of two of the additional outer supporting struts. The arrangement of supporting struts and type of mounting bracket attachment, saves weight, improves flow in the bypass duct and increase maintenance and installation access at the bottom side of the engine to nearly 144°. |
| US08857188B2 |
Hybrid drive device
A hybrid drive device including an electric motor; an automatic transmission; a lubricating oil passage to which a lubricating oil pressure is supplied; and a switching valve that is switched between a first state where the lubricating oil passage communicates with a first lubricating oil passage that guides lubricating oil to the automatic transmission, and a second state where the lubricating oil passage communicates with a second lubricating oil passage that guides the lubricating oil to the electric motor. The electric motor and an internal combustion engine output shaft are operable in conjunction with the automatic transmission. The switching valve is switched from the first state to the second state when a vehicle is in a stationary state or running at a speed of a predetermined value or less including the stationary state of the vehicle. |
| US08857186B2 |
Heat engine cycles for high ambient conditions
A system for converting thermal energy to work. The system includes a working fluid circuit, and a precooler configured to receive the working fluid. The system also includes a compression stages and intercoolers. At least one of the precooler and the intercoolers is configured to receive a heat transfer medium from a high temperature ambient environment. The system also includes heat exchangers coupled to a source of heat and being configured to receive the working fluid. The system also includes turbines coupled to one or more of the heat exchangers and configured to receive heated working fluid therefrom. The system further includes recuperators fluidly coupled to the turbines, the precooler, the compressor, and at least one of the heat exchangers. The recuperators transfer heat from the working fluid downstream from the turbines, to the working fluid upstream from at least one of the heat exchangers. |
| US08857183B2 |
Steam turbine, power plant and method for operating steam turbine
The steam turbine includes the high-and-intermediate pressure turbine of the single flow type, the intermediate-pressure turbine of the single flow type, and the steam passage that communicates a location on a part way of the steam flow inside the high-and-intermediate pressure turbine, to the steam inlet of the intermediate-pressure turbine. The high-and-intermediate pressure turbine includes the high-pressure part on the steam inlet side and the intermediate-pressure part on the steam outlet side. The steam passage feeds a part of the steam having passed through the high-pressure part, from the location between the high-pressure part and the intermediate-pressure part, to the intermediate-pressure turbine. |
| US08857181B2 |
Drive train, in particular vehicle drive train
A drive train, especially a vehicle drive train, includes: an engine for supplying drive power into the drive train; a cooling circuit in which a cooling medium is revolved in order to cool the engine or an electric generator or another unit; an expansion machine which is driven with fluid or steam as a working medium and by way of which additional drive power can be supplied to the drive train or which drives an electric generator or another unit, the cooling medium of the cooling circuit being simultaneously the working medium of the expansion machine; and a bypass to the expansion machine which is provided through which the working medium of the expansion machine is forced through a switching valve or can be guided past the expansion machine automatically by the prevailing pressure conditions. |
| US08857180B2 |
Turbocharger bearing anti-rotation plate
A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes a bearing housing with a bearing bore and a semi-floating bearing disposed within the bore. The turbocharger also includes a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the shaft is supported by the bearing for rotation about an axis within the bore. The turbocharger also includes a turbine wheel fixed to the shaft proximate to the first end and configured to be rotated about the axis by post-combustion gasses emitted by the engine. Additionally, the turbocharger includes a compressor wheel fixed to the shaft proximate to the second end and configured to pressurize an airflow being received from the ambient for delivery to the engine. Furthermore, the turbocharger includes a plate secured within the bearing housing and configured to prevent rotation of the bearing about the axis. An internal combustion engine employing such a turbocharger is also disclosed. |
| US08857179B2 |
Secondary air system with variable speed air pump and multi-position gated check valve
A secondary air system comprising a variable speed air pump and a gated check valve connected between the variable speed air pump and an IC engine. The gated check valve has two ports, and generally, a first of the two ports is connected to a first bank of engine cylinders, and a second of the two ports is connected to a second bank of engine cylinders. The system further comprises a controller for controlling the speed of the variable speed air pump, and the positioning of the gated check valve. The gated check valve is operable to fully close air flow to both ports, fully open air flow to one of the two ports, or variably split air flow between the two ports. |
| US08857177B2 |
Piston engine
A piston engine, having at least one cylinder that includes at least a first and a second discharge valve and a double overhead camshaft for controlling the first and a second discharge valves. The double overhead camshaft includes both an inner shaft, which has at least one first cam for controlling the first discharge valve, and an outer shaft that is coaxial to the first inner shaft and has at least one second cam for controlling the second discharge valve. The inner shaft and the outer shaft are rotationally adjustable relative to one another changing the discharge time frame of the discharge valves. |
| US08857171B2 |
Integrated hydrostatic transmission
An integrated hydrostatic transmission including a reservoir housing having at least two openings, wherein a pre-assembled motor module can be received in one of the openings for closing the opening, and a cover can be attached to the other opening for closing the opening. As a result, the motor can be mounted at a left or right side opening depending on which side of a zero-turn-radius mower or other vehicle the transmission is being mounted, and because the transmission is modular, the design provides for ease of service of both the hydraulic motor and a hydraulic pump. |
| US08857169B2 |
Hydraulic drive system for construction machine
A main relief valve 13 includes a biasing force altering unit 60, which constitutes, in combination with a gate lock valve 23 and a gate lock lever 24, relief pressure altering means for manually switching the relief pressure of the main relief valve 13 between a first pressure (a standard pressure of 25 MPa, for example) and a second lower pressure for engine start-up (e.g., 3.0 MPa). This allows the main relief valve 13 to return the hydraulic fluid discharged from a hydraulic pump 2 to a tank T in conjunction with an unloading valve 9 when multiple actuators 5a, 5b, . . . are not in operation under the ambient temperature below freezing point. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load on the hydraulic pump during cold engine start-up without compromising the anti-hunting characteristics of the unloading valve, thereby improving the engine start-up performance. |
| US08857165B2 |
Method and system for prioritizing vehicle vacuum
A vacuum prioritization system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one example, use and availability of vacuum provided via vacuum sources is allocated to higher priority vacuum operated actuators when a pressure in the vacuum system exceeds a threshold pressure. The lower priority vacuum operated actuators have access to vacuum supplied via the vacuum sources when pressure in the vacuum system is less than a threshold pressure. The approach may allow higher priority actuators to operate for an extended amount of time. |
| US08857163B2 |
Exhaust heat utilization system
To effectively utilize exhaust heat of an engine mounted on a vehicle. An exhaust heat utilization system includes a working fluid heating tank (11) mounted on a truck (10) driven by an engine (12) and configured to heat a working fluid (30) stored therein with exhaust heat of the engine (12) and a heater (26) configured to heat a greenhouse (25) with the working fluid (30) heated by the working fluid heating tank (11). Exhaust heat recovered from the truck (10) is utilized for the heating of the greenhouse (25). |
| US08857161B2 |
Exhaust gas purification apparatus and exhaust gas purification method for an internal combustion engine
A detection unit that is arranged in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine configured to detect a state of the exhaust gas, addition unit configured to add the additive agent into the exhaust passage, a catalyst that is arranged at the downstream side of the detection unit and the addition unit so as to receive a supply of the additive agent from the addition unit, determination unit configured to determine whether detection accuracy of the detection unit drops due to the additive agent to be added from the addition unit, and stop unit configured to stop detection of the state of the exhaust gas by the detection unit in cases where it is determined by the determination unit that the detection accuracy of the detection unit drops. |
| US08857160B2 |
Reservoir for accommodating an aqueous solution
The invention relates to a dosing system (10) for introducing a reducing agent (18), especially urea or an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine. The dosing system (10) comprises a reservoir (12, 14) for accommodating a stock in the reducing agent (18), a delivery unit (32), a level sensor (50) and a dosing module (38). The reservoir (40) is a standard reservoir integrated into a vehicle-specific component (60), especially a fuel tank (68). |