| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08961681B2 |
Process for the preparation of nano zinc oxide particles
A process for the preparation of nano zinc oxide particles is disclosed. The process comprises of dissolving a zinc metal precursor in a solvent to obtain a first solution and dissolving a base in an alcohol to obtain an alkali solution. The alkali solution is then added to the first solution over a predetermined period of time to obtain nano zinc oxide particles in solution. |
| US08961679B2 |
Method for preparing a lead-free piezoelectric thin film
The present invention discloses a method of preparing a lead-free piezoelectric thin film comprising the steps of: providing a precursor solution comprising at least one alkali metal ion, a polyamine carboxylic acid, and an amine; depositing the precursor solution on a substrate to form a film; and annealing the film. The present invention also provides a lead-free piezoelectric thin film prepared according to the method, a precursor solution for use in the method and a method of preparing the precursor solution. |
| US08961676B2 |
Biocompatible adhesive for attaching ornamental accessories
A non-toxic, biodegradable, and water soluble adhesive made from a reduction of all natural substances. The adhesive is suited for gluing ornamental accessories to infants, children, young adults, adults or pets. The adhesive is further suited for temporarily attaching items to surfaces. The adhesive may comprise a reduction of a mixture comprising a syrup, a nectar, and a refined sugar. |
| US08961671B2 |
Super hydrophobic and antistatic composition
A super hydrophobic and antistatic brake dust repellent composition using solvents, adhesion promoter, and hydrophobic inorganic nano particles as a main ingredient is provided. Embodiments of the inventive formulation provide a composition/coating, and a process for protecting various surfaces from the appearance of soil, brake dust, grime, muddy water marks, and corrosion. The applied formulation forms an essentially transparent, detachable, and anti-graffiti protective coating on a receptive surface. Embodiments of the coating film are clearly transparent, and retain the aesthetic appeal of the underneath painted film. The composition/coating acts as a self-cleaning coating so it reduces a adsorption of dirt, other contaminants, muddy water, etc. The coating can be applied at room temperature, and within 120 minutes super hydrophobicity can be achieved. The composition may be applied by spray on any type of surface of a wheel including plastic and metal alloy wheels, painted parts, ceramic, and mild steel substrate. |
| US08961668B2 |
Exhaust gas purification system
An exhaust gas purification system with which a frequency of diesel particulate filter (“DPF”) regeneration requests can be reduced during long low idle regeneration, thereby improving convenience, including a control unit that performs regeneration control on a DPF provided at an exhaust pipe of an engine. The control unit includes a particulate matter (“PM”) accumulation amount predictor for predicting the amount of PM accumulated by calculating a cumulated value of the PM in an idling state. The control unit starts calculating the cumulated value of the PM by the PM accumulation amount predictor after a first predetermined time has elapsed since a detection of the idling state. |
| US08961665B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment system
There is provided an exhaust gas treatment system including a CO2 recovery unit with further enhanced energy efficiency. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) includes: a CO2 recovery unit (10) including a CO2 absorption column (11), an absorbing solution regeneration column (16), a condensate supply pipeline (15) for supplying condensate, which contains CO2 absorbing solution discharged from the CO2 absorption column (11) to a bottom portion of the absorbing solution regeneration column (16), and a CO2 separation section (22) for performing heat exchange, via a heat exchanger (23), between the CO2 discharged from the absorbing solution regeneration column (16) and the condensate; and an exhaust gas heat exchanger (5) provided on a gas upstream side of the CO2 recovery unit (10) for performing heat exchange between exhaust gas before flowing into the CO2 recovery unit (10) and the condensate. |
| US08961663B2 |
Carbon dioxide recovery apparatus and method
An apparatus that separates and recovers CO2 from a CO2 absorbent that has absorbed CO2 includes a regeneration tower configured to apply heat to the CO2 absorbent that has absorbed CO2, configured to separate and remove CO2 from the CO2 absorbent, configured to exhaust CO2 gas, and configured to regenerate the CO2 absorbent, a plurality of compressors configured to compress the CO2 gas exhausted from the regeneration tower, a dehydration device provided between the plurality of compressors and configured to remove moisture from the compressed CO2, and a line configured to supply air or N2 gas into the dehydration device to preliminarily operate the dehydration device until a stable state is achieved before starting the compressor. |
| US08961658B2 |
Mist/dust collector
A mist/dust collector includes a tank body, a recovery tank having a demister member, a spraying unit spraying water or coolant fluid from a nozzle, an impeller mounted on a main shaft located in the tank body, so as to be rotatable by air flow, a disc rotary brush and a shaking-off member mounted on the shaft. A suction unit is actuated to draw air containing mist and dust into the tank body interior maintained in a negative pressure state. The impeller is rotated by collision of water or coolant fluid at a predetermined pressure, and the rotary brush and the shaking-off member are rotated simultaneously with the impeller, so that mist and dust are separated from air by a centrifugal action of the rotary brush and the shaking-off member. Mist and dust remaining in the air flowing into the recovery tank are collected by the demister member. |
| US08961655B2 |
Photocatalyst comprising TiO2 and activated carbon made from date pits
A method is provided for adsorbing organic molecules, pollutants, or both, by contacting the organic molecules, pollutants, or both, with a photocatalyst. The photocatalyst can be made by a method that includes preparing activated carbon by calcining date pits to form a precursor material, and then impregnating the precursor material with titanium dioxide. |
| US08961652B2 |
Method for the removal and condensation of vapors
A method for removal and condensation of vapors from within an enclosed space (120) is disclosed. An enclosed space (120) containing material (110) is surrounded by an insulative permeable layer (130) having a lowering temperature gradient (230) between the inner surface (220) and the outer surfaces (240). The insulative layer (130) may also be covered by an impermeable layer (140). Heating the material (110) in the enclosed space (120) causes the formation of vapors at a positive pressure within the enclosed space (120). Vapors pass through the inner surface (220) of the insulative permeable layer (130) and contact the permeable materials and are condensed by the lowering temperature within the insulative layer (130). The condensate liquid passes downwardly through the insulative layer (130) for collection. The positive pressure within the heated enclosed space (120) and the condensation and lowering of pressure and temperature within the insulative layer (130) serves to draw additional vapors from within the enclosed space (120) into the insulative layer (130) for condensation and collection. |
| US08961651B1 |
Reduction of air pollution by utilizing electron affinity of pollutants
Energy consumption of the society is increasing due to expanding economic activity and increasing population. As greater consumption of energy generates more air pollution, there is an ongoing need to find better methods of reducing pollutants in terms of effectiveness and reduced energy consumption. The solution proposed in this disclosure takes advantage of electrical characteristics such as electron affinity and dipole moment. There are many pollutants which exhibit positive electron affinity. Such a pollutant can be easily converted to a negative ion by providing an extra electron. Many of the pollutants have dipolar charge distributions which facilitate electrical interactions with charges. If one of the pollutants becomes charged, it can attract other pollutants which are dipoles to form clusters of pollutants. Furthermore, charged clusters are responsive to electric and magnetic fields. For example, they can be separated from the rest of the flue gas by manipulating with such fields. |
| US08961647B2 |
Atomized picoscale composition aluminum alloy and method thereof
The invention is a process for manufacturing a nano aluminum/alumina metal matrix composite and composition produced therefrom. The process is characterized by providing an aluminum powder having a natural oxide formation layer and an aluminum oxide content between about 0.1 and about 4.5 wt. % and a specific surface area of from about 0.3 and about 5 m2/g, hot working the aluminum powder, and forming a superfine grained matrix aluminum alloy. Simultaneously there is formed in situ a substantially uniform distribution of nano particles of alumina. The alloy has a substantially linear property/temperature profile, such that physical properties such as strength are substantially maintained even at temperatures of 250° C. and above. |
| US08961645B2 |
Method and system for recovering bond coat and barrier coat materials from overspray and articles
The disclosure relates generally to recovering bond coat materials and barrier coat materials from co-mingled mixtures of bond coat and barrier coat materials (e.g., plasma overspray waste), and from mixtures of co-mingled bond coat and barrier coat materials stripped from a substrate. The disclosure also relates to recovering rare earth elements (e.g., yttrium) from a barrier coat of the co-mingled plasma overspray waste or mixture of co-mingled bond coat and barrier coat materials stripped from the substrate. |
| US08961644B2 |
Seal devices for filters
A filter element having an end cap is provided with a seal that can better accommodate non-round holes. The seal may be a chevron type seal and/or other similar seal having a sealing flange for forming a radial seal. Methods of replacing a filter having an O-ring gasket to improve upon sealing are provided as well as filtration systems employing the filter element. |
| US08961639B2 |
Welding booth
The present invention relates to a welding booth that has a small foot print and can be joined to other booths for maximization of floor space use. |
| US08961638B2 |
Door assembly for dust-collecting apparatus
A dust-collecting apparatus is described that includes a lift-off door assembly that provides access to the interior of the dust-collecting apparatus while minimizing the adverse effects on the normal operation of the apparatus by maintaining a proper seal between the interior and the exterior of the apparatus. In particular, the lift-off door assembly includes a top plate, a door frame, and a bottom plate. The top plate is secured to the door frame. Lift clips are provided about a perimeter of the bottom plate and are secured to the bottom plate. Lifting ends of the lift clips are positioned over an outer portion of the door frame, such that when a lifting force is applied to the top plate, the top plate, door frame, and bottom plate are lifted together via the lift clips to move the lift-off door assembly from the closed position to the open position. |
| US08961634B2 |
Filter systems for air intakes of aircraft engines and related methods
A filter system includes a filter assembly having an interior, an end defining a bypass opening, and another end for coupling to an air intake of an aircraft engine to permit intake air from the interior to enter the air intake. The filter system includes a bypass closure movable relative to the filter assembly between at least a first position and a second position. The bypass closure substantially covers the bypass opening in the first position to inhibit intake air from entering the interior through the bypass opening. The filter system includes an actuator coupled to at least one of the filter assembly and the bypass member to cause relative movement of the bypass closure between the first and second positions. |
| US08961629B2 |
Apparatus, components and operating methods for circulating fluidized bed transport gasifiers and reactors
The improvements proposed in this invention provide a reliable apparatus and method to gasify low rank coals in a class of pressurized circulating fluidized bed reactors termed “transport gasifier.” The embodiments overcome a number of operability and reliability problems with existing gasifiers. The systems and methods address issues related to distribution of gasification agent without the use of internals, management of heat release to avoid any agglomeration and clinker formation, specific design of bends to withstand the highly erosive environment due to high solid particles circulation rates, design of a standpipe cyclone to withstand high temperature gasification environment, compact design of seal-leg that can handle high mass solids flux, design of nozzles that eliminate plugging, uniform aeration of large diameter Standpipe, oxidant injection at the cyclone exits to effectively modulate gasifier exit temperature and reduction in overall height of the gasifier with a modified non-mechanical valve. |
| US08961627B2 |
Hydrogen generation assemblies and hydrogen purification devices
Hydrogen generation assemblies, hydrogen purification devices, and their components, and methods of manufacturing those assemblies, devices, and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a vaporization region with packing material configured to transfer heat from a heated exhaust stream to a liquid-containing feed stream, and/or an insulation base adjacent a combustion region and configured to reduce external temperature of an enclosure. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a cooling block configured to maintain an igniter assembly in thermal communication with a feed stream conduit, an igniter assembly including a catalytic coating, and/or a fuel stream distribution assembly. In some embodiments, the assemblies may include a heat conducting assembly configured to conduct heat from external heaters to an enclosure portion. In some embodiments, the devices may include frames with membrane support structures and/or may include a microscreen structure configured to prevent intermetallic diffusion. |
| US08961623B2 |
Quaternary ammonium amide and/or ester salts
The invention relates to quaternary ammonium amide and/or ester salts and their use as additives, including their use in fuels, such as diesel fuel. The invention particularly relates to the use of quaternary ammonium amide and/or ester salts as detergents in diesel fuels. |
| US08961618B2 |
Prosthetic foot with resilient heel
A prosthetic foot can include a resilient heel member that can be removably coupled to the bottom of a plate-like foot member of the prosthetic foot. The heel member can be made of a resilient material, such as foam. The heel member can have a shape that corresponds to a foot cover and allows the prosthetic foot to fit within a foot cover. A lip may be provided to engage with a corresponding portion of the foot cover to secure the heel member within the foot cover. A rib can be located on the bottom of the heel member to create horizontal or vertical displacement of the foot at heel strike. A recess can be created in the heel member to removably receive an insert, which can alter the stiffness of the heel member. |
| US08961613B2 |
Low friction resurfacing implant
A low friction resurfacing implant system including a first implant component having a first bearing surface and a first engagement surface. The first engagement surface is located opposite the first bearing surface. The first implant component has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The first implant component includes teeth that extend from the first engagement surface. The teeth are arranged in a plurality of rows. The teeth in adjacent rows are offset from each other. |
| US08961612B2 |
Knee component having orbital interface boss
A knee prosthesis constructed in accordance to the present disclosure includes a femoral component and a boss. The femoral component can have a first condylar portion and a second condylar portion connected by an inner condylar portion that defines an intercondylar recess, the inner condylar portion having a first engagement portion comprising a first plurality of engaging members extending therefrom. The boss can have a longitudinal body extending along a boss axis between first and second ends. The first end can be configured to selectively mate with a stem. The second end can include a second engagement portion comprising a second plurality of engaging members extending therefrom. The second engagement portion of the boss can be selectively coupled to the first engagement portion of the femoral component in a plurality of discrete positions to attain a corresponding plurality of angles of the boss axis relative to the femoral component. |
| US08961608B2 |
Intervertebral disc replacement
Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges. |
| US08961604B2 |
Fixation implant and method
A fixation implant and associated methods are presented. The fixation implant includes a shaft extending from a first end portion to a second end portion and having an intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion is generally smooth and the end portions are threaded. The method includes use of the fixation implant for repair of a metapodial phalangeal joint of a human extremity. The method includes: forming a bone tunnel in a bone; approximating material near the bone tunnel; and threading the fixation implant into the bone tunnel in interference fashion to secure the material relative to the bone tunnel. The fixation implant may be cut such that the end portion is flush with the bone. |
| US08961596B2 |
Method and apparatus for tricuspid valve repair using tension
Apparatus is provided, including a radially-expandable percutaneous implant, a tissue anchor, and a connecting element shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the tissue anchor in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about a central longitudinal axis thereof when surrounded by the annular loop. The apparatus also includes a flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant and at a second portion to the connecting element. The annular loop of the connecting element facilitates rotation of the tissue anchor about the central longitudinal axis such that the anchor can rotate about the central longitudinal axis with respect to the annular loop, the flexible longitudinal member, and the percutaneous implant. Other applications are also described. |
| US08961587B2 |
Branched stent graft
A branched stent graft comprises a main body portion and a branch portion. Each of the main body portion and the branch portion includes a stent and a tubular graft. The stent of the main body portion includes a plurality of stent segments, at least one of which is a varying-height stent segment (102). The stent of the branch portion includes one or more stent segments, at least one of which is a varying-height stent segment (103). The distance between the proximal-most stent segment of the branch portion and the main body portion is in the range of 2-8 mm. A positioning ring (105) may be used at a side opening which connects the branch portion and the main body portion, and the positioning ring (105) can be sutured inside the graft of the main body, between the graft of the main body and the graft of the branch, or outside the graft of the branch. |
| US08961583B2 |
Optimized flex link for expandable stent
This invention relates generally to an expandable intraluminal medical device for use within a body passageway or duct, and more particularly to an optimized stent having flexible links that minimize foreshortening during stent deployment. In one embodiment of the present invention the intraluminal prosthetic device includes a first hoop section, a second hoop section, and one or more flex members attached between the first and the second hoop section. Each flex member comprises two generally longitudinally extending curved segments connected by a circumferentially undulating segment. |
| US08961582B2 |
Integrated sheath and deployment
A catheter assembly for endoluminal delivery of a device to a treatment site utilizing a single motion deployment for opening and removal of a flexible protective sleeve or constraining sleeve. |
| US08961580B2 |
Abnormal electrical conduction blocking apparatus using photodynamic therapy (PDT)
There are provided an apparatus and a method for blocking abnormal conduction in the cardiac muscle using a photodynamic therapy or for treating arrhythmia. There is provided a catheter ablation apparatus for the treatment of arrhythmia using a photodynamic therapy, comprising a catheter leading a photoradiation unit to an abnormal electrical conduction site or a hyperexcitability occurring site in the cardiac muscle of a test subject in which a photosensitizer is present by administering the photosensitizer beforehand and which causes arrhythmia, means for generating a light ray with which the abnormal electrical conduction site or the hyperexcitability occurring site is irradiated, and means for transmitting the light ray to the abnormal electrical conduction site or the hyperexcitability occurring site, wherein the photosensitizer used is a water-soluble chlorine-based photosensitizer and the light ray used is a light ray having an excitation wavelength equal to that of the photosensitizer. |
| US08961579B2 |
Portable phototherapy device
Disclosed herein is a portable device suited to treating psoriasis and other skin diseases in patients. The device can be carried like a suitcase from one location to another and can be used to treat various body parts, such as the hands, feet, face, and chest. The device includes a carrying case, ultraviolet bulbs, a ballast, and electrical components. The device can also include a timer to measure the duration of the phototherapy treatment. |
| US08961573B2 |
System and method for facilitating repair and reattachment of comminuted bone portions
A fracture fixation system serves in repairing a comminuted humeral head of a humeral bone. The fracture fixation system includes a plate having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, one of a screw and a post, and at least one aperture for receiving the one of the screw and the post therethrough. The plate is secured to a portion of a humeral shaft of the humeral bone, and the one of the screw and the post is inserted through the at least one aperture through the plate. The portion of the comminuted humeral head is attached to the one of the screw and the post using at least one suture. The one of the screw and the post is rotated to wind the at least one suture therearound to reposition the portion of the comminuted humeral head relative to the portion of the humeral shaft. |
| US08961568B2 |
Bone fastener assembly
The present invention provides a bone fastener assembly useful in constructs for stabilizing bones of a patient. In one aspect of the invention, a bone fastener assembly includes a connecting member, a fastener seat, and a bone fastener. The fastener seat and fastener are receivable in the connecting member and the fastener seat is movable from a first position to a second position to retain the fastener in the connecting member. In another aspect of the invention, a bone fastener assembly includes a rod holder, a fastener seat mounted to the rod holder for rotation about the rod holder axis; and a bone, fastener. The bone fastener is generally “T”-shaped and engages the fastener seat in pivoting relationship such that the bone fastener is able to pivot to vary the angle between the bone fastener and the fastener seat. |
| US08961566B2 |
Vertebral construct and methods of use
A vertebral construct comprises a longitudinal element extending between a first end and a second end. The longitudinal element defines a central axis. A first spacer is mounted to the longitudinal element. A second spacer is mounted to the longitudinal element. A flexible element is disposed about the longitudinal element and between the first spacer and the second spacer. The flexible element defines a central axis offset from the central axis of the longitudinal element. Methods of use are disclosed. |
| US08961565B2 |
Transverse rod connector
A transverse rod connector includes an elongate member having first and second ends and first and second connection members. The first and second connection members are connected with first and second ends, respectively. The first and second connection members are configured for multidirectional positioning with respect to the elongate member. The first and second connection members are each dimensioned to be selectively and releasably secured to a bone anchor. The elongate member is longitudinally adjustable. |
| US08961562B2 |
Nipple
A nipple simulating the shape, surface geometry and function of a woman's breast is provided. The nipple has a stem and a base. The base has an areola region and a bulbous region. The areola region is positioned between the stem and the bulbous region, and can simulate the areola of a woman's breast. The bulbous region can simulate the region of a woman's breast surrounding the areola. The areola region has a texture or surface geometry that is different from the texture or surface geometry of the stem or bulbous region. |
| US08961557B2 |
Intravenous filter with fluid or medication infusion capability
A vascular filter system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter system comprises a dispensing needle releasably attached to a filter dispenser which stores a length of filter wire. The filter wire dispenser has a guide tube which guides the filter wire into the needle and then into a vein during surgical implantation. The filter wire is configured to coil into a predetermined shape as it is deployed from the needle. The shape of the filter wire captures blood clots in the blood stream. The filter wire is configured with a perforated section and a non-perforated section. Perforations are in fluid communication with an inner hollow lumen in the filter wire. A hub assembly attaches to an end of the filter wire that is external to the body to provide a port into the lumen for application of medication into the lumen and out the perforations. |
| US08961554B2 |
Self-expanding dilation plug
The present invention is a self-expanding dilation plug for use in body modification activities. The plug has a central body and a plurality of arms extending therefrom under constant spring pressure. The plug is inserted into a hole in a person's body part, such as an ear lobe, and allowed to gently stretch the tissue over time. In so doing, trauma and the risk of serious injury associated with the procedure is greatly reduced. |
| US08961552B2 |
Bladeless obturators and bladeless obturator members
A surgical obturator that includes an elongated shaft defining a longitudinal axis and an obturator member disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated shaft. The obturator member may include a proximal section being convex along a majority of its length. It may also include a central section disposed adjacent the proximal section, the central section including a first pair of surfaces disposed relative to each other on radially opposite sides of the central section, and a second set of surfaces disposed between the first pair of surfaces and further being disposed relative to each other on radially opposite sides of the central section, at least a portion of a length of each one of the first pair of surfaces being concave, and at least a portion of a length of each one of the second pair of surfaces being convex. The obturator member may also include a guiding nub disposed distally of the central section and including a rounded distal-most portion. The rounded distal-most portion of the guiding nub may be atraumatic to tissue. |
| US08961551B2 |
Retractable separating systems and methods
A method for detaching an object from a patient includes providing a tool having a sheath, and a separating assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the sheath. The separating assembly includes a separator moveably coupled to a tip via a threadable connection. The separating assembly is placed near patient tissue that is attached to the object, the sheath is rotated to move the separator distal to the tip, and the separator is applied to the patient tissue that is attached to the object, so as to separate the tissue. A separating system includes a sheath, and a separator threadably coupled with a distal end of the sheath. The separator is adapted to switch between a first configuration where a separating means is deployed, and a second configuration where the separating means is undeployed. |
| US08961550B2 |
Steerable endoluminal punch
A steerable transseptal punch. |
| US08961540B2 |
Tissue fixation assembly having prepositioned fasteners and method
A tissue fastener assembly delivers a fastener for deployment. The assembly includes a fastener including a first member, a second member, the first and second members having first and second ends, and a flexible connecting member fixed to each of the first and second members intermediate the first and second ends and extending between the first and second members. The first member has a longitudinal axis and a through channel along the axis. The assembly further includes a deployment wire slidingly received within the through channel of the first member that pierces into the tissue and guides the first member through the tissue, a guide structure defining a lumen that receives the fastener and deployment wire and guides the deployment wire and fastener to the tissue, and a fastener configuration structure that orientates the second member in a predetermined position relative to the first member within the lumen for dependable deployment. |
| US08961536B2 |
Navigated freehand surgical tool and kit
A handpiece arrangement for a tool having a retaining member configured to receive a portion of the tool in a secure position, a guard configured to cover a portion of the tool, at least one mounting member configured to receive a portion of a tracking system and an actuator mounted to the handpiece. The actuator may be configured to control the exposure of the tool. A navigated surgery kit is also provided including a tracking system, a tool in communication with the tracking system, a platform in communication with the tracking system and the tool. The platform may have a processor, a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code configured to selectively control shaping of an object with the tool via at least one hidden object associated with a predetermined navigated surgical operation. |
| US08961534B2 |
Medical snare
Provided a medical snare in which the expansion direction of a loop is easily rotated in an arbitrary direction in which a removable target has grown, the removable target is easily inserted into the loop so as to allow a surgical procedure to be easily performed to reduce a time required for the surgical procedure and burdens of a patient and a surgeon, and the free rotation of a wheel is prevented to be able to fix the expansion direction of the loop. Accordingly, only the wheel can be easily rotated to switch the expansion direction of the loop without rotating the entire medical snare. |
| US08961527B2 |
System and method for manufacturing arthroplasty jigs having improved mating accuracy
Disclosed herein is a method of defining a mating surface in a first side of an arthroplasty jig. The mating surface is configured to matingly receive and contact a corresponding patient surface including at least one of a bone surface and a cartilage surface. The first side is oriented towards the patient surface when the mating surface matingly receives and contacts the patient surface. The method may include: a) identifying a contour line associated with the patient surface as represented in a medical image; b) evaluating via an algorithm the adequacy of the contour line for defining a portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line; c) modifying the contour line if the contour line is deemed inadequate; and d) employing the modified contour line to define the portion of the mating surface associated with the contour line. |
| US08961523B2 |
Rod reduction device and method of use
Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided. |
| US08961521B2 |
Reciprocating rasps for use in an orthopaedic surgical procedure
Reciprocating rasps for the surgical preparation of the bone prior to the implantation of a glenoid or acetabular component with complex geometry are disclosed. Surgical methods for the use of such reciprocating rasps are also disclosed. |
| US08961519B2 |
Surgical rotary cutting tool and tool guard assembly
A surgical rotary cutting tool and guard assembly is provided in which the cutting tool has a shaft with a proximal end and a distal end with an end effector at the distal end. The shaft includes at least one bearing mounted thereto intermediate the proximal and distal ends, the bearing having an inside dimension and the shaft having an outside dimension that provide for an interference fit between the bearing and the shaft. A tubular sleeve that serves as a guard houses the shaft, the sleeve having an inside dimension sized to slidably support the bearing. |
| US08961517B2 |
Dynamic cervical plate
A dynamic cervical plate includes a first end section and a second end section. In embodiments, the dynamic cervical plate may include one or more middle sections positioned between the first and second end sections. Each section may be longitudinally repositionable. Each section may include a plurality of openings for receiving threaded fasteners such as a self-starting screw or a self-tapping screw. In addition, each section may include an orifice for releasably mating with a drill guide. Each of the end sections may include a notch at one end for aligning with the drill guide or fixation pins. In one embodiment, a pin is used to interconnect the sections. In other embodiments, support bars are used to limit flexure between sections. In embodiments, one or more locking elements and/or one or more support bars may operably interconnect each section. |
| US08961516B2 |
Straight intramedullary fracture fixation devices and methods
A straight intramedullary bone fracture fixation device is provided with an elongate body having a longitudinal axis for deployment in a long bone, such as a clavicle. Methods of repairing a fracture of a bone are also disclosed. One such method comprises inserting a bone fixation device into an intramedullary space of the bone to place at least a portion of an elongate body of the fixation device on one side of the fracture and at least a portion of a hub on another side of the fracture, and engaging an inner surface of the intramedullary space to anchor the fixation device to the bone. Various configurations and designs may be used in combination with other fixation device components. |
| US08961509B2 |
Electrophysiology loop catheter
A catheter including control, localization, and/or fluid delivery features, and methods of using the same. One embodiment is directed to an electrophysiology catheter including a superelastic wire and a cable, and a method of controlling the catheter using the cable. Another embodiment is directed to an electrophysiology catheter including an adhesive to bias the orientation of the catheter. A further embodiment is directed to an electrophysiology catheter including adhesive and one or more cables, and a method of controlling the catheter using the one or more cables. Another embodiment is directed to a method including acts of injecting a fluid into the heart of a patient and adjusting the diameter of an arcuate curve of the catheter. Further embodiments are directed to a catheter having multiple position sensors on an arcuate curve of the catheter, or a position sensor associated with a movable electrode of the catheter. |
| US08961507B2 |
Systems, assemblies, and methods for treating a bronchial tree
Systems, assemblies, and methods to treat pulmonary diseases are used to decrease nervous system input to distal regions of the bronchial tree within the lungs. Treatment systems damage nerve tissue to temporarily or permanently decrease nervous system input. The treatment systems are capable of heating nerve tissue, cooling the nerve tissue, delivering a flowable substance that cause trauma to the nerve tissue, puncturing the nerve tissue, tearing the nerve tissue, cutting the nerve tissue, applying pressure to the nerve tissue, applying ultrasound to the nerve tissue, applying ionizing radiation to the nerve tissue, disrupting cell membranes of nerve tissue with electrical energy, or delivering long acting nerve blocking chemicals to the nerve tissue. |
| US08961506B2 |
Methods of automatically regulating operation of ablation members based on determined temperatures
Methods and systems for treating tissue that employ a radiometer for temperature measurements and use feedback from the radiometer to regulate energy being applied to the tissue are provided. For example, methods and systems are provided for calculating temperature based on signal(s) from a radiometer, which may provide useful information about tissue temperature at depth, and automatically regulating energy applied to the tissue based on the tissue temperature. |
| US08961502B2 |
Device for irradiating an internal body surface
The invention provides a device and method for illuminating a body surface. A light source is optically coupled to the proximal end of a light guide and a light scatterer is optically coupled to the distal end of the light guide. The device includes a deployment mechanism that is configured to bring the light scatterer from a small caliber configuration in which the light scatterer is delivered to the body surface to a large caliber configuration in which the light scatterer irradiates the body surface. The invention may be used, for example, irradiate the periadventitial surface of an aneurysmal blood vessel. |
| US08961501B2 |
Method for applying flowable hydrogels to a cornea
Materials and methods of treating an eye with a hydrogel formed on the eye. Embodiments are provided that include post-keratectomy bandages. A method of treating a patient by application of a hydrogel bandage to a cornea by providing a first hydrogel precursor in a dry form immobilized in a first deposit at a first location in a well, providing a second hydrogel precursor in a dry form immobilized in a second deposit at a second location in the well, mixing the deposits together to form a mixture, and transferring at least some of the mixture to the cornea, with the mixture forming a covalently crosslinked hydrogel on the cornea. |
| US08961500B2 |
Navigated instrument with a stabilizer
A stabilizer for use with a trackable surgical instrument can include a first member, a second member and a retaining member. The first member can have a first annular body portion and a first pair of legs extending therefrom. The first annular body portion can include a plurality of locating slots for engaging a selectively positionable portion of a surgical instrument. The second member can have a second annular body portion and a second pair of legs extending therefrom. The second annular body can engage a drive device of the surgical instrument. The first pair of legs can be telescopically coupled with and adjustable relative to the second pair of legs such that the first member can be axially adjustable relative to the second member. The retaining member can cooperate with at least one leg to retain the first member adjustably coupled to the second member. |
| US08961496B2 |
Wound healing system using positive pressure to promote granulation at a tissue site
A wound healing system for promoting healing of a wound of a patient includes a positive pressure source, a reduced pressure source, and a porous foam positioned in contact with the wound. The porous foam includes a plurality of flow channels in fluid communication with the reduced pressure source. The system further includes a filler member having a flexible wall defining an interior chamber. The interior chamber is in fluid communication with the positive pressure source, and a cover member is positioned over the filler member. |
| US08961495B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat
Sinusitis, mucocysts, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, choanal atresia, fractures and other disorders of the paranasal sinuses, Eustachian tubes, Lachrymal ducts and other ear, nose, throat and mouth structures are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies and endoscopic studies. Access and occluding devices may be used to facilitate insertion of working devices such asendoscopes, wires, probes, needles, catheters, balloon catheters, dilation catheters, dilators, balloons, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, suction or irrigation devices, imaging devices, sizing devices, biopsy devices, image-guided devices containing sensors or transmitters, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting or delivering devices and implants, etc. |
| US08961494B2 |
Endovascular devices and methods for exploiting intramural space
Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes inserting an intramural crossing device into the vascular lumen, positioning at least the distal tip of the crossing device in the vascular wall, advancing an orienting device over the crossing device such that an orienting element of the orienting device resides in the vascular wall, inserting a re-entry device, and re-entering the true vascular lumen. |
| US08961493B2 |
Surgical access apparatus and method
A trocar system for providing access across a body wall includes a trocar and an anchor provided in the form of a first helix. The anchor is adapted for placement in an operative position wherein the anchor extends at least partially through the body wall. A second helix formed on the trocar is size and configured to engage the first helix of the anchor so that rotation of the trocar relative to the anchor moves the second helix along the first helix. In this manner, the trocar is drawn into the anchor as it moves into the body wall. A proximal force applied to the anchor resists tenting of the abdominal wall. The anchor also holds the layers of the body wall together thereby resisting peritoneal separation. |
| US08961492B2 |
System and method for controlling the iontophoretic delivery of therapeutic agents based on user inhalation
Embodiments of the invention provide methods for the transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents for the treatment of addictive cravings e.g., from nicotine. An embodiment of a method for such delivery comprises positioning at least one electrode assembly in electrical communication with a patient's skin. The assembly includes a solution comprising a therapeutic agent which passively diffuses into skin. A dose of agent is delivered from the assembly into skin during a first period using a first current having a characteristic e.g., polarity and magnitude, to repel agent out of the assembly. During a second period, a second current having a characteristic to attract agent is used to retain agent in the assembly such that delivery of agent into skin is minimized. In particular embodiments, a dose of agent may be delivered on-demand using an input from the patient using an inhalation sensing device which mimics an inhaled form of tobacco. |
| US08961490B2 |
Disposable vial holder and method to prevent needle stick injuries
A vial holder is provided to protect a user's hand from needle sticks. The holder includes a handle and a shield attached to a distal end of the handle. An opening is formed in the distal end of the handle to receive a vial. The vial is placed through the opening and into a passageway of the handle with the upper end of the vial exposed. A user grasps the handle which holds the vial in a stabilized manner. A needle may then safely approach the vial in which inadvertent slippage or movement of the needle results in contact with the needle against the shield and not contact with the user's hand. |
| US08961486B2 |
Absorbent article
An absorbent pad is described. The absorbent pad can include a main body having a top absorbent surface and an intergluteal extension formed perpendicular to the top absorbent surface of the main body portion, the intergluteal extension disposed near one side of the main body portion and having a triangular shape with an angle from a center portion of the main body portion extending to an outer edge of the main body portion. |
| US08961480B2 |
Eye drop device
An eye drop device and a method of applying eye drops to the eye are disclosed herein. An exemplary embodiment of the device contains a main housing having an interior and exterior with a top opening sized to surround the eye and a bottom opening sized to accept the tip of an eye drop vial. The device also preferably contains a cavity for accepting the battery and an LED positioned within the interior of the main housing. A switch may be used to energize the LED. The method includes the steps of attaching an eye drop vial to the main housing, positioning the device over the eye, energizing the LED, and applying the eye drops. |
| US08961478B2 |
Gas mist pressure bathing system
The present invention is to provide a gas mist pressure bathing system enabling to cause a gas mist to be absorbed into the skin and the mucous membrane of the living organism under an optimum condition of controlling the amounts of gas and liquid. The system comprises a gas supply means 11 for supplying carbon dioxide, oxygen, otherwise a mixed gas of carbon dioxide, oxygen or air at a density of not less than a predetermined value, a liquid supply means 21, a gas mist supply means 31 which sucks up the liquid by negative pressure owing to gas flow for causing the liquid to collide with the gas for generating the gas mist prepared by pulverizing and dissolving the gas and the liquid, a living organism covering member 51 which forms a space for sealing inside the gas mist supplied from the gas mist supply means 31, wherein a gas mist supplying pressure regulating means 41 provided for controlling supplying pressure of the gas mist in such a manner of changing communicating conditions between the inside and the outside of the gas mist supply means 31 as well as regulating an amount of taking in outside air by changing. |
| US08961475B2 |
Disinfecting caps having sealing features and related systems and methods
Caps can be used to cover and disinfect medical connectors. Some caps can create a seal with the medical connectors to prevent antiseptic from entering a fluid paths defined by a connector. Support members can aid in creating or maintaining the seal. |
| US08961472B2 |
Method of assembly of drug delivery devices
The present invention relates to a method for the assembly of drug delivery devices, in particular of pen-type drug delivery devices, having a dose dial mechanism and a drive mechanism, enabling the administration of medicinal products from a multidose cartridge and the drug delivery devices obtainable according to the said method. |
| US08961466B2 |
Programmable implantable pump design
A programmable implantable pump is disclosed. The pump includes an implantable pump and a hermetically sealed module. The module provides for varying flow rates of fluid being dispensed from the pump or may provide for a constant flow rate of such fluid. In the case of varying flow rate capabilities, the module preferably includes one or more sensors to determine information relating to the pressure of the fluid, electronics for analyzing the pressure information and determining the flow rate of the fluid, and a mechanism for physically altering the flow rate. Methods of dispensing a medicament to a patient utilizing such a system are also disclosed, as are variations of the pump system. |
| US08961456B2 |
Fistula catheter
A fistula catheter that can prevent separating from the fistula by an inner balloon even if an outer balloon collapses by configuring an internal fixed part with an inner side balloon and an outer side balloon is disclosed. The fistula catheter A has an external fixed part, a supply tube with a primary cavity and a secondary cavity, and an internal fixed part on the tip end side outer periphery of the supply tube, expandable by a compound liquid that includes barium sulfate and distilled water supplied though the secondary cavity. The internal fixed part can be an inner balloon and an outer balloon that communicate with the secondary cavity through filler ports on the peripheral surface of the supply tube. A filter on the filler port can enable distilled water in the compound liquid to be filled into the outer balloon from the secondary cavity through the filter, and the compound liquid can be filled into the inner balloon. |
| US08961455B2 |
Medicament delivery device
A medicament delivery device includes a housing having a proximal housing part and a distal housing part movable relative each other, a drive force mechanism accommodated in the distal housing part, a container filled with medicament arranged within the proximal housing part, a holding member for holding the drive force mechanism in a loaded state, and an actuation member arranged to interact with the holding member for releasing the drive force mechanism from its loaded state. The holding member is arranged to be moved from a disengaged position, in which the holding member is disengaged from the actuation member, to an engaged position, in which the holding member is engaged to the actuation member by moving the housing parts in relation to each other. |
| US08961453B2 |
Ambulatory infusion devices and methods
Infusion devices with blockage detection capability and methods of monitoring infusion devices. |
| US08961451B2 |
System for surgical insufflation and gas recirculation
A system for insufflation and recirculation of insufflation fluid in a surgical procedure. The system includes a control unit having a fluid pump, a supply conduit, a return fluid conduit and a pressure-controlled valve. The fluid pump is adapted and configured to circulate insufflation fluid through the system. The supply conduit is in fluid communication with an output of the fluid pump and configured and adapted for delivering pressurized insufflation fluid to an output port of the control unit. The return conduit is in fluid communication with an input of the fluid pump for delivering insufflation fluid to the fluid pump and is configured and adapted for returning insufflation fluid from an input port of the control unit. The pressure-controlled valve is in fluid communication with the supply conduit and the return conduit, and is adapted and configured to receive a control signal and respond to the control signal by opening, thereby fluidly connecting the supply conduit and the return conduit with one another. |
| US08961448B2 |
Implantable drainage device
An implantable drainage device is provided. The device is adapted to move body fluid from one part of the body of a patient to another part of the body. |
| US08961445B2 |
Blood separation and concentration system
This invention provides an apparatus and methods to consistently separate and concentrate selected blood components. The system includes, e.g., a computerized fluid handling system to transfer blood components between a centrifugal blood separation disc, containers and a concentrator. |
| US08961443B2 |
Inflatable cervical traction device
A cervical traction device advantageously includes a therapeutic pack that can be separately heated or chilled for use with the device. The most common application is a cold pack insertable in a recessed pocket of the device to provide cold therapy as the device is inflated during cervical decompression. The structure preferably includes a series of bladders that cooperate to define a cavity for accepting the therapeutic pack on an inside surface for thermal exchange with the neck of a user. |
| US08961442B2 |
Device for massaging the fingers
Device for massaging the fingers, useful for being used, mainly, by those people suffering from an articular degenerative disease, such as arthrosis, or inflammation of the joints, such as arthritis, to activate the blood circulation in a passive way favoring the nutrients arrival to the affected joints and removal of waste substances that cause pain and inflammation of the joints, the device (1) being defined by a central body (2), of generally cylindrical shape, provided with a threaded central axial hole (7), which by one of its bases embodies a grasp handle (8), while presenting on its opposite base, at least, two radial protrusions (9) to which respective arms (3) are, rotatably joined, which, on one of their ends, are restrained by a spring (4) and on their other free end mount respective rotating wheels (5). |
| US08961440B2 |
Device and system to reduce traumatic brain injury
A device for reducing traumatic brain injury comprises a first sensor, a first linkage element, and a processing element. The first sensor is coupled to a head component and configured to measure an acceleration of a user's head as a result of an impact on the head component and to generate corresponding first sensor measurements. The first linkage element is configured to connect the head component to a body component and is able to switch between a first state in which it is relatively flexible and a second state in which it is relatively rigid. The first linkage element is switched from its first state to its second state by a locking signal. The processing element is configured to receive the first sensor measurements and to generate the locking signal when a value of the first sensor measurements is greater than or equal to an injury level. |
| US08961438B2 |
System for evaluating infant movement
A system and method for measuring movements, utilizing one or more wireless accelerometers attached to one or more limbs of a human subject for the purpose of determining certain temporal and spatial gestures of the subject. |
| US08961433B2 |
Catheter and system for controlling same
The present invention describes a system for controlling a thin flexible thermoplastic catheter. The system includes a plurality of shape memory alloy filaments attached to the distal end of the catheter, each filament having a phase and a temperature; a means for receiving a strain value for at least one of the filaments; a means for determining the phase change that will results in the strain value, whereby the phase change is dependent on the temperature and the temperature is dependent on a voltage; and a means for setting the voltage in each filament thereby resulting in movement of the catheter. In addition, a three-degrees of freedom force sensor measures the magnitude and direction of the force exerted on the tip of the catheter. The catheter can be autonomously guided or it can be interfaced to a haptic device. The catheter can also be fitted with microtools. |
| US08961429B2 |
Device for collection and preservation of tissue or stool samples
An arrangement for collecting a tissue or stool sample has a sample vial and a source of preservative fluid. A fluid valve controls a flow of the preservative fluid from the source of preservative fluid to the sample vial. An air equalization vent tube is coupled to the source of preservative fluid and an air valve controls a flow of air through the air equalization vent tube, the air valve and the fluid valve being actuated simultaneously. A scoop for collecting the sample is coupled to the sample vial coupler and extends into the sample vial. The preservative fluid flows from the source of preservative fluid to the sample vial by force of gravity upon actuation of the fluid valve. The air equalization vent tube transfers air from the sample vial to the source of preservative fluid upon actuation of the air valve. |
| US08961428B2 |
Force transducer, medical instrument, and machine implemented method
A force transducer comprises a handle operably connected to a probe having an elongate tip. The force transducer includes a biasing element arranged with respect to the handle, in force transmitting communication with the probe, and a detector operable to detect a degree of force applied between the probe and the handle. The force transducer further includes an actuator operable to exert a force on the biasing element in dependence upon the degree of force detected by the detector so as to cause a predetermined force to be transmitted from the handle to the probe. |
| US08961426B2 |
Method and apparatus for control of non-invasive parameter measurements
Improved methods and apparatus for non-invasively assessing one or more parameters associated with fluidic systems such as the circulatory system of a living organism, when such parameters are potentially affected by other concurrent events. In one exemplary embodiment, apparatus and methods for compensating for occlusive events (e.g., pressure cuff inflation) occurring ipsilateral to the location of parameter measurement are disclosed. Upon passive detection of signal degradation resulting from the event, the apparatus selectively enters a “wait state” wherein further processing of the hemodynamic data is suspended until the degrading event subsides. This behavior mitigates any adverse effects the event might have on the accuracy of the representation of the measured hemodynamic parameter generated by the system. In another exemplary embodiment, the measured data is analyzed in order to classify the type of event (e.g., occlusive or other), such classification allowing the system to appropriately tailor its response to the event. |
| US08961425B2 |
Rotational intravascular ultrasound probe with an active spinning element
An intravascular ultrasound probe is disclosed, incorporating features for utilizing an advanced transducer technology on a rotating transducer shaft. In particular, the probe accommodates the transmission of the multitude of signals across the boundary between the rotary and stationary components of the probe required to support an advanced transducer technology. These advanced transducer technologies offer the potential for increased bandwidth, improved beam profiles, better signal to noise ratio, reduced manufacturing costs, advanced tissue characterization algorithms, and other desirable features. Furthermore, the inclusion of electronic components on the spinning side of the probe can be highly advantageous in terms of preserving maximum signal to noise ratio and signal fidelity, along with other performance benefits. |
| US08961424B2 |
Ultrasound image diagnosis apparatus
An ultrasound image diagnosis apparatus executing lighting-on and lighting-off of a lighting device by detecting an identification (ID) data of a probe or an operation on an operation panel. The ultrasound image diagnosis also includes a lighting device configured to identify a usage state or non-usage state of the ultrasound probe by a lighting color. While an ultrasound examination is performed in a dimly-lit room, a visibility of an ultrasound probe connector can be increased. |
| US08961423B2 |
Ultrasound catheter apparatus
Ultrasound catheter devices and methods of the present invention generally provide for ablation and/or disruption of vascular occlusions. An ultrasound transmission member, such as a wire, transmits vibrational energy from an ultrasound transducer to a distal head of the catheter to disrupt vascular occlusions. An absorber member is disposed on or around the ultrasound transmission wire at a location adjacent the sonic connector of the catheter. The absorber member absorbs heat, vibrations, and/or the like from the ultrasound transmission wire at or near the area where the transmission wire is coupled with the sonic connector. The absorptive function typically slows the process of wear and tear on the transmission wire, thus extending the useful life of the ultrasound catheter. |
| US08961421B2 |
Transmit/receive circuitry for ultrasound systems
A transceiver for use in an ultrasound system is provided. The transceiver is configured to operate in a transmit mode and a receive mode. The transceiver comprises a high voltage switch, a low voltage switch and a resistor coupled to the high voltage switch and the low voltage switch. |
| US08961413B2 |
Wireless communications device and personal monitor
The invention is a wireless communications device, such as a cellular telephone, having sensors to generate data indicative of a physiological or contextual parameters of a user. A processor on the wireless communications device is adapted derive physiological state information of the user from the contextual or physiological parameters. The apparatus may include a central monitoring unit remote from the sensors for storing data and transmitting data to a recipient. |
| US08961411B2 |
Indication device
The object is to seek a position for an insertion opening through which a treatment tool inserted inside a body cavity may reach an affected area while avoiding an obstacle. A first light emitting portion placed in an insertion portion applies light to an affected area inside a body cavity. A second light emitting portion placed in the insertion portion applies light to an inner wall of the body cavity toward the opposite side of the first light emitting portion. At this time, a light pathway on which the light from the first light emitting portion and the second light emitting portion will not strike the obstacle (e.g., an organ outside than the affected area, etc.) inside the body cavity is searched for. By making, in the position that the light from the second light emitting portion strikes, an insertion opening for inserting a treatment tool, the treatment tool can reach the affected area without interfering with the obstacle. |
| US08961407B2 |
Surgical port assembly
A surgical port comprising a body and first and second cannula extending from the body and movable with respect to the body via an instrument inserted through the respective cannula. The cannulas can extend distally from the body and can include one or more seals. A port assembly and first and second instruments manipulatable in a crossed configuration are also disclosed. |
| US08961405B2 |
Endoscope system having detection device for detecting type of detachably connected module and method for operating endoscope system
An endoscope system includes, in order to automatically detect a type of optical adapter and to generate to display an excellent image according to an intended purpose by performing an image signal processing control corresponding to the type of the optical adapter, a signal processing circuit for performing various image signal processings on an image signal from an image-pickup element, a plurality of optical adapters each including an image-formation optical system, adapter discriminating section, and LED, the optical adapters being detachably and selectively provided to the distal end of the endoscope section, and an apparatus main body including an image processing section for performing predetermined signal processing on the image signal from the signal processing circuit, an adapter detection section for detecting the adapter discrimination section, and a controller for controlling the whole endoscope system. At least driving control of the LED and various signal processing controls on the image signal obtained by the image-pickup element are performed based on the detection result of the adapter discrimination section by the adapter detection section. |
| US08961400B2 |
Capsule-medical-device dedicated power source starter
A capsule-medical-device dedicated power source starter that allows switching, by an application of a magnetic field to a magnetic switch that is provided in an inside of a capsule medical device and has a particular sensitivity direction in the magnetic field, a driving of the capsule medical device from an OFF state to an ON state, includes: an insertion part that is formed in a central axis direction and to which the capsule medical device is inserted so that a longitudinal axis direction of the capsule medical device is along the central axis direction; and a magnetic circuit that generates magnetic force lines which are substantially symmetric about the central axis as an axis of symmetry in any planar surfaces including the central axis of the insertion part. |
| US08961396B2 |
Surgical instruments with improved dexterity for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures
A surgical instrument adapted and configured for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes a shaft, an end effector and a proximal handle. The longitudinal shaft has proximal and distal end portions, and defines a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument. The distal end effector is connected to the distal end portion of the shaft, and is adapted and configured for performing a surgical task. The proximal handle portion is operably connected to the proximal end portion of the longitudinal shaft and has an actuatable portion operably connected to the end effector to result in movement of the end effector. The distal end portion of the shaft can be laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft and/or have one or more bends or curves formed therein. The proximal portion of the shaft can include at least one bend to allow for comfortable positioning of a surgeon's hands. |
| US08961393B2 |
Gastric band devices and drive systems
Gastric banding devices, and drive systems designed to operate gastric banding devices, are disclosed. The gastric banding devices and drive systems intend to increase performance, durability, and simplicity over known gastric banding systems. Embodiments include transmission systems configured to output a variable force. Embodiments also include banding structures biased to apply a constrictive force to a patient's stomach. Supporting, or skeletal, structures are also disclosed. Various drive systems designed to improve power efficiency are also disclosed. |
| US08961387B2 |
Transcutaneous magnetic energy transfer device
Transcutaneous magnetic energy transfer to drive a VAD or other implanted medical device can be supplied through two spinning (or otherwise moving) permanent magnets, or a moving permanent magnet and a moving ferric material, or a moving permanent magnet and a coil or an array of coils, One part is implanted under the patient's skin, so that the skin does not have to be broken for a connection to take place. |
| US08961384B2 |
Health applications of a double helix conductor
An electrical system having an underlying structure resembling the double helix most commonly associated with DNA is used to produce useful electromagnetic fields for health applications and/or medical applications. |
| US08961376B2 |
Apparatus and method to stretch upper and lower extremities
An arm and/or leg stretching apparatus and method where one end of a steel (or other rigid material) cable can be connected to a post, tree or to anything that it can be wrapped around, and the other end fits a cuff that can be placed around the wrist or ankle so that the user can stretch by leaning or pulling against the cable. An alternate embodiment of the present invention can use a waist belt where again, the user uses his or her own weight to stretch against the cable. In the case of an arm stretch, the cuff relieves the user of having to grip something by attaching around the wrist. |
| US08961374B2 |
Health aid and method for treating pain
A health aid and method for treating neck, shoulder and back pain including a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and an attachment connecting the first and second elongated members and configured for the first and second elongated members to move between an open position, wherein a bottom end of each of the first and second elongated members are separated by a first distance, and an engaged position, wherein the bottom ends are separated by a second distance that is less than the first distance. |
| US08961373B2 |
Skating simulator
The invention is a skating simulator 10 having a frame 20, a longitudinally extending rail 30, a carriage 40, and a foot pedal 50. The rail 30 is attached to the frame 20. The carriage 40 operably engages the rail 30 for reciprocating along a path 60 along the rail 30. The foot pedal 50 is attached to the carriage 40. The foot pedal 50 has an intermediate member 51, a foot pad 52, means for attaching the foot pad 52 to the intermediate member 51 allowing non circular arcuate movement of the foot pad 52 in relation to the intermediate member 51 in the longitudinal direction X and transverse direction Z. |
| US08961367B2 |
Vehicle drive apparatus
A driving force transmission apparatus includes a linkage mechanism that is able to carry out switchover between a connected state where first and second intermediate shafts are connected to each other so as to be non-rotatable relative to each other to transmit torque output from an electric motor to a rear wheel, and a disconnected state where the first and second intermediate shafts are disconnected from each other. When switching the driving force transmission apparatus from the connected state to the disconnected state, a control unit reduces the torque that is generated by the motor during a drive state where the torque output from the motor is transmitted from the first intermediate shaft to the second intermediate shaft, and switches the driving force transmission apparatus from the connected state to the disconnected state by controlling the linkage mechanism while the torque that is generated by the motor has been reduced. |
| US08961362B2 |
Modular assembly for an integrated flex pin drive with generator
A compact modular assembly of a geared power train (100) and generator (400) suitable for use in a wind turbine application to maximize a step-up ratio between an input and output within a limited radial space. The power train is configured as a hybricyclic split-compound planetary gearing system with a grounded closed carrier flex pin system in a high torque stage (A), and an open carrier flex pin system in a low torque stage (B), having a step up ratio of approximately 30:1. To facilitate modular assembly and disassembly of the power train and generator, each component is mounted independently to opposite sides of a common support structure (500) anchored to a bedplate (502). |
| US08961358B2 |
Electric power tool
An electric power tool includes a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, a planetary gear reduction mechanism and an internal gear. The planetary gear reduction mechanism includes multi-stage planetary gears, multi-stage carriers each configured to carry a plurality of planetary gears, and a bearing assembled with a final-stage carrier from a rear side of the final-stage carrier to rotatably support the final-stage carrier. The internal gear is configured to be rotatable and axially slidable while allowing planetary motion of final-stage planetary gears supported by the final-stage carrier. A gear portion provided on the final-stage carrier is formed as a separate gear which is assembled with the final-stage carrier from the rear side of the final-stage carrier after assembling the bearing with the final-stage carrier. |
| US08961353B2 |
Two-speed disconnecting driveline with one reduction gearset
A vehicle driveline that includes an input member, a multi-speed transmission, a first differential assembly, a first bevel ring gear and a mode clutch that are disposed axially along a rotational axis of the input member. The multi-speed transmission includes a range collar that is axially movable along the input member axis. |
| US08961350B1 |
Continuously variable transmission with chain output
A continuously variable transmission for a motor vehicle includes an input member, an output member, a first planetary gear set having first, second, and third members, wherein the first member is interconnected with the input member, a brake connected to the second member of the first planetary gear set, a clutch interconnected between one of the first member, second member, and third member of the first planetary gear set and another one of the first member, second member, and third member of the first planetary gear set, a belt and pulley assembly connected to the third member of the first planetary gear set and the output member, a chain drive interconnected to the output member, and a final drive unit interconnected to the chain drive. |
| US08961348B2 |
Drive axle housing system for reducing oil churning
A drive axle housing system may minimize churning of splash and spray oil within a drive axle housing. The drive axle housing system includes apparatus for incorporation into the axle, the apparatus including an oil churning reduction member that may be affixed to the interior walls of the axle housing. The oil churning reduction member includes interior surfaces adapted to closely align with interior moving gear components of the axle to minimize efficiency losses due to oil movement. The system may also incorporate an annular element, affixed to the axle housing and closely aligned with the backside of a ring gear component of the differential axle. The combined use of the member and the element may substantially reduce torque losses attributable to excessive churning of oil. |
| US08961347B2 |
Cold start clutch for CVT transmission
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a vehicle engine which provides enhanced cold starting and reduced wear under all conditions. The transmission includes mechanical transmission components, hydrostatic transmission components, and a clutch to decouple only the mechanical transmission components from driving engagement with the engine or other power source. Decoupling allows cold starting with significantly reduced parasitic losses. The transmission may use a hydraulic circuit to re-engage the mechanical transmission components with the input power source and full driving re-engagement of the transmission with the power source, such as an engine, after the transmission reaches a desired speed. |
| US08961346B2 |
Damper device
A damper device is disposed between an engine and a transmission. The damper device includes a differential mechanism. The differential mechanism includes a first input element connected to the engine, a second input element connected to the engine, and an outputting element connected to the transmission. The damper device also includes a first spring disposed between the engine and the first input element, an inertia member disposed between the first spring and the first input element, and a second spring disposed between the transmission and the outputting element. |
| US08961344B2 |
Hybrid transmission
A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and a stationary member. First and second planetary gearsets each have respective first, second, and third members. A first motor/generator has a first rotor operatively connected to one of the members of the planetary gearsets for unitary rotation therewith. A second motor/generator has a second rotor operatively connected to one of the members of the planetary gearsets for unitary rotation therewith. The transmission also includes first, second, and third torque transmitting devices operative to selectively connect members of the planetary gearsets with the input member, the stationary member, or with other members of the planetary gearsets to provide two electric vehicle modes, two electrically variable modes, and a fixed gear ratio mode of transmission operation. |
| US08961341B2 |
Self-locking archery arrow field tip or broadhead and arrow insert
A self-locking archery arrow field tip or broadhead and arrow insert that provides prevailing torque to offset rotational and vibrational forces applied to the arrow tip when released from a bow. A nylon polymer chemically or thermally applied to a threaded field tip or broadhead or a threaded arrow insert provides a detachable and reusable self-locking arrow tip or arrow insert. |
| US08961340B2 |
Compression collar apparatus
A compression collar apparatus is disposed upon an article providing an axial manual grasping stop upon the article, the apparatus includes a first arcuate element having first proximal and distal portions, the first distal portion including an engagement segment. Also, a second arcuate element having second proximal and distal portions, the first proximal portion and the second proximal portion have a first pivotal connection that enables open and closed states of the first and second arcuate elements. Further, a flexible retention arch beam having states of; free, de-arched, and intermediate, includes beam proximal and distal portions, the beam proximal portion and the second distal portion have a second pivotal connection, in the intermediate state the beam distal portion having an interlocking section that has a variable removable engagement with the engagement segment, resulting in the closed state of the first and second arcuate elements about the article. |
| US08961337B2 |
Golf clubs and golf club heads having a configured shape
Aspects of this disclosure relate to a golf club head which includes a wood type golf club head body including a ball striking face portion at a front side, a rear side, a crown portion, and a sole portion. Further, the sole or crown or rear portion of the club head body may be configured so that the body includes a bump portion which protrudes from the sole or crown or rear portion and an indented portion which recedes into the sole or crown or rear portion and creates a recess in the sole or crown or rear portion of the body. Further, the bump portion and the indented portion may be configured so that a center of gravity of the golf club head body is nearer to one of the heel edge of the body and the toe edge of the body. |
| US08961334B2 |
Putter heads and putters including a ball striking face body member and a rear body member
Putter heads have a ball striking face portion and a rear body portion (as one or more parts). These putter heads may have a DCG/B ratio of at least 0.425 (where B is the overall breadth dimension and DCG is the depth of the center of gravity). Some putter heads may include: (a) a ball striking face body member having a ball striking face with plural openings defined in its central portion; (b) a polymeric material mostly located behind an exterior surface of the ball striking face, wherein a portion of the polymeric material is exposed at the exterior surface of the ball striking face through the openings; and (c) a rear body member engaged with the ball striking face body member. Rear body members or portions thereof can be interchanged to allow for customization and/or better fitting of the putter to the user's putting stroke and/or tastes. |
| US08961332B2 |
Golf club head with flexure
A golf club head including a crown, a sole, a hosel, a face, and a flexure. The flexure provides compliance during an impact between the golf club head and a golf ball, and is tuned to vibrate, immediately after impact, at a predetermined frequency. |
| US08961329B2 |
Releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts
Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft adapter so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head. |
| US08961328B1 |
Multiple light beam method and system for golf swing alignment and calibration
An improved method and system for aligning and calibrating the swing of a golf club, specifically a putter, that uses multiple laser beam projections with markings on them, used in conjunction with an alignment and calibration guide laid on the ground for providing instant and continuous feedback to a golfer for the purpose of hitting a golf ball in a straight direction with a consistent and predictable distance. |
| US08961326B2 |
Suspended flying rig system
A suspended flying rig system including a plurality of cables attached to a load support. In response to retraction and/or deployment of at least one of the plurality of cables, motion is provided generally within a three-dimensional working space to the load support. The motion includes at least six degrees of freedom. |
| US08961324B2 |
Method and system for encoded information processing
Methods and system for encoded information processing are described. In one embodiment, an encoded pattern may be optically detected from source media. Gaming data and associated synchronization data may be decoded from the encoded pattern. The gaming data may be synchronized for use during gaming based on the synchronization data. Additional methods and systems are disclosed. |
| US08961322B2 |
Game removal with game history
Systems and methods for replaying a prior game play cycle of a game on a gaming terminal, wherein the game has been deactivated from the gaming terminal, are disclosed. The method includes deactivating the game from the gaming terminal, wherein the game includes a game logic component and an accumulative data component, the accumulative data component including minimal state information required to recreate a prior game play cycle of the game on the gaming terminal. Deactivating the game includes removing the game logic component from the gaming terminal and preserving the accumulative data component of the game. The method further includes receiving an indication that the prior game play cycle is to be recreated, downloading the game logic component to the gaming terminal, and recreating the prior game play cycle on the gaming terminal with the game logic component and the accumulative data component. |
| US08961320B2 |
Portable device having mobile communication capability
A portable, handholdable device includes global positioning system (GPS) circuitry, a camera, a user interface configured to receive user inputs, the user interface including a display; wireless communication circuitry for mobile wireless communications, and a processing system configured to execute a program using a position determined by the GPS circuitry. |
| US08961319B1 |
System and method for providing dynamic and static contest prize allocation based on in-game achievement of a user
One aspect of the disclosure relates to providing dynamic and static contest prize allocation based on in-game achievement of a user in an online game in order to encourage players to continue to purchase items to improve their tournament metrics even if they may be unable to improve their tournament rank. For example, calculation of a dynamic prize may comprise for rank x, the player may gain 1 prize unit for every y Glory gained (when Glory may be the measured by the tournament). The y value may increase for lower ranks achieved in the tournament. |
| US08961318B2 |
Sharing resources in wagering game systems
Techniques for sharing resources in wagering game systems are described herein. Some embodiments include a method comprising: detecting, by the wagering game machine, low processing capabilities of the wagering game machine. The method can include determining, based on the detecting low processing capabilities, that remote resources are needed for processing video content associated with a wagering game. The method can include requesting, via a network, the remote resources from the remote wagering game machine. The method can also include receiving, from the remote wagering game machine via the network, processed video content for the wagering game, and presenting, on a display device, the wagering game using the processed video content. |
| US08961310B2 |
Multi-action switch for a gaming device
A gaming machine that includes a multi-action switch that is held in an initial position when the multi-action switch is not being pressed, and a position detection device for detecting whether the multi-action switch is in the initial position, a second position, or a third position. The gaming machine further includes a controller for controlling operations of the gaming machine in accordance with the position of the multi-action switch, such that the gaming machine carries out a first operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the second position, and a second operation when the position detecting device detects that the multi-action switch has reached the third position. |
| US08961309B2 |
System and method for using a touchscreen as an interface for music-based gameplay
An interactive computerized game system including a visual display, one or more user input devices, and a processor executing software that interacts with the display and input device(s) is disclosed. The software displays images of musical targets on the visual display, the musical targets possibly corresponding to a pre-recorded source of music. At least one of the user input devices is a touchscreen arranged to simulate a portion of a musical instrument. During gameplay, the gameplayer must touch the touchscreen at the appropriate time and/or in the appropriate location in response to the displayed images of musical targets. The system provides a positive indication if the player's input matches the attributes of the displayed musical targets. |
| US08961308B2 |
Gaming machine display with a plurality of zones independently addressable to selectively operate in one of two modes
A gaming machine display (14) includes a game playing arrangement (16) mountable in a cabinet (62) of a gaming machine (10). An electronically controlled display element (50) overlies the game playing arrangement (16) so that, depending on a state of the display element (50), the game playing arrangement (16) is visible through the display element (50). |
| US08961306B2 |
Feedback to player of device connection state
A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) within the gaming system can be configured to allow play of wager-based games and interact with portable electronic devices. The EGMs can be configured with one or more of mechanisms that enable a user to establish and then determine a status of a communication session between a portable electronic device and the EGM. In addition, the EGMs can be configured with one or more mechanisms that enable a user to determine a status of a transaction or application involving a portable electronic device. |
| US08961305B2 |
Game system, controller device and game method
An example game system includes a home-console type game device and a terminal device. The terminal device includes a touch panel and an inertia sensor, and wirelessly transmits to the game device operation data including touch panel data and inertia sensor data. The game device receives the operation data from the terminal device, and performs game processes based on the operation data. Moreover, the game device generates first game images and second game images based on the game processes. The first game images are compressed, and the compressed image data is wirelessly transmitted to the terminal device. The second game image is output to, and displayed on, an external display device which is separate from the terminal device. The terminal device receives the compressed image data from the game device, expands the received compressed image data, and displays the first game images on a display section. |
| US08961303B2 |
Game apparatus and game program
A game apparatus includes operation means operated by a player, selection means, player object action control means, display control means, and evaluation means. The game apparatus displays a first game image and a second game image concurrently. The player selects either one of the first game image and the second game image with the selection means. The player further operates the operation means to operate a player object related to the selected game image. |
| US08961302B2 |
Game browsing
Embodiments of the present invention allow players to instantly access and begin playing games through an online service. To make the games instantly available, an online service keeps instances of games running in active memory waiting for a player to be added. The game instances running in active memory are not attached to a player profile or an I/O channel from a game client. Once the player requests a game, the player's player profile is loaded into the running game instance and an I/O channel is mapped from the game client to the game instance. From the player's perspective, the preloaded game instances allow the player to browse directly from game to game with very little delay. To optimize the usage of server-side resources, historical usage data may be analyzed to anticipate demand for different games. |
| US08961292B2 |
System for managing wagering game content
A system for managing wagering game content is described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wagering game machine management server. The wagering game server can include a content controller configured to receive wagering game content and load the wagering game content onto a wagering game machine over the network. The wagering game server can also include a compatibility controller configured to determine whether the wagering game content is compatible with the wagering game machine. Additionally, the wagering game server can include a license controller configured to receive licensing information and to use the licensing information to activate the wagering game content. |
| US08961290B1 |
Information processing device and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing game program
An information processing device performs area selection processing in which a first game point or a second game point specified by a player is consumed to select an area from among a plurality of areas based on the amount of consumption of the first game points or the second game points, wherein the range of selectable areas differs between a case where the first game point is consumed to select an area and a case where the second game point is consumed to select an area, and lottery processing in which a game content to be acquired by the player is selected by lottery, based on a drawing probability associated with the area selected. |
| US08961288B2 |
Presenting and controlling wagering game play
Some examples described include a system to perform operations that include detecting a request to present a wagering game via a browser application and providing wagering game content for the wagering game, wherein a wagering game toolbar of the browser application is configured to present the wagering game content. In some examples, the operations further include providing a wagering game result for the wagering game, wherein the wagering game toolbar is configured to present the wagering game result. |
| US08961287B2 |
Video game with enhanced capture opportunities
A server device selects by lot one event from among a plurality of events including an encounter event with an enemy character present in a predetermined area in a network game, accepts from a user a command indicating action taken on the enemy character, when the encounter event is selected by lot, performs a process on the enemy character, based on the accepted command, and stores a status of the enemy character obtained after processed. In addition, the server device selects by lot an encounter event for re-encountering an enemy character encountered in past, with a predetermined probability, reads from a memory a status of the re-encountered enemy character obtained at a past encounter, and sets the status as an initial status of the re-encountered enemy character. |
| US08961285B2 |
Residue separating feed system for biomass including an impeller
A feed system for a biomass collection device uses a conveyor for dropping a flow comprising a mixture of denser or heavier biomass to be collected such as cobs, and less dense or lighter biomass residue such as leaf trash, through a space, and rotary feed apparatus below for receiving the flow, operable for propelling the received flow into a collection device, in combination with a fan configured and operable for directing a flow of air along a second path intersecting the first path in a manner to divert at least a substantial portion of the less dense or lighter biomass residue away from the feed apparatus, while allowing substantially all of the denser or heavier biomass to continue along the first path to the feed apparatus for feeding into the collection device. Distribution apparatus along the second path can then be used to spread the diverted biomass. |
| US08961277B2 |
Perforated air duct for towers of grain driers
The invention relates to a V-shaped trough comprising two vertical side walls joined by two converging top walls, said walls being provided with a plurality of openings, thereby making the grain columns between the rows of troughs smaller inside the tower and increasing the sped of drying, since the thickness of the grain columns is reduced, thus shortening the drying time. |
| US08961266B2 |
Polishing pad with secondary window seal
A polishing article has a polishing surface and an aperture, the aperture including a first section and a second section. The polishing article includes a projection extending inwardly into the aperture. The polishing article includes a lower portion on a side of the first surface farther from the polishing surface. A window has a first portion positioned in the first section of the aperture and a second portion extending into the second section of the aperture. The window has a second surface substantially parallel to the polishing surface. A first adhesive adheres the first surface of the projection to the second surface of the window to secure the window to the projection and a second adhesive of different material composition than the first adhesive. The second adhesive is positioned laterally between the second portion of the window and the lower portion of the polishing article. |
| US08961265B2 |
Method and apparatus for the measurement-aided fine machining of workpiece surfaces, and measuring system
In the case of a method for the material-removing fine machining of a workpiece surface of a workpiece, in particular for the honing or finishing of workpiece portions having substantially rotationally symmetrically curved workpiece surfaces, at least one fine machining tool machines the workpiece surface and, by means of a measuring system, a measurement of the workpiece surface is performed. In this case, at at least one measuring position, radar radiation is directed onto the workpiece surface, and the radar radiation reflected from the workpiece surface is acquired and evaluated for the purpose of determining at least one surface measurement value. |
| US08961264B2 |
Method of deburring a ball
A controller controls the position of an abrasive. The abrasive is moved to a first desired position adjacent a ball. The ball is rotated while in contact with the abrasive. The abrasive abrades the outer surface of the ball and burrs on the outer surface to remove the burrs. A sensor may be used to sense the position and size of the burrs. |
| US08961262B2 |
Model motor vehicle highway system
An elongated flexible open coil spring with spaced apart coils adapted to engage a guide pin on a slot car is placed in the slot of a model slot car track. Cars are positioned with their depending pins engaging the open coil spring to be carried around the track by a powered car held by and moving the open coil spring along the slot. |
| US08961261B2 |
Game call apparatus having a secondary air passageway
A game call apparatus for imitating sounds of game upon receiving air exhaled by a user includes a mouthpiece, a reed assembly, and a secondary air member. Air is capable of entering and exiting the game call through the secondary air member, and the game call is capable of producing multiple types of game vocalizations, such as those of male deer. |
| US08961257B2 |
Flexible laminated construction toy set and method of manufacture thereof
The present disclosure relates generally to flexible laminated construction toy set and method of manufacture thereof, and more particularly to a construction set made of pieces with a bendable metal layer enclosed by two layers of a plastic mat. Two flexible think plastic mats with potentially a surface printed design are sealed around an internally deformable metal insert. Sets are sold using multiple geometry elements each having a different purpose, a different design to enhance playability. |
| US08961255B2 |
Manufacturing method for flexible display apparatus
A manufacturing method for a flexible display apparatus is provided. A rigid substrate is provided. A flexible substrate having a supporting portion and a cutting portion surrounding the supporting portion is provided. A first adhesive material is formed between the rigid substrate and the cutting portion of the flexible substrate, so that the flexible substrate is adhered onto the rigid substrate by the first adhesive material. The first adhesive material does not locate on the supporting portion of the flexible substrate. At least a display unit is formed on the supporting portion of the flexible substrate. The supporting portion and the cutting portion of the flexible substrate are separated so as to separate the rigid substrate and the flexible substrate, wherein the flexible substrate and the display unit thereon form a flexible display apparatus. In the method, the flexible substrate and the rigid substrate can be easily separated. |
| US08961253B1 |
Personal floatation device with float chair and kayak mounting features
A floatation garment includes a front panel formed of a front panel sheet of elastic material tapering inwardly at the front panel sheet lower end and having series of buoyant members which are laterally spaced apart and contained within the front panel sheet, and a generally horizontal front securing strap having front strap connection means at opposing strap ends and a rear panel formed of rear panel sheet also tapering inwardly at the rear panel sheet lower end and also having a generally horizontal rear securing strap having rear strap connection means at opposing strap ends positioned to connect to corresponding front strap connection means, the front and rear panel sheets preferably being interconnected at the front and rear panel sheet lower ends by an elastic connecting segment to form a single, continuous garment sheet. |
| US08961251B1 |
Swimming device for increased underwater resistance
A swimming device for increased underwater resistance increases resistance while underwater for purposes of rehabilitation and fitness. The device includes a glove having a main portion and a plurality of finger portions and a thumb portion whereby the glove is configured for covering a human hand. A channel-forming member has a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the main portion of the glove and a top wall extending between a first side and a second side of the peripheral wall. The channel-forming member has a pair of separator portions extending downwardly from the peripheral wall wherein the separator portions are configured for separating the channel-forming member into a plurality of channels. A pair of fins is coupled to the channel-forming member wherein the fins and the channels are configured for increasing underwater resistance when the glove is positioned on the hand and moved underwater. |
| US08961250B2 |
Self-inflating device
A self-inflating device can include a container configured to receive a chemical compound, a one-way valve covering an opening leading to an inner volume of the container, and an inflatable portion fluidly connected to the inner volume of the container and configured to inflate with gas produced when the chemical compound is exposed to water. The inflatable portion can be configured to inflate when a gas pressure inside the self-inflating device exceeds a water pressure outside the self-inflating device. As the inflatable portion inflates with gas produced by the chemical reaction of the chemical compound, the inflatable portion can increase in volume and can displace water in a body of water. Consequently, the overall buoyancy of the self-inflating device can increase, causing the self-inflating device to rise in the water column toward the surface of the body of water where a user can easily retrieve the self-inflating device, as well as any object that is attached to the self-inflating device. |
| US08961249B2 |
Guard and method for protecting wildlife
A guard for protecting wildlife is mounted on an outboard motor having a propeller and keel below an anti-ventilation plate. The guard has a spaced pair of bars each with an upper section, a lower section and between them a midsection. The upper sections of the bars can be attached to opposite sides of the anti-ventilation plate in order to position the lower sections below the propeller and keel. The lower sections have a smooth, projection-free streamline for avoiding snagging on sea weed. |
| US08961244B2 |
Terminal fitting and bulb socket
A bulb socket includes a socket body in which a bulb is mounted, an earth terminal, a pair of terminal fittings for making elastic contact with a contact point of the bulb, and packing 6 with which a gap between the socket body and an attachment part of the socket body is sealed. One end of the socket body is provided with a mounting port of the bulb. The earth terminal and the terminal fittings are attached to the inside of the mounting port. The terminal fitting includes a body, a leg part linearly extending from one end of the body, and a spring part extending from the other end of the body in a meandering shape. The spring part includes four bent parts. Bending angles of the bent parts are equal. |
| US08961243B2 |
Electric wire positioning member and attachment plug including the same
An attachment plug includes: a plurality of plug pins; a plurality of screw terminal blocks electrically connected to the corresponding plug pins, respectively; a body block accommodated within a shell for holding the screw terminal blocks; and an electric wire positioning member for holding the electric cords included in a multi-core cable introduced into the shell from outside in the state where the electric cords are positioned to correspond to the respective screw terminal blocks. The electric wire positioning member includes a plurality of hooking pieces for holding the electric cords exposed outside by stripping a sheath of the multi-core cable in the state where the electric cord are positioned to correspond to the respective screw terminal blocks. |
| US08961242B2 |
Connection plug for portable terminal
A connection plug for a portable terminal includes a plurality of plug connection terminals of different types disposed on one plane in a case and connected with socket connection terminals mounted to a socket. Here, ends of the plurality of plug connection terminals to be connected with the socket connection terminals are disposed in different positions. The plurality of plug connection terminals are in different lengths. Accordingly, since different types of plug connection terminals of the connection plug are mounted on one plane such that the ends of the plug connection terminals are disposed in different positions, thickness of the connection plug may be minimized. Also, different functions may be performed with one connection plug. In addition, since different plug connection terminals are in different lengths, connection between the respective connection terminals may be stably achieved when the connection plug is inserted in the socket. |
| US08961240B2 |
Power connector assembly
A power connector in accordance with the present invention includes an insulative housing including a main body and at least two mating ports, a number of power contacts received in the insulative housing. At least one mating port includes an anti-mismating portion protruding outwardly from an outer surface thereof and extending along a mating direction of the power connector. |
| US08961239B2 |
Communication jack having a plurality of contacts mounted on a flexible printed circuit board
Communications jacks include a housing having a plug aperture in a front portion thereof and a flexible printed circuit board having a plurality of conductive paths thereon. A plurality of input contacts and a plurality of output contacts are each electrically connected to respective ones of the conductive paths on the flexible printed circuit board. A spring that is separate from the input contacts is connected to at least a first of the input contacts. Each of the input contacts comprises a separate, raised contact that is connected to the flexible printed circuit board and mounted to extend into the plug aperture. |
| US08961237B2 |
Connector assembly having power contacts which comprise a plurality of contact inserting portions
A connector assembly has a plug and socket; the plug includes an insulative body, at least one first power contact, at least one second power contact and a metal shield. The insulative body has a base portion and a tongue portion extending from the base portion. The tongue portion includes a plurality of power contact grooves and penetrates through the base portion, and at least one first convex portion defined in a periphery of the tongue portion. The first power contact and the second power contact are respectively formed on the power contact grooves of the insulative body for connection to a power source in a socket of host device. The metal shield encloses the tongue portion of the insulative body to cover the tongue portion. Consequently, the charging speed can be increased, reducing charging time. |
| US08961235B2 |
Electrical connector with improved mating member having anti-mismating portion for preventing incorrect insertion
An electrical connector includes a first insulative housing defining a base member and a mating member extending forwardly from the base member in a mating direction, and a plurality of first contacts retained in the first housing. The mating member defines opposite first and second mating faces in a vertical direction perpendicular to said mating direction, and a receiving portion recessed towards the first mating face from the second mating face thereof. The receiving portion cooperates with a corresponding portion of a mating connector for preventing incorrect insertion of the electrical connector. |
| US08961232B2 |
Electrical connector with modulation module
An electrical connector includes a plurality of channels and at least one module. The channels transmit a plurality of electrical signals, wherein each channel generates at least one crosstalk coupling with the other channels; the at least one crosstalk coupling varies with frequency. The crosstalk couplings between the channels are added as a crosstalk coupling sum. Each modulation module is connected with the channels, and the at least one modulation module adjusts the at least one crosstalk coupling to decrease the crosstalk coupling sum according to the relation between the at least one crosstalk coupling and the other crosstalk couplings. |
| US08961231B2 |
Retention mechanisms for electrical connectors
An improved electrical connector retainer employs a shell having a cavity. A pair of mated electrical connectors are received within the cavity and at least a portion of an upper wall of the shell is deflected towards a lower wall of the shell. The shell is configured to retain the upper wall in the deflected position, maintaining the pair of connectors in the mated position. |
| US08961230B2 |
Connector
A connecting structure comprises a board-side connector and a wire-side connector. The board-side connector comprises a frame pedestal surrounding an accommodating chamber; a metal outer shell covering the exterior of the frame pedestal; a metal inner shell mounted to a mounting hole at a rear end of the accommodating chamber; and a transmission main body mounted to an interior of the metal inner shell. The wire-side connector comprises a transmission main body having multiple terminals having multiple first ends soldered to discrete core wires of a wire cable and multiple second ends configured to contact terminals of the board-side connector; a clamp cage at a rear side of the transmission main body; and a plastic case surrounding an accommodating chamber, wherein the accommodating chamber receives second ends of the terminals. |
| US08961226B2 |
Connector
A connector 11 including a flexible engagement piece 25 which has a base end supported like a cantilever in a terminal accommodation chamber 17 for accommodating a terminal fitting and is thus deformable elastically, and has a free end 27 with which the terminal fitting to be inserted into the terminal accommodation chamber 17 is engaged, wherein the flexible engagement piece 25 having a beak 31 formed on the free end 27 to be engaged with the terminal fitting takes a shape of an inclined surface 29 having a height of a top portion 41 increased gradually from the free end 27 toward the base end in such a manner that a maximum shear area is obtained by a shear force of the terminal fitting. |
| US08961211B2 |
Card edge connector with floating metal member
A card edge connector includes an insulative housing, a plurality of conductive terminals and a pair of metal members attached to the insulative housing. The insulative housing defining a pair of latching arms integrally extending forwardly from opposite ends thereof and a mounting slot below said each latching arm. Each metal member including a first metal member closely and vertical attached to the latching arm and a second metal member movably received in the mounting slot. wherein the first metal member defines a stopping portion extending to the second metal member, the second metal member defines a solder portion and a stopped portion extending to the stopping portion, the stopping portion is located in front of the stopped portion in a front-to-rear direction, thereby the second metal member is prevent from forwardly departing from the mounting slot by the stopping portion of the first metal member. |
| US08961210B2 |
Lockable electrical connector
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an electrical connector that includes a locking mechanism to securely hold devices to the electrical connector. |
| US08961207B2 |
Card connector
A card connector includes a main body having a receiving space, a plurality of terminals attached to the main body, a card ejecting mechanism including a levering member pivoted adjacent to the rear of the receiving space and an actuator movable inward and outward, and two detective terminals below the actuator, forming a switching circuit with the actuator for controlling electrical connectivity of the terminals. The actuator is configured to rotate the levering member. When the actuator is at the outward position, the plurality of terminals in enabled; when the actuator is moved beyond a triggering position, the plurality of terminals is disabled. |
| US08961204B2 |
Charge connector
An object is to provide a charge connector that can close an inner lid section and an outer lid section by one action to reliably avoid forgetting to close the inner lid section.A charge connector 100 includes: an opening section 108 arranged on a vehicle; a connector connection section 112 to which a cable for charging a battery is connected; an inner lid section 114 that seals a connector connection section in the opening section; an inner lid hinge 115 that is arranged in an opening and that rotates the inner lid section; an outer lid section 106 that seals the opening section from outside of the vehicle; and an outer lid hinge 120 that is installed on an opposite side of the inner lid hinge around the connector connection section and that rotates the outer lid section in a same plane as the inner lid section, wherein the outer lid section includes a rib 122 that projects inside of the opening section on a surface closer to the opening section, the rib can be in contact with the inner lid section, and when the rib is in contact with the inner lid section, the rib is formed so that a normal line at a point of contact with the inner lid section in the plane, in which the inner lid section rotates, passes on a side of the inner lid hinge closer to the outer lid hinge. |
| US08961199B2 |
Electrical connector with improved contact structures
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and at least one first contact received in the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a main body and a first mating port extending from the main body. The at least one first contact includes a first mating portion partially exposed into the first mating port, a first intermediate portion extending rearward from the first mating portion and received in the main body, and a first termination portion bending downward from the first intermediate portion and exposed beyond the insulative housing. The first intermediate portion includes a first lower horizontal section, a first upper horizontal section parallel to the first lower horizontal section, and a first connecting portion connecting the first lower horizontal section and the first upper horizontal section. The first lower horizontal section is formed with a first lower widened section, and the first upper horizontal section is formed with a first upper widened section. |
| US08961195B2 |
Socket with several mating ports
A cable assembly comprises an insulative, a plurality of contacts received in the insulative housing and a cable extending beyond the insulative housing and electrically connecting with the contacts. The insulative housing has a first mating port, a second mating port and a third mating port located on two opposite sides of the first mating port, respectively. These three ports are insulated with each other. The contacts include a first contact extending into the first mating port, a power contacts extending into the second mating port and a grounding contact extending into the third mating port, by this arrangement, the cable assembly can obtain a well signal transmission quality. |
| US08961193B2 |
Chip socket including a circular contact pattern
An apparatus for coupling an integrated circuit to other electronics can include a housing having an exterior and an interior, the exterior having an exterior bottom surface, the interior defined by an interior bottom surface opposite the exterior bottom surface, and at least one sidewall extending away from the interior bottom surface to define an interior shape that is sized to receive the integrated circuit, with the integrated circuit disposed against the interior bottom surface and the at least one sidewall. The example can include a plurality of exterior contacts exposed along the exterior bottom surface in an exterior contact pattern that is generally circular in shape. |
| US08961191B2 |
Electrical connector for pedal spindle
An electrical connector for electronics in a pedal spindle. The electrical connector may have a plurality of concentrically-spaced electrical contact pads and a spindle connector. The electrical contact pads may fit within the pedal spindle and electrically connect to the electronics in the pedal spindle. The spindle connector may have a housing and a plurality of electrically conductive elements, such as pins, extending from the housing. The housing may be sized and shaped to mate with an end of the pedal spindle proximate to the electrical contact pads. The electrically conductive elements or pins may each contact one of the electrical contact pads when the housing is mated with the end of the pedal spindle. |
| US08961190B2 |
Advanced surgical simulation
A system for training a clinician in energy-based surgical techniques that advantageously does not require the simulated tissue to be electrically conductive is provided. The simulated tissue comprises one or more materials. A heat generator is configured in the shape of a medical instrument typically encountered in energy-based surgical procedures such as electrosurgery or electrocautery. The instrument delivers sufficient heat to melt at least one of the materials in order to simulate energy-based surgical techniques such as excising target material. The one or more materials are configured in the simulated tissue such that their relative thermoplasticity defines a predetermined surgical pathway of a desired clinical outcome. |
| US08961188B1 |
System and method for clinical patient care simulation and evaluation
An evaluation system and method are provided for simulating clinical care of a virtual patient. A database of electronic medical records (EMRs) is established, with at least one EMR including a plurality of EMR items collectively profiling the virtual patient. A simulation management unit coupled to the database includes a plurality of selectively executable control modules. At least one control module defines a simulation scenario; and, at least one other control module generates a duplicate EMR of the virtual patient for each of a plurality of simulation participants. At least one evaluator station establishes interactive interface for an evaluator. A plurality of participant stations establish interactive access for the simulation participants to a corresponding one of the duplicate EMRs during a simulated clinical encounter with the virtual patient. The simulation management unit independently updates the duplicate EMRs for the simulation participants responsive to clinical actions respectively taken by those participants. |
| US08961186B2 |
Accessory for a walker to improve gait performance
Systems and methods are provided for a rehabilitative and ambulation accessory for a walker. The system provides visual and auditory cues to improve the movement pattern or walking ability of an individual with gait problems caused by physiological or neurological issues, injury, or surgical wounds. The invention may also be used as an exercise training device. The invention includes two balls which illuminate in an alternating fashion to provide a visual target for each leg. The user then reaches for the illuminated ball with his foot. When sensors inside the balls are triggered, the system returns visual and auditory feedback, such as a bright light and a pleasing tone indicating a successful step. |
| US08961183B2 |
Fill-in-the-blank audio-story engine
Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to an Audio-Story Engine that includes a repository of prerecorded audio files that, when played in a certain sequence, with user provided recordings placed throughout, tell a story. To obtain the user provided recordings, the Audio-Story Engine asks the user to make audio recordings of various words or phrases. For example, the Audio-Story Engine may ask the user a series of questions in order to record and store the user's audible responses. Upon completion, the Audio-Story Engine plays back a completed story that incorporates the user's audio recordings by playing an appropriate user recording after playing a prerecorded audio file. This is repeated several times in sequence to form a seamless, customized, audio story. In addition, the Audio-Story Engine may alter the pitch or sound of the user's recorded words to match the pitch of the prerecorded story. |
| US08961178B2 |
Method for manufacturing dental implant and dental implant
A dental implant comprises a titanium member composed of a sintered body made from titanium or titanium alloy; and a ceramic member composed of oxide-based ceramic, and the ceramic member fixed to the titanium member. The titanium member has a recess, and the ceramic member has a protrusion coupled to the recess and pores, and the titanium member covers the protrusion of the ceramic member. The protrusion has a cross-sectional area increasing portion whose cross-sectional area increases toward a dead-end portion of the recess in a direction away from a base end of the protrusion. The titanium member is firmly fixed and joined to the ceramic member in a state that a part of the titanium or the titanium alloy is penetrated into the pores of the protrusion of the ceramic member. |
| US08961174B2 |
System for producing combined bursts of air and water for cleaning teeth
The apparatus includes a motor (20) which drives a first compound gear (28) having first and second portions (26, 32), the second portion driving a second compound gear (36). The second compound gear has one portion (38) which has teeth over only one half the circumference thereof. The apparatus further includes an air cylinder (12) and a rack (62) and a spring assembly (66) a sealing end portion (64) of the rack fitting in a fluid-tight relationship with the air cylinder, wherein the rack member is engaged by the one portion of the second compound gear, compressing the spring when the teeth thereon engage the rack member. When the no-teeth portion comes adjacent the rack member, the rack is released and the sealing end of the rack member is forced by action of the spring into the air cylinder, producing bursts of air. The second compound gear also drives a peristaltic pump, producing liquid in bursts which are directed to a mixing chamber 58, from which a stream of liquid droplets exit through exit 16. |
| US08961173B2 |
Methods and systems for treating teeth
A system for repositioning teeth comprises a plurality of individual appliances used with braces. The appliances are configured to be placed successively on the patient's teeth and to incrementally reposition the teeth from an initial tooth arrangement, through a plurality of intermediate tooth arrangements, and to a final tooth arrangement. The appliances may be substituted with braces as appropriate to optimize the treatment of the teeth. |
| US08961170B2 |
Dust coal boiler, dust coal combustion method, dust coal fuel thermal power generation system, and waste gas purification system for dust coal boiler
A pulverized coal thermal power generation system that significantly reduces the amount of NOx emissions from a boiler and does not require a denitration unit is provided. When a denitration unit is not used, performance to remove mercury from a boiler waste gas is reduced. A waste gas purification system for a pulverized coal boiler, that compensates for this is provided.A pulverized coal boiler having a furnace for burning pulverized coal, burners for supplying pulverized coal and air used for combustion into the furnace so as to burn the pulverized coal in an insufficient air state and after-air ports provided on the downstream side of the burners for supplying air used for perfect combustion characterized in that, an air ratio in the furnace is 1.05 to 1.14, and the residence time of a combustion gas from the burner disposed on the uppermost stage to a main after-air port is 1.1 to 3.3 seconds. Preferably, water is mixed in advance with the air supplied from the after-air port so as to increase the specific heat. Furthermore, pulverized coal carrying air in the burner and a part of air used for combustion are mixed together in advance before they are jetted into the furnace.A waste gas purification system having a pulverized coal boiler, an air heater disposed downstream of the pulverized coal boiler for exchanging heat with a boiler waste gas to heat air used for combustion in the pulverized coal boiler, a dust removing unit, and a desulfurizing unit characterized in that, at least one of a halogen gas supply unit, a catalyst unit for oxidizing a mercury gas, and a mercury adsorbent blowing device is provided so as to oxidize mercury included in the waste gas. |
| US08961168B2 |
Device for transferring heat and a related means of triggering a controlled combustion
The present invention is a means of starting a controlled combustion reaction by introducing sodium borohydride or similar chemical to a liquid or gelatinous fuel. The present invention is also a device for transferring heat having a thermal conductor connected to a catalyst such that the thermal conductor is positioned within a liquid or gelatinous fuel held within a fuel container. |
| US08961166B2 |
Apparatus for manufacturing light guide film
An apparatus for manufacturing a light guide film may comprise a feed roller, a receiving roller, a separating device, a hot press printing device and a recombining device. Firstly, the separating device may separate a protective layer from a substrate layer of the light guide film. Secondly, a surface of the substrate layer to be manufactured may be impressed with light guide dots by the hot press printing device, and the recombining device recombine the peeled protective layer to the substrate layer. And lastly, the finished light guide film is recycled by the receiving roller. The apparatus may have advantages such as high output and low cost, and it may manufacture a large dimensioned product. |
| US08961164B2 |
Cutter head holder of an underwater granulator
A cutter head holder for blades of an underwater granulator for granulating pellets from a plastic melt that emerges from a perforated plate into a process chamber of a housing of an underwater granulator. |
| US08961160B2 |
Scroll pump having separable orbiting plate scroll and method of replacing tip seal
A scroll pump facilitates the installation of a new tip seal between an axial end of the scroll blade of one of inner stationary and orbiting plate scrolls of the pump and the plate of the other of the inner stationary plate and orbiting plate scrolls. To this end, the orbiting plate scroll has a central portion and an outer peripheral portion extending around and seated on the central portion. The outer peripheral portion of the orbiting plate scroll is keyed to and/or fastened to the central portion such that the outer peripheral portion is not rotatable relative to the central portion and yet is axially removable from the central portion. The tip seal can be readily accessed and replaced by removing the outer peripheral portion of the orbiting scroll plate from the central portion. |
| US08961157B2 |
Vane pump
A vane pump includes a plurality of vanes and a vane cam. Each of the vanes is housed in a corresponding one of multiple slits in an outer periphery of a rotor in a manner of being capable of protruding from, and retracting in, the slit. Each of the vanes has both end faces formed into curved surfaces in a plane perpendicular to a rotational axis of the rotor. The vane cam is disposed in contact with an end portion of the rotor such that an outer peripheral surface thereof contacts inner peripheral side end portions of all vanes to thereby forcedly make the vanes protrude and retract. The vane cam is movable so as to vary an amount of eccentricity relative to a drive shaft. |
| US08961151B2 |
Turbocharger
A turbocharger shaft interconnects the compressor impeller and the turbine wheel and a bearing housing between the compressor and turbine houses a bearing assembly supporting the turbocharger shaft rotation. A shaft bore defined in at least one of the compressor, turbine or bearing housings receiving the shaft. A sealing arrangement for restricting leakage of lubricant along the shaft bore from the bearing housing to the compressor or turbine housing. The sealing arrangement comprises at least one sealing ring around the shaft in the shaft bore and a gas passage communicating with the shaft bore. A gas distribution circuit includes a valve movable between a first position in which gas passage is in communication with a gas supply path for supplying gas to the shaft bore and a second position in which the gas passage is in communication with a vent path for venting gas from the shaft bore. |
| US08961145B2 |
Air compressor with shut-off mechanism
A compressor system is disclosed, comprising a first pump driven by a D/C motor, a second pump driven by an A/C motor, and a switch which allows a user to manually selectively engage of one of the D/C motor or A/C motor, including a gauge having a user settable shut-off mechanism which interrupts power to at least one of D/C or A/C motors. Also disclosed is a gauge configured to display system pressure independent of the user settable shut-off mechanism. A gauge having a rotatable bezel with a needle stop comprising a first needle rotatably coupled to a gauge shaft, and a second needle fixable coupled to the gauge shaft, and a spring disposed between the first and second needles, the spring configured to bias the first needle into the second needle so changes in pressure causes rotation of both is also disclosed. |
| US08961144B2 |
Turbine disk preform, welded turbine rotor made therewith and methods of making the same
A method of making a turbine rotor is disclosed. The method includes forming a last stage disk preform having a disk axis, the preform having a rotor face and an opposed shaft face, the rotor face having a circumferential, axially-extending rotor rib protruding therefrom, the shaft face having a circumferential, axially-extending shaft rib protruding therefrom, the disk preform comprising a disk preform material. The method also includes joining the rotor rib to a rotor preform to form a rotor joint, the rotor preform comprising a rotor preform material. The method further includes joining the shaft rib to a shaft to form a shaft joint, the shaft comprising a shaft material, wherein the disk preform material is different than the rotor preform material and the shaft material. |
| US08961138B2 |
Preventing rotation of a fixed ring of a swashplate
According to one embodiment, a rotor system, comprise a mating element, a sleeve, a first swashplate ring, a locking element, and a second swashplate ring. The mating element having a first plurality of grooves a first plurality of ridges. The sleeve is positioned inside the mating element such that the sleeve prevents rotation of the mating element about the sleeve while allowing the mating element to translate along the sleeve. The sleeve has a second plurality of grooves mating with the first plurality of ridges and a second plurality of ridges mating with the first plurality of grooves. The first swashplate ring is positioned around the mating element, and the locking element prevents. the first swashplate ring from rotating about the sleeve. The second swashplate ring is rotatable about the sleeve. |
| US08961136B1 |
Turbine airfoil with film cooling hole
A film cooling hole for an air cooled turbine airfoil, where the film cooling hole includes a first expansion section with expansion only on the downstream wall and a second expansion section with expansion on the downstream wall and the two side walls. No expansion is formed on the upstream walls on the first and second expansion sections. |
| US08961134B2 |
Turbine blade or vane with separate endwall
A turbine engine airfoil structure including an airfoil adapted to be supported to extend across a gas passage for a hot working gas in a turbine engine. The airfoil structure further includes a platform structure located at one end of the airfoil and positioned at a location forming a boundary of the gas passage. The platform structure includes a platform member including a gas side surface extending generally perpendicular from the airfoil at a junction with the airfoil, and providing a structural connection to the airfoil. The platform structure further includes a separately formed platform cover attached to the platform member at the gas side surface. The platform cover extends from a location adjacent to one of the sidewalls of the airfoil, and includes an outer surface located for contact with the hot working gas passing through the gas path. |
| US08961131B2 |
Arrangement for extracting energy from flowing liquid
An arrangement for extracting energy from flowing liquid, such as tidal flows, oceanic currents and water flowing in rivers. The arrangement comprises a support device (12) and a turbine device (1) which is pivotally connected to the support device (12) about a substantially horizontal axis (18). The turbine device includes at least one helical turbine (2; 4), each having an axle connected to an energy converter (22; 24). The turbine device (1) has a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate end being pivotally connected to the support device (12), and the distal end being freely movable in a substantially vertical, circular path in the flowing liquid. This enables the turbine device, in use, to adjust to an operational angle with respect to a horizontal plane. The arrangement is characterized in that the distal end of the turbine device (1) is provided with at least one transverse bar (7), stabilizing the operational angle of the turbine device (1). Various flow guiding devices also contribute to stability and performance of the arrangement. |
| US08961130B2 |
Cooling and climate control system and method for an offshore wind turbine
A system and method to cool the air inside the nacelle and the heat generating components, particularly of an offshore wind turbine is presented. The ambient air first enters an air handling unit near the tower bottom where the airborne water droplets and salt particles are removed. The clean air is then compressed adiabatically, thus increasing the dew point temperature of the water vapor in the air. The high pressure, high temperature air from the compressor is then cooled and dehumidified in a sea water-to-air heater exchanger or an air-to-air heat exchanger. The high pressure air from the heat exchanger then enters the turbine at the tower bottom and flows up to the nacelle where it is allowed to expand adiabatically in a duct. The duct helps direct the resulting cold air over the heat generating components. The cold air can also used to cool these components internally. The warm air ultimately exits the nacelle at the rear top. |
| US08961127B2 |
Shaft cap
A shaft cap to connect between a shaft and a tie rod on a rotative assembly includes a circular portion with a central opening for connecting to the tie rod; a conical portion extending out from the circular portion at a slope; and a pilot around the outer edge of the conical portion. The pilot includes an outer lip to connect to an end of the shaft, an inner portion to connect to the inner circumference of the shaft and an undercut portion between the outer lip and the inner portion. |
| US08961124B2 |
Axial fan
An axial fan is provided. The axial fan includes a hub, an impeller having a plurality of blades mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the hub, and a housing surrounding the impeller. Each of the blades has a front edge angle (α) within a range of −8° to −20°, a mounting angle (β) within a range of 36° to 50°, and a twisted angle (θ) within a range of 10°±2°. |
| US08961119B2 |
Airfoil shape for a compressor
An article of manufacture having a nominal airfoil profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in scalable Table 1 wherein the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values convertible to dimensional distances by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a number, and wherein X and Y are coordinates which, when connected by continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each Z height, the airfoil profile sections at each Z height being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape. |
| US08961117B2 |
Insulating a circumferential rim of an outer casing of a turbine engine from a corresponding ring sector
A turbine stage of a turbine engine, the stage including a rotor wheel mounted inside a sectorized ring carried by an outer casing, the outer casing including at least a circumferential rim housed in an annular cavity to attach a downstream end of the ring sector. A bottom wall of the annular cavity of the ring sector remains radially spaced apart from the circumferential rim of the outer casing to provide a thermally insulating space between them and includes a radial positioning mechanism acting on the circumferential rim. |
| US08961114B2 |
Integrated variable geometry flow restrictor and heat exchanger
One or more heat exchangers mounted in a duct have heat transfer cooling passages therein and a variable geometry flow restrictor is integral with each of the heat exchangers. An annular slide valve axially translatable within the duct is operable to open and close or vary a variable area between the heat exchangers and one of inner and outer casings bounding the duct. The heat exchangers may be being circumferentially distributed around an annular duct and include radial or circumferentially curved heat transfer tubes or vanes. |
| US08961111B2 |
Turbine and method for separating particulates from a fluid
According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine airfoil includes a first cavity inside the turbine airfoil configured to receive a fluid and a second cavity inside the turbine airfoil. The turbine airfoil also includes a passage inside the turbine airfoil that provides fluid communication between the first and second cavities, wherein the passage includes a curved portion configured to separate particulates from the fluid as the fluid flows through the passage. |
| US08961103B1 |
Vertical axis wind turbine with axial flow rotor
An omni-directional vertical axis wind turbine includes an axial flow turbine rotor to supply force to operate an electrical generator mounted for rotation on a vertical shaft. A shroud surrounds the turbine rotor forming a circular chamber coaxially with the turbine rotor, enclosing the airflow entry face and leaving the discharge face uncovered. Wind entering the shroud from any direction flows inwardly through air passages, where a set of baffles surrounding the circular chamber redirect incoming airflow into a stream within the circular chamber. A cylindrical enclosure mounted concentrically with the turbine rotor within the circulation chamber houses an array of stationary vanes positioned to extend across the entry base and in close proximity to the turbine rotor and aligned at angles relative to the axis of rotation, form flow-through passages to intercept the airflow and redirect it vertically into the swept area of the turbine rotor in the form of laminar streams. Entrainment effect of the streams enhances the force of airflow through the sweet area, while leading edges of rotating turbine blades intercept airflow along continuously changing points of intersection from successive passages to create additional torque to power the turbine. Angular alignment and curvature of the stationary vanes can be varied to optimize performance over a variety of wind conditions. |
| US08961098B2 |
Seed cart
A vehicle for transporting bulk seed containers and for transferring seed from the bulk seed containers to a seed planting machine includes a frame; a number of bulk seed container supports attached to the frame, each bulk seed container support supporting a bulk seed container; a feed tube connected to each of the bulk seed container supports, each feed tube engaging a bulk seed container; a delivery tube connected to each feed tube; a funnel commonly connected to the delivery tubes; an auger tube connected to the funnel and an auger to transfer seed to a seed planting machine. |
| US08961096B2 |
Rotatable bin or like object
A transportable apparatus has a main body configured to be transported in a horizontal orientation, and then raised to a vertical orientation in a working position. A base is mounted on the bottom end of the main body such that the main body rests on the base in the working position, and such that the base is carried at a rear end of the main body when the main body is in a horizontal transport position supported on. The base is rotatable about a vertical base axis such that the main body can be rotated with respect to the base about the base axis. A frame and wheels can be pivotally attached to the main body to transport the main body and then be stored in a vertical orientation along a wall of the man body in the working position. |
| US08961095B2 |
Article storage system and maintenance method in article storage system
A traveling body of a stacker crane is separable into a lower traveling portion and an upper traveling portion by separating a post into a lower post portion and an upper post portion, in which the lower traveling portion in a separated state separated from the upper traveling portion and supporting a lift body is moved in a width direction with its traveling posture being maintained to be taken in or out between a moving space and a take-in/out space. |
| US08961093B2 |
Drilling rig pipe transfer systems and methods
Automated systems and apparatus for transferring tubulars (tubulars used in wellbore and derrick operations, such as casing, tubing, drill pipe, etc.) or stands of pipe from one location to another in a derrick, e.g. from a fingerboard to a well center are described. The system includes a fully automated drill pipe handling system to move and position the drill pipe through all the steps of the drilling process. |
| US08961091B2 |
Fastener made of bulk amorphous alloy
Embodiments relates to a fastener having a head portion and an interlock portion comprising a bulk solidifying amorphous alloy comprising a metal alloy. The fastener could further have a screw portion. Other embodiments relate to methods of making and using the fasteners. |
| US08961090B2 |
Axle nut
An axle nut for preloading a bearing is provided. The axle nut may be used to apply and monitor preload on a bearing or bearing assembly. The axle nut includes a cylindrical body having a first end, a second end having a face adapted to bear against a surface, a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface engagable by a tool; a threaded through-hole directed substantially along the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body; and at least one recess in the face of the second end of the cylindrical body, the at least one recess adapted to expose at least a portion of the surface the face bears against. The first end of the axle may comprise a nut locking mechanism, for example, the nut locking mechanism may include a counter bore having a plurality of internal projections, such as, gear or spline teeth. |
| US08961089B2 |
Fastener assembly
A fastener assembly comprises: an insertion-extraction tool comprising a lever with a sleeve passing through one end from a front surface to a back surface and protruding from the back surface, a first ramp that circumscribes about one-half of the sleeve and a second ramp that circumscribes about one-half of the sleeve opposite the first ramp, the first ramp with a ramped surface that faces away from the back surface of the lever and the second ramp with a ramped surface that faces toward the back surface of the lever; and a wedge lock assembly comprising multiple wedges and a captive screw passing there through, the captive screw having a shank that passes through the sleeve of the insertion-extraction tool and a head on the distal end of the shank adjacent to the front surface of the lever of the insertion-extraction tool. |
| US08961078B2 |
Rotary cutting tool
To provide a rotary cutting tool in which a satisfactory cut state in which burrs and uncut portions are absent is obtained, even when counterboring is applied to a composite honeycomb member. A first cutting-chip discharge groove (2) disposed from a tool tip towards a base-end side is formed on an outer periphery of a tool body (1); a plurality of second cutting-chip discharge grooves (3), provided along a spiral disposed from the tool tip towards the base-end side so as to intersect with the first cutting-chip discharge groove (2), are formed on an outer periphery section of the tool body (1) where the first cutting-chip discharge groove (2) is absent; and a base-end-side outer periphery cutting edge (4) is formed on an intersection ridge between a rake face of a second cutting-chip discharge groove (3), which faces a direction of tool rotation, and an outer peripheral surface of the tool body (1) or an outer peripheral relief face; wherein an end cutting edge (5) is provided at a tip section of the tool body (1); a tip-side outer periphery cutting edge (6) is formed on an intersection ridge between the rake face at a tip section of a first cutting-chip discharge groove (2) and an outer peripheral surface of the tip section of the tool body (1) or an outer periphery relief face (18); and the base-end-side outer periphery cutting edge (4) is provided further towards the tool base-end side than the tip-side outer periphery cutting edge (6). |
| US08961073B2 |
System and method for strengthening a sloped structure such as a berm, basin, levee, embankment, or the like
Embodiments of the invention comprise a system for strengthening a sloped structure such as a berm, basin, levee, or embankment. The comprises first and second opposing sides, the second side being adjacent the sloped structure; a bottom side adjoining bottom edges of the first and second sides, thereby forming a cavity within the first, second, and bottom sides; fill material disposed within the cavity; an impermeable membrane encapsulating at least a portion of the fill material; and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed within the fill material. |
| US08961072B2 |
Tension frame
A tension frame (2) for its application in a riser system for hydrocarbon exploration and production. The tension frame is (2) installed on a well control unit (5) atop at least one riser (9) in said riser system. The frame is adapted to receive a pressure control unit and hold it in line with the centre of the riser. The tension frame (2) houses at least two pre-installed pressure control equipment units (3, 4) of which one at a time is adapted to be hold at an active position, in which the unit is in line with the centre of the riser, and the other is adapted to be kept in a parked position within the frame. |
| US08961069B2 |
Subsea hanging device
A subsea hanging device comprises a hanging frame 1 adapted to support an assembly (such as a gooseneck 3 and a subsea connector 4 being used to attach a heavy pipe 7 to a pipe hub 11 on the seabed), a hanging eye 8 which slides on said frame when a shaft 10 threaded through it is axially rotated, and a ROV drive bucket 12 attached to one end of the shaft. A guide funnel 13, 16 pivoted to the frame and adapted to fit over a guide post 17 on the seabed actuates a pointer 15 which indicates on a scale 14 whether the hanging angle needs adjustment to enable the connector 4 to be engaged with the hub 11. |
| US08961067B1 |
Flexible wave-energy dissipation system
A flexible wave-energy dissipation system includes: a plurality of brace units arranged along a horizontal direction and each including front and rear braces; a plurality of energy-dissipating posts each disposed between the front and rear braces of the corresponding brace unit and including a first spring unit connected to the front brace of the corresponding brace unit and a rod body connected to the first spring unit; a plurality of hanging cable units each connected to one front brace, one rear brace and one rod body, such that the posts are inclined upwardly and rearwardly; and an energy dissipation device including an energy-dissipating net unit disposed between two adjacent posts, and a plurality of second spring units connected between the net unit and the two adjacent posts. |
| US08961063B2 |
Hub clamp assembly
A hub clamp assembly includes a hub that has a flange portion and an annular sleeve portion. The sleeve portion has a plurality of substantially longitudinal slits therein extending from a distal end toward the flange portion to form a plurality of sleeve segments. The sleeve portion further has an outer surface that includes a first set of surface features. The assembly also includes an annular collar that has one or more sleeve engagement pieces each having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface of the sleeve engagement piece contains a second set of surface features configured to correspond to and engage the first set of surface features of the sleeve portion of the hub. A support ring surrounds the sleeve portion of the hub and overlies the second surface of the sleeve engagement pieces. |
| US08961058B2 |
Corner coupling
A corner coupling for attaching one or more beams to a support post, the coupling comprises one or more central coupling unit attached or integral with the support post, and one or more beam end couplers each extending at an end of the beam and being detachably attachable to a respective central coupling unit; wherein a each beam end coupler is configured for arresting engagement with an arresting arrangement of a respective central coupling unit composed of at least a wedge-type engagement, surface-to-surface load bearing and one or more auxiliary locking arrangement. |
| US08961057B2 |
Fold latch and fold joint for a stroller
A fold joint for a stroller has a first latch part fixed to a first frame element and a second latch part fixed to a second frame element. The latch parts are pivotable relative to one another about a pivot axis between an in-use orientation and a folded orientation. A latch shuttle is movable between a latched position locking the latch parts in the in-use orientation and an unlatched position unlocking the latch parts. A latch pin is carried by the latch shuttle. A track on the first latch part has a fold portion and a latch portion. A slot on the second latch part aligns with the latch portion in the in-use orientation. The latch pin is captured within the track and slot. When the latch shuttle is moved to the unlatched position, the latch pin is moved along the latch portion to the fold portion of the track. When the latch parts are pivoted toward the folded orientation, the latch pin moves along the fold portion of the track. |
| US08961056B2 |
Recliner mechanism
An adjusting device for a vehicle component includes a first fitting part arranged on an axis of rotation and a second fitting part arranged on the axis of rotation. The relative position of the first fitting part and the second fitting part with respect to each other is adjustable. The adjusting device also includes an eccentric arranged on and rotatable about the axis of rotation and a plurality of first rotating members arranged concentrically about the eccentric. The first rotating members are configured to roll along the first fitting part. The adjusting device further includes a plurality of subcomponents that each include a first fitting-part element of the first fitting part and a second fitting-part element of the second fitting part. The plurality of subcomponents are arranged substantially symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry that extends at right angles to the axis of rotation. |
| US08961055B2 |
Actuating lever for a binder mechanism
An actuating lever for a binding mechanism includes a body formed of a first molded material. The body defines oppositely-facing surfaces, with at least one of the surfaces having a recess formed therein. The actuating lever further includes a grip member formed of a second molded material that is different from the first molded material. The grip member is molded at least partially into the recess. |
| US08961054B2 |
Grill oiler
A non-drip applicator that allows easy lubrication and seasoning of barbecue grilling grates or griddle cooking surfaces in an easy, fire safe, and efficient manner is described and claimed. The tool includes a body, an applicator, and, optionally, an irrigation system. The applicator may retain a supply of cooking oil therein, or cooking oil may be transferred to the applicator via the irrigation system. The application of pressure to the applicator by pressing it against the grill cooking elements causes cooking oil to be transferred from the applicator to the cooking elements. The applicator may be rotatably connected to the tool body, allowing the user to oil the grill by rolling the applicator along the grill cooking elements. |
| US08961045B2 |
Tape drive
A thermal transfer printer incorporating a tape drive comprising a first torque-controlled motor and a second position-controlled motor, two tape spool supports on which spools of tape may be mounted, each spool being drivable by a respective one of said motors, and a controller for controlling the energization of the motors such that the tape may be transported in at least one direction between spools mounted on the spool supports. The controller is arranged to determine a control signal to be provided to the torque-controlled motor to set the tape tension, and to provide said control signal to the torque-controlled motor, determination of the control signal including determination of a component intended to compensate for the inertia of a spool of tape driven by the torque-controlled motor. |
| US08961044B2 |
Device comprising a camera unit and a protection element which has a compact displacement path
The invention relates to a device comprising a camera unit (40) which is used to detect images of the outer area (5) of a motor vehicle. Said device comprises a drive (50) which is used to move the camera unit (40) between an idle position (3) and an active position (4) and to move a protection element (30) between a closed position (1) and an open position (2). When the protection element (30) is in the closed position (1), the camera unit (40) is in the idle position (3) behind the protection element (30) making it inaccessible from the exterior, and when the protection element (30) is in the open position (2), the camera unit (40) is in the active position (4) for detecting images. According to the invention, a mechanism comprising a pivoting element (10) and a lever element (20) is provided, said pivoting element (10) being movably mounted about a first rotational axis (13) and comprising a first arm (11) and a second arm (12), the first arm (11) engaging on the camera unit (40) and the second arm (12) on the protection element (30). The lever element is rotationally mounted about a second rotational axis (23) and is operatively connected to the protection element (30) in order to support the movement of said protection element (30), and the second arm (12) is bent in relation to the first arm (11) such that a compact displacement path of the protection element (30) between its positions (1, 2) can be obtained. |
| US08961043B2 |
Light emitting device package and backlight unit using the same
A light emitting device package including light emitting devices, and optical lenses respectively disposed over the light emitting devices. Further, a respective optical lens includes an extending member extending from a body of the respective optical lens, and including a first portion laterally extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the respective light emitting device, and a second portion extending towards the substrate in a second direction substantially parallel with the central axis of the respective light emitting device. A vertical cross section of the second portion is substantially symmetrical with respect to an axis that is spaced apart in the first direction from and substantially parallel with the central axis of the respective light emitting device. |
| US08961042B2 |
Optical coupling device
An optical coupling device includes an optical coupling member, an optical-electrical converting module, and at least two optical fibers. The optical coupling member has a first under positioning portion. The optical-electrical converting module has a substrate, a base, an optical signal transmitter, and an optical signal receiver. The base is made of an insulating material and is provided on the substrate. The base has a receiving portion and a second under positioning portion to engage the first under positioning portion. The optical signal transmitter and the optical signal receiver are receiving in the receiving portion and face the first lens portion when the second under positioning portion engages the first under positioning portion. The optical fibers are beside the optical coupling member and face the second lens portion. |
| US08961040B2 |
Modular surgical laser systems
Laser emission systems for surgical and other therapeutic uses are herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, different laser control systems are disclosed each capable of multiple, simultaneous emission of lasers of different wavelengths in a single beam. The embodiments feature a handheld wireless laser module or a portable console with a laser tip extending therefrom. The laser module is controlled by wireless footswitch. Fiber extension modules may be used with the later embodiment. |
| US08961034B2 |
Optical fiber connector ferrule having open fiber clamping grooves
A ferrule for an optical fiber connector having open fiber clamping grooves. The ferrule has a body having a plurality of open grooves for clamping the terminating end sections of optical fibers. At least a section of the longitudinal opening of the groove is provided with opposing lips to provide a clamping effect. The width of the longitudinal opening defined between the lips along at least a section of the grooves is narrower than the diameter of the optical fibers to create a tight fit. The grooves and the width of the longitudinal groove openings are shaped and sized to retain the fibers without any clearance to allow for movement of the fiber relative to the groove. Similar grooves may be provided in the ferrule body for alignment guide pins. The grooves are precision formed by high throughput processes, such as stamping and extrusion. |
| US08961033B2 |
Optical contact and multicontact connector
An optical contact having a ferrule extending along a longitudinal axis, the ferrule having a front face facing an optical contact of complementary type when the optical contact is connected to the optical contact of complementary type, and a rear face opposite from the front face, and a body within which the ferrule is received in optionally movable manner, the body including at least one portion surrounding the outside of the ferrule around the longitudinal axis thereof, and at least one portion extending beyond the rear face of the ferrule towards the outside thereof. |
| US08961022B2 |
Rolling bearing for rotatively mounting a machine element
The present invention relates to a rolling bearing for rotatively mounting a machine element, including a sensor for measuring a mechanical load acting on the rolling bearing. The rolling bearing can be a wheel bearing of a motor vehicle, for example, or the bearing of a gearbox shaft. The rolling bearing includes a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring, which can be rotated with respect to the first bearing ring. A bearing inner space, which has at least one first axial section in which rotatable rolling elements are arranged, is formed between the first bearing ring and the second bearing ring. The rolling bearing further includes at least one sensor for measuring a mechanical load acting on the rolling bearing, in particular for measuring a force or torque, or a physical variable derived from a force or torque, for example, angular momentum or mechanical tension. |
| US08961020B2 |
Thrust bearing assembly, drive train, and medicament delivery device
A thrust bearing assembly for guiding and driving a piston member having a lead screw for dispensing a medium of a delivery device when the piston member is driven in a first axial direction is provided. The thrust bearing assembly comprises a thrust bearing means for being integrated in the delivery device, a passageway for guiding the lead screw, and a rotary drive means for driving the lead screw and being fitted into or onto the thrust bearing means while being rotatable with regard to the thrust bearing. Further, the thrust bearing means comprises a thrust face which limits axial movement of the rotary drive means when driving the lead screw in the first axial direction. A drive train and a medicament delivery device in which the thrust bearing assembly is integrated are also provided. |
| US08961018B2 |
Connecting rod bearing
A connecting rod bearing fort supporting a crankpin of an internal combustion engine is provided. The crankpin has a discharge port on its surface for supplying lubrication oil to a gap between the crankpin and the connecting rod bearing constituted by a pair of half bearings. The half bearing includes a main cylindrical portion, crush reliefs and transitional regions. A plurality of crush relief grooves are formed in the crush relief to continuously extend in a circumferential direction, and an axial groove is formed at an inner side end edge of the half bearing in the circumferential direction to continuously extend in an axial direction so that the crush relief grooves communicate with the axial groove. |
| US08961014B2 |
Compressible pouch with multiple collapsible channels across bottom
Compressible reclosable storage containers (e.g., pouches) having a one-way valve disposed along the bottom of the container. In one configuration, the reclosable pouch comprises a receptacle having a storage chamber and a mouth in communication with the storage chamber, and an airtight closure for closing the mouth. The receptacle comprises two walls made of thermoplastic web material, two side seals that include respective marginal portions of the two walls, and a vent that extends from one side seal to the other. The vent comprises a multiplicity of collapsible channels, each channel comprising a respective air inlet in flow communication with the storage chamber and a respective air outlet in flow communication with space external to the pouch. The channels may be formed by a series of zigzag or wave-shaped heat seals or heat seals have other shapes. |
| US08961007B2 |
Thermocouple and method of forming a thermocouple on a contoured gas turbine engine component
A method of forming a thermocouple (12), including: depositing a first material on a component (10) to form a first leg (14); depositing a second material through a mask (30) to form a pattern (50) on the component (10), the pattern (50) forming a plurality of discrete second leg junction ends (20) and a continuous patch (52) of the second material comprising indiscrete lead ends of the second legs (16), each second leg junction end (20) spanning from a respective junction (18) with the first leg (14) to the continuous patch (52); and laser-ablating the continuous patch (52) to form discrete lead ends (22) of the second legs (16), each lead end (22) electrically connected to a respective junction end (20), thereby forming discrete second legs (16). |
| US08961005B2 |
System and method for integrating sensors in thermostats
Provided according to one or more embodiments is a thermostat having a housing, the housing including a forward-facing surface, the thermostat comprising a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor disposed inside the housing for sensing occupancy in the vicinity of the thermostat. The PIR motion sensor has a radiation receiving surface and is able to detect the lateral movement of an occupant in front of the forward-facing surface of the housing. The thermostat further comprises a grille member having one or more openings and included along the forward-facing surface of the housing, the grille member being placed over the radiation receiving surface of the PIR motion sensor. The grille member is configured and dimensioned to visually conceal and protect the PIR motion sensor disposed inside the housing, the visual concealment promoting a visually pleasing quality of the thermostat, while at the same time permitting the PIR motion sensor to effectively detect the lateral movement of the occupant. In one embodiment, the grille member openings are slit-like openings oriented along a substantially horizontal direction. |
| US08961002B2 |
Platform escapement for a timepiece
An assembly for an escapement of a timepiece movement (100), including an escapement bridge (10), a balance cock (30), a pallet lever (7) for controlling an escapement wheel (6) in cooperation with a balance (3). This escapement bridge (10) carries a bottom pallet lever bearing (14) for guiding a bottom pallet lever pivot (15) of this pallet lever (7), and this cock (30) carries a top pallet lever bearing (14A) for guiding a top pallet lever pivot (15A) of this pallet lever (7). An arm (41) of this pallet lever (7) carries a banking pin (39) which can move in a hole (40) comprised in this balance cock (30), to limit the pivoting of this pallet lever (7). |
| US08960998B2 |
System and method of mixing a formation fluid sample in a downhole sampling chamber with a magnetic mixing element
A system for mixing a formation fluid sample obtained in a downhole sampling chamber. The system includes a mixing element disposed in the downhole sampling chamber. A support stand is operable to receive the downhole sampling chamber. A magnetic field generator is operably associated with the downhole sampling chamber such that when the magnetic field generator generates a magnetic field, the mixing element moves through the formation fluid sample responsive to the magnetic field, thereby mixing the formation fluid sample. |
| US08960997B2 |
Apparatus and method to feed livestock
A portable feed apparatus comprising a feed container, a mixing assembly that receives a feed from said feed container, at least one feed additive assembly in flowable connection with said mixing assembly, and a controller in communication with said mixing assembly. |
| US08960994B2 |
Portable custom nail polish creator
A portable nail polish creator is provided. The portable nail polish creator may include a user interface to allow a user to select a nail polish color. Additionally, the nail polish creator may include a processor that can receive the selection of the nail polish color via the interface. Once the selection is received, the processor may determine an amount of at least one of a plurality of nail polish colors to create a nail polish corresponding to the selection. The nail polish creator may further include an arm assembly that may receive a signal from the processor to move a nail polish bottle in position to receive the nail polish based on the amount of at least one of the plurality of nail polish colors determined by the processor. Moreover, the nail polish creator may include a mixer assembly for mixing the nail polish in the nail polish bottle. |
| US08960992B2 |
Bottle warmer and mixing apparatus
A bottle warmer and mixing apparatus comprises a mixing unit (50) arranged to agitate a bottle (3) to mix contents therein. A heating unit is arranged to heat the contents of the bottle. The heating unit is at least partially decoupled from the agitation generated by the mixing unit (50). |
| US08960991B2 |
PMMA bone paste mixing apparatus and method
A device is provided with which it is possible to produce poly(methyl methacrylate) bone-cement paste, which is degassed to the greatest extent possible, while avoiding large-volume mixing containers and large cement volumes contained therein. The device includes a tubular hollow body (10) having a first opening (30) on the input side and a second opening (20) on the output side, at least one rotatably-mounted shaft (40) arranged in the axial direction in the tubular hollow body (10), thread turns (50) arranged axially along the outer side of the shaft (40), wherein the shaft (40) has at least one section with thread turns (50) whose pitch decreases in the direction of the second opening (20), at least one stirring blade (60) arranged on the shaft (40), and rigid mixing elements (70) arranged on the inner side of the tubular hollow body (10). |
| US08960989B2 |
Lighting devices with removable light engine components, lighting device elements and methods
A lighting device, comprising a lighting device element and a light engine component (comprising a solid state light emitter) that is removably supported by the lighting device element. Also, lighting device elements that comprise a lens, a housing member, a mechanical engagement region, an electrical contact region and/or means for removably supporting a light engine component. Also, lighting device elements in which a retaining structure holds a light engine component, a portion of a light engine component is exposed to a lens. Also, lighting devices that comprise means for removably supporting a light engine component. Also, methods that comprise removing a light engine component from a lighting device element and removably supporting a second light engine component on the lighting device element. |
| US08960985B2 |
Back frame, method for manufacturing back frame, and backlight system
The present invention provides a back frame of flat panel display device, which includes primary assembling pieces and secondary assembling pieces; the primary assembling pieces are of a number of at least two, the at least two primary assembling pieces being joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame; the secondary assembling pieces are arranged inside the back frame and joined to the back frame; some of the primary assembling pieces and the secondary assembling pieces are of first density and first strength and others are of second density and second strength; the first density is greater than the second density and the first strength is greater than the second strength. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a back frame of flat panel display device and a backlight system. The back frame, the method for manufacturing back frame, and the backlight system have a back frame mold that is of a simple structure and can reduce the expenditure of the back frame mold, and can also save the material used for back frame so as to lower down the cost of flat panel display device. |
| US08960980B2 |
Light source module having a curved optical unit
A light source module includes an optical unit, which includes a light-emitting device, a light-guiding device and a light-converging structure. The light-guiding device has a light incident end, a light emitting end, a first curved surface connecting the light incident end and the light emitting end, and a side surface. The light-emitting device is disposed beside the light incident end. The section of the first curved surface by the side surface is a first curve. The section of the first curved surface by the reference plane perpendicular to the side surface is a second curve. The light-converging structure is disposed between the light-emitting device and the light incident end and has a first arc-convex surface and two second convex surfaces, in which the first arc-convex surface and the second convex surfaces are arranged along a direction parallel to the side-surface. |
| US08960975B2 |
Light-transmitting candle structure
The present invention provides a light-transmitting candle structure, which includes a main body, which has a power section for supplying electrical power; a light-emitting unit, which includes two light-emitting element that are mounted on the main body and spaced from each other in a vertical direction and are electrically connected with the power section; a patterned film, which is circumferentially arranged outside and surrounds the light-emitting unit and is coupled to the main body, the patterned film having a surface on which patterns are formed; and a cover, which is a hollow light-transmitting casing having an end forming an opening, the cover having a wall on which a pattern layer is formed, the pattern layer comprising patterns, the cover being set to enclose outside the patterned film and coupled to the main body. |
| US08960971B1 |
Adjustable mounting system for a luminaire
A luminaire comprises a light fixture that includes a housing. The housing includes a light emitting diode (LED) light source and a back wall that has a first surface shape. The luminaire further comprises a mounting system that includes a surface mounting bracket, or a tie rod that has a first end that includes a plurality of teeth. The mounting system also includes a mounting plate rotatably coupled to the surface mounting bracket or to the tie rod. The mounting plate is coupled to the back wall of the housing. The mounting plate has a second surface shape, where the first surface shape and the second surface shape are substantially the same. |
| US08960970B2 |
Light emitting device and method for manufacturing same
A light emitting device has a light emitting element, a metal member, a covering member and a translucent member. The metal member has a first face and a second face on an opposite side from the first face. The first face has an element placement portion and a flat portion disposed around the element placement portion with the light emitting element being mounted on the element placement portion. The covering member is disposed on the second face of the metal member at the flat portion outside an illumination range of light emitted from the light emitting element. The translucent member seals part of the metal member and the light emitting element. The translucent member has a convex portion and a flange disposed around the convex portion, the flange being disposed outside the illumination range of light emitted from the light emitting element. |
| US08960965B2 |
Lamp
A lamp including the following elements is provided. A housing has an assembling opening and an electrical base on two ends thereof, wherein the housing has an inner wall and a portion of the inner wall adjacent to the assembling opening is an air-guiding wall. A cooling fan has a casing disposed at the assembling opening and forming an air channel, a fan wheel rotatably arranged in the air channel, and at least one partitioning board between the air-guiding wall and the air channel so as to define at least one first air-guiding opening and at least one second air-guiding opening. A light-emitting module is arranged in the housing and opposite to the fan wheel. Accordingly, the present lamp does not require forming any air inlet or air outlet on the housing, and thus provides a simplifier structure. |
| US08960964B2 |
Thermal dissipation structure for light emitting diode
The tunable color mixing system includes a mixing barrel that captures light from multiple light emitting diodes emitting at different colors, mixes the light, and outputs the light with a narrow beam angle from a small area. The array of LEDs in the system is thermally coupled to a heat conductor via thermal pads. A flexible printed circuit is electrically connected to the LEDs to supply and fine-tune the electrical power. The array includes LEDs of at least three emitting colors to achieve an output light having a high color rendering index, tunable to a wide range of correlated color temperatures. |
| US08960959B2 |
Handle assembly for a luggage
A handle assembly for a luggage includes a case and a handle assembly. The case has an assembling portion recessed on one side of a top portion of the case towered a bottom portion of the case. The handle assembly is assembled to the case. The handle assembly is a transparent or semi-transparent plastic tube. One end of the handle assembly is inserted into the assembling portion, so that the handle assembly is slidable relative to the case. The handle assembly has a handle grip assembled with another end thereof. When the handle assembly is retracted into the case, the handle grip is abutted against the case. |
| US08960956B2 |
LED light source and corresponding backlight module
The present invention relates to an LED light source and a corresponding backlight module. The LED light source includes a bar-shaped base and multiple LED assemblies. The LED assemblies each has an LED leadframe, a light-emitting chip, an anode bonding pad and a cathode bonding pad. The anode and cathode bonding pads are connected to the light-emitting chip and mounted on a bottom of the LED leadframe. By mounting the electrodes of the LED assembly on the bottom of the LED leadframe, the LED light source and the corresponding backlight module of the present invention prevents a technical problem that the electrodes of LED assemblies are easy to become short-circuited. |
| US08960954B1 |
Sea turtle light control system and method
Control system for sea turtle lights uses regulated lights, based upon satellite generated day signals and non-regulated lights. A user programmable timer permits the user to set time of day lighting operations. A seasonally fixed timer, fixed with a governmentally approved sea turtle season permits activation of the regulated lights. Outside of turtle season, non-regulated lights are used. The user turns ON and OFF the lights daily. An integrated lighting control system includes a central control unit having the user programmable timer and the seasonally fixed timer and the receiver with a processor and memory which generates lighting commands. A controllable light selector switch receives the lighting commands via a wired or wireless network. The method controls lights affecting sea turtles, which lights are subject to governmental regulation and seasonal operation. All light controls are further based upon the user set time of day and day of week lighting times. |
| US08960948B2 |
Collar mount and light
A light and associated mounting body is disclosed which is suitable for mounting on straps of different widths. In a particular embodiment the body can be mounted to the strap, for example a collar or the like, without removing the collar from the object it is attached to. |
| US08960945B1 |
Personally portable solar-powered electrical energy source
A personally portable solar-powered electrical energy source includes a personally portable chassis; an array of solar cells mounted on the chassis, with the solar cells being adapted to generate electrical energy from light captured by the solar cells; a battery charger disposed in the chassis and so coupled to the solar cells as to be able to charge a battery installed in the chassis with the electrical energy generated by the solar cells; and at least one electrical outlet disposed in the chassis and adapted for providing electrical energy to an external electrical device from a said installed battery. The solar-powered electrical energy source can provide electrical energy to an electrically chargeable external electrical device, such as cell phone, and thereby charge the electrically chargeable external electrical device. |
| US08960943B2 |
Lighted display having portions printed with a coating containing light bending particles
A decorative lighting fixture includes a frame, a light source, a sheer layer, a coating, and a plurality of light bending particles. The frame has at least a structural element adapted to form a three dimensional shape that includes an interior and an exterior. The light source is positioned within the frame or may be external. The sheer layer extends over at least a portion of the frame so light from the light source passes through at least a portion of the sheer layer as it exits or enters the fixture. A coating is located on at least a portion of an external and/or internal surface of the fixture. The light bending particles are coupled to the coating such that light colliding with the light bending particles is altered to create a desired visual effect. Methods for making the decorative lighting fixture are also provided. |
| US08960942B2 |
Weapon mounted light and operation thereof
A novel flashlight assembly that includes an interface integrated into the housing thereof to facilitate mounting of the flashlight to the dovetail rail on a modern combat weapon. The outer body of the flashlight includes a head mounted to a flashlight body at one end and a tapered tail extending outwardly at the other end of the body. Further, the flashlight includes a clamping interface that is a seamless and integrated feature of the outer housing of the flashlight itself for interfacing the flashlight with a firearm. The operational modes of the flashlight are controlled by a single push button and a selector switch. To facilitate a highly compact design the flashlight employs two circuitry arrangements positioned remote from one another and in communication with one another via a single conductive trace to operate at a first signal frequency or a second signal frequency. |
| US08960937B2 |
Structure of base for decorative aquatic ball
The structure of base for decorative aquatic ball mainly contains a shell, a hollow transparent shell made of plastic material; a decorative layer, a laser paper film with a pattern, the laser paper film covering the inner wall of the shell; and a decorative aquatic ball, a light-transmittable three-dimensional shape, disposed on top of the shell, and sealing in a fluid with slightly higher viscosity. As such, the decorative layer enables the base carrying the aquatic ball to create rich and layered visual effects. |
| US08960928B2 |
Pellicle frame
There is provided a pellicle which comprises a pellicle frame having eight or more jig holes in the outer wall for receiving jig pins of pellicle handling jigs; the jig holes are arranged such that the pellicle frame can be held by two or more pellicle handling jigs at the same time, and preferably the jigs holes are on the outer walls of the all frame bars so that the pellicle frame can be held by the jigs at both the longer frame bars and the shorter frame bars at the same time. |
| US08960927B2 |
Coherent light source apparatus and projector
A coherent light source apparatus includes a coherent light source, a first optical system, a light deflection unit, a second optical system and a light mixing unit disposed in that order. The coherent light source forms a first light emission region, and light projected therefrom forms a second light emission region near the light deflection unit, which deflects light flux from the second light emission region. The second optical system forms a third light emission region which is conjugate to the second light emission region near an input end of the light mixing unit, which mixes angle and a position components of incident light. The light deflection unit is configured to continuously changing a direction in which the light flux is deflected, thereby reducing speckling in light emitted from the light mixing unit. |
| US08960919B2 |
Image projection device and image projection method
An image projection device includes a number-of-times measurement section that measures the number of passage times that the scanned laser light has passed through the light radiation members, a time measurement section that is triggered to measure an elapsed time when the number-of-times measurement section measures the number of passage times, an arithmetic section that calculates an initial timing at which the laser light source section starts outputting the laser light based on the measurement results of the number-of-times measurement section and the time measurement section, and a signal generation section that generates the switch signal at the initial timing calculated by the arithmetic section. |
| US08960906B2 |
Image processing apparatus, ophthalmologic imaging apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium
An image processing apparatus includes an identification unit configured to identify periodicity of a fundus image obtained by capturing an image of a fundus of an eye, and an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information indicating an imaging state of photoreceptor cells in the fundus image based on the periodicity. |
| US08960901B2 |
Myopia control ophthalmic lenses
Lenses are designed using wavefront measurements amenable to correction factors for near and far vision as well as pupil size to slow or stop myopia progression. |
| US08960896B2 |
Eyeglasses without using screws
A pair of eyeglasses includes a frame having two rims with a bridge connected therebetween. Each rim has an installation hole and a groove is defined in the inner periphery of each of the installation holes. A reception portion is defined in the outside of each of the rims. Two lenses each have the inner end engaged with the groove and the outer end of each lens is located in the reception portion. A passage is defined through the distal end of each of the rims. An opening and an engaging hole are respectively defined through each of the rims and communicate the passage. The opening communicates with the reception portion. Two connection members are respectively inserted into the two passages and each connection member has a protrusion which extends through the opening and presses the lens. Each connection member has a resilient engaging portion engaged with the engaging hole. |
| US08960895B2 |
Collapsible spectacle
A spectacle frame comprises two opposite lens support elements (10,20) and two opposite flexible temples (30,40). Each support element (10,20) has a channel (13,23) with an attachment seat (14,24). Each temple (30,40) has an end having attachment members (33,43) that are suitable to engage the attachment seat (14,24) of a respective support element (10,20). Each temple (30,40) is suitable to slide along the channels (13,23) of the two opposite support elements (10,20) such that the attachment members (33,43) of a temple (30,40) engage the attachment seat (14,24) of the support element (10,20) opposite to said temple (30,40). |
| US08960884B2 |
White ink for ink jet recording and recording apparatus
White ink of the present invention for ink jet recording contains a white pigment having an average particle size of 200 nm to 400 nm and composed of metallic oxide, and the white ink satisfies Formula (1): 0.5×A≦V≦1.3×A (1) where A represents the white pigment content (mass %) in the white ink, and V represents the proportion (%) of the volume of the white pigment which has completely settled in the white ink to the total volume of the white ink. |
| US08960883B2 |
Aqueous ink for inkjet and inkjet recording method
Disclosed is an aqueous ink for inkjet that contains water, pigment, organic or inorganic acid (A) and ammonia or amines (B) or ammonium salts of organic or inorganic acids, a resin having anionic groups (C), and an amphoteric resin having both anionic and cationic groups (D). The aqueous ink for inkjet is characterized by fulfilling the relationship pKa(A) |
| US08960874B1 |
Replaceable printing component
A replaceable printing component includes a housing, and an array of pockets separated by ribs and each having a first geometrical shape formed in a side of the housing, wherein at least one of the ribs between adjacent ones of the pockets is removed to form a combined pocket having a second geometrical shape. |
| US08960873B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head, a mounting mechanism including a downstream flow path, a cartridge including an upstream flow path to be communicably connected to the downstream flow path when the cartridge is attached to the mounting mechanism and an annular projection, and configured to be mounted on the mounting mechanism by being made to pivot, a carriage that reciprocates in a predetermined stroke region carrying thereon the liquid ejecting head and the mounting mechanism, a liquid supply tube connecting between a liquid tank located outside the stroke region and the upstream flow path, and an elastic member of an annular shape having a larger outer diameter than that of the annular projection and a smaller inner diameter than that of the annular projection and disposed to surround a liquid introduction path, the elastic member including an abutment portion. |
| US08960872B2 |
Inkjet image forming apparatus and ink container
An inkjet image forming apparatus includes an ink container and a container installed part. The ink container stores an ink, includes an RFID tag, a pouch pack and a container case. The pouch pack contains the ink and has a supply port discharging the ink. The container case houses the pouch pack and has a pack holding part holding the pouch pack and a tag fixing part. To the pack holding part, the supply port is fixed. The tag fixing part is provided adjacent to the pack holding part and has a needle insertion part. To the tag fixing part, the RFID tag is fixed at a distance from the pack holding part. The container installed part includes an RFID sensing circuit board carrying out wireless communication with the RFID tag and a needle inserted in the needle insertion part. |
| US08960870B2 |
Printing system structures
A liquid ink container having mating features for self alignment with an ink delivery station. The ink delivery station includes a receiver with an actuated puncture ring. The liquid ink container includes a cap that is punctured by the ring to allow fluid flow from the container. The receiver and container also include means for introducing pressurized gas into the container to facilitate evacuation of liquid ink. |
| US08960869B2 |
Tank and printer including tank
The invention is to prevent positional deviation of a sealing valve, improve bubble releasability during atmosphere introduction, and stably supply ink to a recording head. The configuration is provided with an opening 270 on an upper portion of a cylindrical regulating body 165 of a joint base 140 in a state where an ink tank 100 is mounted on a connection unit 10 of a printer. |
| US08960867B2 |
Electromechanical conversion element, manufacturing method thereof, piezoelectric type actuator, liquid droplet jetting head, and inkjet recording apparatus
An electromechanical conversion element for converting an electric signal into mechanical displacement or converting mechanical displacement into an electric signal, includes a bottom electrode in which an alumina film, a metal film, and a conductive oxide film are sequentially laminated; an electromechanical conversion film disposed on the conductive oxide film of the bottom electrode; and a top electrode disposed on the electromechanical conversion film, wherein the metal film is solid. |
| US08960866B2 |
Electromechanical transducer element, liquid discharge head, liquid discharge device, and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is an electromechanical transducer element including a first electrode disposed on a substrate; an electromechanical transducer film disposed on a first portion of the first electrode; and a second electrode disposed on a second portion of the electromechanical transducer film, wherein an actuator portion formed by laminating the substrate, the first electrode, the electromechanical transducer film, and the second electrode has a stiffness such that, in a cross section of the actuator portion, the stiffness gradually increases from an end portion of the actuator portion to a center portion of the actuator portion. |
| US08960864B2 |
Nozzle unit for printer and printer having the same
A nozzle unit for a printer that includes a sleeve having a guide path formed in the sleeve and through which ink passes, a nozzle hole seat arranged at one end of the sleeve and having a nozzle hole corresponding to the guide path, and a nozzle holder accommodating the sleeve and the nozzle hole seat, having an opening whose diameter is larger than a diameter of the nozzle hole of the nozzle hole seat so that the ink passing through the nozzle hole is externally discharged through the opening, and including a paramagnetic material. |
| US08960862B2 |
Ink-jet head and ink-jet drawing device including same
An actuator included in a head substrate of an ink-jet head receives, with an electrode on the surface of the actuator, power fed from the wiring of a wiring substrate arranged opposite the head substrate. A first electrode of the wiring substrate is electrically connected to the wiring, and protrudes to the side of the head substrate. A second electrode is electrically connected to the electrode on the surface of the actuator, protrudes to the side of the wiring substrate and is electrically connected to the first electrode. The head substrate and the wiring substrate are adhered to each other through an adhesive layer such that a space to which the first electrode and the second electrode are exposed is hermetically sealed. The hermetically sealed space is in a vacuum state or is filled with a gas containing a predetermined amount of water or less. |
| US08960855B2 |
Print head module
A print head module (20) for depositing a substance has an axis and a plurality of print heads (22) provided with nozzles (23). The heads are distributed along the axis to form an elongate compound head having nozzle redundancy by arranging the heads in partially overlapping relation to one another. This allows deposition of the substance from the nozzles in uniform swathes having different angles transverse to the axis. |
| US08960853B2 |
Image forming apparatus and exposure device
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that rotates; and an exposure unit that includes multiple light emitters, a holding unit, and first contact portions, the multiple light emitters being arranged along a rotation axis direction of the image carrier, the holding unit holding the multiple light emitters, the first contact portions being positioned on the holding unit so as to sandwich the multiple light emitters therebetween, the exposure unit exposing the image carrier to light. While the image carrier is being mounted on an apparatus body, the exposure unit is moved away from the image carrier in an optical axis direction of the exposure unit as a result of the first contact portions coming into contact with the image carrier, and the exposure unit and the image carrier are positioned as a result of the first contact portions coming into contact with the image carrier. |
| US08960852B2 |
Recording apparatus
There is provided a recording apparatus including a support stage which support a recording medium, a recording processing section which includes a recording unit for performing recording on the supported recording medium and is bridged so as to cross over the support stage in an X-axis direction, a Y-axis moving section which moves the recording processing section in a Y-axis direction with respect to the support stage, a rear bumper section which is arranged on the rear side of the recording processing section in the Y-axis direction and absorbs impact from collision with a foreign matter, and a first detection section which detects whether or not a distance between the recording medium A and the recording unit is less than a predetermined value, in which at least a part of the first detection section is arranged inside the rear bumper section. |
| US08960851B2 |
Image recording device and method of image recording
An image recording device which includes a control unit which alternately performs, main-scannings in which the recording head is moved in the main-scanning direction while the recording head ejecting the liquid to form line images that extend in the main scanning direction and are adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction, and sub-scannings in which the recording head is moved in the sub-scanning direction, and a detection unit which detects a displacement of a mark which is formed on the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, wherein the control unit adjusts a movement amount of the recording head which is moved in the sub-scanning direction in the sub-scannings on the basis of a detection result of the detection unit. |
| US08960844B2 |
Discharge rate control method for ink-jet printer, ink spread inspecting method, and oriented film forming method
An ink-jet type print head discharge inspecting apparatus comprises an inspecting area in which an anomaly in an ink-jet nozzle is inspected according to an impacted droplet pattern of an oriented film material discharged using the ink-jet nozzle, a film forming area in which an oriented film is formed by discharging and impacting the oriented film material using the ink-jet nozzle, and a moving means configured to move the ink-jet nozzle from the inspecting area to the film forming area, or move a position of the inspecting area and a position of the film forming area to a position opposing the ink-jet nozzle, when the impacted droplet pattern is within a predetermined range. |
| US08960842B2 |
Media-tracking system using thermal fluoresence quenching
A system is described for tracking a position of a receiver medium as it travels along a media path. A heat source provides heat to the receiver medium in a localized area sufficient to permanently alter a fluorescent agent in the receiver medium, thereby forming a reference mark characterized by a reduced level of fluorescence. A stimulating light source illuminates the receiver medium at a downstream position along the media path, the stimulating light source having a spectrum adapted to stimulate the fluorescent agent to fluoresce thereby producing emitted light. A sensor is used to sense the emitted light from the receiver medium thereby providing a sensed light level signal. The sensed light level signal is analyzed to determine a position of the receiver medium by detecting the reduced level of fluorescence associated with the reference mark. |
| US08960834B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus using print head with overlapping nozzle arrays
The memory size and processing time for the correction of image data carried out to reduce image deterioration caused by nozzle ejection characteristic variation in an inkjet printing apparatus can be minimized. Print heads are provided with pluralities of chips that have nozzle arrays formed from a plurality of nozzles. Overlap portions and non-overlap portions are formed on each chip. An image processing apparatus sets input image data, corresponding to nozzle regions that are defined in nozzle arrays along the alignment direction of the nozzles of the print head and that are composed of a plurality of nozzles, as processing blocks. The input image data is processed according to parameters defined for each of those processing blocks. The boundaries of the nozzle regions corresponding to the input image data of the processing blocks are established according to the boundaries of the overlap portions and the non-overlap portions. |
| US08960830B2 |
Inkjet printing apparatus and inkjet printing method
An inkjet printing head prints an image on a printing medium located at a printing position facing the printing head, by a printing operation in which the printing head ejects ink onto the printing medium, and the printing head is capable of resuming the printing operation after suspension of the printing operation. A supporting unit supports the printing medium on which the image is printed by the printing head, and an adjusting unit is capable of adjusting a facing distance between the printing head and the supporting unit. A control unit controls the adjusting unit so that the facing distance is greater than that during the printing of a printed image, in case the printing operation is resumed and the printed image moves relative to the printing position. The control unit controls the adjusting unit based on the time elapsed between the suspension of the printing operation and the resumption of the printing operation, so that the facing distance is greater as the elapsed time is longer. |
| US08960828B2 |
Process for printing wood-based flat elements and production line
A printing process may involve providing a wood-based flat panel, which is made from a mass of wooden particles, a preliminary step of graphic composition of a multi-colored image using an electronic processor and relative software, and a printing step for printing the wood-based flat panel with the multi-colored image using an ink-jet printer provided with print heads. The colors employed by the ink-jet printer may include the prime colors cyan, magenta, and yellow in addition to black. The ink-jet printer may be controlled by the electronic processor. The wood-based flat panel may move relative to the ink-jet printer while at least one of the print heads propels ink micro-droplets onto the wood-based flat panel. The print heads may be stationary during the printing operation. |
| US08960827B2 |
Anti-tip and retention assembly for appliance support plate
A shelving assembly includes a support plate, left and right side supports, and rear and front anti-tip and retention features. The side supports each include a front end located adjacent to a front edge of the support plate, and a rear end located adjacent to a rear edge of the support plate. A portion of the rear and front anti-tip and retention features is disposed above the support plate for preventing tipping and for retaining the support plate on the side supports. The front and rear anti-tip and retention features are spaced apart such that a majority of the top surface of the support plate along opposite left and right side edges is freely exposed and unencumbered by the front and rear anti-tip and retention features. |
| US08960824B2 |
Customizable drawer liner for a refrigerator drawer
A refrigerator drawer liner for segregating a plurality of storage objects in a refrigerator drawer and for transporting storage objects between a secondary location and the refrigerator drawer, the refrigerator drawer liner having a container body having a receiving space for receiving at least one storage object, a container bottom, at least two side walls, and a positioning slot. The refrigerator drawer liner may have at least one separation plate for variably dividing the receiving space of the container body. The at least one separation plate may have a position adjusting handle operatively connected to the at least one separation plate through the positioning slot. |
| US08960822B1 |
Drawer track with anti-slip structure
A drawer track with an anti-slip structure may include four connecting units; two rails horizontally installed on both sides of a receiving space formed by said connecting units at four corners, said rail having multiple through holes and a slide sheet on each inner portion of the rails; a drawer; and at least one anti-slip member. The drawer is placed onto and slides along the slide sheets of the rail. The rail has multiple through holes and is connected with the L-shaped anti-slip member to limit the movement of the drawer. The drawer track with an anti-slip structure can be quickly and conveniently installed and safely operated, and provide sufficient structural stability. |
| US08960821B2 |
Pull-out guide for drawers
A pull-out guide for drawers, including a body rail, a drawer rail, and a center rail which runs differentially between these two and is guided in two rolling body carriages. The center rail has a toothed wheel and the two rolling body carriages each have one toothed rack that meshes with the toothed wheel. When the pull-out guide is completely pulled out, the drawer rail is pulled out beyond the body rail. Each toothed rack includes a toothed rack end section which projects past the rolling body carriage and meshes with the toothed wheel when the pull-out guide is completely pulled out. The body rail and/or the drawer rail each have a support on which a side of the toothed rack end section facing away from the tooth profile is supported when the pull-out guide is completely pulled out. |
| US08960820B2 |
Guided slide assembly
A guided slide assembly includes at least one sliding rail unit having a longitudinal base plate, a pair of guide plates extending respectively and transversely from two opposite sides of the base plate, and at least one securing portion formed on one of the guide plates. At least one longitudinal guiding unit is detachably disposed on the one of the guide plates, and has a longitudinal rack member and at least one engaging hook disposed on the rack member. The engaging hook engages the securing portion of one on the guide plates. |
| US08960819B2 |
Ultra low-profile spice rack
A spice rack for attaching to the inner surface of kitchen cabinet doors provides a low profile support and spice containers that may fit substantially within the gap between the cabinet door and the front of the shelves defined by a thickness of the face frame and a small clearance gap between the shelves in the rear of the face frame. |
| US08960810B2 |
Cutting bit and bit holder
A cutting bit for use in a heavy-duty mining, drilling or milling operation includes a generally conical body, a first end of which presents a cutting point and a second end of which presents an axially extending recess. The body has a generally convex surface portion. Locking means releasably and rotatably connect the cutting bit to a protruding part of a bit holder. The recess has an entrance portion presenting a generally conical surface portion. A corresponding bit holder is presented as well as a system using the cutting bit and bit holder. |
| US08960807B2 |
Hydraulic circuit for longwall mining
A hydraulic circuit for longwall support for use in underground mining for supporting a longwall by means of a plurality of support shields incorporates a pressure monitoring device in the pressure line between the load maintaining valve and the shield control valve. The pressure monitoring device can be a device for monitoring the piston position of the shield control valve which device signals a deviation of the set position predetermined by the shield control device from the measured actual position of the piston of the shield control valve in the form of a deviation signal. It may also be a pressure sensor which signals the deviation of the set pressure predetermined by the shield control device from the measured actual pressure in the form of a deviation signal. Signaling can be acoustic or optical. |
| US08960806B2 |
Method for operating a ground milling machine with height-adjustable milling roller
The present invention relates to a method for operating a ground milling machine which comprises at least one height-adjustable milling roller, wherein the milling roller performs a tumbling movement (T′) which is controlled by way of open-loop and/or closed-loop control during lowering in operation. The present invention further relates to a control device for the closed-loop and/or open-loop control of this method, and also to a ground milling machine with such a control device. |
| US08960803B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat is provided with an operation portion that protrudes toward a rear seat from an opening formed at an outer shield and that is used to unlock a recliner from the rear seat side and a reinforcement member that is attached to a cushion frame side so as to cover a notch formed near the opening of the outer shield. Engagement hooks that engage with respective engagement holes formed at edges of the notch and a fixing portion that is fixed to a plate provided at the cushion frame side are formed at the reinforcement member. |
| US08960802B2 |
Vehicle seat with guided scissor arms
The invention concerns a vehicle seat with a seat upper part comprising a seat part and a back rest, and with a seat lower part, wherein between the seat upper part and the seat lower part is arranged a height-adjustable seat frame with at least two scissor arms connected rotatably together, wherein at least a first end of at least one of the scissor arms is connected with at least one slide element for sliding displacement of the first end in at least one displacement direction along at least one guide rail, wherein the slide element has at least one flexibly formed pressure force element to exert a pressure force directed against the guide rail. |
| US08960800B2 |
Fold and tumble release mechanism
A release mechanism selectively actuates a recliner between a locked condition and an unlocked condition allowing pivotal movement of a seat back between a seating and fold flat position. The release mechanism includes a recliner cam lever operatively coupled to the recliner for actuating the recliner between the locked and unlocked conditions. A recliner handle lever engages the recliner cam lever in a first actuated position to actuate the recliner between the locked and unlocked conditions allowing pivotal movement of the seat back between a seating position and a fold flat position and further engages the recliner cam lever in a second actuated position to release a seat cushion from the floor and allow pivotal movement of the seat cushion between a seating position and tumbled position when the seat back is maintained in the fold flat position. |
| US08960795B2 |
Foldaway passenger seat for utility vehicle
A foldaway passenger seat (20) for a utility vehicle (10) is provided. The seat (20) comprises a seat tray (22) which pivots around a single axis (X) between a substantially horizontal seating position and a substantially vertical stowed position. The axis is oriented so that a forward facing edge (22c) of the seat tray in the seating position becomes the lower-most edge in the stowed position and is longitudinally aligned with respect to the forward direction of travel. Advantageously, the seat tray pivots from the seating position to the stowed position in a single fluid movement. |
| US08960794B2 |
Child carrier and car seat combination
A rigid wearable child carrier with shoulder strap, restraint system with integrated handle, and kickstands to be used with a corresponding car seat wherein the child carrier operates both independently and in conjunction with the car seat and the car seat operates independently and also operates normally when the carrier is present. |
| US08960791B2 |
Trim attachment apparatus for vehicle seating assembly
A vehicle seating assembly that includes a frame structure and a panel coupled with the frame structure that has an occupant support surface. A connection element protrudes from the occupant support surface and borders a predefined area of the occupant support surface. A trim module covers the predefined area and includes an attachment feature extending inward and engaging the connection element to form a seal around the predefined area. A ventilation aperture extends through the panel within the predefined area and an air movement device is coupled with the panel to draw air through the ventilation aperture from an exterior surface of the trim module. |
| US08960790B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes a tension structure extended on a back frame with a configuration in which a natural frequency in the right-and-left direction of the back frame is set lower than the natural frequency in the front-and-rear direction. Thereby, the structure can easily deflect in the right-and-left direction. Therefore, since an impact load larger than a predetermined level inputted in the front-and-rear direction due to front-and-rear/pitching vibration or a rear collision and the like becomes a force of deflecting the back frame in the right-and-left direction, the vibration/impact energy is consumed by that, and moreover, rearward displacement of the back frame consumes vibration/impact energy. Thus, absorbing performances of the vibration/impact energy are higher than before. |
| US08960788B2 |
Groove system for adjustable chair
The invention consists of modification to the groove of the side panels and integration of locking system on seat and foot plates of the adjustable chair for children. The upright panel of the adjustable high chair has grooves with a single or plurality of holes along the top and bottom surfaces of the groove to catch a comparable interlocking device, for locking desired object at various positions. The modification to the groove allows more versatility to adjustment of height, and exchanging the usability of the adjustable chair to other types of fixtures. In addition to the modification, similar groove system is to be added to the outer surface of the side panels to accommodate changing positions of the food tray or grab rail in accordance to the changing positions of the seat plates. This groove system can also be applied to other adjustable chairs. |
| US08960785B2 |
Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion movable in a front-rear direction, an ottoman provided at a front portion of the seat cushion such that the ottoman can be stored and unfolded to function as a footrest, and a transmitting mechanism which moves the ottoman from a stored position to an unfolded position in association with change of a position of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction from a rear side position which is a normal use position to a front side position which is a comfortable position, and which moves the ottoman from the unfolded position to the stored position in association with return of the position of the seat cushion in the front-rear direction from the comfortable position to the normal use position. |
| US08960783B2 |
Recliner mechanism actuator
A recliner mechanism for use in a seat assembly of a vehicle, the recliner mechanism comprising a cam stop member coupled to the seat assembly; a cam bracket pivotably coupled to the seat assembly; a catch lever pivotably coupled to the seat assembly; a release crank member coupled to the catch lever; a cable member coupled to the cam bracket and to the cushion pivot bracket; and wherein rotation of the seat assembly via the cushion pivot bracket causes the cable to wind about the cam of the cushion pivot bracket such that the first end of the cable member pulls an actuates the cam bracket causing the cam bracket to rotate against the pin catch lever causing the catch lever to actuate the release crank member to release the recliner mechanism and thereby enable reconfiguration of the seat assembly from a first position to a second position. |
| US08960775B2 |
Structure for side portion of vehicle body
The center pillar outer member (36) of a center pillar (22) which supports a roof (17) is halved into a center pillar outer upper section (37) and a center pillar outer lower section (38). The center pillar outer member (36) is provided with a connection recess (41) at which the center pillar outer lower section (38) is joined to the center pillar outer upper section (37), and is also provided with a seal member (42) which covers the connection recess (41). The seal member (42) continues to the front upper seal (43) and the rear upper seal (44), respectively, of a front door opening seal (31) and a rear door opening seal (33), the front and rear upper seals (43, 44) extending along a roof side rail (24). |
| US08960774B2 |
Impact absorbing body for a vehicle door trim
An impact absorbing body for attachment to a door trim is capable of bearing a collision load from an exterior panel at the time of a side collision. The impact absorbing body has a top face portion with linear edge portions and sidewall portions extending from the linear edge portions toward the door trim to provide a hollow box. The impact absorbing body also includes base portions connected to edge portions of the sidewall portions. The base portions are open toward the door trim and are attached to the door trim. The impact absorbing body also includes slits between adjacent sidewall portions, and the sidewall portions have outwardly slanted portions. In addition, rib members extend from the top face portion toward the base portion, toward the inside of the hollow box, and connect the adjacent sidewall portions. |
| US08960773B2 |
Vehicle body front section structure
A vehicle body front section structure includes a projecting member that is provided at an outside wall of a front side member further to a vehicle width direction inside than a front wheel and at a location separated in the vehicle body front-rear direction from a front bumper reinforcement, such that the projecting member projects out further towards the vehicle width direction outside than the outside wall. The vehicle body front section structure is further provided with an assistance portion that is formed to the outside wall, and that assists movement of the rear end portion of the projecting member towards the vehicle width direction inside upon input of load to the projecting member. |
| US08960770B2 |
Rear spoiler with adjustable aerodynamic profiles for a high performance road vehicle
A rear spoiler with adjustable aerodynamic profiles for a high performance road vehicle, the rear spoiler including: at least one fin-shaped support, a first adjustable aerodynamic profile that is mounted onto the fin-shaped support and that rotates around a first rotational axis, and a second adjustable aerodynamic profile that is mounted onto the fin-shaped support at a different height than the first aerodynamic profile and that rotates around a second rotational axis, that is parallel to the first rotational axis, and in an opposite direction with respect to the rotation of the first aerodynamic profile, wherein the first rotational axis is located close to a trailing edge of the first aerodynamic profile and the second rotational axis is located close to a leading edge of the second aerodynamic profile. |
| US08960769B2 |
Fairing for a truck cab-trailer gap
A truck for pulling a semi-trailer includes an operator cab positioned on a frame and a fifth wheel mounted on the frame for receiving an underside of the semi-trailer. The trailer when attached to the truck defines a gap between a forward most portion of the semi-trailer and rearward most portion of the operator cab. A fairing can be located on the frame, aft of the operator cab and forward of at least a portion of the fifth wheel. The fairing can block at least a portion of the air flow attempting to enter the gap from below the frame. |
| US08960765B2 |
Flexible folding cover
A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a first tonneau section, a second tonneau section, a third tonneau section, and a fourth tonneau section, each being generally coplanar in an extended position. A first hinge system hingedly couples the first and second sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the first section relative to the second section. A second hinge system hingedly couples the second and third sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the combination of the first and second sections relative to the third section. Finally, a third hinge system hingedly couples the third section to the fourth section to permit pivotal movement of the combination of the first, second, and third tonneau sections relative to the fourth section into a retracted, stacked, and rotated upward position. |
| US08960763B2 |
Retractable sun visor and central overhead console system for use with panoramic windscreen
The present invention provides an assembly for controllable viewing angle for a vehicle. The system further provides configurable independent sunlight blocking or completely unobstructed options for the occupants in the vehicle having a panoramic view windscreen. |
| US08960760B2 |
Reconfigurable dashboard assembly for military vehicles
A modular dashboard assembly for a vehicle, such as a tactical vehicle, is described. In some cases, the dashboard assembly includes a smart back plane and removably attachable front modules. The back plane may facilitate communications between components within the front modules and systems with the vehicle, or between components. |
| US08960754B1 |
Utility vehicle
A utility vehicle 1 equipped with main frames 11 for forming a framework of a chassis; a ROPS (Roll-Over Protective Structure) 6 provided at an intermediate portion of the main frame in the front-rear direction of a body of the vehicle so as to enclose a cabin 5; a seat 7 disposed inside the ROPS; an engine 20 disposed under the seat; a storage box 30 disposed under the seat and on the outside of the engine in the width direction of the vehicle to store equipment requiring inspection and maintenance; and a lid 40 engaged with a box body to cover an opening 30a for the inspection and maintenance of the equipment. |
| US08960749B2 |
Vacuum suction apparatus
A vacuum suction apparatus is equipped with a body having a supply port, and a pad provided on a lower portion of the body to which a workpiece can be attracted under suction. The pad is constituted from a base plate accommodated in a space of the body, a flexible intermediate plate provided on a lower portion of the base plate, and a suction sheet body disposed on a lower portion of the intermediate plate and having a sheet that attracts the workpiece under suction. In addition, the base plate, the intermediate plate and the suction sheet body are stacked along an axial direction of the body. The rigidity of the base plate is highest, whereas the rigidities of the intermediate plate and the suction sheet body are lower in this order, and the flexibilities thereof are greater in this order from the base plate. |
| US08960744B2 |
Handheld, integrated multifunction shovel
A multifunctional shovel is disclosed, comprising an elongated handle hingedly affixed to the reverse face of the shovel body such that the shovel body rotates axially around the distal end of the handle. In various embodiments, the shovel body comprises a plurality of ground engaging edges, such as a scrapper and plow, which can be positioned for ground engagement by rotating the target edge of shovel body into position around the distal end of the handle. The shovel also comprises a hinge and locking mechanism in some embodiments. The components are all of sufficient rigidity and durability to withstand compressive and tensile forces imposed on the shovel. |
| US08960738B2 |
Door handle device for vehicle
A vehicle door handle device is configured so that, after a frame is assembled to an outer panel of a slide door, a link base, a connecting link, and a hand grip are mounted to the frame. Next, a lever and a cap are mounted to the hand grip and the frame, thereby assembling each component member to the outer panel. When the hand grip is moved through a door opening operation in the same direction as a slide door opening direction, an operation force for releasing a fully closed latch mechanism, which retains the slide door in a fully closed state, is generated. In addition, when the hand grip is moved through a door closing operation in the same direction as a slide door closing direction, an operation force for releasing a fully opened latch mechanism, which retains the slide door in a fully opened state, is generated. |
| US08960734B2 |
Push responsive hold-down
A latch which for example may secure a closure to an associated receptacle. The latch may comprise a collar which entraps the enlarged head of a large headed object. The collar may have a series of passages formed therein, each of which receives a spherical object such as a ball bearing. The latch may comprise a pushbutton having an annular body bearing a first portion which prevents the ball bearings from moving, and a second portion which gives each ball bearing space to occupy. The ball bearings normally interfere with the enlarged head and entrap the same within the collar. When the pushbutton is depressed, the second portion allows the ball bearings to move out of the interference position, thereby enabling the enlarged head to escape from the collar. Motion of the pushbutton also provides actuating force for moving the ball bearings. |
| US08960731B2 |
Dual lock locking system for containers
A locking system is mounted to a door with three rods extending therefrom. The rods have a locked position extending beyond the periphery of the door and an unlocked position not extending beyond the periphery of the door. Three rod receivers are adapted to receive the three rods in the locked position. A handle rotatably engages cam plates which are operatively engaged with the rods whereby rotation of the handle rotates the cam which moves the rod ends from one position to the other. A locking tab extends forwardly from the lower cam plate into a recess and is engaged by a circular lock while the recess prevents movement of the engaged circular lock. A second locking tab extends forwardly from the rod-locking link and a stationary locking tab is aligned thereto. Both locking tabs are engaged by a padlock preventing movement of the rod-locking link. |
| US08960730B2 |
Pet cage remote door opener
An apparatus for remotely opening the door of a pet cage. The apparatus has a linear solenoid connected to a latch on the enclosure. The solenoid is connected to control circuitry operated by a remote control unit. The apparatus is mounted on the cage with a spacer plate and a mounting plate. The spacer plate has a recess to receive the free end of the bolt portion of the latch and guide its travel away from interference with parts of the cage when the solenoid is operated. The mounting plate extends behind the latch portion on the door to prevent the caged pet from pawing at the latch and possibly opening it. A second mounting plate may be mounted behind the latch portion on the cage to protect that part of the latch. The spacer plate is uniquely designed to allow application of the apparatus to any size and/or configuration of cage without the need of any separate or additional pieces of adaptor hardware. |
| US08960725B2 |
Hollow fender
A fender is disclosed for use with a mobile machine. The fender may have a first wall, a plurality of corrugations formed within the first wall and extending in a lengthwise direction, and a second wall spaced apart from the first wall to at least partially form a hollow enclosure. The fender may also have a first lip integral with a lengthwise edge of the first wall and a lengthwise edge of the second wall and extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the first and second walls; and a lengthwise recess disposed within the first lip. The first wall, the second wall, and the first lip may be fabricated from a plastic material. |
| US08960722B2 |
Head trailer with saddle actuator
A trailer for transporting an agricultural harvesting head includes a pair of saddles for supporting the head. The saddles are adjustably mounted on the trailer frame and are simultaneously moved together by an actuator operated by a remote control. The saddles are connected by telescoping rod sections so that the spacing between the saddles is adjustable. |
| US08960721B2 |
Steering column apparatus
Construction of a steering column apparatus used in a tilt steering apparatus is achieved that is capable of reducing impact applied to the driver's body even when an adjustment rod is forcibly pressed against the front edges of long holes in the up-down direction during a secondary collision. Through holes that are continuous along the long holes in the up-down direction from the top end portion to the bottom end portion of the long holes in the up-down direction, and are formed in portions of a pair of left and right support plate portions of the support bracket that are further toward the front side than the long holes in the up-down direction. Bridge portions are provided between the front side edges of the long holes in the up-down direction and the rear side edges of the through holes. The bridge portions reduce impact by plastically deforming in the forward direction due to an impact load that is applied in the forward direction from the steering column by way of the adjustment rod during a collision accident. |
| US08960717B2 |
Belt strap for a seatbelt of a vehicle
A seatbelt strap for a seatbelt of a motor vehicle includes several seatbelt strap layers and at least one belt interior that can be charged with gas and is arranged between at least two seatbelt strap layers. The seatbelt strap layers are connected to one another in the region of the chargeable seatbelt interior at edge regions by tear strips having different seam thicknesses in different sections. The seatbelt strap layers are fastened to one another outside a region of the chargeable seatbelt interior in such a way that these remain connected to one another at least during the charging of the seatbelt interior. |
| US08960712B2 |
Wheel for wheelchair and wheelchair
A wheel includes an axle, a motor, a hub and a rotational displacement detection mechanism. The axle is supported on a body frame of a wheelchair. The motor is mounted on the axle. The hub includes a wheel hub mounted on the axle and handrim base section relatively rotatably supported on the axle and rotatable relative to the wheel hub. The rotational displacement detection mechanism detects rotational displacements of the handrim base section relative to the wheel hub and has a center of rotation coinciding with an axle center of the motor. |
| US08960711B2 |
Ski boot
A ski boot comprises a sole portion (2) that is attached to one or more separate outsole elements (3, 4, 5) for location between the sole portion (2) and a ski binding. At least one of the outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) prior to a secure fixing of said outsole element (3, 4, 5) to the sole portion (2) by at least one fastener (13) so as to be adjustable in forward, rearward, lateral and medial directions relative to the sole portion (2) and so as to be rotatable clockwise and counter clockwise relative to a centerline of the boot. Preferably, at least one of the outsole elements (5) is adapted for attachment to the ski binding. Advantageously, a plurality of outsole elements (3, 4, 5) is provided that are adjustably mounted on the sole portion (2) independently of the other outsole elements. |
| US08960701B2 |
Two-wheeled motor vehicle and front fork for the same
In a two-wheeled motor vehicle having a pair of right and left front forks for supporting a front wheel so that the front wheel is rotatable, a top bridge for supporting upper ends of the pair of right and left front forks, a handle post provided to the top bridge, and a bar-shaped handle secured to the hand post, the handle is provided above the front forks with respect to an axial line direction of the front forks, each front fork is provided with an air valve for sealingly filling air in the front fork and a projection on the upper surface thereof, and the projection is formed to be higher than the air valve. |
| US08960699B2 |
Suspension seat for use on wheelchair
A suspension seat comprises a structural layer and a stretchable top layer above the structural layer. The structural layer comprises a cut-out. The perimeter of the cut-out is defined by a plurality of discrete members. The discrete members allow the buttocks (i.e., the tissue surrounding the ischial sacrococcygeal aspects of the skeleton) of a wheelchair user to enter into the cut-out with gradual pressure minimizing high pressure concentrations at the edges of the cut-out. The stretchable top layer bears load via tension as the wheelchair user buttocks deflects into the cut-out. |
| US08960698B2 |
Suspension arrangement for a vehicle
A suspension arrangement for a vehicle including a leaf spring element having a substantially longitudinal configuration. Also included is a deflection limiting element coupled to said leaf spring element at an intermediate location thereof, wherein said deflection limiting element comprises a J-shaped spring element. Further included is a resilient element attached to said J-shaped spring element. |
| US08960696B2 |
Strut top mount with MCU and integral travel limiter
A top mount for a suspension damper has a housing with an interior chamber and a damper attachment member disposed in the interior chamber and spaced from the top end and the bottom end. An isolation assembly, formed of MCU, has an upper portion disposed between the member and the top end of the housing and a lower portion disposed between the member and the bottom end of the housing such that the isolation assembly supports the member in the housing. A travel limiter is disposed in the housing and has a first body of resilient material disposed between the member and the top end of the housing and a second body of material disposed between the member and the bottom end of the housing. The isolation assembly is disposed so as to function in parallel to the travel limiter. |
| US08960694B2 |
Trailing arm mounting bracket
A trailing arm mounting bracket for mounting a trailing arm to a chassis or slider assembly of a vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle, for example a lorry or a lorry trailer, includes two side plates each having a top end, a bottom end, and an opening in the bottom end for receiving a hinge pin, which side plates are positioned opposite each other with their opening at a mutual distance for receiving an end of the trailing arm in between their respective bottom ends, the side plates being mounted with their respective top ends to an in a mounted condition vertically oriented mounting plate, which mounting plate is arranged to connect the mounting bracket to the chassis or slider assembly, and where a center of the shortest distance between the two openings in the side plates lies substantially in a plane defined by the body of the mounting plate. |
| US08960691B2 |
Apparatus and method for damper adjustments for a horizontal suspension
The invention relates to a vehicle oscillation device having two vehicle parts arranged to be movable relative to each other, wherein one of the two vehicle parts is supported in a substantially horizontally oscillatory manner in relation to the further one of the two vehicle parts in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and/or in the width direction of the vehicle, wherein said two vehicle parts are coupled with each other in an pivoting manner by a transmission system having more than one transmission element, and a damper is provided in a damping manner between a first transmission element and one of the two vehicle parts or a further transmission element. |
| US08960689B1 |
High misalignment wheel drive
A high misalignment wheel drive includes a spline drive with external crown spline for rotation around an axis of the axle shaft and a drive plate for rotation about a drive plate axis, the drive plate including an internal spline for engaging the external crown spline in a pivotable splined connection to allow the spline drive to rotationally drive the drive plate while the drive plate axis is non-aligned with respect to the axle axis by up to an angle α. First and second thrust faces are positioned with respect to the spline drive to rotate with the spline drive and define the angle α between which third and fourth thrust faces, positioned with respect to the drive plate to rotate with the drive plate and for engaging the first and second thrust faces respectively, can move. |
| US08960686B2 |
Controlled surface roughness in vacuum retention
An apparatus, particularly a chuck for retaining a thin part for micro-machining processing, is disclosed. The chuck is formed of a plate-shaped body having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The plate-shaped body includes a light-transmissive material, and at least one of the first surface or the second surface is a roughened surface. The chuck can be incorporated into a micro-machining system using a chuck support that allows light through to backlight a processed part for inspection. |
| US08960685B2 |
Laminated gasket
The present invention provides a gasket for glass or resin syringes which is laminated with an inert resin film and is excellent in plugging properties, liquid-tightness, and slidability. The gasket laminated with an inert resin film has multiple circular ribs that are to be in sliding contact with an inner wall of a syringe barrel, wherein the circular ribs include a front circular rib having a sliding contact portion whose cross section has a diameter that expands substantially linearly toward a back end of the syringe barrel, the linear portion has a length of 10 to 55% of the length of a sliding side face of the gasket, and the diameter of the linear portion which expands substantially linearly toward a back end of the syringe barrel has a diameter expansion ratio X between a minimum diameter r (mm) and a maximum diameter R (mm) of 0.1 to 8.0%. |
| US08960682B2 |
Hybrid ring welded cylinder head gasket
A cylinder head gasket with a single layer carrier member, a sealing ring for sealing around the cylinder opening, and at least one protection layer. The sealing ring has a plurality of functional layers. A protection layer is positioned on at least one side of the sealing ring, and preferably on both sides. The sealing ring and protection layers are fixedly secured to the carrier member by welding. |
| US08960681B2 |
Cylinder head gasket
A cylinder head gasket 1 is sandwiched between a cylinder head 2 and a cylinder block 3 with a cylinder bore 4 and includes a substrate 10 with a combustion chamber hole 14 drilled at a position of the cylinder bore 4, and seal plates 11 to 13, the substrate 10 and the seal plates are stacked on one another. Fixation members 21 and 22 are secured to the substrate around a periphery of the combustion chamber hole. The seal plates include an engagement hole 23 formed therein and with which the fixation members are engaged. The engagement hole is engaged with the fixation members. The fixation members are sandwiched between the cylinder head and the cylinder block. The cylinder head and the cylinder block can be firmly coupled together via the fixation members. |
| US08960680B2 |
Static-dynamic seal assembly with hysteresis-inducing passages
A seal assembly is for sealing a clearance space about a shaft, the shaft being rotatable about a central axis, and includes a generally annular sealing member disposed about the shaft. The sealing member is radially deflectable between an inner position and an outer position, the sealing member sealing the clearance space when located at the inner position. A generally annular rotor is disposed about and rotatably coupled with the shaft, the rotor having a generally annular cavity sized to receive the sealing member and at least one and preferably a plurality of lift passages extending at least partially radially through the rotor. Each lift passage has an inner port fluidly coupled with the cavity and an outer port fluidly coupled with an exterior atmosphere such that suction generated within the lift passages when the rotor angularly displaces about the axis generally retains the sealing member at the outer position. |
| US08960675B1 |
Game using images produced by wetting medium
A game for creating and enlivening discussions between two or more people based upon images produced using liquid drops on a semi-absorbent surface. A few drops of liquid are randomly applied to a surface such as paper that has been treated to render a significant color change due to the reaction of the constituents of the liquid. The paper can be folded or twisted to enhance spreading of the liquid and absorption of the liquid into the paper and create a somewhat symmetrical image on the surface. The image thus formed is then used within the game. The game is then played according to the guidelines, if any, chosen by the participants before beginning. |
| US08960672B2 |
Sheet feeder control method, sheet feeder, and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeder control method for controlling a sheet feeder of an image forming apparatus includes feeding a sheet through a sheet feed path exposable to the exterior of the sheet feeder, detecting the feeding of the sheet at at least a first position on the sheet feed path, discharging the fed sheet to the exterior of the sheet feeder, detecting the discharge of the sheet at a second position downstream of the first position in a sheet feeding direction, detecting a sheet jam during the feeding and discharging of the sheet, and if the jammed sheet is detected at the second position but not at the first position, cancelling a malfunction state due to the sheet jam when the sheet stops being detected at the second position, irrespective of whether the sheet feed path is covered or exposed. |
| US08960668B2 |
Sheet-discharge apparatus, sheet processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus
The sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet-discharge fan that blows air downward of a sheet-discharged by an upper sheet-discharge roller, and a control portion configured to control an air velocity of air blown from the sheet-discharge fan according to a basis weight of the sheet. In the case where the basis weight of the sheet is a predetermined value or less, the control portion increases the air velocity of the sheet-discharge fan according to the basis weight of the sheet based on basis weight information from an input portion for inputting the basis weight information of the sheet. The control portion also controls the air velocity of the sheet-discharge fan to be a velocity at which the sheet whose rear edge contacts the sheet-stacking wall does not move in a sheet-discharge direction in the case where the basis weight of the sheet exceeds the predetermined value. |
| US08960667B2 |
Sheet discharge tray and image forming apparatus including the same
A sheet discharge tray according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an inclined support surface and a rib. The inclined support surface is inclined downward toward a sheet discharge portion and is configured to support a paper sheet discharged from the sheet discharge portion. The rib is provided along the inclined support surface. The rib has a larger elevation angle relative to a horizontal plane as compared to an angle of the inclined support surface. |
| US08960664B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus capable of easily performing jammed sheet recovery in a sheet feeding portion is provided. Upper guide grooves that guide attachment and detachment of a conveyance guide member and lower guide grooves that guide attachment and detachment of a sheet feeding cassette are formed in supporting plates that are provided in attachment and detachment directions in an apparatus body to face each other. When jamming occurs, a space near the sheet feeding portion is secured by extracting the conveyance guide member from the apparatus body. |
| US08960663B2 |
Sheet feeder with two suction wheels
A sheet feeder for separating sheets from a stack and for feeding the sheets to a downstream sheet processing machine includes a first suction wheel and a second suction wheel. The first suction wheel is disposed above the stack and the second suction wheel is disposed downstream of the stack and below a sheet travel plane. The first suction wheel separates a respective sheet from the stack and the second suction wheel accelerates the sheet. |
| US08960661B2 |
Stacker device for flat articles stacked on edge, and a postal sorting machine
A stacker device (1) for flat articles (2) stacked on edge, said device including a retaining paddle (6) mounted to be moveable along the stacking path (E) between an upstream position and a downstream position, and between a working position in which it interferes with said stacking path (E) and a resting position in which it does not interfere with said stacking path (E), a holding finger (7) suitable for being in a deployed position in which it interferes with said stacking path (E) so as to receive the foot of a flat article (2) bearing against it, and mounted to be moveable along said stacking path (E) between a rear position and a front position, said holding finger (7) and said retaining paddle (6) being independent from each other so that said holding finger (7) retains said foot of the flat article (2) even when said retaining paddle (6) is in its resting position. |
| US08960660B2 |
Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system
According to an embodiment, there is provided a sheet processing apparatus includes a stacking unit that stacks a sheet conveyed thereto; a first alignment unit that aligns the sheet or a bundle of sheets stacked in the stacking unit in a sheet conveying direction; a second alignment unit that aligns the sheet or the bundle of sheets stacked in the stacking unit in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction; a pressing unit that presses the bundle of sheets at an end portion thereof on a predetermined one side; and a control unit that causes at least one of the first and second alignment units to execute an alignment operation during a press operation of the sheet or the bundle of sheets performed by the pressing unit. |
| US08960659B2 |
Method for producing printed products consisting of at least three sub-products
In a first step, in a printed material web (1) moved in a feed direction, a first material web part (5) which is formed by a material web section (1a)is folded against the rest of the material web (6) that is formed from two material web portions (1b, 1c)).In the region of a connecting line (2b) extending between neighbouring material web sections (1b, 1c) the two material web parts (5,6) are connected to one another by a means of a bonding adhesive. In a subsequent step the material web (1) is folded again along a line (2b) extending between two neighbouring material web sections. (1b, 1c)All material web sections (1a, 1b, 1c) lie above one another. Subsequently, multi-page sub-products (11), the pages (12a, 12b, 12c) of which are connected to one another in the region of the spine (13) of the sub-product, are separated from the twice-folded material web (1). Finally, the sub-products (11) are placed on top of one another to form a stack (16) and are connected to one another in the region of the spine (13) thereof by means of a bonding adhesive. |
| US08960655B2 |
Compact flexure bearing spring for springing multiple bodies
A flexure bearing “planar” spring that can spring multiple, independently reciprocating bodies, such as springing each body to a third body or springing a first body to a second body and springing the second body to a third body. A primary arm set of primary spring arms are separated from each other by openings and extend inwardly from a peripheral frame along a non-radial primary path progressing inwardly toward a central axis and angularly about the central axis. A secondary arm set of at least one secondary spring arm extends along a non-radial secondary path progressing radially and angularly about the central axis. Each secondary arm is interposed in an opening between the primary arms allowing the primary arms and the secondary arms to pass by each other through the openings without interfering with each other. |
| US08960654B2 |
Vibration isolation device
Provided is a vibration isolation device including: a first attachment member formed in a tubular shape; a second attachment member disposed at the inner peripheral side of the first attachment member; a resilient body coupled to the first attachment member and the second attachment member; a partitioning member configuring a first main liquid chamber between the partitioning member and the resilient body; a diaphragm member configuring an auxiliary liquid chamber between the diaphragm member and the partitioning member; a first restricting through path enabling liquid to move between the first main liquid chamber and the auxiliary liquid chamber; a recess portion provided to the resilient body and configuring a liquid chamber between the recess portion and the first attachment member; a separating wall sectioning the liquid chamber into a plurality of second main liquid chambers; a second restricting through path; and pressure difference reduction portion. |
| US08960646B2 |
Apparatus and method for use in handling a load
Apparatus and method for use in handling a load, the apparatus comprising a load bearing elongate member (2) and a load bearing mechanism for paying out and recovering the load bearing elongate member; at least one service umbilical (9, 10) and a mechanism (12) for paying out and recovering the service umbilical; at least one securing member, and a wrapping device (15, 16) for rotating the securing member around the load bearing elongate member and the service umbilical as they are being paid out and to unwrap the or each securing member from the load bearing elongate member and the service umbilical as they are recovered. The rotation of the securing member by the wrapping device is powered by power supplied via a power conduit (25) in the form of an elongate flexible conduit wrapped onto a power conduit drum that has a central axial bore arranged concentrically with the load bearing elongate member during handling of the load. The power conduit drum has a cut out (28c) to allow passage of the elongate member into the central bore of the drum. |
| US08960642B2 |
Ball valve
The disclosed embodiments include ball valves having integrated seats. The integrated seats are included in a ball body assembly of a valve body. The ball body assembly may rotate with respect to the valve body to open or close the valve. The integrated seats may contact walls of a bore to sealingly close the valve. |
| US08960641B2 |
Vacuum valve
A vacuum valve having a valve rod (11) which has a longitudinal axis (20) and which carries at least one closing member (9, 10) for closing at least one valve orifice (2, 3) and which can be displaced by a longitudinal drive (18), in a longitudinal direction (21) lying parallel to the longitudinal axis (20) of the valve rod (11), from an initial position, in which the vacuum valve is open, into an intermediate position and can be displaced by a transverse drive (19) from the intermediate position to at least one end position in which the vacuum valve is closed. A transmission piece (23) which is guided displaceably in the longitudinal direction (21) by at least one guide part (24) is secured to the valve rod (11). At least one transverse drive part (26) of the transverse drive (19) engages on the guide part (24), the guide part (24) being displaceable in the transverse direction (22) by the transverse drive (19) via the at least one transverse drive part (26), and the guide part (24), during its displacement in the transverse direction (22), taking along the transmission piece (23). |
| US08960634B2 |
Holder for electronic device with support
Cases or holders for cell phones, personal digital assistants, portable video/music players, electronic books, electronic tablets and other handheld and/or free-standing display devices, as well as the devices themselves are disclosed. In different embodiments, a versatile protective holder that can allow placement on any surface for hands-free viewing, with full adjustment of viewing angle in landscape and/or portrait orientations; directional sound reflecting and baffling; easier cleaning and viewing of the device's screen; easier grasping by the user; wearing of the device using a belt clip or arm or waist band; as well as attachment to an automobile, bicycle, or other vehicle are disclosed. |
| US08960633B2 |
Adjusting tool
The invention provides an adjustment device and a method for the adjustment of a machine by means of the adjustment device which has a carrier block and a spindle guided in the carrier block, which spindle has an extension piece at its first end. The carrier block has a contact surface spaced from the guiding section of the spindle, e.g. which contact surface is at the surface of the carrier block facing the extension piece, and is particularly approximately in perpendicular to the axis of the spindle. Upon moving the spindle along its longitudinal axis in the guiding section in the carrier block the extension piece is moved against the plane in which the contact surface is arranged. |
| US08960632B2 |
Dual bar linkage monitor support with adustment feature
An adjustable support member for mounting a device including a support arm having a base pivot block and a right link arm connected at a first end to said base pivot block and a left link arm connected at a first end to said base pivot block and spaced from said right link arm, an upper leveler block wherein the right link arm is connected at a second end to the upper leveler block and the left link arm is connected at a second end to the upper leveler block, a gas spring assembly having first and second ends with the first end of the gas spring assembly being pivotally connected to the base pivot block at a gas spring adjustment assembly and the second end of the gas spring assembly having a rod connected to the right link arm and to the left link arm at a position spaced from both the first and second ends of the right link arm and the left link arm. |
| US08960631B2 |
Liquid-sealed antivibration device
A diaphragm 34 which defines a liquid sealing chamber 32 has a curved surface shape where the diaphragm 34 bulges toward a partition body 40 side with a center portion 34A thereof forming a peak portion, and a projection 44 which is an injection port mark of an elastic material formed at the time of forming the diaphragm 34 is formed on a film surface of the diaphragm 34 at the center portion 34A on the partition body 40 side. A recessed portion 62 which receives the projection 44 is formed in a center portion 56 of the partition body 40 which faces the projection 44 in an opposed manner, and a liquid-sealed antivibration device 10 is assembled in a state where the projection 44 of the diaphragm 34 is inserted into the recessed portion 62. |
| US08960630B2 |
Support structure
A support structure includes: a base, having an accommodation slot; a support portion, having a first end and a second end, in which the first end is connected to the base and the second end is received in the accommodation slot; and an elastic part, located at the first end of the support portion and encapsulated by the support portion, in which when the first end experiences a force, the elastic part generates an elastic deformation to make the second end extend beyond the accommodation slot. |
| US08960619B2 |
Method and device for assembling a motor-fan unit and a radiator for a motor vehicle engine and motor-fan unit and radiator assembly obtained
A device assembling a motor-fan with a motor vehicle engine radiator, including: a first support frame supporting the motor-fan and a second support frame supporting the radiator, at least one of the support frames including at least one peripheral sealing baffle to overlap a peripheral edge of the other support frame; at least four fixing points fixing the motor-fan to the radiator by engaging together simultaneously, including two upper fixing points each including at least one pin and a U-shaped lug to hold the upper part of the motor-fan with relatively little play in relation to the radiator, and two lower fixing points each including at least one pin and a lug with an L-shaped housing to hold the lower part of the motor-fan slightly away from the radiator and at an end of travel bring the lower part of the motor-fan close to the radiator with relatively little play. |
| US08960616B2 |
Mounting clips and decorative mounting articles
Mounting clips and decorative mounting articles removably engage to vertically disposed mounting surfaces, such as rain gutter downspouts. The mounting clips support arms, hooks, plates, decorations, and brackets for display of banners, flags, security lights, decorative lights, etc., on a downspout or other comparable mounting surface. The mounting clips include a frame having arms with projections separated by channels configured for attachment to a profiled outer surface of the mounting surface. Decorative mounting articles include a rear section forming channels having inner sidewalls with engagement portions configured for direct attachment of the decorative mounting article to a profiled outer surface of the mounting surface. |
| US08960615B1 |
Portable modular monopole tower foundation
A modular foundation includes a central portion and at least three legs non-rotatably secured to and extending from the central portion. The at least three legs are substantially equally spaced apart from each other wherein each leg includes a proximal end and a distal end. A basket is attached to the distal end of each leg wherein the basket is configured to be secured in a selected position. A platform is pivotally attached to the central portion wherein the platform is configured to move from a vertical position to a horizontal position. |
| US08960613B2 |
Tube interconnection system
A tube interconnection system is disclosed that includes multiple interconnection components having base portions and one or more band connection systems. The interconnection components can be configured to interact to be in a coupled state. To this end, a ratcheting mechanism can be configured to releasably hold the first interconnection component and the second interconnection component in various rotated positions relative to one another in the coupled state. |
| US08960610B2 |
High-lift system of an aircraft
A high-lift system of an aircraft has at least one drive unit, at least one load station as well as one or more transmissions for transmitting the drive energy of the drive unit to the at least one load station. One or more of the transmissions are made as transmission shafts from a material containing titanium or include a material containing titanium. |
| US08960609B2 |
Minimally intrusive wingtip vortex wake mitigation using inside-mold-line surface modifications
An airfoil tip vortex mitigation device comprising an intake port disposed in a first surface of an airfoil and an exit port in fluid communication with the intake port and disposed in a second surface of the airfoil where air pressure is less than at the first surface when the airfoil is producing lift. The channel and exit port are positioned and configured to direct diverted air in such a way as to weaken an airfoil tip vortex that's produced by the airfoil when the airfoil is producing lift. |
| US08960608B2 |
Deployable radiator having an increased view factor
A geostationary earth orbit (GEO) spacecraft is disclosed that includes a body with north, east, south, and west sides and a north-south axis. The spacecraft has at least one deployable radiator rotatably coupled to the body. The deployable radiator has a stowed position proximate to one of the east and west sides and a deployed position that is greater than 90 degrees from the north-south axis in a direction away from the respective one of the east and west sides. |
| US08960607B2 |
Container delivery system rapid deployment device
A pneumatic deployment device (“PDD”) assists in ejecting containerized cargo bundles from a cargo aircraft during an airdrop. The PDD includes a first structure affixed to the aircraft and a second moveable structure, and which is positioned against a cargo bundle, referred to as a CDS bundle. Typically, a series of CDS bundles are positioned along a line in the cargo hold of the aircraft. A pressurized tank provides compress gas to an airbag that is positioned between the first structure and the second structure. Upon reaching the drop location, the gas is release from the tank to the airbag via a hose, inflating the airbag. The airbag pushes the second structure against the CDS bundle, so that the cargo bundles are ejected faster from the aircraft than would otherwise occur. |
| US08960604B1 |
Composite fuselage system with composite fuselage sections
A method and apparatus comprising a composite section. The composite section has a cylindrical shape. The composite section also has an outer wall configured to be bonded to a first inner wall of a first composite cylindrical fuselage section and a second inner wall of a second composite cylindrical fuselage section for an aircraft. |
| US08960603B2 |
Impact resistant and damage tolerant aircraft fuselage
An aircraft fuselage part (31) located in a section of an aircraft (11) having a propulsion system (13) attached by upstream pylons (17), the fuselage part includes a skin (35); a plurality of frames (37) arranged perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis (33); a single or internally divided upper longitudinal box (41) and a single or internally divided lower longitudinal box (51) which are configured to form with the skin (35) a multi-cell structure, belonging in each cell the external side to the skin (35) and the internal sides to the longitudinal boxes (41, 51); a plurality of lateral beams (61) that are interconnected with the frames (37) to form together with the skin (35) a structural unity. The fuselage components (35, 37, 41, 51, 61) are dimensioned so that the aircraft can withstand the effect of pre-defined failure events keeping a sufficient number of closed cells. |
| US08960602B2 |
Partition wall in an aircraft
The invention is based on a partition wall in an aircraft, wherein the partition wall comprises a support element and a tension-mounted material. According to the invention, the support element is composed of individually formed system components, and the tension-mounted material is supported by the support element such that an area-shaped partition wall is created in the aircraft. |
| US08960600B2 |
Variable surface landing platform (VARSLAP)
In one embodiment, a variable surface landing platform (VARSLAP) includes a base for contacting a landing surface; at least 3 adjustable struts interconnected with the base, wherein each strut is bisected by a strut actuator-housing, and wherein the at least 3 adjustable struts are interconnected to a main body aerospace craft (MAC); a sensor array on the base; and an attitude determination and control system (ADCS). |
| US08960599B2 |
Aerospace vehicle yaw generating tail section
A tail section for an aerospace vehicle is provided. The tail section comprises a rudder which is movable about an axis to generate a yawing moment on the aerospace vehicle. The tail section further comprises a thruster having, in flow series, an air intake, an electrically powered device for accelerating the air received through the intake, and an air outlet which directs the accelerated air to increase the yawing moment generated by the rudder. |
| US08960598B2 |
System for attaching an impeller engine
The invention relates to a system for attaching an element (3) capable of vibrating onto an aircraft structure (2), comprising at least one pair of scoops (10) attached onto the element capable of vibrating, as well as onto the structure, each scoop (10a, 10b) of the pair of scoops comprising: an outer rigid element (12) attached onto the structure; an inner rigid element (13) mounted inside the outer rigid element and rigidly connected to the element capable of vibrating; and a flexible element (14) placed along each outer rigid element flank, between the outer rigid element and the inner rigid element. |
| US08960597B2 |
Propulsion unit for an aircraft and air intake structure for such a unit
This propulsion unit for an aircraft comprises: a fan (3) comprising a fan casing (23) the interior wall of which has a coating (25) the upstream edge of which is set back relative to the upstream edge (29) of the said casing (23), and an air intake assembly (A) comprising an air intake structure (1) comprising an air intake lip (7) and an acoustic shroud (11) extending between this air intake lip (7) and the upstream edge of the said coating (25). The said shroud (11) is connected to the said casing (23) simply by nesting inside this casing (23), this nesting possibly being supplemented by discrete means of connection between these two elements (11, 23). |
| US08960595B2 |
Wingless hovering of micro air vehicle
Embodiments of the subject invention relate to an air vehicle and a power source. Embodiments can operate at reasonable power levels for hovering and withstanding expected wind gusts. Embodiments can have a diameter less than 15 cm. Embodiments can have one or more smooth (continuous curvature) surface and can be operated using electromagnetic and electrohydrodynamic principles. The wingless design of specific embodiments can allow operation with no rotating or moving components. Additional embodiments can allow active response to the surrounding flow conditions. The issue of low lift to drag ratio and degradation of airfoil efficiency due to the inability of laminar boundary layers attachment can also be significantly reduced, or eliminated. The electromagnetic force can be generated by applying a pulsed (alternating/rf) voltage between a set of grounded and powered electrodes separated by a polymer insulator, dielectric, or other material with insulating properties. |
| US08960590B2 |
Pressure-equalizing cradle for booster rocket mounting
A launch system and method improve the launch efficiency of a booster rocket and payload. A launch aircraft atop which the booster rocket is mounted in a cradle, is flown or towed to an elevation at which the booster rocket is released. The cradle provides for reduced structural requirements for the booster rocket by including a compressible layer, that may be provided by a plurality of gas or liquid-filled flexible chambers. The compressible layer contacts the booster rocket along most of the length of the booster rocket to distribute applied pressure, nearly eliminating bending loads. Distributing the pressure eliminates point loading conditions and bending moments that would otherwise be generated in the booster rocket structure during carrying. The chambers may be balloons distributed in rows and columns within the cradle or cylindrical chambers extending along a length of the cradle. The cradle may include a manifold communicating gas between chambers. |
| US08960589B2 |
Panel for an air intake of an aircraft nacelle that ensures optimized acoustic treatment and frost treatment
An acoustic treatment panel includes an acoustically resistive layer that defines a surface of an aircraft that is in contact with an aerodynamic stream, a reflective layer (50) between which are arranged at least one alveolar structure (52) with a number of cells dedicated to the acoustic treatment, and de-icing cavities (58) in which hot air circulates in contact with the acoustically resistive layer to ensure a frost treatment, characterized in that it includes holes for supplying de-icing cavities (58) with hot air and in that the capacity to treat the frost is adjusted along the zones by modifying the open surface ratio that results from the holes. |
| US08960586B2 |
Filament winding device
A filament winding device enables fiber bundles to be wound around the outer circumference surface of a liner at equal intervals even when the winding angle of the fiber bundles changes. The filament winding device includes a first helical head on which fiber bundle guides are radially disposed in the periphery of a liner to be transported; and a second helical head which is disposed adjacent to the first helical head and on which the fiber bundle guides are radially disposed in the periphery of the liner The filament winding device also has phase adjusting means for adjusting the phase difference between the fiber bundle guides on the first helical head and and on the second helical head in accordance with the angle (θ) at which the fiber bundle is wound around the liner. |
| US08960584B1 |
Cord storage device
A cord storage device is provided for storing an electrical cord without tangling. The device includes a planar member having a first end cutout forming a pair of spaced first end arms extending from a first end of a medial section of the planar member. The planar member further has a second end cutout forming a pair of spaced second end arms extending from a second end of the medial section of the planar member. A plurality of clips is coupled to the planar member. Each clip is configured for engaging a cord whereby the cord is securable to the planar member by engaging a first end of the cord to one of the clips, wrapping the cord around the planar member between the spaced first end arms and the spaced second end arms, and engaging a second end of the cord to another one of the clips. |
| US08960581B1 |
Hammer
The various embodiments disclosed and pictured illustrate a hammer for comminuting various materials. The embodiments pictured and described herein are primarily for use with a rotatable hammermill assembly. The hammer includes a connector end having a rod hole therein, a contact end for delivery of energy to the material to be comminuted, and a neck affixing the connector end to the contact end. The neck is formed with at least one neck recess therein. In other embodiments, one or more shoulders are positioned around the periphery of the rod hole for added strength. In still other embodiments, the contact end is configured with more than one contact surface. |
| US08960580B2 |
Electric grinder
An electric grinder includes a bottle, a housing, a grinding assembly and a driving device mounted inside the housing, wherein, the housing detachably connected to the bottle, the grinding assembly has a female grinding head and a male grinding head, the driving device has an output engaged to a central driving rod, and the central driving rod passes through the grinding cavity and drives the male grinding head. As the constancy overall volume of the grinder, the storage amount of condiments is relatively larger, the electric grinder has well-arranged and aesthetically-designed components and is reliable in use, with uniform electric grinding and uniform discharging. |
| US08960577B2 |
Method and a device for sensing the properties of a material to be crushed
A method of crushing material between a first crushing surface and a second crushing surface of a crusher, including the steps of measuring a crushing parameter, and analyzing, based on the measured crushing parameter, which type of material that is being crushed in the crusher. |
| US08960575B2 |
Electrostatic spray system and method
In accordance with one embodiment a system is provided that includes an aerosol spray can, a receiver configured to electrically insulate the commercially available aerosol spray can, and a nozzle headpiece configured to couple to a neck portion of the aerosol spray can. Further, the nozzle headpiece is configured to electrostatically charge the aerosol spray can, and the nozzle headpiece includes an electrostatically charged passage. |
| US08960574B2 |
Hitch bar with swivel
The hitch bar with swivel has a proximal portion that attaches removably to the conventional receiver hitch receptacle of a supporting vehicle and a distal portion for supporting an apparatus, e.g., spreader for distributing animal feed, etc., thereon. The distal bar portion is positioned to overlay the proximal portion and to place the supported apparatus close to the rear of the supporting vehicle during operations in order to reduce the lever arm and corresponding bending loads on the hitch receptacle. The distal portion of the bar may be swiveled clear of the rear of the vehicle to allow the rear door (tailgate, rear hatch, etc.) of the vehicle to be opened when the vehicle is stopped. The distal bar portion and apparatus supported thereon have a combined length preferably less than half the width of the vehicle, permitting the bar to be swiveled freely without extending laterally beyond the vehicle. |
| US08960572B2 |
Air manifold having nozzles
An air manifold system that includes an improved air nozzle is provided. In one embodiment, the nozzle has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the nozzle may be shaped to conform to the curved outer surface of a main body of the air manifold, and may be welded thereto. The nozzle includes a variable section extending from the nozzle inlet to an intermediate transition point along the length of the nozzle, which has a converging inside diameter, which compensates for flow losses due to cornering. A resistive section extends from the transition point to the outlet, and has a generally constant diameter which is less than the inside diameter of the variable section measured at the nozzle inlet. In one embodiment, the length of the resistive section is less than the length of the variable section. |
| US08960571B2 |
Full cone air-assisted spray nozzle assembly
A pressurized air assisted liquid spray nozzle assembly having a liquid spray nozzle having a downstream discharge orifice for discharging a solid stream of liquid, an air guide mounted in surrounding relation to a downstream end of said liquid spray nozzle, and an outer nozzle body disposed in surrounding relation to said air guide.The air guide defines a first plurality of air passages for directing pressurized atomizing air transversely to liquid discharging from said liquid spray nozzle for atomizing the discharging liquid and a second plurality of air passages for directing shaping air tangentially to liquid discharging from said liquid spray nozzle for shaping the atomized liquid particles into a predetermined conical spray pattern. |
| US08960570B2 |
Twist tip air cap assembly including an integral sleeve for a spray gun
The present technique provides a system and method for improving a tip assembly for a spray coating device. An exemplary spray coating device of the present technique has a twist tip with air-assist channels. The twist tip may be applied to a spray gun and provides a portion of the fluid flow passage of the gun. Rotation of the twist tip alters the fluid flow path, resulting in increased operator control. |
| US08960568B2 |
Brush wheel typed nebulizer
The present invention provides a brush wheel typed nebulizer, comprising: a drive device; a spiral pump, including a body, an outer sleeve, in which the outer periphery of the body is installed with at least a helicoid member closely attached to an inner sleeve having a flow opening inside the outer sleeve; a brush wheel, configured with multiple implant holes and having brush hairs forming at least a ditch; a sleeve lid, on which a notch is configured in correspondence with the end of the brush hair, and an inner bulge acting conjunctively with the end of the brush hair and having multiple guide grooves. With such a design, it is possible to fling off the highly viscous liquid attached on the brush hair to create atomized liquid of extremely tiny microdrops. |
| US08960559B2 |
Packaged RFID passive tag for small sized device
The present application is related to a unique transponder clip comprising a UHF passive RFID tag, an encapsulation module and method of attaching the encapsulation module enclosing the transponder clip to small sized devices. In an aspect, the small sized device may be a small sized medical device such as bone screw, spine screw implants. The transponder is enclosed in the encapsulation module that is then attached to a small sized device thereby facilitating auto-identification and tracking of the small sized device. |
| US08960557B2 |
Wireless IC device
A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC chip arranged to process a radio signal, a power-supply circuit board that is connected to the wireless IC chip and that includes a power supply circuit including at least one coil pattern, and a radiation plate arranged to radiate a transmission signal supplied from the power-supply circuit board and/or receiving a reception signal to supply the reception signal to the power-supply circuit board. The radiation plate includes an opening provided in a portion thereof and a slit connected to the opening. When viewed in plan from the direction of the winding axis of the coil pattern, the opening in the radiation plate overlaps with an inner area of the coil pattern and the area of the inner area is approximately the same as that of opening. |
| US08960556B2 |
Card-shaped data carrier
A method for producing a card-shaped data carrier directly in the ID-000 format (plug-in), and for combining the production method with the incorporation of security features, individualization data and personalization data. In so doing, a card body having ID-000 dimensions is connected directly to the rear side of a film carrier or module tape, being for example cast or injection-molded thereonto. The film carrier is preferably transparent or semitransparent. Through the film carrier the card body can be marked and inscribed by means of laser radiation. |
| US08960547B2 |
Document scanner with instant retrieval process
An improved document scanner for imaging documents and decoding coded indicia such as bar codes and magnetic strips is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the scanner incorporates a set of emergency exit instructions so that a user can always retrieve sensitive documents at a moment's notice. These instructions include receiving an emergency exit command from a jamming sensor or from the user, and then attempting mechanical translation toward a first exit and further subsequent translation toward a second exit. If the document is not successfully retrieved, the scanner prepares for manual document extraction as detailed herein. |
| US08960546B2 |
Extended range EMF antenna
An antenna for use in an asset-identification system. The antenna includes a plurality of electrically conductive coils electrically connected in parallel. The coils are physically aligned along a common axis. The coils are offset along the common axis by a distance selected to reduce the mutual inductance between the electrically conductive coils, while allowing the signals from the electrically conductive coils to add together. |
| US08960538B2 |
Check processing method, check processing program medium, and check processing apparatus
Check processing involves scanning a back of a check having no printed authorization data to capture a back image; scanning a front of the check to capture a front image of the check, the front of the check being preprinted with magnetic ink characters; generating authorization data indicating that the check is valid based on a reading of the magnetic ink characters and a response from an external analysis source, the authorization data being generated electronically; generating an electronic merged image by electronically combining the back image with the authorization data in a predetermined area, the electronic merged image being generated without printing the authorization data on the check; and storing the electronic merged image with the front image. The check processing can be embodied in a method, apparatus, or instructions embodied on a machine-readable medium. |
| US08960536B2 |
Mobile device for exiting a parking structure and methods thereof
Methods and systems in the present invention facilitate vehicle exit from a parking lot, or similar venue, for which payment is required prior to being permitted egress. The Exit Express Engine permits pre-payment prior to a vehicle's arrival at a point of exit, so as to facilitate rapid confirmation of payment/authorization when exiting a controlled-exit facility. An Exit Express Engine, installed on a mobile device, is launched and used to scan a barcode printed on a parking garage ticket, which is provided to the user at the time of entry. The information scanned is then transmitted to an associated parking system, where it is received by an Exit Express Plug-in application. The user indicates payment authorization via the mobile device to an associated payment processing facility, storing payment verification. When the user arrives at the controlled exit, he/she presents the ticket, and the exit gate is activated to exit within a pre-established time. |
| US08960532B2 |
Coded business card on badge
In various example embodiments, a system and method for providing a coded business card on a badge is provided. In example embodiments, a code from the badge of a user is detected. The user data associated with the user based on the code is retrieved. The user data is automatically stored to an address book of a receiving party. |
| US08960523B2 |
Friction stir welding of dissimilar metals
When a friction stir weld tool penetrates the interface of two workpieces of dissimilar metal alloy materials, the resultant weld of the different alloy materials may produce a weak weld joint. Such weak joints are often experienced, for example, when attempting to form spot welds or other friction stir welds between a magnesium alloy sheet or strip and an aluminum alloy sheet or strip. It is discovered that suitable coating compositions including an adhesive placed at the interface of assembled workpieces can alter the composition of the friction stir weld material and strengthen the resulting bond. In the example of friction stir welds between magnesium alloy and aluminum alloy workpieces, it is found that combinations of an adhesive with copper, tin, zinc, and/or other powders can strengthen the magnesium-containing and aluminum-containing friction stir weld material. |
| US08960522B2 |
Automated brazing system
An automated brazing system by which an apparatus is conveyed along a path defined through a brazing zone is provided and includes first and second sets of burners disposed within the brazing zone at first and second opposing sides of the path, respectively, to heat the components of the apparatus substantially uniformly at the first and second sides and to heat the components of the apparatus substantially uniformly along the brazing zone, such that each side of each of the components is heated to a substantially similar temperature as each side of each of the other components. |
| US08960519B2 |
Shaft, e.g., for an electro-mechanical surgical device
A shaft being, e.g., flexible, that includes an elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a ring non-rotatably mounted on the at least one rotatable drive shaft and at least one light source mounted within the shaft, such that, upon rotation of the at least one rotatable drive shaft, the ring alternately blocks and allows light from the light source to be detected. The shaft may also include a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath of the shaft and configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. The shaft may include couplings that connect a distal end of the outer sheath to a surgical attachment and a proximal end of the outer sheath to a remote power console. |
| US08960518B2 |
Device for setting fasteners
The invention relates to a device for setting fasteners, in particular a driving tool, comprising at least one striking pin for a particular fastener, wherein the striking pin and the fastener to be set by the striking pin are guided at least in some sections in a channel, which comprises at least one stationary channel part and a channel closure flap arranged so as to be pivotable relative to the channel part. The channel closure flap is held at the upper end thereof by an eccentric shaft that can be adjusted about the rotational axis, wherein the closure flap comprises at least one holding part corresponding to the channel part for forming a lock. The eccentric shaft preferably comprises two end sections oriented coaxially to each other and a center part arranged eccentrically to the end sections, wherein the closure flap is rotatably mounted on the center part of the eccentric shaft. |
| US08960509B2 |
Combination backpack and clothing holder
A combination backpack and clothing holder allows for the organized storage and drying of individual clothing articles. The clothing holder is configurable between a stored state in which it is folded compactly when not in use, and a use state in which the clothing holder portion is unfolded or opened or deployed to store articles of clothing and to promote drying and access to the clothing articles. Optionally, the clothing holder portion may be generally in the shape of a body, including hand/arm portions and leg/foot portions, which facilitate organizing of clothing articles into corresponding compartments of the clothing holder according to how the articles are normally worn. Optionally, the clothing holder may be configured in a stored-use or transport state in which the articles are securely stored in a folded configuration while a backpack portion of the combination backpack and clothing holder is being worn. |
| US08960507B2 |
Pump dispenser with an inclined nozzle
A pump dispenser for dispensing a liquid product from a container includes an inlet valving arrangement, a plunger and piston arrangement, an outlet valving arrangement and a dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle is a snap-together combination of a unitary, molded plastic nozzle body and a unitary, molded plastic outlet member. The nozzle body defines an exit passageway for the liquid product being dispensed from the container. The outlet member includes an outlet opening and a weir which is positioned between the outlet opening and the exit passageway. Use of the weir affects the exit velocity of the product being dispensed and also provides a barrier so as to prevent remainder or residual product from seeping into or around the outlet opening where it might coagulate. |
| US08960505B2 |
Device for the quantitatively regulated delivery of bulk product
The device for the quantitatively regulated delivery of bulk product includes a supply tank for the bulk product and a slider element, which forms the boundary of an outlet gap on one side. The slider element comprises on its front end an elastic, U-shaped loop, the upper part of which is fixed in position, whereas a rear portion of the lower part of the loop is connected to a linear drive. The linear drive can be used both to adjust the width of the outlet gap by translational movement of the lower section of the loop and to produce a small-amplitude back-and-forth movement of the lower section of the loop. In this way, it is possible to release bulk product of various shapes and sizes reliably and without damage in a quantitatively regulated manner. |
| US08960503B2 |
Plastic aerosol container
A plastic aerosol container comprises a neck, a support ring, a shoulder, a cylindrical body, a base, a dispensing valve and a cap. The neck further includes a lip and a lip cavity. The support ring protrudes below the lip cavity and above the shoulder. The shoulder supports the neck and aides in preventing deformation of the container. The base further includes legs. The dispensing valve is placed atop the neck and sealed thereto. The cap is placed atop the valve and functions as an actuator to release the contents of the can. |
| US08960502B2 |
Fluid dispenser, system and filling process
Systems, methods, and processes are disclosed for the manufacture, filling and dispensing of flowable contents. The dispenser system includes a dispenser bottle, a dispensing cap, a pre-filled container, an optional inversion tube wherein the pre-filled container contains flowable contents therein for dispensing when a dispenser bottle is squeezed, pumped or sprayed. A user grasps the bottle, squeezes it to increase internal pressure, and forces out through the dispensing cap the flowable contents. Upon release, the system allows air to enter and replace the forced-out flowable contents and neutralize the pressure in the space between the container and the bottle. An inline process of manufacturing and filling the containers is provided. |
| US08960498B2 |
Touch-free dispenser with single cell operation and battery banking
An electrically powered device includes at least one electrically powered component and a power source having at least two cells. One cell powers the electrically powered component and the remaining cells are held in reserve. A control circuit is connected to the electrically powered component and the power source. The control circuit includes a controller which generates a charge signal, a boost regulator circuit connected to the controller which receives power from the power source and generates a boost signal for conversion into a charge signal. A capacitor is connected to the controller and receives the charge signal and provides a predetermined voltage to the electrically powered component. A boost regulator circuit and the controller monitor the power source and draw power from one of the remaining cells held in reserve when the cell is fully depleted. |
| US08960495B2 |
Soda straw dispenser
A straw dispenser that hold two individual straws, sequentially selected from an inventory of straws. The upper straw is staged in a position to fall, and the lower straw is in a position made available to a person. The person grasps the available straw and pulls the same, which moves a lower movable part of the dispenser. The forward movement of the lower movable part allows the upper staged straw to fall downwardly to a transitory position, and during backward movement of the lower movable part the straw moves from the transitory position and is made available. At the same time a successive straw is selected from the inventory and held in the staged position. The person need not touch any other part of the dispenser or touch other straws to be dispensed. A subsequent straw cannot be dispensed until the available straw has been removed from the dispenser. |
| US08960489B2 |
Biodegradable and compostable single-serve beverage ingredient package
Single-serve ingredient packages made from materials which are biodegradable and compostable and which are derived from readily renewable resources environmentally advantageous and may be used to brew beverages such as coffee, tea and cocoa. |
| US08960484B2 |
Transport tank
A transport tank for mounting to a truck has a composite tank body, an outer boss mounted to an outer side of the tank body, an inner boss mounted to an inner side f the tank body, and a flange disposed such that at least a portion of the inner boss is disposed between and abuts the inner side of the tank body and the flange. The tank body, the inner boss, the outer boss and the flange each have an aperture defined therein. The flange is fastened such that the outer boss, the tank body, and the inner boss are compressed by the flange. |
| US08960479B2 |
Stackable low depth tray
A crate includes a base, a pair of opposed end walls extending upward from the base, and a pair of opposed side walls extending upward from the base between the end walls. Each side wall includes a plurality of side columns extending upward from the base to a side band. Each side band includes a logo portion having a protruding portion protruding upward relative to an upper edge of the side band. Each side band further includes a curved recess formed in a lower edge of the side band, the curved recess complementary to the protruding portion of the logo portion. The protruding portions of the logo portions are offset in opposite directions from a center of the side walls. |
| US08960476B2 |
Germ free beverage lid system
A germ-free beverage lid system; a protective covering specially designed for the plastic lids that are used for beverages sold in coffee house chains, fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and similar outlets. The intent is to provide a more hygienic means of offering these type of lids to consumers, helping to create a sterile cup lid to stop the spread of germs and bacteria. |
| US08960469B1 |
Storage system with stacking totes
A system for holding items includes a base tier including two or more totes and one or more higher tiers stacked on the base tier. Each of the higher tiers includes one or more totes stacked on a tote of a lower tier. Totes in of the tiers are laterally cross coupled to one another. The totes include lateral openings that allow removal of items through the lateral opening while the totes are stacked in place. |
| US08960467B2 |
Food container
A lunch box assembly having a main housing having a lid rotatably, hingedly attached to a base to provide access to an opened interior of one or more compartments is disclosed. The lid can have ferrously magnetic material and recesses to accept magnets. The magnets can be shaped to fit the recesses. The base can have compartments aligned with corresponding compartments in the lid. The base and the lid can form one or more closed food storage compartments that separate the contents from the neighboring compartments. A latch on the base and lid can produce a clamping force on a small lidded container or containers placed in one or more of the compartments. The clamping force can clamp the lidded container closed and prevent leakage of fluids in the container. |
| US08960463B2 |
Hydraulic braking apparatus for a crane drive and crane
The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic braking apparatus for a crane drive for carrying out crane work, in particular a slewing gear, having at least one hydraulic stopping brake for braking the drive movement of the crane drive in an emergency situation, wherein at least one pressure regulation valve is provided for controlling at least one stopping brake to ensure a time-delayed braking torque build-up. |
| US08960460B2 |
Counterweight block and assemblies for cranes
A counterweight block apparatus includes a pair of interconnecting counterweight blocks having top and bottom surfaces, the counterweight blocks forming a plane of interconnection along adjacent sides thereof; and a shear bar releasably secured between the adjacent sides of the interconnecting counterweight blocks, generally perpendicular to the plane of interconnection, to provide resistance to relative vertical movement of the interconnecting counterweight blocks along the plane of interconnection. In another aspect, each counterweight block includes in at least one side thereof an indentation from a top of the counterweight block to a depth more shallow than the thickness of the counterweight block, the indentation defining a lip for hand grabbing. An aperture may be formed through the rest of the thickness of the counterweigh block at each indentation, wherein a securing strap can be run through each aperture of a stacked plurality of counterweight blocks to secure them to each other. |
| US08960457B2 |
Method and apparatus for a floating shelf assembly
In one aspect, the present invention provides a “floating” shelf assembly that is configured for mounting on attic rafters or exposed wall studs. In at least one embodiment, the shelf assembly comprises a shelf that includes rotatable mounts at a first edge, which are configured to mount to adjacent rafters at a desired height above the attic floor or insulation. The shelf further includes flexible members which are configured to hang the opposing, second edge of the shelf from an overhead mounting point. The ability to rotate the shelf relative to its mounted first edge allows easy leveling of the shelf by adjusting the hanging length of the flexible members suspending the second edge of the shelf. The shelf assembly also permits direct use with wall studs, where the rotatable mounts are attached to the wall studs and the flexible members are pulled taught, diagonally back and above the shelf. |
| US08960454B2 |
Tool holder
A combination is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the combination includes a suspension bar, a tool holder adapted for attachment to the suspension bar, a hook device for suspending an object and a fastening device which enables the hook device to be releasably attached to the suspension bar. In at least one embodiment, the fastening device includes a first and a second portion for retaining engagement with the web of the suspension bar and its respective flanges. The first portion forms the upper portion of the fastening device, when mounted, to which portion the hook device is fixedly attached either directly or indirectly. The second portion of the fastening device is pivotally attached to the first portion by way of a joint, which, with the tool holder in its mounted state, is oriented parallel with and located between the flanges of the suspension bar. |
| US08960453B2 |
Hanging device for a pincer
A hanging device is used to hang a pincer body which is displayed. The pincer body includes a first clamp body and a second clamp body The first clamp body has an adjusting opening. The hanging device includes a hanging member having a hanging hole, a positioning member having a base and a positioning portion, the base having a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the base assembled to the hanging member, and a width of the positioning portion being longer than a width of the base and a width of the adjusting opening of the first clamp body. When the base is inserted into the adjusting opening, the positioning portion is assembled to a top of the base so that the first clamp body is locked between the positioning portion and the hanging member. |
| US08960446B2 |
Shaker seal
A seal can have a middle portion, an upper lip, and a lower lip. The upper lip has a configuration with an upper end portion, an upper top portion, and an upper bottom portion with a void space defined in part by the upper end portion, the upper top portion, and the upper bottom portion. The lower lip can have a configuration with a lower end portion, a lower top portion, and a lower bottom portion with a void space defined in part by the lower end portion, the lower top portion, and the lower bottom portion. A middle portion connects the upper lip and the lower lip. |
| US08960445B2 |
Support structure having fixation means for screening media
A support structure for supporting screening media in a vibrating screen. The support structure is received on longitudinal beams of the vibrating screen. The support structure is formed of fixation strips having fixation parts, on which fixation parts carriers are received. The fixation strips and carriers are placed perpendicular to each other. |
| US08960444B2 |
Method for separating arsenic mineral from copper-bearing material with high arsenic grade
There is provided a method for separating an arsenic mineral from a copper-bearing material containing arsenic, such as a copper ore or a copper concentrate, to obtain a copper concentrate with low arsenic grade.The method for separating an arsenic mineral from a copper-bearing material by flotation includes adding a flotation agent containing a depressant, a frother, and a collector to a slurry composed of a copper-bearing material containing arsenic, and blowing air into the slurry to float a copper concentrate, wherein the depressant is sodium thiosulfate. The sodium thiosulfate is preferably added in an amount of 10 kg or more and 200 kg or less in terms of sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate per ton of copper-bearing material to be subjected to flotation. Further, the oxidation-reduction potential of the slurry to be subjected to flotation, as measured against a silver/silver chloride reference electrode, is preferably −10 mV or more and 50 mV or less. |
| US08960440B1 |
Blister pack content usage monitoring
A system is provided for monitoring the removal of blister pack contents. An array of spatially-extended, electrically parallel breakable traces made from electrically resistive material is formed behind a corresponding array of blisters of a blister card. Then this array is connected in series with a reference resistor to form a voltage divider. All resistive traces are formed from the same materials in a single operation. Blister breakage is determined using changes in the ratio of the resistances of the array and the divider. A predictive algorithm is used to adjust the threshold resistance ratio change that signals blister breakage and voltage ratios are used to adjust for battery output changes over time. Breakage events and their time of occurrence are recorded in nonvolatile memory for later retrieval. Additional resistors can be used for activating the system and detecting tampering. |
| US08960439B2 |
Wet tissue package and production method for same
A wet tissue package that is easily to manufacture with a used wet tissue storage receptacle disposed on a package body. Configured is a wet tissue package equipped with a package body and a used wet tissue storage receptacle, wherein the package body is equipped with a first seal portion formed by joining a pair of first side edges of a sheet member, and a pair of second seal portions formed by joining a pair of second side edges, and a wet tissue housing. The used wet tissue storage receptacle is composed of a first seal extension portion formed by extending in a direction that intersects a direction that the first side edges extend from the first seal, and a sheet member that composes the package body. |
| US08960435B1 |
Stackable and linkable container system
A stackable and linkable container system that includes a container having a cavity; an entry slot formed in at least an upper portion of the front wall; an exit slot formed in at least a lower portion of the front wall; a cover; one or more vertical stack aligning tabs extending from a top surface of the cover; one or more ribs extending from an outer surface of the bottom wall; at least one horizontal aligning dovetail extending from the first side wall; at least two, spaced apart, horizontal aligning pins extending from the second side wall, wherein at least one horizontal aligning dovetail socket is defined between the spaced apart horizontal aligning pins, and wherein the horizontal aligning dovetail is formed so as to be at least partially received within the horizontal aligning dovetail socket. |
| US08960426B2 |
Archery bow case
A bow case that includes a body with a bottom, a top, four sides, an internal storage area, at least one removable leg that supports the body in a raised position, and a mounting bracket that removably attaches the leg to the body. Area of a rear side is greater than an area of a front side. Also, left and right sides may be inclined from a rear side to a front side. A bow case that includes a body with a top, a bottom, an internal storage area, and an internal storage cavity, where the bow case body is trapezoidally shaped. The cavity is externally accessible while the body remains closed, and any contents stored in the internal storage area are prevented from exiting the body as the body is rotated in any direction while the body is closed. |
| US08960424B1 |
Dispensing capsule with snap in activation chamber
A dispensing capsule has a cap body having an internal recess; a chamber removably snapped into the internal recess of the cap body, the chamber including a flexible actuator and a sealing member sealing a lower portion of the chamber; and a hollow plunger slidingly disposed within the chamber, wherein a top portion of the hollow plunger engages the flexible actuator of the chamber. The flexible actuator is configured to deform and engage the hollow plunger, causing a distal end of the hollow plunger to puncture the sealing member, dispensing an ingredient stored in the chamber. The distal end of the plunger may have a beveled cutting surface. The chamber includes two circumferentially disposed races defining an annular groove, wherein an annular protrusion in the internal recess of the cap body removably engages the annular groove of the chamber. |
| US08960423B2 |
Oxygen-impereable, fillable closure with a push button for triggering
A fillable closure is used to initiate emptying of a separately fillable capsule molded into this closure. The capsule is made oxygen-impermeable on the inside or outside with a vapor-deposited layer of silicon dioxide or metal. The volume of the capsule can be reduced through pressurization from the top, through deformation of its side walls, for cutting or rupturing a sealing foil. The capsule has an asymmetric push button with a pusher surface, a deformable front and side wall and a stable rear wall. The upper end of the rear wall forms a stationary edge, on which the pusher surface can be pivoted downward through deformation of the front and side wall. On the bottom of the pusher surface, a triangle-shaped blade is formed, which ends in a tip, and its triangle edge forming a cutting edge for piercing and cutting the sealing foil on the bottom of the capsule. |
| US08960420B2 |
Lens pod
An apparatus for enclosing and protecting individualized lenses has a base and a lid rotatably attached to each other. Each of the base and the lid have pockets for receiving each of the lenses. Each of the pockets have a perimeter that forms a boundary of the respective base and lid. The base and the lid each have a bumper adapted for supporting one of the lenses and a magnetic mating element attached at the respective perimeter of the base or lid. Each of the magnetic mating elements is detachably attached to and provides a magnetic hinge for a coupling element of one of the lenses. The apparatus has a closed position in which a lid closure magnet is detachably attached to a base closure magnet and an open position in which the closure magnets are not in contact with each other. |
| US08960415B2 |
Master processing apparatus with adjustably spaced pressure rollers
A master processing apparatus is disclosed. The master processing apparatus has first and second pressure applying rollers, and a plurality of gears configured to drive the rollers in response to received input torque. The master processing apparatus further has a pivot plate, connected to the first pressure applying roller and the plurality of gears, allowing a range of movement for the first pressure applying roller, while the plurality of gears may remain intermeshed. The master processing apparatus further has a torsion spring about the pivot plate gear axis, configured to bias the pivot plate and first pressure applying roller towards the second pressure applying roller. Other objects, features, and advantages are also disclosed. |
| US08960411B2 |
Dispensing device for vending machine
A vending machine is equipped with a dispensing device that includes a plate, a track, carriers, a work station, a driving unit and a sensor. The plate is horizontally placed in a vending machine. The track is connected to the plate. The carriers are movably connected to the track for carrying products. The work station causes a selected one of the carriers to release the corresponding one of the products. The driving unit drives the carriers along the track. The sensor senses the selected one of the carriers and accordingly stops the driving unit so that the selected one of the carriers is placed at the work station. |
| US08960407B2 |
Signal correlation for missing step detection in conveyors
A device and method for detecting a misaligned or missing step of a conveyor are disclosed. The missing step detector includes various sensors for detecting the drive speed of the conveyor and for detecting the presence of pallets or steps. The sensor output signals are correlated to determine fixed values characteristic of the specific conveyor in question. Using the fixed values as reference, the missing step detector is able to effectively monitor the conveyor for misaligned or missing steps independent of conveyor speed and time. |
| US08960405B2 |
Bezel assembly comprising biometric authentication for use with an automated transaction device
The bezel assembly for data reception, for use with a bill validator in a financial transactional device, includes a bezel housing and a data reception assembly. The bezel housing includes a customer-facing front portion and a back plate connectable to the bill validator that is mounted within the transactional device cabinet. The front portion includes an insertion/dispensing slot for receiving currency and a projecting protrusion forward of the casing. The forward-extending protrusion accommodates at least a portion of the data reception assembly. The bezel assembly can include a wireless communication function that is communicably connectable with a mobile device via a wireless communication method, a manual entry function, a biometric reader, one or more cameras for scanning and decrypting 2D barcodes and the like, thus enhancing the overall functionality of the financial transactional device. |
| US08960400B2 |
Clutch operating device
A clutch operating device includes a drive mechanism and a reduction mechanism. The drive mechanism generates a driving force. The reduction mechanism is a mechanism configured to amplify the driving force by reducing the driving amount to be inputted thereto from the reduction mechanism and convert the amplified driving force into an operating force of a clutch device. The reduction mechanism has a reduction ratio characteristic gradually increasing from a power blocking state to a power transmitting state of the clutch device and is allowed to adjust the reduction ratio characteristic in accordance with a state of the clutch device. |
| US08960399B2 |
Multidisk shifting element
A multi-disk shifting element of a motor vehicle transmission, which includes a plurality of outer disks (2) and a plurality of lining disks (1) which, when viewed axially, are arranged in alternation one after another. The outer disks include a number of flat outer disks (AL1) and a number of corrugated outer disks (AL2, AL3). |
| US08960398B2 |
Clutch operation assisting device and power unit for straddle-type vehicle
A power unit for a motorcycle having a clutch operation assisting device. The clutch operation assisting device includes a push shaft, a bearing plate that supports the push shaft, and a first rotary plate rotatably supported on the bearing plate and connected to a clutch wire. The first rotary plate causes the push shaft to slide as it rotates and is gear-coupled to a second rotary plate. A spring unit that applies an assist force in a direction for disengaging a friction clutch is pin-coupled to the second rotary plate. The spring unit is supported on a mounting seat in a swingable manner and is installed such that, as viewed from the axial direction of the push shaft, the expansion/contraction direction of an auxiliary spring in the spring unit does not pass through a rotation center of the pressure plate. |
| US08960396B2 |
Torsional vibration damping arrangement, particularly for the power train of a vehicle
A torsional vibration damper arrangement including a torsional vibration damper with a primary side and a secondary side rotatable with respect to the primary side around an axis of rotation against the action of a damper spring arrangement. One side of the primary side and secondary side includes two cover disk elements and a central disk element arranged between the cover disk elements. The cover disk elements are connected to one another by first connection elements radially inside the damper spring arrangement so as to be fixed axially and so as to transmit torque. The cover disk elements are connected to one another by second connection elements in such a way that they are prevented from moving axially away from one another. No torque can be transmitted between the cover disk elements by the second connection elements. |
| US08960394B2 |
Thrust activated friction one-way clutch
A torque converter, including: a cover; a pump fixedly secured to the cover; an axially displaceable turbine hydraulically coupled to the pump; and an axially displaceable stator at least partially disposed between the pump and the turbine and including a friction clutch with a plurality of clutch plates and respective friction material disposed between the plurality of clutch plates. When the ratio of the rotational speed of the turbine with respect to the rotational speed of the pump is less than a coupling point value, the turbine or the stator is arranged to axially displace to close the friction clutch. When the ratio of the rotational speed of the turbine with respect to the rotational speed of the pump is at least equal to the coupling point value: the stator or the turbine is arranged to axially displace to open the friction clutch; or the stator is arranged to axially displace to close the friction clutch. |
| US08960392B2 |
Vehicle
A hybrid car is a vehicle capable of being externally charged through a charging cable. The hybrid car includes a front door opened and closed when an occupant gets into and out of a vehicle cabin, and a cable reel mounted within the front door for taking up the charging cable. The front door has a resin portion located above the cable reel. A pull-out opening directed to the resin portion for pulling out the charging cable is formed in the cable reel. A take-out opening for taking out the charging cable pulled out from the pull-out opening from the front door to outside of the vehicle is formed in the resin portion. This configuration can improve workability during charging. |
| US08960391B2 |
Suitcase with connection for a partition made of double material
A suitcase comprising a body with an edge adapted to be coupled to a space of a connection means for a partition adapted to divide the internal space of the suitcase into a smaller space and a larger space, the connection comprising a raceway adapted to be slidingly coupled to a sliding element which is complementary to the raceway and fixed to a support element with which the partition is integrally associated, the connection includes an internal portion of the body made of soft material, at the extremity of which the raceway which is made of rigid material is fixed, and an external portion of the body made of soft material, the sliding element being made of rigid material fixed to the support element which is made of soft material. |
| US08960388B2 |
Spring with fluid
A spring (1) with fluid (2) including a containment body (3) having an inner chamber (4) in which the fluid (2) is inserted, a compression unit (8) slidably mounted on the containment body (3) and a sealing gasket (11) for the fluid (2) interposed between the containment body (3) and the compression unit (8) for preventing escape of the fluid (2) from the inner chamber (4); the spring (1) includes at least one closed loop (13) surrounding the compression unit (8), connected to the containment body (3) and in contact with the sealing gasket (11) so as to limit the deformation of the latter. |
| US08960380B2 |
Liquid-cooled brake assembly with removable heat transfer insert
A brake for a rotating member is disclosed. The brake is used with a liquid coolant, and includes a housing for containing the liquid, a stationary element disposed in the housing, a wear plate disposed on the stationary element, a friction element coupled to the rotating member for contacting the wear plate, and a removable heat transfer insert disposed adjacent the wear plate and in fluid communication with the coolant, the heat transfer insert consisting of a non-galvanic material. |
| US08960377B2 |
Non-linear spring isolation device
An elevator system includes a car assembly, a drive assembly, and a vibration-damping device (16) arranged at a connection between the top of the car assembly and the drive assembly. The vibration-damping device (16), which includes springs (32, 34, 36) that have varying spring stiffnesses and varying heights, is configured to provide a total spring stiffness between the top of the car assembly and the drive assembly. The total spring stiffness varies as a function of a mass of the car assembly. |
| US08960376B2 |
Elevator car position determination and door obstruction avoidance apparatus for an elevator in a three dimensional structure
An elevator apparatus including a position determination apparatus for determining the position of an elevator car inside an elevator shaft, the position determining apparatus including a marking unit for marking a position of the elevator car, and a detection unit for detecting the marking unit, the marking unit being arranged on one of the shaft doors and the detection unit being arranged on the associated car door or vice versa for the purpose of improved installation. |
| US08960375B2 |
Elevator monitoring and control method and apparatus that set and execute control patterns
An elevator monitoring and control method which involves indicating the condition of a plurality of elevators in indicators and controlling the plurality of elevators on the basis of a prescribed input. Since in control setting processing, it is possible to set a plurality of control items as a control pattern, in control execution processing, elevator control by a plurality of control items is made possible simply by executing the control pattern, with the result that it becomes possible to improve operability and to reduce the frequency of wrong operations. Furthermore, control execution processing can be performed after isolating part of the control patterns set in the control setting processing, with the result that it becomes possible to take speedy and flexible steps even in an emergency and to improve operability. |
| US08960374B2 |
Elevator group control method and device for performing control based on a waiting time expectation value of all passengers on all floors
Provided are a group control method and a group control device capable of efficiently controlling the operation of elevators in diversified traffic situations and under a variety of specification conditions required for a group management system. A plurality of elevators are placed in service for a plurality of floors, an evaluation index for a newly made hall call is calculated, and the best suited car is selected and assigned to the hall call based on the evaluation index in the group control method of elevators. A waiting time expectation value of all passengers on all floors for each direction, either that have already occurred or that are expected to occur within a predetermined time period, is taken as the evaluation index, the waiting time expectation value being the expectation value for the sum or the average of waiting time. |
| US08960371B2 |
Gravity driven start phase in power limited elevator rescue operation
When main power to an elevator system 10 is lost, an automatic rescue operation is performed using power from a backup power source 46. A rescue run for an elevator stopped between floors is initiated by lifting a brake 28 and allowing the elevator car 12 to move by gravity. If the car 12 moves as a result of a weight imbalance between the car 12 and a counterweight 14, operation of the hoist motor 24 is synchronized with sensed movement of the car 12 to generate electricity. If weight is balanced so that the car 12 does not move, backup power is supplied to the hoist motor 24 to apply a motor torque to drive the car 12 in a selected direction during the rescue run. |
| US08960364B2 |
Pinion sensor assembly, pinion sensor cover assembly, and electronic power steering apparatus having the same pipe
Disclosed are a pinion sensor assembly and an electric power steering apparatus having the same. According to the present invention, it is possible to substantially reduce the number of constitutional elements to be assembled when assembling a torque sensor and neighboring elements, to reduce an error in change of torque caused by accumulation of assembling errors of the constitutional elements, thereby preventing a malfunction, and to enhance assemblability. |
| US08960362B2 |
Lubrication arrangement for a drive axle of a haul vehicle
A drive axle assembly is provided that improves lubrication to the components of the drive axle assembly. As the wheel differential rotates, lubricant is splashed and lubricates bearings and other associated components of the differential assembly. In addition, lubricant is pumped by rotation of the first and second spur gears and is fed to the radial face of a forward bearing through a lubrication passage through a plurality of passages. |
| US08960361B2 |
Control device for a motor vehicle
A control device for a motor vehicle has a manually controllable drive position selector element and a control element for controlling secondary functions of the motor vehicle. The drive position selector element and the control element for the secondary functions are attached to a common base body which is movable relative to an interior lining part of the motor vehicle. The drive position selector element is designed such that it can be used as a hand rest for the control element for the secondary functions. |
| US08960358B2 |
Speed-based hydraulic pump control system and method for noise reduction in hybrid vehicles
A speed-based system for controlling a pump displacement to control a pump flow rate of a hydraulic pump in a vehicle, such as a hybrid. The system includes a plurality of sensors, a controller, and a hydraulic pump. The controller is configured to receive data from the sensors, ascertain a speed of the vehicle, determine a target pump displacement, and transmit the target pump displacement. The target pump displacement is less than a predetermined maximum value when the speed of the vehicle is greater than a first predefined threshold, and equal to the predetermined maximum value when the speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to the first predefined threshold. The hydraulic pump is configured to ascertain an actual pump displacement, receive the target pump displacement from the controller, and alter the actual pump displacement to the target pump displacement. |
| US08960352B2 |
Wheelchair transportation system
A wheelchair transportation system for transporting a wheelchair over at least one obstacle, including a wheelchair transportation unit being operable to transport the wheelchair over the at least one obstacle during at least one transportation operation of the wheelchair. The wheelchair transportation unit includes a pivotal support platform configured to support the wheelchair and pivotally coupled to a chassis of the wheelchair transportation unit, the pivotal support platform includes at least one group of rotating members frictionally engaging at least one main wheel of the wheelchair. During the at least one transportation operation, the at least one main wheel being operable to rotate the at least one group of rotating members thereby a wheelchair user operably controls and guides the wheelchair transportation unit by adjusting at least one rotational speed of the at least one main wheel. |
| US08960350B2 |
Vehicle and electric storage apparatus
A vehicle includes a floor panel and an electric storage apparatus fixed to a lower face of the floor panel and outputting an energy for use in running of the vehicle. The electric storage apparatus includes a first electric storage stack including a plurality of electric storage elements, an electronic device used to control charge and discharge of the electric storage apparatus and located below the first electric storage stack in the vehicle, and a case accommodating the first electric storage stack and the electronic device and fixed to the lower face of the floor panel. |
| US08960347B2 |
Modular snorkel system for off-road vehicles
A modular snorkel system for an off-road vehicle has a hollow main body that normally is hidden from view behind a fender of the vehicle. The main body terminates at its upper end in an intake mount that projects upwardly from an end of the forward cowl of the vehicle. The other end of the main body is coupled to an end of an air tube that is configured to be routed through the engine bay of the vehicle, again normally hidden from view. The other end of the air tube is coupled through an elbow to the air filter housing of the vehicle. Various intake modules such as a low intake module, a high intake module, an in-line filter module, and others can be mounted to the intake mount of the main body to accommodate different hostile off-road conditions such as water fording and operation in deserts. |
| US08960346B2 |
Battery cooling structure of hybrid industrial vehicle
An object of the present invention is to provide a battery cooling structure of a hybrid industrial vehicle such as a hybrid forklift, the battery cooling structure being capable of sufficiently cooling a battery and also of eliminating the possibility that the battery receives heat from its peripheral devices. To achieve the object, a second cooling air flow passage (35) for battery is provided separately from a first cooling air flow passage (31) in which a radiator (32) is disposed. A battery pack 26 or a battery is disposed in the second cooling air flow passage (35). The second cooling air flow passage (35) is connected to the first cooling air flow passage (31) at a position upstream of a cooling fan (33) disposed in the first cooling air flow passage (31), so that the cooling fan (33) sucks cooling air in the first cooling air flow passage (31) and also sucks cooling air in the second cooling air flow passage (35). |
| US08960337B2 |
High impact resistant tool with an apex width between a first and second transitions
In one aspect of the present invention, a high impact resistant tool comprises a sintered polycrystalline diamond body bonded to a cemented metal carbide substrate at an interface, the body comprising a substantially pointed geometry with an apex, the apex comprising a curved surface that joins a leading side and a trailing side of the body at a first and second transitions respectively, an apex width between the first and second transitions is less than a third of a width of the substrate, and the body also comprises a body thickness from the apex to the interface greater than a third of the width of the substrate. |
| US08960333B2 |
Selectively actuating expandable reamers and related methods
Expandable reamers are configured to operate in a first, retracted state in which a plurality of blades is in a retracted position when a sliding sleeve is in a first sleeve position and a seat is in a first seat position, to operate in a second, extended state in which the plurality of blades is movable to an extended position when the sliding sleeve is in at least a second sleeve position and the seat is in the first seat position, and to operate in a third, retracted state in which the plurality of blades is returned to the retracted position when the sliding sleeve is in the at least a second position and the seat is in a second seat position. |
| US08960332B2 |
Earth removal member with features for facilitating drill-through
An earth removal member with features for facilitating drill-through is provided for drilling with casing or liner applications. In one embodiment, the casing bit includes a tubular body; a nose attached to one end of the tubular body, wherein the nose includes a blade support and comprises a drillable material; a blade attached to the blade support using mating profiles; cutters disposed along the blade; and a nozzle disposed in the nose. |
| US08960331B2 |
Wired or ported universal joint for downhole drilling motor
A bottom hole assembly for a drill string has a mud motor and a mandrel. The motor has a rotor and a stator, and the rotor defines a bore for passage of conductors. The mandrel has a bore for passage of the conductors and for drilling fluid, and rotation of the mandrel rotates a drill bit. A shaft and universal joints covert orbital motion at the rotor to rotational motion at the mandrel. To pass the conductors from a sonde uphole of the motor to electronics disposed with the mandrel, an inner beam disposes in a bore of the shaft. This inner beam has an internal passage for the conductors, and seal caps dispose on each end of the inner beam to seal inside the universal joints. The inner beam and seal caps prevent drilling fluid passing from the motor and around the shaft from communicating in the shaft's bore. |
| US08960329B2 |
Steerable piloted drill bit, drill system, and method of drilling curved boreholes
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlled steering. One embodiment of the invention provides a bit body comprising a trailing end, a pilot section, and a reaming section. The trailing end is adapted to be detachably secured to a drill string. The pilot section is located on a leading, opposite end of the bit body. The reaming section is located intermediate to the leading and trailing ends. The pilot section comprises at least one steering device for steering the pilot section of the bit body, thereby steering the entire bit body. Another embodiment of the invention provides a wellsite system comprising a drill string; a kelly coupled to the drill string; and a bit body as described above. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of drilling a curved borehole in a subsurface formation. |
| US08960327B2 |
System for monitoring coring operations
A system (10) for monitoring coring operations including a core sample marker (24) to rest in use on the top of a drilled core sample (14) within a core barrel (16). A cable (26) is connected at a first thereof to the core sample marker (24) and a cable tensioner (30) is provided above the core sample marker (24) to apply tension to the cable (26). A cable movement detector (32) is provided such that as the drilled sample (14) moves up the core barrel (16), the cable tensioner (30) draws the cable (26) up the core barrel (16) and the cable movement detector (32) determines the length of cable (26) drawn up the core barrel (16), thereby providing information regarding the distance traveled by the core sample marker (24). |
| US08960324B2 |
Top drive with automatic anti-rotation safety control
An automatic drilling system includes a top drive comprising a proximity sensor disposed in a housing thereof. A portion of the top drive is coupled to elevators through load transfer springs such that axial loading applied to the elevators results in relative movement between a link load collar and a load ring. A proximity sensor is mounted such that the relative movement results in a change in signal output thereof. A processor is in signal communication with the proximity sensor and is configured to operate a drive shaft motor. The processor is configured to disable rotation of the motor when the relative movement is indicative of axial loading on the elevators. |
| US08960323B2 |
Semi-active anti-vibration systems for handheld electrical power tools
An improved vibration dampening system has been developed for handheld electrical power tools. The vibration dampening system includes a material that a controller selectively activates with an electrical current to increase the rigidity of the material and dampen random vibrations detected by the controller. The material is positioned between a foot member that helps support the tool against a work piece and both hand grips for the tool. Thus, the vibration dampening system reduces the impact of random vibrations on both hands of an operator. |
| US08960316B2 |
Interventionless adjustable flow control device using inflatables
A flow control device comprises a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restriction disposed in the fluid pathway, a one-way valve disposed in the fluid pathway to substantially block fluid flow from the interior of the wellbore tubular to the fluid pathway and to allow fluid flow from the fluid pathway to the interior of the wellbore tubular, and an inflatable seal disposed between an opening to the interior of the wellbore tubular and the fluid pathway, wherein the inflatable seal is configured to inflate to substantially block the fluid pathway in response to a fluid pressure differential between the interior of the wellbore tubular and the exterior of the wellbore tubular that exceeds a predefined threshold. |
| US08960305B2 |
Monitoring system for pipelines or risers in floating production installations
A method of monitoring a subsea pipeline system connecting one or more wells to a floating production system, wherein the pipeline system is at least partially flexible, the method comprises installing a continuous optical fiber distributed sensor as part of the pipeline system, the sensor capable of providing a distributed measurement of temperature, vibration, pressure or strain, or any combination thereof; using the sensor to obtain a distributed measurement of temperature, vibration, pressure and/or strain along at least part of the pipeline system indexed to a length thereof; and using the distributed measurement to predict the actual condition of the fluid, the pipeline system and/or the adjacent sea water using a model. A subsea pipeline system for connecting one or more wells to a floating production system, wherein the pipeline system comprises at least one partially flexible pipeline; a continuous optical fiber distributed sensor installed as part of the pipeline capable of providing a distributed measurement of temperature and/or strain; means for obtaining a distributed measurement of temperature, vibration or strain, or combinations thereof, along at least part of the pipeline system indexed to a length thereof from the sensor; and means for using the distributed measurement to manage operation of the system. Preferably, the system comprises means for modelling expected pipeline behavior using the distributed measurement as an input; and means for using the modelled behavior to manage operation of the system. |
| US08960303B2 |
Gooseneck conduit system
A gooseneck conduit system for use with a telescoping joint of a subsea riser. In one embodiment, a riser telescoping joint includes a tube, and a gooseneck conduit assembly affixed to the tube. The gooseneck conduit assembly includes a plurality of gooseneck conduits and a locking mechanism. The gooseneck conduits extend radially from the tube. The locking mechanism engages a locking pin affixed to the tube to secure the gooseneck conduit assembly to the tube. Each gooseneck conduit couples to an auxiliary fluid line secured to the telescoping joint. |
| US08960301B2 |
Completing underwater wells
An underwater well is completed by extending an elongate stinger laterally outward from a vessel positioned at the water surface. The stinger is extended to curve downward toward a wellhead of the well. A well completion string is deployed from the vessel on the stinger while supporting the completing string to curve outward and downward from the vessel toward the wellhead. The completion string is then guided into the wellhead. |
| US08960297B1 |
Well cleanout tool
A well cleanout tool configured to replace a joint of tubing in a multi-joint tubing string for a wellbore. The well cleanout tool having a bushing threadable to a tubular and a one piece integral nozzle threaded to the tubular opposite the bushing, with an inner gas separator assembly contained within the tubular for flowing particulate out the nozzle end and cleaned wellbore fluid out the bushing end. |
| US08960293B2 |
Method of propping agent delivery to the well
A method for producing minerals and, more specifically, for producing hydrocarbons, by hydraulic fracturing of the rock, can be used for the optimization of formation fracturing crack processing conditions. The method includes splitting a main stream of a propping agent suspension in a fluid at a mixer output into at least two flows having different volume delivery rates, and comingling the at least two flows before delivering to the hydraulic fracturing zone. |
| US08960289B2 |
Combined fracturing and perforating method and device for oil and gas well
A combined fracturing and perforating method and device for oil and gas well are disclosed. The method utilizes an explosion of a perforating charge (5) in a combined fracturing perforator to ignite primary gunpowder in the perforator, and burning of the primary gunpowder ignites secondary gunpowder in the perforator. The body of the perforating gun in the combined fracturing and perforating device is provided with pressure releasing hole (8) which is directly facing the jet direction of said perforating charge, and sealing sheet (9) is arranged on said pressure releasing hole (8). Inner gunpowder box (6), which contains the primary gunpowder, and outer gunpowder box (7), which contains the secondary gunpowder, are mounted on the cylindrical charge frame (4). |
| US08960287B2 |
Alternative path gravel pack system and method
A well screen system comprises a wellbore tubular and a coiled shunt tube disposed along the wellbore tubular. The coiled shunt tube is configured to be unwound from a reel. A method of gravel packing comprises passing a slurry through a coiled shunt tube, passing the slurry from the coiled shunt tube to an annulus between an outside of a sand screen assembly and a wellbore wall, disposing the slurry about the sand screen assembly, and forming a gravel pack in response to disposing the slurry about the sand screen assembly. The coiled shunt tube is disposed along the sand screen assembly. |
| US08960286B2 |
Heavy oil recovery using SF6 and RF heating
A method of producing heavy oil by first injecting water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules into a region. The method then introduces electromagnetic waves such as microwaves and/or radio frequencies into the region at a frequency sufficient to excite the water and the sulfur hexafluoride molecules and increase the temperature of at least a portion of the water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules within the region to produce heated water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules. At least a portion of the heavy oil is heated in the region by contact with the heated water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules to produce heated heavy oil. The heated heavy oil is then produced. |
| US08960279B2 |
Erosional protection of fiber optic cable
A method and apparatus for preventing erosion of a cable for use in a wellbore is described herein. The cable has one or more optical fibers adapted to monitor and/or control a condition in the wellbore. The cable includes a layer of elastomeric material at least partially located on an outer surface of the cable. The elastomeric material is adapted to absorb energy due to the impact of particles in production fluid or wellbore fluid against the cable. |
| US08960278B2 |
Pull through centralizer
A centralizer system comprising a centralizer disposed about a wellbore tubular, wherein the centralizer comprises, a first body portion, a second body portion, a plurality of bow springs connecting the first body portion to the second body portion, and at least one window disposed in the first body portion, and a retaining portion disposed in the at least one window, wherein the retaining portion is configured to provide a substantially fixed engagement between the first body portion and the wellbore tubular. |
| US08960267B2 |
Heat sink module
A heat sink module includes a base block having opposing top wall and bottom wall, insertion grooves located at the top wall, heat pipe grooves located at the bottom wall and rows of equally spaced holes cut through the top and bottom walls in communication between the insertion grooves and the heat pipe grooves and matching the insertion grooves, heat pipes mounted in the heat pipe grooves of the base block, and radiation fins respectively mounted in the insertion grooves of the base block, each radiation fin having heat pipe mating edges respectively inserted into the holes and stopped against the heat pipes for dissipating heat from the heat pipes. |
| US08960262B2 |
Encapsulated arrays with barrier layer covered tiles
Encapsulated arrays with tiles covered with a barrier layer are disclosed. Tiles formed of silicon carbide, and wrapped with a barrier layer, are encapsulated with a base metal formed of a steel alloy. During a casting process, to fabricate the encapsulated arrays, the barrier layer prevents the steel alloy and/or the silicon carbide from compromising each other. |
| US08960260B2 |
Motorized roller shade or blind having an antenna and antenna cable connection
A motorized roller shade includes a shade tube, including an outer surface upon which a shade is attached, an inner surface defining an inner cavity and two end portions, a motor/controller unit, disposed within the shade tube inner cavity and mechanically coupled to the shade tube inner surface, including a support shaft configured to attach to a mounting bracket, and a DC motor having an output shaft coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to the mounting bracket. A wireless receiver is coupled to the motor/controller unit to receive wireless signals and an antenna is arranged on or in at least one of the two end portions. |
| US08960251B2 |
Pneumatic tire with inner liner layer having multiplicity of integrally molded interlocking elements
A pneumatic tire designed so that when a hook and loop fastener is fitted to the tire internal face of a pneumatic tire furnished with an inner liner layer consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer composition of a blend of thermoplastic resin and elastomer, or a thermoplastic resin, the hook and loop fastener can easily follow the elongation of the inner liner layer and is free from damaging of the inner liner layer. There is disclosed a pneumatic tire furnished on its internal face with an inner liner layer (7) consisting of a thermoplastic elastomer composition composed of thermoplastic resin and elastomer, or a thermoplastic resin, characterized in that integral forming of a multiplicity of interlocking elements (8) protruding on the hollow side of the tire is effected on the surface of the inner layer (7). |
| US08960248B2 |
Method and apparatus for multilayer shear band reinforcement
A method is provided for reinforcement of a multiple layer shear band as may be used in a non-pneumatic tire More particularly, an iterative method of improving the performance characteristics (such as e g, increasing the bending stiffness) of a shear band without increasing its thickness or of reducing the thickness of a shear band while maintaining its performance characteristics is presented Shear bands constructed according to this method are also provided. |
| US08960243B2 |
Gouging machine for double reeds
A gouging machine for cane includes: (a) a base; (b) a cane bed, having a trough disposed parallel to a bottom surface of the cane bed, and having grooves on opposing sides thereof that slope at a groove angle with respect to the bottom surface of the cane bed, the cane bed being affixed to the base so that the trough is parallel to a top surface of the base and to a predetermined line; and (c) clamps, disposed on the opposing sides of the cane bed, each clamp having a tongue that slopes at the groove angle with respect to a clamping surface thereof, which clamping surface is adapted to grip edges of cane placed in the trough of the cane bed, and wherein the tongues of the clamps slidably engage the grooves of the cane bed so that the clamping surface of the clamps are parallel to a bottom of the trough. |
| US08960239B2 |
Unbonded flexible pipe
An unbonded flexible pipe with a length and a center axis along its length includes an internal sealing sheath surrounding the center axis, and at least two tensile armor layers having cross wound elements surrounding the internal sealing sheath. The two tensile armor layers include a first tensile armoring layer having a plurality of first helically wound, elongate armoring elements, and a second tensile armoring layer having a plurality of second helically wound, elongate armoring elements. The first helically wound, elongate armoring elements consist of a first material or a first combination of materials and the second helically wound, elongate armoring elements consist of a second material or a second combination of materials, where the first material or the first combination of materials is different from the second material or the second combination of materials. The unbonded flexible pipe further includes a galvanic barrier layer between the first and the second tensile armoring layer. |
| US08960237B2 |
Fuel tank installation
A fuel tank installation comprising: a fuel tank for holding fuel, the fuel tank comprising a fuel tank wall formed with a hole; a fuel pump assembly fitted into the hole in the fuel tank wall with an inner part of the fuel pump assembly protruding from an inner side of the hole and an outer part of the fuel pump assembly protruding from an outer side of the hole; a cage surrounding the outer part of the fuel pump assembly; and a mounting piece which attaches both the cage and the fuel pump assembly to the fuel tank wall. |
| US08960233B2 |
Solenoid valve
A solenoid valve 10 including a valve sleeve 41, and a solenoid portion 20 which is mounted at one end along axial direction of the valve sleeve 41. A plurality of ports 51 to 54 are formed on the valve sleeve 41. In at least an outlet port 51 of the plurality of ports, a relation of S1≧S0 is fulfilled, where S1 is an opening area of valve portion when the spool 60 moves in an axial direction to maximally open the valve portion between the outlet port 51 and the internal flow passage 47, and S0 is the total flow passage cross-sectional area. |
| US08960231B2 |
Multi-mode injection valve
A multi-mode injection valve includes a stator having an outer stator face and an inner stator face; a plurality of fluid ports in the outer stator face; a plurality of fluid orifices in the inner stator face, the fluid orifices disposed in fluid communication with the fluid ports, respectively; a rotor having a rotor surface engaging the inner stator face of the stator; a plurality of rotor grooves in the rotor surface of the rotor, each of the rotor grooves adapted for fluid communication with a pair of the fluid orifices depending upon a rotational or angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator; and an actuator unit engaging the rotor, the actuator unit adapted to rotate the rotor relative to the stator. |
| US08960229B2 |
Sleeve valve with sync cam
Sleeve valves include a valve body having an inner surface and outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an inlet, an outlet, and a body cavity between the inlet and the outlet; a sleeve disposed at least partially within the body cavity, the sleeve including at least one opening fluidly connecting the inlet to the outlet; a gate proximate to the sleeve and movable over a portion of the sleeve including the at least one opening, the gate including at least one front stop and at least one back stop connected to the gate; and a drive assembly including at least one drive line having a drive shaft and a sync cam, the sync cam of each at least one drive line movably positioned on the drive shaft and between one of the at least one front stop and one of the at least one back stop. |
| US08960227B2 |
Hydraulic fluid tank
A tank for a hydraulic fluid has a housing with opposed end walls and side walls defining an interior chamber. A primary baffle is disposed inside the housing and divides the interior chamber into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, with a primary gap between the primary baffle and the housing fluidly communicating between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. The primary baffle further defines a contact surface facing the inlet chamber and has first and second weirs which extend into the inlet chamber. A first fluid inlet fluidly communicates with the inlet chamber and is oriented along a first inlet axis that intersects the contact surface, while a fluid outlet communicates with the outlet chamber. The tank produces an interior flow that mixes and deaerates the fluid as it travels from the first fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. |
| US08960226B2 |
Transmission hydraulic control system having fluid bypass sleeve
A hydraulic control system for a clutch of a transmission includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a line pressure regulator valve, a clutch control valve, a control valve bore, and a bypass sleeve. The bypass sleeve is installed in the control valve bore and includes an axial bore, and a first and a second port. The first port is in communication with the axial bore and the first of the plurality of ports of the control valve bore, the second port is in communication with the axial bore and the second of the plurality of ports of the control valve bore, and the axial bore is not in communication with the remainder of the plurality of ports of the control valve bore. |
| US08960225B2 |
Method for detecting a closing time point of a valve having a coil drive, and valve
A method for detecting a closing moment of a valve having a coil drive includes impressing an electrical voltage in the exciter coil to generate an exciter current through the coil, which attracts the movable armature and lifts the valve element off its valve seat. After the exciter current decays to zero, the voltage profile at the exciter coil is sampled and read out over time in the form of time value/voltage value pairs. The detected voltage values and time valves are transformed by the formation of a logarithm to form a transformed function. The transformed function is subsequently derived numerically with the formation of a derivation function. A transformed time value corresponding to the valve closing moment is detected based on the derivation function of a predetermined threshold value S being undershot, and the closing moment is calculated therefrom by inverse transformation. |
| US08960224B2 |
Valve position translator
Apparatus for determining whether a valve is fully opened or closed. In one embodiment a valve position translator includes a cam tube and a rod. The cam tube has a cylindrical wall. A first slot in the wall is disposed along a radial arc of the tube. A second slot in the wall extends from an end of the first slot at an angle acute to the first slot. The rod extends through the wall, and rotates the cam tube while moving linearly along the cam tube in the second slot and while moving in an arc in the first slot. |
| US08960222B2 |
Closure device
A closure device for a container of compressed gas, particularly a capsule having a water capacity in the range of 5 to 100 ml, comprises a shut-off valve 122 and a pressure-reducing valve 120, particularly a pressure regulating valve. The shut-off valve 122 is on the lower pressure side of the pressure-reducing valve 120. The closure device may also comprise a fill valve 118 to enable the container to be recharged with gas. |
| US08960218B1 |
Valve control system for foam generating apparatus
A valve control system for a compressed air foam generation apparatus includes a control board with a scrolling light display to indicate the quality of foam being produced. The control board is coupled to a manually operated valve by a string potentiometer. The string potentiometer connects at a ring coupled to the valve, such that turning of the valve causes the string potentiometer cable to extend or retract, thereby indicating the degree to which the solution valve is opened. |
| US08960216B2 |
Diaphragm control valve having a universal diaphragm mounting location
A diaphragm control valve has a universal diaphragm mounting location, the diaphragm control valve includes a bonnet, a valve body, a diaphragm, and a clamping washer. The bonnet includes a first clamping surface that transitions into a first annular retention surface formed by a skirt, and the valve body includes a second clamping surface that transitions into a second annular retention surface formed by an upturned annular lip. |
| US08960215B2 |
Leak plugging in components with fluid flow passages
A method for repairing a component with a leak are disclosed. In an embodiment, a component having at least one fluid flow path with a leak therein is provided. The component may be made of a first material. A second material may be introduced into the fluid flow path, and propelled into the location of the leak in the flow path. Once there, the second material is melted and solidified, forming a plug that occludes the leak. |
| US08960213B2 |
Method for operating a valve
A valve including a first valve part with at least one opening and a second valve part with at least one opening. The relative position of the openings of the first and second valve parts produces an overlapping area, which defines an opening degree of the valve. The first and second valve parts are adapted to perform relative movements from a position defining a maximum opening degree of the valve towards a position defining a minimum opening degree of the valve in such a manner that the velocity of the relative movement between the first valve part and the second valve part varies as a function of the overlapping area of the openings of the first and second valve parts. For example, the velocity may be decreased as the overlapping area decreases. Operating the valve in this manner reduces water hammering while ensuring appropriate operation and acceptable response times. |
| US08960211B2 |
Combination hiking pole and camera steadying device
The invention combines the functionality of a hiking pole and a camera tripod. A hiking pole is augmented with an attachment for a camera and with a plurality of flexible tethers, each of which have one end that attaches near the top of the pole and the other end which can be stood on or otherwise immobilized relative to the ground. The combination of the tethers and the rigid pole will restrict all freedom of motion of the camera and allow stabilized, long exposure pictures to be taken. When not taking pictures, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tethers can be retracted and stored, leaving the user with a functioning hiking pole. |
| US08960206B2 |
Flossing device
Provided is a flossing device comprising a dental floss in the shape of two round members and one straight member in a junction area between them, the device not only entering between the teeth, but cleaning the whole teeth-surface surrounding the inter proximal space. The floss of the device may be impregnated with cosmetic or medical agents. |
| US08960205B2 |
Method and system for imparting strand effect to hair
A method of imparting hair strand effects may include identifying each of a plurality of hair strands to which to apply a hair strand effect product independently and individually, the plurality of hair strands associated with an illustration of at least one type of hair strand effects and one of a plurality of hair styles, and applying the product to each of the plurality of hair strands independently and individually subsequent to identifying the plurality of hair strands. In the alternative or in combination, a hair instruction guide may be consulted, the guide having at least one strand size associated with one of the plurality of types of hair strand effects, and a strand of hair may be identified according to the at least one strand size. A system for creating a hair strand effect may include a hair strand effect product and such a hair instruction guide. |
| US08960204B2 |
Cosmetic method for modifying the appearance of the contour of the eye
A cosmetic method for temporary modification of an appearance of a contour of an eye is disclosed. The cosmetic method comprises placing an aesthetic prosthesis at least on a hollow portion of an upper eyelid. The hollow portion is situated close to a medial canthus. The placing includes visually and/or physically filling at least a portion of the hollow portion with at least a first portion of the aesthetic prosthesis. An aesthetic filler prosthesis and a kit for an aesthetic filler prosthesis are also disclosed. |
| US08960203B2 |
Hair implement with rotational bearing
A hair implement, such as a comb, brush, or pick, is disclosed that includes a handle section containing a rotational bearing within an annular opening in the handle section. When the hair implement is not in use, it may be held on a user's finger and rotate out of the way without the need for the user to disengage his or her finger from the hair implement. |
| US08960197B2 |
Filter for a smoking article
A filter (11) for a smoking article (10) comprises a first flowpath (13) through the filter, a second flowpath (14) through the filter, the second flowpath being disposed around the first flowpath, and a selector (16) for allowing flow selectively through the first and second flowpaths. |
| US08960196B2 |
Mask system with interchangeable headgear connectors
A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a common frame provided without built-in or integral headgear attachment points and at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to be provided to the frame. Each of the at least first and second headgear connectors are adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear. The at least first and second headgear connectors are different from one another in at least one aspect. |
| US08960195B2 |
Intubation-facilitating oxygen mask
A versatile, intubation-facilitating oxygen mask is provided including at least one diaphragm configured with a continuous, flexible, modifiable membrane from which an instrument-access port may be manually constructed, when and if needed. The novel oxygen mask preferably includes a multiple-inlet port having a standard oxygen tube connector and an interchangeable breathing-therapy device connector, a carbon dioxide sampling port, an exhaust port, and a nose clip. The mask can be worn as a standard oxygen mask during traditional oxygen therapy, yet quickly converted into an intubation mask. The clinician manually perforates the nasal and/or oral membranes of the one or more diaphragms to create a point and size of entry perfectly matched to the requirements for a variety of procedures that may be performed involving nasally or orally introduced scopes or probes—without disturbing the ongoing benefits of increased oxygen saturation and continuous monitoring of expired gases. |
| US08960192B2 |
System and method for quantifying lung compliance in a self-ventilating subject
The lung compliance of a subject that is at least partially self-ventilating is determined. The quantification of lung compliance may be an estimation, a measurement, and/or an approximate measurement. The quantification of lung compliance may be enhanced over conventional techniques and/or systems for quantifying lung compliance of self-ventilating subjects in the lung compliance may be quantified relatively accurately without an effort belt or other external sensing device that directly measures diaphragmatic muscle pressure, and without requiring the subject to manually control diaphragmatic muscle pressure. Quantification of lung compliance may be a useful tool in evaluating the health of the subject, including detection of fluid retention associated with developing acute congestive heart failure. |
| US08960187B1 |
Concentrating solar energy
The present disclosure is directed to concentrating sunlight. In some implementations, a concentrator includes a plurality of reflector support structures and a plurality of reflector segments associated with each reflector support structure. Each reflector support structure formed to include a curved surface that receives an associated reflector segment and a bottom portion that distributes the weight of the reflector segment along a surface area. Each reflector segment includes a reflecting surface adjacent a flexible element such that the reflecting surface reflects incident sunlight light. In some examples, the reflector support structures may comprise a light weight material such as a polyurethane and/or the reflecting surface may be 5 mils or less. |
| US08960183B2 |
Solar water pasteurizer
In accordance with the present invention, there are provided solar water pasteurizers that are portable, efficient, inexpensive and easy to use. In its simplest form, the solar pasteurizer includes a transparent container such as a bag or envelope that contains at least one energy converting structure and has sufficient insulation to enable heating water to a temperature of at least 65° C. (and preferably to a temperature of at least 70° C.) for a time sufficient to achieve pasteurization (at 65-70° C., a period of only about 6 minutes is required for pasteurization). Invention solar pasteurizers are particularly useful for pasteurizing water. In additional embodiments, invention solar pasteurizers include additional features, such as, for example, a water pasteurization indicator, and a receptacle for retaining same within the invention container. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, there are provided methods for pasteurizing water employing solar pasteurizers described herein, as well as kits suitable to convert any transparent water tight container into a solar water pasteurizer. |
| US08960179B2 |
Air treatment module
An air treatment module includes an air plenum, a heat exchanger tube and a bypass duct. The bypass duct has an inlet opening in flow communication with the air plenum in juxtaposition with a selected region of the heat exchanger and an outlet opening in flow communication with a zone of lower air pressure. The presence of the bypass duct improves air flow over the heat exchanger tube in the selected region. |
| US08960177B2 |
Wiresaw cutting method
The present invention provides a wiresaw cutting method comprising cutting a workpiece with a wiresaw while applying an aqueous cutting fluid to the wiresaw from a recirculating reservoir of cutting fluid, monitoring at least one of a chemical property, a physical property, or both, and adjusting the chemical composition of the cutting fluid while cutting the workpiece to maintain the property being monitored. The present invention additionally provides an apparatus to perform the inventive method. |
| US08960174B2 |
Arrow rest locking mechanisms
An arrow rest for a bow, according to various embodiments, comprises (1) a launcher, (2) a cord, and (3) a locking mechanism disposed adjacent the launcher. The launcher is adapted to lift an arrow from a first position to a second, ready-to-fire position, the cord is adapted to move the arrow rest from the first position to the second, ready-to-fire position when the cord is pulled, and the locking mechanism is selectively adapted to exert opposing lateral forces on the cord to selectively lock the cord in place while the launcher is in the second, ready-to-fire position. |
| US08960170B2 |
Internal combustion engine
A combustion engine, in particular that of a motor vehicle, includes a ventilation device for feeding gases of a crankcase of the combustion engine enclosing at least one crankshaft to an air feed of the combustion engine, wherein the air feed feeds an airflow rate to the combustion engine. An adapter device may fluidically connect a full load path of the ventilation device to a full load line of the ventilation device and a part load path of the ventilation device to a part load line of the ventilation device. |
| US08960169B2 |
EGR controller for internal combustion engine
When a constant driving voltage is applied to a motor driving an EGR valve so that the EGR opening degree is varied, an angular speed of the EGR valve becomes minimal at a position where the driving torque of the EGR valve becomes maximal. In view of this, while an opening degree of the EGR valve is varied with a constant driving voltage applied to the motor, the EGR opening degree where the angular speed becomes minimal is learned as a full-close position. |
| US08960166B2 |
Systems and methods for heating a pre-compressor duct to reduce condensate formation
Methods and systems are provided for providing auxiliary heat to a pre-compressor duct wall to reduce condensate formation. A coolant valve may control the delivery of heated engine coolant to the pre-compressor duct wall. The coolant valve may be adjusted based on condensate formation at the pre-compressor duct wall. |
| US08960162B2 |
Filter means, motor vehicle, and method for operating filter means
The invention relates to an activated charcoal filter (10) for storing and releasing gaseous hydrocarbons which originate from a fuel supply means of a motor vehicle. The activated charcoal (14) can be supplied with gaseous hydrocarbons via an inlet (16). A heating means for heating of the activated charcoal (14) is made available by a tank shutoff valve (18) by means of which the inlet (16) can be shut off. Since the tank shutoff valve (18) is being operated as a heating means, an additional heating means for regenerating the activated charcoal (14) can be omitted. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such an activated charcoal filter (10) and a method for operating an activated charcoal filter (10). |
| US08960161B2 |
Fuel injection system
The present application relates to a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine having an automatic stop-start system, the fuel injection system comprising a high pressure fuel pump, which via a fuel pump line delivers fuel towards a common fuel rail, to which a fuel return line is connected. It is proposed that the fuel return line comprise a control element system, which firstly discharges a fuel pressure to a fuel tank, when a first predefined pressure limit is reached in the fuel return line, and which secondly prevents a further flow of fuel from the return line into the fuel tank, but allows a flow of fuel from the fuel tank into the fuel return line, so that the return line is designed as a fuel pressure accumulator. |
| US08960160B2 |
Engine working machine
An engine working machine that has an electronically controlled fuel injection system and a fuel tank disposed in an upper portion. The capacity of the fuel tank is effectively used and a complex structure is prevented while reducing the length of the fuel piping. An engine is disposed in a lower portion, and a fuel tank is disposed above the engine. A fuel pump is mounted on a bottom outside surface of the fuel tank, and disposed projecting on a side portion of the crankcase. An extended box is provided on a bottom surface of the fuel tank, and the fuel pump is mounted with a filter and a fuel intake port located inside the extended box. The fuel pump is housed in a pump case that is fixed to a bottom surface of the extended box. |
| US08960159B2 |
Drain for fuel pump
A fuel pump and method for draining such and for providing a lubrication fluid sump level for startup of the fuel pump are disclosed. The fuel pump may comprise a housing, a first plunger apparatus, and a camshaft rotatably mounted in the housing. The camshaft has a first end and a second end and may define a bore extending from the first end to the second end. The camshaft may include a first interface operatively connected to the first plunger apparatus. |
| US08960153B2 |
Method and system for controlling engine vacuum production
A method for controlling engine vacuum production is disclosed. In one example, one or more air sources to an engine intake manifold are closed so as to increase an amount of air drawn from another air source. The method may increase a rate of vacuum supplied to a vacuum actuated device so as to improve operation of the vacuum actuated device. |
| US08960152B1 |
Manually actuated automotive engine throttle override
One embodiment of an independent engine throttle override comprised of an override switch in conjunction with of an override module which houses a fixed resistor and switching relay to provide the capability to return a runaway automotive engine to idle speed without impacting operability of other vehicle control systems. |
| US08960150B2 |
Piston arrangement and engine
A piston arrangement comprising a piston movable within a cylinder and having a stroke with a first end and a second end, wherein the piston is coupled to a crankshaft by a linkage mechanism including a toggle link which is pivotally coupled to the piston and pivotally coupled to a con-rod, wherein the toggle link has a first position corresponding to the first end of the piston stroke, a second position different to the first position also corresponding to the first end of the piston stroke, and an intermediate position between the first and second positions corresponding to the second end of the piston stroke such that the piston completes four strokes for every one revolution of the crankshaft. Also a piston arrangement comprising first and second pistons movable respectively within first and second cylinders, wherein the first piston is coupled to a crank shaft by a first linkage mechanism including a first toggle link pivotally connected to the first piston and pivotally connected to a first con-rod, wherein the second piston is coupled to the crank shaft by a second linkage mechanism including a second toggle link pivotally connected to the second piston and pivotally connected to a second con-rod, wherein the first and second con-rods have different lengths such that the first and second pistons operate out of phase with each other. Also an engine comprising at least two high pressure pistons movable within respective high pressure cylinders and at least one low pressure piston movable within a low pressure cylinder, wherein the low pressure piston moves through twice the number of strokes moved through by each of the high pressure pistons in the same period of time, wherein a linkage mechanism coupling the low pressure piston to a crankshaft includes a toggle link. |