| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08992650B2 |
Air filter with tensile support member
An apparatus and method for an air filter media and frame having structural support members, including a tensile support member. |
| US08992649B2 |
Explosion-proof enclosures with active thermal management using sintered elements
Enclosures for use in hazardous areas include sintered filters for thermal management. The enclosures include an opening to which a filter holder housing and sintered filter are coupled. The enclosures can also include a second opening to which a vent or a second filter holder housing and sintered filter are coupled. The internal temperature of the enclosures can be actively managed by such a system because air within the enclosure can be displaced to and from the atmosphere through the sintered filters. Air from the atmosphere enters the enclosure via the second opening and exits the enclosure via the first opening. |
| US08992643B2 |
Imide cross-linked binders for abrasive articles
An abrasive article includes a fibrous substrate, a binder disposed on the fibrous substrate, and abrasive grains in contact with the binder. The binder includes an imide cross-linked urethane derived from a blocked isocyanate component and an anhydride component. |
| US08992639B2 |
Process for purifying solid carboniferous fuels prior to combustion, liquefaction or gasification using a rotary chamber
Solid carboniferous fuels contain varying quantities of moisture, mercury, chlorine, nitrogen, sulfur, heavy metals and other materials that attain vapor pressure at elevated temperatures. The cost effective removal of these degrading and sometimes hazardous materials is important to the further use of the fuel for combustion as a solid, liquid, or gas. The solid fuel is cut, shredded, ground or sieved to appropriate size, and heated in a chamber that can exclude oxygen and air thus preventing ignition. The unwanted materials are driven in the gaseous state and extracted for disposal. The solid fuel cleaned of pollutants exits the chamber and is cooled below ignition temperature prior to contact with oxygen. The solid fuel thus purified is more appropriate for combustion, liquefaction or gasification due to the reduced costs in use as a fuel or in the post combustion clean up. |
| US08992638B2 |
Pre-burning, dry process methodology and systems for enhancing mettallurgical solid fuel properties
Measurements are taken of moisture, BTU/lb (British Thermal Units per pound), ash, forms of sulfur, volatile material, grindability, and absorption properties of any of a wide variety of mine-run solid fuels. Using that information, a dry electromagnetic process technology has been developed that can be controlled and monitored to selectively alter and enhance metallurgical solid fuel properties. Specific changes include altering the mechanical structure and chemical composition of solid fuels such as coal, coal coke or petroleum coke, increasing the BTU/lb to optimum levels, decreasing all forms of sulfur, and decreasing ash, while maintaining the BTU/lb of the fuels. A new family of solid fuel designer coals not found in nature can be produced via these methods and apparatus. |
| US08992637B2 |
Remote additive application
The present disclosure is directed to the application of additives to a feed material at a location remote from an industrial facility using the feed material. |
| US08992631B2 |
Theft prevention of media peripherals in a media exchange network
Systems and methods of theft prevention of communication devices are provided. In one embodiment, the method may include, for example, one or more of the following: registering a communication device being used at a home, where the device is connected to a communication network; entering validation information relating to the communication device; and analyzing the validation information to determine whether the communication device is authorized for use in the communication network. |
| US08992626B2 |
Knee prosthesis with guided extension and flexion
An orthopaedic knee joint prosthesis (10) provides guided motion in a wide range of motion, and in both extension and flexion. In flexion, a tibial bearing component (16) shifts to a first position in which a posterior cam (36) formed in a femoral component (12) engages a tibial spine (18) coupled to a tibial component (14). Contact between the posterior cam and the spine guides the motion profile of the knee joint prosthesis throughout a wide range of flexion movement. In extension, the bearing component shifts to a second position in which an anterior cam (34) formed in the femoral component engages the spine. Contact between the anterior cam and spine guides the motion profile of the knee joint prosthesis throughout a wide range of extension. The anterior and posterior cams, mobile bearing component, and tibial component-mounted spine cooperate to facilitate guided flexion and extension of the knee joint prosthesis throughout a wide range of motion. |
| US08992617B2 |
Adjustable intervertebral implant
An expandable intervertebral implant (10) includes a first member (20), a second member (40), and a collar operatively associated with the first and second members, wherein the collar includes a threaded mechanism so that rotation of the collar causes the second member to axially move with respect to the first member. The implant includes a ratchet mechanism (50, 80) so that when at least a predetermined amount of force is applied, the second member moves with respect to the first member in an axial, ratchet-type manner. The collar preferably includes a drive ring (60) rotatably attached to the first member and a ratchet ring (80) operatively associated with the drive ring. The ratchet ring includes an inner bore having at least one corresponding ratchet thread tooth form formed thereon for engaging a ratchet thread tooth form formed on the second member. |
| US08992613B2 |
Unshrunken tissue equivalent and methods for producing such an unshrunken tissue equivalent
The invention relates to a method for producing an unshrunken tissue equivalent. Said method is comprising in that: a mixture is produced that contains at least one element of an extracellular matrix; at least one pluridimensional medium is soaked with said mixture; from the components of the mixture, a lattice comprising at least one element of an extracellular matrix is produced, at least at the medium; at least part of the components of said mixture is attached to the structure of the medium; the shrinking of at least the lattice is prevented and at least said lattice is tensioned on said medium; fibroblasts are integrated into the lattice and at least one cell culture of said fibroblasts is carried out, at least in the lattice. The invention also relates to a method for producing a skin equivalent that comprises at least one dermal equivalent formed by an unshrunken tissue equivalent and at least one epidermal equivalent. |
| US08992610B2 |
Hermetically sealed implantable ophthalmic devices and methods of making same
Many modern implantable ophthalmic devices include electronic components, such as electro-active cells, that can leak harmful substances into the eye and/or surrounding tissue. In the implantable ophthalmic devices disclosed herein, electronic components are hermetically scaled within cavities formed by bonding together two or more glass wafers. Bonding the glass wafers together with laser fusion bonding, pressure bonding, or anodic bonding creates a seal that leaks at a rate of less than about 5×10−12 Pa m3 s−1 when subjected to a helium leak test. Hermetically sealed feedthroughs formed of conductive material running through channels in the wafers provide electrical connections to components inside the sealed cavities. In some cases, the conductive material has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is roughly equal to (e.g., within 10% of) the CTE of the glass wafers to minimize leakage due to thermally induced expansion and contraction of the conductive material and the glass wafer. |
| US08992608B2 |
Everting heart valve
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve, wrapping at least a portion of the replacement valve about the anchor, and expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration. |
| US08992605B2 |
Device and method for reducing mitral valve regurgitation
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a prosthesis that can be implanted within a heart to at least partially block gaps that may be present between the two mitral valve leaflets. In one preferred embodiment, the prosthesis includes an anchoring ring that expands within the left atrium to anchor the prosthesis and a pocket member fixed to the anchoring ring. When the mitral valve is open, blood flows past the pocket member, maintaining the pocket member in a collapsed state. When the mitral valve closes, the backpressure of the blood pushes into the pocket member, expanding the pocket member to an inflated shape. The mitral valve leaflets contact the expanded pocket member, allowing the prosthesis to block at least a portion of the openings between the leaflets, thereby minimizing regurgitated blood flow into the left atrium. |
| US08992604B2 |
Techniques for percutaneous mitral valve replacement and sealing
Apparatus and methods are described, including one or more valve support guide members that are delivered to one or more commissures of a native atrioventricular valve of a patient. A prosthetic valve support is advanced toward the native valve along the one or more valve support guide members and placed at the native valve. A prosthetic valve is coupled to the valve support. One or more sealing elements facilitate sealing of an interface between the prosthetic valve support and the native valve. Other applications are also described. |
| US08992603B2 |
Coated devices and method of making coated devices that reduce smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet activity
The present invention relates generally to the maintenance of blow flood using drug eluting stents and/or other coated medical devices to increased length of time of blood flow. Further, the present invention relates to drug-releasing coated devices for reducing smooth muscle cell proliferation and platelet activity to further limit restenosis utilizing resveratrol and quercetin, polyphenols that are linked to the cardioprotection of red wine consumption. The present invention also provides products and methods for treating or preventing atherosclerosis, stenosis, restenosis, smooth muscle cell proliferation, platelet cell activation and other clotting mechanisms, occlusive disease, or other abnormal lumenal cellular proliferation condition in a location within the body of a patient. |
| US08992599B2 |
Valve component, frame component and prosthetic valve device including the same for implantation in a body lumen
A prosthetic valve device, including a valve component, frame and methods of manufacturing the same. The present invention, in some embodiments, is a prosthetic valve device having an optimized valve component for durability and functionality of the collapsible leaflets. Specially designed commissures contribute to the optimization along with identified parameters. In other embodiments, the invention, is a frame formed from a unique cutting pattern. |
| US08992598B2 |
Biomedical valve devices, support frames for use in such devices, and related methods
Biomedical valve devices, support frames for use in such devices, methods of making such devices, and methods of treating animals, including humans, for valve-related conditions are described. The biomedical valve devices can includes a native tissue valve attached to a support frame or a tissue attached to a support frame in a manner to form a valve. The tissue valve or tissue can be autogenous to the animal being treated. |
| US08992594B2 |
Graft devices and methods of use
A tubular graft device is provided comprising a tubular member and a fiber matrix of one or more polymers about a circumference of the tubular member. The matrix may be electrospun onto the tubular tissue. In one embodiment, the tubular tissue is from a vein, such as a harvested saphenous vein, useful as an arterial graft, for example and without limitation, in a coronary artery bypass procedure. Also provided is method of preparing a tubular graft and connecting the graft between a first body space and a second body space, such as the aorta and a location on an occluded coronary artery, distal to the occlusion. |
| US08992583B2 |
Flexible plate fixation of bone fractures
Embodiments provide methods, apparatuses, and systems for fixation of a fractured bone. In various embodiments, the systems and plates may provide elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate. This elastic suspension may promote load distribution between the screws that connect a bone segment to the plate, thereby reducing stress risers and load shielding effect. In addition, stress at the screw holes, and within the construct as a whole, is reduced by incorporation of these elastic elements in the plate. Additionally, in some embodiments, for instance if fracture healing by callus formation is desired, elastic suspension of the receiving holes relative to the osteosynthesis plate may enable small, controlled amounts of relative motion between bone fragments connected by the plate, which may promote fracture healing by callus formation. |
| US08992579B1 |
Lateral fixation constructs and related methods
This disclosure describes a several examples of a surgical fixation system including a plurality of anchor assemblies connected by one or more spinal rods. The anchor assemblies include a staple, bone anchor, staple cap, and lock nut. The surgical fixation system is configured for implantation on a lateral aspect of the spine. |
| US08992578B2 |
Anchoring systems and methods for correcting spinal deformities
Spinal anchoring methods and devices are provided that are effective to correct spinal deformities while allowing some flexibility to the spinal. In particular, the methods and devices allow a spinal fixation element to mate to several adjacent vertebrae to maintain the vertebrae at a fixed distance relative to one another, yet to allow the orientation of each vertebrae relative to the fixation element to adjust as the orientation of the patient's spine changes. |
| US08992571B2 |
Suture clip
A suture clip having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface with a perimeter sidewall extending therebetween. An aperture extends completely through the clip between the top and bottom surfaces to form a slot. The slot extends into the clip from a mouth at a periphery on a first end of the clip to divide the clip into first and second lateral portions that are separated at the first end but connected at a second end of the clip. The slot is bounded by opposing inner sidewalls of the first and second lateral portions extending between the top and bottom surfaces of the clip. The clip has a sufficient resilient force to allow a suture to be slid into the slot and has a sufficient clamping force to retain the suture in place within the slot once a desired positioned of the suture has been attained. |
| US08992568B2 |
Systems and methods for cerebrospinal fluid repair
A system and method for treating a defect. The system may comprise a first expandable barrier insertable into a defect interior space in a compact state and then expanded once positioned inside the defect. The first expandable barrier is expanded to be positioned against the inner surface of the defect. The system may also comprise a second barrier which may be expandable, positioned against the outer surface of the defect. Each of the first and second barriers may expand laterally to a greater extent than axially. The first and second barriers may be in communication through a connection member which couples the two barriers together. The barriers each obliterate the defect and can prevent subsequent CSF or other fluid leaks. Fibrin glue may be introduced into the defect to seal and secure the barriers to the defect. Each barrier may comprise a mesh, a basket, an umbrella or a balloon. |
| US08992567B1 |
Compressible, deformable, or deflectable tissue closure devices and method of manufacture
A vascular closure system includes a swellable or bioabsorbable sealing element and a plunger advancement tool. The sealing element and plunger advancement tool is configured to be inserted into the inside of a tubular medical device (such as a vascular introducer sheath, catheter, cannula, trocar, electrode wire, etc.) with the sealing element being advanced distally past the end of the tubular medical device to a desired area within the body (near or at least partially within an arteriotomy, for example) by the plunger. Once in contact with blood (or other fluid) the sealing element may swell, sealing the puncture site. The system may include one of several different features designed to assist the physician to position the sealing element in the desired location. Additional versions of the system described herein can be used for cardiovascular applications where hemostasis (temporary or permanent) is desired. Additionally, the system can be used with simple modifications for any vessel, area on, in or near any vessel, tissue area, tubular structure, duct, organ, hollow body cavity, chamber, tissue wall, or any other structures or tissues, where temporary or permanent sealing, plugging, reduction of flow, reduction of an open space, stabilization or reinforcement is needed. The system is adaptable for use in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neurological, reproductive, lymphatic, respiratory, and orthopedic procedures. |
| US08992564B2 |
Instrument for minimally invasive surgery
An instrument for minimally invasive surgery suitable for use with a manipulator comprising a tube provided at its first end with a mouthpiece wherein control means for the mouthpiece pass through the tube, and wherein at a second end of the tube opposite to the first end comprising the mouthpiece control organs are provided that are coupled with the control means for the mouthpiece that are passing through the tube. |
| US08992562B2 |
Filter delivery system
A filter delivery device for implanting a vessel filter within a blood vessel of a patient's body. The filter delivery device includes a mechanism for preventing hooks and/or legs on a vessel filter from entangling with each other while the vessel filter is loaded within the delivery device. In one variation, the filter delivery device includes a delivery catheter with grooves at the distal end lumen opening. When a vessel filter with radially expanding legs is compressed and inserted into the distal end of the delivery catheter, the hooks on the distal end of the legs are received and separated by the corresponding grooves on the delivery catheter. In another variation, a pusher rod, with a receptacle for receiving the hooks, is positioned within a delivery catheter to prevent the entanglement of the hooks and/or legs of a filter loaded within the delivery catheter. |
| US08992561B2 |
Intragastric device
Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided. |
| US08992558B2 |
Lateral access system for the lumbar spine
A minimally invasive dilation device includes a plurality of rigid arms radially arrayed about a center and a dilating member positioned between the arms. A stylus may occupy the center. An outer flexible sleeve may be circumferentially secured to the arms, lying within or without the plurality of arms. An inner mesh may surround the stylus and dilating member. The device may be introduced into tissue toward a targeted area, while in a closed configuration. The dilating member may be a balloon, wherein upon inflation of the balloon, the arms are pushed radially outward, expanding the device and dilating the surrounding tissue. The dilating member may be a tube, wherein upon insertion of the tube, the arms are pushed radially outward. A cannula may be inserted inside the plurality of arms to keep the arms in an open configuration, and the dilating member may be withdrawn, providing an open passageway through the device to the targeted area. The device may be used with a neural monitoring system. |
| US08992557B2 |
Dissecting cannula and methods of use thereof
Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved access of locations within the body by providing a variety of dissection modes on a single access device. |
| US08992555B2 |
Method of assembling a cordless hand-held ultrasonic cautery cutting device
A method for assembling an ultrasonic surgical device includes the steps of rotatably freely connecting an ultrasonic waveguide to an ultrasonic surgical handle body, the ultrasonic waveguide having a proximal coupling end, substantially simultaneously removably coupling an ultrasonic-driving-wave-signal generating circuit to the ultrasonic surgical handle body and removably inserting an ultrasonic-movement-producing distal end of a cordless, rotatably free ultrasonic transducer into the ultrasonic surgical handle body opposite the proximal coupling end of the ultrasonic waveguide, and rotating the ultrasonic waveguide with respect to the ultrasonic transducer to fixedly couple the ultrasonic waveguide to the ultrasonic-movement-producing distal end of the ultrasonic transducer. |
| US08992550B2 |
Suture system with capsule eyelet providing multiple suture tissue fixation
A method of suturing tissue includes driving a needle from a tool through tissue to form a channel in the tissue; inserting the needle into a capsule that is connected to a first length of suture attached to the capsule; engaging the needle with a second length of suture that is inserted through the capsule; and pulling both the first length of suture and the second length of suture through the channel formed in the tissue. |
| US08992549B2 |
Laparoscopic port site closure tool
A device is provided to assist in closing an incision through body tissue that comprises a tubular body sized for introduction through the incision and carrying a plurality of stabilizer elements at the distal end thereof. The stabilizer elements are configured to be deployed within the body cavity to engage the lowermost tissue layer. In one method, the device is pulled with the stabilizer elements deployed to retract the body tissue away from adjacent body structure. In another method, a plurality of needle tips carrying sutures are guided through the body tissue to a retention device at the ends of the stabilizer elements. With the needle tips captured in the retention devices, the device is withdrawn from the incision so that the sutures form ligatures that can be tied off to close the incision. |
| US08992547B2 |
Methods and devices for creating tissue plications
Devices and methods for forming and securing a tissue plication are disclosed herein. In one aspect, a tissue manipulation device is described that includes a first jaw member pivotally coupled to a distal end of an elongate shaft and having an articulating portion located distal to the proximal end of the first jaw member. The device also includes a second jaw member pivotally coupled to the first jaw member such that the jaws move in a first plane, and a fastener delivery member attached to the second jaw member. The articulating portion of the first jaw member is configured to move the first and second jaw members between a straight configuration in which a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft is contained within the first plane and an articulated configuration in which the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft is transverse to the first plane. |
| US08992546B2 |
Electrostriction devices and methods for assisted magnetic navigation
An apparatus and method for interventional navigation within a subject's body is provided in which a medical device having at least one electrostrictive element is adapted to cause the distal end of the medical device to bend in a given direction for improving navigation. The medical device may further comprise at least one magnetically responsive element on the distal end, which may be oriented in the approximate direction of a magnetic field that is applied to the subject's body. At least one method for navigating a medical device though a subject's body is provided, by changing the direction of an applied magnetic field to align a magnetically responsive element on the distal end for orienting the distal end, and by applying a voltage to at least one electrostrictive element disposed in the distal portion of the device for causing the distal end to change orientation from that achieved by application of the magnetic field alone. |
| US08992543B2 |
Tightening device for bone fastening cable
A bone-tying cable tightening device is disclosed which makes itself unusable after having been used a predetermined number of times. The device includes a grip portion, a rod-like member, a knot-supporting means at the tip, and a cable-holding means to grip and hold the two arms of a cable, and is provided with a sliding block mounted around the rod-like member and connected to a pulling means, and an operation lever, wherein the cable-holding means includes (a) a longitudinal through groove defined in the upper part of the sliding block, (b) a locking recess which extends at the rear end the through groove, either transversing the cross section of the through groove or containing the cross section of the through groove, and whose width in the cross section thereof widens in the rearward direction, and (c) a backward biased locking member which is provided movably back and forth behind the locking recess on the upper side of the sliding block and so made that its forward movement is blocked when it fits in the locking recess, and wherein the device further includes a pull-releasing means which can be operated to release the one-way detent means for the pulling means, and a release locking means to lock the one-way detent means in a released state after the pull-releasing means has been operated a predetermined number of times. |
| US08992539B2 |
Apparatus and method for providing a reference indication to a patient tissue
An apparatus for providing a reference indication to a patient tissue includes a primary locating block having a patient-specific primary mating surface contoured for mating contact with a portion of the patient tissue in a predetermined primary mating orientation custom-configured responsive to preoperative imaging of the patient tissue. At least one mounting feature is provided to the primary locating block. At least one secondary item is configured for selective engagement with the primary locating block. The secondary item is at least one of a noncustomized secondary item and a patient-specific secondary item. The secondary item provides a reference indication to at least a portion of the patient tissue. The mounting feature of the primary locating block is configured for engagement with at least one secondary item in a predetermined secondary mounting relationship. The secondary mounting relationship is custom-configured for the patient tissue responsive to preoperative imaging of the patient tissue. |
| US08992531B2 |
Prosthetic femoral stem for use in high impact hip replacement
A total hip femoral prosthesis provides a shortened neck and more proximal coating level. Additionally, a means for strengthening the neck may be incorporated to increase stress transfer to the native bone. A method for reducing potential impingement that results from a high neck resection level includes instrumentation for cutting chamfered surfaces into the bone surrounding the proximal end of the implant. Instrumentation and methods of creating chamfered cuts are disclosed. |
| US08992530B2 |
Method and system for longitudinal closure of dissected sternums
Systems, devices, and methods for longitudinal closure of a dissected sternum are provided. The system includes first and second reinforcing members, fasteners, and closure members. Each reinforcing member is configured to be placed on an outer surface of a respective sternum portion, such that each reinforcing member is longitudinally disposed on an opposite side of a sternum opening with respect to the other reinforcing member. Fasteners may be placed in holes defined in the reinforcing members to secure a respective reinforcing member to a corresponding sternum portion. The closure members, which may be sternal closing wires, may then be wrapped around the sternum portions and the reinforcing members transversely to close the sternum opening. The system provides for a low installed profile, enhancing patient comfort and facilitating healing, and also provides for quick and easy access to the thoracic cavity for re-do sternotomies, if needed. |
| US08992524B1 |
Electrosurgical Cobb elevator instrument
An electrosurgical Cobb elevator instrument, a soft tissue dissection and/or retraction tool, can be used with and without suction, and is capable of delivering monopolar or bipolar RF energy for cutting and coagulating soft tissue. The device is capable of footswitch or handswitch activation. The tool has a spoon-shaped edge that is preferably sharp to provide blunt dissection in addition to the energy-driven dissection. The instrument of the invention could be used in any procedure that requires soft tissue dissection and/or coagulation. |
| US08992520B2 |
Dual-mode electrosurgical devices and electrosurgical methods using same
Herein disclosed are dual-mode electrosurgical devices designed to function in a first mode in which high-density RF energy is used to cut or vaporize tissue, and then a second mode in which lower-density RF energy desiccates tissue to produce hemostasis, as well as methods of performing electrosurgery using same. Devices formed in accordance with the principles of this invention may be used for any surgical procedure in which highly vascular tissue is cut electrosurgically in a dry or semi-dry field, examples of which include tonsillectomy, liver resection, and cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast mastopexy, and abdominoplasty. |
| US08992509B2 |
Hydrogel wound dressing for use with suction
A wound dressing comprising: an air-impermeable backing sheet having an aperture for attachment of a suction element; an air-permeable screen layer on a wound facing side of the backing sheet; and a substantially air-impermeable hydrogel layer extending across a wound facing side of said screen layer and joined in substantially airtight fashion to a periphery of said backing sheet around said screen layer. Also provided is a wound treatment system comprising a wound dressing according to the invention and a source of suction in fluid communication with said aperture. |
| US08992507B2 |
Bayonet luer lock connection for an insulin pump
A connection including a first closure component including a first adapter and a fitting element which is able to move relative to the first adapter and an elastic or resilient element which couples the first adapter to the fitting element and/or is disposed between them. |
| US08992504B2 |
Vena cava filter catheter and method of use
A vena cava filter catheter includes a catheter having a lumen disposed therethrough and at least one strand of biocompatible wire. The at least one strand has a first state in which the at least one strand has an elongate geometry suitable for traversing the lumen of the catheter and a second state in which the at least one strand assumes a pre-set geometry in which the at least one strand assumes a tortuous configuration adapted to occupy a space approximating a luminal diameter of an inferior vena cava. |
| US08992503B2 |
Miniature implanted drug delivery devices and inserter systems for introducing such devices
A system (10, 200) and corresponding method for introducing a drug delivery device (18, 218) through at least part of a biological barrier starts with the drug delivery device (18, 218) deployed within a channel of a hollow needle (12, 212). The hollow needle is inserted into the biological barrier and the drug delivery device is pushed forward by a suitable plunger. The drug delivery device is preferably anchored to the biological barrier through a radially expanding retention arrangement (36, 36′, 36a), and is preferably filled with a liquid drug after deployment via a filling needle (24, 222) extending within the channel of the hollow needle (12, 212). |
| US08992502B2 |
Flexible storage container
A flexible container for fluid administration is provided having a body defining a cavity, a base, and at least one port comprising a flange in contact with a flange of a terminal port having a punctureable membrane layer. The body has a cross-sectional configuration including a lower body section of a first dimension, a middle body section of a second dimension, and an upper body section of a third dimension, wherein the second dimension is smaller than the first dimension and the third dimension. The flexible container may also include a base having a plurality of creases that are foldable to form two folded ends each including an extension having a base of a first dimension and a tip of a second dimension. |
| US08992501B2 |
Pressure-regulating vial adaptors and methods
In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial. |
| US08992500B2 |
Fastening tape and disposable diaper having the same, and process for manufacturing therefor
A fastening tape comprising a tab portion formed at one end of a tape substrate made of a nonwoven fabric, and a fixing portion formed at the other end of the tape substrate so as to be attached to a disposable diaper, wherein: a male component of a hook-and-loop fastener is fixed to a surface of the tape substrate at the tab portion; the opposite surface of the surface with the male component of the tape substrate is embossed; the tab portion is folded back at the boundary between the tab portion and the fixing portion so that the male component is on the folded inner side; and the male component on the tab portion is joined to the fixing portion of the tape substrate. |
| US08992498B2 |
Reusable diapers
A reusable diaper may include at least one fluid-absorbing insert or layer coupled to one or more inner portions of the diaper for use in absorbing fluids. The fluid-absorbing insert may be adjustable for accommodating use by a male and/or a female. In an exemplary embodiment, the fluid-absorbing insert has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion is fastened to the diaper at a first location adjacent the forward waist portion. The second end portion is fastened to the diaper at a second location adjacent the rearward waist portion. The fluid-absorbing insert includes a portion between the first and second end portions that is adjustable relative to the crotch portion between the first and second locations for selectively changing an overlapped region of the at least one fluid-absorbing insert to accommodate use by a male and/or a female. |
| US08992496B2 |
Convertible absorbent article
An absorbent article having a waistband which is attached to first and second body portions of the article. The first body portion is attached to the waistband by at least a fastening means wherein the article assumes a pant diaper form. The waistband has a reception surface and a perforation. The perforation allows the reception surface to be separated into first and second belt portions. At least a part of the reception surface is located on each belt portion, thereby allowing the article to assume a belt diaper form. The first belt portion comprises at least one fastening means. The second fastening means is arranged so that the absorbent article can be readily converted from a pant diaper form to a belt diaper form. |
| US08992493B2 |
Chest drainage systems and methods
A chest drainage system includes a collection device and a fluid pathway configured to extend from the collection device to a patient. The fluid pathway has a proximal portion configured to extend proximally toward the patient and a distal portion configured to extend distally from the patient. The chest drainage system also includes a pressure source including an accumulator configured to selectively provide sub-atmospheric pressure to the distal portion of the fluid pathway and a valve configured to selectively relieve pressure in the proximal portion of the fluid pathway. The system is configured to open the valve and to introduce the sub-atmospheric pressure from the accumulator of the pressure source when a predetermined pressure differential is detected between the proximal and distal portions of the fluid pathway. |
| US08992489B2 |
Fluid delivery system, fluid path set, and pressure isolation mechanism with hemodynamic pressure dampening correction
A fluid delivery system which includes a pressurizing device for delivering injection fluid under pressure, a low pressure fluid delivery system, and a pressure isolation mechanism. The pressure isolation mechanism includes a valve housing having a first port associated with the pressurizing device, a second port associated with the low pressure fluid delivery system, an outlet port associated with a patient, and a pressure isolation port for connection with a pressure transducer. A first valve in a normally open position permits fluid communication between the first port and the second port and is movable to a closed position when fluid pressure in the first port increases to a predetermined pressure level. The first valve isolates the pressure isolation port from the first port when in the closed position. A second valve is associated with the second port and regulates fluid flow through the second port. |
| US08992488B2 |
Enteral syringe
The present invention is an enteral syringe that can include an elongated body having a hollow cavity therein and at least one vent extending from the hollow cavity to an outside surface of the syringe body. The elongated body can have a first non-circular cross-section. The enteral syringe can also have a plunger operable to selectively travel within the hollow cavity. The plunger can additionally have a second non-circular cross-section that substantially mirrors the first non-circular cross-section. The enteral syringe can additionally have at least one support feature for hanging the syringe from a support structure. |
| US08992484B2 |
Device for injecting apportioned doses of liquid drug
An injection device including a dose setting assembly, and an injection assembly, wherein operating the dose setting assembly to set a dose causes an engagement element to pass a tooth on a toothed rod in a combined translational and rotational movement. |
| US08992483B2 |
Indwelling needle assembly and protector
An indwelling needle assembly and protector. The indwelling needle assembly has an inner needle, an inner needle hub, an outer needle, an outer needle hub, and a protector for protecting the needle point of the inner needle arranged on the outer periphery of the inner needle so as to be slidable in the axial direction. The protector includes a protecting member in which the needle point of the inner needle is stored and a closing member arranged on the outer periphery of the protecting member so as to be capable of sliding, a displaceable side wall which is capable of being displaced inward so as to close a distal opening of the protecting member, the displaceable side wall being displaced inwardly by the closing member arranged on the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the protecting member. |
| US08992480B2 |
Vascular access systems having a guidewire anti-migration feature
Disclosed herein is a removable cap for connection to an input port of a catheter, comprising a proximal end having a lumen configured to house a guidewire therethrough; a distal end configured to reversibly mate with a luer lock of the input port of a catheter, the distal end having a lumen configured to house the guidewire therethrough; and a tubular body between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the tubular body comprises an anti-migration feature transformable between a first configuration to allow slidable movement of the guidewire within the cap in a first direction toward the patient, and a second configuration to prevent slidable movement of the guidewire within the cap in the first direction toward the patient. Systems and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08992479B2 |
Method for treatment or evacuation of intervertebral disc
A method of positioning an S-shaped tool against inner annular walls of the disc that particularly facilitates reaching posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc by arthroscopy. An elongated, arcuate and S-shaped tool such as a catheter is positioned against the inner annular wall of the disc, and particularly on the posterior and postero-lateral portions of the inner annulus of the disc, which are portions of the disc to be treated. The deformable, arcuate and S-shaped tool retains its predetermined arcuate, S-shape when no pressure or force is applied to the tool. |
| US08992478B2 |
Fluid delivery and measurement systems and methods
Fluid delivery and measurement systems and methods are disclosed. |
| US08992468B2 |
Oral mouthpiece and method for the use thereof
The present invention relates generally to an oral device, or mouthpiece, for delivering a fluid to the mouth or oropharynx of a user. In one embodiment, the oral device includes an intraoral portion, an extraoral portion, and an auxiliary support device that serves to stabilize the oral device. In various embodiments, the auxiliary support device may be configured with ear loops, a support band, a support frame and/or a support member. The intraoral portion generally includes at least one outlet port through which the fluid is delivered to the oral cavity or oropharynx. A method of dispensing a fluid using the oral device is also provided. |
| US08992466B2 |
Controlled needle-free transport
A needle-free transdermal transport device for transferring a substance across a surface of a biological body includes a reservoir for storing the substance, a nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir and a controllable electromagnetic actuator in communication with the reservoir. The actuator, referred to as a Lorentz force actuator, includes a stationary magnet assembly and a moving coil assembly. The coil assembly moves a piston having an end portion positioned within the reservoir. The actuator receives an electrical input and generates in response a corresponding force acting on the piston and causing a needle-free transfer of the substance between the reservoir and the biological body. The magnitude, direction and duration of the force are dynamically controlled (e.g., servo-controlled) by the electrical input and can be altered during the course of an actuation cycle. Beneficially, the actuator can be moved in different directions according to the electrical input. |
| US08992465B2 |
Surgical instrument for injecting a drug into prostate tissue
A needleless injector including a body at a proximal end, a shaft extending distally from the body, at least one injection orifice at a distal end of the shaft in fluid communication with a fluid chamber at the proximal end, a pressure source in communication with the fluid chamber, and a tissue tensioner located at the distal end of the shaft proximal to the injection orifice, wherein the distal end including the tissue tensioner and injection orifice is positionable within a urethral lumen so that when the tissue tensioner is deployed, tissue of the urethra is tensioned at a location for injection of fluid from the injection orifice into the tissue of the urethra. |
| US08992462B2 |
Systems and methods for performing peritoneal dialysis
Systems and methods for providing multiple pass continuous flow dialysis therapy are provided. The present invention includes a fluid circuit connected to a patient via a catheter thereby defining a fluid loop along which a therapy fluid including a dialysate can be continuously circulated into, through and out of a peritoneal cavity of a patient to remove a therapeutically effective amount of excess water and solutes including uremic toxins. The feed rate and discharge rate of therapy fluid into the fluid loop can be controllably regulated in proportion to the circulation rate of fluid in the fluid loop such that the therapy fluid can pass a multiple number of times along the fluid loop prior to discharge. |
| US08992453B2 |
Vascular access preservation in hemodialysis patients
The present invention relates generally to the field of hemodialysis, including methods and kits that can be employed to improve hemodialysis therapy. The present invention encompasses methods and kits useful for reducing vascular access complications associated with hemodialysis therapy and prolonging the period of time for which a vascular access site can be used in a patient. |
| US08992452B2 |
Load carrier frame and system
Upper assembly including slot, hole array. Lower assembly conforming to hips. Lower assembly anchoring holes shaped/spaced as array. Lower assembly fastener hole for each slot; fastener hole having same position relative to anchoring holes as slot to array; having horizontal dimension equal to horizontal dimension of corresponding slot. Adjuster plate including anchoring points spaced as array holes. Each anchoring point dimensioned less than corresponding hole so as to fit snugly therein, and projecting a distance equal to thickness of corresponding upper and lower assembly anchoring hole. Forming an adjuster plate fastener hole for each lower assembly fastener hole. Each adjuster plate fastener hole having same position relative to anchoring points as slot to array. Releasable fastener for each lower assembly fastener hole. As assembled, fastener secures adjuster plate to upper and lower assembly such that anchoring points of adjuster plate are positioned through upper assembly and lower assembly anchoring holes. |
| US08992445B2 |
Apparatus and method for real-time measurement of changes in volume of breast and other organs
An apparatus and method determine change in volume of a body part or body organ on a real-time basis. In a breastfeeding application, an inflatable cuff is positioned on a nursing breast and allows direct access to the nipple by the breastfeeding infant. The inflatable cuff includes an outer shell portion and an inner inflatable cuff or bladder. The pressure in the inflatable cuff is monitored regularly by a pressure sensor, during a breastfeeding session. When the pressure drops below a preselected pressure, a controller directs a pump to pump air into the inflatable cuff to maintain the preselected pressure. The volume of added air is monitored during the breastfeeding session. Various calibrations are used to correlate the amount of added air, to the volume of breast milk withdrawn from the breast. The volume of breast milk withdrawn during breastfeeding is calculated and displayed throughout the breastfeeding session. |
| US08992440B2 |
Length detection system for biopsy device
A biopsy device includes a handle unit, a hollow needle comprised in a disposable unit, which is releasably attached to the handle unit, and a sample-receiving device, which is movable in the hollow needle between two positions. Tissue is severed when the sample-receiving device is in a first one of the positions, and the severed tissue sample is ejected from the sample-receiving device in a second one of the two positions. A control system is provided for controlling movement of the sample-receiving device and for arresting the sample-receiving device in the second position. The distance between the two positions and/or a length of the hollow needle may be detectable in a calibration cycle, which is automatically initiated upon attachment of the disposable unit to the handle unit. The disposable unit may include electronic memory device for communicating with the control system. |
| US08992433B1 |
Clothing with heart rate monitoring device
Clothing with an integrated heart rate monitoring device for monitoring the vital signs of a user is disclosed herein. The monitoring device preferably comprises an optical sensor, an accelerometer and processor. The optical sensor preferably comprises a photodetector and a plurality of light emitting diodes. A sensor signal from the optical sensor is processed to generate a real-time vital sign for a user. |
| US08992430B2 |
Breath sampling system
There is provided herein a breath sampling device comprising a controller adapted to initiate a signal to trigger a valve functionally associated with a breath sampling tube upon said controller receiving a signal indicating a blockage in the breath sampling tube. The valve is adapted to facilitate an increase of pressure within the breath sampling tube between the blockage and a pump functionally associated with the breath sampling tube. There is further provided herein an airway adapter comprising a restrictor located in proximity to a connection point between the airway adapter and a breath sampling tube, wherein the restrictor may be adapted to reduce the flow rate of liquids entering the breath sampling tube. There is further provided herein an airway adapter comprising one or more openings located near a connection point between said airway adapter and a breath sampling tube, wherein said one or more openings are adapted to allow inflow of air to reduce the flow rate of liquids entering the breath sampling tube. |
| US08992424B2 |
Endo-surgical device and method
An endo-surgical device, system and method are provided. The endo-surgical device includes a flared prow that limits the displacement and rotation of the cannula to keep the knife away from tissues that are not intended to be cut. The endo-surgical tool can be utilized as part of a system for performing an endo-surgical procedure. |
| US08992416B2 |
Endoscope storage cabinet, tracking system, and signal emitting member
An endoscope storage cabinet for use with at least one endoscope having at least one signal emitting member associated therewith and configured to emit a signal indicative of at least one attribute of the at least one endoscope to which it is associated, the cabinet including: an enclosed structure formed by a plurality of walls defining an inner area which is accessible by at least one door; at least one hanger arrangement configured to support at least a portion of at least one endoscope positioned thereon; at least one signal receiving device associated with the enclosed structure and configured to receive the signal emitted by the at least one signal emitting member; and a local control device in communication with the at least one signal receiving device and configured to receive and process the signal emitted by the at least one signal emitting member. |
| US08992412B2 |
Removal device
Method and system for treating a patient using an inflatable device. A removal device may be used to remove the inflatable device from the body. The removal device can have at least one manually-actuatable member and at least two opposing jaws at a distal end. At least one of the at least two jaws can be movable by actuation of the at least one manually-actuatable member. At least one of the at least two jaws can have a puncturing member. |
| US08992411B2 |
Bioabsorbable mesh for surgical implants
Described are methods, devices, and systems related to pelvic implants, including implants that include absorbable and non-absorbable materials. |
| US08992406B2 |
Anatomic fit of a percutaneous VAD for right heart support
An apparatus is disclosed including: a cannula having a shape closely matched to the anatomy of the right ventricle of the human heart, where the cannula has an outflow port configured to be located proximal the pulmonary artery and an inflow port located proximal the inferior vena cava. In some embodiments, the cannula is a close fit to the anatomy of at least 90%, 95%, or more of the population. |
| US08992405B2 |
High-speed tumor segmentation system
A system for automatic segmentation of tumor tissue, useful for motion correction during radiotherapy using real-time imaging, identifies multiple regions based on the values of data and then identifies the tumors within the regions based on a priori knowledge about tumor size and/or location. The regions may be refined with robust and fast morphological operations, providing segmentation at speeds commensurate with the motion to be corrected. |
| US08992403B2 |
Cartridge and centrifuge having a cartridge
A cartridge (1) for accommodating blood bags (35) to be inserted into a centrifuge is used for the separation of blood components. Said cartridge (1) is provided with a partition wall (3) which separates a blood bag section (5) positioned radially inside from a product section (7) positioned radially outside, wherein a fixture (29) for a filter (31) is provided in the product section (7), a product transport path (36) which leads from the blood bag section (5) via the fixture (29) for the filter (31) to the product section (7). The product transport path (36) coming from the blood bag section (5) leads into the fixture (29) for the filter (31) radially from the outside and from below. |
| US08992402B2 |
System for blood separation with side-tapped separation chamber
A disposable blood separation set and a centrifugal blood processing system comprising a blood processing chamber adapted to be mounted on a rotor of a centrifuge; a frustro-conical cell separation chamber in fluid communication with the processing chamber, the cell separation chamber having an inlet, and outlet and a side tap outlet adjacent the inlet. The inlet may protrude into the cell separation chamber forming a circumferential well surrounding the protruding inlet. The side tap outlet may connect to the well. The set and system comprise means for selectively drawing fluid from either the outlet or the side tap outlet. |
| US08992397B2 |
Muscle training apparatus and belt for muscle training
To ensure easy and secure placement of a belt for KAATSU muscle training on a target compressed site near the proximal portion of a limb.A belt 100B has a longer first band-shaped member 110 and a shorter second band-shaped member 120 both of which have a band shape and are connected to a ring-shaped joint member 130 at their respective ends. In order to place the belt 100B on the target compressed site, the limb (right leg in this case) on which the belt 100B is expected to be placed is inserted into a loop of the first band-shaped member 110 formed by passing the end of the first band-shaped member 110 through an opening in the joint member 130, and the belt is moved up to the target compressed site. Then, the first band-shaped member 110 and the second band-shaped member 120 are pulled with both hands in the opposite directions. The belt 100B is placed on the target compressed site with the belt 100B being tensioned appropriately. |
| US08992396B2 |
Adjustable dumbbell
An adjustable barbell or dumbbell or exercise device includes a handle having an end member, a spring biased latching element engaged in the end member, a weight member attached onto the end member and having an aperture for engaging with the spring biased latching element and for anchoring the weight member to the end member, a button is slidably engaged in the weight member for selectively depressing the spring biased latching element into the end member and for disengaging the spring biased latching element from the weight member and for allowing the weight member to be engaged onto and disengaged from the end member of the handle. The other outer weight members are attachable onto the weight member in series. |
| US08992394B2 |
Barbell support
A barbell support safely assists with adding and removing weight plates between exercises. The barbell support provides leverage and stability for manipulating weight plates on the barbell. An embodiment of the barbell support has at least one cradle, a leverage handle, and at least one pivot foot. The cradle or cradles are capable of supporting and balancing a barbell. The cradles may be tilted forward using the leverage handle to lower the cradle below the height of the barbell comprising weight plates. |
| US08992391B2 |
Sizing fit cycle
A modular sizing fit cycle, having an enclosed, acoustically dampened transmission, and calibrated height and angle adjusters, each designed to fit an individual to a bicycle according to specific measurements attained during a controlled ride. The sizing fit cycle is highly portable, having distinct pieces that facilitate portability. Additionally, the sizing fit cycle is preferably equipped with a quiet, chain and bell-driven transmission at the rear, facilitating accurate measurements via a load generator and providing a realistic simulation of a stable cycling session. |
| US08992390B2 |
Method of taking sliding exercise
A method of taking a sliding exercise, which is taken on a training machine and the training machine has two pedals, includes the steps of: a) putting feet on the pedals; and b) reciprocating the feet in opposite directions or in the same direction. The feet respectively move in a curved path on a substantial horizontal plane. Therefore, the use's feet reciprocate forward/rearward and split to train user's muscles. |
| US08992387B2 |
Indoor-outdoor exercise system
An embodiment of an exercise system includes an exercise monitoring device that gathers data regarding an outdoor exercise routine. Additionally, a remote communication system communicatively connectable to the exercise monitoring device is receptive to the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine such that the remote communication system generates an exercise program based on the data regarding the outdoor exercise routine. Furthermore, an exercise device that is communicatively connectable to the remote communication system may receive the exercise program and simulate one or more aspects of the outdoor exercise routine. |
| US08992384B2 |
Training apparatus
A training apparatus includes a training machine, a detecting unit, a signal generating unit, and a control unit. The training machine includes a displaceable part that is movable in response to exercise motions performed by the exerciser during training exercise. The detecting unit detects the displacement of the displaceable part or detects the displacement of the target training area of the exerciser resulting from the exercise motions. The signal generating unit generates a stimulus signal to be applied to the exerciser during the training exercise. The control unit corrects a content of processing relating to stimulus signal performed by the signal generating unit based on the displacement detected by the detecting unit. |
| US08992380B2 |
Vehicle control device
A vehicle control device for controlling a vehicle with an oil pump to be driven by rotation generated by a drive source and transmitted thereto and a continuously variable transmission including a power transmission member mounted between two pulleys includes coast stop control means configured to execute a coast stop control in which the drive source is stopped during vehicle running when a predetermined condition holds, and hydraulic pressure control means configured to execute a pulley pressure control in which a hydraulic pressure supplied to the pulley is increased such that frictional heat generated between the pulley and the power transmission member does not exceed upper limit frictional heat, below which the pulley or the power transmission member is not degraded, when the coast stop control is stopped, the drive source is restarted and the hydraulic pressure is supplied from the oil pump. |
| US08992377B2 |
Control device
A control device controls a vehicle drive device including an input member connected to and driven by an internal combustion engine; an intermediate member connected to and driven by a rotating electrical machine; an output member connected to and driven by a wheel; a first engagement device provided between the input member and the intermediate member; and the second engagement device provided between the intermediate member and the output member. The rotating electrical machine generates power while the first engagement device is directly engaged, and has a differential rotation control region wherein the first engagement device is moved from direct engagement to slipping engagement and the second engagement device is moved from disengagement to slipping engagement during special takeoff control, which controls the vehicle so as to take off while the second engagement device is disengaged and the rotating electrical machine is generating power. |
| US08992374B2 |
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission includes an input shaft, first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets, a plurality of engagement mechanisms, and an output member. The input shaft is rotatably supported inside a transmission case to be rotated by a driving force received from a drive source. The first, second, third, and fourth planetary gear sets are arranged in sequence along an axis line of the input shaft and each include three elements having a sun gear, a carrier, and a ring gear. The plurality of engagement mechanisms each releasably connect two of the three elements with each other or releasably connect one of the three elements to the transmission case. The output member is disposed on outer circumferences of the second and third planetary gear sets and connected to the ring gear of one of the second and third planetary gear sets to output rotation of the input shaft. |
| US08992369B2 |
Axial bearing of pinion gears of a planetary gear set
An axial mounting of the planetary gearwheels of a planetary gearset having a sun gear that meshes with at least one planetary gearwheel mounted on a planetary bolt that is supported on the planetary carrier. The at least one planetary gearwheel meshes with a ring gear. At least one check-plate, which has a hole for the planetary bolt and which is positioned on one side of the planetary gearwheel between the planetary gearwheel and the planetary carrier, is associated with each planetary gearwheel. The check-plate is completely flat and is axially symmetrical relative to its longitudinal and transverse axes. The at least one check-plate has two wings that extend in the longitudinal direction, which are positioned in recesses formed in the planetary carrier, when the check-plate is in the installed condition, to secure the check-plate against rotation. The check-plate is fixed relative to the planetary carrier. |
| US08992368B2 |
Drive apparatus and construction machine provided with same
A drive apparatus for a construction machine includes: a motor having a motor shaft; a speed reducer unit having a speed reducer output shaft and a casing and reducing speed of rotation force of the motor, and transmitting the force to an upper slewing body; and a cooler formed with a coolant path through which liquid or gas for cooling lubricating oil inside the casing passes as a cooling medium, wherein the motor and the speed reducer unit are provided in a row in an apparatus-axis direction such that the motor shaft and the speed reducer output shaft are arranged along the same line, and the cooler is provided in a row with the speed reducer unit in the apparatus-axis direction in a state where at least a part of the cooler is immersed in the lubricating oil, so as to enable heat exchange with the lubricating oil. |
| US08992362B2 |
Hybrid power train for a motor vehicle
A transmission comprises an input shaft, an output shaft and at least two power paths between the input shaft and a driving gear set with a first, second, third and fourth shafts, wherein a first power paths has a first fixed gear ratio and a second of the power paths has a second fixed gear ratio smaller than the first fixed gear ratio. The first shaft can be fixed by a first gear-shifting element, and can be connected by a second-gear shifting element to the first power path. The second shaft can be connected by a third gear-shifting element to the first power path and by a fourth gear-shifting element to the second power path. The third shaft is permanently connected to the output shaft. The fourth shaft can be connected by a fifth gear-shifting element to the second power path and can be fixed by a sixth gear-shifting element. |
| US08992358B2 |
Automotive timing chain system component and method thereof
One embodiment may include an automotive timing chain system component (10, 12) such as a tensioner arm (10) or a chain guide (12) that, during use, bears directly or indirectly against a chain (22) of an automotive timing chain system (14). The component (10, 12) may have an elongated body (16, 116) made into a generally hollow shape by a hydroforming process. The body may have a first open free end (26, 126) and a second open free end (28, 128). |
| US08992352B1 |
Variable launch control bat
A ball bat comprising a cast metal barrel region with uniform thickness adjoining a carbon handle and a carbon end cap. |
| US08992351B2 |
Golf club shoe device
A golf ball kicking device having hands-free interchangeability of golf club heads comprising a mounting plate secured to the shoe and a retaining member affixed to the mounting plate and having a pivoting lever with a release member in communication with a rear face of a club head. The mounting plate has a magnet and the rear face of the club head is constructed of a magnetic material so as to releasably mount the club head onto the mounting plate. When the club head is secured against the magnet, the club head impacts upon the release member so as to pivot the pivoting lever to a first position. When sufficient force is applied to the pivoting lever, the pivoting lever pivots to a second position thereby directing the release member to impact upon the club head and dislodge the club head from the mounting plate. |
| US08992350B2 |
Triggerless handle mechanism and shock absorbing elements for basketball system
In one example, a basketball system includes a backboard to which a goal is configured to be attached, a support structure, a connecting structure configured to connect the backboard to the support structure, a lockable height adjustment mechanism operably disposed with respect to the backboard, and a means for absorbing shock. When the height adjustment mechanism is locked, the means for absorbing shock enables temporary displacement of the backboard in response to imposition of a load or force on the backboard if the imposed load or force exceeds a threshold load or force, respectively. |
| US08992349B2 |
Football throwing training device
A device for training users to utilize proper mechanics when throwing a football includes an open-ended glove having a slot communicating with a compartment that is sized to receive an arched insert plate. When the glove is worn by a user, the arched insert plate permits flexion of the user's wrist while preventing extension of the user's wrist, unless sufficient force is applied. When throwing a football, the arched insert plate prevents the user's wrist from improperly extending backwards during the follow-through motion of throwing a football. A padded spacer is included on the surface of the palmar portion of the glove for encouraging the user to properly grip the football using primarily his or her fingertips. |
| US08992346B1 |
Method and system for swing analysis
A method for analyzing a golfer's swing speed, wherein the method comprises determining that the golfer is addressing a golf ball to swing a golf club, monitoring a backswing, determining a transition time, monitoring a downswing, determining an impact time, transmitting data for the golfer's swing to a receiver for analysis and generating a golfer's swing speed using a length of a shaft of the golf club. A device is positioned or built within a grip of the golf club. |
| US08992337B1 |
Portable toddler swing
A portable toddler swing is provided. The swing includes a compliant shell, an upper adjustable strap, a fastener coupled to the upper adjustable strap, a lower adjustable strap, a pair of support straps and a pair of safety fasteners. The shell defines an inner cavity, including an upper portion defining a top opening and a circumferential passage, a bottom portion, a front portion defining a pair of leg openings, a back portion, and a pair of side portions. The upper adjustable strap is slidingly disposed within the circumferential passage, and adjusts the size of the top opening of the shell. The lower adjustable strap is connected to the bottom portion of the shell, and secures the shell to a playground swing seat. The pair of safety fasteners are coupled to upper portions of the support straps, and secure the support straps to the playground swing chains. |
| US08992335B2 |
Constant velocity joint torsional damper
A constant velocity joint including an outer race having inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface including a plurality of outer bail tracks. The constant velocity joint also includes an inner race having a plurality of inner ball tracks which correspond to the outer ball tracks, a ball cage disposed between the outer race and the inner race, a plurality of balls arranged within the ball cage and contacting the outer ball tracks and the inner ball tracks. A damping assembly is connected to the outer race. |
| US08992332B2 |
Torque limiting device, particularly for power transmission elements
A torque limiting device, particularly for power transmission elements, is provided. The torque limiting device includes a first connecting member and a second connecting member, which is connected rotatably to a driven element. The first connecting member includes a motor driving disk and the second connecting member includes a sliding disk, and further includes a pin supporting body which comprises a drum that is assembled on the second connecting member and includes a plurality of radial holes, each one of which accommodates a pin that is pressed, toward the center of the drum, by elastic means, and abuts, with at least one of its faces which is inclined with respect to the central rotation axis of the second connecting member, against at least one corresponding abutment face. |
| US08992330B1 |
System and method for facilitating data model substitutions for pre-existing data objects
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for facilitating data model substitution related to one or more pre-existing data objects in an expression of a game environment. A system may facilitate scalable addition of new game content by leveraging pre-existing data objects at a client computing platform. The system may include a game server that provides to the client computing platform data model substitutions for the existing data objects. The data model substitutions may be used to alter the behavior or function, look (e.g., visual appearance), description, and/or other characteristic of an expression of a pre-existing data object. Thus, by leveraging pre-existing data objects and providing such data model substitutions, new content or at least the appearance of new content from the user's perspective, may be provided without revising client code or requiring downloading new instructions that encode new data objects. |
| US08992327B2 |
Online gaming system
A method of controlling a game program adapted to operate a game in a device is disclosed. The method comprises accessing configuration data defining one or more states or events which can occur at the device and which are not related to the game program, and specifying for each defined state or event a game action to be performed by the game program in response to the defined state or event. The occurrence of one of the defined states or events at the device is detected, and the game action specified in the configuration data for the detected state or event is performed in response to detection of the defined state or event. |
| US08992323B2 |
Gesture enhanced input device
Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a virtual player interface such as button deck for a gaming device. The interface includes a touch screed display which displays one or more button icons. The size, shape and location of the button icons may be reconfigured based upon player interaction or selection. Button functions or selections may be combined into a single button. The button reconfiguration may be saved to a player account to be applied when the player uses the gaming device or other applicable device. Haptic or audible feedback may be applied to the button icon based upon the location of the player's touch relative to a target position on the icon. |
| US08992318B2 |
Wearable display system and method
A wearable display device, system and method are described. The display system includes a wearable display to be worn by a person; a display buffer to receive display data from a graphics engine, which data includes data regarding position of a wearer in a virtual environment; a display processor unit to process vision direction data using the display data from the graphics engine, wherein the display processor unit sends the display data to the wearable display. In an example, the display system is a component to a gaming system or environment. |
| US08992316B2 |
Allowing an alternative action in a virtual world
A system for allowing an alternative action in a virtual world may include a processor and a module operable on the processor for allowing an alternative action in a virtual world in response to a request for an original action for an avatar of a user being unavailable in the virtual world. A queue stores the request in response to the original action being unavailable. Another module may determine if an alternative action is available for the avatar in response to the original action being unavailable. A further module may present an interface to permit the user to accept the alternative action. The avatar is permitted to perform the alternative action in response to the user accepting the alternative action while the request for the original action is still in the queue. |
| US08992314B2 |
Universal game server
A gaming system that executes a web browser to display games produced by the at least one server, take over processing from the web browser using a plug-in for the web browser upon detection of a predetermined player interaction with the web browser, carries out a game transaction, using the plug-in for the web browser, including a game bet and an amount wagered for each game played, commits each game transaction, using the plug-in for the web browser, by sending at least the game bet and the amount wagered to the at least one server and to receive a validation transaction corresponding to the committed game transaction back from the at least one server, and relinquishes control, using the plug-in for the web browser, back to the web browser upon receipt of the validation transaction from the at least one server. |
| US08992311B2 |
System and method of revealing the outcomes of real world wagers through guaranteed reveals and partner promotions
The invention relates to systems and methods of placing real-world wagers, obtaining outcomes of the real-world wagers, facilitating user interactions with various interactive media, and revealing the outcomes of the real-world wagers using guaranteed and partner promotion reveals through the interactive media to give an appearance that the outcomes of the real-world wagers resulted from the user interactions even though the outcomes resulted from the real-world wagers and were determined before the user interactions. The system may provide guaranteed reveals that may guarantee a payout of some value (e.g., the outcome of a real-world wager). The system may provide reveals that are tied to promotions from the partner promotions provider. For example, the system may provide a reveal that includes a promotional coupon or other value from a retailer. The promotional coupon may be provided as a bonus and/or a consolation. |
| US08992309B2 |
System and method for rewarding game players
A system and method are provided for rewarding players of games of chance, including, for example, a lottery-type game or a casino game. Individuals are provided the opportunity to earn extra rewards by forming teams or special groups of individuals; the team or special group must perform a particular task to obtain the extra reward. Such methods may help to maintain or increase the interest of a frequent lottery or game player, may provide a new or different incentive to attract new players, and may offer a means for a game operator to differentiate its player's club or rewards program from those of other operators. These organizations may include bingo hall operators (such as churches, senior centers, and charitable organizations), lottery agencies (such as those of United States of America state governments, or multi-state agencies), and on-line and/or land-based casinos. |
| US08992308B2 |
Gaming system having modified player wagers
A system apparatus and method which provides a player of a gaming system the ability to modify the wager of a future play of the gaming system. The system apparatus and method may also allow a player of the gaming system to exchange the ability to modify a future wager for a reduced amount of cashable credits. A system apparatus and method which provides a player of a non-wagering or social gaming system the ability to modify a future offer to play the non-wagering or social gaming system is also contemplated. |
| US08992302B2 |
Gaming system and method for providing and redeeming partial wagering game outcomes
Methods, computer readable media and systems related to wagering games, and in particular those that concern providing and redeeming partial game outcomes. One example method includes receiving a completion request from a player who is operating a gaming device to complete at least one partial game outcome. The partial game outcome was previously provided to the player, who used a first device that is different than the gaming device. This example method includes determining that the player is entitled to a complete game outcome, displaying the partial game outcome on the gaming device, determining the complete game outcome, and then displaying the complete game outcome. |
| US08992299B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and method employing audio/video programming outcome presentations
The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which: (a) for a first play of a game of a gaming session: determines one of a plurality of different outcomes, displays the determined outcome, determines any award associated with the determined outcome, displays any determined award, and outputs a first audio/video programming clip, the first audio/video programming clip including content associated with a first point in time of an event, and (b) for a second, subsequent play of the game of the gaming session: determines one of the plurality of different outcomes, displays the determined outcome, determines any award associated with the determined outcome, displays any determined award, and outputs a second, different audio/video programming clip, the second audio/video programming clip including content associated with a second, subsequent point in time of the event. |
| US08992298B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and method employing audio/video programming outcome presentations
The present disclosure generally includes a gaming system which receives a wager amount on a play of a primary game, outputs an audio/video programming clip in association with the wagered on play of the primary game, tracks occurrences of at least one designated event outputted in association with the audio/video programming clip, determines if a quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event outputted is at least equal to a designated quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event, the designated quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event being at least two, and when the quantity of occurrences of the tracked at least one designated event is at least equal to the designated quantity, causes an occurrence of one selected from the group consisting of: a trigger of a secondary game and a generation of a negative outcome. |
| US08992297B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and method providing a first game and a plurality second wagering games each associated with a separate activatable component of the first game
A gaming system having a first skill, partial skill, or pseudo skill based game having a plurality of individually activatable designated components and a plurality of second chance based games each respectively associated with a different one of the individually activatable components of the skill based game. When each designated component of the first game is activated through one or player inputs, a corresponding chance based game associated with that designated component is activated. Each chance based game randomly determines whether the player wins an award. In one embodiment, the likelihood of activating each designated component is different and the chance based game associated with each different designated component is different. |
| US08992289B2 |
Knife with hook for skinning and methods of using the same
A knife having a hook incorporated into the blade for skinning, wherein the hook is a belly hook that is positioned on the belly side or under side of the knife opposite a finger guard area. Methods of the using the knife include steps for using the cutting edge to cut and using the hook to cut by pressure applied away from the user's body. |
| US08992288B2 |
Polishing pad auxiliary plate and polishing device equipped with polishing pad auxiliary plate
A polishing pad auxiliary plate including: a lower auxiliary plate overlapping a top surface of a rotating surface plate of a polishing device; a first adhering member adhering the lower auxiliary plate to the rotating surface plate; an upper auxiliary plate with a pad support surface on which the polishing pad is overlapped and adhered, while overlapping a top surface of the lower auxiliary plate; a second adhering member adhering the upper auxiliary plate to the lower auxiliary plate; and an alignment member for mutually aligning the lower and upper auxiliary plates and matching center axes thereof. By removing the upper auxiliary plate from the lower auxiliary plate, the polishing pad is removed from the rotating surface plate while being adhered to the pad support surface of the upper auxiliary plate, and the removed upper auxiliary plate is reattached and aligned to the lower auxiliary plate by the alignment member. |
| US08992287B2 |
Slurry supply system for CMP process
The present disclosure relates to a slurry distribution system having a distribution tube connected between a mixing tank and a CMP tool. The mixing tank is configured to generate a polishing mixture comprising a diluted slurry having abrasive particles that enable mechanical polishing of a workpiece. The polishing mixture is transported between the mixing tank and a CMP tool by way of a transport piping. An energy source, in communication with the transport piping, transfers energy to the abrasive particles within the polishing mixture, thereby preventing accumulation of the abrasive particles within the transport piping. |
| US08992286B2 |
Weighted regression of thickness maps from spectral data
A method of controlling a polishing operation includes measuring a plurality of spectra at a plurality of different positions on a substrate to provide a plurality of measured spectra. For each measured spectrum of the plurality of measured spectra, a characterizing value is generated based on the measured spectrum. For each characterizing value, a goodness of fit of the measured spectrum to another spectrum used in generating the characterizing value is determined. A wafer-level characterizing value map is generated by applying a regression to the plurality of characterizing values with the plurality of goodnesses of fit used as weighting factors in the regression. A polishing endpoint or a polishing parameter of the polishing apparatus is adjusted based on the wafer-level characterizing map, and the substrate or a subsequent substrate is polished in the polishing apparatus with the adjusted polishing endpoint or polishing parameter. |
| US08992284B2 |
Reconfigurable toy assembly
A reconfigurable toy assembly includes an external component having a first portion releaseably coupled to a second portion, the first and second portions forming a cavity when coupled together, and an internal component. A trigger is coupled to the external component. The internal component is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration. The internal component is retained in the retracted configuration via a latch and released from the retracted configuration upon actuation of the latch. The internal component is receivable in the cavity in its retracted configuration. The latch is actuatable by activating the trigger, so that the internal component is primed to reconfigure from the retracted configuration to the deployed position upon decoupling of the first and second portions. |
| US08992283B2 |
Entertainment device with mode indicator
This present invention relates generally to an infant seat and, in particular, to an infant seat that provides a stable, enhanced seating position for an infant and includes a sensory stimulus unit with a slide switch that, when actuated, effectuates a change in visual appearance of the stimulus unit and a corresponding change in the sensory output. |
| US08992279B2 |
Flying toy figure
A remote controlled flying toy figure has a thrust-powered, weight shifting rudder head. The flying toy figure comprises a head, a body, a propulsion system, and a control system. The head is attached to the body by a flexible support member, making the head securely fixed in flexible relation to the body, thus permitting a yawing motion of the head relative to the body. The propulsion system comprises two independently operable motorized propellers, each of which is attached to opposite ends of a steering bar. The steering bar and head form an integral steering unit. Increasing the thrust from one of the propellers causes the figure to turn in the opposite direction. This increased thrust causes the steering bar to yaw, which moves the center of gravity of the head to the opposite side of the center line of the body, which causes the figure to bank towards the turn. |
| US08992276B2 |
Offshore drilling vessel
A drilling vessel or drilling platform comprising: a hull with a moonpool; and a hydraulic riser tensioner system configured to apply a tension force from the drilling vessel or drilling platform upon a riser string, the riser tensioner system comprising: a riser ring, wherein the riser tensioner system is fastened to the riser string via the riser ring; a set of sheaves provided at each lateral side of the moonpool; a plurality of cables configured to extend between the drilling vessel or drilling platform to the riser ring via the sheaves; and a set of hydraulic cylinders actuating upon the sheaves and thereby applying the tension force to the cables, wherein the hydraulic cylinders are arranged substantially horizontally at the lateral sides of the moonpool. |
| US08992274B1 |
Systems and methods for manually operating hybrid propulsion and regeneration systems for marine vessels
A hybrid propulsion system for a marine vessel having a first marine propulsor that propels the marine vessel, a first internal combustion engine that selectively powers the first marine propulsor, and a first electric motor that selectively powers the first marine propulsor. The system also has first and second user input devices and a control circuit that controls operation of the system in at least a first control mode and a second control mode. In the first control mode, the control circuit controls operation of both the first internal combustion engine and the first electric motor based upon actuation of the first user input device. In the second control mode, the control circuit controls operation of the first internal combustion engine based upon actuation of the first user input device and the control circuit controls operation of the first electric motor based upon actuation of the second user input device. |
| US08992273B2 |
Cable steering system for a marine vessel which has a primary propulsion unit and an auxiliary propulsion unit
A steering system for a marine vessel which has a primary propulsion unit and an auxiliary propulsion unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cable extending through a tilt tube of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. In another embodiment, a cable extends through a support cable extending through a support rod of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. |
| US08992271B2 |
Electrical terminal
An electrical terminal is provided and includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a pair of connecting face portions, a coupling portion, and a plurality of serrations. The pair of connecting face portions face each other in a substantially V shape such that a gap between inner faces of the pair of connecting face portions gradually becomes smaller from a wider-gap side to a narrower-gap side. The coupling portion connects the pair of connecting face portions at ends of the narrower-gap side of the inner faces. The plurality of serrations are disposed on the pair of inner faces and extend along intersecting directions. The second member has a substantially U shape that mates with the pair of connecting face portions and can displace outer side faces of the pair of connecting face portions inward to urge the inner faces closer to each other. |
| US08992269B2 |
Connecting device for a solar module
The invention relates to a connection device for a solar module, comprising a housing, at least one contact rail which is arranged in the housing, and at least one contacting device for contacting an electrical conductor, the contacting device being able to be fitted to the contact rail and being able to be moved at least between an initial position (AS) and an end position (ES). |
| US08992266B2 |
System connector with adapter module
A system connector includes a first housing half, and a second housing half matching the first housing half. The two housing halves are snappable and lockable to each other via a locking device, and there is at least one contact module arranged in each of the housing halves. The contact module includes socket-like and/or pin-like electrical contact elements. An adapter module that is mountable on the contact module has a first connection side and a second connection side, each of which includes cylindrical adapter elements arranged in a row, in which socket contacts or pin contacts are arranged. The adapter module on its first connection side is connectable to one of the contact modules arranged within one of the housing halves. The socket contacts or pin contacts of the adapter element of the second connection side are suitable for electrical contacting of the contact modules of the matching housing halves. |
| US08992262B2 |
Cross talk reduction for a high speed electrical connector
An electrical connector has a housing receiving one or more series of electrical contacts. Each series of electrical contacts has a plurality of ground contacts and a plurality of signal contacts. The signal contacts are positioned in between the ground contacts, and the plurality of ground contacts are integrally connected to each other by a bus bar within the housing. |
| US08992261B2 |
Single-piece plug nose with multiple contact sets
A connector arrangement includes a single-piece plug nose body defining a cavity in which a storage device is held. The storage device provides physical layer information (PLI) functionality as well as physical layer management (PLM) functionality to the connector arrangement. A pivotable cover for the cavity is attached to the plug nose body by a living hinge. Example storage devices include an EEPROM on a printed circuit board. The storage device is electrically isolated from primary contacts of the connector arrangement. |
| US08992260B2 |
Managed connectivity in electrical systems and methods thereof
An electrical connector arrangement includes a storage device coupled to a connector housing. The storage device is configured to store physical layer information pertaining to the electrical connector arrangement. The storage device also has contacts that enable the physical layer information to be read from the storage device by a media reading interface. A connector assembly includes at least one receptacle assembly; a printed circuit board; and a media reading interface. |
| US08992251B2 |
Electrical splice assembly
An electrical splice assembly includes a housing having a forward portion, a rearward portion, and an intermediate portion defining a plurality of terminal retention cavities between the forward portion and the rearward portion. A conductive bus plate is retained within the forward portion of the housing. A plurality of terminals each extend into a respective terminal retention cavity and each terminal is in electrical contact with the bus plate. Each of the terminal retention cavities is defined by 1) a pair of opposing sidewalls connected to the forward portion and to the rearward portion and 2) a pair of opposing retention beams. The retention beams each include a latch which engages a respective terminal to retain the terminals in the terminal retention cavities. |
| US08992242B2 |
Electrical connector assembly
An electrical connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a socket and the second connector including a sleeve, the socket being adapted to surround the sleeve. A sealing system includes a frontward portion surrounding the sleeve and a rearward portion surrounding a rear housing of the second connector. |
| US08992237B2 |
Resonance modifying connector
A connector assembly is provided that is suitable for modifying the resonant frequency of ground terminals used in conjunction with high data rate signal terminals. Ground terminals may be interconnected with a conductive bridge so as to provide ground terminals with a predetermined maximum effective electrical length. Reducing the effective electrical length of the ground terminal can move the resonance frequencies of the connector outside the operational range of frequencies at which signals will be transmitted. |
| US08992236B2 |
Tandem multi-fork push-in pin
A connector for electrically connecting a conductor to a printed circuit board by direct plugging into respective contact holes of the printed circuit board is disclosed. The connector has a fastening region, a transmission region, four first plug-in elements, which can be inserted jointly into a first contact hole, and four second plug-in elements, which can be inserted jointly into a second contact hole. The plug-in elements extend from a main body formed from a plastically bendable electrically conductive plate, which is bent such that two of the first plug-in elements are arranged opposite two other of the first plug-in elements at least partly congruently for plugging into the first contact hole, and such that two of the second plug-in elements are arranged opposite two other of the second plug-in elements at least partly congruently for plugging into the second contact hole. |
| US08992235B2 |
Terminal fitting and a connection structure for a terminal fitting
A connection structure for a terminal fitting (20) includes the terminal fitting (20) with a pair of resilient deforming portions (22), a through hole (11) formed in a circuit board (10) as a connection target of the terminal fitting (20) and into which the pair of resilient deforming portions (22) are press-fitted while being resiliently displaced toward each other, and locking portions (28) which are formed by recessing outer edges (24) of the resilient deforming portions (22) and engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the through hole (11) when the resilient deforming portions (22) are press-fit in the through hole (11). |
| US08992234B2 |
Holding metal fitting, connector element, and connector
A holding metal fitting 40 includes: a substantially L-shaped body portion that has a side plate portion 41 and a bottom plate portion 42; an anchor portion 45 that bent from the side plate portion 41 in a direction (longitudinal direction) Y intersecting a height direction (vertical direction Z) of the housing 21 and bites into the housing 21; and a hook portion 48 that is bent from the anchor portion 45 in a direction (vertical direction) Z intersecting an extended direction (longitudinal direction) Y of the anchor portion 45. |
| US08992230B2 |
Medical training systems and methods
Simulation systems and methods may enable virtual imaging. A data processing unit may receive data from a calibration unit indicating a position and/or orientation of a position and orientation sensor relative to a physical model. The data processing unit may also receive data from the position and orientation sensor indicating a position and/or orientation of the physical model. The data processing unit may generate a virtual image using the data from the position and orientation sensor and the data from the calibration unit. The data processing unit may render the virtual image to a display. |
| US08992225B2 |
Monitoring recipe preparation using instructive device and generating an alert to provide feedback
An interactive cooking preparation device is presented. The user places ingredients that the user wishes to use in a recipe. The interactive cooking preparation device detects the ingredients placed by the user in the detection area of the interactive cooking preparation device using sensors. The detection results in a set of ingredient identifiers that correspond to the placed ingredients. A recipes database is then searched for the detected set of ingredient identifiers. The database search results in one or more suggested recipes. The suggested recipes are displayed to the user on a display device that is included in the interactive cooking preparation device. The user then selects one of the suggested recipes. |
| US08992224B2 |
Scanning polymerization of dental material
The method of curing a dental composite includes forming a composite filling in a cavity of a tooth surface by filling the cavity with an uncured composite and determining the geometry of the composite filling, including locations of interfaces between the composite filling and the tooth surface. The method further includes calculating a predetermined polymerization pattern for minimizing shrinkage stress at the interfaces, based on the geometry of the composite filling, and scanning a focused laser beam across the composite filling in accordance with the predetermined polymerization pattern to selectively and progressively cure the composite filling. |
| US08992221B2 |
Denture system
The invention relates to a denture system comprising an implant (1) for osseointegration into a jawbone and comprising an abutment (2) with an insertion stem (6) that can be inserted into a receiving opening (4) of the implant (1). At least one shoulder (9) is formed on the insertion stem (6), said shoulder running at least partly in a radial manner with respect to a longitudinal axis of the insertion stem. At least one stop (5) is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the receiving opening (4), said stop running at least partly in a radial manner. In a first rotational position between the insertion stem (6) and the implant (1), the abutment (2) can be moved relative to the implant (1) in an axial direction, and in a second rotational position in which the insertion stem (6) is rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the implant (1) by an angle with respect to the first rotational position, at least one shoulder (9) axially engages behind a stop (5) such that a movement between the implant (1) and the abutment (2) in an opposite axial direction is blocked. |
| US08992220B2 |
Dental bridge attachment system and method
Provided is a removable bridge system for attachment to a plurality of dental implants, including a plurality of abutments, each including a seat portion conforming with a shape of a corresponding implant head and allowing fixedly positioning of the abutment to the implant, and an abutment head. At least one of the abutments is configured as a locking abutment and includes a locking portion. A bridge generally conforming with dental parameters of the individual has a bottom surface formed with a receiving apertures shaped so as to snugly fit over a corresponding abutment head. The bridge further includes a locking arrangement for removably locking the bridge to the abutments, and including one or more locks for detachable locking to a respective at least one locking abutment. |
| US08992217B2 |
Apparatus and method for use in creating dental prosthetics
An apparatus and method for creating dental prosthetics is provided. The apparatus includes a base, an ear mount portion for making contact with a patient's head such that the patient's temporomandibular joints are maintained in a fixed level position relative to the base, a chin mount portion for making contact with the patient's chin and nose bridge such that the chin mount portion maintains the patient's head in a perpendicular orientation relative to the base, a bite fork portion including a bite fork which may be inserted into the patient's mouth for the purpose of obtaining the patient's bite registration information, and a camera mount portion including a camera oriented toward the patient's face. |
| US08992213B2 |
Sealing mechanism for a vacuum heat treating furnace
An apparatus for sealing a fan drive shaft in a vacuum heat treating furnace is disclosed. The sealing apparatus includes a housing having an annular body and a central opening. An inflatable first seal surrounds the central opening of the annular body. A second seal surrounds the central opening and is adjacent to the inflatable first seal. The sealing apparatus also includes a channel formed in the annular body adjacent to the second seal for conducting a purging fluid into the central opening. A means for injecting the purging fluid into the central opening is operably connected to the channel. A vacuum heat treating furnace and a fan drive system incorporating the sealing apparatus are also described. |
| US08992212B2 |
Torch with operating device
A torch includes a tank adapted to contain a fuel, a firebowl atop the tank defining a fill opening, and an operating device that fits over the firebowl as a snuffer. A closing device may be fitted into the fill opening. The closing device may be movable between a lowered closed position and a raised open position. The closing device defines at least one recess for receiving a portion of an operating device that moves the closing device between the open and closed positions. |
| US08992208B2 |
Device for transporting preforms for blow molding containers
A device for forming containers from heated parisons of thermoplastic material, which includes a heating section and a blow molding unit provided with at least one blow molding station. The parisons are held along at least a portion of a transport path between the heating section and the blow molding unit by a carrying element, which has a head that can be inserted into a mouth section of a parison and which includes at least two positionable clamping elements. At least one of the clamping elements is positioned in a recess provided on a side of the head relative to a longitudinal axis of the carrying element. The recess has upper and lower sliding surfaces that extend obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis for acting on the clamping element. The upper head part and the lower head part are braced relative to each other by at least one spring. |
| US08992207B2 |
Cure tool with integrated edge breather and method of making the same
A tool for curing a composite layup comprises a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup thereon. The tool includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing. |
| US08992204B2 |
Patch coating die
A coating die having a shut-off bar positioned to stop the flow of coating material within the flow channel of the die when the shut-off bar is in the closed position. In the closed position, the shut-off bar extends across the material flow channel, blocking flow of coating material therethrough. The shut-off bar moves essentially orthogonal to the direction of material flow. In some embodiments, the flow channel includes a shoulder against which the shut-off bar physically seals, the seal being essentially transverse or orthogonal to the direction of the material flow channel. Coating dies having a shut-off bar are particularly suited for patch coating applications. |
| US08992203B2 |
Formliner and method of use
A formliner, sheet, system, and methods of use and manufacture are provided in order to provide a product that can minimize and/or eliminate visible seaming between interconnected formliners during fabrication of a pattern on a curable material. In some embodiments, the formliner can comprise raised sections that define interrelated inner and outer dimensions. Thus, a plurality of formliners can be interconnected by overlaying raised sections thereof. Further, the formliner can comprise one or more detents and one or more protrusions to enable engagement between interconnected formliners without requiring adhesives. In this manner, formliners can be interconnected in a nested manner such that visible seaming between the interconnected formliners is reduced and/or eliminated. |
| US08992201B2 |
Apparatus for cooling stator
A cooling equipment to be used to cool a stator after molding includes first to third cooling stations, and a detecting station provided in front of the first cooling station. Each of the cooling stations includes a plurality of nozzles that spray dry mist to the stator, a plurality of fans that blow air to the stator, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the stator, and first to third control units. Furthermore, the detecting station includes a distance sensor that detects the size of the stator, and an integration control unit. The integration control unit identifies the type of the stator based on the detected size, and informs each control unit of the results. Each control unit controls the quantity of water to be supplied to each nozzle and the quantity of air to be blown by each fan based on the identified type and the detected temperature. |
| US08992198B2 |
Apparatus for preparing pellets of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)
An apparatus is described having an extrusion means for extruding a molten polymer strand; a pelletizer; and a trough disposed to convey a polymer strand from the extrusion means to the pelletizer; the trough has an interior bottom surface; a water dispensing means disposed to provide a layer of water on a first portion of the interior bottom surface that is proximate to the extrusion means; a mesh or perforated surface disposed in the trough downstream from the water dispensing means, disposed to permit the separation of water from a water-immersed strand incident upon it; and a second portion of the interior bottom surface downstream from that mesh or perforated surface, disposed to contain a layer of water. |
| US08992197B2 |
Tire vulcanizer and maintenance method of tire vulcanizer
A tire vulcanizer includes: a support structure (13) which includes a platen portion (14); a guide member (31) which includes a flanged portion (33) in an end portion thereof so as to cause the flanged portion (33) to be detachably supported by a peripheral edge portion of a through-hole (25) formed in the platen portion (14); and a bag head (37) which is slidably inserted into the guide member (31). The bag head (37) includes a restriction member (70) which abuts on the guide member (31) and restricts displacement of the bag head (37) in an insertion direction in a case where the bag head (37) is inserted to a predetermined position set in advance with respect to the guide member (31). The restriction monitor (70) is detachable mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the bag head (37) to protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface. |
| US08992195B2 |
Screw compressor including a single screw rotor with first and second screw groove being bilaterally symmetric
A screw compressor includes a rotatable screw rotor and a plurality of gate rotors. The screw rotor has helical grooves formed in an outer circumferential surface of the screw rotor. The gate rotors have a plurality of radially disposed teeth meshing with the grooves of the screw rotor. The helical grooves include a first screw groove and a second screw groove. The first screw groove compresses a fluid from one end side of the screw rotor to an other end side of the screw rotor. The second screw groove compresses the fluid from the other end side of the screw rotor to the one end side of the screw rotor. |
| US08992194B2 |
Rotation device including seal structure
A seal member is configured so that an annular rubber member is disposed in an annular storage chamber of a resin annular member. Thus, the rubber annular member is not directly in contact with a drive shaft, and the rubber annular member can be prevented from wearing or peeling without requiring a rotation stopping structure for the seal member. Furthermore, the seal member is provided with first and second communication mouths, so that a brake fluid pressure is applied to compartments obtained by dividing the annular storage chamber using the rubber annular member. Thus, the rubber annular member is pressed, and then is elastically deformed, and accordingly, the resin annular member is expanded by the elastic force. Thus, a self-sealing operation can be performed on the basis of a high pressing force. |
| US08992193B2 |
Shaft assembly including a contained shaft spring load
An input shaft assembly is movable along an axis to absorb external impact loads. A biasing member exerts an axial load in a direction counter to potential impact loads. A stop is provided to control the application of biasing loads to control application of such axial load. |
| US08992189B2 |
Cassette system integrated apparatus
A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes. |
| US08992188B2 |
Revolution type compressor
In a revolution type compressor using a balance weight for balancing a rotating mass, the effect of oil churn reduction is enhanced, and compressor input is reduced. A balance weight fixed to a drive shaft between a rotor of an electric motor 4 and a compression mechanism includes a weight portion in a substantially semicircular column shape for balancing a rotating mass, a cover portion which is substantially semi-cylindrical and has an opening in the vicinity of a top and bottom at an opposite side in a radial direction from the weight portion, and a hollow space surrounded by the weight portion and the cover portion. Further, a space for discharging oil is provided between the balance weight and the rotor. By the structure, reduction in oil churn, and reduction in input of the compressor are realized, and the compressor with less power consumption is obtained. |
| US08992186B2 |
Suction arrangement for a refrigeration compressor
A refrigeration compressor is provided and may include a shell carrying a suction-inlet tube having an outlet nozzle opened to the interior of the shell and a cylinder block to which is mounted a suction muffler that incorporates an admission tube provided with an inlet nozzle.The inlet nozzle of the admission tube may be disposed adjacent to the outlet nozzle of the suction-inlet tube. The inlet nozzle may admit under at least one of the conditions of underpressure in its interior or deflection of the refrigerant-fluid flow in the interior of the shell the gaseous phase and may direct the liquid phase to a region of the shell external to the inlet nozzle. |
| US08992184B2 |
Lubricant pump system
A lubricant pump system may include a lubricant pump controlled by a proportional valve. An actuating unit may be disposed in the lubricant pump and configured to control a delivery output of the lubricant pump. A first pressure chamber and at least one second pressure chamber may be configured to adjust the actuating unit against a spring, wherein the second pressure chamber is smaller than the first pressure chamber. In response to a failure of the proportional valve, the lubricant pump may be exclusively pressurized via the at least one second pressure chamber. |
| US08992181B2 |
Wind turbine blades
A wind turbine blade includes a multilayer composite structure including a first reflective layer, and a second layer including a plurality of resistive circuit analog (CA) elements. The CA elements are tuned so as to interact with the first layer to provide absorption of electromagnetic (EM) energy over a desired frequency range. The parameters of the CA elements can be varied to provide for frequency tuning and to maintain absorption at a specific frequency range despite varying layer separation, while at the same time ensuring that the mechanical properties of the CA layer are compatible with integration into the turbine blade. |
| US08992167B2 |
Turbine casing assembly mounting pin
In certain embodiments of the present disclosure a turbine casing assembly is described. The turbine casing assembly includes an inner casing and an outer casing surrounding the inner casing. The outer casing includes a first outer casing section and a second outer casing section that join together along a flange. Two bolts extend through the flange and join together the first outer casing section and the second outer casing section. A pin having a first segment having a first diameter and a second segment having a second diameter extends through the inner casing and the outer casing and supports the inner casing relative to the outer casing. The pin has a first diameter that is greater than the second diameter and is located between the two bolts along the axis of the flange. |
| US08992164B2 |
Turbocharger
The invention relates to a turbocharger (1) with variable turbine geometry (VTG), having a turbine housing (2) with a supply duct (9) for exhaust gases, having a turbine rotor (4) which is rotatably mounted in the turbine housing (2); and having a guide grate (18), which surrounds the turbine rotor (4) radially at the outside, which has a blade bearing ring (6), which has a multiplicity of guide blades (7) which have in each case one blade shaft (8) mounted in the blade bearing ring (6), which has an adjusting ring (5) which is operatively connected to the guide blades (7) by means of associated blade levers (20) fastened to the blade shafts (8) at one of their ends, with each blade lever (20) having, at the other end, a lever head (23) which can be placed in engagement with an associated engagement recess (24) of the adjusting ring (5), and which has a bearing arrangement (28) for fixing the adjusting ring (5) to the blade bearing ring (6), wherein the bearing arrangement (28) is formed as a plain bearing arrangement pin. |
| US08992153B2 |
System and method for substrate transport
Introduction of substrates into vacuum environment is accomplish by gradually reducing the number of substrates being transferred simultaneously as the clean and evacuated environment is progressed. Cassettes are maintained in clean atmospheric environment and do not enter the vacuum environment. Several vacuum locks are linearly staggered so as to introduce progressively higher level of vacuum environment. The number of substrates transported through this arrangement is a portion of the number of substrates present in each cassette. The staggered vacuum locks lead to a series of processing chambers, wherein a yet smaller number of substrates, e.g., one or two, are transported. |
| US08992152B2 |
Tubular handling system and method for handling tubulars
The present invention relates to a tubular handling system (1) comprising:—a tower (10) comprising a tubular lift device for lowering and/or raising a tubular in an essentially vertical orientation,—a support (20) for supporting the tubular-laying tower—a tubulars supply system, preferably provided on the support, for supplying tubulars to an essentially horizontal supply position in the vicinity of the tower,—a tubular handling apparatus (2) for transporting a tubular between the essentially horizontal supply position and the tubular lift device in the tower, wherein the tubular handling apparatus comprises: a gripper (4a, 4b) adapted for gripping the tubular, a base (6), and a boom (5) to which the one or more grippers are attached, which boom is pivotable with respect to the base in a boom. According to the invention, the tubular handling apparatus further comprises a vertical extending frame (7), wherein said base is guided by said frame and movable in a vertical translational movement with respect to the frame. |
| US08992151B2 |
Tamper-resistant fastener
A tamper-resistant fastener includes a non-circular drive recess optionally with a non-circular center post. Preferably the recess and center post are at least partially ellipsoidal cylinders that are concentric and aligned (i.e. they share a common major axis direction). This configuration forms a slot having preferably a substantially uniform width into which an authorized driver is inserted. The length of the major maximum dimension of the post is selected so that a circular arc tangent to the maximum radius of the post will pass closely to or intersect the minimum radial dimension of the recess. |
| US08992149B2 |
Self retaining anti-rotation key
Anti-rotation keys are typically used in applications where an end of a threaded stud is received in a housing, and where the opposite end of the stud projects from the housing to allow attachment of another component to the housing. Once partially received in the housing, further rotation of the stud is prevented by an anti-rotation key. The disclosed anti-rotation key is self-retaining, in that it prevents itself from “backing out” of the channel due to vibration or thermal expansion of the housing, etc., while also being removable from the channel if desired. |
| US08992148B2 |
Locking connector
A self-locking connector system has a connector member having an external thread and an axially extending keyway, and a connecting interface at a distal end. A connector body has a distal end with a connecting interface that mates with the connecting interface of the connector member. An internally threaded nut is captive on the distal end of the connector body encircling the connecting interface and is configured to screw onto the externally threaded connector member. A locking collar is dimensioned to encircle the externally threaded connector member, has at least one key dimensioned to engage in the keyway, and is movable axially on the nut between a first position in which the nut is rotatable relative to the collar and a second position in which the nut is not rotatable relative to the collar. |
| US08992142B2 |
Self-clamping cutting head for releasably mounting on a cutting tool
A cutting tool has a tool shank and a replaceable cutting head resiliently secured to the tool shank by an interference fit between a male fixation member of the cutting head and a female fixation member of the tool shank. The male fixation member has a resilience slit. In each cross section of the cutting tool taken perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the cutting tool through mutual abutment regions, the cross sectional profiles of the mutual abutment regions are arcuate sectors. |
| US08992138B2 |
Cutting tool, cutting tool body and cutting tool support pad therefor
A cutting tool has at least one cutting tool support pad. The cutting tool support pad includes two opposing primary surfaces, each primary surface includes an abutment surface and at least one convex contact surface. For each primary surface, the at least one contact surface extends outwardly further than the abutment surface. |
| US08992137B2 |
Coolant adapter
The invention relates to an adapter for driven tools such as drilling or milling tools, for adapting an externally fed driven tool for use in a thru coolant system comprising: a) a cylindrical inner sleeve, b) an outer sleeve adapted to rotate relative to the inner sleeve, c) a delivery pipe to deliver coolant to the outer sleeve, and d) at least one coolant flow channel through the outer sleeve and through the inner sleeve to allow flow of coolant from the delivery pipe to the collet, and e) a seal at one end of the inner sleeve having an aperture to receive the cutting tool whereby to allow the blunt end of the tool to engage the collet, in use coolant can pass through the outer sleeve, through the inner sleeve into the collet, and to the cutting tool whilst said inner sleeve rotates with said machine output spindle and the outer sleeve remains static. |
| US08992136B2 |
Rotary-driven tool for cutting machining with a cutting body
A rotary-driven tool for cutting machining, in particular a drilling tool with a cutting body and a holder with a shaft piece is disclosed, with at least a cutter and a dovetail-shaped region on the cutting body and a matching dovetail recess on the holder. The cutting body can only be inserted in the holder laterally to a longitudinal axis of the holder. In order to fix the cutting body, opposing flank sections of the dovetail recess, between which the dovetail-shaped region fits can be moved over each other by means of a screw connection in the holder and on fixing the cutting body said body is subjected to a force on the axial direction by the screw connection. In one aspect, the cutting body is a cutting head and the axial force is exclusively generated by the dovetail-shaped region in cooperation with the dovetail recess in the holder. |
| US08992135B2 |
Cutting tool
A cutting tool includes a cutting insert and a tool holder. The tool holder includes: a base for supporting a bottom surface of the cutting insert; a clamping arm for pressing a top surface of the cutting insert; an insert receiving space formed between the bottom surface of the clamping arm and the base; and a supporting surface which defines an end of the insert receiving space and supports an end of the cutting insert. The cutting insert includes: a first pressing region on the front portion of the top surface which is oriented in a vertically upward direction; and a second pressing region on the rear portion of the top surface which is oriented at an angle in the front direction. |
| US08992133B2 |
Method and arrangement in pneumatic material conveying system
A method in a pneumatic material conveying system, such as in a waste conveying system, said conveying system comprising at least one feed point (61) of material, particularly waste material; a material conveyor pipe (100) that is connectable to the feed point (61); and a separator device (20), where the material to be conveyed is separated from the conveyor air; as well as means (3) for creating a pressure difference in the conveyor pipe (100), at least for the duration of the process of conveying the material. In the method, material is conveyed further from the separator device (20) to the transport container (51), particularly a waste container, by employing in the conveying of material from the separator device to the transport container means (3) of the material conveying system for creating a pressure difference. |
| US08992132B2 |
Pneumatic sample feedway
A pneumatic sample feedway that is embeddable into a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device. The feedway includes: a plurality of capsules enclosing a biological tissue sample; and a conductor pipe connected to a source of a compressed fluid. The pipe receives a train of the capsules and pneumatically forwards the train into the MRI device. The pipe has a proximal terminal that loads the train of capsules into the pipe. |
| US08992125B2 |
Trenchless ducting apparatus frame
An apparatus for moving an elongate component within or through one of a plurality of sidewalls of a pit, including a gripping arrangement for releasably gripping the elongate component, a lever arm comprising a handle at a first end and the gripping arrangement at the second end, and a frame to which the lever arm is attached, wherein during use the frame is positioned substantially above the pit, and the gripping arrangement hangs downwardly from the frame into the pit. |
| US08992121B2 |
Leaf for a mitre gate and mitre gate including such a leaf
A leaf for a mitre gate is provided. The leaf for a mitre gate may include: a skin plate intended for withstanding a pressure exerted by a liquid; and at least two uprights respectively located on either side of the skin plate, the uprights being secured to the skin plate. The skin plate is in the overall shape of a cylinder portion, the longitudinal axis of the cylinder being essentially parallel to the uprights. Each upright extends overall according to a generatrix of the cylinder. Each upright includes at least one bearing element, arranged to project relative to the skin plate and each bearing element includes a bearing surface, for supporting the bearing element against a lock wall or another leaf of the mitre gate. The bearing surface of each bearing element is aligned with a plane that is tangential to the skin plate. |
| US08992118B2 |
Pavement repair system utilizing solid phase autoregenerative cohesion
A method for repairing an aged or damaged asphalt pavement is provided. The method involves preparing a surface of the aged or damaged asphalt pavement by filling in deviations from a uniform surface plane with dry aggregate and compacting the dry aggregate; applying a reactive asphalt emulsion to the prepared surface; and passing an emitter over the prepared pavement, wherein the emitter generates electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of from 2-5 mm that penetrates into the pavement to a depth of at least 2 inches. The asphalt pavement is repaired by disturbing voids and interstices in the damaged pavement without dehydrogenation of the asphalt, such that oligomers present in the aged asphalt are linked together into longer polymer chains to improve ductility of the aged asphalt. |
| US08992115B2 |
Surface drainage system
A surface drainage structure formed above a subgrade may include an elongate drain conduit disposed partially within the subgrade. The elongate drain conduit may define at least one drain slot extending through a wall thereof. The structure may include a pavement layer with an exposed top surface and a drainage channel extending therefrom. The drainage channel may be in fluid communication with the drain slot of the elongate drain conduit. A method of forming the surface drainage structure includes placing the elongate drain conduit in the subgrade, forming the pavement layer, cutting an upper channel along the elongate drain conduit, and cutting a lower channel and the drain slot in the elongate conduit. |
| US08992114B2 |
Connector assembly
A connector assembly to fasten two members including an elongate fastener with a transverse aperture where the transverse aperture has a countersunk surface and a screw threaded nipple positionable in the transverse aperture so that when the nipple is placed into the transverse aperture it moves down the countersunk surface and forces the fastener to move and bring the two fastened members closer together. The connector assembly can also include a housing to assist with the positioning of the nipple. The connector assembly has relatively few parts and provides a tight and aesthetically pleasing connection finish. |
| US08992112B2 |
Mounting structure and functional unit
The mounting structure includes a pair of first shape portions, a pair of second shape portions, and a pair of third shape portions. The pair of first shape portions are opposed to each other to define therebetween a passage which allows the component to be inserted into and withdrawn from the mounting structure therethrough. The pair of second shape portions are opposed to each other to define therebetween a space which allows the component inserted through the passage between the pair of first shape portions to rotate therein. The pair of third shape portions come into engagement with the engagement arms when the component positioned between the pair of second shape portions is rotated through a predetermined angle. The pair of third shape portions are opposed to each other and incorporated in the pair of second shape portions. |
| US08992110B2 |
Spacer plate and support structure
A spacer plate (3, 6, 7) for interconnecting support profiles (1, 5, 8, 9) of a display support structure (23) is described, including at least one alignment opening (11) for receiving an alignment stud (2) for aligning a first profile (1, 8) with respect to a second profile (5, 9) via the spacer plate (6), and at least one connector opening (13) for receiving a connector bar (4) for connecting the first profile (1, 8) to the second profile (5, 9) via the spacer plate (6), wherein the connector opening (13) is connected to the alignment opening (11) such that the relative position of the alignment stud (2) inside the alignment opening (11) is adjustable by the position of the connector bar (4) inside the connector opening (13). This allows to easily put the alignment stud (2) into the alignment opening (11) of the spacer plate (3, 6, 7) or vice versa and to eliminate all free play between the alignment stud (11) and the spacer plate (3, 6, 7) at the same time. The assembly of the support structure (23) is not hampered. At the same time a self centering of the alignment stud (2) with respect to the spacer plate (3, 6, 7) can be forced leading to an increased accuracy, when the profiles (1, 5, 8, 9) are connected to each other. |
| US08992108B2 |
Self-driven articulation and self-regulated articulated assembly
A self-driven articulation designed for automatically deploying the elements that it connects including two articulation fittings made to rotate under the action of at least one passive drive element. The articulation includes at least one flexible duct for regulating the speed at which it deploys. |
| US08992107B2 |
Oral cavity cleaning device
An oral cavity cleaning device includes a stem having a mainly longitudinal extension and a pointed profile at a first end; a fluid channel enclosed within the stem and extending along such stem; a fluid reservoir operably connected to the second end of the stem to establish a hydraulic connection with the channel; and a tip having bristles and designed to be removably associated with the first end of the stem, the tip having a plurality of through holes for the passage of fluids from the channel to the area external to the tip, at the bristles. |
| US08992106B1 |
Optics cleaning apparatus and method
An optics cleaning apparatus includes a buffing cloth section where the buffing cloth section includes a buffing cloth housing and a buffing cloth removal clip. A scrub pad section where the scrub pad section includes a scrub pad and a dust bush housing. And a cleaning section, where the cleaning section includes a dust brush, a reservoir section and a fluid applicator, where the fluid applicator is connected with the reservoir section and where the fluid applicator includes an air channel connected with the reservoir section and where the reservoir section includes a fluid cartridge. |
| US08992105B2 |
Printing system ribbon including print transferable circuitry and elements
Systems and methods are provided for generating customized labels having electronic circuitry such as RFID circuitry. A printing system generates the label by selectively transfer printing elements (e.g., electronic circuitry, physical components, etc.) and donor layers (e.g., conductive materials, non-conductive materials, etc.) from a ribbon to a receiver (e.g., an item that receives the indicia). In addition, the printing system can program and test the label or indicia thereof, thereby providing the ability to customize each label according to predetermined criteria and to ensure that each label functions properly. |
| US08992104B2 |
Apparatus and method for making fiducials on a substrate
Fiducials having substantially continuous portions made on a substrate allow the position of the substrate to be determined. An approach for making fiducials involves moving first and second fiducial devices together back and forth across the substrate along a trajectory having a component along the lateral axis of the substrate while the substrate and the first and second fiducial devices are in relative motion along the longitudinal axis of the substrate. The first fiducial device operates to make one fiducial on the substrate during the movement along the trajectory and the relative motion. The second fiducial device operates to make another fiducial on the substrate during the movement along the trajectory and the relative motion. The fiducials may be formed so that they have a constant spatial frequency with the first fiducial being out of phase with respect to the second fiducial. |
| US08992102B1 |
Camera housing for a square-profile camera
A square camera housing accommodates a square camera with a substantially square profile. The square camera housing includes a latching mechanism to secure the camera in the housing, a mounting mechanism to secure the housing to a mounting device, and multiple openings in the housing body to accommodate the camera interface. These features allow the square camera to be inserted and secured in the square camera housing in one of a plurality of orientations relative to the square camera housing. |
| US08992101B2 |
Heating device for optical-fiber reinforcement, and optical-fiber fusion splicing device
An optical fiber reinforcing heating device has a base part, to which a first lid part for covering a sleeve accommodation groove for containing a fiber reinforcement sleeve covering a fusion-splicing part of optical fibers is attached so as to be openable and closable. A pair of fiber holders for holding and securing the optical fibers are disposed on both end sides of the first lid part. Each fiber holder has a second lid part which is attached to a fiber container so as to be openable and closable and presses the optical fiber against the fiber container. A switch lever which is movable longitudinally of the sleeve accommodation groove is disposed on the upper face of the second lid part built in with a pin adapted to move in conjunction with the switch lever. A joint hole adapted to engage the pin is formed within the first lid part. |
| US08992099B2 |
Optical interface cards, assemblies, and related methods, suited for installation and use in antenna system equipment
Optical interface cards, assemblies, and related methods, which may be suited for installation and use in antenna system equipment, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, an optical interface card (OIC) comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having at least one optical sub-assembly (OSA) mounted to at least one first opening end of the PCB and extending into at least one opening and related methods are disclosed. In other embodiments, optical interface assemblies comprised of two OICs mounted together are disclosed. In other embodiments, a communications equipment enclosure including at least one fan configured to draw in air from a first side of the communications equipment enclosure into a lower plenum and across a plurality of communications components into an upper plenum to provide air cooling are disclosed. In another embodiment, a modular distributed antenna system assembly is disclosed. |
| US08992097B2 |
Optical connector
There is provided an optical connector configured to receive a plurality of MT ferrules attached to terminal ends of multi-fiber cables. The optical connector includes a housing through which multiple receiving holes receiving the MT ferrules are bored. The receiving holes are arranged in the direction of the long side of front end faces of the MT ferrules. A pair of holding elements is provided in each of the receiving holes. The pair of holding elements is positioned at both ends in the direction in which the receiving holes are arranged and protrude to a side at which the MT ferrules are inserted. Both ends of a rear end flange of each of the MT ferrules placed in the receiving holes are held by the pair of holding elements. The optical connector enables easy setting-in of MT ferrules and reduction in size of optical connectors can be achieved. |
| US08992095B2 |
Fiber optic adapter with integrally molded ferrule alignment structure
A fiber optic adapter is disclosed. The fiber optic adapter includes a main body configured to receive a first fiber optic connector through a first end and a second fiber optic connector through a second end for mating with the first fiber optic connector. The adapter includes a ferrule alignment structure located within an axial cavity of the main body, the ferrule alignment structure including a sleeve mount and a ferrule sleeve, the sleeve mount including an axial bore and at least one latching hook extending from a center portion of the sleeve mount toward the first end of the main body and at least one latching hook extending from the center portion toward the second end of the main body, the latching hooks configured to flex for releasably latching the first and second fiber optic connectors to the fiber optic adapter. The sleeve mount and the main body of the fiber optic adapter are unitarily molded as a single piece and the ferrule sleeve is separately placed within the axial bore of the sleeve mount. |
| US08992091B2 |
Closure design of a conductive rubber material for allowing current passage through a bearing in electric machines
A bearing seal, which has a rubber body impregnated with an electrically conductive material such as graphite. A level of conductivity of the bearing seal depends upon an amount of graphite integrated into the rubber body. A bearing is also disclosed, which includes at least one closure element, such as a seal, arranged between an outer and inner ring of the bearing that is impregnated with an electrically conductive material, such as graphite, to create a conductive pathway for an electrical current to circumvent the rolling elements of the bearing. The closure element aids in ensuring electric current is kept away from the rolling elements by diverting electric current from the outer ring to the inner ring of the bearing. |
| US08992083B2 |
System and method of locating an X-ray imaging apparatus and corresponding X-ray imaging apparatus
A system for determining the position of an X-ray imaging apparatus mounted on an automatic mobile device is provided. The system comprises at least one mechanical link jointed to a reference point and to the X-ray imaging apparatus, and at least one measuring device configured to measure a variation of rotation angles of the at least one mechanical link relative to the reference point and to the X-ray imaging apparatus when moved. |
| US08992080B2 |
Temperature detection device having a diode and an analog-digital converter
A temperature detection device includes a diode and an analog-digital converter. An output voltage signal of the diode is applicable to an input of the analog-digital converter. The temperature detection device is adapted for the purpose of coupling a reference voltage of the analog-digital converter and the diode current of the diode such that effects of variations of the reference voltage or the diode current on the digital output signal of the analog-digital converter are partially or completely suppressed. |
| US08992078B2 |
Measuring a temperature during contactless transmission of energy
During contactless transmission of energy between a receiver (6) for receiving the energy and a transmitter (7) for transmitting the energy for the purpose of charging a battery of a motor vehicle (1), a temperature is measured in a region between the transmitter (7) and the receiver (6). |
| US08992076B2 |
Dilatometer for measuring metallic samples
A dilatometer for measuring metallic samples. The dilatometer includes a sample holder configured to receive and clamp a sample, an induction coil arranged on the sample, the induction coil configured to heat the sample, and a sensor for measuring the temperature of the sample. |
| US08992072B2 |
Nozzle system for tank floor
A nozzle system for mixing contents in a tank and scouring surfaces of debris and sediment is disclosed. The system is capable of use either below or above a tank's liquid content surface as well as being adaptable to flow channels and other surfaces which may become impeded with sediment and debris. The nozzle system includes at least one nozzle receiving fluid from a pump, and a splash plate positioned to deflect a discharged stream from the nozzle in a spread and downward direction. The number and positioning of additional nozzles in the system can be determined by mapping the discharge of each splash plate equipped nozzle and arranging for the desired area of coverage. |
| US08992067B2 |
Device and method for the preparation of recyclable thermoplastic plastic material
An apparatus for the preparation of thermoplastic plastics material to be recycled has two treatment stages following one after the other. At least two receiving containers, which are capable of being evacuated and which are attached in parallel to a receiving container of the second stage, are present in the first stage. A device is present by which an alternating batch-wise charging of the receiving container of the second stage takes place from the receiving containers of the first stage. The said device controls discharge members of the receiving containers of the preceding stage, which leads into a channel. A shut-off member is provided for each receiving container of the preceding stage in the said channel. The alternating device controls the shut-off members.The method of preparing thermoplastic plastics material, to be recycled, utilizes an apparatus of this type. |
| US08992065B2 |
Detachable light emitting device using light emitting diode modules
Disclosed is a detachable light emitting device. The device comprises a body casing in which a front frame is mounted on the front thereof, and at least one of a plurality of detachable parts that are installed on an upper side or a lower side of the body casing; radiation stands are vertically disposed on both left and right sides inside the body casing, and front cutting grooves; light guide plate stands are vertically inserted and coupled in the front cutting grooves of each of the radiation stands, respectively, and side mounting grooves are formed on each one side thereof. LED module mounting stands are vertically inserted and coupled in the side mounting grooves of each of the light guide plate stands, respectively, and LED mounting grooves are vertically formed on each one side thereof. |
| US08992063B2 |
Light emitting diode package unit, method for manufacturing the same and backlight
A light emitting diode package unit, a method for manufacturing the same and a backlight are disclosed. The light emitting diode package unit comprising a LED chip and a light uniformization structure formed above the LED chip in the direction of exiting light. |
| US08992061B2 |
Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp includes: a lamp unit including an upper support shaft and a lower support shaft that are coaxially formed each other; a bracket adapted to support the lamp unit via a ball bearing in the upper support shaft and via a slider in a lower shaft support portion; an actuator including a mechanism portion adapted to drive the lower support shaft of the lamp unit, the actuator being movable in a forward and backward direction with respect to the bracket; and a spring portion that is fixed to the bracket, and is adapted to compress a tip end of the upper support shaft. |
| US08992059B2 |
Vehicle lighting device with first and second light sources
A vehicle lighting device includes first and second light sources and a light guide lens that is elongate and extending along a direction oblique to a front-back direction of a vehicle. The first light source faces with a back end portion of the lens in a longitudinal direction of the lens. The second light source is arranged close to a front end portion of the lens in the longitudinal direction to emit light toward a back surface of the lens. The lens has a plurality of cut portions in the back surface. The cut portions are arranged parallel with each other in the longitudinal direction, internally reflect the light emitted from the first light source and enters the lens through the back end portion to a forward direction of the vehicle, and refract the light emitted from the second light source and enters the lens to the forward direction. |
| US08992055B2 |
Joint structure, components and processes
An independent friction joint structure including: at least one plug part having a connection to a device, the device comprising a lamp head; at least one joint part holding the at least one plug part in place, the at least one joint part having at least one holding structure; at least one side part having the ability to generate frictional rotational resistance to keep the at least one plug part in a predetermined position; at least one electrical contact between the at least one side part and the at least one holding structure of the at least one joint part; and at least one screw to fit all the components of the independent friction joint structure together. |
| US08992052B2 |
Inner lens optics for omnidirectional lamp
An optical element for a lamp or lighting apparatus having at least one light emitting diode (LED) as a light source is provided. The optical element is positioned proximate to the LED and receives light rays therefrom. In turn, the optical element distributes the substantially unidirectional light output from the LED into an omnidirectional output with a controlled variance in light intensity at different directions about the LED. A diffuser can also be used around the optical element and LED to provide further distribution of the light rays by e.g., light scattering. |
| US08992048B2 |
Connector and LED light bar
The present invention discloses a connector and an LED light bar. The connector includes: an input module and an output module, wherein the input module and the output module being electrically connected; the input module comprising at least two input interfaces, the input interface being for connecting to an external power supply, the output module being for electrical connection to all LEDs in at least two external areas. As such, the present invention realizes the use of a connector to control LEDs in a plurality of areas to increase the utilization of the connector and simplify the LED light bar structure. In the mean time, the improvement of the connector utilization results in the reduction in the number of connectors used so as to reduce the cost of LED light bar. |
| US08992045B2 |
LED lighting systems and/or methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to improved lighting systems and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a lighting system includes a glass substrate with one or more apertures. An LED or other light source is disposed at one end of the aperture such that light from the LED directed through the aperture of the glass substrate exits the opposite end of the aperture. Inner surfaces of the aperture have a mirroring material such as silver to reflect the emitted light from the LED. In certain example embodiments, a remote phosphor article or layer is disposed opposite the LED at the other end of the aperture. In certain example embodiment, a lens is disposed in the aperture, between the remote phosphor article and the LED. |
| US08992043B2 |
Constructive occlusion lighting system and applications thereof
A luminaire includes at least one light source, at least one reflector having a reflector cavity and an optical element positioned to receive light reflected from the at least one reflector cavity. The luminaire does not include a mask or other structure located within the opening of the luminaire that would partially occlude light exiting the luminaire—light can thus exit the luminaire unimpeded. In some embodiments, the at least one reflector cavity is semi toroidal. Moreover, in some embodiments, the optical element includes a reflective optical element, a refractive optical element or a combination thereof. Methods of lighting a surface are also described. |
| US08992041B2 |
Lamp having outer shell to radiate heat of light source
A lamp may include an outer shell having heat conductivity and a base provided in the outer shell. The outer shell may include a light source support, and a heat radiating surface exposed to the outside of the outer shell. The light source support may, in some examples, be formed integrally with the heat radiating surface. A light source may be supported on the light source support. The light source may be heated during lighting, and be thermally connected to the light source support. In some examples, the light source may be covered by a cover. |
| US08992038B2 |
Internally illuminated light diffusing footwear
An illumination system is housed in a footwear, the footwear including a sole and an upper. A structure and a liner form inner layers connected to the upper. A plurality of illumination sources are electrically connected to a power source and positioned adjacent to the liner. The illumination sources are positioned between the liner and upper. A batting is designed to be light diffusing, while the upper has a light diffusing section. The light emitted from the plurality of illumination sources is diffused as it passes through the batting and light diffusing section. Aesthetic designs can be creating, either through the arrangement of the plurality of illumination sources or the provision of a light impermeable section on the upper. The light impermeable section, in combination with the light diffusion section, can be used to form or outline an aesthetic design. The result is an internally illuminated footwear with diffused light. |
| US08992035B2 |
Lighting device for ventilating fan
A lighting device for a ventilating fan comprising a power pack module and a light-emitting module composed of a lighting louver and a radiator, wherein first positioning lugs projected out of a horizontal projection plane of the power pack module are formed on the top of the power pack module and fixed on the light-emitting module by screws; and a through hole which a cable, used for supplying power for a light-emitting unit, runs through is respectively formed on a side face of the radiator making contact with the power pack module and a side face of the power pack module making contact with the radiator. The lighting device for the ventilating fan further comprises hooks formed on the radiator and a second positioning lug formed on the power pack module, wherein the hooks and the second positioning lug are used for fixing the lighting device on the ventilating fan. |
| US08992033B2 |
Display element for a display unit in a vehicle
The invention relates to a display element for the display unit of a vehicle. The display element can be backlit by means of at least one light source. The display element contains a film with identifying elements, and further contains a polarizing film. The films are arranged one above the other and are pressed against each other in the edge regions of the films via elastic elements. |
| US08992026B2 |
Projector having a dynamically positioned shutter
A projector includes: a projection optical device; an exterior housing; a shutter; and a support member, the shutter and support member are provided with an engagement structure including an engagement protrusion which being provided on either one of them, protrudes along a vertical axis, and an engagement groove which being provided on the other, and extending in a direction in which the shutter moves, guides a movement of the engagement protrusion by the engagement protrusion being inserted therein, and the engagement groove is provided in such a way that a start end at which the engagement protrusion is positioned in the closed position is positioned to the projection optical device projection side of a finish end at which the engagement protrusion is positioned in the open position. |
| US08992024B2 |
Three dimensional image projector with circular light polarization
A system is provided for projecting a three-dimensional image. The system includes a light source and a polarization conversion system for converting light emitted from the light source to circular polarization. A beam splitter device is disposed adjacent the light source to receive light, and an LCoS image device is disposed adjacent the beam splitter device. |
| US08992021B2 |
Laser illumination system
An ophthalmic endoillumination system comprises a self-contained power source and a laser light source powered by the self-contained power source to produce light. The system further comprises an elongated member sized for insertion into an eye and for conducting the light produced by the laser light source. |
| US08992020B2 |
Device for processing eye tissue by means of a pulsed laser beam
An ophthalmological device (1) for processing eye tissue includes a projection optical unit for focused projection of a laser beam (L) into the eye tissue, and a scanner system upstream of the projection optical unit for beam-deflecting scanning of the eye tissue with the laser beam (L) in a scanning movement (s') performed over a scanning angle along a scanning line(s). The ophthalmological device includes at least one optical element upstream of the projection optical unit, the optical element configured to generate a divergence—dependent on the scanning angle—of the laser beam (L), the scanning line(s) tilted in a plane running through the optical axis of the projection optical unit and the scanning line(s). Tilting of the scanning line(s)displaces—dependent on the scanning angle—the focus of the laser pulses projected into the eye tissue without vertical displacement of the projection optical unit. |
| US08992019B2 |
System and method for evaluating ocular health
A method for adaptively determining a model of visual performance of a test subject comprising the step of exposing a test subject to a plurality of trials. Each trial comprises the steps of identifying the stimulus pattern to test, generating a stimulus pattern on a display, determining whether the stimulus pattern generated an OKR, updating the model to incorporate the OKR results, and determining whether the updated model is acceptable. The trials can be iteratively repeated until the model for visual performance is acceptable. |
| US08992013B2 |
Method of designing progressive addition lenses
Embodiments of the invention pertain to a method for producing a spectacle lens with optimal correction across the entire lens taking into account the patient's complete measured wavefront. Specific embodiments can also take into account one or more additional factors such as vertex distance, segmental fitting height, pantoscopic tilt, and use conditions. The lens wavefront can be achieved by optimizing a corrected wavefront, where the corrected wavefront is the combined effect of the patient's measured wavefront and the lens wavefront. The optimization of the corrected wavefront can involve representing the measured wavefront and the lens wavefront on a grid. In an embodiment, the grid can lie in a plane. During the optimization, a subset of the grid can be used for the representation of the measured wavefront at a point on the grid so as to take into account the portions of the measured wavefront that contribute to the corrected wavefront at that point on the grid. |
| US08992003B2 |
Recording medium feeding device and recording apparatus
A recording medium feeding device includes a tray in which accommodates a recording medium, which is attachable to and detachable from a device main body including a feeding unit; a stopper that is able to switch between a regulating state in which the stopper comes into contact with a leading edge of the recording medium which is accommodated in the tray to regulate a movement of the recording medium, and a regulating release state that enables the recording medium to be fed to a feeding path; and a switching unit that is engaged with the tray to switch the stopper from the regulating state to the regulating release state, wherein the switching unit includes engaging portions that engages with the tray, and wherein the engaging portions are disposed, being separated from the stopper at the both sides of the stopper in a width direction of the recording medium. |
| US08992002B2 |
Liquid ejection apparatus having liquid-receiving devices therein
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a head, a receiving device, a holding portion, and a path. The head includes ejection ports that eject a recording liquid onto a recording medium. The receiving device is disposed below the head along a substantially vertical direction and receives recording liquid ejected from the ejection ports. The holding portion is disposed above the receiving device along the substantially vertical direction and holds a recording medium on which the head ejected recording liquid from the ejection ports. The holding portion includes a wall surface. The wall surface includes an opening formed therein. The path guides liquid on the wall surface of the holding portion from the opening in the wall surface of the holding portion to the receiving device. The substantially vertical direction is substantially opposite to a direction of gravity. |
| US08992000B2 |
Recording apparatus and drying method
A recording apparatus includes: a medium support section that supports a recording medium; and an electromagnetic wave irradiation section that dries ink present on the recording medium by irradiating electromagnetic waves to the recording medium on the medium support section, in which the medium support section has a first region including an irradiation region of the electromagnetic wave irradiation section and a second region provided adjacent to the first region, having thermal conductivity lower than that of the first region, and including a non-irradiating region of the electromagnetic wave irradiation section, and is provided with an opening section through which vapor evaporated from the ink passes. |
| US08991999B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a head that ejects liquid to be cured by receiving irradiation of an electromagnetic wave onto a medium; a provisional-curing irradiation section that emits a first electromagnetic wave to a dot formed on the medium by the liquid; and a main-curing irradiation section that emits a second electromagnetic wave, which has irradiation intensity higher than that of the first electromagnetic wave, to the dot to which the first electromagnetic wave is emitted. When the main-curing irradiation section emits the second electromagnetic wave, a dot forming surface of the medium faces the lower side in the direction of gravity. |
| US08991995B2 |
Active-energy-ray-curable inkjet recording ink composition and method for forming image
An active-energy-ray-curable inkjet recording ink composition is provided, in which a polymerizable compound having an active-energy-ray-polymerizable group and a polymerizable compound having at least two active-energy-ray-polymerizable groups are used in amounts of 60 to 95 mass % and 5 to 40 mass % relative to the total amount of the active-energy-ray-polymerizable compound, respectively; the polymerizable compound having an active-energy-ray-polymerizable group includes N-vinyl-2-caprolactam and isobornyl acrylate in amounts of 1 to 15 mass % and 1 to 25 mass % relative to the total amount of the active-energy-ray-polymerizable compound, respectively; and the polymerizable compound having at least two active-energy-ray-polymerizable groups includes a polymerizable compound having a vinyl ether group. Furthermore, a method for forming an image is provided. |
| US08991989B2 |
Ink cartridge and recording apparatus
There is provided an ink cartridge including a body, a particular interface and an engagement portion. The body has a front side at which an ink supply portion is located for supplying ink stored in an ink chamber to an exterior of the ink chamber, and a rear side located to face the front side. The particular interface is positioned substantially adjacent to the ink supply portion at the front side, wherein the particular interface is configured to be biased by a biasing member in a specific direction. The engagement portion is configured to be engaged with a locking section of a cartridge installation portion for retaining the body in an installed state. |
| US08991986B2 |
Continuous inkjet printing method
A method of printing an image with a continuous inkjet printer system employing bimodal drop size generation with pigmented inkjet ink compositions comprising a polymer additive, wherein the liquid ink is an aqueous inkjet ink comprises dispersed pigment colorant particles having a mean particle size of less than 150 nanometers and at least about 0.1 wt % of polymer additive distinct from any polymer dispersant used to disperse the pigment particles, and recirculating liquid ink supplied to the nozzle if the printer system from a liquid ink source is in-line filtered with a filter selected to be effective at retaining particles having particle sizes equal to and greater than 0.6 micrometers from the liquid ink and to pass the dispersed pigment particles. The invention enables high quality drop control in a continuous inkjet printing system. |
| US08991982B2 |
Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes a first member including a communication flow path communicating with a pressure chamber, and a second member joined to the first member and including a nozzle communicating with the communication flow path. The communication flow path includes a first flow path section adjacent to the pressure chamber, a second flow path section adjacent to the nozzle and wider than the first flow path section, and an intermediate flow path section including a sloped surface formed between the first flow path section and the second flow path section. An equation “H−W tan(π/4−θ/2)≧0” is satisfied in which H represents a length of the second flow path section, W represents a maximum width of the second flow path, and θ represents an angle between an imaginary plane parallel to the bottom face of the communication flow path and the sloped surface. |
| US08991980B2 |
Ink jet print head
An ink jet print head is configured to reduce the inclination of an ink ejection direction to make improper print conditions such as stripes and density unevenness unnoticeable. An individual wire is extended to lie under a common wire. Thus, wires under ink channels arranged on the respective opposite sides of a pressure chamber are symmetric. Consequently, an equivalent step structure is provided at the bottoms of the ink channels arranged on the respective opposite sides of the pressure chamber. |
| US08991979B2 |
Liquid ejecting head module and liquid ejecting apparatus
A unit head has a head main body having a nozzle surface, and a substrate case having a fastening surface fastened to a fixation frame of a frame and accommodating a relay substrate. The fastening surface of a substrate case is formed at a position closer to a surface of an opposite side to a fixation frame than a side surface of a fastening surface side of the head main body, and the head main body is positioned further at an ink ejecting side than the fixation frame with the faster surface being fixed to the fixation frame, the other end of a first cable whose one end is connected to the electrode terminal of a piezoelectric element is connected to the relay substrate, a second cable connected to the relay substrate is drawn to an opposite side to a nozzle surface from a position close to a surface of an opposite side to the fastening surface, and the other end of the second cable is connected to a drive substrate. |
| US08991977B2 |
Liquid discharge head and image forming apparatus
A liquid discharge head is disclosed that includes plural nozzles that discharge liquid droplets, plural individual channels that are in communication with the nozzles, a liquid introducing part that is in communication with the individual channels, a common liquid chamber that supplies liquid to the individual channels, and a filter part that is arranged between the common liquid chamber and the liquid introducing part. The filter part is configured to filter the liquid over a range of the individual channels in a nozzle array direction. A partition wall that partitions the individual channels has an end portion towards the liquid introducing part that is arranged to have a width in the nozzle array direction that becomes gradually narrower towards a tip of the partition wall. Further, at least a portion of the end portion of the partition wall is arranged to face the filter part. |
| US08991976B2 |
Method of manufacturing water repellent film, nozzle plate, inkjet head, and inkjet recording device
An object is to provide a method of manufacturing a water repellent film, a nozzle plate, an inkjet head, and an inkjet recording device which are able to improve dynamic water repellency of a water repellent film which includes a straight-chain fluorine-based organic material. The method of manufacturing a water repellent film includes forming a first organic film on a silicon substrate with a silicon compound which does not include a fluorine atom as a raw material, forming an inorganic oxide film on the first organic film, and forming a second organic film on the inorganic oxide film with a straight-chain fluorine-containing silane coupling agent as a raw material. |
| US08991974B2 |
Ink jetting
Among other things, for jetting ink, a first set of orifices of an apparatus are arranged to print at a first maximum resolution along a direction different from a process direction. A second set of orifices is coupled to the first set of orifices. The second set of orifices is arranged to print at a second maximum resolution lower than the first maximum resolution along a direction different from the process direction. |
| US08991971B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a housing and a movement region of a carriage including a liquid ejecting head, an ink tank positioned at the outer side of the movement region of the carriage, an ink supply tubes connecting the ink tank and an adapter on the carriage, and a fixing portion fixing a portion of the ink supply tubes. In the housing, a containing unit of a sheet feeding cassette is formed to project to a discharge direction of a sheet and an operation panel unit is configured to have a housing portion having an inclined surface whose lower side further projects to the discharge direction than the upper side. The ink supply tubes have a deformable moving unit performing a movement of the carriage on a portion of a liquid ejecting head side rather than a fixing portion using a fixing tool. |
| US08991969B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling a recording head for recording onto a recording medium
The present invention includes a recording control unit configured to record a recording position adjustment chart including a pattern for adjusting a recording position of a recording head for discharging ink, and a determination unit configured to determine an adjustment value for adjusting the recording position based on data of the pattern included in the recording position adjustment chart read as image data, in which the recording position adjustment chart includes a mark for detecting an inclination in reading the recording position adjustment chart. |
| US08991965B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting method
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a transport roller that transports a medium in a transport direction; a head that moves in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction, and ejects liquid to the medium; a cutter that moves in the transport direction and the orthogonal direction and cuts a part of the medium positioned in a predetermined range from a first position to a second position in the transport direction; and a controller that performs a first process of forming an image on the medium by controlling the transport roller to transport the medium in the transport direction and controlling the head moving in the orthogonal direction to eject the liquid, and performs a second process of forming a cutting line on the medium by controlling the cutter to cut the part of the medium over the predetermined range during the first process. |
| US08991964B2 |
Recording apparatus with a radiating unit for curing ink
A recording apparatus includes: a recording head that discharges ink onto a recording target medium from a nozzle; a first moving unit that moves at least one of the recording target medium and the recording head; a first radiating unit that is disposed at the opposite side to the recording head with respect to the recording target medium and radiates electromagnetic waves that cure the ink; and a second moving unit that moves at least one of the recording target medium and the first radiating unit, and a control unit that controls driving of the recording head, the first moving unit, the first radiating unit, and the second moving unit. |
| US08991963B2 |
Liquid discharging apparatus and liquid discharging method
There is provided a liquid discharging apparatus including: a first nozzle row and a second nozzle row in which nozzles for discharging liquid are lined up, and the second nozzle row is disposed by forming an overlapped region in which an end portion of one side in a predetermined direction is overlapped with an end portion of the other side in the predetermined direction of the first nozzle row; and a control unit which discharges liquid from the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row depending on input data of an image and a recording duty for discharging liquid, increases a recording duty in the overlapped region with respect to a recording duty in a non-overlapped region which is a region other than the overlapped region, and differentiates increased amounts of the recording duty in the overlapped region from each other depending on the input data. |
| US08991962B2 |
Ink jet printing method and printer
A method of printing a spit pattern for an inkjet printer includes selecting a dot distance between dots of the spit pattern, selecting at least a sub-matrix of a dither matrix of entries arranged in rows and columns, constructing a bi-level bitmap of the same size as the sub-matrix, splitting each column of the bi-level bitmap which has more than one entry having a value of one into a number of columns such that each column of the number of columns comprises one entry having a value of one, removing each column of the bi-level bitmap which has no entry having a value of one, extracting the row and column number of each entry of the bi-level bitmap having a value of one, adapting the row number of each extracted entry in accordance with the dot distance, and printing the spit pattern. |
| US08991959B2 |
Recording apparatus and method for controlling recording apparatus
A recording apparatus including a recording head that includes an element array of a plurality of recording elements for discharging a liquid, the plurality of recording elements in the element array being divided into groups, and a drive unit configured to drive the recording head in a driving mode selected from a plurality of driving modes including a continuous driving mode in which recording elements in each of the groups are driven in order from one end and a distributed driving mode in which recording elements in each of the groups are driven such that adjacent recording elements are not driven sequentially. |
| US08991957B2 |
Liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first piezoelectric element, a first nozzle that ejects a liquid in association with the driving of the first piezoelectric element, a second piezoelectric element, a second nozzle that ejects a liquid in association with the driving of the second piezoelectric element, a driving signal generation unit that generates a driving signal for driving a plurality of piezoelectric elements, and a residual vibration detection unit that detects residual vibration generated by the driving of the piezoelectric element. The first nozzle is adjacent to the second nozzle. |
| US08991956B2 |
Ink jet recording device
An ink jet recording device includes a conveying unit, carriage, motor, recording head, encoder, and controller. The controller is configured to perform: a recording control for controlling the recording head to eject ink while the carriage is moving; and a first movement control for setting a target stand-by position from which the carriage is configured to start moving in a particular direction and controlling the motor to move the carriage to and stop at the target stand-by position. Further, the controller is configured to control the carriage to move in the particular direction, when the carriage stops at a position upstream of the target stand-by position in the particular direction in the first movement control, from the upstream position at which the carriage has stopped, and to perform the recording control during a period of continuous movement of the carriage across the target stand-by position. |
| US08991954B2 |
Fluid ejection device with fluid displacement actuator and related methods
In an embodiment, a method of circulating fluid in a fluid ejection device includes generating compressive and expansive fluid displacements of different durations from a first actuator located asymmetrically within a fluidic channel between a first fluid feedhole and a nozzle while generating no fluid displacements from a second actuator located asymmetrically within the channel between the nozzle and a second fluid feedhole. |
| US08991952B2 |
Hooking device of a drawer to a longitudinal guide
The hooking device of a drawer to a longitudinal guide, comprises a support body fixable to a front and/or a bottom of the drawer and is provided with an oscillating command lever of a hooking organ of the support body to the guide, the support body exhibiting a first part of body fixable to the drawer and at least one second part of body slidably connected with the first part of body and adjustably positioned at least in the longitudinal direction of the guide, the lever and the hooking organ being solidly constrained to said second part of body in displacement thereof in the longitudinal direction of the guide, at least first adjustment means being further provided for varying a position of said second part of body with respect to the first part of body in the longitudinal direction of the guide for adjusting the position of the drawer with respect to the guide in the longitudinal direction of the guide. |
| US08991951B2 |
Pop-up monitor with obstacle sensing function
A pop-up monitor with an obstacle sensing function is provided. The pop-up monitor includes a body housing and a monitor frame which is installed to move in a vertical direction with respect to the body housing. The pop-up monitor includes a driving unit, a sensor, and a controller. The driving unit includes a motor, a rotational shaft, and a gear set which transfers a rotational motion of the motor to the rotational shaft. The sensor outputs a sensing signal for whether the rotational shaft rotates. The controller outputs a control signal for a rotational direction of the motor according to the sensing signal and state information regarding whether the motor rotates. |
| US08991949B2 |
Chassis drawer for modular information handling resources
A drawer for receiving components may include a caddy tray and at least one caddy. The caddy tray may include a substantially planar caddy tray bottom defining a caddy tray depth and a caddy tray width. The at least one caddy may be mechanically coupled to the caddy tray via a hinge mechanically coupled to the caddy tray bottom such that the caddy pivots relative to the caddy tray about the hinge, the hinge having an axis generally parallel to the caddy tray depth, the at least one caddy having a plurality of bays, each bay having one or more structural components for receiving a modular information handling resource and configured such that the bay is accessed for insertion or removal of the modular information handling resource when the at least one caddy is pivoted from a closed position to an open position. |
| US08991948B2 |
Accessible cabinetry system
A high cabinet may be mechanically lowered to within reach of a disabled user. In the second exemplary embodiment, a scissor-jack type mechanism pushes an outer cabinet out from the wall and a sliding mechanism allows an inner cabinet to drop down from within the outer cabinet. |
| US08991947B2 |
Storage solutions using aircraft lavatories
Embodiments provided relate to systems and methods for using aircraft lavatories as storage when the aircraft is on the ground and during taxi, take-off, and landing, but to also allow the lavatories to be open for use during other aircraft flight times. This is accomplished by providing a slidable unit that is contained within the interior space of the aircraft lavatory in a storage position and that is extended out of the aircraft lavatory space in a lavatory use position. |
| US08991946B1 |
Hair styling accessory organizer
A hair styling accessory organizer includes an organizer base; an organizer platform carried by the organizer base; and at least one generally elongated hair head support member upward-standing from the organizer platform, the hair bead support member having a base portion carried by the organizer platform, a tapered portion of varying cross-sectional diameter extending from the base portion and a terminal portion extending from the tapered portion. |
| US08991945B2 |
Merchandiser including accessible canopy
A refrigerated merchandiser including a case defining a product display area. The case includes a canopy defining an electrical raceway, and a panel defining aesthetic fascia for the canopy. The panel is coupled to the canopy and movable between a first position enclosing the electrical raceway and a second position providing access to the electrical raceway. The panel is self-supported in the second position. |
| US08991942B2 |
Brake control apparatus
A brake control apparatus for a vehicle provided with a regenerative braking system includes a hydraulic circuit where a first passage connects a master cylinder to a wheel cylinder. A second passage connects a discharge side of a pump to a first portion of the first passage. A third passage connects a suction side of the pump to a second portion of the first passage between the master cylinder and the first portion. A fourth passage connects the suction side of the pump to a third portion of the first passage between an inflow valve and the wheel cylinder. A reservoir is connected to the third passage and a portion of the fourth passage between an outflow valve and the suction side of the pump. A shut-off valve restricts brake fluid discharge through a discharge-side valve from the pump being driven. |
| US08991925B2 |
Furniture member and power lift mechanism
A lift chair includes a frame assembly including a chair portion rotatable with respect to a base portion. A lift mechanism portion is positioned in a base portion cavity. The lift mechanism portion includes a lift motor and a drive assembly connected to the lift motor having a slide. A lift tube connects the slide to the chair portion. The lift tube upon actuation of the lift motor displaces the chair portion between a nominal and a full lift position by slide displacement in a slide lifting direction. First and second guide members are positioned on opposite sides of the drive assembly and connected to a base portion base platform. The lift tube is connected to both the first and second guide members to distribute a weight load from the chair portion via the lift tube to the slide, and by the guide members to the base platform. |
| US08991923B2 |
Adjusting device for a lumbar support and method of adjusting a lumbar support
An adjusting device for a lumbar support includes a pair of spaced guide members. A first adjusting member is coupled to the pair of guide members and displaceable along the pair of guide members and configured such that the lumbar support is adjusted when the first adjusting member is displaced. A second adjusting member is displaceable along the pair of guide members. A drive mechanism for effecting an adjustment of the lumbar support includes a motor provided on the first adjusting member so as to be displaceable along the guide members jointly with the first adjusting member. |
| US08991921B2 |
Seating unit with seat position and depth adjustment assembly
A seating unit having a seat assembly and an adjustment assembly coupled to the seat assembly is provided, where the adjustment assembly includes a single drive mechanism for translating the seat assembly from a first position to a second position and expanding the seat assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration. |
| US08991919B2 |
Child safety seat for vehicles
A child safety seat having a seat, a backrest, and a belt device for buckling a child therein. The belt device includes a shoulder belt routed through an opening in the backrest. The opening includes a longitudinal slot extending in a longitudinal direction of the backrest in a reclining element and a belt slot in a belt guide piece. The guide piece is movable along the reclining element to adapt the position of the belt slot to the child's body. The guide piece detachably connects to the reclining element via a locking device having a locking element pretensioned by a reset force. An actuating element on the reclining element applies tensile force to the tensioning element, counter to the reset force. This moves the locking element into a release setting, thus releasing the locking device and displacing the guide piece along the longitudinal direction of the backrest. |
| US08991915B1 |
Tray for foldable chairs
A utility tray apparatus is provided which is attachable to lightweight foldable chairs. The chairs generally consist of tubular frames with fabric seat and backrests. The utility tray apparatus has a body portion and a tray portion. The body portion has two channels formed therein. The channels are suitable for receipt of the tubular leg members of the chair. The channels are tapered such that an interference fit is achieved when the diameter of the tubular leg member matches the width of the respective channel. An attachment member may be provided which fits within the channels of the body portion. The attachment member having a clamp on the bottom thereof suitable for clamping to a square or circular tubular member, such as a rail on a deer stand. |
| US08991908B2 |
Vehicle hood structure
A vehicle hood structure capable of both raising the energy absorbing ability when an impacting body has impacted a hood and enhancing deformation properties of the hood during a frontal collision. A framework formation section configuring a central region in a hood inner panel is provided with beads and indented portions formed to extend along the hood front-rear direction. Plural through holes are formed at a hood front-rear direction substantially central portion of the framework formation section in a row along the hood width direction. The through holes are formed in bottom portions of the indented portions. Beads are also formed in the two hood width direction edge portions in positions aligned with the hood front-rear direction positions of the through holes. |
| US08991907B1 |
Front vehicle body reinforcing structure
A front vehicle body reinforcing structure may include front side members and front fender apron members. The front side members are formed to be extended in a length direction of a vehicle, are disposed at both left and right sides in a width direction of the vehicle, respectively, and each includes a front tip portion that is positioned at a front side in the length direction of the vehicle. Each of the front fender apron members is provided with a front tip portion that is formed to match the front tip portion of a respective front side member in the length direction of the vehicle to be coupled to the front tip portion of the respective front side member, and formed to be extended in the length direction of the vehicle. The structure effectively reduces impact of a frontal collision accident by increasing structural rigidity of the front vehicle body. |
| US08991905B2 |
Floor structure in vehicle body rear part
A vehicle body rear floor structure characterized as follows is provided. The front end of a rear floor panel in a vehicle longitudinal direction includes a front wall extending between a pair of side sills. The front wall forms an arc whose central part in a vehicle width direction projects upward from the floor. The front wall lower end is joined to a rear end of a main floor panel. A cross member forms an arc whose central part in the vehicle width direction projects upward from the floor, and extends along the front wall with the central part of the cross member in the vehicle width direction placed on a floor tunnel. The cross member ends, in the vehicle width direction, are joined to the side sills and main floor panel. The cross member central part in the vehicle width direction is joined to the floor tunnel. |
| US08991899B2 |
Air-guiding device for a vehicle
An air-guiding device (12) is arranged in a rear-end region of a vehicle and has a central main air-guiding element (13) that is displaceable from a retracted rest position into a deployed operating position. Lateral auxiliary air-guiding elements (14, 15) are adjustable substantially linearly relative to the main air-guiding element (13) in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be transferred from a rest position, in which they are retracted into the main air-guiding element (13), into an operating position, in which they are deployed out of the main air-guiding element (13). Each auxiliary air-guiding element is movable along a guide unit (22) in the main air-guiding element (13) and is guided in the guide unit (22) in a first direction by at least one slide element (26) and in a second direction by at least one guide pin (27). |
| US08991894B2 |
Pickup bed utility management system
A configurable pickup bed utility management system features a segmented panel assembly pivotally mounted to a pickup bed. The panel assembly features a first panel, a second panel pivotally located on the first panel, a third panel pivotally located on the second panel, and a fourth panel pivotally located on the third panel. A plurality of curved linear extrusions with ridges are located on the panels. The panel assembly can be fully extended over the pickup bed forming a bed cover structure, fully extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a work surface structure, fully extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a ramp structure, partially extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a sun shade structure, folded into the pickup bed forming a lockable toolbox, or folded into the pickup bed forming a bed extender. |
| US08991892B2 |
Cowl trim assembly with adjustable footrest
A cowl trim assembly includes a panel body having an outwardly extending support base. An adjustable footrest assembly is supported on the support base between fore and aft positions. The footrest assembly includes connecting members adapted to couple the adjustable footrest assembly to the panel body at laterally extending slots disposed on the panel body. The laterally extending slots include receiving grooves incrementally spaced along the slots which are adapted to receive the connecting members of the footrest assembly in assembly. Thus, the footrest assembly is laterally adjustable relative to the panel body along the length of the slots. |
| US08991891B2 |
Device for covering a storage compartment and storage compartment device
The invention relates to a device for covering a storage compartment (10), in particular a glove compartment in the interior of a motor vehicle, with a cover plate (22), the inner surface (30) of which in opened state forms a storage surface. The device is characterized in that the cover plate (22) is able to be moved from its closed position by means of at least one guide (40, 42) for the formation of the storage surface into a horizontal storage position or into a stowage position, wherein the storage compartment (10) is at least partly opened in the storage position and in the stowage position. |
| US08991887B2 |
Suction structure, robot hand and robot
A suction structure includes a pad and a fixing base. The pad includes a contact portion which makes contact with a target object to be sucked and which has a seal wall, and a major surface portion which is surrounded by the contact portion and which defines an inner space in conjunction with the seal wall as the contact portion makes contact with the target object. The fixing base includes a support portion configured to support the pad at a position offset from the center of the major surface portion of the pad, and a suction hole configured to bring the inner space into communication with a vacuum source. |
| US08991885B2 |
Compliant underactuated grasper
A compliant underactuated grasper includes a base and a plurality of fingers. At least one of the plurality of fingers includes: a proximal phalanx; a proximal joint connecting the proximal phalanx to the base; a distal phalanx; a distal joint connecting the distal phalanx to the proximal phalanx; and a member for moving the phalanges. At least one of the proximal joint and the distal joint includes a flexure joint having a first compliance in a first direction and a second compliance in a second direction, the second compliance being stiffer than the first compliance. The distal phalanx includes: a rounded end face; and a lifting portion including a lifting edge adjacent the rounded end face. The member acts in parallel to the first direction. The grasper further includes at least one actuator associated with the member. The grasper has fewer actuators than degrees of freedom. |
| US08991884B2 |
Robotic hand with conformal finger
A robotic finger assembly can include a base for mounting the finger to a robotic hand, with the base having a motor, and at least three links. The links of the robotic hand are connected to each other and to the base by a series of joints. A joint shaft and a pivot shaft, where the pivot shaft can freely move within its respective joint shaft, is connected to a preceding link. The motor is activated for opening or closing the finger. The finger closes on an object with a distributed force across the links. Grasping also can mean engaging an object like a human hand, by closing the first finger link until it engages the object, then closing the second finger link until it engages the object, then closing the third link until it engages the object. A robotic hand assembly is also disclosed. |
| US08991880B2 |
Door handle device
A door handle device includes: a base member having handle supporting portions provided between a pair of supporting boards facing each other; a handle grip provided with an arm portion protruding at one end of the handle grip, shaft support portions provided on an extreme end of the arm portion and pivotally supported by the handle supporting portions of the base member, and an operating portion provided at the other end of the handle grip and configured to operate a lever provided on the base member; and a double torsion spring having a restriction portion extending between the pair of supporting boards of the base member, and hooked to the supporting boards of the base member by its own biasing force, in which a recessed portion with which the restriction portion of the double torsion spring is engaged is formed in the arm portion of the handle grip. |
| US08991876B2 |
Connection means and method for connecting at least two fluid-conducting medical-technical systems, as well as medical-technical apparatus
A connection for the fluid connection of at least one first fluid-conducting, medical-technical system to a second one, a method for connecting at least two fluid-conducting, medical-technical systems, as well as an external medical-technical apparatus and a medical-technical apparatus are described. |
| US08991874B2 |
Coupling unit
The coupling element is characterized by the locking pieces, on the coupling element and on the nipple element, with circumferentially extending projections which viewed in cross-section are substantially serrated (or roof-shaped) and which extend around a part of the whole circumference of the locking pieces. The coupling element and the nipple element are elastically deformed during the inserting operation and lock in place one after the other. At least one circumferential section of the locking pieces, of the coupling element and of the nipple element, is free of serrated (or roof-shaped) projections and has guides for the twist-proof inserting operation. |
| US08991869B2 |
Tube coupling apparatus having liquefiable metal sealing layer
A method for forming a fluid tight seal is disclosed. The method may make use of a first component having a first sealing surface, and a second component having a second sealing surface. The method may further involve coating one of the first and second sealing surfaces with a metallic film layer adapted to transform into a liquefied metallic layer when a temperature of one of the first and second surfaces exceeds a melting temperature of a metal used to form the metallic film layer. Once it becomes liquefied, the liquefied metallic layer forms a pressure-tight seal between the sealing surfaces. |
| US08991867B2 |
Break-away buckle for a child restraint
A buckle for a child safety seat comprising a body having an opening for receiving and selectively retaining in position a tang portion of a first belt portion connector, a loop element for connecting a second belt portion, the loop element engaging the tang portion to connect the first and second belt portions, the loop element comprising a base with a pair of legs extending therefrom and abutting at distal ends at a split surface. Each leg includes an anti-spread tab extending generally perpendicularly from the leg configured to engage the opening when the buckle is operably assembled to prevent separation of the split surface and retain the loop element engaged on the tang portion. The anti-separation tabs allow separation of the split surface as the tang is partially withdrawn from the opening so that the lop portion may be disengaged from the tang by movement generally transverse to the tang. |
| US08991866B2 |
Vehicle pillar trim assembly
A vehicle pillar trim assembly includes a trim panel, a first cover plate and a second cover plate. The trim panel has a first side surface, a second side surface and an aperture extending from the first side surface to the second side surface. The first cover plate is slidably arranged in an adjustment direction with respect to the trim panel in an overlapping manner with the first side surface and at least partially covering the aperture. The first cover plate has a first opening that is smaller than the aperture and at least partially aligned with the aperture. The second cover plate is slidably with respect to the trim panel in an overlapping manner with the first cover plate and at least partially covering the first opening. The second cover plate has a second opening smaller than the first opening and aligned with the first opening. |
| US08991865B2 |
Collapsible steering column
A collapsible steering column assembly comprising a mounting structure, the mounting structure comprising a first part for connecting to the body of a vehicle and a second part for connecting to part of a steering mechanism, the first and second parts being interconnected to permit relative movement therebetween as the assembly collapses, wherein: one of the first or second parts comprises a slot, the slot comprising a pocket and a channel defined by two opposing sidewalls, each sidewall being the outer edge of a deformable structure; the other of the first or second parts comprises a lug, the lug extending into the pocket when the assembly is in a non-collapsed state and being configured to be driven through the channel to cause plastic deformation of the deformable structure as the assembly collapses; and the assembly comprises a re-enforcement that limits the plastic deformation of the deformable structure during the collapsing stroke to regions of the deformable structure adjacent to regions of the channel through which the lug has passed. |
| US08991862B2 |
Steering column for a motor vehicle
A steering column for a motor vehicle includes a console part for securing the steering column to a body of the motor vehicle, and a steering shaft bearing unit for rotatably mounting a steering shaft of the steering column. The steering shaft bearing unit is mounted between at least two lateral cheeks of the console part. A bearing part is arranged between the lateral cheeks of the console part and the steering shaft bearing unit. A clamping bolt of the steering column penetrates the lateral cheeks of the console part, the bearing part, and the steering shaft bearing unit. The bearing part has at least one bearing part bead, while the steering shaft bearing unit has at least one steering shaft bearing unit bead, at least some areas of the bearing part bead lying flat against the steering shaft bearing unit bead. The clamping bolt penetrates the bearing part in the bearing part bead and penetrates the steering shaft bearing unit in the steering shaft bearing unit bead. |
| US08991860B2 |
External airbag apparatus
Disclosed is an external airbag apparatus. The apparatus includes, a back beam disposed on one surface directed toward a bumper on which an airbag module is disposed. The apparatus additionally includes a deployment guide disposed between the bumper and the back beam, both ends of which are coupled to the back beam, and a middle end of which is supported on the bumper. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a sensor disposed between the deployment guide and the back beam to sense impact when pressed by the deployment guide during impact to the bumper. |
| US08991859B2 |
Side airbag device and method of sewing side airbag
A side airbag device has: a side airbag that inflates and expands at a time of a side collision, and that has a lower chamber (high pressure chamber), and an upper chamber (low pressure chamber), the high pressure chamber and the low pressure chamber being formed by base cloths (a lower base cloth, an upper base cloth) that are respectively separate bodies; an inflator; a partitioning wall that is formed by a portion of the lower base cloth, and that divides the lower chamber and the upper chamber; and a check valve that is provided at a partial region of the partitioning wall, and that is provided convexly toward the lower chamber side when the side airbag is not inflated, and that permits flowing of the gas for inflation from the upper chamber side to the lower chamber side, and restricts flowing of gas in a direction opposite thereto. |
| US08991856B2 |
Pre-weakened cover for an airbag and method of making
A pre-weakened cover of an airbag module is provided including a layer having an outer show surface and an opposing inner surface. A plurality of first cuts is arranged at a first angle on the inner surface. A plurality of second cuts is arranged at a second angle on the inner surface. Each of the second cuts intersects two adjacent first cuts to form a generally V-shaped pattern. |
| US08991853B2 |
Retractable stroller
A retractable stroller comprises a pair of push arms, a pair of second sliding mounts and a pair of foot rest mount. The pair of push arms are slidably and retractably coupling with a pair of front struts. The pair of second sliding mounts are fixedly mounted on the lower ends of the push arms in a way of slidable along the front struts; each sliding mount formed with an opening in a radial direction, and the pair of foot rest mounts are usable for connecting a foot support element therebetween for support an occupant's feet at an appropriate height. The pair of foot rest mounts are fixedly attached to the front struts in a position aligned with the opening so as to permit the second sliding mounts capable of sliding along the front struts and passing over the foot rest mount without obstacle of the foot rest mount. |
| US08991848B2 |
Bicycle frame
In accordance with the present invention, an improved bicycle frame according to one embodiment of this invention has a top tube that allows the wheel base to lengthen by resiliently flexing or pivotally deflecting vertically while resisting torsional flex This feature is combined with a resilient, flexible, arcuate down tube extending between the bottom bracket of the bicycle and the bicycle head tube or the intermediate connection points The down tube has at least one arc and springs back to its original position from forces of tension as well as compression The combination of the two flexing members gives the bicycle a smoother ride and may also enhance the delivery of pedal” power to the rear wheel The down tube is replaceable in order to modify the flex characteristics of the frame and physical characteristics, such as head tube and seat tube angle, wheel base, and bottom bracket height. |
| US08991842B1 |
Ambulatory frame assembly
An ambulatory frame assembly for exiting a vehicle in an emergency includes a frame that is operationally coupled to the vehicle. The frame is selectably extended outwardly from the vehicle so the frame may selectively support a user. A step is coupled to the frame so the user walks on the step. A support is operationally coupled to the frame. The support is movable after the frame is extended outwardly from the vehicle. A rail is operationally coupled to the arm. The rail is selectively positionable to be gripped by the user after the frame is extended outwardly from the vehicle. |
| US08991839B1 |
Axle suspension system
An axle suspension system for a vehicle. The axle suspension system may include a trailing arm assembly that may have a shock absorber passage. A shock absorber may extend through the shock absorber passage. |
| US08991835B1 |
Lightweight plastic sleds for emergency transport and hauling of loads
Lightweight inexpensive sleds, made of tough plastic or similar material, are disclosed for transporting injured people or inert loads. Tensile towing forces applied to a strap are distributed to avoid tearing the sled body. |
| US08991834B2 |
Gas spring assembly for a vehicle suspension system
A gas spring for a vehicle suspension system includes a cylinder, a rod disposed within the cylinder, a relative movement between the rod and the cylinder changing the volume of a chamber formed between the rod and the cylinder, and an accumulator in communication with the chamber. Compression of gas in the chamber at least partially provides a first spring rate for deflections of the gas spring below a threshold, compression of gas in the chamber at least partially provides a second spring rate for deflections of the gas spring above the threshold, and the first spring rate is greater than the second spring rate. |
| US08991828B2 |
Dartboard
A dartboard includes a board frame and a plurality of target blocks coupled at the board frame. Each target block includes a block body, a predetermined amount of target materials, and a block panel. The block body has a material compartment and two openings aligning with the material compartment. The target materials are made of sisals and filled within the material compartment. The block panel is affixed to one of the openings of the block body to form a bottom panel of the respective block body so as to retain bottom of the target material within the material compartment of the block body. |
| US08991826B2 |
Board game utilizing binary numbers
A board game incorporating binary conversions to entertain and educate players, comprising a multi-tiered playing field, a plurality of counters, of control pads, and playing cards. The playing field comprises a plurality of rooms, doors, roof hatches, and lights. Players enter the values from the playing cards into the control pads. The control pads electronically communicate with the counters to display the binary conversions. Based on the binary conversions, the lights on the playing field indicate which doors and roof hatches are opened or closed allowing players to navigate through the playing field. The winning player wins by being the first player to exit the playing field. It is contemplated that the board game can extend to computer games, video games, smart phone and tablet applications, theme parks or other similar gaming opportunities wherein players can compete to navigate through and be the first to exit the playing field. |
| US08991825B2 |
Ball ejection system and method for wheel games
A ball ejection system for a roulette game is provided. The system includes a roulette wheel including a plurality of slots, at least one sensor, at least one ejector element, and a first driving mechanism. Each slot is defined by side walls and a bottom surface. Each bottom surface further includes an opening. The at least one sensor is position within each of the plurality of slots and are configured to emit a signal when detecting a ball within the slot. The ejector element is positioned below the roulette and includes at least one air blower. The air blower is configured to blow air circumferentially around the roulette wheel due to the detection of a ball on one of the sensors. Finally, the first driving mechanism is in communication with the at least one ejector element and configured to cause the initiation of the at least one air blower. |
| US08991818B2 |
Sheet conveyor device
A sheet conveyor device includes a conveyor that conveys a sheet along a conveyance path in a conveying direction, a sheet stack portion that receives the sheet conveyed by the conveyor, and a conducting member. The conveyor includes an ejection roller that ejects the sheet to the sheet stack portion. The conducting member includes a contact portion, disposed along the conveyance path downstream of the ejection roller, which comes into contact with the sheet conveyed by the conveyor, and a discharge portion that discharges static electricity transferred to the contact portion by contact between the sheet and the contact portion. |
| US08991813B2 |
Sheet transport device
A sheet transport device includes a sheet supporting surface which receives a plurality of sheets set thereon, a separation roller which separates the sheets set on the sheet supporting surface sheet by sheet to transport a separated sheet in a predetermined transport direction, and a first detection unit which is disposed to the supporting surface and detects whether a sheet is set on the sheet supporting surface. The separation roller and the first detection unit are disposed to be separated at least in a sheet width direction orthogonal to the predetermined transport direction, and a distance between the first detection unit and an end edge of the separation roller at a side of the first detection unit is longer than a short side of a non-allowable sheet which is smaller than a minimum sheet size within an allowable transport range set in the sheet transport device. |
| US08991812B2 |
Discerning between original media and blank media in a common feed path printer device
Methods, apparatuses, and systems that facilitate common feed path printing devices to discern between original media and blank media are described herein. The novel systems may include, among other things, a print and a scan mechanism having a common input path to receive a first and a second media, the first media being original media to be scanned by the scan mechanism, and the second media being blank media to be printed on by the print mechanism. The system may further include a divider and a first sensor. The divider being configured to provide to the common feed path the first and the second media by defining a first and a second input slot to locate the first and the second media, respectively, wherein the divider to provide the first and the second media to the common feed path via the first and second input slots. The first sensor may detect absence of the first media in the first input slot. |
| US08991811B1 |
Image recording device
An image recording device having a first housing, a second housing, and a support tray adjacent to a first side of the second housing and a first side of the first housing. The support tray is pivotably connected to the first housing and is movable between a third state and a fourth state and a retainer portion connecting the support tray to the second housing in a first state and a second state. |
| US08991802B1 |
Tool for aligning highway barrier modules
An apparatus for aligning barrier wall modules atop a retaining wall includes a flat base transversely disposed relative to a longitudinal axis of the retaining wall. The flat base is positioned between adjacent barrier wall modules disposed in end-to-end relation to one another atop the retaining wall. The flat base includes a central part, first and second flat arms and first and second elongate bolts secured to and extending from respective free ends of the first and second flat arms in opposite directions. First and second nuts screw-threadedly engage the first and second bolts. First and second housings slidingly ensleeve the first and second arms and the first and second bolts respectively. The first and second housings abut first and second sides of adjacent barrier modules when the first and second nuts are advanced and control positioning of the barrier modules atop the retaining wall. |
| US08991792B2 |
Fence post and fence formed therefrom
A fence post which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood. A plurality of fence post(s) may be used to form a fence (FIG. 8). Each fence post includes an engaging mechanism at a first end thereof, which is adapted to release from a substrate surface in the event of rising water or flood, and, a retaining mechanism at a second end thereof to retain the post near its pre-released position, such that the fence posts may be easily re-installed after the flood has passed. |
| US08991791B2 |
Hoist spooling assembly and methods of using same
A hoist spooling assembly for spooling a cable about a drum while preventing relative movement between the cable and the drum. The hoist spooling assembly evenly delivers force from a roller to the cable while reducing the incidence of spooling problems, including mechanical wear of the cable and formation of loops and kinks in the cable. |
| US08991790B2 |
Multiple action hoist
A method and apparatus for transferring the ends of power lines between first and second supports including a frame having a pair of independently operable hoist mechanisms which each include a tension line with an attachment element at the end thereof, with the drums being rotatable by respective ratchet mechanisms for enabling the transfer of the end of a tension line from one support location to a different support location. |
| US08991789B1 |
Field-installable pulling eye
A field-installable pulling eye and a method for providing and using the same are disclosed. The pulling eye comprises a bolt, a sleeve, and a collet. The sleeve has a hollow interior defining a cavity configured to receive the collet through an open end, and an aperture passing from the exterior of the sleeve to the cavity at the opposite end. The bolt has a head portion and a threaded shaft configured to pass through the aperture and engage a complementary threaded orifice at one end of the collet. The collet has two or more jaws extending from the opposite end that are configured to exert a compression force the terminal end of a conductor inserted between the jaws as the collet is drawn into the cavity of the sleeve by tightening the bolt. |
| US08991785B2 |
Methods and apparatus for sealing a slit valve door
Apparatus, methods and systems are provided for sealing the door of a slit valve. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a seal, adapted to extend along a perimeter of a slit valve door; and a hard stop, disposed between the seal and an outer edge of the slit valve door, and adapted to extend along the length of the seal, wherein the hard stop and elastomer seal fill at least a portion of a gap between the slit valve door and an insert leading to a process chamber. |
| US08991783B2 |
Fuel injection valve for internal combustion engine
In a fuel injection valve, it is intended to enhance valve-closing responsivity while maintaining durability (anti wear property) of a collision portion between a stationary core and a movable core and valve-opening responsivity.An annular end face 106A of the movable core 106 in the fuel injection valve is provided with a collision portion 106C that collides to a stationary core 107 when the movable core is magnetically attracted toward the stationary core side and a non-collision portion that keeps a fluid gap between both cores at an area of an outer side or an inner side from the collision portion. The annular end faces of the stationary core and the movable core are coated with platings 30, 31 having anti wear property, and at least one of the platings of the stationary core and the movable core is formed in such a manner that the thickness thereof at the collision portion 106C is to be thicker and the thickness thereof at the non-collision portion is to be thinner. |
| US08991782B2 |
Device for automatic closure of control valves in separable connection units for flexible pipes
A device for automatic closure of control valves in separable connection units for flexible pipes is described. The device comprises, for every sector of the control valve, a slidable body operating on the valve sector to cause closing and opening rotation thereof, elastic means housed within a first chamber to activate the sliding body to cause the closing rotation of said valve sector, a braking fluid housed in a second chamber to brake the movement of said sliding body in the closing direction and fluid dynamic communication means between said chambers to permit the controlled transfer of the braking fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber during the movement of the sliding body in the closing direction. The fluid dynamic communication means comprise a passage duct with an enlarged part and a cartridge with external grooves of variable length inserted in said enlarged part. |
| US08991775B2 |
Kiosks for electronic devices
Kiosks for supporting an electronic device, where the kiosks include a stand, a swivel mechanism roratably coupled to the stand, and a frame mounted to the swivel member and configured to support the electronic device. In some examples, the swivel mechanism includes a fixed member coupled to the stand and a swivel member rotatably supported by the fixed member. The swivel member is configured to rotate relative to the fixed member between a first position, which orients the frame in a first orientation, and a second position, which orients the frame in a second orientation. In some examples, swivel mechanism includes a position selection mechanism. |
| US08991773B2 |
Device for mounting systems on aircraft or spacecraft
The present invention provides a device for mounting systems, for example an electrical or fluid-conveying line, on a structure, in particular of an aircraft or spacecraft, the device comprising a basic holder which is fastenable to the structure and a system holder for mounting the systems, the system holder being fastenable to a first interface of the basic holder, which system holder is fastenable to a first interface of the basic holder; the basic holder comprising a first part, which comprises the first interface, and a second part, one end of which is attachable to the first part so as to be pivotal about a pivot axis and the other end of which is fastenable to the structure. |
| US08991769B2 |
Two-dimensional morphing structure for wing
An apparatus and methods for changing the shape of a wing using a plurality of morphing structures. One example method includes coupling a plurality of morphing structures to each other. Each morphing structure includes an anchor, a plurality of hinges, a plurality of shape-memory alloy members wherein each shape-memory alloy member extends from the anchor to a different hinge, a plurality of springs wherein each spring extends from the anchor to a different hinge, and a plurality of rigid members wherein each rigid member extends between two hinges. The method further includes actuating the plurality of shape-memory alloy members in at least some of the morphing structures wherein the shape-memory alloy members contract when actuated to pull against the hinges and anchors within the actuated morphing structures to rotate the rigid members and change the shape of the actuated morphing structure. |
| US08991759B2 |
Rear fuselage of an aircraft
Rear fuselage of an aircraft comprising a tail cone end and a rest of the real fuselage whereby the tail cone end is attached to the rest of the rear fuselage by means of an attachment system comprising two upper lugs, two lower lugs and a detachable balancer fitting. The balancer fitting is an adjustable fitting, being locked in a Z and Y directions of a Cartesian axis and being movable along an X direction of the Cartesian axis providing guidance for the tail cone end and the rest of the rear fuselage. |
| US08991758B2 |
Unmanned aerial vehicle
An unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising: a fuselage having a first side board and a second side board spaced apart and connected by at least one transverse board; the first side board, the second side board, and the at least one transverse board being printed circuit boards; at least one of the first side board, the second side board, and the at least one transverse board having formed and mounted thereon conductive traces and at least one component, respectively, for controlling and monitoring the unmanned aerial vehicle; first and second wings mounted to the fuselage; and, a tail mounted to the fuselage. |
| US08991753B2 |
Method of positioning landing gear
A method of positioning landing gear of an airplane is provided that includes providing the landing gear including a shock strut, a truck beam operatively pivotally connected to the shock strut, first and second interconnected links operatively connected to the truck beam and a third link extending between the shock strut and the first and second links with the third link pivotally connected to the second link at a third pivot. When the landing gear is commanded to a lowered position, the third pivot is positioned in a first position to support a taxi mode, a take-off mode and a landing mode if the landing gear is operational and in a second position to support an alternate landing mode if the landing gear is not fully operational. When the landing gear is commanded to a raised position, the third pivot is in the second position to support a stow mode. |
| US08991750B2 |
Modular miniature unmanned aircraft with vectored thrust control
An aircraft for unmanned aviation is described. The aircraft includes an airframe, a pair of fins attached to a rear portion of the airframe, a pair of dihedral braces attached to a bottom portion of the airframe, a first thrust vectoring module and a second thrust vectoring module, and an electronics module. The electronics module provides commands to the two thrust vectoring modules. The two thrust vectoring modules are configured to provide lateral and longitudinal control to the aircraft by directly controlling a thrust vector for each of the pitch, the roll, and the yaw of the aircraft. The use of directly articulated electrical motors as thrust vectoring modules enables the aircraft to execute tight-radius turns over a wide range of airspeeds. |
| US08991743B1 |
Helicopter with blade-tip thrusters and annular centrifugal fuel supply tank and concentric cabin and fuselage
A helicopter includes a rotor with short blades and tip thrusters. The blades extend from an annular fuel tank that rotates with the blades. Centrifugal force propels fuel from the interior compartment of the annular tank, through conduits extending through the blades from root to tip, to the tip thrusters. Valves (e.g., solenoid valves and/or a flyweight governor) regulate fuel flow to achieve and maintain a determined steady rotational speed. A fuselage covered by a canopy is mounted atop a bearing on the annular fuel tank. The pitch of each blade may be adjusted collectively and cyclically using a swash ring and hydraulic linear actuators. |
| US08991741B2 |
Convertiplane
There is described a convertiplane comprising: a pair of semi-wings; at least two rotors which may rotate about relative first axes and tilt about relative second axes together with first axis with respect to semi-wings between a helicopter mode and an aeroplane mode; first axis being, in use, transversal to a longitudinal direction of convertiplane in helicopter mode, and being, in use, substantially parallel to longitudinal direction in aeroplane mode; convertiplane further comprises at least two through openings within which said rotor may tilt, when said convertiplane moves, in use, between said helicopter and said aeroplane mode. |
| US08991740B2 |
Vehicle with aerial and ground mobility
A combination rotor and wheel assembly for an unmanned vehicle with ground and aerial mobility has a rotor arm adapted to be attached at an inner end thereof to a vehicle body. A rotor is rotatably connected to an outer end of the rotor arm about a rotor axis, and a rotor drive mounted on the rotor arm rotates the rotor such that the rotor exerts an upward lift force on the rotor arm. An open spoked wheel is rotatably connected about the rotor axis independent of the rotor The diameter of the wheel is greater than that of the rotor, and a bottom edge of the wheel is below the rotor. A wheel drive rotates the wheel. Vehicles can have various numbers and orientations of the rotor and wheel assembly to provide aerial and ground mobility. |
| US08991736B2 |
Cable tensioning cycling system
A cable testing system including a first storage reel for paying out a cable, a first moveable sheave and a second moveable sheave to receive the cable in series from the first storage reel, wherein rotation of the first moveable sheave and the second moveable sheave is controlled by a first drive, a third moveable sheave and a fourth moveable sheave to receive the cable in series from the second moveable sheave, a first clutch and a second clutch operably coupled between at least two of the first moveable sheave, the second moveable sheave, the third moveable sheave, and the fourth moveable sheave, a moveable tensioning sheave coupled to a power source, the moveable tensioning sheave positioned to receive a portion of the cable between the second moveable sheave and the third moveable sheave, and a second storage reel to receive the cable from the fourth moveable sheave. |
| US08991732B2 |
Conveyor and spreader
A particulate material conveyor uses an endless loop that has a feed path arranged near a bottom of a load of material to be fed and a return path arranged above the feed path and within the load where the return path is protected by a cover. Material can flow under the cover onto the feed path without filling the return path under the cover. A spinner can be combined with a conveyor to form a spreader, and the conveyor and the spinner can be driven by a single motor through reduction drives. The spreader components are mounted on a sprocket drive shaft to pivot between deployed and stowed positions. |
| US08991729B2 |
Valve for a spray gun, spray gun and method
A valve for a spray gun sprays free-flowing media with the use of compressed air. The valve includes a valve housing arrangement and a valve element, wherein the valve element is disposed at least partially in the valve housing arrangement, there being formed in the valve element a mixing chamber for mixing and discharging at least one spray medium with compressed air. The valve element and the valve housing arrangement are constituted such that the valve element can be moved relative to the valve housing arrangement from a first position into a second position, and that at least one spray medium can be fed to the mixing chamber in the first position and compressed air can be fed to the same via the valve housing arrangement in the second position, wherein the valve element is disposed on the valve housing arrangement so as to be rotatable from the first position into the second position. |
| US08991726B2 |
Sprinkler head nozzle assembly with adjustable arc, flow rate and stream angle
A sprinkler head nozzle assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a housing including an inlet for pressurize water and an outlet downstream of the inlet, a valve member, operable to extend and reduce an arcuate opening at the outlet of the housing, wherein the size of the arcuate opening indicates the arc of coverage of the sprinkler head nozzle assembly and a rotating distributor, mounted on a central shaft extending through the housing and the valve member, and operable to deflect a flow of water from the arcuate opening out of the nozzle assembly. |
| US08991723B2 |
Multi-layer piezoelectric element, and injection device and fuel injection system incorporating the multi-layer piezoelectric element
A multi-layer piezoelectric element includes a stacked body configured so that piezoelectric layers and internal electrode layers are alternately laminated, and an external electrode composed of a sintered material of both electrically conductive particles and a glass, the external electrode which is bonded to a side surface of the stacked body and makes electrical connection with the internal electrode layers. The external electrode has a stacked body-side layer region containing glass as secondary constituent at its stacked body-facing side, and an exterior-side layer region containing glass as minor constituent at its exterior side. The glass of the exterior-side layer region is distributed along grain boundary of the conductive particles on an outermost surface of the exterior-side layer region. |
| US08991718B1 |
Decoding a transformed machine readable image
A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium for decoding transformed machine readable images is disclosed. A reader device can acquire a machine readable image that is transformed. A configuration module can reconfigure the transformed image to a form that renders the data in the image accessible by the reader device. A read module can decode the reconfigured machine readable image to retrieve the data contained in the image. |
| US08991707B2 |
Optical slot scanner having coaxial illuminaton
An optical slot scanner (10) and method includes a housing (12) supporting a scanning arrangement (22) within an interior region (14) of the housing. The scanning arrangement (22) includes an imaging camera (26) and light source (24) disposed within a recess compartment (80) located in the interior region of the housing. The imaging camera defines an imaging field (40) of view for reading indicia located on a target object. The light source defines an illumination field (42) for illuminating indicia located on a target object, such that the illumination field is substantially coaxial with the imaging field during a reading of indicia located on a target object. |
| US08991705B2 |
Apparatus for, and method of, electro-optically reading targets by enabling a customer to move a customer-operated accessory reader supported by a clerk-operated workstation of a checkout system
A checkout system includes a clerk-operated, bi-optical workstation through which products associated with targets having target data to be electro-optically captured are passed, and a customer-operated, accessory reader having an accessory window and a data capture assembly for capturing additional target data of additional targets associated with transaction-related items. The accessory reader is supported by the workstation for movement relative to the workstation to enable the customer to readily position and aim the accessory window at the additional targets. |
| US08991703B2 |
Lateral discrimination method and device
The present invention relates to the field of radio frequency identification (RFID). In one form, the invention relates to a method and/or device adapted to provide at least some level of providing lateral discrimination within a given area. The invention has been developed primarily for interrogating multiple passive transponders which are attached to objects to be identified by those respective transponders and will be described hereinafter with reference to that application. A typical application is the identification of RFID transponders or other RFID devices, such as those embedded in plastic tokens or cards within a selected area and which may be provided near each other or stacked on each other. |
| US08991701B2 |
Integrated voting system and method for accommodating paper ballots and audio ballots
A voting system includes an accessible voting station and a tabulation device. The accessible voting station presents an audio ballot to a voter and receives one or more voting selections entered in response to the audio ballot from the voter. The accessible voting station also prints a ballot that includes the entered voting selections and scans at least a portion of the ballot to determine the voting selections printed thereon. The accessible voting station further presents an audio representation of the scanned voting selections to the voter and receives a confirmation of the audio representation of the scanned voting selections from the voter. The tabulation device tabulates the voting selections printed on the ballot by scanning the printed ballot or receiving voting selection information extracted from the printed ballot from the accessible voting station. |
| US08991699B2 |
Association of contactless payment card primary account number
Embodiments of methods and machines are disclosed for enabling contactless devices, such as contactless payment cards and other devices having near-field communication (NFC) capabilities, for use as fare media in a transit and/or transportation system. Embodiments include reading contactless data from a contactless device and associating it with information received from another source on the device. For example, associating a primary account number (PAN) and/or other information received from a contactless payment card's contactless interface with a PAN obtained from a magnetic stripe of the contactless payment card. The information can then be further associated with one or more products and/or a transit user account. |
| US08991695B2 |
Methods and apparatus for use in docking
In accordance with some embodiments, apparatus comprises a body defining: a first seat to receive a first device having a wireless communication interface; and a second seat to receive a second device having a wireless communication interface; a first wireless communication interface supported by the body to communicate with the wireless communication interface of the first device; and a second wireless communication interface supported by the body to communicate with the wireless communication interface of the second device. In accordance with some embodiments, apparatus comprises a body comprising a flexible pad; a first communication interface supported by the flexible pad, the first communication interface comprising a first wireless communication interface to communicate with a wireless communication interface of a first device; a second communication interface supported by the flexible pad; and a controller supported by the flexible pad to couple the first wireless communication interface to the second communication interface. In accordance with some embodiments, a method comprises: receiving a first device having a wireless communication interface on a body of a dock; receiving a second device having a wireless communication interface on a body of a dock; communicating with the wireless communication interface of the first device using a first wireless communication interface supported by the body of the dock; and communicating with the wireless communication interface of the second device using a second wireless communication interface supported by the body of the dock. |
| US08991694B2 |
Item removal
An apparatus and method are disclosed for removing at least one item of media from a rotating drum element. The apparatus includes a scraper element comprising a blade edge region locatable at an effective outer surface of a rotating drum element and a scraper element support that locates the blade edge region at a desired position at the effective outer surface responsive to a diameter of the effective outer surface. The scraper element rotates and moves laterally with respect to the support responsive to the diameter. |
| US08991690B2 |
System and method for providing power and communication link for RFID managed connectivity using removable module
One embodiment is directed to a interconnection system comprising at least one port at which an interconnection between at least two cables can be made, an RFID reader configured to read an RFID tag attached to at least one of the cables interconnected at the port, and an interface to connect a removable module to the system. The removable module comprises a rechargeable battery to power the system. The removable module is configured to provide a communication link to communicate data read by the RFID reader to a device outside of the interconnection system. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08991689B2 |
Image forming apparatus with reduction layout function, image forming method, and storage medium storing control program therefor
An image forming apparatus minimizes necessary code area and reserves imaging area of suitable size for forming reduction document images. A code symbol detection unit detects first and second code symbols on first and second sheets, respectively. A code information obtaining unit obtains first and second code information from the detected first and second codes, respectively. A code symbol generation unit generates composite code symbol from the first and second code information, respectively. An area reservation unit reserves a code area in which the composite code symbol of a predetermined size more than the minimum readable size can be arranged in an image formable area of a sheet, and defines an imaging area by removing the code area from the image formable area. An arrangement unit arranges the composite code symbol in the code area, and reduces and arranges multiple images in the imaging area. |
| US08991679B2 |
Solder piece, chip solder and method of fabricating solder piece
A solder piece that has a rectangular parallelepiped shape formed by a punching process. Any one of the four surfaces of the rectangular parallelepiped other than the surface on which the shear droop portion generated by the punching process is formed and a surface opposite to the surface on which the shear droop portion is formed is sucked surface. |
| US08991673B2 |
Substrate cutting device and method
An automatic cutting device is described for cutting an assembly. The assembly includes a material having a weakened zone therein that defines a useful layer and being attached to a source substrate. The cutting device includes a cutting mechanism and a holding and positioning mechanism operatively associated with the cutting mechanism. The holding and positioning mechanism positions the material so that the cutting mechanism detaches the layer from the source substrate along the weakened zone. The cutting device also includes a control mechanism for adjusting at least two different portions of the assembly during detachment of the layer to facilitate a more precise detachment. |
| US08991671B2 |
Load carrier device
A load carrier device for enabling a user to carry a load includes a belt for fastening about a waist of the user and an element of substantial vertical rigidity configured to exert a lifting force on the load when the load is attached to shoulder straps on shoulders of the user. The device further includes an adjustable elastic connection attached to the belt for supporting a lower end of the element of substantial vertical rigidity such that adjusting the adjustable elastic connection changes a distribution of a weight of the load between the shoulders and the waist of the user. |
| US08991668B2 |
Body conformable concealed weapon holster
A holster or firearm anchor-designed to house a weapon or firearm, preferably a handgun. In particular, the holster is adapted to be worn by a user in a concealed fashion under various outer garments, the holster comprising components that are capable of conforming to various body contours and additionally being able to substantially control the vertical and horizontal motion of the firearm. |
| US08991664B2 |
Transforming a sleeved garment into a self-fastened wedge
A garment stored, transported, and displayed as a soft wedge. A triangular prism is transformed from flat fabric pieces by flexible fasteners and a method of folding. Sleeves and other delicate decorations and components are protected from damage by folding into a self enclosed polyhedron defined by two triangles and three trapezoid faces without pins, straps, ribbons, cans, cylinders, bags, boxes, or bands. |
| US08991663B2 |
Casting tube mounting, in particular for a sliding closure
Casting tube mounting including a centering device for the casting tube, a toothed centering crown and a centering ring having radial pins. When the casting tube is pressed on, the radial pins engage in tooth gaps of the centering crown and thus effect immovably precise centering and alignment of the casting tube. |
| US08991651B2 |
Reconfigurable applicator system having combination trigger actuation
A reconfigurable applicator system for extrusive dispensing of a work material is provided. The system includes a body portion having an actuator coupled thereto. A frame portion coupled to the body portion defines a support structure for at least one cartridge unit containing the work material. A combination trigger handle portion is coupled to the body portion to be adjustable between angularly displaced first and second grip positions relative to the frame portion. The combination trigger handle portion includes at least first and second selectable triggers coupled to the actuator, which responds to each of the first and second triggers to actuate extrusive dispensing of the work material from the cartridge unit. The combination trigger handle portion in the first and second grip positions alternatively configures the system between overhand and underhand configurations. |
| US08991647B2 |
Combination toilet paper dispenser, disinfecting station, and deodorizing station
A station combines a toilet paper dispenser, dispenser for dispensing hand wipes, a dispenser for dispensing surface antibiotic wipes, and a deodorant feature. The station includes a toilet paper dispenser made from a plastic type material and the toilet paper dispenser may be a single or double roll dispenser. The station cover houses a battery-operated fan that pulls air from inside the dispenser. A tray inside the dispenser holds a fragrance cup holding a quantity of deodorant. The base holds one or two rolls of commercial toilet paper, each of which rolls on a hollow plastic axle to hold a bottle containing wipes. A microswitch may be integrated in the cover to disengage the fan when the cover of the unit is open. |
| US08991646B2 |
Product dispenser and cover member for a product dispenser
A product dispenser including a housing for housing dispensable products in a product reservoir defined by the housing and a cover member defining a dispensing opening through which the products are dispensed. The cover member includes a lid member and a support member and the lid member is openable relative to the support member about a hinge. The cover member is removably mountable to the housing by at least one engagement member of the support member engaging at least one complementary engagement member of the housing. A strength of connection of the hinge to the support member and a strength of connection of at least one engagement member of the support member for removably mounting the support member to the housing is such that when the lid member is opened to a stop position and further opening force is applied to the lid member, at least one engagement member dismounts between the housing and the support member before the force gets so great as to break the hinge. |
| US08991642B2 |
Wheel lift container
A cargo container includes a body comprising or including a flat bottom or a bottom substantially flat at regions corresponding to the distances at which vehicle tires are spaced on an axle of a typical vehicle to be towed, whereon a plurality of surfaces which extend out of the body bottom or flat regions are disposed to engage and be retained by the tow truck wheel lift assembly draw bar and the extension (when deployed) and permit the cargo container to be lifted, moved or otherwise retained by the tow truck. |
| US08991638B2 |
Water seepage abatement in water heaters
A water heater system includes a water heater, a cover, a shroud and at least one ring. The water heater includes a tank, a layer of foam surrounding the tank and a wrapper surrounding the layer of foam. The cover is positioned on a top edge of the water heater. The shroud is positioned over the cover. The at least one ring is positioned around at least one of an inlet port and an outlet port of the water heater. The cover, shroud and at least one ring are operative to prevent a liquid from coming into contact with at least one of the layer of foam surrounding the tank and one or more components covered by the shroud. |
| US08991632B2 |
Canister
A canister includes a container having a body formed to include an interior region and a brim coupled to an upper portion of the body. The canister further includes a closure adapted to be coupled to the brim to close a mouth opening into the interior region. |
| US08991631B2 |
Container, in particular for beverages
A beverage container comprises a body for receiving fluids, having a base, a first side wall adjoining the base, and an opening section adjoining the first side wall and having a discharge opening. The container further comprises a cover module that is placed on or is present on the body and has a second side wall and a cover flap adjacent thereto. When the cover module is present on the body, the first and the second side walls form an outline shape of the container, at least in sections, the diameter of which has at least one maximum. At least one film, at least in regions, rests on the first and second side walls, and extends on one side and an opposite side at the body at the at least one diameter maximum. The film may be a shrink film that is shrunk on the first and second side walls. |
| US08991626B2 |
Portable lifting system
A portable lifting system includes a moveable base component including a scissors lift assembly, and a crane assembly coupled the movable base component, the crane assembly including a support member and a boom coupled to the support member. |
| US08991625B2 |
Adjustable curtain rod assembly
An adjustable curtain rod assembly includes an adjustable-length rod having a first end and a second end, a bracket pivotably coupled to one of the first and second ends of the rod about a pivot axis that is oriented substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rod, a first contact pad on the bracket spaced in a lateral direction from the pivot axis for frictionally engaging a support surface, and a second contact pad on the bracket spaced in an opposite lateral direction from the pivot axis as the first mounting pad for frictionally engaging the support surface. |
| US08991623B2 |
High density panel with rotating tray
The present invention relates to a telecommunications termination panel with a tray pivotably mounted within the front opening of a housing. The tray pivots about a hinge located adjacent one of the sides of the housing and includes a raised floor. The raised floor of the tray cooperates with the side adjacent the hinge and a bottom of the housing to define a cable path from a rear cable access port to an opening on the tray adjacent the hinge. The tray includes a plurality of connection locations and cable management structures to direct a telecommunications cable from the cable access port to a rear of the connection locations without violating bend radius rules. The tray may also include a temporary cable holder to assist in pulling cables through the rear opening into the housing. The present invention further relates to a telecommunications equipment rack with a termination panel with such a pivoting tray mounted to the rack. |
| US08991620B2 |
Woven filter fabric for a band filter
The present invention relates to a filter cloth for a belt filter, wherein the filter cloth has an air permeability of 100 l/(min*dm2) to 350 l/(min*dm2) and fibers of the filter cloth have a fiber thickness of 25 μm to 35 μm and contain from 50% by weight to 100% by weight of perfluoroalkoxylalkane (PFA). The filter cloth has 25 to 35 warp threads (3) and 15 to 25 weft threads (2) per 1 cm. |
| US08991616B2 |
Material sorting discs with variable interfacial opening
A disc screen includes a shaft, a first disc mounted on the shaft, and a second disc mounted on the shaft. An interfacial opening (IFO) extends between the first disc and the second disc. A width of the IFO as measured between the first disc and the second disc varies according to a rotational position of the shaft. |
| US08991612B2 |
Method for obtaining non-magnetic ores from a suspension containing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates
A method obtains non-magnetic ores from a suspension containing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates. The method involves dividing ore particle-magnetic particle agglomerates precipitated from the suspension into a mixture of separately present ore particles and magnet particles, separating the magnetic particles from the mixture, forming a first mass flow containing magnetic particles and a second mass flow containing ore particles. At least one information describing a measure of the content of ore particles in the first mass flow and being associated with the first mass flow and/or at least one information describing a measure of the portion of magnetic particles in the second mass flow and being associated with the second mass flow are determined in order to determine the efficiency of at least one of the separation processes described above. |
| US08991610B2 |
Individually packaged product comprising first individual package, second individual package and attached part
An individually packaged product is provided with a first individual package, a second individual package and an attaching part. The first individual package includes an absorbent article and a packaging sheet that packages the absorbent article. The second individual package includes a wipe and a packaging that protects the wipe. The attaching part attaches the second individual package to the first individual package such that the attaching strength of the attaching part for the second individual package is greater than the attaching strength of the attaching part for the first individual package, and at least a portion of the attaching part remains on the second individual package side after the second individual package has been removed from the first individual package. At least a portion of the attaching part has adhesiveness after the second individual package has been removed from the first individual package. |
| US08991609B2 |
Tray for carrying a plurality of flasks
A tray for carrying at least one bottle that has to be positioned and held precisely on the tray, includes a support on which the bottle is intended to be placed, at least two rails running substantially parallel to one another along the support, the rails including at least one shoulder extending above the support toward the other rail so that a lower edge of the bottle can fit between and be immobilized in the rails in a longitudinal or transverse direction and in an upwards direction, each rail having at least one imprint, the imprints being positioned facing one another, each imprint being designed to accommodate an immobilizing element provided on the bottle so that the bottle can be immobilized in the rails in a longitudinal or transverse direction. A bottle used with a tray such as this is also described. |
| US08991606B2 |
Pharmacutical product blister pack lockable within secondary packaging
A pharmaceutical product supply in the form of a container (e.g., secondary packaging) and a pharmaceutical product receiver (e.g., primary packaging) is disclosed. The pharmaceutical product receiver may include a plurality of pockets or receptacles, and may be disposed within the container. Pharmaceutical product may be enclosed within one or more of these receptacles. The pharmaceutical product receiver may be locked to at least some degree within the container to facilitate disposal of the pharmaceutical product supply, for instance at a time when some of the pharmaceutical product may have been removed from the pharmaceutical product receiver but prior to utilizing all of the pharmaceutical product originally provided with the pharmaceutical product receiver. |
| US08991597B2 |
Garment bag
A garment bag for a collared shirt, the bag comprising a receptacle (52) arranged to receive a first portion of a shirt including the collar (26) and cover (40) arranged to receive the remainder of the said shirt and be rolled up around the receptacle, the receptacle being of greater rigidity than the cover. A method of folding a shirt having a back portion, two front portions, two sleeves and a collar is also disclosed, the method comprising the steps of folding the shirt centrally of the back and between the back and both front portions so that the back lies folded between the front portions, positioning one sleeve along each front portion, protecting the collar and rolling the remainder of the shirt around the protected collar. Preferably the shirt folding method and garment bag are used together. |
| US08991596B2 |
Cap assembly having storage chamber for secondary material with inseparable working member
A cap assembly mounted on a neck of a container for containing an ingredient different from that accommodated in the container includes a cap body having an inner housing formed with a chamber for storage of the ingredient and a working member adapted to open a lower end opening of the chamber to allow the ingredient in the chamber of the inner housing to be mixed with a primary ingredient in the container. The mixed ingredients may be discharged through the lower end opening. |
| US08991595B2 |
Modular belt module
Modular belt link module consisting of a main body element and an insert, where the modular belt link module is of the type which when assembled with a plurality of substantially identical modular belt link modules constitutes a conveyor belt, where each main body element has a central part, from which central part eye parts project in a forward and rearward direction with respect to the intended travelling direction, such that eye parts along a front part of one modular belt link may be interleafed between eye parts on a rear part of an adjacent modular belt link module, and where the eye parts each are provided with an aperture arranged laterally to the intended travelling direction, such that when the eye parts are interleafed, the apertures of adjacent eye parts overlap, and a connection pin may be inserted laterally at least through some of the apertures, hingely connecting adjacent modular belt link modules, wherein the central part and a plurality of the eye parts are provided with a continuous cavity, which cavity extends from either an upper or lower surface and towards the opposite surface, the surfaces defined relative to how the modular belt link module is arranged in the use situation, and where the cavity is at least partly enclosed by the modular belt link module material, and where an insert substantially corresponding in shape to the cavity and at least filling up the cavity is provided. |
| US08991583B2 |
Spring pack for a transmission
A spring pack for a transmission includes first rotatable piston and a second rotatable piston. The first rotatable piston includes a first retainer plate, and the second rotatable piston includes a second retainer plate. The spring pack further includes a tabbed retainer plate that is stationary with respect to the first piston and the second piston and also includes a set of biasing members with a first subset of biasing members and a second subset of biasing members. The first subset of biasing members is disposed between the first retainer plate and the tabbed retainer plate, and the second subset of biasing members is disposed between the second retainer plate and the tabbed retainer plate. As the first and second pistons are activated, they stroke independently of each other as each retainer plate compresses its respective subset of biasing members against the tabbed retainer plate. |
| US08991582B2 |
Clutch actuator
An actuator for driving a release mechanism of a clutch includes a motor, an output member, a ball screw mechanism, a trapezoidal screw mechanism and a power transmission mechanism. The output member is coupled to the release mechanism, and is movable in an actuation direction of the release mechanism. The ball screw mechanism is configured to convert rotation of the motor in one direction into movement of the output member in a first axial direction. The trapezoidal screw mechanism has a self-lock function against a reverse driving force from the release mechanism, and is configured to convert rotation of the motor in the other direction into movement of the output member in a second axial direction. The power transmission mechanism is configured to selectively transmit rotation of the motor to the ball screw mechanism or the trapezoidal screw mechanism. |
| US08991581B2 |
Highly reactive fluid fan coupling device
Provided is a highly reactive fluid fan coupling device utilizing the non-Newtonian fluid characteristics of oil, thereby obtaining an excellent reaction rate of fan rotation using a control signal. In the fan coupling device, where the interior of a sealed housing supported on a rotary shaft with a drive disk secured thereto is partitioned in an oil reservoir chamber and a torque transmission chamber placing the drive disk thereinto by a partition plate; drive torque is transmitted to a driven side by oil supplied to the torque transmission chamber; and opening and closing of a flow path of oil is controlled by a valve member actuated by an electromagnet, wherein a mechanism to scrape out the oil in the oil reservoir chamber utilizing the non-Newtonian fluid characteristics of oil is provided on the drive disk so as to be opposed to an oil supply adjusting hole of the partition plate. |
| US08991579B2 |
Clutch device
A clutch device includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a diaphragm spring and an intermediate spring. The diaphragm spring transmits a pressing force to the first clutch and the second clutch. The intermediate spring applies a coupling maintaining force to the first clutch and the second clutch so that minimally power transmitted states of the first clutch and the second clutch are maintained while a pressing force is not being applied to the first clutch and the second clutch. |
| US08991575B2 |
Luggage with support receptacle
Luggage includes an upper panel portion which has a receptacle. The receptacle enables a user to insert a portion of a tablet computer into the receptacle and the receptacle retains the tablet computer at a convenient angle for operation. |
| US08991571B2 |
Hydraulic shock absorber
In a hydraulic shock absorber, a damping force generating device provided between a piston side oil chamber of a cylinder and a rod side oil chamber is provided with a through-hole which communicates the piston side oil chamber of the cylinder with the rod side oil chamber of the cylinder via an outer flow path of the cylinder. A leading end portion of a piston rod is provided with a needle which can come in and out of the through-hole of the damping force generating device, and an opening degree of the through-hole can be varied by the needle according to a forward and backward position of the piston rod with respect to the oil chamber of the cylinder. |
| US08991570B2 |
Cylinder apparatus
A cylinder apparatus includes a flow path which is provided in a valve member and through which a fluid circulates when a rod is moved; a disk valve which opens and closes the flow path; and a spring member which presses the disk valve in an axial direction. The spring member includes a first spring which comes into contact with the disk valve in a state in which the disk valve closes the flow path, and a second spring which comes into contact with the disk valve in a state in which the disk valve opens the flow path. |
| US08991568B2 |
Bolster mounted brake system
A brake system includes a brake cylinder having a piston rod and a brake lever connecting the piston rod to a brake beam and a slack adjuster. An actuating lever is connected to the brake beam and the brake cylinder. A trigger of the slack adjuster is connected to the actuating lever. The actuating lever is pivotally and rotationally connected to the brake beam and swivelably connected to the brake cylinder. Also, a piston stoke indictor including an indicia positioned on a support structure of a brake cylinder to be adjacent the end of a portion of a brake piston at its extended position. |
| US08991566B2 |
Caliper brake
A caliper brake including a generally U-shaped housing including a first portion, a second portion, a bridge, and an opening. Spaced mounting bolts extend between the first and second portions of the housing and across the opening. Mounting sleeves are carried by the mounting bolts and received within bushings in the first and second portions of the housing. A pair of stators is carried by the mounting sleeves and capable of movement to engage a rotor positioned therebetween. The housing also includes bridge extensions at each end of the bridge extending laterally outward beyond and downward below the mounting bolts. |
| US08991565B2 |
Disc brake piston cap and disc brake equipped therewith
Disc brake piston cap (3) interposed between the caliper (1) and the piston (2) to protect the piston (2). The cap (3) has a bulge (351) on the inner fold (35) which is engaged in the groove (22) of the piston (2), and has an overmolded insert (31) fixed to the annular groove (11) of the caliper. The folded cap (3), with the overmolded insert (31), intermediate folds (33, 34) and an outer fold (32), comprises longitudinal ribs (352) on the face of the inner fold (35) to stiffen this fold and allow air to pass from the inside to the outside around the bulge (351) of the inner fold (35), housed in the groove (22). |
| US08991563B2 |
Disk brake and method of producing the same
A disk brake and a method of making the disk brake capable of improving the efficiency of manufacturing a caliper. A bottom portion (41) of a bore (40) is formed by integrally welding an opening surrounding portion at the bottom portion side of a cylinder portion (35) and a bottom cover member (92) fitted to the opening surrounding portion by friction stir welding. The bottom cover member is formed into a disk shape, and provided with a protrusion (68) at one surface side facing the interior of the bore. An inflow hole (58), for a supply of a fluid pressure into the bore, is formed within the range of the protrusion to establish communication between an interior surface (71) of the protrusion and an outer surface (63) of the bore. |
| US08991558B1 |
Lubrication system
The present invention is directed to lubrication system having a reservoir having a body. A follower is moveably disposed in the body. The system further comprises an alarm system having an electrical switch operably associated with the follower. The alarm generates a signal when the follower is at a predetermined location in the body. The alarm system may generate a signal when the follower is at a lower location in the body such as when the reservoir has an amount of lubricant representing a predetermined amount of usage time remaining. The alarm system may also generate a signal when the follower is at an upper location in the body such as when the reservoir is filled with lubricant wherein the signal acts to automatically interrupt the fill of lubricant. |
| US08991556B2 |
Fall arrest block
A fall arrest block has a drum (40) on which a lifeline is wound and from which the line can be drawn off or drawn back on, as the work man moves towards and away from the block. One end of the lifeline is permanently secured to the drum, and the drum has sockets (50) for securing ends of more than one different type of lifeline. The block also has a brake (24) in the form of a sealed unit which can be removed and replaced with a fresh unit, when servicing of the brake is required. |
| US08991554B2 |
Mechanic's leaning device
A mechanic's leaning device includes a base, an upper torso support having an adjustable first height above the base, and a combination step and knee support having an adjustable second height above the base which is less than and adjustable relative to the first height. The mechanic's leaning device can be used by mechanics of all sizes for working on a wide variety of vehicles, ranging from very small to very large. |
| US08991551B2 |
Weapon silencers and baffles for weapon silencers
A baffle for a weapon silencer includes an annular wall that defines an axial passageway. The annular wall defines a first section located adjacent to a first axial end and in which the diameter of the axial passageway increases from a smallest diameter adjacent to the first axial end to a largest diameter. The annular wall defines a second section having a spiraled vane is formed on an exterior surface of the annular wall. The annular wall defines a third section that is located adjacent to the second axial end, the third section having a plurality of ports that extend radially through the annular wall to allow communication between the axial passageway and an exterior. |
| US08991549B2 |
Three-dimensional air-adsorbing structure
A three-dimensional air-adsorbing structure for use in a volume in which there is a time-varying acoustic field. The structure has a three-dimensional, unitary, skeletal, porous scaffold having scaffold openings distributed within its volume, where the scaffold openings make up at least about 50% of the volume of the scaffold, air-adsorbing material particles, and a hydrophobic binder that couples air-adsorbing material particles to each other to form agglomerates and couples particles and agglomerates to the scaffold. The structure has structure openings in the agglomerates and structure openings between agglomerates, such structure openings being open to the outside environment, wherein the cumulative volume of the structure openings that have an apparent diameter larger than about 0.01 microns as measured by mercury porosimetry is at least about 40% of the volume of the air-adsorbing structure, and the cumulative volume of the structure openings that have an apparent diameter larger than about 5 microns as measured by mercury porosimetry is at least about 15% of the volume of the air-adsorbing structure. |
| US08991547B2 |
Driveline with pendulum suspended drive shaft
The invention relates to a driveline for a motor vehicle comprising drive shaft (20) suspended by means of a pendulum suspension (30), the pendulum suspension (30) comprising a fastening configuration (32, 34) fixedly connected to the vehicle and a drive shaft fastening (106) connected to the drive shaft (20) and pivotably journalled in bearings relative to the fastening configuration (32, 34), wherein the transmission configuration (50) comprises a driven input shaft (52), wherein an electric motor (60) is arranged for driving of the drive shaft (20), wherein the rotor of the electric motor (60) is connected to the input shaft (52) and a non-rotating portion of the electric motor (60) comprising the stator (66) of the electric motor (60) is fixedly connected to said drive shaft fastening (106). The invention also relates to a motor vehicle. |
| US08991544B1 |
Passively deployed small overlap rigid barrier deflector
A front bumper assembly including a bumper beam and two deflectors are provided on right and left sides of the front bumper assembly. The deflectors include hook-shaped portions and telescopic portions. The telescopic portions are received within the front bumper assembly. The hook-shaped portion of the deflector may be engaged by a rigid barrier aligned with the deflectors. In the event of a collision, the rigid barrier engages one of the hook-shaped portions and withdraws the telescopic portion from the front bumper assembly. The deflector is pulsed outwardly to move the front wheel and tire assembly to a tow-in orientation. |
| US08991543B2 |
Straddle type vehicle
In a straddle type vehicle having front forks, the left front fork is in an elliptical shape portion whose axial cross section is formed so as to be wider in the width direction of the vehicle as compared to a length in the front and rear direction at the portion located in front of the brake caliper. The brake caliper is disposed so as to be overlapped with the elliptical shape portion, viewed from the front direction of the vehicle. |
| US08991542B2 |
Motorized reverse trike with tiltable body
A motorized reverse trike with a tiltable body comprises a frame with a header pipe, two front wheels, a tilting mechanism arranged on the header pipe, two suspension mechanisms hinged between the two front wheels and the tilting mechanism respectively, a steering mechanism with handlebars hinged between the header pipe and the two suspension mechanisms, and a locking mechanism for locking the tilting mechanism. |
| US08991539B2 |
Suspension assembly for suspending a cabin of a truck or the like vehicle
The invention relates to a suspension assembly (1) for suspending a cabin (2) of a truck or the like vehicle. The assembly comprises a plurality of spring members (4a-d) arranged between the cabin (2) and a chassis of the vehicle, and a torsion bar (5) extending between at least two of said spring members (4a-d) so as to increase the roll stiffness of the assembly. The assembly further comprises an actuator (6) with which a torsion angle of the torsion bar (5) can be adjusted allowing active roll stabilization of the cabin (2). |
| US08991536B2 |
Pressure control device and method for controlling pressure in a vehicle
To lower the fuel consumption of a vehicle having a pneumatic brake system during operation of the vehicle by utilizing existing components to their full capacity, thus contributing to energy conservation, a method and device for controlling pressure is provided, wherein modes of compressed air expansion are provided. In a second compressed-air expansion mode, compressed air is channeled from a second compressed-air storage container to the compression chamber of the air compressor during expansion phases of the air compressor. In a third compressed-air expansion mode, compressed air is channeled from a third compressed-air storage container to the compression chamber of the air compressor during expansion phases of the air compressor. |
| US08991535B2 |
Modular, customizable and scalable mechanical design for the electric car assembly based on the existing vehicle chassis
Described is an electric vehicle conversion system and method comprising one or more battery packs disposed within one or more battery pack enclosures, a frontal mounting subframe assembly and an electric motor mounting frame assembly. In one implementation, the vehicle conversion system incorporates six battery pack enclosures. The described components and assemblies are designed to simplify building an electric car on the basis of an existing vehicle chassis. The frontal mounting subframe assembly is designed to be securely attached to the vehicle frame using at least four bolts and is designed to securely hold two battery pack enclosures disposed under the front hood of the vehicle. The electric motor mounting frame assembly is designed to mechanically mate with the existing engine mounting points of the original vehicle and is attached to said points with at least two bolts. |
| US08991527B2 |
Rolling means of a moving device and related moving device
A moving device to move across a surface including a motor rolling motion apparatus is disclosed. The moving device is coupled to the motor and has a body with an outer surface. A dense population of fibrils protrudes from the outer surface, with each fibril having a free-end termination configured to establish adhesion to the surface by inter-molecular Van der Waals forces. |
| US08991526B2 |
Drill bit
A fixed cutter drill bit having a bit axis and a gauge diameter. The drill bit includes a bit body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of blades extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. The blades define a cutting profile between the bit axis and the gauge diameter. The drill bit further includes a plurality of cutters attached to the blades in a cutter layout. The cutter layout may include a balanced cutter pattern extending from the bit axis toward the gauge diameter. The cutter layout may include one or more sets of shared cutters, wherein each set of shared cutters includes a trailing shared cutter and a leading shared cutter. The blades may define pairs of makeup surfaces and breaker surfaces. The drill bit may include a breaker upset for engaging with a device for supporting the drill bit. |
| US08991520B2 |
Mathematical modeling of shale swelling in water based muds
A method of servicing a wellbore comprises determining a cation exchange capacity of a sample of a shale, determining a swelling characteristic of the shale using the cation exchange capacity in an equation comprising a term of the form: Az % salt=x(cation exchange capacity)y where Az % salt is a final swelling volume of the shale in the presence of an aqueous fluid having a salt concentration of z %, and x and y are empirical constants, determining a composition of a wellbore servicing fluid based on the determined swelling characteristic, and drilling the wellbore using the wellbore servicing fluid. The swelling characteristic of the shale can be determined using the cation exchange capacity of the shale and a salt concentration in an equation comprising a term of the form: Am % salt=f(m,z)*(x)(cation exchange capacity)y where Am % salt is a final swelling volume of the shale in contact with an aqueous fluid having a salt concentration of m %, f(m,z) is a function based on the salt concentration of m % relative to salt concentration of z % in the aqueous fluid in contact with the shale, and x and y are empirical constants defining the relation Az % salt=x (cation exchange capacity)y. |
| US08991516B2 |
Electric tool
An electric tool includes a gripping portion, a working portion rotatably connected to the gripping portion about an axis, an output shaft moving in a reciprocating manner and accommodated in the working portion, and a gear box accommodated in the gripping portion for driving the output shaft. The gear box has an opening so that the output shaft is moveable from one end to the other end of the opening when the working portion is rotated relative to the gripping portion about the axis. A leakage-preventing device, such as a bushing, is arranged at the opening so that the lubricating grease can be avoided from leaking. |
| US08991511B2 |
Fluid ejection device
A fluid ejection device for example used as a fire extinguisher in which ejected fluid is an extinguishing agent in liquid or powdery form. The device includes: a cylinder shaped tank, split hermetically, perpendicular to its axis, into two chambers by a piston, slidable axially inside the tank; a first chamber, including a non-gaseous fluid, which communicates with an ejection port closed by a cap, which can open for a pressure greater than or equal to a defined pressure in the first chamber; a second pressurization chamber to be connected to a mechanism increasing pressure in the chamber; and a mechanism to link the piston to the tank in full fixity at a storage position, which mechanism can break and release the piston for axial translation at a pressure higher than or equal to a given pressure in the pressurization chamber, to cause the fluid to be ejected. |
| US08991510B2 |
Carbon dioxide-based geothermal energy generation systems and methods related thereto
A system comprises an injection well for accessing a reservoir containing a native fluid comprising a hydrocarbon. The reservoir is located below one or more caprocks, is at a first temperature, and is accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. The system further includes a production well in fluid communication with the reservoir, a supply apparatus configured to feed a non-water based working fluid at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature through the injection well to the reservoir. The working fluid mixes with the native fluid to form a production fluid comprising at least a portion of the working fluid and at least a portion of the hydrocarbon at a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature. An energy recovery apparatus in fluid communication with the productions well converts energy contained in the production fluid to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof. |
| US08991506B2 |
Autonomous fluid control device having a movable valve plate for downhole fluid selection
An apparatus and method are described for autonomously controlling flow of fluid in a subterranean well, where fluid flow is controlled based on a fluid characteristic, such as viscosity or density, which changes over time. Fluid flows into a vortex assembly where a centrifugal force is imparted to the fluid. A less viscous fluid will have a relatively greater velocity and centrifugal force than a more viscous fluid. The fluid exits the vortex chamber by both a vortex outlet and a peripheral outlet. An autonomous valve element moves between an open position, in which fluid flows freely through the peripheral outlet, and a closed position, in which fluid flow through the peripheral outlet is restricted. The valve element is moved by the centrifugal force of the fluid, such that a fluid having a higher centrifugal force moves the valve element to the closed position, thereby reducing the total fluid flow through the vortex assembly. |
| US08991504B2 |
Single and multi-chamber wellbore pumps for fluid lifting
A wellbore pump includes a pump housing suspendible in a wellbore at ends of at least one of a power fluid line and a fluid discharge line. The pump housing includes a fluid inlet proximate a bottom end thereof and wherein the fluid discharge line is coupled proximate a top end thereof. The pump include valves for directing flow of wellbore fluid out of the housing when power fluid displaces fluid in the housing, the valves for directing flow of wellbore fluid into the housing when power fluid pressure is relieved. |
| US08991502B2 |
Sampling assembly for a well
A sampling assembly for taking single or multiphase production fluid samples from a subsea well. The sampling assembly includes a receiving structure that houses a saver sub and a retrievable skid. The sampling assembly allows for repeated retrieval of collected samples and replenishment of empty sample chambers using the retrievable skid. A releasable connection interface between the retrievable skid and the saver sub allows an ROV to connect the retrievable skid to the saver sub and provide electrical and hydraulic power to the sampling assembly for taking samples. |
| US08991501B2 |
Separation device
A subsea separation device for use in separating a pair of stabplate connector plates, the subsea separation device comprising a first engagement member adapted to engage, in use, a first one of the connector plates, or a component rigidly secured thereto, a second engagement member adapted to engage, in use, a second one of the connector plates or a component rigidly secured thereto, and drive means operable to urge the first and second engagement members apart and so urge the connector plates apart. |
| US08991497B2 |
Well treatment
The following describes a novel and alternative mechanism in regards to releasing reactive chemicals. Namely, utilizing shells containing multiple emulsions that can be blended with the base fluids, and then react with said base fluid upon exposure to a trigger e.g. high shear and/or elongation flow, therefore plugging even large fractures. Such gelling lost circulation material allows to obtain a reliable carrier and fast reaction when triggered. |
| US08991495B2 |
Methods for protecting a hydrocarbon-producing zone of a subterranean formation using a relative permeability modifier
A relative permeability modifier may be used to protect a hydrocarbon-producing zone of a subterranean formation without detrimentally affecting its ability to produce hydrocarbons. Methods for protecting a hydrocarbon-producing zone of a subterranean formation can comprise: introducing a first treatment fluid comprising a relative permeability modifier to a hydrocarbon-producing zone of a subterranean formation also comprising a water-producing zone; concurrently with or after introducing the first treatment fluid to the hydrocarbon-producing zone, introducing a second treatment fluid comprising a sealant composition to the water-producing zone; and allowing the relative permeability modifier to substantially prevent the sealant composition from entering the hydrocarbon-producing zone. |
| US08991492B2 |
Methods, systems and apparatus for coiled tubing testing
A method and apparatus for testing a multi-zone reservoir while reservoir fluids are flowing from within the wellbore. The method and apparatus enables isolation and testing of individual zones without the need to pull production tubing. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It may not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08991491B2 |
Increasing enhanced oil recovery value from waste gas
The present invention relates to producing oil from an oil-bearing geological formation using a selection process. The process includes selecting a treatment option such as carbon dioxide flooding for enhancing oil recovery from a geological formation in a remote location. Various characteristic properties such as a physical or chemical property of the oil or rock may be used in the selection process and the carbon dioxide may be captured from a combustion process. |
| US08991487B2 |
Pull through centralizer
A centralizer system comprising a centralizer disposed about a wellbore tubular, wherein the centralizer comprises, a first body portion, a second body portion, and a plurality of bow springs connecting the first body portion to the second body portion, and a plurality of limit collars coupled to the wellbore tubular between the first body portion and the second body portion, where at least one of the plurality of limit collars is configured to engage the first body portion or the second body portion and pull the centralizer in the direction of travel within the wellbore. |
| US08991485B2 |
Non-metallic slip assembly and related methods
A slip assembly adapted to be used with a downhole tool which comprises metal slip inserts attached to a slip carrier made of a non-metallic material, such as composite material. As such, the non-metallic slip carrier can eliminate 60-70% or more of the metal used in conventional slip assemblies. Through use of the disclosed slip assembly, downhole tools may be set, while also reducing the metallic material used therein and, thus, greatly reducing the drill out time. |
| US08991484B2 |
Rotating head
A rotating head having a bearing assembly removably seated in a bowl housing such that a top end of the bearing assembly sits flush with a top end of said bowl housing, the bowl housing having a tapered interior body, and the bearing assembly having a tapered exterior slightly smaller in diameter than, but conforming to the shape of the interior body of the bowl housing, the bearing assembly further comprising a stripper rubber, a bearing cap having an upper seal, a lower seal, bearings, and a snap ring holding the bearing assembly together and the bowl housing further having a dual hinge clamp assembly. |
| US08991483B2 |
Apparatus and method for representative fluid sampling
Apparatus and method for collecting and preserving in representative condition a fluid sample from a reservoir which comprises: positioning a sample receptacle in the vicinity of a subterranean zone to be sampled, allowing or causing the sample to first flow into the sample receptacle, wherein the movement of the sample into the sample receptacle is restricted by the movement of a sampling piston, and wherein the movement of the sampling piston is further controlled by the rotation of an electrical motor connected to the sample piston such that the rotation of the electric motor translates to lateral movement of the sample piston, the lateral movement of the sample piston in turn allowing sample to enter the sample receptacle, and wherein once an adequate volume of sample has been collected, reversing the direction of the electrical motor will serve to cause the sample piston to exert pressure on the collected sample. |
| US08991482B2 |
Installation adapted with temperature equalization system
A temperature equalization system, including an installation, a heat equalizer disposed in a natural heat carrier and being made of a material of heat conduction to exchange heat with the natural heat carrier, a fluid transmission duct disposed between the heat equalizer and the installation and having a fluid contained therein for heat transmission, a pump connected in series with the fluid transmission duct for pumping the fluid, and a control means controlling an operation of temperature equalization system. The control means controls the pump to pump the fluid through the fluid transmission duct and an interior of the installation. |
| US08991481B2 |
Heat exchanger for a motor vehicle, and method for manufacturing a cooling tube of a heat exchanger
A heat exchanger, in particular a heat exchanger of a motor vehicle, having cooling pipes and having collecting tanks, in which heat exchanger the cooling pipes extend between the collecting tanks, in which heat exchanger the cooling pipes and the collecting tanks are spatially connected to one another, in which heat exchanger the cooling pipes are produced from a strip material with at least one cooling pipe seam, in which heat exchanger the at least one cooling pipe seam forms an inner partition of the cooling pipe, and in which heat exchanger the cooling pipes have an external solder plating on the pipe outer side and the cooling pipes have more than one coating on the pipe inner side, wherein one of the coatings on the pipe inner side is arranged only partially in the region of the at least one cooling pipe seam, as a result of which particularly high demands with regard to a multi-coating layered construction of cooling pipes of the heat exchanger can be met in a cost-effective manner. |
| US08991480B2 |
Fabrication method for making brazed heat exchanger with enhanced parting sheets
Disclosed is a heat exchanger comprising a boiling passage and cooling passage defined by opposite sides of metal walls. Layers of brazing material between the metal walls and a spacer member bond components of the heat exchanger together. It has been found that good quality brazed joints can be made by modifying the brazing thermal cycle to first employing a temperature of about 500° C. for an extended period of time and then elevating the temperature to about 590° to 600° C. |
| US08991477B2 |
Refrigerant radiator
A refrigerant radiator used for a vapor compression refrigerant cycle including a compressor configured to compress and discharge refrigerant includes tubes through which the refrigerant flows. The tubes are stacked and arranged in a horizontal direction, and extend in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction or with an angle from the horizontal direction. The tubes include a first heat exchange area where refrigerant having a temperature equal to or higher than a standard temperature exchanges heat with first air blown to a space, and a second heat exchange area where refrigerant having a temperature lower than the standard temperature exchanges heat with second air blown to the space. Generally, the second air has a temperature different from a temperature of the first air. |
| US08991475B2 |
Checker brick with through passages for a hot blast stove
A checker brick (10) with through passages for a hot blast stove has a top surface (12) and an opposite bottom surface (14) with a plurality of through passages (16) extending from the top surface (12) to the bottom surface (14). The through passages (16) allow fluids to circulate through the checker brick (10). Partition walls (18) are formed between neighboring through passages (16). The through passages (16) have a cross-section based on a hexagonal shape (20) with alternating convex (24) and concave sides (26). |
| US08991472B2 |
Porosity detection
A computer executing a software algorithm may be used to detect a depression in a temperature profile. The temperature profile may be smoothed to eliminate noise. Next, the temperature profile's center may be extracted. A polynomial may be fitted to extracted data. An algorithm used to fit the polynomial may guarantee that the fitted curve's peak may be below the actual temperature data's peak. Next, residuals may be calculated by subtracting the fitted curve from the actual data. If there is a dip at the center, then the residuals in the center may be less than zero. The software algorithm executing on the computer may then make a decision based on a sign of the residuals. For example, residuals less than zero may indicate bar porosity. Residuals above zero may indicate no porosity. The magnitude of the residuals may then be used to classify a size of a detected defect. |
| US08991471B2 |
Methods of forming earth-boring tools
A method of forming an earth-boring tool includes introducing metal into a die, rotating the die to generate centrifugal forces on the metal, and cooling the metal in the rotating die. A rotary drill bit may include a unitary, centrifugally cast bit body including an integral shank, at least one blade, and at least one cutting element on the blade. A rotary drill bit or a roller cone may include a first centrifugally cast material and a second centrifugally cast material. Another rotary drill bit includes a bit body comprising a maraging steel alloy. A method of forming a rotary drill bit may include disposing cutting elements on a rotary drill bit comprising maraging steel and aging the rotary drill bit to form at least one intermetallic precipitate phase. Methods of repairing a rotary drill bit include annealing and aging at least a portion of a rotary drill bit. |
| US08991469B2 |
Light blocking slatted blind
A slatted blind is configured such that the slats close create a light blocking blind. The slats may be supported by a tilt cord that comprises a low stretch strand or a low stretch cord may be attached to the tilt cord. The slats may be connected to the supporting tilt cord such that when the slat is rotated to a closed position the slat is suspended from the rung. The rung may have an effective diameter of less than approximately 14 mil. Recesses may be formed in the slat for receiving the rung when the slat is in a closed position. A bottom rail may have a thickness approximately equal to the thickness of the slats. A protrusion may be formed on the back of the slats such that the rung pushes on the protrusion to force the slat against an adjacent slat when the blind is closed. |
| US08991464B2 |
Method and apparatus for peeling electronic component
A method of peeling an electronic component. The method includes a step of, when the electronic component is adhered onto a first main surface of a tape member, bringing a bellowphragm into contact with a second main surface, which is the other main surface of the tape member; and a step of, after the bellowphragm is brought into contact with the second main face, deforming the bellowphragm and the tape member by supplying a fluid to the bellowphragm to thereby peel the electronic component from the tape member. |
| US08991462B2 |
Automated door assembly system and method
The present invention is directed to a method of making a door having first and second door facings and an internal doorframe. An interior side of a first facing is coated with quick acting adhesive. A frame is placed on the coated interior side about the periphery of the first facing. The frame is then coated with quick acting adhesive. An interior side of a second facing is placed on the coated frame. The facings and frame assembly are then compressed to form a door. The present invention also provides for an automated system of making the door. |
| US08991461B2 |
Film lamination apparatus and method of manufacturing organic light-emitting display apparatus using the film lamination apparatus
A film lamination apparatus for laminating a film on a flat display panel including a display unit on one surface of a substrate, the film lamination apparatus including: a work table configured to support the flat display panel such that the display unit is below the substrate; and a transfer robot configured to support the flat display panel such that the display unit faces upward and then transfer the flat display panel to the work table while the flat display panel is turned over such that the display unit faces downward. |
| US08991459B2 |
Reinforced radial tire
A tire includes a pair of bead portions, with each bead portion having a bead core and a bead filler portion. A belt is disposed below a circumferential tread, in the tread portion of the tire. A carcass ply has a main portion extending between the pair of beads and a pair of turn-up portions that wrap around the beads and terminate below the belt, in the tread portion of the tire. The tire further includes a pair of nylon reinforcements, wherein each nylon reinforcement is disposed axially between a respective bead filler portion and a main portion of the carcass ply. Additionally, each nylon reinforcement has a top end disposed above a top end of the respective bead filler portion. Each nylon reinforcement further has a bottom end disposed below the top end of the respective bead filler portion and above a respective bead core. |
| US08991455B2 |
Molded article and venting assembly for a rotating mold
A molded article comprises an outer interface element, an inner interface element, and a plurality of web spokes positioned therebetween. The common surfaces of the inner and outer interface elements and a pair of adjacent web spokes form a void space. The surface of at least a portion of an interface element common to one of the voids has an edge radius with a variation from a maximum radius at a circumferential location corresponding to a mid point between a pair of adjacent web spokes to a minimum radius at a circumferential location corresponding to the intersection of the interface element with the web spoke. |
| US08991453B2 |
Tire for motorcycle
A tire (1) for a motorcycle has: a groove portion (10) formed at a tread; and a block-shaped land portion (100) protrusive from the groove portion (10) toward an outside in a tire radial direction (TD). The land portion (100) has a plate-shaped small piece portion (107). Since an area with which the running wind comes into contact increases due to the small piece portion (107), the periphery of the groove portion (10) or the land portion (100) can be effectively thermally radiated. Thus, a temperature of the land portion (100) can be reduced, and even if the automatic motorcycle runs on the hard road surface over a predetermined period of time or more, it is possible to effectively restrain the lowering of required performance such as gripping force, feeling of grounding, and steering stability, which is exerted by the lowering of the rigidity of the land portion. |
| US08991448B2 |
Universal covering system
A covering system includes a tarp made of an elastic membrane and a plurality of tarp fastening hooks. The fastening hooks allow the elastic membrane to be stretched over valuables and affixed to environmental anchors so that creases and puddle-enabling pockets in the membrane are eliminated. The fastening hooks clamp onto the elastic membrane and hook onto the environmental anchors to cause tension in the membrane. The clamping forces of the tarp fasteners are inherently increased in proportion to the tension in the clamped membrane. |
| US08991446B2 |
Pump assisted refilling system for LPG fuel tanks
A pump assisted refilling system for LPG and other fuels wherein the fuel storage pressure is at, or close to, the vapor pressure of the fuel. A fuel pump is selectively activated to assist fuel delivery from the refilling fitting to the tank interior responsive to a determined fuel pressure condition of the fuel so that rapid refilling is always assured. |
| US08991445B2 |
Hydrogen filling system and method of operating the same
A hydrogen filling system to fill a hydrogen fuel tank with hydrogen includes a high-pressure water electrolysis device capable of electrolyzing water to produce oxygen and the hydrogen. A hydrogen pipe connects the high-pressure water electrolysis device and a filling mechanism to fill the hydrogen fuel tank with the hydrogen. At least one hydrogen storage tank is provided to the hydrogen pipe to store the hydrogen produced by the high-pressure water electrolysis device at substantially a same pressure as a maximum filling pressure of the hydrogen fuel tank. A first valve mechanism is arranged downstream of the at least one hydrogen storage tank. A bypass pipe is provided to the hydrogen pipe and connects the high-pressure water electrolysis device and the filling mechanism to bypass the at least one hydrogen storage tank and the first valve mechanism. A second valve mechanism is arranged on the bypass pipe. |
| US08991435B2 |
Closing device
A closing device, particularly for closing channels conducting pressure medium in a valve receiving body, has a rotationally symmetrical closing element (6) that is fastened in a seating bore (1) of a housing (14), having a calking site (2) that is provided on the circumference of the closing element (6) and that permanently fixes the closing element (6) in the housing (14) as a result of the plastic displacement of housing material. The seating bore (1) includes a transition area in the form of a bore step (4) between the calking site (2) and a centering cone surface (3). The bore step is recessed into the seating bore (1) by the plastic displacement of the housing material in the form of a bulge surrounding the closing element (6). |
| US08991434B2 |
Locking cap system
A lockable pipe cover includes an inner cap and an outer cover which are selectively coupled together for axial rotation. When the cap is locked, the inner cap and the outer cover are free to rotate independently from one another thus rotation of the outer cover will not remove the cap from the pipe. In the unlocked position, the inner cap and the outer cover are coupled for rotation and thus rotation of the outer cover results in rotation of the inner cap. |
| US08991431B2 |
Magnetic control multi-way valve
A magnetic control multi-way valve has a fixed unit, at least two control valves and a second magnet. The fixed unit is provided with a inlet and at least two independent mounting cavities, an outlet is formed at the lower port of the mounting cavity; two control valves are mounted in the mounting cavities respectively; and the control valve comprises a spool assembly, a first magnet, a sealing gasket, a first spring and a second spring. The spool assembly is fixedly arranged in the mounting cavity with a pressure relief way; the first magnet which is connected in the mounting cavity in an up and down sliding manner and is above the spool assembly; the sealing gasket is connected in the mounting cavity in a vertical sliding manner and is below the spool assembly; the second magnet is connected out of the fixed unit in a horizontal sliding manner. |
| US08991430B2 |
Medical valve
A medical valve having a valve inside housing and a valve core. The valve core is installed within the housing. The housing is preferably an integrally-formed hollow cylindrical structure. An annular protrusion may be arranged on the outer surface of the housing and a seal ring may be arranged in the center of the inner wall of the housing. The valve core can be made of an elastic material as an integrally-formed cylindrical structure. A lock ring matched with the seal ring of the housing may be arranged on the outer surface of the valve core, and the lock ring can be integrally formed with the valve core. The medical valve inside disclosed by the invention is widely applied to the medical fields such as cushion mask, trachea cannula and laryngeal mask, No metal member is preferably employed, so with magnetic resonance imaging examination without causing interference. |
| US08991424B2 |
Fuel pressure regulation system and an improved fuel pressure regulator for use therein
A fuel pressure regulation system for a compression ignition diesel engine. The system comprises a fuel supply line connected to an inlet of a transfer pump and a transfer pressure fuel line connected between the transfer pump outlet and the high pressure fuel pump inlet. A fuel filter is positioned in the transfer pressure fuel line and a fuel spill line fluidly connects a fuel pressure regulator to the transfer pressure fuel line at a point between the transfer pump outlet and the fuel filter. A fuel return line is connected between the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel supply line and a control fuel line is connected between the fuel pressure regulator and the transfer pressure fuel line. The fuel pressure regulator comprises a bore within which is located a valve member moveable from a non-regulating position of the fuel pressure regulator to a regulating position of the fuel pressure regulator. In use, any fuel entering the bore through a control fuel line connection acts upon a valve member thrust surface which results in a force acting to open the fuel pressure regulator. Any fuel entering the bore through the fuel spill line connection enters a region between the first end and the second end of the bore. There is provided a leak passageway connected from a point between the first and second ends and a fuel return line connection. In normal operating use, a fuel flow path from the fuel spill line connection to the fuel return line connection is kept open when the fuel pressure regulator is in the non-regulating position. |
| US08991417B2 |
Method for controlling pressure keeping facility for cooling and heating system provided with plurality of sensors
The present invention relates to a method of controlling pressure maintenance equipment for a cooling and heating system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of operating and controlling, under optimum conditions, pressure maintenance equipment with multiple sensors so as to check for irregularities in the sensors which measure the same physical parameter. In the present invention, measurement values of two or more sensors are used to detect whether an abnormality has occurred in any sensor. If a sensor is determined to be abnormal, a measurement value of the abnormal sensor is excluded when determining a reference control value. Thereby, the pressure can be precisely and reliably controlled in response to actual conditions of the system. |
| US08991416B2 |
Shuttle valve
A shuttle valve 8 includes a valve body 9, a shuttle 10, and an actuator mechanism 11. The shuttle valve 8 includes inlet ports 37 and 39 and outlet port 40. The shuttle 10 moves between first and second at rest positions to selectively connect one of the inlet ports to the outlet port and isolate the other inlet port from the outlet port. The actuator mechanism 11 includes first and second springs 63 and 66 and moves the shuttle 10 from one of its positions to another when a set pressure differential is attained between the inlet ports. The actuator mechanism 11 moves a partial stroke distance to move the shuttle 10 between its at rest positions and moves a full stroke distance to additionally open fluid communication between one of the inlet ports and the shuttle 10. |
| US08991415B1 |
Fire hydrant break off valve
A fire hydrant break off valve includes an offset pivot and a lateral trigger captured between a fire hydrant and fire hydrant break off riser. When a collision breaks the break off bolts holding the fire hydrant to the hydrant break off riser, the lateral trigger is released and the valve rotates to a closed position. Force of water attempting to escape rotates the valve around the offset pivot. The edge of the valve is tapered and after rotating, the valve is pushed against a matching seat to close the valve. The match of the tapered valve against the tapered seat stops or nearly stops all flow of water from the broken hydrant. |
| US08991414B2 |
Method for removing blood from an extracorporeal blood circuit for a treatment apparatus following termination of a blood treatment session, and apparatus for performing said method
A method for removing blood from an extracorporeal blood circuit of a treatment apparatus for the extracorporeal blood treatment of a patient following termination of a blood treatment session, wherein the treatment apparatus includes at least one extracorporeal blood circuithaving a conduit interior; at least one blood pump for conveying blood inside the conduit interior of the extracorporeal blood circuit; and at least one substitute pumpfor introducing or conveying at least one substituate fluid inside the conduit interior of the extracorporeal blood circuit. The method comprises feeding of air into the conduit interior of the extracorporeal blood circuit by operating the blood pump, and introducing substituate fluid into the conduit interior of the extracorporeal blood circuitby operating the substitute pump. In addition, a suitable apparatus is described. |
| US08991412B2 |
Portable folding shelter
A portable and foldable shelter has a canopy frame with an arm hub adjacent to a top end of a canopy pole, and a sliding collar on the pole. The canopy frame also includes a plurality of arms with each arm having an outer arm segment attached to an inner arm segment via an arm hinge joint. The arm hinge joint may include a slider movable into a locking position where the inner and outer arm segments are rigidly fixed in a straight locked-out. A flexible cover is attached to or supported on canopy frame. The portable shelter is lightweight, highly compact when folded, easy to use, and easy carry. |
| US08991410B2 |
Portable chair shade
A chair shade including a cover sheet, frame having a first end and a second end, a sliding unit simultaneously affixed to the cover sheet and slideably affixed to the frame such that the sliding unit moves along the length of the frame when a force is applied and maintains its position on the frame when no force is applied and a securing unit that secures the first end and second end of the frame to corresponding opposite sides of a chair. |
| US08991409B2 |
Umbrella case
An umbrella case comprising a pouch having a bottom end and a top end, such that a collapsed umbrella can be inserted into the pouch through an aperture in the top end, an enclosure member configured to selectively close the aperture of the top end, and one or more connecting members configured to be selectively coupled with components of a stroller or other device. The pouch can have corresponding fasteners that can be selectively coupled with one another to adjust the length of the pouch. |
| US08991404B2 |
Process for shredding a tobacco sheet and apparatus
A process and apparatus for shredding tobacco sheets, especially tobacco sheets formed of reconstituted tobacco particles with guar and sugar comprises rotating opposing sets of cutter discs in a partially overlapping relation so as to establish a nip. The cutter discs have notches at spaced locations along a peripheral portion of the cutter discs. Adjacent pairs of cutter discs are spaced apart by a spacer disc with a stripper plate interposed between adjacent pairs of spaced apart cutter discs. A tobacco sheet which is fed into the nip of the sets of cutter discs is shredded by the discs. |
| US08991396B2 |
Endotracheal tube with two ports
An endotracheal tube apparatus with two ports. The first port extends from a patient's mouth in a direction substantially in line with the patients oral cavity. The second port extends from a patient's mouth in a second direction. An endotracheal tube adapted to be inserted in a patient's trachea through the patient's mouth, is in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The second port of the endotracheal tube apparatus may be adapted to be secured to a patient's mandible. The endotracheal tube apparatus may have at least two locations for securing the apparatus to a patient. |
| US08991393B2 |
Monitor for measuring improvement in involuntary breathing
The present invention is a breathing improvement monitor that continuously measures involuntary breathing. The monitor is a sensor apparatus that is attached to a patient's mask which is connected to the monitoring apparatus. The sensor may be reusable and attachable and detachable to a mask or it may be an integral part of a breathing mask. The sensor technology may be any type sufficient in the art, including but not limited to solid state sensors, transducers, electromagnetic microturbines and the like. Since the mask does not have to be removed and the sensor provides constant signal to the monitoring apparatus, a real time status of a patient's involuntary breathing capability may be determined for a doctor's consideration. |
| US08991390B2 |
Inhalation device and method
The present disclosure provides a method and device for delivering a pharmaceutical to the airway of a human or animal patient. In one aspect, the device includes a dose drum formed into a cylinder and including a plurality of dose compartments for containing individual doses. In another aspect, the device may include a reservoir containing a pharmaceutical material in bulk form and a metering recess for metering the pharmaceutical material to form a pharmaceutical dose. Another aspect provides an inhaler with a combined reservoir and dosing chamber configured to contain multiple doses of a pharmaceutical material. |
| US08991385B2 |
Cooking appliance
Embodiments provide a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance includes: a cabinet; a burner assembly provided within the cabinet, for combusting a gas mixture of air and gas; a nozzle assembly for supplying gas to the burner assembly; an exhaust passage in which combusted gas generated during combusting of the gas mixture flows; an intake passage in which air for mixing with the gas flows; and a top plate provided above the burner assembly, wherein combusted gas in the exhaust passage is exhausted to an outside through natural convection, and air outside the cabinet is drawn into the intake passage through natural convection. |
| US08991375B2 |
Crossbow cabling arrangement
In at least one embodiment, a crossbow comprises a stock, a first limb, a first rotatable member, a second limb and a second rotatable member. A bowstring, a first cable and a second cable each extend between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. The crossbow defines a shooting axis. The first cable is offset from the shooting axis in a first direction and the second cable is offset from the shooting axis in a second direction different from the first direction. |
| US08991372B2 |
Portable device to compress bows
A portable device to compress a bow comprising a pulley system with a block and tackle and fixed pulleys which, by wiring, are connected to a set of fastening supports with fastening ends. The fastening ends fasten and pull the ends of the arms or limbs of a bow, under traction exerted by the block and tackle. The block and tackle has a drive portion and a brake controlling the traction and release of the cables connected to the fastening supports. Upon pulling the drive portion, the block and tackle produces the approach between the first and the second pulleys. This displacement between the pulleys acts on the cables which, through the fixed pulleys, cause the approach between the fastening supports. This displacement of the fastening supports overcomes the resistance of the bow and compresses it. Once the desired compressive level is reached, the brake or blockage is actuated. |
| US08991371B2 |
Ignition coil
An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine includes a magnetically-permeable core extending along a core longitudinal axis, the core having a pair of end surfaces on axially-opposite ends thereof. The ignition coil also includes a primary winding disposed outward of the core, a secondary winding disposed outward of the primary winding, and a structure comprising magnetically-permeable steel laminations having a base and a pair of legs, the structure defining a magnetic return path. The core is disposed between the pair of legs such that the core longitudinal axis extends through the legs and the end surfaces face toward the legs and at least one of the end surfaces of the core is spaced apart from a respective one of the legs to define an air gap. The structure is over-molded with an over-molding material such that the over-molding material fills at least a portion of the air gap. |
| US08991368B2 |
Oxygenate compound synthesis device, systems including the device, and methods of using the same
Devices, systems and methods for the preparation of an oxygenate compound or mixture of oxygenate compounds suitable for use in internal combustion engines are disclosed. An internal combustion engine system includes: a fuel system including an oxygenate compound synthesis device including a reactor including a catalyst, the oxygenate compound synthesis device being configured to convert at least a portion of a feedstock to an oxygenate compound or a mixture of oxygenate compounds; and an internal combustion engine configured to initiate combustion through compression or high energy discharge, the internal combustion engine including: a fuel injection system configured to provide fuel injection, and a cooling system configured to cool the internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine being configured to heat the oxygenate compound synthesis device using heat from the cooling system of the internal combustion engine. Applications of the devices, systems and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08991366B2 |
Fresh air system
A dual path fresh air system, having a first air supply path, the first path supplies air to at least one first cylinder set; a second air supply path, the second path supplies air to at least on second cylinder set; a first exhaust gas recirculation inlet fluidly connected to the first path to introduce recirculated exhaust gas into the first path; a second exhaust gas recirculation inlet fluidly connected to the second path to introduce recirculated exhaust gas into the second path; a first valve member, which is arranged upstream of the first exhaust gas recirculation inlet in the first path, wherein the first valve member controls fluid flowing through a cross section of the first path; and a second valve member which is arranged upstream of the second exhaust gas recirculation inlet in the second path, for controlling fluid flowing through a cross section of the second path. |
| US08991356B2 |
Internal combustion engine and method of operating same
An internal combustion engine and a method for maximizing fuel efficiency of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes an engine block assembly having an electromagnet coupled thereto and an engine component movable relative to the engine block assembly. The engine component includes a permanent magnet coupled thereto. A control system is provided to selectively provide an electrical current to the electromagnet to produce a desired magnetic field, wherein the magnetic field of the electromagnet cooperates with a magnetic field of the permanent magnet to affect a motion of the engine component in respect of the engine block assembly. |
| US08991349B2 |
Involute spring pallet component for a cylinder deactivation switchable roller finger follower
A method of manufacturing spring pallets of a switchable roller finger follower. The method includes the steps of forming the spring pallets of the roller finger follower as a single unit, forming a material web between the spring pallets, and separating the spring pallets apart from each other. Also, an intermediate assembly of the spring pallets of the roller finger follower is disclosed. The intermediate assembly includes a first spring pallet, a second spring pallet, and a material web which extends between the spring pallets, and adjoins the spring pallets together. Further, a method of manufacturing an inner arm of the switchable roller finger follower is disclosed in which the inner arm is formed by sheet metal, preferably by stamping. |
| US08991346B2 |
Valve timing control apparatus
A hydraulic pressure control valve is received in a center hole of a vane rotor that is rotatable relative to a housing. A first tubular portion and a second tubular portion are fitted with each other to form an oil accumulation chamber. The oil accumulation chamber accumulates at least one of oil outputted from a gap between the housing and the vane rotor, and oil discharged from an oil passage communicated with the advancing chamber or the retarding chamber. |
| US08991343B2 |
Camshaft adjusting device
A camshaft adjusting device (1) for varying the relative angular position of a camshaft in relation to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, wherein the camshaft adjusting device (1) includes an actuator (2) for actuating a hydraulic valve, wherein the actuator (2) is fastened to a housing element (4) by a fastening element (3), and wherein the actuator (2) has an axis (5) which in the mounted state of the actuator (2) is concentric to an axis of the camshaft adjusting device (1). In order to simplify mounting of the actuator on the camshaft adjusting device, on the outer face (6) facing away from the camshaft adjusting device (1) the actuator (2) includes a grip section (7) having a configuration that is not rotationally symmetrical to the axis (5). |
| US08991342B2 |
Variable valve device for internal combustion engine
A variable valve device for an internal combustion engine includes a first cam phase variable mechanism capable of varying the phases of both first and second intake cams by using operating oil pressure, and a second cam phase variable mechanism having a split change function and capable of varying the phase of the second intake cam relative to that of the first intake cam by using the operating oil pressure. When the engine is operating in a low-speed, low-load region (A) in which the engine rotating speed is lower than a predetermined rotating speed (N2) and at the same time the engine load is lower than a predetermined load (L1), the second cam phase variable mechanism is preferentially controlled over the first cam phase variable mechanism. |
| US08991340B2 |
System and method for electrically-coupled heat engine and thermal cycle
An electrically-coupled thermal cycle is used to create an electrically-powered heat pump. Energy stored in electrical circuitry is cycled in and out of a working cylinder via windings so that the piston head performs a heat pump cycle. Such a heat pump may be used to extract heat energy from ambient air, and to deliver that heat to an external heat sink by way of the cylinder head. |
| US08991339B2 |
Multi-zone vehicle radiators
The present disclosure relates to a multiple zone vehicle radiator, including: a housing; a first zone included in the housing; a second zone included in the housing; a baffle between the first and second zone, located in an outlet manifold of the housing; and a zone modifier configured to regulate coolant distribution between the first zone and second zone according to predetermined conditions. |
| US08991335B2 |
Milk tube dome with flow controller
A milker unit liner dome having an inner surface and flow diverters joined to the inner surface to redirect teat dip from an inlet to provide more uniform coverage of dip on a teat. The liner dome can also include more than one flow diverter for redirecting teat dip flow. |
| US08991333B2 |
Substrate processing method and system
A substrate processing method includes a first step of subjecting a target substrate to a gas process within an atmosphere containing a fluorine-containing process gas, thereby forming a fluorine-containing reaction product on a surface of the target substrate. The method further includes a second step of subjecting the target substrate treated by the gas process to a heating process and a gas process within an atmosphere containing a reactive gas that reacts with fluorine. |
| US08991331B2 |
Integrated steerability array arrangement for minimizing non-uniformity and methods thereof
A method for providing steerability in a plasma processing environment during substrate processing is provided. The method includes managing, power distribution by controlling power being delivered into the plasma processing environment through an array of electrical elements. The method also includes directing gas flow during substrate processing by controlling the amount of gas flowing through an array of gas injectors into the plasma processing environment, wherein individual ones of the array of gas injectors are interspersed between the array of electrical elements. The method further includes controlling gas exhausting during substrate processing by managing amount of gas exhaust being removed by an array of pumps, wherein the array of electrical elements, the array of gas injectors, and the array of pumps are arranged to create a plurality of plasma regions, each plasma region being substantially similar, thereby creating a uniform plasma region across the substrate. |
| US08991326B2 |
Displacement hull form not subject to the limitation of hull speed
A displace hull with a shape that is both laterally symmetric and fore-to-aft symmetric is disclosed. The hull includes a pair of channels that help to manage a flow of water around the hull. The hull also includes sponsons and propellers that are located amidships on the port and starboard sides. |
| US08991323B2 |
Bladed coal diffuser and coal line balancing device
A coal nozzle assembly for a pulverized coal burner includes a diffuser. A flow conditioner also may be used with the assembly. The assembly conditions the coal/air flow before the coal/air flow is introduced to the furnace. The flow conditioner directs the coal into the diffuser where it is swirled to form a fuel rich outer ring disposed about an air rich inner portion before the fuel is delivered to the coal nozzle. |
| US08991318B2 |
Stabilized railway freight car truck
A stabilized railway car truck consists of two side frames and a holster. The bolster has laterally opposite ends, each end extending into and supported within a side frame opening on a spring group. The stabilized railway car truck also includes a transom extending into, and supported within, a side frame opening. The spring group is supported at each transom end. Each side frame has a pedestal opening at each end that receive a rotating lug to accept a elastomeric steering pad and bearing adapter. The attachment of the side frames and transom is a rigid pivotal connection. Friction shoes between the side frames and bolster provide damping of an initial low to a high rate friction once engaged. The pivotal decoupling of the side frame and transom, and the lateral movement of the friction shoes to the bolster, eliminates track displacement irregularities from reacting at the bolster and into the vehicle. |
| US08991315B2 |
Detonator assembly
A detonator assembly (10) which includes a housing (16), an explosive (20) in the housing (16), an initiating element (32) exposed to the explosive (20), a circuit for controlling operation of the initiating element (32), and a communication arrangement which can establish communication between the circuit and an external controller (60) at least at one optical frequency. |
| US08991314B2 |
Roller microcontact printing device and printing method thereof
A roller microcontact printing device and a printing method of the device are revealed. The roller microcontact printing device includes a transfer module with a transfer roller and a supply module. The supply module provides an isolating solution and a thin film material to the transfer module to form an isolation layer and a thin film layer in turn on the surface of the transfer roller. Then the thin film is transferred to a substrate by the transfer roller. The microcontact print device and method are used in a roll-to-roll printing process. Thus the production efficiency of the thin film layer on the substrate is improved and the cost is reduced. |
| US08991301B2 |
Device for softening grain
A device for steeping barley having a container for containing the barley to be steeped. The container has a floor and the floor has passageways for flowing at least one of steeping water and gases through the passageways. The device further includes a water line system under the floor directly connected to the passageways. |
| US08991300B2 |
Variable displacement swash plate type compressor
The present invention provides a variable displacement swash plate type compressor that reduces wear of cylinder bores and the amount of blow-by gas. Each piston of the compressor has a piston main body, which has a distal portion located at an end corresponding to the compression chamber. A tapering portion and an arcuate portion are formed in the distal portion. The arcuate portion is continuous with an end of the tapering portion that is closer to the compression chamber. The tapering portion and the arcuate portion each have a diameter that increases toward the skirt. The tapering portion has a tapering angle that is in a range from 0.45 degrees to 1.5 degrees. The distance between the distal end of the piston main body and a starting point of the tapering portion on an end closer to the skirt is set in a range from 1.5 mm to 5.0 mm. |
| US08991299B2 |
Reinforced thermoplastic actuator with wear resistant plastic liner
A fluid actuator includes a housing having a fluid chamber providing a first friction surface. An actuating member is arranged in the fluid chamber and has a second friction surface slideably engaging the first friction surface. The actuating member is configured to slide within the chamber between first and second positions. An insert is constructed from a first thermoplastic material and provides one of the first and second friction surfaces. A body structurally supports the insert and provides one of the housing or actuating member. The body is constructed from a second thermoplastic material molded about the insert and including short reinforcing fibers. |
| US08991298B2 |
Apparatus for drainage by well points
Apparatus for drainage by well points, including a piston pump and a drive motor coupled to the piston pump by means of a transmission and provided with a drive shaft, which transmission is received in a housing and includes at least one crankshaft and a drive rod coupled thereto, the drive rod is coupled by means of a cross-head to a piston rod of the piston pump and the housing forms an oil sump and the transmission further includes an assembly of a worm and a worm wheel co-acting therewith and mounted on the crankshaft and the worm is provided on a worm shaft extending transversely relative to the crankshaft and vertically in operating mode of the apparatus for drainage by well points. |
| US08991295B2 |
Cartridge gas actuated firearm having bolt carrier/gas key seal
A cartridge gas energized firearm mechanism has a receiver assembly having upper and lower receivers. A bolt carrier is moveable within the upper receiver and has a wall structure having a planar gas key seat surface intersected by a gas port. A gas key is mounted to the bolt carrier and has a planar gas key surface in face-to-face seating engagement with the planar gas key seat surface of the bolt carrier, thus establishing a planar surface interface. The gas key has a cartridge gas supply passage in gas communication with the gas port. A tubular seal member is positioned in sealing engagement within seal receptacles of the bolt carrier and gas key and prevents cartridge gas leakage through the planar surface interface. |
| US08991294B2 |
Armor plate and method of producing same
An armor plate comprising alternating protection layers of light-weight high-strength fiber and reinforcing layers of high tensile strength oblong bodies, and a method for production of armor plates, the method comprising: arranging alternating protection layers of light-weight high-strength fabric and reinforcing layers of high tensile strength oblong bodies; and fastening the layers of the construction together. |
| US08991293B1 |
Pistol having a barrel with synchronized cams
A semi-automatic pistol is provided having a barrel, a frame and a slide. The slide is adapted for linear motion along the frame during a firing sequence and has a forward end and a block end. The forward end has an upper cam follower surface and a lower cam follower surface on the inside surface adjacent to the barrel. The barrel has a ramp cam surface adjacent to the chamber end of the barrel to effect locking and unlocking of the barrel relative to the slide during the firing sequence, a bottom cam surface and a top cam surface. The bottom cam surface and the top cam surface extend from the front end toward the chamber end of the barrel and each have undulating surfaces that moves against the lower cam follower surfaces of the slide to cause oscillation of the barrel while the slide moves during the firing sequence. |
| US08991292B1 |
Firearm projectiles and cartridges and methods of manufacturing the same
Firearm projectiles and methods of manufacturing firearm projectiles from a supply of clad wire. In some embodiments, the clad wire is manufactured as electrical wire, such as copper-clad steel wire. Bullets and shot, as well as methods of forming bullets and shot, from clad wire are disclosed. |
| US08991289B2 |
Method for the slicing of food products
In a method for slicing food products, a cutting blade carries out a primary movement defining a cutting plane and a product to be sliced is supplied to the cutting blade by means of a conveying device to bring the product into engagement with the cutting blade. The cutting blade moved is from time to time at a speed different from the speed of the primary movement while it is in engagement with the product. |
| US08991285B2 |
Double action internally geared rotary tool
The invention provides a ratchet tool that includes a tool head, a drive including a sun gear, a ratchet mechanism, and planet gears mounted to a carrier and meshed with the sun gear. The tool head has drive teeth meshed with the planet gears. The ratchet mechanism is mounted to the tool head and is operative to directly couple the tool head to the input when the tool head is rotated in a first direction and to uncouple the tool head from the input when the tool head is rotated in a second opposite direction. Rotation of the tool head in the second direction, while the user holds the carrier stationary, rotates the drive in the first direction. |
| US08991282B2 |
Wave gear unit with input bearings
A wave gear unit has an input shaft positioned along a center axis by first and second input bearings. A first unit end plate at the first-input-bearing side is a composite member in which a bearing housing member of an iron-based material is integrated with an end plate main body member of a lightweight material. A second unit end plate at the second-input-bearing side is integrated with a rigid internally toothed gear, and is a composite member in which a second member of a lightweight material is integrated with a first member of a lightweight material. The first member has an end plate main body portion of the second unit end plate and a gear main body portion of the rigid internally toothed gear, while the second member has a bearing housing portion of the second unit end plate and a teeth formation portion of the rigid internally toothed gear. |
| US08991281B2 |
Adjustable foot pedal, linkage, and method for actuating a hydraulic cylinder
A foot actuated pivoting lever is provided. The lever may include: a lever member having two ends, one end configured to attach to a mechanism configured to receive an input from the lever member; and a pedal pivotally attached proximate to the other end of the lever member, wherein the pedal is configured to pivot between a first and a second position, wherein in the first position, the pedal lies on top of a section of the lever member and, in the second position, the pedal extends beyond the lever member. A mechanism for actuating a piston may be provided. |
| US08991279B2 |
Steering column for vehicle
Disclosed is a steering column for a vehicle. By the steering column, a manipulation convenience of the driver can be increased by performing a tilting or telescoping operation by using a pressure of air or oil without using an adjusting lever. Further, the number of components and manufacturing costs can be significantly reduced by easily adjusting an operating force of the actuator using a pressure of air or oil and an operating force of the lever according to the type of the vehicle. |
| US08991275B2 |
Two-way push-pull chain and reciprocating actuator
A link member includes a first pin hole, a second pin hole, a first engaging portion, and a second engaging portion. The second pin hole is an elongated hole extending in a longitudinal direction of a two-way push-pull chain. The pin is movably inserted into the second pin hole and fixed to the first pin hole. With the pin being movably inserted into the second pin hole, adjacent link members are expandable and contractible relative to each other by a length. The length is greater than a length of a portion where the first engaging portion contacts the second engaging portion in a state where the adjacent link members are contracted relative to each other. |
| US08991273B2 |
Apparatus and method for inspecting high voltage insulators
An inspection apparatus for inspecting high voltage insulators is disclosed. The inspection apparatus includes a first platform having first and second linkages, at least one outer gripping mechanism having first and second arms extending outwardly from the first platform, a second slidable platform adapted to slide along the first and second linkages, and at least one inner gripping mechanism having third and fourth arms extending outwardly from the second slidable platform. The outer and inner gripping mechanisms are adapted to move between an open position where the insulator is received by the outer and inner gripping mechanisms and a closed position where the outer and inner gripping mechanisms engage the insulator. |
| US08991272B2 |
Detecting device for recovery of release film and recovery apparatus for release film
Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a detecting device for recovering of release film and a recovery apparatus for release film. The recovery apparatus comprises clips for gripping release film, the detecting device comprises: a detecting sensor; a mobile module coupled onto one clipping arm of the clip. When the release film is gripped by the clip, the release film shifts the mobile module to a first position where the mobile module portion enters the detection scope of the detecting sensor; when the release film is not gripped by the clip, the mobile module shifts to a second position, where the whole mobile module portion withdraws out of the detection scope of the detecting sensor. |
| US08991271B2 |
Portable nanoparticle sampler
A portable nanoparticle sampler for collecting respirable particulate matters and nanoparticles is composed of a tangential flow cyclone, a multi-microorifice impactor and a filter cassette. The tangential flow cyclone can remove the microparticles with cutoff aerodynamic diameter (dpa) larger than 4 μm and guide the airflow to the multi-microorifice impactor located below the cyclone. The multi-microorifice impactor includes a multi-orifice nozzle and a rotary impaction plate for enabling the microparticles with dpa from 100 nm to 4 μm to be uniformly collected on a silicone-oil-coated impaction substrate. The remnant microparticles with dpa smaller than 100 nm are collected by the filter cassette. Therefore, compared with the prior art, the portable nanoparticle sampler is characterized by low pressure loss and accurate microparticle sizing to meet the requirement of nanoparticle sampling at workplaces. |
| US08991270B2 |
Method and apparatus for rapid filter analysis of fluid samples
An apparatus for analyzing a fluid of volume V includes a filter having a filter surface or area A, the filter being capable of allowing the fluid to flow through the filter surface. The fluid's volumetric flow density, averaged over the filter surface, is jmean. The apparatus further includes a scanner for scanning the filter surface with a scan rate B. The area A is optimized based on the volume V, the scan rate B and the volumetric flow density jmean to minimize the sum of filtering time and scanning time. Instead of one filter, at least two filters may be used each having a different area A. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for selecting one of the filters and placing the selected filter in an operating position, where the scanner scans the filter surface face of the selected filter. |
| US08991269B2 |
Inlet sampling method and device
An inlet apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a first conduit for sampling, and a second and third conduit for directing flow throughout the inlet apparatus. Flow may be induced in two opposite directions through the second conduit, which affect the flow of gas through the first conduit for sampling. The various conduits of the apparatus may be connected to a device for inducing flow in different directions. The duration of the flow in a particular direction affects the amount of sample gas that enters a detection device. |
| US08991268B2 |
Method for determining the break-away force of an actuator
A method for determining a break-away force in an actuator is provided, the actuator comprising an actuator armature including a positioning element movable in relation to the actuator housing. The positioning element is movable by means of an actuator drive such that a driving force is applied through the actuator drive to the positioning element. The actuator is in a resting state in the beginning, the driving energy required for moving the actuator drive is successively increased, wherein the driving energy is converted into a driving force by driving means, and a measurement value at the actuator drive is measured by at least one sensor, wherein as soon as a change of the measurement value is detected, a state is verified in which a holding force counteracts the movement of the position element. |
| US08991267B1 |
Engine torque sensor
A system and method of measuring engine torque by interposing a hub 20 between a power source/engine and a driven device such as a propeller 24. The hub 20 is preferably made unitary of a single material and includes a strain gauge 48/49 to measure twisting forces. The gauge output is transmitted 44 to a receiver not part of any rotating component. A housing 50 shields the gauge but is rigidly connected to only one part of the hub and thus does not impact the strain gauge measurement. |
| US08991265B2 |
Pressure sensor, sensor probe comprising a pressure sensor, medical apparatus comprising a sensor probe and a method of fabricating a sensor probe
A pressure sensor includes a flexible membrane deformable in response to pressure. The flexible membrane covers a cavity and includes a strain gauge that produces signals corresponding to deformation of the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is a flexible monolithic integrated circuit foil. |
| US08991260B2 |
Pseudo rock and analysis system using the same
A pseudo rock includes a housing, a strain sensor, a three-axis acceleration sensor, a vibration generator and a controller. The housing has an average shape and size of rocks. The strain sensor detects a stress acting in positive and negative directions of each axis with respect to three-dimensional coordinates using the center of the housing as the origin. The three-axis acceleration sensor detects acceleration acting in each axis of the three-dimensional coordinates. The vibration generator produces vibration in a specific direction with respect to the three-dimensional coordinates. The controller converts respective detected values of the strain sensor and the three-axis acceleration sensor into vibration pulses of specific patterns and outputting the vibration pulses to the vibration generator. |
| US08991258B2 |
Linear scanner with rotating coupling fluid
An inspection arrangement and an associated method for inspecting an elongate object. The arrangement includes a housing providing an interior space. The housing has an entrance and exit that are aligned. The arrangement includes a plurality of ultrasonic sensor arrays disposed to direct ultrasonic sensory pluses. Each sensor array has a plurality of ultrasonic sensors with each ultrasonic sensor positioned to direct a respective ultrasonic sensory pulse in a respective direction. The arrangement includes a fluid delivery device that delivers a coupling fluid into the interior space. The coupling fluid transmits the ultrasonic sensory pluses to the elongate object. The arrangement includes a plurality of redirecting elements associated with the plurality of ultrasonic sensor arrays. Each redirecting element is positioned such that ultrasonic sensory pluses from the respective ultrasonic sensor array proceed through the respective redirecting element and are redirected along a different direction. |
| US08991256B2 |
Method for determining speed of a signal species in a medium and associated apparatus
Methods and apparatus for determining the speed of a signal species, such as an acoustic signal, in a multilayered medium is described. The multilayer medium, generally, has a first and second layer (e.g. oil and water), whereby first and second signals are transmitted across particular distances in the medium such that a second distance differs from a first distance, and whereby the time of flight of each signal can be used in order to determine the speed of the signals species in one or both of the first and second layer. In other words, in some cases, the speed of sound can be determined in oil and/or water, or the like. |
| US08991254B2 |
Listening clamp for a vibroacoustic diagnosis tool used mainly in the automotive industry
The invention relates to a clamp (10) which is used mainly in a vibroacoustic diagnosis tool during an automobile maintenance or after-sales assistance opération, including two hinged arms (11, 12), each comprising a jaw (13, 14) at one end and a handle (15, 16) at the other end. A pad (20) is mounted on each jaw (13, 14) via a ball-and-socket joint (21), such that the pad (20) ensures effective contact between the clamp (10) and the part being tested, and séparâtes the body of the clamp from the listening part. The invention is useful in the field of motor vehicles. The invention is also useful in the vibroacoustic diagnosis of motor vehicles or motor vehicle subunits. |
| US08991253B2 |
Microelectromechanical system
In various embodiments, a microelectromechanical system may include a chip, a substrate, a signal generator, and a fixing structure configured to fix the chip to the substrate. The chip may be fixed in such a way that, upon an acceleration of the microelectromechanical system, the chip is moved relative to the substrate. Furthermore, a signal may be generated by the movement of the chip by means of the signal generator. |
| US08991252B2 |
Displacement amount monitoring electrode arrangement
According to a displacement amount monitoring electrode arrangement, there are a linear change region in which the change amount of capacitance changes linearly with the displacement of the movable electrode in the predetermined axis direction, and a nonlinear change region in which the change amount of the capacitance changes nonlinearly with the displacement of the movable electrode in the predetermined axis direction. The nonlinear change region includes a characteristic in which a change sensitivity of the change amount of the capacitance with respect to the displacement amount of the movable electrode in the predetermined axis direction is greater than that in the linear change region, and a target capacitance change amount of the capacitance when the displacement of the movable electrode in the predetermined axis direction reaches a target displacement amount corresponding to the target amplitude is set in the nonlinear change region. |
| US08991251B1 |
Hybrid capacitive and piezoelectric motion sensing transducer
A motion sensing transducer includes an electrically conductive substrate having a major surface that defines a substrate plane, and a first compliant structure including a piezoelectric material and having greater compliance to inertial forces oriented out of the substrate plane than to inertial forces oriented in the substrate plane. The first compliant structure includes a piezoelectric material. The motion sensing transducer includes a second compliant structure having greater compliance to inertial forces oriented in the substrate plane than to inertial forces oriented out of the substrate plane. The second compliant structure includes a first surface that is electrically isolated from the substrate. The first surface faces a surface of the substrate. The motion sensing transducer includes a first electrically conductive lead that is electrically connected to the first surface, and a second electrically conductive lead that is electrically connected to the piezoelectric material. |
| US08991250B2 |
Tuning fork gyroscope time domain inertial sensor
A gyroscope comprising: a frame; a tuning fork comprising a base and first and second prongs, wherein the base has proximal and distal ends, and wherein the proximal end is coupled to the frame and the distal end is coupled to the first and second prongs; first and second drivers configured to drive the first and second prongs respectively to oscillate with respect to the frame in a first direction, such that the prongs oscillate at their respective resonant frequencies and 180° out of phase with each other; and at least two digital position triggers operatively coupled to the frame and to the tuning fork, wherein each position trigger is configured to experience at least two trigger events during each oscillation of the tuning fork in a second direction, wherein the second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. |
| US08991249B2 |
Vibrating gyroscope and treatment process
A vibrating gyroscope has a base and a resonator. The resonator includes a body of generally cylindrical shape terminating in a face. The resonator is capable of vibrating according to a first vibration mode having antinodes distributed on n axes, and a second vibration mode having antinodes distributed on n other axes. The face of the resonator has two piezoelectric assemblies on each axis of the first and of the second vibration modes. Each piezoelectric assembly has at least one piezoelectric element capable of exciting the resonator in vibration and at least one piezoelectric element capable of detecting vibrations of the resonator at the same time. |
| US08991242B2 |
Device and method for detecting a fault in a low-pressure fuel pump of a turbojet and turbojet including one such device
A device for detecting a fault in a low-pressure fuel pump of a turbojet. The pump is driven by an accessory gearbox including a gear for mechanically driving the accessories. The device measures the vibration frequencies of the accessory gearbox and detects, from among the frequencies, at least one vibration frequency of the low-pressure fuel pump. The device allows a fault in the low-pressure fuel pump to be detected as soon as it occurs. |
| US08991235B2 |
Method of testing membranes and membrane-based systems
The invention includes methods for testing membranes and membrane-based systems by introducing particles into a feed liquid passing across the surface of a membrane wherein the particles have a size larger than the nominal cut-off of the membrane, and measuring the presence of the particles within a permeate solution which passes through the membrane. In one embodiment, the particles are selected from those which dissolve within the permeate solution after being measured. In another embodiment, the particles are selected from inorganic salts. Many additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08991230B2 |
Roll forming method and shaped beam produced by using the same
A roll forming method including a roll forming step performed by a plurality of roll formers and a bending step performed by a round bender provided with a plurality of bending roll units is disclosed.After a concave surface is formed at a surface of a shaped beam sequentially bent so as to have a closed section at the roll forming step, the concave surface is disposed so as to face toward an inward of a curvature of the shaped beam in the round bender and the shaped beam is formed to have the curvature through multiple steps at the bending step. |
| US08991227B2 |
Flush handle device for a door of a vehicle
The invention relates to a handle device (1) for a lock unit of a vehicle, comprising a handle part (10) which is movably mounted relative to a door (11) of the vehicle and which can be displaced between a rest position and an operating position, the handle part (10) being flush with the exterior of the door (11) in the rest position and projecting from the exterior of the door (11) in the operating position. The handle part (10) can be manually actuated to open the door (11) when in the operating position. An actuating unit (12) is used to transfer the handle part (10) at least from the rest position to the operating position. According to the invention, the handle device further comprises a lock cylinder (14) which is arranged in the handle device (1) such that the actuating unit (12) covers the lock cylinder (14) towards the exterior of the door (11) and at least partially releases the lock cylinder (14) when manually actuated. |
| US08991224B2 |
Security apparatus for ratchet type gunlocks
A security apparatus for a ratchet type gunlock that has a ratchet for locking the gunlock. The security apparatus prevents the gunlock from being shimmed using shimming techniques well known in the art. A star-shaped cogwheel having asymmetrical teeth prevents the shim from reaching the locked ratchet. The security apparatus also provides an extended ratchet latching assembly that features a pivot and a unique shoe-shaped latch that attaches to a plunger via a ball head such that the connections provided between the three elements of the latching assembly enable the latching assembly to remain locked despite severe impact, wrenching or shaking, yet can be easily opened even once the forces being applied to the gunlock ceases even when the deformation to the gunlock is irreversible. |
| US08991218B2 |
Washing machine with ozone generator
The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) wherein an ozone generator (4) that generates ozone gas is used for increasing the washing performance and providing sanitation. The ozone gas generated by the ozone generator (4) is delivered directly onto the clothes inside the tub (2) without mixing with the wash water and hence without dissolving in the wash water, and furthermore the ozone generator (4) that gets overheated due to operation at high voltage is cooled by the water used in the washing process. |
| US08991216B2 |
Pulling rolls with deflection limitation for use in glass manufacturing and processes incorporating the same
In one embodiment, a pulling roll for drawing glass sheet in a down-draw process includes a shaft member and a compliant cover assembly positioned on the shaft member. The compliant cover assembly includes at least one traction disk and at least one deflection limiting disk positioned on the shaft member. The at least one traction disk includes an annular hub and a plurality of spring elements integrally formed with the annular hub. The at least one deflection limiting disk includes at least one deflection limiting element positioned on each deflection limiting disk. The at least one deflection limiting element engages at least a portion of at least one traction disk upon a predetermined amount of inward radial deflection of the plurality of spring elements, thereby limiting the inward radial deflection of the plurality of spring elements. |
| US08991203B2 |
Electrostatic atomizing apparatus, appliance, air conditioner, and refrigerator
It is an object to provide an electrostatic atomizing apparatus which is simply structured, is easy to assemble, is low in cost, has clogging resistance against foreign matter, can be used for a long time, and is highly reliable, or a home electrical appliance such as a refrigerator, air conditioner, etc. including the electrostatic atomizing apparatus. A discharge electrode formed of foam metal, whereto water that attaches to a surface is supplied by capillary action, a counter electrode provided so as to be opposed to the discharge electrode, and a water supply that is provided directly above the discharge electrode via a predetermined clearance, supplying water to the discharge electrode or the electrode holding part, are included. |
| US08991202B2 |
Air-conditioning hot-water supply complex system
To provide an air-conditioning hot-water supply complex system that can simultaneously process a cooling load, a heating load, and a high-temperature hot-water supply load to provide a stable heat source all through the year. The air-conditioning hot-water supply complex system provides a bypass pipe in which a bypass electromagnetic valve is installed in parallel with a heating medium-refrigerant heat exchanger between a gateway of refrigerant piping of the heating medium-refrigerant heat exchanger to control an inflow amount of the refrigerant for hot-water supply to the heating medium-refrigerant heat exchanger by making the refrigerant for hot-water to flow into a bypass pipe by opening and closing the bypass electromagnetic valve. |
| US08991194B2 |
Parallel thermoelectric heat exchange systems
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to controlling multiple Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs) to maintain a set point temperature of a chamber. In one embodiment, a controller receives temperature data corresponding to a temperature of the chamber. Based on the temperature data, the controller selectively controls two or more subsets of the TECs to maintain the temperature of the chamber at a desired set point temperature. In this manner, the controller is enabled to control the TECs such that the TECs operate to efficiently maintain the temperature of the chamber at the set point temperature. In another embodiment, the controller selects one or more control schemes enabled by the controller based on temperature data and a desired performance profile. The controller then independently controls one or more subsets of the TECs according to the selected control scheme(s). |
| US08991180B2 |
Device and method for the recovery of waste heat from an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a device and a method for the recovery of waste heat from an internal combustion engine (2), according to which a feed pump (6), a heat exchanger (8), an expansion engine (10) and a capacitor (12) are arranged in a circuit (4) containing a circulating working medium. A bypass connection (14) is mounted in parallel to the expansion engine (10), in the circuit (4), the expansion engine (10) being coupled to the circuit (4), or decoupled therefrom, according to an operating situation of the internal combustion engine (2). |
| US08991179B2 |
Drive unit and method for its operation
The invention relates to a drive unit, in particular for a vehicle drive, comprising a drive machine generating driving power, a cooling system for the fluid cooling of the drive machine and/or a component of the drive unit which is supplied at least indirectly with driving power by the drive machine, wherein in the cooling system a coolant circulates; a lubricating circuit for the lubrication of at least one movable component of the drive unit with a lubricant.The invention is characterized in that the drive unit further comprises an accumulation reservoir, in which a comprehensive operating fluid, which comprises a mixture of an ionic fluid and a vaporizable fluid, is stockpiled, wherein the cooling system and the lubricating circuit are at least indirectly fluidically connected to the accumulation reservoir in order to extract lubricant and coolant from the comprehensive operating fluid. |
| US08991177B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine has at least one cylinder group including a plurality of cylinders and at least one exhaust turbocharger, each cylinder including a plurality of outlet valves for exhaust gas, each outlet valve being assigned an outlet duct which opens into an exhaust manifold and via which the respective exhaust gas, after flowing through the respective outlet valve and outlet duct, can be guided in the direction of an exhaust turbocharger, and first outlet ducts of the cylinders being contoured in the manner of nozzles, and second outlet ducts of the cylinders being contoured in the manner of diffusers. |
| US08991176B2 |
Fluid drive mechanism for turbocharger
A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes a shaft, a first turbine wheel, a compressor wheel, and a second turbine wheel. The shaft includes a first end and a second end and is supported for rotation about an axis. The first turbine wheel is mounted on the shaft proximate to the first end and configured to be rotated about the axis by post-combustion gasses emitted by the engine. The compressor wheel is mounted on the shaft between the first and second ends and configured to pressurize an airflow being received from the ambient for delivery to the engine. The second turbine wheel is mounted on the shaft proximate to the second end and configured to be rotated about the axis by a pressurized fluid. An internal combustion engine employing such a turbocharger is also disclosed. |
| US08991175B2 |
Control of balance drift in turbocharger rotating assembly
A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes a bearing housing with a bearing bore and a thrust wall. The bearing housing includes a journal bearing disposed within the bore. The turbocharger also includes a shaft supported by the journal bearing for rotation about an axis within the bore. The turbocharger also includes a turbine wheel fixed to the shaft and configured to be rotated about the axis by the engine's post-combustion gasses. The turbocharger additionally includes a compressor wheel fixed to the shaft and configured to pressurize an ambient airflow. Furthermore, the turbocharger includes a thrust bearing assembly pressed onto the shaft and configured to transmit thrust forces developed by the turbine wheel to the thrust wall. Pressing the thrust bearing assembly onto the shaft minimizes radial motion between the thrust bearing assembly and the shaft. An internal combustion engine employing such a turbocharger is also disclosed. |
| US08991174B2 |
Turbine for an exhaust turbocharger, exhaust turbocharger, motor vehicle and method for operating an exhaust turbocharger
A turbine for an exhaust turbocharger, in particular for a motor vehicle, has a turbine flap which controls an exhaust volume flowing through the turbine. A wastegate valve directs exhaust past the turbine and a wastegate flap controls an exhaust volume flowing through the wastegate valve. We also provide for an exhaust turbocharger, a motor vehicle having such an exhaust turbocharger, and for a method for operating such an exhaust turbocharger. |
| US08991172B2 |
Control device of premix combustion engine
A control device of a premix combustion engine includes a hybrid turbocharger including a turbocharger having a compressor and a turbine, and a motor generator coupled with the compressor. A control unit controls the motor generator based on the operating conditions regarding a generator or the premix combustion engine and includes: an airflow rate computing unit for computing the necessary airflow rate required for the premix combustion engine, and an arithmetic unit for computing the power output or the rotation speed regarding the hybrid turbocharger to obtain the necessary airflow rate required for the premix combustion engine. Feedback control regarding the power output or the rotation speed as to the hybrid turbocharger is performed based on the computed results obtained by the arithmetic unit. |
| US08991171B2 |
Cup of a master cylinder, advantageously a tandem master cylinder and tandem master cylinder provided with such cups
A cup for a master cylinder coming into contact with its primary piston or its secondary piston and subjected to the pressure of the brake fluid of the primary chamber and of the secondary chamber. The cup has two large grooves bordered: by a rib between the heel and the first groove, by a rib between the first groove and the second groove, by a rib between the second groove and the small grooves, these ribs being in protrusion relative to the cylindrical surface of the heel in the mounted position of the cup in order to separate the heel from the surface of the piston and form, between the heel and the surface of the piston, a gap with a film of brake fluid. Master cylinder notably a tandem master cylinder fitted with such cups. |
| US08991168B2 |
Liquid pressure motor
A hydraulic motor 100 includes a switching valve 3 which is connected to a pilot passage 54 by which a pressure fluid is introduced into a back pressure chamber 21 of a relief valve 2 and takes a first changeover position 3a where the back pressure chamber 21 is connected to a tank 102 or a second changeover position 3b where the pilot passage 54 is connected to the back pressure chamber 21. By this switching valve 3, the pressure fluid supplied to a hydraulic motor mechanism 1 is introduced into the back pressure chamber 21 via the pilot passage 54 when the hydraulic motor mechanism 1 is in operation, whereas the back pressure chamber 21 is connected to the tank 102 as the pressure in the pilot passage 54 becomes not higher than a predetermined pressure when the hydraulic motor mechanism 1 is being braked. |
| US08991167B2 |
Hybrid hydraulic systems for industrial processes
A hydraulic drive system for driving a load includes a drive shaft; first and second hydraulic pumps driven by the drive shaft, and a control system that operates the hydraulic drive system in a plurality of modes including: a) a first mode where the second hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid from a supply line to an accumulator; b) a second mode where the second hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid from the accumulator to the supply line; c) a third mode where the second hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid from the supply line to a reservoir; and d) a fourth mode where the second hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid from the reservoir to the supply line. At least the second hydraulic pump is a variable displacement bidirectional pump. |
| US08991163B2 |
Burner with air-assisted fuel nozzle and vaporizing ignition system
A burner for an exhaust aftertreatment system is provided that includes a nozzle assembly having a body and a heating element. The body may include first and second cavities, a fuel inlet passage and an air inlet passage. The first cavity may receive portion of the heating element and may be in fluid communication with the fuel inlet passage and a fuel discharge passage such that fuel from the fuel inlet passage is heated in the first cavity by the heating element and discharged from the first cavity through the fuel discharge passage. The second cavity may be in fluid communication with the air inlet passage and an air discharge passage. The first and second cavities may be fluidly isolated from each other and may supply fuel and air, respectively, to an exit aperture disposed downstream of the fuel discharge aperture and the air discharge aperture. |
| US08991154B2 |
Methods and systems for controlling reductant levels in an SCR catalyst
Methods and systems for controlling reductant levels in an SCR catalyst are provided. In one aspect, reductant levels are adjusted in response to a ratio of change of NOx conversion efficiency to a change of reductant level. In another aspect, reductant injection levels are periodically adjusted to see if NOx conversion efficiency is better or worse at the adjusted levels. |
| US08991150B2 |
High specific impulse superfluid and nanotube propulsion device, system and propulsion method
A propulsion device including a chamber that stores a superfluid, a substrate coupled to a portion of the chamber, a plurality of orifices extending through the substrate, each of the plurality of orifices having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end disposed in an interior of the chamber and the second end disposed outside the chamber; and a pressure source that generates a pressure differential between the first end of each of the plurality of orifices and the second end of each of the plurality of orifices. |
| US08991149B2 |
Dry 3-way catalytic reduction of gas turbine NOX
A power generation system capable of eliminating NOxcomponents in the exhaust gas by using a 3-way catalyst, comprising a gas compressor to increase the pressure of ambient air fed to the system; a combustor capable of oxidizing a mixture of fuel and compressed air to generate an expanded, high temperature exhaust gas; a turbine that uses the force of the high temperature gas; an exhaust gas recycle (EGR) stream back to the combustor; a 3-way catalytic reactor downstream of the gas turbine engine outlet which treats the exhaust gas stream to remove substantially all of the NOx components; a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG); an EGR compressor feeding gas to the combustor and turbine; and an electrical generator. |
| US08991146B2 |
Fiber-reinforced strand and method of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced strand
In a method of manufacturing a fiber-reinforced strand, the fiber-reinforced strand is so manufactured that the cross-section thereof becomes as circular as possible. Particularly a method of causing a reinforced fiber bundle 3 to pass through a resin bath means 7 and, thereafter, twisting the reinforced fiber bundle 3. The resin bath means 7 includes an impregnation region 21 where the reinforced fiber bundle 3 is impregnated with a thermoplastic resin 5 and a twisting region 22 where the reinforced fiber bundle 3 after the resin impregnation can be twisted, and the reinforced fiber bundle 3 after the resin impregnation is twisted in such a manner that a twist pitch P imparted to the reinforced fiber bundle 3 after the resin impregnation within a length L in the twisting region 22 satisfies L/3≧P≧3.15/90×(dtex)1/2. |
| US08991143B2 |
Work vehicle with a mower unit
A work vehicle includes wheels and a mower unit that are driven by power from an engine, and a mower driving detecting section for detecting power transmission condition to the mower unit. An isochronous controlling section controls the engine in an isochronous control mode for maintaining an engine rotational speed at a predetermined fixed value, independently of an engine load. A droop controlling section controls the engine in a droop control mode for varying the engine rotational speed in dependence on the engine load. If power is transmitted to the mower unit, the isochronous control mode is selected. |
| US08991141B2 |
Machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure
A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The sheet engagement device may comprise one or more engagement rollers which may have a plurality of teeth thereon. A first plurality of rollers and a second plurality of rollers comprising the engagement rollers may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge. |
| US08991139B2 |
Device for filling a container with solid particles, the device including a diaphragm
The invention relates to a device for filling a container with solid particles, the device having annular ducts for passing particles, which ducts are defined by a plurality of vertical nozzles arranged coaxially relative to one another, and a diaphragm arranged upstream from the annular ducts for regulating the flow rate of particles in the annular ducts, the diaphragm has a plurality of shutter flaps for shutting off the annular ducts, each flap shutting off an angular sector of a single annular duct and the diaphragm having control means for controlling movement of the shutter flaps that are configured to be capable of partially shutting off any one of duct independently of the other ducts. The invention also relates to a method of shutting off a filler device. |
| US08991137B2 |
Method of making housing components
A housing component system having fiberglass resin forms secured in place with a binder such as cement. The forms may have a variety of forms and once secured with the cement will be strong avoiding the need for any reinforcement components such as reinforcing bar (rebars) of metal mesh. |
| US08991136B2 |
Method of attaching a fastener to a cementitious material body
A method for fastening cementitious components together or for fastening a cementitious component to a non-cementitious component to form a structure. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a screw having a hollow shaft from which threads protrude and a tip comprising a plurality of drilling teeth or a plurality of thread members that surround said central space, each of said thread members forming a two-dimensional spiral. In use, the invention is operated by screwing it into the cementitious components and then injecting an adhesive into the void created by the screwing step. |
| US08991133B2 |
Concrete lumber replacement
Concrete lumber replacement can be made to exact measurements and cuts. Once placed in the structure, it would make the structure more durable under severe weather conditions. It also deters insects that can destroy the structure over time. Concrete is a fire retardant. If a fire happens, the foundation and frame will still be intact. To date, concrete has never been used in framing. In return, it will conserve trees and lower the overall cost to build the structure. |
| US08991132B2 |
Concrete reinforcing members, and associated methods of manufacture and use
Concrete reinforcing members having rolled cross sections, and methods for manufacturing and using such reinforcing members in concrete construction are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a concrete reinforcing member is formed from a piece of metal having a first elongate edge portion spaced apart from a second elongate edge portion. The piece of metal further includes an inner surface portion extending between the first and second edge portions, and an outer surface portion extending between the first and second edge portions. In this embodiment, the piece of metal is rolled about a longitudinal axis in an overlapping fashion into coiled or spiral cross-sectional shape. |
| US08991127B2 |
Cladding system for building laminates
Visible and concealed cladding systems used for attaching laminate panels to building structures are provided. The visible cladding systems comprise tracks and sliding clips to slide the laminate panel into the desired location on the building wall. The concealed cladding systems comprise hanger elements to attach a laminate panel to the building wall. |
| US08991124B2 |
Concrete material, construction element for a thermal insulation, and brick-shaped thermally insulating element, each using the concrete material
A concrete material, particularly for concrete compression elements transmitting compressive forces, to be used in a structural element as the thermal insulation in structural engineering, made of a high-strength concrete in the strength class C55 or higher, with the concrete being embodied as a thermally insulating, load-bearing material including titanium minerals as additives. Additionally, a structural element for thermal insulation and a brick-shaped thermally insulating element, each using said concrete material, are provided. |