US08552043B2
A series of S-triazolyl α-mercaptoacetanilides having N-(α-mercaptoacetyl) p amino benzoic acid derivatives. are provided, where Q is CO2H, or a salt or ester thereof, or a C(O) N-linked amino acid. The compounds inhibit several variants of the reverse transcriptase of HIV, and are useful in the treatment of HIV infections.
US08552037B2
The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of diseases related to the action of melatonin, or a salt thereof and the like.
US08552035B2
The present invention is directed to compounds of Formula I: or salt thereof, which are modulators of the glucocorticoid receptor. The compounds and salts of the invention are useful in the treatment of conditions mediated by glucocorticoid receptor activity.
US08552020B2
This present disclosure is related to the field of N1-substituted-5-fluoro-2-oxopyrimidinone-1-(2H)-carboxamides and their derivatives and to the use of these compounds as fungicides.
US08552011B2
The present application relates to anti-viral selenopurine compounds of formula (I): wherein R1 is C2-6alkyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and prodrugs thereof. These 6-(C2-6alkylseleno)purine compounds find use in the treatment of neural measles virus infection and associated diseases (namely, multiple sclerosis or neural measles). A particularly preferred compound is ethylselenopurine or ESP.
US08552004B2
There is provided pyrimidinyl compounds of Formula (I), wherein: R2 is or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in therapy.
US08552001B2
Sulfoxide derivatives of the formula Ia to Im as described, and pharmaceutically usable salts, solvates, enantiomers, tautomers and stereoisomers thereof, including mixtures thereof in all ratios, for the treatment of tumors.
US08551990B2
The present invention relates to chemical compounds of general formula (I) which may possess useful therapeutic activity in a range of central nervous system disorders, and in particular, anxiety disorders.
US08551983B2
Nicotine receptor agonists or analogs or derivatives thereof for treating inflammatory pulmonary diseases, and pharmaceutical compositions including nicotine receptor agonists or analogs or derivatives thereof. Compounds of formula wherein R1, R2, Xa and Ya are as defined herein are also provided.
US08551978B2
This invention relates to a compound of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Such compounds possess both muscarinic receptor antagonist and β2 adrenergic receptor agonist activities. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds, and methods of using such compounds as bronchodilating agents to treat pulmonary disorders.
US08551977B2
The invention relates to the use of alkylphosphocholines in combination with antimetabolite antitumor substances for the treatment of benign and malignant oncoses in humans and animals. It is possible in this connection for the alkylphosphocholines to be employed in a combination according to the invention with one or more antimetabolite antitumor substances. Preferred alkylphosphocholines are described by the Formula II. One such preferred alkylphosphocholine is perifosine.
US08551975B1
An orally administered soft gelatin formulation preparation of low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid (HA) for use as a nutritional supplement to provide the primary benefit of internally causing the softening of the human skin.
US08551971B2
Disclosed is a composition for treating pancreatic cancer. The composition comprises a pharmaceutically effective amount of an antisense nucleic acid or siRNA that inhibits expression of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of SON gene, MCM5 gene, WDR5 gene, PBK gene and CENPA gene. The composition inhibits the expression of a specific gene to provide the effect of inhibiting the proliferation, survival and tumorigenicity of pancreatic cancer cells.
US08551969B2
Cdc25A is herein identified as a substrate for β-TrCP1- or β-TrCP2-mediated ubiquitination and subsequent degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. In particular, it has been found that interfering with β-TrCP expression or function, or increasing β-TrCP degradation, leads to accumulation of Cdc25A in a cell. Since degradation of Cdc25A is a key feature of the response to DNA damage, leading to a stall in the cell cycle during which the cell can repair the damage, Cdc25A accumulation can abolish this response, thereby sensitizing the cell to DNA damage. Described herein are assays for identifying β-TrCP inhibitors, and method of using such inhibitors for modulating Cdc25A degradation, sensitization of tumor cells, and as adjuvants in cancer therapy based on DNA damaging agents.
US08551968B2
This invention generally relates to methods for the production of antibody producing cells and antibodies in protooncogene expressing animals. The invention also relates to methods for the efficient production of antibodies specific for antigens that are normally subject to immunological constraints such as self tolerance. The invention further relates to the production of antibody producing cells and antibodies without the need for the conventional fusing of antibody producing B cells with a myeloma fusion partner.
US08551964B2
The invention provides 19-substituted geldanamycin derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and prodrugs thereof that are potent Hsp90 binding agents useful for the treatment of, and/or the amelioration of symptoms of, cancer and other proliferative tissue disorders.
US08551961B2
The present invention provides novel methods for the localized delivery of inotropic agents to the heart, including specific regions of the heart, such as the ventricles, for example in a subject undergoing cardiothoracic surgery, with the aim of supporting the myocardial contractile function of the heart.
US08551958B2
Pro-drugs of all non-steroidal anti-inflammatories with free acid function derivatized with an ester group, which have the general structural formula given below (I) where A is: aspirin, diflunisal, benorylate, ibufenac, diclofenac, indomethacin, sulindac, ketorolac, ibuprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, mefenamic acid, meclof enamic acid, flufenamic acid, niflumic acid, and where in the ester group R can be a sugar (amongst which aldose, or ketose pentose, or esose selected from a group of D- and L-enantioiuers of ribose, glucose, galactose, mannose, arabinose, xilose, allose, altrose, gulose, idose and talose and substituted derivatives thereof, such as glucosamine, galactosamine, N-acetyl glucosamine, N-acetyl galactosamine, N-acetyl ribosamine), a disaccharide, a trisaccharide or an oligosaccharide.
US08551948B2
Provided are method of generating a fiber from a globular protein such as albumin. Also provided are albumin fibers and fabrics and methods of using same for bonding a damaged tissue or for ex vivo or in vivo formation of a tissue.
US08551945B2
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for treating neuropathies by modulating endogenous NT-3 of GDNF gene expression.
US08551937B2
An isolated chimeric peptide consisting of one or two added peptides and an object peptide wherein the added peptide is bonded to the N-terminus, the C-terminus or both of the object peptide, wherein if the added peptides are bound to both terminals, the two added peptides may be the same or different; and physiological activity of the object peptide is still retained, wherein the object peptide is a natural physiologically active peptide selected from the group consisting of an atrial natriuretic peptide, a brain natriuretic peptide, a C-type natriuretic peptide, motilin, a glucagon-like peptide 1, parathyroid hormone, and calcitonin, or a derivative of any thereof, wherein the derivative has one or more amino acid(s) deleted from the amino acid sequence of a natural physiologically active peptide and has the desired physiological activity.
US08551936B2
The present invention relates to a vaccine for increasing the immunogenicity of a tumor antigen thus allowing treatment of cancer, as well as a vaccine that increases the immunogenicity of a viral antigen, thus allowing treatment of viral infection, including immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. In particular, the present invention provides a fusion protein comprising a defensin fused to either a tumor antigen or viral antigen which is administered as either a protein or nucleic acid vaccine to elicit an immune response effective in treating cancer or effective in treating or preventing viral infection.
US08551935B2
The present invention relates to benefit agent containing delivery particles, compositions comprising said particles, and processes for making and using the aforementioned particles and compositions. When employed in compositions, for example, cleaning or fabric care compositions, such particles increase the efficiency of benefit agent delivery, there by allowing reduced amounts of benefit agents to be employed. In addition to allowing the amount of benefit agent to be reduced, such particles allow a broad range of benefit agents to be employed.
US08551934B2
A cleaning compound for cleaning surfaces in a food processing environment includes at least one container, with each container including a peroxide and/or an alkaline reactant therein. The alkaline reactant is selected to raise the pH of the cleaning compound into the alkaline range when the peroxide and the alkaline reactant are mixed together. The cleaning compound may be a liquid or dry compound, which is applied to the surface to be cleaned.
US08551930B2
The present invention is a phosphate-free automatic dishwashing agent containing a builder, said agent comprising: a) a copolymer A comprising i) at least one mono- or polyunsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, ii) at least one mono- or polyunsaturated sulfonic acid monomer, and iii) at least one additional nonionic monomer; and b) an acrylic acid homopolymer B, wherein the weight ratio of copolymer A to homopolymer B is between 10:1 and 1:3. The present agent is characterized by excellent residue inhibition, good cleaning, and clear rinsing performance in automatic dishwashing.
US08551917B2
The present invention describes a composition including a mixture of L- and D-pyroglutamate stereoisomers in a ratio of L to D of from about 80:20 to about 97:3, and, a carrier medium for application of the L- and D-pyroglutamate stereoisomers to a target plant. The composition can also be used as a germination medium and may be incorporated into a seed coat for assisting in germination. The present invention further describes a method of increasing the agronomic performance of a target plant by treating a target plant with a composition including a mixture of L- and D-pyroglutamate stereoisomers in a ratio of L to D of from about 80:20 to about 97:3 and a carrier medium for said L- and D-pyroglutamate stereoisomers.
US08551907B2
The invention provides a catalyst composition, which includes an emulsion of an aqueous phase in an oil phase, wherein the aqueous phase comprises an aqueous solution containing a group 6 metal and a group 8, 9 or 10 metal. The metals can be provided in two separate emulsions, and these emulsions are well suited for treating hydrocarbon feedstocks.
US08551904B2
A process for making a ceramic catalyst material includes mixing a catalyst precursor material with a mineral particulate to form a mixture; adding a binder, silicon carbide, and a parting agent to the mixture to form unfired spheroids; and heating the unfired spheroids at a temperature effective to oxidize the silicon carbide and the catalyst precursor material to form the ceramic catalyst material. In another embodiment, the process includes the addition of a catalyst metal oxide salt to an aluminosilicate hydrogel aggregate mixture. Once the mixture sets, the set mixture is heated to a temperature to effective to produce a high surface area ceramic catalyst material.
US08551884B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises forming a contact hole within an interlayer insulating film of a substrate and forming a contact plug while the substrate is heated. In forming the contact plug, the substrate is held on a stage within the chamber of a sputtering apparatus through a chuck, and an ESC voltage applied to the chuck is increased stepwise in a plurality of steps. First target power is applied to a target within the chamber to form a first Al film in the contact hole. Next, second target power higher than the first target power is applied to the target within the chamber to form a second Al film on the first Al film.
US08551878B2
A metal interconnection method of a semiconductor device includes forming a copper layer on a semiconductor substrate and planarizing the copper layer. Two thermal treatments are performed at different temperatures between formation of the copper layer and planarization of the copper layer.
US08551870B2
Epitaxially coated semiconductor wafers are produced by minimally the following steps in the order specified: (a) depositing an epitaxial layer on one side of a semiconductor wafer; (b) first polishing the epitaxially coated side of the semiconductor wafer with a polishing pad with fixed abrasive while supplying a polishing solution which is free of solids; (c) CMP polishing of the epitaxially coated side of the semiconductor wafer with a soft polishing pad which contains no fixed abrasive, while supplying a polishing agent suspension; (d) depositing another epitaxial layer on the previously epitaxially coated and polished side of the semiconductor wafer.
US08551866B2
A method for the fabrication of a three-dimensional thin-film semiconductor substrate with selective through-holes is provided. A porous semiconductor layer is conformally formed on a semiconductor template comprising a plurality of three-dimensional inverted pyramidal surface features defined by top surface areas aligned along a (100) crystallographic orientation plane of the semiconductor template and a plurality of inverted pyramidal cavities defined by sidewalls aligned along the (111) crystallographic orientation plane of the semiconductor template. An epitaxial semiconductor layer is conformally formed on the porous semiconductor layer. The epitaxial semiconductor layer is released from the semiconductor template. Through-holes are selectively formed in the epitaxial semiconductor layer with openings between the front and back lateral surface planes of the epitaxial semiconductor layer to form a partially transparent three-dimensional thin-film semiconductor substrate.
US08551864B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device comprises the steps of forming a film on a main face of a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of device forming regions for forming semiconductor devices, the film having a coefficient of thermal expansion different from that of the semiconductor substrate and including a cutout on a region between the plurality of device forming regions; forming the semiconductor devices in the respective device forming regions by using the film; and dividing the semiconductor substrate into the respective device forming regions.
US08551862B2
To provide a method of manufacturing a laminated wafer by which a strong coupling is achieved between wafers made of different materials having a large difference in thermal expansion coefficient without lowering a maximum heat treatment temperature as well as in which cracks or chips of the wafer does not occur. A method of manufacturing a laminated wafer 7 by forming a silicon film layer on a surface 4 of an insulating substrate 3 comprising the steps in the following order of: applying a surface activation treatment to both a surface 2 of a silicon wafer 1 or a silicon wafer 1 to which an oxide film is layered and a surface 4 of the insulating substrate 3 followed by laminating in an atmosphere of temperature exceeding 50° C. and lower than 300° C., applying a heat treatment to a laminated wafer 5 at a temperature of 200° C. to 350° C., and thinning the silicon wafer 1 by a combination of grinding, etching and polishing to form a silicon film layer.
US08551852B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a word line interconnect layer having a plurality of word lines extending in a word line direction and a bit line interconnect layer having a plurality of bit lines extending in a bit line direction alternately stacked on a silicon substrate. A variable resistance film is disposed between the word line and the bit line. A first pin diode extending in the word line direction is provided between the word line and the variable resistance film, and a second pin diode extending in the bit line direction is provided between the bit line and the variable resistance film. A region of an upper surface of the pin diode other than an immediately underlying region of the variable resistance film is located lower than the immediately underlying region.
US08551850B2
A method of forming a reversible resistance-switching metal-insulator-metal structure is provided, the method including forming a first non-metallic conducting layer, forming a non-conducting layer above the first non-metallic conducting layer, forming a second non-metallic conducting layer above the non-conducting layer, etching the first non-metallic conducting layer, non-conducting layer and second non-metallic conducting layer to form a pillar, and disposing a carbon material layer about a sidewall of the pillar. Other aspects are also provided.
US08551849B2
Aimed at providing a highly reliable semiconductor device appropriately increased in stress at the channel region so as to improve carrier injection rate, thereby dramatically improved in transistor characteristics, and made adaptable also to recent narrower channel width, and a method of manufacturing the same, and a method of manufacturing the same, a first sidewall composed of a stress film having expandability is formed on the side faces of a gate electrode, a second sidewall composed of a film having smaller stress is formed on the first sidewall, and a semiconductor, which is a SiC layer for example, is formed as being positioned apart from the first sidewall while placing the second sidewall in between.
US08551827B2
An organic light emitting diode display device and a method of manufacturing thereof, the device including a substrate, the substrate including a pixel part and a circuit part; a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer on the pixel part of the substrate; a gate insulating layer on an entire surface of the substrate; gate electrodes on the gate insulating layer, the gate electrodes corresponding to the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, respectively; source/drain electrodes insulated from the gate electrodes, the source/drain electrodes being connected to the first and second semiconductor layers, respectively; a first electrode connected to the source/drain electrodes of the first semiconductor layer; an organic layer on the first electrode; a second layer on the organic layer; and a metal catalyst layer under the first semiconductor layer.
US08551821B2
The present invention relates to an enhancement normally off nitride semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same. The method includes the steps of: forming a buffer layer on a substrate; forming a first nitride semiconductor layer on the buffer layer; forming a second nitride semiconductor layer on the first nitride semiconductor layer; etching a gate region above the second nitride semiconductor layer up to a predetermined depth of the first nitride semiconductor layer; forming an insulating film on the etched region and the second nitride semiconductor layer; patterning a source/drain region, etching the insulating film in the source/drain region, and forming electrodes in the source/drain region; and forming a gate electrode on the insulating film in the gate region. In this manner, the present invention provides a method of easily implementing a normally off enhancement semiconductor device by originally blocking 2DEG which is generated under a gate region. In addition, the present invention provides an enhancement normally off power semiconductor device with a simple and efficient driving circuit in a HEMT device.
US08551819B2
Activated resinous composition contains, on the basis of epoxy resin being solid at a room temperature of 100 parts by weight, carboxylic acid compound of 1 to 10 parts by weight, hardening agent of 1 to 30 parts by weight, a hardening reaction initiation temperature of said hardening agent being 150° C. or higher, and solvent of 10 to 300 parts by weight.
US08551811B2
A composite dielectric material doped with rare earth metal oxide and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The composite dielectric material is doped with nano-crystalline rare metal oxide which is embedded in silicon dioxide glass matrix, and the composite dielectric material of the nano-crystalline rare metal oxide and the silicon dioxide glass matrix is synthesized by the manufacturing method using sol-gel route. The dielectric value of the glass composite dielectric material is greater than that of pure rare metal oxide or that of silicon dioxide. In presence of magnetic field, the dielectric value of the composite dielectric material is substantially enhanced compared with that of the composite dielectric material at zero field.
US08551793B2
Novel red and green fluorosulfide phosphors have a chemical formula of (A1-x-yCexBy)SF, wherein A and B are both trivalent metal ions, 0
US08551790B2
The invention relates to the discovery and characterization of mannan binding lectin-associated serine protease-2 (MASP-2), a new serine protease that acts in the MBLectin complement fixation pathway.
US08551787B2
The invention provides microfluidic devices and methods for carrying out sequential binary reactions.
US08551783B2
The present invention relates to a method for inducing neural differentiation of stem cells. In more detail, the present invention relates to a method for inducing neural differentiation of stem cells by inhibiting both BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) and Activin/Nodal signaling pathways in the stem cells. The present invention allows all types of stem cells to effectively differentiate into neural precursor cells regardless of conventional methods for stem cell differentiation including floating culture and attachment culture. In addition, since the neural precursor cells induced by the present invention may be differentiated into specific cells (e.g., dopaminergic neurons) or oligodendrocytes in higher efficient manner, they may be applied to treatment of incurable nerve diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease or spinal cordinjury) and further provide fundamental data on new drug development.
US08551782B2
The present invention provides for compositions and methods for modulating hematopoetic stem cell populations by using HCS modulators, which are agents that either increase HSC numbers or decrease HSC numbers as desired by a particular indication. For example, HSC modulators found to increase HSC numbers include prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and agents that stimulate the PGE2 pathway. Conversely, HSC modulators that prevent PGE2 synthesis decrease HSC numbers. HCS modulators may be used in vitro, in vivo, or ex vivo.
US08551768B2
A probe that changes solution color in the presence of only one of the two DNA sequences, which differ by a single nucleotide, is reported. The probe consists of two oligodeoxyribonucleotides, which form a hydrogen peroxidase-like DNA enzyme when hybridized to the abutting fragments of the complementary analyte. The active peroxidase catalyses oxidation of colorless substrates to the colored products. The probe allows visual detection of a mutation in Alzheimer's disease-related DNA.
US08551764B2
The subject invention provides novel devices and methods for the detection of the presence and/or activity of proteases in biological samples.
US08551762B2
Apparatus useful for feeding a particulate starter material comprising nutrient and bacteria to a mixing tank, for solubilizing the starter material inside the mixing tank, for promoting growth of the bacteria and for discharging an aqueous slurry comprising the bacteria from the mixing tank. The apparatus preferably has a gravity-flow feeder and discharge port, does not require a pump, and comprises disposable parts.
US08551750B2
Devices, methods, and systems are described for controlling pathogenic condition or disease in a subject. Devices are described that include one or more bone cages. The device including one or more bone cages can be configured to include one or more immunogens and one or more adjuvants. The device including one or more bone cages can be configured to, and/or structured to at least partially or completely surround one or more cells or tissues that produce one or more immunogens and/or one or more adjuvants. The device is useful in a method for treating a pathogenic condition or disease in the subject.
US08551747B2
A process for pretreating a lignocellulosic plant raw material in order to obtain a pretreated material that is capable of being hydrolyzed and fermented for the production of bioethanol, includes the following successive steps: (i) destructuring the lignocellulosic plant raw material by placing it in the presence of a mixture containing formic acid and water, at a reaction temperature between 95° C. and 110° C.; (ii) then, at atmospheric pressure and prior to any hydrolysis then fermentation action, separating: on the one hand, the solid phase, mainly composed of the cellulose, constituting a first co-substrate, capable of then being hydrolyzed and fermented for the production of bioethanol; and on the other hand, the liquid phase, containing, in particular in aqueous solution, the formic acid, the lignins, and the hemicelluloses, constituting a second co-substrate, capable of then being hydrolyzed and fermented for the production of bioethanol.
US08551741B2
An L-amino acid is produced by culturing a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family which has an L-amino acid-producing ability in a medium containing fatty acids as the carbon source, particularly fatty acids which have been subjected to emulsification or homogenization, to thereby produce and accumulate the L-amino acid in a culture medium; and collecting the L-amino acid from the culture medium.
US08551740B2
A technique for producing microbial cellulose is provided, including: preparing a liquid medium for microbial cultivation in a container; horizontally rotating multiple hollow tubes that are fitted together or separated from one another, so that each of the hollow tubes is alternately partially immersed in the liquid medium and partially exposed above the horizontal surface of the liquid medium; wherein each of the hollow tubes has a rough outer surface and a smooth inner surface, so as to allow microorganisms to form microbial cellulose on the outer surface of each hollow tube, as well as forming sheets of microbial cellulose on the horizontal surface of the liquid medium not being disturbed by the hollow tubes, and removing the microbial cellulose from the outer surfaces of the hollow tubes in order to obtain tubular microbial cellulose. In addition, the sheets of microbial cellulose are also harvested from the liquid medium.
US08551736B2
A microorganism of the genus Corynebacterium having the ability to produce inosine in which the inosine catabolic pathway is blocked and that has a leaky adenine auxotrophic phenotype and further has a leaky guanine auxotrophic phenotype and a method of producing inosine, the method including culturing the microorganism of the genus Corynebacterium are disclosed.
US08551733B2
The present invention provides methods to produce mixtures of exogenous proteins in single cells. Preferably said exogenous proteins are heteromeric and multimeric proteins, such as immunoglobulins. The method enables the controlled expression of proteins, thereby allowing the correct formation and assembly of multimeric proteins, such as immunoglobulins.
US08551719B1
The invention relates to a method for detecting endotoxins in a sample.
US08551712B2
The present invention relates to methods for the identification and/or quantification of biomolecule(s). There is also provided a novel method of identifying and/or quantitating biomolecule(s) in a proliferative cell disorder by providing at least one cyst fluid sample and determining the expression of haptoglobin protein, derivative, mutant and/or fragment thereof.
US08551707B2
The invention in part provides nucleic acid-based assays, which are particularly useful for non-invasive prenatal testing. The invention in part provides compositions and methods for RhD typing, detecting the presence of fetal nucleic in a sample, determining the relative amount of fetal nucleic acid in a sample and determining the sex of a fetus, wherein each of the assays may be performed alone or in combination.
US08551700B2
The invention provides methods for diagnosing biological states or conditions based on ratios of gene expression data from tissue samples, such as cancer tissue samples. The invention also provides sets of genes that are expressed differentially in malignant pleural mesothelioma. These sets of genes can be used to discriminate between normal and malignant tissues, and between classes of malignant tissues. Accordingly, diagnostic assays for classification of tumors, prediction of tumor outcome, selecting and monitoring treatment regimens and monitoring tumor progression/regression also are provided.
US08551698B2
A method comprising loading a sample into a microfluidic device which comprises plural sample chambers, subdividing the sample into a plurality of sample portions, such that respective sample portions are positioned in each of a plurality of the sample chambers, and subjecting the sample portions loaded into the respective sample chambers to at least a first amplification step. Each of the sample chambers has a respective volume such that if a sample portion positioned in the sample chamber comprises at least one molecule of a target nucleic acid, the target nucleic acid would attain a detectable concentration in the sample chamber after a single round of amplification.
US08551691B2
A disclosed method of forming a mask pattern includes forming a first resist film on a film to be etched, opening portions on the first resist film at a predetermined pitch, a first film on the first resist film so as to cover sidewalls of the first opening portions, a second resist film, second opening portions alternately arranged with the first opening portions on the second resist film, and a second film on the second resist film so as to cover sidewalls of the second opening portions, and removing a part of the second film so that the second film is left as first sidewall portions, a part of the first resist film using the first sidewall portions as a mask to form third opening portions, and a part of the first film while leaving the first film as second sidewall portions to form fourth opening portions.
US08551676B2
There are provided a pigment-dispersed composition comprising at least a resin having a pendant group containing a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring and an ethylenic unsaturated double bond in the main chain skeleton, a pigment, and a solvent, and a curable composition using this, a color filter having a colored pattern formed from the curable composition, and a production method thereof.
US08551675B2
A pellicle membrane is mounted between an outer frame and an inner frame. At least one of the frames is attached to the reticle without using conventional adhesives. The pellicle and reticle may be used in a lithography system. The pellicle allows radiation to pass through the pellicle to the reticle and may prevent particles from passing through the pellicle.
US08551669B2
A naphthoxazine benzoxazine-based monomer is represented by Formula 1 below: In Formula 1, R2 and R3 or R3 and R4 are linked to each other to form a group represented by Formula 2 below, and R5 and R6 or R6 and R7 are linked to each other to form a group represented by Formula 2 below, In Formula 2, * represents the bonding position of R2 and R3, R3 and R4, R5 and R6, or R6 and R7 of Formula 1. A polymer is formed by polymerizing the naphthoxazine benzoxazine-based monomer, an electrode for a fuel cell includes the polymer, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell includes the polymer, and a fuel cell uses the electrode.
US08551667B2
A fuel cell includes an anode including an anode catalyst, a cathode, a channel that is contiguous with the anode, and a liquid electrolyte in the channel. The cathode includes a gas diffusion electrode, a cathode catalyst on the gas diffusion electrode, and a hydrogel on the cathode catalyst. The hydrogel is between the anode and the cathode, and includes an aqueous liquid and a polymer. The polymer has an acid capacity less than 0.8 meq/g and/or has no sulfonic acid groups covalently bound to the polymer. A method of generating electricity includes flowing a liquid electrolyte through the channel, oxidizing a fuel at the anode, and reducing a gaseous oxidant at the cathode.
US08551666B2
An electrical generation system, a membrane fuel cell system, suitable for being employed in mobile application, for instance in vehicular applications as a direct electric current generation system comprising at least one polymer membrane fuel cell stack with means for adjusting the temperature of the cells comprising circulating a coolant inside the cells at constant flow-rate, the water and the thermal management of the system being regulated by acting only on the flow-rate of the air feed and on the cell inlet temperature of the coolant.
US08551662B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte which contains a nonaqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt dissolved therein is provided. Also provided is a lithium secondary battery employing the nonaqueous electrolyte.
US08551648B2
An electrode is provided with a metal terminal extending from a battery module main body, a bolt which has an expanded section configuring a retaining section at a rear end portion and penetrates the metal terminal upward, and an insulating body which insulates the metal terminal and the battery module case one from the other. The insulating body is provided with a drop preventing section which abuts at least a lower surface of the expanded section of the bolt and prevents the bolt from dropping from the metal terminal.
US08551635B2
A power supply includes rectangular battery cells 1. Each cell 1 includes a rectangular container 11 covered with an electrically insulating film 2. The film 2 has a bottom cover 22, main covers 21, and side covers 23. The bottom cover 22 is arranged between the main covers 21. The side covers 23 protrude from the both sides of the main and bottom covers 21 and 22. Each side cover 23 has first and second side covers 23A and 23B. The first and second side covers 23A and 23B protrude from the side edges of the main and bottom covers 21 and 22. The first and second side covers 23A and 23B are continuously arranged in connection areas 24. When folded on side surfaces 11D of the container 11, the first and second side covers 23A and 23B are superposed on one another. The superposed parts 25 are welded.
US08551631B2
An assembled battery that secures a heat-dissipation characteristic and has a uniform thickness (size) of unit cells that constitute the assembled battery in a direction of arrangement is provided. In an assembled battery in which a plurality of unit cells are arranged in an arrangement direction, in a unit cell container of at least one of the plurality of unit cells, one or more gap-filling members that fill in a gap between an electrode body and two side walls of the cell container are inserted, and the one or more gap-filling members are disposed so that a distance between the electrode body and a channel-side side wall that directly faces a channel through which a cooling medium passes is shorter than a distance between the electrode body and a non-channel-side side wall that does not directly face the channel.
US08551623B2
Provided is an airtightly sealing cap, by which a use quantity of Au is reduced in a soldering material for sealing a miniaturized electronic component storing package. An airtightly sealing cap (10) is used for an electronic component storing package (100) which includes an electronic component storing member (20) for storing an electronic component (40). The airtightly sealing cap is provided with a base material (1); a base layer (2) which is formed on the surface of the base material and contains Ni; and a soldering material layer (6), which is formed on the base layer, has a thickness of 10 μm or less and composed of Au and Sn. The content percentage of Au in the soldering material layer is 43 mass % or more but not more than 64 mass %.
US08551622B2
A cluster mill blank includes a framework constructed to cooperate with a blank holder of an existing CAD/CAM system, and a plurality of sub-blanks attached to the framework forming an addressable matrix or cluster blank. CAD/CAM systems including such a framework, as well as associated methods are described.
US08551619B2
Disclosed are solar-reflective roofing and other building materials having high reflectance of near-infrared radiation and high transmission of radiation in the visible light range and a substantial emissivity so as to reduce the heat island effects experienced by the articles while also maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Also disclosed are related methods for fabrication of such materials.
US08551617B2
The present invention provides magnetically responsive activated carbon, and a method of forming magnetically responsive activated carbon. The method of forming magnetically responsive activated carbon typically includes providing activated carbon in a solution containing ions of ferrite forming elements, wherein at least one of the ferrite forming elements has an oxidation state of +3 and at least a second of the ferrite forming elements has an oxidation state of +2, and increasing pH of the solution to precipitate particles of ferrite that bond to the activated carbon, wherein the activated carbon having the ferrite particles bonded thereto have a positive magnetic susceptibility. The present invention also provides a method of filtering waste water using magnetic activated carbon.
US08551613B2
A coated article, includes a substrate, an anti-corrosion layer deposited on the substrate, the anti-corrosion layer being composed of ZrW2O8 and AlON. The disclosure also describes a method to make the coated article.
US08551604B2
A flooring product comprises a heterogeneous design layer having multiple regions wherein two regions comprise compositions having different recycle content or renewable content. The thickness of the design layer may be greater than the dimensions of the regions or the regions may extending from the top surface of the layer to the bottom surface of the design layer. The heterogeneous layer may be composed of consolidated particles/chips which may contain a polyester binder system with a renewable component. Additionally, a method for making a heterogeneous layer having a target wt % recycle content or renewable content is also disclosed.
US08551603B2
The invention discloses a functional film assembly comprising a functional film having at least one active layer laminated between first and second planar electrode layers. At least a portion of the edge region of the functional film is sealed by a sealing member. Preferably, the sealing member comprises a strip of polymer film material having on one surface a first strip-like region of adhesive material adjacent a first edge of the strip of polymer film material, and a second strip-like region of adhesive material adjacent a second edge of the strip of polymer film material. There is an adhesive-free region between the first and second strip-like regions of adhesive material, which is positioned coincident with the active layer of the functional film.
US08551601B2
An exterior cladding that combines the benefits of stone, metal and tar in a laminate form that makes the most with the least expensive forms of each of these three base materials. A construction laminate having an asphaltic core body covered with a metallic facing on a top side and part of a bottom side. A granular coating is applied to the metallic facing on the top side and front edge. The laminate is useful as exterior cladding such as a roofing shingle, siding etc. . . . and is durable and easy to install.
US08551593B2
A laminated product having a thickness that can be adjusted by chipping, and including alternating sheets and layers of an adhesive material in a stack, each sheet possessing an intrinsic resistance to tearing and each layer of adhesive material connecting adjacent sheets in the stack with a linking force which is weaker than the resistance of the sheets to tearing, enabling each sheet to be detached from the stack without tearing. The product includes a housing which is disposed inside the thickness of the stack, and an electronic identification element which is disposed in the housing.
US08551582B2
Novel light polarizing articles comprising a substrate, a light polarizing layer comprising ion-bearing polarizing dye molecules, a coupling layer, and a protective layer, and method of making the same. Due to the presence of the coupling layer bearing counter ions, adhesion of the polarizing layer to the protective layer is improved. The light polarizing article has advantageous chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance. The light polarizing article can be used, for example, as ophthalmic products and in display devices.
US08551580B2
A polycrystalline silicon producing method with preventing meltdown and maintaining a high growing rate and a high yield by increasing temperature of raw material gas before supplying them to a reactor in a high pressure state so as to lower convection heat transfer from a silicon rod, including: supplying electric current to a silicon seed rod in a reactor to make the silicon seed rod to generate heat; and supplying a large amount of preheated raw material gas including chlorosilanes to the silicon seed rod in the reactor in the high pressure state.
US08551573B2
A method for determining spraying parameters for controlling a paint-spraying apparatus using a spraying agent is disclosed. A known spray pattern is provided which has been determined by means of known spraying parameters for the use of a first spraying agent. A provisional spray pattern is calculated using the known spraying parameters and the characteristics of a second spraying agent. The known spraying parameters are altered in order to acquire changed spraying parameters which yield a further spray pattern. The changed spraying parameters are altered to the point where the further spray pattern is similar to the known spray pattern within a similarity criterion. The changed spraying parameters corresponding to the further spray pattern are intended as spraying parameters for the second spraying agent and are provided to the paint-spraying apparatus whenever the second spraying agent is used. The spraying parameters comprise a plurality of air currents which influence the spraying behavior of the paint-spraying apparatus.
US08551572B1
A system for dispensing texture material in a desired spray pattern that substantially matches an existing texture pattern on a target surface comprises an aerosol dispenser, concentrate, and propellant material. The aerosol dispenser has an inner surface comprised at least in part of tin-plated steel. The concentrate comprises a solvent/carrier comprising water, a resin/binder, filler material, a first anti-corrosion material, and a second anti-corrosion material. The first anti-corrosion material is a phosphate ester and comprises approximately 0.5-2.0% by weight of the concentrate. The second anti-corrosion material is sodium nitrite and comprises approximately 0.05-1.00% by weight of the concentrate.
US08551571B2
A method for making a conductive polymer composite for detecting a gas includes forming a porous conductive layer of a conductive powder on a substrate, applying a polymer solution containing a solvent and a gas responsive polymer material dissolved in the solvent to the porous conductive layer such that a portion of the polymer solution penetrates into the porous conductive layer and the remainder of the polymer solution forms a thin film covering a top of the porous conductive layer, the gas responsive polymer material being capable of adsorbing and desorbing the gas, and removing the solvent from the polymer solution so as to form a polymer matrix covering the porous conductive layer.
US08551569B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a metal base material that is provided with a sliding layer that has a thickness of more then 50 μm, said base material being used as a sliding element. According to the invention, the base material is coated with a paste of the sliding layer material that contains at least one high-temperature polymer in addition to a fluoropolymer, and the base material so coated is subjected to a thermal treatment. The past applied to the base material contains as the fluoropolymer between 40% by volume and 75% by volume polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) or polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) with other fluoropolymers added and between 60% by volume and 25% by volume of the at least one high-temperature polymer, each based on the entire composition of the finished sliding layer. The high-temperature polymer used is selected from those high-temperature polymers whose melting pint is not below 327° C., if they are mainly crystalline, or whose glass transition temperature is not below 327° C., if they are mainly amorphous.
US08551566B2
Methods of directing assembly of materials using a surface-modified substrate are disclosed. A modified surface is created on a substrate by applying a first surface agent to the substrate. Energy is applied to the modified surface to form an imaged surface having an imaged portion and a non-imaged portion. The imaged portion is characterized by a surface energy that is different from the surface energy of the non-imaged portion. For example, the applied energy can remove at least a portion of an attached surface agent from the imaged portion to modify the surface energy. In some preferred embodiments the energy also modifies the surface agent without causing oxidation. To avoid oxidation, for example, the surface modification and/or energy appliement can take place in a low oxygen environment (e.g., having an oxygen content lower than that present in about 0.01 Torr of air). The imaged surface can then be exposed to a self assembling material, such as a block copolymer, such that the surface can direct assembly of the self assembling material by preferential attachment of certain moieties of the block copolymer to imaged or non-imaged portions of the surface in order to form a selected pattern.
US08551560B2
Methods for improving selective deposition of a capping layer on a patterned substrate are presented, the method including: receiving the patterned substrate, the patterned substrate including a conductive region and a dielectric region; forming a molecular masking layer (MML) on the dielectric region; preparing an electroless (ELESS) plating bath, where the ELESS plating bath includes: a cobalt (Co) ion source: a complexing agent: a buffer: a tungsten (W) ion source: and a reducing agent; and reacting the patterned substrate with the ELESS plating bath for an ELESS period at an ELESS temperature and an ELESS pH so that the capping layer is selectively formed on the conductive region. In some embodiments, methods further include a pH adjuster for adjusting the ELESS pH to a range of approximately 9.0 pH to 9.2 pH. In some embodiments, the pH adjuster is tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH). In some embodiments, the MML is hydrophilic.
US08551558B2
Photovoltaic devices and techniques for enhancing efficiency thereof are provided. In one aspect, a photovoltaic device is provided. The photovoltaic device comprises a photocell having a photoactive layer and a non-photoactive layer adjacent to the photoactive layer so as to form a heterojunction between the photoactive layer and the non-photoactive layer; and a plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures on one or more surfaces of the photoactive layer. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures are configured to act as a scattering media for incident light. The plurality of high-aspect-ratio nanostructures can also be configured to create an optical resonance effect in the incident light.
US08551556B2
High aspect ratio structures can be obtained by print-patterning masking features in feature stacks such that each feature has a lateral edge which is aligned in a plane roughly perpendicular to the plane of the substrate on which the features are formed. Due to the differential lateral spreading between features formed on a substrate and formed atop other features, the print head is indexed less than the radius of a droplet to a position where a droplet ejected by the print head forms an upper feature atop a lower feature such that the lateral edges of the upper and lower features are aligned in the plane roughly perpendicular to the plane of the substrate. Feature stacks of two or more features may provide a vertical (or re-entrant) sidewall mask for formation of high aspect ratio structures, by e.g., electroplating, etc.
US08551554B2
The present invention relates to a method of making a powder from apple peel by providing an apple peel, subjecting the apple peel to a phytochemical preservation treatment, drying the treated apple peel, and grinding the dried, treated apple peel to a powder. A powder from apple peel having a phenolic content and a flavonoid content similar to fresh apple peel on a fresh weight basis, where the powder has a water activity of less than 0.30 is also disclosed. The present invention also relates to a method of treating cancer in a patient by administering a powder from apple peel to a patient under conditions effective to treat cancer. Also disclosed is a method of inhibiting proliferation of cancer cells by contacting cancer cells with a powder from apple peel under conditions effective to inhibit proliferation of the cancer cells.
US08551553B2
Specifically, a dry corn fractionation system which operates to produce an endosperm fraction which can be concurrently of greater purity at greater yield than obtainable from corn milling or dry corn milling processes.
US08551552B2
Provided is an oil or fat composition including the following components (A) and (B): (A) a tetracyclic triterpene alcohol selected from the group consisting of 24-methylene cycloartanol and cyclobranol; and (B) an oil or fat containing diacylglycerol at 5 weight % or more.
US08551547B2
The invention provides a process for the preparation of an angiogenin-enriched fraction from a milk product, the process comprising contacting the milk product with a cation exchange resin and eluting the angiogenin-enriched fraction from the cation exchange resin with a mobile phase. The invention also provides angiogenin-enriched fractions produced by process and food products, nutraceuticals and pharmaceutical comprising such angiogenin.
US08551543B2
The present invention relates to novel maple product compositions. In particular, the present invention relates to new compositions comprising maple sap, maple concentrate, maple syrup or diluted maple syrup, and probiotics, prebiotics or combinations thereof. The present invention also discloses methods for the production of maple based products, including functional drinks, comprising a composition comprising maple sap, maple concentrate, maple syrup or dilutated maple syrup, and probiotics, prebiotics or combinations thereof, as a vehicle for the delivery of probiotics and prebiotics to the gastrointestinal tract.
US08551536B2
This disclosure relates to methods of using nitrite to detoxify stroma-free hemoglobin based blood substitutes. In particular, methods are described for using a blood substitute comprised of about equimolar amounts of nitrite and hemoglobin (e.g., nitrite-metHb) to treat, prevent, or ameliorate diseases of the blood in a subject, or as a blood replacement in a subject.
US08551531B2
Novel pentablock polymers comprising PGA-PCL-PEG-PCL-PGA or PEG-PCL-PLA-PCL-PEG, wherein PEG is polyethylene glycol, PCL is poly(ε-caprolactone), PGA is poly(glycolic acid), and PLA is poly(lactic acid).
US08551526B2
A method for preparing poorly water soluble drug particles is disclosed. The method comprises dissolving a drug in at least one organic solvent to form a drug/organic mixture, spraying the drug/organic mixture into an aqueous solution and concurrently evaporating the organic solvent in the presence of the aqueous solution to form an aqueous dispersion of the drug particles. The resulting drug particles are in the nanometer to micrometer size range and show enhanced dissolution rates and reduced crystallinity when compared to the unprocessed drug. The present invention additionally contemplates products and processes for new drug formulations of insoluble drug particles having high dissolution rates and extremely high drug-to-excipient ratios.
US08551524B2
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor and a slow release biguanide is provided. A method for treating diabetes in a patient in need thereof including administering an anti-diabetic combination comprising a DPP inhibitor and a slow release biguanide is also provided.
US08551522B2
A sustained-release formulation is provided comprising a solid dispersion composition comprising a tricyclic compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a mixture comprising a water-soluble polymer and a water-insoluble polymer, and an excipient.
US08551520B2
A solid oral controlled-release dosage form of hydrocodone is disclosed, the dosage form comprising an analgesically effective amount of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and controlled release material.
US08551501B2
The present invention relates to chitin microparticles and their medical uses, in particular in the treatment of allergy, or the treatment of conditions that would benefit from an upregulation of the cell mediated immune system, or an up-regulation of natural killer (NK) cell activity and/or the secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ).
US08551484B2
Isolated human monoclonal antibodies which bind to hepatitis C virus (HCV), and related antibody-based compositions and molecules, are disclosed. The human antibodies can be produced in a transfectoma or in a non-human transgenic animal, e.g., a transgenic mouse, capable of producing multiple isotypes of human monoclonal antibodies by undergoing V-D-J recombination and isotype switching. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the human antibodies, non-human transgenic animals, and hybridomas which produce the human antibodies, and therapeutic and diagnostic methods for using the human antibodies.
US08551481B2
Regulatory T cells (Treg) limit autoimmunity but can also attenuate the magnitude of anti-pathogen and anti-tumor immunity. Understanding the mechanism of Treg function and therapeutic manipulation of Treg in vivo requires identification of Treg selective receptors. A comparative analysis of gene expression arrays from antigen specific CD4+ T cells differentiating to either an effector/memory or a regulatory phenotype revealed Treg selective expression of LAG-3 (CD223), a CD4-related molecule that binds MHC class II. LAG-3 expression on CD4+ T cells correlates with the cells' in vitro suppressor activity, and ectopic expression of LAG-3 on CD4 T cells confers suppressor activity on the T cells. Antibodies to LAG-3 inhibit suppression both in vitro and in vivo. LAG-3 marks regulatory T cell populations and contributes to their suppressor activity.
US08551479B2
Methods of inhibiting melanoma tumor growth, methods of treating melanoma and metastatic melanoma, and methods of reducing the frequency of tumor initiating cells (or cancer stem cells) in melanoma tumors are described. The methods described comprise administering a DLL4 antagonist (e.g., an antibody that specifically binds the extracellular domain of human DLL4) to a subject. Related polypeptides and polynucleotides, compositions comprising the DLL4 antagonists, and methods of making the DLL4 antagonists are also described.
US08551478B2
The present invention is related to antibodies directed to the antigen CD3 and uses of such antibodies. In particular, the present invention provides fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to CD3. Nucleotide sequences encoding, and amino acid sequences comprising, heavy and light chain immunoglobulin molecules, particularly sequences corresponding to contiguous heavy and light chain sequences spanning the framework regions and/or complementarity determining regions (CDR's), specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3, are provided. Hybridomas or other cell lines expressing such immunoglobulin molecules and monoclonal antibodies are also provided.
US08551475B2
The invention provides novel methods of reducing transplant rejection and cardiac allograft vasculopathy in humans by employing the implantation of autologous progenitor cells into the transplanted donor heart. The autologous progenitor cells can be vascular progenitor cells (VPCs) and/or myocyte progenitor cells (MPCs) isolated from the recipient's explanted heart. Alternatively, bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPCs) isolated from the recipient may also be used.
US08551468B2
A composition including a surfactant and at least one alkyl glycoside and/or saccharide alkyl ester and a drug. The surfactant composition(s) when admixed with a drug is non-toxic and non-irritating, while stabilizing and increasing the bioavailability of the drug. The invention also provides compositions that enhance absorption of drugs via the oral, ocular, nasal, nasolacrimal, inhalation or pulmonary, oral cavity (sublingual or Buccal cell) or CSF delivery route of a patient, including but not limited to insulin, glucagon and exendin-4.
US08551466B2
The present invention is directed to compositions including at least one sugar silicone surfactant, at least one polyamine; at least one oil-soluble polar modified polymer, and water.
US08551463B2
The present invention provides compositions, kits and methods for treating scalp hair. The compositions include fluorinated (but not perfluorinated), non-polymeric compounds in a suitable excipient to provide beneficial effects on hair.
US08551462B2
The present invention comprises cosmetic compositions and methods for retarding hair growth comprising a combination of an ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor, an anti-angiogenic active and an anti-inflammatory.
US08551460B2
The present invention is directed to enhanced shine and moisturizing aqueous lip compositions with a unique texture and feel. The compositions include: (a) at least one sugar silicone surfactant; (b) at least one polyamine; (c) at least one high carbon polar modified polymer; and (d) water.
US08551449B2
The present invention relates to a class of compounds and to diagnostic compositions containing such compounds where the compounds are iodine containing compounds of the formula R—Y—X—Z—R where each R denotes a triiodinated phenyl residue further substituted by hydrophilic moieties, Y and Z are urea and urethane groups and X is a alkylene group which may be further substituted. The invention also relates to the use of such diagnostic compositions as contrast agents in diagnostic imaging and in particular in X-ray imaging, and to contrast media containing such compounds.
US08551438B2
Method of preparing a compound of formula SinH2n+2 in which n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 4, by reaction of at least one silicide or silicon alloy in the form of powder of formula M1xM2ySiz, in which M1 is a reducing metal, M2 an alkali or alkaline-earth metal, x, y and z varying from 0 to 1, z being different from 0 and x+y different from 0, with an aqueous solution comprising CO2, said solution is or is not saturated with CO2 at the temperature and pressure of the reaction.
US08551435B2
This invention provides novel processes utilizing compositions comprising substituted polyamines as acid gas scrubbing solutions and methods of using the compositions in an industrial system. The invention relates to the use of such polyamine compounds in industrial processes to remove acidic contaminants from natural and industrial fluid streams, such as natural gas, combustion gas, natural gas, synthesis gas, biogas, and other industrial fluid streams. The compositions and methods of the invention are useful for removal, absorption, or sequestration of acidic contaminants and sulfide contaminants including CO2, H2S, RSH, CS2, COS, and SO2.
US08551434B1
A method for making a syngas mixture is accomplished by introducing a gaseous feed mixture containing carbon dioxide and hydrogen into a reactor containing a non-zinc catalyst. The catalyst contacts the gaseous feed mixture to form syngas mixture reaction products. The reaction takes place in the presence of nickel-containing and/or iron-containing materials. The gaseous feed mixture is introduced into the reactor at a reactor inlet temperature of from 700° C. to 800° C., with the reaction being carried out at substantially adiabatic conditions or wherein the syngas mixture reaction products are removed from the reactor at a reactor outlet temperature of from 500° C. to 600° C.
US08551428B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing hydromagnesite in an aqueous environment. The invention further relates to such hydromagnesite having a specific platy-like morphology in combination with a specific average particle size and to their use as minerals, fillers and pigments in the paper, paint, rubber and plastics industries and to the use as flame-retardant.
US08551424B2
An apparatus is disclosed for processing a sample which stores processing reagents required for processing in a dry form. The processing reagents are covered by a biologically degradable medium or embedded in said biologically degradable medium.
US08551419B2
A polyethylene terephthalate container having a hydrogen generator and catalyst disposed or otherwise incorporated in components of the container. The container further comprises an indicator system or means for use with a hydrogen generator and a catalyst system.
US08551417B2
In order to provide, when a plurality of fluids each containing a different kind of substance are mixed and reacted, a reactor having a mixing channel capable of forming a multi-layered flow in a radial direction in the cylindrically-shaped mixing channel; improving mixing performance by synergizing swirling effects of mixture of turbulent flows and a swirling flow; and producing a reaction product with a high yield as well as high efficiency, a mixing channel 1 which mixes fluids 4 and 5 each containing the different kind of substance is cylindrically shaped, and inlet passages 2 and 3 which introduce the fluids 4 and 5, respectively, are plurally arranged in a manner offset from a central axis of the mixing channel 1.
US08551414B2
A plasma generating apparatus includes a linear electrode for generating a high voltage by resonance caused when the linear electrode is supplied with an AC signal current, an grounded electrode for defining an internal space spaced from the linear electrode around the linear electrode, and a control device for controlling the power feed to the linear electrode. The control device has a field probe for measuring the electric field in the internal space, and a bandpass filter for filtering the measurement signal into a predetermined frequency band to output an AC signal, a variable phase shifter for shifting the phase of the AC signal so that the AC signal is synchronized with the resonance signal in the internal space when the AC signal is supplied to the linear electrode as a current, and an amplifier for amplifying the AC signal of which the phase is shifted.
US08551408B2
The present invention relates to devices and methods for measuring the quantity of multiple analytes in a sample. The device is designed such that each of the analyte sensing elements is configured to measure the quantity of a predetermined analyte and where the machine executable instructions are configured to select the proper analyte sensing element corresponding to the analyte to be measured.
US08551404B2
A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample comprising: a sample container receiver capable of receiving either one of a manually supplied sample container and an automatically supplied; a container holder receiver for receiving a container holder holding at least one sample container; a sample container supplier automatically for supplying, to the sample container receiver, a sample container held by the container holder received by the container holder receiver; an aspirator for aspirating a sample within a sample container received by the sample container receiver; and an analyzing part for analyzing the sample aspirated by the aspirator.
US08551401B1
A sample preparation assembly includes a torch configured for use with an inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy instrument. The torch includes at least two approximately cylindrical tubes arranged substantially concentrically. The sample preparation assembly also includes an injector configured for use with the inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy instrument. The injector includes an injection nozzle and a spray chamber. The sample preparation assembly further includes a heat sink element. The heat sink element includes a securing element. The securing element is configured to mate with a mounting element of the torch to mechanically support the heat sink element.
US08551394B2
Compositions for golf balls including multi-modal ionomers that can be used in any layer of a golf ball, e.g., an outer cover layer or inner cover layer. The compositions of the invention can be a blend of a multi-modal ionomer and a conventional ionomer, highly neutralized polymer, acid copolymer, or other suitable thermoplastic polymer.
US08551387B2
A laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers and an identification image thereon. The document has a core laminate layer having an upper surface and lower surface, at least one surface of which is printed with a dot matrix pattern and at least one visually opaque or reflective laminate layer bonded to and overlaying the printed surface. Upon pitting the laminate layer portions, the dot matrix pattern printed on the core laminate is exposed to thereby form the identifying image. A laser markable laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers wherein a compatibilising layer is bonded to adjoining laminate layers, the compatibilising layer includes an imaging material that can be laser marked. A laminated identification document having a plurality of laminate layers and an identification image thereon, wherein at least one laminate layer is a compatibilising layer.
US08551384B2
A permanent-magnet rotor for external-rotor electric motor (1) particularly for washing machines of unusual silence comprising a cup-shaped support structure (6) having a bottom (7) and a side wall (10) and a plurality of magnetic poles (12) arranged in the support structure (6) and arranged along said side wall (10), with elastomeric material interposed between said magnetic poles (12) which forms with them a massive structure (14) of uniform thickness.
US08551378B2
Nanofibers are fabricated by introducing a polymer solution into a dispersion medium and shearing the dispersion medium. Droplets of the polymer solution are spun into elongated fibers that are insoluble in the dispersion medium.
US08551376B2
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.
US08551373B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing reclaimed casting sand, which has step (I) of grinding recovered sand in the presence of an additive (A) containing a liquid having a surface tension of not higher than 35 mN/m at 25° C. and a boiling point of not lower than 150° C. at 1 atmospheric pressure.
US08551367B2
The invention is directed to a polymer thick film composition comprising solder alloy powder and organic medium comprising organic polymeric binder and solvent. The composition may be processed at a time and temperature necessary to remove all solvent. The invention is further directed to method(s) of electrode formation on circuits using such compositions and to articles formed from such methods and/or compositions.
US08551354B2
A refrigerant composition consists essentially of a combination of two hydro fluorocarbon components selected from R125 and R143a and an additive selected from a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon or mixture thereof boiling in the range −50° C. and +40° C.
US08551353B2
Provided are a shape of a hierarchical structure, an engineering effect of the hierarchical structure according to the shape, an increasing method of the engineering effect, an application method of the hierarchical structure for novel material or parts, and a mass-manufacturing method of the hierarchical structure. The present invention relates to a hierarchical structure and a manufacturing method thereof, and includes a hierarchical structure in which at least one nano-object that has a characteristic length of a nanoscale region in an internal matrix is arranged in a predetermined pattern. According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, an excellent characteristic that is generated in a nanoscale region may be used in a structure of a macroscopic scale region, and structures that have different scales may be simply interconnected or interfaced regardless of the different scales.
US08551352B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a device with a membrane used to encapsulate a fluid contained in a cavity, in which: two substrates (110, 120) are provided; a membrane (111) is placed on one and/or on the other of the substrates; one or more walls (113) are formed, helping to laterally define the cavity (114), in which said walls are located on or in one of the substrates and/or on or in the other of the substrates, and said cavity is intended to contain the fluid, the two substrates (110, 120) are assembled together by superimposing one on the other so as to complete the cavity, in which the or each membrane (111) also helps to define the cavity, the fluid (117) is encapsulated in the cavity between the substrates, and the or each membrane is soaked by the fluid, at least a portion of one of the substrates and/or the other of the substrates is removed insofar as one and/or the other of the substrates are equipped with a membrane, in order to release the membrane at least in the central portion thereof.
US08551341B2
A wastewater treatment system is provided comprising a biological reactor having a separation subsystem, a suspension system and a membrane operating system. The separation subsystem is constructed and arranged to maintain adsorbent material in the biological reactor with a mixed liquor. The suspension system is positioned in the biological reactor and is constructed and arranged to maintain adsorbent material in suspension with mixed liquor. The membrane operating system is located downstream of the biological reactor and is constructed and arranged to receive treated mixed liquor from the biological reactor and discharge a membrane permeate. In addition, a wastewater treatment system is provided comprising a first biological reaction zone, a second biological reaction zone and a membrane operating system. The first biological reaction zone is constructed and arranged to receive and treat the wastewater. The second biological reaction zone includes a separation subsystem and is constructed and arranged to receive effluent from the first biological reaction zone. A suspension system for adsorbent material is provided in the second biological reaction zone. The membrane operating system is located downstream of the second biological reaction zone and is constructed and arranged to receive treated wastewater from the second biological reaction zone and discharge a membrane permeate.
US08551338B2
A wafer-shaped hollow fiber module adapted for in-line use in a piping system. The piping system may include two standard bolted flange connections, and at least one wafer-shaped hollow fiber module sealed between the two standard bolted flange connections. The wafer shaped hollow fiber module includes: a cylindrical housing having an open end and a closed end having a first sealing surface and an inlet port; at least one side port through the cylindrical housing; an end cap united to the open end having a second sealing surface and an outlet port.
US08551336B2
A method for separating proteins from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting proteins from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins from a wet algal biomass. These proteins are high value products which can be used as renewable sources of food and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
US08551333B2
A microfluidic device for manipulating particles in a fluid has a device body that defines a main channel therein, in which the main channel has an inlet and an outlet. The device body further defines a particulate diverting channel therein, the particulate diverting channel being in fluid connection with the main channel between the inlet and the outlet of the main channel and having a particulate outlet. The microfluidic device also has a plurality of microparticles arranged proximate or in the main channel between the inlet of the main channel and the fluid connection of the particulate diverting channel to the main channel. The plurality of microparticles each comprises a material in a composition thereof having a magnetic susceptibility suitable to cause concentration of magnetic field lines of an applied magnetic field while in operation. A microfluidic particle-manipulation system has a microfluidic particle-manipulation device and a magnet disposed proximate the microfluidic particle-manipulation device.
US08551329B2
Dosing chambers, for use with pressurized water filters of the type used with ponds, require isolation before accessing to prevent water egress. The invention comprises a chamber in which dosing substances may be placed, a water inlet and a water outlet, a lid for sealingly closing the chamber, a valve for closing the water inlet and an interlock means for operating the valve to close the water inlet as the lid is removed, so that when dosing substances are placed into the chamber pressurized water is prevented from issuing through the inlet.
US08551320B2
Methods for calculating an analyte concentration of a sample are provided. In one exemplary embodiment the method includes steps that are directed toward accounting for inaccuracies that occur as a result of temperature variations in a sample, a meter, or the surrounding environment. In another exemplary embodiment the method includes steps that are directed toward determining whether an adequate sample is provided in a meter because insufficient samples can result in inaccuracies. The methods that are provided can be incorporated into a variety of mechanisms, but they are primarily directed toward glucose meters for blood samples and toward meters for controls solutions.
US08551316B2
This invention relates to a method for producing a metallic coating layer comprising nickel and molybdenum on an electrically conductive substrate by electrodeposition from an aqueous solution including nickel salts, gluconate anions and citrate anions wherein the substrate acts as the cathode and wherein molybdate is added and wherein the pH of the aqueous solution is adjusted between 5.0 and 8.5. The invention also relates to an electrically conductive substrate provided with such a metallic coating layer electrodeposited from the aqueous solution.
US08551304B2
An Alkaline Electrolyzer Cell Configuration (AECC) has a hydrogen half cell; an oxygen half cell; a GSM (Gas Separation Membrane); two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens; an outer hydrogen half cell spacer screen; a hydrogen electrode; two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens; an outer oxygen half cell spacer screen; and an oxygen electrode. The hydrogen half cell includes the hydrogen electrode which is located between said two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens and said outer hydrogen half cell spacer screen. The oxygen half cell includes the oxygen electrode which is located between said two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens and said outer oxygen half cell spacer screen. The GSM is provided between said two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens of the hydrogen half cell and said two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens of the oxygen half cell to from the electrolyzer.
US08551302B2
Hydrogen generating apparatus that is capable of controlling the amount of hydrogen generation. The hydrogen generating apparatus has an electrolyzer, a first electrode, a second electrode, a switch, which is located between the first electrode and the second electrode, a flow rate meter, which measures an amount of hydrogen generation in the second electrode, and a switch controller, which receives a set value, compares the amount of hydrogen generation measured by the flow rate meter with the set value, and controls an on/off status of the switch. The amount of hydrogen generation can be controlled by use of on/off time and/or on/of frequency of the switch.
US08551294B2
A pyrolysis system includes a source of feed material having carbon and unit rests upon a support surface and has a feed material inlet coupled by the feed material transport system to the source of feed material. The pyrolysis unit defines therein a reaction chamber having a length and having the feed material inlet defined at one end thereof. The reaction chamber defines a material flow axis in the reaction chamber from the feed material inlet along its length that is oriented one of parallel to and at an acute angle relative to the support surface. The pyrolysis unit defines at least one outlet for extraction of at the least one of a solid, gaseous and liquid fuel from the reaction chamber.
US08551285B2
A method of making a multilayer protective film. The method comprises: (a) forming a PU layer comprising an at least partially crosslinked polyurethane, the at least partially crosslinked polyurethane comprising at least one of a polyester-based polyurethane or a polycarbonate-based polyurethane; (b) forming a TPU layer comprising a polycaprolactone-based thermoplastic polyurethane; (c) forming a PSA layer comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive; (d) bonding one major surface of the PU layer to one major surface of the TPU layer; and (e) bonding the PSA layer to an opposite major surface of the TPU layer; wherein the TPU layer is sandwiched between the PU layer and the PSA layer. The multilayer film may be used to protect painted surfaces of vehicle body parts.
US08551283B2
Housings for electronic devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, adjoining surfaces of electronic device housings can be mounted or arranged such that adjoining surfaces are flush to a high degree of precision. The electronic devices can be portable and in some cases handheld.
US08551282B2
A heating system for hot coupling or laminating at least two films or thin sheets, said heating system comprising at least a heater group comprising at least a burner, and an airtight chamber.
US08551279B2
Multilayer articles comprising a thermoformable substrate, a base layer and an optional transparent protective layer. Methods of making and paint film composites, and shaped articles made thereby, are also disclosed.
US08551268B1
Improved electric primer compositions, structures, and methods that are compatible with existing munitions and in particular an exemplary electric primer composition including carbon nanotubes along with energetic primer mixture(s) and an exemplary primer structure including layers of energetic materials wherein a layer exhibiting the most energetic character is positioned proximate to a primer button. Alternative embodiments include both conductive and non-conductive layers.
US08551266B2
A method for heat treating a nickel base alloy includes the steps of: a. heating a nickel base alloy to at least its delta (δ) phase solvus temperature, and lower than its incipient melting temperature for a predetermined time sufficient to dissolve substantially all of the nickel base alloy's delta (δ) phase, and b. cooling the nickel base alloy to a temperature below the gamma prime (υ) precipitation temperature at a rate sufficient to precipitate the alloy's chromium carbide and gamma prime (υ) in a serrated grain boundary.
US08551263B1
A method of reducing whisker growths includes identifying a solder connection to be treated. The solder connection may contain one or more whisker growths. A heat source is applied at a defined temperature to the solder connection for a defined period of time sufficient to melt at least a portion of the one or more whisker growths. The heat source is removed from the solder connection prior to the melting of the solder connection.
US08551256B2
A washing machine and a washing control method of the same that is capable of controlling laundry to be effectively washed with bubbles depending upon load of the washing machine and types of the laundry. The washing control method includes detecting the amount of load depending upon the weight of laundry, controlling the amount of wetting water according to the detected amount of load to wet the laundry, and generating bubbles to wash the laundry.
US08551245B2
Hydraulic cements, such as Portland cements and other cements that include substantial quantities of tricalcium silicate (C3S), dicalcium silicate (C2S), tricalcium aluminate (C3A), and/or tetracalcalcium alumino-ferrite (C4AF), are particle size optimized to have increased reactivity compared to cements of similar chemistry and/or decreased water demand compared to cements of similar fineness. Increasing hydraulic cement reactivity increases early strength development and release of reactive calcium hydroxide, both of which enhance SCM replacement and 1-28 day strengths compared to blends of conventional Portland cement and one or more SCMs, such as coal ash, slag or natural pozzolan. Decreasing the water demand can improve strength by decreasing the water-to-cement ratio for a given workability. The narrow PSD cements are well suited for making blended cements, including binary, ternary and quaternary blends.
US08551236B1
A phase change ink composition suitable for ink jet printing, including printing on coated paper substrates. In embodiments, the phase change ink composition comprises an amorphous compound and a crystalline compound which is derived from bio-renewable materials. The composition provides for a robust, rapid crystallization ink composition.
US08551232B2
Disclosed is a dry carbon dioxide capture apparatus with improved carbon dioxide capture efficiency through preventing gas backflows into vertical transport lines. The dry CO2 capture apparatus includes a capture reactor having a capture buffer chamber on the bottom side, a capture diffusion plate on top of the capture buffer chamber, and adsorbent particles in a space above the capture diffusion plate; a first separator connected to the capture reactor through a vertical transport line; a regenerator having a regeneration buffer chamber on the bottom side, a regenerating diffusion plate on top of the regeneration buffer chamber, and adsorbent particles in a space above the regenerating diffusion plate; a second separator connected to the regenerator through a gas separation line; and a second particle transfer line connected to the regenerator at one end and connected to the capture reactor at the other end.
US08551228B2
Devices for removing particles for a gas utilizing electrostatic precipitation having collector modules with fewer electrical connections, which facilitate cleaning, and/or eliminate the need for high voltage connections between a removable collector module and a collector module support. Driver electrode modules provide electrical connection between an insulated driver electrode and a source of electrical potential or between insulated driver electrodes and at least one other conductor through a hole in or on some edge on the driver electrodes. A biasing force is provided and a conductive element serves as a conductor between the driver electrode(s) and the other conductors. A plurality of insulated driver electrodes, e.g. plates, are formed with a single, conductive plate or from a plurality of electrically joined conductive plates which are coated with insulation and then bent. An electrically-shielded, high voltage generating circuit is integrated with a readily removable collector module to eliminate the need for high voltage connections between the removable collector module and the collector module support, while enhancing the device's durability and allowing cleaning with cleaning fluid and/or dishwasher detergent.
US08551224B2
A pipe system comprising i) an exploratory pipe extracting a fluid containing gas from waterways, ii) an injection pipe returning fluid depleted of gas and iii) a plurality of gas traps, wherein I) the gas traps are connected to the exploratory pipe and to the injection pipe such that the fluid is transferred from the exploratory pipe through the gas traps to the injection pipe, II) the gas traps disposed at specific distances vertically one above the other and relative to the fluid deposits to be depleted and connected together such that rising fluid passes from the exploratory pipe to a first gas trap located at a first pressure level at which a first gas/gas mixture is separated, whereupon depleted fluid passes to a second gas trap at a predefined pressure level in which a second gas/gas mixture is separated, wherein the first pressure and the second pressure are different from one another, and III) the gas traps are connected to one or more gas extraction devices.
US08551223B2
Unburned carbon is efficiently removed from fly ash, and effective utilization of the fly ash and removed unburned carbon is attained. Water is added to fly ash to thereby obtain a slurry. A collector is added to the slurry, and shearing force is applied to the slurry and collector to thereby attain a surface modification. The mixture is subjected to flotation operation at which unburned carbon of fly ash is attached to froths and surfaced. The application of shearing force to the slurry and collector can be carried out by means of a submerged agitator whereby an agitation power of 0.7 to 10 kWh/m3 is applied per unit quantity of slurry. The fly ash concentration of the slurry is in the range of 3 to 50 wt. %, and the amount of collector added is in the range of 5 to 100 wt. % based on the amount of unburned carbon of fly ash. The unburned carbon separated by flotation can be used as fuel, and the fly ash (product) having its unburned carbon content reduced to 1 wt. % or below can be used as a cement mixing material or a raw material for production of lightweight aggregate.
US08551217B2
The present invention relates to a six bed pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system utilizing new and advanced cycles to obtain enhanced hydrogen recovery from a hydrogen containing feed gas (i.e., synthesis gas). In one such cycle each of the six beds has four pressure equalization steps, and at least one of the beds is receiving and processing said feed gas to obtain a hydrogen product gas (i.e., a 6-1-4 cycle).
US08551209B2
Methods and apparatuses for improved process control in metal smelting through measurement of off-gas profiles in real time. A tunable laser source is projected across a volume of off-gas and detected to provide a real time profile of gas concentrations. The real time gas concentration profile may be compared with known profiles to identify problems in the smelting process or to identify when the process is complete.
US08551206B2
A gas turbine air filter system includes a frame and at least one guide attached to the frame. A first lever is attached to the frame and can pivot with respect to the frame to engage a first filter. A second lever is attached to the frame and can pivot with respect to the frame to engage a second filter. A method for securing gas turbine air filters includes inserting a first filter into a frame inside at least one guide and pivoting a first clamp connected to the frame to engage at least a portion of the first clamp with the first filter. The method further includes inserting a second filter into the frame inside the at least one guide and pivoting a second clamp to engage at least a portion of the second clamp with the second filter.
US08551205B2
The invention relates to a gas filter insert (1), particularly an air filter insert for a fresh air system of an internal combustion engine, having a filter body (2) which extends in its longitudinal direction (4) in a U-shape around an inner chamber (5), and having a connector (3) which communicates with the inner chamber (5) and is arranged on the filter body on the open end-face side (7) thereof. In order to simplify the construction of the filter insert (1), the filter body (2) is sealed transversally to its longitudinal direction (4), with an end plate (9) on at least one end side (8).
US08551203B2
A molten alumina/zirconia grain mixture having the following chemical composition, in wt %: ZrO2+HfO2: 35 to 45.5%; Al2O3: 43.7 to 65%; other oxides: <10%; SiO2: <0.8%, which simultaneously adheres to a granulometric condition and to a densimetric condition.
US08551196B2
A dispensing formulation for use in combination with an indirect heating source. In the preferred embodiment the dispensing formulation includes an additive such as a fragrance or a therapeutic compound, a hydrocarbon oil, having a flash point below 400° F. (generally between 330-400° F., most preferably between 330-355° F.) and a mixture of commercially available triblock polymers, such as Kraton® and Septon®.
US08551188B2
Composition comprising a hydrophobic dye, a particular organic and/or mineral alkaline agent, a particular compound (I) and a particular organic compound (II), and dyeing use thereof. The present invention relates to a dye composition comprising one or more hydrophobic direct dyes with a log P of greater than or equal to 2, one or more organic alkaline agents, and/or one or more mineral alkaline agents chosen from carbonates, hydrogen carbonates, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, and mixtures thereof, one or more compounds (I) comprising in their structure a sequence: and one or more organic compounds (II) with a Hansen solubility parameter δH of less than or equal to 16 MPa1/2 and with a molecular weight of less than 250 g/mol. The invention also relates to a dyeing process that consists in applying such a composition to keratin fibers.
US08551187B1
A topical depilatory made from the juice of a ripe fruit of the Solanum incanum is provided. In use as a hair removal agent, the juice of the ripe fruit of the Solanum incanum is topically applied to a desired region of skin. Preferably, the juice is left on the region of skin for approximately one hour. The juice acts as a natural depilatory agent, and the hair of the region of skin may then be easily removed by combing, rubbing or the like. Preferably, the region is then washed, following the removal of hair therefrom.
US08551186B1
A user device determines that the user device has been stolen and generates an audible alert when the user device has been stolen.
US08551185B2
The mounting plate system is for use with a prosthetic socket, the socket having at least one aperture in a distal end thereof and in fluid communication with an interior portion of the socket which receives a residual limb. The mounting plate system includes a mounting plate having a top face to interface with the socket, and a bottom face for attachment to lower portions of a prosthetic limb. An opening in the mounting plate extends from the top face to the bottom face thereof, and a valve housing is positioned in the opening and has a channel therein for fluid communication with the interior portion of the socket via the at least one aperture. A one-way expulsion valve is secured between the valve housing and the socket adjacent the aperture and for regulating fluid communication between the interior portion of the socket and the channel in the valve housing. A vacuum reservoir seal plate is also provided.
US08551180B2
A method of implanting a prosthesis relative to a carpal complex of a wrist is provided. The method can include providing a carpal implant having a body including an ulnar flange and a radial flange, and locating a bone abutment surface of the ulnar flange against a triquetrum of the carpal complex. The method can also include locating a bone abutment surface of the radial flange against a scaphoid of the carpal complex, and locating a first dorsal flange extending from the ulnar flange against a posterior surface of the triquetrum.
US08551173B2
An expandable intervertebral implant (10) includes superior (20) and inferior (30) bone contacting members and at least one vertical wire netting (50) interconnecting the superior and inferior bone contacting members. The superior and inferior bone contacting members include at least two bone contacting components interconnected via one or more lateral wire nettings such that the implant is vertically and laterally expandable in situ from a first insertion configuration to a second expanded configuration. The vertical and lateral wire netting are preferably constructed of a plurality of individual link members. The present invention also preferably relates to an associated method of manufacturing the intervertebral implant such that the intervertebral implant can be manufactured as an integral component or part.
US08551172B2
A surgical implant for repairing an intervertebral disk. The implant includes an inflatable bladder and an externally threaded inlet port connected to the bladder. The inlet port has a threaded bore through which a filler is admitted into the bladder to inflate it. A setscrew is screwed into the threaded bore for plugging the threaded bore to retain the filler in the bladder.
US08551168B2
The present invention relates to a valve device designed to be implanted in a dysfunctional larynx or in a prosthetic larynx. The valve device has a distal portion forming an annular support structure and a central portion forming an obturator. The obturator includes i) a peripheral part forming a first valve integral with the annular support structure in a first hinge region, and ii) a central part forming a second valve integral with the first valve in a second hinge region.
US08551165B2
A cassette (11) consists of a cassette body (13) with a space (19) for receiving an intraocular lens (IOL) (12) and a lid (23) for closing the cassette body. The cassette body (13) has openings (17a, 17b) on opposing side walls, wherein an injector piston (20) can penetrate through the opening (17b) and displace an IOL (12), which is received in the receiving space (19), out of the receiving space through the opening (17a). The cassette lid (23) seals the cassette body (13) hermetically from the environment. Coupling means, which allow the cassette body (13), which is closed by the lid, to be fastened to an injector (31), are provided on the cassette body (13). The cassette (11) can be inserted into the aperture (39) of an injector (31) in the closed state. For injecting the lens (12), which is received in the receiving space (19), the cassette (11) can be made to pivot into an injection position.
US08551158B2
A prosthesis may be used for treatment of an aneurysmal body vessel. The prosthesis may include a prosthetic trunk and a prosthetic branch. The prosthetic trunk may include a graft body, an open first end, an open second end, and a trunk lumen extending therebetween. The prosthetic branch may include a graft body, an open first end, an open second end, and a branch lumen extending therebetween. The first end of the prosthetic branch may be attached to the prosthetic trunk, and the branch lumen may be in fluid communication with the trunk lumen. The prosthetic branch may be movable in relation to the prosthetic trunk between neutral, right biased, and left biased configurations. First and second releasable steering members may be associated with the respective first and second biased configurations and may cooperatively retain the prosthetic branch in the neutral configuration.
US08551153B2
The present invention is directed to a prosthesis and method for treating, repairing, and/or replacing an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The prosthesis includes a coiled stent comprised of shape memory material having first and second anchoring zones and an intermediate zone. The prosthesis also includes graft material engaging at least a portion of the stent. During delivery of the prosthesis, the stent is in a substantially straight longitudinal configuration, and after delivery of the prosthesis the stent is returned to a coiled configuration. The diameter of the prosthesis may be adjusted by controlling the degree to which the stent is coiled.
US08551149B2
The disclosure relates to a method for correcting a fingernail or toenail, comprising the application of at least one layer and the performance of at least one treatment step, wherein the at least one layer contracts or expands, as well as a fingernail or toenail that can be produced with the method.
US08551148B2
Disclosed herein is a light irradiating apparatus including: a light source block configured to radiate a light to eyes of a user; a view line detection block configured to detect a view line direction of the user; and a light source control block configured to control the light radiated from the light source so as to restrict a light quantity in an area corresponding to a view line direction detected by the view line detection block.
US08551146B2
A fastener assembly for a spinal fixation system that is particularly useful in treatment of pediatric and small-statured patients includes a fastener, an attachment member, and a locking member. The fastener has a lower portion for contacting a bone and an upper portion integral with the lower portion. The upper portion has two open channels. Each channel is configured and dimensioned to receive a portion of a longitudinal or connecting member along its circumference. The attachment member is positionable on the fastener and at least partially covers the channel that receives the longitudinal or connecting member. The locking member is operatively associated with the upper portion of the fastener and secures the attachment member and the longitudinal or connecting member to the fastener.
US08551145B2
The implant is a fixation device shaped in the form of a plate for use in the fixation and stabilization of the thoracolumbar spine. The design and the configuration of the device allows for an anatomic fit of the plate in the spine. The improved fixation allows for an anatomical and biomechanicat advantage in stabilizing thoracolumbar spine trauma both in a primary fashion and/or in conjunction with vertebral body replacement. Its anatomic design allows the application of an ingrowth surface at the host/implant interface and encourages an additional point of fixation in cases at high risk for delayed or non-union such as severe trauma or malignancy. The thoracolumbar spine plate is anatomically designed to fit snugly against the thoracolumbar vertebral bodies through a twist around the Z (longitudinal) axis of the generally rectangular plate.
US08551142B2
Methods, systems, devices and tools for placing bone stabilization components in a patient are provided. The systems and devices have a reduced number of discrete components that allow placement through small incisions and tubes. More particularly, the present invention is directed to screws for use in systems and methods of treating the spine, which eliminate pain and enable spinal motion, which effectively mimics that of a normally functioning spine. Methods are also provided for installation of the screw and other subject systems.
US08551134B2
A staple, a stapler, and an introducer are disclosed for closing a wound and for wound site management. The staple is deformable, and includes a plurality of tissue-piercing prongs which are expanded outwardly, inserted into tissue and collapsed inwardly to close the wound. The stapler includes a plurality of mechanisms to deform the staple into various positions. An introducer is provided that includes a plurality of spaced-apart wire guides for securing and centering the wound opening during a medical procedure, and during closure of the wound.
US08551133B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a balloon catheter integrated with a guidewire in which a stepped portion is prevented from being formed between a coil portion of the guidewire and a front end portion of the balloon catheter and thus crossability of the balloon catheter is improved. The balloon catheter includes a transition part made of resin that smoothly connects an external shape of an outer coil of a front end coil part and an external shape of a tip portion of a front side inner shaft.
US08551132B2
An implantable closure structure is delivered using minimally invasive techniques, and inhibits the migration of liquid and particulate matter from inside a physiological cavity or opening, such as an aneurysm or a septal defect, as well as inhibiting the flow of liquid and particulate matter, such as from an associated blood vessel or chamber, into the physiological cavity or opening. The device has a closure structure that covers the neck or opening of a cavity and has one or more anchoring structures for supporting and retaining the closure structure in place across the cavity or opening.
US08551126B2
Described are methods and devices relating to reconnecting tissue of the urethra, e.g., connecting the urethra and bladder after a radical prostatectomy, wherein the devices incorporate tissue approximating structure such as tines to maintain contact between severed tissue, such as a severed bladder neck tissue and a severed urethral stump tissue, preferably without the use of sutures.
US08551116B2
Surgical accessories are presented in vivo and used by surgical tools in the surgical site to perform additional tasks without the need to remove the tools from the surgical site for tool change or instrument loading. The accessories can be introduced into the surgical site by a dedicated accessory introducer, or can be supported on the body of a surgical tool inserted into the surgical site and be manipulated using another surgical tool in the surgical site. The accessory introducer can be resiliently biased to bias the accessories toward a predetermined position in the surgical site.
US08551114B2
A robotic surgical device for use in laparoscopic surgery, includes two robotic arms in parallel relationship with each other. Each arm has at least six joints providing a total of fourteen degrees of movement that accurately reproduce the movements of a human torso complete with arms. The robotic arms are connected to a support via a connection element.
US08551108B2
A tool for digitizing a mechanical axis of a tibia using a computer-assisted surgery system is described. The tool includes upper and lower mounting ends interconnected by an alignment rod extending therebetween. The upper mounting end is releasably fastenable to an upper reference point on a tibial plateau and the lower mounting end includes a self-centering malleoli engaging mechanism having opposed caliper arms displaceable in a common plane relative to each other for clamping engagement with the medial and lateral malleoli of the ankle. At least one trackable member is mounted to the alignment rod of the tool and is in communication with the computer assisted surgery system for providing at least orientation information of the alignment rod. The mechanical axis of the tibia is parallel to the alignment rod and extends between the upper and lower reference points when the tool is mounted on the tibia.
US08551107B2
A bending tool is provided for reshaping a bone plate that is preassembled with a pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements removably attached to the bone plate and extending above the top surface of the bone plate. The bending tool has a handle and a distal head attached to the distal end of the handle. The distal head has a cavity that is sized and shaped to fit over the pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements. The user, while holding the bone plate, may manually apply a leverage force to the bending tool while the cavity of the distal head is fitted over the pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements to transmit a sufficient, regionalized bending moment to the bone plate through the pair of threaded, cylindrical elements to reshape the bone plate.
US08551106B2
Methods and apparatus for installing intramedullary medical devices (e.g., intramedullary nails) are described herein. Intramedullary medical devices in accordance with this disclosure provide sustained compressive forces across a bone fusion site despite bone resorption processes. Intramedullary medical devices in accordance with this disclosure include pseudo-elastic shape memory alloys containing nickel and titanium. Portions of intramedullary medical devices, including shape memory alloy elements in the intramedullary medical devices, may have strains imparted upon them through the methods and apparatus described herein. Further aspects of surgery techniques are also performed and controlled through the methods and apparatus described herein.
US08551102B2
Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US08551096B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for the treatment of a target tissue by directionally delivering energy and/or bioactive materials to achieve a therapeutic effect. A balloon catheter system having a balloon portion and a plurality of electrodes may be energized to selectively deliver energy, bioactive materials, or a combination thereof to target tissue including tissues disposed about a lumen. The tissue may be targeted by applying energy, making tissue impedance analysis, and further selectively energizing electrodes through the use of an energy source with a controller.
US08551085B2
The present invention relates to improved ablation electrodes (10, 10′) and catheter assemblies (12), as well as methods useful in conjunction with irrigated ablation catheters. An irrigated ablation electrode assembly (10, 10′) includes a proximal member (18, 18′) having an outer surface (22), an inner lumen (26, 26′) and a proximal passageway (24). The proximal passageway (24) extends from the inner lumen (26, 26′) to the outer surface (22) of the proximal member (18, 18′). The assembly (10, 10′) further includes a distal member (20) having a distal end (30) and a distal passageway (28) extending from the inner lumen (26, 26′) through the distal member (20) to the distal end (30). Embodiments of the present invention include an irrigated catheter assembly (12) configured to direct irrigation fluid to target areas where coagulation is more likely to occur to, among other things, better minimize blood coagulation and associated problems.
US08551077B2
A handle for a surgical instrument used in keyhole, endoscopic, and laparoscopic surgery, having a pivoting or articulated end portion and a mechanism for indexing the pivoting movement of the end portion. The indexing mechanism allows adjustment of the angle of the end portion for improved control and tactile feedback to the user. The handle also has a mechanism for locking and unlocking movement of the end portion whereby the end portion can be pivoted or articulated to a desired angle and the locking mechanism moved to a position to prevent movement of the end portion, thus holding it at the desired angle to achieve the improved control and tactile feedback to the user.
US08551075B2
Assemblies, systems, and methods convey fluid from an internal wound site or body cavity by applying negative pressure from a source outside the internal wound site or body cavity through a wound drain assembly that is placed directly inside the internal wound site or body cavity.
US08551074B2
Systems for connecting a conduit to an injection needle may include a sealing element positioned on a distal end of the conduit, a first cooperating connector positioned around the length of conduit proximal to the sealing element and a second cooperating connector. The first cooperating connector includes a first cooperating connection mechanism and the second cooperating connector includes a second cooperating connection mechanism having a passage therein. The first cooperating connection mechanism and the second cooperating connection mechanism are adapted to form a connection between the first cooperating connector and the second cooperating connector. The connection causes the compression of the sealing element. The injection needle has a lumen with a diameter flared outward to a larger diameter at a proximal end. The second cooperating connector has a mounting hole connected to the passage and a sleeve around the injection needle so that the sleeve and the injection needle are received within the mounting hole.
US08551070B2
Some embodiments of an infusion pump system can include a controller device that communicates with a pump device, the pump device having a memory device. The controller device can be configured to record controller-related data, such as user profile data on the memory device of the pump device. This user profile data that is stored in the memory of the pump device can serves as a data backup system that permits the user to program a new controller device in a situation where the original controller device is lost or damaged. In addition or in the alternative, the controller device can be configured to receive controller-related data, such as software update programs or backup controller data, from the memory device of the pump device.
US08551067B2
A needleless additive control valve for use with a fluid container containing an infusion liquid and having an intravenous (IV) port for administrating the infusion liquid, and an additive transfer device containing a liquid additive and having a male connector for administrating the liquid additive. The needleless additive control valve includes a trifurcated connector body having an IV spike for sealing insertion into the IV port, an outlet port, and a needleless additive port with a female connector for sealingly receiving the additive transfer device's male connector wherein the IV spike, the outlet port and the needleless additive port are in 3 way direct and continuous fluid communication thereby enabling the additive transfer device's liquid additive to be either mixed with the infusion liquid or directly administered to a patient.
US08551066B2
A diaper fastening system including at least one elastomeric connection tab disposed at a side portion of the diaper. The connection tab has a body portion of stitch-bonded construction including an elastomeric expansion zone. The elastomeric expansion zone includes an inelastic stitching substrate of fibrous material with a plurality of accordion pleats and a zigzag network of elastomeric yarns disposed in underlying relation to the pleats. The zigzag network is adapted to apply contracting forces to the stitching substrate in the length dimension of the connection tab.
US08551059B2
A spinal cannula with a needle hub having a transparent area for observing the liquor flowing through a hollow cavity of the needle hub. A structure for refracting or reflecting rays of light is provided in or at the transparent area of the needle hub. The structure for refracting or reflecting rays of light may be formed as one or more prisms.
US08551058B2
Devices are provided herein for translumenal access to a treatment site within a body cavity. In general, the devices include an elongate sleeve configured to provide access to a treatment site wherein various portions of the sleeve are associated with an anti-microbial agent. Additionally, the anti-microbial agent(s) can be disposed within a housing and/or inner lumen of the sleeve such that surgical instruments passing therethrough can be sterilized en route to and/or being withdrawn from the treatment site. Additionally, various methods are also provided herein for maintaining the sterility of a treatment site.
US08551051B2
Medical needle shield apparatus for covering a needle after use. The medical needle shield apparatus includes a first member, such as, for example, a syringe barrel having a needle mounted therewith. A second member, such as, for example, a shield is mounted with the first member. The shield is movable between a first position whereby the needle is exposed and a second position whereby the needle is covered. A lock is mounted with the barrel such that the shield is slidably movable along an outer surface of the lock. The lock includes a tang that is movable radially outward to fix the shield in the second position.
US08551050B2
Devices and methods for vacuum-assisted removal of surgically contaminated gas from an insufflated body cavity, the contaminants comprising smoke, aerosols, vapor, mist and the like generated during surgical procedures in order to clear the surgeon's vision of the surgical site and prevent exposure of the surgical staff to the gas. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a series of flow restriction devices to enable stepping down of the flow rate generated by an external vacuum. This reduced flow rate allows safe yet rapid removal of the toxic and vision-obstructing surgical byproducts from the patient's body cavity. The initial flow restriction device may comprise a perforated trocar sleeve in fluid communication with the vacuum source that allows retention of the surgical instrument within the trocar's inner lumen with concurrent smoke removal. The flow rate is infinitely variable, adjustable and selectable using a flow control adjuster comprising a smoothly varying orifice.
US08551049B2
Devices and methods for vacuum-assisted removal of surgically contaminated gas from an insufflated body cavity, the contaminants comprising smoke, aerosols, vapor, mist and the like generated during surgical procedures in order to clear the surgeon's vision of the surgical site and prevent exposure of the surgical staff to the gas. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a series of flow restriction devices to enable stepping down of the flow rate generated by an external vacuum. This reduced flow rate allows safe yet rapid removal of the toxic and vision-obstructing surgical byproducts from the patient's body cavity. The initial flow restriction device may comprise a perforated trocar sleeve in fluid communication with the vacuum source that allows retention of the surgical instrument within the trocar sleeve's inner lumen with concurrent smoke removal. A series of additional flow restriction devices located downstream of the perforated sleeve's intake ports are employed to safely limit the flow rate to a manageable and known value.
US08551037B2
One implementation provides a method to provide injection procedure information in an injection system. In this implementation, the method includes displaying a plurality of different injection procedure options in a user interface of said system, wherein said plurality of different injection procedure options including a cardiac procedure option and a non-cardiac procedure option. The method further includes receiving a user selection of an injection procedure from said displayed plurality of difference injection procedure options, processing a default set of injection parameters based upon said selected injection procedure, and displaying said default set of injection parameters within the user interface of the system prior to an injection.
US08551036B2
An aerosol generator is positioned adjacent to a patient as an attachment to a trocar. The trocar has an entry port for insufflation gas. Aerosol generated by a vibrating element is entrained in the insufflation gas and the mixture is delivered through the trocar. The aerosol may contain a medicament. The trocar may be a conventional trocar. Such trocars are typically used for a camera. The delivery of the aerosolized medicament can occur at the start of the procedure and be delivered in bolus. At the start of the procedure, the peritoneum is being inflated by means of the flow of insufflator gas. This gas flow will help to entrain the aerosolized medicament to the pneumoperitoneum regions. The surgeon can temporarily remove the camera from the trocar port to facilitate insertion and positioning of the aerosolizing unit.
US08551033B1
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for optimizing flow in an A-V dialysis graft having a selectable constricted section. Electronic pressure and flow sensors in the arterial and venous ends of the graft are electronically coupled to a monitor to detect the arterial and venous environments and change the degree of stenosis to optimize flow. The stenosis or narrowing within the graft creates resistance for the purpose of decreasing the flow rate and pressure at the outflow end. The selectable restricted section may be provided by a balloon or a thin “slit” type valve with flexible leaves to provide the required resistance. The “slit” valve allows access to wires or catheters for the purpose of any type of graft maintenance.
US08551029B1
An Active Ankle Foot Orthosis (AAFO) is provided where the impedance of an orthotic joint is modulated throughout the walking cycle to treat ankle foot gait pathology, such as drop foot gait. During controlled plantar flexion, a biomimetic torsional spring control is applied where orthotic joint stiffness is actively adjusted to minimize forefoot collisions with the ground. Throughout late stance, joint impedance is minimized so as not to impede powered plantar flexion movements, and during the swing phase, a torsional spring-damper (PD) control lifts the foot to provide toe clearance. To assess the clinical effects of variable-impedance control, kinetic and kinematic gait data were collected on two drop foot participants wearing the AAFO. It has been found that actively adjusting joint impedance reduces the occurrence of slap foot, allows greater powered plantar flexion, and provides for less kinematic difference during swing when compared to normals.
US08551025B2
An apparatus for determining an optimal amount of tissue compression for applying a surgical element to tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes a device for compressing tissue which supports a measuring device adapted to detect a tissue parameter upon the compression of tissue. The measuring device communicates with an indicator. Upon compressing tissue, when the measuring device determines that the compressed tissue parameter reaches a predetermined threshold, the measuring device sends a signal to the indicator such that the indicator provides an indication to a surgeon that the threshold has been reached. The measuring device may include a load cell and the tissue parameter may be a viscoelastic reactive force of the tissue per unit time.
US08551024B2
A method for determining a characteristic property of an anatomical structure from scan data which represents the position of scan points on the surface of the anatomical structure, wherein a spatial region is defined, the scan points which lie in the spatial region are determined, and the scan points which are determined to be lying in the spatial region are used to determine the characteristic property.
US08551020B2
Medical devices and methods for manufacturing and using medical devices. An example medical device includes a core member, a tubular member coupled to the core member, and a tip member coupled to the tubular member. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. The tip member may include a polymeric material. An intermediate member may be disposed between the tubular member and the core member that aids the bonding of the tip member thereto.
US08551017B2
A sensor and a lancet are integrated with each other. A thin strip-shaped sensor and a lancet are integrated so that the lancet moves in parallel, along a longitudinal direction of the sensor. A measuring device to which an integrated lancet and sensor is attached is provided with a function of driving the attached lancet.
US08551012B2
Estrus of animals and particularly sows is determined for planning of a preferred time period of insemination by a sensing system arranged to detect standing of the animal. Data from the sensing system is collected and analyzed using an algorithm and information that is displayed on an indicating system to provide an indication to a worker of the time period of estrus and ovulation and of a useful insemination time period and a preferred insemination time period of the animal. The indicating system includes a countdown clock to the preferred time period of insemination. In the event that the insemination fails, an indication is provided about whether the actual time of insemination occurred at the preferred time of insemination indicated to the worker. When estrus is completed, a confidence level is provided about the likelihood of success based on the position of the actual time of insemination relative to ovulation.
US08551010B2
An implantable respiration monitor can be used to detect disordered breathing or periodic breathing events that can be categorized, such as according to one or more of sleep, exercise, and resting awake states. The categorized frequency of such events can be compared to independently specifiable thresholds, such as to trigger an alert or responsive therapy, or to display one or more trends. The information can also be combined with detection of one or more other congestive heart failure (CHF) symptoms to generate a CHF status indicator or to trigger an alarm or responsive therapy or to display one or more trends. The alert can notify the patient or a caregiver, such as via remote monitoring. The sleep state information can be further categorized according to central sleep apnea (CSA) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) events.
US08551005B2
A monitoring device may include a display, an input device to receive patient-related data, and logic. The logic may determine the pulse pressure of the patient based on the patient-related data, calculate a respiratory variation of the pulse pressure of the patient, and generate a first value based on the respiratory variation of the pulse pressure of the patient and a mean pulse pressure of the patient. The logic may also output the first value to the display. The logic may update the first value in a continuous, real-time or near real-time manner.
US08550999B2
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes: a transmitting section for generating first, second and third drive signals to drive an ultrasonic probe; a receiving section for getting echoes, produced by reflection of the ultrasonic waves responsive to those drive signals and generating first, second and third received echo signals; a storage section to store the first received echo signal; an adjusting section for defining intense and faint echo regions within a measuring range for the first received echo signal based on a stored feature quantity and for determining the second and third gains based on the feature quantities in the intense and faint echo regions; a displacement measuring section for measuring the magnitudes of displacement in the echo regions based on the second and third received echo signals; and a qualitative value calculating section for calculating the attribute property value of the subject based on the magnitudes of displacement.
US08550995B2
A surgical access device includes a proximal frame of fixed construction and a plurality of tissue engaging blades connected to the frame. The plurality of tissue engaging blades may include a first blade that is rotatable, independent of other blades, about an axis that is oriented approximately parallel to a plane defined by the proximal frame.
US08550992B2
An assembly for accessing a body cavity through an opening in tissue is provided. The access assembly includes a flexible outer sleeve configured to be received through an opening in tissue. The outer sleeve defines a passageway therethrough. The access assembly further includes an inner core configured for selective reception within the passageway of the outer sleeve. The inner core defines at least a first lumen configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough.
US08550989B2
There is provided a flexibility/rigidity adjustable apparatus which can change over its state between a flexible state in which such apparatus is freely bendable and a rigid state in which such bending is restricted when in use. A flexible closing cover 18 which can expand/shrink is provided on an outer circumference 2 of a flexible tube 1. A latching member 7 which moves together with the closing cover 18 is provided, and a latching-member receiving part 11 with which the latching member 7 can engage is provided at the outer circumference 2 of the tube 1. A closed space 21 formed between the closing cover 18 and the tube 1 is connected to an air inlet/outlet part 22. As the air is evacuated through the inlet/outlet part 22 to change the pressurized condition of the closed space 21 from an atmospheric pressure condition to a negative pressure condition, the closing cover 18 reduces its diameter around an axis 4, and the latching member 7 is caused to engage with the latching-member receiving part 11. As air is supplied in the closed space 21 to make the interior thereof in an atmospheric pressure condition, the closing cover 18 expands, and engagement of latching member 7 with the latching-member receiving part 11 is released, so that the tube 1 becomes a flexible state from a rigid state.
US08550988B2
A cleaning device for use with a percutaneous visualization device includes a cannula and a cleaning swab. The cannula has a first section pivotably connected to a second section. The cleaning swab is positioned at a distal end of the cannula and is configured to pivot into a position to clean at least a portion of a percutaneous visualization device upon insertion into the cannula. In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning device includes a cannula and a seal. The seal is disposed within the cannula and configured to clean at least a portion of a percutaneous visualization device upon insertion and retraction in the cannula. Further, the cannula has a cleaning surface on at least a portion of an inner surface thereof. The cleaning surface is also configured to clean at least a portion of said percutaneous visualization device upon insertion and retraction in the cannula.
US08550986B2
A propellable apparatus comprises one or more rotatable membranes. The rotatable membranes include an inner surface at least partially defining an encircled region and a continuous outer surface that turns outward to engage a cavity or lumen wall, for example, and turns inward to at least partially encompass a central region defining a longitudinal path. The membranes are powerable to provide movement relative to the cavity or lumen wall. The apparatus further comprises an inflatable and deflatable support structure, configured to bias the outer surface of the membranes outward to engage the cavity or lumen wall at a first outer diameter, and be deformable inward in response to a compressive force or operator command to provide a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter. In some examples, the rotatable membranes include belt-like membranes, and the inflatable and deflatable support structure includes at least one impermeable bladder.
US08550979B2
A method of treating incontinence in a patient includes implanting a support by suspending the support from a pair of connectors attached to tissue thereby supporting a urethra of the patient with an implanted support and a pair of implanted connectors. The method additionally includes evaluating the patient for incontinence post-implantation of the support, and reducing the incontinence of the patient by shortening a length of one of the pair of implanted connectors through intact skin from a location extracorporeal of the patient.
US08550972B2
Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.
US08550968B2
There is a developing roller having a low compression permanent strain without contaminating a photosensitive drum and deteriorating toners. The developing roller 1 comprises a shaft 2, an elastic layer 3 formed on an outer periphery of the shaft 2 and a surface coating layer 4 formed on an outer peripheral face of the elastic layer 3, in which the surface coating layer 4 comprises a urethane resin formed by crosslinking a lactone-modified polyol with a polyisocyanate. The urethane resin is preferable to be formed by crosslinking the lactone-modified polyol with two or more kinds of polyisocyanates.
US08550940B2
Systems and methods for evaluating a golf ball design are disclosed. In one implementation, a method for evaluating a golf ball design may comprise designing a proposed golf ball having a size and dimple design; determining a specific gravity of the proposed golf ball; selecting a material for a test golf ball that will mimic the specific gravity of the proposed golf ball when the material is formed into a test golf ball having substantially the same size, shape, and dimple pattern as the proposed golf ball, but having a predetermined construction differing from the proposed golf ball; forming the selected material into the size and dimple design of the proposed golf ball to form the test golf ball; and testing the test golf ball to evaluate the golf ball design.
US08550938B2
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed on its outer surface, the outer surface of the golf ball being divided into plural areas including dimples configured such that the golf ball is spherically symmetrical as defined by the United States Golf Association (USGA) Symmetry Rules, and such that the golf ball exhibits a drag coefficient (CD) below about 0.260 at a Reynolds Number (Re) of about 170,000 and at a spin rate in the range of about 3,400 rpm to about 3,550 rpm and below about 0.330 at a RE of about 80,000 and at a spin rate in the range of about 2,900 rpm to about 3,000 rpm.
US08550928B2
A participatory water play installation comprises a water play area provided with several water dispensing elements which can be user-activated via a user interface connected to a command center. The command center is preferably located underneath the water play area and further comprises an electronic system controller, electrically actuated solenoid valves and a water distribution manifold. The command center is in fluid communication with the water dispensing elements whereby upon stimulation of the user interface, the command center initiates a predetermined sequence of water dispensing patterns from the activated water dispensing elements, resulting in recreational enjoyment of the participants.
US08550923B2
An electronic terminal (10), in particular for the management of games, comprising an upper cover (16) fulcrum-mounted on a fixed external structure (11) and suitable for assuming, with respect to the latter, a closed position (P1) and an open position (P2), in which the upper cover (13) is made of a first part (13a), arranged adjacently to the relative fulcrum-mounting area (17) on the fixed structure (11), and a second part (13b), arranged away from the fulcrum-mounting area (17), which bears a keyboard (14) for the entry of data, and in which a screen (16) for displaying data is rotatingly mounted on a central area (13c) of the cover, between the first (13a) and the second part (13b), so as to be adjustable with respect to the fixed structure (11) when the upper cover (13) is in the closed position (P1). To advantage, the terminal (10) comprises a front access door (31a) suitable for being easily removed as a single piece from a respective seat made in the fixed structure (11), thereby freeing and completely uncovering a path (27) for reading of games coupons (28) inserted in the terminal (10).
US08550921B2
A gaming system is disclosed that provides an opportunity to win a prize in response to game play, each game being played in exchange for monetary input. The gaming system includes a game server and a plurality of game units connected via a network. The game server stores one or more games. The game units each include a web browser. The game system enables a player to receive a prize at a game unit in response to winning game play. The gaming system enables game units to request games from the game server over the network. The games may be downloaded over the network from the game server to the requesting game unit to be executed at the game unit and to be displayed in one or more web browsers.
US08550920B1
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include detecting a request to login a player account via a widget embedded in host content. The operations can further include detecting a selection of a wagering game theme, via the widget, for a wagering game that the player account has previously played and presenting a collection of widget content that the player account is authorized to access, via the widget, based on statistics, playing history, achievements, etc. of the wagering game. The operations can further include detecting a selection of a non-wagering game from the collection of widget content and providing a non-wagering game via the widget. The operations can further include providing customized information for a host and/or the player account via the widget based on statistics from the wagering game content or from the widget content.
US08550912B2
Gaming machines having video depictions of one or more mechanical reels projected onto a curved display are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a curved transparent material having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a radius of curvature similar to a mechanical reel. The gaming machine also includes a light emitting diode projector for projecting video images of one or more reels onto the inner surface of the curved transparent material. The gaming machine also includes a light piping material positioned in front of the curved transparent material for illumination of the display. The gaming machine further includes light piping material placed in front of speakers associated with the gaming machine for illumination of the speakers. The illumination of the display or speakers may be synchronized with sound.
US08550909B2
Architecture that motivates and utilizes users as the means for capturing geographical data of a desired location. The architecture incentivizes users (e.g., large numbers of mobile-phone and mobile-computer users) to provide the data in the form of geolocation information trails and images captured by user devices. Thus, users take multiple pictures, for example, and can validate existing coverage of specific points of interest based on variable needs of the requestor. One motivational technique is by using augmented reality (AR) games, which include shooting targets associated with the point of interest (e.g., a street). Thus, the game can be designed for the data accumulation, which includes visual data. Additionally, the architecture can determine the areas or points of interest for validation and/or additional coverage by comparing live video data to an image database to decide of the need for update.
US08550906B2
The game machine and game program of the present invention display, at the start of a game, multiple static symbols by constantly changing to various types of symbols including the wild symbol. The game machine then executes a static display by displaying such changing symbols statically again in each display area and recognizes the arrangements of each static symbol. Then, the game machine visually displays the arrangement of the symbols by which multiple wins are established or the win line related to such arrangements of the symbols, when the pre-determined combinations of symbols, in which at least one wild symbol is included, are arranged so that multiple wins are established. The game machine and game program according to the present invention increases the player's interest and arouses the player's anticipation.
US08550902B2
A method of gaming comprising: receiving a bet from a player; awarding to the player an entitlement to a plurality of game outcomes in exchange for the bet; determining that the player has exhausted the entitlement; and determining, subsequent to exhaustion of the entitlement, whether the player is entitled to an award based, at least in part, on at least one of the game outcomes.
US08550901B2
Methods and apparatus are described for offering a benefit to a player of a first electronic game device. In an embodiment, the method includes determining if a player of a first electronic game device qualifies to receive at least one benefit associated with an award value, and then outputting an offer to provide the at least one benefit. In some embodiments, the offer requires use of a second electronic game device. The method may also include receiving a request for the benefit at the second electronic game device, and then providing at least one benefit to the player. In some embodiments, the offer includes such benefits as additional game play, one or more bonus-round game outcomes, a monetary payout, a game play modification, additional comp points, loss insurance, a multimedia option, and acquisition of at least one unit of media content.
US08550891B2
A draw out point system and method. Points may be derived from odds associated with a player winning a hand when the player is subjected to a draw out. For example, if a first player has an 80% chance of winning a hand against a second player once no bets are possible, the first player is awarded 80 points corresponding to the 80% chance of winning responsive to a draw out by the second player. Alternatively, points are based on a value of a pot at the time of the draw out. After the tournament, players may be awarded payouts commensurate with earned points until a draw out pool is exhausted. To fund the draw out pool, players pay an extra tournament fee or portion of the tournament fee may be allocated to a draw out pool. Operators retain a portion of the draw out pool to increase operator revenue.
US08550890B1
A system that includes a processor, and computer executable instructions readable by the processor and operative to solicit or receive a selection to fill a coach position on a fantasy team, wherein the selection comprises a selection of a coach of a sports team, a member of the sports team, or a unit of the sports team to fill the coach position on the fantasy team, and determine a coach's score based on at least one on-field or off-field action or statistic of the sports team, the member of the sports team, or the unit of the sports team.
US08550889B2
A display control section (72) controls a display unit to display an image on which a first axis corresponding to first information about a situation of a game and a second axis corresponding to second information about a situation of the game are set. A receiving section (74) receives an operation for specifying a position or an area in the image. A first condition relating to the first information and a second condition relating to the second information are acquired based on the results of reception by the receiving section (74). A game-character control section (84) controls the action of the at least one game character in a case where the results of determinations of whether or not the first information and the second information about the current situations of the game respectively satisfy the first condition and the second condition are predetermined results.
US08550887B2
A grill for attachment to a front portion of a vehicle including a base frame structure with a mesh front structure secured thereto. The grill has at least one picture frame structure that is moveable with respect to the base frame structure. The grill also includes a plurality of louvers that are in communication with and moveable with respect to each of the base frame structure and the at least one picture frame structure. A motor unit is associated with the grill and is in communication with the at least one picture frame structure to effectuate movement thereof such that as the at least one picture frame structure moves, the plurality of louvers between an open position and a closed position, whereby openings between adjacent ones of the plurality of louvers are exposed or shut off.
US08550885B2
A grinder includes a housing, a gear cover attached to the housing by a plurality of screws, a spindle case attached to the gear cover, a wheel guard rotatably mounted on the spindle case for covering approximately a half of a disc-shaped tool bit attached to a spindle, a stop piece that regulates the rotation of the wheel guard. The wheel guard is selectively fixed to and unfixed from the spindle case. The stop piece is fixed to the housing together with the gear cover by at least one of the plurality of screws. The stop piece has an abutting section at which the stop piece abuts the wheel guard to regulate the rotation of the wheel guard. The abutting section is located at a position deviated from an axial line of the at least one of the plurality of screws.
US08550884B2
A chain saw sharpening device having a generally U-shaped frame defined by an upper web and first and second parallel side walls for overlying the chain and the guide bar of the chain saw. The frame includes an open area near the center of the upper web defining a sharpening area. Clamping screws are associated with the frame to secure the frame to the cutting bar and an additional clamping screw is associated with the frame for engaging the link of the tooth to be sharpened in order to fix its position with respect to the sharpening area of the frame. A rotary burr having an abradant surface is receivable in either of two diagonally disposed, independently removable bore guides for sharpening left-hand and right-hand cutting teeth.
US08550879B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide an improved conditioning module and conditioning disks for improved pressure distribution during the process of conditioning a polishing pad of a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) system. In one embodiment, a conditioning module comprising multiple, small conditioning disks is provided. In one embodiment, a conditioning disk having a compliant backing member is provided. In one embodiment, the compliant backing member comprises a semi-rigid backing member cut into a spiral shape to provide compliancy. In another embodiment, the compliant backing member comprises a fluid-pressurized, flexible membrane. Each embodiment of the present invention provides an improved pressure distribution across the face of each conditioning disk, resulting in increased disk life as well as increased conditioning rate and uniformity.
US08550878B2
Processing pads for mechanical and/or chemical-mechanical planarization or polishing of substrates in the fabrication of microelectronic devices, methods for making the pads, and methods, apparatus, and systems that utilize and incorporate the processing pads are provided. The processing pads include grooves or other openings in the abrading surface containing a solid or partially solid fill material that can be selectively removed as desired to maintain the fill at an about constant or set distance from the abrading surface of the pad and an about constant depth of the pad openings for multiple processing and conditioning applications over the life of the pad.
US08550868B2
Disclosed is a tube connector for an assembly toy, which includes a cylindrical body having upper and lower horizontal surfaces, a circular hole perforated through the center of the body perpendicular to the horizontal surfaces for insertion of a tube, and at least one coupling rib integrally formed around the body at the level of one of the horizontal surfaces. As a tube is coupled to the coupling rib, assembly of various shapes of three-dimensional toys is possible.
US08550865B2
A spark plug manufacturing method provides a reduction in the cost of raw material preparation and the cost of the disposal of unused powder by recycling powder not used in forming a filler layer of another spark plug. The method is used to make a spark plug that includes a metal shell having a through hole, and an insulating body held inside the through hole, and a filler layer containing talc in a space surrounded by an inner peripheral surface of the through hole and an outer peripheral surface of the insulating body. The powder not used in a process of forming a filler layer of another spark plug is recycled for forming the filler layer of the present spark plug, where the forming process is performed after talc and a binder are mixed.
US08550864B2
A marine propulsion system includes a gearbox housing that is attached to the stern of a vessel hull, a pivot casing that can pivot relative to the gearbox housing for trim/tilt and a lower unit that can pivot relative to the pivot casing to steer. The gearbox housing houses an input shaft, which is connected via a gear set to an intermediate shaft, which is connected via a bevel gear set to a transverse shaft, which extends into the pivot casing. Inside the pivot casing, a drive shaft is connected to the transverse shaft via a clutch assembly and the drive shaft extends from the pivot casing to the lower unit, where it drives a propeller shaft. The pivot casing pivots about the axis of the transverse shaft to trim/tilt and the lower unit pivots about the axis of the drive shaft to steer.
US08550859B2
Close proximity panel mount connectors include a first and a second connector body, each provided with a connection interface at an interface end, a mounting flange with a planar surface at a mounting end, a fastener tab of the mounting flange provided with a tab fastener hole at a male side of the connector body and a fastener slot of the mounting flange formed at a female side of the connector body, a slot fastener hole provided through the mounting flange to the fastener tab slot. The fastener tab of the first connector body seats within the fastener slot of the second connector body when the male side of the first connector body is seated adjacent to the female side of the second connector body, coaxially aligning the tab fastener hole of the first connector body and the slot fastener hole of the second connector body.
US08550857B2
There is provided an electrical charger including a base unit and an adaptor unit. The base unit is configured for being coupled to an electronic device, and includes an electrical connector plug which includes a plurality of electrical connector plug contacts. The adaptor unit is configured for being coupled to a power supply, and includes a plurality of adaptor unit contacts and a receiving aperture defining an opening for an electrical connector plug receiving receptacle configured for receiving the electrical connector plug.
US08550850B2
A communication jack having crosstalk compensation features for overall crosstalk interference reduction is disclosed. In one embodiment, the jack is configured to receive a plug to form a communication connection, and comprises jack contacts disposed in the jack, with each contact having at least a first surface and a second surface. Upon the plug being received by the jack, the plug contacts interface with the first surface of the jack contacts. The jack further includes a first capacitive coupling connected between two pairs of jack contacts to compensate for near end crosstalk, with the first capacitive coupling being connected to the pairs of jack contacts along the second surface adjacent to where the plug contacts interface with the jack contacts. A far end crosstalk compensation scheme is also set forth.
US08550844B2
A waterproof (10) is provided with a capacitor (40); two busbars (35) connected via the capacitor (40). Each busbar (35) includes tabs (36), a coupling (37) connecting the tabs (36), and a connecting portion (38) connected to an electrode of the capacitor (40). A housing (11) houses the busbars (35) and the capacitor (40) and is open only in one direction. The housing (11) holds the terminal fittings inserted through an opening (12) of the housing (11) to be connected to the tabs (36) of the busbars (35). A seal (50) is press-fit into the housing (11) through the opening (12) and has through holes (51) through which the wires are closely inserted. A holder (60) having wire insertion holes (63) corresponding to the through holes (51) is mounted to cover the opening (12) of the housing (11) to retain and hold the seal (50).
US08550843B2
An electrical connector interface has a male portion and a female portion. The male portion provided with at least three outer diameter radial projecting connector tabs and a conical outer diameter seat surface at an interface end. A lock ring provided with a stop shoulder and at least three radial inward coupling tabs at the interface end seats around the male portion, the stop shoulder abutting the connector tabs, a tab seat provided between the coupling tabs and the stop shoulder. The female portion provided with at least three outer diameter radial projecting base tabs and an annular groove open to the interface end with an outer sidewall dimensioned to mate with the conical outer diameter seat surface. The base tabs engage the coupling tabs when the lock ring is rotated to insert the base tabs into the tab seat, retaining the outer diameter seat surface against the outer sidewall.
US08550840B2
An electrical connector monitoring system for a plug and receptacle assembly, that includes a plug connected to the plug assembly, a recess located within the plug, an electrically insulative layer disposed in the recess, a wear member disposed on the plug that at least partially traverses the insulated recess and in electrical contact with the plug, a contact member movably connected with a receptacle of the receptacle, and a signal device in electrical connection through a circuit with the plug, wear member, and contact member when the plug is fully seated within the receptacle.
US08550837B2
A configuration in which a stand-alone plug connector is directly fitted to the wall of a product case, and in the fitting state of the stand-alone plug connector, the contact part of a contact comes in contact with the contact part of a wiring pattern conductive path exposed on the surface of a fit connecting hole, and the electrical connection of a signal transmitting medium can be performed in a simple configuration.
US08550827B1
Consolidated power tips allow a power adaptor to be connected to disparately sized input ports of electronic devices. The consolidated power tips may be sized to balance insertion and pull-out forces for the disparately sized input ports. Deformable members may be added to the consolidated power tips for more desirable insertion and pull-out forces and improved electrical contact. The consolidated power tips may be combined into a multi-sleeve power tip. Each sleeve comprises a device interface for a different set of input ports. Unused sleeves may be retracted into the housing of the power tip. Manual or automatic extension mechanisms may be provided for extending the device interfaces from the housing. The multi-sleeve power tip allows users to interface with a large number of disparate devices without changing power tips.
US08550802B2
There is provided a stacked-layers forming device including a powder layer-forming part for forming a powder layer, an optical device for forming a solidified layer by irradiating a predetermined portion of the powder layer with a light beam and a powder replenishing means for supplying the powder material to above a base on which the powder layer and the solidified layer are stacked or onto an upper surface of a base frame which surrounds the base. The powder replenishing means includes an approximately cylindrical member in which the powder material is charged and a screw member which is installed within the approximately cylindrical member wherein a rotation of the screw member conveys the powder material in the approximately cylindrical member. The stacked-layers forming device of the present invention enables it to not only curb its height since the powder material can be conveyed in a screw manner, but also achieve an improved cycle of the material since the powder material can be conveyed in one direction.
US08550797B2
A scroll compressor that includes: a housing, a drive unit configured to generate a rotating force; and a scroll compression unit having a fixed scroll having a spiral scroll wrap for compressing a suctioned fluid and fixed irrespective of a rotation of a drive shaft of the drive unit and a swivel scroll swiveled according to rotation of the drive shaft and having a spiral scroll wrap, comprises: a main frame disposed within the housing to support a rear surface of the swivel scroll and having a back pressure chamber in an interior thereof; a thrust plate disposed between the swivel scroll and the main frame; and a sealing member inserted between the swivel scroll and the main frame. The sealing member includes a first sealing member inserted between the swivel scroll and the thrust plate, and a second sealing member inserted between the thrust plate and the main frame.
US08550786B2
A vertical axis wind turbine and vertical axis wind turbine assembly comprising a rotary body and a plurality of blades. A cross section through each blade of the plurality of blades transverse to the rotary axis comprises an inner camber line, an outer camber line, and a chord line. The outer camber line comprises a first portion, a transition portion and a second portion. The second portion is longer, in the lengthwise direction, than a combined length of the first portion and the transition portion. The average second portion thickness is less than half an average first portion thickness. A magnitude of an average rate of change in a transition portion thickness is at least twice a magnitude of an average rate of change in a first portion thickness, and a magnitude of an average rate of change in a second portion thickness.
US08550777B2
A blade element (42; 44; 46; 48; 150; 250; 350) for mounting on a wind turbine blade (10) is provided. The blade (10) has a longitudinal direction (L) and a chord extending transversely to the longitudinal direction between a leading edge (18) and a trailing edge (20). The blade (10) has an airfoil profile with a thickness between a suction side and a pressure side along at least a part of the longitudinal direction (L) and with a position of maximum thickness between the leading edge (18) and the trailing edge (20). The blade element (10) has a shape so that, by mounting in a first longitudinal part of the wind turbine blade (10), it changes the profile of the first longitudinal part from a first airfoil profile (100; 200; 300) with an essentially pointed trailing edge (100; 200; 300) and a first chord length (c11; c21; c31) to a changed airfoil profile with a blunt trailing edge (153; 253; 353). The changed airfoil profile is a truncated profile of an imaginary airfoil profile (160; 260; 360) with an essentially pointed trailing edge and a second chord length (c12; c22; c32), which is larger than the first chord length (c11; c21; c31).
US08550769B2
A wind turbine comprising a tower and a nacelle which is rotatably mounted on the tower and whose alignment is adjustable by way of a yaw system, wherein the yaw system has at least one adjusting drive, a rotatable yaw bearing, at least one brake disk and at least two brake units which can exert a braking torque on the brake disk, wherein the at least one of the brake units has a first brake pad with a first coefficient of friction, and at least one of the brake units has a second brake pad with a second coefficient of friction, wherein the first and the second coefficient of friction are different from each other.
US08550762B2
An article transporting apparatus includes a traveling carriage adapted to run along a travel rail, a pair of front and rear lift guide masts mounted on the traveling carriage to be spaced apart from each other and connected to each other at upper ends thereof by an upper frame, a lift adapted to vertically move along the pair of front and rear lift guide masts, and an article transfer device provided in the lift, wherein one of the pair of front and rear lift guide masts includes a plurality of posts mounted upright to be spaced apart from each other and a plurality of diagonal members for connecting the adjacent posts to each other, the one of the pair of front and rear lift guide masts having a horizontal section area greater than that of the other of the pair of front and rear lift guide masts.
US08550758B2
A stackable device for engaging an elongated support for restraining cargo in a container having a pair of opposed walls and configured to transfer to shear stress at least some of the tensile force applied by the elongated support. The stackable device invertably stackable with an other stackable device.
US08550753B2
A face mill and a replaceable milling insert are disclosed. The front side of the milling insert is tilted at a clearance angle (ε) in relation to the reference plane (RP). The cutting edge of the milling insert extends between two end points, which move in circular paths of different radii. The cutting edge forms a negative radial angle (δ) with an imaginary radial line (A) that extends from the center axis (C1) of the basic body and intersects the first end point of the cutting edge. The front side and chip surface of the milling insert mutually form a nominal angle (β) that amounts to at most 83° . The cutting edge is straight and in the entire length thereof situated in the reference plane (RP), the negative radial angle (δ) thereof amounting to at least 70°.
US08550746B2
An electrical power generating system is connected to a sewer for conveying waste water to a sanitary treatment station. Waste water is propelled through the sewer line by pumping equipment which simultaneously pulverizes most large objects carried by the waste water. The waste water drives one or more water-operated turbines. The turbines are operatively connected to electrical power generators for producing electrical power and dispersing the power through an electrical power transmission system.
US08550745B2
An apparatus for compacting and conditioning a tract of ground generally consisting of a machine; means mounted on the machine for maneuvering an implement mounted thereon along and in contact with the tract of ground; and an implement mounted on the maneuvering means of the machine movable along and in contact with the tract of ground including a frame attachable to the maneuvering means of the machine, a drum rotatably mounted on the frame and a plurality of segments comprised of loosely connected components disposed transversely and spaced circumferentially on the drum.
US08550744B1
The present invention relates to a pre-fabricated sidewalk block having a heating wire, which may effectively transmit heat through the upper portion of the sidewalk block without losing heat radiated from the heating wire to the ground; which may be easily assembled; and which may absorb the impact of walking. The pre-fabricated sidewalk having the heating wire includes: a lower block having a plurality of first groove parts in the top surface thereof; a buffer plate having a plurality of second groove parts protruding downward so that the plurality of groove parts are inserted and coupled into the first groove parts of the lower block, and which has a first heating wire insertion groove in the length direction in the top surface between the second groove parts which are adjacent to each other; an upper block having a plurality of protrusion parts protruding downward so that the bottom surface thereof is inserted and coupled to the second groove parts of the buffer plate, and which has a second heating wire insertion groove corresponding to the first heating wire insertion groove in the bottom surface between the protrusions which are adjacent to each other; and a heating wire inserted between the first heating wire insertion groove and the second heating wire insertion groove.
US08550728B2
A connection method connects an optical connector and an optical transmission element. The optical connector includes a connector housing, a stop-ring structure, and an optical fiber which protrudes from an end part of the stop-ring structure. The optical transmission element includes a tensile-strength fiber body. The connection method includes fuse-connecting a first end of the optical fiber with a second end of an optical fiber protruding from a transmission element terminal part of the optical transmission element; inserting a fuse-connected optical fiber part and the tensile strength fiber body inside a reinforcing sleeve provided with a hot melt body, and covering and bridging the transmission element terminal part and at least the end part of the stop-ring structure; and integrating the fuse-connected optical fiber part, the tensile strength fiber body, the transmission element terminal part, and the stop-ring structure, by a hot melt resin melted from the hot melt body.
US08550723B2
An optical fiber connector includes a first protecting body and a second protecting body detachably assembled to the first protecting body. The first protecting body includes a first base plate and a first housing extending out from the first base plate. The first base plate defines a first receiving hole to communicate with the first housing. The second protecting body includes a second base plate and a second housing extending out from the second base plate. The second base plate defines a second receiving hole to communicate with the second housing. The second housing and the first housing together define an accommodating space therebetween.
US08550721B2
A fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system includes optical fiber sections in respective conduit sections. Each of the conduit sections is received in the housing assembly. An optical connection between the optical fiber sections is positioned within the housing assembly.
US08550716B2
A pouch including opposing sidewalls sealed together in a closed distal portion to form an interior that is accessible by a proximal opening. A closure profile extends along an interior surface of the opposing sidewalls for selectively sealing the proximal opening, wherein the closure profile substantially extends a length of the proximal opening. A plurality of tactile strips are disposed on an interior surface of at least one of the opposing sidewalls between the closure profile and the proximal opening, the tactile strips being variably spaced. Preferably, each tactile strip has a well-formed triangular cross-sectional shape with a height from the respective sidewall approximately double a thickness of the respective sidewall.
US08550714B2
A pocket closure assembly can have a pocket and a first member coupled to the pocket, where the first member has a first surface. A second member may be rotatably coupled to the first member, where the second member has a second surface that mates with the first surface to form a seal for the pocket if the second member is rotated to a closed position.
US08550713B2
A bag for enclosing a handheld electronic device (HED) comprises a flexible sheet material such as a flexible or stretchy fabric. The material is formed into a bag having a main body and a mouth. The mouth has a periphery smaller than the periphery of the main body. The mouth can elastically stretch to allow passage of the HED. First and second loops are attached to and project from the bag adjacent to the mouth to allow a user to support the bag with thumb and forefinger while inserting the HED. In one embodiment, an elastic structure comprises the periphery of the mouth. The unstretched length of such an elastic structure may be adjusted to compensate for the size of the HED.
US08550709B2
An imaging area specifying apparatus that includes a storage component and a specifying component is provided. The storage component stores as correlation information a correlation value correlated with the amount of radiation emitted to each of a plurality of predetermined areas divided from a detection region of a radiation detector that outputs an electric signal indicating a radiological image represented by radiation which is emitted to the detection region for detecting the radiation. The specifying component specifies an imaging area capable of capturing the radiological image of a predetermined size while preventing variations in the amount of radiation emitted to each of the divided areas in the detection region, on the basis of the correlation information stored in the storage component.
US08550708B2
A test apparatus for a thermal resistor includes a control device, a temperature processing circuit, a voltage regulating circuit and a temperature detecting circuit. The control device stores a plurality of predetermined voltage values and outputs control signals according to those predetermined values. The temperature processing circuit receives the control signals and outputs a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal according to the control signal. The voltage regulating circuit receives the PWM signal and outputs a first direct current (DC) voltage to heat the thermal resistor. The temperature detecting circuit detects temperature signals and current signals from the thermal resistor. The control device receives the temperature signals and current signals of the thermal resistor and generates a resistance-temperature graph of the thermal resistor.
US08550699B2
The invention relates to a composite balance (45, 45′) formed in a layer of silicon-based material (21) and including a hub (39, 39′) connected to a felloe (37, 37′) by at least one arm (40, 41, 42, 43). According to the invention, the felloe (37, 37′) includes at least one additional part approximately in the shape of a notched ring (23, 23′) of higher the than the silicon-based material, which increases the inertia of the balance. The invention also relates to a method 1 of manufacturing this type of balance. The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.
US08550697B2
A clinical instrument analyzer system for automated analysis of patient samples with a system for suspending particles or methods for the separation of particles, such as magnetic particles, is described herein. The system for suspending particles comprises a reagent cartridge comprising a reagent holder for holding a plurality of tubes. The plurality of tubes comprise a mixing tube for holding particles, rotatably mounted in the holder and a motor operatively connectable to a slot longitudinally positioned on the lower section of the mixing tube. The particles in the mixing tube are suspended when the mixing tube rotates in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The analyzer can be used to analyze bodily fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid.
US08550691B2
A warm mix asphalt plant comprising a counter-flow drum, apparatus for precisely metering flows of A/C and water, an asphalt expander with no moving internal parts where a circular curtain of flowing clean water is mixed with a coaxial circular curtain of moving heated A/C to create asphalt foam which is heated and mixed inside a lower portion of the asphalt expander and then distributed to cover aggregate inside the counter-flow drum.
US08550677B2
A light emitting module includes a plurality of light emitting units that emits light by using semiconductor light emitting elements, and a substrate that supports the plurality of arranged light emitting units. The light emitting units include light guide portions that guide light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting elements so that light emitted by the semiconductor light emitting elements is not directed at irradiation regions of adjacent light emitting units.
US08550676B2
A vehicle light can include a light emitting diode (LED) serving as a light source and an optical system for controlling a light distribution pattern of the light beams from the LED light source utilizing a light guide (such as a lens body having an inner reflecting surface). The vehicle light can project illumination light with a low beam light distribution pattern. The vehicle light can include an LED light source and a lens body serving as a light guide. The lens body can include a light incident surface, a reflecting surface, and a light exiting surface. The LED light source can have a rearmost end light emitting point from which light beams are emitted to form a bright-dark boundary line. Among the light beams, perpendicularly incident light beams not subjected to refraction can be projected toward the bright-dark boundary line while obliquely incident light beams that are subjected to refraction can be corrected to be directed in a lower angular direction than the bright-dark boundary line and to be mixed with the other light beams, thereby preventing color shading of illumination light from the vehicle light.
US08550672B2
An electronic ballast mounting arrangement for HID luminaires on a vertical pole for sports lighting is disclosed. The mounting arrangement comprises an elongate channel to which a weather tight enclosure is fixedly secured. Electronic ballast units are provided in pairs immediately above and/or below the enclosure. Male/female connectors are arranged between end plates of the electronic ballast units and exterior panels of the enclosure so that electrical connections between the ballast units and components on the interior of the enclosure can be made without exposed cables simply by sliding partially pre-mounted ballast units a limited distance toward the adjacent enclosure panel to mate the complemental parts of the connectors, after which the fasteners holding the ballast units to the support are tightened down. A cable using wires with a high-strand count extends through a nipple screwed into a hollow pole from the interior of the weather proof enclosure into the center of the pole and runs upwardly through the pole to the luminaires mounted on one or more cross arms on the top of the pole. A Kelem grip hanger is used to support the cable and relieve tension on the electrical connections between the cable and the luminaires.
US08550660B2
An apparatus creating a flickering flame effect. The apparatus includes a housing with an interior space with first and second stages. A drive mechanism generates a time varying electromagnetic field extending into the first stage. A first pendulum member is pivotally mounted in the interior space of the first stage and includes first and second magnets on first and second ends, with the first end proximate to the drive mechanism such that the first magnet interacts with the varying electromagnetic field to cause movement of the pendulum member. The apparatus includes a second pendulum member pivotally mounted in the second stage with a magnet on a first end proximate to the second end of the first pendulum member. A flame silhouette element extends from the second pendulum member, and a light source transmits light onto the flame silhouette, which is moving due to the magnetic coupling of the pendulum members.
US08550656B2
A modular lighting fixture may include a housing having opposite ends, an endplate for fastening to one end of the housing, the endplate having a lens receiving face on a first side and an additional-structure-connecting face on a second side. The second side has an outer perimeter portion and a first peripheral surface, the first peripheral surface being inward of the outer perimeter portion. An additional structure is provided having a second peripheral surface with substantially similar contour as the first peripheral surface on the second side of the endplate. The additional structure is connected to the endplate with the second peripheral surface being proximate to the first peripheral surface of the second side of the endplate. A modular lighting fixture may include first and second elongate housings each having ends, pairs of endplates for being respectively mated with the first and second ends of the first and second elongate housings, the endplates each having a rim, and a bridge adapted for joining one of the endplates of the first elongate housing with one of the endplates of the second elongate housing by sealing cooperation with the respective rims thereof. A lighting fixture may have one or more isolated raceways therein.
US08550653B2
A LED flare and system for use at night, in low light conditions or during the day where a lighted object provides greater visibility. The flare comprises a multi-sided housing with a panel on each side and having a top and a base. It has a plurality of LEDs aligned in windows positioned in at least one of the panels. A switch located on the housing operates the flare. The flare also includes a re-chargeable battery encased in the housing for powering the flare and a circuit for delivering power and operational control from the battery to the LEDs upon activation by the switch. A set of contacts positioned on the outside of the housing deliver a charge to the battery. The flare includes an attachment device for holding an external charger in place against the contacts during charging operation. An individual flare may be part of a system that also includes other flares and a carrying case with an integrated charger and charger accessories.
US08550652B2
The invention discloses a light-emitting decoration which includes a main portion and an engagement portion. The engagement element is disposed on one side of the main portion. The engagement portion comprises an extending portion to form a first accommodating space. The engagement portion comprises a gap to connect through the first accommodating space. Accordingly, while the light-emitting decoration is engaged with the subject object, the gap expends elastically for letting the subject object enter the first accommodating space through the gap.
US08550651B2
There is provided hands-free lighting, components thereof, and other accessories combined with the hands-free lighting. The hands-free lighting is preferably lighted headgear including hats or visors or other headgear. The hands-free lighting may include multiple light sources positioned at the brim of a lighted hat and configured to provide beams of illumination along different axes thereby illuminating distances both near and far from the wearer at the same time while maintaining natural and streamlined appearance of the lighted hat.
US08550647B2
Solid state lighting (SSL) devices and methods of manufacturing such devices. One embodiment of an SSL device comprises a support and an emitter array having a plurality of SSL emitters carried by the support. The emitter array has a central region and a peripheral region outward from the central region. Individual SSL emitters in both the central and the peripheral regions have a primary emission direction along which an intensity of light from the SSL emitters is highest, and the primary emission direction of the SSL emitters in the central region is at least substantially the same direction as the primary emission direction of the SSL emitters in the peripheral region. Additionally, a first coverage area ratio of the SSL emitters in the central region is different than a second coverage area ratio of the SSL emitters in the peripheral region.
US08550646B2
A backlight unit capable of preventing a degradation in luminance, while achieving a reduction in heat generation and a reduction in manufacturing costs by adjusting the arrangement of the light sources while reducing the number of the light sources is disclosed. The disclosed backlight unit includes a bottom cover formed with a plurality of light source groups each including a plurality of light sources arranged in one direction. The spacing of the adjacent light source groups increases gradually from a central portion of the bottom cover to opposite edges of the bottom cover.
US08550645B2
An illumination device for a display device, which is formed from a substrate and a plurality of white light-emitting devices disposed on top of the substrate, and can be used as a backlight for a liquid crystal display panel, wherein the white light-emitting devices have a light source and a phosphor that is excited by the light source and emits light, and a fluorescent material with a composition represented by a general formula: M(0)aM(1)bM(2)x−(vm+n)M(3)(vm+n)−yOnNz−n is used as the phosphor.
US08550638B2
A multi-angle image display device has a display box, two shading panels, two baffle-panels, an imaging space and an image output unit. The display box has a base, a rear panel, a sidewall, a top panel and a chamber. The sidewall is formed perpendicular to the rear panel. The chamber is formed in the display box between the base, the rear panel, the sidewall and the top panel. The shading panels are mounted respectively on the rear panel and the sidewall. The baffle-panels are mounted in the chamber and are connected perpendicular to each other, and each of the baffle-panels has an inner surface and a slant angle. The imaging space is formed in the chamber between the base, the top panel, the baffle-panels and the shading panels. The image output unit is mounted in the top panel and projects an image onto the baffle-panels.
US08550636B2
To aim to provide a simple high-pressure discharge lamp apparatus. The lamp apparatus suppresses local temperature increase in an arc tube during lighting, and uniforms temperature in the arc tube. A lamp is built into a reflector so as to form a lamp unit such that a central axis of the lamp coincides with an optical axis of the reflector. A pair of rotating bodies with a fixed interval therebetween each has a circular outer circumferential surface, and the optical axis of the reflector coincides with a central axis of the circumferential surface of the rotating bodies. A pair of electrodes is electrically connected to the circumferential surface of each rotating body, and the rotating bodies are placed on two rotating rollers arranged in parallel. A drive motor drives the lamp unit in a fixed direction on the rotating rollers. Feeding members feed the rotating bodies with power.
US08550634B2
A light source module, a projection apparatus, and a method of controlling the projection apparatus are provided. The projection apparatus has the light source module. The light source module has a first light source, a wavelength transforming unit, and a driver. The first light source generates a first light beam having a first wavelength according to a first pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. The wavelength transforming unit transforms the first light beam into a second light beam having a second wavelength. The driver drives the wavelength transforming unit, such that the first light beam irradiates a start position on the wavelength transforming unit when a rising edge of the first PWM signal is detected. The start position is determined by a controller.
US08550631B2
A monitor is used to display a visual acuity test operated by software from an associated computer. A patient is spaced a predetermined distance from the monitor during the testing procedure, and individual, multiple LED housings are equally spaced about a center point of the monitor to direct light toward the patient during at least a portion of the test procedure. The light emanating from the individual housings is a diffuse, unfocused light to simulate glare, and the intensity of the light may be selectively altered. Conducting acuity testing under glare conditions determines if there is any reduction or fall off in the patient's acuity vision under such circumstances and provides an indication of whether the patient may require cataract surgery or has another ocular problem.
US08550627B2
A portable fundus observation apparatus includes a body, at least one optical detecting module, and a data processing unit. The body includes a fixing part for fixing the body onto the ocular region of a subject. The optical detecting module includes a light source, an optical lens module, and an image capturing unit. The optical detecting module is separably fixed onto the body. The data processing unit electrically couples with the optical detecting module and processes the fundus image captured by the image capturing unit.
US08550625B2
Systems and methods for fine-tuning refractive shapes for vision treatment are provided. Techniques encompass determining a variable index of refraction for a cornea of the eye, and determining the refractive treatment shape for the eye based on the variable index of refraction. Techniques also encompass determining a variable radius of curvature of an anterior surface of a cornea of the eye, and determining the refractive treatment shape for the eye based on the variable radius of curvature.
US08550609B2
A solid ink printer includes a solid ink measurement system that helps ensure an adequate supply of solid ink is in the feed channels delivering solid ink to a melting device within a printer. The solid ink measurement system includes a driving electrode mounted along a substantial length of a first structure of a first solid ink feed channel, a sensing electrode mounted along a substantial length of a second structure of the first solid ink feed channel, the sensing electrode being opposite and generally parallel to the driving electrode, an AC voltage source coupled to the driving electrode to generate an electrical field emitted from the driving electrode, and a capacitance measurement circuit coupled to the sensing electrode to receive an electrical signal induced in the sensing electrode by the electrical field generated by the driving electrode, the capacitance measurement circuit being configured to identify an amount of solid ink in the first feed channel that corresponds to the electrical signal received from the sensing electrode.
US08550607B2
An ink container for retaining ink includes an ink containing body, an elastically displaceable supporting member, a light emitting portion, a light receiving portion for receiving light from the light emitting portion, a display portion for displaying the received light, and a light guide portion for optically connecting the light receiving portion and the display portion so as to guide the light received by the receiving portion to the display portion. The supporting member at least partly functions as the light guide portion. The light receiving portion is located, with a gap with respect to the light emitting portion, so as to cover the light emitting portion. The light receiving portion approaches the light emitting portion when the supporting member approaches the ink containing body by being subjected to urging toward the ink containing body.
US08550598B2
A liquid ejection head module comprising: first and second head units disposed in a first direction, each of the first and second head units having first and second rows of liquid ejecting heads that comprises a plurality of nozzles disposed in the first direction, the first and second rows of liquid ejecting heads being disposed in a second direction crossing the first direction; a first concavity and convexity on edge of the first head unit; a second convexity and concavity on edge of the second head unit, the edge of the second head unit facing to the edge of the first head unit, at least one of the liquid ejecting heads being disposed at each of the first and second convexities, wherein the first concavity and convexity and the second convexity and concavity are disposed in mating relation to one another.
US08550596B2
A nozzle plate for an inkjet head including a substrate and ink ejecting holes formed in the substrate. An ink-repellent layer is formed on an ink ejecting side surface of the nozzle plate, and portions of the ink-repellant layer around the ink ejecting holes are selectively removed so that portions of the nozzle plate around the ink ejecting holes are exposed. Also, a method of producing a nozzle plate for an inkjet head is provided that includes preparing a nozzle plate which includes a substrate and ink ejecting holes formed in the substrate and has an ink-repellent layer formed on an ink ejecting side surface of the nozzle plate, and selectively removing portions of the ink-repellant layer around the ink ejecting holes to expose portions of the nozzle plate around the ink ejecting holes.
US08550589B2
An image recording device comprising a line head including a plurality of recording element arrays arranged in one direction such that the recording elements have overlapping regions at the mutually adjoining end portions, characterized by comprising a halftone processor for subjecting multilevel image data to a halftone process in accordance with a first half tone processing rule to form the pattern of the dots to be recorded, as a recording pattern, an allocation processor for allocating which of the recording element arrays adjoining in the overlapping regions is used to record according to the recording pattern, by using a second half tone processing rule to suppress the low-frequency component of a space frequency, and a driver for driving the recording elements so that the dot data allocated to the individual recording element arrays may be recorded by the recording elements of the individual recording element arrays contained in the line head.
US08550586B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first carriage movement mode, in which a stop position of a carriage in movement of this time is determined to be at a given position in a width direction on the basis of a size in the width direction of a liquid-ejected medium, and a second carriage movement mode, in which the stop position of the carriage in the movement of this time is determined on the basis of at least one of the liquid ejection data in the movement of this time or the liquid ejection data in the movement of the next time, and liquid ejection is carried out with one of the first carriage movement mode and the second carriage movement mode selected in accordance with the type of liquid-ejected medium.
US08550579B2
An image forming device includes a pump which supplies a recording fluid contained in a first container to a second container via a tube, and a control unit configured to perform rotation of a roller disposed in the pump to press the tube and feed the recording fluid in the tube. When a negative pressure in the second container is not formed by performing a first backward rotation of the roller by a predetermined amount, the control unit performs a forward rotation of the roller and performs a second backward rotation of the roller after an end of the forward rotation.
US08550574B2
Components for assembling a modular exhibit structure are provided. These components include: frames, connectors (for connecting together frames), panels (for mounting within frames), cover plates (for mounting over sides of frames), and dust covers (for mounting over top of connected frames). These components are configured to allow a single person to assemble an exhibit structure without any specialized tools or mechanical skills.
US08550556B2
A reconfigurable infant support structure includes a frame, a hanger arm movably coupled to the frame, and a seat movably coupled to the hanger arm. The hanger arm is placeable in a moving position and in a fixed position. The seat is positionable in a lowered position and in a raised position relative to the frame along the hanger arm. The seat is releasably securable in its raised position. The frame restricts the seat from being releasably secured in its raised position unless the hanger arm is in its fixed position. Conversely, the hanger arm can not be released from its fixed position unless the seat is in it lowered position.
US08550542B1
A trailer includes a chassis and a trailer body connected to the chassis. The trailer body includes left and right vertical side walls and a curved floor. The left and right side walls each include a plurality of extruded panels each including an inner wall and an outer wall spaced from the inner wall.
US08550536B2
The tailgate (1) or rear door for a motor vehicle with a rear window includes a single-piece main carrying structure (10) with a peripheral, flexurally resistant frame (11), with an upper transverse beam (12), two lateral longitudinal beams (13, 14) and at least one lower transverse beam (15). The main carrying structure consists of a fibre-reinforced moulding compound (20) with at least two impregnated, integrated continuous-fibre bands (21) and this moulding compound is non-positively connected to the rear window (2) and together with this forms a flexurally resistant structure. Thereby, the continuous-fibre bands (21) in sections are integrated into the frame (11) in an arrangement vertical (v) to the surface (H) of the tailgate, by way of the continuous-fibre bands (21) being arranged vertically to the surface (H) and/or at a vertical distance (d) to the surface (H).
US08550532B2
A locking mechanism is provided for a tarping system having a flexible cover carried by a deployment mechanism having a horizontal arm spanning the width of a container, the deployment mechanism movable to an extended position in which the horizontal arm is adjacent one end of the container. The locking mechanism includes at least one locking element associated with one end of the container and at least one latching element having a latching portion configured to engage the at least one locking element. The latching element is pivotably supported on the horizontal arm so that latching element can pivot to and from a locked position in which the latching portion engages the at least one locking element. A tension element is connected between the latching element and the cover to control the pivoting of the latching element under the force of gravity based on the position of the flexible cover.
US08550517B1
A telescopic barrel lifting attachment device which includes a parallelepiped body, a plate member disposed perpendicularly thereto on each end of the body, a pair of slide bars disposed on each side of the body having a channel therebetween through which the body slides, a concave clamp assembly disposed on a bottom end of each plate member, and a cable having external ends attached to the plate members. As the cable is raised and alternately is lowered by a hoist, the cable pulls the clamp assemblies inwardly toward and alternately allows the clamp assemblies to move away from each other to secure and move and alternately release a barrel in a desired location.
US08550512B2
The pooper scooper includes an elongated foldable pole having a grip at one end and a pivotable waste collecting assembly at the other end, the elongate pole being divided into upper and lower sections; the upper section including the grip at one end and a releasable locking mechanism at the other end; a joint or hinge mechanism interconnecting the two sections; the lower section including a selectively actuated waste collecting control; and the pivotable waste collecting assembly adapted to hold a bag open to catch pet wastes or other materials and automatically close the bag when ready for to disposal through actuation of the waste collecting control. The pooper scooper is also part of a pet waste disposal system including a bag dispenser and a bag adapted to be mounted to the waste trapping assembly.
US08550497B2
Provided is a steering device in which play of a bolt shaft and the like during telescopic adjustment can be prevented using a telescopic adjustment function enabling a driver to adjust a position of a steering wheel in a front-rear direction. The steering device includes a column pipe, an outer housing, a fixed bracket, a stopper bracket, a tightening member having a bolt shaft, a slide guide, an elastic stopper rubber material mounted on the slide guide, and an elastic pushing member in which torsional coil spring portions are formed at both axial ends of a pushing shaft portion. The bolt shaft is passed through a tightening hole of the outer housing and a support hole of the fixed bracket along shaft support portions of the slide guide, and the elastic pushing member is locked and fixed to the fixed bracket.
US08550494B2
A side curtain airbag includes an airbag body and a plurality of airbag fixation portions. The airbag body is divided into a plurality of cells that are inflated by gas flowing into them. The plurality of airbag fixation portions are provided along the upper periphery of the airbag body and attached to a plurality of vehicle body side fixation portions. In a state before attachment, of the plurality of airbag fixation portions, an upper front airbag fixation portion is located above the vehicle body side fixation portion corresponding to the airbag fixation portion, and at substantially the same level as the other airbag fixation portions. Of the plurality of cells, an upper front cell is formed so as to bulge close to the upper front airbag fixation portion.
US08550487B2
Certain embodiments of the present invention include a trailer hitch ball cover comprising an outer shell, an inner socket positioned within the outer shell, and a channel positioned adjacent a lower end of the inner socket, which substantially conforms to a trailer hitch ball and a trailer hitch ball neck. The outer shell may also comprise a first and second component that, when adjacent, form the inner socket and channel. The second component may be pivotally and/or releasably coupled to the first component. The outer shell may also be shaped to resemble human headgear, including a football helmet with facemask, chin strap, and face. Light sources may be positioned on an upper surface and a lower surface of the football helmet and a lower surface of the facemask for illumination.
US08550482B2
The invention allows two single-seat bicycles to be connected to each other to be converted into a multi-seat bicycle. A fixed tube (60), in the center of which a fixed shaft is inserted, is attached to a head tube (6) of a frame (2). A top tube (24) supported by the fixed shaft is relatively pivotally installed on the head tube (6). The fixed tube (60) and the top tube (24) can be connected and disconnected from each other by clutch means (30). In the clutch means (30) are formed a pivot path for defining the un-clutched state and a closed path for defining the clutched state. The clutch means (30) is held at connected and disconnected positions by a position fixation member. Pivoting of the top tube (24) relative to the fixed tube (60) and the operation angle of a handle are limited by a synchronizer.
US08550479B2
An infant carrier apparatus comprises a support frame, a seat assembly and handle assembly respectively connected with the support frame, a backrest frame, and a child holding accessory. The child holding accessory can be detachably installed on the infant carrier apparatus, supported by the backrest frame and the handle assembly. In one embodiment, the child holding accessory includes a support bracket and an enclosure. For installing the child holding accessory, the backrest frame is adjusted to a position inclined forward. The child holding accessory can be then installed between the backrest frame and the handle assembly, wherein the child holding accessory has two opposite end portions respectively connected with the backrest frame and the handle assembly.
US08550477B2
A spa cart system includes a wheeled cart with multiple shelves for carrying spa products and fully-functional equipment for providing spa services in a client's room or designated hotel site, such as a full body massage, manicure, pedicure, and many more. Selectable transportable modules include products and equipment to support a variety of diverse spa activities, such as carrying necessary equipment, including electrically-powered equipment and a massage table and positioning same for use, supporting portability such as a cart width that fits through typical narrow hotel and resort doors, allowing adjustable movement of the equipment to use locations, providing a well-organized physical station supporting the various services (e.g., a manicure treatment station), and providing modules selectable by the technician to satisfy various spa activities pre-selected by a client.
US08550471B2
A tool bit holder includes a sleeve, a hub, and a locking mechanism. The sleeve is moveably mounted on an outer periphery of the hub and includes a first notch, a second notch, and an abutting section. The abutting section is disposed between the first and second notches. The locking mechanism is disposed in a cavity defined in the outer periphery of the hub and is retained therein by the sleeve. Also, the locking mechanism includes a control member, a resilient member, and a detent. The control member is moveably disposed in the cavity and is biased by the resilient member. The detent is carried by the control member.
US08550457B2
A paper feeding module and multi-function printer using the same are provided. The multi-function printer includes a body, a paper transferring passage and a paper feeding module. The paper transferring passage includes an entrance. The paper feeding module includes a photoreceptor axle, a transferring axle and a skew correction axle. The photoreceptor axle is disposed on the paper transferring passage. The transferring axle is disposed next to the photoreceptor axle and contacts the photoreceptor axle. The skew correction axle is disposed between the entrance of the paper transferring passage and the photoreceptor axle. The skew correction axle contacts the transferring axle. The axes of the photoreceptor axle, the transferring axle and the skew correction axle are parallel to one another.
US08550453B2
An assembly includes a currency cassette, a pressure plate, and a plurality of gears rotatably connected to at least two opposite edges of the pressure plate. In an implementation, a plurality of substantially parallel racks are configured to engage a plurality of the gears.
US08550438B2
This invention relates to a portable winch assembly (10; 210) comprising a footplate (12; 212), a support frame (14; 214) which is locatable upon the footplate, a magazine (16; 216) which is locatable upon the support frame, and a drive mechanism (22; 222) which is connectable to the magazine to drive the magazine to rotate. The foot plate, support frame, magazine and drive mechanism comprise separable components which may be transported separately to a site of use and assembled into the winch at the site of use. The invention can provide a portable winch assembly capable of generating a tensile force of up to 10 tonnes, and is therefore suitable for pipe pulling and pipe bursting applications for example, and yet is made up of parts which can readily be carried to the site of use, which site of use may be inaccessible for vehicles.
US08550430B2
A valve for the gastight interruption of a flow path is disclosed. A valve housing includes a first opening and a valve seat. A valve disk includes an inner disk portion, which is linearly movable relative to an outer disk portion so that, in a closed setting, a pressure differential acts substantially upon the movable inner disk portion, which is supported on the valve housing. The valve seat has a radially inward pointing first inner face and the outer disk portion has a radially outward pointing first outer face, wherein in the closed setting there exists a radial sealing contact with the first inner face. The outer disk portion has a radially inward pointing second inner face and the inner disk portion has a radially outward pointing second outer face, having a radially sealing contact with the second inner face.
US08550424B2
A cartridge including an anti-ram device comprises a multiple braking mechanism, including at least two pistons housed in the cover/driver element of a top movable plate, on the sides of a milled ball seat of the faucet control rod.
US08550421B2
A foldable supporting stand for a portable electronic device includes: a base body having front and rear sides; two front legs adapted to hold the electronic device and coupled to the base body in proximity to the front side, the front legs being foldable to move toward each other, or unfoldable to move away from each other in opposite sideward directions; and a rear leg including a rear leg body that is coupled to the base body in proximity to the rear side and that can be folded to move toward the front legs, or unfolded to move rearward and away from the front legs, and a rear leg extension foldably connected to the rear leg body. The rear leg body defines a receiving space for the rear leg extension to be received therein.
US08550420B2
A vehicle seat track assembly includes a first track having first and second spaced apart walls. Each of the first and second walls include a plurality of openings formed therein. A second track is slidably mounted relative to the first track. The vehicle seat track assembly further has a locking mechanism including a first pin carried by the second track and slidably movable between an engaged position such that the first pin extends through one of the plurality of openings formed in the first wall of the first track and a disengaged position such that the first pin is retracted from the plurality of openings formed in the first wall of the first track. A second pin is carried by the second track and is slidably movable between an engaged position such that the second pin extends through one of the plurality of openings formed in the second wall of the first track and a disengaged position such that the second pin is retracted from the plurality of openings formed in the second wall of the first track. The first and second pins are movable in directions different from one another when moving into their respective engaged positions.
US08550413B2
A self-centering vial clamp (100) is provided. The self-centering vial clamp (100) includes a clamp body (101) including a vial aperture (110) and two or more jaw slots (111) spaced around the vial aperture (110), two or more clamp jaws (211) spaced around the vial aperture (110), with a clamp jaw (211) including a vial contact face (213) and one or more jaw projections (231) configured to engage a jaw slot (111) of the clamp body (101), and two or more lever arms (220) coupled to the two or more clamp jaws (211). A lever arm (220) is configured to be manually pivoted, wherein the lever arm translates the pivoting motion into a sliding motion of the corresponding clamp jaw (211). Interacting lever gears (224) formed on the lever arms (220) constrain the two or more clamp jaws (211) to move substantially in unison.
US08550402B2
A deicing system includes dual deice system components to provide a redundant deice system. Each redundant portion of the system generally includes a controller, an air data computer, an ice rate controller, and an ice rate probe. The controller communicating a heating cycle which defines a multiple of electric pulse trains to sequentially provides power to a multiple of heating elements in a designated blade set. Each electric pulse train is defined by an element on-time, a null time between the element on-time for this element and the next element, and an off-time between repetition of the heating cycle for the first heater element. The element on-time is a function of outside air temperature (OAT). The off-time is a function of liquid water content. The tail rotor heating cycle is a more straightforward version of the main rotor heating cycle as each of the tail rotor blade are activated simultaneously and there is only a single heating element on each tail rotor blade.
US08550396B2
A toilet paper dispenser has a housing to cover a wall-mounted pre-existing toilet paper roller. The housing defines a rear periphery defining a wall opening configured for accepting the toilet paper roller therethrough. A pair of operating rollers are rotatably mounted in the housing and are closely spaced from each other to closely receive toilet paper from toilet paper roller therebetween. A motor is mounted in the housing and is coupled to the operating rollers to rotate at least one of the rollers. A presence sensor and a processor are included with the housing, where the processor is capable of receiving signals from the presence sensor. Responsive to a signal from the presence sensor indicating the presence of a hand, the processor energizes the motor to turn the operating rollers. The housing has a bottom opening through which toilet paper is dispensed when the operating rollers are turned.
US08550393B2
A recording tape cartridge has: a reel around which a recording tape is wound; a UHF band RFID tag structured to include a tag antenna formed such that radiating portions are disposed at both sides of a power feed portion; and a case in which the reel is housed. Radiating portion spaces, in which are housed regions of the UHF band RFID tag at which the radiating portions are set, and a power feed portion space, in which is housed at least a portion of a region at which the power feed portion is set, are formed within the case at an outer side of a reel space. Regions at which the radiating portions are formed do not contact a reel area rib and a rear upper wall that surround the radiating portion spaces.
US08550390B2
A food homogenizer is provided, including a base with a driving motor and a homogenizer assembly removably coupled to the base. The homogenizer assembly includes a homogenizing chamber, an inlet chute, and an exit spout. A shredder is disposed within the homogenizing chamber and is driven by the driving motor to homogenize food ingredients into a soft texture with a similar consistency as ice cream or sherbet.
US08550389B2
A hammermill, such as an imp mill 10, for pulverizing material includes a housing 16 defining a grinding chamber 14 having a grinding apparatus 12 disposed therein. The material is fed into the grinding chamber to the grinding apparatus through an inlet conduit 24, and the resulting ground material is directed from the grinding chamber through an outlet conduit 28. The grinding apparatus includes a plurality of hammer disks 32 axially spaced along a rotor 34, wherein disks 32 are disposed within the grinding chamber 14. A plurality of rows 41-46 of hammers 30 is attached to the hammer disks 32. The hammers 30 of each respective row of hammers are circumferentially spaced around the hammer disks 32, wherein each row of hammers is formed to provide generally uniform wear across each row of hammers. The uniform wear may be achieved by forming the hammers 30 of different hardness or wear resistant qualities, and/or configuring the rows of hammers with different shapes.
US08550388B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a machine that blends liquids and/or shaves ice. The machine includes a motor and a control system with an integrated power factor correction circuit and a drive circuit. The integrated power factor correction circuit receives input power from a mains power line, reduces noise transmitted to the mains power line, and provides a boosted, regulated output voltage. The drive circuit is connected to the motor and uses the regulated output voltage in order to control an effective voltage applied to the motor substantially independent of the voltage and frequency of the input power.
US08550384B2
The dust control system is adapted for use with a straw blowing machine. The straw blowing machine typically starts with a bale of straw and utilizes a shredder to loosen the straw from the bale. A blower fan then blows the straw to a throat of a chute and the chute then directs the straw where desired. The dust suppression system includes at least one water inlet applying water to the straw before the straw exits an outlet tip of the chute. Water tanks are preferably provided which feed the water inlets in a controllable fashion to meter an appropriate amount of water to cause dust included with the straw to adhere to the straw and avoid degrading air quality when the straw is ejected out of the chute.
US08550383B2
Directional spray heads on each side of each tower over the wheels spray water behind the trailing wheel and not in front of the wheels. A control box activates the direction of travel of the wheels at the towers through a tower box at each tower. Solenoids wired to the tower box for switching power alternately to each wheel, switch the water flow via the solenoids to directional spray sprinklers spraying behind the trailing wheel.
US08550380B2
The spray head has a housing-mounted inflow passage for feed water, and a central first outflow passage. A second and a third outflow passage are offset in the circumferential direction with respect to an axis of rotation. Each of the outflow passages is connected to a corresponding water outlet for producing different spray jets. A control element having a connecting channel is disposed in the interior of the spray head and is rotatable about the axis of rotation by the actuating element. The actuating element can execute a lifting movement. In the starting position of the actuating element, the connecting channel exclusively connects the inflow passage to the first outflow passage. In the lifting position of the actuating element, the inflow passage is connected either to the second or the third outflow passage as a function of the actuating element and the associated rotational position of the control element.
US08550376B2
A sprayer for spraying a fluid can include a sprayer body, a fluid reservoir, a trigger assembly, a flow adjustment mechanism and an air horn assembly. The sprayer body can include a nozzle assembly that defines a fluid outlet and includes a needle arranged within a fluid conduit. The fluid reservoir can be coupled to the sprayer body and be in communication with the fluid outlet and fluid conduit. The trigger assembly can be coupled to the nozzle assembly and be configured to move the needle as the trigger assembly is depressed. The flow adjustment mechanism can be configured to adjust a flow rate of the sprayer. The air horn can include at least one air horn projection that limits rotation of the air horn between a first position corresponding to a vertical spray pattern and a second position corresponding to a horizontal spray pattern.
US08550373B2
The apparatus comprises a fragrance release system comprising a wick, at least one diffuser, the surface area of the diffuser in contact with ambient air being larger than the surface area of the wick in contact with ambient air, and a container to hold the wick, a fragrance preparation that is stored in the container, the fragrance preparation being transported through the wick to the diffuser by capillary action against the direction of gravity when the wick is housed in the container, wherein the substantially cylindrical wick is formed from at least two mutually different plant-based fibrous materials, the first material forming a core and the second material surrounding this core, and the difference between the contact angle of the core material and that of the material surrounding the core relative to water being at least 10°, the core material having the small contact angle, preferably between 0° and 90°, relative to water.
US08550370B2
Distributed nodes, such as intelligent register controllers, of a heating, ventilating and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system wirelessly communicate with each other on a peer-to-peer basis, forming a network, and collectively control the HVAC system, without a central controller. The intelligent register controllers collectively control the amount of conditioned air introduced into each region. Each node may base its operation at least in part on information about one or more (ideally all) of the other nodes. Each intelligent register controller automatically determines how much conditioned air to allow into its region, or how much return air to allow to be withdrawn from its region, based on information collected by the register controller, such as: current temperature of the region; desired temperature of the region; calculated amount of conditioned air required to change the region's temperature to the desired temperature; temperature of conditioned air begin supplied by a duct to the register; current time, day of week, vacation or other schedule data; temperatures of other regions and their respective desired temperatures; calculated amounts of air required to be supplied or withdrawn by the other controlled registers to change their respective regions' temperatures to their desired temperatures; or combinations thereof. Each register controller automatically determines when and to what extent to operate its respective controllable damper.
US08550362B2
Disclosed is a processor card arrangement comprising a first portion and a second portion capable of being moved relative to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration resulting in the processor card switching between a first state and a second state, wherein when in said first state, the processor card arrangement is operable to perform at least one function and, when in said second state, the processor card arrangement it is not operable to perform said at least one function. According to some embodiments of the invention the dimensions of said processor card arrangement are substantially the same when in the first configuration and when in the second configuration.
US08550361B2
Embodiments of the invention may relate to systems, methods, and apparatus to facilitate locating a user of a transaction device. In one embodiment, a contactless transaction device for facilitating locating the user can be provided. The contactless transaction device may include an antenna operable to electromagnetically receive and transmit data. The contactless transaction device may also include a microchip comprising a memory operable to store consumer account data and location alert data and in communication with the antenna, wherein the microchip is operable to transmit the location alert data to a transaction terminal via the antenna when the contactless transaction device is presented to facilitate a transaction with the transaction terminal.
US08550359B2
A method for receiving and presenting user-generated designs and sets of terms for portable consumer devices. The method provides for allowing a first person to create a customized design for a portable consumer device, and share the design with other consumers via a host site. Similarly, the method provides for allowing a first person to create and share a customized set of terms for the portable consumer device. Methods for receiving and distributing feedback for customized designs and sets of terms are included.
US08550358B2
A method for identifying counterfeit cards and supports that can be used in such method. Such supports may be made of materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics and others. The creation of interference wave patterns generated starting from the interaction between an electromagnetic emitting source and particles installed in the cards or support, for example: by a printing processes. The so produced particle interactions (involving photons and electrons) provides complex interference maps in which constituent variables define wave junction conditions characteristic of the interaction between each INFORMATION BLOCK of particles. The BLOCKS are created/built in accordance to those variables' statements, and located at different points in the support. To be approved as a valid Data point, the wave function present at each of these Points should match those stored in an extremely complex Data Matrix.
US08550354B2
An indicia reader system including: an indicia reader to read information bearing indicia (IBI); an actuator for activating the indicia reader; a first device for wirelessly sending audio data; a headphone for wear by the operator, the headphone having a second device for accepting the audio data and at least one audio feedback device provided therein for utilizing the audio data to provide audio feedback to the operator.
US08550347B2
Disclosed is an information reader wherein the degree of freedom of design can be increased, and magnetic information recorded on an information recording medium can be properly read. Specifically, the information reader comprises a medium passage through which the information recording medium having the magnetic information recorded passes, a magnetic head which is brought into contact with the information recording medium passing through the medium passage and reads the magnetic information recorded on the information recording medium, guide sections for guiding the information recording medium so that a force acts on the information recording medium and the magnetic head to push each other when the information recording medium and the magnetic head are brought into contact with each other, and a biasing mechanism which biases the magnetic head in the direction in which the information recording medium and the magnetic head are brought into contact with each other. The guide sections are not arranged at a position facing a magnetic gap formed at the end of the magnetic head, and are arranged closer to the upstream side than the magnetic gap in the direction in which the information recording medium passes through.
US08550338B1
An aspect of the invention provides methods, computer media, and apparatuses to generate notifications to verify processing of a deposit or change order along a cash supply chain. A user is provided automated alerts that are responsive to detected events, where an event may correspond to an occurrence happening or an occurrence not happening within a predetermined duration. Notification settings may be configured based on a user input. Based on the notification settings, status information is monitored from stages along the cash supply chain. When a corresponding event is detected, a notification is automatically sent to the user over a communications channel.
US08550337B2
Methods and systems related to codes that are usable by a remote control device to remotely control a function of the electronic device are described. The methods and systems may also include transmitting the codes to the remote control device via a remote control device interface.
US08550336B2
An anti-counterfeit authentication system provides authentication services over available communication networks. The system assigns unique anti-counterfeit certificates to authentic items. The certificates are stored in anti-counterfeit tags that are attached to the authentic items. An authentication server provides authentication services to authentication clients over the communication networks. The authentication clients read, via tag readers, the anti-counterfeit certificates from the tags associated with items to be authenticated, provide the anti-counterfeit certificates to the authentication server which determines authenticity and supplies authentication results back to the authentication clients.
US08550327B2
A clad solder thermal interface material is described. In one example the material has a a first layer of solder having a melting temperature lower than a temperature of a particular solder reflow furnace, a second layer of solder clad to the first layer of solder, the second layer having a melting temperature higher than the temperature of the solder reflow furnace, and a third layer of solder clad to the second layer of solder opposite the first layer, the third layer having a melting temperature lower than the temperature of the solder reflow furnace.
US08550326B2
A mandrel that provides a counter-force to the pressure exerted on the outside of a pipe or other arcuate surface by a friction stir welding tool, wherein the mandrel is expandable through the use of a wedge, and wherein the mandrel enables multiple friction stir welding heads to simultaneously perform welding on the arcuate surface.
US08550316B2
A method and apparatus for securing a child to a wearer in a first arrangement and for securing a child to a chair in a second arrangement is provided. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base panel having a first edge, a second edge, and opposing third and fourth edges. The apparatus also includes a crotch panel having first and second securing devices and attached to the second edge of the base panel, where the securing devices of the crotch panel are configured to wrap around the back portion of the chair and fasten to each other. The apparatus further includes a waist panel attached to the second edge of the base panel such that the base panel is configured to wrap around the waist of the wearer in the first arrangement and to wrap around the seat portion of the chair such that the child situated within the apparatus is unable to stand upright in the second arrangement.
US08550313B2
A sift-resistant dispensing closure is disclosed. The sift-resistant dispensing closure includes a base, a lid and a hinge connecting the lid to the base. The base contains a circular end wall, a cylindrical skirt extending downward from the periphery of the end wall, and a sift deck elevated from the upside of the circular end wall. The sift deck contains a deck surface surrounded by a first snap bead and a first sealing surface, and pouring holes formed on the deck surface. The lid contains a second snap bead and a second sealing surface that are formed on the underside of the lid and engage with the first snap bead and first sealing surface, respectively, to form a seal around the sift deck when the lid is in a closed position.
US08550311B2
A fastener device (1, 2) for fastening a dispenser member (4) on a reservoir neck (51), the device comprising: a ring (1) forming an annular bearing collar (10) for coming to bear against the top (52) of the neck (51), with a gasket (3) possibly being interposed therebetween, and a skirt (11) including a free bottom end (145) and a deformable fastener section (13) that is deformed by thrust on the free end; and a hoop (2) that surrounds the skirt (11) of the ring (1) and constrains the fastener section (13) to deform inwards into contact with the neck (51); the device being characterized in that the deformable fastener section (13) is separated from the free end (145) by a substantially non-deformable bottom section (14) that is in engagement with the hoop (2).
US08550308B2
An apparatus for storing fluid and dispensing multiple portions of a stored fluid therefrom. The apparatus comprises a container defining a variable-volume storage chamber for receiving therein the fluid and a dispensing valve including a valve inlet coupled in fluid communication with the variable volume storage chamber, and a valve member in fluid communication with the valve inlet and defining a normally-closed valve opening. The valve member is responsive to fluid at the valve inlet exceeding a valve opening pressure to move between (i) a normally closed position, and (ii) an open position permitting fluid flow through the valve opening. The dispensing valve defines a dispensing axis defining a direction substantially along which fluid is dispensed from the valve, and further includes an outlet surface over which dispensed fluid flows oriented at an acute angle relative to the dispensing axis for preventing the collection of residual dispensed fluid thereon.
US08550307B2
A dispensing device comprising an enclosure and a pump, in which the enclosure comprises a base and a cover, in which the cover is attached to the base with a hinge and is rotatable about said hinge towards and away from said base, in which the pump comprises an operating plunger, in which the cover is connected to said plunger by a pivoting linkage adapted to convert the rotational movement of the cover into a linear movement of the operating plunger.
US08550303B2
A multi-chambered container for storing and dispensing flowable substances and method for using the same. The container includes a plurality of individual chambers each containing a flowable substance. Each chamber is in fluid communication with a discharge valve assembly. The valve assembly selectively dispenses a single one of the flowable substances in response to one of the chambers being pressed or squeezed by a user without simultaneously dispensing the remaining substances. In preferred embodiments, the container includes at least two, and more preferably three or more chambers.
US08550302B1
A wall mounted dispenser for dispensing a mixture of water and liquid chemicals which may be used as a separate dispenser or in combination with other like dispensers. The dispenser of this invention includes several backflow preventers to ensure that the water supply will not become contaminated during backflow problems.
US08550295B2
The test strip containers accurately dispense one test strip for easy removal. One test strip container includes a slider with a slot that catches a single test strip therein from a stack positioned inside the container. The slider retaining the single test strip moves across the container while the single test strip rides along a ramp or track on the exterior of the container until the single test strip extends above the container. Another test strip container includes inner and outer cylinders. The inner cylinder defines an opening through which a test strip from a stack is dispensed and an external ramp or track. As the outer cylinder rotates about the inner cylinder, a recessed slot in the outer cylinder captures a single test strip, and continued rotation of the outer cylinder causes the test strip to ride along the ramp or track to extend above the cylinders for removal.
US08550293B2
A replacement shelf for displaying, storing, and vending flat pack gum and candy replaces an existing shelf which was dedicated solely to vending old style five stick gum and roll candy. The replacement shelf includes a plurality of parallel product guides each of which includes a planar bottom surface and a pair of parallel spaced apart product support rails which cooperate to support product to be stored, displayed and vended in a position above the planar bottom surface of the product guides and in a position which ensures that the product is directed to fall downwardly from the product guide into a delivery bin in the vending machine.
US08550289B1
A drink vessel holder holds a drink vessel on a target surface such as a plate of food and allows the user to hold both the plate and the drink vessel held thereon with the same hand in order to allow the other hand to be used for enjoyment of the products being held. The drink vessel holder has a body member with a convex upper surface that seats within a concave bottom surface of a drink vessel. A tab extends outwardly from the body member, the tab being used by the user to hold the drink vessel on the plate. The tab may have an arcuate channel that receives a portion of the bottom structural ring of the drink vessel or the structural ring may be depressed or slotted for passage of the tab therethrough.
US08550284B1
An apparatus which is used to very securely retain a disposable trash bag onto the upper interior circumference of the trash receptacle portion of a janitorial cart. It includes a retaining ring which is securely retained by spring force action against the upper interior rim of the trash receptacle. A trigger mechanism is used to lock the retaining ring in a raised condition over the upper interior circumference so that the open ends of a disposable trash bag are inserted between the retaining ring and the upper interior surface. The trigger mechanism is retained in place by engaging teeth which engage ratcheted receiving teeth. A pair of pushbuttons serve to release the trigger mechanisms so that the return spring force causes the retaining ring to move upwardly and release the entrapped disposable garbage bag.
US08550283B2
A lid system for a shielding cask is provided, the system comprising a plurality of contiguous panels, each panel is axially actuated by a first lift piston located laterally from the casks' longitudinal principal axis, and rotated about the cask by a ‘hinge’ piston at approximately 90 degrees along an arc from the first piston, the arc formed by a portion of the lip of the cask.
US08550258B2
A feedwell for a gravity separation vessel for introducing a feed stream such as oil sand slurry to the gravity separation vessel is provided comprising a walled member having an upper perimeter edge, a lower perimeter edge and a substantially continuous wall extending from the upper perimeter edge to the lower perimeter edge; an inlet for introducing the feed stream into the walled member positioned adjacent the substantially continuous wall; and a bottom floor having an opening and extending generally beneath the lower perimeter edge; whereby a perimeter of the opening is less than a perimeter of the walled member.
US08550257B2
A ceramic water purifying device is provided. The device includes a silver treated packed particle bed in one embodiment. The device may also include feldspar or bottled glass.
US08550250B2
A package is disclosed comprising a reclosable blister attached to a paperboard card.
US08550248B1
A personalizable display for identifying actual pill samples and indicating associated information so as to visually correlate the actual pill samples with the associated information. The display includes a substrate, a plurality of containers, and a plurality of pockets. The plurality of containers are disposed in the substrate, and visually hold the actual pill samples. The plurality of pockets are disposed on the substrate, visually hold the associated information, and are disposed adjacent to associated ones of the plurality of containers so as to visually correlate the actual pill samples with the associated information, and among other things, identify the actual pill samples.
US08550247B2
A holder (100) for storing prescribed medication doses in a sealed cup (112) is provided with a sealing strip (117) a first portion (110) of which covers the mouth of the cup and a second portion (120) carries a picture of the face of the patient for whom the medication has been prescribed. The holder (100) is provided with a rim (113) extending outwardly from the mouth of the cup and with an extension flange (114) having a flat upper surface (111) which is coplanar with the upper surface of the rim (113). The sealing strip adheres to the coplanar surfaces of the rim (113) and the flange (114) and is provided with lines of severance (130 and 131) extending from a pull-tab (151) and along opposite sides of the cup. These lines of severance (130 and 131) are arranged within the confines of the path of the seal between the sealing strip (117) and the rim (113) so that air cannot leak through the lines of severance and into the cup when storing medication doses within the holder. The pull-tab enables the first portion (110) of the sealing strip (117) to be peeled back from covering the cup so that its contents can be accessed by inverting the cup over the palm of the hand of the user.
US08550246B2
A collapsible box for disposal of articles such as sanitary wear, comprises a base, at least three walls upstanding therefrom and a top, the top having an aperture through which articles or items may be placed in the box and a flap at least partially occluding the aperture, the flap being urged upwardly and at least a part of which being engaged by a wing portion to inhibit upward motion thereof, the wing portion being moveable between a first condition for collapsing the box and a second condition at least partially overlying the aperture.
US08550245B2
In certain embodiments, a welding wire and container assembly includes a container having an interior volume; a coil of welding wire disposed in the interior volume; and a wire container cover. The wire container cover may include a top surface having an opening therethrough to enable welding wire to pass through the wire container cover when the wire container cover is disposed on the container. The assembly also may include a skirt askew to the top surface, wherein the skirt is adapted to produce friction between the skirt and a side of the container when the wire container cover is disposed on the container housing and wherein the skirt is non-locking with respect to the container.
US08550242B2
A container comprises at least a first wall (2a) and a second wall (2b) presenting respective flaps (6) of plastic, plasticized or metallized material, engaging one with another in overlapping contact to interconnect the relative walls (2a, 2b). Each flap (6) is furnished with a strip (7) of material presenting a first face (7a) affixed to the flap (6), and a second face (7b), opposite from the first face (7a), able to retain a coating of liquid or paste adhesive; the second faces (7b) of the strips are bonded together to secure the joined flaps (6) one to another.
US08550241B2
A package for smoking articles comprising an inner shell (2) and an outer shell (1), the inner shell defining a space for smoking articles and the outer shell defining a cavity to receive the inner shell, the inner and outer shells being hingedly connected such that they pivot relative to each other from a closed position in which the inner shell is received in the outer shell and an open position in which the inner shell extends from the outer shell, wherein the outer shell includes a sidewall that overlaps a sidewall (13) of the inner shell when the inner and outer shells are in their closed position, a recess (56) being formed in the sidewall of one of the inner or outer shells and a tab (60) extending from a corresponding sidewall of the inner or outer shell such that, when the inner and outer shells are in their closed position, the tab locates in said recess.
US08550238B2
A contact lens storage case of limited life and predetermined usage to further the safe and effective use of contact lenses by ensuring patient compliance through both limiting case use over a set period of time and discouraging reuse and topping-off of the disinfecting and storage solution. Generally, the self-destruction consists of the case developing a leak in a pre-determined fashion as a result of the change in properties of a material in a limited area of the case following exposure of the case to the storage solution.
US08550231B2
A conveying device includes a housing, a linear driving mechanism, a first sliding assembly, a second sliding assembly, and a carrying mechanism. The linear driving mechanism is assembled within the housing. The first sliding assembly is slidably assembled together with the second sliding assembly within the housing, and both sliding assemblies are driven by the linear driving mechanism to slide horizontally. The carrying mechanism is slidably sandwiched between the first sliding assembly and the second sliding assembly. The first sliding assembly and the second sliding assembly are driven by the linear driving mechanism to slide within the housing along either a same direction or along opposite directions. The carrying mechanism may slide linearly together with the first sliding assembly and the second sliding assembly, or slide upwards and downwards perpendicular to the linear sliding direction of the first sliding assembly and the second sliding assembly.
US08550227B1
Systems and methods for automatically positioning a coin sensor are disclosed herein. An auto-positioning coin sensor configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a coin sensor for determining a physical characteristic of an object and a moving device operably coupled to the coin sensor. The moving device can be configured to adjust the position of the coin sensor to determine the physical characteristic. Auto-positioning coin sensors in accordance with the present technology can include coin sensors that can be positioned based on a measurement of a dimension of an object.
US08550222B2
A device for selectively controlling and varying a frictional force level at an interface between two bodies, includes a first contact body having at least one surface, a second contact body having at least one surface in physical communication with the first contact body, and an active material in operative communication with a selected one or both of the first contact body and the second contact body, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in a property upon receipt of an activation signal wherein the change in a property is effective to change the frictional force level at the interface between the at least one surface of the first contact body and the at least one surface of the second contact body.
US08550219B2
Disclosed is an electromagnetically released spring pressure brake that is to be mounted on a machine wall or similar. Said brake comprises a uniform rectangular coil support (1) with two preferably oval, adjacent coils (7, 7.1), to which two separately movable rectangular armature disks are assigned. Said armature disks apply pressure to a joint rotor encompassing two friction linings that are mounted on each side when the coils (7, 7.1) are de-energized. The rotor is axially movable on an axially toothed hub. Two respective fastening screws (9) are used for guiding each of the armature disks parallel along the central longitudinal axis (13, 13.1) thereof, on the radially largest possible diameter of the rotor. A manual lever (10) featuring manual releasing bolts is provided for each armature disk. The inventive brake is simple and inexpensive and has two separate braking circuits, allowing the friction surfaces to be better utilized as the rotor has a greater diameter while the outer dimensions of the brake remain the same. Alternatively, the outer dimensions can be reduced if the rotor is not modified. In order to do so, a uniform or monolithic square coil support is provided that comprises two adjacent coils therein and two separate, independently movable armature disks on both sides of the central brake rotor (3).
US08550217B2
The invention relates to an elevator provided with a safety gear arrangement, the elevator including at least an elevator car arranged to travel back and forth substantially vertically along guide rails, at least two safety gear mechanisms disposed in conjunction with the elevator car and at least one speed limiter, which includes at least a speed limiter pulley, a diverting pulley and a speed limiter rope fitted as a loop around at least the speed limiter pulley and the diverting pulley, the speed limiter rope being connected at least to a first safety gear mechanism. A second safety gear mechanism has been arranged to be triggered after the triggering of the first safety gear mechanism.
US08550204B2
An exhaust device of a vehicle, provided with a V-engine (5) having a front cylinder (52) and a rear cylinder (53), has a muffler (93) arranged in a rear part of the vehicle. A front cylinder exhaust pipe (91) is connected to a front surface of the front cylinder (52), and a rear cylinder exhaust pipe (92) is connected to a rear surface of the rear cylinder (53). A collecting pipe (94) is provided to collect the front cylinder exhaust pipe and the rear cylinder exhaust pipe. Also, a downstream exhaust pipe (95) extends from the collecting pipe to the muffler. The total length of the front cylinder exhaust pipe and the total length of the rear cylinder exhaust pipe are substantially the same.
US08550191B2
Provided is an excavation tool for efficiently taking waste rocks produced during excavation into the inner peripheral side of a casing pipe. An excavation tool (10) includes a casing shoe (11), a casing pipe (15), a rod (60), a device (40), and an excavation bit (20). The excavation bit (20) has a head portion (22) and a skirt portion (23). The head portion (22) is provided with: a face flute (27), which is open into the tip face of the head portion and extends radially outward; a connection flute (28), which is integrally connected to the outer peripheral end of the face flute (27) and extends toward the rear end side, and an intake hole (29), which is integrally connected with the discharge flute (46) of the device (40) and is open to the inner peripheral side of the skirt portion (23) from the connection flute (28).
US08550189B2
A chuck assembly, an assembly for an earth-boring drill assembly, and a method of manufacturing a chuck assembly. In the assembly, a first portion of the chuck bore may have a minimum inner diameter greater than the chuck spline maximum inner diameter. A support ring recess may be defined in the bore axially between the chuck splines and the first end. A support ring may be positionable in the support ring recess, and the support ring, when positioned in the support ring recess, may have a support ring inner diameter less than the minimum inner diameter of the first portion of the bore. The drive pin may be positionable circumferentially between one of the chuck splines and an associated one of the bit splines and have an axial end surface at least partially engageable with the support ring to limit axial movement of the drive pin toward the first end.
US08550179B2
A control system for use in conjunction with a primary power system and operable to control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool broadly comprises an air delivery assembly operable to communicate with a pressurized air source; a control assembly including an exhaust line from the primary power system and to the control assembly, a spool valve in fluid communication with the supply line and the exhaust line, and a control line in fluid communication with the spool valve and the hand-held tool; a tool assembly comprising the hand-held tool for performing delicate hand working operations; and a housing for at least partial storage of the air delivery assembly and the control assembly. The primary power system and the control system operate in conjunction with each other to both power and precisely control a pneumatically powered hand-held tool.
US08550172B2
A barrier valve system includes one or more barrier valves, a connection sub having a first portion and a second portion connecting one or more control lines to each other, and a replacement portion of the connection sub connectable to the first portion subsequent to retrieval of the second portion. The replacement portion has a port from an outside diameter of the replacement portion to an inside diameter of the replacement portion and seals disposed to define an annular space between the replacement portion and the first portion encompassing only valve opening ports in the first portion.
US08550167B2
A remote operated vehicle (ROV) interface has a retrievable portion and a permanent portion. The permanent portion includes a housing that has a cavity that secures to a drive stem of the subsea well device. The housing has a pod cavity on an opposite end that receives a pod body, which is part of the retrievable portion. The pod body is secured by spring-biased retainer within the pod cavity. The pod body has a cylindrical receptacle that receives a drive pin, which forms another part of the retrievable portion. The drive pin and the cylindrical receptacle are engaged for rotation by a shear element. The pod body has an ROV retrieval profile that is accessible by an ROV. In the event the shear element shears due to excessive torque, an ROV retrieval tool engages the pod body and retrieves the pod body along with the drive pin.
US08550165B2
The present disclosure is directed to a method of servicing a well. The method comprises providing a well servicing fluid. The well servicing fluid is formulated with the following components comprising, at least one friction reducer chosen from polychloroprenes, vinyl acetate polymers, polyalkylene oxides polyalphaolefins; and a nonaqueous carrier fluid. The well servicing fluid is introduced into the well.
US08550159B2
This invention provides for an apparatus that controls a liquid level down-hole of a hydrocarbon producing well by physically monitoring the liquid level down-hole having a down-hole liquid level measurer and a signal device connected to the liquid level measurer that causes a pump to adjust its current liquid output based on the liquid level down-hole as measured by the down-hole liquid level measurer.
US08550157B2
In aspects, the disclosure provides an apparatus that may include a member having fluid flow passages and a filter member placed proximate the member with the fluid flow passages, the filter member including an array of three-dimensional elements configured to inhibit flow of solid particles of a selected size when a fluid containing such solid particles flows from the filter member to the member with the fluid flow passages.
US08550152B2
A metallic heat exchanger tube (1) with a tube wall (2) and with integrally formed ribs (3) which run around on the tube outside (21) and which have a rib foot (31), rib flanks (32) and a rib tip (33), the rib foot (31) projecting essentially radially from the tube wall (2), and the rib flanks (32) being provided with additional structural elements which are formed as material projections (4) arranged laterally on the rib flank (32), the material projections (4) having a plurality of boundary faces (41, 42), at least one of the boundary faces (42) of at least one material projection (4) being curved convexly.
US08550151B2
A heat exchanger, which maintains basic performance even in an environment repeatedly subjected to dew condensation, is provided. The heat exchanger is formed of a plurality of unit devices each including a heat exchanger plate, spacer ribs, and shielding ribs. The heat exchanger plate, the spacer rib and the shielding rib are integrally molded with resin. The spacer ribs keep the spacing between the heat exchangers, and the shielding ribs shield leakage of airflow. The unit devices are stacked each other to form airflow passages between the heat exchanger plates. The airflow passages allow a first airflow and a second airflow to pass therethrough and to exchange heat through the heat exchanger plates. The heat exchanger plate is made of a moisture permeable resin film having water-insolubility and flame retardant property, and the resin has water-insolubility and flame retardant property.
US08550150B2
An exemplary loop heat pipe includes a plate-type evaporator, a pipe, a condenser thermally connected with the pipe and a working medium contained in the closed loop. The plate-type evaporator defines an exit for vapor in a lateral portion thereof and an entrance for liquid in a top portion thereof. The pipe connects the exit and the entrance to form a closed loop. A first wick structure has a lower end thereof attached to a bottom portion of the evaporator and has an upper end thereof attached to the top portion of the evaporator. The entrance for liquid corresponds to the upper end of the wick structure.
US08550149B2
A water-cooled heat sink includes a base, a box, a propelling module, a driving module, and a plurality of conduits. The box is disposed above the base, and receives a cooled liquid. The driving module includes a first magnet. The base defines a plurality of channels. The propelling module includes a cylinder, a piston, a second magnet, and a valve. The cylinder is disposed on an inner wall of the box. The piston is disposed in the cylinder, and defines a through hole in a middle portion thereof. The second magnet is fixed to the piston. The valve is fixed in the through hole. The conduits interconnect the cylinder and the box. The first magnet can repel or attract the second magnet, thereby sliding the piston toward the cylinder to close the valve or away from the cylinder to open the valve.
US08550137B2
A tire for a self-inflating tire system includes an annular air tube-receiving groove formed within a tire carcass wall at a prescribed radial location. The groove has an access opening, a primary internal groove chamber dimensioned and profiled for close receipt of an annular air-pump tube. A secondary expansion chamber of the groove communicates with the internal groove chamber for operationally receiving a flattened air-pump tube extended portion during tire operation. A passageway is located at a prescribed outlet location along the annular air tube-receiving groove, the passageway extending from the groove to an axially inward terminal end within the tire carcass wall separated from a tire inner liner by a removable wall partition of reduced sectional thickness.
US08550135B2
A pneumatic tire includes at least three belts arranged on a tire-radial-direction outer side of a carcass and a belt edge cushion arranged between a tire-width-direction outer end portion of a second belt that is secondly arranged from the tire-radial-direction outer side and a tire-width-direction outer end portion of a third belt that is thirdly arranged. The second belt is curved to a tire-radial-direction inner side in an area of the belt edge cushion in a tire width direction. A tire-width direction outer end of a first belt that is firstly arranged from the tire-radial-direction outer side is provided in a position close to a tire-width-direction inner end of the belt edge cushion in the tire width direction.
US08550133B2
A tire having an asymmetric tread pattern that land proportion of outer side area 2o is larger than inner side area 2i, but having a reduced difference in drainage performance between tires on right and left wheels, the tire having tread surface 2 divided by four circumferential grooves 3 and 4 into center land 5, middle lands 6, 6 and shoulder lands 7, 7, wherein middle land 6o and shoulder land 7o in the outer side area 2o are divided respectively by outer middle lateral grooves 8o and outer shoulder lateral grooves 10o into blocks 9o and blocks 11o, inclination direction of the middle lateral grooves 8o is opposite to that of the shoulder lateral grooves 10o with respect to tire axial direction, and the lateral grooves 8o and 10o are inclined at an angle θmo between 5° and 45° and at an angle θso between more than 0° and not more than 40°, respectively.
US08550132B2
A pneumatic tire has a conductive portion formed by a conductive rubber is provided in the tread rubber formed by a nonconductive rubber. The conductive portion has an outer skin portion and a projection portion. The outer skin portion is formed on a surface of the tread rubber, and extends to an inner side in a tire width direction from a side surface of the tread rubber so as to terminate at a position which goes beyond a contact end. The projection portion spirally extends from a position in an outer side than contact end so as to reach a position in an inner side in the tire width direction than the contact end, and protrudes to an inner side in a tire diametrical direction from the outer skin portion so as to terminate without reaching a bottom surface of the tread rubber.
US08550131B1
A liquid dispensing device, system and method are disclosed. The liquid dispensing device includes a one-way liquid metering device, comprising a bellows, an inlet valve, and an outlet valve; and a housing, comprising a cavity. The outlet valve is recessed within the cavity and liquid is dispensed from the one-way metering device into the cavity when a proximal portion of a receptacle is inserted into the cavity. Liquid within the bellows is dispensed from the outlet valve when the bellows is compressed, and liquid is drawn into the bellows through the inlet valve when the bellows returns to an expanded state. The system can include a receptacle with a neck extending from a shoulder at the proximal end of the receptacle. The shoulder engages with the at least one surface.
US08550128B2
A refilling system for use in refilling a container with a fluid from a fluid source. The container having air space above a fluid space. The fluid having a fluid level within the container. The refilling system comprising a fluid flow control valve connected via a bleed line to a fluid level sensor.
US08550127B2
A reformer tube processing and filling system is provided for ensuring uniformity of reformer tube flow rates and reactivity. The disclosed invention provides a system for detecting and removing tube obstructions, as well as an automated process for verifying the flow rate for each tube and identifying tubes with abnormal flow rates to remove a source of human error and conserve labor costs. An automated tube filling system provides a calibrated fill mechanism coordinated with a calibrated loading rope withdrawal mechanism to ensure loading consistency. A lack of vibrating parts ensures a low dust count, and what little dust is present is removed via a built-in vacuum outlet in the loader.
US08550120B2
A method of causing a fluid flow to oscillate between two exit directions. The method comprises causing a primary flow of fluid through a conduit, the conduit characterized by two exit directions and providing first and second oscillation control ports, the first and second oscillation control ports transverse to the conduit and connected to one another by a feedback tube.
US08550107B2
A ventilation device includes a ventilation opening closable by a float in a valve housing interior, an inflow opening in an upper portion, at least one outflow opening in a lower portion that can be closed by a sealing element of a shut-off valve. A storage container is connected through a conduit to the valve housing interior so that fuel can flow from the housing interior into the storage container.
US08550102B2
A valve assembly for use in high pressure pumps is designed for easy replacement for example in the suction inlet here for a high pressure pump. The design utilizes a combination of screw threads and a locking member to provide structural strength for the valve to be placed in and withdrawn from the inlet bore.
US08550097B2
A dental floss gripper has a ring-shaped base element and a clamp that is pivotally coupled to the ring for movement between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the clamp grips a length of dental floss supported on the external surface of the ring. The clamp and the ring are configured so that the clamp snap-fits to the base element and securely holds the dental floss in use.
US08550094B2
A pubic patch is provided to apply to the public area of a woman, particularly the mons pubis (Pubic Mound) area of the pelvic region. The pubic patch includes an adhesive base with a front side and a back side with decorative material attached to the front side, and the back side attached to human body. The pubic patch may further comprise fragrances and/or illuminating devices. The decorative material may be hairs attached to supporting sheet or LED material. Further, a products kit is provided which contains a plurality of pubic patches. The product kit may include an instruction booklet. A method of using the pubic patch is also provided comprises the steps of selecting a pubic patch and applying the pubic patch to the human surface in the pubic area.
US08550079B2
A respiratory nasal filter including an outer ring having concentric outer periphery and inner periphery sized to the periphery of a user's nasal orifice, a filter layer having an outer periphery larger than the inner periphery of the outer ring, but smaller than the outer periphery of the outer ring and an adhesive applied to said outer ring for bonding the filter layer concentrically to the outer ring and for bonding the outer ring to the columella, a nasal sill, an alar sidewall and the facet of the user's nose.
US08550070B2
An inhaler device includes an air conduit including a mouthpiece and a dosing means adapted to provide a dose of powder to the air conduit for entrainment in the stream of air. In the area downstream from the dosing means the wall of the air conduit is provided with a secondary air inlet extending to the direction of the mouthpiece such that the entry of secondary air occurs over an extended length of the air conduit downstream from the dosing means.
US08550067B2
A delivery system includes a holding chamber with first, second and third openings, and independently moveable first, second and third flow control members. A delivery system includes a holding chamber and a flow control member including a flap pivotable from an at rest position in a direction toward an outlet of a user interface and away from an output end of the holding chamber in response to a pressure being applied thereto.
US08550066B2
An air distribution blower housing for an air handler such as a residential furnace is designed with a volute-shaped outer wall that has an exponentially increasing expansion angle in the direction of air flow through the blower housing for at least a portion of the volute-shaped outer wall length. This results in the blower housing having an enlarged air outlet opening that slows down and spreads out the air flow from the blower housing over a greater area of the furnace heat exchanger. The blower housing thereby enables less air pressure drop through the heat exchanger, which increases the efficiency of the blower motor operation. The design of the blower housing also efficiently turns the velocity head of the air flow through the housing to usable static air pressure at the housing air outlet.
US08550060B2
Methods and systems for operating a glow plug are disclosed. In one example, current supplied to a glow plug can be controlled to promote combustion stability of a cylinder after an engine start. Engine feedgas hydrocarbons may be reduced during conditions where combustion stability may be otherwise reduced in order to reduce tailpipe emissions.
US08550056B2
An electric circuit for triggering a piezoelectric element, in particular of a fuel injection system of a motor vehicle. Two transistors connected in series and triggerable using a clock pulse are provided, whose shared connecting point is coupled to the piezoelectric element and one of which is provided for discharging the piezoelectric element. In the event of an error, the transistor provided for discharging can be triggered using the clock pulse.
US08550053B2
An exhaust flap housing in which an exhaust flap can be disposed comprises at least one stop element for defining end positions of the pivotable exhaust flap. To simplify the production, the stop element is preferably produced by remodeling and thus forms part of the exhaust flap housing.
US08550051B2
An engine assembly includes an engine structure including an engine block defining a cylinder bore and a cylinder head, a piston located in the cylinder bore, and a camshaft assembly. The piston, cylinder head, and cylinder bore cooperate to define a combustion chamber including first and second longitudinal end surfaces defined by the cylinder head and the piston. A first protrusion may extend longitudinally from one of the first and second longitudinal end surfaces and radially inward from a circumference of the combustion chamber to a location between a first intake port and a first exhaust port in communication with the combustion chamber. The camshaft assembly may include a first intake lobe that opens a first intake valve and a second intake lobe that opens a second intake valve. The first intake lobe may be rotationally offset from the second intake lobe in a rotational direction of the camshaft assembly.
US08550050B2
A carburetor provided on an intake pipe is disclosed. The carburetor includes a rotary cock attached to a fuel chamber. The cock is used for opening and closing fuel channels and drain channels. The cock has a rotational axis inclined relative to the central axis of the intake pipe.
US08550049B2
A composite material intake manifold cover includes braces integral to the outside surface of the cover to stiffen the cover and reduce noise and vibration associated with the cover. The cover has a flange around the periphery with a raised weld bead, the weld bead provided for welding the cover to a mating piece. The flange extends outwardly from the cover for a first distance over most of the periphery and a second distance to support the braces over the remainder of the periphery. The braces extend upwardly from the upper surface of the flange at the sections of the flange extending out the second distance and may be placed between adjacent intake runner ports. By providing portions of the flange extending out a greater distance, a more substantial brace can be supported, thereby improving the noise and vibration characteristics relative to conventional stiffening ribs.
US08550048B2
What is described is a corona ignition device for igniting fuel in an internal combustion engine by generating a corona discharge, said corona ignition device comprising a housing, an insulator, which is held in the housing, a center electrode, which is held in the insulator, and at least one ignition tip at an and of the center electrode. The housing surrounds an interior, which has a cylindrical portion in which a cylindrical portion of the insulator sits. A widened interior portion adjoins at the end of the cylindrical interior portion remote from the ignition peak. The insulator has a thinner portion in the widened interior portion. The cylindrical portion of the insulator carries an electrically conductive coating, which ends before the thinner portion.
US08550040B2
An object of the present invention is to ensure appropriate cooling amounts for two exhaust ports, respectively, in an internal combustion engine in which an exhaust port that communicates with an inlet of a turbine of a turbocharger and an exhaust port that does not communicate with the inlet of the turbine are formed in a cylinder head. A cooling apparatus for an internal combustion engine of the present invention has a first exhaust port and a second exhaust port formed in a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. The first exhaust port communicates with an inlet of a turbine of the turbocharger. The second exhaust port does not communicate with the inlet of the turbine. Each cylinder of the internal combustion engine includes a first exhaust valve that communicates with the first exhaust port and a second exhaust valve that communicates with the second exhaust port. A first cooling water passage through which cooling water that cools the first exhaust port passes and a second cooling water passage through which cooling water that cools the second exhaust port passes are formed in the cylinder head.
US08550036B2
A method and apparatus for restraining an animal such as a dog within an automotive vehicle equipped with a personal (human) belt-type restraint system having an inertia brake. A tether is attachable at one end to an animal harness and at the other end to a section of human restraint system webbing, the latter attachment being achieved by way of a spring biased clamp having friction pads on the inside surfaces of two complemental clamp elements. The clamp elements are closed and secured by means of a buckle or clasp such as a loop/spring bayonet clasp.
US08550035B2
Methods for transporting livestock and livestock feed in shipping containers and for separating the shipping containers into a livestock storage areas and feed storage areas for the measured distribution of feed throughout shipment.
US08550021B2
A cap-frame setting frame to which a cap frame holding a cap with a part on which embroidery is sewn by an embroidery sewing machine is detachably attached. The cap-frame setting frame includes a base frame having a distal end and a proximal end and including a fixing mechanism which is located at the proximal end side and is to be fixed to a predetermined work table, a rotating frame located at the distal end side of the base frame and having a cylindrical mount portion to which the cap frame is mounted so as to be positioned, a disc-shaped support secured to the base frame and configured to rotatably support the rotating frame, and a fitting portion located on the base frame to be fitted with an outer periphery of the disc-shaped support, thereby being rotatably supported on the base frame.
US08550020B2
A variable pressure control system for varying pressures in the fluid circuits of a dual acting actuator over a range of pressures. The variable pressure control system includes a controller that cooperates with pressure regulators for regulating the desired pressure in the fluid circuits.
US08550009B2
The diesel-electric locomotive (10) includes: a diesel engine (12), an alternator (20) mechanically coupled for driving thereof to the diesel engine (12) and connected as output to a direct current bus (26) through a rectifier (22), at least one electric traction motor (14) connected to the bus (26) through a traction inverter (34), at least one piece of auxiliary equipment (16, 18) with a power supply, powered from the diesel engine (12). It includes, to power the or each piece of auxiliary equipment (16, 18), a chain (80) for shaping the current connected as input to the direct current bus (26).
US08550000B2
Apparatus for removing printing plates (8) having leading and trailing edges located in a lock-up slot in a plate cylinder (2) of a rotary printing press, from said plate cylinder (2) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises means for extracting the trailing edge from a lock-up slot which is also operable to partially extract the leading edge from a lock up slot. The apparatus further includes an extraction member for engaging, as the printing cylinder rotates, a portion of the leading edge (8a) of the printing plate protruding from the lock up slot (9) following its partial extraction, to complete the removal of the printing plates from the printing cylinder and leave the removed plates, hanging by their leading edge (8a), on the extraction member. A method of loading printing plates onto a plate cylinder (2) is also disclosed.
US08549998B2
A portable apparatus to electromechanically emboss Braille patterns includes a user input, such as a six-key with spacebar keyboard, actuators that drive embossing pins via cam shafts coupled to servo or stepper motors, a tape advancing mechanism, and a cutting and scoring assembly. Three actuators, such as servo or stepper motors, may each be coupled to one shaft on which two or more cams drive two or more embossing pins for each row of two dots in the six dot Braille cell.
US08549997B2
A compacting system compacts particulate matter in open-top railroad gondola cars rolling on rails. The compacting system comprises a compacting station adjacent the rails and a scanning system that scans the gondola cars as they move along the rails toward the compacting station. The scanning system transmits data of the gondola car to an electronic control system. The compacting station has at least one compaction member, e.g., a plate structure or a roller, configured to contact an upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola cars. The electronic control system controls the compacting station so that the compaction member engages with and applies force to the upper surface of the particulate matter in the gondola car so as to compress the particulate matter in the gondola. A method for compacting particulate matter in a gondola car is also shown.
US08549972B2
A punch for punching a sheet of material is provided. The punch has a body with a fissure, a pivot shaft defining a pivot point and a lever retainer secured to said body. The lever is pivotably mounted about the pivot point and has an open position and a closed position. A block is positionable between the lever and the body. The body has longitudinal support ridges and side ridges with the pivot point being positioned in substantially the same plane as the longitudinal support ridge so that when the punch is closed, the side ridges of the lever pass outside of the support ridges of the body in a nesting relationship, allowing the punch to form a flat profile when closed.
US08549971B2
A laminate flooring saw system which can be used for both rip cuts and miter cuts in one embodiment includes a fence, a base including a first locking member configured to cooperate with the fence to lock the fence along a first fence axis, a second locking member configured to cooperate with the fence to lock the fence along a second fence axis, the second fence axis perpendicular to the first fence axis, and a support arm system positioned above the base for supporting a power tool.
US08549966B2
An output conveyor for a high speed slicing apparatus having four deceleration conveyors that receive slices from a jump conveyor. Each deceleration conveyor laterally position slices in an output lane. The deceleration conveyors have a pivotal axis for matching an elevation of an end of said deceleration conveyor with an elevation of an upstream conveyor. The output conveyor also comprises four weighing conveyors for weighing slices received from upstream components. The weighing conveyors each comprise a removable carrying unit for turning a conveyor belt and a drive unit for driving the carrying unit.
US08549963B2
The present invention relates to a torque socket, which comprises a shaft rod and a shaft cylinder. Two ends of the shaft rod are respectively axially formed with an insertion tenon and a core shaft having at least a cut groove transversally on a surface. Two axial ends of the shaft cylinder are respectively formed with a shaft slot and a sleeve slot, wherein the shaft slot allows the core shaft to be inserted therein and is formed with a buckle part corresponding to the location of the flange part; the interior of the shaft slot is radially and protrudingly formed with a friction segment for tightening the core shaft, thereby forming a preset torque value between the core shaft and the shaft slot. When the socket is used to fasten a connection unit, if the preset torque of the socket is exceeded, an idle rotation state is formed.
US08549960B2
Various embodiments of the invention provide a tool for adjusting a military phone jack. A tool for adjusting a military phone jack, the tool comprising a modified head cap screw, an expanding split collet, a collet receiver shaft, and a jam nut driver. The modified head cap screw has an edge of the head cap machined to an angle between 1 and 89 degrees with respect to the unmachined portion of the head cap which is further from the screw shaft. The expanding split collet comprises a central hole throughout its longitudinal axis with the hole of sufficient diameter to receive the modified head cap screw, two or more slits through the exterior wall of the collet and extending from one end of the collet, and a machined inner diameter of the end of the collet having the slits, the angle of the machined inner diameter matching the angle on the head cap of the modified head cap screw. The collet receiver shaft has an internal thread drilled into one end of the shaft, the internal thread receiving the thread end of the modified head cap screw. The jam nut driver comprises a central hole throughout its longitudinal axis, the hole of sufficient diameter to receive the expanding split collet and the collet receiver shaft, the jam nut driver having a grip end and a nut end, the nut end machined to receive a jam nut.
US08549957B2
A rotation angle detecting apparatus to detect a rotation angle of a rotating member, including a housing, the rotating member being disposed so as to be rotatable relative to the housing; a fixing member to fix a magnet to the rotating member; and a sensor, fixed to the housing, to detect a rotation angle of the magnet, the rotating member including an abutting part with which the magnet abuts in a direction of a rotation axis of the rotating member, and a supporting part that faces the abutting part with the magnet interposed therebetween to support the fixing member located between the magnet and the supporting part, and the fixing member presses the magnet against the abutting part by coming into contact with the supporting part and the magnet without allowing a section contacting the supporting part and a section contacting the magnet to overlap with each other.
US08549944B2
A multi-stage transmission includes both a drive and a driven gear shaft. A plurality of driven gears are mounted on the driven gear shaft for engagement and disengagement from the driven gear shaft individually by an engaging member that is changed over to make a gear shift. The engaging member includes swing pawl members swingably supported by pivot pins on the driven shaft. End parts of the swing pawl members, extending from the pivot pins are engaging claw parts engageable with engaging surfaces of engaging projections formed on the inner circumferential surfaces of the driven gears. The other end parts of the swing pawl members are acted upon to be pushed up by pin members which are operated to be advanced and retracted by gear shifting operation. The pin members operate to release engagement of the engaging claw parts with the engaging projections of the driven gears.
US08549928B2
A push test fixture having a cradle and a load pin is provided along with a test sample that reasonably represents the strength and quality of the original welds that hold the wrap wires and axial wires of the sample together. The test sample is placed in the push test fixture such that a particular weld on the test sample is aligned between the cradle and the load pin. A load is applied through the weld using the load pin, and a strength property such as the ultimate strength or the yield strength of the weld is determined. The cradle helps maintain the original, as-wrapped curvature of the wrap wire. The test samples can come, for example, from direct wrap filters or wire-wrap jackets. The strength property can be determined for at least every third wrap wire of the test sample.
US08549926B2
A testing apparatus is provided that includes a carrying construction for supporting a road section, and a frame for positioning a test wheel on the surface of the road section. During operation of the apparatus the test wheel, by a tread thereof, describes a circular path over the road surface. The frame is provided with a sensor for measuring a force exerted on the measuring wheel by the road surface.
US08549921B2
Exemplary embodiments relate to a sensor for detecting an acceleration acting on the sensor, having: a substrate, a mass unit, which acts as an inert mass in the event of the presence of an acceleration, a fixing structure, wherein the mass unit is articulated on the substrate in such a way that at least one pivot axis is defined, about which the mass unit can perform a rotation relative to the substrate as a result of an acceleration acting on the sensor, and the mass unit has an interial center of gravity, which is at a distance from the respective pivot axis, and at least one detection unit, with which a change in position between the mass unit and the substrate may be detected. The detection unit is arranged with respect to the mass unit in such a way that a deformation of the mass unit cannot be transferred to the detection unit.
US08549920B1
An accelerometer has a substantially linear strain sensor with a transducer joined to the strain sensor. The transducer has a base that provides rigidity perpendicular to a preferred measurement direction. A plurality of outer flaps are joined to the base supporting the strain sensor. The outer flaps are capable of translating acceleration in the predefined direction to strain in the strain sensor. Two centermost flaps are positioned on either side of the center line of the transducer. Struts are joined between a lower portion of one the centermost flap and an uppermost portion of the nearest outer flap. The struts enhance strain by linking outer flap motion to the centermost flaps. Bridges are joined between each two adjacent outer flaps supporting the strain sensor.
US08549919B2
A micromechanical rotation rate sensor including at least one substrate, wherein the base surface of the substrate is oriented parallel to the x-y plane of a Cartesian coordinate system, at least two seismic masses and in each case at least one suspension spring element for suspending the seismic mass from the substrate, wherein the at least two seismic masses are coupled to one another by at least one coupling bar, and at least one of the suspension spring elements includes at least two bar sections, which, in the undeflected state, are oriented essentially parallel to one another or are at an angle of less than 45° with respect to one another, and one or more connecting sections, which connect the bar sections to one another, wherein the bar sections can be displaced relative to one another in their longitudinal direction.
US08549917B2
An integrated microelectromechanical structure is provided with a driving mass, anchored to a substrate via elastic anchorage elements and designed to be actuated in a plane with a driving movement; and a first sensing mass and a second sensing mass, suspended within, and coupled to, the driving mass via respective elastic supporting elements so as to be fixed with respect thereto in said driving movement and to perform a respective detection movement in response to an angular velocity. In particular, the first and the second sensing masses are connected together via elastic coupling elements, configured to couple their modes of vibration.
US08549915B2
A z-axis gyroscope design is presented with a 2-degree of freedom (DOF) sense mode allowing interchangeable operation in either precision (mode-matched) or robust (wide-bandwidth) modes. This is accomplished using a complete 2-DOF coupled system which allows for the specification of the sense mode resonant frequencies and coupling independent of frequency. By decoupling the frame connecting the sense system to a central anchor, x-y symmetry is preserved while enabling a fully coupled 2-DOF sense mode providing control over both the bandwidth and the amount of coupling independent of operational frequency. The robust mode corresponds to operation between the 2-DOF sense mode resonant frequencies providing a response gain and bandwidth controlled by frequency spacing. Precision mode of operation, however, relies on mode-matching the drive to the second, anti-phase sense mode resonant frequency which can be designed to provide a gain advantage over a similar 1-DOF system.
US08549907B2
The present invention provides a fluid distribution device for uniformly distributing and outputting a fluid, which is supplied to an input flow channel, into at least three output flow channels, comprising a plurality of branch flow channels, at least three fluid bifurcation portions, and at least one fluid converging portion, wherein the fluid distribution device is configured to correspond to a pressure drop compartment connection model composed of a fluid balance equation and a pressure balance equation. Furthermore, the present invention provides a micro plant using the fluid distribution device, a method of designing the fluid distribution device and a method of detecting blockage of flow channels of the fluid distribution device.
US08549905B2
A method of testing a core sample is provided. The method comprises determining an impedance map, attaching a sleeve to the core sample, and measuring a flow performance of the core sample. An impedance of each of a plurality of portions of the sleeve is based on the impedance map.
US08549899B2
A surface texture measuring instrument includes a force sensor (1), an actuator (11) and a detector (12). The surface texture measuring instrument further includes: a scanning controller (54) that collects a detection signal from the force sensor (1) and drives the actuator such that the detecting signal coincides with a target measurement value; a touch signal generator (51) that generates a touch signal when the detection signal from the force sensor (1) coincides with the target measurement value; and a measurement value collecting unit (55) that collects a measurement value from a counter (26) at a predetermined time interval in a state where a fluctuation range of the detection signal from the force sensor (1) is within a preset range when a scanning controller is in operation, the latch counter (52) collecting a measurement value from a latch counter (52) each time the touch signal is generated in a state where the detection signal from the force sensor (1) oscillates and an amplitude exceeds the preset range.
US08549897B2
Disclosed herein is a system and method for screening a liquid composition. The system includes (a) a test cell having a top portion and a bottom portion, the test cell comprising (i) a test panel removably mounted to the top portion of the test cell at an angle of between about 10 to about 45 degrees to the horizontal of the test cell; (ii) a reservoir for holding the liquid composition; and (iii) a means for applying a substantially uniform coating of the liquid composition from the reservoir to at least a portion of the test panel; (b) a means for heating the test panel according to a first temperature control program; (c) a means for heating the reservoir according to a second temperature control program; and (d) a means for supplying an oxidizing gas to the test cell.
US08549894B2
In a gas chromatography apparatus, a carrier gas is flowed from a carrier gas supply toward an analytical column at a carrier gas pressure. A sample is added to the carrier gas to form a sample gas. The sample gas is flowed through the analytical column to a gas detector that includes a sample gas outlet communicating with a gas buffer vessel. The carrier gas pressure is controlled relative to a buffer pressure of the gas buffer vessel.
US08549893B2
A system for interfacing a gas chromatograph (GC) to a mass spectrometer the GC comprising a GC column partially contained within a GC oven, the mass spectrometer comprising a housing enclosing an interior having an ion source, the system comprising: a conduit extending from the GC oven to the mass spectrometer and comprising an interior volume that is contiguous with an interior volume of the GC oven; and a duct extending from a region of relatively high or relatively low pressure within the GC oven to the conduit interior volume and operable so as to transmit a flow of air or gas between the region of relatively high or relatively low pressure and the conduit interior volume, wherein a portion of the GC column extends through the conduit interior volume to the ion source.
US08549891B2
The apparatus and methods disclosed may be utilized for the scratch/mar testing of various materials and components that provide improved correlation between the simulated damage modes and those reasonably expected to be encountered by the final components. The apparatus includes both a fixture configured for receiving and holding the material under test (MUT) and a tool holder that is arranged and configured for supporting and holding a variety of test tools in one or more orientations relative to the MUT. The tool holder and/or the fixture are, in turn, supported by one or more assemblies arranged and configured for bringing the tool into contact with the MUT and providing for movement of the tool relative to the MUT. The apparatus is then used for collecting data from a series of tests that can be used to compare the performance of different MUT compositions and configurations.
US08549888B2
A method is provided for determining the shape of a surgical linking device that is to be attached to a bony body structure such as the spinal column based on digitized locations of a plurality of attachment elements engaged to the bony structure. The method is implemented by a computer system through a GUI to generate an initial bend curve to mate with the plurality of attachment elements. The initial bend curve may be simplified based on user input to the GUI to reduce the number of bends necessary to produce a well-fitting linking device and may be altered to help obtain the goals of the surgery.
US08549883B2
Systems and methods are provided for controlling temperature in a glass forehearth. In one implementation, a system includes at least one burner disposed in said forehearth, a manifold coupled to said burner, a combustion fuel supply coupled to said burner, a combustion air blower for delivering ambient air under pressure to said manifold, and a controller coupled to said burner for controlling operation of said burner. The system may include a temperature sensor operatively coupled downstream of the blower for providing to the controller a temperature signal indicative of temperature of air delivered to the manifold by the blower. The controller may be responsive to the temperature signal for controlling operation of the burner as a function of current temperature of air fed to the manifold. Operation of the burner may also be controlled as a function of an average air temperature over a preceding time duration.
US08549874B2
A refrigeration system (10) includes: a refrigerant circuit (11) performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle by including a compressor (30), a utilization side heat exchanger (24) configured to allow refrigerant to perform heat exchange with air, and a heat-source side heat exchanger (25) configured to allow refrigerant to perform heat exchange with water; and a casing (14) housing the utilization side heat exchanger (24). The casing (14) contains a power supply (31) including a power semiconductor device and configured to supply electric power to the compressor (30), and also contains a cooler (19) configured to cool the power supply (31) by supplying air to the power supply (31).
US08549869B1
Modular data centers with modular components suitable for use with rack or shelf mount computing systems, for example, are disclosed. The modular center generally includes a modular computing module including an intermodal shipping container and computing systems mounted within the container and configured to be shipped and operated within the container and a temperature control system for maintaining the air temperature surrounding the computing systems. The intermodal shipping container may be configured in accordance to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) container manufacturing standards or otherwise configured with respect to height, length, width, weight, and/or lifting points of the container for transport via an intermodal transport infrastructure. The modular design enables the modules to be cost effectively built at a factory and easily transported to and deployed at a data center site.
US08549860B2
A method for the combustion of hydrogen-rich, gaseous fuels in combustion air in a burner of a gas turbine includes injecting the hydrogen-rich, gaseous fuel at least partially isokinetically with respect to the combustion air such that the partially hydrogen-rich, gaseous fuel is injected at least partially in the same direction and at least partially at the same velocity as the combustion air.
US08549857B2
Methods and/or systems using magnetically assisted pressurization of a gas for the generation of useful power from heat transfer using heat sources at lower temperatures in a manner that does not require the emission of CO2.
US08549856B1
A method of assembling an energy harvesting system is provided. The method includes coupling at least one energy storage device in flow communication with at least one apparatus that is configured to generate thermal energy and to transfer the thermal energy into at least one fluid stream. The energy storage device is configured to store the fluid stream. Moreover, the method includes coupling at least one fluid transfer device downstream from the energy storage device. The fluid transfer device receives the fluid stream from the energy storage device. A bladeless turbine is coupled in flow communication with the fluid transfer device, wherein the bladeless turbine receives the fluid stream to generate power.
US08549849B2
A system and method relate to a reductant dosing for use in the reduction of NOx in an exhaust stream is disclosed. The system and method incorporates a separate first or start-up cartridge and an insulated mantel or housing containing at least one to a plurality of main cartridges. The first and main cartridges store an ammonia adsorbing/desorbing material, which releases ammonia gas upon application of sufficient heat. The start-up cartridge permits the initial release of ammonia gas into the exhaust stream even during start-up of an engine, and because it is separate from the main cartridge, the first cartridge cools faster than the main cartridge and can be replenished with ammonia sooner than the main cartridge. The start-up cartridge is housed in or surrounded by a non-insulating debris shield.
US08549841B2
A method and a device provide for the controlled feeding of a reducing agent into an exhaust gas treatment unit with a storage capability for an exhaust gas component to be reduced which is generated from a mobile internal combustion engine. The method includes at least the following steps: a) determination of a quantity of the exhaust gas component to be reduced which is generated by the mobile internal combustion engine, b) determination of a storage capability of the exhaust gas treatment unit for the exhaust gas component to be reduced, c) determination of a metering of the reducing agent into the exhaust gas treatment unit as a function of steps a) and b), and d) feeding the reducing agent into the exhaust gas treatment unit.
US08549838B2
A method includes providing an internal combustion engine having an output shaft and producing an exhaust gas stream, providing an electric motor operatively coupled to the output shaft, and determining a regeneration state of an aftertreatment component that treats the exhaust gas stream. The method further includes determining an engine torque requirement such that, when the internal combustion engine achieves the engine torque requirement at a present set of operating conditions, a temperature of the exhaust gas stream will achieve an exhaust gas temperature threshold. The method further includes commanding the electric motor to apply a counter torque to the output shaft in response to the regeneration state indicating an active thermal regeneration event, where the counter torque comprises is high enough for the internal combustion engine to achieve the engine torque requirement. The exhaust gas temperature threshold may be a hold-warm temperature and/or a regeneration temperature.
US08549832B2
An anti-icing system and method for an aircraft engine nacelle. The nacelle has an inlet lip that defines a leading edge of the nacelle and has a cross-sectional shape and oppositely-disposed exterior and interior surfaces. An anti-icing system contacts at least the inlet lip of the nacelle. The anti-icing system includes at least one heating element having a cross-sectional shape that conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the inlet lip and in which carbon nanotubes are oriented and arranged to conduct electrical current through the heating element. Passing an electrical current through the heating element causes Joule heating of the heating element and heating of the inlet lip by thermal conduction.
US08549829B2
The present invention relates to plied silver yarn using silver wire as thread, wherein the silver wire is entirely made of silver (Ag) or a silver alloy, to achieve antimicrobial properties and conductivity, as well as to functional fabric using same and to a method for producing same. The plied silver yarn of the present invention uses, as a core yarn, any one of at least one strand of silver wire and fiber yarn made from natural fiber or synthetic fiber, and uses the other as winding yarn covering the core yarn, wherein said one strand of silver wire is produced by casting a silver alloy containing pure silver or copper into a wire rod through directional solidification, and making the wire rod into a microfiber having a diameter of 0.015 to 0.05 mm through a pulling process.
US08549827B2
A rotary cutter for a mower has a cord for cutting grass and the like by rotating itself; a reel for housing the cord and feeding the cord while intermittently rotating; a case for housing the reel; a cover for covering the case; and a pressing body protruding from the case. The pressing body is axially movable by being pressed, and intermittently rotating the reel. The reel and the pressing body are integrally constructed. Concave grooves for inserting the cord are provided in the reel in a radial direction and the cord is wound by fitting it to the concave grooves.
US08549815B2
Methods for connection parts of a mast of a drilling rig without using a crane or other lifting machine are disclosed. In certain aspects, these methods include moving parts of a mast to be assembled with trucks and positioning the parts with the trucks to facilitate their connection. This Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
US08549814B2
A bamboo frame member mounting structure includes multiple bamboo frame members that are respectively bonded to one another at a predetermined angle with an adhesive, one or a plurality of pin holes obliquely extending through each bamboo frame member, and one or a number of pins peripherally coated with a layer of an adhesive and respectively fitted into the pin hole or pin holes on each of two bonded bamboo frame members to enhance the connection of each two bonded bamboo frame members.
US08549806B2
A building structural component, such as a wall, roof, ceiling, floor, or the like, is resistant to weather and moisture while facilitating the drying and elimination of water vapor and liquid water. The component includes a vapor-permeable membrane that resists penetration of liquids including water, but that permits gases including water vapor to pass through the membrane to resist buildup of moisture in the building component. A batten, such as an insulated batten, forms a cavity in the building component to facilitate air circulation, and reduces heat flow through structural studs of the building component to increase the overall insulation value of the finished component.
US08549805B2
A latticing drop panel structure includes a plurality of columns (100 or 101) or walls, and a connecting member (210) including a concrete drop panel (219) having a cross-section area larger than that of the column (100 or 101) or the wall, wherein the connecting member (210) having four unit rods 212, surrounded around the drop panel (219) in a latticing form, wherein the unit rods (212) are parallel with the respective sides of the column and cross at the same level, whereby sagging displacement of the slab is reduced due to the existence of the drop panel.
US08549802B2
A ridge cap includes a lower surface adapted to be placed in contact with a roof of a building, a weather protective upper surface, and first and second side sections connected to each other. The first side section is disposed at one side of a longitudinal axis and the second side section is disposed at the other side of the longitudinal axis. The ridge cap further includes an elastomeric strip and a metal strip. The elastomeric strip extends along the longitudinal axis and connects the first side section and the second side section to be of unitary construction with the first and second side sections. The metal strip backing extends along the longitudinal axis and supports the elastomeric strip.
US08549801B1
Dwellings made from energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly materials, and having optional provision for storing and charging an electric vehicle. Dwellings according to some embodiments comprise a backbone cable having a microprocessor attached thereto, as well as a plurality of functional devices in communication with the microprocessor via the backbone cable. A plurality of photovoltaic panels are present on the roof of the dwelling in some embodiments, and the power generated by the photovoltaic panels is sufficient to completely, or nearly-completely, supply all electrical power needs for the dwelling. Financing methods are also provided.
US08549794B2
Shade shelters for reducing air conditioning loads of an associated shelter are provided. The shade shelters aim to reduce the thermal radiation effects of the sun on associated shelters, such as temporarily erected shelters. The shade shelters can be configurable so that natural convection is advantageously utilized for aiding in reducing heat transfer into the interior space of the associated shelter. The natural convection can be in the form of the “chimney effect” for reducing heat transfer into the interior space of the shelter.
US08549792B2
A protective shelter offering opposite outer supports and a roof structure extending between the supports, wherein the roof structure comprises a plurality of tray members arranged to receive earth, sand or aggregate material defining an inner skin to provide a first level of protection in the roof structure, and the tray members are arranged to be supported by transverse beams, wherein the transverse beams are arranged to be supported at their respective ends by the opposite outer supports and wherein the transverse beams form a transverse beam bridge across the shelter such that the height of the shelter centrally, and away from the opposite supports is substantially the same as the height of said supports.
US08549785B2
At least one cam lock and an opposing structure form a compression channel for receiving and engaging a pistol slide. When the pistol is moved in a certain direction through the compression channel, the one or more cam locks and opposing structure engage the pistol's slide and translate some of the forward motion force into a compressive force on the sides of the slide. At a point where the compressive force overcomes the force of the main spring of the pistol, the pistol frame driven by the user moves forward relative to the slide, thereby racking the slide of the pistol.
US08549784B2
This invention provides a bayonet (10) comprising an attachment portion (12) having a first opening (16) for receiving the muzzle of a gun. A second opening is also provided that is aligned with the first opening to allow the passage of a bullet therethrough. An extension portion (14) extends from the attachment portion in the opposite direction of the gun barrel and terminates in a point (24). The attachment portion (12) substantially comprises a polymer and the extension portion (14) has a non ferrous structural core substantially over-molded with a polymer.
US08549772B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a footwear construction and method of constructing footwear that may include an outsole having a sidewall that defines a perimeter of the outsole. The footwear construction may also include an upper coupled to the sidewall around the perimeter of the outsole, wherein the sidewall overlaps the upper by less than the critical distance for at least 60% of the perimeter of the outsole.
US08549764B2
A container for holding a volume of fluid and having a housing defining an interior for retaining the volume of fluid; at least one in-tank tilt sensor connected to a controller and disposed inside the housing for generating a signal corresponding to a level of fluid inside the housing; and a support material attached to the housing and connected to the at least one in-tank tilt sensor to mechanically support the at least one in-tank tilt sensor such that the at least one in-tank tilt sensor is not in direct contact with the fluid inside the housing. The in-tank tilt sensor detects a change in fluid level which may only be caused by tilting of the imaging device. When tilting is registered, protective action is taken to prevent fluid from leaking.
US08549762B2
Preferred embodiments of a reciprocating drive apparatus are disclosed that comprise a housing, a rotatable drive shaft assembly located in the housing an elongated plunger located in the housing for reciprocating motion, the plunger having a front end portion for attaching a tool thereto, a rotary joint rocker mechanism supported in the housing and operatively connected to the plunger and the drive shaft assembly so that rotation of the drive shaft assembly produces reciprocating motion of the plunger. Another preferred embodiment includes a reciprocating counterweight.
US08549739B2
A circuit board module includes a circuit board and a heat-dissipating device. The circuit board includes a ceramic substrate, and a circuit pattern formed on a surface of the ceramic substrate. The circuit board is sinter-bonded to a main body of the heat-dissipating device. A method of making the circuit board module is also disclosed.
US08549735B2
A challenge to be met by the present invention is to provide a component mounting device, a component mounting system, and a component mounting method that make it possible to correctly position a substrate at a working location and mount components on the substrate even when components mounted on the substrate project outside from an end of the substrate in a direction parallel to a substrate conveyance path. When a front end portion (PbT) of a substrate (Pb) conveyed by a substrate conveyance path (13) is detected to have reached inspection light (L), operation of the substrate conveyance path (13) is immediately halted. When a front end portion (PtT) of a projecting portion H of a component (Pt) mounted on the substrate Pb is detected to have reached the inspection light (L), the substrate conveyance path (13) is activated in such a way that the substrate (Pb) moves in the direction of projection of the projecting portion (H) over a distance equivalent to a projection length (α) of the projecting portion (H) reached the inspection light (L) and is subsequently stopped, thereby positioning the substrate (Pb).
US08549727B2
Disclosed is a punch-down tool blade suited for seating, and seating and cutting data transmission and telephony wires into crowded patch panels. Also disclosed are embodiments of an elongated punch-down tool blade having a slidable locking collar which may be used in reversibly locking a punch-down tool blade with either the seating tip being used as the working tip or the seating and cutting tip used as the working tip without compromising both the ability of the tool tip to gain access to terminating clips or the tradesman's visibility of terminating clips so that patch panels may be efficiently and accurately wired while providing enhanced safety and decreased worker fatigue.
US08549718B2
A ferroelectric oxide structure includes a substrate and a ferroelectric thin-film deposited on the substrate. The ferroelectric thin-film has a thickness of greater than or equal to 200 nm and a tetragonal crystal system. The ferroelectric thin-film has (100) single-orientation crystal orientation.
US08549709B2
A hinge assembly includes a receiving seat, a control member, a clutch member, a follower, a main shaft and an elastic element. The receiving seat includes a first cam surface. The control member is releasably latched with the receiving seat. The cam includes a second cam surface. The follower includes a third cam surface engaging with the first cam surface or the second cam surface. The receiving seat, the control member, the cam and the follower are placed around the shaft. The elastic element provides an elastic force for the follower. After the control member is unlocked, the second cam surface engages with the first cam surface.
US08549699B1
An illuminated leaf blower having a light disposed upon a handle, the handle disposed upon a pipe section of a blower tube at an angle deviant from the perpendicular by means of a pivotally securable attachment member, the attachment member disposed upon a lockable collar, said lockable collar securably moveable along the pipe section to position the handle as desired for a particular person wielding the device, the handle having a switch disposed on a rearward haunch of a head piece, said head piece disposed atop the handle configured to be ergonomically accessed by means of a thumb of the person wielding the device, whereby the light selectively illuminates an area over which an airflow from the illuminated leaf blower is directed.
US08549698B1
A vacuum cleaner with wind-driven lighting is characterized in that an interior of an ordinary vacuum cleaner is installed with a wind-driven power generation device constituted by fan blades, an acceleration gear set and a generator. When the vacuum cleaner is operating, a suction force of the vacuum cleaner is converted into wind-driven power to provide electricity needed by an LED. Therefore, at a same time when the vacuum cleaner is operating, by this energy-saving device for the generation of wind-driven power, light can be illuminated on blind spots inside a house where a light intensity is insufficient.
US08549695B2
A window wiper device for a vehicle has a driving motor, the motor shaft of which is kinematically coupled to an output shaft, wherein the motor shaft and output shaft are releasably drive-connected via a connecting means.
US08549692B2
A brush for applying a powdered cosmetic composition, comprising: a tuft of synthetic hairs comprising at least two groups of hairs having, at their free ends, cross-sections of different surface area; and a handle supporting the tuft of hairs from a connecting portion of the hairs, characterized in that the groups of hairs have, in cross-section, the same surface area along their connecting portion.
US08549686B2
An inflatable bed having a primary body, a backrest selectively inclinable relative to the primary body, a slit defined at a junction of the primary body and the backrest, and a pouch received in the slit to be selectively inflatable to move the backrest relative to the primary body. The slit is defined in a manner that when the pouch is inflated and the backrest is lifted by the pouch, friction of a bottom face of the backrest to a top face of ground where the inflatable bed is rested is minimized so as to facilitate the inclinable movement of the backrest relative to the primary body.
US08549682B2
A duvet cover assembly includes a duvet and duvet cover that appear like a traditional duvet and duvet cover but are connected into a single unit that is entirely machine washable. The duvet cover assembly prevents the duvet from clumping or pooling within the duvet. The duvet cover assembly is useable in home and commercial (e.g. hotel) settings. The duvet cover assembly improves hygiene and shortens the time taken for changing the bedding.
US08549675B2
A device for spraying an inner surface of a toilet bowl with a cleaning and/or deodorizing chemical is disclosed. The device includes a container for the chemical, a container holder, a sprayer through which the chemical can be sprayed laterally at least halfway around a perimeter of the sprayer, means for attaching the sprayer near a rim of the toilet bowl, and a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the container and the sprayer. The toilet bowl cleaning device can include a hand or foot actuated lever for releasing a fluid from the container into a fluid delivery system, and a clip for mounting the sprayer adjacent an inner wall of the toilet bowl wherein the clip can be adjusted to fit different size toilet bowls.
US08549670B2
The present invention is a securing pocket for attachment to an accessory article that supports a small hands-free electronic device. The pocket further comprises an opening within the accessory article for supporting the pocket. The opening is dimensioned and contoured to support the electronic device. The pocket further comprises a first covering and a second covering dimensioned and contoured to support the electronic device. The second covering overlays the first covering and have a seamless attachment thereto with an edge being left unattached for receiving and removing the electronic device. Cut out openings extend through the base material of the accessory article and first covering1.
US08549667B1
A functional article of clothing is provided with a pocket preferably on the interior surface of the article of clothing with an access opening and a transverse slot; and a bottle opener disposed within the pocket. The mouth of the opener is oriented with the transverse slot of the pocket so that the mouth of the opener is open to the outside of the pocket when the bottle opener is disposed within said pocket and the opener can engage a bottle without being removed from the pocket. In one embodiment the pocket is formed with a rectangular sheet with a slot that is folded lengthwise over a lower hem and the sides are secured to the clothing by stitching or fasteners. The opener and the pocket may include advertising indicia.
US08555411B2
A mobile device out of range of other devices in a wireless network may be locked to provide security.
US08555410B2
A method and apparatus of controlling access to a system containing vital corporation software and storing confidential data assets situated in an open accessible environment is provided. The method includes calculating a signature value for at least one file usable with the system, transferring the calculated signature value to a signature file, and providing at least one signature value in the signature file and at least one associated file to a file system configured to be received by the system. At least one signature value and at least one associated file are inspected by the system to verify the associated file is a known system software application asset. The system comprises an input/output data port configured to receive the external memory storage device, and an operating system capable of reading system data from and writing system data to the memory storage device.
US08555409B2
Restricting access to a device from a server, where the device is remote to the server and is connected locally to a client that is remote to the server, is described. The operations may include facilitating interception, at the server, of a function call to create a symbolic link; facilitating determination that the intercepted function call to create the symbolic link corresponds to a device object associated with the device that is remote to the server and is connected locally to a client that is remote to the server; facilitating obtaining configuration data indicating whether access to the device is to be restricted; and facilitating creation of the symbolic link in a local namespace of an object manager namespace of the server, upon obtaining configuration data indicating that access to the device is to be restricted.
US08555407B2
An on-demand communication system, device, method and program are provided which allows a consumer to request information from an on-demand visibility service. The on-demand visibility service places a request with the on-demand directory service that may then choose a relevant provider to be queried for this information based on situation-based access control logic. The on-demand visibility service then queries the relevant providers with the request for information. Providers may then gather information by optionally using sensors, and may then transmit a provider response to the on-demand visibility service. The on-demand visibility service may then forward this provider response in the form of an answer to the consumer, thereby satisfying the consumer request for information.
US08555404B1
Techniques which allow definition and enforcement of connectivity-based action and execution authorization policies. On a computer, an action or execution attempt is intercepted in real-time. The connectivity state of the computer, the subject process, the program file of the subject process, the attempted action and the object of the attempted action are determined. An authorization policy considering the connectivity state indicates whether the attempted action is authorized or not. In a tracking mode, the attempted action and its authorization are logged and the attempted action is allowed to proceed. In an enforcement mode, unauthorized attempts are blocked and logged, thereby enforcing the authorization policy.
US08555401B2
The second content provision system determines, in response to a request by a user from a second terminal belonging to a second network, a second content being a same content as a first content, which is provided to the first terminal belonging to a first network or an alternative content for the first content and matching rights of the user. The second content is provided from the second network to the second terminal and can be used by the second terminal. The second content is determined by using content information specifying the first content which is in-use or which the use has interrupted and ownership information indicating the rights of the user and the content provision system acquires the content information and the ownership information from the first content provision system in response to the request from the second terminal.
US08555382B2
A method for creating a set of genericized signatures for detection of byte sequences in computer code includes accessing a first set of sample signatures, determining a maximum number of wildcards that a wildcarded signature may comprise, determining a first wildcarded signature corresponding to the first set of sample signatures, evaluating the first wildcarded signature, and repeating the steps of evaluating for any second wildcarded signatures. Each of the signatures corresponds to an instance of malware. The evaluation further includes if the number of wildcards in the first wildcarded signature exceeds the maximum number of wildcards, determining a plurality of second wildcarded signatures corresponding to a plurality of subsets of the set of sample signatures. The evaluation further includes if the number of wildcards in the first wildcarded signature is less than or equal to the maximum number of wildcards, adding the first wildcarded signature to a set of genericized signatures.
US08555378B2
Systems and methods are included for accessing resource objects in a multi-threaded environment. A request is received from a requester to perform an operation with respect to a resource object, where the requested resource object has multiple associations with other objects. A determination as to whether an authorization cache entry corresponding to the requested resource object contains sufficient permission data for granting or denying the request for access to the requested resource object is made. A grant or deny of access to the requested resource object is returned when the authorization cache entry corresponding to the requested resource object contains sufficient permission data.
US08555374B2
A packet processing device includes a control logic processor for filtering packets according to a set of stored rules and an arithmetic logic processor for executing packet processing instructions based on the content of the packet. The control logic processor spawns a new thread for each incoming packet, relieving the arithmetic logic processor of the need to do so. The control logic processor and the arithmetic logic processor preferably are integrated via a thread queue. The control logic processor preferably assigns a policy to each incoming packet. A policy action table stores one or more policy instructions which may be easily changed to update policies to be implemented. The policy action table preferably maps a virtual packet flow identification code to the physical memory address of an action code and a state block associated to the identification code. The arithmetic logic processor processes a packet based on the stored policy assigned to that packet.
US08555372B2
In one example a method is provided. The method includes (i) discovering, by a gateway router, a server in a local area network, wherein the gateway router discovers the server by sending a universal plug and play (UPnP) message identifying the gateway router as a gateway router with access configurable by the server; (ii) receiving, by the gateway router, a response from the server, wherein the response identifies the server as a server that desires to establish external access; (iii) determining, by the gateway router, whether the server is a trustworthy server, wherein determining comprises comparing information received by the server with a stored list of trustworthy servers; (iv) configuring, by the gateway router, a logical port to forward incoming connection requests to the server; and (v) forwarding, by the gateway router, incoming connection requests to the server.
US08555363B2
A system and machine-implemented method for providing a username and password to a system using a device, via establishing a near field communication link with the system; retrieving a username and password from storage on the device; and transmitting the username and password to the system via the near field communication link, wherein the username and password are configured to be used by the system to authenticate the user on the system.
US08555359B2
A system for performing an automated network-based login procedure on an interactive keypad image includes a software agent executable from a digital medium connected to the network for navigating to a login page, accessing the keypad image, and performing an automated login, and an automated login support application executable from the same or a different digital medium connected to the network, the support application including at least an image processor, an optical character recognizer, and an image data encoder and decoder. The software agent performs a login at the virtual keypad image based on character image matching and location information acquisition for each character of a client's specific set of credential characters included in the image of the keypad.
US08555357B1
Techniques for mitigating forgotten password attacks are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for mitigating forgotten password attacks comprising receiving an indication of a forgotten password communication for a user, identifying verification information associated with the forgotten password communication, determining a level of difficulty of inferring the verification information based on public information associated with the user, and calculating a level of risk associated with the verification information.
US08555356B2
System(s) and method(s) are provided for content management, e.g., exchange and manipulation, across devices provisioned through disparate network platforms. Devices can be mobile or stationary, and connect to provisioning network platforms through various network bearers. Through various secure protocols, a client component within a device secures access to content and provides secure delivery thereof. Directives for content manipulation are also delivered securely. Delivery of contents and directives are performed from device to device, routed via gateway nodes within a network platform that provisions the device. In addition, or alternatively, content management can be implemented through an intermediary component, which can also validate devices and secure delivery of content or directives. Alarm signaling among devices provisioned through disparate network platforms also can be securely conveyed. Intermediary component also can be exploited for content management among subscribers of disparate network providers.
US08555355B2
A system is configured to: receive an authentication request for a transaction from a web server; identify a phone number of the mobile device based on identifying information of the user in the authentication request and the user information, transmit a message to the mobile device based on the phone number, receive a message response from the mobile device, determine whether the mobile device provided a mobile pin pad authentication for the user based on the message response, and transmit a success authentication response to the web server when the mobile device provided the mobile pin pad authentication for the user.
US08555345B2
A method of authenticating a client to two or more servers coupled together via a communications network, wherein the client and a first server possess a shared secret. The method comprises authenticating the client to a first server using said shared secret, signalling associated with this authentication process being sent between the client and said first server via a second server, generating a session key at the client and at the first server, and providing the session key to said second server, and using the session key to authenticate the client to the second server.
US08555335B2
In an example implementation, a data structure comports with a secure application instruction protocol. The data structure includes a first application-level request and a second application-level request. The first application-level request has application-specific instructions from a requestor and a requestor signature over the application-specific instructions from the requestor. The second application-level request has application-specific instructions from an intermediary and an intermediary signature over at least the application-specific instructions from the intermediary.
US08555334B2
An authentication system is provided. The authentication system includes: a storage section that stores association information where a plurality of instructions for individual data is associated with authentication methods which are to be used to authenticate a user (the individual data is previously allocated to a legitimate user individually); a selection section that selects, based on the association information, the authentication method corresponding to the instruction input by a user; and an authentication section that follows the authentication method selected to authenticate the user as the legitimate user based on a result of checking challenge data obtained from the user for the check against template data previously registered as authentication information for the legitimate user.
US08555333B2
A method and system for identifying and resolving separation of duties (SOD) conflicts in a multi-application environment. An SOD conflict based on a person being granted a first authorization and a second authorization in violation of a policy is identified. The first and second authorizations are permissions allowing the person to perform, respectively, a first action provided by a first application and a second action provided by a second application. An optimal recommended action that resolves the SOD conflict is retrieved from a first database table that includes an association between the identified SOD conflict and the optimal recommended action. After the optimal recommended action is displayed on a display device, a user's acceptance of the optimal recommended action is received. In response, the optimal recommended action is performed by automatically deleting from a second database table an association between the person and the first or second authorization.
US08555326B2
A method, system and apparatus provide for detection by a display device of an idle mode of a remote sender device. Information received from a remote sender device by a display device is monitored during a normal operating mode of operation of the display device to determine whether the remote sender device is not providing primary content for display by the display device, such as might occur during a sleep or idle mode of the remote sender device. If the display device determines that primary content is not being provided by the remote sender device, then the display device acquires alternate content that may be displayed.
US08555323B2
There is disclosed a method for replicating media contents in a P2P VoD system comprising a plurality of peers. The method may comprise: determining that a candidate media unit shall be replicated into a local storage of one of the peers; checking whether said local storage has enough space to store the candidate media unit; if not, selecting one media unit previously stored in said local storage to be replaced; and replacing the selected media unit by the candidate media unit.
US08555322B2
Shared television sessions are described. In embodiment(s), television content can be received via a tuner of a tuner device. A shared television session can be established between rendering devices that share the tuner of the tuner device to receive the television content. A tuner configuration input can be received when initiated at a rendering device, and the tuner configuration input can be communicated to the tuner device to change the television content. The tuner device can receive different television content via the tuner according to the tuner configuration input. Tuner update data associated with the tuner configuration input can then be communicated to update the rendering devices that further share the tuner of the tuner device to receive the different television content.
US08555314B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a network device having a controller programmed to store a subscriber selectable preference for advertisements and for video channel distribution to send to a set top box (STB) and receive a signal from a broadcast stream indicating the location for insertion of an advertisement based on the subscriber selectable preference. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08555313B2
A synchronization system and method coordinates the provision of interactive content provided in a broadcast signal and independently of a broadcast signal.
