| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08951896B2 |
High linearity SOI wafer for low-distortion circuit applications
According to a method herein, a first side of a substrate is implanted with a first material to change a crystalline structure of the first side of the substrate from a first crystalline state to a second crystalline state, after the first material is implanted. A second material is deposited on the first side of the substrate, after the first material is implanted. A first side of an insulator layer is bonded to the second material on the first side of the substrate. Integrated circuit devices are formed on a second side of the insulator layer, opposite the first side of the insulator layer, after the insulator layer is bonded to the second material. The integrated circuit devices are thermally annealed. The first material maintains the second crystalline state of the first side of the substrate during the annealing. |
| US08951891B2 |
Deposition substrate of deposition apparatus, method of forming layer using the same, and method of manufacturing organic light emitting diode display device
Provided are a deposition substrate of a deposition apparatus, a method of forming a layer using the same, and a method of manufacturing an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device. The method of forming a layer using the deposition substrate includes preparing a substrate, forming a heating conductive layer for Joule heating on the substrate, forming a first insulating layer on the heating conductive layer for Joule heating and including a groove or hole, forming a deposition material layer on a top surface of the first insulating layer having the groove or hole, and applying an electric field to the heating conductive layer for Joule heating to perform Joule-heating on the deposition material layer. Thus, the method is suitable for manufacturing a large-sized device. |
| US08951889B2 |
Laser processing method and laser processing apparatus
There is provided a laser processing method of a sapphire substrate including preparing a sapphire substrate on which plural stacked portions spaced from each other are formed, irradiating a short pulse laser beam from a laser light source, making the laser beam irradiated from the laser light source pass through a beam shaping module, adjusting a position of a light concentrating unit or the sapphire substrate such that the laser beam is concentrated to the inside of the sapphire substrate through the light concentrating unit, and forming a phase transformation area within the sapphire substrate by irradiating the laser beam into the sapphire substrate. The laser beam is introduced into the sapphire substrate while avoiding an area where the stacked portions are formed on the sapphire substrate, so that the phase transformation area is formed within the sapphire substrate. |
| US08951884B1 |
Method for forming a FinFET structure
A method for forming a FinFET structure includes providing a substrate, a first region and a second region being defined on the substrate, a first fin structure and a second fin structure being disposed on the substrate within the first region and the second region respectively. A first oxide layer cover the first fin structure and the second fin structure. Next a first protective layer and a second protective layer are entirely formed on the substrate and the first oxide layer in sequence, the second protective layer within the first region is removed, and the first protective layer within the first region is then removed. Afterwards, the first oxide layer covering the first fin structure and the second protective layer within the second region are removed simultaneously, and a second oxide layer is formed to cover the first fin structure. |
| US08951883B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method therefor is based on the fact that a thinner liner oxide layer on the bottom of the trenches can lead to a higher subsequent deposition rate. After forming trenches and a liner oxide layer and before depositing a filling oxide layer in the trenches, a portion of or all of the thickness of the liner oxide layer on bottom of trenches in an isolation area is removed. Removing some or all of a liner oxide layer on the bottom of trenches in an isolation area can improve the deposition rate for trenches in such that the difference in thickness can be reduced for deposited filling oxide layer between isolation area and dense area. |
| US08951875B2 |
Semiconductor structure
A semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a gate structure, and two silicon-containing structures. The substrate includes two recesses defined therein and two doping regions of a first dopant type. Each of the two doping regions extends along a bottom surface and at least portion of a sidewall of a corresponding one of the two recesses. The gate structure is over the substrate and between the two recesses. The two silicon-containing structures are of a second dopant type different from the first dopant type. Each of the two silicon-containing structures fills a corresponding one of the two recesses, and an upper portion of each of the two silicon-containing structures has a dopant concentration higher than that of a lower portion of each of the two silicon-containing structures. |
| US08951873B2 |
Semiconductor devices having encapsulated stressor regions and related fabrication methods
Apparatus and related fabrication methods are provided for semiconductor device structures having silicon-encapsulated stressor regions. One semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a gate structure overlying the semiconductor substrate, stressor regions formed in the semiconductor substrate proximate the gate structure, and a silicon material overlying the stressor regions, the silicon material encapsulating the stressor regions. |
| US08951871B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
This disclosure relates to a semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof. The semiconductor device comprises: a patterned stacked structure formed on a semiconductor substrate, the stacked structure comprising a silicon-containing semiconductor layer overlaying the semiconductor substrate, a gate dielectric layer overlaying the silicon-containing semiconductor layer and a gate layer overlaying the gate dielectric layer; and a doped epitaxial semiconductor layer on opposing sides of the silicon-containing semiconductor layer forming raised source/drain extension regions. Optionally, the silicon-containing semiconductor layer may be used as a channel region. According to this disclosure, the source/drain extension regions can be advantageously made to have a shallow junction depth (or a small thickness) and a high doping concentration. |
| US08951870B2 |
Forming strained and relaxed silicon and silicon germanium fins on the same wafer
Various embodiments form strained and relaxed silicon and silicon germanium fins on a semiconductor wafer. In one embodiment a semiconductor wafer is formed. The semiconductor wafer comprises a substrate, a dielectric layer, and a strained silicon germanium (SiGe) layer. At least one region of the strained SiGe layer is transformed into a relaxed SiGe region. At least one strained SiGe fin is formed from a first strained SiGe region of the strained SiGe layer. At least one relaxed SiGe fin is formed from a first portion of the relaxed SiGe region. Relaxed silicon is epitaxially grown on a second strained SiGe region of the strained SiGe layer. Strained silicon is epitaxially grown on a second portion of the relaxed SiGe region. At least one relaxed silicon fin is formed from the relaxed silicon. At least one strained silicon fin is formed from the strained silicon. |
| US08951869B2 |
Method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
A control gate electrode and a memory gate electrode of a memory cell of a non-volatile memory are formed in a memory cell region of a semiconductor substrate, and a dummy gate electrode is formed in a peripheral circuit region. Then, n+-type semiconductor regions for a source or a drain of the memory cell are formed in the memory cell region and n+-type semiconductor regions for a source or a drain of MISFET are formed in the peripheral circuit region. Then, a metal silicide layer is formed over the n+-type semiconductor regions but the metal silicide layer is not formed over the control gate electrode, the memory gate electrode, and the gate electrode. Subsequently, the gate electrode is removed and replaced with the gate electrode for MISFET. Then, after removing the gate electrode and replacing it with a gate electrode for MISFET, a metal silicide layer is formed over the memory gate electrode and the control gate electrode. |
| US08951868B1 |
Formation of functional gate structures with different critical dimensions using a replacement gate process
A plurality of sacrificial gate structures is formed on substrate. A first set of sacrificial gate structures of the plurality of sacrificial gate structures contains a sacrificial spacer on sidewall surfaces thereof, and a second set of sacrificial gate structures of the plurality of sacrificial gate structures has bare sidewall surfaces. A dielectric spacer is provided to the first and second sets of sacrificial gate structures. Each sacrificial gate structure of the first and second sets is removed together with the sacrificial spacers providing first gate cavities in the area previously occupied by a sacrificial gate structure of the first set of sacrificial gate structures and the sacrificial spacer and second gate cavities in the area previously occupied by a sacrificial gate structure of the second set of sacrificial gate structures. A functional gate is formed in each of the first and second gate cavities. |
| US08951866B2 |
Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices and semiconductor devices including threshold voltage control regions
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including isolation regions defining first and second active regions having a first and second conductivity type, respectively, first threshold voltage control regions in predetermined regions of the first active region, wherein the first threshold voltage control regions have the first conductivity type and a different impurity concentration from the first active region, a first gate trench extending across the first active region, wherein portions of side bottom portions of the first gate trench adjacent to the respective isolation region are disposed at a higher level than a central bottom portion of the first gate trench, and the first threshold voltage control regions remain in the first active region under the side bottom portions of the first gate trench adjacent to the respective isolation region, and a first gate pattern. Methods of manufacturing such semiconductor devices are also provided. |
| US08951859B2 |
Method for fabricating passive devices for 3D non-volatile memory
A method for fabricating passive devices such as resistors and capacitors for a 3D non-volatile memory device. In a peripheral area of a substrate, alternating layers of a dielectric such as oxide and a conductive material such as heavily doped polysilicon or metal silicide are provided in a stack. The substrate includes one or more lower metal layers connected to circuitry. One or more upper metal layers are formed above the stack. Contact structures are formed which extend from the layers of conductive material to portions of the one or more upper metal layers so that the layers of conductive material are connected to one another in parallel or serially by the contact structures and the at least one upper metal layer. Additional contact structures can connect the circuitry to the one or more upper metal layers. The passive device can be fabricated concurrently with a 3D memory array using common processing steps. |
| US08951857B2 |
Method for implanting ions in semiconductor device
The present invention provides various methods for implanting ions in a semiconductor device that substantially compensate for a difference in threshold voltages between a central portion and edge portions of a substrate generated while performing uniform ion implantation to entire surfaces of a substrate. Other methods for fabricating a semiconductor device improve distribution of transistor parameters across a substrate by forming a nonuniform channel doping layer or by forming a nonuniform junction profile, across the substrate. |
| US08951856B1 |
Low-noise, high-gain semiconductor device incorporating BCD (Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS) technology and process of making the same
Techniques are described to form a low-noise, high-gain semiconductor device. In one or more implementations, the device includes a substrate including a first dopant material having a concentration ranging from about 1×1010/cm3 to about 1×1019/cm3. The substrate also includes at least two active regions formed proximate to a surface of the substrate. The at least two active regions include a second dopant material, which is different than the first dopant material. The device further includes a gate structure formed over the surface of the substrate between the active regions. The gate structure includes a doped polycrystalline layer and an oxide layer formed over the surface between the surface and the doped polycrystalline layer. The doped polycrystalline layer includes the first dopant material having a concentration ranging from about 1×1019/cm3 to about 1×1021/cm3. |
| US08951855B2 |
Manufacturing method for semiconductor device having metal gate
A manufacturing method for a semiconductor device having a metal gate is provided. First and second gate trenches are respectively formed in first and second semiconductor devices. A work-function metal layer is formed in the first and second gate trenches. A shielding layer is formed on the substrate. A first removing step is performed, so that the remaining shielding layer is at bottom of the second gate trench and fills up the first gate trench. A second removing step is performed, so that the remaining shielding layer is at bottom of the first gate trench to expose the work-function metal layer at sidewall of the first gate trench and in the second gate trench. The work-function metal layer not covered by the remaining shielding layer is removed, so that the remaining work-function metal layer is only at bottom of the first gate trench. The remaining shielding layer is removed. |
| US08951847B2 |
Package leadframe for dual side assembly
Embodiments of a leadframe for a device packaging are used not only for structural support and connectivity to the I/O pins to the external world, but also for housing and/or mounting devices above and below the leadframe. Being electrically conductive, the leadframe also serves as a low resistance interconnect and good current carrier between the bondpads on one device or between the bondpads on different devices above and/or below the leadframe. |
| US08951845B2 |
Methods of fabricating a flip chip package for dram with two underfill materials
A method of fabricating a microelectronic package can include mounting a microelectronic element to a substrate with a joining material. The mounting can include bonding a front surface of the microelectronic element to a first surface of the substrate with a joining material, and joining contacts arranged within a contact-bearing region of the front surface of the microelectronic element with corresponding substrate contacts at the substrate first surface, the joining creating electrical contact between the microelectronic element and the substrate. The method can also include forming an underfill between the substrate first surface and the contact-bearing region of the front surface of the microelectronic element, the underfill reinforcing the joints between the contacts and the substrate contacts, the joining material having a Young's modulus less than 75% of a Young's modulus of the underfill. |
| US08951844B2 |
Method of producing a semiconductor device including treatment with dilute hydrofluoric acid
A semiconductor device production method includes: treating a wafer which contains a silicon substrate with dilute hydrofluoric acid in a bath; introducing water into the bath while discharging the dilute hydrofluoric acid from the bath; and introducing H2O2 and warm water warmer than the above-mentioned water into the bath after the discharge of dilute hydrofluoric acid from the bath in such a manner that the introduction of warm water is started simultaneously with the start of H2O2 supply or subsequently to the start of H2O2 supply. |
| US08951840B2 |
FCOC (Flip Chip On Chip) package and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method for Flip Chip on Chip (FCoC) package based on multi-row Quad Flat No-lead (QFN) package is provided wherein the lower surface of plate metallic base material are half-etched to form grooves. Insulation filling material is filled in the half-etched grooves. The upper surface of plate metallic base material is half-etched to form chip pad and multi-row of leads. Encapsulating first IC chip, second IC chip, solder bumps, underfill material, and metal wire to form an array of FCoC package based on the type of multi-row QFN package. Sawing and separating the FCoC package array, and forming FCoC package unit. |
| US08951835B2 |
Method of fabricating a package substrate
A method of fabricating a package substrate, includes forming a cavity in at least one region of an upper surface of a wafer, the cavity including a chip mounting region, forming a through-hole penetrating through the wafer and a via filling the through-hole, forming a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer spaced apart from the first wiring layer, which are extended into the cavity, and mounting a chip in the cavity to be connected to the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer. |
| US08951826B2 |
Method for increasing photodiode full well capacity
A backside illuminated CMOS image sensor comprises an extended photo active region formed over a substrate using a first high energy ion implantation process and an isolation region formed over the substrate using a second high energy ion implantation process. The extended photo active region is enclosed by the isolation region, which has a same depth as the extended photo active region. The extended photo active region helps to increase the number of photons converted into electrons so as to improve quantum efficiency. |
| US08951824B1 |
Adhesives for attaching wire network to photovoltaic cells
Provided are novel methods of fabricating photovoltaic modules using pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) to secure wire networks of interconnect assemblies to one or both surfaces of photovoltaic cells. A PSA having suitable characteristics is provided near the interface between the wire network and the cell's surface. It may be provided together as part of the interconnect assembly or as a separate component. The interconnect assembly may also include a liner, which may remain as a part of the module or may be removed later. The PSA may be distributed in a void-free manner by applying some heat and/or pressure. The PSA may then be cured by, for example, exposing it to UV radiation to increase its mechanical stability at high temperatures, in particular at a, for example the maximum, operating temperature of the photovoltaic module. For example, the modulus of the PSA may be substantially increased during this curing operation. |
| US08951820B2 |
Method of fabricating nano-imprint mold for a light emitting diode
A method of manufacturing a light emitting diode, includes a process of forming an n-type nitride semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer, and a p-type nitride semiconductor layer on a temporary substrate, a process of forming a p-type electrode on the p-type nitride semiconductor layer, a process of forming a conductive substrate on the p-type electrode, a process of removing the temporary substrate to expose the n-type nitride semiconductor layer, a process of forming a nanoimprint resist layer on the n-type nitride semiconductor layer, a process of pressing the nanoimprint mold on the nanoimprint resist layer to transfer the nano-pattern onto the nanoimprint resist layer, and a process of separating the nanoimprint mold from the nanoimprint resist layer having the nano-pattern and etching a portion of the nanoimprint resist layer having the nano-pattern to form an n-type electrode. |
| US08951819B2 |
Wafer dicing using hybrid split-beam laser scribing process with plasma etch
Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. A method includes forming a mask above the semiconductor wafer. The mask is composed of a layer covering and protecting the integrated circuits. The mask is patterned with a split-beam laser scribing process to provide a patterned mask with gaps. The patterning exposes regions of the semiconductor wafer between the integrated circuits. The semiconductor wafer is then etched through the gaps in the patterned mask to singulate the integrated circuits. |
| US08951818B2 |
Method for preparing switch transistor and equipment for etching the same
The present invention discloses a method for preparing switch transistor comprising: sequentially forming a control electrode, an insulation layer, an active layer, and a source/drain metal layer of the switch transistor on a glass substrate; patterning the source/drain metal layer to expose the active layer; and proceeding an etching process to the exposed active layer in a way of gradually reducing etching rate to form a channel of the switch transistor. The present invention further discloses an equipment for etching the switch transistor. In the way mentioned above, the present invention can minimize the damages to the switch transistor and improve the reliability of the switch transistor. |
| US08951815B2 |
Method for producing liquid-discharge-head substrate
A method for producing a liquid-discharge-head substrate includes a step of preparing a silicon substrate including, at a front-surface side of the silicon substrate, an energy generating element; a step of forming a first etchant introduction hole on the front-surface side of the silicon substrate; a step of supplying a first etchant into the first etchant introduction hole formed on the front-surface side of the silicon substrate, and supplying a second etchant to a back-surface side of the silicon substrate; a step of stopping the supply of the second etchant; and a step of, after the supply of the second etchant has been stopped, forming a liquid supply port extending through front and back surfaces of the silicon substrate by the supply of the first etchant. |
| US08951813B2 |
Method of polishing a substrate having a film on a surface of the substrate for semiconductor manufacturing
A method of polishing a substrate having a film is provided. The method includes: performing polishing of the substrate in a polishing section; transporting the polished substrate to a wet-type film thickness measuring device prior to cleaning and drying of the substrate; measuring a thickness of the film by the wet-type film thickness measuring device; comparing the thickness with a predetermined target value; and if the thickness has not reached the predetermined target value, performing re-polishing of the substrate in the polishing section prior to cleaning and drying of the substrate. |
| US08951809B2 |
Method of transfer by means of a ferroelectric substrate
A method of carrying out a transfer of one or more first components or of a first layer onto a second substrate including: a) application and maintaining, by electrostatic effect, of the one or more first components or of the first layer, on a first substrate, made of a ferroelectric material, electrically charged, b) placing in contact, direct or by molecular adhesion, and transfer of the components or the layer onto a second substrate, and c) dismantling of the first substrate, leaving at least one part of the components or the layer on the second substrate. |
| US08951808B2 |
Systems and methods for fabrication of superconducting integrated circuits
Various techniques and apparatus permit fabrication of superconductive circuits and structures, for instance Josephson junctions, which may, for example be useful in quantum computers. For instance, a low magnetic flux noise trilayer structure may be fabricated having a dielectric structure or layer interposed between two elements or layers capable of superconducting. A superconducting via may directly overlie a Josephson junction. A structure, for instance a Josephson junction, may be carried on a planarized dielectric layer. A fin may be employed to remove heat from the structure. A via capable of superconducting may have a width that is less than about 1 micrometer. The structure may be coupled to a resistor, for example by vias and/or a strap contact connector. |
| US08951807B2 |
Surface neutralization of apatite
The present invention discloses methods of neutralizing apatite surfaces, for example during chromatography and before protein elution. |
| US08951805B2 |
System for managing inventory of bulk liquids
A system for managing bulk liquids for an automated clinical analyzer. The system comprises (a) at least one local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use, (b) at least one container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir, and (c) a controller for monitoring the level of a bulk liquid in a local reservoir. The local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for impending use can be a trough. The use of troughs for storing a reagent, a diluent, or some other treating agent for impending use enables an aspirating/dispensing device having a plurality of pipettes to aspirate and dispense the reagent, diluent, or other treating agent at a high rate of throughput. The controller can monitor the level of a liquid in (a) a local reservoir for storing a bulk liquid for imminent use and the level of liquid in a (b) container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir. In the laboratory automation system described herein, the container for holding a bulk liquid before the liquid is transferred to a local reservoir can be a bottle. Other desirable features in the system include, but are not limited to, pump(s), valves, liquid level sensors. |
| US08951803B2 |
Sample analyzer and sample analyzing method
A sample analyzer comprising: a reagent container holder, configured to rotate around a rotational axis and to hold a reagent container containing a reagent; a reagent aspirator for aspirating, at a reagent aspirating position, the reagent from the reagent container held by the reagent container holder; an analysis section for analyzing a measurement sample prepared from the reagent aspirated by the reagent aspirator and a sample; and a controller for controlling: the reagent container holder to rotate and thereby transport the reagent container to the reagent aspirating position, the reagent aspirator to aspirate the reagent from the reagent container, and the reagent container holder to accelerate and decelerate alternately while being rotated is disclosed. A sample analyzing method is also disclosed. |
| US08951798B2 |
Generation of cardiomyocytes from human pluripotent stem cells
Methods for generating high-yield, high-purity cardiomyocyte progenitors or cardiomyocytes from pluripotent cells are described. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is first activated in pluripotent cells, e.g., by inhibition of Gsk-3 to obtain a first population of cells. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is then inhibited in the first cell population to induce cardiogenesis under fully defined, growth factor free culture conditions. |
| US08951795B2 |
Revascularization cells derived from mononuclear cells, and method of inducing differentiation thereof
The present invention relates to a method of safely and simply inducing differentiation of mononuclear cells into cells that promote neovascular stabilization and maturation, and lead to recovering from ischemia or tissue repair. The cells according to the present invention are obtained by inducing differentiation of a mononuclear cell by culturing the mononuclear cell in a medium (particularly a serum-free medium) containing one or more selected from vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), thrombopoietin (TPO), granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), and collecting a cell population expressing CD11b. |
| US08951791B2 |
System for expression of genes in plants
The present invention provides trans-complementation systems for expressing gene products in plants. In general, the invention provides systems including a carrier vector and a producer vector, both based on plant viruses. The producer vector is defective for at least one function needed for successful systemic infection of a plant, e.g., replication, cell-to-cell movement, or long distance movement. The carrier vector supplies the missing function in trans. Certain producer vectors lack a functional coat protein coding sequence, in which case the corresponding producer vector supplies coat protein in trans. The invention also provides novel plant viral vectors and methods of use, e.g., to produce polypeptides or active RNAs in plants. |
| US08951789B2 |
Mammalian artificial chromosome vector comprising human cytochrome P450 gene (cluster) and non-human mammalian animal retaining the same
This invention relates to a mammalian artificial chromosome vector, which retains a human chromosome 7 fragment comprising human cytochrome P450 genes and is transmittable to progeny, wherein the human chromosome 7 fragment retains a region of approximately 1 Mb±500 Kb in size comprising at least a human CYP3A gene cluster, which region is located between chromosome markers AC004922 and AC073842, and to a non-human mammalian animal retaining the vector. |
| US08951788B2 |
Filtration unit and method for the microbiological analysis of liquid samples
The invention relates to a filtration unit, comprising a membrane filter that can be disposed on a filter support of a bottom part and an attachment that can be placed on the bottom part, wherein the membrane filter has a reinforcing edge, and wherein the membrane filter can be clamped to a clamping part of a cover of a culture medium unit for removal purposes and introduced into the culture media unit. The invention further relates to a method for the microbiological analysis of liquid samples following a filtration process, wherein after removing an attachment a membrane filter is lifted off a filter support for pouring in the liquid sample and set down on a surface of a culture medium disposed in the bottom part of a culture medium unit, and the bottom part is covered by a cover. The cover is placed on the membrane resting on the filter support such that a clamping part present on the filter support clamps to a reinforcing edge of the membrane. The cover is lifted off the filter support together with the membrane and placed on the bowl-shaped bottom part such that the bottom of the membrane facing away from the cover rests on the top of the nutrient medium facing the cover. |
| US08951787B1 |
Vermicomposting apparatus and system
An apparatus for decomposing kitchen waste by the use of vermiculture includes a container. A conduit is disposed along a bottom of the container and is attached to a spigot that exits from the container. A plurality of fluid collection openings are arranged in spaced-apart rows along a bottom of the conduit and in a cluster proximate the spigot. Gravel or other means for producing a volume for the collection of an effluent is provided along the bottom of the container up to the uppermost height of the conduit, which is sloped downward toward the spigot. A screen is placed over the conduit and gravel. A starter material is placed over the screen and provides a habitat for a preferred species of earthworm which are then added. |
| US08951786B1 |
Compositions, tools and methods for the manufacture of construction materials using enzymes
Methods for producing construction material utilizing loose pieces of aggregate (30), enzyme producing cells, an amount of urea and an amount of calcium ions. A first solution is prepared which includes urease which is formed by enzyme producing cells. A second solution is prepared which includes urea and calcium ions. The first and second solutions are added to the loose aggregate (30). The calcium ions contribute to the formation of calcium carbonate wherein the calcium carbonate fills and bonds between at least some of the gaps between the loose pieces of aggregate forming a solid construction material (92). |
| US08951784B2 |
Cell culture bioreactor
A cell culture bioreactor having a culture chamber for cell growth, a culture medium reservoir mounted externally to the culture chamber, a fluid circulation mechanism for moving culture medium from the reservoir through the culture chamber, and an aerating mechanism for introducing air into and removing air from the culture chamber is provided. The cell culture bioreactor comprises a manifold mechanism mounted at the top end of the culture chamber, a fluid circulation mechanism fluidly connected to the culture medium reservoir, for receiving culture medium from the culture medium reservoir and distributing culture medium into the culture chamber. A support matrix is mounted within the culture chamber in fluid communication with the fluid circulation mechanism with at least a portion of the support matrix contacting the culture medium wherein the culture medium flows from the manifold means in a thin film over substantially the entire surface of the support matrix allowing the biological cells to grow on the support matrix. |
| US08951781B2 |
Systems, methods, and apparatuses to image a sample for biological or chemical analysis
A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position. |
| US08951780B2 |
Method and device for purifying nucleic acids
The invention concerns a method for isolating and purifying nucleic acids from large sample volumes and a device suitable for this. The device comprises a funnel, a separating column, and a tab which are detachable from each other. The method according to the invention in which the device according to the invention is used ensures a higher yield of nucleic acids. |
| US08951779B2 |
Bio memory disc and bio memory disc drive apparatus, and assay method using the same
The present invention provides a bio memory disc where a lab-on-a-chip process system including an assay-diagnosis unit, a nucleic acid hybridization assay unit, or an immuno-assay unit and a semiconductor memory is disposed, a bio memory disc drive apparatus including a controller for controlling and driving an optical disc including CD or DVD and the bio memory disc and an assay method using the same. |
| US08951777B2 |
Recombinant microalgae cells producing novel oils
Disclosed herein are obligate heterotrophic microalgae cells containing an exogenous gene. In some embodiments the gene is a sucrose utilization gene, and further disclosed are methods of manufacturing triglyceride oils using sugar cane or sugar beets as a feedstock in a heterotrophic fermentation. In other embodiments the feedstock is depolymerized cellulosic material. Also disclosed are cells that produce medium chain fatty acids at levels not produced in non-recombinant cells of the same species and genus. |
| US08951776B2 |
Engineered microbes and methods for microbial oil production
Some aspects of this invention provide engineered microbes for oil production. Methods for microbe engineering and for use of engineered microbes are also provided herein. In some embodiments, microbes are provided that are engineered to modulate a combination of rate-controlling steps of lipid synthesis, for example, a combination of a step generating metabolites, acetyl-CoA, ATP or NADPH for lipid synthesis (a push step), and a step sequestering a product or an intermediate of a lipid synthesis pathway that mediates feedback inhibition of lipid synthesis (a pull step). Such push-and-pull engineered microbes exhibit greatly enhanced conversion yields and TAG synthesis and storage properties. |
| US08951775B2 |
Cosmetic use of microorganisms for the treatment of oily skin
The present invention relates to the cosmetic use of an effective amount of at least one probiotic microorganism and/or a fraction thereof and/or a metabolite thereof, as an agent for treating and/or preventing oily skin or skin with an oily tendency and the associated skin disorders. |
| US08951773B2 |
Production method for biofuel
The present invention provides a production method for biofuel based on a technology to convert carbon-dioxide as a carbon source through photosynthesis by photosynthetic microorganisms to biomass and produce biofuel of the biomass. The production method for biofuel of the present invention comprises a culturing process (S1) of culturing in a culture solution photosynthetic microorganisms which store oils, fats and carbohydrates in cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms, an oil and fat conversion process (S2) of converting the carbohydrates stored in the cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms cultured in the culture apparatus to oils and fats, an extraction process (S3) of extracting the oils and fats out of the cells of the photosynthetic microorganisms, and a reforming process (S4) to reform the extracted oils and fats. |
| US08951767B2 |
Polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US08951765B2 |
Targeted separation of cultured cells
Embodiments described herein relate to separating and/or concentrating target cells from a carrier fluid that may include other non-target cells. Embodiments include a cell separator with a flow surface having indentations formed thereon. The indentations are configured to capture target cells by physical and/or chemical interactions. The indentations may also include a layer of support molecules that assist in releasing captured cells for collection. |
| US08951763B2 |
Method for preparing 3-hydroxypropionic acid from glycerol in high yield
The present invention relates to a method for producing 3-hydroxypropionic acid by culturing in a glycerol-containing medium a mutant microorganism obtained by inserting or amplifying a gene encoding propanediol utilization protein in a microorganism having the abilities to produce coenzyme B12 and produce 3-hydroxypropionic acid using glycerol as a carbon source.According to the present invention, 3-hydroxypropionic acid can be produced in high yield from glycerol without having to add expensive coenzyme B12 as a cofactor. |
| US08951759B2 |
Process for the fermentative preparation of L-ornithine
A process for the fermentative preparation of L-ornithine using microorganisms characterized by an increased export of the amino acid. |
| US08951758B2 |
GH61 glycoside hydrolase protein variants and cofactors that enhance GH61 activity
The present invention provides various GH61 protein variants comprising various amino acid substitutions. The GH61 protein variants have an improved ability to synergize with cellulase enzymes, thereby increasing the yield of fermentable sugars obtained by saccharification of biomass. In some embodiments, sugars obtained from saccharification are fermented to produce numerous end-products, including but not limited to alcohol. |
| US08951757B2 |
Method for selective labeling of protein produced by in vitro translation by using a marker from tRNA prepared by using in vitro transcription
The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a labeling agent derived from one type of tRNA prepared by in vitro transcription, which is usable for non-radioactive selective labeling of target proteins produced by in vitro translation with fluorophore or biotin; and a method for selective labeling of target proteins produced by in vitro translation using the labeling agent without labeling pre-existing proteins in the reaction mixture. |
| US08951756B2 |
Alkaline feed
A method for cultivating a bacterial cell comprising the addition of an amino acid in an alkaline solution used for pH regulation. Also an aspect is a method for producing a polypeptide comprising the steps of a) providing a bacterial cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, b) cultivating the provided cell, c) adjusting the pH value during the cultivating with a basic solution comprising an amino acid, d) recovering the polypeptide from the cell or the cultivation medium and thereby producing the polypeptide. |
| US08951752B2 |
N-demethyase genes and uses thereof
The invention provides isolated nucleic acid encoding one or more gene products that allow for degradation of caffeine and related structures, and for preparation of intermediates in that catabolic pathway. Further provided are methods of using one or more of those gene products. |
| US08951748B2 |
Rapid detection of molds that produce glucose oxidase
Methods and kits are disclosed for detecting microorganisms that produce glucose oxidase. The method includes providing a culture medium and a hydrogen peroxide indicating reagent comprising a chromogenic substrate that can provide a detectable chromogenic reaction indicating the presence of a microorganism that produces glucose oxidase, and additional methods are disclosed for differentiating microorganisms by the detection of an additional chromogenic reaction. |
| US08951745B2 |
Compositions for diagnosis and therapy of diseases associated with aberrant expression of futrins (R-Spondins) and/or Wnt
The present invention relates to a composition useful for the diagnosis of diseases associated with aberrant expression of the genes encoding the secreted proteins Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 (=R-Spondin 2, 3, 1 and 4, respectively), e.g. in connection with tumors or diseases of the muscle, kidneys or bones. The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound which is capable of modifying (a) the expression of the gene encoding Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 or (b) the activity of the Futrin 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 protein. |
| US08951739B2 |
Biomarker for depression, method for measuring a biomarker for depression, computer program, and recording medium
Provided is a method for using low molecular weight compounds found in the body as a biomarker for diagnosing depression. Specifically, more than one compound selected from a group comprising the following are used: ADP-ribose, ATP, ADP, AMP, serotonin, tryptophan, kynurenine, SDMA (symmetrical dimethylarginine), threonine, glyceric acid, serine, N-acetylaspartic acid, glutamic acid, trigonelline, creatine, 2-methylserine, sphingosine, homovanillic acid, piperidine, sulfoxidized methionine, pipecolic acid, sphinganine, gamma-butyrobetaine, guanidinoacetic acid, isobutyric acid, creatinine, sarcosine, 3-methylbutyric acid, nicotinamide, betaine, ornithine, carnitine, ethanolamine, phosphoethanolamine, taurine, hypotaurine, aspartic acid, methionine, and tyrosine. |
| US08951737B2 |
Treatment and diagnosis of cancer
Use of antibodies or binding portions thereof, probes, ligands, or other biological agents which either recognize an extracellular domain of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) or bind to and are internalized with PSMA. These biological agents can be labeled and used for detection of cancerous tissues, particularly cancerous tissues proximate to or containing vascular endothelial cells, which express an extracellular domain of PSMA. The labeled biological agents can also be used to detect normal, benign hyperplastic, and cancerous prostate epithelial cells or portions thereof. They also can be used alone or bound to a substance effective to ablate or kill such cells as a therapy for prostate or other cancers. Also disclosed are four hybridoma cells lines, each of which produces a monoclonal antibody recognizing extracellular domains of PSMA of normal, benign hyperplastic, and cancerous prostate epithelial cells or portions thereof. |
| US08951730B2 |
Compositions for detecting small RNAs
Compositions and reaction mixtures are provided for the detection of small RNA target nucleic acids, preferably miRNA target nucleic acids, wherein the compositions and reaction mixtures provide for sensitive and specific detection of the target nucleic acids. The compositions and reaction mixtures include one or more of a first amplification oligomer that is preferably an extender primer, a target capture oligomer that is preferably at least partially double stranded, a promoter primer/provider, a reverse primer that is preferably a universal primer and a detection probe. The compositions and reaction mixtures are useful for diagnostics, prognostics, monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and/or determining a treatment. |
| US08951729B2 |
Methods for diagnosing and treating eye-length related disorders
The invention provides to methods for diagnosing eye-length related disorders, including myopia. The invention also provides methods for treating and limiting eye-length related disorders, including myopia. In addition, the invention provides certain haplotypes associated with eye-length related disorders, including myopia and Bornholm Eye Disease. |
| US08951728B2 |
Template directed split and mix synthesis of small molecule libraries
The invention combines the advantages of split and mix synthesis with the advantages of template directed synthesis. The method comprises the steps of: a) adding a linker molecule L to one or more reaction wells; b) adding a molecule fragment to each of said reaction wells; c) adding an oligonucleotide identifier to each of said reaction wells; d) subjecting said wells to conditions sufficient to allow said molecule fragments and said oligonucleotide identifiers to become attached to said linker molecule, or conditions sufficient for said molecule fragments to bind to other molecule fragments and sufficient for said oligonucleotide identifiers to bind to other oligonucleotide identifiers; e) combining the contents of said one or more reaction wells; and f) contacting the resulting bifunctional molecule(s) of step e) with one or more (oligonucleotide) templates each capable of hybridizing to at least one of the oligonucleotide identifiers added in step c). |
| US08951727B2 |
Translocation and nucleotide reading mechanisms for sequencing nanodevices
By driving molecules electrophoretically through a nanopore, single molecule detection can be achieved. To enhance translocational control, functionalized and non-functionalized electrodes are strategically placed around or above a nanopore. Changes in transmission spectra and input voltage detected by electrodes allow accurate identification of single molecules as they pass through a nanopore. |
| US08951726B2 |
Multiplex detection of nucleic acids
Methods of detecting nucleic acids, including methods of detecting two or more nucleic acids in multiplex branched-chain DNA assays, are provided. Nucleic acids captured on a solid support are detected, for example, through cooperative hybridization events that result in specific association of a label with the nucleic acids. Compositions, kits, and systems related to the methods are also described. |
| US08951725B2 |
Diagnostic methods for determining prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer
The invention provides methods for identifying early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who will have a favorable prognosis for the recurrence of lung cancer after surgical resection. The invention is based on the discovery that assessment of chromosomal copy number abnormalities at two or more of chromosome 5p15, 7p12, 8q24 and centromere 6 can be used for prognostic classification. The invention preferably uses fluorescence in situ hybridization with fluorescently labeled nucleic acid probes to hybridize to patient samples to quantify the chromosomal copy number of the these genetic loci. Assessment of the copy number abnormality patterns using four classifiers produced statistically significant prognostic classification for NSCLC: (i) the Range3 pattern of cells showing a difference on a cell by cell basis, of at least three FISH probe signals between the FISH signals at the chromosomal locus with the largest number of FISH signals minus the FISH signals at the chromosomal locus with the lowest number of FISH signals; (ii) the MYC/EGFR % loss pattern assessing the percentage of cells showing fewer MYC FISH probe signals than EGFR FISH probe signals; (iii) a combination of the Range3 pattern and the MYC/CEP6 ratio pattern of a percentage of cells showing a relative loss of MYC FISH probe signals to the FISH probe signal for CEP6; (iv) the combination of the MYC/5p15 ratio pattern showing the relative ratio of MYC and 5p15 locus signals of ≧0.80 and the 5p15/CEP6 ratio pattern assessing percentage of cells having a relative ratio of 5p15 FISH probe signals to CEP6 FISH probe signals ≧1.1 versus MYC/5p15 ratio of <0.80 or 5p15/CEP6<1.1; and (v) a combination of the average range of probe signal differences of equal to or greater than about 2.5 with the Range3 pattern in a percentage of the cells. The invention can be used to identify those early stage NSCLC patients at higher risk of recurrence who should be treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy before surgery or with adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery. |
| US08951719B2 |
Matrices and media for storage and stabilization of biomolecules
The present invention provides compositions useful for biomolecule storage comprising a water soluble inorganic compound, a stabilizer, or a combination thereof. The present invention also provides methods of using the compositions of the invention to store biomolecules in the dry state and in solution, as well as sample carriers and kits comprising compositions of the invention. |
| US08951712B2 |
Resist protective film-forming composition and patterning process
A pattern is printed by forming a photoresist layer on a wafer, forming a protective film thereon, exposure, and development. The protective film is formed from a composition comprising a copolymer comprising recurring units derived from a styrene, indene, benzofuran or benzothiophene monomer having 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol, and recurring units derived from a styrene, vinylnaphthalene, indene, benzofuran, benzothiophene, stilbene, styrylnaphthalene or dinaphthylethylene monomer and an ether solvent. |
| US08951704B2 |
Toner, liquid developer, dry developer, developer cartridge, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
A toner includes a crystalline polyester resin having an unsaturated double bond, a thiol compound having a bi- or more-functional thiol group, and a photopolymerization initiator. |
| US08951700B2 |
Methods of manufacturing optical filters and methods of manufacturing organic light emitting display devices having optical filters
A method of manufacturing an optical filter includes preparing a substrate having a panel region, a peripheral region, and an alignment region, forming an outer black matrix on the substrate, such that the outer black matrix surrounds the panel region, forming a dummy black matrix on the substrate, such that the dummy black matrix is in the peripheral region while exposing the alignment region, forming a first color photoresist layer on the substrate to cover the outer black matrix and the dummy black matrix, forming a first color pattern in the panel region and an alignment pattern in the alignment region by patterning the first color photoresist layer, forming a second color photoresist layer on the substrate, forming a second color pattern in the panel region by patterning the second color photoresist layer, and forming a third color pattern in the panel region. |
| US08951697B2 |
Membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell using the same
A membrane electrode assembly includes a proton exchange membrane, a first electrode and a second electrode. The proton exchange membrane has two opposite surfaces, a first surface and a second surface. The first electrode is located adjacent to the first surface of the proton exchange membrane, and the first electrode includes a first diffusion layer and a first catalyst layer. The second electrode is located adjacent to the second surface of the proton exchange membrane, and the second electrode includes a second diffusion layer and a second catalyst layer. At least one of the first diffusion layer and the second diffusion layer includes a carbon nanotube structure. A fuel cell using the membrane electrode assembly is also provided. |
| US08951696B2 |
Fuel electrode catalyst for fuel cell, electrode/membrane assembly, and fuel cell and fuel cell system provided with the electrode/membrane assembly
A fuel electrode catalyst for fuel cell excellent in CO poisoning resistance, an electrode/membrane assembly using the fuel electrode catalyst for fuel cell, and a fuel cell and a fuel cell system including the electrode/membrane assembly are provided. The fuel electrode catalyst for fuel cell comprises a platinum-ruthenium first alloy catalyst and a second alloy catalyst obtained by partially substituting ruthenium of the platinum-ruthenium first alloy catalyst by a metal lower dissolving potential than ruthenium. The electrode/membrane assembly 7 comprises three layers of a second alloy catalyst layer 3, a first alloy catalyst layer 4, and a ruthenium catalyst layer 5 arranged in this order from a polymer electrolytic membrane 1 side toward a gas diffusion layer 13 side. |
| US08951695B2 |
Redox fuel cell with catholyte redox mediator
This invention provides a redox fuel cell comprising an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective polymer electrolyte membrane; means for supplying a fuel to the anode region of the cell; means for supplying an oxidant to the cathode region of the cell; means for providing an electrical circuit between the anode and the cathode; a non-volatile catholyte solution flowing in fluid communication with the cathode, the catholyte solution comprising a redox mediator which is at least partially reduced at the cathode in operation of the cell, and at least partially regenerated by, optionally indirect, reaction with the oxidant after such reduction at the cathode, and a transition metal complex of a multidentate N-donor ligand as a redox catalyst catalyzing the regeneration of the mediator the multi-dentate N-donor ligand comprising at least one heterocyclic substituent selected from pyrrole, imidazole, 1,2,3-triazole, 1,2,4-triazole, pyrazole, pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, indole, tetrazole, quinoline, isoquinoline and from alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, cycloalkyl, alkaryl, alkenaryl, aralkyl, aralkenyl groups substituted with one or more of the aforesaid heterocyclic groups. |
| US08951693B2 |
Membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell
There is provided a membrane electrode assembly including an anode gas diffusion layer included in an anode and a cathode gas diffusion layer included in a cathode, wherein the anode gas diffusion layer includes an anode gas diffusion substrate and an anode microporous layer disposed on a first surface of the anode gas diffusion substrate, wherein the cathode gas diffusion layer includes a cathode gas diffusion substrate and a cathode microporous layer disposed on a first surface of the cathode gas diffusion substrate, and wherein at least one of a strike-through ratio on a second surface of the anode gas diffusion substrate and a strike-through ratio on a second surface of the cathode gas diffusion substrate is larger than 0.2%. |
| US08951691B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell stack
A solid oxide fuel cell stack is disclosed. In one aspect, the solid oxide fuel cell stack includes unit cells, an external collector, a first stack collecting member, a cap, and a suspension member. The external collector contacts an outer periphery of each of the unit cells and electrically connects the unit cells to each other. The first stack collecting member is positioned to collect current from a distal unit cell. A cap is provided in one end of the distal unit cell. The suspension member has one side thereof suspended from the cap and the other side fixed to the first stack collecting member to distribute weight of the first stack collecting member. Structural stability of a stack collector may be maintained even at oxidizing atmosphere of high temperature when driving the fuel cell stack. |
| US08951690B2 |
Apparatus and method of in-situ measurement of membrane fluid crossover
Assemblies and methods for measuring in-situ membrane fluid crossover are provided. One embodiment of an in-situ fuel cell membrane crossover measurement assembly as disclosed herein comprises an anode fluid supply configured to supply anode fluid to an anode side of a proton exchange membrane; a cathode fluid supply configured to supply cathode fluid to a cathode side of the proton exchange membrane; a collection chamber configured to receive an exhaust from one of the anode side and the cathode side of the proton exchange membrane; and means for detecting a crossover fluid in the exhaust. The crossover fluid is from the cathode fluid if the exhaust is collected from the anode side and the crossover fluid is from the anode fluid if the exhaust is collected from the cathode side. |
| US08951687B2 |
Fuel cell system, and method of stopping fuel cell system
For implementing a stop control which extracts a current from a fuel cell and consumes a cathode side oxygen at a system stop, the current extraction from the fuel cell is ended in a state that a certain quantity of oxygen smaller than when the current extraction is started remains on a cathode side of the fuel cell. With this, the hydrogen movement to the cathode side after the system stop can be effectively suppressed and thereby a cathode internal hydrogen concentration at the system start can be kept low, thus making it possible to properly process the cathode side hydrogen at the system start. |
| US08951683B2 |
Hydrogen generator, fuel cell system including hydrogen generator, and method for operating hydrogen generator
A hydrogen generator of the present invention includes: a raw material supplying device (4) configured to supply a raw material; a water supplying device (3) configured to supply water; an evaporator (23) configured to evaporate the water supplied from the water supplying device (3) to generate steam; a reformer (20) having a reforming catalyst which generates a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction using the raw material and the steam; a valve (12) disposed on a gas passage to cause the reformer (20) to be communicated with an atmosphere and block the reformer (20) from the atmosphere, the gas passage being located downstream of the reformer (20); and a controller (11) configured to stop supplying the water from the water supplying device (3), then continue to supply the raw material from the raw material supplying device (4) with the valve (12) open, and stop supplying the raw material from the raw material supplying device (4) and close the valve (12) before an inside of the reformer (20) is purged with the raw material. |
| US08951682B2 |
Rechargeable zinc air battery and anode
Implementations and techniques for rechargeable zinc air batteries are generally disclosed. |
| US08951679B2 |
Beta alumina solid electrolyte and method of preparing the same
A beta alumina solid electrolyte (BASE) and a method of preparing the same are provided. When the method is used, evaporation of sodium is suppressed and thus a beta alumina solid electrolyte having a high density, a low porosity, and a composition that is near a desired (target) composition is produced. |
| US08951676B2 |
Non-aqueous electrolyte for high voltage rechargeable magnesium batteries
An electrolyte for use in electrochemical cells is provided. The properties of the electrolyte include high conductivity, high Coulombic efficiency, and an electrochemical window that can exceed 3.5 V vs. Mg/Mg+2. The use of the electrolyte promotes the electrochemical deposition and dissolution of Mg without the use of any Grignard reagents, other organometallic materials, tetraphenyl borate, or tetrachloroaluminate derived anions. Other Mg-containing electrolyte systems that are expected to be suitable for use in secondary batteries are also described. |
| US08951669B2 |
Electrode having porous coating layer, manufacturing method thereof and electrochemical device containing the same
The present invention provides an electrode comprising a current collector; an electrode active material layer formed on at least one surface of the current collector and comprising a mixture of electrode active material particles and a first binder polymer; and a porous coating layer formed on the surface of the electrode active material layer, comprising a mixture of inorganic particles and a second binder polymer and having a thickness deviation defined by the following Formula (1), and a manufacturing method thereof: (Tmax−Tmin)/Tavg≦0.35 (1) wherein Tmax is a maximum thickness of the porous coating layer formed on the surface of the electrode active material layer, Tmin is a minimum thickness of the porous coating layer and Tavg is an average thickness of the porous coating layer. |
| US08951666B2 |
Nickel hydrogen rechargeable battery with rare earth-Mg-Ni based hydrogen storage
A nickel hydrogen rechargeable battery contains an electrode group made up of positive and negative electrode put together with a separator intervening therebetween. The positive electrode includes positive-electrode active material particles each having a base particle composed mainly of nickel hydroxide and a conductive layer that covers the surface of the base particle and is made from a Co compound containing Li. The negative electrode includes a rare earth-Mg—Ni-based hydrogen storage alloy containing a rare-earth element, Mg and Ni. The total amount of Li contained in the battery is in a range of from 15 to 50 (mg/Ah) on the condition that the Li is converted into LiOH, and that the total amount of Li is found as a mass per Ah of positive electrode capacity. |
| US08951664B2 |
Ionic liquid and power storage device including the same
An ionic liquid having high electrochemical stability and a low melting point. An ionic liquid represented by the following general formula (G0) is provided. In the general formula (G0), R0 to R5 are individually any of an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, a methoxy group, a methoxymethyl group, a methoxyethyl group, and a hydrogen atom, and A− is a univalent imide-based anion, a univalent methide-based anion, a perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acid anion, tetrafluoroborate, or hexafluorophosphate. |
| US08951660B2 |
Battery pack having reinforcement member
Disclosed is a battery pack including a battery module array, wherein a reinforcement member is coupled to side walls of end plates or sides of main members at an outer side of an outermost battery module of the battery module array to minimize deformation of the battery pack when the battery pack is vibrated in the front and rear direction. |
| US08951659B2 |
Barrier and battery module having the same
A battery module to accurately position a barrier between unit batteries and improve constructability of a battery module, including at least two unit batteries, and at least one barrier interposed between the unit batteries. The barrier includes a pair of panels facing each other and having protrusions on a surface of each panel that faces the other panel, at least one jointing hole formed in each panel, and a locking pin inserted into the jointing hole to combine the pair of panels with each other. |
| US08951655B2 |
Middle or large-sized battery pack case providing improved distribution uniformity in coolant flux
Disclosed herein is a middle or large-sized battery pack case in which a battery module having a plurality of stacked battery cells or unit modules (‘unit cells’), which can be charged and discharged, is mounted, wherein the battery pack case is provided at an upper part and a lower part thereof with a coolant inlet port and a coolant outlet port, respectively, which are directed in opposite directions such that a coolant to cool the unit cells can flow from one side to the other side of the battery module in the direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the unit cells, the battery pack case is further provided with a flow space (‘coolant introduction part’) extending from the coolant inlet port to the battery module and another flow space (‘coolant discharge part’) extending from the battery module to the coolant outlet port, an upper end inside of the coolant introduction part facing the top of the battery module is configured so that the distance between the upper end inside of the coolant introduction part and the top of the battery module decreases toward an end of the battery pack case opposite to the coolant inlet port, and a downwardly projected portion to guide the coolant to the battery module is formed at the upper end inside of the coolant introduction part so that the rugged portion extends a predetermined distance from the end of the battery pack case opposite to the coolant inlet port. |
| US08951654B2 |
Materials and methods for retarding or preventing thermal runaway in batteries
One embodiment includes a rechargeable charge storage device including a microcapsule disposed within said rechargeable charge storage device; and a thermal retardant chemical species contained within said microcapsule, wherein said microcapsule is adapted to release said chemical species upon being exposed to a triggering event either prior to or during an unstable rise in temperature of said charge storage device. |
| US08951653B2 |
Battery module with thermistor supporter
A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of holders, and a thermistor. Each of at least one of holders includes a thermistor holder. The thermistor supporter includes a pair of thermistor receiving segments, a pair of thermistor engagement segments, and a thermistor cover portion. The sensor casing includes a bias portion and an elastic claw portion. The bias portion is provided to press the sensor against one of the top surface and the bottom surface provided in the at least one of the battery cells by utilizing a reaction force generated by pressing the thermistor cover portion. The elastic claw portion has a width larger than the distance between the pair of thermistor receiving segments when the elastic claw portion is in a free state. |
| US08951649B2 |
Heterocyclic compound and organic light-emitting device including the same
Derivatives of benzo[h]naphtho[1,2-f]quinoline and organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) including them are disclosed. The subject compounds impart high efficiency, low driving voltage, high luminance and long lifespan to the OLEDs. The subject compounds may be used as light emitting materials, as electron transporting materials, or as electron injecting materials. Because the subject compounds have high glass transition temperatures or high melting points, OLEDs including them exhibit high durability in storage or operation. Suitable substituents may be selected from deuterium, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, alkoxy, aryloxy, arylthio, aryl, aryl- or heteroaryl-substituted amino, heteroaryl, condensed polycyclic, halogen, cyano, nitro, hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. |
| US08951648B2 |
Diacenaphtho[1,2-b:1′,2′-k]chrysene derivative
A novel diacenaphtho[1,2-b:1′,2′-k]chrysene derivative is provided. |
| US08951645B2 |
Stacked organic light emitting device having high efficiency and high brightness
A stacked organic light emitting device that includes an anode connected to an external power source, a cathode connected to the external power source, at least two light emitting sections aligned between the anode and the cathode, including a light emitting layer, and an internal electrode aligned between the light emitting sections. The internal electrode is a single-layered internal electrode which is made from one selected from the group consisting of a metal, alloys of the metal, and metal oxides thereof, having a work function below 4.5 eV, each light emitting section includes an organic material layer containing an organic material having an electron affinity above 4 eV, and the organic material layer is formed between the light emitting layer of the light emitting section and the electrode facing the anode connected to the external power source in two electrodes which make contact with the light emitting section. |
| US08951644B2 |
Thermally protective multiphase precipitant coating
A thermally protective coating (21), such as may be used over a nickel-based superalloy substrate (24). The protective coating (21) includes a CoNiCrAlY or a NiCoCrAlY material and addition of given amounts of one or more secondary elements. The secondary element(s) facilitate and/or join in one or more precipitation mechanisms (γ′, B2) that retain an aluminum reservoir in the protective coating (21), reducing aluminum diffusion into the substrate (24). This aluminum reservoir maintains a protective alumina scale (38) on the coating (21), thus improving coating life and allowing higher operating temperatures. |
| US08951643B2 |
Optical film and method of preparing same
The present invention relates to an optical film and method of manufacturing the same. The optical film of the present invention includes an acrylic resin and a core-shell type graft copolymer wherein the core includes a conjugate diene rubber, and the shell includes an acrylic monomer, an aromatic vinyl monomer, and a maleimide monomer. |
| US08951640B2 |
Covered member and process for production thereof
Disclosed is a covered member including a base material, a first intermediate layer that has a roughened surface and covers the base material, and a DLC film that covers the surface of the first intermediate layer. The first intermediate layer and the DLC film are formed in a state where the temperature of the base material is kept at 300° C. or lower. The surface of the first intermediate layer is roughened by collision of ions. |
| US08951627B2 |
Fluorescent fine particle films and display devices
A patterned fluorescent fine particle film that retains the intrinsic functions of fluorescent fine particles and that can be formed on any substrate at a desired thickness, a method for manufacturing the patterned fluorescent fine particle film, and a display apparatus including the patterned fluorescent fine particle film are provided. |
| US08951623B2 |
Composite panel
The invention pertains to a composite panel with a first cover layer, a second cover layer and a first core layer that is arranged between the first cover layer and the second cover layer and features a plurality of cells that are separated from one another by walls at least in certain areas, wherein the first cover layer features a draining layer. The inventive composite panel may be distinguished from a composite panel according to the state of the art in that a second core layer with a plurality of cells that are separated from one another by walls at least in certain areas is arranged between the first cover layer and the first core layer. |
| US08951617B2 |
Substrate provided with a multilayer coating having thermal properties and absorbent layers
The invention relates to a multiple glazing including at least two substrates, one substrate being coated on an inner face in contact with a gas-filled cavity with a thin-film multilayer coating having reflection properties in the infrared and/or in solar radiation, the coating including a metallic functional layer and at least two dielectric films, each including at least one dielectric layer, the metallic functional layer being placed between the two dielectric films, characterized in that the two dielectric films each include at least one absorbent layer which is placed in the dielectric film between two dielectric layers, the absorbent material of the absorbent layers being symmetrically placed on either side of the metallic functional layer. |
| US08951616B2 |
Ester group containing liquid crystals for optical or electro optical devices
The invention relates to polymerizable liquid crystals compound (I) having a liquid crystalline phase and to liquid crystalline compositions comprising compounds (I), their use as birefringence layer. |
| US08951615B2 |
Doping control by ALD surface functionalization
Systems and methods for producing a material of desired thickness. Deposition techniques such as atomic layer deposition are alter to control the thickness of deposited material. A funtionalization species inhibits the deposition reaction. |
| US08951609B2 |
CNT devices, low-temperature fabrication of CNT and CNT photo-resists
A nanotube-photoresist composite is fabricated by preparing a nanotube suspension using a nanotube structure-containing raw material, dispersing the nanotube suspension in a photoresist using ultra-sonication to produce a nanotube suspension-photoresist mix, spin-coating the nanotube suspension-photoresist mix on a substrate to form a nanotube suspension-photoresist composite layer, and removing one or more solvents in the nanotube suspension-photoresist composite layer by baking. |
| US08951607B2 |
Making co-precipitated mixed oxide-treated titanium dioxide pigments
Simplified and improved processes are provided for manufacturing titanium dioxide pigments including a surface treatment whereby a plurality of inorganic oxides or a combination of one or more inorganic oxides with one or more inorganic phosphates are applied to a titanium dioxide base pigment. Aqueous acid-soluble sources of the desired inorganic oxides and/or phosphates are predissolved in an aqueous acid, and these can be added on a batch wise or more preferably on a continuous basis to an alkaline slurry containing the titanium dioxide base pigment and to which aqueous alkaline-soluble sources of the desired inorganic oxides are being or have been added previously. Co-precipitation of the oxides and/or oxides and phosphates is then accomplished by an adjustment of the pH, to provide a surface treated pigment with excellent homogeneity of the deposited mixed oxides and/or oxides and phosphates. |
| US08951606B2 |
Method for producing a component by calculating a load line of the component
A method for producing a component is disclosed. The method includes calculating a load line of the component as a result of a load to be absorbed by the component and applying a layer on a core by gas dynamic cold spraying, where the layer has a layer section and where the layer section runs along the calculated load line. |
| US08951604B2 |
Surface treatment of cementitious substrates
The invention provides for the use of dry building materials comprising one or more polymers in the form of water-redispersible powders, and optionally mineral binders, optionally fillers and optionally additives, for the surface treatment of cementitious substrates that are as yet not fully set. |
| US08951599B2 |
Wound dressing
A wound dressing and a method of making the wound dressing is described herein. The wound dressing is formed of an absorbent substrate formed of one or more layers and a low-adherence layer disposed on the substrate. The low-adherence layer can be disposed within at least a portion of the substrate. The low-adherence layer is formed of a mixture of at least one highly fluorinated polymer and at least one acidic polymer. The at least one highly fluorinated polymer has a fluorine content greater than the fluorine content of the at least one acidic polymer. |
| US08951594B2 |
Cold-water soluble extruded starch product
Disclosed is a cold-water soluble starch and a process for preparing same. Generally, the process comprises providing a hydroxyalkyl starch and applying a shearing force to the starch in an extruder in the presence of moisture, the force and the moisture each being sufficient to gelatinize at least substantially all of the granules of the starch to thereby form a sheared starch. The starch is heated to its gelatinization temperature after the starch has passed partially through the barrel of the extruder, with the moisture being maintained at a level sufficiently high to allow gelatinization but sufficiency low to protect the starch from becoming too sticky to extrude. The extruded starch product thus formed may be used in connection with a number of film-forming, coating, and other applications. |
| US08951588B2 |
Device and method for rotation of confectionery
A hand-held candy device for rotational engagement of a confectionary such as sucker or lollipop at the distal end of a handle adapted for gripping by the fingers of a user. The candy sucker is removably rotationally engageable on an axle positioned at or adjacent to the distal end of the handle. The candy is provided in multiple colors and flavors in candy components each of which is engageable to the axle on the handle by a user thereby providing users with the ability to customize and reuse the sucker handles and to spin the engaged candy once engaged to the axle for amusement or to allow tasting different sections of the unitary formed candy which have different flavors. |
| US08951586B2 |
Process for the reduction in microbial activity in protein product water processing tanks for increased tank water utility and conservation
A method for extending the use of water during the production of products for human consumption in food production facilities for an extended period of time of at least two production days and up to seven production days by delivering an initial chemical charge at the beginning of each production day to return the process water to the desired antimicrobial solution concentration to provide acceptable antimicrobial control of the process water over the extended period of time. The method providing acceptable antimicrobial control in the processing of any protein or non-protein based food products that require batch or continuous chilling as part of the production process. The length of time that the water may be used in a processing tank may be dramatically and safely increased before the processing tank is emptied for cleaning, sanitizing and refilling. |
| US08951584B2 |
Feed for fish
A fish feed comprises carvacrol and/or salvia extract (provided that where the fish feed comprises carvacrol and not salvia extract the lipid content of the fish feed is at least 15 wt %). The salvia extract may be selected from extract of Salvia officinalis and extract of Salvia lavandulifolia. The carvacrol may be synthetic or may be extracted from Origanum vulgare. |
| US08951580B2 |
Methods for improving the safety of treating pediatric patients who are candidates for inhaled nitric oxide treatment
Disclosed are methods of reducing the risk that a medical treatment comprising inhalation of nitric oxide gas will induce an increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in pediatric patients, leading to pulmonary edema. The methods include avoiding or discontinuing administration of inhaled nitric oxide to a pediatric patient determined to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction but who otherwise is a candidate for inhaled nitric oxide treatment (e.g., for pulmonary hypertension), and administering inhaled nitric oxide to pediatric patients who are candidates for such treatment and who are determined not to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction. |
| US08951579B2 |
Methods for improving the safety of treating patients who are candidates for inhaled nitric oxide treatment
Disclosed are methods of reducing the risk that a medical treatment comprising inhalation of nitric oxide gas will induce an increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in pediatric patients, leading to pulmonary edema. The methods include avoiding or discontinuing administration of inhaled nitric oxide to a pediatric patient determined to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction but who otherwise is a candidate for inhaled nitric oxide treatment (e.g., for pulmonary hypertension), and administering inhaled nitric oxide to pediatric patients who are candidates for such treatment and who are determined not to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction. |
| US08951575B2 |
Microorganism concentration agent and method of making
A concentration agent for capture of microorganisms, including diatomaceous earth bearing, on at least a portion of its surface, a surface treatment comprising a surface modifier comprising titanium dioxide, fine-nanoscale gold or platinum, or a combination thereof, and methods for making the concentration agent. |
| US08951571B2 |
Polymer vesicles for selective electromagnetic energy-induced delivery
Provided are polymer vesicles comprising polymersomes, a radiofrequency absorbing moiety, a protein or a polysaccharide associated with the inner leaflet of the membrane and a therapeutic or diagnostic cargo. The invention also concerns the use of these polymer vesicles for selective electromagnetic energy-induced delivery of therapeutic or diagnostic agents. |
| US08951570B2 |
Manufacture of multiple minicapsules
An extrusion process comprises extruding a material that is flowable when heated and passing the extrudate thus formed through a nozzle 10 to shape the extrudate into a plurality of substantially uniformly shaped elements such as minispheres or minicapsules. |
| US08951567B2 |
Sol-gel phase-reversible hydrogel templates and uses thereof
Discrete microstructures of predefined size and shape are prepared using sol-gel phase-reversible hydrogel templates. An aqueous solution of hydrogel-forming material is covered onto a microfabricated silicon wafer master template having predefined microfeatures, such as pillars. A hydrogel template is formed, usually by lowering the temperature, and the formed hydrogel template is peeled away from the silicon master template. The wells of predefined size and shape on the hydrogel template are filled with a solution or a paste of a water-insoluble polymer, and the solvent is removed to form solid structures. The formed microstructures are released from the hydrogel template by simply melting the hydrogel template in water. The microstructures are collected by centrifugation. The microstructures fabricated by this method exhibit pre-defined size and shape that exactly correspond to the microwells of the hydrogel template. The method of preparing microstructures based on hydrogel templates is simple and can easily produce large quantities of the microstructures. |
| US08951564B2 |
Galenic form suitable for absorbing, in a specific manner, the undesirable molecules in the digestive tract
The present invention relates to a galenic form comprising particles capable of specifically adsorbing the undesirable molecules present in the digestive tract, to the method for preparing same and to the use thereof in particular for producing a medicine intended for preventing or treating undesirable effects linked to an imbalance of the intestinal and/or colonic flora that can result for example from treatment with antibiotics. |
| US08951563B2 |
Antibiotic drug delivery and potentiation
Disclosed are compositions-of-matter comprising polymer-mediated cochleates, which are formed from a calcium-free mixture of a wide variety of phospholipids that are atypical for forming cochleates. Further disclosed are compositions-of-matter comprising these cochleates which co-encapsulate another bioactive agent. The polymer mediating the formation of these cochleates exhibits a plurality of positively charged amino acid residues and omega-amino-fatty acid moieties, and may further exhibit antimicrobial, anticancerous and drug-potentiating activity. Further disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and methods using the compositions-of-matter disclosed herein, and processes of preparing same. |
| US08951559B2 |
Nano-structured thixotropic inorganic peeling gels
A composition, a method, and a kit are provided for chemical skin peeling, based on nano-structured thixotropic inorganic gels, which have a higher potency and are less irritant of the conventional peeling formulations. The gels of the invention can easily be applied on the skin, where they form a stable, uniform layer, that doesn't strain. The kit comprises by a defatting gel, different types of peeling gels and a neutralizing gel. The defatting gel is characterized by a markedly enhanced defatting capacity in comparison to the conventional products, because the sebum solubilized by the solvent is strongly adsorbed on the huge surface of the nano-structured material of the gel. The peeling gels are based on conventional peeling compounds, such as glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, pyruvic acid, salicylic acid, Jessner solution, but the presence of nano-structured material strongly increases the peeling effect, allowing the use of lower concentrations of peeling compound, with only minimal skin irritation for the user. The neutralizing gel is characterized by a color change that allows the operator to verify in real time the neutralization of the peeling agent on the treated skin surface. All the gels of the invention can be easily removed from the skin after the treatment. The thixotropic gels of the invention can be used in chemical skin peeling for the treatment of various cosmetic conditions and dermatological disorders, including dry skin, acne, dandruff, keratoses, age spots, wrinkles and disturbed keratinization. |
| US08951557B2 |
Sustained release solid formulations and methods of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a sustained release solid formulation comprising a drug, for example, oxycodone or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, in a water-insoluble matrix, which comprises a wax type excipient and copovidone, and thus, has increased compressibility and fluidity and reduced adhesiveness, and a method of preparing the same. |
| US08951556B2 |
Oral drug delivery system
Dosage forms and drug delivery devices suitable for administration of pharmaceutical compounds and compositions, including the oral drug administration of compounds. |
| US08951553B2 |
Composition for promoting vascular smooth muscle relaxation
A composition for topical application to a part of the body comprises a vasodilator, for example glyceryl trinitrate, as active ingredient dissolved in a blend of volatile and non-volatile solvents of different solvating capacities for the vasodilator. The vasoldator is present in the composition at a concentration at or slightly below saturation, whereby evaporation of the volatile solvent in use will maintain the vasodilator at saturated or super-saturated concentrations in the residue, whereby the vasodilator will become saturated or supersaturated in the solvent remaining and, as the active ingredient passes through the skin and is absorbed in the bloodstream, and thus becomes depleted in the residual composition, continuing evaporation of volatile solvent will maintain the active ingredient substantially at saturation or supersaturation level in the residual composition throughout the major part of the absorption phase, thereby maximising absorption levels but at a moderate dosage level. |
| US08951545B2 |
Insertable medical devices having microparticulate-associated elastic substrates and methods for drug delivery
The present invention provides insertable medical devices having elastic surfaces associated with bioactive agent-containing microparticulates and a coating material. Upon expansion of the elastic surfaces the microparticulates can be released to a subject. |
| US08951544B2 |
Elasmobranch-repelling electropositive metals and methods of use
Devices and methods are disclosed for repelling elasmobranchs with electropositive metals, including apparatuses and methods for reducing by-catch in commercial fisheries and protecting humans from attacks by elasmobranchs. |
| US08951543B2 |
Nano silver—zinc oxide composition
A new composite comprises (a) 10.1-99.9% by weight of elemental Ag and (b) 0.1-89.9% by weight of ZnO, wherein the sum of (a) and (b) makes 90% or more by weight of the composite and wherein the elemental Ag has a primary particle size of 10-200 nm and/or the ZnO has a primary particle size of 0.1 to below 50 μm and/or the composite has a particle size distribution of 0.1-50 μm and/or a BET surface area of 10-100 m2/g. The novel composite may be obtained by the steps (i) mixing a first mixture of at least one Ag-salt with a second mixture of at least one Zn-salt thereby forming a third mixture of Ag- and Zn-salts, (ii) adding the third mixture to a mixture of a carbonate source, (iii) co-precipitating of the Ag- and Zn-carbonates formed in step (ii), (iv) washing of the Ag- and Zn-carbonates and (v) thermal decompositing of the Ag- and Zn-carbonates. The novel composites are useful to impart antimicrobial properties to surfaces, articles or bulk compositions, especially to membrane systems for gas- or water separation. |
| US08951541B2 |
Method of modifying dissolution rate of particles by addition of hydrophobic nanoparticles
Method of modifying dissolution rate of a plurality of particles in an aqueous-based solvent by adding hydrophobic surface modified nanoparticles to the plurality of particles, and exposing the plurality of particles to the aqueous-based solvent. |
| US08951540B2 |
Biomimetic hydroxyapatite synthesis
A method for preparing nanoscale hydroxyapatite particles by combining an amount of a calcium ion source, which includes calcium acetate, and an amount of a phosphate ion source, wherein the amounts are sufficient to produce nanoscale hydroxyapatite particles and the amounts are combined under ambient conditions to produce the hydroxyapatite particles. Nanoscale hydroxyapatite particles are also presented. |
| US08951538B2 |
Exopolysaccharide of Shigella sonnei bacteria, method for producing same, vaccine and phamaceutical composition containing same
For the first time, an O-specific polysaccharide antigen that is a Shigella sonnei, phase I, exopolysaccharide has been produced and characterized, said exopolysaccharide being an authentic natural compound in the form of a bacterial capsular polysaccharide. The exopolysaccharide contains a non-toxic lipid component, namely non-hydroxylated fatty acids, and exhibits low pyrogenicity and high immunogenicity. Effective, highly specific and safe vaccines for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of Shigella sonnei shigellosis are developed on the basis of the above-mentioned exopolysaccharide, as well as pharmaceutical compositions with a broad spectrum of action, in particular, in modulating immune response. |
| US08951535B2 |
Lentiviral vectors containing an MHC class I promoter
The present invention relates to the insertion of a promoter sequence from an MHC class I gene promoter into a lentiviral vector in order to direct the transcription of a transgene, which preferably encodes an immunogenic polypeptide to be expressed in a mammalian cell host, preferably APC (DCs). The invention encompasses these vectors, methods of making the vectors, and methods of using them, including medicinal uses. |
| US08951531B2 |
Modified Streptococcus pneumonia pneumolysin (PLY) polypeptides
This disclosure relates to modified Streptococcus pneumonia pneumolysm (PLY) proteins which lack hemolytic activity and can be used as immunogens in an immunogenic composition or vaccine against invasive pneumococcol diseases caused by S. pneumonia The modified pneumolysm proteins comprise amino acid substitutions at threonine 65, glycine 293 and cysteine 428 Nucleic acids, polypeptides encoded thereby, compositions containing the same, methods for using such nucleic acids, polypeptides and compositions are also provided. |
| US08951528B2 |
Immune response modifier conjugates
The present invention provides IRM conjugates that includes an IRM moiety and a second active moiety covalently linked to the IRM moiety in which the covalent link does not depend on UV irradiation. |
| US08951527B2 |
Radioprotectants targeting thrombospondin-1 and CD47
Described herein is the discovery that cell and tissue survival can be dramatically increased following radiation exposure through inhibition of the interaction between TSP-1 and CD47. This effect is shown using antisense molecules, peptides, and antibodies, which can now be used as radioprotectant agents. These agents find application in minimizing, reducing and/or preventing tissue damage following intentional and accidental radiation exposure, as well as increasing the therapeutic efficacy of radiation therapies by protecting non-target tissue from incidental radiation damage and by increasing tumor ablation following radiation treatment. |
| US08951515B2 |
Modified factor VIII
Methods of treating patients with Factor VIII deficiency by administration of modified porcine factor VIII are disclosed. The particular modified porcine factor VIII is one in which most of the B domain has been removed through genetic engineering. This modified factor VIII is particularly useful for treatment of hemophiliacs, especially those undergoing bleeding episodes. |
| US08951513B2 |
Methods and apparatus for enhanced recovery of cells and of cell-enriched matrix from tissue samples
This document describes methods and an apparatus for recovery of a cell-enriched matrix and cells (e.g., regenerative cells) from a tissue sample. In some embodiments, at least two rounds of acceleration and deceleration are performed. |
| US08951508B2 |
Compound
The invention relates to novel polyglycerol based UV-filters as well as to topical compositions comprising such novel polyglycerol based UV-filters. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of such novel polyglycerol based UV-filters to enhance the solubility of butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane or bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine in cosmetic oils. |
| US08951507B2 |
Formulation with irritation reducing action comprising bisabolol and [6]-paradol
The present invention relates to formulations having an irritation-reducing action, corresponding cosmetic and pharmaceutical products as well as associated methods and uses thereof. |
| US08951504B2 |
(trimethoxyphenylamino) pyrimidinyl formulations
There are provided pharmaceutical compositions comprising greater than 15% w/w of a compound of Formula (I) as defined herein and/or hydrate thereof and an amount of one or more effervescent agents that is sufficient to provide satisfactory in vitro dissolution; and further comprising one or more pharmaceutically acceptable ingredients; and to processes for obtaining them. |
| US08951501B2 |
Noninvasive thermometry monitoring system
A noninvasive thermometry monitoring system for determining a temperature of tissue to which hyperthermia treatment is administered is disclosed. The monitoring system may incorporate magnetic nanoparticles having known moments such that once exposed to an alternating magnetic field, the magnetic nanoparticles increase in temperature. Imaging systems can disclose the magnetic nanoparticles within a patient. The temperature of the magnetic nanoparticles can be determined by comparing the magnetic nanoparticle with known temperatures for that type of magnetic nanoparticle. The image of the magnetic nanoparticles may be compared with surrounding tissue to determine the temperature of the surrounding tissue that is exposed to hyperthermia treatment. |
| US08951499B2 |
Trifunctional reagent for conjugation to a biomolecule
A reagent for conjugation to a biomolecule, wherein the reagent is a single molecule with at least three functional parts and has schematic structure (I): a) wherein a trifunctional cross-linking moiety is coupled to b) an affinity ligand via a linker 1, said affinity ligand being capable of binding with another molecule having affinity for said ligand, to c) an effector agent, optionally via a linker 2, said effector agent exerting its effect on cells, tissues and/or humorous molecules in vivo or ex vivo, and to d) a biomolecule reactive moiety, optionally via a linker 3, said moiety being capable of forming a bond between the reagent and the biomolecule. |
| US08951497B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing hydrogen
In the present invention, a method and apparatus for producing hydrogen by thermochemical water splitting are provided. The method for producing hydrogen of the present invention includes a reduction step of heating a high oxidation state redox material in an inert atmosphere to remove oxygen from the high oxidation state redox material, and thereby obtain a low oxidation state redox material and oxygen; and a hydrogen generation step of bringing water into contact with a low oxidation state redox material to oxidize the low oxidation state redox material and reduce the water, and thereby obtain a high oxidation state redox material and hydrogen. In the method for producing hydrogen of the present invention, the reduction step and the hydrogen generation step are performed switchingly in a same reaction vessel. Further, the apparatus for producing hydrogen of the present invention is used for performing the method for producing hydrogen of the present invention. |
| US08951492B2 |
Ammonia gas generation from urea for low temperature process requirements
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for providing an ammonia feed for a low-temperature process. The process includes two defined stages, gasification and hydrolysis. In a first stage thermal reactor, an aqueous urea solution is fed to a gasification chamber and heated gases are controlled in response to demand from a low temperature process requiring ammonia. The heated gases and aqueous urea are introduced into the gasification chamber upstream to fully gasify the solution of aqueous urea to a first stage gas stream comprising ammonia and isocyanic acid. The first stage gas stream is withdrawn and maintained hot enough to prevent solids formation. All amounts of urea feed, water and heated gases fed into the first stage thermal reactor are monitored and adjusted as necessary to achieve efficient hydrolysis in the second stage hydrolysis reactor. The second stage gas stream is withdrawn from the second stage reactor responsive to demand from a low temperature process requiring ammonia. |
| US08951491B2 |
Process for the adsorption of toxic sulphur bearing gases
The preparation of nano-oxide coated adsorbent, which is useful for treatment of toxic gases, by coating of composite materials containing hydrotalcite over ceramic monolithic substrates. Oxides and salts of metals are reacted in a known manner to prepare hydrotalcites or mixed metal layered hydroxides such as Mg—Al, Ca—Al, Zn—Al, Zn—Cr type possessing positive layer charge, from which a stable gel is prepared by adding swellable clay, e.g., montmorillonite etc. in different hydrotalcite:clay ratio in an aqueous medium and homogenizing the same with high speed homogenizer and ultrasonicator in a high intensity ultrasonic processor. The gel is dip-coated over cordierite/mulite honey-comb monolithic supports. The dip-coated monoliths are dried and calcined to develop the alumino-silicate supported nano-oxide coats over honey-comb ceramic substrates for carrying out adsorption of H2S and SO2 gas in a He flow in various flow rates at 400 to 1000° C. temperature in a cylindrical quartz tube. |
| US08951490B2 |
CO2 recovery method and apparatus
A CO2 recovery method and apparatus for desorbing and recovering carbon dioxide with low energy consumption from a gas discharged from a power generation plant having a boiler and a steam turbine. The adsorption and the desorption of carbon dioxide are performed alternately in two CO2 absorbers and located in a CO2 recovery apparatus, which each hold a carbon dioxide adsorbent. When carbon dioxide is desorbed, steam discharged from an outlet of a steam turbine of a power generation plant is partially branched before introduced into a condenser, and sent to a steam compressor. The partially branched steam is compressed in this compressor, and then sent to a cooling device. By cooling, the steam for desorption is prepared. The steam prepared in the cooling device is supplied into a CO2 absorber to desorb carbon dioxide. Accordingly, waste steam, before it is introduced into the condenser, is usable for desorption. |
| US08951487B2 |
Hot-side method and system
The present disclosure is directed to the use of elemental or speciated iodine and bromine to control total mercury emissions. |
| US08951486B2 |
Valuable metal extraction agent and valuable metal extraction method using said extraction agent
The objective of the present invention is to selectively extract light rare earth metals, and by extension, europium, from an acidic solution containing a plurality of types of rare earth metal. This valuable metal extraction agent is represented by the general formula. In the formula: R1 and R2 each indicate the same or different alkyl group; R3 indicates a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; and R4 indicates a hydrogen atom or any given group other than an amino group bonded to the α carbon as an amino acid. Preferably, the general formula has a glycine unit, a histidine unit, a lysine unit, an aspartic acid unit, or an N-methylglycine unit. Preferably, when extracting europium using the extraction agent, the pH is adjusted into the range of 2.0-3.0 inclusive, and when selectively extracting light rare earth metals, the pH is adjusted to 1.7-2.7 inclusive. |
| US08951484B2 |
Circulating tumor cell capturing techniques and devices
Candidate cells, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), present with blood are captured using a multiple stage device, having successive stages configured to deviate candidate cells out of the blood while slowing down the flow rates of the deviated resultant for easier capture of CTCs through progressive stages. The devices can include separation channel and deviation channels formed of micro-post patterns dimensioned to deviate different desired candidate cells for analysis. |
| US08951483B2 |
Examination element and examination container
The present invention relates to an examination element that includes an antenna; a hygroscopic portion that absorbs a specimen; a reagent portion that, reacts with the specimen; and a chip including a semiconductor device capable of wireless communication and a photo sensor that detects a change in a color of the reagent portion. A change in the reagent portion is detected by the photo sensor, the detected data is stored in the semiconductor device capable of wireless communication, and the data is transmitted to an external database. |
| US08951478B2 |
Ampoule with a thermally conductive coating
Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus and a process for generating a chemical precursor used in a vapor deposition processing system. The apparatus includes a canister (e.g., ampoule) having a sidewall, a top, and a bottom encompassing an interior volume therein, inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication with the interior volume, and a thermally conductive coating disposed on or over the outside surface of the canister. The thermally conductive coating is more thermally conductive than the outside surface of the canister. The thermally conductive coating may contain aluminum, aluminum nitride, copper, brass, silver, titanium, silicon nitride, or alloys thereof. In some embodiments, an adhesion layer (e.g., titanium or tantalum) may be disposed between the outside surface of the canister and the thermally conductive coating. In other embodiments, the canister may contain a plurality of baffles or solid heat-transfer particles to help evenly heat a solid precursor therein. |
| US08951477B2 |
Ozone-based disinfecting device comprising a flow sensor
An ozone-based disinfecting device is provided comprising a mixer having a generally hollow body with a water inlet for water under pressure, a spray nozzle for generating a generally conical spray of water introduced by way of the water inlet, a contact chamber communicating with a gas inlet for ozone rich gases, and an outlet aperture from the contact chamber that is coaxial with the spray nozzle and spaced apart therefrom. An electronic flow sensing device senses the extent of the flow of water through the spray nozzle according to vibration caused by water flowing through the mixer. The electronic flow sensing device is preferably located in a pocket formed in the mixer and preferably comprises a piezoelectric sensor embedded at least around its periphery in a settable material. A preferred construction of the mixer is also described. |
| US08951474B2 |
Disposable chip-type flow cell and flow cytometer using same
The present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing particles in a solution including a unit configured to place a flow cell having a flow path for flowing a sample solution containing the particles; a unit configured to illuminate the sample solution flowing through the flow path of the flow cell; a photodetector that detects a scattered light and/or fluorescence generated from the particles in the sample solution; and a unit configured to analyze the particles based on their signal intensities detected by the photodetector, wherein the flow cell has the flow path formed in a substrate, a reflection plane is formed on the side surface of the flow path, the reflection plane leads the lights generated in the flow path of the flow cell and advancing in the substrate in-plane direction to a specified region of the surface of the flow cell, and the photodetector detects the light exiting from the specified region to the outside. |
| US08951473B2 |
Devices and methods for determination of species including chemical warfare agents
The application generally describes devices, systems, and methods for determination of one or more analytes. Embodiments described herein may be useful as sensors for analytes such as explosives, chemical warfare agents, and/or toxins. In some cases, chemiresistor or chemFET sensor devices for monitoring volatile organics, especially chemical warfare agents such as sarin, are described. Some embodiments comprise functionalized carbon nanotube/conjugated polymer composites (6) as sensing material. In some embodiments, the polymer is poly(3-hexylthiophene), 3PHT, optionally substituted with calixarenes, or hexafluoroisopropanol susbstituted polythiophene, HFIP-PT. Biosensing embodiments are also described, as well as methods of manufacturing the devices. |
| US08951471B2 |
Jet assembly for use in detectors and other devices
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to jet assemblies that include a substantially inert fluid flow path. In some examples, a jet assembly includes a fluid flow path comprising a substantially inert metal in a fluid flow path. Devices and systems using the jet assembly are also described. In other embodiments, a brazeless or weldless jet assembly is provided. In some embodiments, the brazeless jet assembly may include an inert material or coating, e.g., a silica coating, in a fluid flow path. |
| US08951468B1 |
Auto-sterilization of electronic and hand held devices
An method is disclosed for sterilizing electronic devices. A source of Ultraviolet (UV) light, as well as one or more fiber-optic filaments for transmitting the UV light for output at one or more locations on the electronic device. Software is provided to enable a user to pre-program a desired sanitization schedule for one or more portions of the device. In one embodiment, a UV protective cover is provided to protect UV-sensitive portions of the electronic device. |
| US08951467B2 |
Preventing equipment fouling via corrosion reduction
An embodiment prevents equipment fouling (deposition of unwanted material) in an oil recovery system via implementing passivation of metallic components. By preventing or at least slowing or inhibiting corrosion of equipment or components via passivation, such as passivating heat exchangers, metallic piping, and the like, an embodiment in turn reduces fouling thereof. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08951458B2 |
Producing a deformable system with a view to displacing an object enclosed in the latter
The invention relates to a method for displacing an object in a solid system involving the following steps: placing the object in a matrix which is solid at a first temperature and capable of softening due to the effect of a temperature increase; if necessary, increasing the temperature until the matrix softens; applying an external action to the object so as to move it inside the matrix; lowering the temperature until the matrix solidifies. |
| US08951457B2 |
Partitioned shell mold for wind turbine blades, its manufacturing method, and blade production method employing this mold
The invention describes a mold for non-metallic wind turbine blade shells that comprises two semi-molds, upper and lower, hinged with a pivoting system and equipped with stiffening ribs that hold a system of air conduits on it, and which is partitioned transversely in at least two parts (1A, 2A) and (1B, 2B) that are joined together with some fastening ribs (13A, 13A′, 13B, 13B′). The invention likewise describes the manufacturing method for this mold and the method to obtain a wind turbine blade by replacing an already constituted part of the mold to obtain a geometry differentiated from the original in one of its parts, and to manufacture another family of wind turbine blades. |
| US08951455B2 |
Method for reinforcing a hole edge region workpiece with a hole with reinforced hole edge region hole edge reinforcing device
The invention relates to a method for reinforcing a predetermined edge region of a hole in a hole region of a workpiece, the edge region comprising an edge of the hole, the hole region comprising thermoplastically bound fibers, preferably a thermoplastically bund fiber tangle, comprising the steps: providing the workpiece with a softened thermoplastic binder at least in the hole region, penetrating the hole region of the workpiece in a penetration direction with displacement of fibers with a spike, after penetration: scraping fibers from the spike contrary to the penetration direction by a scraper part mobile relative to the spike, and compacting the predetermined edge region surrounding the spike with a pressing surface of the scraper part relative to workpiece regions of the hole region located radially outside the edge region. |
| US08951453B2 |
Corrugated carbon fiber preform
In one example, a method includes mixing a plurality of carbon fibers in a liquid carrier to form a mixture, depositing the carbon fiber mixture in a layer, forming a plurality of corrugations in the carbon fiber layer, and rigidifying the corrugated carbon fiber layer to form a corrugated carbon fiber preform. In another example, a method includes substantially aligning a first ridge on a first surface of a first corrugated carbon fiber preform and a first groove on a first surface of a second corrugated carbon fiber preform, bringing the first surface of the first corrugated carbon fiber preform into contact with the first surface of the second corrugated carbon fiber preform, and densifying the first corrugated carbon fiber preform and the second carbon fiber preform to bond the first corrugated carbon fiber preform and the second carbon fiber preform. |
| US08951450B2 |
Apparatus and method for production of liposomes
Disclosed are: an apparatus which enables the easy production of liposomes having uniform particle diameters; and others. Specifically disclosed is a liposome production apparatus comprising: a microtube having a flow path through which a lipid-dissolved solution comprising at least one lipid, water and a water-miscible organic solvent can pass; a housing section in which the microtube is accommodated; and a cooling means for cooling the dissolved solution contained in the microtube in the housing section to a temperature at which liposomes can be produced. The apparatus enables the production of liposomes having uniform particle diameters. |
| US08951446B2 |
Hybrid particles and associated methods
Hybrid particles that comprise a coating surrounding a chalcopyrite material, the coating comprising a metal, a semiconductive material, or a polymer; a core comprising a chalcopyrite material and a shell comprising a functionalized chalcopyrite material, the shell enveloping the core; or a reaction product of a chalcopyrite material and at least one of a reagent, heat, and radiation. Methods of forming the hybrid particles are also disclosed. |
| US08951440B2 |
Nitride-based red-emitting phosphors in RGB (red-green-blue) lighting systems
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to nitride-based, red-emitting phosphors in red, green, and blue (RGB) lighting systems, which in turn may be used in backlighting displays and warm white-light applications. In particular embodiments, the red-emitting phosphor is based on CaAlSiN3 type compounds activated with divalent europium. In one embodiment, the nitride-based, red emitting compound contains a solid solution of calcium and strontium compounds (Ca,Sr)AlSiN3:Eu2+, wherein the impurity oxygen content is less than about 2 percent by weight. In another embodiment, the (Ca,Sr)AlSiN3:Eu2+ compounds further contains a halogen in an amount ranging from about zero to about 2 atomic percent, where the halogen may be fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), or any combination thereof. In one embodiment at least half of the halogen is distributed on 2-fold coordinated nitrogen (N2) sites relative to 3-fold coordinated nitrogen (N3) sites. |
| US08951435B2 |
Cathode materials for lithium battery having higher performance
Provided is a cathode material for a lithium secondary battery, comprising a heat-treated mixture of an oxide powder (a) represented by Formula I and an oxide powder (b) represented by Formula II, wherein a mixing ratio of the oxide powder (a):oxide powder (b) is in a range of 30:70 to 90:10, the oxide powder (a) is monolithic particles having a D50 of more than 10 μm, and the oxide powder (b) is agglomerated particles having a D50 of less than 10 μm, and heat treatment is carried out at a temperature of 400° C. or higher. LiCoO2 (I) LizMO2 (II) wherein 0.95 |
| US08951433B2 |
Compositions for use in semiconductor devices
An improved composition and method for cleaning a surface of a semiconductor wafer are provided. The composition can be used to selectively remove a low-k dielectric material such as silicon dioxide, a photoresist layer overlying a low-k dielectric layer, or both layers from the surface of the wafer. The composition is formulated according to the invention to provide a desired removal rate of the low-k dielectric and/or photoresist from the surface of the wafer. By varying a fluorine ion component, and the amounts of the fluorine ion component and an acid component, and controlling the pH, a composition can be formulated in order to achieve a desired low-k dielectric removal rate that ranges from slow and controlled at about 50 to about 1000 angstroms per minute, to a relatively rapid removal of low-k dielectric material at greater than about 1000 angstroms per minute. The composition can also be formulated to selectively remove the photoresist layer, leaving the underlying low-k dielectric layer essentially intact. |
| US08951422B2 |
Apparatus and method for separation of phases in a multiphase flow
A device is disclosed for the separation of liquid-liquid phase and/or a liquid-gas phase where one or more of the phases is suspended in water and has a bubble/drop/particle size in the sub micron and micron range, and/or fine particular organic or inorganic material is present in one or more of the phases. There is also disclosed a method and use for the device. |
| US08951420B2 |
Filter media suitable for hydraulic applications
Filter media, including those suitable for hydraulic applications, and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are provided. The filter media described herein may include two or more layers, at least one of the layers having a relatively high percentage of microglass fibers. Additionally, the filter media may be designed such that the ratio of average fiber diameters between two layers is relatively small, which can lead to a relatively low resistance ratio between the layers. The filter media has desirable properties including high dirt holding capacity with low basis weight and a low resistance to fluid flow. The media may be incorporated into a variety of filter element products including hydraulic filters. |
| US08951415B2 |
Filtration system
The present invention presents a filtration system with an integrated manifold valve. The filtration system employs only one pivotal component—the pivoting of the manifold. The manifold valve includes a dual aperture design for a two-fold alignment scheme with the ingress and egress lines of the fluid source. The invention is free of multi-component rotary valve with internal, rotatable parts, or an activation component, such as a handle, for initiating the rotary valve, allowing the user to rotate the rotational components thereof. The reduction in moveable components in this design reduces the likelihood of failure and increases the reliability of the filtration system. |
| US08951413B2 |
Safety grate cover for a swimming pool
A grate cover being installed in a recess in the top of a sump. The grate is formed of an upper and a lower section. The upper section exhibits four squares or four triangles therein, The upper section has a dome-shaped configuration and has four square or triangular shapes therein, depending on the geometric division therein, each shape has openings therein. The lower section has four trapezoid shapes therein. Each of the shapes of the upper section, whether square or triangular, has a concave surface curvature therein at a transition between the upper and the lower section. Each of the trapezoids of the lower section has two concave surfaces curvatures therein. One curvature extends in a first direction from the upper section toward an outside edge of grate cover. The other second concave curvature extends in a direction which is normal to the first direction. |
| US08951411B2 |
Apparatus for waste-water filtration
A multi-step press apparatus for sludge dewatering and waste water filtration comprising: a tank, an inflatable membrane, a level sensor, and a nozzle assembly. |
| US08951409B2 |
Polyalkylene epoxy polyamine additives for fouling mitigation in hydrocarbon refining processes
The present invention provides a method for reducing fouling, including particulate-induced fouling, in a hydrocarbon refining process including the steps of providing a crude hydrocarbon for a refining process and adding an antifouling agent containing a polymer base unit and a polyamine group to the crude hydrocarbon. The antifouling agent can be obtained by reacting an epoxidation reagent with a vinyl-terminated polymer, such as polypropylene or poly(ethylene-co-propylene), to form a terminal epoxy group, followed by reacting a polyamine with the epoxy group. |
| US08951408B2 |
Method for starting-up naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor
A method for starting-up a naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor which subjects a naphtha fraction obtained in a fractionator by fractional distillation of hydrocarbon compounds produced by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reaction to hydrotreating, the method comprising: charging in advance an inactive hydrocarbon compound corresponding to the naphtha fraction into a vapor-liquid separator to which hydrogenated naphtha, which has been subjected to hydrotreating in the naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor, is transferred; mixing the inactive hydrocarbon compound drawn from the vapor-liquid separator and the naphtha fractions being transferred from the fractionator to the naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor, and supplying a mixture of the naphtha fractions and the inactive hydrocarbon compound to the naphtha fraction hydrotreating reactor. |
| US08951407B2 |
Method and apparatus for making hybrid crude oils and fuels
A simplified process is provided for creating hybrid crude oils and hybrid crude fractions with characteristics superior to the original. The process uniquely combines gases with crude oil or crude fractions in an effervescent turbulent manner at low temperatures and pressures and without the further aid of catalysts. The process breaks large chain hydrocarbons into smaller chain hydrocarbons, molecularly combines carbon, hydrogen, and/or hydrocarbon molecules from the gases with and into hydrocarbon molecules of the crude or crude fraction, and separates contaminants and impurities. |
| US08951404B2 |
Electrochemical system for measuring a biological compound by an enzyme
The system includes an electronic measuring apparatus for receiving an electrochemical sensor including a substrate that carries the current collectors for connecting the measuring and reference electrodes to the measuring apparatus. The measuring electrode is coated with a reagent including at least the specific enzyme of the biological compound to be analysed in a body fluid. The measuring apparatus can impose at least two different temperatures to enable the signal from the compound to be analysed from those of other biological compounds interfering with the signal. Application to measuring glucose in the blood with glucose dehydrogenase as the enzyme, without interference with maltose. |
| US08951403B2 |
Detection method for sensor membrane of europium titanium oxide as part of a biosensor by using PNIPAAm for wrapping enzymes
A detection method for a sensor membrane formed of europium titanium oxide as part of a biosensor by using PNIPAAm for wrapping enzymes includes adding 1.0 g of NIPAAm powder to 20 ml water, heating same at 60° C. to form NIPAAm solution, and cooling the NIPAAm solution; adding 200 μl of 98.7 wt % of APS and 50 μl of 99 wt % of TEMED to the NIPAAm solution, uniformly mixing same, and reacting the mixture for 30 hours to prepare a transparent, gel PNIPAAm; adding 5 mg enzymes to 100 μl of 1×PBS buffer solution, uniformly mixing same, adding 100 μl of PNIPAAm to the buffer solution, and uniformly mixing the buffer solution; placing a biosensor on a heater for heating at a constant temperature of 37° C. with the biosensor being an EIS sensor having a sensor membrane formed of EuTixOy; and taking a measurement. |
| US08951400B2 |
Chemistry used in biosensors
The invention relates to novel compositions of disubstituted bipyridyl osmium complexes useful for the synthesis of labeled proteins, nucleic acids, and for the modification of electrodes. |
| US08951399B2 |
Method for purifying lithium-containing waste waters during the continuous manufacture of lithium transition metal phosphates
A method for continuously manufacturing lithium transition metal phosphates of the formula LiMPO4, comprising the steps of providing an aqueous reaction mixture containing LION, H3PO4, and a transition metal sulphate, converting the reaction mixture into a lithium transition metal phosphate, separating the solid lithium transition metal phosphate from the soluble part of the reaction mixture, subjecting the soluble part (diluate) to an electrodialysis, and isolating the part of the electrodialysate that contains an aqueous LiOH solution. |
| US08951396B2 |
Cathodic materials for use in electrochemical sensors and associated devices and methods of manufacturing the same
A cathodic material for use in an electrochemical sensor comprising: a carbonaceous material and an oxygen reduction catalyst associated with the carbonaceous material; and wherein the cathodic material does not materially exhibit catalytic activity for the oxidation of carbon monoxide. Associated electrochemical sensors may include an anode and cathode that are disposed upon the same or opposite sides of an ion exchange membrane and/or exposed to the same or different gaseous environments. |
| US08951390B2 |
Reactor for the continuous production of charcoal
A reactor for the continuous production of charcoal, having a substantially vertical structure, comprising, in sequence, a top charging zone, a drying zone, a carbonization zone, a cooling zone, and a discharge zone, wherein the charging zone has a smaller cross section than the drying zone and has an extension into the drying zone , forming an annular space around the extension, which space comprises, in the wall of the drying zone, an outlet to a gas extraction line for the recirculation of these gases into the reactor. The reactor reduces sawdust drag by the gases extracted from the preheating zone, without substantially altering the shape and the size of the reactor, which is achieved due to the fact that the charging zone is arranged eccentrically relatively to the drying zone, and that the outlet to the gas extraction line of the drying zone is located substantially on the larger area section of the annular space. |
| US08951388B2 |
Method and system for efficient production of dissolving pulp in a kraft mill producing paper grade pulp with a continuous type digester
A method and system for pulp manufacturing used in connection with a kraft process includes a vertical pressure vessel operated in batch mode, a single-vessel or multi-vessel continuous digester, and other equipment for further processing brown stock, such as for washing, oxygen delignification, bleaching, and drying. A feeder and conveyance system may include a high pressure feeder or direct pump system, and selectively provides fiber-containing material to the continuous digester when making lower grade pulp product and to the vertical pressure vessel when making higher grade pulp such as dissolving pulp. The vertical pressure vessel is used for pre-hydrolysis and neutralization, after which the resulting pulp is fed to the continuous digester for cooking. White liquor and black liquor from the same mill may be used for the neutralization fluids. The same continuous digester is selectively used for cooking in connection with making pulp products of different grades or quality. |
| US08951386B2 |
Treatment of synthetic quartz glass substrate
A synthetic quartz glass substrate having a resist film coated thereon is treated by immersing it in a terpene-containing solvent until the resist film is released, and rinsing the substrate with water. |
| US08951375B2 |
Methods and systems for co-bonding or co-curing composite parts using a rigid/malleable SMP apparatus
A method and apparatus for fabricating a composite part, such as a fuselage or internal stiffener, with a shape memory polymer (SMP) apparatus usable as both a rigid lay-up tool and a bladder. The SMP apparatus may be heated until malleable, shaped, and then cooled in a desired rigid tool configuration. For example, cavities may be formed into the SMP apparatus for nesting components therein to co-bond or co-cure with the composite part. Next, composite material may be applied onto the SMP apparatus and then placed into a rigid external tool and heated to composite cure temperatures at which the SMP apparatus is malleable. A pressure differential may be induced which urges the SMP apparatus to compress the composite material against the rigid external tool. When the composite material is cured, the SMP apparatus may be urged away from the cured composite material and removed from within the composite part. |
| US08951373B2 |
Replaceable protective layer on flat screen display
A method consistent with certain implementations involves installing a protective film on a display panel by: placing a sheet of protective film adjacent a front surface of a display panel, where the front surface comprises a surface of the display panel that is displayed when in use, and where the display panel has an edge around a periphery of the display panel; drawing protective film into full contact with the front surface of the display panel; sealing the protective film to the front surface of the display panel at a location at or near the edge of the display panel around the periphery thereof to produce a peripheral sealed edge. The protective film can be drawn into full contact with the display panel by using a vacuum. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08951370B2 |
Aluminum alloy wire material
An aluminum alloy wire material, which has an alloy composition containing: 0.1 to 0.4 mass % of Fe, 0.1 to 0.3 mass % of Cu, 0.02 to 0.2 mass % of Mg, and 0.02 to 0.2 mass % of Si, and further containing 0.001 to 0.01 mass % of Ti and V in total, with the balance being Al and unavoidable impurities, in which a grain size is 5 to 25 μm in a vertical cross-section in a wire-drawing direction of the wire material, in which, according to JIS Z 2241, a tensile strength (TS) is 80 MPa or more, an elongation (El) is 15% or more, and a 0.2% yield strength (YS; MPa) satisfies, together with the TS, a relationship represented by formula: 1.5≦(TS/YS)≦3, and in which an electrical conductivity is 55% IACS or more. |
| US08951369B2 |
Copper alloy for electronic/electric device, copper alloy thin plate for electronic/electric device, method of producing copper alloy for electronic/electric device, conductive component for electronic/electric device and terminal
What is provided is a copper alloy for electronic/electric device comprising: in mass %, more than 2% and 36.5% or less of Zn; 0.1% or more and 0.9% or less of Sn; 0.05% or more and less than 1.0% of Ni; 0.001% or more and less than 0.10% of Fe; 0.005% or more and 0.10% or less of P; and the balance Cu and inevitable impurities, wherein a content ratio of Fe to Ni, Fe/Ni satisfies 0.002≦Fe/Ni<1.5, a content ratio of a sum of Ni and Fe, (Ni+Fe), to P satisfies 3<(Ni+Fe)/P<15, a content ratio of Sn to a sum of Ni and Fe, (Ni+Fe) satisfies 0.3 |
| US08951368B2 |
Iron-based brazing foil and method for brazing
Disclosed are amorphous, ductile brazing foils with a composition consisting essentially of FeRestNiaCrbSicBdPe, wherein 0 atomic %≦a<25 atomic %; 0 atomic %≦b≦15 atomic %; 1 atomic %≦c≦10 atomic %; 4 atomic %≦d≦15 atomic %; 1 atomic %≦e≦9 atomic %; any impurities≦0.5 atomic %; rest Fe, wherein 2 atomic %≦c+e≦10 atomic % and 15 atomic %≦c+d+e≦22 atomic %, or consisting essentially of FeRestNiaCrbMofCugSicBdPe, wherein 0 atomic %≦a<25 atomic %; 0 atomic %≦b≦15 atomic %; 1 atomic % |
| US08951367B2 |
Ultra high strength cold rolled steel sheet having excellent bendability
A cold rolled steel sheet with excellent bendability contains C at 0.15 to 0.30%, Si at 0.01 to 1.8%, Mn at 1.5 to 3.0%, P at not more than 0.05%, S at not more than 0.005%, Al at 0.005 to 0.05% and N at not more than 0.005%, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and has a steel sheet superficial soft portion satisfying: Hv(S)/Hv(C)≦0.8 (1) wherein Hv(S) is hardness of the steel sheet superficial soft portion, and Hv(C) is hardness of a steel sheet core portion, 0.10≦t(S)/t≦0.30 (2) wherein t(S) is thickness of the steel sheet superficial soft portion, and t is the sheet thickness. |
| US08951361B2 |
Apparatus for guiding a hydraulic hose
An apparatus for guiding hydraulic hoses for use in cleaning sewer lines. The claimed hose guide locks the hydraulic hose, near the head of the hose, in a clamp, providing rigidity for an operator trying to locate the opening of a clogged pipeline. Once the hose has been placed at the pipeline opening, the operator releases the hose from the hose guide, pressurizes the hose so as to separate the hose from the hose guide, removes the hose guide from the sewer line, and cleans the pipeline with the hydraulic hose. |
| US08951359B2 |
Liquid processing apparatus, liquid processing method and computer-readable storage medium storing liquid processing program
There is provided a liquid processing method for performing a liquid process on a front surface of a substrate by using a processing solution and then performing a rinse process on the front surface of the substrate by using a rinse solution having a temperature lower than a temperature of the processing solution. The liquid processing method includes performing an intermediate process between the liquid process and the rinse process, for adjusting a temperature of the front surface of the substrate to a temperature higher than the temperature of the rinse solution and lower than the temperature of the processing solution. |
| US08951355B2 |
Methods and devices to clear obstructions from medical tubes
A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed. |
| US08951354B2 |
Megasonic cleaning with controlled boundary layer thickness and associated systems and methods
Megasonic cleaning systems and methods of using megasonic pressure waves to impart cavitation energy proximate a surface of a microelectronic substrate are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a megasonic cleaning system includes a process tank for containing a liquid, a support element for carrying a substrate submerged in the liquid, and first and second transducers positioned in the tank. The first transducer is further positioned and/or operated to initiate cavitation events in a bulk portion of the liquid proximate a surface of the substrate. The second transducer is further positioned and/or operated to control an interface of fluid friction between the substrate and the bulk portion of the liquid. |
| US08951351B2 |
Wafer processing hardware for epitaxial deposition with reduced backside deposition and defects
Methods and apparatus for reducing autodoping and backside defects on a substrate during epitaxial deposition processes are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for reducing autodoping and backside defects on a substrate includes a substrate support ring having a substrate holder structure configured to support the substrate in a position for processing along an edge defined by the backside of the substrate and a sidewall of the substrate or along a plurality of discrete points on or proximate to the edge; and a spacer ring for positioning the substrate support ring above a susceptor plate to define a substrate gap region between the susceptor plate and the backside of the substrate, the spacer ring comprising a plurality of openings formed therethrough that facilitate passage of a gas into and out of the substrate gap region. |
| US08951349B2 |
Thin film deposition apparatus and method of manufacturing organic light-emitting display device by using the same
A thin film deposition apparatus including a deposition source having a crucible to contain a deposition material and a heater to heat and vaporize the deposition material; a nozzle unit disposed at a side of the deposition source along a first direction and having a plurality of nozzle slits to discharge the deposition material that was vaporized; a plurality of emission coefficient increasing units disposed toward the nozzle unit within the deposition source and increasing a quantity of motion of the deposition material that is discharged toward the nozzle unit; a patterning slit sheet disposed opposite to the nozzle unit and having a plurality of patterning slits arranged along the first direction; and a barrier plate assembly disposed between the nozzle unit and the patterning slit sheet along the first direction, and having a plurality of barrier plates that partition a space between the nozzle unit and the patterning slit sheet into a plurality of sub-deposition spaces. |
| US08951348B1 |
Single-chamber sequential curing of semiconductor wafers
The present invention relates to curing of semiconductor wafers. More particularly, the invention relates to cure chambers containing multiple cure stations, each featuring one or more UV light sources. The wafers are cured by sequential exposure to the light sources in each station. In some embodiments, the wafers remain stationary with respect to the light source during exposure. In other embodiments, there is relative movement between the light source and the wafer during exposure. The invention also provides chambers that may be used to independently modulate the cross-linking, density and increase in stress of a cured material by providing independent control of the wafer temperature and UV intensity. |
| US08951347B2 |
Film deposition apparatus
A film deposition apparatus is provided with a gas nozzle in which ejection holes that eject a reaction gas are formed along a longitudinal direction of the gas nozzle, and a flow regulation member that protrudes from the gas nozzle in either one of upstream and downstream directions of a rotation direction of a turntable. In such a configuration, a separation gas flowing from an upstream side of the rotation direction to the gas nozzle is restricted from flowing between the gas nozzle and the turntable on which a substrate is placed, and the reaction gas flowing upward from the turntable is restricted by the separation gas, thereby impeding a reaction gas concentration in a process area from being lowered. |
| US08951342B2 |
Methods for using porogens for low k porous organosilica glass films
A chemical vapor deposition method for producing a porous organosilica glass film comprising: introducing into a vacuum chamber gaseous reagents including at least one precursor selected from the group consisting of an organosilane and an organosiloxane, and a porogen that is distinct from the precursor; applying energy to the gaseous reagents in the vacuum chamber to induce reaction of the gaseous reagents to deposit a preliminary film on the substrate, wherein the preliminary film contains the porogen; and removing from the preliminary film substantially all of the porogen to provide the porous film with pores and a dielectric constant less than 2.6. |
| US08951341B2 |
Sizing composition for mineral wool comprising a monosaccharide and/or a polysaccharide and an organic polycarboxylic acid, and insulating products obtained
A sizing composition for insulating products based on mineral wool, in particular on glass or on rock, includes at least one monosaccharide and/or at lest one polysaccharide, and at least one organic polycarboxylic acid having a molar mass of less than or equal to 1000. Another subject-matter of the present invention is the insulating products based on mineral fibres thus obtained and the process for the manufacture thereof. |
| US08951340B2 |
Water-insoluble coloring matter compound, ink using the water-insoluble coloring matter compound, thermal transfer recording sheet and resist composition for color filter
An object of the present invention is to provide a water-insoluble coloring matter compound having high solubility for a solvent and high lightness and chroma and providing a chromaticity closer to the magenta chromaticity represented by the Adobe RGB color space. A water-insoluble coloring matter compound represented by the formula (1) is provided: wherein R1 and R2 represent an alkyl group, and R3 represents an alkyl group, an aryl group, or an alkoxy group. And the alkyl group, the aryl group and the alkoxy group regarding to R1 to R3 are capable of having a substituent. |
| US08951336B2 |
Vessel for removing solid particles from gases
The invention is directed to a vessel for separating solid particles from a gas containing solid particles, said vessel comprising a plate provided with openings across the vessel such that the plate divides the vessel in a first and second space, a number of filter elements extending from the openings into the first space, a vessel opening for receiving the gas containing solid particles, fluidly connected to the first space, an vessel outlet opening for discharge of solids, fluidly connected to the first space and a vessel outlet opening for gas, fluidly connected to the second space. The first space further comprises one or more cyclone separation devices having an inlet fluidly connected to the vessel opening for receiving the gas containing solid particles, a cyclone gas outlet fluidly connected to the first space and a solids cyclone outlet. |
| US08951335B2 |
Selective caustic scrubbing using a driver gas
Systems and methods are described for selectively removing an acid gas from a feed stream to reduce co-absorption of CO2. The system can include an absorber configured to contact at least a portion of the feed stream with a caustic solution or other basic solvents to produce a clean stream substantially depleted of the acid gas. To reduce co-absorption of CO2 by the caustic solution to less than 10% of the CO2 present in the feed stream, the absorber can be further configured to receive a driver gas that is substantially non-reactive with the caustic solution. |
| US08951333B2 |
Purification arrangements and methods for gas pipeline systems
A purification arrangement for a gas pipeline system includes a pressure vessel and at least first and second purification assemblies in the interior of the pressure vessel. An openable/closable barrier is positioned in the pressure vessel between the first and second purification assemblies. A gas flow may be established through the pressure vessel, and the gas may pass through the first purification assembly, the open barrier, and the second purification assembly to remove liquid and/or solid particulates from the gas. |
| US08951328B2 |
Production of valve metal powders
The invention relates to the production of valve metal powders, in particular, tantalum powders by reduction of a corresponding valve metal compound, for example, K2TaF7, with an alkali metal in the presence of a diluent salt, whereby the reduction is carried out in the presence of a particle diminution agent, preferably, Na2SO4, which is added to the reaction mixture continuously or in aliquots. |
| US08951325B2 |
Bi-component fiber and filter media including bi-component fibers
A bi-component fiber is provided. The bi-component fiber includes a sheath formed of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and a core formed of a high glass transition polyester. A PPS material of the sheath has a higher melting point than a high glass transition polyester material of the core. The core is at least partially crystallized whereby the high glass transition polyester material of the core effectively has a higher softening point than a softening point of the PPS material of the sheath. |
| US08951320B2 |
Device for purifying gas by extracting particles
A purifying device provided with a device for collecting particles, such as dust includes a chamber having an inner wall that is generally cylindrical around a central axis (X), the inner wall extending parallel to the central axis between first and second substantially parallel faces, wherein the chamber has an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The collecting device also includes a rotor which is rotatable around the central axis, and which includes at least three blades, each of which extend radially from a rotary shaft to the inner wall while defining, within the chamber, compartments which are sized such that the inlet and outlet openings are in constant communication with separate compartments. The inlet opening is provided in the first base and the outlet opening is provided in the second base. |
| US08951318B2 |
Composite sintered body
A composite sintered body according to the present invention contains at least cubic boron nitride and a binder. Cubic boron nitride has a continuous skeleton structure as a result of bonding of a plurality of first cubic boron nitride particles to each other. The binder has a continuous structure as a result of bonding of a plurality of binder particles to each other, that are present in a region except for a bonding interface where the first cubic boron nitride particles are bonded to each other. Second cubic boron nitride particles isolated from the first cubic boron nitride particles forming the skeleton structure are dispersed in the continuous structure of the binder particles. |
| US08951317B1 |
Superabrasive elements including ceramic coatings and methods of leaching catalysts from superabrasive elements
A method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element is disclosed. The method may include depositing a vaporized material over a selected portion of a polycrystalline diamond element to form a protective coating over the selected portion. The polycrystalline diamond element may include a polycrystalline diamond table. The method may also include exposing at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element to a leaching solution such that the leaching solution contacts an exposed surface region of the polycrystalline diamond table and at least a portion of the protective coating. The method may also include removing the polycrystalline diamond element from the leaching solution. The protective coating may be substantially impermeable to the leaching solution. |
| US08951316B2 |
Modified gas and steam turbine process with integrated coal gasification under pressure
A process for the production, treatment and combustion of synthesis gas for the purpose of generating electric power is disclosed. The synthesis gas is produced from a solid, carbon-containing fuel with the aid of an oxygen-containing gas and treated by a slag-separating device and a device separating alkalis. Subsequently, the synthesis gas produced is fed to an expansion turbine where the pressure energy is used for generating power. On account of the treatment and separation of alkalis the expansion turbine is protected from corrosion and mechanical impact. The expanded synthesis gas is then burnt under pressure and the combustion is used in a combined-cycle process using a gas turbine, steam generator and steam turbine for generating power. The process thus has an increased efficiency. Apparatus for use of the process is also described. |
| US08951310B2 |
Hydrogen gas generators
Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of a hydrogen generator (10) that measures, transports or stores a single dose of a viscous fuel component from first fuel chamber (12) in storage area (38) when the internal hydrogen pressure (44, 44′) of the hydrogen generator is high, and transports this single dose to a metal hydride fuel component in second fuel chamber (14) when the internal pressure is low, so that the viscous liquid and metal hydride fuel components react together to generate more hydrogen and to restart the cycle. The viscous fuel component can be water or alcohol, such as methanol, in liquid or gel form, and the metal hydride fuel component can be sodium borohydride or other metal hydride that chemically reacts with the viscous fuel to produce hydrogen. The metal hydride fuel component can be in solid or viscous form, e.g., aqueous form. |
| US08951309B2 |
Hay-based logs and method of making the same
A hay-based log formed of a combination of pieces of hay and a binding agent. The hay pieces and the binding agent are compressed together into a solid shape. The hay-based log is fabricated so that the majority of the hay-binder combination is made of the hay. The binder is selected to be sufficient to keep the hay pieces joined together in its selected shape. The binder may be wax paraffin, plastic, corn starch or potato starch or any combination thereof. The hay-based log is fabricated by compressing the hay-binder mixture together with sufficient pressure and temperature to enable the hay pieces to stay together and then cooling the mixture without heat or pressure. |
| US08951307B2 |
Polymers
A sulphur-free polymer comprising structural units of formula (I) and structural units of formula (II): wherein R1 represents a C8 to C22 alkyl group, preferably a C12 to C16 alkyl group; wherein R2 is hydrogen or methyl; wherein R3 represents —R5(OR6)nOR7; wherein R5 and R6 may be the same or different and independently represent a linear or branched C1 to C8 alkylene group; wherein n is an integer from 1 to 20; wherein R7 represents a C1 to C4 alkyl group; wherein R4 is hydrogen or methyl; and wherein the molar ratio of structural units (I):structural units (II) in the polymer is in the range from 100:1 to 2:1. The polymers improve the low-temperature properties of fuel oils from petroleum sources, those from vegetable or animal sources, and mixtures of these fuel oils. |
| US08951305B2 |
Method of producing naturally purified salt products
In one embodiment, a method for producing a naturally purified salt product such as magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, wherein the salt mixture is treated with a solution comprising magnesium chloride; the first slurry is separated to provide a second slurry, which is further separated to yield a first liquid stream; the first liquid stream is crystallized to provide the naturally purified salt product. In another embodiment, a high purity salt product is produced. In another embodiment, other products that are produced include naturally purified sodium chloride and magnesium chloride. |
| US08951301B2 |
Method of using a trialing system for a knee prosthesis
A method of assembling a surgical instrument includes selecting a tibial bearing surface trial component, orienting a shim relative to the tibial bearing surface trial component, and securing the shim to the tibial bearing surface trial component. |
| US08951300B2 |
Intervertebral disc spacer
Methods and devices are provided for improving the stability, flexibility, and/or proper anatomical motion of a spinal column and more particularly, spinal implant devices are provided for use between adjacent vertebral bones. Intervertebral disc spacer devices may comprise two joined surfaces formed of compressible materials. The surfaces may be convex or any variety of shapes. Certain embodiments of intervertebral disc spacer devices include apertures through which nutrients may pass. Additionally, certain embodiments include a partial enclosure or open region between the two surfaces so as to provide an environment conducive to regrowth or stimulation of natural intervertebral disc material. In certain embodiments, the two surfaces may be attached by one or more springs. Alternatively, intervertebral disc spacer embodiments may be comprised of a coiled wire. Methods of introducing intervertebral disc spacer devices into patients are also provided. |
| US08951299B2 |
Medical devices and delivery systems for delivering medical devices
Medical devices and delivery systems for delivering medical devices to a target location within a subject. In some embodiments the medical devices can be locked in a fully deployed and locked configuration. In some embodiments the delivery systems are configured with a single actuator to control the movement of multiple components of the delivery system. In some embodiments the actuator controls the independent and dependent movement of multiple components of the delivery system. |
| US08951293B2 |
Orthopedic screw insert
An insert for receiving a bone screw includes an elongate sleeve having opposed proximal and distal ends and a wall defined by an outer peripheral surface configured for engaging bone and an inner peripheral surface configured for receiving a bone screw extended therethrough. At least one elongate slot is formed in the wall of the sleeve for promoting flexure of the insert. A tool for affixing an orthopedic screw insert within bone tissue includes a socket portion configured and adapted to engage a proximal section of an outer peripheral surface of an orthopedic screw insert. A driver extends distally from the socket portion. The driver is configured and adapted to engage a section of an inner peripheral surface of the orthopedic screw insert distal from the socket portion. |
| US08951291B2 |
Self-locking osteosynthesis device
The self-locking osteosynthesis device includes a plate equipped with holes for the passage of fixation screws. The invention is characterized in that, at least in the areas defining the screw holes, the aforementioned plate is made from a material having mechanical properties such that the periphery of the holes can be self-tapped by means of tapping screws which can be used to fix the plate. |
| US08951289B2 |
Spinal connection assembly
A spinal connection assembly for use with a posterior spinal connector having a head and a groove adjacent the head for providing a neck and a connector element to treat a spine of a mammalian body is provided. The assembly includes a housing having first and second side portions and a top and a bottom. The first side portion is provided with a bottom-facing first opening adapted for receiving the posterior spinal connector. A capture mechanism is carried by the first side portion for engaging the head of the posterior spinal connector and extends at least partially into the groove so as to capture the head within the first opening. The second side portion is provided with a second opening. A securement mechanism is carried by the second side portion for capturing the connector element within the second opening. |
| US08951288B2 |
Devices and methods for treatment of a bone fracture
An implant and method are provided for treating a fractured bone. The implant includes a generally elongated member having a first configuration for introduction between body tissue layers and a second configuration in-situ having a curved portion. The generally elongated member includes a plurality of alternating projections and slots and a plurality of occlusions wherein each of the occlusions is positioned between adjacent projections. The occlusions at least partially occlude an upper and/or lower side of the associated slot. Additionally, the projections may be configured to overlap each other when the implant is deployed in the second configuration. The occlusions and/or overlapping projections promote improved fluid flow and dispersion through the deployed implant and into the fractured bone. Also provided are methods for using the implant to treat a bone fracture. |
| US08951287B1 |
System and method for attaching soft tissue to bone
Methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone are disclosed herein. A bone anchor is described that comprises a base and a top such that suture material may be compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the anchor top relative to the anchor base to clamp suture material there between. Also described is a soft-tissue and bone piercing anchor and associated inserter. Methods are described that allow use of the bone anchors to provide multiple lengths of suture material to compress a large area of soft tissue against bone. |
| US08951286B2 |
Tissue anchor and anchoring system
A tissue anchor includes an anchor member formed from a generally flexible material. An activation member, which may be a tensioning member, causes proximal and distal end portions of the anchor member to move toward each other into a shortened configuration suitable for anchoring against the tissue. The tissue anchor can optionally be deployed and activated using a catheter device. |
| US08951284B2 |
Anesthetic suture
A multi-filament surgical suture comprising cover and core layers is differentially coated or impregnated with a long-acting local anesthetic so as produce a differential distribution of the anesthetic within the suture. The differential distribution of the anesthetic within the suture can be adjusted so as to release a uniform or variable prescribed dosage of the anesthetic at a uniform or variable prescribed rate over one or more prescribed intervals. The time-release period and the rate of anesthetic release can be regulated to suit the needs of the specific patient and/or the nature of the surgical procedure. |
| US08951271B2 |
Surgical threading device and method for using same
A threading device assembly for use in plastic surgery that includes a first elongated rod having first and second opposite ends, a second elongated rod having first and second opposite ends, and a suture having first and second opposite ends. The first end of the suture is secured to the first elongated rod at a location that is approximately halfway between the first and second ends, and the second end of the suture is secured to the second elongated rod at a location that is approximately halfway between the first and second ends. |
| US08951263B2 |
Orthopedic suture passer and method
Instruments and techniques to pass a suture are presented. In one illustrative example, a suture passer includes a guide operable to guide the formation of a tunnel in a bone and guide passage of a suture through the tunnel so formed. |
| US08951262B2 |
Patella clamp and drill guide surgical instrument
An orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a patella drill guide having a first bracket, a second bracket coupled to the first bracket and moveable relative to the first bracket. The second bracket includes a drill plate having a plurality of guide holes defined therein. |
| US08951261B2 |
Subchondral treatment of joint pain
The embodiments provide devices and methods that both strengthen the bone and stimulate the bone. Bone fractures or non-unions are stabilized, integrated or healed, which results in reduction of a bone defect, such as a bone marrow lesion or edema. In addition, the distribution of forces in a joint are restored or altered to relieve pain. In general, a joint is evaluated by taking an image of the joint and one or more subchondral defects are detected. At least one of the subchondral defects may be diagnosed as the source of pain and an extent of treatment for the subchondral defect is determined. The disclosed devices and techniques are particularly suited for treating chronic defects or injuries, where the patient's natural healing response has not resolved the defect. The present disclosure also provides several exemplary treatment modalities for the different extents of treatment needed. |
| US08951260B2 |
Surgical cutting guide
The present invention is directed to a surgical cutting guide for guiding a surgical instrument along a cutting path located on a biological tissue. The surgical guide includes a contact surface that conforms to a surface associated with the tissue and at least one guide for restricting movement of a surgical instrument in a first direction and for allowing the movement of the surgical instrument in a second direction along a cutting path across the surface of the tissue. The guide further contains a stop for restricting movement of the surgical instrument in the second direction along the cutting path. The stop is based at least, in part, on patient specific information. |
| US08951257B2 |
Spinal correction system and method
A spinal correction system comprises an elongate member extending between a first end including a first inner surface defining a first cavity and a second end including a collar having a second inner surface defining a second cavity. The second cavity is movable relative to the elongate member in at least one orientation. The second end defining an elongated cavity. A first extender defines a first outer surface and a second extender defines a second outer surface. The elongate member is disposable between a first configuration and a second configuration such that the second cavity is movable in the at least one orientation to a position such that the first inner surface is forcibly disposable in a fixed engagement with the first outer surface and the interior surface is forcibly disposed in a fixed engagement with at least a portion of the collar. Methods of use are disclosed. |
| US08951256B2 |
System and method for orienting orthopedic implants
A surgical guidance system for properly orienting a surgical instrument, such as an acetabular cup inserter, within a patient relative to a plurality of anatomical reference points includes a support device for retaining the patient, a reference sensor fixedly coupled to the support device and a tool sensor removably coupled to the instrument. The support device includes a plurality of abutment pads that directly contact the plurality of anatomical reference points. A processor is electrically connected to the reference and tool sensors and is programmed to collect spatial orientation data compiled from each sensor. Using the spatial orientation data, the processor determines in real-time the actual orientation of the surgical instrument relative to the anatomical reference points. An indicator is electrically connected to the processor and provides a feedback signal that assists the surgeon in properly orienting the instrument relative to a user-defined acceptable range. |
| US08951251B2 |
Ostial renal nerve ablation
A catheter including an elongated shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, where the catheter includes a thermal element at the distal end thereof. The thermal element may be used in an ablation procedure or other procedure to heat a tissue adjacent a vessel. In some instances, the thermal element may be positioned in a first vessel and may operate to heat tissue adjacent a second vessel or adjacent an ostium between the first vessel and the second vessel. Further, the catheter may include an expandable portion on which the thermal element may be connected or positioned. The expandable portion(s) may comprise a basket or cage, a balloon, a memory shape and formable portion, and/or other mechanical expanders. |
| US08951245B2 |
Steerable laser probe
A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation structure of the handle, a housing tube, a wire having a pre-formed curve, and an optic fiber disposed within the housing tube and an inner bore of the handle. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. A compression of the actuation structure may curve or straighten the housing tube. A decompression of the actuation structure may curve or straighten the housing tube. |
| US08951240B2 |
Flexible tube for endoscope and endoscope
A flexible tubular portion for an endoscope having a central axis includes a spiral tube, an outer layer covering the outside of the spiral tube, and an inhibiting portion. The spiral tube includes, along the longitudinal direction of the central axis, a closely wound portion to which an initial tension is applied, and sparsely wound portions provided on the distal side and the proximal side of the closely wound portion. The inhibiting portion inhibits the movement of at least a part of the sparsely wound portions relative to the outer layer in the longitudinal direction of the spiral tube. |
| US08951238B2 |
Absorbent product and disposable diaper
An absorbent body of a diaper has a central absorbent core, a pair of side absorbent cores and a pair of side elastic members. The side elastic members lie left and right of a front portion of the central absorbent core. The side absorbent cores lie left and right of rear and middle portions of the central absorbent core. In the diaper, by contraction of the side elastic members, the side absorbent cores come into close contact with the insides of thighs of a wearer, and urine is prevented from leaking from leg circumferences. Since the side absorbent cores are positioned left and right of the rear and middle portions of the central absorbent core, portions of the wearer's leg circumferences in the vicinity of the front are not covered with the side absorbent cores, and interference with leg movement of the wearer is prevented. |
| US08951236B2 |
Systems and methods for improved connection to wound dressings in conjunction with reduced pressure wound treatment systems
A system for applying reduced pressure to tissue includes a multi-lumen reduced pressure delivery tube having a proximate end, a distal end, a primary lumen extending through the conduit from the proximate end to the distal end, and an ancillary lumen extending through the conduit from the proximate end to the distal end. A vacuum pump is coupled to the proximate end of the primary lumen, and a reduced pressure adapter is coupled to the distal end of the reduced pressure delivery tube. The adapter includes channels to direct liquid away from the ancillary lumens and into the primary lumen. |
| US08951235B2 |
Systems and methods for controlling operation of a reduced pressure therapy system
Negative pressure wound therapy apparatuses and dressings, and systems and methods for operating such apparatuses for use with dressings are disclosed. In some embodiments, controlling the delivery of therapy can be based on monitoring and detecting various operating conditions. An apparatus can have a controller configured to monitor the duty cycle of a source of negative pressure and, based on the monitored duty cycle, determine whether a leak is present. The controller can be configured to provide an indication that a leak is present. For example, the controller can be configured to suspend and/or pause the delivery of therapy, and to restart the delivery of therapy due to a timeout, request from a user, etc. In addition, the controller can be configured to pause and/or restart the delivery of therapy upon a request from the user, such as in response to the user operating a switch. |
| US08951232B2 |
Gastrostomy feeding apparatus and method
An apparatus for direct gastric feeding via a gastrostomy tract formed in a patient. The apparatus includes a tube, an internal bolster, an external bolster, and a force-generating device. The force-generating device may include a pair of automatically adjustable spring members on the external bolster. The spring members are responsive to changes in the length of the gastrostomy tract and eliminate the need for periodic adjustment or replacement of the apparatus. |
| US08951231B2 |
Aseptic adjustable aspiration catheter device
An aseptic re-aspiration catheter apparatus for removing body fluids from a human body includes a front connector connected to a guide tube, into which a catheter having a predetermined length is inserted, and an adjustment tube having a predetermined length. The leading end of the adjustment tube is assembled to the front connector. A front locking member has an inner hole into which the catheter is inserted, is detachably assembled to the front connector, and is disposed inside the adjustment tube. A rear connector is assembled to the rear end of the adjustment tube. A rear locking member is connected to the catheter and detachably assembled to the rear connector, and extends through the connectors. A cap member is detachably assembled to the rear locking member. Blood clots, abscesses, and blood fluids are simply and safely removed from the human body in a short time using the catheter. |
| US08951228B2 |
IV infusion system device having retractable needle and method of making and using the same
Device for installing and/or injecting a cannula includes a body, a needle holding member arranged in the body and comprising a needle, and a spring structured and arranged to move the needle holding member to a retracted position within the body. At least one of the spring is pre-tensioned or expanded and the spring is arranged on a side of the needle holding member opposite the needle. A method of using the device includes injecting insertion cannula to a skin surface and causing the needle holding member to retract into the body. A method of making the device includes placing the spring in an pre-tensioned or expanded position inside the body and connecting one end of the spring to the needle holding member. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. |
| US08951225B2 |
Catheters with non-removable guide members useable for treatment of sinusitis
Balloon catheter, guide catheter and method for dilating openings in paranasal sinuses. A non-removable guide member (e.g., guidewire) extends from the distal end of the balloon catheter. The non-removable guide member initially passes through the opening of the paranasal sinus and is followed by the catheter body on which the balloon is mounted. The balloon is then inflated causing dilation of the opening of the paranasal sinus. In some embodiments, the non-removable guide member may be shapeable so that the operator may place the non-removable guide member in a desired shape prior to insertion of the balloon catheter. In some embodiments, the length of the non-removable guide member may be adjustable such that the operator may adjust the length of the non-removable guide member prior to insertion of the balloon catheter. |
| US08951223B2 |
Methods and devices for intra-atrial shunts having adjustable sizes
Devices and methods for treating heart disease by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal are disclosed. Devices may include an adjustable hydraulic diameter shunt portion which can be manually adjusted in vivo. Methods are provided for adjusting the flow rate of the devices in vivo. |
| US08951222B2 |
Arterial shunt
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed toward an arterial shunts for use during vascular surgery. Some embodiments are useful during an endarterectomy, and may be configured for use with specific arteries (e.g., carotid). Additional embodiments may be configured with a filter to prevent clots or plaque from traveling through the shunt, and with a flow meter to provide indication of how much or how little blood is actually passing through the shunt. |
| US08951219B2 |
Fluid volume monitoring for patients with renal disease
A method includes initiating a blood fluid removal session of a patient; monitoring an indicator of tissue fluid volume of the patient, or a portion thereof, during the blood fluid removal session; monitoring an indicator of blood fluid volume of the patient during the blood fluid removal session; determining whether a ratio of the indicator of tissue fluid volume to indicator of blood fluid volume is outside of a predetermined range; and altering the rate of fluid removal during the blood fluid removal session if the ratio is determined to be outside of the predetermined range. A blood fluid removal system may be configured to carry out the method. |
| US08951208B2 |
Self-contained handheld biopsy needle
A biopsy device includes an elongate inner sheath rotatably coupled to a first drive mechanism. The elongate inner sheath has a side port that opens to a sample chamber in the elongate inner sheath. An elongate outer sheath is rotatably coupled to a second drive mechanism. The elongate outer sheath is coaxial with the elongate inner sheath. The elongate outer sheath includes a side opening having a cutting edge having a lengthwise orientation. The elongate inner sheath is configured for rotation relative to the elongate outer sheath via the first drive mechanism, and the elongate outer sheath is configured for rotation relative to the elongate inner sheath via the second drive mechanism such that the cutting edge passes over the side port to sever tissue. |
| US08951200B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for computer aided measurement and diagnosis during ultrasound imaging
An ultrasound imaging apparatus configured with a touch screen display and computer aided measurement and/or diagnosis capability. In response to a touch input, image parameters for the computer aided measurement and/or diagnosis are determined from an analysis of the ultrasound image. A touch screen user interface allows the user to further adjust the parameters and/or other system parameters for the computer aided measurement and/or diagnosis in an interactive way. The computer aided measurement can be used directly for the computer aided diagnosis for improved accuracy and user experience. |
| US08951199B2 |
Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that performs gain control based on offset patterns of pixel brightness
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including a transmitter section for driving a probe so that a subject is scanned with an ultrasonic beam over a predetermined period of time; a receiver section for receiving, using the probe, an echo resulting from the ultrasonic beam being reflected by the subject, and producing a receive signal for each passage of the predetermined period of time; an image constructing section for producing a tomographic image frame composed of brightness information based on an intensity of the receive signal for each passage of the predetermined period of time, and adjusting brightness of the produced tomographic image frame with a set gain; a gain control section for producing the set gain; and a display section for displaying the tomographic image frame whose brightness has been adjusted. |
| US08951198B2 |
Methods and apparatus for ultrasound imaging
A first ultrasound pulse is applied to biological tissue to create shear waves in the biological tissue, a focused ultrasound pulse is transmitted into the biological tissue, one or more ultrasound signals is received from the biological tissue, and shear waves are detected in the biological tissue based on the received one or more ultrasound signals. At least one propagation property associated with the detected shear waves is determined, and the determined at least one propagation property is displayed. A strain image is obtained by either acoustic radiation forces or mechanical compression, e.g., by an ultrasound probe. The strain image is then converted to a new shear wave velocity image by using a previously-obtained shear wave velocity image. |
| US08951195B2 |
Motorized systems and methods for accessing the lumen of a vessel
An apparatus for accessing the lumen of a vessel. The apparatus includes a main body and a disposable cartridge. The main body includes a imaging device attachment, wherein the imaging device attachment is utilized to secure an image capturing instrument to the main body; a cartridge carrier coupled to the imaging device attachment, wherein the cartridge carrier is adjustable to achieve a target insertion depth; and a first motor coupled to the cartridge carrier, wherein the first motor adjust the cartridge carrier to achieve the target insertion depth. The disposable cartridge is attached to the cartridge carrier and houses a sheath, needle, or guidewire to be inserted into the vessel to the target insertion depth. |
| US08951194B2 |
Ultrasound image processing based on motion degree of ultrasound probe
Embodiments for processing ultrasound images based on a motion degree of an ultrasound probe in an ultrasound system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ultrasound system includes: an ultrasound acquisition unit including an ultrasound probe for transmitting ultrasound signals to a target object and receiving echo signals, the ultrasound acquisition unit being configured to form a plurality of ultrasound data based on the echo signals; and a processing unit coupled to the ultrasound acquisition unit and configured to form first to Nth ultrasound images by using the plurality of ultrasound data, wherein N is a positive integer greater than 1, the processing unit being further configured to estimate a motion degree of an ultrasound probe and process the Nth ultrasound image based on the motion degree. |
| US08951192B2 |
Systems approach to disease state and health assessment
Methods, systems, and apparatus for assessing a state of an epilepsy disease or a comorbidity thereof are provided. The methods comprise receiving at least one autonomic index, neurologic index, stress marker index, psychiatric index, endocrine index, adverse effect of therapy index, physical fitness index, or quality of life index of a patient; comparing the at least one index to at least one reference value; and assessing a state of an epilepsy disease or a body system of the patient based on the comparison. A computer readable program storage device encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method described above is also provided. A medical device system capable of implementing the method described above is also provided. |
| US08951188B2 |
Element for transmitting pulling and pushing forces as well as torque
An element for transmitting pushing and pulling forces as well as torque having a straight configuration and a bent configuration comprises a base plate, an end plate and bellows arranged between the base plate and the end plate. The base plate and the end plate are connected with a connecting element. A plurality of washers is arranged within the bellows, the washers having a tronconical shape at at least one of their major surfaces. The washers are in mutual contact with each other or with the base plate or the end plate respectively, both in the straight configuration and the bent configuration, such that element can transmit pushing and pulling forces both in the straight configuration and the bent configuration without substantially changing the length of the element. |
| US08951187B2 |
Intraoral imaging system
An intraoral imaging system includes a receiving module that communicates with an imaging display device. The imaging device includes handle having a transmitter module and a power source as well as neck and head portions that extend from the handle. The device includes a camera module that rotates in the distal and proximal direction to view and process still images and video. The camera module includes a movable image sensor to provide focus capability. The imaging device further includes a control assembly having a plurality of control members. The control assembly includes image capture controls that an operator engages in a lateral motion to capture images or video. A focus control member controls the spatial relationship between the image sensor and the stationary lens and an articulation control member to articulate the camera module to provide a greater range of imaging. |
| US08951183B2 |
Neurotrophic factor production promoting device
A device to promote the production of neurotrophic factor without transplantation of cells or injection into the affected area is provided. The device contains a high frequency electromagnetic wave generating means generating a high frequency electromagnetic wave. The magnetic stimulation by the high frequency alternating electromagnetic field allows the intracellular concentration of calcium ions to increase to induce exocytosis of the neurotrophic factor group and to increase mRNA of the neurotrophic factor group in the cells so that the synthesis and extracellular release of the neurotrophic factor group are promoted. The device is suitable for use in preventing or treating various diseases such as brain diseases. |
| US08951178B2 |
Plastic pouch and manufacturing method therefor
At least one of an obverse surface film and reverse surface film, which are used to together constitute a plastic pouch, is folded back across the entire width of the plastic pouch, and peripheral edge portions of the pouch are heat-sealed, to thereby form, on at least one position, a folded-back section communicating with the body of the pouch. |
| US08951175B2 |
Section member drilling or milling machine
A section member drilling or milling machine comprises a machine bed for supporting a workpiece to be drilled, the machine bed including guides for controllably sliding thereon a support comprising precision vertical guides thereon a platform is engaged, the platform comprising parallel horizontal guides slidably supporting a carriage, in turn supporting a cantilever arm, including a driving motor for controllably driving a drilling and milling tool along parallel guides of the cantilever arm. |
| US08951174B2 |
Core muscle group training equipment and its method of use
A core muscle group training equipment includes a seat, a backrest located on the back side of the seat and a damping mechanism provided at the bottom side of the seat. When sitting on the seat and resting the back on the backrest, the user can selectively bend the upper body forwards and backwards to contract the proximal muscles, or keep the upper body immovable and move the lower body up and down to contract distal muscles. By means of biasing of the seat and the damping effect provided by the damping mechanism during operation, the muscle strength of the abdominal muscles is trained. When releasing the pressure, the damping mechanism returns the machine parts smoothly, preventing accidental injury. |
| US08951171B2 |
Spring collars and spring collar attachments having permanent magnets and associated methods
Embodiments of a spring collar are provided for removably securing a disc weight to the sleeve of a barbell, as are embodiments of a magnetic spring collar attachment and associated methods. In one embodiment, the spring collar includes a resilient wire form having a permanent magnet mounted thereto. The spring collar includes a coiled body having a central aperture, and first and second radial arms extending from the coiled body. The first and second radial arms can be moved toward one another to increase the diameter of the central aperture and permit a user to slide the coiled body over the sleeve. The permanent magnet enables a user to removably secure the spring collar to a ferromagnetic surface when the spring collar is not in use. |
| US08951170B1 |
Bar bell having a plurality of differently oriented hand grips integrated therein
The bar bell having a plurality of differently oriented hand grips integrated therein is composed of two generally parallel members defining a horizontal axis and in between a plurality of hand grips are provided at varying angles along a vertical axis. The hand grips can be used to conduct weight-lifting exercises involving multiple symmetrical and asymmetrical gripping patterns thereby forming different weight-lifting techniques and exercises. The two generally parallel members include protruding members extending from the respective distal end on which weights may be added and locked in place via a screw lock. The two generally parallel members may include a track therein so as to enable movement of the hand grips along the horizontal axis. |
| US08951169B1 |
Therapeutic exercise device
A therapeutic exercise device includes an elongated, hollow tube having a sleeve slidably and rotatably mounted thereon. The sleeve is held on the tube by a pair of opposing retainers, each having a rounded end cap attached thereto. Either cap is removable to expose an interior chamber for receiving a desired number of weighted cylinders that vary the overall weight of the tube. Accordingly, a user loads the chamber with a desired number of weighted cylinders and grasps the tube with one hand. The sleeve is grasped and reciprocally rotated with the other hand to exert the hand, wrist and forearm muscles. |
| US08951166B2 |
Artificial climbing wall panel, bracket for artificial climbing wall panel and artificial climbing wall structure using the same
Disclosed is a triangular artificial climbing wall panel according to the embodiment. The longest side of one triangular artificial climbing wall panel is in contact with the longest side of another triangular artificial climbing wall panel adjacent to the one triangular artificial climbing wall panel, and the two artificial climbing wall panels are disposed in the XYZ space. Four sides except the two longest sides out of six sides of the two triangular artificial climbing wall panels form a rectangle as viewed perpendicular to an XY plane. |
| US08951165B2 |
Personal training with physical activity monitoring device
A physical activity monitoring device receives a workout regimen including a plurality of exercises. For each of the plurality of exercises, the physical activity monitoring device indicates that exercise to a user and measures physical activity attributes of the user. The physical activity monitoring device outputs information regarding the user's progress towards completion of that exercise based on the physical activity attributes. |
| US08951164B2 |
Extending gameplay with physical activity monitoring device
A physical activity monitoring device receives an indication of one or more physical activities to be performed as an extension of a game being played on a game system and measures physical activity attributes of a user wearing the physical activity monitoring device. The physical activity monitoring device determines the user's progress towards completion of the one or more physical activities based on the physical activity attributes and outputs to the game device an indication of the user's progress towards completion of the one or more physical activities. |
| US08951163B2 |
Control device for vehicle
Provided is a control device for a vehicle that can switch between an automatic gear shift mode in which gear shifting of the automatic transmission is performed according to a vehicle traveling condition, and a manual gear shift mode in which gear shifting of the automatic transmission is performed according to a driver operation, and that changes drive force characteristics by controlling output torque of the drive source at the time of a gear shift mode switch. When the gear shift mode is switched between automatic and manual the control device selects an initial gear stage or an initial gear ratio for the gear shift mode switch such that the amount of change in drive force that accompanies the gear shift mode switch decreases, or such that the direction of change in drive force that accompanies the gear shift mode switch conforms to the driver's intention or expected sensation. |
| US08951162B1 |
Drive train transmission
A transmission system including a housing: a rotor supported by the housing and rotably mounted in the housing. The rotor carrying a hub, the rotor being supported in the housing by an outer tapered roller veering toward the rotor hub and an inner tapered roller bearing away from the rotor hub. The rotor having a larger diameter at the outer bearing that at the inner tapered bearing; and a single first stage compound differential planetary including an input sun gear driven by the rotor and a plurality of free planets. The single first stage compound differential planetary including an inner annular gear fixed to the rotor shaft, the compound differential planetary gear meshing the plurality of free planets with the fixed annular gears on one end and with output ring gears on the opposite end with two attached stiff rings. |
| US08951159B2 |
Differential case having lock pins in-line with clutch ear guides
A differential gear mechanism constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure can include a differential case, a clutch pack and a plurality of lock pins. The differential case can include a first differential case portion that defines a first output shaft opening and includes a plurality of clutch ear guides and a plurality of lock pin engaging surfaces. The clutch pack can include a plurality of annular plates that are interleaved between a plurality of annular friction disks. At least one of the annular plates and annular friction disks can include a plurality of radially extending plate ears that are received by the corresponding plurality of clutch ear guides. The plurality of lock pins can be received by the plurality of first lock pin engaging surfaces of the first differential case at locations in-line with the clutch ear guides. |
| US08951157B2 |
Aircraft gearbox gaseous cooling system
The cooling system of the present disclosure is configured to promote heat transfer in a gearbox. The system can include a container for housing a gas, the gas having a sufficient percentage of helium so that once the gas is introduced into the gearbox, the helium increases heat transfer from the heat generating components of the gearbox. The method of the present disclosure can include selectively introducing the helium gas into the gearbox. |
| US08951151B2 |
Game ball
A game ball and game for play by a plurality of players with a ball to be passed for player to player that emits a sound at different intervals from slow to rapid during a single play period to indicate to the players a stage of the game is provided. |
| US08951150B2 |
Tennis racket including shock-absorber means
The racket includes a handle (2) and a frame (4) defined by an inner frame (40) and an outer frame (42), said frame further including shock-absorbing means (50) positioned between the peripheral outer surface of the inner frame and the peripheral inner surface of the outer frame. The frame further includes at least one fitting member (60) having an elongate body (62) and extending against the outer surface of the outer frame (42), and at least one tube (66) for passing a string yarn (10, 12), extending both in first openings (40″) formed in the inner frame and in second openings (42″) formed in the outer frame. |
| US08951149B1 |
Adjustable golf tee setting device with integrated ball marker and divot repair tool
A device for setting a consistent ball height on the golf tee for driving is disclosed. Additional features include an incorporated ball marker and putting green divot repair tool, each of which is held in place with a small magnet for easy access and use. The device comprises a cylindrical body made of hard material, such as plastic or wood, with an open lower end and a closed upper surface. The tee is inserted into the open end and rests against the concave head of an internal adjustment screw that the golfer has positioned to the desired ball height. The tee is then pushed into the ground to the meet the bottom of the device. The device is then removed and the ball placed on the tee. |
| US08951146B2 |
Toe-biased golf club
A golf club head includes a striking face having an upper perimeter, a lower perimeter, a heel portion, a toe portion, and a posterior body portion comprising a crown portion and a sole portion. The crown is coupled to the upper perimeter of the striking face and the sole is coupled to the lower perimeter of the striking face. The golf club also includes a hosel for receiving a shaft. The heel is positioned below the hosel and the club head has a c.g. positioned towards the toe by a distance, Δz, from a vertical plane running perpendicularly through the crown, the sole, and the striking face. |
| US08951143B2 |
Golf club weight attachment mechanisms and related methods
Embodiments of golf club weight attachment mechanisms are described herein. In some embodiments, a golf club head comprises a head body with an interior cavity, a shell portion, and a bracket with a weight member coupled to the bracket. In one embodiment, the bracket and the weight member can be configured to be fully contained within the interior cavity. Other examples and related methods are also described herein. |
| US08951140B1 |
Golf stance trainer
A golf swing stance trainer has a hub and a central telescoping arm connected to the hub. Side telescoping arms are connected to the hub for swinging outward to positions perpendicular to the central arm. The hub has ground-engaging cleats on a lower surface. The central arm is selectively extended outward for position with respect to a ball position. The side arms are selectively extended outward to indicate desired foot positions. The central arm has an extension with a pivot for sliding outward from the central arm for training position and direction of a golf ball and direction and extent of a swing. Arm extensions are related to an individual user and club selection. The arms are telescoped inward and the side arms are swung inward for carrying. The hub includes a hinge rod with a central receive through which a connected on the central arm slides. |
| US08951138B2 |
Golf club head measurement system
This disclosure describes a method for measuring the path and orientation of a golf club during a swing. Of particular interest is the orientation of the club face and its path prior to, at and just after impact with the ball. Golfers and club manufactures are interested in this information for swing improvement and club design. The key measurements are the face orientation and path relative to the ball, these are: horizontal path, vertical path, face open/close, face loft, face lie and ball impact position on the face. The disclosure additionally defines a means for accurately measuring the orientation of the club head and shaft throughout the entire swing. The technique may use an inertial navigation system attached to the head or shaft in conjunction with the camera system. An important feature of the method is the ease of use in that it provides accurate results without complex calibration procedures. |
| US08951133B2 |
Waterslide kaleidoscope amusement device
A waterslide kaleidoscope amusement device consisting of straight or curved modules that can be used singly or connected in series and utilize two or more internal reflective surfaces and light source (s) to create an optical experience for the user. The device consists of a transparent watercourse slide tube surrounded by two or more reflective surfaces and illuminated in such a way that objects and light sources within the modules are reflected in a kaleidoscopic fashion from the visual perspective of the user. |
| US08951123B2 |
Apparatus and method of modifying an online environment
An entertainment device comprises a display generator arranged to generate for display a representation of an on-line virtual environment, that on-line virtual environment being able to host interactions between a user of the entertainment device and other users of one or more remote entertainment devices, a network communications arrangement operable to receive data representative of the actions of the other users within the on-line virtual environment and to receive data indicative of any supplementary data files interoperable with the on-line virtual environment that are associated with one or more remote entertainment devices of one or more of the other users, a data file searcher operable to search the entertainment device for any supplementary data files indicated by the received data, a data file acquisition arrangement operable to acquire, from a networked device, a copy of a supplementary data file indicated by the received data that was not found on the entertainment device, and a data file integrator operable to incorporate relevant elements of the or each supplementary data file into the representation of the on-line virtual environment. |
| US08951120B2 |
Systems and methods for calibration and biasing for game controller
Systems and methods for calibration and biasing are described herein. In one example, a method for determining a playing height of a user is described. The method includes receiving an identification of a first corner of a display screen from the user by associating a first position of a tracked object with the first corner using image data from a capture device, receiving an identification of a second corner of the display screen from the user by associating a second position of the tracked object with the second corner using image data from the capture device, and triangulating between the first and second corners and the tracked object to define a range of movement made by the user. The tracked object is held by the user. The method further includes defining a height at which the tracked object is held by the user based on the range of movement. |
| US08951119B2 |
Input device and method for providing an output signal associated with a sensor field occupancy
An input device implemented as two-dimensional sensor mat, wherein the two-dimensional sensor mat is divided into a plurality of sensor fields that can be activated by touch, wherein, in a multiple-occupancy operating mode, at least part of the sensor fields each have several different sensor field occupancies, and wherein the different sensor field occupancies of a sensor field are associated with a different number of times this sensor field is touched. |
| US08951118B2 |
Gaming machine capable of positionally changing sound image
The present invention provides a gaming machine which is capable of remarkably improving an effect given to a player. The gaming machine according to the present invention is provided with: a cabinet having a display portion for making a display according to the contents of a game played; a plurality of speakers 112A to 112D which are provided at their appropriate positions which are different from each other in height; and a control means for positionally changing a sound image of a sound that is outputted from a respective one of the speakers 112A to 112D, whereby a plurality of speakers 112A to 112D are provided at a top and a bottom of the gaming machine. A variety of effects exerted by means of sound can be provided in such a manner as if a position of a sound source were changed by positionally changing the sound image of the sound that is outputted from a respective one of these speakers 112A to 112D. |
| US08951106B2 |
Monitoring of physical training events
A computer-implemented method is disclosed that includes instructing a human player to perform a plurality of different actions in a determined order with a physical basketball, including actions of bouncing the physical basketball, and obtaining, with one or more electronic sensors, data that characterizes motion of the physical basketball being handled by the human player who is performing the instructed actions at a location. The method also includes communicating the data from the sensors to a console videogame system that is proximate to the location, and graphically representing, in a videogame displayed on a display device, performance by the human player, the performance being affected by the captured data, the representation of performance by the human player being compared against a standard of performance. |
| US08951105B2 |
Combine side-shake control system slider joint
A combine side-shaking control system that includes a sieve for separating crop material from other material, located in a plane having an X dimension and a Y dimension and configured to move in a fore-aft direction in the X dimension, in a side-to-side direction in the Y dimension and in an up-down direction in a Z dimension. The system also includes a side-shaking assembly configured to move the sieve in the side-to-side direction in the Y dimension. The fixed arm is attached to the sieve and configured to move with the sieve in (i) the fore-aft direction in the X dimension, (ii) the side-to-side direction in the Y dimension and (iii) the up-down direction in the Z dimension. The side-shaking coupling portion comprises a moving portion configured to move in a diagonal direction having a fore-aft component in the X dimension and an up-down component in the Z dimension. |
| US08951104B2 |
Fixing structure for ventilator cover spring
Disclosed is a fixing structure for ventilator cover spring, comprising a fixing component, a connector, a movable part, and a cover spring. The fixing component is a U-shaped protrusion formed on a cover and has a top wall and two leg walls, a first opening and a second opening are respectively formed in the two leg walls. Two cuts are formed at two ends of the connector, wherein each cut is provided with a tongue, the connector being inserted through and fixed in the first opening and the second opening. The movable part has a head portion and a foot portion, wherein the head portion is fixed on the connector, and the foot portion extends toward the top wall. The cover spring is fitted over the foot portion and is confined on the foot portion. |
| US08951103B2 |
Foldable, boot loadable, insertable air damper device
A foldably tensioned boot loadable air damper device for controlling the flow of air through ductwork, and a method of installing same. The damper device includes an actuator having a retractable member and a pivoting member, wherein the pivoting member is operatively connected to the retractable member of the actuator. The damper device also includes at least one support base supporting the actuator and the pivoting member with respect to each other, a foldable damper blade attached to the pivoting member, and at least one tensioned hinge member operatively connected to the foldable damper blade for unfolding the damper blade. The damper device may be inserted through a register boot and into a ductwork when folded. |
| US08951100B2 |
Field dressing knife
A knife includes a body that includes a handle section, a substantially circular blade housing section, and a blade including a cutting edge having substantially the same radius of curvature of the blade housing. The substantially circular blade housing section extends substantially perpendicular from the handle section. The blade extends longitudinally out of the blade housing at a position substantially 180° away from the position of the handle section along the circumference of the blade housing and terminates in a sharp point. The width of the blade at the portion immediately adjacent to the blade housing and opposite the blade point is substantially equal to the diameter of the blade housing. |
| US08951098B2 |
Rotatable hand-held blade-sharpening apparatus
A sharpening apparatus is provided. The sharpening apparatus includes a foldable case, a first sharpening tool, and a second sharpening tool. The first and second sharpening tools are associated with the foldable case and are rotatable between a storage position and a sharpening position. |
| US08951097B2 |
Method for mounting an optical lens to be polished
Method for mounting an optical lens (10) to be polished on a spindle (20) of a polishing device, the optical lens (10) comprising a first and a second main surface (101, 102), the method comprising: an optical lens (10) providing step (S1), in which an optical lens (10) whose first main surface (101) is to be polished is provided, a mounting step (S2), in which the optical lens (10) is mounted on the spindle (20), wherein, the mounting step (S2) further comprises a support device positioning step (S3), in which a support device (30) is positioned between the spindle (20) and the second surface (102) of the optical lens (10) so as to be rotated by the spindle (20) and to have a contact surface (31) partly in contact with the second main surface (102) of the optical lens (10) that partly extends beyond the second main surface (102) of the optical lens (10). |
| US08951095B2 |
High selectivity slurry delivery system
Various embodiments of a semiconductor processing fluid delivery system and a method delivering a semiconductor processing fluid are provided. In aspect, a system for delivering a liquid for performing a process is provided that includes a first flow controller that has a first fluid input coupled to a first source of fluid and a second flow controller that has a second fluid input coupled to a second source of fluid. A controller is provided for generating an output signal to and thereby controlling discharges from the first and second flow controllers. A variable resistor is coupled between an output of the controller and an input of the second flow controller whereby the output signal of the controller and the resistance of the variable resistor may be selected to selectively control discharge of fluid from the first and second flow controllers. |
| US08951093B2 |
Distributed system of autonomously controlled mobile agents
A system includes a drivable surface that includes location encoding markings. A mobile agent is provided that includes a drive motor, an imaging system for taking images of the markings, a vehicle wireless transceiver, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the motor, the imaging system, and the vehicle wireless transceiver. A basestation is provided that includes a controller operatively coupled to a basestation wireless transceiver. Via wireless communication between the wireless transceivers of the mobile agent and the basestation, an action to be implemented by the mobile agent can be determined by the basestation and communicated to the mobile agent, whereupon the microcontroller of the mobile agent controls detailed movement of the mobile agent on the drivable surface based on images taken of the markings of the drivable surface by the imaging system to cause the mobile agent to implement the action on the drivable surface. |
| US08951091B2 |
Toy vehicle playset and color changing toy vehicle
A toy vehicle playset has a color changing device or mechanism that can be used to activate a color change on a toy vehicle. In one embodiment, the playset includes a chamber configured to receive the toy vehicle. In another embodiment, the playset includes a launching mechanism that propels the toy vehicle along a track member and into a chamber. |
| US08951090B1 |
Doll operable to store and display baby teeth
A toy doll that is operable to receive and display human infant teeth once they have been discharged from a human child. The toy doll further includes a body that is manufactured to resemble the anatomy of a human. The body further includes a head having an aperture that is formed to be shaped as an open human mouth. Disposed within the head accessible through the aperture are jaw members. The jaw members include an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member. The jaw members are independently removable and include a plurality of sockets that are operable to have human teeth releasably secured therein. |
| US08951084B2 |
Method of fabricating lightweight and thin liquid crystal display, and processing line for fabricating liquid crystal display
In a method of fabricating a lightweight and thin liquid crystal display (LCD), when an auxiliary substrate is used to perform a process of a thin glass substrate, the auxiliary substrate is separated from the thin glass substrate by detaching an edge portion between the thin glass substrate and the auxiliary substrate using a knife and then injecting air into the edge portion using an air knife, so that the auxiliary substrate can be easily separated from a liquid crystal panel in a cell state, which is attached by completing the process. Further, it is possible to optimize the shape of a push pin for forming a point at which the detachment of the edge portion is started. |
| US08951082B2 |
Device for increasing the buoyancy of a human body
A device for increasing the buoyancy of a human body in water includes an inflatable tube member (1), a coupling unit (4) including a first part (8) and a second part (11), the coupling unit together with the tube member being arranged to form an endless float ring when the device is in the active state, a gas cartridge (6) having a punctureable membrane, a penetration element (23) arranged to puncture the membrane, a gas duct extending between the first part of the coupling unit and the tube member, wherein the gas cartridge and the penetration element are mutually displaceable in the direction towards each other. A first coupling member (20) of the first part is pivotally arranged about a pivot between an inactive position and an actuating position, in which the first coupling member, direct or indirect, causing the mutual displacement of the gas cartridge and the penetration element. |
| US08951081B2 |
Life ring buoy and flotation cushion
The present invention is an improved life ring buoy and flotation cushion that has the ability to be deployed and retrieved to aide a distressed person from drowning. The present invention has the ability to emit light upon being deployed. The present invention combines a flotation device, a retrieval line and a plurality of illuminating sources. The retrieval line is stowed within a recessed cavity in the flotation device. The illuminating sources are switched on prior to deploying the flotation device. The retrieval line is protected from detrimental ultraviolent light because it is stowed within the flotation device. A temporary seal prevents the retrieval line from prematurely exiting the recessed cavity. The improved retrieval line has an eye spliced in the exposed end and wrapped in brightly colored protective tubing, eliminating direct exposure to sunlight. The exposed retrieval line eye is tethered to the mechanical switch for the integral lights. |
| US08951080B2 |
Slidable surfboard fin
A sliding fin for a surfboard includes a base having a planar tab with an upper flange, a large fin piece having a first indentation, and a small fin piece for mating face-to-face with the large fin piece. The second fin piece has a second indentation that forms a channel that has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the planar tab and upper flange, the channel being longer than the width of the planar tab, the small fin piece being translucent to enable the planar tab in the channel to be seen, the large and small fin pieces being slidable relative to the base on the planar tab. |
| US08951077B2 |
Wire connecting terminal for enameled wires
A wire connecting terminal for enameled wires includes an insulating plate (2) and a pair of conductive bars (1) respectively fixed at two ends of the insulating plate. One end of the said bars is provided with a lead-wire welding hole (1a) for welding an external lead wire and the other end of the bars is provided with at least one enameled-wire welding hole (4a) for welding an enameled wire (4). The terminal has apparently low impedance, and the tensile strength of the welding points is more than 2000N. Because of being separated from the air, the welding points still remain excellent electrical performance and stability after a long period of operation. When operating in a high frequency vibration environment for a long time, the wire connecting terminal does not loose. The possibility of short circuit which is caused by two ends of a coil contacting directly with each other due to the deformation of the terminal thus can be prevented. The terminal is especially suitable for use in electrical components of high power and frequency. |
| US08951074B2 |
Socket, a plug, and an assembly
A plug and socket assembly comprising (i) a socket that includes a mating means disposed thereon, and an electrical contact on the socket, and (ii) a plug that includes a matching means for mating with the mating means disposed on the socket, and a conducting terminal for coupling electrically to the electrical contact on the socket. The matching means is configured to be adjustable between a compatible mode and an incompatible mode. When in the compatible mode, the matching means allows the electrical contact to contact the conducting terminal, and when in the incompatible mode, the matching means substantially prevents the electrical contact from contacting the conducting terminal. |
| US08951073B2 |
Audio jack connector preventing grounding contact from deflection
An audio jack connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) and a number of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a receiving channel (14) and a number of terminal passageways (121). The contacts include a grounding contact (25, 25′) having a retaining portion (256; 256′) retained in the corresponding terminal passageway, a contacting portion (257; 257′) extending from the retaining portion into the receiving channel, a soldering portion (258; 258′) coplanar with a mounting face of the insulative housing, and a connecting portion (259; 259′) vertically connected between the retaining portion and the soldering portion. The connecting portion forms an auxiliary portion (2591; 2591′). Both the auxiliary portion and the retaining portion engage with the insulative housing. |
| US08951071B2 |
Contact-support mechanism for increased retention force
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide audio jacks capable of providing a sufficient retention force to avoid some inadvertent extractions of an audio plug. Examples may also provide audio jacks that may be readily assembled. Other examples may provide other types of connectors. These audio jacks or other connectors may provide contact structures having one or more contacts, each having a contact support to increase contact retention force. Different materials may be used to form the contacts and the contact supports. In this way, contacts may be formed using a highly conductive material, while the contact supports may be formed of a material having good spring characteristics. While such a contact may not be able to provide an adequate retention force on its own, the use of a contact support may sufficiently increase the retention force to prevent accidental extractions of an audio plug or other connector. |
| US08951069B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector comprises: a frame, a terminal set, and a base. The frame further comprises: a first receiving part, for receiving a first unit while allowing the first unit to be installed in a first direction; a second receiving part; a supporting part, for supporting and installing a circuitboard in the first direction; and a plurality of sockets, arranged in communication with the first receiving part; and a through penetration part, formed at a position between the first receiving part and the second receiving part. The terminal set includes a plurality of terminals, each formed with a first end and a second end, and each first end is inserted into its corresponding socket and protruding outside the supporting part, and each second end is disposed protruding into the first receiving part. The base is formed with a plurality of grooves for receiving the plural terminals in a one-by-one manner. |
| US08951068B2 |
Modular connector
A modular connector includes a housing, a first circuit board, a first pin set, a second pin set and a second circuit board. The housing includes a first hole and a second hole. The first pin set is extended into the first hole and electrically connected to the first circuit board. The second pin set is extended into the second hole and electrically connected to the second circuit board. The second circuit board is perpendicularly connected to the first circuit board. |
| US08951064B2 |
Terminal structures for wiring devices
Terminal structures for wiring devices, such as receptacle assemblies, are disclosed having first and second spring assemblies constructed of a first metal and each having at least one spring finger with the first and second spring assemblies being connected to respective first and second conductive contacts that are constructed of a second metal, wherein the terminal structures are configured for push-in termination of conductive stripped ends of respective first and second wires between the at least one spring finger of the respective first and second spring assemblies and the respective first and second conductive contacts, and wherein the first and second conductive contacts are configured to be connected to respective first and second separate conductive elements. Such a terminal structure is shown for example within a receptacle assembly in the form of a grounding duplex plug outlet or switch. |
| US08951058B2 |
Electrical connector assembly
An electrical connector assembly includes a female part (30) having a peripheral outer wall (2) and a plurality of inner walls (3) subdividing a cavity into a plurality of reception chambers (11). An electrical contact pin (4) is housed inside each reception chamber. A locking part (20) has an accommodation (1) with a same number of inner walls (12) as the female part (30), subdividing the interior of the accommodation into a number of insulated housing chambers (13) identical to the number of reception chambers (11). An electrical terminal (10) is housed inside each of the reception chambers. A connecting cover (40) with a through-hole is attached around each electrical terminal (10), each cover having an upper portion housed inside each housing chamber (13) and a lower portion extending beyond the end of the respective housing chamber when the locking part (20) is encased inside the female part (30). |
| US08951050B2 |
Differential signal connector capable of reducing skew between a differential signal pair
A differential signal connector includes a plurality of pairs of signal contacts, a plurality of ground contacts, and an insulating housing holding the signal contacts and the ground contacts. On a first connection side for connection to a connection partner, the ground contacts are arranged on both sides of each pair of signal contacts so that a contact array of a fixed pitch is formed. On a second connection side for connection to board, the ground contacts are arranged spaced apart from each other in a first row, while the pairs of signal contacts, which are adjacently arranged on both sides of the ground contact on the first connection side, are arranged so as to be allocated in a second row and a third row located on both sides of the first row so that the pairs of signal contacts are arranged zigzag on the second connection side. |
| US08951045B1 |
Toothbrush bristle arrangement and method
A toothbrush having multiple bundles of bristles preferably arranged in two rows spaced apart from one another, and each bundle independently anchored into the front surface of the brush head with bundles in the opposed rows directed inwardly toward one another and angled toward a common intersection, allowing the free tip ends of the bristles to terminate in a single, common row. Each bundle is free standing and the bundles in one row have alternating relation with the bundles in the other row or rows. Thus, the free tip ends of the bristles in each bundle terminate independently and unopposed, allowing the bristles in each bundle to have movement independent from those in adjacent bundles, apply less force against teeth, and provide less abrasion of the rounded outward tooth surfaces at or near the gingival level during the cleaning of interproximal areas of teeth. |
| US08951037B2 |
Wafer-level underfill and over-molding
A mold includes a top portion, and an edge ring having a ring-shape. The edge ring is underlying and connected to edges of the top portion. The edge ring includes air vents. The edge ring further encircles the inner space under the top portion of the mold. A plurality of injection ports is connected to the inner space of the mold. The plurality of injection ports is substantially aligned to a straight line crossing a center of the top portion of the mold. The plurality of injection ports has different sizes. |
| US08951033B2 |
Construction box for a rapid prototyping system
The invention relates to a construction box (200) comprising a front wall (220), a rear wall and two side walls (224, 226), which delimit a construction box interior that houses a height-adjustable construction platform (210). The construction box (200) has dedicated travelling gear (250) integrated in to the construction box for propelling said box (2000 between a construction position, in which the construction box (2000 is positioned within the frame (150) of the system (100) to allow the shaped body to be built up and an additional construction box position, such as a construction box unpacking position, in which the construction box (200) is propelled out of the frame (150) of the system (100) to permit the unpacking of the built-up shaped body. |
| US08951031B2 |
Imprinting apparatus and article manufacturing method
The imprint apparatus presses resin disposed on a substrate and a mold to each other to form a resin pattern on the substrate. The apparatus includes a driving device configured to move the mold and the substrate relatively to apply a pressing force between the mold and the resin, a measuring device configured to measure a position of at least one of the mold and the substrate, a detector configured to detect the pressing force, and a controller configured to control the driving device. The controller is configured to control the driving device using the position as a controlled variable in a first period, and to control the driving device using the pressing force as a controlled variable in a second period after the first period. |
| US08951026B2 |
Poppet valve assembly
A novel valve assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the valve assembly includes a seat plate having a plurality of fluid conduits. The valve assembly may also include a plurality of poppet assemblies. In some embodiments, a poppet assembly of such a plurality includes at least one fluid port and a housing configured to be coupled to the seat plate to facilitate flow of a fluid through a respective fluid conduit via the at least one fluid port of the respective poppet assembly. Other devices, systems, and methods related to poppet assemblies are also disclosed. |
| US08951018B1 |
Variable pitch propeller and associated propeller blade
A variable pitch propeller comprises a plurality of blades pivotally connected to a hub. Each of the plurality of blades has a base having a leading end and a trailing end. The trailing edge has a notch therein forming a discontinuity in a profile of the trailing edge. The notch is sized and shaped so as to accommodate passage therethrough of a portion of the leading edge of an adjacent blade when the blade and the adjacent blade are pivoted. A blade for a variable pitch propeller is also presented. |
| US08951017B2 |
Turbomachine blade, a rotor, a low pressure turbine, and a turbomachine fitted with such a blade
The invention relates to a turbomachine blade made of composite material and presenting a root with a bulb-shaped end suitable for engaging in a slot of a rotor disk. In characteristic manner, the end of the root of the blade is provided, beside one of its front faces, with a projecting portion having two symmetrical fins about the axial midplane of the root, each fin having a bearing face suitable for limiting tilting of the blade relative to the rotor disk about the axial direction. |
| US08951015B2 |
Rotor blade arrangement and gas turbine
A rotor blade arrangement (20), especially for a gas turbine, which can be fastened on a blade carrier (19) and includes in each case a blade aerofoil element (10) and a platform element (14), wherein the platform elements (14) of a blade row form a continuous inner shroud. With such a blade arrangement, a mechanical decoupling, which extends the service life, is achieved by the blade aerofoil element (10) and the platform element (14) being formed as separate elements and by being able to be fastened in each case separately on the blade carrier (19). |
| US08951014B2 |
Turbine blade with mate face cooling air flow
A gas turbine engine blade comprises a dovetail, a shank extending from the dovetail, an airfoil, and a platform between the shank and the airfoil. The platform comprises a side wall extending between an upstream side and a downstream side of the platform. A first pin channel extends from the upstream side of the sidewall and a second pin channel, co-axial with the first pin channel, extends from the downstream side of the sidewall. The first channel includes a radial notch at the upstream longitudinal end of the first pin channel. |
| US08951011B2 |
Wind turbine and a method for monitoring a wind turbine
According to the inventive concept, there is provided a wind turbine with at least one blade. The wind turbine comprises a first accelerometer mounted at a first radial position of the blade and being adapted to determine a first acceleration value, and a second accelerometer mounted at a second radial position of the blade different from the first radial position, and the accelerometer being adapted to determine a second acceleration value. The wind turbine further comprises a controller adapted to generate a signal based on said first and second acceleration values. There is also provided a method for monitoring a blade of a wind turbine. |
| US08951010B2 |
Inner diameter shroud assembly for variable inlet guide vane structure in a gas turbine engine
An inner shroud assembly includes an aft core segment mountable to a forward core segment to support a multiple of vanes for rotational movement relative thereto. A shroud backing plate segment engageable with the aft core segment and at least one fastener which passes through the shroud backing plate, the aft core segment and the forward core segment. |
| US08951008B2 |
Compressor blade and production and use of a compressor blade
The invention relates to a compressor blade of a compressor which, along a main axis, comprises a blade base, a platform area and an adjacent blade profile having a profile tip. The blade profile is configured by a convex wall at the suction end and a concave wall at the pressure end opposite the wall at the suction end. These surfaces extend, with respect to a flow medium, from a leading edge to a trailing edge, a profile center line extending in the center between the two. A front face is arranged on the profile tip at an angle to the main axis, a sealing lip at least partially extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge and the blade profile including the sealing lip having a blade profile height extending in the direction of the main axis. In order to allow for an inexpensive compressor blade having improved aerodynamic properties and a modified sealing lip while having the same sealing properties, the height of the sealing lip is less than 2 percent of the height of the blade profile. |
| US08951007B2 |
Turbine housing for an exhaust gas turbocharger and method for producing turbine housing
In the turbine housing for an exhaust gas turbocharger of a drive assembly at least one spiral channel, which can be coupled to an exhaust gas line of the drive assembly is provided A receiving chamber for a turbine wheel to which exhaust gas can be supplied is disposed upstream of the at least one spiral channel. The turbine wheel is disposed in the turbine housing so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis. A guide baffle is arranged fixed to the turbine housing in a transition region between the at least one spiral channel, the guide baffle being connected to the turbine housing by a metal-to-metal joint whereby the guide baffle is connected to the turbine housing in a particular tight manner. |
| US08951000B2 |
Enhanced computer rack having an integrated lift rail and/or tool design
An enhanced computer rack having sides is provided. The rack is used for housing electronic components and comprises in one embodiment of a lift rail having a plurality of multipurpose frame members capable of being engageably connected to at least one of the rack sides such that the frame members can be retracted into or extended out from the rack. In an alternate embodiment, a lift tool is provided for hoisting object into the rack. The lift tool is connected to at least one side of the rack and is capable of being retracted inside or being extended out from the rack. The two embodiments can also be combined to provide an enhanced rack with an integrated lift rails and lift tool design. |
| US08950998B2 |
Batch substrate handling
A substrate-handling vacuum robot includes a first robotic arm with a single-substrate end effector and a second robotic arm with a batch end effector. The single-substrate end effector permits single-substrate pick-and-place operations while the batch end effector permits batch handling of substrates within a vacuum environment. |
| US08950996B2 |
Pipe handling apparatus and method
Equipment for moving tubular members from a storage rack to an elevated platform floor is disclosed. A base-mounted articulated support structure has an arcuate trough mounted on top thereof. Loading arms are secured to a side of the pivotal trough for picking up one tubular member from the rack and moving to the platform floor. Unloading arms detachably securable to the trough facilitate movement of the tubular members from the platform floor onto the rack. A plurality of roller sets mounted between the base and the trough supporting structure move the trough along the base for easy reach to the platform floor. |
| US08950992B1 |
Toggle nail
An anchor for attaching a screw to a wall includes a flat body with a pointed front end, a track aperture formed through a center portion, and a flat back end with a screw guide arm. A flat pivot plate has a front end, a back end with an angled portion, a central drive aperture, and a pair of lateral notches formed at two opposing sides thereof. The pivot plate traverses the track aperture of the body at the notches. In use, the pointed front end of the body is driven through the wall and the screw is inserted adjacent the guide arm to contact the angled portion of the pivot plate to cause same to pivot about the notches until the screw traverses the drive aperture, pulling the pivot plate along the track aperture towards the wall to compress the wall between the screw and the pivot plate. |
| US08950989B1 |
Bilateral cargo strap system
A bilateral cargo strap system is provided as a means of securing a variety of different cargo within a storage area. The bilateral cargo strap system utilizes a combination of elastic straps with perpendicularly positioned stabilizing rods to improve retention of a variety of cargo within a storage area. The elastic straps extend over the retained cargo and are used as the means of engaging mounting features within the storage area. The stabilizing rods effectively distribute the tension force of the elastic straps over the retained cargo securing it in place within the storage space. The bilateral cargo strap system is versatile and may be used to secure a wide variety of cargo including, but not limited to, kayaks, coolers, bicycles, lumber, and construction equipment. |
| US08950987B2 |
Method of boring work by 5-axis machining double-housing machine tool and 5-axis machining double-housing machine tool
A slip ring is accommodated in a ram 34. The slip ring includes a fixed portion 72 having a feed element connected to a power source and a movable portion 73 electrically connected to the feed element. The movable portion 73 includes a contact 75 for supplying electricity to a spindle unit 100 and an electric device of a spindle head 118. After determining the position of a saddle 32 in a Y-axis direction and the position of a table in an X-axis direction, the position of the spindle head 118 about a B-axis is determined. Then, the ram 34 is moved along the Z-axis direction with the spindle unit 100 revolved about the C-axis, and, with a non-rotational cutting tool 170 attached to the spindle unit 100, a hole is bored in a workpiece W on the table. |
| US08950983B2 |
Cutting tool
A cutting tool has a main tool body and at least one insert seat disposed thereon. The seat has a bottom surface for mounting a cutting insert, and further has a dowel pin, which penetrates a through-hole of the mounted cutting insert and the bottom surface and can be fixed to the main tool body. A center longitudinal axis of the fixed dowel pin is arranged at an acute angle with respect to the bottom surface. The dowel pin contains a spherical segment for mounting on a bearing surface of the through-hole. The surface of the spherical segment is interrupted by a segment groove. |
| US08950980B2 |
Support platform for an oil field pumping unit using helical piles
A support platform for an oil field pumping unit includes a frame supporting the oil field pumping unit, vertical helical piles, and diagonal helical piles. The vertical helical piles are driven into the ground beneath the frame to support the frame and oil field pumping unit. Each diagonal helical pile has an upper end secured to the frame and a lower portion extending diagonally downward from the frame with a helical blade threaded into the ground to restrain horizontal forces exerted by the oil field pumping unit. |
| US08950978B2 |
Reel lay system
A system for continuously laying a pipeline on a floor of a body of water is provided. The system includes at least one interchangeable reel for storing the pipeline to be laid; a pipelaying vessel to receive and support said reel, and to lay the pipeline from said reel into the body of water, an assembly and winding site to receive and support said reel, to assemble the pipeline to be laid, and to wind said pipeline on said reel and a crane to transfer the interchangeable reel from and to the pipelaying vessel. |
| US08950977B2 |
Abandonment and recovery of pipelines
An elongate sling section is disclosed. The elongate sling is cooperable with like sling sections to form a sling for use in abandonment or recovery of a pipeline. The sling section includes end-pieces at five opposite ends and complementary connector formations associated with each respective end-piece. Each connector formation is cooperable, in use when forming a sling, with a complementary connector formation of a neighbouring sling section in the sling. The sling section further includes a tensile load-bearing sling element extending between the end-pieces and a sleeve around the sling element. |
| US08950976B2 |
Reverse osmosis irrigation
A plant watering device is disclosed. The device has a preferentially water permeable membrane arranged to separate a supply of water from a root system of a plant. The membrane is arranged to allow water to permeate to water the roots. |
| US08950973B2 |
Watercraft vehicle lift and method of using
Embodiments described herein disclose a watercraft vehicle lift. The watercraft vehicle lift may comprise a pivoting hinge configured to rotate around a fixed axis, a lift configured to extend and contract an arm to apply force and a scissor hinge with a plurality of pivoting points configured to extend and contract and receive force from the arm of the lift at an upward angle. |
| US08950972B2 |
Polyurethane based road forming
Provided herein are roadways containing polyurethane materials. A roadway includes a base layer of a compacted in situ material and/or a wear layer disposed on the base layer. One or both of these layers may include the polyurethane material to bind other components in the layers and to form more robust and durable roadway structures capable of withstanding operating loads of the roadway. In some embodiments, the polyurethane material is added to the wear layer by mixing in situ soil and/or foreign aggregate with polyurethane material or by dispensing the polyurethane material over the existing partially formed wear layer. The base layer may or may not include a polyurethane material. The type, concentration, distribution, and processing of the polyurethane material in the wear layer may be the same or different than that in the base layer. |
| US08950970B2 |
Double crossover merging interchange
A crossover for travel paths is provided. The crossover includes a primary travel path having a first pathway arranged for travel in a first direction and a second pathway arranged for travel in a second direction, and a secondary travel path having a third pathway arranged for travel in a third direction and a fourth pathway arranged for travel in a fourth direction. A main bridge crossover is provided so that the first and second pathways cross each of the third and fourth pathways without intersecting at grade. Two minor bridge crossovers are provided, each constructed and arranged so that the third and fourth pathways cross each other without intersecting, at grade. Lane communication is provided between select exits and entrances to minimize weaving traffic patterns, additional flyovers are minimized and no 270-degree loops are required, providing continuous traffic flow. |
| US08950969B2 |
Force transmission fitting for lightweight components
A force introduction fitting for lightweight constructional components comprises at least one radial force introduction surface, at least one axial force introduction surface, and at least one receiving means for holding the force introduction fitting and for introducing loads into the force introduction fitting. The radial force introduction surface and the axial force introduction surface enclose a hollow space. The radial force introduction surface and the axial force introduction surface form a single-piece component. Such a force introduction fitting can be produced with the use of a selective laser melting method. The force introduction fitting can thus be adjusted in a particularly flexible manner to the load conditions, comprises particularly advantageous materials characteristics and features a lightweight construction. |
| US08950961B2 |
Methods and apparatus for applying filler material onto an object
Methods and apparatus for applying filler material onto an object are provided. An apparatus may include a body and an applicator head attached to the body. The apparatus may also include a magnetic member coupled to the applicator head and arranged to attract filler material to a heating surface of the applicator head. The applicator head may be configured to apply the filler material attracted to the heating surface against an object. The heating surface may be configured to apply heat to the filler material attracted to the heating surface to melt the filler material onto the object. |
| US08950960B2 |
Recording apparatus and medium storage device
A movable rod member is provided that changes the shape of a medium receiver of a medium storage portion by changing the location of the movable rod member. The location of the movable rod member is changed in accordance with the condition of a medium, so as to change a method of storing the medium. |
| US08950953B2 |
Optical connector having two printed circuit boards
An optical connector includes a first printed circuit board (PCB), a second PCB and an optical-electric coupling element. The first PCB includes a supporting surface. The second PCB includes a first surface. The second PCB is positioned on the supporting surface and electrically connected to the first PCB, with the first surface being perpendicular to the supporting surface. The second PCB further includes at least one laser diode and at least one photo diode. The at least one laser diode and the at least one photo diode are positioned on the first surface. The optical-electric coupling element is positioned on the first surface and receives the at least one laser diode and the at least one photo diode. The optical-electric coupling element includes at least two coupling lenses. Each of the at least two coupling lenses aligns with a laser diode or a photo diode. |
| US08950950B2 |
Optical-electrical hybrid module
There is provided an optical-electrical hybrid module including a substrate on which a plurality of optical communication modules are arranged, the plurality of optical communication modules transmitting or receiving an optical signal through an optical fiber cable and performing conversion between the optical signal and an electrical signal. A shield case covering the optical communication modules includes a surface inclined in a direction away from a position in which the optical fiber cable is mounted to each optical communication module. |
| US08950949B2 |
Circuit board(s) employing optical interfaces optically connected to surface-accessible, planar-shaped, inter-board optical fiber traces, and related connectors, assemblies, and methods
Circuit boards employing optical interfaces optically connected to surface-accessible, planar-shaped inter-board optical fiber traces, and related connectors, assemblies, and methods are disclosed. The circuit boards include inter-board optical fiber traces optically connected to optical components interfacing optical signals to electronic signal components in the circuit board. Providing inter-board optical fiber traces protects the optical fiber traces from the environment. To optically interface to the inter-board optical fiber traces, planar-shaped end portions of the inter-board optical fiber traces are provided surface accessible on the circuit board. In this manner, optical interfaces can be optically connected to planar-shaped, end portions of the inter-board optical fibers traces to establish optical connections. As an example, by the end portions of inter-board optical fiber traces being planar-shaped, the end portions of the inter-board optical fiber traces can be liquid displacing during assembly to avoid or reduce optical attenuation from liquid contamination. |
| US08950947B2 |
Non-magnetizable rolling bearing component of an austenitic material and method of making such a rolling bearing component
A non-magnetizable rolling bearing component made of an austenitic material and comprising a hardened surface layer wherein the component of the invention is a material used for making the component contains manganese and a method for making such a rolling bearing component wherein the surface-proximate layer of the material of the rolling bearing component contains an admixture of manganese, is carburized at an elevated temperature in an oxygen-rich atmosphere and the rolling bearing component is then cooled. |
| US08950944B2 |
Instrumented bearing
This instrumented bearing comprises a bearing and a sensor unit for sensing the angular position of the rotatable ring with respect to the fixed ring of the bearing, an encoder element which is fastened to the rotatable ring, and a sensing element fastened to the fixed ring, adapted to sense a parameter representative of the rotation speed of the rotatable ring. The sensing element is mounted in a casing fastened with the fixed ring. The casing provides a peripheral wall mounted on the fixed ring and which includes at least one snap portion adapted to be received in a recess of a surface of the fixed ring, and at least one axial blocking portion adapted to abut against a lateral surface of the fixed ring, perpendicular to the rotation axis of the instrumented bearing. Each snap portion and each blocking portion alternate around a central axis (X6). |
| US08950939B2 |
Closure assembly and a collapsible pouch container provided with a closure assembly
A closure assembly comprising an article with a neck and a cap. The cap includes a tamper-evident ring having at least two ring segments, each ring segment having a base portion and an indicator portion. The article has for each segment a boss with a catch portion having a recess. Upon rotating the cap in an opening direction by the user from its closed position for the first time the head end of the indicator portion enters the recess of the catch portion and is then prevented from further rotation of the cap in opening direction, while the catch portion outer wall comes in the spacing between the spaced apart head end and trailing end, the frangible bridge between the head end and trailing end breaking and the indicator portion bending, folding, and/or buckling while being subjected to permanent deformation upon further rotation of the cap in opening direction. |
| US08950929B2 |
Fluid delivery system
A fluid delivery system for dispensing a liquid from a sealed container directly into a closed chamber comprises a container containing a liquid component of bone cement and plugged with a plug, and a closed chamber comprising a receiving port for receiving the sealed container, wherein the receiving port is configured to receive the liquid component in direct response to manual insertion of the sealed container through the receiving port using an open loop system. |
| US08950926B2 |
Planar light source apparatus and display apparatus using the same
A planar light source apparatus includes a light source substrate including: a point light source; a mount part, on which the point light source is mounted; and a wiring part, which has a wiring pattern to supply power to the point light source; a frame including: one face, along which the mount part of the light source substrate is arranged: and an attachment part, which is formed on the one face, wherein the light source substrate has either of a cutout or hole at a position corresponding to the attachment part of the frame, and wherein an area of the wiring part is continuously provided from the mount part and is bent with respect to the one face. |
| US08950923B2 |
Light source device and display
A light source device includes: a light guide plate having a first internal reflection plane and a second internal reflection plane which face each other; one or more light sources each applying illumination light through a side surface of the light guide plate into an interior thereof; and an optical device disposed to face the light guide plate, and modulating, for each of partial regions thereof, a state of light rays exiting therefrom. One or both of the first and the second internal reflection planes each have scattering regions each allowing the illumination light from the light sources to be scattered and exit from the first internal reflection plane of the light guide plate, and one or both of the first and second internal reflection planes each have total-reflection regions allowing the illumination light from the light sources to be reflected in a manner of total-internal-reflection. |
| US08950922B2 |
Lighting module
A lighting module may be provided that comprises: a first and a second light sources, which are disposed opposite to each other; a light guide plate disposed between the first light source and the second light source and including a top surface and a bottom surface; a first case including the first light source; a second case including the second light source; and an optical plate disposed on at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface of the light guide plate, wherein the optical plate reflects a part of light from the first and the second light sources and transmits the rest of the light. |
| US08950921B2 |
Thin flat panel LED luminaire
The invention described herein is a very thin flat panel LED luminaire, including a flat baseboard, a flat reflection panel, a flat acrylic panel, a flat diffusion panel, LED bar, and aluminum encasement frame which combines with the baseboard to form the chassis for the luminaire. The LED bar is placed along either or both sides of the stack. The acrylic panel is printed with a mesh-like mask pattern of dots in a pattern in which the density of the pattern is decreases the farther away from the LED bar the pattern is, differentially coupling the light from the point source LED bar from the reflection panel into the flat acrylic panel so that illumination across the luminaire is substantially uniform. |
| US08950919B2 |
Optical element and backlight module incorporating the same
An optical element includes a light guide plate, a reflector received in a mounting hole of the light guide plate, and a supporting rod secured to and extending upwardly from the reflector. The light guide plate defines the mounting hole extending through the light guide plate from a top face to a bottom face thereof. The reflector includes a mounting surface coplanar with the top face of the light guide plate and a tapered reflecting face extending slantwise downwardly and inwardly from the mounting surface thereof. A backlight module incorporating the optical element is also provided. The backlight module has an LED located in the mounting hole and faces the reflecting face, and a diffuser plate secured to a top end of the supporting rod. |
| US08950914B2 |
Lighting unit
A lighting unit (10) with a housing (12) and a light disc (11) is suggested, which extends along a vehicle exterior mirror (1) with a housing covering the mirror head. The housing comprises at least two lighting means (14, 14′, 14a, 14b), whereby the lighting means (10) carries out a first function as an indicator, and decouples light in a first decoupling region (5) according to the guidelines of the legal regulations. The lighting unit illuminates at least a second region, whereby the at least second decoupling region (6) lies closer on the vehicle, and the lighting unit (10) carries out the function of a warning display visible to the driver. |
| US08950909B2 |
Light fixture with concealed wireway
A bracket device for mounting a light fixture comprising a flat grooved element and a flat cover to conceal and protect the electrical conductors powering the light source inside the lighting fixture is disclosed. When configured to swivel, the bracket device allows for adjustment of the light fixture without introducing significant wear or strain to the electrical conductors passing through the interior portion of the device. This bracket device is thin, compact and of very neat and simple appearance. Because of its thinness and its compact shape this device conceals and its main element can be made to have the same thickness as a prior art mechanical bracket element, which would not normally carry electrical conductors. |
| US08950908B2 |
Recessed lighting strip that interlocks between insulated roof panels
An improvement in a recessed lighting strip that interlocks between insulated roof panels is presented herein. The recessed lighting strip uses mating interlocks to snap between the insulated panels, providing a method to place lights at each panel juncture across the width of the application, without violating the integrity of the panels themselves. The lighting strip is made from extruded plastic or aluminum that is essentially an open-topped rectangular box, shaped on the sides to interlock with foam insulated room panels that are typically 3″-6″ thick and used in the construction of patio covers, patio enclosures, sunrooms and all other residential and commercial applications which use insulated roof panels. |
| US08950903B2 |
LED light bulb emitting light rays in a downward direction
The present invention relates to an LED light bulb emitting light rays in a downward direction comprising a lamp cap, a base, a lamp body and a lamp cover, characterized in that, a reflector assembly is arranged in the center of a spherical cavity of the lamp cover; the reflector assembly is composed of a reflector support and a reflector fastened to the reflector support; the reflector support is composed of a small-diameter upper ring, a large-diameter lower ring, a plurality of poles connecting the upper ring and the lower ring, and a fastener at the bottom of the lower ring for fastening the reflector; the reflector is composed of a trumpet-shaped milky cover and a hook fastener arranged on an inner ring surface of an opening at the bottom of the cover for fastening the fastener of the reflector support. |
| US08950900B2 |
Laser energy source device
A device and method for providing a laser system utilizing high efficiency lasers emitters and optionally the high quality beam characteristics of a crystal gain medium single mode laser for emitting beamlets and utilizing an optical and mechanical method of forming the beam and directing it to the desired target using both a concave and a partially reflective convex mirror to reflect the beamlets, with the convex mirror transmitting a portion of the beamlets to a transmission medium for emitting the beamlets as a laser beam. |
| US08950899B2 |
Light device with display means has track-means and removable LED-units
An LED light device includes display means, track-means, and removable LED-unit(s). The use of track-means and removable LED-units allows the number of the LED-units and the arrangements of LEDs on the LED-units to be easily varied in order to provide light devices having a desired cost, brightness, color, viewing angle, illumination direction and/or area functions, and effects. Furthermore, the track-means may have a multiple-surface construction and a desired length of track-means and width of the LED-units to enable further customization of the light device by addition or removal of light units from the different surfaces. |
| US08950894B2 |
Light source
The invention provides a wide spectrum light source comprising a housing with an aperture, said aperture adapted to emit light; and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) sources mounted in said housing, wherein said LED sources are arranged at different heights in said housing adapted to provide efficient wide spectrum operation of said light source. |
| US08950891B2 |
Lamp having a tubular lamp body, method for production of a lamp such as this, and a spacing element
The various embodiments relate to a lamp having a tubular lamp body, wherein at least one first line harness and one second line harness, or at least one first line and one second line, are arranged in the tubular lamp body, wherein the lamp furthermore has at least one spacing apparatus, which is arranged in the lamp and is designed to fix at least the first line harness and the second line harness or the first line and the second line at a predeterminable distance (D) from one another, at least in places. The various embodiments further relate to a method for production of a lamp such as this, and to a spacing element. |
| US08950889B2 |
Gravity-powered electrical energy generators
Gravity powered electrical energy generators, particularly for producing lighting is disclosed. The apparatus has a support frame (1, 30) in which a series of gears and a gear-driven generator (20) are mounted. The power to drive the most upstream gear (2) is provided by a weight suspended from a point to one side of the axis of rotation of gear (2). The drive gear of the furthest downstream gear has no teeth so that the final contact between the drive gear and the shaft of the generator (20) is frictional. The gear ratio of the final downstream gear is at least 25. When used for lighting, the apparatus may include one or more high brightness LEDs (40) mounted on the housing (30). By suitable choice of gear ratios, the device may produce thirty minutes of illumination while allowing a 10 kilogram weight to fall through a distance of 1.8 meters. |
| US08950887B2 |
LED light strip with detachable LED flashlights assembly
A modular lighting system for mounting in the garage, under a cabinet, or on a wall area includes a LED light mounted in the housing and two battery operated detachable, removable flashlight assemblies mounted in the housing. The flashlight assembly includes a rechargeable battery; an electrical device, such as a male plug for interconnecting the battery and power source; and an electrical device for sensing power loss. The lighting system also includes a flashlight electrical connection in the housing, such as a plug receptacle, for connection to the male plug for supplying power from the power source to the detachable flashlight assembly. |
| US08950886B2 |
Solar-powered lighting module
A solar-powered lighting module is provided, including a solar cell for generating electricity when exposed to light, a battery for storing charge from the generated electricity, and a light generating device powered by the stored charge. In an embodiment, the module further includes a controller that regulates the current transmitted between the components of the module. In a further embodiment, the module is incorporated into an interface to an environmentally controlled space and can be positioned to light an interior portion of the space. In another embodiment, the solar cell and light generating device are transparent to allow light to pass through the interface. In a further embodiment, tinted-color conjugated polymers incorporated into the module limit the spectrum of light that can pass through the interface. In yet another embodiment, a method of modifying an existing interface with such a module is provided. |
| US08950884B2 |
Backlight and display
A backlight is provided for a direct-view display. The backlight comprises a plurality of discrete light sources (11), such as light emitting diodes, spaced from a diffuser (5). The light sources are arranged as sets cooperating with a mirror structure (101), which surrounds the set to form a region. The regions substantially tessellate the area of the backlight. Each mirror structure (101) comprises a plurality of mirror segments which are curved and concave in cross-section perpendicular to the diffuser (5). The mirror segments extend from around the light sources (11) towards the diffuser (5). The edges of adjacent mirror segments of adjacent regions meet at a meeting line such that all of the meeting lines are at the diffuser (5) or between the diffuser (5) and the light sources (11). |
| US08950867B2 |
Three dimensional virtual and augmented reality display system
A system may comprise a selectively transparent projection device for projecting an image toward an eye of a viewer from a projection device position in space relative to the eye of the viewer, the projection device being capable of assuming a substantially transparent state when no image is projected; an occlusion mask device coupled to the projection device and configured to selectively block light traveling toward the eye from one or more positions opposite of the projection device from the eye of the viewer in an occluding pattern correlated with the image projected by the projection device; and a zone plate diffraction patterning device interposed between the eye of the viewer and the projection device and configured to cause light from the projection device to pass through a diffraction pattern having a selectable geometry as it travels to the eye. |
| US08950863B2 |
Image photographing apparatus and image photographing method
An image photographing apparatus includes; an acquiring unit configured to acquire an image of an eye to be inspected, a measuring unit configured to measure movement of the eye to be inspected based on the image, a predicting unit configured to predict the movement of the eye to be inspected based on a cycle of the movement of the eye to be inspected which has been measured by the measuring unit, and a control unit configured to control an acquisition position where the acquiring unit acquires the image based on the movement of the eye to be inspected which has been predicted by the predicting unit. |
| US08950862B2 |
Methods and apparatus for an ophthalmic lens with functional insert layers
This invention discloses a media substrate for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses that has been formed by the stacking of multiple functionalized layers. Additionally, methods and apparatus for providing a stacked functional layer insert for incorporation into an ophthalmic lens are also provided. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel and the lens includes at least one stacked functional layer insert portion. |
| US08950860B2 |
Method and system for retarding the progression of myopia
A method for retarding the progression of myopia in a human eye, the method comprising: providing (41) a concentric annular multi-zone refractive lens including: at least one correcting zone of optical power for correcting (42) refractive error, and at least one defocusing zone for projecting (43) at least one non-homogenous defocused image in front of at least a part of retina to inhibit myopic eye growth, the at least one defocusing zone having at least one less negative power; wherein the correcting and defocusing zones are alternated (45) in the lens and the zones are connected (46) to each other through integrated progressive transition curves. |
| US08950855B1 |
System and method for highlighting printed material on a document
An inkjet printer and a method of operating an inkjet printer provide a luminescent background for facilitating viewing of indicia printed on porous media in no-light or low-light conditions. The printer and method apply a first enhancement material to a surface of porous media to which ink has been applied to form indicia and a second enhancement material to a back side of porous media. The two enhancement materials combine through the porous media to provide a luminescent background for the indicia printed on the media. The two surfaces of the porous media can be covered with laminating material to protect the enhancement materials. |
| US08950852B2 |
Liquid storage container and liquid consumption apparatus
A liquid storage container comprises a first liquid chamber provided with a filler port, a second liquid chamber partitioned from the first liquid chamber, and communicates with the first liquid chamber via communication opening, and a float member provided in the second liquid chamber. |
| US08950851B2 |
Holder having detachable liquid housing container, and liquid housing container
A liquid housing container in which a liquid to be supplied to a head can be stored may be attached to or detached from a holder, which is provided to a liquid ejecting device having the head for ejecting a liquid. The holder has a rotation point where the mounted liquid housing container may be rotated in a predetermined so as to be detached from the holder. |
| US08950849B2 |
Water vapor control structure
In some aspects of the present application, an inkjet printing device is disclosed that can comprises an enclosed module configured to store ink and provide a path for ink flow; and an annular structure surrounding the path for ink flow, wherein the annular structure comprises a first polymer structure; a void structure arranged to surround the first polymer structure; and a second polymer structure arranged to surround the void structure. |
| US08950843B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
There is an object of providing a printing apparatus which can restrict a variation in ejection characteristic of an ink droplet due to a temperature change of a printing head to restrict degradation in an image. The printing apparatus adjusts temperatures of the print head to first and second temperature so as to measure ejection characteristics of the print head at the first and second temperature. Then, a driving condition is generated based on the measured ejection characteristics and a printing is performed based on the measured ejection characteristics. |
| US08950841B2 |
Printing apparatus
A printing apparatus that discharges liquid droplets onto a recording medium, includes a movable carriage; discharging units, which are installed on the carriage and include nozzles that discharge a liquid, pressure chambers that communicate with the nozzles, and piezoelectric elements provided for each of the pressure chambers; a first circuit substrate, which is installed outside of the carriage, and on which is installed a control signal supply unit that generates control signals; a second circuit substrate, which is installed on the carriage, and on which are installed a booster circuit that generates a plurality of voltages; in which a path length of the control wiring between the first circuit substrate and the second circuit substrate is longer than the path length of the wiring between the second circuit substrate and the piezoelectric elements. |
| US08950835B2 |
Method to replace an instrument case and replacement case therefor
A method designed to replace a compromised instrument case with a new case without the need to disconnect any wire, relay or any other electric equipment is described herein. The instrument panel is supported for example by a temporary support frame during the dismantling of the old case and the assembly of the new case. The new case is therefore assembled on site around the instrument panel. The new instrument case includes a floor which is made of at least two parts, one on each side of the wiring. The instrument case therefore remains in a normal working mode during the entire replacement procedure thus preventing downtime. As well, the amount of manpower required for the replacement of an instrument case is drastically reduced. |
| US08950823B2 |
Method and device for working rock
A method and rig for driving tunnels, galleries, shafts or the like. The rig has a movable base unit that over a support unit supports a carrying unit which in turn carries a cutting head having outwardly directed cutting elements. The method includes rotating the cutting head around a general axis of rotation and applying the cutting head against a rock surface to be worked. The carrying unit is swung into a first chosen mutual position in respect of the support unit. The support unit is rotated into a second chosen mutual position with respect to the base unit around an axis that is essentially longitudinal with respect to the base unit. An angle of operation of the cutting head is controllable. |
| US08950821B2 |
Milling drum having integral tool mounting blocks
A tool mounting block is disclosed for use with a milling drum. The tool mounting block may have a flighting portion with a base surface configured to engage an outer cylindrical surface of the milling drum, and a mounting portion integrally formed with the flighting portion at a location opposite the base surface. The mounting portion may be configured to receive a separate tool holder. The tool mounting block may further have at least one locating feature integrally formed with the flighting and mounting portions. The at least one locating feature may be configured to interlock with at least one locating feature of an adjacent tool mounting block. |
| US08950818B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat having at least one pneumatically operated system for massage and/or for seat adjustment, in particular for adjusting the seat area. The at least one pneumatic system includes at least one bubble element that can be filled with a gaseous medium, especially air. The interior of the bubble element can be filled or evacuated via a supply line mounted at the bubble element through an inlet opening into the bubble element. A gas-permeable acoustic element is provided in the inlet opening. |
| US08950817B2 |
Article of furniture with modular construction
An article of furniture is disclosed. The article of furniture comprises a base frame assembly configured to support an attached seating unit. Other modules or components may also be attached to the base frame assembly. The article of furniture may also comprise a supplemental frame assembly attached to the base frame assembly to extend the size of the article of furniture and to support an additional or larger module or component. The other modules or components may comprise one or more of a casegood unit, a backrest, an armrest, a privacy panel, a console, an outlet (for power and/or data), etc. Electronic devices may be incorporated. A set of articles of furniture is also disclosed; the articles of furniture have a modular construction and can be assembled on the base frame assembly by combinations of modules and components. |
| US08950812B2 |
Foldable vehicle seat
The invention relates to a foldable vehicle seat, in particular for utility vehicles, with a backrest and a seat part, wherein the backrest is made foldable and is connected at least to a first cam element and the seat part is made foldable and is connected at least to a second cam element, wherein the two cam elements are arranged at a distance from each other in the width-wise direction of the seat and are arranged so as to be rotatable about a common axle extending in the width-wise direction of the seat, so that the backrest and the seat part are rotatable by at least 90°. |
| US08950808B2 |
Stowable baby seat and methods
An infant chair includes a frame having a seat portion and a base portion that are pivotally connected to each other so as to be movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. A locking mechanism is operable to lock the frame in the expanded position. Further, a cover is configured to substantially cover the frame. |
| US08950807B2 |
Functional seat cover
The invention relates to a functional seat cover for placing on seating, in particular for children, comprising an approximately horizontal seat, an approximately vertical backrest, and two armrests, composed of washable textile material, wherein a quadrilateral seat surface can be placed on the seat, wherein the first edge of the seat surface is connected to a rear part, on which a backrest hood is formed, which backrest hood can be pulled over the back rest, and the second edge and fourth edge of the seat surface lying opposite each other are each connected to one armrest part, wherein each armrest part can be paced on an armrest, and the third edge of the seat surface is connected to a foot part, which can be suspended over the front edge of the seat. |
| US08950796B2 |
Seating arrangement for a passenger vehicle
A seating assembly for a vehicle includes a central longitudinal axis extending through the vehicle. A front seat is configured for use by a driver and defines a front seat central longitudinal axis. A rear seat is configured for use by a passenger and defines a rear seat central longitudinal axis. The front and rear seats are substantially arranged on opposite sides of the central longitudinal axis in a staggered relationship. The central longitudinal axis of the front seat is arranged at a different angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle than the central longitudinal axis of the rear seat. At least one of the seats is positioned such that the central longitudinal axis of the respective seat measured at a rear edge of the seat is mounted closer to the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle than is possible with a symmetrical side-by-side seating arrangement. |
| US08950795B2 |
Robotic grabber and method of use
A robotic finger includes a shape-memory alloy and a shape-memory polymer connected to and adjacent to the shape-memory alloy. Heating the shape-memory polymer causes it to soften, heating the shape-memory alloy causes the alloy to bend in the direction of the shape-memory polymer to press the shape-memory polymer against an object to be grasped, and cooling the shape-memory polymer causes it to stiffen and to retain its shape. An opposing member is positioned to cooperate with the finger to grasp an object positioned between the finger and the opposing member. A selectively controllable heat source is capable of applying heat to the finger. |
| US08950794B2 |
Vehicle bumper assembly
The invention relates to a vehicle bumper assembly (1) having a bumper cross-member (2) and at least two energy-absorption components (3), which are arranged at a distance from one another and which are connected to the rear side of the bumper cross-member (2) and supported thereon by means of a first end. The energy-absorption components have an x-direction absorption effective direction oriented perpendicular to the y-axes longitudinal extension of the bumper. The energy-absorption components (3) are designed to be supported on a chassis part (4) of a vehicle by means of the end of the energy-absorption components pointing away from the bumper cross-member, wherein the energy-absorption component (3) has a slanted end face (5) in the direction toward the bumper cross-member (2). According to the invention, the entire or substantially the entire end face (5) of the energy-absorption component (3) is supported on the rear side of the bumper cross-member (2), and the plane of the end face (5) of the energy-absorption component (3) facing the bumper, and thus the bumper cross-member (2), is oriented such that the front side thereof is arranged at an angle to the plane extending orthogonally to the force application direction of the AZT structure test. |
| US08950790B2 |
Computer housing structure
A housing structure includes a main cabinet and an engaging mechanism. The main cabinet has an opening formed on one side, and the main cabinet has a side panel and a latch. The opening can be covered up by the side panel, and the latch can be movably arranged on the side panel. The engaging mechanism includes a sliding member and an elastic member, and the sliding member can be slidably arranged on the main cabinet and is adjacent to the latch. A plurality of grooves is formed on the sliding member, and a plurality of hooks is formed correspondingly on the side panel. The sliding member can traverse between a default and a release position to assemble or dissemble the main cabinet. |
| US08950787B2 |
Pipe and pipe assembly provided with layers of electrically conductive material for conveying substances
An ensemble including a pipe for transporting substances which can flow, the pipe having a structure forming a coaxial transmission line including: a first tubular layer of electrically conductive material; a second tubular layer of electrically conductive material; and at least one first layer of dielectric material mounted in-between the first and the second layers of electrically conductive material, such that: the first layer of electrically conductive material forms an outer conductor of a section of the coaxial transmission line; the second layer of electrically conductive material forms an inner conductor of the section of the coaxial transmission line, and further including an electromagnetic coupler coupling the coaxial transmission line with a complementary coaxial transmission line carried by a pipe complementary to the pipe. |
| US08950786B2 |
Coupling device for transferring a medium from a stationary part to a rotatable part
A coupling device for transferring a medium from a stationary part to a rotating part, including a stationary first ring, which is fixed in place on a stationary part, a second, rotatable ring, which is fixed in place on a rotatable part and rotates along with the rotatable part, a bearing, which is situated between the first ring and the second ring, an annular gap, which is situated between the first ring and the second ring, a supply line, which is disposed at the first ring for the supply of the medium, a discharge line, which is situated at the second ring for the conveying of the medium, the discharge line rotating along with the second ring, an inner sealing element, which seals the annular gap at a radially inner side, and an outer sealing element, which seals the annular gap at a radially outer side. |
| US08950785B2 |
Broach style anti rotation device for connectors
A broach style anti-rotation device for connected tubular members is described. In embodiments, the broach tool is inserted into a slot in an outer diameter surface of the pin, and teeth of the broach, which have a successively greater height when moving from the front to the tail of the broach, cut a slot in a surface of the box. Sidewalls of the broach and its teeth engage shoulders of each slot to prevent the rotation of the tubular members relative to each other. |
| US08950779B2 |
Adjuster, frame and vehicle
A golf cart includes a frame, an adjuster, and a pair of suspension assemblies that reduce changes in camber angles in a pair of wheels caused by an adjustment of a ground clearance. The adjuster includes a pair of first adjusting portions and a pair of second adjusting portions. Each of the first adjusting portions includes a first upper hole and a first lower hole. Each of the second adjusting portions includes a second upper hole and a second lower hole. Each suspension assembly includes a damper and an arm portion. When the golf cart is set to a high ground clearance, the first adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the dampers, and the second adjusting portions are installed between the frame and the arm portions. |
| US08950778B2 |
Vehicle-occupant protection structure and vehicle-occupant protection method
The strength of an instrument panel member (12) at a portion thereof between a steering shaft support part (16) and a linking part (13) on the side near a steering shaft (11) is set lower than the strength of the instrument panel member (12) at a portion thereof between the steering shaft support part (16) and a linking part (14) on the far side from the steering shaft (11), with respect to a load input through the linking part (13) on the side near the steering shaft (11) in the vehicle body front-rear direction. The above configuration makes it possible to suppress movement of a steering wheel inward in the vehicle width direction to thereby securely restrain a vehicle occupant by an airbag at the time of a vehicle frontal collision. |
| US08950777B1 |
Jack stabilizing device
A stabilizing device for vertically extending jacks is described. The stabilizing device is comprised of a base link attached to an RV, a short connecting link, a long connecting link and a stabilizing link, forming a four link mechanism whereby the combined pivoting of each link results in a nearly straight line vertical movement at the distal end of the stabilizing link which is pivotally attached to a vertically extending jack. This combination of elements allows for the unimpeded vertical movement of the jack while at the same time restricting the horizontal movement of the jack thereby forming a stabilizer that functions automatically. |
| US08950775B2 |
Receiver device for engaging a landing gear adapter with a tug
A receiver device for engaging a landing gear adapter unit with a tug. In exemplary embodiments, the adapter may include a tow bar with a neck portion between a pair of spaced arm portions. The receiver device forms a travel path boundary for the neck portion and is configured to be complementary with and to engage the neck portion. A mounting portion is provided for mounting the receiver device on the tug in an operative configuration relative to a landing gear-receiving base thereon. At least one releasable locking member is positioned along the travel path to interrupt travel of the neck portion. The locking member is movable between a first unlocked position and a second locked position. Further, in the second locked position, the locking member is configured to lock the mounting portion in the operative configuration. |
| US08950774B2 |
Wheel loader
A frame locking bar is supported pivotably with respect to a rear body. The frame locking bar is constructed to be able to lock an articulated structure by fixing a front body and the rear body to each other to thereby prevent swing thereof. A fixing mechanism is constructed to be able to position this frame locking bar at a prescribed pivoted position in a cantilevered state. At the positioned prescribed pivoted position, when viewed from above, a foot mount is located outside a side surface of a driver's compartment. Thus, a wheel loader capable of locking an articulated mechanism and allowing easy and highly safe services at a high position is obtained. |
| US08950773B2 |
Extendable wheelchair device for supporting the feet of the user
A wheelchair device made for fully supporting the feet of the user. It spans the space between the left and right foot rest pedals. It is comprised of a length of a sleeve made of a durable material and configured with at least one open end; an elongated cross-section; a top surface tread; an essentially smooth bottom surface featuring a shelf; and an internal aperture wherein one of the end with an internal aperture of the device may slide over and essentially encase either of the foot plates of the wheelchair and wherein the opposite end with the recess may rest on the other un-encased foot plate which results in a bridge of the space between the two pedals. An alternative embodiment features an extension tube for various widths of wheelchairs. |
| US08950767B2 |
Running and riding trailer
Disclosed is a trailer for attachment to a vehicle. The trailer includes a frame having a first side and a second side that define a bottom area bordered by the first and second sides. Connected to the frame is an attachment arm configured to attach the trailer to the vehicle. At least one floor panel, supported by the frame, is included and is configured to selectively transition between a riding position and a running position. When the floor panel is in its riding position, the trailer is configured to carry and transport an animal. When the floor panel is in its running position, the trailer is configured to exercise the animal such that the animal is free to move under its own power in connection with the vehicle as the vehicle moves. |
| US08950765B2 |
Mounting bracket assembly for vehicle suspension component as well as suspension assembly, kit and method including same
A mounting bracket assembly, such as for securing a suspension component to a receiving element of sprung or unsprung mass of a vehicle, can include an internal mounting element. An external mounting element can be secured to the receiving element using a securement element. A suspension assembly for a vehicle and a method of assembly including such a mounting bracket assembly are also included. A mounting bracket kit is also included. |
| US08950764B2 |
Jounce bumper, end member, gas spring assembly and method of assembly
A jounce bumper can include a mounting wall and at least one helical thread. An end member can be at least partially formed from a quantity of polymeric material and can include a base wall and at least one helical thread integrally formed from the quantity of polymeric material. The end member and the jounce bumper can form a gas spring assembly. A method of assembly is also included. |
| US08950763B2 |
Vehicle independent wheel suspension for a slightly steerable rear wheel of a double-track vehicle
A vehicular single wheel suspension of a double-track rear wheel being steerable by an actuator of a double-track vehicle has a wheel carrier guided by a longitudinal control arm and by two transverse control arms. The transverse control arms are connected to the wheel carrier by a bolt via a rubber bearing having a minimal degree of rotary freedom. The longitudinal control arm is mounted on the wheel carrier via one rubber bearing having a minimal degree of rotary freedom, such that the wheel carrier is swivelable relative to the longitudinal control arm about a substantially vertical swivel axis. The swivel axis is formed by the rubber bearing wherein the resulting degree of rotary freedom is bound by a tie rod element connected to the wheel carrier via an articulated joint. The tie rod element is movable in the transverse direction of the vehicle by an actuator adjuster element. |
| US08950762B2 |
Arm-wheel type robotic vehicle comprising suspension system
A vehicle and a suspension system, for stabilizing vehicle disposition by lowering the center of gravity, and improving stability control performance are provided. The vehicle includes a body, at least one arm, a bottom unit, which may be a wheel, coupled to one end of an arm of the at least one arm, and a suspension system having a spring disposed to generate a counter moment in a direction that offsets an impact moment applied to the arm that is subjected to an impact. |
| US08950761B2 |
Collapsible child carrier apparatus
A collapsible infant carrier apparatus comprises a support frame including front and rear leg frames and a handle, and a linkage frame pivotally connected with the front leg frame and the handle. A first latch mechanism is connected between the handle and the linkage frame, wherein the first latch mechanism is operable to lock the handle in position relative to the linkage frame. A second latch mechanism is connected between the linkage frame and the front leg frame and having a locked state and an unlocked state, wherein the second latch mechanism when in the locked state locks the linkage frame with the front leg frame, and the second latch mechanism when in the unlocked state enables rotation of the linkage frame relative to the front leg frame. The infant carrier apparatus can be collapsed by rotating the linkage frame. |
| US08950760B1 |
Three wheeled automotive dolly and method of use
A mobile and adjustable dolly having an adjustable “V” shaped dolly frame. The dolly frame comprises first and second pivotal frame members rotationally coupled to a central support frame member forming a “V” shape. The central support frame member comprises a series of angle maintaining features for securing each frame member at any of a plurality of angled configurations. A distal caster, having a wheel rotation disposed therewith, is assembled to a distal end of each frame member and a central caster is assembled to a pivotal region of the dolly frame. A vehicle support subassembly is disposed upon and extends upward from the each respective frame member. An elongated handle assembly extends from the central caster. The elongated handle assembly further comprises a wheel chock, which removably engages with the central wheel when subjected to the weight of the elongated handle assembly. |
| US08950757B2 |
Device for the compensation of body movements of a motor vehicle
A device for the compensation of body movements in a motor vehicle, having an arrangement of four first piston-cylinder units which are assigned to in each case one wheel of the motor vehicle, wherein a compensation unit is provided which has a fifth piston-cylinder unit and a sixth piston-cylinder unit, wherein the pistons of the fifth piston-cylinder unit and of the sixth piston-cylinder unit are connected to one another via a coupling element, wherein at least a first number of the first piston-cylinder units and the fifth piston-cylinder unit are in fluid communication with one another and at least a second number of the first piston-cylinder units and the sixth piston-cylinder unit are in fluid communication with one another, and the compensation unit has means for compensating body movements. |
| US08950755B1 |
Watertight closure gasket insertion tool
A handheld tool is for facilitating installation of a resilient, elongate, generally rectangle-profiled gasket designed to tightly fit inside and along the partially obstructed perimetric channel of a watertight doorway onboard a marine vessel. As typically embodied, the inventive tool includes a straight handle (e.g., shaft or rod) and a head. The head includes a right-triangle profiled section and an L-shape-profiled section. The handle is perpendicularly connected to the hypotenuse surface of the right-triangle profiled section. The L-shape-profiled section has two interior surfaces forming an interior right angle that faces away from the hypotenuse surface. The bisector of the interior right angle is parallel to the handle and perpendicular to the hypotenuse surface. A user holds the inventive tool by the handle, controls the gasket so that a rectangular corner portion of the gasket fits inside the L-shape-profiled section's interior right angle, and forcefully manipulates the gasket into the channel. |
| US08950752B2 |
Wicker-type face seal and wellhead system incorporating same
A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members and a face seal between inner wellhead members. The face seal is created by two opposing sealing surfaces on inner wellhead members that sealingly engage each other. The inner wellhead members that interact to form a face seal may be a casing hanger, bridging hanger, or lockdown hanger. A wicker profile formed on one of the opposing seal surfaces bites into the opposing seal surface in response to a load. The face seal is designed such that well pressure enhances the face seal. |
| US08950751B2 |
Compliant element
A compliant element has first and second sections which are separated by a gap. The first and second sections have respective surfaces opposing each other across the gap. The first and second sections are interconnected by flexure elements which are integral with the first and second sections and which extend across the gap. At least part of each flexure element extends obliquely across the gap. Movement of the sections towards and away from each other is accompanied by flexing of the flexure elements. |
| US08950750B2 |
Sheet thickness detector and image forming apparatus including same
A sheet thickness detector incorporated in an image forming apparatus includes a sheet conveying member to rotate and convey a sheet in a sheet conveyance direction, a driven sheet conveying member to contact the sheet conveying member and form at least one first transfer nip therebetween in a lateral direction and to displace by an amount equivalent to a thickness of the sheet passing through the first transfer nip and rotated with the sheet conveying member in the sheet conveyance direction, a displacement member to contact the sheet conveying member and form a second transfer nip smaller than the first transfer nip in the lateral direction and to displace by an amount equivalent to the thickness of the sheet passing through the second transfer nip and supported at a support member, and a displacement amount detector to detect an amount of displacement of the displacement member. |
| US08950747B2 |
Recording paper conveying device, document feeding device and image forming apparatus including these devices
A recording paper conveying device includes a registration roller pair and a conveyor roller pair adjacent to the registration roller pair. By rotating the conveyor roller pair, a sheet of recording paper is fed until leading edge of the sheet abuts the registration roller pair in stationary state so that the sheet is deflected by a prescribed amount. Then, conveyor roller pair is rotated at the constant velocity, and while the sheet is kept deflected, rotation of the registration roller pair is started, to start feeding of the sheet by the registration roller pair. While the registration roller pair is kept rotating, rotation of the conveyor roller pair is suspended, and then, the conveyor roller pair is returned to the state of rotation before suspension. Thus, unnecessary deflection of the sheet just in front of the registration roller pair can be prevented. |
| US08950745B2 |
Image forming apparatus with alignment unit
An image forming apparatus may include an image forming unit, a stacking unit, a control unit, and an alignment unit. The image forming unit forms an image on a recording material having a type. The stacking unit stacks the recording material on which the image formation is formed by the image forming unit. The control unit sets a predetermined number of sheets to a number that corresponds to the type of the recording material. The alignment unit aligns the recording material if the predetermined number of sheets of the recording material is stacked by the stacking unit. |
| US08950732B2 |
Toilet dolly
A toilet dolly for lifting a toilet from a floor includes a frame having a pair of spaced-apart members which are positionable on opposite sides of the toilet desired to be lifted from a floor, and a plurality of wheels enable the frame to be rolled into operative positional relationship with a toilet for purposes of lifting the toilet from the floor. A pair of spaced-apart linkage members are connected to the spaced-apart members for pivotal movement relative thereto, and the linkage members include bowl-lifting portions which are moved between lowered and raised conditions as the linkage members are pivotally moved relative to the frame structure. The lever assembly further includes a foot-engagable portion which enables a user to pivotally move the linkage members relative to the frame structure with his foot to thereby lift the toilet to an elevated condition above the floor. |
| US08950731B2 |
Exhaust valve structure
An exhaust valve structure includes: an inner cylindrical portion that forms an introducing passage of exhaust gas and that has a stay member; a valve element that closes or opens the introducing passage; and a wire mesh that is fixed to the stay member and that contacts the valve element when the introducing passage is closed. The wire mesh is formed in a shape such that a diameter of the wire mesh gradually increases toward a downstream side of the introducing passage and a load exerted on the stay member when the valve element contacts the wire mesh is distributed in a diameter-increasing direction in which the diameter of the wire mesh increases. |
| US08950730B2 |
Automatic sensor control panel
A method for regulating water output from a faucet is presented. The method includes receiving an input at a plurality of sensors, transmitting a signal to a control unit in response to receiving the input, controlling, via the control unit, at least a temperature or volume of water in response to the signal received at the plurality of sensors, outputting the water via a water output device, and outputting, via a display module, a visual indicator for at least the temperature or the volume. |
| US08950727B2 |
Snorkel holder apparatus
A supporting device for a snorkel is described, comprising a fixing element for a diving mask strap.According to the invention, the fixing element is formed by a clip (1) suitable for being fixed to a tubular portion of a snorkel and by a clip (2) suitable for being fixed to a diving mask strap, the clips (1, 2) being provided with connectors (5, 11) suitable for coming into contact with each other, each connector (5, 11) featuring a magnetic property for mutual attraction of the two clips. |
| US08950721B2 |
Securing member
Provided is a securing member which can secure a plate-like module reliably and has high versatility. A securing member includes an upper piece that extends in a right-left direction, a shaft portion that extends downward from the upper piece, a lower piece that extends to both sides from a lower end of the shaft portion so as to be larger than the upper piece and has a curved bottom surface, and a mounting hole that penetrates through the lower piece at one side. The lower piece is mounted on a mounting target through the mounting hole in a state where a side surface of a plate-like module is made to substantially abut against the shaft portion so that the upper piece is lowered to abut against the upper surface of the plate-like module and the lower piece abuts against the lower surface of the plate-like module. |
| US08950715B2 |
Support apparatus
A support apparatus has a positioning disc mounted on a sucking disc. An operation disc is mounted on the positioning disc and has a receiving hole. Two bevel ribs are arc-shaped, are formed on and protrude along an inner wall of the receiving hole. The sucking disc has a column mounted through the positioning disc and the receiving hole of the operation disc. A pin is mounted through the column, with two ends of the pin protruding beyond the column and abutting against the two bevel ribs of the operation disc. By rotating the operation disc to axially move the pin upon abutting against the bevel ribs to pull the sucking disc, the sucking disc can be adhered to a tablet PC. A pivotable stand connected to the positioning disc can be rested on a desk to facilitate viewing at any angle. |
| US08950711B2 |
Method of detecting and signalling a hot box condition
A method of detecting and signaling a hot box condition on a rail vehicle comprising the steps of acquiring temperature data from undercarriage components of the rail vehicle through temperature sensors provided in hot box detection devices; relaying temperature data through a wireless network of the hot box detection devices to a data recorder. |
| US08950704B2 |
Cold-launch device and method using the same
A cold-launch device, including a high-energy gas resource, a gas cylinder, a control valve, a gas-liquid mixing cylinder having a cylinder body, the high-energy gas resource is connected to the gas cylinder whereby supplying energy thereto, and the gas cylinder is connected to an terminal of the gas-liquid mixing cylinder via the control valve and a connecting pipe. |
| US08950703B2 |
Independent power generation in aircraft
A method includes generating thrust at one or more engines of an aircraft. The method includes generating first electricity at a first power unit concurrently with generating second electricity at a second power unit. The first power unit and the second power unit are independent of the one or more engines of the aircraft. The first electricity has a first set of electrical characteristics and the second electricity has a second set of electrical characteristics, where the first set of electrical characteristics is different than the second set of electrical characteristics. |
| US08950702B2 |
Pylon and engine mount configuration
A mounting arrangement for a gas turbine engine includes a pylon mount structure that has a fore mount portion and an aft mount portion. A first engine mount beam is integrally formed with the fore mount portion as a single-piece component, and a second engine mount beam is integrally formed with the aft mount portion as a single-piece component. The first engine mount beam is attachable to the engine case at a fore attachment interface, and the second engine mount beam is attached to the engine case at an aft attachment interface. |
| US08950700B2 |
Rotor driven auxiliary power apparatus and method
Apparatus and methods is used for controlling yaw of a rotorcraft in the event of one or both of low airspeed and engine failure. A yaw propulsion provides a yaw moment at low speeds. The yaw propulsion device may be an air jet or a fan. A pneumatic fan may be driven by compressed air released into a channel surrounding an outer portion of the fan. The fan may be driven by hydraulic power. Power for the yaw propulsion device and other system may be provided by a hydraulic pump and/or generator engaging the rotor. Low speed yaw control may be provided by auxiliary rudders positioned within the stream tube of a prop. The auxiliary rudders may one or both of fold down and disengage from rudder controls when not in use. A power take-off engages a rotor and is engaged in response to detecting a loss of engine power. |
| US08950699B1 |
Heliplane rotor thermal management for maintaining dimensional stability
A rotor system is disclosed for a reactive drive rotary wing aircraft. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for maintaining the rigidity of the rotor and eliminating play between flight controls and the rotor by mounting swashplate actuators to a flange rigidly secured to the mast. Apparatus and methods are disclosed for thermal management of the rotor in order to avoid bearing failure or loss of bearing preload. Methods include modulating the temperature of oil pumped over one or more of the mast bearing, swashplate bearing, and spindle bearing. The temperature of air passively or actively drawn through rotor may also be modulated to maintain bearing temperature within a predetermined range. Structures for reducing pressure losses and drag on components due to air flow through the rotor are also disclosed. A rotor facilitating thermal management by oil and air flow is also disclosed. |
| US08950697B2 |
Handle assembly for spinning reel
A handle assembly for a spinning reel is configured to be mounted onto a drive gear shaft that is rotationally supported on a main body of the spinning reel. The handle assembly includes a metal shaft member, a metal handle arm, a handle grip and a first metal tubular member. The metal shaft member includes a threaded portion disposed at one end for screwing to the drive gear shaft and a coupling portion disposed at the other end. The metal handle arm includes a connected portion pivotally coupled to the coupling portion of the metal shaft member to pivot around a radial axis of the shaft member. The handle grip is rotatably attached to the metal handle arm to rotate around an axis that is parallel to a rotational axis of the metal shaft member. The first metal tubular member includes first and second pipe portions. The first pipe portion is disposed on an outer circumferential side of the metal shaft member for contacting the metal handle arm. The second pipe portion is integrally formed with the first pipe portion for contacting the drive gear shaft. The second pipe portion has a smaller diameter than the first pipe portion. |
| US08950696B2 |
Aerial spraying apparatus
An apparatus for spraying and inducing an electrostatic charge upon a liquid in excess of 0.8 millicoloumb/kilogram is connectable to a boom fitted to a vehicle, such as an aircraft, having a dc power supply. The apparatus comprises a nozzle constructed from a substantially non-conductive material and includes a spray tip designed to provide a hollow conical spray pattern. A support member extends from the nozzle and supports a charging electrode for inducing an electrostatic charge upon the liquid sprayed through the nozzle. The charging electrode attaches to the support member and is electrically connectable to the dc power supply. The charging electrode includes a cylindrical portion and a plurality of corona discharge members extending inwardly from a distal end of the cylindrical portion adjacent to the spray tip. The charging electrode is positioned to permit the hollow conical spray pattern to pass unhindered therethrough. |
| US08950695B2 |
Fuel nozzle and process of fabricating a fuel nozzle
Disclosed is a fuel nozzle and a process of fabricating a fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle includes a fuel nozzle end cover and a fuel nozzle insert. The fuel nozzle insert is welded to the fuel nozzle end cover by a welding process selected from the group consisting of beam welding, solid state welding, and combinations thereof and/or the fuel nozzle insert includes a first fuel nozzle insert portion and a second fuel nozzle insert portion. The process includes welding the fuel nozzle insert to the fuel nozzle end cover. |
| US08950683B2 |
Production process of tag antenna
A production process of a tag antenna and a micro strip patch RFID tag antenna. The production process includes: an etching step of etching a metal layer on a thin film material composited with the metal layer to form a thin film (1) with radiation unit patterns (11, 12), short circuit pin patterns (13, 14) and ground plate patterns (15, 16); a compositing step of coating gel on the thin film (1) or a substrate (2) and adhering the thin film (1) to the substrate (2); and a folding step of folding the thin film (1) along an edge of the substrate (2), adhering the short circuit pin patterns (13,14) of the thin film (1) to sides of the substrate (2), folding again the thin film (1) in a same direction, adhering the ground plate patterns (15, 16) to a lower surface of the substrate (2). |
| US08950679B2 |
Security substrates for security documents
The invention relates to improvements in security substrates for security documents. The security substrate has at least two sets of regions having a machine detectable characteristic, in which only a first set of regions is applied to a first surface of the substrate. At least two sets of regions together form a machine readable code. |
| US08950676B2 |
Image capture based on working distance range restriction in imaging reader
An arrangement for, and a method of, electro-optically reading a target by image capture, employ an aiming assembly for projecting an aiming light pattern on the target that is located within a range of working distances relative to a housing, an imaging assembly for capturing an image of the target and of the aiming light pattern over a field of view, and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the captured image, and a controller for determining a distance of the target relative to the housing based on a position of the aiming light pattern in the captured image, and for processing the electrical signal into information relating to the target when the target lies in a restricted zone within the range of working distances. |
| US08950674B2 |
Apparatus for and method of imaging targets with a hybrid imaging lens assembly
An imaging lens assembly captures return light from a target, and projects the captured light onto a solid-state imager during electro-optical reading of the target. One plastic lens and one glass lens, together having a relatively low negative optical power, are situated at one side of an aperture stop. Another plastic lens and another glass lens, together having a relatively high positive optical power, are situated at the opposite side of the aperture stop. An aperture extends along an optical axis through the opposite sides. Each plastic lens is configured with opposite aspheric nearly concentric surfaces to widen and flatten the field of view of the imager, and to reduce sensitivity to manufacturing and assembly tolerances. A holder holds the lenses and the aperture stop in spaced relation along the optical axis relative to the imager. |
| US08950673B2 |
Imaging system for reading target with multiple symbols
An imaging system for acquiring images of multiple indicia, such as symbols and non-symbols, on a target, such as a label, comprises a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing light from the indicia on the target over a field of view, and a controller having a stored template that identifies details of the indicia on the target, for controlling the imager to capture the light from the indicia based on the details identified by the template. |
| US08950669B1 |
Conversion of non-negotiable credits to entity independent funds
In one embodiment, an account is established for non-negotiable credits provided by an entity to one or more users. Interactions that earn a quantity of non-negotiable credits are detected. The quantity of non-negotiable credits from the interactions is added to the account. The non-negotiable credits have redemption restrictions imposed by the entity. In absence of a conversion operation that converts the non-negotiable credits to entity independent funds, a commerce partner does not accept the non-negotiable credits for goods/services that it provides. A quantity of the non-negotiable credits is subtracted from the account. The subtracted quantity of non-negotiable credits corresponds to a quantity of entity independent funds resulting from the conversion operation that converts the non-negotiable credits to a quantity of the entity independent funds in accordance with agreement terms mutually established by the commerce partner and the entity. The commerce partner is compensated by the entity. |
| US08950665B1 |
Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An apparatus that operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records, includes at least one processor that is in operative connection with a card reader, a check acceptor, a cash dispenser and the display. The at least one processor causes the machine to operate to read card data from a user card, and to cause a determination to be made that the read card data corresponds to an authorized financial account. The at least one processor is operative to cause data to be read from a check and/or cash to be dispensed, and a financial transfer to or from the account corresponding to the value thereof. Unauthorized observation of manual inputs to an input device is prevented through the use of nonvisible light emitters that prevent the observation of such inputs via an electronic camera interception device. |
| US08950664B2 |
System and method for quality management utilizing barcode indicators
A quality management system for products including a multiplicity of barcode indicators, each operative to provide a machine-readable indication of exceedance of at least one threshold by at least one product quality determining parameter, the at least one threshold being at least one of a time duration threshold and a combined temperature and time threshold, a barcode indicator reader operative to read the barcode indicators and to provide output indications and an indication interpreter operative to receive the output indications and to provide human sensible, product unit specific, product quality status outputs. |
| US08950662B2 |
Unique identification information from marked features
Utilizing natural variations in marked features on an item as a way of establishing an identifier specific to that item, storing the identifier separately from the item, and subsequently accessing the identifier to validate the identity of the item. |
| US08950659B2 |
Multiple split package with closing flap
A package assembly (10) provides for enclosing an array of aligned products (14) in a package housing having a pair of product accommodating pockets (12) The pockets are disposed on opposite sides of a fold line (20) for foldable movement between a flat closed condition and a folded open condition for allowing dispensing of the products (14) from the pockets (12). The housing further includes an openable flap (22) disposed over the pockets in the flat condition for closing the pockets, wherein the flap (22) extends from one of the pockets and wherein the other of the pockets includes a slot (25) for receipt of a distal end (22a) of the flap (22) in the closed condition. |
| US08950653B2 |
Metal paste with co-precursors
A sintering method allows components to be joined to each other in a stable way at a processing temperature of less than 200° C., producing stable contact points having low porosity and high electrical and thermal conductivity. The method includes (a) providing a sandwich arrangement having at least a first component, a second component, and a metal paste located between the first and second components, and (b) sintering the sandwich arrangement. The metal paste includes (A) 75-90 wt. % of at least one metal present in the form of particles having an organic compound-containing coating, (B) 0-12wt % of at least one metal precursor, (C) 6-20wt % of at least one solvent, and (D) 0.1-15 wt % of at least one sintering agent selected from (i) salts of C1-C4 organic acids, (ii) esters of C1-C4 organic acids, and (iii) carbonyl complexes. |
| US08950651B2 |
Friction joining method and joined structure
A heating process makes a temperature of joining surfaces Wa and Ta of a pair of metal parts W and T at the start of a first joining process equal to 20% or greater, preferably, 40% or greater of a melting point of material of the metal parts W and T. The heating process makes a heating depth h of the pair of metal parts W and T at the start of the first joining process equal to 1.0 mm or greater. |
| US08950649B2 |
Apparatus for brazing radial bearings and related methods
Apparatuses and methods are provided for manufacturing bearing assemblies. In accordance with one embodiment, a fixture is provided for use in brazing bearing elements to a bearing ring. The fixture comprises a substantially annular body and at least one or more force-applying mechanism associated with the annular body. The force applying mechanisms include a push rod disposed within a channel that is formed in the annular body, the push rod being displaceable within the channel. A biasing member is configured to bias the push rod in a radial direction relative to the annular body. In one embodiment, a plurality of force-applying mechanisms are circumferentially spaced about the substantially annular body. In one embodiment, the push rods extend radially inwardly from a peripheral surface of the body, while in another embodiment the push rods extend radially outwardly from peripheral surface of the body. |
| US08950646B2 |
Surgical stapler having an articulation mechanism
An articulation mechanism for use with a surgical instrument includes a shaft, a first member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the articulation shaft, a second member disposed in mechanical cooperation with the shaft, and a flexible shaft having proximal and distal portions. The flexible member is operatively coupled to the first and second members. Upon rotation of the articulation shaft, at least one of the first and the second members moves longitudinally with respect to the other of the first and second members between a first position where the first and second members are approximated to each other and a second position where the first and second members are spaced apart from each other. This longitudinal motion causes the distal portion of the flexible member to articulate relative to the proximal portion. |
| US08950645B2 |
Tape holder
Disclosed herein is a tape holder for supporting a tape roll and cutting tape from the tape roll. The tape holder includes a first holder body and a second holder body. The first holder body has an overall ‘E’ shape and includes a cutting part which is provided on a first end of the first holder body and on which a cutter is formed to cut the tape; a support part which is provided on a second end of the first holder body to support the tape holder on a support surface; and a coupling part provided on a medial portion of the first holder body to support the tape roll. The second holder body has the same shape as that of the first holder body. The coupling parts of the first and second holder bodies are coupled to each other in a center hole of the tape roll. |
| US08950644B2 |
Backpack frame system
The present invention involves the provision of a backpack frame assembly and associated load carrying devices. The backpack frame includes a plurality of stays having flexible joints therebetween. A membrane is secured to certain of the stays and helps resist flexing of joints between adjacent stay end portions. Load carrying devices may be provided and are releasably mounted to the frame assembly. The distance between the assembly's shoulder straps and hip belt can be adjusted to accommodate user's having different torso lengths by using an adjuster sheet to separate hook and look members attaching a shoulder strap assembly to a frame assembly. The adjuster sheet can operate as a support element when not operating as an adjuster. The adjuster sheet can be constructed of a laminated composite material and include reinforcing ribs formed therein. |
| US08950638B2 |
Finger loop for portable electronic device case
The invention disclosed herein is a finger loop for use with a portable electronic device case, housing or enclosure. The finger loop is formed by a strip of material such as silicone or rubber that extends away from the rear outer surface of the case, housing, or enclosure, and returns to the rear outer surface of the case, housing, or enclosure thereby forming a loop through which a user can insert at least one, or a plurality of fingers to aid in holding the device. The strip of material may include features to increase friction with the inside surface of the case or with the portable electronic device itself. |
| US08950637B2 |
Valved fluid transport container
A fluid flow-control valve is housed within a fluid transport container or vessel. The valve is operated by a trigger actuating a plunger or shaft. The trigger is located in the handgrip space of a pouring handle so as to resiliently provide one-handed control of fluid flow from the vessel. The valve is resiliently biased to a closed state. A telescopically extendable spout is attached to and housed within the main body of the valve and may include an integral breather passageway. When the spout is retracted it locks out the operation of the trigger. |
| US08950630B2 |
Reclosable dispenser
A can with an internal divider for separating multiple items to be dispensed, and a dispensing cap having one-handed operation for opening and closing and suitable for effectively dispensing one or more items from a container which may or may not have an internal divider. |
| US08950625B2 |
Article dispensing
An apparatus for dispensing sorbent canisters into containers includes a first wheel and a second wheel, disposed to rotate with each other. A first plate is disposed between the first and second wheels and a second plate is disposed on a side of the second wheel opposite the first wheel. |
| US08950623B2 |
Beverage container lid that provides natural drinking experience
A drink-through lid for a beverage container. The lid provides a drink outlet that allows liquid to fill a drink well base, from which a consumer may sip a beverage similar to using a cup or mug. The base is sized and shaped to sealingly engage the opening of the beverage container. A hollow raised lip portion is provided, and it has an exterior portion extending upwardly from the base. An outer lip portion is provided, with interior portion sloping downwardly and inwardly. A drink well base may have a sloped floor extending upwardly from a peripheral side along the lower end portions. At least one drink outlet is provided. |
| US08950621B2 |
Cooking utensil with rotatable handle
A cooking utensil with a reconfigurable handle is described. The cooking utensil can include a cooking body having an outer wall; a mounting bracket attached to the outer wall; and a handle rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket. The handle can be coupled to the mounting bracket in a manner that the handle can be rotated between a cooking position where the handle extends in a radial direction from the outer wall and a storage position where the handle follows at least a portion of said outer wall. |
| US08950619B2 |
Metallic end closure with tear panel having improved rigidity
An end closure for a container is provided. The end closure includes a stay-on-tab and a tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment. The tear panel includes a raised portion which extends in an upward orientation toward a public side of the end closure. |
| US08950617B2 |
Non-penetrative blood container and apparatus for vacuuming the same
A non-penetrative vacuum blood container for storing blood sample, the non-penetrative vacuum blood container comprises: (a) a cap (1) having a number of air passages (4) at its inner wall and ridges (5) at is outer wall; (b) an enclosure (2) which includes enclosure head (8), enclosure neck (9) and enclosure chamfer (10); and (c) a tube (3) for storing blood sample; wherein the air passages (4) further includes enclosure stopper (7) close to opening (6) of the cap (1); and wherein an enclosure opening (11) is provided at the enclosure head (8). |
| US08950616B2 |
Closed fuel tank system
A fuel tank system includes a tank that stores fuel, a leveling valve that decides a limit liquid surface, a filler pipe that is provided with a fuel filler opening to which a blocking cover is attached at an end portion of the filler pipe, a recirculation pipe that communicates with the filler pipe, a discharge passage that is connected to the leveling valve and branches to a first passage and a second passage, a seal valve, and a release valve that is connected to the tank at a position higher than the limit liquid surface and one of the recirculation pipe and the filer pipe, and is released by a pressure lower than a pressure caused by a head difference between the limit liquid surface and a liquid surface of the fuel at the fuel filler opening. |
| US08950612B2 |
Hybrid shipping container
A shipping container comprising a cradle portion, including a plurality of upright members, formed of a first material and a basket formed of a second material wherein when a first shipping container is stacked on a second shipping container the load of the first shipping container is transferred through the plurality of upright members of the second container. |
| US08950610B2 |
Closure
A closure 1 for closing a container comprises a closure body, which has a front wall 3, a side wall 2 and a transition portion 4 between the front wall 3 and the side wall 2. An annular projection 8, extending from the front wall 3, is provided for contact on the top side 10a of the mouth piece 10 of the container. An outer seal 9 is formed as a tongue 9 which extends from the side wall 2 and/or from the transition portion 4 towards a central axis A of the closure 1. The tongue 9 rests flexibly against the contour of the outer edge 10b and/or outside 10c of the mouth piece 10 when the closure 1 is attached to the mouth piece 10 of the container. |
| US08950609B2 |
Device for stopping a container, container provided with such a device, and method for closing a batch of such containers
A stopper device including a stopper, cap and ring provided with tabs for locking onto a container neck and a body for handling the ring. The body includes a first mechanism for transmitting a thrust force to the ring and a second mechanism for activating the tabs. The ring and the handling body are respectively provided with first and second retainers that hold the handling body in a waiting position. The handling body is mobile parallel to the thrust force direction and in relation to the ring, between a first position activating the tabs of the ring and is mobile in translation only in the thrust force direction, and a second position that also activates the tabs and is immobilized in relation to the ring in axial translation. The tabs extend from a continuous edge of the ring and are each arranged in an opening with a closed contour. |
| US08950608B2 |
Universal adapter system for bottle containers using a dispensing pump or cap
A universal adapter assembly system for container bottles using existing dispensing pumps or existing bottle caps includes a plurality of adapter members. Each adapter member is sized to receive and couple to a container bottle having a different sized bottle neck from which the dispensing pump or bottle cap is removed. The system also has a base member with a body sized to fit and releasably couple to each of the plurality of adapter members. The base member has a cap movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the base member body, the cap having an outer portion configured to support the container bottle in an upside down orientation on a supporting surface. |
| US08950607B2 |
Feeding assembly for a baby feeding bottle with enhanced flow characteristics
A feeding assembly for a baby feeding bottle includes a control nipple for receiving a fluid from a container, and an outlet nipple positioned to receive the fluid from the control nipple and having a feeding outlet through which the fluid flows from the feeding assembly. The control nipple and outlet nipple are moveable relative to each other from a first position to a second position, such that in the first position the fluid is transferred through a tip of the control nipple to the outlet nipple at a first flow rate, and in the second position the fluid is transferred through the tip of the control nipple to the outlet nipple at a second flow rate different from the first flow rate. A baby feeding bottle includes a container portion for containing a fluid, and the described the feeding assembly. |
| US08950605B2 |
Monitoring and alarm device for construction machinery
The invention relates to a monitoring and alarm device for construction machinery having long and heavy booms, such as cranes, in particular mobile cranes, is characterized in that a monitor system is provided, which monitors parameters that may change in case of an undesired lowering of the boom or of boom sections in a non-operating condition, and triggers an optical and/acoustic and/or wireless alarm system if the parameters change. |
| US08950602B2 |
Variable planform shelving system
Variable planform shelving systems include a variable support platform and a support surface assembly that is supported by the variable support platform. The variable support platform includes frames that can be repositioned relative to each other to vary the planform of the variable support platform. The support surface assembly provides a support surface for supported items. The support surface assembly is flexible and/or comprised of a plurality of linked panels so that the support surface provided varies in response to variation in the planform of the variable support platform. |
| US08950601B2 |
Prescription bottle storage units and medical organizer cases
A prescription bottle storage unit for holding a plurality of prescription pill bottles, in one embodiment, includes a holder comprising a plurality of means for supporting the prescription pill bottles horizontally and spaced-apart around a vertically-extending axis of the holder and generally at right angles from the vertically-extending axis so that outer horizontal side portions of the prescription pill bottles are observable. Means for rotatably supporting the holder on a level surface is provided so that the plurality of means for supporting the prescription pill bottles is rotatable around the vertically-extending axis. In another embodiment, a portable device for prescription pill bottles includes a removable prescription bottle storage unit comprising a holder having a plurality of means for supporting the prescription pill bottles, and a medical organizer case comprising a compartment for receiving the removable prescription bottle storage unit therein. |
| US08950596B2 |
Locking gun rack system with quick deployment
In one embodiment there is provided a long gun rack system. The system includes an L-shaped frame; a butt cap secured to the side to accommodate a butt end of the gun; a handcuff ratchet lock mechanism secured to the frame at a position to accommodate the barrel, the lock mechanism configured to unlock in response to the receipt of an electronic code or in response to a key; an electronic security mechanism secured to the frame and is in communication with the lock mechanism; and a side plate having a cut-out region is secured along the frame at a position defined between the lock mechanism and the frame, such that the cut-out region permits the plate to mount in close proximity to the long gun and blocks the removal of the takedown pins and/or the full movement of a charging handle. |
| US08950595B2 |
Apparatuses and methods for dishwasher rack emptying
In one embodiment, a dishwasher rack includes: an interior structure divided into separate compartments, each sized and configured to hold an individual beverage container; a top side through which the compartments may be loaded; a bottom side having a support surface; and a release mechanism. The top and/or bottom side has a configurable surface that provides a closed configuration in which it is capable of supporting beverage containers and an open configuration in which beverage containers are able to pass through. When the dishwasher rack is placed on top of a desired exterior surface with the configurable surface immediately adjacent to the exterior surface, the release mechanism can be operated to change the configurable surface from the closed configuration to the open configuration, causing any enclosed beverage containers to drop down onto the exterior surface and remain there when the dishwasher rack is lifted up and away. |
| US08950594B2 |
Tray for flat display panel
A tray for a flat display panel. The tray includes a frame including a seating portion on which the flat display panel sits; a clamping device for clamping the panel so as not to be separated from the seating portion; and a size adjusting device for adjusting a size of the frame to correspond to a size of the panel. The tray allows the frame to be safely and firmly supported and transported, thereby greatly preventing the panel from being damaged during an examination of the panel and improving efficiency of the examination. |
| US08950580B2 |
Intravenous fluid hanger housing
A housing secures an intravenous fluid bag along a portion of a support pole. The intravenous bag is suspended inside the housing, which is formed from three molded parts. A molded back part and a molded end part are joined in a permanent manner along a seam line, and these molded parts define a majority of the housing. A molded door part completes the housing, the molded door part being hingedly attached to the molded back part, providing the housing with an open and a closed position. Aligned slots in the molded end part allow the support pole portion to pass through the housing interior when the housing is in the closed position, and at least one cradle, attached to the molded end part, secures the support pole portion. The molded door part can be latched when in the closed position. |
| US08950577B2 |
Implant fixture storage case and implant fixture storage case set
Provided is an implant fixture storage case capable to prevent mistake in combination. The implant fixture storage case comprises an implant fixture holding member (20) for holding an implant fixture and which has a length based on the implant fixture to be held, and a storage main body (10) on which a value related to the length of the implant fixture is displayed, and which holds the implant fixture holding member thereinside and has at least one part being transparent, and a position display means (12) provided to the storage main body based on a position of an end portion of the implant fixture holding member, wherein the end portion of the implant fixture holding member and the position display means are viewable at the same time. |
| US08950566B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for coin exchange
A method for exchanging coins, the method including the acts of receiving in a self-service coin exchange machine a plurality of coins, processing the plurality of coins to determine a total value of the plurality of coins, and dispensing currency to the patron from a currency dispenser, the currency having a value related to the total value. |
| US08950558B2 |
Dampers with thermal expansion compensation
A damper includes a housing bounding a primary chamber and a compensation chamber, the primary chamber including a first gas compartment and a control compartment that are separated by an expansion piston, the compensation chamber including a second gas compartment and an overflow compartment that are separated by a compensation piston. A piston rod has a first end slidably disposed within the control compartment. A first fluid path is in fluid communication with the overflow compartment so that when the expansion piston is in the first position, the expansion piston blocks fluid communication between the control compartment and the overflow compartment by way of the first fluid path and when the expansion piston is in the second position, the hydraulic fluid can freely flow from the control compartment to the overflow compartment by way of the first fluid path. |
| US08950554B2 |
Elevator governor
Provided is an elevator governor capable of achieving, with a simple configuration, an overspeed detection mechanism to which rotation dependence is added while preventing a decrease in reliability due to the generation of vibrations and noises and the wear of parts. For this purpose, the elevator governor includes: a sheave on which a rope moving in response to the movement of an ascending and descending body of an elevator is wound, and which changes the rotation speed in one direction in response to the ascent speed of the ascending and descending body and changes the rotation speed in the other direction in response to the descent speed of the ascending and descending body; a fly-weight which is provided in the sheave and increases and decreases an outward moving quantity in response to an increase and decrease in the rotation speed of the sheave; a detector which is provided in proximity to the fly-weight and performs overspeed detection of the sheave when the fly-weight has moved outward by a predetermined quantity; and a stopper which is provided in proximity to the fly-weight and prevents the fly-weight from moving outward more than or equal to the predetermined quantity while the sheave is rotating in a predetermined direction which is either of the two rotation directions. |
| US08950551B2 |
Fall arrest system safety device
A safety device for use in a fall arrest system, has a safety line drum mounted for rotation and a speed responsive engagement mechanism responsive to the speed of rotation of the drum, which is activated above a predetermined rotational speed of the drum to deploy an energy absorber. A rotational transmission member (which may be in the form of a shaft) is coupled, via the speed responsive engagement mechanism, when activated, to rotate with the drum. The energy absorber is deployed in response to operation of the rotational transmission member. The speed responsive engagement mechanism may be mounted intermediate the drum and the energy absorber for ease of replacement. |
| US08950546B2 |
Firearm sound suppressor
A suppressor for a firearm is provided, wherein the suppressor can be selectively oriented relative to the firearm. The suppressor has an elongate body, a piston assembly and a cam assembly. A piston of the piston assembly can be fixedly attached to the barrel of a firearm. An indexing ring is radially fixed relative to the piston. The cam lever is selectively movable between a second position, in which the indexing ring is fixed relative to the elongate body, and a first position, in which the indexing ring can rotate relative to the elongate body. |
| US08950541B2 |
Aerodynamic aftertreatment
Aspects provide for an engine and an aftertreatment system coupled to the engine and configured to treat an exhaust stream from the engine. The engine may be incorporated into a mobile piece of equipment (e.g., a truck). A fairing may be shaped to improve air flow during motion by reducing air resistance created by the aftertreatment system. |
| US08950538B2 |
Working machine
Disclosed is a working machine which comprises: a lower propelling body; a support base; an equipment installation area; a pipe extending from the equipment installation area; a guard which covers the equipment installation area and has an opening for leading out the pipe therethrough; and a clamp configured to support the pipe and having a shape capable of closing up the opening. The clamp includes: at least one support element for supporting the pipe; a guide portion for guiding the at least one support element; and a pair of clamping members for clamping the at least one support element. One of the pair of clamping members has a shield plate portion having a shape capable of closing up a remaining region of the opening other than a region closed up by the at least one support element arranged. |
| US08950531B2 |
Internal motorized bicycle hub
An internal motorized bicycle hub includes a hub axle, a motor, a first bearing, a second bearing, a spacer and a movement restricting section. The motor has a rotor and a stator. The first and second bearings rotatably support the rotor on the hub axle. The second bearing is axially spaced apart from the first bearing. Each of the first and second bearings includes an inner race attached to the hub axle, an outer race attached to the rotor, and a rolling element arranged between the inner and outer races. The spacer is arranged between the inner races. The movement restricting section restricts movement of the inner race of the first bearing in a direction of separating from the bearing of the second bearing. The spacer presses the bearing of the first bearing towards the movement restricting section. |
| US08950527B2 |
Manually operated electrical control and installation scheme for electric hybrid vehicles
A hybrid vehicle system facilitates operator control over electric power generation and use. The system features a motor/generator that can be mounted to an output of a transmission of the vehicle. |
| US08950525B2 |
Front power takeoff for utility vehicle
Disclosed are power systems for use on various types of power machines, including an engine and a hydraulic pump assembly positioned in-line with and powered by an engine output shaft. A driving member powered by the engine has a central cavity through which access to the engine output shaft is provided to the hydraulic pump. A driven member is in communication with the driving member to receive power. The driven member is coupleable to a gearbox drive shaft that drives a gearbox, the gearbox having an output capable of driving a power take-off shaft. |
| US08950524B2 |
Electric moving device for moving patient beds
An electric moving device for moving patient beds includes a power unit, a holding unit and a control unit. The power unit is connected to the underside of the moving device and the holding unit is connected to two columns of the moving device so as to connect the moving device with the bed. By operating the control unit to control the power unit, the bed is moved from one place to another by the moving device. Medical equipment is able to go with the moving device to provide sufficient caring surface to the patient. |
| US08950522B1 |
Drive unit for propelling a cart forward-and-backward and side-to-side
A drive unit for propelling a cart in a forward or reverse direction or from side-to-side. The drive unit has a top plate affixed to a bottom frame of the cart. A pivot plate carrying a drive wheel carriage is pivoted from the plate. The drive wheel carriage includes a yoke in which a drive wheel is mounted. The drive wheel carriage is rockably and rotatably suspended from the pivot plate with the drive wheel biased out of contact with a supporting surface by a spring and biased into contact with the supporting surface with an inflatable air bag. The drive wheel may propel the cart forward when the drive wheel is aligned with the cart's longitudinal axis and from side-to-side when the drive wheel is aligned with the cart's transverse axis. |
| US08950519B2 |
Polycrystalline diamond compacts with partitioned substrate, polycrystalline diamond table, or both
Methods for at least partially relieving stress within a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table of a polycrystalline diamond compact (“PDC”) include partitioning the substrate of the PDC, the PCD table of the PDC, or both. Partitioning may be achieved through grinding, machining, laser cutting, electro-discharge machining, or combinations thereof. PDC embodiments may include at least one stress relieving partition. |
| US08950514B2 |
Drill bits with anti-tracking features
Drill bits with at least two roller cones of different diameters and/or utilizing different cutter pitches in order to reduce bit tracking during drilling operations are described. In particular, earth boring drill bits are provided, the bits having two or more roller cones, and optionally one or more cutter blades, the bits being arranged for reducing tracking by the roller cone teeth during operation by adjusting the teeth spacing, cone pitch angle, and/or the diameter of one or more of the cones. These configurations enable anti-tracking behavior and enhanced drilling efficiency during bit operation. |
| US08950506B2 |
Vibratory ripper having pressure sensor for selectively controlling activation of vibration mechanism
A ripping mechanism for a vehicle has a support frame. A ripping member has an engagement head that is configured for plowing a groove in the ground. The ripping member is preferably positionable in a selected working position and working orientation by adjustment of the support frame. The ripping member is preferably movable relative to the support frame to cause reciprocating movement of the engagement head at least partially longitudinally. A tilt adjustment cylinder is preferably operable to orient the ripping member in the selected orientation. A vibrator mechanism is preferably operatively connected to the ripping member and activatable to cause reciprocating movement of the engagement head at least partially longitudinally. |
| US08950503B2 |
Control system
A control system for use in a subterranean well comprises at least one power generation device positioned within the subterranean well, the at least one power generation device adapted to supply electrical power to at least one apparatus positioned within the subterranean well and at least one control line positioned in the subterranean well. The at least one control line connects each power generation device to surface and is adapted to supply a hydraulic pressure applied from surface to the at least one power generation device from which the at least one power generation device generates the electrical power to be supplied to the at least one apparatus. |
| US08950492B2 |
Invert emulsion fluid containing a hygroscopic liquid, a polymeric suspending agent, and low-density solids
An invert emulsion treatment fluid comprises: (A) an external phase, wherein the external phase comprises a hydrocarbon liquid; (B) an internal phase, wherein the internal phase comprises a hygroscopic liquid; (C) a suspending agent, wherein the suspending agent is a polymer, and wherein the polymer comprises urea linkages; and (D) a particulate, wherein the particulate has a density less than 3.5 g/cm3, wherein a test fluid consisting essentially of the external phase, the internal phase, the suspending agent, and the particulate, and in the same proportions as the treatment fluid, and after static aging for 2 months at a temperature of 200° F. (93.3° C.), has a 10 minute gel strength of at least 30 lb/100 ft2 (1,436 Pa) at a temperature of 120° F. (48.9° C.). A method of using the invert emulsion treatment fluid comprises: introducing the treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation. |
| US08950491B2 |
Downhole assembly for treating wellbore components, and method for treating a wellbore
A downhole assembly for delivering chemical treatment to a wellbore at the level of a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is provided. The chemical treatment is in solid phase, and slowly dissolves when exposed to wellbore fluids. A method of treating a wellbore using a solid chemical is also provided. |
| US08950488B2 |
Polymerizing and anchoring a water-soluble polymer to an in-place mineral surface of a well
Methods using an anchoring agent for a water-soluble polymer that is in-place polymerized in a subterranean formation. The anchoring agent comprises a hydrolyzable silyl group that reacts with one or more dangling hydroxyl groups of a mineral surface in the subterranean formation to form “hard” bonds, “anchoring” to the mineral surface. The anchoring agent is selected to have another functional group for covalent attachment to the water-soluble polymer. This can help a water-soluble polymer be anchored to a mineral surface in a subterranean formation. Accordingly, it is believed that monomolecular layers of water-soluble polymer will be formed and anchored to the mineral surface, which will provide excellent elastic properties to the matrix. The monomolecular layers are not expected to interfere with the permeability of the matrix. |
| US08950487B2 |
Assemblies and methods for minimizing pressure-wave damage
An assembly for minimizing damaging effects of pressure waves on devices in a wellbore. The assembly comprises a dynamic device disposed in the wellbore and generating pressure waves during actuation; a barrier device disposed in the wellbore and presenting an obstacle to the pressure waves generated by the dynamic device; and an occlusion disposed in the wellbore between the dynamic device and the barrier device which reduces the damaging effects of the pressure waves on the barrier device. |
| US08950478B2 |
Coupling between wellbore tools having central transmission shafts
Two well tools (100, 200) having centrally mounted drive shafts (160, 260) are provided with a mechanism to remove debris from a coupling between them. Thereafter, the tools can be coupled by inserting a first outer sleeve (110) on the first tool into and rotationally lock it to a second outer sleeve (210) on the second tool. The drive shafts (160, 260) are coupled in a similar manner. The mechanism for removing debris can displace the debris and/or a flushing device (170) using well fluid to stir up debris. The coupling has space for debris that is not removed, e.g. in the form of a chamber 264. The female part of the coupling may comprise a spring loaded lid (271) to reduce pollution by debris when the coupling is not in use. |
| US08950476B2 |
Coiled tubing deployed ESP
According to the present invention, there is provided a well pumping system comprising a length of coiled tubing extending to the surface of the well, a first electric pump, a first electric motor, and a sealing means that seals against the side of the well. The sealing means include a first fluid path through which coiled tubing is in fluid communication with the well beneath the sealing means, and a second fluid path through which first electric pump is in fluid communication with the well beneath the sealing means. |
| US08950471B2 |
Method of operation of a downhole gas generator with multiple combustion chambers
A method for generating gasses in a borehole for use in the recovery of petroleum products. The method utilizes a multiple chamber gas generator system that includes a plurality of gas generators each having an elongate combustion chamber. The multiple chamber gas generator system is positioned in the borehole, and the operation of each of the plurality of gas generators is controlled to selectively turn each of the gas generators on or off, to regulate the volume of gasses being generated in response to changes in conditions within the borehole. |
| US08950468B2 |
Cooling system for aerospace vehicle components
A cooling system for removing heat generated by electrical components onboard aerospace vehicles flows coolant between an evaporator that removes heat from the component, and a condenser within the skin of the vehicle. The skin is formed from facesheets comprising multiple layers of polymer resin reinforced with meshes of single and double wall nanotubes. The nanotubes conduct the heat directionally so as to both distribute the heat over the skin and direct the heat to the outer surface of the skin where the heat can be carried away by air flowing over the skin. The skin may also include conductive carbon foam surrounding the condenser to reduce thermal resistance between the condenser and the facesheets. |
| US08950462B2 |
Blind of united blind by weaving
The present invention provides a textile blind united by weaving, which is formed as a single body by weaving slat textiles along a width between a front textile and a back textile in parallel with each other, wherein the slat textiles are arranged along the height of the front and back textiles to make the textile blind easily block lights. |
| US08950457B1 |
Slip-on corner protectors for picture frames and machine and method for making same
A slip-on corner protector for rectangular picture frames includes a flat cardboard pre-form which is bent into the shape of a hollow triangular cross-section prism having right triangularly-shaped front and rear frame face cover panels joined at vertical and horizontal sides thereof by a vertical and horizontal rectangularly-shaped frame edge cover panel, respectively. Triangularly-shaped spring flaps bent inwardly from hypotenuse edges of the front and rear triangular panels are pressed against and thus grip a frame inserted between the front and rear triangular panels because of the elasticity of the cardboard pre-form. A machine and method for manufacturing corner protectors from a stack of pred-forms bends panels perpendicularly upwards from a pre-form by linear actuators, spays a hot melt adhesive blob onto an upright panel, and presses it against another upright panel to form an adhesive bond. |
| US08950455B2 |
Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion provided with a plurality of blocks, each of the block having a block wall surface facing a transverse groove inclined at an angle (theta) of from 5 to 40 degrees with respect to the tire axial-direction so as to define an acute-angled corner and an obtuse-angled corner on the block. The block wall surface between the acute-angled corner and the obtuse-angled corner is provided with at least two slits having a width of from 0.3 to 2.0 mm. A distance P2 measured from the acute-angled corner to one of the at least two slits which is nearest to the acute-angled corner is more than a distance P1 measured from said obtuse-angled corner to one of said at least two slits which is nearest to the obtuse-angled corner; each distance is measured along the radially outer edge of the block wall surface to the widthwise center of the slit. |
| US08950450B2 |
Reversible nested handbags
A pair of nested handbags includes an outer handbag and an inner handbag that is contained within an inner compartment of the outer handbag. The outer handbag has a reversible body and thus offers two different appearances depending upon how the outer handbag is worn. The outer handbag includes first and second handles that are attached to the outer handbag is such a way that the handles have the same appearance when the outer handbag is worn in either the first or second appearance. |
| US08950449B2 |
Flitch surfacing apparatus
A cutter head for surfacing a flitch, the cutter head including a shaft, a blade non-rotatably mounted on the shaft, wherein the flitch is surfaced by rotating the blade, a bushing including a bore, wherein the shaft runs through the bore, wherein a flange is eccentrically formed about the bore, a guide mounted on the flange of the bushing, wherein the flange axially offsets the guide with respect to the shaft, wherein the guide is arranged to support the cutter head against the flitch while the cutter head is surfacing the flitch, and wherein a radial distance between a tip of the blade and the guide determines a cutting depth of the cutter head, and wherein due to the guide being mounted on the eccentrically formed flange, the radial offset is determined based on a rotational orientation of the bushing about the shaft. |
| US08950446B2 |
Geneset fuel transfer system and method
An electric generator set fuel control system is disclosed. The fuel control system includes an electric generator, a prime mover mechanically coupled to the generator, a first fuel tank, a fuel level sensor configured to generate a fuel level signal indicative of a fuel level in the first fuel tank, a fuel loading operator input device configured to generate a fuel loading signal, a fueling mode operator input device configured to generate a fueling mode signal, and a control module. The first fuel tank is configured to supply fuel to the prime mover, and selectively receive or supply fuel to a second fuel tank through a fuel pump. The control module is configured to generate a fuel transfer signal as a function of the fuel loading signal, the fueling mode signal, and the fuel level signal. |
| US08950440B2 |
Weaving method and loom for implementing this method
The loom includes a weaving area (18) into which weft threads are inserted into at least one upper channel and one lower channel, each of these weft threads being inserted between at least two warp threads by at least one weft insertion element: first element for focusing on one of these channels and determining the position of the warp threads relative to the weft thread, and second element for inserting at least one binding thread (16) above, between and below these channels. The loom includes at least one element for gripping the at least one binding thread and element for moving the at least one gripping element out of and into the weaving area (18) so as to place the at least one gripping element in contact with the at least one binding thread and to allow the drawing of the at least one binding thread. |
| US08950439B2 |
Insulated ductwork products
An intermediate insulating product (20) is disclosed comprising a planar insulating layer (11) having a top side in to which is formed a plurality of parallel channels (14) having cross-sections with tapered sides. A vapor proof layer (18) is applied to the top surface after the channels (14) have been formed such that the vapor proof layer (18) bridges the plurality of parallel channels (14). The intermediate insulating product (20) is then bent with mechanical manipulation in regions adjacent the bottom of the channels (14) thereby causing the channels (14) to close to form a non-planar, derivative insulated ductwork product (30) and the vapor proof layer (18) forms a vapor proof inner lining to the derivative insulated ductwork product (30). |
| US08950435B2 |
Pressure compensation device
Pressure compensators (1) for stabilizing a flow of water are disclosed. The pressure compensator (1) includes water compensating channels (3) formed on the outer periphery of their body (2), and flow orifices (4) passing through the pressure compensator (1), so that the water compensating channels and the flow orifices control the flow rate of the water at varying pressures. The body of the pressure compensator (1) preferably comprises a flexible material, such as rubber. |
| US08950434B2 |
Flow control device
A flow restrictor for use in a cooling system of an internal engine comprises a housing enclosing an elongate body, a number of alternating first and second circumferentially extending passages formed in the elongate body. Each first passage is separated from a respective adjacent second passage by a respective land and at least one transfer passage extending across each land so as to connect the first and second passages on each side of the land and provide a significant loss in fluid momentum. |
| US08950431B2 |
Fluid flow control device
Disclosed therein is a fluid flow control device having a cylinder assembly, which includes cylinders overlapped with each other and fluid pathways for controlling flow rate and velocity of fluid, comprising: a first cylinder having a plurality of first fluid pathways of an elongated form horizontally permeating the cylinder from a central axis; a second cylinder disposed on the outer circumference of the first cylinder; and a third cylinder disposed on an outer circumference of the second cylinder. |
| US08950430B2 |
Internal blow out preventer
An internal blow out preventer for use in a drill string, comprising a housing having an outer valve closure element and where the outer valve closure element is configured to be moved between an open and a closed position, wherein the outer valve closure element is provided with an inner valve closure element that is configured to be moved between an open and a closed position inside the outer valve closure element. |
| US08950426B2 |
Water discharge device
There is disclosed a water discharge device that has a water flow path that extends from an inlet through an outlet chamber to an outlet spout; a valve assembly for opening and closing the water flow path; a heating element for heating the outlet chamber and spout to evaporate moisture on internal surfaces of the outlet chamber and spout when the flow path is closed by the valve assembly, the heating element being remote from the flow path; and a controller for controlling operation of the valve assembly and the heating element, the controller including a switch that is operated directly or indirectly by a user to control the opening of the water flow path. |
| US08950421B2 |
Condensate drain for compressed air system
A condensate drain for a compressed air system is provided. The condensate drain includes a storage unit, an opening/closing member, and an adjusting member. The storage unit collects condensate and includes a storage main body defining a storage compartment within, and a storage panel sealing one side of the storage main body. The opening/closing member is provided at a side of the storage unit, to selectively open and close a passage through which condensate drains to an outside through an opening/closing valve. The adjusting member is provided at a side and within the storage unit, to adjust the opening/closing member. The opening/closing valve can be formed of an elastic material. |
| US08950420B2 |
Containment housing for a fuel control housing
A containment housing includes a hexagonal portion configured to receive a linear variable differential transformer. The containment housing also includes a housing contact flange adjacent to the hexagonal portion. The housing contact flange has a flange face. The containment housing further includes an external threaded portion formed between the flange face and a containment housing end. The external threaded portion is configured to engage a fuel control housing portion of a fuel control. A length is defined between the flange face and the containment housing end, and a ratio of the length to a width of the housing contact flange is between 8.22 and 8.94. |
| US08950419B2 |
Hydrogen supply method and system
A method and system for supplying additional hydrogen from a reservoir of stored hydrogen in a salt cavern to a hydrogen pipeline to assist in meeting customer demand for hydrogen is provided. Contaminants introduced while the stored hydrogen stream is in the salt cavern may cause the crude hydrogen stream to not have the required product purity specification. The stored hydrogen is removed from the salt cavern as a crude hydrogen stream and thereafter diluted with higher purity hydrogen formed from the pipeline to form a hydrogen product stream at or below the product purity specification. The hydrogen product can be formed without removal of any of the contaminants in the crude stream, thereby creating a more cost effective and simplified supply process compared to conventional processes employing a salt cavern for hydrogen supply. |
| US08950416B1 |
Removable and collapsible cover system
A collapsible and removable cover for an object, including a collapsible, lightweight, waterproof cover member configured to cover a portion of the object, a lightweight support frame which is configured to be manipulated by a user between an expanded operative shape and a collapsed storage shape, and which connects to the cover member in the expanded operative shape such that the support frame and the cover member jointly form a self-supporting cover unit having a stable configuration, and retainers which are configured to secure parts of the support frame to the object. The retainers include first portions which are configured to be secured to the object and second portions which securely connect to the parts of the support frame, and the retainers function as a sole source of connection between the cover unit and the object. |
| US08950412B2 |
Hair extension remover
A hair extension remover, which comprises two crimping jaws, wherein one crimping jaw can be moved relative to the other with a drive. A liquid container that can be pressurized and that is in the form of a piston-cylinder unit, opens into the vicinity of the crimping jaws. In order to ensure exclusive linear motions, the drive of the crimping jaws and the pressurization of the piston-cylinder unit are each designed as a gear drive. Each gear drive can comprise either a gear rack having a pinion or a gear wheel segment, or a gear spindle having a movement nut. The two gear drives can be coupled in an adjustable and motion-transmitting manner. |
| US08950410B2 |
Comb
A comb has a function for preventing slippage occurring when the comb is gripped, and allowing a user to remove a liquid adhered to the fingertips promptly. Further, the comb can be deformed flexibly. The comb has a concave-convex surface formed in a back face part of a comb main body, and the holes are formed in concave parts of the concave-convex surface. Curving surfaces are formed in side face parts on both sides of the comb main body, and through-holes communicating with the holes are formed in concave parts of the curving surface. When the user applies his/her fingers onto the back face part, the concave-convex surface and the holes function as a slippage preventing part. When applying the fingers onto the side face parts, the curving surface and the through-holes function as the slippage preventing part. |
| US08950409B2 |
Synthesis and incorporation of high-temperature ammonia-release agents in lit-end cigarettes
A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200° C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid. |
| US08950406B2 |
Method and apparatus for light-based hair removal
Methods and apparatus for damaging hair follicles using a series of rapidly-delivered low-fluence pulses of coherent or incoherent light are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the pulses of coherent or incoherent light have a wavelength or wavelengths primarily in the range between 750 nm and 1500 nm. In some embodiments, applied electromagnetic radiation comprising the rapidly-delivered low-fluence pulses is effective for concomitantly heating both the sub-dermal layer (i.e. the dermis) of the tissue and the hair follicles. In some embodiments, the thermal damaging of the hair follicles is useful for facilitating hair-removal. |
| US08950405B2 |
Treatment of obstructive disorders of the eye or eyelid
In accordance with certain illustrative embodiments, methods and apparatuses of treating obstructive disorders of the structure of an eye or eyelid are disclosed. The treating may involve applying heat to the structure containing the obstructive disorder to melt an obstruction in the structure and place the obstruction in a melted state. The heat may be maintained for a time period to melt the obstruction and place the obstruction in the melted state. The structure may be treated by expressing the melted obstruction from the structure. The treating may be carried out either during the time period or after the time period when heat is applied but while the obstruction is in the melted state. In certain embodiments, the method further involves subsequently treating the structure by use of a pharmacological agent. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. |
| US08950400B2 |
Gas flow reversing element
A gas flow reversing element is provided comprising a main piece defining at least one closable outlet opening, a branching piece extending from the main piece, a line connector connected to the distal end of the branching piece, a pressure connector connected to the main piece, the pressure connector being structured to be fluidly connected to a pressurized gas supply; and a nozzle being configured and arranged in the main piece in such a way that a gas flow flowing in the main piece from the pressure connector through the nozzle to the at least one outlet opening, with the at least one outlet opening being disposed in the second open position, a gas flow can also be generated in the branching piece in a direction toward the at least one outlet opening. |
| US08950399B2 |
Method for automatically controlling a ventilation or breathing system as well as a corresponding ventilation or breathing system
A method is provided for automatically controlling a ventilation or breathing system with a ventilation unit (7), which is controlled by a control unit (5), in order to deliver an assist pressure preset by the control unit, wherein the current values of the tidal volume flow Flow(t) and those of the volume V(t) are detected in the control unit. The control unit (5) may carry out a proportionally assisting ventilation method (PAV: Proportional Assist Ventilation) by a factor for a degree of compensation (PPSp) being selected by the control unit and by the parameters for the volume assist (VA) and the flow assist (FA) being determined by: VA=PPSp·ΔE FA=PPSp·ΔR, wherein ΔE is the deviation of a measured or assumed elastance (Emeasured) of the patient from an ideal elastance (Eideal) and ΔR is the deviation of a measured or assumed resistance (Rmeasured) of the patient from an ideal resistance (Rideal). The assist pressure PS(t)=VA·V(t)+FA·Flow(t) is determined from this by the control unit with the flow delivery device (ventilation unit (7)) being set such as to deliver this assist pressure. |
| US08950395B2 |
Aerosol generator
An aerosol generator comprising a body, a mouthpiece on the body and a delivery mechanism delivers aerosol for inhalation by a consumer into the mouthpiece by turning the mouthpiece and body relative to one another. The aerosol is generated from liquid dispensed from a canister having a discharge tube depressible inwardly to open an interior valve. A nozzle member is driven inwardly against the discharge tube of the canister when the mouthpiece and body are turned relative to one another, to open the valve and create the aerosol. |
| US08950394B2 |
Preservative-free single dose inhaler systems
An aerosolization system includes a squeezable container having a resilient container body. The container is configured to deliver a unit dosage of a liquid when squeezed a single time. The system also includes an aerosolizer that is constructed of a housing defining a mouthpiece, and an aerosol generator disposed in the housing. The aerosol generator includes a vibratable membrane having a front face and a rear face, and a vibratable element used to vibrate the membrane. Further, the housing includes an opening that is adapted to receive a unit dosage of the liquid from the container. The opening provides a liquid path to the rear face of the vibratable membrane. |
| US08950392B2 |
Systems and methods for solar energy storage, transportation, and conversion utilizing photochemically active organometallic isomeric compounds and solid-state catalysts
A system for converting solar energy to chemical energy, and, subsequently, to thermal energy includes a light-harvesting station, a storage station, and a thermal energy release station. The system may include additional stations for converting the released thermal energy to other energy forms, e.g., to electrical energy and mechanical work. At the light-harvesting station, a photochemically active first organometallic compound, e.g., a fulvalenyl diruthenium complex, is exposed to light and is photochemically converted to a second, higher-energy organometallic compound, which is then transported to a storage station. At the storage station, the high-energy organometallic compound is stored for a desired time and/or is transported to a desired location for thermal energy release. At the thermal energy release station, the high-energy organometallic compound is catalytically converted back to the photochemically active organometallic compound by an exothermic process, while the released thermal energy is captured for subsequent use. |