最新美国发明专利第2015-03-17期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08980060B2	Biomass hydrothermal decomposition apparatus, method thereof, and organic material production system using biomass material A biomass hydrothermal decomposition apparatus includes, a biomass feeder (31) that feeds biomass material (11) under normal pressure to under increased pressure, a hydrothermal decomposition device (42A) that allows the fed biomass material (11) to be gradually moved inside a device main body (42A) from either end thereof in a consolidated condition, and also allows hot compressed water (15) to be fed from an other end of a feed section for the biomass material into the main body (42A), so as to cause the biomass material (11) and the hot compressed water (15) to countercurrently contact with each other and undergo hydrothermal decomposition, and that elutes a lignin component and a hemicellulose component into the hot compressed water, so as to separate the lignin component and the hemicellulose component from the biomass material (11); and a biomass discharger (51) that discharges, from the side where the hot compressed water is fed into the device main body, a biomass solid residue (17) under increased pressure to under normal pressure.
US08980058B2	Modified filler composition, pulp and paper using same A modified filler composition used in papermaking is provided. The modified filler composition contains microfibrillated cellulose, and filler having negative charge, and a cationic polymer.
US08980055B2	High efficiency disposable cellulosic wiper A disposable cellulosic wiper includes (a) a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers, and (b) a percentage by weight of fibrillated regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml and having a weight average diameter of less than 2 microns. The microfibers are further characterized in that 40% by weight thereof is finer than 14 mesh.
US08980053B2	Transformer paper and other non-conductive transformer components A transformer paper comprising polyetherimide fibers is disclosed, along with a method of making the transformer paper and articles.
US08980050B2	Methods for removing hemicellulose A method for treating a cellulosic material comprising extracting the cellulosic material with an extractant to selectively extract hemicellulose therein and separating the extracted hemicellulose to form a cellulosic product comprising less hemicellulose than the cellulosic material. The extractant comprises an amine oxide and a non-solvent. The cellulosic product retains the cellulosic fiber morphology.
US08980046B2	Semiconductor processing system with source for decoupled ion and radical control A top plate assembly is positioned above and spaced apart from the substrate support, such that a processing region exists between the top plate assembly and the substrate support. The top plate assembly includes a central plasma generation microchamber and a plurality of annular-shaped plasma generation microchambers positioned in a concentric manner about the central plasma generation microchamber. Adjacently positioned ones of the central and annular-shaped plasma generation microchambers are spaced apart from each other so as to form a number of axial exhaust vents therebetween. Each of the central and annular-shaped plasma generation microchambers is defined to generate a corresponding plasma therein and supply reactive constituents of its plasma to the processing region between the top plate assembly and the substrate support.
US08980044B2	Plasma reactor with a multiple zone thermal control feed forward control apparatus A plasma reactor having a reactor chamber and an electrostatic chuck having a surface for holding a workpiece inside the chamber includes inner and outer zone backside gas pressure sources coupled to the electrostatic chuck for applying a thermally conductive gas under respective pressures to respective inner and outer zones of a workpiece-surface interface formed whenever a workpiece is held on the surface, and inner and outer evaporators inside respective inner and outer zones of the electrostatic chuck and a refrigeration loop having respective inner and cuter expansion valves for controlling flow of coolant through the inner and outer evaporators respectively. The reactor further includes inner and outer zone temperature sensors in inner and outer zones of the electrostatic chuck and a thermal model capable of simulating heat transfer through the inner and outer zones, respectively, between the evaporator and the surface based upon measurements from the inner and outer temperature sensors, respectively. Inner and outer zone agile control processors coupled to the thermal model govern the inner and outer zone backside gas pressure sources, respectively, in response to predictions from the model of changes in the respective pressures that would bring the temperatures measured by the inner and outer zone sensors, respectively, closer to a desired temperature.
US08980035B2	Method for making carbon nanotube film structures A method for making a carbon nanotube film structure is related. A rotator having an axis and a rotating surface is provided. A carbon nanotube film drawn from a carbon nanotube array is adhered on the rotating surface of the rotator. The rotator is rotated about the axis to wrap the carbon nanotube film on the rotating surface of the rotator to form a carbon nanotube layer. The carbon nanotube layer is cut along a direction to form the carbon nanotube film structure.
US08980032B2	Method for manufacturing an arm in composite material comprising a transversal bearing designed to receive a fixed or rotating shaft The invention relates to a method for manufacturing an arm (16) in composite material, this arm comprising a main body incorporating a bearing (22) designed to receive a shaft passing through it transversely, this method comprising the steps of: manufacturing a hub (11) by winding reinforcing fibers around a generally tubular support (12); manufacturing at least one sleeve (14); attaching the hub (11) to one end of the sleeve (14) and transversely to the sleeve (14) in order to form a mandrel; applying one or more layers of braided reinforcing fibers (21) around this mandrel with a machine for braiding reinforcing fibers (19); injecting and polymerizing resin into the layer or layers of braided fibers (21). The invention applies notably to an arm forming an undercarriage rocker arm of an aircraft.
US08980029B1	Doubler repair apparatus and method A doubler repair apparatus includes a composite structure having a repair area, a susceptor having an adhesive film and at least one magnetic component extending within the adhesive film on the repair area, a repair doubler patch on the susceptor and a heat source having an induction coil generally above the repair doubler patch.
US08980025B2	Method and apparatus for laminating a first and a second sheet An apparatus is provided for laminating a first and a second sheet (1, 2) comprising—a chamber (10) having a first, a second and a third compartment (11, 12, 13 resp.) subsequently arranged along a first axis (Z), each compartment having a port (21, 22, 23 resp.)—a first sheet carrier (40) arranged transverse to said first axis (Z) and being displaceable along said first axis (Z),—a second sheet carrier (50) arranged in a plane aligned with and opposite the first sheet carrier (40), the second sheet carrier being displaceable and/or rotatable in said plane,—a first flexible membrane (42) extending laterally to a wall of the chamber, the first sheet carrier (40) and/or the first flexible membrane (42) separating the first and the second compartment (11, 12) of the chamber (10) from each other,—a second flexible membrane (52) extending laterally from the second sheet carrier (50) to the wall of the chamber, the second sheet carrier (50) and the second flexible membrane (52) separating the second and the third compartment (12, 13) of the chamber (10) from each other,—an alignment facility (60) for aligning the second sheet (2) relative to the first sheet (1) by moving the second sheet carrier (50) in a direction transverse to the first axis (Z) and/or rotating the second sheet carrier around an axis parallel to the first axis (Z).
US08980020B2	Method and device for producing a metal component The invention relates to a method for producing a metal structural component, in particular a vehicle structural component, in which a steel part is hot formed and is hardened at least over sections by contact with a tool surface, in which the steel part is during the hardening cooled in at least two partial regions at different cooling rates, so that the partial regions after the hardening differ in their microstructure, wherein the cooling rates differing from one another are produced by sections of the tool surface corresponding to the partial regions of the steel part, which differ from one another as regards their thermal conductivities. The invention also relates to a further method for producing a metal structural component, as well as a tool and a batch furnace.
US08980017B2	Method for manufacturing steel plate with a layered structure A method for manufacturing a steel plate provided with a layered structure. A method for manufacturing a steel plate includes: i) providing a high carbon steel plate; ii) homogenizing the high carbon steel plate; iii) transforming the high carbon steel plate into an austenitic phase by heating the high carbon steel plate; iv) contacting the high carbon steel plate with an oxidization gas and converting the high carbon steel plate into a steel plate comprising surface layers that are spaced apart from each other and are decarburized to be transformed into a ferritic phase, and a center layer that is located between the surface layers and is not decarburized; and v) cooling the high carbon steel plate and transforming the center layer into a martensitic phase.
US08980012B2	Apparatus and method for de-inking printed surfaces Apparatus and method for removing an ink image from a plastic substrate, particularly a plastic container such as a cup, are provided. A solvent capable of solvating the ink image is utilized in order to de-ink articles so that they can be recycled and re-imprinted thereby reducing waste associated with printing line start up. As the articles may be intended for use with food and beverage products, a safe and non-toxic solvent may be selected. However, to ensure that the article is not contaminated with foreign materials prior to human use, the de-inked article may undergo a rinse and drying operation to remove solvent residues and UV light treatment to eliminate any harmful microorganisms that may be present on the article's surfaces.
US08980011B2	Method of cleaning residue from a surface using a high efficiency disposable cellulosic wiper A method of cleaning residue from a surface includes providing a disposable cellulosic wiper including a percentage by weight of pulp-derived papermaking fibers. The pulp-derived papermaking fibers have a characteristic scattering coefficient of less than 50 m2/kg. The wiper also includes a percentage by weight of fibrillated regenerated independent cellulosic microfibers having a number average diameter of less than about 2 microns, and a characteristic Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) value of less than 175 ml. The microfibers are selected and present in amounts such that the wiper exhibits a scattering coefficient of greater than 50 m2/kg. The wiper is applied, with a predetermined amount of pressure, to a residue-bearing surface, and the surface is wiped, while applying the predetermined amount of pressure, to remove residue from the surface, such that the surface has less than 1 g/m2 of residue after being wiped under the predetermined amount of pressure.
US08980006B2	Apparatus for chemical vapor deposition An apparatus for chemical vapor deposition is disclosed. An aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for chemical vapor deposition that includes: a process chamber configured to demarcate a reaction space; a back plate placed above the reaction space and having a gas inlet in a middle thereof; a gas diffusion member arranged below and separated from the gas inlet and coupled to the back plate by a first coupling member and configured to diffuse process gas supplied through the gas inlet; a shower head placed below and separated from the back plate and the gas diffusion member and having a middle part thereof coupled to the gas diffusion member by a second coupling member and having a plurality of spray holes perforated therein; and a susceptor arranged below and separated from the shower head and supporting a substrate. The gas diffusion member has a plurality of gas guiding holes that vertically penetrate the gas diffusion member such that the process gas supplied through the gas inlet is diffused toward a lower side of the gas diffusion member.
US08979998B2	Biomass-derived grinding aids Compositions and methods for increasing grinding efficiency of cement, cement clinker, raw materials for cement, and other inorganic particles. Use of biomass-derived polyols such as diols, triols, or mixtures thereof, optionally with a conventional grinding aid, cement quality improver, and/or hexavalent chromium reducer, are believed to provide less risk of sludging when compared to glycerides obtained from fossil fuel sources.
US08979997B2	Concrete mixture and method of forming the same A concrete mixture for forming a breathable concrete. The mixture comprises aggregate particles and a paste comprising water, cement or cement substitute, and plasticizer. The plasticizer controls the viscosity of the paste such that the paste forms a substantially uniform layer coating the particles, with the coated particles in contact, while allowing spaces to be retained there between. These spaces interconnect forming channels through the concrete, allowing air to permeate there through such that the concrete exhibits good dynamic insulation properties, whist retaining structural strength.
US08979992B2	Polypeptide solution, artificial polypeptide fiber production method and polypeptide purification method using same A polypeptide solution of the present invention is a polypeptide solution in which a polypeptide derived from natural spider silk proteins is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent contains at least one selected from the following (i)-(iii): (i) DMSO; (ii) DMSO with an inorganic salt; and (iii) DMF with an inorganic salt. Further, in the present invention, an artificial polypeptide fiber is obtained by: using the polypeptide solution as a dope solution; and extruding the dope solution from a spinneret into a desolvation bath so as to eliminate the solvent from the dope solution and form a fiber to produce an undrawn yarn. Moreover, in the present invention, a polypeptide is purified by subjecting the polypeptide solution to heat treatment and thereafter removing an undissolved substance therefrom. Thus, the present invention provides the polypeptide solution whose solute has high solubility and solvent itself is low cost, and that allows dissolution at high temperatures and has high safety: a method for producing an artificial polypeptide fiber: and a method for purifying a polypeptide.
US08979991B2	Substances and method for replacing natural tooth material A substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the substance comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate and milled mineral trioxide aggregate, or comprising untreated mineral trioxide aggregate, milled mineral trioxide aggregate and water. A method of making a substance that sets in a relatively short time for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material, the method comprising milling by high shear and impact impingement of particles using high pressure homogenization. A method for use in general dentistry and in endodontics to replace natural tooth material.
US08979987B1	Blue dye and methods of manufacture and use thereof Provided, amongst other things, are dyes of formula II: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently H or alkyl, so long as one or more is alkyl, and salts of the compound of formula II. Methods of making, inks, surgical markers and methods of marking tissue and the like are further provided.
US08979986B2	Method and apparatus for measuring ash deposit levels in a particulate filter The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for measuring ash deposit levels in a particulate filter comprising at least one cell. One or more indicator components is inserted into the at least one cell so as to lie upon any deposits contained therein. Radiation is emitted from a radiation source into the cell, and the position of the one or more indicator components is detected on the basis of the emitted radiation. The deposit level within the cell is then calculated on the basis of the position of the one or more indicator components.
US08979985B2	Conformal split planar flow air purifying filter A conformal filter is disclosed having a plurality of sorbent beds oriented perpendicular to an inner side surface of the filter which conforms to an adjacent surface, such as a wearer's face when attached to a respirator. The inner side of the filter may approximate the curved shape of an interfacing surface. Because the sorbent beds are oriented perpendicular to the inner side surface, a conformal configuration can be achieved without bending the sorbent beds and while keeping constant bed residence time throughout the entire cross-sectional area of the air flow, thus enforcing even air distribution. Reduced bed depth is also achieved through this configuration which consequently reduces the overall pressure drop through the filter. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08979983B2	Air separation module manifold flow structure and system An air separation module has an inlet for receiving a source of air. The inlet communicates with an inlet manifold and the inlet manifold communicates with a plurality of canisters. The canisters are provided with hollow fibers constructed such that oxygen can permeate the fiber and nitrogen passes through the fiber. A jacket manifold surrounds the canisters and the jacket manifold receives oxygen that has permeated the fibers. The canisters extend to a downstream end, and to an outlet. The jacket manifold communicates with a jacket outlet manifold and an outlet for separated oxygen. The outlet for the jacket manifold is at a downstream end of the canisters.
US08979982B2	Negative pressure vapor recovery system A vapor recovery system includes a product handling circuit and a control circuit. The control circuit maintains a negative pressure in the product handling circuit in order to prevent undesirable fugitive vapor emissions.
US08979979B2	Method and device for removing volatile organic substances from the contained air of closed habitats A method for removing volatile organic substances from the contained air of closed habitats includes a) conducting contained air through an adsorber bed formed by a hydrophobic zeolite bed, b) closing the adsorber bed, c) extracting the air from the adsorber bed and feeding the air into the closed habitat, d) desorbing the volatile organic substances, in particular freons such as R134a and VOCs, from the adsorber bed by heating the adsorber, e) leading the desorbed substances to an environment outside the closed habitat, wherein water vapor, water, or CO2 is fed to the adsorber bed through a flushing line. The device includes a housing for accommodating an adsorber, a contained-air supply line, a contained-air return line, a flushing line, and least one outlet-air line for returning air from the adsorber bed into the closed habitat and for conducting the desorbate to an environment outside the closed habitat.
US08979977B2	Device and method for degassing aqueous media A device for degassing aqueous media has a first container containing medium to be degassed. A first line connects the first container to a degassing module and a second line connects the degassing module to a second container for receiving the degassed medium. A first non-return valve in the first line prevents backflow from the degassing module to the first container. A hydrophilic membrane in the second line prevents the passage of gas, and a branch between the degassing module and the hydrophilic membrane has a hydrophobic degassing filter for letting out gas. A third line is connected to the first line between the first container and the first non-return valve and to the second line between the second container and the hydrophilic membrane. A second non-return valve in the third line between the first non-return valve and the hydrophilic membrane prevents a flow towards the second container.
US08979976B2	Solvent extraction process for separating cobalt from nickel in aqueous solution A process for separating Co from Ni in an aqueous solution comprises subjecting the solution to extraction and using kinetic differences between Ni and Co in the extraction for achieving at least a partial separation of Co from Ni. This is effected by controlling the duration of the extraction so that a major portion of Co and a minor portion of Ni is extracted from the solution to produce a loaded extractant, enriched in Co and depleted in Ni compared to the feed solution, and a Co-depleted raffinate containing Ni. In a further embodiment, the invention utilizes kinetic differences between Ni and Co during striping for effecting separation of Ni and Co. The loaded extractant can be subjected to a bulk stripping or a selective stripping operation to obtain Co and Ni solutions from which Ni and Co can be recovered. The process may be incorporated in a hydrometallurgical process for the extraction of Ni and/or Co from an ore or concentrate containing Ni and Co.
US08979975B2	Method of producing low oxygen-content molybdenum powder by reducing molybdenum trioxide Disclosed is a method of producing low oxygen-content molybdenum powders by reducing molybdenum trioxide, which includes charging a first reducing agent and the molybdenum trioxide, which are in the direct contact with each other on a micro-sieve on an upper portion of a bracket in a body, charging a second reducing agent in the bracket under the micro-sieve, coupling the body with a cover to close the body, and performing a reduction reaction by raising an internal temperature of the body by performing the first reduction reaction due to direct contact between the first reducing agent and the molybdenum trioxide, and performing the second reduction reaction due to evaporation of the second reducing agent. The first and second reduction reactions are performed at a temperature in a range of 550° C. to 650° C., and a temperature in a range of 1000° C. to 1200° C., respectively.
US08979972B2	Method for manufacturing metal flakes Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a metal flake, including the steps of: applying metal ink containing an organic metal compound onto a substrate; calcining the metal ink applied on the substrate to form a thin metal film; separating the formed thin metal film from the substrate; and pulverizing the separated thin metal film. The method of manufacturing a metal flake is characterized in that the thickness and size of metal flakes can be easily adjusted, metal flakes having excellent conductivity and gloss can be obtained, and metal flakes can be mass-produced using environmentally friendly and economical methods.
US08979971B2	Process for producing metallic components A process for producing a metallic component with an opening or a hollow space by selective laser sintering or laser melting includes melting a metallic powder in layers at appropriate cross-sectional regions by using laser radiation. After the laser sintering or laser melting process, the component is subjected to a fracture splitting process, in which the component is fractured into at least two fractional parts along a fracture line and then the at least two fractional parts are connected to one another at the sites of fracture to form the component. The fracture line contacts or passes through the opening or the hollow space.
US08979970B2	Fertilizer composition incorporating fibrous material for enhanced particle integrity Fertilizer granules and methods of producing fertilizer granules. The fertilizer granules are formed from a fertilizer composition, such as a phosphate fertilizer, includes a fibrous material for the purpose of increasing the granule strength preventing or reducing attrition or dusting formation during storage, transport, and/or handling of the fertilizer. Dust formation can be reduced fifty percent or more. The base fertilizer composition can include a phosphate fertilizer, such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP) or diammonium phosphate (DAP), and optionally one or more micronutrients or secondary nutrients, such as elemental sulfur. The fibrous material is pulp or paper sludge, for example.
US08979967B2	Filter device for gas There is provided a filter device for gas including: a cylindrical filter case formed to be airtight; a hollow filter which is formed with an opening in a bottom part thereof, a top part of which is obstructed, and which is placed inside the filter case in such a manner that a central axis thereof substantially aligns with a central axis of the filter case; and a flow controlling plate which is attached roundly between an outlet in the top part of the filter case and the top part of the hollow filter on an inner peripheral wall of the filter case, wherein gas introduced through an inlet in a bottom part of the filter case is introduced into a hollow part of the hollow filter, and also passes through a space between an outer periphery of the hollow filter and the inner peripheral wall of the filter case, and then is discharged through the outlet.
US08979963B2	Suspended ceiling filtration apparatus The present invention discloses a suspended ceiling filtration apparatus, which includes filtration units. The filtration unit includes a filtration part, two horizontal strip support legs and two longitudinal strip support legs. A support plate protrudes from the support legs. The filtration part is placed on the support plate, and a buffer filling part is disposed between the filtration part and the support plate. The buffer filling part is utilized to self-adaptively swell and shrink relative to the support plate according to a weight of the supported filtration part, the buffer filling part fills a gap between the support plate and the filtration part.
US08979962B2	Filter element with a guide duct that penetrates its pleated walls A filter element for insertion into a housing of a ventilation or air-conditioning system, including a bellows with pleated walls and pleat tips and a front face, which can be faced towards a wall of the housing, wherein a guide duct is allocated to the front face, wherein the guide duct is formed by at least one breakthrough in the pleated walls and/or in a side strip that is hemming the front face, in view of the object to indicate a mechanical coding for a filter element which ensures a unique allocation of a filter element to a housing, wherein the filter element is provided with breakthroughs and wherein the mechanical strength of pleated walls and side strips is impaired as little as possible by the breakthroughs, characterized in that the breakthrough is provided with a reinforcing.
US08979958B2	Air cleaner pre-filtration improvement An air filter is provided and may include a first housing and a filter media disposed within the first housing. A second housing may include an inlet port receiving air at a first pressure from the first housing and an outlet port returning the air to the first housing at a second pressure, less than the first pressure. The second housing may remove debris from the air prior to returning the air to the first housing.
US08979956B2	Polycrystalline diamond compact In an embodiment, a polycrystalline diamond compact includes a substrate and a preformed polycrystalline diamond table having an upper surface, an interfacial surface, and at least one side surface extending therebetween. The interfacial surface of the polycrystalline diamond table is bonded to the substrate. The polycrystalline diamond table includes bonded diamond grains defining interstitial regions. The polycrystalline diamond table includes a first region extending inwardly from at least a portion of the upper surface and at least a portion of the at least one side surface. The first region spaced from the interfacial surface. The polycrystalline diamond table includes at least a second region extending inwardly from the interfacial surface to the upper surface. The first region includes at least a first infiltrant disposed interstitially between the bonded diamond grains thereof. The second region includes at least a second infiltrant disposed interstitially between the bonded diamond grains thereof.
US08979949B2	Fine crystal particle production method An object of the present invention is to provide a fine crystal particle production method and device that are excellent in mixing efficiency.This object is achieved by a method for producing fine crystal particles, comprising: a swirl flow producing step at which a swirl flow of liquid a comprising reactant A is supplied into a cylinder having a circumferential surface partially or wholly composed of a porous membrane; and a reaction step at which liquid b comprising reactant B which is reactive with the reactant A is supplied through the porous membrane to the swirl flow to effect mixing, whereby the reactants A and B are reacted to precipitate fine crystal particles.
US08979946B2	Thiophene azo dyes and laundry care compositions containing the same This application relates to thiophene azo dyes for use as hueing agents, laundry care compositions comprising such thiophene azo dyes, processes for making such thiophene azo dyes, and laundry care compositions and methods of using the same. The thiophene azo dyes contain a formally charged moiety and are generally comprised of at least two components: at least one chromophore component and at least one polymeric component. Suitable chromophore components generally fluoresce blue, red, violet, or purple color when exposed to ultraviolet light, or they may absorb light to reflect these same shades. These thiophene azo dyes are advantageous in providing a hueing effect, for example, a whitening effect to fabrics, while not building up over time and causing undesirable blue discoloration to the treated fabrics. The thiophene azo dyes are also generally stable to bleaching agents used in laundry care compositions.
US08979945B2	Implantable end pad Disclosed is an implantable end pad. The end pad includes a bone attachment portion having a recess configured to receive an amputated bone of a residual limb. The end pad further includes an end portion having a contour corresponding to at least a portion of a socket of an artificial limb such that the end pad can be at least partially received in the socket of the residual limb. Further disclosed is a method wherein the end pad is implanted into a residual limb by way of a surgical procedure.
US08979944B2	Method apparatus of a liner interface with neural receptors A liner interface and method of making comprising non-compressible deformable electrically conductive neural receptors having electrically conductive elements extending therefrom, formed by attaching each receptor and the conductive elements to an inner surface of a fabric layer, placing the fabric layer into a first part of a molding machine having a predetermined shape, moving a second part of the molding machine having a shape complemental to the first predetermined shape toward said fabric layer to either abut or axially deform the deformable receptors and define a space therebetween, injecting a molten gel elastomer into the space to surround and adhere to the receptors, conductive elements and fabric layer, allowing the molten gel to cure to form a gel inner surface, and removing the second part from the molding machine and allowing the receptors to either axially expand beyond or remain even with the inner surface of the cured liner interface.
US08979940B2	Modular attachment mechanism in prosthetic implants Disclosed is an apparatus that can be positioned in a subject to include, selectively, a modular connection portion. The modular connection portion can be provided to allow for soft tissue connection that replaces a greater trochanter of a natural femur. The soft tissue connection portion can include a plurality of regions to allow for reattachment of soft tissue in a plurality of position to mimic a natural anatomy. A method of using, selecting, and implanting the prosthesis is also disclosed.
US08979939B2	Surgical prostheses A prosthesis arranged to be coupled to a bone. The prosthesis comprises a substrate (2) having a surface (6). The surface (6) of the substrate (2) has a first area and a second area, the first area being treated such that osseointegration is promoted more than in the second area. The interface (12) between the first and second areas forms an alignment mark to assist alignment of the prosthesis relative to a bone. The prosthesis is arranged to be at least partially inserted into a bone cavity such that the position of the alignment mark relative to the bone cavity is indicative of the angle of insertion of the prosthesis or the alignment mark provides a position reference for determining the implanted position of the prosthesis in the cavity. A method of manufacturing the prosthesis and a method of implanting the prosthesis are also provided.
US08979938B2	Artificial knee implant including liquid ballast supporting / rotating surfaces and incorporating flexible multi-material and natural lubricant retaining matrix applied to a joint surface An artificial joint associated with an implant having a pair of three dimensional and structurally extending bones, each defining a contoured and opposing end face and collectively defining a joint location. A plasticized layer is applied to an end face of each bone and coacts in substantially frictional reducing fashion with an opposing end face of a further selected bone. The plasticized layer further includes at least a plurality of projecting contact locations, between which are defined a network of valleys for receiving, supporting, and distributing a lubricant across a surface area associated with the layer.
US08979937B2	Implantable ankle joint assembly with spherical inter-support A multi-component ankle joint assembly incorporated into reconditioned end surfaces established between an upper tibia bone and an opposing and lower talus bone. A first component is anchored into the upper tibia reconditioned end surface and exhibits a first exposed support surface. A second component is anchored into the lower talus reconditioned end surface of and exhibits a second exposed support surface. A spherical shaped intermediate component is supported in at least one of eccentric or rotational fashion between the first and second anchored components. The spherical shaped component includes a multi-layer composition having a softer outer layer and at least one harder interior layer establishing an eccentric rotational interface therebetween.
US08979934B2	Composite orthopedic implant having a low friction material substrate with primary frictional features and secondary frictional features An orthopedic implant comprising a substrate material adapted to provide the orthopedic implant. The implant has a primary friction area located on or integral with the substrate material. The primary friction area defining an engagement surface having a primary frictional feature. A secondary friction area is located on or integral with the engagement surface and defining a second frictional feature. The primary friction area and the secondary friction area defining a friction interface zone between the orthopedic implant and at least one bone. The secondary friction area increases a friction of the engagement surface and modulus of elasticity to enhance the frictional engagement between the engagement surface and the at least one bone.
US08979930B2	Orthopedic implants with flexible screws An orthopedic implant system includes an implant configured and adapted for orthopedic applications. The implant defines a bore therethrough having a bore entrance defined along a first axis and a bore exit defining a second axis that is angled with respect to the first axis to facilitate implantation of the implant. A flexible screw is mounted in the bore of the implant.The screw includes a head at one end configured to receive a driver tool for turning the screw within the implant, and a screw tip at an opposite end from the head configured for engaging bone. A portion of the screw between the tip and the head is flexible to allow bending of the screw while passing into the bore of the implant along the first axis and out of the bore of the implant along the second axis.
US08979926B2	Implant components Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. An implant may include a base member that has at least two projections with a gap between the projections. The gap between the projections allows the implant to be implanted around another implanted component, such as around a bone screw of an acetabular shell. The implant may include a fixation element, such as a screw or a cement trough, on one or more projections to couple the implant to an implanted acetabular shell. The implant may also include timing marks to facilitate alignment with corresponding marks on another implanted component.
US08979922B2	Percutaneous heart valve prosthesis A percutaneous heart valve prosthesis (1) has a valve body (2) with a passage (9) extending between the first and second ends (7, 8) of the valve body (2). The valve body (2) is collapsible about a longitudinal axis (10) of the passage (9) for delivery of the valve body (2) via a catheter (18). One or more flexible valve leaflets (3, 4) are secured to the valve body (2) and extend across the passage (9) for blocking bloodflow in one direction through the passage (9). An anchor device (5), which is also collapsible for delivery via catheter (18), is secured to the valve body (2) by way of an anchor line (6). A failed or failing mitral heart valve (101) is treated by percutaneously locating the valve body (2) in the mitral valve orifice (102) with the anchor device (5) located in the right atrium (107) and engaging the inter-atrial septum (103), such that the taught anchor line (6) acts to secure the valve body (2) within the mitral valve orifice (102).
US08979920B2	Endoluminal prosthetic conduit systems and method of coupling A modular prosthetic conduit system such as a stent or stent graft system tailored for the repair of aneurysms or other compromised vessel walls. The stent or stent graft system incorporates various means to interlock the multiple modular components used in the repair procedure. The present invention further provides a modular stent graft system tailored for the repair of aneurysms or other compromised vessel walls that cross or are adjacent to a branch or bifurcation in a vessel.
US08979915B2	Separable system for applying compression and thermal treatment The invention relates to a separable device for the application of compression and thermal therapy to a patient. A first section includes a reservoir, liquid pump and a thermal exchange system for the application of thermal therapy as well as a dock. The second section of the device includes an air compressor and at least one controller for the application of compression therapy and can be operated independently from the first section. Additionally, the second section may be engaged with a dock of the first section.
US08979914B2	Irradiation device with ergonomic adaptation options An irradiation device for irradiating of body parts of a patient is provided, with a carrier system which provides a basic framework of the irradiation device with at least one light head with a light source for the irradiation, and a control element for operating the irradiation device. The irradiation device moreover includes a separate control module that is connected with the carrier system with at least one control for controlling the at least one light head. Innovative assembly and connection arrangements aid rapid and secure positioning.
US08979912B2	Method, system, and apparatus for dermalogical treatment Embodiments of dermalogical cell treatment are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08979908B2	Transverse fixation device for spinal fixation systems A transverse fixation device is disclosed. The device includes one or more connecting bodies disposed substantially between two elongate rods. Each connecting body includes a receptacle that is capable of engaging with the two elongate rods. A c-ring comprising an outer surface having a spherical curvature is also included. A third rod may be inserted into the c-ring. A clamp included in the connecting bodies may then be disposed about the c-ring and third rod to allow the connecting bodies to slidingly engage with the third rod.
US08979905B2	Spinal rod A spine or spinal rod has a cross-section defining angled sides that cooperate with a spinal rod opening of a spinal rod holder. In one form, the spine rod has an essentially pentagonal cross-section that thus essentially defines angled sides or side surfaces that interact with the spinal rod holder opening to positively seat the spine rod into the spinal rod holder and prevent spine rod from rotation. In the pentagonal cross-section form, the spine rod has a top or posterior side/side surface, a bottom or anterior side/side surface, a first lateral side/side surface, a second lateral side/side surface, a first angled sub-lateral side/side surface and a second angled sub-lateral side/side surface. The first and second angled sub-lateral sides/side surfaces provide contact with angled sides of the spine rod holder opening. In another form, the spine rod has an essentially V-shaped cross-section that defines sides/side surfaces that interact with the spinal rod holder opening. Preferably, but not necessarily, the spine rod is formed of PEEK. Other bio-compatible materials, however, may be used.
US08979902B2	Dynamic stabilization device for bones or vertebrae A dynamic stabilization device for bones or vertebrae is provided which includes at least two bone anchoring elements, at least one connection element, connecting the bone anchoring elements. Each bone anchoring element includes a shank portion to be anchored in the bone or in the vertebra and a head portion to be connected with the connection element. The connection element is at least partly elastic and has at least one loop section. The head portion includes a recess with an opening for inserting the loop section. A securing element is provided for securing the loop section in the recess. The connection element is preferably in the form of an endless loop made of an elastomeric material.
US08979899B2	Distance-keeping inter-process implant The invention concerns a distance-keeping inter-process implant with a body ending in its posterior part with two opposite-situated resistance protrusions. In the anterior part of the body there are situated at least two wings, at least one of which is a mobile wing connected with the body by an articulated joint. Each wing is provided with at least one guide of the tensioning band. The articulated joint between the mobile wing and the body is formed by the mutually collaborating shaped surface of the. wing (and the shaped surface of the body and is usefully secured by the pin that constitutes the axis of rotation of the mobile wing. In an alternative version of the implementation of the implant, the mobile wing connected with the body is provided with at least one arm situated with respect to the wing at the angle α amounting to from 30° to 150°.
US08979898B2	Iliosacral polyaxial screw Provided is an iliosacral polyaxial screw system. A multiple part insert member is provided to secure the screw to the housing of the assembly to accommodate screws in which the shank diameter of the screw is greater than the bottom opening of the screw housing or greater than the opening of a ring member designed to capture the head of the screw in the housing.
US08979896B2	Pacifier System for stimulating and entraining the human orofacial system This application discusses systems and method for entraining oromotor pattern development, such as the suck, in the orofacial system of an infant having neurological impairments or developmental disabilities. The system includes a baglet, an entrainment device, and a processor. In varying examples, the system additionally includes one or a combination of: a baglet pressure sensor, a memory, a timing circuit, a valve, a receiver assembly, a display device, and one or more data acquisition, data analysis, and stimulus-control software. Options and variations for each feature of the system are various. The present systems provide patterned, rhythmic stimulation to the infant's orofacial system to stimulate and entrain brain development, such as oromotor pattern development.
US08979895B2	Method and apparatus of endoscopic suturing An adjustable suture assembly is provided that may be employed in various surgical procedures to draw and/or hold tissue and/or muscle together. The suture assembly may include a suture lock or tensioner that is adjustably securable to two or more lengths of suture to provide a surgeon with an ability to maintain tissue or muscle in one secured position and subsequently readjust the suture assembly to maintain the tissue or muscle in a different secured position. The suture assembly may include two or more sutures having an anchor attached to an end of each suture for anchoring the suture to desired tissue or muscle. An endoscopic suturing device is provided to deliver and place two or more sutures in tissue or muscle during a surgical procedure. The suturing device may be configured to carry a plurality of sutures so that multiple sutures can be placed in tissue or muscle during a single intubation of the device. The suture assembly and suturing device may be employed with an endoscope to facilitate surgical treatment of obesity which involves narrowing and/or disabling the pyloric sphincter to reduce the rate of gastric emptying.
US08979893B2	Systems and methods for supporting or occluding a physiological opening or cavity Implantable devices for placement at a cavity or opening such as an aneurysm are disclosed. The implantable devices, in a deployed condition, have a generally inverted U-shaped profile with a curved or angled framework support structure sized and configured for placement in proximity to tissue surrounding the opening and anchoring legs extending proximally from the framework structure sized and configured to contact the wall of a neighboring lumen at opposed locations. Occlusive and semi-occlusive membranes may be associated with the framework support structure and deployed over the opening to provide exclusion of the opening and flow diversion. Proximal anchoring segments providing additional lumen wall surface area contact for the implantable device following deployment may be incorporated.
US08979892B2	Apparatus for closure of a lumen and methods of using the same A generally tubular endovascular prosthesis (100) is configured to transition between a radially-compressed state and a radially-expanded state. The prosthesis (100) includes a first generally cylindrical structural portion (101), which has first and second ends (102, 103), and a second generally cylindrical structural portion (104), which has first and second ends (105, 106). The first end (102) of the first structural portion (101) and the first end (105) of the second structural portion (104) meet each other at a juncture (107). The prosthesis (100) is configured to transition from (a) an initial folded state, in which the second structural portion (104) is folded into the first structural portion (101) at the juncture (107), to (b) an unfolded state, in which the second structural portion (104) is no longer positioned within the first structural portion (101), and the second end (103) of the first structural portion (101) and the second end (106) of the second structural portion (104) are positioned at opposite ends of the prosthesis (100). Other embodiments are also described.
US08979891B2	Medical devices with detachable pivotable jaws Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, first and second links attached to both the jaws and the housing, and a driver. The housing, first and second jaws, and first and second links form a linkage mechanism that allows the jaws to engage tissue and be left in vivo.
US08979884B2	Method and apparatus for stabilizing, straightening, expanding and/or flattening the side wall of a body lumen and/or body cavity so as to provide increased visualization of the same and/or increased access to the same, and/or for stabilizing instruments relative to the same The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel endoscopic device which is capable of stabilizing, straightening, expanding and/or flattening the side wall of a body lumen and/or body cavity so as to better present the side wall tissue for examination and/or treatment during an endoscopic procedure. The present invention also comprises the provision and use of a novel endoscopic device capable of steadying and/or stabilizing the distal tips and/or working ends of instruments inserted into a body lumen and/or body cavity, whereby to facilitate the use of those instruments.
US08979880B2	Compact endoscopic surgical blade assembly and method of use thereof An endoscopic surgical device comprising a slotted clear cannula, a blade and a housing, wherein the cannula is attached to the housing, and wherein the blade is enclosed in the housing and is slidable into the cannula is disclosed. The blade is enclosed within the housing and cannula, and has a horizontally-oriented pushing component and a vertically-oriented cutting component that protrudes through the slot of the cannula. A method for a performing an operative procedure on a target tissue in a subject using the endoscopic surgical device is also described.
US08979877B2	Catheter for use in revascularization procedures and method of using same A method of removing vascular blockage includes providing a catheter system comprising an outer catheter with a serrated cutting element at its distal end, a bypass catheter, and a guidewire. In the catheter system, the bypass catheter is slidably disposed within the outer catheter. The method includes positioning a distal portion of the catheter system at a proximal end of an occlusion located within a vessel and moving the bypass catheter through the occlusion so that a medicated treatment solution may be delivered through the bypass catheter to an area of the brain or other tissue served by the vessel blocked by the occlusion. Both during and after the delivery of medicated treatment solution to the blocked part of the vessel with the bypass catheter, the physician may engage the occlusion with the cutting element by moving the outer catheter in a clockwise/counterclockwise or forward/backward direction within the outer catheter, cutting and then removing at least a portion of the occlusion from the vessel.
US08979874B2	Method and apparatus for surgical fastening A surgical fastener system includes a plurality of fasteners having a throughbore with an internally threaded portion. The fasteners may engage with a threaded mandrel that passes through the throughbore of the fasteners. A rotator may rotate the fasteners relative to the mandrel to move at least one of the fasteners along the mandrel, e.g., along the mandrel's longitudinal axis. A distal end of the mandrel may be inserted into a material, such as a tissue, prosthetic or other, and a fastener may be deployed from the distal end of the mandrel while the distal end is positioned in the material. The throughbore of the fasteners may include a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion, may include an angled face or other feature to aid in fastener deployment and/or have curved depressions in the head portion.
US08979873B2	Multi-stitch anchor suture-based soft tissue repair system A soft tissue repair system includes a needle, a sheath, and a actuator. The needle has a body and a tip that extends distally from the body. The body defines a longitudinal channel configured to hold a plurality of suture anchors, and an ejection port proximal to the tip. The needle is configured to receive and hold a strand of suture. The sheath is disposed coaxially around the exterior of the needle, and is translatable with respect to the needle between a first position, and a second position. The actuator is translatable within the needle channel and is configured to push the suture anchors distally such that a first suture anchor of the plurality of suture anchors engages the suture strand held by the needle and sheath.
US08979870B2	Distal release retrieval assembly and related methods of use A device and related method of use is provided for the capture and removal of various unwanted objects present within the body's anatomical lumens. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device includes an external elongate member; an internal elongate member disposed within the external elongate member; and a retrieval assembly connected to the internal elongate member and retractable within and extendable from a lumen of the external elongate member. The retrieval assembly includes an end configured to be selectively open or substantially closed.
US08979868B2	Stabilization system and aspiration device with rapid diagnostics A device performs a myringotomy and includes a main body oriented along a central axis. The main body includes an attachment hub for receiving components that provide suction. A hollow positioning member extends at least partially along the central axis, is coupled to the main body and includes a distal end. A cutting edge is located at the distal end of the hollow positioning member and is configured to pierce a tympanic membrane of a body. A sampling chamber is coupled to the main body for collecting at least a portion of the fluid located behind the tympanic membrane of the body using the components that provide suction at the attachment hub. A diagnostic indicator is housed in the sampling chamber and includes a visible indication of a test outcome when exposed to the fluid collected in the sampling chamber.
US08979867B2	Vitreous cutter A vitrectomy or needle made of a hard resistance metal glass alloy. The wall of the outer tubing or the entire needle can be illuminated when connected to a light source. The instrument, when inserted inside the tissue or the eye, provides illumination, thereby illuminating the surrounding tissue structure and eliminating the need for additional internal or external illumination.
US08979866B2	Surgical tool A surgical tool includes a pair of pivotally coupled operating handles and working distal ends connected thereto configured to engage bone fixation elements. A toothed ratchet member is arranged across the handles and includes a first and second tooth rack. The first tooth rack includes a plurality of teeth angled in a first direction and the second tooth rack includes a plurality of teeth angled in a second direction. The ratchet member is rotatable with respect to the handles to selectively present the first or second tooth rack to a pawl disposed on one of the handles. The handles are operable for closing or spreading movement via selective engagement of the pawl with the first or second tooth rack, which correspondingly closes or spreads the working distal ends. A method for operating the tool is also disclosed.
US08979863B2	Expandable surgical instruments and methods of use and fabrication A system for assessing an intervertebral disc space comprises an elongated catheter with proximal and distal ends and an expandable body attached to the distal end of the elongated catheter. The expandable body includes proximal and distal end portions. The system further comprises a securing mechanism encircling at least one of the proximal or distal end portions of the expandable body to tighten the expandable body against the elongated catheter.
US08979860B2	Enhanced cage insertion device A method of delivering a fusion cage to an intervertebral disc space bounded by adjacent vertebral endplates, comprising the step of delivering the fusion cage into the disc space without contacting its teeth to the vertebral endplates during delivery, wherein a sheath is interposed between a cage surface and the endplates to prevent contact therebetween during delivery.
US08979858B2	External mandibular distractor with rotational clamp The present disclosure provides for a system for mandibular distraction which includes a rod and a first pin clamp assembly coupled adjacent a first end of the rod. Furthermore, the first pin clamp assembly includes a first clamp. The system further includes a second pin clamp assembly which includes an advancement mechanism that moveably couples the second pin clamp assembly to the rod and a second clamp. Furthermore, a swivel joint is disposed between the advancement mechanism and the second clamp whereby the second clamp is enabled to rotate relative to the advancement mechanism.
US08979857B2	Modular medical tool and connector Modular medical instruments and kits are provided, having, a tool body portion with a first mating element at one end. A removable and replaceable modular end effector having a second mating element is matable with the first mating element. The instrument further includes a selectively engageable locking mechanism having a lever arm with a first portion associated with the body portion and a claw portion matingly engageable with a portion of the second mating element of the end effector, the locking mechanism being effective to secure the end effector to the body portion of the modular medical instrument. The invention can be particularly useful for providing a secure connection between the modular end effector and the body portion, yet provide ease of interchangeability between modular end effectors.
US08979856B2	Patient-specific partial knee guides and other instruments A surgical kit for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty includes a unitary patient-specific unicompartmental tibial guide and a tibial drill template and other instruments. The tibial guide has a patient-specific body with an inner surface preoperatively configured to nestingly conform and mate in only one position with an anterior portion and a proximal portion of one compartment of a tibial bone of a specific patient. The tibial guide includes a drill guide portion preoperatively configured for drilling first and second anterior holes into the tibial bone for guiding a horizontal tibial resection. The tibial guide includes a vertical resection guide portion preoperatively configured for guiding a vertical resection through the tibial bone before the horizontal resection.
US08979853B2	Method and system for determining resection guidelines for joint replacement surgical procedures A method and system for utilizing a plurality of linear laser beams to project guidelines onto a skeletal joint for resection of the joint during surgical joint replacement. The method comprises projecting a plurality of parallel and intersecting linear laser beams along the long axis of a limb and the skeletal joint to form guidelines for the surgical resection procedure. The system comprises a plurality of devices to generate linear laser beams, integrated leveling and positioning devices, and cutting blocks and handles that are integrated with separate leveling devices. The linear laser beams establish appropriate guidelines for the joint resection.
US08979851B2	Rod contouring apparatus for percutaneous pedicle screw extension Anatomic points within the body are projected outside the body through the use of extenders (180, 182, 188). The projected points may then be used for measurement, or to facilitate the selection or configuration of an implant that is positioned proximate the anatomic points using a slotted cannula (143). Such an implant may be a rod (270) for a posterior spinal fusion system. Pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) may be implanted into pedicles of the spine, and may then serve as anchors for the extenders. The extenders (180, 182, 188) may have rod interfaces (214, 216, 218) that receive the rod (270) in a manner that mimics the geometry of the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148) so that the selected or configured contoured rod (270) will properly fit into engagement with the pedicle screws (140, 142, 148).
US08979846B2	Flexible nail assembly for fractures of long bones An implant assembly of flexible nail for fractures of long bones comprising a straight universal length flexible nail having 15 to 25% of elongation of nail and ultimate tensile strength of 600 to 800 Mega Pascal on testing, wherein flexible nail is having an identical pathfinder blunt conical tip at both ends. An optional proximal fixation device to be used in combination with flexible nails having peripherally spaced plural grooves and optional plural holes for interlocking screws wherein each groove is deep less than diameter of one of flexible nails. An end cap with plural holes to be used in combination with proximal fixation device to anchor cut hooked ends of flexible nails. A tool plier-knurler cum cutter temporarily applied when flexible nails are alone in use.
US08979842B2	Wire electrode devices for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy Monopolar electrosurgery devices adapted for resecting tonsil and adenoid tissue. The devices minimize thermal injury by employing a plasma generated by pulsed electrical signals to precisely and effectively cut or coagulate the tissues. Suction may also be applied to the tissues to enhance the cutting, coagulation, and tissue manipulation functions. The devices include an interchangeable tip that may be switched for another tip, depending on which tip may be more suitable for tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.
US08979839B2	Assembly of staggered ablation elements An ablation catheter comprises a catheter body extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis; and an ablation element assembly comprising ablation elements connected to the catheter body, each ablation element to be energized to produce an ablation zone. The ablation elements are distributed in a staggered configuration such that the ablation zones of the ablation elements span one or more open arc segments around the longitudinal axis, but the ablation zones of all ablation elements projected longitudinally onto any lateral plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis span a substantially closed loop around the longitudinal axis. Since the ablation zones do not form a closed loop, the risk of renal artery/vein stenosis is reduced or eliminated. Since the ablation zones of all ablation elements projected longitudinally onto any lateral plane span a substantially closed loop, substantially complete renal denervation is achieved.
US08979834B2	Laparoscopic electrosurgical electrical leakage detection An apparatus for use with an endoscopic applicator. The apparatus including a support member configured to be removably coupled to a shaft of the applicator; a first sensor disposed on the distal end of the support member and for outputting a first signal indicative of current measured at the distal end of an active electrode supported in the shaft; and a second sensor disposed on the proximal end of the support member and for outputting a second signal indicative of current measured at the proximal end of the active electrode, wherein a difference value of the first and second signal is indicative of leakage of current within the shaft. In one embodiment, the first and second sensors are magnetic sensors for contactlessly sensing parameters of the active electrode.
US08979833B2	Methods and devices for treating tissue The invention provides a system and method for achieving the cosmetically beneficial effects of shrinking collagen tissue in the dermis or other areas of tissue in an effective, non-invasive manner using an array of electrodes. Systems described herein allow for improved treatment of tissue. Additional variations of the system include array of electrodes configured to minimize the energy required to produce the desired effect.
US08979832B2	Cutting device and related methods of use A device and related methods of use are provided for the capture and removal of various unwanted objects present within the body's anatomical lumens. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device includes a sheath, a cutting device, an elongate member, and a retrieval assembly connected to the elongate member and retractable within and extendable from a lumen extending through the sheath and cutting device.
US08979826B2	Instrument holder A support mechanism for a medical device may include an adjustable support that includes a plurality of elongate members movable relative to one another. The support mechanism may also include a bracket coupled to the adjustable support. The bracket may be adapted to be coupled to a first medical device that extends along a longitudinal axis. The support mechanism may also include an instrument holder that extends along a central axis. The instrument holder may be movably coupled to the bracket and adapted to be coupled to a second medical device. The bracket and the instrument holder may be oriented such that central axis of the instrument holder intersects the longitudinal axis at an angle.
US08979823B2	Saliva management system with continuous flow through oral device Systems for maintaining a vacuum in a patient's oral cavity comprises an oral device, a vacuum control system, and an assembly including first and second tubes for connecting the vacuum control system to the oral device. The oral device has an internal plenum, and a vacuum is drawn in the plenum by a vacuum pump connected by a first tube of the tubular assembly. The vacuum is maintained by an air source which is connected to the plenum by the second tube of the tubular assembly. By maintaining a constant circulating air bleed through the oral device and the connecting tubes, saliva may be removed from the system and collected in a saliva trap located before the vacuum pump.
US08979821B2	Lacrimal filler A biomaterial mass is inserted through a punctum into a canaliculus in the lacrimal outflow system with a syringe. The mass has an outer cross section that is less than the inner cross section of the canaliculus. The mass absorbs liquid to swell to form a lacrimal filler or sealing mechanism. The lacrimal filler has an external cross section that conforms to the internal cross section of the canaliculus and a soft outer surface relative to the surrounding tissues to prevent erosion of the canaliculus lining. The lacrimal filler forms an occlusion that prevents the outflow of liquid through the lacrimal outflow system to retain tears within the eye to maintain eye lubrication and wetness. The mass and syringe are provided in kit with a rubber stopper and, optionally, a punctal dilator, an injecting catheter, and an enzyme for dissolving or degrading the lacrimal filler at a later time.
US08979820B2	Method and apparatus for improving the appearance of nails affected by onychomycosis through the topical application of an aqueous solution containing boric acid and camphor or other terpenes A method of treating onychomycosis and improving nail appearance for persons suffering onychomycosis, including preparing an aqueous solution containing between 0.3% and 28% (3 g/L or 0.049 mole/L and 280 g/L or 4.53 mole/L) boric acid and between 0.1% and 11% (1g/L or 0.0066 mole/L and 110 g/L or 0.072 mole/L) camphor or other terpene, and applying the solution to the affected nails for a period of time between a few seconds up to 30 minutes at least once per day every day for a sufficiently long period of time for the condition to appreciably improve or to resolve.
US08979818B2	Method and apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines to mammalian skin An object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin cells to increase T cell response and to reduce pain and discomfort due to long electric waveform application and due to muscle contractions. The method for the delivery of polynucleotide vaccines into mammalian skin cells includes the steps of: (a.) administering a polynucleotide vaccine into the skin at an administration site, (b.) applying a needle electrode to the skin in the vicinity to the administration site, and (c.) applying a sequence of at least three single, operator-controlled, independently programmed, narrow interval electrical waveforms, which have pulse intervals that are less than 100 milliseconds, to deliver the polynucleotide vaccine into the skin cells by electroporation. The sequence of at least three waveforms has one, two, or three of the following characteristics (1) at least two of the at least three waveforms differ from each other in waveform amplitude, (2) at least two of the at least three waveforms differ from each other in waveform width, and (3) a first waveform interval for a first set of two of the at least three waveforms is different from a second waveform interval for a second set of two of the at least three waveforms.
US08979816B2	Disposable wearing article comprising a variable stiffness region A disposable wearing article includes front and rear outer sheets, an inner sheet, and front and rear waist-opening sheets. Each of first sheet segments of the waist-opening sheets is longer than the corresponding second sheet segments. End portions are bonded to outer surfaces of the outer sheets. In areas where the end portions are spaced apart from the front and rear outer sheets, the first sheet segments and the inner sheet are overlapped to form low stiffness sub-regions. In respective sides inboard of the low stiffness sub-regions, the inner sheet, the front and rear outer sheets and the first sheet segments are respectively overlapped to form inner high stiffness sub-regions, and in respective sides outboard of the low stiffness sub-regions, the inner sheet, the second sheet segments and the first sheet segments are overlapped to form outer high stiffness sub-regions.
US08979813B2	Ostomy device A body attachment wafer for an ostomy device is provided, which body attachment wafer has a stoma opening, and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is covered by a release layer, having an opening which corresponds to the stoma opening. The release layer is divided along at least one dividing line from the stoma opening to the periphery of the body attachment wafer, and the release sheet includes a first grip tab extending from the release sheet in the area of the at least one dividing line. The first grip tab is arranged to overlap the release sheet on the other side of the dividing line.
US08979811B2	Enclosure ventilation filter and assembly method A filter assembly for an enclosure, particularly for an ostomy bag, is described having an enclosure side, a first layer which is gas permeable, and an adsorbent layer comprising adsorbent particles dispersed in a fine fiber web. The enclosure side of the filter assembly includes an adhesive zone in which adhesive is present having an outer adhesive perimeter and a weld area surrounding at least a portion of the adhesive zone, where the filter assembly is heat-sealable to the enclosure at the weld area. A method of assembly is also described.
US08979808B1	On-body injector and method of use An on-body injector and method of use including an on-body injector for use with an injection device. The on-body injector includes a bolus reservoir; a bolus injection needle in fluid communication with the bolus reservoir, the bolus injection needle having a bolus injection needle tip aligned with the injection port, the bolus injection needle being slideably biased away from the injection port to define a gap between the bolus injection needle tip and the injection port; and a button operably connected to the bolus injection needle to slide the bolus injection needle along the injection axis. The button is operable to advance the bolus injection needle tip to close the gap and advance the bolus injection needle tip into the injection port. The button is further operable to advance a plunger through the bolus reservoir to deliver a predetermined bolus volume to the patient through the injection flow path.
US08979804B2	Needleless connector A needleless connector includes a hollow connector, a spring, and a switch assembly. The inner perimeter of the hollow connector forms a first annular wall and a second annular wall. The spring is disposed in the hollow connector. The switch assembly has a stop member and a guide tube connected to the stop member, the stop member being pressed between the annular block and the spring, the guide tube being disposed in the hollow connector, the external perimeter of the stop member forming a first annular portion against the first annular wall and a second annular portion against the second annular wall, a groove being disposed between the first annular portion and the second annular portion of the stop member, the groove being connected to the guide tube. Thus, the integral structure stability and good closing performance are achieved such that the outside air cannot leak into the connector structure.
US08979802B2	Safety IV catheter assembly with seal Catheter assemblies are described having a catheter hub with a catheter tube and a needle hub with a needle projecting through the catheter tube. The catheter hub has at least two seals with at least one being a temporary seal that ends or terminates upon movement of a needle and/or a guard. Different needle guards are provided that can be seated differently within the catheter hub to seal against the elastic seal.
US08979795B2	Retractable needle adapters and safety syringes Barrel adapters for safety syringes include a barrel and a plunger assembly adapted to move within the barrel, a barrel tip adapted to be sealingly engaged with a distal end of the barrel and a needle retraction mechanism having a needle subassembly and an actuator subassembly. The needle subassembly includes a needle, and a needle-over-mold (NOM) through which the needle extends. The needle subassembly is disposed at least partially within the barrel tip, and adapted to move from an injection position in which the needle extends from a distal end of the barrel tip to a retracted position in which the needle is disposed within at least one of the barrel tip or the barrel. The actuator subassembly includes a needle seal, a push-bar, and an actuator surface. The needle retraction mechanism includes a biasing member and an actuable locking arrangement. A syringe includes such barrel adapters.
US08979793B2	Methods and devices for percutaneous and surgical interventions Methods and devices for performing percutaneous and surgical interventions. The devices comprising a tubular portion and retractable mechanism at the distal end of the tubular portion. The retractable mechanism prevents the device from pulling out of an anatomical structure during complex interventions, for example, when switching from an antegrade to a retrograde approach within a blood vessel, enables the use of a single sheath when declotting AV hemodialysis fistulas and can provide occlusion of blood flow during interventions and means of removal of debris or clot from the blood vessel.
US08979791B2	Medicated module with needle guard A medicated module comprising a connecting body configured for attachment to a drug delivery device. A first needle is fixed within the connecting body and an outer body operatively coupled to the connecting body. A needle guard operatively coupled to the outer body and a biasing member positioned between the outer body and needle guard. A second needle fixed within the outer body and a recess within the connecting body defines a reservoir. The reservoir contains at least one dose of a medicament and is configured for fluid communication with the first and second needle.
US08979789B2	In vivo punctal anchoring method for lacrimal stents A device and method for performing stenting and intubation of the nasolacrimal system to treat for stenosis or obstruction includes a semi-rigid tubular guide sleeve through which a flexible tubular stent, having an oversized length, is inserted from a punctal opening into the nasal cavity. The guide sleeve is removed and a resilient, radially expandable punctal anchor is placed through the punctal opening, to contact the stent and hold it in place. An introducer device having a hollow tubular core and a coaxially mounted, axially translatable outer sheath is provided to facilitate placement of the anchor. The anchor is stretched over the distal end of the core and the stent threaded into the central lumen of the core. Once the anchor is in place, the sheath is translated to push the anchor off the distal end. Excess stent at its proximal end is then trimmed off.
US08979787B2	Treatment of pre-eclampsia using targeted apheresis This invention uses “targeted apheresis” to treat pregnant women who are at risk of developing eclampsia. “Targeted Apheresis” is a process whereby certain growth factor receptors (sFlt-1) circulating in the blood of a pregnant woman at risk of developing pre-eclampsia are selectively removed by passing the blood through a cartridge containing immobilized anti-sFlt-1 aptamers. The circulating sFlt-1 is bound out by the immobilized anti-sFlt-1 aptamers and the cleaned blood is returned to the patient. Removal of circulating sFlt-1 will diminish the risk of developing eclampsia during pregnancy.
US08979785B2	Fluid application device and method An applicator device for applying a fluid is provided. The applicator device may include a handle. The handle may comprise an elongate hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one longitudinal, interior rib disposed on an inner surface of an outer wall of the hollow body and configured to orient and guide a container for containing the fluid when the container is disposed within the hollow body. In addition, the applicator device may include a base at the distal end of the hollow body. Further, the applicator device may include an applicator pad coupled to the base.
US08979784B2	Swab for collecting biological specimens The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fiber with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fiber covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.
US08979783B2	Orthopedic devices, systems, and methods of use Orthopedic devices, systems, and methods of using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, an orthopedic device intended for use with at least one moveable body part of a user may comprise a tubular body forming an interior surface and an exterior surface. The tubular body may include at least one opening and one or more shrinkable materials. The tubular body may be moveable between a first position, wherein the tubular body is configured to at least partially receive and at least partially surround the at least one moveable body part of the user, and a second position, wherein one or more portions of the tubular body are configured to generally conform to and at least partially restrict movement of the at least one moveable body part in one or more directions. The tubular body may be configured to move from the first position to the second position in response to a treatment.
US08979781B2	EMT splint A splint system includes a first base member including at least one connector portion. A second base member including at least one connector portion having a cavity, wherein an interior surface of the cavity includes slidable portions and coupling portions, the first and second base members being aligned to form a longitudinal passage. A shaft member is disposed in the longitudinal passage, and when the coupling portions of the shaft member align with the coupling portions of the second base member, the first and second base members are fixed relative to each other.
US08979778B2	Water treatment device A hand held movable water treatment device for tightening and whitening facial and neck skin by directing multiple streams of pressurized hot and cold water onto selected parts of an individual's face and neck, including a generally circular support member having a flat surface on a first side thereof, a handle extending from a peripheral edge of the generally circular support member, a flexible hose having a first end and a second, and a tubular member concentrically disposed on the flat surface of the generally circular support member.
US08979774B2	Activity monitoring device and method A physical activity monitoring method and system in one embodiment includes a communications network, a wearable sensor device configured to generate physiologic data associated with a sensed physiologic condition of a wearer, and to generate context data associated with a sensed context of the wearer, and to transmit the physiologic data and the context data over the communications network, a memory for storing the physiologic data and the context data, a computer and a computer program executed by the computer, wherein the computer program comprises computer instructions for rendering first data associated with the physiologic data and second data associated with the context data, and a user interface operably connected to the computer for rendering the first data and the second data.
US08979772B2	Zero-drift detection and correction in contact force measurements A method, consisting of inserting a probe having a force sensor into a body cavity of a patient, and receiving from the force sensor a plurality of measurements, each of the measurements indicative of a force applied to the force sensor. The method further includes detecting that the measurements received over a period of time of at least a specified duration have not varied by more than a predefined amount, and setting a baseline of the force sensor, for use in further measurements, to a value based on the measurements received during the period.
US08979764B2	Defibrillator including light sensor Systems and methods related to the field of cardiac resuscitation, and in particular to devices for assisting rescuers in performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are described herein. In some aspects, an external defibrillator includes a light sensor, an accelerometer, and a computing unit connected to memory that stores computer instructions for determining a compression rate for the chest compressions and determining, based on the information from the light sensor and information about the compression rate, whether a rescuer is releasing the chest of a person during manual CPR chest compressions.
US08979763B2	Adhesively mounted apparatus for determining physiological and contextual status The invention comprises an apparatus for determining the contextual or physiological status of the individual wearing the apparatus. The apparatus is designed to be consumable or disposable. In most embodiments the invention comprises an adhesive housing. In some embodiments, two different sensors are secured to the housing. The apparatus is in electronic communication with a processing unit that can derive analytical status data by using the data received from the two sensors. In some embodiments, the processing unit is programmed to control other devices, or is programmed to trigger an event. In still other embodiments, the apparatus is in electronic communication with a separate computing device, which may contain the processing unit.
US08979762B2	Method of determining body parameters during exercise A noninvasive light sensor for detecting heart beat signals has a circular support member engageable circumferentially with a body part of a person. Light emitters and light detectors are located around a circumference of the circular support member for respectively emitting light signals into different areas of tissue surrounding the body part, and detecting reflected light signals from the different areas of tissue surrounding the body part.
US08979760B2	Method and apparatus for automatic optimization of doppler imaging parameters A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatic optimization of Doppler imaging parameters. The method includes obtaining and storing at least two characteristic spectral lines at a predetermined pulse repetition frequency. The method further includes optimizing at least one of the Doppler imaging parameters based on the stored at least two characteristic spectral lines and a predetermined mean noise power. In one embodiment, the characteristic spectral lines are obtained by collecting in real time the Doppler spectral lines generated at the predetermined pulse repetition frequency within a predetermined time period, and processing the collected Doppler spectral lines in real time without storing them.
US08979756B2	Wireless medical monitoring device Described herein is a patient monitoring system that includes a body network (16) with at least one sensor (12) that senses physiological information about a patient and a cognitive device (2) for communicating the physiological information to a remote location. The cognitive device includes a cognitive radio (4), a cognitive monitor (10), and a transmitter (8). The cognitive radio (4) checks detected frequency spectra (6) for unused bandwidth and recommends one or more bands on which to transmit clinically relevant information received from the body network (16) to the remote location; the cognitive monitor (10) receives the information from the body network (16), prioritizes the information based at least in part on a set of rules (30), and selects which information to transmit based on the prioritization and the recommended transmission bands; and the transmitter (8) transmits the selected information as a junction of priority over at least one or the recommended transmission bands.
US08979754B2	Interactive system and method for neuromotor functioning assessment and training The present invention discloses an interactive system for neuromotor functioning assessment and training of a subject, using rhythmic-based techniques. The system may include an acquisition unit and an analysis unit connected by communication means. The acquisition unit may include measuring devices and may enable producing rhythmic aural and/or visual indications and measuring the subject's performing of actions under the produced rhythms. The actions may be carried out according to predefined exercises using the measuring devices. The analysis unit may include a software application that allows receiving, storing, displaying and analyzing of acquisition data arriving from the acquisition unit. At least one of the measuring devices may be a graphic-tool such as, for example, a digital pen connected to a receiver, enabling to measure the subject's lifting of the hand while performing graphical actions such as writing.
US08979752B2	Rib spreader Disclosed is a rib spreader including a stationary arm having a first bent portion; a first hook having a contact surface to contact with one incision plane of a sternum of human, and attached to the stationary arm ahead of the first bent portion so as to be pivotable over a predetermined angular range; a rack fixed to the base end of the stationary arm at a predetermined angle and curved archwise; a movable arm supported at the base end of the movable arm by the rack so as to be movable along the rack, to thereby vary the distance from the stationary arm; and a second hook having a contact surface to contact with the other incision plane, and is attached to the movable arm ahead of the second bent portion so as to be pivotable over a predetermined angular range.
US08979750B2	Trans-catheter ventricular reconstruction structures, methods, and systems for treatment of congestive heart failure and other conditions Embodiments described herein include devices, systems, and methods for reducing the distance between two locations in tissue. In one embodiment, an anchor may reside within the right ventricle in engagement with the septum. A tension member may extend from that anchor through the septum and an exterior wall of the left ventricle to a second anchor disposed along a surface of the heart. Perforating the exterior wall and the septum from an epicardial approach can provide control over the reshaping of the ventricular chamber. Guiding deployment of the implant from along the epicardial access path and another access path into and through the right ventricle provides control over the movement of the anchor within the ventricle. The joined epicardial pathway and right atrial pathway allows the tension member to be advanced into the heart through the right atrium and pulled into engagement along the epicardial access path.
US08979749B2	Minimally open interbody access retraction device and surgical method Devices, systems and methods for minimally open orthopedic spine surgery are disclosed. A first flexible screw-based retractor is designed to be coupled to each pedicle screw inserted into adjacent vertebral bodies. A retractor system is provided in which a first retractor blade is mounted to one of the screws and a second movable retractor blade is moved away from the first blade, in a medial direction, to create a working channel through which the disc space may be accessed for passing instruments and implants. Light may be incorporated into the device to illuminate the surgical field. One or all of the retractor blades may be made of a sterilizable plastic or metal and be disposable or reusable.
US08979748B2	Devices and methods for temporarily retaining spinal rootlets within dural sac Devices and methods for temporarily retaining spinal rootlets within a dural sac are provided. In this regard, a representative device includes: a handle operative to be grasped by a user; an arm extending outwardly from the handle; and moveable fins supported at a distal end of the arm, the fins being moveable between an unbiased position and a biased position; in the biased position, free ends of the fins having been moved toward each other such that an extent of the fins along a major axis is decreased relative to an extent of the fins along the major axis in the unbiased position.
US08979745B2	Laryngoscope handle A laryngoscope comprises a blade portion and a handle portion. The handle portion comprises a plurality of grip portions, a bottom support and a top support, a bottom support and a top support. The grip portions are separated form each other. One end of each of the grip portions is mounted on the bottom support, and the other end of each of the grip portions is mounted on the top support. The blade portion is integrally formed with the top support of the handle portion and extending away from the handle portion. Each of the grip portions is formed by a two-part mold technique.
US08979744B2	Tunneling system A tunneling system includes an elongate tunneling member defining a longitudinal axis along at least a portion of a longitudinal length thereof. The elongate tunneling member has a first end and a second end. The second end of the elongate tunneling member includes a coupling segment adapted for securely engaging a catheter.
US08979743B2	Endoscope device and endoscopic image distortion correction method The present invention is an endoscope device in which a portion of the optical system can be changed using an optical adaptor, provided with: an image pickup member for capturing an image that is input from an optical system that incorporates a reference scope or user scope, and an optical adaptor; a first recording medium that records a first information that includes at least distortion parameters of the reference scope which indicate the optical properties of the reference scope; a second recording medium that records a second information that includes at least distortion parameters of the user scope which indicate the optical properties of the user scope; and a distortion correcting member that corrects distortion in the image captured by the image pickup member when the user scope and the optical adaptor are combined, based on the first information which is read out from the first recording medium and the second information which is read out from the second recording medium.
US08979741B2	Endoscopic apparatus An endoscopic apparatus according to the invention has an illumination unit capable of emitting to a subject first narrow band light having a wavelength band in a blue region and second narrow band light having a wavelength band in a green region, an image pickup unit which picks up a first subject image when the subject in the living body is illuminated with the first narrow band light, and picks up a second subject image when the subject in the living body is illuminated with the second narrow band light, a storage unit which stores the first subject image as a green component and a blue component, and stores the second subject image as a red component and a blue component, and a color tone conversion unit which performs predetermined color conversion processing to form an image of a predetermined object as an image having a predetermined first color.
US08979738B2	Devices and methods for removal of debris from the objective lens of an endoscope The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, and a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens.
US08979735B2	Controller support apparatus An apparatus comprises a controller for remotely controlling an implantable device that is used to adjust a gastric band, and the controller transmits a telemetric signal to the implantable device. The apparatus further comprises a table that provides support for the controller. A rail is oriented in a first direction with respect to the table, and a tray is slidably coupled to the rail. The tray receives the controller, and the rail moves the tray and the controller in the first direction with respect to the table. The apparatus further comprises a roller coupled to the rail. The roller aids in moving the rail, the tray, and the controller in a second direction with respect to the table. The apparatus further comprises an attachment mechanism for securing the controller to the tray. The apparatus locates the controller in a desired location with respect to a patient.
US08979733B2	Synthetic urethra with closure device An incontinence treatment device includes a section of synthetic urethra and a closure device attached to the section of synthetic urethra. The section of synthetic urethra provides a flow diameter and is configured to be spliced into a natural urethra such that the flow diameter is aligned with a lumen of the natural urethra for passage of urine. The closure device is attached to the section of synthetic urethra and operable to coapt the flow diameter to allow a user to impede the passage of urine and be continent.
US08979732B2	Method and apparatus for treatment of vaginal anterior repairs An apparatus for repairing cystocele including an adjustable support member, a pair of superior support arms continuously knitted with said support member, and a pair of inferior support arms continuously knitted with said support member, wherein the distance between the pair of superior support arms and pair of inferior support arms can be increased or decreased by modifying the shape of the support member.
US08979731B2	Calming device A device (1), for calming down a subject, comprises a content delivering means (12,14) adapted for delivering a content in a first mode, at least one sensor (22, 24, 26, 28, 29) configured to detect an activity level of the subject and a controlling unit operatively coupled to the at least one sensor. The controlling unit receives the detected activity level and compares the detected activity level with a pre-determined threshold activity level. The controlling unit is capable of changing the delivery of the content to a second mode when the detected activity level is above the threshold activity level.
US08979728B2	Safe energy transfer The invention relates to safety precautions and mechanisms, particularly in connection with a wireless energy transfer system which involves the use of a transmitter (or transceiver) external to a patient's body and also a receiver implanted within a part of the patient's body.
US08979725B2	Brachytherapy tandem and ovoid implantation devices and methods Intracavitary brachytherapy tandem and ovoid oncology treatment systems and methods are provided. One such system and method employs a multi-part tandem having a detachable distal section retained within a body cavity during and between radiation treatments. This can be for single-patient use and disposed of after completion of a multiple-dose radiation treatment session. Real time in vivo detection and monitoring and hytpertherapy features can be included. Tandem or ovoid colpostats can feature bendability to tailor the system to the specific body and patient being treated. Other systems and methods incorporate balloon devices that assist in spacing radiation doses away from chosen body sites. Balloon devices also can be provided for adjusting and maintaining separation spacing between two ovoid colpostats.
US08979723B2	Flat presser A flat presser for supporting blanking material during operation of a blanking tool for making packaging blanks includes a plurality of coaxially oriented, concentric wall sections of progressively different interior areas and being collapsible from an extended position wherein the wall sections partially overlap in an axial direction to a collapsed position wherein the wall sections substantially completely overlap in the axial direction, and a biasing mechanism for biasing the wall sections to the extended position.
US08979722B2	Device for balance exercises and balance games using variable restoring forces A board apparatus for balance exercises and balance games having a platform that tiltable on a base part, freely rotatable around a vertical axis, and mounted movably along the vertical axis. A restoring part generates restoring forces that counteract motions of the platform and can be modified by the user. The restoring part includes four elastomer springs that are arranged at a distance from the center of the base part. The elastomer springs can be offset inward or outward with respect to the center of the base part, enabling accurate adaptation of the restoring forces. When twisting the platform around the vertical axis, the restoring part always returns the support part into one of two initial positions that are located 180 degree opposite to one another.
US08979721B2	Adjustable weight training device An adjustable weight training device includes a core unit which has a substantially flat, rotatable, base with a pair of sides extending away from the base, the sides separated from each other so as to provide for attachment of a handle across the sides, wherein the handle is positioned above the base and dimensioned for gripping by a user's hand. The sides of the core unit include arm cradle regions which are dimensioned for removable receipt of an arm, wherein the arms are dimensioned for removable attachment to the arm cradle regions in the sides of the core unit and extend away from the sides so as to provide for gripping by a user's hand. The arms can be selectively attached to the arm cradle areas and to each other so as to create different configurations of the weight training device.
US08979713B2	Pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer A pedal motion path adjustable elliptical trainer includes a base frame, a rotating mechanism assembly, a lifting mechanism, a sliding mechanism and a control mechanism. The lifting mechanism is biasable relative to the base frame, including a rail holder, a support member and two sliding rails. The rotating mechanism assembly includes two cranks coaxially pivoted with one of each of the ends thereof to the base frame, and a support link set pivotally coupled between the other ends of the cranks and slidably coupled to the sliding rails. The control mechanism is mounted between the base frame and the rail holder to control the angle of deflection of the lifting mechanism. The sliding mechanism is pivotally coupled between the control mechanism and the rail holder. Thus, the invention allows quick adjustment of the pedal motion paths, training different muscles of the legs.
US08979712B2	Leg exerciser A leg exerciser includes a base positioned on the floor, two pedals pivotally connected to the base in a parallel manner, two spring plates supporting the pedals on the floor, each spring plate having a fixed end connected to one pedal, a free end movably supported on the floor and a smoothly arched suspension arm connected between the fixed end and the free end, and two sliding coupling devices coupled between the free ends of the spring plates and the base, each sliding coupling device including a track plate extended from the base along a predetermined path and a roller pivotally connected to the free end of one spring plate and rotatably supported on the track plate.
US08979708B2	Torque converter clutch slip control systems and methods based on active cylinder count A torque converter clutch control system of a vehicle includes a target slip module and a slip control module. The target slip module determines a target torque converter clutch slip based on an average number of activated cylinders of an engine during a predetermined period. The slip control module controls a torque converter clutch based on the target torque converter clutch slip.
US08979706B2	Control device and control method for lockup clutch A control device for a lockup clutch of a vehicle. A slip control device executes slip control to make a rotational speed difference between the input member and the input shaft match a target slip speed according to a state of the vehicle by half engagement of the lockup clutch. A clutch temperature obtaining means obtains a clutch temperature of the lockup clutch. A determining means determines if the lockup clutch should be fully engaged or disengaged based on at least a state of the motor if the clutch temperature becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature during execution of the slip control. A slip control stop means for stopping the slip control by fully engaging or disengaging the lockup clutch according to the determination result of the determining means.
US08979703B2	Rotary units, rotary mechanisms, and related applications The invention relates to rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
US08979698B2	Cycloidal transmissions The present invention refers to a conventional spur gear transmission or magnetic gear transmission, with a cycloidal configuration. The magnetic gears include contact points such that the mobile gear rolls on the fixed gear. Alternatively, a balance wheel is incorporated, which generates a centrifugal force opposite to the one associated with the mobile gear, of equal magnitude and on the same plane as this latter one, thereby completely eliminating the unbalancing of the mechanism. The balance wheel is mounted on the high-speed shaft in a manner similar to the mobile gear, and has the freedom to displace itself radially through centrifugal effect in the opposite direction to the eccentric position of the center of the mobile gear until it presses against a fixed track over which it rolls, concentric with the fixed gear with an equal force, opposite and collinear with that produced by the mobile gear.
US08979696B2	High-pressure homogenizer with an epicyclic reduction gear unit A high-pressure homogenizer including: a fixed body (7) housing a rotating crankshaft (10); a motor (3) for driving the crankshaft (10); a reduction gear unit (4) interconnected between the crankshaft and transmission elements (5, 6), characterized in that the reduction gear unit (4) is an epicyclic reduction gear unit. Preferably there is provided a lubricant feed line (15) which passes through the fixed body and reaches the epicyclic reduction gear unit (4). Preferably the epicyclic reduction gear unit (4) is constructed integrally with the fixed body (4).
US08979695B2	Drive device comprising an electric machine A drive device (1, 20) including an electric machine (3), a first planetary gear (4), a differential (5) and an operative connection between a drive shaft (3a) of the electric machine (3) and a first planetary pinion (4a) of the first planetary gear (4), said first planetary pinion (4) engaging with the first planet wheels (4b) which engage with a stationary first ring gear (4) and which are rotationally mounted on a first planet carrier (4c) which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a differential cage (5a) of the differential.
US08979692B2	Friction transmission belt A belt body (10) of a friction transmission belt (B) includes a pulley contacting portion (13) made of a rubber composition. The rubber composition forming the pulley contacting portion (13) includes an ethylene-α-olefin elastomer as a rubber component, and in the rubber composition, 10-50 parts by mass of calcium carbonate relative to 100 parts by mass of the rubber component, and carbon black whose DBP oil absorption amount measured according to the method A specified in Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) K 6217-4 is 300 cm3/100 g or more are mixed.
US08979691B2	Silent chain A silent chain 1 in which a large number of link plates 2 comprising a pair of tooth parts 22 and pin holes 21 are stacked in the thickness direction and the length direction and are linked by linking pins 3, and guide plates 4 are mounted on the linking pins 3. The guide plates 4 are arranged in guide rows G at a central position in the width direction and at positions at both ends in the width direction, and the height H of the back part of each guide plate 4 is greater than the height h of the back parts of the link plates 2.
US08979690B2	Toothed belt and method of manufacturing the same A toothed belt has therein a core wire (3) including a core thread (1) made of aramid fiber and a filament thread (2) made of nylon fiber, and has belt tooth portions (4) and belt groove portions (5) alternately formed therealong. The core wire (3), the belt tooth portions (4), and the belt groove portions (5) are integrated with one another by a rubber material (7). It should be noted herein that the core thread (1) and the filament thread (2) are integrally twined around each other so that the filament thread (2) is formed in the shape of a plurality of loops around the core thread (1). The filament thread (2) in the shape of the loops enters tooth root portions (9) of the belt tooth portions (4) to be arranged therein. As a result, the tooth root portions (9) are strengthened.
US08979689B2	Synchronous flat belt drive The invention relates to a synchronous flat belt drive, wherein at least one series arrangement of projections (210) has a purely rolling engagement with a series arrangement of apertures on a flat belt (100). The flat belt (100) supports on a pulley (300) only radially, and on a rotation member (200) only tangentially. The generatrix of the series arrangement of apertures is the rolling of a pulley working surface cylinder with projecting projections (210) of a rotation member (200) formed as a face gear. The flat belt (100) is formed of at least a single strip in a layer arrangement of at least one layer, wherein the ends of the individual strips are variously arranged in a layer. An individual strip forms also several layers and is also as an endless strip part of a layer arrangement.
US08979688B2	Cushioning structure for a sprocket ISSUE To reduce operating noise and further improve durability in a cushioning structure for a sprocket used in a roller chain or bush chain. MEANS OF RESOLUTION Annular first and second cushion rings 2, 3 are provided in such a way as to be able to slide against each other around grooves 10a in a sprocket 1. The first cushion ring 2 consists of a single wire and has a wave-like shape comprising a plurality of projections 2a. The second cushion ring 3 consists of a single wire and has a circular shape running around the outer circumference of the sprocket 1. When a roller chain 5 meshes with the sprocket, the rollers 50 make contact with the second cushion ring 3 causing the second cushion ring 3 to elastically deform, then causing the first cushion ring 2 to elastically deform. At this point, the first and second cushion rings 2, 3 slide against each other. As a result, the impact noise of the rollers 50 and the sprocket teeth 10 is effectively reduced.
US08979686B2	Cap retainer and a pulley assembly including the cap retainer and method of assembly An insert moldable cap retainer for securing a bearing cap to a pulley assembly is disclosed. The cap retainer includes a hollow neck configured to receive a bearing cap, a plate that extends outward from the neck with the neck protruding upward from the plate, and a continuous or discontinuous flange extending downward from the outer periphery of the plate. The plate is configured to be juxtaposed with an upper surface of an outer race of a bearing and the flange is configured to be juxtaposed with an outer surface of the outer race of the bearing when the cap retainer is positioned on the bearing. The cap retainer and bearing are insert moldable together to have an integral pulley body connected thereto. A pulley assembly is also disclosed that includes the insert moldable cap retainer.
US08979680B2	Surface marking system for competitive throwing and training A marking system for use with competitively thrown objects such as discuses, shot puts, hammers and javelins. The marking system has a cavity which contains a marking agent which is automatically deposited from the cavity onto the ground when the thrown object hits the ground. Other embodiments are describes and shown.
US08979672B2	Golf club head A wood-type golf club head includes a main body and a striking wall associated with the main body. The striking wall has a striking face including a face center, a first imaginary plane tangent to the face center, and a rear surface opposite the striking face. In a second imaginary plane perpendicular to the first imaginary plane and passing through, the face center, the striking face includes a first point associated with a maximum thickness, tmax, of the striking wall, and a second point associated with a minimum thickness, tmin, of the striking wall, such that a ratio, tmax/tmin, is no less than 1.70. Also, in the second imaginary plane, the striking wall gradually tapers in thickness entirely from the first point to the second point.
US08979671B1	Golf club head with composite weight port A golf club head having a face component, a crown, and a composite sole or a composite body patch with one or more weight ports for receiving one or more weight inserts is disclosed herein. At least part of each of the weight ports is integrally formed in the composite sole or composite body patch, and each of the weight ports include a weight receiving region for receiving a weight and a screw receiving region for receiving a screw that secures the weight in the weight port.
US08979669B2	Polymer cover layer for golf club face A golf club head, comprising a striking surface having an outer cover layer comprising a polyurethane or polyurea having a material Shore D hardness of 40 to 70, a layer thickness of 0.2 to 0.6 mm, and a flexural modulus of 5 to 110 kpsi.
US08979667B1	Golf putter head A golf putter head which includes a putting face having a positive loft angle diverging from vertical to a putter head base. The putting face is formed from a plurality of substantially parallel blades, each of the blades contiguous with each other wherein the blades are arrayed at a downward angle. Each of the blades narrows in width towards the putting face and terminates in a narrow tip. Each of the blades is flexible at its tip in order impart an upward spring force upon impact with a golf ball.
US08979665B1	Providing motion feedback based on user center of mass The present disclosure is directed to a body-worn sensor-based system for evaluating the biomechanics and the motor adaptation characteristics of postural control during a sport activity such as a golf swing. Various embodiments use sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to measure the three-dimensional motion of ankle and hip joints. In several embodiments, additional sensors attached to other body segments are used to improve the accuracy of the data or detect particular instants during the swing (e.g., top of back swing, instant of the maximum speed of arm, and instant of ball impact). In a golf embodiment, the system combines the measured data in conjunction with a biomechanical model of the human body to: (1) estimate the two-dimensional sway of the golfer's center of mass; (2) quantify and evaluate the golfer's balance via his/her postural compensatory strategy; and (3) provide visual feedback to the golfer for improving dynamic postural control.
US08979664B1	Slip preventing golf grip accessory An accessory for a golf club to assist in the grip of the golf club and prevent the club from slipping out of the user's hands, especially when the grip is wet. The accessory is slid onto the grip portion of the golf club.
US08979663B1	Putting green formed from aerated polymers and methods of making the same to simulate a natural grass surface A foamed polymer having a top portion with ruptured cells and a bottom portion of non-ruptured cells is provided. The ruptured cells are formed using mechanical or chemical abrasion to form a plurality of fibrous members that simulate a grass-like surface. The abrasion may be accomplished using sanding or solvents that rupture the cells of the top portion.
US08979659B2	Fixed-type constant-velocity universal joint A fixed type constant velocity universal joint includes eight or twelve torque transmitting balls arranged in ball tracks formed of pairs of track grooves of an outer joint member and track grooves of an inner joint member, respectively. A center of curvature of each of the track grooves of the outer joint member and a center of curvature of each of the track grooves of the inner joint member have an axial offset of zero. When eight torque transmitting balls are employed, the track grooves of the outer joint member and the inner joint member each include inclined tracks arranged at a 90° pitch along a circumferential direction and inclined in opposite directions with respect to an axial line and other tracks which are formed between the inclined tracks and parallel to the axial line.
US08979657B2	Wagering game with community event poker game A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes a display for displaying a base game of the wagering game in response to receiving a wager input from a player and a controller coupled to the display. The controller is programmed to randomly increment during game play a bonus-time eligibility counter for a community bonus game, decrement the bonus-time eligibility counter as real time progresses, and render a player eligible to play the community bonus game if the bonus-time eligibility counter is greater than zero when a community bonus game is triggered.
US08979656B2	Communication game system, game device, game implementation method, program and recording medium A game system includes multiple game machines which implement a game by alternating turns. Each game machine implements the game on its turn, and transmits game progress information to the other game machines. The game is implemented in accordance with the transmitted game progress information. A host game machine of the game machines transmits turn determination information to the other game machines, and receives turn completion information from each of the other game machines. When the turn confirmation information is not returned from one of the other game machines, the host game machine recognizes that communication has been cut off. When the communication has been cut off, the host game machine functions as a substitute for the cut off game machine.
US08979655B2	System and method for securely hosting applications A computer-implemented system for providing a virtualized application hosting environment comprising: a plurality of application/game servers each having a memory for storing application program code and data and a processor for executing the application program code and processing the data on behalf of a client; a virtualization service executed on each of the application/game servers, the virtualization service comprising a file redirection module for redirecting file read/write operations generated by the application program code to one or more virtualized file locations; and a registry redirection module for intercepting registry operations generated by the application program code and executing the registry operations on behalf of the application program code at one or more virtualized registry locations.
US08979650B2	Game apparatus, recording medium having game program recorded thereon, and game system A game system is composed of a TV, a hand-held game machine, and a game apparatus, for example. A hand-held game machine and a plurality of controllers are connected to the game apparatus, for example. The hand-held game machine displays a first game screen which indicates the positions of first to fourth characters in a game space. The TV displays second game screens which respectively correspond to second to fourth characters, each of the second game screens displaying only a limited extent of the game space. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, an operable character for a player is switched from a first character to a second character. Since different extents of game space are displayed for different characters, an interesting game can be provided.
US08979647B2	Method of providing player status and ability to join games A method is disclosed in a gaming and media system for quickly and efficiently showing all friends gaming at a given time, what they are playing, and for providing the ability to download and/or join their friend's game. Information relating to which friends are gaming online, what games they are playing and whether their games are joinable are consolidated onto a single GUI. That same GUI, referred to as a Friends Playing Now GUI, also provides the user with the ability to join games which are indicated to be joinable.
US08979646B2	Casino patron tracking and information use Methods and devices are described that allow a casino to dynamically service patrons. The dynamic systems and methods collect data related to the behavior of multiple people in a gaming establishment, and collect data for entertainment resources in the gaming establishment, such as gaming devices and services. The data may be flexibly used. In one embodiment, a person is at least partially identified in the casino. The gaming establishment uses a model that selects tailor offerings for a person, such as advertisements for services that the person may enjoy or games on gaming machines that the person may enjoy. The model selects a tailored offering for the person based on the at least partial identification and the data previously obtained for multiple people and entertainment resources. The identification, selection and offering may be performed in real time. In another embodiment, the gaming establishment uses the data to reconfigure its entertainment resources to better deploy its resources relative to the behavior of people in that specific gaming establishment.
US08979644B2	Systems and methods for electronic fund transfers for use with gaming systems Electronic fund transfer (EFT) systems and methods are disclosed for managing and transferring electronic funds from a patron's financial account to provide gaming or amusement credit in physical or electronic form. The systems comprise an electronic fund transfer (EFT) device, a secure payment gateway configured to connect to the patron's financial accounts via a financial network, a host system, and a funds management portal connected to the host system and to the secure payment gateway. The EFT device is configured to communicate with the patron's financial account via a secure connection to the secure payment gateway and to transmit instructions for transferring electronic funds from the patron's financial account to a credit system via the secure payment gateway and the funds management portal.
US08979641B2	Gaming system and method providing an award for designated losing conditions The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides an award to one or more players for a non-occurrence of a designated event. The gaming system monitors a plurality of games played at a plurality of gaming devices. If the designated event occurs, the gaming system resets an event counter associated with tracking the non-occurrence of the designated event. If the designated event does not occur, the gaming system: (i) increments the event counter to account for the non-occurrence of the designated event, and (ii) determines if the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals a predetermined quantity of games played. If the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals the predetermined quantity, the gaming system provides one or more of the players an award for the non-occurrence of the designated event.
US08979640B2	Player tracking method and a player tracking system A method of player tracking for gaming, the method including: receiving a player identifier at a player identifier input device associated with a gaming terminal; monitoring play of the gaming terminal in response to receipt of the player identifier, the monitoring being performed to determine whether to take any action in respect of a player record of a player tracking module corresponding to the player identifier, the monitoring being carried out such that if the player identifier was received by being read from a player tracking device by the player identifier input device and the player tracking device is removed from a position at which the player tracking device can be read, the monitoring continues after the player tracking device is removed; and stopping monitoring of play of the gaming terminal automatically in response to at least one end condition occurring.
US08979637B2	Gaming system and method employing event eligibility-based equity for a wagering game A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes providing a first event eligibility-based equity relative to a first wagering game and converting the first event eligibility-based equity to an exchange medium. The exchange medium may be cash or a second event eligibility-based equity relative to a second wagering game. The first event eligibility-equity may be stored for later use on the first wagering game.
US08979636B2	Mechanical wheels for game machines Electronic gaming machines having mechanical or electro-mechanical wheel devices are described herein. The gaming machines include a cabinet, a display coupled to the cabinet, and a wheel coupled to the cabinet. The wheel includes a plurality of wheel segments positioned axially about a center point of the wheel. The plurality of wheel segments may be configured to rotate about the center point and to transform an appearance of the wheel. The wheel further includes an indicator configured to indicate an indicated wheel segment. The indicator may be configured to rotate about the center point.
US08979633B2	Gaming device having positional symbol awards Embodiments of the present invention relate to a slot machine having awards for the occurrence of certain symbols in certain designated positions of the play matrix. In one embodiment, a game device comprises: a display device; an input device; and a processor for accessing a plurality of instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to operate with the display device and the input device to: provide a game comprising: a plurality of reels, each of the reels including a plurality of symbol positions, wherein at least one of the symbol positions comprises a capture position; a plurality of symbols at the plurality of symbol positions on the reels; at least one predetermined winning symbol combination of a plurality of winning symbol combinations; and an award associated with the predetermined winning symbol combination; wherein the winning symbol combination comprises a predetermined symbol from the plurality of symbols being positioned in the capture position.
US08979632B2	Gaming machine and gaming method A gaming machine selects a control data corresponding to a type of a game result among a plurality of control data for controlling a door. Each control data includes at least one position data for determining a position of the door, and the at least one position data corresponds to at least one of a position data for fully closing the door, a position data for fully opening the door, or at least one position data for partially opening the door. The gaming machine selects a display data corresponding to the selected control data among a plurality of display data, displays on the display panel an image according to the selected display data, controls the door using at least one position data of the selected control data; and displays the game result on the first display.
US08979630B2	Roulette performance and analysis A method and system for monitoring consecutive games of roulette played at a live roulette gaming table. The table includes a table layout, a roulette wheel and a chipper machine for sorting and counting betting chips. During each game, players bet on a spin of the roulette wheel by indicating bets on the table layout with the chips. Chip count data from the chipper machine along with game activity data from one or more gaming table monitoring systems is recorded and processed by a table computer to identify at least one game delineation event and associated timing information. The chip count data is analyzed based on the timing information for game delineation event: and then portions of the chip count data are assigned to respective roulette games. The recorded data may be later analyzed to determine a range of performance characteristics including optimization characteristics, and/or immediately communicated to the table operators.
US08979624B2	Multiple user interactive interface A plurality of participants in a conversation may be scored based on ability to correctly answer questions and based on entertainment value as determined by viewers of the conversation. The conversation may be in the form of a game, or may include a number of different substantially simultaneous conversations. Audio data and video data of the conversation may be transmitted over a network, and viewer scores of the participants in the conversation may be received over the network. Participants in future conversation may be selected based on their skill in answering questions and their entertainment value, with different future conversations using different weightings of skill scores and entertainment scores in determining who may participate in the conversation.
US08979622B2	Louver system A louver system for controlling airflow in a duct from a forced air heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system with a housing and a louver located on a mounting fascia. The system having a longitudinal slat located in the perimeter wall that is movable between the fully open position and the fully closed position via a slat positioning assembly. The slat positioning assembly is powered by a mainspring assembly. A winding assembly is operatively coupled to the mainspring assembly which is wound by a motor or a hand crank. A local control system having a microprocessor, a transmitter, and a receiver sends a positioning signal to the slat positioning assembly that rotates the slat to a specified position via power from the mainspring assembly.
US08979618B2	Polishing tool for processing optical surfaces A polishing tool for processing an optical surface of a spectacle lens, having a carrier body and a polishing film, an elastic layer being arranged between said polishing film and said carrier body. Further, there is provision for a surface of said polishing film, which surface is active during processing, to decrease in size in an edge region of said polishing film outwards in said radial direction. Furthermore, an apparatus is provided for polishing an optical surface of a spectacle lens having a polishing tool as described above.
US08979617B2	Arrangement for guiding tools An arrangement (1) including a tool (7) and a feeler device (11) is movably guided along the edge of a workpiece (5) so that the workpiece is machined, for example, trimmed, along the edges (3) of the workpiece by the tool. The arrangement (1) can be adjusted perpendicularly to the plane of the workpiece, whereas the feeler device, which is designed for example as a Bernoulli disk (13), has a constant distance from the workpiece, so that the tool also is always guided at the correct position relative to the edge of the workpiece. Thus even for workpieces deviating from the target position, for example workpieces that are not level, the tool is always guided in such a way that the tool is correctly oriented relative to the center plane of the workpiece and, for example, the trimming of the borders at the edges of the workpiece is performed reliably.
US08979615B2	Polishing apparatus and polishing method The polishing apparatus has a polishing unit capable of polishing a peripheral portion of the substrate to form a right-angled cross section. The polishing apparatus includes: a substrate holder that holds and rotates the substrate; guide rollers that support a polishing tape; and a polishing head having a pressing member that presses an edge of the polishing tape against the peripheral portion of the substrate from above. The guide rollers are arranged such that the polishing tape extends parallel to a tangential direction of the substrate and a polishing surface of the polishing tape is parallel to a surface of the substrate. The substrate holder includes: a holding stage that holds the substrate; and a supporting stage that supports a lower surface of the peripheral portion of the substrate in its entirety. The supporting stage rotates in unison with the holding stage.
US08979612B2	Apparatus and method for machining a bearing seat or a bearing journal supported therein An apparatus for at least intermittent metal-cutting machining of a support face of a bearing seat (5) of a concentrically guided shaft (3) with the bearing (4) dismantled is proposed, having at least one cutting tool (1) that is rotationally movable, in particular on a shaft (3) slidingly supported by bearing shells (4), such as a crankshaft of a large two-cycle diesel motor, in the gap created between the bearing seat (5) and a bearing journal (3) received in the bearing seat by dismantling of the bearing (4). The apparatus is distinguished in that a securing device (2) for securing the cutting tool (1) to the bearing journal (3) is provided, which is arranged such that in machining of the support face of the bearing seat (5), the bearing journal (3) acts as a rotating tool holder, and the cutting tool (1) is guided in a purely rotational cutting motion along the support face of the bearing seat (5), and the securing device (2), for re-releasable securing of the cutting tool (1) in a manner free of residue and nondestructively, is arranged in force- and/or material-locking fashion and includes an adhesive layer and/or at least one hose clamp. A corresponding apparatus for machining a support face of a bearing journal (3) of a concentrically guided shaft (3) with a dismantled bearing (4), and a method for machining the support face of the bearing seat or the bearing journal with an apparatus, are also proposed.
US08979610B2	Method for dressing threaded grinding stone for internal gear grinding Disclosed is a method for dressing a threaded grinding stone for internal gear grinding, by which a threaded grinding stone for grinding an internal gear can be dressed with a high degree of accuracy by using a dressing gear that has been produced with a high degree of accuracy. In a state in which a barrel-shaped threaded grinding stone (11), which is disposed at an axial angle (Σ) to the internal gear (W) that is conferred during the grinding of said internal gear (W), and an external tooth-type dressing gear (13), which is capable of meshing with a virtual external gear (14) virtually formed in a manner so as to mesh with the internal gear (W) in place of the threaded grinding stone (11) disposed at the axial angle (Σ), have been meshed together, the threaded grinding stone (11) and the dressing gear (13) are simultaneously rotated while being moved relatively in a circular arc in the X-Y plane, whereby the dressing gear (13) dresses along the entire area in the axis direction of the threaded grinding stone (11).
US08979605B2	Personal floatation device sleeve The personal floatation device (PFD) sleeve presented in this application comprises a sleeve in the form of a strip that can be worn on a swimmer's appendage including leg, calf and arm. The PFD sleeve may be made of a flexible, water resistant material. The PFD sleeve comprises a single compartment wherein a deflated PFD with CO2 cartridge is stored during swimming, and a first and a second connection panel whose major function is to wrap around the appendage of a swimmer using the fastening means on their surfaces. The present invention provides a PFD that is simple, reliable, light-weight, compact and can be inflated and deployed quickly during an emergency to support a swimmer floating on the water but does not affect the swimmer's mobility before it is deployed.
US08979603B1	Lubrication of a hybrid propulsion system for a watercraft A watercraft propulsion system has a driveshaft, one of an impeller and a propeller, an overrunning clutch having outer and inner races, a driveshaft connector connecting the driveshaft to the outer race, an electric motor having a motor output shaft operatively connected to the outer race, and an internal combustion engine. The engine has a crankcase and a crankshaft operatively connected to the inner race. A lubricant pump supplies lubricant to the overrunning clutch via lubricant passages in the crankshaft. A watercraft having the propulsion system and a hybrid propulsion conversion system for a watercraft are also disclosed.
US08979602B2	Electrical male terminal An electrical male terminal formed from a metal plate comprising a mating portion having contact surfaces adapted to electrically contact a female terminal. The mating portion comprises a first and second seamless strip electrically contacting the first and second female contact surfaces. The male terminal has a seam comprising a mating portion seam, within the mating portion, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis, and located on one of the side portions which are perpendicular to the contact surfaces of the mating portion.
US08979596B2	Storage interface module A storage interface module including a substrate and a connecting member is provided. The substrate has a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of first openings. The first surface and the second surface are back to each other. Each of the first openings is connected through the first surface and the second surface. The connecting member is disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The connecting member has a first terminal set and a second terminal set, in which a first end of each of the terminals is connected to the first surface, and a second end of each of the terminals passes through the corresponding first opening and protrudes out of the second surface, and a third end of each of the terminals in the second terminal set is connected to the first surface.
US08979592B2	Electrical connector for high-speed data transmission An electrical connector includes an electrically conductive front and rear shell. The front shell includes a cantilever structure extending from a rear face in an axial direction, the cantilever structure having a catch on a free end thereof. The catch mates with a retention slot located on the rear shell to latch together the front and rear shells of the electrical connector. A contact-receiving cavity formed within the front and rear shells houses an insulating sheath carrying electrical contacts. The electrical connector may further include tangs formed as an integral part of the front shell for bearing against a mating end of a mating connector. The electrical connector may include a retention latch for seating the electrical connector within a separate connector housing.
US08979591B2	Round plug connector with shielded connection cable In a round plug connector, the screen ends at the plug-side end of the grip body, is provided. An axially moveable contact-making element is arranged on a screw element, it being possible for the contact-making element to assume two positions. The first position is “screen applied”. The second position is “screen not applied”.
US08979589B2	Shield connector An inner terminal connected to a terminal of a core wire and provided with an electric connecting portion electrically connected with a mating terminal is received in an inner housing. The inner housing is incorporated into an outer terminal. The outer terminal is mated with a mating connector in such a state as that the shield member is connected to the outer terminal and the electric connecting portion of the inner terminal is positioned in the outer terminal. The outer terminal has the same configuration as that of an outer terminal of the mating connector, thus making the outer terminals sharable between male and female connectors.
US08979587B2	Cable assembly having a wire management with an electroplated layer A cable assembly comprises an insulative housing; a plurality of terminals received into the insulative housing; a cable electrically connected to the plurality of terminals. The cable comprises two differential pairs of signal wires. Each differential pair of signal wires comprises two signal wires, a grounding wire and a shielding layer surrounding the two signal wires and a grounding wire. Front end regions of the signal wires and the grounding wires are exposed out of the shielding layer. And, a wire management is assembled to a rear end of the insulative housing and defines a plurality of channels respectively plated with an electroplated layer. The front end regions of the signal wires and the grounding wires are respectively passed through the plurality of channels and electrically connected to the corresponding terminals.
US08979585B2	Connector A connector comprises a contact, an inner housing, an inner shell, an outer housing and an outer shell. The inner housing holds the contact. The inner shell covers, at least in part, the inner housing. The outer housing holds the inner shell. The outer shell covers, at least in part, the outer housing. The inner shell has a connected portion and a connection portion. The connection portion extends from the connected portion and is directly connected with an attachment object when the connector is attached to the attachment object. A boundary between the connected portion and the connection portion is positioned apart from and rearward of the front end of the connector.
US08979584B2	Board-mounted connector An object is to provide a board-mounted connector which has an assembly fitting opening provided on the attachment surface side of an external shield shell onto a circuit board such that a housing assembly can be fit from the assembly fitting opening into the external shield shell, and is capable of improving the ease of assembling the housing assembly. In a board-mounted connector 1A, a housing assembly 21A to be fit from an assembly fitting opening 34 provided at an external shield shell 11A into the external shield shell 11A is made by integrally forming an internal housing 23 that accommodates a plurality of connection terminal members 22 and an external housing 26 that covers the outer circumference of the internal housing 23 and accommodates and holds the internal shield shell 25.
US08979581B2	Variable impedance coaxial connector interface device A variable impedance interface device for connecting a coaxial connector to an external component is disclosed. The interface device has a housing having a first end adapted to receive a coaxial connector and a second end having an interface where the housing is attachable to an external component, such as a printed circuit board. A cavity within the housing is defined by an inner surface and has a cavity first end and a cavity second end. The inner surface tapers between the cavity first end and the cavity second end. A mating position in the cavity has a certain dimension due to the taper of the inner surface. The mating position defines a location at which a coaxial connector received by the housing positions. An impedance of the housing is based on the mating position and may be varied due to the impedance of the interface such that signal degradation at the interface is reduced.
US08979580B2	Fluid-sealing electric motor connector and motor The invention relates to a fluid-sealing electric motor connector (1) for a housing (70) of an electric motor (7), in particular an electric motor (7) of an engine cooling fan or of an ABS/ESP system of a motor vehicle, comprising a connector housing (10), which can be attached to the housing (70) and by means of which at least one electrical line (80) can be connected to the electric motor so as to be fluid-sealed to the electric motor (7), wherein the connector housing (10) can be fastened to the housing (70) by means of a locking spring (50) or a catch mechanism, wherein the fluid-sealing electric motor connector (1) can be fastened to the housing (70) in an easily detachable manner. The invention further relates to a motor, in particular an electric motor (7) for an engine cooling fan or an ABS/ESP system of a motor vehicle, or a completed electrical cable (8) for a motor (7), in particular an electric motor (7), wherein the motor (7) or the completed electrical cable (8) has a fluid-sealing electric motor connector (1) according to the invention.
US08979579B2	Signal test device A signal test device includes a metal housing, a circuit board, a protection housing, and a number of fasteners. The circuit board is received in the metal housing. A number of sub-miniature-A (SMA) connectors are mounted to a first side of the circuit board. Each SMA connector includes a base body connected to the circuit board, and a connection head connected to the base body and extending out of the metal housing. An interface is mounted to a second side of the circuit board and extending out of the metal housing. The protection housing is mounted to the second end of the circuit board and is received in the metal housing. The first fasteners extend through and fastened to the base bodies and the circuit board. Opposite ends of each first fastener abut against top and bottom of the inner surface of the metal housing.
US08979574B2	Modular plug A modular plug includes a plug housing, plug contacts held by the plug housing, and a stuffer cap coupled to the plug housing. The stuffer cap includes a cable channel configured to receive a cable therein. The stuffer cap includes an interior side that defines at least a portion of the cable channel. The modular plug includes a strain relief member held by the plug housing. The strain relief member includes a base and a spring beam extending from the base such that the spring beam is cantilevered from the base. The spring beam is configured to engage the cable and thereby pinch the cable between the interior side of the stuffer cap and the spring beam.
US08979570B2	Connector configured to temporarily hold an object being connected while an actuator which is closed to lock the object is in an open state A connector comprises a receiving portion, a housing and an actuator. The housing has a lock portion protruding upward and a recess formed with a bottom portion. The actuator has a pressing portion. The actuator is supported by the housing so as to be pivotable between an open position and a close position. When the actuator is located at the open position, a plate-like or sheet-like object comprising an interposed portion and a locked portion, for example, a Flexible Printed Circuit (FPC), is inserted and received in the receiving portion. When the object is received in the receiving portion, the interposed portion is located above the recess, and the locked portion is located rearward of the lock portion. The pressing portion and the bottom portion interpose the interposed portion of the object when the actuator pivots from the open position to the close position.
US08979565B2	Electrical connector having a holding member and a load plate pivotally assembled to two ends of a stiffener An electrical connector for electrically connecting an IC package with a substrate and includes an insulative housing with a plurality of contacts received therein, a stiffener located outside of the insulative housing, a holding member and a load plate pivotally assembled to the stiffener, the stiffener includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the holding member is pivotally assembled to the first end of the stiffener for holding and assembling the IC package to the insulative housing, the load plate is configured to frame shape and is pivotally assembled to the second end of the stiffener.
US08979562B2	Bus bar lockingly attached to a housing of an electrical connector and its end inserted between rows of power contacts of the electrical connector A connector assembly that includes an electrical connector and an electrically conductive busbar. The connector can include a housing that defines a receptacle, a first row of at least one power contact, and a second row of at least one power contact at a location spaced from the first row along a first direction. Each power contact of the first and second rows can define at least two mating ends that are at least partially disposed in the receptacle so as to define a slot that extends between the mating ends of the first row and the mating ends of the second row. The housing can include a first attachment member. The electrically conductive busbar can include a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and an attachment member that is configured to mate with the first attachment member so as to attach the busbar to the housing.
US08979559B2	Lockout tagout plug sleeve A lockout tagout hole that traverses at least one wall of a cylindrical body of a lockout tagout plug sleeve, where the lockout tagout hole securely receives a lockout tagout tag. Also disposed on the outer surface of the cylindrical body can be a polarizing slot, where the polarizing slot and an end of the wall of the sleeve are used to orient the position of the lockout tagout hole.
US08979554B2	Connector of electronic device, plug of electronic device, and waterproof structure of electronic device Provided is a connector of an electronic device, in which a space in a housing of the electronic device can be enlarged, the number of circuits can be increased, a battery can be made larger, and the housing of the electronic device can be made thinner and more compact. The connector of the electronic device is provided with a substantially cylindrical case; connector-side terminals introduced into the case; and a sealing material that is formed in the vicinity of the end of the case on a plug insertion side so as to protrude to the plug insertion side, wherein a first convex stripe is formed along the inner circumference of the protruding section of the sealing material, and the first convex stripe is formed so as to be circumferentially pressed against and brought into contact with an outer circumferential surface of a part of a cover to be inserted.
US08979553B2	Connector guide for orienting wires for termination A guide member is provided for use with a multi-wire plug connector. It has an elongated body with multiple wire pathways extending through it in a torturous path so that wires inserted into one end of the guide member in a first orientation are twisted into a second orientation that is different than the first orientation. The guide member body is formed of two parts and one of the parts has ports for the injection of a settable compound, such as a hot melt adhesive to hold the guide member parts together as well as the wires in place within the guide member.
US08979552B2	Connector and method for connecting the connector A connector includes a plug connector including a projecting part and a plurality of plug electrodes, each plug electrode includes a first surface and a second plug surface that are substantially parallel to each other, and a jack connector including a plurality of jack electrodes, each jack electrode contacts to one of the plug electrodes when the plug connector is engaged with the jack connector, that includes a first jack contact part that contacts with the first plug surface, a second jack contact part that contacts with the second plug surface, and a third jack contact part that contacts with the projecting part. The projecting part is configured to exert a force to the third jack contact part to move the first jack contact part toward the first plug surface when engaging the plug connector and the jack connector.
US08979551B2	Low-profile mezzanine connector A mezzanine connector includes a first connector including a pass-through hole and a first plurality of contacts arranged around the pass-through hole, the first connector arranged to be connected to a first substrate such that the first plurality of contacts are connected to the first substrate, and a second connector including a beam and a second plurality of contacts arranged around the beam, the second connector arranged to be connected to a second substrate such that the second plurality of contacts are connected to the second substrate. The pass-through hole extends fully through the first connector in a mating direction of the first connector and the second connector, and the beam of the second connector is arranged to extend into the pass-through hole of the first connector when the first connector and the second connector are mated.
US08979548B2	Training device for ball players and method for the training of different sequences of movement The problem of providing a training device and a training method with which it is possible to be able to train relatively complex game situations, in particular in handball and football, under consistent conditions and preferably in an actual playing environment is solved by the training device according to the invention, the training device comprising a plurality of ball receivers and ball providers, wherein the individual ball receivers and ball providers are designed as slave units in a local radio network in order to communicate with a master unit.
US08979547B2	Method and system for quantitative assessment of verbal recognition memory A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of verbal memory of a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of symbols and a background; (2) moving the plurality of symbols relative to the scene, the movement being tracked by the subject via at least one input device; (3) adjusting the saliency of the plurality of symbols relative to the tracked movement; (4) increasing the number of said plurality of symbols; (5) receiving feedback from the subject via said input device; (6) quantitatively refining the received feedback; (7) modulating the movement of the plurality of symbols relative to the accuracy of the quantitatively refined feedback; (8) calculating a critical threshold parameter; and (9) recording a critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.
US08979541B2	Method and system for quantitative assessment of spatial sequence memory A method and system are presented to address quantitative assessment of spatial sequence memory in a subject, where the method comprises the steps of: (1) presenting at least one scene to the subject on a display, the scene comprising a plurality of elements and a background; (2) modulating the saliency of a predetermined section of said scene (3) receiving feedback from the subject via at least one input device; (4) modifying the saliency of the predetermined section; (5) adjusting a functional assessment parameter relative to the scene; (6) moving the predetermined section relative to the scene; (7) receiving refined feedback from the subject via the input device; (8) quantitatively refining the refined feedback; (9) calculating a critical threshold parameter for the subject; and (10) recording the critical threshold parameter onto a tangible computer readable medium.
US08979539B1	Hydration level measurement system and method A hydration level measurement system and method comprising a technology embedded scale that rewards individuals for drinking an appropriate amount of liquid throughout the day. In an example embodiment, a reusable water bottle is equipped with an RFID tag and assigned to an individual so that the user's hydration level may be tracked. The RFID tag logs the individual's access as well as “before-filling” and “after-filling” weights of the bottle when placed on the scale. A computer screen acknowledges the bottle's owner, and then indicates the increased weight and how many points will be awarded to the user using an ounces-to-points conversion. Data may be transferred from the scale computer to a web server and aggregated at the server from multiple scales for multiple “hydration challenges.” A web application receives and processes user requests to display data related to each hydration challenge such as the current scores of the participants.
US08979535B2	Compositions for infiltration and/or sealing of hard tooth tissue and corresponding methods A method for infiltration and/or sealing of hard tooth tissue and for detection of caries in the infiltrated region or under the seal by means of fluorescence, is described. The method includes applying a composition comprising a filler system consisting of or comprising inorganic filler particles surface-modified by means of organic structural elements, wherein the organic structural elements can be reacted with an organic binder system to form covalent bonds, wherein the filler particles of the composition have an average particle size in the range between 1 nm and 150 nm, and an organic binder system comprising one or more polymerizable monomers, wherein the filler system is dispersed in the organic binder system (b). The infiltrated or sealed surface of the hard tooth tissue is then irradiated with excitation radiation which causes emission of fluorescence radiation. The fluorescence radiation data is recorded and used to detect curies.
US08979530B2	Reusable dental impression tray A reusable dental impression tray having a reusable rigid tray holder with opposing sidewalls spaced apart substantially a first distance, a connector at a distal end of the tray holder couples the sidewalls together, the sidewalls and connector define an inward facing surface, a channel formed in and extends along the inward facing surface, and a disposable mesh bite tray having a generally U-shaped frame having an open end and a closed end, the U-shaped frame is made of a flexible material wherein the U-shaped frame has a static shape having a width at the closed end substantially the first distance and a width at the open end which is greater than the first distance, wherein with the U-shaped frame received in the channel, the open and of the U-shaped frame is held with the open end having a compressed width substantially the same as the first distance.
US08979529B2	Intermaxillary fixation device and method of using same A medical apparatus including a bar with a first attachment loop, a second attachment and a plurality of hooks, wherein the medical apparatus is an arch bar.
US08979522B2	Fiber orienting technology for a grinding machine An apparatus and method for accelerating food product and decreasing pressure of the product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product.
US08979518B2	Hydraulic toothed wheel machine A toothed wheel machine including a housing for receiving two meshing and especially helical-toothed wheels. The toothed wheels are axially mounted in a sliding manner by axial surfaces between bearing bodies received in the housing, and radially by a bearing shaft received in the bearing bodies. During the operation of the toothed wheel machine, an axial component of a force resulting from the hydraulic and mechanical forces generated during operation acts on each toothed wheel in the same axial direction. A counter-force against the respective axial force component is applied to the toothed wheels and/or bearing shafts, each counter-force applying the same amount of pressure as the respective axial force component, or less than same.
US08979513B2	Lead wire engaging structure and electric apparatus A lead wire engaging structure includes a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion. One end of the first engaging portion and one end of the second engaging portion are integrally provided at a first mounting portion integrally provided at a second casing wall portion. The first engaging portion forms a first gap between the first engaging portion and the second casing wall portion, and engages four lead wires in cooperation with the second casing wall portion. The first gap allows the four lead wires to pass therethrough. The second engaging portion forms a second gap between the second engaging portion and the first engaging portion. The second gap allows the four lead wires to pass therethrough. The other end portion of the first engaging portion and the other end portion of the second engaging portion are coupled to each other by a coupling portion.
US08979505B2	Sensor system for a positive displacement pump A positive displacement pump is provided that includes a pump housing having a pump chamber; a plunger mounted in the pump housing for reciprocating motion in the pump chamber; a suction valve positioned to allow a fluid to enter the pump chamber upon movement of the plunger in a first direction; a discharge valve positioned to discharge the fluid from the pump chamber upon movement of the plunger in a second direction; and at least one sensor enclosed by the pump housing for measuring at least one pump condition parameter.
US08979504B2	Magnetic drive pump assembly with integrated motor Embodiments of the invention provide a pump assembly and a method for assembly the pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a stator assembly, a lower pump housing, an upper pump housing, a rotor assembly, and an isolation cup. The method includes coupling the stator assembly to the lower pump housing, overmolding an overmold material over the stator assembly and the lower pump housing, positioning the isolation cup over the overmold, and positioning the rotor assembly inside the isolation cup. The method further includes placing the upper pump housing over the rotor assembly and coupling the upper pump housing to the lower pump housing.
US08979503B2	Strain gauge pump control switch A control switch incorporates a solid state transducer, a strain gauge. The transducer responds to a local environmental condition, such as fluid level, or pressure and exhibits a parameter change which can be detected as an electrical output. Control circuits coupled to the transducer can sense the parameter change and switch a source of electrical energy to a load in response thereto.
US08979502B2	Turbine rotor retaining system A rotor retaining system for a rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine includes a washer interlocking multiple retaining nuts to prevent relative rotation. The retaining nuts retain a rotor disc and a cover plate in position, respectively. A wire is provided to retain the washer in position and which may dampen vibration during engine operation.
US08979496B2	System for varying the angle of attack of the blades of an aircraft turbine engine propeller, using a brushless electric motor A system for varying an angle of attack of blades of an aircraft turbine engine propeller, including an axial flow brushless motor including a stator including coils, and a rotor including permanent magnets. The rotor is mounted axially movable between a locked position in which it is secured in rotation with a rotary hub of the propeller, and an unlocked position in which its rotation relative to the hub along the axis of rotation of the propeller causes a variation of the angle of attack of the blades via a mechanical connecting mechanism.
US08979495B2	Control system and method for rotor assembly A rotor assembly includes a rotor shaft rotatable about a rotor axis and a plurality of rotor blades operably connected to the rotor shaft. A rotor control assembly has a plurality of substantially concentric control tubes extending through the rotor shaft. Each control tube of the plurality of control tubes is operably connected to a rotor blade of the plurality of rotor blades such that movement of one or more of the control tubes of the plurality of control tubes along the rotor axis effects a pitch change in one or more rotor blades of the plurality of rotor blades. A method of controlling pitch of a plurality of rotor blades of a rotor assembly includes locating a plurality of concentric control tubes inside of a rotor shaft of the rotor assembly capable of changing a pitch of one or more of the rotor blades.
US08979492B2	Methods and systems for determining a pitch angle offset signal and for controlling a rotor frequency of a rotor of a wind turbine for speed avoidance control A method for determining and applying a pitch angle offset signal for controlling a rotor frequency of a rotor of a wind turbine is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a motion quantity indicative of a motion of the rotor and determining the pitch angle offset signal based on the motion quantity such that the pitch angle offset signal is adapted to be used for adjusting a blade pitch angle of a rotor blade mounted at the rotor for controlling the rotor frequency in order to reduce a time span during which the rotor is in a critical motion region. A corresponding system and a method for controlling a rotor frequency are also disclosed.
US08979489B2	Low pressure turbine for an aircraft turbomachine, comprising a segmented nozzle with an improved design The invention relates to a low pressure turbine (1) of a turbomachine comprising a nozzle (62) belonging to an upstream stage (20B) and a nozzle (162) belonging to a downstream stage (20C), the nozzle (62) forming segments (62a) having an external structure (66) comprising: a tab (76) bearing radially on a hook (79) fixed to the case, a tab (85) bearing radially on a reaming (87) in the case, the tabs (76, 85) delimiting an annular upstream cooling air circulation cavity (91), a contact surface (84) extending in the downstream direction from the tab (85) and lined with an abradable element (86) on the inside, the contact surface comprising a downstream end (92) bearing axially on the nozzle (162) and bearing radially on a stop (93) of the case, the contact surfaces (84) delimiting an annular downstream cooling air circulation cavity (94) communicating with cavity (91).
US08979487B2	High pressure turbine vane airfoil profile A high pressure turbine includes a vane having an airfoil with a profile substantially in accordance with at least an intermediate portion of the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table 2. The X and Y values are distances, which when smoothly connected by an appropriate continuing curve, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z. The profile sections at each distance Z are joined smoothly to one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08979486B2	Intersegment spring “T” seal A spring seal includes a split body portion with a first leg and a second leg that extend away from a plane and a projection portion which extends from the split body portion within the plane.
US08979483B2	Mid-turbine bearing support A bearing assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a bearing, an outer assembly disposed about an axis and having an angled perimeter, and an inner assembly supporting the bearing and having a surface angled to slide against and attach to the angled perimeter as the bearing is aligned with the axis.
US08979482B2	Gas turbine of the axial flow type In an axial flow gas turbine (30), a reduction in cooling air mass flow and leakage in combination with an improved cooling and effective thermal protection of critical parts within the turbine stages of the turbine is achieved by providing, within a turbine stage (TS), devices (43-48) to direct cooling air that has already been used to cool, especially the airfoils of the vanes (31) of the turbine stage (TS), into a first cavity (41) located between the outer blade platforms (34) and the opposed stator heat shields (36) for protecting the stator heat shields (36) against the hot gas and for cooling the outer blade platforms (34).
US08979480B2	Steam turbine A plurality of blades are studded in a rotor disc integrated with the rotor along the circumferential direction of the rotor, a plurality of vanes are attached to a casing covering the rotor along the circumferential direction of the rotor, and an internal diaphragm disposed on rotor-side surfaces of the vanes in such a way that the internal diaphragm faces the rotor disc. The vanes and the blades adjacent to each other in the axial direction of the rotor form a turbine stage. A rotor-side cooling path is formed through the rotor disc in the axial direction of the rotor, and a diaphragm-side cooling path is formed through the internal diaphragm in the axial direction of the rotor, and a cooling medium flowing through the rotor-side cooling path diverts into the diaphragm-side cooling path and a labyrinth flow path provided between the internal diaphragm and the rotor.
US08979479B2	Gas turbine A gas turbine (1) includes a combustion chamber (2) followed by a stator airfoil row (4) defining a plurality of guide vanes and separated by the combustion chamber (2) by a first gap (5), and a rotor airfoil row (6) separated by the stator airfoil row (4) by a second gap (7). The stator airfoils (15) of the stator airfoil row (4) are connected to guide vane boxes (17) collecting a cooling fluid (A) and injecting it through nozzles (20) in the second gap (7) to make it to enter rotor airfoil inlets (23). The guide vane boxes (23) are provided with passages (30) connecting a zone (31) upstream of the guide vane boxes (17) to a zone (32) of the second gap (7) downstream of the guide vane boxes (32). Moreover, the mouths (3) of the passages (30) facing the rotor airfoil row (6) are closer to a hot gases path than the nozzles (20).
US08979476B2	Wear reduction device for rotary solids handling equipment A pump for solids handling is provided having a suction liner in combination with an impeller. The suction liner has a suction liner spiral design. The impeller has forward curved impeller suction side pump out vanes. The suction liner spiral design and the forward curved impeller suction side pump out vanes are configured to handle solids substantially having a weight concentration (Cw)
US08979475B2	Turbine fuel pump for vehicle Provided is a turbine fuel pump for a vehicle. More particularly, provided is a turbine fuel pump for a vehicle that can improve efficiency of the fuel pump and solve pressure instability caused by collision of fuel by forming a separate independent channel in a lower casing, an impeller, and an upper casing where channels of fuel are formed at the time of suctioning fuel from the fuel tank and supplying fuel to an engine of an internal combustion engine.
US08979461B2	Stud retainer assembly A stud retainer assembly includes a housing defining a stud chamber, and at least one stud-retaining arm disposed within the stud chamber. The at least one stud-retaining arm includes a stud engagement member comprising first and second teeth configured to engage a stud. The second tooth is recessed back with respect to the first tooth.
US08979460B2	Fastening device A fastening device comprising a main portion having a base end portion and a distal end portion wherein its base end is attached to a head intended to be in contact with a rim at the outer side of an aperture when the fastening device is located in the aperture. The main portion is provided with guiding elements in order to guide the fastening device when inserted into the aperture and resilient elements which during insertion will be pressed inwards in order to at a later stage, when the resilient elements have passed the rim of the aperture, resiliently move back and thus provide a locking of the fastening device by being in contact with the rim on the inside of the aperture. The guiding element is provided with at least three vanes which are attached at its bases to the head such that they are located at an essentially equidistant spacing from the centre point. The resilient elements are made up by segments which only are attached to the fastening device along one side of the segments to the vanes such that they are protruding from the vanes and extend in a direction towards an adjacent vane.
US08979459B2	Combination hanger fastener Described in this application is a dual purpose hanger fastener for supporting a fixture, such as a pipe fixture, or the like to a building structure. The hanger fastener includes a threaded shank forming a first end portion and a head forming a second end portion where the head has both a cross-thread opening and an axial opening. The threaded shank is adapted to engage the structure and the head is adapted to receive a support member to support a pipe fixture or the like. For supporting the fixture, the head includes a cross-thread opening and an axial opening with the axial opening extending into the head to not less than one-thirty-second inch from the cross-thread opening. Both of the cross-thread and axial openings of the head of the hanger fastener are adapted to receive and engage the support member to support the pipe fixture or the like at the users option.
US08979458B2	Heat dissipation device having fastener A heat dissipation device includes a base and a fastener. The fastener includes a clasping portion, an elastic member placed and a first gasket. The clasping portion includes a fixing part, an operating part, and a connecting part connected to the fixing part and the operating part. The connecting part defines a slip groove. The first gasket interferingly fits the slip groove of the clasping portion. The elastic member is placed around the connecting part of the clasping portion and is arranged between the operation part and the first gasket. The first gasket abuts the base after the fixing part extending through the base.
US08979452B2	Anchor bolt, anchor, connecting nut and clamping nut An anchor bolt comprising: a shaft part with a male screw thread; and a head part connected to the shaft part and having an attachment hole with a closed-end bottom to receive a bolt therein defined at a tip surface of the head part and a breaking groove provided at an outer side surface of the head part. The breaking groove is formed at an outer surface of a portion in which the attachment hole is defined. A torque equal to or greater than a fixed value exerted on a tip portion between the tip surface and the breaking groove of the head part causes the breaking groove to be broken, thereby causing the tip portion between the tip surface and the breaking groove of the head part to be removed.
US08979449B2	Load restraint strip A working portion of load restraint strip may include an attachment region. The attachment layer may include an adhesive layer. When the adhesive layer is exposed, at least part of the attachment region on an exterior side of the load restraint strip is colored differently from regions on the exterior side outside the attachment region.
US08979448B2	Pallet having reconfigurable tie-down system A pallet system includes a pallet upon which cargo or other payloads may be carried. The pallet has a plurality of tie-down locations at which the pallet may be tied-down on a base, and at least one tie-down device for tying down the pallet on the base at any of the tie-down locations. The pallet further includes structure for mounting the tie-down device on the pallet at any of the tie-down locations.
US08979447B2	Face miller and use thereof The face miller is equipped with a plurality of plate-shaped hard material cutting inserts that are distributed over the circumference. The hard material cutting inserts are located on a graduated circle in pockets of a blade carrier and have a main cutting edge, which is adjusted at a cutting edge angle smaller than 90° relative to the working plane of the miller. In order to ensure maximum machining performance at a good service life, the cutting edge angle is selected to range between 10° and 30°, wherein the main cutting edge at the same time has a slightly convex design. The main cutting edge transitions into the secondary cutting edge via a transition radius having a value that ranges between 0.5 and 1.5 mm. The axial rake angle ranges between 20 and 30°. According to an advantageous further development, the radial rake angle ranges between −6° and −10°.
US08979440B2	Cutting insert, cutting tool, and method of manufacturing machined product using them A cutting insert includes an upper surface; a lower surface; a side surface which is connected to each of the upper surface and the lower surface and includes a first side surface, a second side surface and a third side surface being adjacent to each other in order; an upper cutting edge including an upper major cutting edge located at an intersection of the upper surface and the first side surface, and an upper flat cutting edge located closer to the upper major cutting edge in an intersection of the upper surface and the second side surface; and a lower cutting edge including a lower major cutting edge located at an intersection of the lower surface and the third side surface, and a lower flat cutting edge located closer to the lower major cutting edge in an intersection of the lower surface and the second side surface. The second side surface comprises an upper flank surface connected to the upper flat cutting edge, and a lower flank surface connected to the lower flat cutting edge. As going from the upper surface to the lower surface, the upper flank surface is closer to a central axis extending between the upper surface and the lower surface and the lower flank surface is separated from the central axis in a side sectional view. A cutting tool including the cutting insert, and a method of manufacturing a machined product by using the cutting tool are also provided.
US08979431B2	Moisture responsive irrigation method and apparatus An irrigation device comprising a moisture responsive barrier is provided. At least a portion of the barrier has perforations, at least some of the perforations are associated with a water swellable material. The perforations are configured to open as the water swellable material loses moisture and dries out and are configured to close as said water swellable material is exposed to and absorbs water, such as during a watering step. According to another aspect the irrigation method includes the steps of positioning a perforated barrier between a source of irrigation water and an area to be irrigated, wherein the perforations are associated with a water swellable material; exposing the water swellable material to water to cause the water swellable material to swell to close the perforations; and permitting the water swellable material to dry, to open the perforations, whereby the opening and closing of the perforations regulates the amount of irrigation water being applied across the barrier in the irrigation method.
US08979418B2	Barrier A barrier arrangement comprising a barrier panel 14, a walkway surface 10, and a bracket 20 securable to the walkway surface 10 and operable to secure the barrier panel 14 to the walkway surface 10, holding the barrier panel 14 in an upright configuration.
US08979411B2	Liquid applicator A liquid applicator is disclosed comprising a liquid container and a liquid dispensing mechanism having a valve element enabling an axial displacement of an applicator tip to move the valve element into the open position for enabling the applicator tip to apply the liquid to a surface. The improvement comprises an applicator closure having a closure coupling for coupling the applicator closure to a peripheral rim of a container. An optional shield may be secured to the applicator closure for providing protection between the applicator tip and an operator grasping the liquid container.
US08979410B2	Infant toothbrush and method The toothbrush has a base support structure shaped like a nipple, with brush bristles extending from the nipple. A flexible bulb containing liquid is secured to the support structure with a passageway in the support structure leading to holes exiting in the brush. The brush is used to brush the teeth of the infant, and liquid is squeezed from the bulb to rinse the infant's teeth and mouth when cleansing is complete. Preferably, the brush bristles extend most or all of the way around the nipple to facilitate brushing. A valve operates to prevent the flow of liquid from the bulb until squeezed by the infant's caregiver, thus minimizing leakage.
US08979407B2	Platen assembly A platen assembly for a printer comprised of a platen roller assembly and a housing assembly that is structured to rotatably support the platen roller assembly. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a platen roller assembly comprising a platen roller defining first and second ends; a locking pin extending from at least one of the first and second ends of the platen roller; a housing assembly adapted to rotatably support the platen roller; and a drive assembly structured to rotatably engage the locking pin extending from one end of the platen roller. In this regard, the present invention provides a platen roller assembly that is simple, easily alignable, and readily replaceable by a user.
US08979406B2	Label producing apparatus The disclosure discloses a label producing apparatus. The label producing apparatus includes a cartridge holder, a feeder, a movable blade, a driving roller configured to contact and discharge the label tape, a driven roller provided so that it can advance and retreat between a contact position and a separated position, a motor configured to rotate in a single direction only and generate a driving force of the movable blade, and a rotational movement of the driving roller, a gear mechanism configured to transmit the driving force to the driving roller, and an advancing and retreating adjustment device configured to adjust an movement of the driven roller and the movable blade, associated with a rotation of the motor, the adjustment device advancing and retreating the driven roller and the movable blade so that the driven roller is in the contact position for a predetermined time period after cutting.
US08979405B2	Print preview for printers with multiple print heads A printing system has fixed print heads in positions that are subject to adjustment between print jobs. The system provides a print preview display that includes a representation of the item of printing stock on which the printing is to be performed. The print preview display also includes a first printing field that is at a location in the representation that corresponds to the position of a first one of the print heads. The print preview display further includes a second printing field that is at a location in the representation that corresponds to the position of a second one of the print heads.
US08979398B2	Wearable camera A garment clip is disclosed. The garment clip houses a camera and comprising a first portion housing operational circuitry and a second portion supporting an image capture component. The second portion has a mass which is less than the first portion. The first and second portions are connected in a configuration such that, when the clip is secured to the garment, the image capture component faces outwardly and the first portion is at least partially concealed by the garment.
US08979394B2	Self-contained total internal reflection sub-assembly A total internal reflection sub-assembly includes a body defining at least a portion of an optical path, a lens supported by the body and positioned in the optical path, and an optical turning member supported by the body and configured to change the direction of the optical path. The total internal reflection sub-assembly also includes a carrier having a first surface coupled to the body and a second surface opposite the first surface. An active device is supported on the first surface of the carrier, which is coupled to the body on opposite sides of the active device. The body and carrier are shaped so that a space is maintained between the active device and an underside surface of the body. The lens is positioned on the underside surface and aligned with the active device.
US08979393B2	Optical module with fiber unit automatically aligned with housing An optical module with some OSAs and a fiber unit is disclosed. The fiber unit includes a stub and a flange. A portion of the stub extrudes from the flange; while, the housing of the module that assembles the OSAs includes a pocket with a diameter substantially equal to or slightly greater than a diameter of the stub. Setting the portion of the stub into the pocket, the fiber unit may be automatically aligned with the OSAs through the housing.
US08979390B2	Ferrule of multilayer waveguide connector A ferrule for a multilayer waveguide connector includes a face having mechanical alignment slots arranged in a bidirectional lattice structure, the mechanical alignment slots including first slots disposed in a first direction, the first slots configured to respectively receive one end of waveguide layers, and second slots disposed in a second direction different from the first direction, the second slots configured to respectively receive protrusions transverse from a main surface of the waveguide layers.
US08979381B2	Bearing device and manufacturing method thereof A bearing device includes a first bearing element and at least one second bearing element that is movably supported relative to the first bearing element and at least one seal unit that includes at least one attachment element that plays a role in attaching at least one seal element of the seal unit to the first bearing element. The attachment element includes at least a part of an antilock braking system (ABS) ring. The ABS ring may include through openings and be usable with a sensor that senses a magnetic field generated by the ABS ring.
US08979380B2	Load sensing on the basis of transverse deformation The sensing of a mechanical load on a rolling element bearing, in operational use of the bearing, is carried out by measuring the strain on a surface (212) of the bearing that faces in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of the mechanical load.
US08979379B1	Main bearing for crankshaft of internal combustion engine A main bearing for a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine has first and second half bearings forming an axial groove on an inner circumferential side of a butting portion. Each half bearing has a main cylinder portion including a central portion in a circumferential direction, and crush relief portions each extending toward the central portion from an end surface of the half bearing in the circumferential direction with a center angle of 3° to 15°. A plurality of crush relief grooves are formed in each crush relief portion to extend in the circumferential direction and communicate with the axial groove. The first half bearing has an oil groove extending in the circumferential direction and a transition region having an inward protruding curved surface with a wall thickness becoming thinner toward the crush relief portion from the main cylinder portion.
US08979378B2	Sliding bearing A sliding bearing 2 has a sliding surface 2a in sliding contact with an outer peripheral surface of a crankshaft 1 (rotating shaft) and a relief portion 4 formed along a circumferential direction on both axial end portions of the sliding surface 2a and retreated outward in a radial direction from the sliding surface 2a.
US08979377B2	Bearing device, method of manufacturing bearing device and bearing assembly having the bearing device A bearing device includes a body, a circular cover, and a through hole commonly defined through both the body and the cover. The body is an injection molded piece made from metal powder and molten binder. The cover is an injection molded piece made from metal powder and molten binder. Two passages are defined between the body and the cover, and each passage communicates the through hole with an exterior of the bearing device, whereby lubricant can flow from the through hole to the passages. A bearing assembly having the bearing device is also provided, and a method of manufacturing the bearing device is further provided.
US08979371B2	Slide cover linking mechanism with both push aid effect and end buffering effect A slide cover linking mechanism with both push aid effect and end buffering effect includes: a seat body having a receiving space and at least one first slide guide section, at least one second slide guide section with a middle turning section being disposed in the receiving space; a slide seat slidable along the first slide guide sections and formed with a receiving recess in which a third slide guide section is disposed; at least one first elastic member two ends of which are respectively pivotally connected in the receiving space and with a middle section of the slide seat; and at least one second elastic member two ends of which are respectively connected in the receiving recess and with a slide guide member slidable within the third slide guide section. A movable member movable along the second slide guide section is pivotally connected on the slide guide member.
US08979370B2	Easy open and reclosable package with discrete laminate with die-cut An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete laminate including a base strip, a panel section, and a die cut defining a die cut segment; a first and second anchor seal; the base strip including a sealing segment, backing segment, and intermediate layer including a pressure sensitive adhesive; and a product disposed in the pouch. The die cut segment is so arranged that when the package is opened, the sealing segment is partially removed from the base strip, the pressure sensitive adhesive is partially exposed, and the package can thereafter be reclosed by adhering any of the first side panel, second side panel, and panel section to the pressure sensitive adhesive. Methods of making the package, and a pouch, are also disclosed.
US08979368B2	Heat activated adhesives for bag closures A polymeric woven bag has a first panel and a second panel and an open end of the bag to be pinched closed. A first layer of heat activated adhesive material is on a portion of the bag to form an adhesive-to-adhesive seal by contact with a second layer of heat activated adhesive material on a portion of the bag, wherein a chemical family of the adhesive layers comprises polyolefin thermoplastic components, and wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer have respective heat activation temperatures below the softening point temperature of the polymeric bag material.
US08979363B2	Integrated rail efficiency and safety support system Embodiments of an integrated rail efficiency and safety support system and method are shown comprising a server operable to receive a plurality of sets of collected information, each of the sets of collected information comprising a consist physical location and weather conditions and rail temperatures in an area of the respective consist and to process a predictive rail temperature algorithm for predicting a rail temperature and/or a trend in rail temperature for a selected section of track; and wherein the predictive rail temperature algorithm factors the information provided to it and provides a predicted rail temperature and/or trend in rail temperature for the selected section of track.
US08979362B2	Circuit and method for sensing a physical quantity, an oscillator circuit, a smartcard, and a temperature-sensing circuit A circuit for sensing a physical quantity according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first oscillator circuit configured to provide a first clock signal including a first frequency depending on the physical quantity, and a second oscillator circuit configured to provide a second clock signal comprising a second frequency depending on the physical quantity. The circuit also includes a frequency comparator circuit configured to provide a frequency signal indicative of the physical quantity, the frequency signal being based on the first and second frequencies, wherein the first and second oscillator circuits are configured to provide the first and second clock signals such that due to a change in the physical quantity one frequency of the first and second frequencies increases, while the other frequency of the first and second frequencies decreases.
US08979360B2	Device evaluating thermomechanical fatigue of a material A system for cooling and holding a testpiece in an effective manner while the testpiece is subjected locally to high heat flux. The testpiece includes an inside face extended by parallel strips that leave between them channels for passing a cooling fluid, and parallel fins of an intermediate part are inserted between the strips.
US08979359B2	Balance spring with two hairsprings A balance spring including a first hairspring, the inner coil of which includes a collet arranged to be mounted on a staff, and a second hairspring connected to the outer coil of the first hairspring by a raised terminal curve device. The inner coil of the second hairspring includes a device for shifting the pinning point including a free end arranged to be pinned up to a stud in the plane of the second hairspring.
US08979357B1	Transportable mixing system for biological and pharmaceutical materials A mixing system and mixing arrangement are provided. The mixing system includes a rigid container including an integral support plate; a mixing assembly supported on the integral support plate, the mixing assembly including a pliable enclosure containing a fluid and a mixing device, a portion of the mixing device extending from the pliable enclosure and adapted to be detachably coupled to a drive mechanism; and a first plate detachably secured to the rigid container. The pliable enclosure is in compression between the first plate and the integral support plate. The mixing arrangement includes a docking station including a drive cradle and a drive mechanism, a rigid container removably positioned within the drive cradle, a mixing assembly positioned within the rigid container, and a first plate configured to be detachably secured to the rigid container.
US08979356B2	Dual agitator mixer with sanitary tank Coaxial, dual agitator top-entering mixer has coaxial vertical drive shafts penetrating the center of the head of the vessel, driving a lower-speed outer scraper agitator and a higher-speed inner agitator. An inner rotary seal closes the upper end of an annular space between the inner and outer shafts. An outer rotary seal closes the opening around the outer drive shaft in the head of the vessel. A central bore along the inner drive shaft axis extends from its upper end down to a position just below the inner seal, with one or more cross-bored radial passages to the annular space between the drive shafts. A rotary fitting at the upper end of the inner drive shaft permits the introduction of a cleaning fluid into the central bore. The cleaning fluid passes through the bore and the radial passage into the annular space to clean accumulations from within the annular space. The cleaning fluid exits the annular space into the interior of vessel. A single-agitator mixer may also employ this through-the-shaft cleaning feature.
US08979355B2	Screw elements with reduced sweep angle The present invention relates to screw elements for multiscrew extruders with pairs of co-rotating and fully wiping screws, to the use of these screw elements in multiscrew extruders and to a method of generating screw elements according to the invention.
US08979349B2	Illumination devices and methods of fabrication thereof Illumination devices and methods of making same are disclosed. In one embodiment, an illumination apparatus includes a light source, a light guide having a planar first surface, a first end and a second end, and a length therebetween, the light guide positioned to receive light from the light source into the light guide first end, and the light guide configured such that light from the light source provided into the first end of the light guide propagates towards the second end, and a plurality of light turning features that are configured to reflect light propagating towards the second end of the light guide out of the planar first surface of the light guide, each light turning feature having a turning surface and an interferometric stack formed on the turning surface.
US08979346B2	Backlight module and display apparatus The present invention provides a backlight module and a display apparatus. The display apparatus comprises the backlight module and a display panel. The backlight module comprises a light collector, at least one optical fiber, a fiber arrangement substrate and a light guide plate. The optical fiber is connected between the light collector and the fiber arrangement substrate. The light guide plate is disposed at one side of the fiber arrangement substrate. The present invention can use ambient light rays to form a backlight source.
US08979342B2	Planar front illumination system having a light guide with micro scattering features formed thereon and method of manufacturing the same A system for illuminating a reflective display or other material from a planar front device and a method of manufacture thereof. The system includes a light guide plate that conducts light from an edge light source across the face of a reflective display. Micro scattering features are formed on an outer surface of the light guide, farthest from the reflective display or material. A stepped index layer is formed on the surface of light guide plate containing the micro scattering features. The stepped index layer has an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction of the light guide plate to assist in the total internal reflection of light injected into the light guide plate. The micro scattering features, light reflecting areas, redirect luminous flux toward the display. In one embodiment, the micro scattering features are formed as white dots on the light guide plate. A black absorbing layer can be added to each white scattering dot in order to improve the apparent contrast when the front light is deactivated.
US08979341B2	Light source apparatus and light-adjusting method for light source apparatus A light source apparatus includes: a lamp, a diaphragm device, a CPU that causes the diaphragm device to execute adjustment of an emission amount of illumination light on the basis of a target brightness signal generated based on brightness of an image obtained by picking up an image of a subject; a CPU that switches between illumination modes, and a mode switching switch. During a period after an instruction for switching from one of an illumination mode corresponding to normal light observation mode and an illumination mode corresponding to special light observation mode to the other is given until the switching by the CPU is completed, the CPU causes the diaphragm device to execute adjustment of the emission amount of the illumination light based on a correction value obtained by correcting a current diaphragm value at the time when the instruction for switching is given using a predetermined coefficient.
US08979339B2	Light source module having light guiding pole with slot for emitting light rays A light source module includes a light source and a light guiding pole. The light guiding pole is made of transparent material and has a light incident surface and at least one side surface connected to the light incident surface. The light source emits light rays, and faces the light incident surface. The light incident surface guides the light rays into the light guide pole, and the at least one side surface totally reflects the light rays. At least one slot is defined at the at least one side surface, and extends along a lengthwise direction of the light guiding pole. The at least one slot destroys the totally reflective path of a portion of the light rays arriving the at least one side surface, and thus the portion of the light rays emits from the at least one side surface.
US08979338B2	System for combining laser array outputs into a single beam carrying digital data Embodiments comprise laser emitter devices that generate a collimated beam of light the intensity or amplitude of which may be varied so as to carry data signals at a high rate of efficiency, and that is less sensitive to alignment of the detector, and detector systems for detecting the same collimated beam and reading the data carried in the beam of light.
US08979337B2	Lighting module A lighting module (1) comprising at least one light emitting device (3) arranged on a first carrier (10); driving electronics (4) for driving the at least one light emitting device (3) arranged on a second carrier (11); and an optical interface (5) for outputting light emitted by the at least one light emitting device (3), wherein the second carrier (11) is arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the first carrier (10), wherein the first (10) and second (11) carriers are configured such that a projection of the first carrier (10) onto the plane is substantially non-overlapping with the second carrier (11) so as to form a non-overlapping region, wherein the driving electronics is at least partially arranged in the non-overlapping region. The inventive lighting module enables more efficient use of the space in the lighting module.
US08979336B2	Vehicle headlamp apparatus A vehicle headlamp apparatus is provided. The vehicle headlamp apparatus includes a lamp unit, a first additional lamp unit which forms a first light distribution pattern, a second additional lamp unit which forms a second light distribution pattern overlapping with the first light distribution pattern, and a controller. The first light distribution pattern includes at least one first partial region, and the first additional lamp unit adjusts a luminous intensity of a light to be irradiated toward the first partial region. The second light distribution pattern includes at least one second partial region which partially overlaps with the first partial region, and the second additional lamp unit adjusts a luminous intensity of a light to be irradiated toward the second partial region. The controller controls the first additional lamp unit and the second additional lamp unit to adjust the luminous intensity of the partial regions.
US08979333B2	Projector light source assembly A light source assembly includes a light source, a seat, and a wire structure. The seat includes an electrical pin electrically connected to the light source. The wire structure includes a connecting wire. The connecting wire includes a wire and a protecting pipe. The protecting pipe is made of high-temperature resistance material and sleeved on one end of the wire. The end of the wire sleeved with the protecting pipe is connected to the electrical pin.
US08979331B2	Replaceable LED street lamp module The invention discloses a replaceable LED street lamp module, including at least one module portion and a clamping sheet set. The module portion includes an LED module, a lens, an inner radiator, an outer radiator and a heat pipe set, the inner radiator and the outer radiator are sleeved with each other, the heat pipe set is bent and located between the inner radiator and the outer radiator and supports and fixes the LED module, the lens protects the LED module and allows light to be emitted from the LED module, notches are arranged on the outer circle of the outer radiator, and the clamping sheet set is clamped in the notch via two clamping sheets in order to clamp and fix the module portion, thereby being assembled on the opening of the street lamp housing.
US08979330B2	Anisotropic light-diffusing film, anisotropic light-diffusing laminate, anisotropic light-reflecting laminate, and use thereof An anisotropic light-diffusing film, an anisotropic light-diffusing laminate, and an anisotropic light-reflecting laminate are provided which are excellent in both light transmittance and diffusivity. Also provided are a lighting equipment and a display device which employ any of the film and laminates and are excellent in light-diffusivity and brightness and in economy, etc. The anisotropic light-diffusing film is a film formed by melt-extruding a mixture of at least two thermoplastic resins incompatible with each other. The film has parallel light ray transmittance of 20-85%, haze of 10-80%, glossiness of 10-70%, and ratio of the vertical-direction diffusivity to the horizontal-direction diffusivity of transmitted light of 1.3-6.0. The anisotropic light-reflecting laminate comprises a light reflector and the anisotropic light-diffusing film laminated over at least one surface of the reflector. In the laminate, diffusivity ratio, reflectivity and diffusivity of reflected light satisfy respective specific ranges.
US08979326B2	Lens and LED module using the same A lens includes a bottom face, a light incident face formed in the bottom face, a light emerging face opposite to the bottom face and a lateral face formed between the bottom face and the light emerging face. A light diverging protrusion is formed on the light incident face. The light diverging protrusion has a conical face gradually shrinking away from the light emerging face. An LED unit incorporating the lens is also disclosed.
US08979322B2	Self-locking trim ring and channel for optic lens A lamp comprises an optical lens. The lamp further comprises a self-locking trim ring including a plurality of teeth. The self-locking trim ring is disposed over the optical lens. The lamp further comprises a heat sink. The heat sink has an inner chamber wherein the optical lens is disposed in the inner chamber. The heat sink also has an outer chamber disposed radially outwardly from the inner chamber. The outer chamber has a recess that engages the plurality of teeth. The self-locking trim ring secures the optical lens to the heat sink.
US08979317B2	Luminous flux control member and illumination device An illumination device (1) has a light-emitting element (6b), and a luminous flux control member (6c) that includes a first lens (10) and a second lens (20). The first lens (10) and the second lens (20) are assembled such that a first surface (10c) and a second rear surface (20a) are in contact, or such that a minute gap exists between the first surface (10c) and the second rear surface (20a). A first conical concave surface (10d) having its apex on the central axis (C) is formed by indenting a first rear surface (10a). A second concave surface (20d), having its apex on the central axis (C) and having a curved shape the curvature of which decreases as the distance from the central axis increases, is formed by indenting a second surface (20c).
US08979316B2	Zoom spotlight using LED array A LED array spot illuminator for providing light along an optical axis comprises a substrate and at least one array of multiple LED chips without individual packaging supported by the substrate, wherein the LED chips emit light within the same or different wavelength ranges and are distributed laterally with respect to the axis over a light-emitting area. The LED chips have light emitting surfaces for emitting light in directions transverse to the area. An optical device collects and directs light emitted by the LED chips of the at least one array along the axis. An aperture passes the light emitted by the LED chips of the at least one array along the axis, wherein light collected by the optical device and passed by the aperture forms a beam of light illuminating a spot. Electric current is supplied to the multiple LED chips, causing them to emit light. Light emitted by the multiple LED chips that passed through the optical device and the aperture form a beam of light illuminating a spot. A distance between the multiple LED chips and one or more elements of the optical device is controlled to select a size of the spot.
US08979313B2	Semiconductor light source device A semiconductor light source device is provided. The semiconductor light source device includes a light guide, at least one semiconductor light source set and at least one light transformation coupler. The light transformation coupler is disposed between the semiconductor light source set and the light guide for guiding the light emitted from the semiconductor light source set to the light guide. The light transformation coupler has an inclined surface and a curved surface. The inclined surface is a multi-level inclined surface with several slopes.
US08979312B2	Light emitting diode bulb A light emitting diode (LED) bulb includes a connecting body, a mounting base located on the connecting body and a plurality of LED modules mounted on the mounting base. The mounting base has a top face spaced from the connecting body and at least three surrounding walls. The top face of the mounting base orients toward a direction different that of each of the at least three surrounding walls. A lamp cover is secured to the connecting body and encloses the LED modules. An extension of the top face of the mounting base interests with the lamp cover at a point. A tangent line of the lamp cover through the point and the extension of the top face form an included angle which is less than 60 degrees. Furthermore, a center of the lamp cover is located above the top face.
US08979310B2	Omnidirectional LED light bulb An omnidirectional LED light bulb comprising a lamp base (1), a heat sink housing (2), a circuit board (5), an LED light source (3) and a bulb (4) is provided. The heat sink housing (2) is provided with a protruded platform (6) on which the light source (3) in a column shape of polygonal prism head is arranged. LED chips (9) are arranged on the top and lateral surfaces of the head, and an annular reflecting surface (10) is arranged on the rear portion of the head. The omnidirectional LED light bulb has the advantages of high rear light flux, omnidirectional luminescence and uniform illumination.
US08979308B2	LED illumination system with recycled light An LED illumination system includes at least one LED element and a recycling reflector having a transmissive aperture through which emitted light passes. The recycling reflector has a curved surface adapted to reflect the impinging light back to the LED element for improved light output through the transmissive aperture.
US08979295B2	Rechargeable lighted glasses Rechargeable lighted glasses are provided having one or more light sources mounted thereto and powered by a rechargeable power source. The rechargeable power source can be recharged through a recharging interface mounted to at least one of the temple arm portions of the rechargeable lighted glasses.
US08979294B2	Curved display device A curved display device is provided including a display panel having a constant curvature and displaying an image, a backlight unit having the same curvature as that of the display panel, disposed at a rear surface of the display panel, and emitting light to the display panel, and a control unit locally controlling light emission of the backlight unit such that luminance of a light leakage region of the display panel is adjusted. Occurrence of light leakage in the curved display device is prevented, and thus, luminance of the curved display device is kept constant.
US08979292B2	Display, television set, and liquid crystal television set This display includes point light sources, a light guide plate including a light-receiving surface on which light emitted from the point light sources is directly incident, opposed to the point light sources, and a display cell provided on a surface of the light guide plate, while a plurality of projecting portions each having a width smaller than a width of each of the point light sources in an extensional direction of a side of the light guide plate provided with the light-receiving surface are provided on a region of the light-receiving surface of the light guide plate opposed to the point light sources, and the plurality of projecting portions of the light guide plate are formed to have irregularly different shapes.
US08979291B2	Lighting devices including transparent organic light emitting device light panels and having independent control of direct to indirect light A lighting device for emitting direct light and indirect light, includes a first transparent light panel comprising at least one organic light emitting device, the first transparent light panel emitting direct light and indirect light during operation thereof; and at least a second transparent light panel comprising at least one organic light emitting device, the second transparent light panel emitting direct light and indirect light during operation thereof, the second transparent light panel being positioned so that at least a portion of indirect light emitted from the first transparent light is transmitted through the second transparent light panel and at least a portion of direct light emitted from the second transparent light panel is transmitted through the first transparent light panel, wherein the first transparent light panel is controllable independently from the second transparent light panel to control a ratio of direct light to indirect light emitted by the lighting device. Other aspects are described and claimed.
US08979290B2	Three-dimensional lighting structure utilizing light active technology A structure and method for three-dimensional lighting using light active technology. The structure has one or more sheets of light active material, with each sheet having lighting elements. The structure additionally has one or more folding elements along which the sheets of light active material are foldable to create a three-dimensional lighting structure having a center element located at a back side of the three-dimensional lighting structure. A power supply element can then be used to provide power to the lighting elements. A fastening element fastens together the sheets of light active material at fastening points to retain the three-dimensional lighting structure created by folding the one or more sheets of light active material. The three-dimensional lighting structure may be attached to a surface by attaching the center element directly to the surface or by attaching the center element to a substantially rigid backing that attaches to the surface.
US08979285B1	Forward view bicycle mirror assembly A forward view bicycle mirror assembly for attachment to a handlebar of a bicycle includes an elongated assembly frame adapted for attachment to the handlebar; a mirror carriage slidably carried by the assembly frame, the mirror carriage selectively adjustable in position along a longitudinal axis of the assembly frame; and a forward view mirror carried by the mirror carriage.
US08979284B2	Vibration member driving circuit A vibration member driving circuit causes vibrations in a vibration member at least including an electro-mechanical energy conversion element and an elastic body by applying alternating voltage to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element fixed to the elastic body. The vibration member driving circuit includes an inductor and capacitor serially connected to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element. 0.73*fm
US08979283B2	Optical apparatus An optical apparatus includes a support stand, an optical module, a reflective module, at least a first adjusting unit and at least a second adjusting unit. The support stand has a base and a back frame. The back frame is connected with the base and formed an inclination angle with the base. The optical module is disposed on the base. The reflective module is disposed on the back frame. The first adjusting unit is connected with the back frame and the base. The first adjusting unit moves the back frame so as to adjust the inclination angle. The second adjusting unit is disposed at the back frame and contacts against the reflective module. The second adjusting unit moves the reflective module so as to adjust a swinging angle of the reflective module.
US08979277B2	Method, apparatus and system for automated color management in digital cinema Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus and system for digital cinema color management. In one embodiment, a digital cinema color management system includes a projection device configured to project image content and a color meter configured to measure color levels of the projected image content. A control device is also provided including a validation module configured for validating the measured color levels of the color meter for preventing the creation of erroneous correction data. A calibration module determines if calibration of the color levels is required and provides real-time corrective color information to a projector.
US08979276B2	Rotary wheel, light source unit, projector and rotary wheel fabrication method There is provided a circular disc-shaped rotary wheel comprising a luminescent light emitting area in which a luminescent material is provided along a circumferential edge of the circular disc shape, an annular step portion which is formed at a different level from a reference plane which is a surface where the luminescent light emitting area is formed, and a balance correction material which is placed at the annular step portion, wherein the balance correction material is placed at the annular step portion so as to even a rotational balance when the rotary wheel is rotated.
US08979275B2	Dual high-pressure discharge lamp projector with multi-waveform current generation for greater luminous flux change control and extended lamp life The projector uses two lamps, which are high-pressure discharge lamps with the same rated power, as light sources. The projector includes: a first alternating-current generator configured to generate a lamp current to be supplied to one of the lamps, based on an input control signal; a second alternating-current generator configured to generate a lamp current to be supplied to the other lamp, based on an input control signal; and a controller configured to control the lamp currents to have a same period and to be out of phase, by inputting a control signal to each of the first and the second alternating-current generators.
US08979274B2	Display device A display device includes: a light source section; an optical modulator modulating light from the light source section based on a picture signal, to emit modulated light as picture light; a direct-view display section performing direct-view display based on the picture light; a projection optical system performing projection display on a projection screen based on the picture light; an optical member allowing the picture light from the optical modulator to travel toward at least one of the direct-view display section and the projection optical system; and a switching section performing control of traveling direction of the picture light on the optical member, to switch between two or more display modes which are selected, to include a two-way display mode, from a group consisting of a direct-view display mode, a projection display mode, and the two-way display mode.
US08979272B2	Multi-primary color display Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus and system of producing a color image using four or more primary colors. The apparatus, according to some demonstrative embodiments of the invention, may include four or more transmissive spatial light modulators to modulate four or more, respective, primary color light beams in accordance with four or more, respective, primary color image components of the color image to produce four or more, respective, modulated light beams; and a beam combiner to combine the four or more modulated light beams into a combined light beam carrying the color image. The beam combiner may include, for example, an X-cube to jointly direct three of the four or more modulated light beams; and a selective color rotator to rotate the polarization of two of the three modulated light beams, while maintaining the polarization of a third one of the three modulated light beams. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08979271B2	Facilitation of temperature compensation for contact lens sensors and temperature sensing Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lens sensors are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes a substrate and a circuit. The circuit can include: one or more sensors disposed on or within the substrate, that sense a feature associated with a wearer of the contact lens; and a compensation circuit disposed on or within the substrate, coupled to the sensor(s) and that outputs information to adjust an output of the sensor(s). The compensation circuit can include: a temperature component that senses the temperature of the sensor(s); and a communication component that outputs information indicative of the temperature of the sensor(s), and receives information associated with adjusting the output of the sensor(s). In other aspects, a contact lens includes a circuit that senses the body temperature, or ambient temperature outside of the body, of the contact lens wearer. Sensor fusion and/or calibration can be performed based on the information.
US08979270B2	Corneal topographer This invention describes a corneal topographer with a light source to project a pattern light on the cornea, imaging optics for collecting the reflection from the cornea and projecting it on to a photo-sensor, an optical mask to modulate the light beam such that focusing error of the corneal image results in displacement of its spatial spectrum relative to a reference spectrum. Defocus maps, depth-maps and a corneal topogram can be constructed by measuring and processing the spectral displacement corresponding different sub-regions of the cornea. The cornea topographer is compact and inexpensive. The corneal topograph can be used in refractive eye surgery and in contact lens fitting.
US08979267B2	Imaging apparatus and method for controlling the same An imaging apparatus includes a polarization adjustment member configured to adjust a polarization state of a measuring beam, a planar image acquisition unit configured to acquire, in a case where the polarization adjustment member is removed from an optical path of the measuring beam, a planar image of a subject, and a tomographic image acquisition unit configured to acquire, in a case where the polarization adjustment member is inserted in the optical path of the measuring beam, a tomographic image of the subject.
US08979265B2	Fundus camera In a photographing optical system, an autofluorescence barrier filter having a characteristic of transmitting a light having an autofluorescence wavelength and a near-infrared wavelength, and a near-infrared light cut-off filter having a characteristic of transmitting the visible light and blocking the near-infrared light are disposed to be replaceable. In the case of observing a fundus, the fluorescence barrier filter is inserted into an optical path in an observation photographing optical system, so that observation can be performed by using a near-infrared illuminating light. In the case of autofluorescence photographing, the photographing can be performed without filter switching. In the case of color photographing, at the time of observation, the observation is performed using the fluorescence barrier filter, and at the time of photographing, the photographing can be performed using the replaced infrared light cut-off filter.
US08979264B2	Device and method for deflecting a laser beam For deflecting a laser beam (200) with a deflection mirror (21) arranged displaceably about a rotation axis (c), a beam-shaping optical element (22) is disposed upstream of the deflection mirror (21), said optical element being designed to project the laser beam (200) onto the deflection mirror (21) with a beam width that is reduced in the direction of the rotation axis (c). The deflection mirror (21) has a mirror width which is oriented in the direction of the rotation axis (c) and which is narrower than an unreduced input beam width of the laser beam (200) upstream of the beam-shaping optical element (22). Moreover, a beam-shaping optical element (23) is disposed downstream of the deflection mirror (21), said optical element forwarding the laser beam (202) from the deflection mirror (21) with a beam width corresponding to the unreduced input beam width. The reduction of the mirror width and thus of the mass of the deflection mirror (21) that is made possible by the narrowing of the beam width permits the use of smaller scanning drives (20) with a lower energy requirement for the same or an even higher scanning speed.
US08979262B2	Semi-finished blank for varifocal lens, varifocal lens, and varifocal eyeglasses A semi-finished blank for a varifocal lens, as well as a varifocal lens and varifocal eyeglasses, have power consumption reduced and avoid a decrease in commercial value. A first substrate has a first transparent conductive film that is produced on the front face of this first substrate. A second substrate that is opposite the first substrate has a second transparent conductive film that is produced on the back face of this second substrate. A varifocal portion is disposed between the front face of the first substrate and the back face of the second substrate. The first transparent conductive film is separated by laser into a first region that includes a region that is opposite the varifocal portion, and a region other than this first region.
US08979261B2	Silicone hydrogel ophthalmic devices molded in vinyl alcohol copolymer molds and related methods Silicone hydrogel ophthalmic devices, such as ocular inserts and contact lenses, formed in direct contact with molds comprising at least one vinyl alcohol copolymer and related methods are described. The at least one vinyl alcohol copolymer of the molds is a vinyl alcohol copolymer other than an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. The methods of manufacturing ophthalmic devices can use dry or wet demolding processes, or dry or wet delensing processes.
US08979259B2	Electro-active spectacle frames A first device is provided. The first device includes a lens comprising at least a first electrical contact and a lens housing holding the lens. The lens housing includes at least a second electrical contact. The first device further comprises a compliant conductive element disposed between the first and the second electrical contact. The compliant conductive element electrically connects the first and second electrical contacts.
US08979255B2	Ink cartridge and method of replenishing ink cartridge An ink cartridge including a holding member and an ink bag to accommodate ink, wherein the ink cartridge is replenished with pigment ink having a pH higher than a pH of residual ink remaining in the ink cartridge.
US08979254B2	Liquid circulation device and liquid ejection apparatus A liquid circulation device includes a supply unit that forms a flow path supplying a liquid from a reservoir unit; a collection unit that forms a flow path collecting the liquid to the reservoir unit; and N number of the connection units provided respectively corresponding to N number of ejection units ejecting the liquid forming a flow path connecting the supply unit and the collection unit via the ejection units, wherein with regard to each of N number of the connection units, a connection order of the connection units with respect to the supply unit, which is counted from upstream in a flow direction of the liquid in the supply unit coincides with a connection order of the connection units with respect to the collection unit, which is counted from upstream in the flow direction of the liquid in the collection unit.
US08979252B2	Agitation kit and recording apparatus An agitation kit includes an information-written medium and a liquid container. The liquid container contains a dispersion medium and settleable particles. The information-written medium includes information on a manner of agitating the particles in the dispersion medium.
US08979251B2	Fluid cartridge An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer includes a bottom face and a front face; interfaces on the front face of the ink cartridge for connection to a cartridge receiving structure, the interfaces including an ink interface; a guide interface in the bottom face for guiding the cartridge along a straight line for connecting the interfaces; and a latch stop and a latch track disposed in the bottom face of the ink cartridge to guide and retain, respectively, a latch of the cartridge receiving structure. The latch track includes a locking track and an unlocking track to accommodate movement of the latch with respect to the latch stop, the locking track being at least partly separate from the unlocking track, the movement of the latch being along the locking track into a locked engagement position at insertion, and along the unlocking track into an unlocked position at ejection.
US08979249B2	Piezoelectric actuator and ink-jet head including same In a piezoelectric actuator (1) that vibrates a diaphragm (12) provided on a pressure chamber (21) formed in a substrate (11) toward the pressure chamber (21), a lower electrode (13), a piezoelectric member (14) and an upper electrode (15) sequentially stacked on the diaphragm (12) are provided, on a part of the piezoelectric member (14) above the side wall of the pressure chamber (21), an upper electrode drawing portion (15a) drawn out from the upper electrode (15) above the pressure chamber (21) is formed and under the upper electrode drawing portion (15a), the piezoelectric member (14) is separated by a gap portion (S) above a boundary surface between the side wall (21a) of the pressure chamber (21) and the pressure chamber (21) in the substrate (11).
US08979247B2	Bonded microelectromechanical assemblies A MEMS device is described that has a body with a component bonded to the body. The body has a main surface and a side surface adjacent to the main surface and smaller than the main surface. The body is formed of a material and the side surface is formed of the material and the body is in a crystalline structure different from the side surface. The body includes an outlet in the side surface and the component includes an aperture in fluid connection with the outlet.
US08979240B2	Head alignment assembly Disclosed is a head alignment assembly in which a deviation of the head can be aligned conveniently with simple operation from the outside of the printer head section. The head alignment assembly includes a base plate to which at least one head unit is fixed to be exposed downward by a first head support block and a second head support block; a first fine adjustment section configured to shift the first head support block in a longitudinal direction of the head unit; and a second fine adjustment section configured to shift the second head support block in a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the head unit. The first fine adjustment section includes a first push rod supported by fixed guides which are fixed on the base plate to press the first head support block; and a first handle fixed to one end of the first push rod to move the first push rod in the longitudinal direction. The second fine adjustment section includes a second push block configured to press the second head support block in the transverse direction; a second push rod supported by a plurality of fixed guides which are fixed on the base plate; and a second handle fixed to one end of the second push rod to move the second push rod in the axial direction.
US08979239B2	Drawing device and error processing method A drawing device includes a recording head that discharges ink which cures when receiving irradiation light; a transport device that transports a sheet coated with the ink discharged from the recording head, along a transport path that faces the recording head; a gap sensor that is provided further upstream along the transport path than the recording head, and detects an error with respect to a gap between the sheet and recording head; a light irradiation device which is provided further downstream along the transport path than the recording head, and irradiates the ink coated on the sheet with light; and an advancing/retracting device which retracts the recording head to a position away from the transport path.
US08979222B2	Pull-out guide of a drawer A pull-out guide of a movable element of a piece of furniture or a domestic appliance. The pull-out guide including a guide rail configured to be fixed to a body of the piece of furniture or domestic appliance; a movable element; and a slide rail configured to be connected to the movable element. The guide rail is detachably connected to a molded part, the molded part being provided on the body. A component is configured to support movement of the movable element.
US08979221B2	Foot for a computer casing, and computer casing having a foot of said type A foot for a computer casing includes a base element that contacts a supporting area, a damping element that dampens oscillations and a fastening element that fastens the foot on a computer casing, wherein the damping element is mechanically arranged between the base element and the fastening element such that the fastening element and the base element are mechanically uncoupled. The damping element is ring-shaped with a centrally arranged raised portion and a portion connected thereto and extends radially outward and is guided by the raised portion through a central opening of the fastening element such that the fastening element contacts the damping element both in a radial and axial manner.
US08979219B2	Roller unit A roller unit is provided which includes: (i) a roller configured to roll in contact with a crawler belt; (ii) a roller shaft for rotatably supporting the roller; (iii) a seal fit in an annular space defined between the roller and the roller shaft, wherein the seal is formed such that an inner circumference side sealing portion located on an inner circumference side and an outer circumference side sealing portion located on an outer circumference side and press-fit in the roller are fit together so as to come into slidable contact with each other; and (iv) a collar mounted to the roller shaft, wherein the collar has a boss portion onto which the inner circumference side sealing portion is pressed and a flange portion disposed on an atmosphere side of the inner circumference side sealing portion.A gap is formed between an end face of the outer circumference side sealing portion and the flange portion and the flange portion is provided with a circumferentially extending groove formed on a side opposed to the outer circumference side sealing portion. The outer circumference side sealing portion is disposed so as to enclose the inner circumference side sealing portion, and the flange portion is brought into contact with an end face of the inner circumference side sealing portion located on the atmosphere side of the inner circumference side sealing portion.
US08979215B2	Lubricating oil monitoring and maintenance cap and methods of installation A roller for a tracked vehicle has a lubricating oil reservoir and an open end to the lubricating oil reservoir. The open end of the roller is closed by a cap removably coupled to the open end. The cap is a sealing body having an outer side facing away from the open end, an opposed inner side facing toward the open end, and a standoff structure formed in the inner side. A compressible gasket is applied between the inner side of the cap and the open end and is under a compression between the inner side of the cap and the open end of the roller forming a fluid-impervious seal between the cap and the open end of the roller. The standoff structure of the cap interacts between the cap and the open end holding the cap away from the open end limiting the compression of the gasket.
US08979210B2	Liquid collection process with liquid guiding holes for in-situ leaching an ore body to extract rare earth elements A liquid collection process with liquid guiding holes for in-situ leaching an ore body to extract rare earth elements, including: 1) multiple liquid collection channels are provided in an ore body; 2) liquid guiding holes are arranged near the bottom and on both sides of the channels, and these holes and the channels jointly constitute a multi-channel mother liquid drainage and collection control network; 3) a blocking wall is provided in the channels, a front lower part of the wall is connected to a channel outlet by a conduit controlled with a ball valve switch at the outlet; 4) a multi-channel mother liquid collection network of liquid collection engineering control system is finally formed through the alternate operation of pressure release and increase. The process reduces the loss rate of mother liquid, reduces environmental pollution, and improves the recovery rate of rare earth elements.
US08979209B2	Stabilization system for a mining machine A mining machine including a frame, a cutting head moveably coupled to the frame and pivotable about an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a first mine surface, and a first actuator for stabilizing the frame relative to the first mine surface. The first actuator is coupled to the frame and includes a first end extendable in a first direction to engage the first mine surface. The extension of the first actuator is automatically controlled based on measurements of at least one indicator of the force between the first actuator and the first mine surface.
US08979208B2	Transmission and hoist control arrangement An input device for a machine is provided. The input device includes a lever which is operable to select from a plurality of transmission modes of the machine. Further, a hoisting input device is disposed on the lever. The hoisting input device is operable to select from a plurality of hoisting functions associated with a payload carrier of the machine.
US08979204B2	Seat backboard and vehicle seat In a seat backboard, a backboard section is formed with a size that enables it to pass through between left and right side frames of a seatback frame. Coupling fixing sections are also provided at the two seat width direction sides of the backboard section, the coupling fixing sections engaging with the front side of the side frames and supported by the side frames. The seat backboard can thereby be attached to the seatback frame from the seat front side, and the degrees of freedom for design can be increased. The seat backboard is also provided with a cover anchor section to which outer periphery anchor portions provided to a seat cover are anchored.
US08979203B1	Head restraint assembly A head restraint assembly, comprising: a support for mounting the head restraint above a seat back; a bun assembly pivotally mounted on the head restraint support for movement in first and second directions relative to the head restraint support; and an adjustment mechanism disposed at least substantially within the bun assembly, the adjustment mechanism operative to permit (i) the selective pivotal movement of the bun assembly in either of the first and second directions and, as the bun assembly is moved in either of the first and second directions, (ii) the incremental positioning of the bun assembly in any of a plurality of predefined positions along a path of travel of the bun assembly in the first and second directions.
US08979200B2	Assembly for tilting a seat The assembly contains a base and a tilt adjustment member. The base has a frame with a seat attachment piece for attaching the frame to a seat cushion of a seat. A locking element is configured in the frame and has a number of notches. In front of the locking element, the frame has a fastening section so that the tilt adjustment member can be accommodated. Each of the lateral sides of the frame has a through hole for a control rod to thread through. The tilt adjustment member contains a swing block, a seat, a locking piece, and a twisting element. By configuring the locking element and the tilt adjustment member on the base, and by using the control rod to engage the locking piece of the tilt adjustment member to interact the notches of the locking element, the seat can be tilted with simple operation and limited effort.
US08979195B2	Seat cover and cover attaching tool A seat cover is attachable to a seat section of a vehicle seat including a frame and an original cover, in the state of covering the original cover. The original cover is attached in the state where a hook-like original cover engaging tool including a pair of portions facing each other is hooked on an engageable portion of the frame. The seat cover includes a cover main body for covering the seat section, and a cover attaching tool provided along an end of the cover main body. The cover attaching tool includes a pair of cover seat portions facing each other and is hook-like. The cover attaching tool is allowed to be hooked on the original cover engaging tool hooked on the engageable portion.
US08979187B2	Seat or bench for a motor vehicle A motor vehicle including at least one seat and/or at least one bench having a seat surface and a backrest. The backrest can be moved into a position above the seat surface in which the backrest and the seat surface lie opposite one another. In addition, the front edge of the seat surface and an edge of the backrest that lies closest to it can be connected with an additional element, for example, a roller blind or a plate.
US08979186B2	Power mechanism for recliners A power mechanism for a recliner having a limiter controlling the relative angle between a transfer linkage and arm affixed to the drive axle as the transfer linkage applies tangential force to the arm to rotate the drive axle. The limiter prevents the relative angle between the transfer linkage from over collapsing to minimize strain on the linkage assembly and the motor driving the rotation of the drive axle.
US08979178B2	Pillar structure A pillar structure that is configured to include an outer panel and an inner panel and in which an opening portion into which a retractor is inserted is formed in a lower portion of the inner panel, wherein a portion of the inner panel is depressed to the outside of a vehicle, whereby a retractor connection portion to which the retractor is connected, a front-side inclined portion disposed and inclined on the front side in a vehicle front-back direction of the retractor connection portion, and a rear-side inclined portion disposed and inclined on the rear side in the vehicle front-back direction of the retractor connection portion are formed, and an inclination of the rear-side inclined portion is formed gentler than an inclination of the front-side inclined portion.
US08979177B2	Side lower vehicle body structure of vehicle A side lower vehicle body structure of a vehicle includes a side seal, a center pillar and a reinforcing member. The side seal extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and has a channel. The center pillar has one end disposed in the channel of the side seal and the other end extending in a height direction of a vehicle. The reinforcing member is disposed in the channel of the side seal and combined with the center pillar.
US08979176B2	Steering support member A steering support member according to the present invention supports a steering shaft, extends in a vehicle width direction and is fixed at both ends to lateral sides of a vehicle, is molded of a light alloy or a resin composite material. And the steering support member includes a fixing portion having a shape of a truncated cone that extends toward a vehicle front side from the vicinity of a position supporting the steering shaft, a top of the fixing portion being fixed to a dash panel delimiting an engine room in a vehicle front portion, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs that are arranged upright along tangents to a circle constituted by the top of the fixing portion and to a bottom circle.
US08979168B2	Upright pillar sash of vehicle door frame An upright pillar sash of a vehicle door frame includes an outer member including a glass run fitting portion, and an inner member including an inner frame portion having a box-shaped cross section surrounding the glass run fitting portion. An outwardly extending portion, extending toward the edge portion of the glass run fitting portion toward the vehicle exterior, of the inner member and an overlapping edge, extending alongside the outwardly extending portion toward the vehicle exterior, of the outer member are spot welded with the overlapping edge superposing the outwardly extending portion. The outer member includes a side holding portion formed inside the glass run fitting portion to hold the glass run by contacting a side thereof, and a clearance recessed portion positioned between the side holding portion and the overlapping edge to allow a welding tool to enter.
US08979165B2	Motor vehicle body A motor vehicle having a windshield, A-pillars laterally enclosing the windshield and a window cross member connected to the A-pillars is provided. The window cross member supports a lower edge of the windshield in that it comprises a support section touching the windshield. The window cross member includes a point of action fastened to the A-pillar, which is offset in the direction of a surface normal of the windshield against the support section. The window cross member also includes a compressible section that connects the point of action with the support section.
US08979157B2	Removable enclosure for rear of vehicle The removable enclosure for the rear of a vehicle provides additional storage space or cover for the open rear end of a vehicle, such as an open tailgate of a pickup truck or the open hatch of an SUV. The removable enclosure includes a housing having at least one sidewall and an upper wall defining an open lower end and an open front end. An internal frame is disposed within and supports the housing. The internal frame includes at least one elastic cord extending laterally across the housing. A pair of laterally opposed diagonal supports each extend from an upper edge of the front end of the housing to a lower edge of a rear face of the at least one sidewall. The at least one elastic cord is secured to, and extends between, the pair of laterally opposed diagonal supports.
US08979155B2	Apparatus, system, and process for the automated retrieval and precise placement of small rods The present invention provides an apparatus for automated vertical placement of a small rod at a predetermined location, where the apparatus includes a parallel pneumatic gripper having a driver mechanism and a double-v shaped interlocking jaw assembly configured to receive, secure, and release a small rod in a substantially vertical position in response to corresponding signals generated by the driver mechanism. The present invention also provides a robotic system for automated gross retrieval and precise placement of a small rod. The present invention further provides a process for automated gross retrieval of at least one small rod and subsequent precise and substantially vertical placement thereof into a platform at a predetermined location and at a predetermined depth.
US08979154B2	Clamping attachment with regenerative hydraulic circuit A regenerative hydraulic circuit for a clamping attachment limits the clamping force applied to a clamped load.
US08979152B2	Kinetic and dimensional optimization for a tendon-driven gripper A tendon-driven robotic gripper is disclosed for performing fingertip and enveloping grasps. One embodiment comprises two fingers, each with two links, and is actuated using a single active tendon. During unobstructed closing, the distal links remain parallel, creating exact fingertip grasps. Conversely, if the proximal links are stopped by contact with an object, the distal links start flexing, creating a stable enveloping grasp. The route of the active tendon and the parameters of the springs providing passive extension forces are optimized in order to achieve this behavior. An additional passive tendon is disclosed that may be used as a constraint preventing the gripper from entering undesirable parts of the joint workspace. A method for optimizing the dimensions of the links in order to achieve enveloping grasps of a large range of objects is disclosed and applied to a set of common household objects.
US08979149B2	Device for grasping and active release of micro and nano objects Micro-nanomanipulation device that is capable of grasping and actively releasing micro or nanometer-sized objects in ambient and vacuum environments as well as methods of manufacturing the devices of the present invention. The micro-nanomanipulation device includes gripping arms, an active release plunger to impact or push objects, and microactuators that actuate the gripping arms and the active release plunger.
US08979140B2	Latch with an automatic locking function for a double door A latch assembly includes a latch having a body. A stop having a lower melting point is received in an engagement hole of the body. An ear is pivotable between a storage position in a transverse groove of the body and a blocking position partially extending out of the transverse groove. A pressing pin is slideably received in a longitudinal hole in the body. The ear is located in the storage position when the pressing pin is in a non-pressing position, allowing pivotable movement of the latch between a latching position and an unlatching position. When the latch is in the latching position and the ear is in the storage position, if the stop is melted by heat, the pressing pin is moved from the non-pressing position to the pressing position and pivots the ear to the blocking position, retaining the latch in the latching position.
US08979139B2	Hydraulic tube assembly for a hydraulic system A hydraulic tube assembly for connecting two hydraulic components in a hydraulic system is provided. The hydraulic tube assembly may include a first hydraulic component, a second hydraulic component, a tube subassembly, and at least one port connection subassembly. The tube subassembly may include a tube having two ends, a first packing box, and a second packing box. The port connection subassembly may have two ends, with a first end coupled to the tube subassembly and a second end coupled to a hydraulic component. The port connection subassembly may include a packing box flange, at least one tension rod, at least one fluid seal, and a connecting cylinder flange.
US08979138B2	Pipe coupling having movable gripping bodies A coupling for securing pipe elements together in end-to-end relation has segments joined end-to-end by adjustable connection members. The segments surround a central space which receives the pipe elements. One or more gripping bodies are captured between the segments. The gripping bodies are arranged opposite to each other. When the segments are drawn toward each other by the connection members, interaction between the reaction surfaces and the contact surfaces forces the gripping bodies radially inwardly. Inwardly facing arcuate surfaces on the segments and the gripping bodies engage and retain the pipe elements.
US08979137B2	Coupling ring A coupling ring is provided, including a series of unit members with adjacent unit members rotatably coupled to each other, and a fastener coupling unit members on both ends to each other. A concave groove provided to extend circumferentially is externally fitted into an outer circumference of each of two opposing flanges. The unit members on the both ends are coupled to each other by the fastener to be turned into an annular state. The fastener is fastened to thereby press an inclined surface. The flanges are pressure-bonded to each other by forces generated during pressing. A stopper member is provided to restrict a separation angle between the unit member on one end and an adjacent unit member to fall within a certain angle in an open state in which the unit members on the both ends are not coupled to each other provided on at least one of the unit members.
US08979131B2	Fuel tank mounting A fuel tank mounting system for a motor vehicle including an end plate, a sleeve, a fuel tank bracket, and a pin for coupling the fuel tank to a frame of the motor vehicle while allowing the fuel tank bracket to move axially with respect to the pin and to rotate about the pin to reduce stress on at least one fuel tank mount used to couple the fuel tank to the frame.
US08979128B2	Collapsible steering column assembly A collapsible steering column assembly includes a bracket, the bracket having a front portion and a back portion, the front portion comprising a pair of spaced arms, each arm having an inner surface that opposes the inner surface of the other and an opposed outer surface; a steering column having a longitudinal axis and comprising an inner jacket that is slidably disposed within an inner surface of the outer jacket, an outer surface of the outer jacket located within the inner surface of the spaced arms; and a locking device that passes through and is coupled to the spaced arms and the outer jacket, the locking device movable to lock or unlock the slidable disposition of the inner jacket within the outer jacket by respective application or release of a predetermined clamping force to the outer surface of the arm, outer bracket and inner bracket.
US08979126B2	Steering apparatus for vehicle A steering apparatus for a vehicle, includes: a steering column; a single electric motor being selectively connected to a telescopic mechanism or a tilt mechanism; a steering wheel; a drive mechanism transmitting an output torque of the electric motor to a telescopic threaded shaft and a tilt threaded shaft; and a connecting-disconnecting mechanism having a first clutch mechanism connecting and disconnecting the drive mechanism to and from the tilt threaded shaft and a second clutch mechanism connecting and disconnecting the drive mechanism to and from the telescopic threaded shaft, the connecting-disconnecting mechanism bringing one of the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism in a connected state to the drive mechanism and bringing the other of the first clutch mechanism and the second clutch mechanism in a disconnected state from the drive mechanism, wherein the drive mechanism and the connecting-disconnecting mechanism constitute a single power connecting-disconnecting unit.
US08979125B2	Construction machine On a rear part side of a revolving frame (5) constituting an upper revolving structure (3), a counterweight (7) holding weight balance with a working mechanism (4) is provided, and on the front side of the counterweight (7), an engine (9) and an exhaust gas post-treatment device (21) for applying purification treatment to an exhaust gas of the engine (9) are provided. The exhaust gas post-treatment device (21) is configured by connecting a PM trapping filter device (22) and an NOx purifying device (23), and the PM trapping filter device (22) is mounted on the engine (9), while the NOx purifying device (23) is mounted on the counterweight (7). When the counterweight (7) is to be removed from the revolving frame (5), the NOx purifying device (23) is supported by a treatment device support bracket (26) mounted on the engine (9). As a result, the counterweight (7) can be removed while the PM trapping filter device (22) and the NOx purifying device (23) are connected.
US08979124B2	Vehicle and shoulder bolster member A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion, a seat unit including a first seat portion and a second seat portion arranged side by side in a width direction of the vehicle and supported by the frame portion, a steering wheel in front of the first seat portion, a roll-over protection cage supported by the frame portion to cover an area above the seat unit and the steering wheel, and a shoulder bolster portion. The first seat portion includes a seat bottom portion that supports a human body from below, and a back support portion that supports the human body from behind. In the width direction of the vehicle, at least a portion of the shoulder bolster portion is on an outer side of the seat unit. In a side view, at least a portion of the shoulder bolster portion is at a more rearward position than a forward end of the seat bottom portion, at a more forward position than the back support portion, at a higher position than a center of the steering wheel in an up-down direction, and at a lower position than an upper end of the steering wheel. The shoulder bolster portion has its upper end at a higher position than a midway point between a center of an upper surface of the seat bottom portion and an upper end of the back support portion in an up-down direction.
US08979116B1	Retractable frame structure for baby trailer A retractable frame structure for baby trailer includes a rigid base frame, a bottom frame bar horizontally movable in and out of a front side of the rigid bottom, a first locking device for selectively locking the bottom frame bar to the base frame in the extended or received position, a backrest, a top frame bar vertically movable in and out of a top side of the backrest, and a second locking device for selectively locking the top frame bar to the backrest in the extended or received position.
US08979115B1	Shopping cart The shopping cart has a foot pedal mechanism to adjust the height of the shopping basket to accommodate different sized users and can lower the cart height automatically with just the push of a button. The shopping basket includes separate detachable smaller bags used for bringing in items from the car. The cart is also designed to be fully collapsible to a height of only six inches and can be easily loaded into the rear trunk space of a car or SUV. The entire basket is also both collapsible and expandable in size and can also be detached from the cart easily and includes at least two carrying handles.
US08979107B2	Easy-pedaling and labor-saving bicycle An easy-pedaling and labor-saving bicycle includes a frame, a front and a rear wheel set, a transmission set driving the rear wheel set, and a pedal device driving the transmission set. The pedal device includes a crank disposed on the frame, a link-up member driving a rear link-up plate to rotate, a link-up strip disposed between one end of the crank and the link-up member, a pedal unit disposed at the other end of the crank, and a straining member disposed between the frame and the link-up strip. Pedaling the pedal unit makes the crank set as an extension of a moment arm for increasing a force moment imparting to the transmission set. The crank swings downward easily to allow the other end thereof to pull the link-up strip, whereby the link-up member, the transmission set, and the rear wheel are driven to pedal easily, save labor and drive quickly.
US08979106B2	Tire protection mount A tire protection mount may include a bracket that includes a central platform and an arm. The central platform is connected the arm to define an opening. The tire protection mount further includes a shield connected to the bracket that substantially covers the opening.
US08979104B2	Front body structure A structure (10) for a front section of a vehicle body in a vehicle body (1) comprising a front chamber (3) disposed on the forward side of a vehicle interior (2) is provided with the following: a pair of front side members (11), located within the front chamber, that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body; a pair of strut towers (16) disposed on either side in the width direction of the front chamber and within which front wheel suspensions are disposed; and reinforcement members (20) that link the top of each strut tower with the front side members that face the strut towers, and that extend between the strut towers and the front side members. This configuration allows a structure for a front section of a vehicle body to be provided that can efficiently improve the rigidity of the vehicle body of an automobile against torsion and against lateral bending, and that can efficiently reduce the weight of the vehicle body by means of thickness reduction using a high-strength steel plate.
US08979101B2	Barrel cooler with components assembleable on site A sidewall panel of a barrel cooler has a sidewall panel body forming a first vertical edge and a second vertical edge. The sidewall panel has a latch arm protruding from the first vertical edge of the sidewall panel body, wherein the latch arm is adapted to cooperatively connect with a latch box of a first adjacent sidewall panel of the barrel cooler. The sidewall panel also has a latch box flush along the second vertical edge of the sidewall panel body, wherein the latch box is adapted to cooperatively connect with a latch arm of a second adjacent sidewall panel of the barrel cooler. The sidewall panel may be included in a system of parts that are adapted to cooperatively couple together to form a barrel cooler. The sidewall panel may also be included in an assembled barrel cooler.
US08979098B2	Collapsible platform truck A foldable platform truck includes a platform, two wheel-connecting bars rotatably attached to the platform, a handle assembly, a handle release and locking mechanism for controlling the handle assembly, a pair of first gear members and a pair of second gear members. The handle release and locking mechanism has an actuator to be operated to allow the handle assembly to pivot between an upright position and a horizontal position. When the handle assembly is in the horizontal position, the wheels are folded up underneath the platform and lie horizontally with respect thereto. And, when the handle assembly is pulled away from the platform to the upright position, the first gear members engage and turn the second gear members, resulting in the wheel-connecting bars rotating to fold out the wheels from underneath the platform toward an eventual perpendicular position with respect to the underside of the platform.
US08979093B2	Pressure balanced shaft seal assembly A pressure balanced shaft seal assembly that allows a seal to dynamically respond to angular or radial misalignment of a shaft includes a fixed stator, a floating stator, and a labyrinth seal. In one embodiment, the floating stator and labyrinth seal are mounted within an annular groove formed in the fixed stator such that the floating stator and labyrinth seal may move a predetermined amount in the radial direction with respect to the fixed stator. A spherical interface between the labyrinth seal and floating stator may allow the labyrinth seal to pivot with respect to the floating stator during angular misalignment of a shaft around which the pressure balanced shaft seal assembly is mounted. A pressure balancing annular channel formed in the floating stator allows pressurized seal fluid to balance the axial pressure exerted on the floating stator by the process fluid.
US08979086B2	Method and apparatus for securing a workpiece to a fixture plate using a novel workpiece hold-down clamp A workpiece hold-down clamp for securing a workpiece to a fixture plate, the workpiece hold-down clamp comprising: a clamp post for mounting to the fixture plate; and a clamp finger which is adjustably mounted to the clamp post, wherein the clamp finger is configured for selective movement along the clamp post, and wherein the clamp finger comprises a portion for engaging the workpiece; wherein the clamp finger comprises a cantilever beam which is flexible.
US08979085B2	Sample holder of a microtome A sample holder (100) of a microtome is described, including a basic body (110) and an alignment component (120). A first actuatable retainer (140) can be configured to permit a relative motion between the alignment component (120) and the basic body (110) in an actuated state, and configured to inhibit the relative motion between the alignment component (120) and the basic body (110) in a deactuated state. A clamping subassembly (130) can be arranged on the alignment component (120), and comprise two clamping components (131, 132). A second actuatable retainer (180) can be configured to open the clamping subassembly (130) in an actuated state, and configured to close the clamping subassembly (130) in a deactuated state. An actuation mechanism can be configured to respectively actuate and deactuate the first actuatable retainer (140) and the second actuatable retainer (180).
US08979084B2	Anti-bounce device An anti-bounce device (100) for a saw mill, the device including a strut (60) having a first end piece (50), a second end piece (51) and a resilient member (52) therebetween, the first end piece of the strut being moveable relative to the second end piece; an engagement means (40) associated with the strut (60) adapted to move across a surface of a material to be sawn, the engagement means (40) transferring force to the first end piece (50) of the strut and the resilient member (52) of the strut dampening relative movement between the first end piece (50) and the second end piece (51) of the strut thereby restraining movement of the engagement means (40) relative to the surface of the material to be saw, and connection means (70,80) for connecting the strut to the saw mill.
US08979075B2	Gas spring assembly and method of assembling same A gas spring assembly includes an end member, a piston assembly and a flexible sleeve secured therebetween. An end closure secures an end of the flexible sleeve to the piston assembly. A connector fitting connects the end closure to a support post of the piston assembly. The connector fitting includes a fitting passage and a first annular groove. A jounce bumper assembly is supported on the connector fitting. The jounce bumper assembly includes a bumper body and a bumper mount. The bumper mount includes securement pin having a second annular groove. A retaining member is received within the first and second annular grooves such that the jounce bumper assembly can freely rotate relative to the connector fitting while substantially restricting axial displacement of the jounce bumper assembly relative to the piston assembly during such rotation.
US08979072B2	Mast safety restraint mechanism Described herein is a safety restraint mechanism for a mast assembly. The safety restraint mechanism comprises a tension line attached to a lever and a winch mechanism such that operation of the winch mechanism translates a carriage assembly along the mast. A cam brake including an engagement profile at a first end thereon is pivotally attached to the lever at a second end. The cam brake is also pivotally attached to the carriage assembly such that the engagement profile pivots into a brake position or a free lift position relative to a tension force acting on the lever. The lever is pivotally attached to the second end and includes a kickstand. The engagement profile having a protruded portion to abut the tubes in a brake position and a relief portion to space the cam brake from the tubes in a free lift position.
US08979069B2	Solids-handling equipment A closure component for solids-handling equipment includes a closure body configured to close a solids flow path by displacement of the closure body along a stroke axis and a removable metallic sealing element attached to the closure body. The metallic sealing element is configured sealingly to engage an endless metallic seat spaced radially outwardly from the stroke axis when the closure body closes the solids flow path. The closure body includes or defines at least one locating formation to engage and locate the metallic sealing element. The least one locating formation is positioned radially outwardly from the stroke axis and more radially outwardly from the stroke axis than at least a portion of the metallic sealing element so that at least a portion of the metallic sealing element is positioned between the locating formation and the stroke axis, thereby correctly to locate the metallic sealing element in position relative to the closure body or relative to the stroke axis during fitting of the metallic sealing element to the closure body.
US08979067B2	Valve insert for a valve cartridge, corresponding valve cartridge for a solenoid valve, solenoid valve having said valve cartridge and method for producing a valve insert A valve insert for a valve cartridge of a solenoid valve, wherein the valve insert is produced as a one-piece, slotted sleeve from a sheet metal strip and has at least one radial bore as an inlet and/or drain opening of a fluid flow and to a corresponding valve cartridge or to a solenoid valve having such a valve insert and to a method for producing a valve insert. The at least one radial bore is designed having a trumpet-shaped geometry in order to specifically influence the flow characteristics of the fluid flow.
US08979065B2	Piezoelectric valve based on linear actuator A piezoelectric valve has a body with an input passage and an output passage each configured to connect to a fluid flow system, a flow control member movable with respect to the valve seat between a fully open position and a closed position and a piezoelectric motor directly connected to the flow control member. The piezoelectric motor has a piezoelectric resonator in which two orthogonal vibrational modes across a length and a width of the piezoelectric resonator are excited, a working element and one or more contact sites providing frictional contact between the working element and the piezoelectric resonator. One of the working element and the piezoelectric resonator is connected to the flow control member and configured to move relative to the other of the working element and the piezoelectric resonator due to the frictional contact, thereby moving the flow control member.
US08979064B2	Positioner A positioner includes a shift magnitude calculating portion that calculates a shift magnitude from the equilibrium state of a pilot relay, from an input air pressure that is inputted into the pilot relay and an output air pressure that is outputted from the pilot relay. A control calculating portion determines a control signal from an actual opening signal, an opening setting value, and the shift magnitude from the equilibrium state of the pilot relay that is calculated by the shift magnitude calculating portion, and outputs it to the electropneumatic converter.
US08979062B2	Secondary activation of packer and method Method, ram block and ram blowout preventer (BOP) for sealing a well. The BOP includes a body having a first chamber extending along a first direction and a second chamber extending along a second direction, substantially perpendicular to the first direction; a ram block configured to move inside the first chamber, the ram block having a packer region and at least one channel that extends all the way through the ram block; a packer configured to be provided in the packer region to seal a tool provided inside the second chamber; and at least one double piston provided through the at least one channel so that a pressure from the well is transmitted to the packer.
US08979060B1	Device holder for retaining an electronic device A device holder for retaining an electronic device is disclosed. The device holder may generally include an inner member and an outer member. The inner member may include a back wall and first and second inner sidewalls extending from the back wall so as to define an inner slot configured to receive at least a portion of the electronic device. The outer member may be configured to receive at least a portion of the inner member and may include a first outer sidewall configured to be disposed adjacent to the first inner sidewall and a second outer sidewall configured to be disposed adjacent to the second inner sidewall. When the electronic device is received within the inner slot, at least a portion of the first inner sidewall may be configured to be deformed between the electronic device and the first outer sidewall and at least a portion second inner sidewall may be configured to be deformed between the electronic device and the second outer sidewall.
US08979058B2	Tripod head panel device A tripod head panel device of a tripod head comprises a tripod head panel and a removably mounted snap-fit plate. The tripod head panel comprises a fixed plate, a moveable plate mounted underneath the fixed plate, and a driving plate mounted underneath the moveable plate. The fixed plate comprises a supporting base plate and a first retaining wall protruding upward from the supporting base plate. The moveable plate comprises a supporting base plate and a second retaining wall protruding upward from the supporting base plate, with a driving hole provided in the center of the moveable plate. The driving plate comprises a base mounted underneath the moveable plate and a handle extending from an end of the base, with an offset cam inside the driving hole formed on the seat. The snap-fit plate is mounted on the supporting base plate between the first and the second retaining walls.
US08979049B2	Mount bracket system A mount bracket system (20) includes a wall-mount part (2) including an axis portion (4) with a cylindrical column shape and a stopper (5) provided at the axis portion and having a width larger than a diameter of the axis portion (4); and a wall-mount frame (3) including a path (7) continuing from an opening (7a) and having a width larger than the diameter of the axis portion (4) and smaller than the width of the stopper (5). The path includes a projection (7b) projecting inward from an edge of the path (7), and the projection (7b) is located nearer the opening (7a) than the axis portion (4) of the wall-mount part (2) is when the axis portion (4) is retained at a retaining point of the wall-mount frame (3).
US08979048B2	Rotating electronic display adapter An assembly includes an adapter portion configured for attachment to a rear surface of an electronic display device and a base portion configured to be mounted to a fixed structure in the cockpit of an aircraft. The adapter portion has a cylindrical barrel portion having a plurality of circumferentially disposed radially outwardly extending keys, a first radially inwardly extending recess corresponding to a landscape position of the display device and a second radially inwardly extending recess corresponding to a portrait position of the display device. The base portion includes an upper surface with a circular reception port formed therein for receiving the barrel portion of the adapter portion, and the reception port has a plurality of radially outwardly extending circumferentially disposed keyways formed therein for receiving the plurality of keys on the barrel portion of the adapter portion.
US08979047B2	Mounting bracket for a window A mounting bracket (1, 41, 91, 121) for a roof window has a frame mountable member (2, 2a, 93, 123), a roof mountable member (3, 3a, 94, 124) and a hinge arrangement (22, 34, 95, 125) for mechanically coupling the roof mountable member (3, 3a, 94, 124) and the frame mountable member (2, 2a, 93, 123) together so that the roof mountable member (3, 3a, 94, 124) is movable between an out of use storage position and an in use mounting position. The location of the pivotal point of the hinge arrangement (22, 34, 95, 125) is movable.
US08979046B2	Vacuum adsorbing device A vacuum suction device of the present invention comprises: a cover which is rotatably mounted on the upper portion so as to couple to a flat surface by means of vacuum suction; an suction plate, which is coupled to the lower portion of the cover, for vacuum suction to the flat surface; and a height adjustment member, which is arranged between the cover and the suction plate, for moving the suction plate back and forth according to the rotation of the cover; wherein a plurality of fixing pieces are formed on the upper surface of the inside of the cover, a plurality of elastic stoppers are coupled to the inside of the height adjustment member, so as to be movable by sliding when each of the fixing pieces is in contact, and for fixing the cover by each of the fixing pieces being hooked to the end portion of the cover so as to prevent reverse rotation. The vacuum suction device of the present invention enhances suction force so as to couple the vacuum suction device to the flat surface more solidly and for a longer time, enhances assembly between each of the elements for vacuum suction, and prevents unlocking due to outside shock by forming a double locking structure in the vacuum adsorption device.
US08979045B2	Railing extension device and method therefore A railing mounting system for use on decks, balconies, fences or patios to provide additional surface space. In addition, the frame can be used to contain plantings, herb gardens, coolers, grills or other outdoor items. The mounting system is quickly and easily installed for use and just as easily removed and stored for subsequent use.
US08979044B2	Magnetic hold devices and systems The invention provides compositions and methods for holding systems, devices, apparatuses, or portions thereof in a retracted, extended, or intermediate configuration. In particular, the invention provides permanent magnets and/or magnetizable materials configured to hold systems, devices, apparatuses, or portions thereof in retracted, extended, and/or intermediate configurations.
US08979042B2	Automatic balancing structure of medical balancing stand An automatic balancing structure of a medical balancing stand has stoppers arranged on a turn plate. In a normal state, the stoppers are in contact with and hold a contact part of a lever so that the lever and turn plate follow a rotative motion of a lateral arm. If the lateral arm causes an imbalance, a strain occurs on the lever to which a strain sensor is attached. The strain sensor detects the strain and outputs a signal to an adjustment unit so as to cancel the imbalance of the lateral arm. The strain sensor helps downsizing the automatic balancing structure and making the balance adjustment easier.
US08979040B2	Supporting device A supporting device is applied to an electronic device and includes a supporting unit, an adjusting unit and a fixing unit. The supporting unit supports the electronic device. The adjusting unit is connected to the supporting unit for adjusting an angle of the supporting unit. The fixing unit includes a locking part and a fixing part. The fixing part is fixed on a surface, and the locking part connects to the adjusting unit. The locking part is detachably locked with the fixing part so as to fixing the electronic device on the surface. The supporting device is advantageous for providing multiple viewing angles for users, and it is conveniently carried and easily assembled, thereby achieving firmly fixing effect.
US08979039B2	Clamp A clamp has a configuration in which a first portion and a second portion having a pair of semicircular inner surfaces are coupled with a thin-walled hinge, a locking portion and a locked portion are provided on free ends of the first and the second portions, the locking portion and the locked portion being lockable to each other, clamping the metal pipe inserted between the semicircular inner surfaces of the first and the second portions. An attaching hole into which an attaching member protruding from the vehicle body can be inserted and locked thereto is provided on the first portion, an opening is provided in a partition portion that separates the attaching hole and the semicircular inner surfaces, a swinging piece projects into the opening, an attaching member contact projection is provided on one side of the swinging piece, and a squeezing rib projects from the other side.
US08979037B2	Cable tray apparatus for a people mover system A cable tray apparatus is provided a people mover system such as a Sky Train or the like. The cable tray apparatus is made up of a plurality of identical cable trays which are secured together in an end-to-end relationship. The cable trays are selectively laterally horizontally adjustable with respect to one another and are selectively vertically adjustable with respect to one another to correspond to curves in the roadway of the system and to correspond to elevational changes in the roadway of the system.
US08979034B2	Sticky boom non-cooperative capture device A device for non-cooperatively capturing an object is provided. The device includes a boom having a fixed end coupled to a structure and a free end. The boom also includes boom deployers for moving the fixed end of the boom relative to the structure. The device also includes a capture head, coupled to the free end of the boom, and a control apparatus. The control apparatus controls the boom deployers and capture head to move the capture head in close proximity to the object. The control apparatus moves the capture head in closer proximity to the object if the capture head is not close enough to the object to capture the object. The control apparatus minimizes forces applied to the object, and activates a non-cooperative capture device. The non-cooperative capture device makes initial contact with the object, establishes intimate contact with the object, and captures the object.
US08979033B2	Gas gun launcher A gas gun launcher having a pump tube and a launch tube with a first end of the launch tube slidably inserted into a second end of the pump tube. A sliding seal is employed to retain the gas within the launch tube and the pump tube A launch tube alignment system is preferably automatic, again to enhance the accuracy of launches. And an embodiment of the gas gun launcher suitable for use in water such as an ocean or large lake preferably utilizes a neutrally buoyant launch tube and a neutrally buoyant pump tube. And a fast-closing muffler at the second end of the launch tube conserves the light gas utilized for launching a vehicle.
US08979032B1	Methods and systems for retrieving personnel A method for retrieving personnel is provided. The method includes receiving a radio signal indicating a real-time position of personnel to be retrieved, deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle to the real-time position, receiving an indication that the personnel to be retrieved is on-board the unmanned aerial vehicle, and operating the unmanned aerial vehicle to move the personnel to a different location.
US08979027B2	Wall installation system and method A system for attaching a wall panel includes a wall panel and a lock strip. The wall panel has a back and a tab extending from the back. The lock strip is moveably attached to a wall frame member, and has a three-position locking slot, including a receiving portion configured to receive the tab, a locking portion configured to lock the tab with respect to the frame member, and a release portion configured to release the tab. The wall panel is removably attachable to the frame member by inserting the tab into the receiving portion and linearly moving the lock strip to lock the tab in the locking portion. The system can be used for attaching interior sidewall panels in an aircraft.
US08979020B2	Mounting system for mounting engine nacelle components and associated method The mounting system can be used in mounting a turbofan gas turbine engine having a nacelle including two halves, each half having a hinged end hingedly connected to the pylon and a free end lockingly engageable with the engine structure. The mounting system can include a primary connection connecting the engine structure to the pylon, and a flexible connection provided between the hinged connections and the pylon, the flexible connection being elastically deformed when a significant force is exerted in a transversal plane upon one of the halves in the closed position.
US08979019B2	Aircraft taxi system including drive chain An aircraft taxi drive system includes a motor that is configured to transfer power to an aircraft wheel via a drive chain, such that the motor rotates the aircraft wheel via the drive chain. In some examples, the drive chain is movable between first and second positions. In the first position, the drive chain, such as an exterior surface of the drive chain, is engaged with a driven sprocket that is mechanically connected to an aircraft wheel. In the second position, the drive chain is disengaged from the driven sprocket.
US08979014B2	Multilayer board for acoustic insulation To reduce sound emission and at the same time improve stability, a multilayer board for acoustic insulation is proposed that includes, but is not limited to a core sheet arranged between a first and a second covering layer. At least one of the two covering layers is of a closed design. The core sheet is firmly connected in a planar fashion to the covering layers. The core sheet comprises slits that extend within the core sheet in the direction of the core sheet thickness, which slits reduce the shear stiffness of the board and thus ensure an improved acoustic insulation effect. On both sides the core sheet comprises continuous edge zones, which extend parallel to the covering layers. An aircraft can have an interior lining formed by panels that comprise the multilayer boards in order to provide acoustic insulation.
US08979010B2	Comb tooth holder The invention relates to a comb tooth holder, especially for comminution devices having cutting teeth disposed on comminution rolls, said cutting teeth interacting with comb teeth arranged on at least one mating holder or cage for comminuting the material to be comminuted. Said comb tooth holder consists of at least one comb tooth body and at least one comb tooth. The comb tooth can be fastened to the comb tooth body by means of a first positively locking portion, at least one additional positively locking portion being provided on the comb tooth holder for fastening the comb tooth to the comb tooth body. The invention is characterized in that a web surface connecting the two positively locking faces extends in the center of or centrally in the recess.
US08979006B2	Battery recycling method A method for recycling discarded batteries by chopping or crushing to recover reusable materials, the method comprising the steps, sorting a plurality of batteries into groups by battery technology; removing button-cell batteries from said groups; chopping said groups of batteries into pieces approximately one quarter inch or less, to produce final particle matter; removing ferro-magnetic material form said final particulate matter; transferring said final particulate matter to refining or smelting process to recover to recover reusable materials.
US08978999B2	Container for air freshening materials and other volatiles A container for air freshening materials or other volatiles includes a receptacle or base and a cover that may be rotated from a closed position to multiple open positions while still engaged to the base to create vent passageway(s) between the cover and the base. A containment section of the base houses an air freshening material, such as a fragrance gel or potpourri, or a volatile, such as an insect repellant. The base further defines an alignment section adapted to rotationally and axially position the cover, an integrated sealing element, and an optional vent section. The alignment section includes a ramp and upper and lower locating elements coupled to the ramp. The alignment section engages at least one guide or a guide nub that extends from a depending arm of the cover. The guide or guide nub travels along the ramp from a first locating element when the cover is in a fully closed position to a second locating element when the cover is in a fully open position. In one of its multiple open positions, the cover is rotationally and axially displaced to specified height(s) above the container, allowing for fragrance or volatile material release.
US08978996B2	System, method, and apparatus for mixing and spraying resin and catalyst A dual input valve includes a valve stem having an air valve that includes a captured o-ring held in a circumferential groove. A catalyst valve ball abuts the valve stem. A housing has a catalyst input port in fluid communication with a catalyst valve seat, an air input port in fluid communication with a air valve seat, a mixing area in fluid communication with the catalyst valve seat and the air valve seat, and an output port in fluid connection with the mixing area. A spring urges the catalyst valve ball, and hence, the valve stem towards a closed position in which the air valve seats against the air valve seat blocking flow of a air from the air input port into the mixing chamber and the catalyst valve ball seats against the catalyst valve seat blocking flow of catalyst from the catalyst input port into the mixing chamber.
US08978993B1	Thermal activated cold water diversion valve A device that directs cooled and otherwise wasted water to storage for reuse is disclosed. The valve incorporates a single flow stream through internal piping around a thermally sensitive coil which imparts rotation for automatic closing of a valve upon arrival of heated water to the valve. Once closed, the device resets itself for the next activation and use. The device is basically self contained and requires only single point installation. The unit provides for many households to experience substantial saving on daily energy and water expenses. The installation can be readily retrofitted to existing structures or incorporated in new construction whether any be homes, apartments, hotels, condominiums and businesses with water distribution requirements. Further, the present invention, requiring no external energy input, offers an alternative to expensive circulating hot water systems incorporating substantial initial cost and extended energy consumption.
US08978989B2	Readable matrix code A method of generating a readable matrix code image encoding a message based on an input image and a readable matrix coding specification, comprising: calculating function areas readable to comply with a function patterns specification; determining an extent of free cells and derived cells according to a code word specification; calculating decode input values for free cells such that the appearance of the free cells compared to respective areas of the input image complies with a visual perceptual similarity criterion and with the code word specification; and calculating decode input values for derived cells based on the free cells decode input values and in compliance with the code word specification.
US08978988B2	Systems and methods for integrating radio-frequency identification circuitry into flexible circuits Systems and methods for integrating radio-frequency identification (RFID) circuitry into flexible circuits are provided. An RFID integrated circuit can be embedded within a dielectric layer of a flexible circuit or between a dielectric layer and a conductive layer of the flexible circuit. Additionally or alternatively, an RFID antenna may be integrated into a conductive layer of the flexible circuit. Alternatively, both the integrated circuit and antenna of RFID circuitry may be provided off of the flexible circuit but an RFID connector coupling the integrated circuit and antenna may be integrated into the flexible circuit.
US08978986B2	Process for manufacturing a contactless smartcard having a transparent logo A multilayer contactless smartcard 10 including an electronic chip embedded in the card, the chip being connected to an antenna 22 printed on a carrier layer 20, and two card bodies, one on each side of the carrier, each including at least one plastic layer 40 and 60. The antenna carrier is opaque and includes a first cut-out forming a void 23 filled with a transparent plastic; and the plastic layers of the two card bodies each include a second cut-out forming two identical voids 43 and 63 the outlines of which superimpose, in order to make a transparent zone appear in the thickness of the card, forming a transparent logo in the shape of the cut-out. A process for manufacturing such a card is also disclosed.
US08978984B2	Indicia reading terminals and methods for decoding decodable indicia employing light field imaging A terminal for decoding decodable indicia includes a plenoptic imaging subsystem comprising an image sensor array and plenoptic imaging optics operable to project a plenoptic image of a space containing the decodable indicia onto the image sensor array, a hand held housing encapsulating a least a portion of the plenoptic imaging subsystem, a trigger for initiating operation of the plenoptic imaging subsystem to obtain plenoptic image data of the decodable indicia, and an illumination source for projecting illumination onto the decodable indicia; an aimer for projecting an aimer pattern onto the decodable indicia. The terminal is operable, responsive to detecting that the trigger has been actuated by an operator, to obtain plenoptic image data from the image sensor array, to obtain first rendered image data based on at least a portion of the plenoptic image data, and to attempt to decode the decodable indicia represented in the rendered image data.
US08978979B2	Systems, methods, and apparatus for overhead scanning of images in a manual distribution environment This disclosure defines systems, methods and apparatus for imaging systems for scanning barcodes and images in a manual distribution environment. In one aspect a method is disclosed for expanding the effective field of view of a camera used in an overhead scanning system. The method may include moving a mirror positioned relative to the input of a camera according to a determined pattern of movement and a determined speed and capturing a series of images with the camera while the mirror is moving such that the field of view defining each image captured by the camera changes based on the position of the mirror. The method may further include using combined image data from each of the images in the series of images to process machine readable information located on a target item being imaged.
US08978968B2	Tire sorting apparatus A tire sorting apparatus for reliably reading information from a tire identifier, such as a barcode, formed on the surface of a tire without damaging the tire. Placed under a tire mounting table is a tire grip means which has three grip arms arranged circularly in a plane perpendicular to the tire center axis and link mechanisms for spreading the grip arms. Placed above the mounting table is a barcode reader rotating means for rotating a barcode reader held by a barcode reader holding means. The rotation axis of the barcode reader is aligned with the center of the circle formed by the grip arms of the tire grip means.
US08978967B2	Intelligent fastener system A method and apparatus are used to visually recognize and install fasteners on a structure. An electronic image of the fastener is recorded, and is processed by a computer operated image recognition program to identify the fastener. The computer provides installation instructions and an installation tool based on the identity of the fastener.
US08978956B2	Jaw closure arrangements for surgical instruments A surgical instrument having a handle assembly and an elongated shaft configured for use with end effectors that support a staple cartridge therein. The end effectors have an anvil portion that is movable relative to the staple cartridge upon application of firing motions thereto. Various embodiments of the surgical instrument include movable closure tube arrangements that are configured to apply firing motions to the anvil upon application of a pulling motion to the closure tube from a firing system operably supported in the handle assembly.
US08978954B2	Staple cartridge comprising an adjustable distal portion A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.
US08978951B2	Auto hammer An auto hammer includes a motor arranged in a housing, a striking device arranged in a nozzle portion of the housing and a transmission mechanism for converting the rotating motion of the motor into the striking motion for the striking device. The transmission mechanism includes a striking assembly for exerting a striking motion to the striking device, the striking assembly includes a rotational driving member and a rotational striking member enclosing the rotational driving member, and the rotational striking member is provided with at least one striking portion for striking and contacting the striking device. The auto hammer has a gripping portion suitable for palm gripping which is arranged on a back side of the housing opposite to the striking device where the motor is arranged on the same side as the striking assembly relative to the axis of the reciprocating linear motion of a striking shaft of the striking device.
US08978947B1	Touch device holder for infant transport apparatus A device holder for a stroller permits storage and use of a touch-screen electronic device by a child in the stroller. The device holder is for securing an electronic device between handlebars of the stroller. The stroller includes a user storage compartment with a concavity for holding a child in the stroller. The stroller is rear-facing such that when the child is positioned in the concavity, the child faces a direction of the handlebars. A main body surface of the device holder forms a plane extending between the handlebars of the stroller filling a void otherwise existent between the handlebars. The main body surface includes an area for securely attaching an electronic device to the main body surface to position the electronic device between the handlebars of the stroller. A positioned electronic device comprises a screen for visibly presenting media to the child positioned in the concavity.
US08978939B2	Valve retaining device A retaining device (1) has a non-laminar self-closing valve (2) retained therein. The valve comprises a flange (8), and the rigidity of the flange (8) is increased by the device (1). The retaining device is a single-piece article.
US08978938B2	Portable chargeable spray bottle A portable chargeable spray bottle is disclosed comprising a body comprising an upper part and a lower part; a spray nozzle assembly equipped on the upper part, and a liquid charging structure placed at the bottom part. It is further comprises an exhaust structure comprising an exhaust hole penetrating the body, whereby exhaust air flow can escape via the exhaust hole to outside the bottle.
US08978937B2	Actuator for an aerosol container An actuator (1) for a hand-held aerosol container fitted centrally at its top with a dispensing valve, the actuator having: (i) a cup-shaped over-cap (3) attachable to the container and having a top wall defining a gap through which a spray channel passes, the gap restricting lateral movement of the spray channel; (ii) a spray channel (4) in fluid connection with the valve; (iii) an actuator button (5) having a finger pad from which a keel depends; the keel dependent from the finger pad of the button (5) being able to press down onto the spray channel (4) and the spray channel (4) on to the valve after the first slide movement of the button (5), but not before; whereby the actuator button (5) has a distinct first slide movement that puts it into an orientation in which a second depression movement causes release of the contents of the associated dispenser and in that the force required for the first slide movement of the actuator button (5) is at least 5N.
US08978936B2	Apparatus and method for releasing a unit dose of content from a container A apparatus for delivering a predetermined quantity of content from a pressurized container includes a dispensing assembly which sits on the container and connects with an upper portion of a valve stem of the valve assembly, wherein the dispensing assembly includes a) an actuator cap having a discharge passage, which is open or obstructed and wherein the actuator cap acts as a metering chamber in combination with b) an adaptor which fits inside the cap and also snuggly engages the valve stem. The cap fits snuggly over the adjuster to define a metering chamber which depending on its position can close off the metered chamber or open it to the dispensing conduit\nozzle. When the cap is depressed it pushes down on the adjuster which depresses the valve. The chamber fills, but nothing is released until the upstroke.
US08978935B2	Liquid spray system A spray system for dispensing a homogenous mixture of a liquid formulation and propellant as an atomized aerosol where a disposable container containing a liquid base is used alone or secured within a rigid container and is charged through a fitting in fluid communication with the interior of the disposable container using a detachable pressurized charge can containing a propellant compatible with the liquid base. Preferably the liquid formulation is a paint base that can be tinted at the point of sale before charging with the charge can.
US08978934B2	Dispenser for viscous materials A dispenser for dispensing a viscous fluid stored directly within the body of the dispenser, or within a cartridge inserted within the dispenser in which the viscous fluid is forced through a dispensing aperture by advancing a piston member and where the piston is advanced by turning a first thread member that locates in the female thread of a main body member and where upon completion of such turning resilient means are provided to partly reverse the direction in which the first thread member was turned and so avoid unwanted flow of fluid following completion of such turning.
US08978931B2	Machine for making and dispensing semiliquid and/or semisolid food products A machine for making and dispensing semiliquid and/or semisolid food products comprises a frame (2) furnished with a base (4) and an operating unit (6) for processing at least one mixture for making and dispensing the products. The operating unit (6) is movable at least between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the base (4) through the agency of a respective movement means (8).
US08978930B2	Container The invention relates to a container (1) for storing and discharging at least two components, in particular by means of a discharge gun or the like. The container (1) has at least two chambers (4a, 4b) for accommodating the components, a plunger means (15, 18, 20) for simultaneously discharging the components from the chambers, a sealing means for sealing the chambers, which sealing means can be opened and a mixer (8).
US08978929B2	Syringe for single use A syringe which is designed for the single metering of a filler material, the syringe has a storage chamber for receiving the filler material, the storage chamber has a discharge end for the dispensing of the filler material and a conveying end which is disposed opposite the discharge end, wherein the storage chamber contains a closable discharge element so that the filler material is storable in the storage chamber. A docking element is provided for the connection of the storage chamber to a cartridge for the filling of the storage chamber with the filler material.
US08978927B2	Article advancing device and article arrangement shelf Provided are an article advancing device and an article arrangement shelf, wherein the article advancing device has a flexible sheet on which articles can be arranged at a condition where the sheet is extended, a roller to which one end of the sheet is fixed and which winds the sheet in the reverse extension direction, a drive means which rotates the roller in the winding direction of the sheet, and a wall member with which the articles in the first row of the articles arranged on the sheet come into contact. When the articles are arranged on the sheet, the article advancing device stops the winding operation of the sheet by the drive means by the contact of the articles in the first row with the wall member. The article advancing device has a simple article advancing function which employs a horizontally extending shelf basically having no incline and which does not require energy, such as electric power, and can be used regardless of the packaging state of the articles.
US08978925B2	Paper towel cabinet with paper towel module A paper towel cabinet includes a first side wall and a second side wall, a pivotally mounted front wall defining a door, a back wall extending between the side walls, and a paper towel tray having an opening to provide access to paper towels. The paper towel cabinet also includes a module assembly comprising a first module having a front surface extending transversely relative to the first side wall and toward the second side wall. When the door is in an open position, the front surface prevents paper towels leaning toward the door from falling out of the cabinet. The cabinet also includes a bar mounted proximate to the opening and having a length extending between the side walls. The bar is positioned between a stack of paper towels and the opening when the stack of paper towels is placed on the paper towel tray.
US08978924B1	Box equipped with dual-colored handle A tool box is equipped with a dual-colored handle. The dual-colored handle includes a frame of a color and a pad of another color. The frame is formed with two axles. The pad is formed with two rings each. Each of the rings is placed around and on a corresponding one of the axles as the frame and the pad are joined together.
US08978922B2	Strengthened food container and method A metal food can including a metal sidewall is provided. The diameter of the sidewall varies at different axial positions along the sidewall. The can includes a can end coupled to an end of the metal sidewall, and a plurality of circumferential beads formed in the metal sidewall. The shape of each circumferential bead varies based upon the diameter of the section of the sidewall in which the beads are formed.
US08978921B2	Crate A crate comprises a bottom and two respective pairwise opposing side walls and end walls, wherein the bottom is arch-shaped curving towards the interior of the crate, such that a space between a lower surface of the bottom and a plane defined by a lower end of the crate is provided.
US08978920B2	Sealing assemblies and pressurized fluid vessels including the sealing assemblies Sealing assemblies may include a boss, a valve, a liner that defines a containment volume of a pressure vessel, and a support member adapted to cooperate with the liner and the valve. The support member may be formed from an anodized electrically conductive support material and generally has nonconductive surfaces in contact with the valve and the liner. Annular recesses having conductive surfaces are provided in the support member, and seals formed of conductive materials or having conductive surfaces are seated in the annular recesses. Thereby, when the valve is present in the sealing assembly, electric continuity between the valve and the liner is established through the electrically conductive surfaces of the seals, the electrically conductive surfaces of the annular recesses and the electrically conductive support material in the core of the anodized support member.
US08978917B2	Waste containment receptacle A waste receptacle for collecting waste with a carrier that allows for easy transport. The receptacle uses a closing system to manage odor, and an actuator system to open and close the closing system. The closing system has a clamping mechanism housed inside a body that can clamp a bag placed inside the body with the opening of the bag disposed about the clamping mechanism. The receptacle may also have a lid in which actuation of the actuator system causes the clamping mechanism to open and close simultaneously with the lid. The actuation system utilizes pedals that can be replaced with a handle actuator.
US08978916B2	Multi-functional waste can A multi-functional waste can has a dual function. A lid is openable at both sides like a seesaw or openable while being lifted upwardly by a foot lever. It has a rotating hinge to connect a main body, the lid and the foot lever forms a single unit to compress wastes using the lid. An auxiliary can be detachably arranged in the waste can so that wastes with offensive odor can be sealed in a disposable bag. The rotating hinge of the multi-functional waste can is rotatably connected to an upper portion of the waste can via a hinge pin, the foot lever is connected to the rotating hinge via a push rod, and a pair of seesaw shafts disposed on the upper portion is arranged at the lid. One of the seesaw shaft is connected collinearly with the central axis of the rotating hinge.
US08978914B2	Fuel tank fuel filler structure To obtain a fuel tank fuel filler structure with which even a fuel nozzle having a large diameter portion can be inserted easily into a fuel fill inlet and which can highly demonstrate the action of guiding the fuel nozzle to the fuel fill inlet.One end of a guide plate (44) is rotatably supported on a rotational shaft (42) disposed on a flapper valve (20). The guide plate (44) is biased by a guide plate biasing spring toward a withdrawal region in which the guide plate withdraws from a passage region of a fuel nozzle. In a state where the flapper valve (20) is in an open position (HP), the entire guide plate (44) is positioned in the withdrawal region. In a state where the flapper valve (20) is in a closed position (TP), the guide plate (44) can be placed near a fuel fill inlet (26).
US08978912B1	Collapsible shipping tote A body of a collapsible shipping tote extends around an interior space of the tote while erected. The body has a series of body panels that are respectively foldably connected to one another so that the body can be reconfigured between the erected configuration and a collapsed configuration. The tote has end assemblies that each have an end panel and flaps respectively foldably connected to edges of the end panel. Each of the end assemblies is configured for being moved between an open configuration for opening a respective end of the body while the body is in the erected configuration, and a closed configuration for closing the respective end of the body while the body is in the erected configuration. Fasteners releasably secure the flaps to the body for releasably securing the body in the erected configuration.
US08978907B2	Straw holder having a date rape testing capability A drink cover for covering a mouth of a can or a bottle is formed of a flexible sheet material. The drink cover includes a mouth-covering portion dimensioned for placement above the mouth of the one of the can and the bottle so that the entire area of the mouth is covered by the mouth-covering portion and a retaining portion proximate the mouth-covering portion comprising a first edge engageable with the pull tab of the can or the bottle adjacent to the mouth for retaining the drink cover in an installed position on the can or the bottle. The mouth-covering portion is attached to the retaining portion by at least one connection.
US08978906B2	Impact-resistant casing for breakable containers The teachings provided herein are directed to an impact-resistant casing for breakable containers, and a system comprising the impact-resistant casing and a breakable container, such as a glass container. Very useful systems incorporating these components could include, of course, a glass baby bottle, a toddler sippy-cup, or an adult drinking glass, for example. These and other embodiments will be apparent to one of skill upon a review of the teachings provided herein.
US08978904B2	Product management display system with trackless pusher mechanism A product management display system for merchandising product on a shelf includes using a trackless pusher mechanism that travels along a surface on which product is placed and one or more dividers for separating product into rows. The one or more dividers may be engaged to a front rail in two different conditions, locked and unlocked. In a locked condition, the relationship between the divider and the front rail resists alteration in any direction with respect to each other. In the unlocked condition, the dividers may be freely slid laterally along the front rail, while remaining perpendicular to the front rail. The one or more dividers may lock to the front rail through the use of corresponding teeth, resilient surfaces, a locking tab, a locking bar and/or a cam that may define a cam glide.
US08978897B2	Disposable polymer-structured filtering kit The disposable polymer-structured filtering kit includes a disposable, polymer-structured filtering funnel with a stem having a distal tip. A flow discharge end is formed at the distal tip. Preferably, a polymer fritted filter disc is positioned in the funnel, providing filtering for liquids passing therethrough. The kit preferably also includes a glass vacuum take-off adapter having a port for connecting to a vacuum source for providing negative pressure. The adapter securely and snuggly receives the funnel and maintains position of the distal tip thereof with the flow discharge end below the port, thus preventing contaminants from entering the adapter. A reusable, glass round bottle flask or a disposable vial receives the adapter and the stem of the funnel. The funnel and fritted disc are formed from disposable materials, thus removing the necessity of cleaning them following use. The adapter is reusable, since no contaminants come in contact therewith during filtering.
US08978894B1	Clamp A clamp is described and which includes a base portion, a handle which is affixed to the base portion, a moveable clamp portion which is individually pivotally attached to the base portion; a pair of force transmitting couplings pivotally attached to the handle, and the movable clamp portion; and an elongated resilient biasing member with a distal end, and which is mounted on the movable clamp portion, and which is further operable to engage an adjacent object of interest and hold it in a given orientation relative to a vibratory conveyor.
US08978890B2	Security label for protecting medicaments contained in an individual packaging The invention relates to a security label for protecting medicaments contained in an individual packaging, comprising a base layer (11, 111, 211) that can be stuck to the individual packaging (10, 110), at least one opening cut (26, 226) being formed in the base layer (11, 111, 211), in the region of the medicament (16). A security layer (10, 110) is stuck to the base layer (11, 111, 211), and removable elements (19) are formed in the security layer (10, 11) in the region of the medicaments (16), in such a way that cuts (18) are made in the security layer (10, 110) on the edge of the removable elements (19), said cuts (18) following a virtual cut strip. Furthermore, a release material which reduces or eliminates the adhesive force of the adhesive of the security layer (10, 110) is applied to the base layer (11, 111, 211) in the region of the removable elements (19).
US08978889B2	Carton with article protection feature A carton for containing at least one article. The carton includes a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around the interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least one article retention panel is for retaining the at least one article. The article retention panel is foldably connected to the at least one panel. The article retention panel is positioned relative to the at least one panel to contact the at least one article.
US08978888B2	Flower pot carrier with suspension tab Disclosed herein are embodiments of a carrier for organizing and transporting a plurality of horticultural containers. In one aspect, a carrier includes: a plurality of connected open ended container receiving receptacles each configured to carry a horticultural container by supporting an upper portion thereof; and at least one tab configured to engage a container received by one of the plurality of container receiving receptacles such that the carrier is at least partially suspended with respect to the container.
US08978885B2	System and method for exchanging a battery of a hearing device The present invention provides a system that allows an easy and quick exchange of small batteries of hearing devices as well as a method for exchanging a battery of a hearing device that combines the installation of a new battery into the hearing device with the deinstallation of the battery to be replaced from the hearing device in a single action using a single mechanism. The inventive battery exchange system comprises a carrier module 1, which features a hearing device receiving means shaped to receive a part of a hearing device 4 and a battery passage that traverses the carrier module 1, a battery dispensing module 2 adapted to accommodate at least one battery 7 and a battery ejection means 3 adapted to eject a battery 7 from the battery dispensing module 2 into the battery passage of the carrier module 1.
US08978883B2	Electronic device case with a co-molded stand A case for use with a portable electronic device includes a first material configured to surround a back portion and side portions of the portable electronic device, the first material generally being positioned at an exterior of the case. The case also includes a second material secured to the first material, the second material having greater flexibility than the first material. The case additionally includes a movable stand configured to selectively extend from the first material to support the case in an elevated position. The movable stand is coupled to the first material by the second material.
US08978880B2	Accumulating conveyor system A conveyor system includes pulleys spaced mutually along a length of the conveyor system; and roller assemblies, each roller assembly aligned with one of the pulleys, including a first ring driveably connected to one of the pulleys, a second ring surrounding the first ring, and a third ring located radially between and contacting the first and second rings, and alternately transmitting rotary motion from the first ring to the second ring and discontinuing said transmission of rotary motion depending on presence and absence of frictional engagement between the third ring and at least one of the first ring and the second ring.
US08978877B2	Sound dampening conveyor chain flight A conveyor flight for a chain comprising at least two spaced apart links, and two side plates that connect the links, with each side plate including two spaced apart extension pins extending from the side plate. The flight comprises a metal support, and the metal support includes two spaced apart cylindrical portions adapted to receive the two spaced apart extension pins. The flight also includes a flexible casing surrounding the metal support.
US08978876B2	Arrangement for stripping material from the lower run of the conveyor belt of a belt conveyor An arrangement for stripping material from the lower run of the conveyor belt includes scrapers divided into groups, arranged over the width of the conveyor belt and lying resiliently elastically against the underside of the lower run. The scrapers are arranged obliquely to the direction of travel of the lower run. The scrapers of a first group are oriented angled relative to the scrapers of an adjacent second group. The arrangement provides for each scraper to be supported at least indirectly on the supporting frame of the belt conveyor via at least two wound leg springs. Each respective leg spring is connected by its upper end to a front or rear end portion of the scraper, and is connected rotatably by its lower end to a transverse strut of a supporting frame.
US08978875B2	Conveyor belt cleaner A cleaning device configured to clean an outer surface of a conveyor belt on a conveyor belt system is disclosed. The cleaning device can include a fluid dispensing device configured to dispense cleaning fluid to the outer surface of the conveyor belt. A wiping device is provided to remove excess cleaning fluid. A protective cover is provided that substantially covers at least the fluid dispensing device. Fastener mounts are provided to allow attachment of the cleaning device on top of the conveyer system.
US08978873B2	Article processing system A filling system with a supply conveyor, an infeed screw, a supply star wheel for a rinser, a rinser, a discharge star wheel for a rinser, an intermediate star wheel, a supply star wheel for a filler, a filler, a delivery star wheel for a filler/capper, a capper, a discharge star wheel for a capper, and a discharge conveyor is provided. Each component has a revolving body such as a star wheel. In case an abnormality occurs in any component, a control unit activates a brake for that component, which stops the star wheel of the component forcibly, while controlling servomotors for all of the other components, thereby stopping the star wheel of all of the other components where the abnormality does not occur. Even in the event of the abnormality in any component, each component is stopped nearly simultaneously, so that the filling system can prevent damage to all of the components.
US08978865B2	Money handling apparatus In a money handling apparatus 10, an inlet 21 receives money of a plurality of different currencies. A control unit 40 controls a transport unit 31 such that the money is sorted and delivered from the transport unit 31 to the outlets 23, 24 and 25 based on a money recognition result by a recognition unit 32. The control unit 40 judges whether the currency having been recognized by the recognition unit 32 is assigned to any of the outlet 23, 24 and 25. When this happens, the control unit 40 transports the money to the assigned outlet. When the currency of the money having been recognized by the recognition unit 32 is not assigned to any of the outlet 23, 24 and 25, if there is an outlet to which no currency is assigned, the control unit 40 assigns and transports the money to that outlet.
US08978863B2	Silent ratchet and method for producing same A silent ratchet including at least one clamping element (16) and an outer ring (12) and an inner ring (14) arranged coaxially in the outer ring, the inner and outer rings together forming a raceway (18) and a clamping contour (20′) for the clamping element (16), wherein the outer ring (12) and the inner ring (14) are each formed by a plurality of lamella (12a-12d; 14a-14c) stacked one over the other and rigidly held together.
US08978862B2	Park brake actuator A park-brake actuator includes a cam including first serrations and an open-ended slot, a piston including second serrations displaceable relative to the cam in response to variable pressure applied to the piston, a spring, and a rod including a pin urged by the spring toward the slot and contact with the first and second serrations, the pin moved by piston displacement from the slot, onto one of the first serrations to a flat-tow position.
US08978859B2	Fluid clutch device A fluid clutch device having a fluid clutch in a body and a cover. A fan member is attached to the device. The body and fan member are both centered on the cover.
US08978855B2	Clutch type driving mechanism for hybrid powered vehicle A clutch type driving mechanism used in a hybrid powered vehicle is disclosed to include an axle housing mounted at a motor shaft of a motor, a sliding sleeve having a female thread meshed with a male thread of the axle housing, an axle bearing mounted in the sliding sleeve, an input shaft rotatably and slidably supported in the axle bearing with its one end normally kept apart from the axle housing and its other end provided with a gear, and an output shaft meshed with the gear of the input shaft. When the motor is started, the axle housing is driven by the motor shaft to rotate the sliding sleeve, and the sliding sleeve is moved along the axle housing toward the motor due to the effects of inertia, causing friction engagement between the input shaft and the axle housing so that the axle housing can drive the input shaft to transfer rotational motion to the output shaft. When the motor stands still, the inertia disappears, the sliding sleeve moved back from the axle housing, causing separation between the input shaft and the axle housing.
US08978854B2	Rotational coupling device with integrated rotor and brake disc A rotational coupling device is provided with an integrated rotor and brake disc to simplify design of the device and remove liquids from the device when used in a wet environment. The rotor is configured for rotation about a rotating hub and includes a first member defining one pole of the rotor and a second member defining a second pole of the rotor and a braking surface. The second member is coupled to the first member, but axially movable relative to the first member. During clutch engagement, an electromagnetic circuit used to engage the clutch urges the second member into engagement with the first member for rotation. When the clutch is disengaged, the second member disengages from the first member to create a fluid flow path between the members and engages a brake plate to halt rotation of the rotor.
US08978853B2	Lock-up device for torque converter The lock-up device includes an input rotary member, an output rotary member, a first torsion spring, a second torsion spring and a third torsion spring. The output rotary member is rotatable relatively to the input rotary member. Torque is transmitted to the first torsion spring from the input rotary member. The second torsion spring is disposed on a further inner peripheral side than the first torsion spring in a radial direction, and is configured to act in series with the first torsion spring. The third torsion spring is disposed on a further outer peripheral side than the second torsion spring in the radial direction, and is configured to act in series with the second torsion spring and transmit the torque to the output rotary member.
US08978852B2	Upper lateral structure for the occasional or continuous collection of main-drive or auxiliary electrical power by a land vehicle The upper lateral collection structure (8) is mounted on a land vehicle (1), notably an urban public transport vehicle, and cooperates, for the purpose of overhead electrical power supply to the vehicle, with fixed contact slippers (16) located along its route. This structure comprises: a conducting track (14) arranged longitudinally (NEW) the upper lateral part of the vehicle and comprising a contact region (15) for the contact slipper; an electrical connection connecting the conducting track to the electrical circuit of the vehicle; an insulating support (24) on which the conducting track is mounted; a means of mechanical connection of the collecting structure to the vehicle; and a damping device which damps out the shocks resulting from the contact slipper and ensures satisfactory contact between the conducting track and the contact slipper. This invention is of benefit to the manufacturers of electrically powered public transport vehicles.
US08978849B2	Device for damping and mechanical dissipation of dynamic disturbances transmitted between two bodies, generated by forcing elements of a dynamic, seismic nature and by wave-motion in general structures The present invention relates to a damping and dissipation device (10) which can be used for limiting disturbances transmitted between two bodies, generated by forcing elements of a dynamic, seismic nature and by wave-motion in structures in general, which comprises two end elements (18, 14, 32) each destined for being respectively connected to one of the two bodies, the device (10) also comprising at least one disk (11) made of an elastomeric material and at least one elastic element (12) with a variable load, coaxially arranged along an axis A, the elastic element (12) with a variable load having an initial pre-compression degree and is characterized in that at least one of the end elements (18) is connected to the device (10) through a sliding coupling with a sliding direction within a plane tilted with respect to the axis (A), preferably by at least 60°.
US08978844B2	Adjustable damping valve arrangement An adjustable damping valve arrangement for a vibration damper comprises an actuator which exerts an actuating force on an auxiliary valve body of an auxiliary valve. The auxiliary valve influences a closing force on a main stage valve. A pressure depending on the pressure level in a working space of the vibration damper acts on at least one pressure-impinged closing surface of the main stage valve via a flow connection. The flow connection is carried out so as to be functionally parallel to an incident flow of the main stage valve, and a flow-in opening of the flow connection is oriented at an angle of at least 60° to the flow direction into the main stage valve so that only a static pressure acts on the closing surface of the main stage valve.
US08978842B2	Bicycle disc brake rotor A bicycle disc brake rotor basically has an outer portion, an inner portion and an intermediate portion. The outer portion is made of a first material. The inner portion is made of the first material. The intermediate portion is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion. The intermediate portion is made of the first material. The intermediate portion is at least partially laminated by a layer made of a second material. The second material is different from the first material. The layer has a contour tracing a contour of the intermediate portion.
US08978838B2	Controllable overrunning coupling A drive device includes a first one-way coupling including a cam plate, pocket plate and struts, a second one-way coupling including a second cam plate driveably connected to the pocket plate, second pocket plate extending in a partial circular arc and secured to the cam plate, and second struts for opening and closing a drive connection between said second plates, and electromagnets for causing the second struts to close said drive connection.
US08978837B2	Disc brake for a motor vehicle and housing for the same The invention relates to a disc brake for a motor vehicle having a housing, a piston which is movable in the housing along a longitudinal axis and a nut-spindle arrangement which acts on the piston or can be brought into engagement with this, wherein the nut-spindle arrangement is arranged in the housing and is workingly supported via a bearing arrangement on a support surface of the housing. In order to increase the service life of the bearing arrangement, the support surface is formed by a defined contact surface which projects with respect to an adjacent housing region and against which the bearing arrangement bears.
US08978831B2	Cabling configuration for railless elevators An elevator including a car is arranged in a shaft. A set of compensator cables are attached to a bottom of the car and engaged with a compensator drum. A set of hoist cables are attached to a top of the car and engaged with a hoist drum to move the car vertically in the shaft, wherein the set of compensator cables and the set of hoist cables are configured to only move the car vertically.
US08978830B2	Lifting apparatus The invention relates to a lifting apparatus of a type which can be used to allow movement of goods to and from and between first and second goods storage areas. The apparatus is located in a space between openings into both of said storage areas and includes a platform which can be raised in the vertical plane so as to allow differences in height between floors of the respective goods storage areas to be taken into account such that for example goods can be moved onto the platform of the lifting apparatus from a first floor height on a first goods storage area to a floor of a second goods storage area at a different height. The lifting apparatus can be used to move goods to and from a floor of a goods storage area which is at the similar height to a support surface on which the other of the goods storage areas is located, with the other of the goods storage areas typically being a vehicle trailer.
US08978826B2	Compressor Disclosed is a compressor capable of having an enhanced performance by sufficiently supplying oil to components where sliding occurs not only in a high speed driving mode but also in a low speed driving mode. The compressor may increase an oil supply amount in a low speed driving mode, but may restrict an oil supply amount when a rotation speed of a driving motor reaches a predetermined speed in a constant or high speed driving mode, by setting the number of turns of an external groove to be approximately 1.75, and by forming an oil feeder in a conical shape.
US08978825B2	Dual-line pump unit, lubrication system, and related apparatus and method A dual-line pump unit for supplying lubricant includes a reservoir having an interior for holding lubricant. A first pump is provided for pumping lubricant from the reservoir through a first main line to a lubricant distribution system. A second pump is provided for pumping lubricant from the reservoir through a second main line to the lubricant distribution system. During a first stage of operation, the first pump operates to pump lubricant from the reservoir through the first main line to the lubricant distribution system and the second pump is idle, the second main line venting back to the reservoir via the second pump. During a second stage of operation, the second pump operates to pump lubricant from the reservoir through the second main line to the lubricant distribution system and the first pump is idle, the first main line venting back to the reservoir via the first pump.
US08978824B2	Turbomachinery with integrated pump The disclosed embodiments include self-lubricating oil feed systems that may include an integral bearing. The oil feed systems may include gear pumps suitable to minimize the axial profile of the oil feed systems. Additionally, the oil feed systems may be directly coupled to turbomachinery having a gear, and provide for mechanical support and lubrication of certain components of the turbomachinery. In certain embodiments, the oil feed systems enables the transfer of a lubrication fluid to the bearing during operations of the turbomachinery.
US08978820B2	Traveling fall protection system The invention provides a fall protection system for an individual maneuvering about a structure, the structure having structure sections disposed equidistant from each other and at least one transverse section extending between the equidistant sections, the system generally including a first cable support disposed on one of the equidistant structure sections, a second cable support disposed on another of the equidistant structure sections, a transverse cable support extending between the first and second cable supports, a rigid member operably associated with the transverse cable support and configured to span the distance between the first and second cable supports, and a personal fall arrest assembly attached to and movable relative to the transverse cable support, the transverse cable support and the rigid member are further configured to move relative to the equidistant and transverse structure sections and relative to the first and second cable supports.
US08978812B2	Construction machine An operator's seat mounting section (11) that is positioned in back side of a floor member (10) includes a seat plate (11D) for mounting an operator's seat (14) and an equipment mounting part (11F) that rises upward from the right side of the seat plate (11D), and a right operating lever assembly (16) is provided in front of the equipment mounting part (11F). A controller accommodating space (21) is provided to be positioned in back side of a console (16A) of the right operating lever assembly (16) and between a side surface (11F1) of the equipment mounting part (11F) of the operator's seat mounting section (11) and the operator's seat (14), and a controller (27) is mounted in the controller accommodating space (21) to control various kinds of electric equipment.
US08978811B2	Antitheft device for the steering mechanism of a motor vehicle An antitheft device for the steering column of a motor vehicle, in which a movable indexer includes a return spring for returning the movable indexer such that the indexer engages with at least one profile of a cam of the antitheft device, and in which the return spring of the indexer and a return spring of a bolt of the antitheft device are separate.
US08978807B2	Terrain traversing device having a wheel with microhooks A terrain traversing device is described. The device includes an annular rotor element with a plurality of co-planar microspine hooks arranged on the periphery of the annular rotor element. Each microspine hook has an independently flexible suspension configuration that permits the microspine hook to initially engage an irregularity in a terrain surface at a preset initial engagement angle and subsequently engage the irregularity with a continuously varying engagement angle when the annular rotor element is rotated for urging the terrain traversing device to traverse a terrain surface. Improvements related to the design, fabrication and use of the microspine hooks in the device are also described.
US08978803B2	Divided dual inlet housing for an air-based hybrid battery thermal conditioning system A divided dual inlet housing for an air-based hybrid battery thermal conditioning system which is configured such that HVAC air entering at the HVAC air inlet is prevented from partly backflowing out the cabin air inlet via a dividing wall disposed therein so that all the HVAC air exits the divided dual inlet housing at the air outlet.
US08978801B2	Hoist system and method A system includes a motor coupled to an energy source and coupled to a hoist pump. During one mode of use or operation, the motor cars receive electricity from the energy source and provide mechanical power to the hoist pump. A method includes directing a motor to mechanically couple to the hoist pump, and directing electrical power to flow from an energy source to the motor, and thereby to control the speed of hoist activity.
US08978795B2	Auxiliary roller An additional roller has a rigid frame, with a drivable wheel which is mounted in the frame and has an axle. The wheel together with the frame can be raised or lowered by pivoting relative to a chassis, on which the additional roller is to be mounted. A compression spring is coupled rotatably at one end to the chassis, in order, in the lowered position, to load the wheel in respect of ground contact. A transverse connection connects two frame parts in the direction of an axle of the wheel. The compression spring is coupled at the other end to the transverse connection. The compression spring together with the frame pivots about the chassis-mounted pivot point during raising and lowering of the wheel.
US08978793B2	Drive assembly, carriage and conveyor and method Disclosed is a drive assembly for providing a drive for a device, such as a vehicle or an advancing device such as a conveyor. The drive assembly includes a frame; a motor fixed relative to the frame for driving the drive assembly; at least two drive members providing a transmission interface between the drive assembly and a ground surface or a conveyor for driving; and at least one movement control assembly per drive member. The movement control assembly is coupled to the motor and at least one drive member, and provides movement control of the respective drive member relative to the frame.
US08978786B2	System and method for adjusting roller cone profile on hybrid bit An earth boring drill bit designed for a specific performance, within a finished product tolerance, using components built to a looser manufacturing tolerance. The bit may be assembled by selecting a leg from a plurality of pre-manufactured legs; selecting a bit body from a plurality of pre-manufactured bit bodies, the bit body having a slot for receiving the leg; placing the leg within the slot; and fixing the leg within the slot within the finished product tolerance by placing one or more shims between the leg and the slot. The shims may be used to adjust an axial position, a radial position, and/or a circumferential position of the leg with respect to the slot. The leg and the bit body may be selected, or produced, to ensure the bit will not meet the specification, given the manufacturing tolerance, without the shims.
US08978785B2	Air filtration for rock drilling A downhole tool to separate liquid from a drilling fluid includes a multi-vein cyclonic separator disposed within a housing, the cyclonic separator including at least two veins extending in a spiral along the length of the cyclonic separator, holes in the housing positioned adjacent to edges of veins of the cyclonic separator to allow liquid accelerated from the drilling fluid to exit the housing, and wherein the cyclonic separator is configured to provide high centrifugal forces to the drilling fluid downhole.
US08978781B2	Dust shroud for power tools A dust shroud assembly for a power tool includes a shroud portion, a barrel, and a helical spring. The barrel includes an upper portion slidably received within a first end portion of the shroud portion. The barrel defines a helical channel. The helical spring is at least partially rotatably engaged with the helical channel and rotationally fixed with respect to the shroud portion. The helical spring is configured to bias the barrel outwardly from the first end portion.
US08978779B2	Articulated cutting head and conveyor mount for sod harvesting machines An articulated cutting head and conveyor mount for sod harvesting machines. The invention provides a linkage design that can provide many benefits including: allowing the operator to see the cutting operation, enabling the high lifting of the cutting head for service and maneuvering, managing the vertical bending load of the ground reference roller, providing high transverse stiffness, maintaining the position of the conveyor relative to the cutting head. The linkage design can include fewer parts than previous designs while still being robust and durable. As such, cutting heads employing the linkage design of the present invention can produce higher quality slabs with less service and maintenance than when using current designs.
US08978774B2	System and method for drilling a subsea well A subsea mud pump can be used to return heavy drilling fluid to the surface. In order to provide a less stringent requirement for such a pump and to better manage the bottom hole pressure in the case of a gas kick or well control event, the gas should be separated from the drilling fluid before the drilling fluid enters the subsea mud pump and the pressure within the separating chamber. The mud pump suction should be controlled and kept equal or lower than the ambient seawater pressure. This can be achieved within the cavities of the subsea BOP by a system arrangement and methods explained. This function can be used with or without a drilling riser connecting the subsea BOP to a drilling unit above the body of water.
US08978773B2	Sliding sleeve bypass valve for well treatment A downhole bypass valve utilizes a stationary sleeve defining an interior ball-seat. When a dropped ball is seated, fluid differential pressure is diverted to an annular area adjacent a first sliding sleeve. The sleeve slides in response to the pressure differential upon shearing of a shear pin, or similar, and opens ports to the wellbore annulus. Treatment or maintenance operations can then occur through the ports, which can be fitted with nozzles. A second sliding sleeve, independent from the first, is operated in response to dropping a second ball into the device. The second ball diverts fluid differential pressure to an annular area adjacent the second sleeve and movement occurs when a shear pin shears. The second sleeve covers the ports to the wellbore annulus and closes the valve. After a sliding sleeve shifts, pressure across the sleeve is equalized, allowing reverse flow without risk of accidental sleeve actuation.
US08978769B2	Offshore hydrocarbon cooling system An offshore hydrocarbon cooling system is provided. The system includes one or more hydrocarbon process fluid heat exchangers arranged in heat exchange communication between a hydrocarbon process fluid and a cooling medium fluid, a cooling medium fluid distribution pipe system connected to the hydrocarbon process fluid heat exchangers, and a subsea cooling unit for cooling the cooling medium fluid. The subsea cooling unit includes an inlet and an outlet arranged in fluid communication with the cooling medium fluid distribution pipe system, one or more subsea cooling modules, a first conduit arranged to provide fluid communication between the inlet and the subsea cooling module(s) and a second conduit arranged to provide fluid communication between the subsea cooling module(s) and the outlet. Each cooling module comprises a plurality of cooling pipes configured in heat exchange relationship with surrounding seawater.
US08978767B2	Subsea well intervention lubricator and method for subsea pumping A subsea well service system and method are presented for use with an subsea pump capable of flushing the well intervention lubricator of an underwater hydrocarbons production facility. The system essentially includes at least one pump placed at a subsea location in proximity to the well intervention lubricator, and at least one fluid reservoir connected to the pump.
US08978765B2	System and method for operating multiple valves A valve system for providing fluid flow through radial openings disposed along an axial length of a tubular. The tubular comprises at least one valve group containing at least two valves operable by one drop ball. An inset 302 e.g. of standard grade steel provided in a harder liner 301 in the opening provides an intermediate small opening for at least the time required to open all the remaining valves in the group. The small opening limits the pressure drop over the valve. When all valves are open, the insets 302 are eroded away by an abrasive material, e.g. a slurry used for hydraulic fracturing, and permanent full openings are created.
US08978763B2	Adjustable fracturing system An adjustable fracturing system is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a fracturing manifold coupled to a fracturing tree to allow the fracturing tree to receive fracturing fluid from the fracturing manifold. The system also includes an adjustment joint configured to be varied in length to facilitate coupling of the fracturing manifold to the fracturing tree. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
US08978762B2	Well servicing fluid and method of servicing a well with the fluid A well servicing fluid is formulated by combining ingredients comprising: an aqueous based fluid comprising sulfate ions at a concentration greater than 50 mg/l; a chelating agent; and an acid in an amount sufficient to result in the well servicing fluid having a pH of 4.5 or less. A method of servicing a well is also disclosed.
US08978761B2	Hydrated sheet silicate minerals for reducing permeability in a well A method of treating a treatment zone in a well is provided. The method includes the step of introducing into the treatment zone: (a) a hydrated sheet silicate mineral; and (b) a chemical activator for expanding the hydrated sheet silicate mineral. According to an embodiment, a method of treating a treatment zone in a well, where the method includes the steps of, in any order: (a) introducing into the treatment zone a first treatment fluid, wherein the first treatment fluid includes: (i) a hydrated sheet silicate mineral; and (ii) water; and (b) introducing into the zone a second treatment fluid including a chemical activator for expanding the hydrated sheet silicate mineral in the treatment zone.
US08978758B2	Oil recovery process using crossed hortizonal wells A method of the simultaneous production of oil and combustion gases using gravity phase segregation and gravity drainage to produce hydrocarbons from a subterranean oil-bearing formation. Such method comprises initially injecting a fluid such as a solvent, steam, or an oxidizing gas through a pair of horizontal wells placed high in the formation and producing oil through a plurality of parallel lower horizontal wells situated low in the reservoir, each lower horizontal well perpendicularly disposed to said upper horizontal wells. In a preferred embodiment well liner segments are provided in lower horizontal wells, having apertures therein, to allow oil to flow into said lower horizontal wells. At locations where an upper horizontal well traverses a lower horizontal well such well liners possess no apertures thereby preventing oxidizing gas injected in said upper horizontal wells from flowing directly into said lower horizontal wells at such point at which said lower wells are traversed by said upper wells.
US08978756B2	Hydrocarbon processing apparatus including resonant frequency tracking and related methods A device for processing hydrocarbon resources in a subterranean formation having a laterally extending wellbore therein may include a radio frequency (RF) antenna configured to be positioned within the laterally extending wellbore, and at least one feedback conductor configured to be positioned along the laterally extending wellbore. The device may also include an RF circuit configured to supply RF power to the hydrocarbon resources via the RF antenna. The RF circuit may be configured to supply the RF power at a frequency tracking a resonant frequency of the RF antenna and the RF circuit and based upon the at least one feedback conductor.
US08978755B2	Gravity drainage startup using RF and solvent The method begins by forming a gravity drainage production well pair within a formation comprising an injection well and a production well. The pre-soaking stage begins by soaking at least one of the wellbores of the well pair with a solvent, wherein the solvent does not include water. The pre-heating stage begins by heating the soaked wellbore of the well pair to produce a vapor. The squeezing stage begins by introducing the vapor into the soaked wellbore of the well pair, and can thus overlap with the pre-heating stage. The gravity drainage production begins after the squeezing stage, once the wells are in thermal communication and the heavy oil can drain to the lower well.
US08978754B2	Controllably-deformable inflatable sleeve, production method thereof and use of same for pressure metering applications An inflatable sleeve or packer includes a mandrel that extends along a longitudinal axis and a sealed inflatable jacket which is connected to the mandrel and selectively adopts a rest configuration or a maximum inflation configuration. The sleeve also includes a restraining sheath which covers the inflatable jacket and is at least partially formed by essentially inextensible fibers including peripheral fibers which each extend around the longitudinal axis, the peripheral fibers adopting a pleated configuration for the rest configuration of the jacket and a stretched configuration for the maximum inflation configuration thereof.
US08978752B2	Electric submersible pump band basket catcher A basket catcher for catching debris such as broken metal bands from an oil borehole casing as production tubing is withdrawn. The basket catcher has a collar that includes a series of spring-tensioned blades directed upwardly catch debris as the basket is withdrawn through the casing, preventing the debris from occluding the borehole.
US08978747B2	Deicing louvers for datacenter applications A datacenter may use heat collected from a heat exchanger at the exhaust portion of a cooling system to heat inlet louvers for an atmospheric intake. The louvers may have fluid passages through which heated fluid may pass and cause the louvers to heat up. The heated louvers may operate during periods of snow, rain, high humidity, or other conditions to eliminate condensation, snow and ice buildup, or other problems. In some embodiments, a liquid may be passed through the louvers, while in other embodiments, heated air or other gas may be passed through conductive paths in the louvers. In a heated air system, holes in the louvers may allow the heated air to enter the incoming airstream to regulate the incoming temperature to the datacenter.
US08978745B2	Exhaust gas heat recovery heat exchanger having a lobed tube coil An exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) heat exchanger, for recovering waste heat from the hot exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, having a housing and a cylindrical body disposed within the housing. The cylindrical body defines a central passageway and together with the housing defines an annular passageway for the flow of hot exhaust gases. A bypass means is disposed within the central passageway and adapted to selectively by-pass at least a portion of the exhaust gas from the central passageway to the annular passageway. The EGHR heat exchanger also includes at least one fluid tube extending along a tube axis and having at least one lobe extending the length of the tube thereby defining a lobed tube. The lobed tube is twisted about the tube axis forming a twisted lobed tube which is then coiled about the longitudinal axis within the annular exhaust gas passageway.
US08978741B2	Device for reducing temperature variations in plenums A device for reducing temperature variation in a plenum includes at least one pipe and a plurality of sumps containing a fluid operable to vary between a liquid state and a gaseous state depending upon a temperature of the fluid. The plurality of sumps are positioned at various locations within the plenum and the at least one pipe is in fluid communication with the plurality of sumps. In addition, the fluid, in the gaseous state, is caused to move through the at least one pipe and condense, thereby reducing the temperature at the location of the sump where the fluid was vaporized and thereby reducing temperature variation in the plenum.
US08978740B2	Heat exchanger A heat exchanger includes a bundle of tubes, which can be inserted into a tubular housing. Exhaust gas can flow through the tubes. A coolant duct can be arranged between the tubes. The bundle of tubes can have at least one grid-like securing structure which supports the bundle in the housing. The behavior of the heat exchanger with respect to vibrations is affected by outwardly curved metallic springs attached to the bundle of tubes which may be deformed in the opposite direction to the insertion direction of the bundle into the housing. The spring force is directed against the housing in order to dampen vibrations. The heat exchanger can also include an elastic device for permitting a change in length caused by temperature changes.
US08978737B2	Molding system The present invention discloses a molding system, more particularly, a shrinking type molding system comprising an outer mold, an inner mold and a first pattern layer. An adjustable gap is formed between the outer mold and the inner mold to contain a work piece therein. Furthermore, the work piece with a pattern structure on the surface thereof can be formed by the first pattern layer. The difference between the present invention and the prior art is that the molding system of the present invention is capable of optionally or simultaneously forming the pattern structure on the inner surface or the outer surface of the work piece, so as to solve the long last problem that not all the surfaces of the work piece could have the pattern structure thereon in the prior art.
US08978736B2	Plunger with removable plunger tip Described herein is a plunger of an injection molding machine, comprising a plunger body; a plunger tip that is a separate element from the plunger body and comprises an end surface configured to directly contact a molten material used in injection molding in the injection molding machine; wherein thermal conductance across the end surface of the plunger tip may be adjustable by moving the plunger tip relative to the plunger body such that temperature of the plunger tip may be adjusted during injection molding. When this plunger is used to injection molding of a BMG, it allows reduction of formation of crystalline phases near the plunger tip and allows replacement of the plunger tip without replacement of the plunger body.
US08978734B2	Methods of forming at least a portion of earth-boring tools, and articles formed by such methods Methods of forming at least a portion of an earth-boring tool include providing particulate matter including a hard material in a mold cavity, melting a metal and the hard material to form a molten composition comprising a eutectic or near-eutectic composition of the metal and the hard material, casting the molten composition to form the at least a portion of an earth-boring tool within the mold cavity, and providing an inoculant within the mold cavity. Methods of forming a roller cone of an earth-boring rotary drill bit include forming a molten composition, casting the molten composition within a mold cavity, solidifying the molten composition to form the roller cone, and controlling grain growth using an inoculant as the molten composition solidifies. Articles including components of earth-boring tools are fabricated using such methods.
US08978726B2	Flat-running device for motor vehicle and mounted assembly incorporating same Flat-running device for fitting to a tubeless mounted assembly for a motor vehicle and a mounted assembly incorporating same is provided. The device is configured for a wheel rim (in several parts includes an annular supporting structure of the casing designed to be mounted around the rim and divided into sectors in an arc of a circle that are articulated together by connection members, and members for locking the beads against these edges which are designed to connect the annular supporting structure to these beads. The connection members including two spindles extending in the axial direction and respectively attached in two adjacent sectors and connected together by an articulation extending in the circumferential direction of the device, the articulation having a rigid lug with two through-holes or else a flexible link with two loops, the or the link being articulated on these spindles by these two holes or loops, respectively.
US08978724B2	Pneumatic tire/rim assembly Provided is a pneumatic tire/rim assembly which is improved in the run-flat durability with the mass of the tire being reduced. In a pneumatic tire/rim assembly with a run-flat capability, an air bladder (2) made of a circular ring-shaped film body is inserted inside a pneumatic tire (1) mounted on a rim (R). At least part of the film body is formed of a sealing layer (3) made of a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer composition obtained by blending an elastomer in a thermoplastic resin.
US08978723B2	Solid vacuum wheel and tire assembly A solid vacuum wheel and tire assembly incorporating a vacuum to adhere a solid tire in place against a wheel rim, allowing for safe and reliable operation. The assembly incorporates a flexible solid tire core which contracts into place after a vacuum is applied, contracting and adhering directly onto the wheel rim and filling a void between the rim and tire, having no air pressure to go flat or release if punctured. Vacuum channels installed along the wheel rim direct a vacuum seal to the tire core. A vacuum valve is installed into a vacuum chamber, which acts as a conduit to direct the vacuum throughout the assembly. The solid tire incorporates a possible concave shaped tire tread configuration, tire tread rubber and a steel belt. The solid tire core material comprising of solid or porous rubber, jell or a combination of each provides a solid flexible non-pneumatic core structure.
US08978722B2	Pneumatic tire tread with groove unit comprising a main groove and an auxiliary groove both meandering in a wavy or zigzag manner A pneumatic tire comprising a tread portion, side wall portions, and bead portions. The tread portion of said pneumatic tire includes at least one groove unit including a main groove extending in a tire circumferential direction and an auxiliary groove extending in the tire circumferential direction that has a smaller width than that of the main groove. The main groove and/or the auxiliary groove meanders in a wave or zigzag manner, and the main groove and the auxiliary groove intersect so as to intertwine with each other. Additionally, a rib portion extending in the tire circumferential direction is disposed adjacent along the groove unit including the main groove and the auxiliary groove.
US08978718B2	Purge device and load port apparatus including the same To generate a gas-curtain for a load-port-apparatus and to supply a purge-gas into a pod by a single gas source, provided is a gas purge device including: purge nozzles extending along an outer side of side edges of the opening portion; a curtain nozzle arranged above an upper edge of the opening portion; a gas supply pipe arranged in parallel to each purge nozzle, for supplying an inert gas to the purge nozzle and the curtain nozzle, the gas being supplied from the gas supply pipe to the purge nozzle in a direction orthogonal to an extending direction of the gas supply pipe; and a conductance adjusting unit arranged at an end portion of the gas supply pipe, for generating a pressure loss in a gas flow in a configuration in which the gas is supplied to the curtain nozzle at the end portion of the gas supply pipe.
US08978717B2	Cap unit for puncture repair A cap unit is provided with: a cap body having a first flow channel for feeding the compressed air from a compressor into a bottle container, and a second flow channel for sequentially taking out a puncture repair agent and the compressed air from the bottle container; and a first and second inner lids which are independent from one another and which close the first and second flow channels. The cap body has a boss portion extending upward from the bottom surface of a mouth portion securing recess, and provided with a first inner lid securing portion. The first inner lid is fitted into the first inner lid securing portion The upper opening portion of the first flow channel opens further inward than the first inner lid securing portion, and the upper opening portion of the second flow channel opens further outward than the first inner lid securing portion.
US08978716B2	Vehicle-carried air compression device A vehicle-carried air compression device includes a case installed with an air compressor therein, a tire repairing container containing a liquid adhesive, and a flexible linking tube. An air inlet coupler of the tire repairing container is connected with an air outlet manifold of the air compressor. An end of the flexible linking tube is coupled to an adhesive outlet coupler of the tire repairing container, and the other end of the flexible linking tube is combined with a protection adapter for coupling to a tire nipple. Before the protection adapter is connected with the tire nipple, the other end of the flexible linking tube is closed by the protection adapter, so that the liquid adhesive in the tire repairing container will not shoot out suddenly because of improper handling.
US08978715B2	Method for filling a tank with pressurized gas The invention relates to a method for filling a tank with pressurized gas, particularly hydrogen in the tank of a vehicle, using a filling station that comprises: a plurality of buffer containers for containing the pressurized gas and filling the tank through successive pressure balancing phases; a device for generating a pressurized gas and for filling said buffer containers from a fluid source; wherein the method comprises a tank filling step by gas transfer from a buffer container and simultaneously by gas transfer directly from the source via the gas generation device, characterized in that the pressurized-gas generation device includes a compressor connected to the buffer containers and in that the compressor supplies gas to the tank from a gas source including a first buffer container for at least part of a pressure balancing phase between at least one second buffer container and a tank, the buffer containers being successively used as sources by the compressor after being used for pressure balancing with the tank.
US08978712B2	Flexible tubes The present invention relates to a flexible tube with folding bellows and a plurality of convolutes formed in the wall of the tube and the folding bellows has a convolute which has two opposite bending zones and two restricted elongation zones, where the arrangement has the restricted elongation zones between the opposite bending zones, and the height of the external surface of the convolutes in the restricted elongation zones is below the height of the external surface of the convolutes in the bending zones but still above external surface of the tube, and the wall thickness of the flexible tube in at least one restricted elongation zone in at least one convolute, preferably in all convolutes, of the restricted elongation zones of the tube is specifically greater than the wall thickness in the bending zones.
US08978708B2	Tubular liner for the rehabilitation of defective sewers with an integral longitudinal pull strap and reinforcing layer A tubular liner for rehabilitating sewers has a reinforcing layer being expandable in the circumferential direction and formed of fiber rovings and impregnated with a curable reactive resin. The tubular liner has an outer tubular film which encloses the reinforcing layer and is formed of a material that can be expanded radially. A longitudinal pull strap is provided and absorbs the tensile forces acting on the tubular liner when the tubular liner is inserted into the sewer. The tubular film has a laminated nonwoven layer on the side facing the reinforcing layer. The longitudinal pull strap is located between the nonwoven layer and the reinforcing layer and is in immediate contact with the outer side of the reinforcing layer and the nonwoven layer. The longitudinal pull strap has a width of less than 50% of a length of the outer circumference of the reinforcing layer.
US08978705B2	Apparatus for reducing turbulence in a fluid stream A system for conveying fluid includes a conduit segment and a pump disposed downstream of and fluidicly coupled to the conduit segment. The conduit segment has an interior volume for conveying the fluid in a predetermined direction of flow and a plurality of elongate vanes disposed within the interior volume.
US08978702B2	Fluid processing apparatus and processing method A fluid processing apparatus for processing a material to be processed between processing surfaces of processing members capable of approaching to and separating from each other, so as to rotate relative to each other, introduces a first fluid between the processing surfaces, introduces a second fluid between the processing surfaces from another flow path independent of the first fluid, and mixes and stirs the first and second fluids between the processing surfaces to undergo treatment. A processing member is composed by assembling a plurality of divided components of the processing member. An opening and a flow path are formed in the space between the plurality of components. This eliminates the need to create all ring-shaped disks which are the processing member as one block, and also eliminates the need to substantially process the flow path leading to the opening, thereby making it possible to easily undergo decomposition and cleaning.
US08978700B2	Valve cartridge with improved flow rate One-handle and two-handle valve cartridges have an increased maximum flow rate and/or a decreased size (e.g., volume). Accordingly, the valve cartridges achieve an improved flow rate to volume relationship.
US08978696B2	Check valve A check valve is provided for use with variable frequency drives and other applications. In one aspect, the check valve provides a poppet guided by a poppet guide in at least two locations to ensure stability between fully open and fully closed positions. In another aspect, the check valve includes a poppet guide adapted to receive a poppet in a stem receiving channel, the stem receiving channel including guide vanes engaging the poppet and auxilliary channels for self cleaning.
US08978692B2	Pilot valve for a pressure reducing valve A pilot valve (2) for controlling operation of a hydraulically-actuated pressure reducing valve, the pilot valve including a housing (4), and a first valve member (15) mounted in the housing for longitudinal movement along an axis relative to the housing and to a second valve member (22) in response to the outlet pressure of the pressure reducing valve. The first valve member is provided with an aperture (20) and the second valve member comprises a closure portion which varies the effective flow cross section of the aperture in accordance with relative longitudinal movement between the first and second valve members. An adjuster (26) controls the relative rotational position of the first and second valve members, the closure portion having a profile such that relative rotation between the first and second valve members causes the closure portion to vary the effective flow cross section of the aperture (20).
US08978685B2	Valve assembly for compressed air cartridge A valve assembly in accordance with the present invention includes a head portion and a body portion. A throughbore extends through both the head portion and the body portion. A normal fluid flow path is formed within the valve assembly to provide for the controlled exit of a fluid. The valve assembly also includes an automatic pressure-relieving mechanism. The pressure-relieving mechanism includes a disc designed to burst or rupture at a predetermined pressure and an over-pressure fluid flow path for controlling the egress of over-pressure fluid.
US08978680B2	Removably mountable roof frame for use with an expandable canopy An erectable canopy framework comprising a base frame and a roof frame. The roof frame is operative to support a canopy above the base frame and is removably mountable to the base frame. The base frame includes a plurality of upright support members, a plurality of cross members, each interconnecting adjacent upright support members, and a plurality of mounts disposed on the upright support members. Each mount includes a mount opening and each cross member includes a scissor assembly to permit movement of the base frame between expanded and a collapsed states. The mounts are operative to fasten the cross members to the upright support members. The roof frame includes a plurality of rafters each connectable to a corresponding mount opening. The framework comprises a plurality of rafter fittings each adapted for insertion into a corresponding mount opening and connectable to a corresponding rafter.
US08978678B1	Mobile sheltered workstation A mobile sheltered workstation includes a housing. The workstation includes a main support member having a lower end coupled to the housing and extending upwardly therefrom, the main support member being length adjustable and telescopically movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. A canopy framework includes a lower end selectively coupled to an upper end of the main support member and movable between a stowed configuration adjacent the housing and a deployed configuration displaced from the housing. A canopy is selectively coupled to the canopy framework and configured to cover a geometric area thereof.
US08978674B2	Water-bearing domestic appliance with a water diverter A water-bearing domestic appliance, in particular a dishwasher or washing machine, having a water diverter which is formed by an adjustable fluid distributor body provided with one or more passage openings. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, respective passage openings connect a respective water supply path to a respective water discharge path in such a way that the direction of flow of water into and out of the passage openings is established in essentially the same direction of flow of water.
US08978672B2	Electronic acoustic signal generating device and electronic acoustic signal generating method A device includes a touch panel, a display circuit that displays a manipulator on the touch panel, an acceleration sensor that detects an acceleration when a touching action is performed on the manipulator on the touch panel, a storage section that acquires acceleration data that shows the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor, and saves n number of items of the acceleration data in sequence of newest first; a processing circuit that saves k (wherein k
US08978668B2	Device for making artificial nails A device for making artificial nails from a synthetic material comprises a semi-rectangular metallic film-coated plastic sheet and a wax-coated sheet. The wax-coated sheet has a first surface, a second surface and adhesive material on one of the surfaces which attaches the wax-coated sheet to the semi-rectangular metal film-coated plastic sheet so that the latter sheet is removable. The semi-rectangular metallic film-coated plastic sheet comprises a dotted symmetry line, a pair of symmetrical internal flaps and a pair of external flaps to fasten the device on a finger of a human hand, a removable cover having a base and an ergonomic design of a human fingernail, which when removed defines a hole shaped as a fingernail, and a central section having a template with a grid for making artificial nails of different sizes ranging from 3 mm to 42 mm.
US08978667B2	Apparatus and method for managing hair pins The present invention is an apparatus comprising a bobby pin holder, a bobby pin opening mechanism, and an adjustable bracelet made out of a durable material such as a leather strap that wraps around the user's wrist and is secured in place. The most preferred embodiments of the present invention include a bobby pin opening mechanism that has a pair of wedge shaped edges that can be used to open bobby pins by pressing the legs of the bobby pin against one of the wedge shaped edges, thereby forcing the legs of the bobby pin apart and opening the bobby pin for use by a hair dresser or hair stylist. Additionally, one or more ridges formed in the body of the bobby pin opening mechanism may be used to hold the bobby pin opened and ready for use.
US08978666B2	Method for providing maximum malodor and irritation control A method for reducing irritation on an intimate area comprising: applying an intimate cleansing product to the intimate area; rinsing the intimate cleansing product from the intimate area; applying a shave preparation to the intimate area; shaving the intimate area; wherein the intimate cleansing product comprises a malodor active.
US08978665B2	Nail polish device The invention provides a nail polish device for applying or removing nail polish. The nail polish device comprises a liquid delivering material for delivering a liquid nail polish or liquid nail polish removing composition; a main body structure substantially enclosing the liquid delivering material with an opening for receiving the fingers or toes of the user during use; and a vapor inhibiting material disposed on the main body structure, along the surface proximal to the liquid delivering material. The vapor inhibiting material is effective in inhibiting vapors and/or excess liquids from the liquid nail polish or removing composition by either absorbing same and/or neutralizing same.

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