US08715959B2
This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a Group H nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.
US08715955B2
Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed. In one variation, targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition to the location of an interior of a cut path. In another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then placed onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the biological material. In yet another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then inverted onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the polymer membrane. Then, an UV laser cuts along a cut path around the targeted portions of biological material in a closed cut path or a substantially closed cut path defining an interior and an exterior portion of the tissue sample. In a substantially closed cut path, bridges are left spanning the interior of the cut path and the exterior of the cut path. An IR laser activates at least a portion of the transfer film such that the transfer film in the vicinity of targeted portion adheres to the biological material interior to the cut path. The transfer film is then removed separating the targeted portions of biological material which are adhered to the transfer film from the remaining portion of the tissue sample.
US08715953B2
The invention relates to methods and products associated with analyzing and monitoring heterogeneous populations of sulfated polysaccharides. In particular therapeutic heparin products including low molecular weight heparin products and methods of analyzing and monitoring these products are described.
US08715947B2
Methods and agents are disclosed based on the finding that 5T4 interacts with CXCR4 in the cell membrane to form a complex, and that the 5T4 transmembrane region is involved in the promotion of CXCR4 membrane expression and chemotactic response.
US08715944B2
Provided are compounds, methods and kits for identifying in cells of interest organelles including nuclei and a wide variety of organelles other than nuclei (non-nuclear organelles), as well as cell regions or cell domains. These compounds and methods can be used with other conventional detection reagents for identifying the location or position or quantity of organelles and even for distinguishing between organelles in cells of interest.
US08715935B2
The present invention provides a standardized method and a kit for an accurate quantification of HAV in clinical and food samples. The general approach is based on the use of several controls to measure the efficiency of those critical steps of the quantification: the nucleic acids extraction and the RT-PCR reactions. The kit comprises: a Mengo virus mutant strain with the same growth properties than those of the wild-type Mengo virus and with no pathogenic capacity; a single stranded RNA molecule corresponding to a fragment of the HAV genome; primers that specifically bind to regions of the 5′ non coding region of the HAV genome; a detectable labeled probe that specifically binds to the amplimer resulting from the RT-PCR; and an appropriate molecule to generate an standard curve for the quantification of HAV.
US08715933B2
Assay methods and apparatus for the analysis of biopolymers are disclosed. The assays employ nicking endonucleases to enable the generation of flaps on target biomolecules which are detected in nanopore or fluidic channel devices. Identification of flap locations enables a map of the target biomolecule to be derived.
US08715931B2
Provided are a method for analyzing metastasis of head and neck cancer to a cervical lymph node, and a tumor marker for head and neck cancer used therein. Specifically, provided is a method for analyzing metastasis of head and neck cancer to a cervical lymph node, involving: measuring an expression level of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes represented by SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 36 in the sequence listing in a cervical lymph node sample; and comparing the aforementioned expression level with a reference value. Also provided is a tumor marker for head and neck cancer used in the aforementioned method for analyzing cervical lymph node metastasis, including at least one gene selected from the group consisting of genes represented by SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 36 in the sequence listing, and/or an expression product of the aforementioned gene and/or an expression level thereof.
US08715930B2
Disclosed are compositions, devices, and methods for loading molecules of interest onto a substrate by contacting beads having molecules of interest attached to them with the substrate, for example by providing a field that brings the beads into proximity or contact with the substrate and moves the beads with respect to the substrate. Such molecules of interest can be deposited onto substrates for single-molecule analysis.
US08715921B2
The present invention provides a diagnostic method for stroke/asymptomatic cerebral infarction and a screening method for patients with stroke/asymptomatic cerebral infarction, which comprise measuring acrolein content or polyamine content; or polyamine oxidase activity or protein content of polyamine oxidase in plasma. The knowledge of the present invention indicates the possibility of preventing, inhibiting the progression of stroke/asymptomatic cerebral infarction by inhibiting polyamine oxidase, and the possibility of obtaining a therapeutic agent for stroke/asymptomatic cerebral infarction by searching for compounds that inhibit polyamine oxidase.
US08715917B2
A photoresist layer is lithographically exposed to form lithographically exposed photoresist regions and lithographically unexposed photoresist regions. The photoresist layer is developed with a non-polar or weakly polar solvent including a dissolved neutral polymer material. A neutral polymer layer is selectively formed on physically exposed surfaces of a hard mask layer underlying the photoresist layer. The neutral polymer layer has a pattern corresponding to the complement of the area of remaining portions of the photoresist layer. The remaining portions of the photoresist layer are then removed with a polar solvent without removing the neutral polymer layer on the hard mask layer. A block copolymer material can be subsequently applied over the neutral polymer, and the neutral polymer layer can guide the alignment of a phase-separated block copolymer material in a directed self-assembly.
US08715913B2
The present invention is a silicon-containing resist underlayer film-forming composition containing at least any one of a condensation product and a hydrolysis condensation product or both of a mixture comprising: one or more kinds of a compound (A) selected from the group consisting of an organic boron compound shown by the following general formula (1) and a condensation product thereof and one or more kinds of a silicon compound (B) shown by the following general formula (2). Thereby, there can be provided a resist underlayer film applicable not only to the resist pattern formed of a hydrophilic organic compound obtained by the negative development but also to the resist pattern formed of a hydrophobic compound obtained by the conventional positive development. R1m0B(OH)m1(OR)(3-m0-m1) (1) R10m10R11m11R12m12Si(OR13)(4-m10-m11-m12) (2)
US08715905B2
Provided is a silphenylene-containing photocurable composition including: (A) a specific silphenylene having both terminals modified with alicyclic epoxy groups, and (C) a photoacid generator that generates acid upon irradiation with light having a wavelength of 240 to 500 nm. Also provided is a pattern formation method including: (i) forming a film of the photocurable composition on a substrate, (ii) exposing the film through a photomask with light having a wavelength of 240 to 500 nm, and if necessary, performing heating following the exposure, and (iii) developing the film in a developing liquid, and if necessary, performing post-curing at a temperature within a range from 120 to 300° C. following the developing. Further provided is an optical semiconductor element obtained by performing pattern formation using the method. The composition is capable of very fine pattern formation across a broad range of wavelengths, and following pattern formation, yields a film that exhibits a high degree of transparency and superior light resistance. The composition may also include: (B) a specific epoxy group-containing organosilicon compound.
US08715903B2
An actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition comprising (A) a fluorine-containing compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, wherein the acid has a polarity converting group, and the fluorine content of the fluorine-containing compound (A) is 20% or more based on the molecular weight of the fluorine-containing compound (A).
US08715902B2
New photoresist compositions are provided that are useful for immersion lithography. Preferred photoresist compositions of the invention comprise one or more materials that can be substantially non-mixable with a resin component of the resist. Further preferred photoresist compositions of the invention comprise 1) Si substitution, 2) fluorine substitution; 3) hyperbranched polymers; and/or 4) polymeric particles. Particularly preferred photoresists of the invention can exhibit reduced leaching of resist materials into an immersion fluid contacting the resist layer during immersion lithography processing.
US08715897B2
The present disclosure provides polyesters suitable for use in forming toners. In embodiments, a polyester may be subjected to phase inversion emulsification, in which charge control agents are added so that the polyester emulsion includes charge control agents therein. The resulting polyester emulsion with charge control agents may then be utilized to form toner particles.
US08715894B2
The invention relates to a process for forming a structure comprising providing a support, coating one side of said support with a colored mask, coating a layer photopatternable by visible light, and exposing the layer through the colored mask with visible light to photopattern the layer.
US08715892B2
A mask blank is used for manufacturing a binary mask adapted to be applied with ArF excimer laser exposure light and has a light-shielding film for forming a transfer pattern on a transparent substrate. The light-shielding film has a laminated structure of a lower layer and an upper layer and has an optical density of 2.8 or more for the exposure light. The lower layer is made of a material containing tantalum and nitrogen and has a thickness of 33 nm or more. The upper layer is made of a material containing tantalum and oxygen and has a thickness of 3 nm or more. The phase difference between the exposure light transmitted through the light-shielding film and the exposure light transmitted in air for a distance equal to the thickness of the light-shielding film is 60 degrees or less.
US08715870B2
A gas reclaiming system is disclosed. The gas reclaiming system includes a getter device adapted to receive mixed gases and separate the mixed gases into at least one gas of interest and constituent gases. A recirculation loop is disposed in fluid communication with the getter device and adapted to receive the at least one gas of interest from the getter device. A gas reclaiming method is also disclosed.
US08715860B2
A non-aqueous battery with improved volume energy density and enhanced load characteristics is made available even when using olivine-type lithium phosphate as a positive electrode active material.The non-aqueous electrolyte battery of the present invention is provided with a positive electrode (1) containing lithium iron phosphate as a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode (2), and a non-aqueous electrolyte (4). In the positive electrode (1), a positive electrode active material-containing layer that is made of the positive electrode active material, a conductive agent, and a binder agent is formed on a positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode current collector has a thickness of less than 20 μm and its surface that is in contact with the positive electrode active material-containing layer has a mean surface roughness Ra of greater than 0.026.
US08715851B2
A battery pack includes battery cells, each including a first conductive terminal and a second conductive terminal, the battery cells being arrayed from a first side to a second side of the battery pack. A first conductive tab electrically connects the first conductive terminals of the battery cells to each other, a second conductive tab electrically connects the second conductive terminals of the battery cells to each other, a first conductive external terminal is electrically connected to a side of the first conductive tab and is configured to be electrically connected to an external device, and a second conductive external terminal is electrically connected to a side of the second conductive tab and is configured to be electrically connected to the external device.
US08715842B2
A battery pack that includes a bare cell, a protection circuit module arranged on the bare cell and a case arranged on the protection circuit module, wherein the protection circuit module and the case include coupling members to couple the protection circuit module to the case.
US08715838B2
Wear resistance and chipping resistance are both highly established for a surface-coated cutting tool. The surface-coated cutting tool of the present invention includes a base material and a coat film formed on the base material. A first coat layer at a chamfer portion has residual stress that exhibits a minimal value at a depth A within 2 μm from the surface, and that is greater than or equal to −7 GPa and less than or equal to −1 GPa.
US08715827B2
A particulate porous spherical titanium dioxide has a TiO2 content of at least 99.0% by weight, a particle size d50 in the range of 30 to 350 μm, a tight particle size distribution (B 90/10) in the region of a maximum of 120 μm, a pore diameter of 1 to 30 nm, a pore volume of at least 0.1 cm3/g, and a surface area of 30 to 300 m2/g (BET).
US08715826B2
Polysaccharides and/or hydroxyl polymers, more particularly, structures, especially fibers, comprising a polysaccharide and/or hydroxyl polymer and an association agent, fibrous structures comprising such structures and processes for making such structures and/or fibrous structures are provided.
US08715822B2
A coated article includes a substrate, an anti-corrosion layer formed on the substrate, and a decorative layer formed on the anti-corrosion layer. The substrate is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The anti-corrosion layer includes an aluminum layer formed on the substrate and an aluminum oxide layer formed on the aluminum layer. The coated article has improved corrosion resistance.
US08715821B2
Polymer article having a thin coating on at least one of its side, characterized in that said coating comprises a first coating of SiOxCyH2 which is a plasma polymerized tetramethylsilane deposited on the surface on said polymer article, the x value being between 0 and 1.7, the y value being between 0.5 and 0.8, the z value being between 0.35 and 0.6 for said first SiOxCyHz coating and a second coating of SiOxCyHz which is a plasma polymerized tetramethylsilane deposited on the surface on said first coating, the x value being between 1.7 and 1.99, the y value being between 0.2 and 0.7, the z value being between 0.2 and 0.35 for said second SiOxCyHz coating and in that the thickness of said first coating is from about 1 nanometer to about 15 nanometers and in that the thickness of said second coating is from about 10 nanometers to about 100 nanometers, preferentially around 30 nanometers.
US08715812B2
A printed medium having a metallic luster includes an ink-receiving layer on a substrate and a layer of metal oxide particles disposed on the ink-receiving layer. A portion of the ink-receiving layer corresponding to at least one feature includes a non-particulate, light-absorbing colorant dispersed in the ink-receiving layer. An amount of the non-particulate, light-absorbing colorant in the ink-receiving layer portion is sufficient to render a predetermined hue to the metallic luster of the at least one feature. The metal oxide particles have an average diameter of about 3 nm to about 300 nm. The ink-receiving layer has pores that are smaller than the average diameter of the metal oxide particles.
US08715808B2
This invention provides a coupling method for coupling a first and a second stiffening profile element for an outer skin of an aircraft or space craft. In a first step the stiffening profile elements are arranged on the outer skin in such a manner that the stiffening profile elements oppose each other with their respective front sides and enclose within themselves a cavity. Furthermore, a fixing hole is formed through a wall of at least one of the stiffening profile elements in the cavity inside a coupling zone of the stiffening profile element. An access opening is formed through the wall in the cavity along the coupling zone. A coupling strap, which couples the stiffening profile elements together, is fastened to the coupling zone by means of a fastening element guided through the fixing hole.
US08715795B2
In a molded plastic part 1 including a body 2 constituting a design surface 2a and a reinforcing structure 3 projectingly provided on a design back surface 2b of the body 2, the body 2 and the reinforcing structure 3 being integrally molded by injection molding, the reinforcing structure 3 is formed by a combined body of a plurality of transverse ribs 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d which are arranged at appropriate intervals in the resin flow direction at the time of injection molding in the direction intersecting with the resin flow and longitudinal ribs 6p and 6q which extend at right angles to the transverse ribs and connect the transverse ribs to each other. The transverse ribs are connected to the design back surface 2b, and a gate 8 for injection molding is set on one of the transverse ribs. The longitudinal ribs are disposed so as to be separated from the design back surface 2b.
US08715794B2
A recording medium includes a base paper, a polymer layer disposed on the base paper, and an ink-receiving layer disposed on the polymer layer. The base paper has a thickness of 50 μm or more and 130 μm or less. The polymer layer has a thickness of 20 μm or more and 60 μm or less. The polymer layer has an arithmetic average surface roughness Ra1 of 0.12 μm or more and 0.18 μm or less. The polymer layer has a roughness curve element average length RSm of 0.01 mm or more and 0.20 mm or less. The recording medium has an arithmetic average surface roughness Ra2 of 0.13 μm or less.
US08715793B2
A touch panel that not only demonstrates little deterioration of performance even in harsh environments at high temperature and high humidity, but is also free of the occurrence of a whitening phenomenon occurring during sudden changes in temperature and humidity, while also having superior shock resistance. A conductive laminate in which a uniform or arbitrarily patterned conductive layer containing a polythiophene-based conductive agent and an adhesive layer containing an acidic component are in direct contact over the entire surface or a portion thereof, and a touch panel in which it is used.
US08715789B2
A method and apparatus for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition to an interior region of a hollow, tubular, high aspect ratio workpiece are disclosed. A plurality of anodes are disposed in axially spaced apart arrangement, to the interior of the workpiece. A process gas is introduced into the region. A respective individualized DC or pulsed DC bias is applied to each of the anodes. The bias excites the process gas into a plasma. The workpiece is biased in a hollow cathode arrangement. Pressure is controlled in the interior region to maintain the plasma. An elongated support tube arranges the anodes, and receives a process gas tube. A current splitter provides a respective selected proportion of a total current to each anode. One or more notch diffusers or chamber diffusers may diffuse the process gas or a plasma moderating gas. Plasma impedance and distribution may be controlled using various means.
US08715787B2
The invention relates to application of enamel layers in the form of powder in an electric field and subsequent firing. A cleaned surface of a steel product is covered with a ground coat enamel layer in the form of powder in the electric field by an application gun until the layer reaches a thickness of 100 to 150 μm. Subsequently, the electric field is interrupted in order to reduce a space charge around the metal product and, in the same manner, a minimum of another two layers of cover coat enamel powder is applied until a thickness of the total enamel powder layer reaches a minimum of 750 μm, wherein the electric field is interrupted each time between each steps of cover coat enamel powder application.
US08715783B2
The present invention relates to a porous ABPBI (phosphoric acid doped poly(2,5-benzimidazole)) membrane and process of preparing the same. A stable porous ABPBI (Phosphoric Acid Doped Poly(2,5-benzimidazole)) membrane stable to acids, bases, solvents and autoclaving is disclosed. The membrane finds use for separation of solutes in solution in acids, bases and solvents.
US08715782B2
In a surface processing method for processing a surface of a member made of silicon carbide (SiC) and having a fragmental layer on a surface thereof, the surface of the member having the fragmental layer is modified into a dense layer to reduce the number of particles generated from the surface of the member when the member is applied to a plasma processing apparatus. Here, the SiC of the surface of the member is recrystallized by heating the fragmental layer.
US08715769B2
The present invention provides the use of a composition comprising non-digestible oligosaccharide for the manufacture of a composition for enteral administration to an infant delivered via caesarean section.
US08715749B2
Foods and pharmaceuticals which contain cocoa and/or nut procyanidin(s) in combination with L-arginine are effective to induce a physiological increase in nitric oxide production in a mammal having ingested the product. A preferred food product is a confection, particularly a dark or milk chocolate containing nuts. The procyanidins may be natural or synthetic and may be provided by food ingredients such as chocolate liquor and/or cocoa solids prepared from underfermented beans and nut skins. The L-arginine may be natural or synthetic and may be provided by food ingredients such as nut meats, nut pastes, and/or nut flours, seeds, seed pastes, and/or seed flours, or gelatin. The beneficial health effects may include, for example, reduced blood pressure, resistance to cardiovascular disease, and anticancer activity.
US08715745B2
The present invention relates to the use of hydrazone compounds and copper for controlling the growth of fungi.
US08715743B2
The present invention provides for methods of producing human monoclonal antibodies against a wide variety of antigens including bacterial and viral antigens, as well as tumor antigens, and various autoantigens. Also provided are the antibodies themselves, nucleic acids encoding such antibodies, cells producing such antibodies, and methods of using such antibodies for diagnostic assays and passive immunity against disease states such as infection and cancer.
US08715740B2
The present invention provides for methods of preparing silk nanoparticles and microparticles, methods of encapsulating an active agent into the silk nano- and microparticles and compositions comprising these silk particles.
US08715738B2
The present invention relates to fullerene-silica nanoparticles with improved fluorescence, a preparation method of the fullerene-silica nanoparticles, and use thereof. More specifically, the present invention relates to fullerene-silica nanoparticles with improved fluorescence in which fullerene and silica are covalently linked, a preparation method of the fullerene-silica nanoparticles, and use thereof. The preparation method of the fullerene-silica nanoparticles comprises the steps of: adding a surfactant to a non-polar organic solvent and a polar solvent and stirring them to form reverse micelles (step 1); adding fullerene to the reverse micelles formed in the step 1 and stirring them (step 2); and adding a silica precursor and a catalyst to a reaction solution containing the fullerene prepared in the step 2 and stirring them to prepare fullerene-silica nanoparticles (step 3). According to the present invention, fullerene-silica nanoparticles in the form of a uniform spherical shape of tens of nanometers can be prepared. As such prepared fullerene-silica nanoparticles have a large surface area due to a nanometer-sized structure, they have good reactivity. Compared with heavy metals or metal nanoparticles, the fullerene-silica nanoparticles, because of using silica, are harmless to a living body. Further, as the fullerene-silica nanoparticles exhibit strong fluorescence, they can be used as a contrast agent for in-vivo imaging or as a drug delivery carrier.
US08715722B2
The invention relates to a capsule comprising a hollow tubular body (2), a hollow cap (3) telescopically engageable on the body (2), the body (2) and the cap (3) defining an inner volume therebetween and being provided with complementary snap-fit means (12, 21) for locking the cap (3) on the body (2) in the fully closed final position, the complementary snap-fit means (12, 21) comprising a locking ring (12) formed on the body (2) and a complementary ridge member (21) formed on the cap (3), at least one air-vent (14) formed as an axial recess on the outer surface of the body (2) and suitable for ensuring fluid communication between the inner volume and the atmosphere. The capsule (1) is configured such that, in the fully closed final position, the inner surface of the cap (3) fits on the outer surface of the body (2) over a continuous circumferential contact section (33) and the air-vent (14) axially extends from the open end (5) of the body (2) toward the contact section (33), so as to provide fluid communication between the inner volume and the atmosphere over the whole range of engagement positions, excluding the fully closed final position wherein the inner surface of the cap (3) sealingly engages the outer surface of the body (2) over the contact section (33). Application to capsules for liquid dosages.
US08715720B2
An apparatus and a method for dispersing particulate materials prone to agglomeration, in a liquid. Particulate materials are exposed to a liquid and put into that liquid to form a suspension or a dispersion in a controlled method thereby minimizing agglomerates. The method uses mechanical/hydro mixing that prevents the physical deterioration of the particulate material and inhibits agglomeration of the particles. In many cases, these materials may be nanomaterials. Almost all particulate materials can be handled in this manner. This method has been found to be especially useful for preparing solutions of exfoliated graphene and certain drugs.
US08715718B2
Compositions, methods, and kits for repair and production of extracellular matrix are provided. In the broad aspect, the composition comprises a ligand of α5β1 integrin attached to a surface of a nanoparticle composed of a protein, with a proviso that the protein is not fibronectin.
US08715717B2
This invention is directed generally to compositions (including foods, supplements, treats, toys, etc.) for animal consumption, particularly compositions that tend to aid in weight loss or reduction in weight gain, and particularly compositions that comprise one or more medium chain fatty acid triglycerides (“MCT”). This invention also is directed generally to methods for using such compositions. This invention is further directed generally to processes for making such compositions.
US08715714B2
Disclosed are uses of rare earth element selected from the group consisting of cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), europium (Eu), terbium (Tb), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), neodymium (Nd), samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd), lutetium (Lu) and mixtures thereof, or a salt or an oxide thereof for preventing hair loss, promoting hair regrowth and hair growth, removing and preventing dandruff, or promoting black hair formation.
US08715702B2
The present invention relates to a controlled release carrier system that can be incorporated into rinse-off application products containing at least one surfactant such as heavy duty liquids (HDL), Rinse Cycle Fabric Softeners (RCFS), Shampoos, Hair Conditioners, Shower Gels, cleansing products, and that enhance deposition of lipophilic active materials like fragrance, fine perfumes, flavors and other volatile compounds onto a surface. The fragrance composition is encapsulated within a shell comprising a silicon-containing material and the shell has a mean diameter size which is lower than 30 micrometer. The surfactant composition containing the fragrance composition is washed off and the fragrance is progressively released.
US08715701B2
Protein preparations containing biologically active compounds and the application of the protein preparations obtained, particularly as a component of medicinal and cosmetic preparations as protective substances or in the regeneration of cells and tissues of the human organism, and which can comprise a component of culture media for dermal or hepatic tissues, or for stem cells destined for use in the regeneration of cells and tissues in the human organism.
US08715700B2
An oil-in-water emulsion containing one or more alpha hydroxy acids in which the oil phase of the emulsion contains a high proportion of polar constituents. The emulsion, even at high concentrations of alpha hydroxy acid, is not irritating when applied to the skin.
US08715693B2
Neuroinvasive and neurovirulent strain of the West Nile virus, named IS-98-ST1, nucleic acid molecules derived from its genome, proteins and peptides encoded by said nucleic acid molecules, and uses thereof.
US08715691B2
Polypeptides, polynucleotides, methods, compositions, and vaccines comprising influenza hemagglutinin and neuraminidase variants are provided.
US08715687B2
The present invention relates to ClfA polypeptides wherein amino acid Y474 or an amino acid adjacent to Y474 is mutated such that fibrinogen binding activity is decreased compared to an equivalent ClfA polypeptide without mutation of Y474 or an amino acid adjacent to Y474 as well as immunogenic compositions, vaccines, processes and uses of such mutated ClfA polypeptides.
US08715670B2
The present invention relates to a human monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to VCAM-1, and a therapeutic composition for the treatment of inflammatory disease or cancer comprising the same. The human monoclonal antibody according to the present invention shows a strong affinity to VCAM-1 expressed on human or mouse endothelial cell, effectively inhibits leukocyte adhesion to activated endothelial cells expressing VCAM-1, and shows a low immunogenicity, thereby being used for the treatment of cancer or inflammatory disease such as asthma, rhinitis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, bowel disease, arteriosclerosis, myocardial infarction and transplant rejection.
US08715668B2
An antibody of the invention interacts with human DR5 to produce agonistic or antagonistic effects downstream of the receptor including inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences of anti-DR5 antibodies have been elucidated and vectors and cells containing and expressing these sequences have been generated. Methods and uses for the antibodies are detailed including treatment of apoptosis-related disease and treatment of dysregulated cell growth.
US08715667B2
The present invention relates to antibodies, antibody fragments, and derivatives thereof that specifically bind to TLR3 cell receptors present on the surface of cells. The invention also relates to hybridomas producing such antibodies; methods of making such antibodies; fragments, variants, and derivatives of the antibodies; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same; methods of using the antibodies to detect TLR3 levels on the surface of cells, and the use of such antibodies and compositions for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in subjects.
US08715655B2
The present invention provides a human anti-α9 integrin antibody or an antibody fragment which specifically recognize human α9 integrin and mouse α9 integrin, inhibit interaction with their ligands, particularly, the antibody or antibody fragment which recognize loop regions of human and mouse α9 integrins, a gene encoding the antibody or antibody fragment, a recombinant expression vector containing the gene, a transformant harboring the gene, production method of human anti-α9 integrin antibody or antibody fragment using the transformant, and an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of rheumatoid arthritis which contains the antibody or antibody fragment.
US08715654B2
The current invention is directed to methods of inducing migration of an immune cell toward a cancer cell comprising inhibiting the activity of a chemorepellant released from the cancer cell.
US08715652B2
The present invention relates to a protein preparation having increased stability, comprising a stabiliser selected from the group consisting of non-polar and basic amino acids and having a pH of 4.0 to 5.2. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition and a method of stabilising protein preparations.
US08715643B2
Disclosed is a transformed cell (a cell model) which can form a cytoplasmic inclusion body derived from TAR DNA-binding protein of 43 kDa (TDP-43) that is found in the brain of a patient suffering from a neurodegenerative disease such as FTLD and ALS. The transformed cell is characterized by having, introduced therein, a promoter capable of functioning in a host cell and a mutant TDP-43 gene.
US08715635B2
A rotaxane consisting of a cucurbituril and an uncharged guest molecule, having low or null affinity therebetween is provided as well as processes for providing the same. Various uses as energy converters (“frictionless” molecular motors), biochips and biosensors using the same are also provided.
US08715631B2
The present invention relates to a cosmetic microemulsion comprising a non-ionic surfactant type emulsifying agent, a co-emulsifying agent and a solvent selected from the group consisting of hexadecane and isomers thereof and dodecane and isomers thereof, said cosmetic microemulsions having particle diameter smaller than 100 nm. Preferably, this cosmetic microemulsion is used in the form of a pre-shampoo and has particles with a diameter on the order of 40 nm.
US08715626B2
The present invention provides a cosmetic for hair in which smooth combability without a frictional sensation during cleansing and applying to hair, namely during wetting, the aforementioned effects are not lost by a rinsing operation, smooth combability during and after drying the hair is exhibited, a moisturizing feeling on touch is exhibited without stickiness, and a flexible styling sensation is provided to the hair. A co-modified organopolysiloxane having both a specified hydrophilic group and a siloxane dendron structure-containing group is blended in a cosmetic for hair as an essential component.
US08715613B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing of ultra-clean and high-purity aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. Industrial grade hydrogen peroxide is filtered by SBA-15 molecular sieve with which the chelator is loaded, and then it is further filtered by a hyperfiltration membrane to obtain the ultra-clean and high-purity aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. The method provided in the present invention overcomes the problems such as complexity of operation, high energy consumption and high content of impurities in the product, and is suitable for continuous production on a large scale because of its simple equipment, simple operation, low energy consumption and stable quality of the product.
US08715612B2
Zinc peroxide nanoparticles, used for arsenic and chromium removal, were synthesized using zinc acetate di-hydrate as precursors in ammonical water medium at room temperature.
US08715607B2
Metallic CNTs and semiconducting CNTs are efficiently separated from a CNT mixture of these CNTs, and semiconducting CNTs are separated by structure by using a method that enables separation in high yield in a short time period while conveniently enabling mass processing and automatic processing with inexpensive equipment.Multiple columns charged with gel are connected in series, and excess amounts of a CNT dispersion is passed through the columns to adsorb only the CNTs of a specific structure on the columns. The CNTs are then eluted with an elution to separate CNTs of different structures with high accuracy. The present technique represents a method that conveniently enables mass processing and automatic processing at high yield in a short time period with inexpensive equipment.
US08715606B2
Improved methods of fullerene derivative production including use of less solvent, or elimination of solvent, as well as use of shorter reaction times and higher reaction temperatures. Methods useful for production of bis-, tris-, tetra-, penta-, and hexa-fullerene derivatives. Indene is a preferred derivative. The derivatives used in active layers for solar cell applications.
US08715604B2
A liquid mixture is prepared by using a liquid phenolic resin (PL-2818) serving as a carbon source. While an inert gas is introduced into the liquid mixture, a released gas is discharged. Then, the liquid mixture is dried in a reduced-pressure atmosphere, and thereby the nitrogen dissolved in the liquid mixture can be reduced. In this way, the amount of nitrogen content after burning can be reduced.
US08715597B2
Production of polycrystalline silicon in substantially closed-loop processes and systems is disclosed. The processes and systems generally involve disproportionation of trichlorosilane to produce silane or dichlorosilane and thermal decomposition of silane or dichlorosilane to produce polycrystalline silicon.
US08715595B2
An apparatus is disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripper and a cold stripper. A net overhead stream from the hot stripper is forwarded to the cold stripper for further stripping. The invention is particularly suitable for hydrotreating residue feed streams. The hot stripped stream may be subjected to fluid catalytic cracking. The apparatus and process eliminates the need for a fired heater in the product recovery unit.
US08715590B2
A diagnostic test device comprising at least one membrane disposed in any of one, two, and three dimensions; at least one test sample fluid input port that receives and transfers at least one test sample fluid and onto the at least one membrane; at least one contiguous fluid flow manifold within the at least one membrane to multiplex or distribute the at least one test sample fluid; at least one contiguous fluid flow channel that operatively connects the at least one membrane to the at least one contiguous fluid flow manifold; at least one analyte assay test zone disposed within the at least one contiguous fluid flow channel; and at least one chemical capturing reagent disposed within the at least one analyte assay test zone, wherein multiple analyte assay test results are simultaneously obtained and in parallel in the diagnostic test device.
US08715589B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to analyte sensors comprising a heparin coating, and methods of coating analyte sensors. The heparin can be stably associated with at least a portion of a porous membrane that covers a portion of the analyte sensors. The heparin can be photochemically linked to the coating through the formation of covalent bonds.
US08715584B2
A radial bed catalytic conversion unit having an outer cylindrical chamber (1), an inner chamber (2) which is also cylindrical, the annular zone included between the outer chamber and the inner chamber, termed the reaction zone (I), is filled with catalyst under slow gravitational flow, and the feed is introduced via an inlet pipe (E), connected to an intermediate box (F) which is in turn connected to a plurality of distribution tubes (3) disposed inside the reaction zone (I) in the vicinity of the outer chamber (1).
US08715583B2
Among other things, hydrogen is released from water at a first location using energy from a first energy source; the released hydrogen is stored in a metal hydride slurry; and the metal hydride slurry is transported to a second location remote from the first location.
US08715580B2
An exhaust gas treatment device is disposed in an exhaust gas treatment system and comprises a rolled metal cylinder of corrugated metal sheet having longitudinally extending passages extending axially from an inlet end to an outlet end and a conduit disposed between layers of the rolled metal cylinder and configured for circulation of a heat transfer medium therethrough, the conduit extending axially and radially the rolled metal cylinder.
US08715579B2
A honeycomb structure has a substantially circular-pillar-shape. The honeycomb structure includes at least one electrically conductive honeycomb unit, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The at least one electrically conductive honeycomb unit includes walls extending along a longitudinal direction of the at least one electrically conductive honeycomb unit to define a plurality of through holes. The first electrode is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the honeycomb structure. The second electrode is provided in a vicinity of a central axis of the honeycomb structure extending along the longitudinal direction.
US08715576B2
A multilayer material is described herein that includes at least one signaling layer configured to propagate at least one electromagnetic signal; and a flexible layer configured to enclose the at least one signaling layer, wherein the flexible layer is substantially impermeable to an environment and to the at least one electromagnetic signal. The multilayer material including the at least one signaling layer is configured to transmit a change in the at least one electromagnetic signal upon exposure of the signaling layer to the environment. A system, an article of clothing, or a method is described herein.
US08715573B2
The fluidic system 10 of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump 12 to pump sheath fluid 14 from a sheath container 16 through a sample port 34 into an interrogation zone 18 and a waste pump 20 to pump the sheath fluid 14 and a sample fluid 26 as waste fluid 22 from the interrogation zone 18 into a waste container 24, and a processor 30 to calculate a time window based on the flow rate of the sample fluid 26. Preferably the processor 30 also calculates a time window for the sample fluid to reach the interrogation zone 18 from the sample port 34 based on the flow rate of the sample fluid 26. The interrogation zone 18 functions to provide a location for the fluidic system 10 and an optical analysis system 32 of the flow cytometer to cooperatively facilitate the analysis of the sample fluid 26.
US08715570B2
A device for sterilization of packages and a method of sterilizing packages are provided. The device comprises a gassing zone for exposing the packages to a gaseous sterilization agent, inlet mechanisms for introducing the gaseous sterilization agent into the gassing zone and a conveyor for transporting the packages through the gassing zone in a transport direction. The device also includes a separation mechanism arranged inside the gassing zone to divide at least an upper part of the gassing zone into sub gassing zones, each of said separation mechanisms having an opening for passage of the packages, each of at least a number of the inlet mechanisms being arranged to provide a flow of the gaseous sterilization agent at the opening of a respective one of the separation mechanisms.
US08715562B2
A method of making a plastic container that has a tethered closure using an extrusion blow molding process includes steps of extruding a parison, capturing the parison within a mold and inflating the parison against the mold to form a container blank having a container portion, a closure portion and a tether portion for connecting the container portion to the closure portion. The tether portion, which is preferably elongated and string like, may be formed out of flash material that is created during the molding process. The resulting container is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and facilitates the plastic recycling process.
US08715561B2
A method of assembling and shaping a laminate panel. An intermediate member is mounted on a lay-up table and a lay-up is assembling by laying a series of plies onto the intermediate member on the lay-up table. The intermediate member and the lay-up are then removed from the lay-up table and placed them on a shaped surface. The lay-up is then forced against the shaped surface, via the intermediate member, in a manner that modifies the shape of the lay-up to form a shaped laminate panel. Finally the shaped laminate panel is removed from the intermediate member. The lay-up table can thus support the flexible intermediate member during assembly, and can be relatively flat to enable the lay-up to assembled by an automated process.
US08715554B2
The present invention provides a resin film for a film capacitor making it possible to obtain the excellent heat resistance, materialize a reduction in a size of the film capacitor and an increase in a capacity thereof and satisfy a reduction in a thickness of the film and a high voltage resistance thereof. In a manufacturing method in which an extruding equipment 10 is charged with a molding material 1 to extrude a film 2 for a film capacitor from a T dice 20, in which the above extruded film 2 for a film capacitor is interposed between plural rolls in a receiving device 30 and cooled and in which the above cooled film 2 for a film capacitor is wound on a winding tube 42 of a winding device 40, 100 parts by mass of a polyetherimide resin is blended with 1 to 10 parts by mass of a fluorocarbon resin to prepare the molding material 1; the above molding material 1 is extruded through a filter 50 having apertures 51 which are 0.5 to 6 times or less as large as an average thickness of the film 2 for a film capacitor, which is provided between the extruding equipment 10 and the T dice 20; and a thickness of the film 2 for a film capacitor is controlled to 10 μm or less.
US08715540B2
The present invention provides combined property, dual-action aqueous and dry compositions for application to a material, such as conventional Gypsum Wall Board, ceiling tiles, joint compounds, concrete and other interior building materials, prior to an exposure of the material to fire, or prior to, during or after exposure of the material to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes, and related methods. When compositions within the present invention are properly applied to a material prior to the material being exposed to fire, or prior to, during or after the material being exposed to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes, these compositions have the effect of reducing the amount of burning that occurs to the material, and/or reducing the amount or density of smoke and associated toxic gases produced by the material, when the material is exposed to fire. These compositions also have the effect of inhibiting or reducing the growth, build-up or deposit of microbes on the material when the material is exposed to conditions favorable to the growth of microbes.
US08715533B2
There are provided a high-permittivity dielectric raw material, an antenna device using the raw material and being useful as, especially, the built-in antenna device of a portable phone; a portable phone which can be reduced in weight, thickness and size, with an antenna radiation efficiency improved, and an electromagnetic wave shielding body for effectively shielding electromagnetic wave from an electric cooker.A dielectric raw material A having carbons dispersed in a silicone rubber base material 1, wherein, in any one of dielectric raw materials A, 1) containing 150 to 300 pts.wt. of carbons per 100 pts.wt. of silicone rubber, 2) formed by crosslinking and molding a mixture of non-crosslinked silicone rubber, non-crosslinked organic polymer and carbons, and 3) formed by combining and blending at least two kinds of carbons having different shapes and selected from spherical carbon 2, flat carbon, carbon fiber with a specific aspect ratio, carbon nanotube and conductive carbon 3, carbons are unevenly distributed in a silicone rubber base material 1 or carbons are contained with at least part of them contacting each other.
US08715531B2
A conductive polymer doped with a dopant can be expanded and contracted when electrically oxidized and reduced in a driving electrolytic solution containing an anion, and thereby can act as an actuator element in an actuator. The anion is a fluorine-containing ion derived from a strong acid, and the dopant is an aromatic sulfonate ion free of fluorine. The conductive polymer is a polymer containing a 5-membered heterocyclic moiety as a repeating unit, such as a polypyrrole or a polythiophene. When the conductive polymer is in an oxidized state, at least part of the 5-membered heterocyclic moieties has a carbonyl group.
US08715511B2
Apparatus and method are provided for separating grit from liquid sewage while retaining organic solids in suspension. A sustained rotational liquid sewage first fluid flow, an induced upward liquid sewage second fluid flow, and a sustained rotational liquid sewage third fluid flow are employed in an apparatus having a cylindrical grit settling main chamber, a grit storage secondary chamber including a central grit settling access top mouth opening, a vertical shaft, a means for causing rotation of the vertical shaft, and a partition extending transversely through the main chamber and forming upper and lower subchambers. A fluid flow speed gradient is established between the liquid sewage third fluid flow and the liquid sewage first fluid flow. In this manner, grit is separated from liquid sewage.
US08715498B2
A polymer-free method and self-draining self-cleaning apparatus for treatment of water with high total dissolved solids including optional pretreatment, precipitation/flocculation, and separation. The pH is raised by addition of caustic soda and/or soda ash. In a vertical clarifier silo, the feed is gently mixed to cause dissolved solids to precipitate and agglomerate to form suspended flocculates. The clarifier includes an internal mixer surrounded by a cylindrical tube diffuser. Rotation of the mixer provides gentle dual circulation patterns within the clarifier that allow for flocculates of a predetermined size to settle from suspension. The clarifier may also include one or more vertical recirculation lines to recirculate some of the heavier flocculates at the bottom of the vessel into the mixer chamber to enhance precipitation via the seeding effect. The suspended flocculates are stripped from the feed water in a centrifugal separator. The clarifier silo may be trailer mounted for rapid deployment.
US08715497B2
An in-tank fluid filter has a filter body made of porous material and a plastic outlet port attached to the filter body for connecting the filter to a pump. A plastic retainer is integrally formed on the outlet port, the retainer comprising a tab extending in a plane perpendicular to the flow axis, the tab having a first surface proximate the pump and a second surface remote from the pump, the tab having an aperture extending from the first surface to the second surface with an effective cross-section at the first surface that is larger than the post cross-section and that is reduced toward the second surface to an effective cross-section that is smaller than the post cross-section.
US08715496B2
A system for altering water properties in an outdoor body of water includes a holding vessel configured to hold water. The holding vessel has at least one wall extending above a mean surface water level. The system also includes at least one conduit extending downward from the holding vessel. The at least one conduit has a length extending to a depth at which at least one property of water at the depth differs substantially from that of water at the surface. The system further includes at least one aperture formed in at least one of the holding vessel or the at least one conduit and located at a distance below the mean surface water level. Further still, the system includes at least one one way valve coupled to the at least one aperture and allowing flow of water in only one direction.
US08715487B2
This invention relates to the composition, method of making and use of a fluidized catalytic cracking (“FCC”) catalyst that is comprised of a new Y zeolite which exhibits an exceptionally low small mesoporous peak around the 40 Å (angstrom) range as determined by nitrogen adsorption measurements. FCC catalysts made from this new zeolite exhibit improved rates of heavy oil cracking heavy oil bottoms conversions and gasoline conversions. The fluidized catalytic cracking catalysts herein are particularly useful in fluidized catalytic cracking (“FCC”) processes for conversion of heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks such as gas oils and vacuum tower bottoms.
US08715478B2
A device for electrically controlled transport of ions between a source and a target electrolyte, including: a first source electrode and a first target electrode, each capable of conducting ions and electrons, wherein the source electrode is arranged to receive ions from the source electrolyte and the target electrode is arranged to release ions to the target electrolyte.
US08715476B2
Electrotransfer is performed in an instrument that receives electroblotting cassettes and that contains an integrated power supply, controls, and a display that allows the user to monitor and control each of a plurality of cassettes individually through electrical contacts within the housing that mate with corresponding electrical contacts on the cassettes.
US08715469B2
An improved galvanic processing device includes disk shaped electrodes made from a metal which have circumferential segments aligned at an angle α relative to the plane of the circumference of the electrode. The circumferential segments may have portions aligned at a different angle β relative to the plane of the circumference of the electrode.
US08715460B2
A method and apparatus for removing a pad adhesively secured to a platen. The apparatus includes a barrel assembly having a clamp assembly fixedly attached to a perimeter of the barrel assembly; a rotatable handle assembly nested within the barrel assembly; and a ratchet assembly nested between the handle assemble and the barrel assembly the ratchet assembly configured to engage the rotatable handle assembly.
US08715458B2
A method of operation of a micro device feeder system includes: adjusting a distance between a movable drive plate and a mounting plate for aligning a carrier tape carrying a micro device to a center line for pick-up of the micro device by external device handling equipment; and configuring a tape handling mechanism, having a sprocket assembly, to accommodate a predetermined width of the carrier tape.
US08715453B2
Quaternary ammonium bicarbonates are suitable for use as catalysts in curable epoxy compositions. The curable compositions prepared therewith are used to prepare coated substrates, and to produce conformally sealed printed wiring boards and flexible circuits. Methods for preparation and curing are also provided. Of particular utility are compositions comprising benzytrimethyl ammonium bicarbonate. The curable composition is coated onto a first film or sheet, including a polyimide film or sheet. The coated sheet is then contacted to the surface of second film or sheet, where preferably there are discrete metallic conductive pathways disposed thereupon.
US08715450B2
The present invention provides a foamed member capable of inhibiting or preventing foam breakage at the time when the foam member is peeled from a carrier tape, even when the foamed member has a high expansion ratio. The foamed member has a thermoplastic resin foam layer containing a thermoplastic resin foam formed through a step of impregnating a high-pressure inert gas into a thermoplastic resin and subsequently reducing pressure, and at least one of a thermoplastic polyester-based resin layer and a thermoplastic elastomer resin layer disposed on at least one side of the thermoplastic resin foam layer.
US08715442B2
A tubular lateral pipe lining material is configured to be inserted into a lateral pipe which intersects with a main pipe in order to repair the lateral pipe. The tubular lateral pipe lining material has a flexible tubular resin-absorbing material impregnated with an uncured curable liquid resin. The tubular resin-absorbing material has one end that is folded back. A flange member, over which the folded-back end of the tubular resin-absorbing material is pressed, is made of a thermoplastic resin. An adhesive is applied over the flange member and the folded-back end of the tubular-absorbing material to bond the tubular resin-absorbing material to the flange member.
US08715441B2
The invention primarily is directed to a medical tubing adapted for insertion into a body tissue or cavity and method of manufacturing different variations of the tubing along a length of the tubing. The tubing comprises a plurality of individual, discrete, generally ring-shaped elements arranged in series and fused or bonded together forming a continuous tubular structure. The ring-shaped elements may include a combination of flexible and rigid ring-shaped elements assembled along different portions or sections of the tubular structure. In another aspect of the invention, the medical tubing may further comprise a secondary lumen and a pull wire to control the tubular structure. In another aspect of the invention, the ring-shaped elements may vary in diameter and/or composition in different portions or sections of the tubular structure.
US08715438B2
A computing device includes a touchpad having a plurality of internal diaphragms that allow the touchpad to sense downward force inputs. The diaphragms are evenly glued about their circumferential edge portions to an internal flat surface by way of a gimbal press. The gimbal press can include a force delivery component coupled to an upper plate having an internal depression, a lower plate having a ball bearing that accepts force from the upper plate via the internal depression, a flexible ring member, and a compliant annular component. Both plates have a plurality of interlocking features with grooves extending therethrough that accept the flexible ring member. Force is evenly distributed to the diaphragm via a gimbal effect at the ball bearing, and the flexible ring member centers the upper and lower plates with respect to each other while permitting some relative tilt and rotation between the plates.
US08715436B2
The invention is a series of soft lithographic methods for the microfabrication of biopolymer scaffolds for use in tissue engineering and the development of artificial organs. The methods present a wide range of possibilities to construct two- and three-dimensional scaffolds with desired characteristics according to the final application. The methods utilize an elastomer mold which the biopolymer scaffold is cast. The methods allow for the rapid and inexpensive production of biopolymer scaffolds with limited specialized equipment and user expertise.
US08715433B2
A method for fabricating a liquid crystal display panel includes a step where, on a first mother substrate having an alignment film formed thereon, a first sealing member is provided to surround a display area and overlap the alignment film, and a second sealing member is provided such that the second sealing member extends along at least a side of the first sealing member and is spaced from the alignment film; and a step where the first mother substrate having the first and second sealing members provided thereon and a second mother substrate having an alignment film formed thereon are attached to each other such that the first and second sealing members are united each other with their side edges being in contact with each other.
US08715425B2
An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus for processing an endoscope in a cleaning tank using a diluted chemical obtained by diluting a chemical with hot water in a dilution tank of the present invention introduces the hot water into the cleaning tank immediately before processing, introduces the hot water into the dilution tank after the temperature of the hot water introduced into the cleaning tank falls within a specified temperature range, generates the diluted chemical, introduces the diluted chemical into the cleaning tank and processes the endoscope.
US08715418B2
A semiconductor processing system and related methodology is disclosed and which includes a processing chamber having an internal cavity and a transfer port; a transfer chamber which is positioned adjacent to the processing chamber; and a transfer apparatus having at least two extendible arms which are positioned within the transfer chamber, and wherein each of the extendible arms carry a semiconductor work piece into and out of the processing chamber by way of the transfer port, and wherein the at least two extendible arms are selectively vertically moveable, and further are each selectively moveable in the direction of the transfer port.
US08715417B2
The invention provides a multi-film forming apparatus including a substrate holder stock chamber for storing a plurality of substrate holders separately from a path in the multi-film forming apparatus, so that production can be performed without being affected by the process of removing a film accumulated on the surface of the substrate holder and the process of replacing the substrate holder, or by the process of removing a film accumulated on the surface of the substrate holder or the process of replacing the substrate holder, and hence high-throughput production is possible. A branch path is provided on the path of the multi-film forming apparatus, and a substrate holder stock chamber for storing a plurality of substrate holders which enables retrieval of the substrate holder from the path and feeding of the substrate holder to the path is provided.
US08715406B2
The invention relates to triazine-based special organic UV absorbers modified in such a way as to be soluble in polar coating compositions. The invention further relates to coatings, e.g. sol-gel based ones, containing said novel UV absorbers as well as to the use of said coatings for permanently protecting materials, especially plastics, from photochemical degradation.
US08715402B2
To include a boiler 11 that burns fuel F, an air heater 13 that recovers heat of flue gas 18 from the boiler 11, a first precipitator 14 that reduces dust in the flue gas 18 after heat recovery, a desulfurizer 15 that reduces sulfur oxides in the flue gas 18 after dust reduction by an absorbent, a dewaterer 32 that reduces gypsum 31 from desulfurization discharged water 30 discharged from the desulfurizer 15, a spray drying device 34 including an atomizer that atomizes a dewatering filtration fluid 33 discharged from the dewaterer 32, and a flue-gas introducing line L11 that introduces a part of the flue gas 18 into the spray drying device 34.
US08715401B2
Condensable vapors such as carbon dioxide are separated from light gases in a process stream. The systems and methods employ a particle bed cooled by an in-bed heat exchanger to desublimate the condensable vapors from the process stream. The condensable vapors are condensed on the bed particles while the light gases from the process stream, which are not condensed, form a separated light-gas stream. The separated light-gas stream can be used in a recuperative heat exchanger to cool the process stream.
US08715389B2
A method and system are provided in which a gold and/or silver-collecting resin-in-leach circuit comprises both co-current and counter-current sections.
US08715387B2
The process for making silver powder particles with small size crystallites uses a combination of gum arabic and maleic acid with the reduction of a silver salt with ascorbic acid. Silver thick film paste containing these silver powder particles can be used in electronic applications to form electrodes for semiconductor devices and, in particular, solar cells.
US08715382B2
A ventilation member (100) of the invention includes a tubular part (11), a gas permeable filter (19), and a cover part (31). In an attached state where the tubular part (11) is fit into the cover part (31), gaps functioning as gas passages (AR2 and AR3) are formed between a bottom portion (35) of the cover part (31) and the gas permeable filter (19) and between a side wall portion (39) of the cover part (31) and a body portion (17) of the tubular part (11). The opening area (S2) of a filter-end opening (15) with respect to an in-plane direction (WL) perpendicular to the thickness direction of the gas permeable filter (19) is larger than the opening area (S1) of a connection-end opening (13) with respect to the in-plane direction (WL).
US08715381B2
An abrasive article includes a body having abrasive grains contained within a bond material comprising a metal or metal alloy, wherein the body comprises a ratio of VAG/VBM of at least about 1.3, wherein VAG is the volume percent of abrasive grains within the total volume of the body and VBM is the volume percent of bond material within the total volume of the body.
US08715375B2
A diesel fuel composition comprising a performance enhancing additive, wherein the performance enhancing additive is the product of a Mannich reaction between: (a) an aldehyde; (b) a polyamine; and (c) an optionally substituted phenol; wherein the molar ratio of component (c) to component (b) in the reaction mixture used to prepare the performance enhancing additive is at least 1.5:1.
US08715369B2
The present invention provides a treatment composition comprising a hydrophobic dye.
US08715362B2
A prosthesis suited for orthopedic implantation possesses a multi-piece stem component that supports an artificial joint surface that can articulate with another artificial joint surface in various ways. The prosthesis can be assembled in a snap fit and/or interlocking fashion that provides positive locking means without the use of screws or other fasteners. The prosthesis can accommodate fitment of a plastic joint surface made, e.g., from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The prosthesis is well suited for use in an ankle replacement system that can be installed using minimally invasive intramedullary guidance established with respect to the major axis of the tibia by minimally invasive access through the calcaneus, through an incision in the bottom of the foot. The prosthesis makes possible the installation of a total ankle system using minimally invasive anterior access to the ankle joint for making bony cuts and to install prosthesis components.
US08715356B2
A method and apparatus for coupling soft tissue to a prosthetic is disclosed. Soft tissue attachment pads having porous metal attachment regions and suture accepting holes are selectively positioned onto an implantable prosthetic to provide coupling locations.
US08715352B2
An artificial disc replacement implant is provided that includes an implantable body having a superior surface adapted to be positioned adjacent to an endplate of a superior vertebra, and an opposite inferior surface adapted to be positioned adjacent to an endplate of an adjacent inferior vertebrae. The implantable body includes at least one wall formed therein and extending between the superior and inferior surfaces. The wall(s) can be adapted such that, when the implantable body is disposed between the endplates of adjacent superior and inferior vertebrae, the wall(s) will buckle by moving laterally and shorting in height under a load applied thereto by movement of the adjacent vertebrae. The implantable body can also include at least one opening formed adjacent to the wall(s) and extending between the superior and inferior surfaces of the implantable body.
US08715347B2
Described are methods of reshaping a cartilage structure. One such method comprises creating a virtual three dimensional image of the cartilage structure; manipulating the virtual three dimensional image of the cartilage structure so as to obtain a virtual three dimensional image of a desired final shape of the cartilage structure; creating a virtual prototype of a device to hold the cartilage structure in the desired final shape of the cartilage structure; manufacturing the device; lasing the cartilage structure; and fitting the manufactured device to the cartilage structure (e.g., ear).
US08715338B2
A luminal endoprosthesis for treating aneurysms, particularly aneurysms located at an arterial bifurcation. One feature of the endoprosthesis is a tubular armature that can expand radially from a compressed state to an expanded state. A further feature of the endoprosthesis, when in the expanded state, is a lenticular head whom axis coincides with that of the tubular armature, and which can be inserted into an aneurysm pocket. A method of manufacturing such an endoprosthesis is also described.
US08715334B2
A stent that includes a plurality of quill filaments. Each quill filament includes filament material, a surface, and a plurality of quills. Each quill has a tip, a body, and a base where the body extends from the base to the tip. The quill filaments can be interwoven to form the stent or the quill filaments can be engaged to the framework of a stent.
US08715333B2
One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a housing with a sheath portion projecting distally therefrom. The sheath portion has a sheath with a lumen, and a bearing surface in the sheath lumen or aligned with the sheath lumen, and located at or near a distal end of the sheath. The implant is at least partially positioned in the apparatus, and comprises an implant body and a tether connected to the implant body. The tether extends from the implant body distally within the sheath portion and around the bearing surface, where the tether changes direction, and extends back proximally from the bearing surface along and within the sheath portion. The apparatus is configured to move the first tether portion proximally and thereby draw the implant body distally along and within the sheath lumen.
US08715329B2
The present invention is directed to a reusable pain relieving treatment device, such as a belt, and a disposable thermal device having one or more thermally conductive components that extend from a surface of the device and are capable of transferring heat, cold or vibrations from disposable or reusable devices to targeted sections of the user's body.
US08715322B2
The present invention relates to a spine fixation device containing a set screw having a double spiral form. The spine fixation device is characterized by comprising: a pedicle fixation screw which has a head portion having a receiving groove of a certain depth formed thereinside and a plurality of female screws formed in one region of the inner circumference of the receiving groove, and a screw portion extended from one side of the head portion lengthwise and embedded into a pedicle, and is fixed to a damaged pedicle; a spine rod which is received in the receiving groove to connect the pedicle fixation screw, thereby realigning the angle and interval of the pedicle; and a set screw which forms a plurality of male screws with the same screw inner diameter, the same screw thread direction and different pitches, and is screw-coupled to the female screws of the pedicle fixation screw to prevent the movement of the rod received in the receiving groove. Therefore, the fastening force of the pedicle fixation screw and the set screw is increased, the movement of the spine rod is prevented in case of the realignment of the pedicle, and a spine can be realigned stably.
US08715306B2
An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation and clamping of tissue during surgical procedures. An elongated portion of the instrument can be configured for endoscopic applications and has an outside diameter of less than 6 mm. The construction includes a clamping mechanism, including a clamp arm pivotally mounted at the distal portion of the instrument, which is specifically configured to create a desired level of tissue clamping forces, exceeding 4 pounds when the trigger is fully closed. The clamping mechanism includes a two-piece pad design and pad material that enables the higher tissue clamping forces and a force-limiting mechanism that effectively smooths out abusive tissue forces. The assembly also features hand activation configured to provide an ergonomical grip and operation for the surgeon. Hand switches are placed in the range of the natural swing of the surgeon's thumb, whether gripping the surgical instrument right-handed or left handed.
US08715288B2
A surgical resection guide comprising: a housing (36); a stylus arm (38) extending through the housing (36) and a linear adjustment mechanism. The linear adjustment mechanism comprises: a shaft (30) at least partially received within a bore extending through the housing (36) such that the shaft (30) can slide along its longitudinal axis relative to the housing (36), the shaft (30) incorporating a shaft tooth (50); and a dial (44) rotatably coupled to the housing (36) and incorporating a helical dial groove (48) defining a longitudinal axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft (30). The shaft tooth (50) engages the dial groove (48) such that rotating the dial (44) relative to the housing (36) causes the shaft tooth (50) to slide along the dial groove (48) causing the shaft (30) to slide within the bore along its longitudinal axis. The housing (36) and the stylus arm (38) can rotate about the shaft (30) without causing the shaft (30) to slide within its bore along its longitudinal axis.
US08715285B2
A pectus bar stabilizer assembly and method includes a first base part separable from a second base part. The first and second base parts combine to define a channel therebetween. A pectus bar is received by the channel and a retainer assembly retains the pectus bar in the channel.
US08715284B2
Disclosed is a fracture fixation device, for reducing and compressing fractures in a bone. The fixation device includes an elongate body. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device and comprises a tubular sleeve that includes a plurality of graduations positioned on an outer surface of the tubular sleeve. The device is rotated into position across the femoral neck and into the femoral head, and the proximal anchor is distally advanced to lock the device into place. In certain embodiments, the elongated body includes a distal anchor with a distal cutting tip.
US08715263B2
An incontinence article (2) in the form of briefs has a front stomach portion (4) and a rear back portion (6), which are connected to one another at lateral seam regions (14) on both sides. A crotch portion (8) has an absorption pad (7) and extends in a longitudinal direction (9). A topsheet material (84) or a topsheet (84) and a backsheet material (62) form a transverse overhang (66a,66b) extending outside longitudinal borders (46) of the absorption pad (7). The overhang (66a,66b) has a reinforcing means (200) in a region (204) bridging the respective longitudinal border (46) of the absorption pad (7). The reinforcing means (200) comprises or consists of a reinforcing coating (202 and is disposed on the inner face (85) of the topsheet material (84).
US08715261B2
A feminine care absorbent article has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, and an absorbent structure configured for disposition adjacent a female wearer's vaginal region to absorb bodily fluids discharged by the wearer. The absorbent structure has end portions and a middle portion located between the end portions. The absorbent structure has at least one line of weakness disposed in one of the end portions and configured to facilitate folding of the absorbent structure in a longitudinal direction in response to a lateral compressive force. The absorbent structure has a relief for inhibiting the longitudinal folding of the absorbent structure facilitated by the at least one line of weakness from extending beyond the middle portion of the absorbent structure.
US08715258B2
An absorbent article having a pair of longitudinal edges, front and rear transverse edges, a front end region, a rear end region, and a central region disposed between the front and rear end regions. The absorbent article has a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a pair of outwardly convex longitudinal central channels formed at least in the central region. The traversal distance of the pair of outwardly convex longitudinal central channels decreases towards both ends of the channels to define a central closed area. The absorbent article has a rear channel defining a rear closed area in the rear end region. The absorbent core is profiled within the central closed area so that the central region has a caliper that is greater than the caliper of the outside of the central closed area.
US08715257B2
A disposable absorbent article has an absorbent core having a surface area and a stretchable multilayer chassis having a surface area. The multilayer chassis is stretchable in at least the cross-machine direction. The stretchable multilayer chassis has at least a stretchable bodyside liner and stretchable outer cover such that the absorbent core is affixed to at least one layer of the stretchable multilayer chassis. The percentage ratio of the surface area of the absorbent core to the surface area of the stretchable multilayer chassis is less than about 50%.
US08715254B2
A continuous Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) estimation system may include a Foley catheter, a continuous urine creatinine sensor, and a urine output monitor. The continuous GFR estimation system computes creatinine clearance as CrCl=(Ucr×Uvol)/Pcr×Tmin), where Ucr is urine creatinine in mg/dL, Uvol is urine volume in mL, Pcr is plasma (serum) creatinine in mg/dL, and Tmin is time in minutes. A Foley catheter may be used to withdraw urine from the bladder. The urine may be delivered to a urine output monitor that provides the Uvol value over a time Tmin. Attached to the catheter is the flow-through continuous urine creatinine sensor for providing the Ucr value. The remaining parameter is Pcr. Because serum creatinine levels do not change rapidly over time, a blood sample may be withdrawn prior to the start of the continuous GFR to obtain the Pcr value.
US08715249B2
A safety cap for use with a trocar, the cap including an opening in the cap adapted to receive a trocar therein, a releasable lock mechanism disposed within the opening, and a permanent lock mechanism disposed within the opening. The safety cap may be provided on a trocar, the releasable locking mechanism being actuated to release the trocar from the cap. After use, the trocar may be reinserted into the safety cap and permanently locked therein by the permanent locking mechanism, thereby providing for safe disposal of the used trocar.
US08715245B2
Embodiments of a medical hand-grip element for injection of a substance from an ampoule, comprise a drive device for driving the ampoule and the injection needle, a delivery device for delivering the medicinal substance out of the ampoule and a coupling device for rotationally fixed coupling of the ampoule with the injection needle and for preventing a relative movement between the ampoule and the injection needle is disclosed. Embodiments of injection systems, injection units, injection needles and handling methods for them are also disclosed in which the risk of injury and contamination for the user is reduced by providing approaches for covering the ends of the cannulas of the injection needles during a number of handling steps.
US08715242B2
Devices and methods are provided for inserting a sterile catheter, and for maintaining a sterilely sealed catheter and catheter insertion site over time. In one embodiment, a four-part integrated system is provided that includes (1) a novel vascular catheter with integrated uniform diameter mounting, capping, and needle safety procurement features, (2) a novel vascular catheter dressing designed to specifically mate with and seal to this vascular catheter to achieve a sterile seal both at the catheter-skin insertion site and the catheter-dressing exit site, (3) a hub protection and sterilizing apparatus that serves to stabilize, protect, and sterilize the working end of the catheter hub as it protrudes from the sterile dressing, and that also helps to improve the ergonomics of the catheter-dressing complex in order to avoid snagging on clothing etc., and (4) a whole dressing accessory secondary cover and securement device.
US08715241B2
Needle assemblies are disclosed. In some embodiments, the needle assembly includes a main housing including an obturator insertion opening and an opposite needle connection opening, a connector housing configured to engage the main housing, the connector housing including obturator, tubing, and plug openings, a self-sealing plug including a channel, the plug positioned within the connector housing so the channel is aligned with the tubing opening, a needle holder base, and a needle. The connector housing is configured to engage the main housing in first and second positions. The obturator opening is axially aligned with the obturator insertion opening and axially aligned with the needle in the first position. The tubing opening is axially aligned with the obturator insertion opening and in fluid connection with the needle in the second position.
US08715236B2
Various embodiments are described herein for a mobile infusion device that does not use gravity to expel fluid from a bag. The device has a housing with a central chamber connected with an opening to receive a portion of the bag during use. A rotation assembly is coupled to the housing and includes at least one roller located within the central chamber and a spring mechanism operatively coupled to the at least one roller to rotate it to move the bag and apply a force to a portion of the bag to expel fluid therefrom during use. A control mechanism is operatively coupled to the rotation assembly and has a control assembly to control rotation of the rotation assembly and a user interface coupled to the control assembly to allow a user to select a mode of operation for the device. The spring mechanism is recharged in standby mode. Various mechanisms can be used in various embodiments to improve functionality such as a gearing mechanism.
US08715235B2
A dialysis fluid flow control system includes a pumping cassette interface including a pump area operable with a pump chamber of a disposable cassette; the cassette interface further including a volumetric reference chamber used in a volumetric control of a dialysis fluid pumped pneumatically into and out of the pump chamber of the disposable cassette; a heater connected operably to the cassette interface; and a controller connected operably to the heater so as to cause the heater to heat at least a portion of the cassette interface to a desired temperature.
US08715232B2
An apparatus for insertion of a subcutaneously insertable element within a body of a patient is described: The apparatus is used for delivery of a therapeutic fluid into a body of a patient and/or sensing of a bodily analyte The apparatus allows alleviating of pain associated with the penetrating of the skin of the patient during needle insertion.
US08715229B2
A non-compliant medical balloon comprises a base balloon including a pair of spaced-apart, generally conical end sections and a generally cylindrical center section connected therebetween. A braided fabric sleeve surrounds at least a portion of the base balloon, wherein the sleeve is formed of at least three substantially inelastic fibers intertwined in such a way that no two of the three fibers are twisted exclusively around one another. The sleeve is permanently affixed to the outer surface of the base balloon so as to prevent excessive expansion of the base balloon when the base balloon is internally pressurized.
US08715220B2
Systems and methods for fluid control during aspiration. In an embodiment, an aspiration system includes an aspiration line having distal and proximal ends and an aspiration port defined in the distal end; a fluid transport device operatively coupled to the proximal end of the aspiration line; and a flow restrictor operatively coupled to the aspiration line in between the fluid transport device and the aspiration port. To measure occlusion within the line, first and second pressure sensors are utilized, the first sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the port and the restrictor and the second sensor being operatively coupled to the aspiration line between the restrictor and the fluid transport device. The pressure differential between the two sensors can provide an indication of the onset, presence, and/or elimination of an occlusion.
US08715217B2
The invention relates to a blood line (108) comprising an infusion site (145) intended to inject into the line a solution, comprising: —a first main channel (200) having a first passage section, —a second main channel (220) having a second passage section, —means for the formation (210) of a turbulence area located downstream from the first main channel, located upstream from the second main channel, these formation means comprising a first fluid passage means (224) defining a reduction (225) in the passage section and whose smallest passage section is smaller than the first passage section and smaller than the second fluid passage section, —a secondary channel (230) comprising an inlet (231) for letting in the solution and an outlet (232) in fluid communication with the first main channel or the means for the formation of a turbulence area or the second main channel.
US08715215B2
A method of checking and/or monitoring the correct operation of an adding device of a medical apparatus includes detecting a characteristic signal course being generated by the adding device. The medical apparatus includes an extracorporeal circuit with which the adding device is connected such that an agent can be introduced into the extracorporeal circuit via the adding device. The pressure loss in the extracorporeal circuit is measured and evaluated for checking and/or monitoring the correct operation of the adding device. The adding device for this purpose generates an oscillating pressure course.
US08715207B2
A device for measuring an internal dimension of a native cardiac valve annulus includes an elongated support member having a proximal portion and a distal portion. A measuring portion is coupled to the distal portion, and an indicator is coupled to the proximal portion of the support member. The measuring portion is biased towards a deployed configuration such that when deployed it applies an outwardly directed radial force to the native valve annulus.
US08715204B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a temperature sensing device that can comprise an elastic ring structure. The temperature sensing device can further comprise a transducer device, such as a temperature sensor, and a microprocessor, memory and wireless transmitter. Such an arrangement can incorporate a passive (battery free), battery assisted or active battery powered transponder circuit with temperature measurement capability. The elastic ring structure can be forced in a spring loaded state when elastically deformed thus becoming retained when disposed in a vaginal vault. In one embodiment, an active RF receiver or an RFID reader is brought in proximity to the temperature sensing and transmitting device arrangement, such as near a woman's pelvis from the outside to read the temperature and record it in a Central Processing Unit, CPU, associated with the receiver or RFID reader, such as a portable, handheld computer or wireless device.
US08715202B2
Minimally invasive image-based determination of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in exhaled breath
What is disclosed is a system and method for image-based determination of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration in exhaled breath. In one embodiment, an image of the exhaled airstream of a subject of interest is received. The image is captured using a mid-wave infrared camera system having an optical filter tuned to the infrared absorption band of CO2. The image is preprocessed to isolate a region of pixels containing the exhaled airstream and intensity values of pixels in the identified region are normalized by a value of a known radiance such as that of the subject's nose or face. The image is analyzed to determine CO2 concentration levels of the exhaled airstream using a calibration curve which relates pixel intensity to CO2 concentrations. The calibration curve is derived using a physics-based parameterized model. The CO2 concentration levels are determined and communicated to a computer workstation. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US08715199B1
An example system and method of defining a rotational source associated with a heart rhythm disorder are disclosed. A plurality of center locations of wave fronts are calculated at a plurality of time points associated with the heart rhythm disorder. A rotational path that connects the plurality of center locations is then determined. The system and method can also determine a likely core associated with the rotational path. A plurality of relative diffusion shapes associated with the plurality of the center locations is calculated. A plurality of intersecting points of a smallest relative diffusion shape and other relative diffusion shapes is determined within the rotational path. A bounded polygon of the intersecting points is defined as the likely core.
US08715180B2
Systems and processes for managing data relating to one or more medical or biological conditions of a plurality of subjects (such as patients) over a wide area network, such as the Internet, may be employed for diabetes subjects or subjects with other medical conditions requiring monitoring and/or treatment over time. Such systems and processes provide various functions for several types of users, including patients or subject-users, healthcare provider-users and payor entity-users and combinations thereof, which allow for improved treatment and medical data management of individual subjects and groups of subjects and which allow collection and analysis of aggregate data from many subject sources, for improving overall healthcare practices of providers and subjects (e.g., patients).
US08715178B2
Systems and methods for a wearable badge with a sensor are provided. The badge may include a sensor. The sensor may monitor a response of a wearer. The sensor may monitor a response of an individual facing the wearer. A reference index may correlate the response to a known condition. A processor device may detect the known condition or a threshold number of known conditions. The processor may relate the known condition to feedback. A feedback mechanism may provide the feedback to the wearer. The feedback mechanism may provide the feedback to the individual facing the wearer. The feedback may be provided based on the known condition. The feedback may be configured to provide guidance to the wearer and the individual facing the wearer. The feedback may be based on the threshold number.
US08715175B2
A surgical retractor has a rail, a first arm protruding from the rail at an angle, a second arm being movably mounted on the rail and extending substantially parallel to the first arm, and a multiplicity of holding elements mounted on the first and second arms. A holding element has a multi-axis joint for pivotably holding a blade for engaging tissue to be retracted. In this way, a most flexible surgical retractor is provided.
US08715171B2
Described are insertion aid devices including a handle, a tongue depressor, a first passageway, and a guide with a recess formed by a pair of prongs. The first passageway includes an entry portal and an exit portal, and may also include an alternative entry portal. The insertion aid devices may also include one or more additional passageways, each with an entry portal and an exit portal. The additional passageway may be formed by a plurality of C-clips or a shelf. The tongue depressor may be pivotally coupled to the handle.
US08715170B2
An endoscope objective optical system includes, in order from an object side, a first lens composed of a negative single lens, a second lens composed of a positive single lens, an aperture stop, a third lens composed of a positive single lens, and a fourth lens composed of a positive combined lens, the third lens having a meniscus shape having a convex surface facing the image side. The endoscope objective optical system satisfies the following conditions: 0.3
US08715159B2
A system includes an adjustable implant configured for implantation internally within a subject, the adjustable implant comprising a first permanent magnet configured for rotation about a first axis, the first permanent magnet operatively coupled to a drive transmission configured to alter a dimension of the adjustable implant. The system further includes an external adjustment device configured for placement on or adjacent to the skin of the subject, the external adjustment device comprising a second permanent magnet configured for rotation about a second axis and a third permanent magnet configured for rotation about a third axis different from the second axis; and wherein cooperative rotation of the second permanent magnet about the second axis and rotation of the third permanent magnet about the third axis result in rotation of the first permanent magnet about the first axis.
US08715154B2
A transducer is configured to couple to the cochlear fluid so as to transmit sound with low amounts of energy, such that feed back to a microphone positioned in the ear canal is inhibited substantially. The cochlear fluid coupled hearing device can allow a user to determine from which side a sound originates with vibration of the cochlea and the user can also receive sound localization cues from the device, as feedback can be substantially inhibited. The transducer may be coupled to the cochlear fluid with a thin membrane disposed between the transducer and the cochlear fluid, for example with a fenestration in the cochlea. In some embodiments, a support coupled to the transducer directly contacts the fluid of the cochlea so as to couple the transducer to the cochlear fluid.
US08715153B2
A hearing device can allow a user to determine from side which a sound originates with bone conduction vibration of the cochlea and the user can also receive sound localization cues from the device, as feedback can be substantially inhibited with bone conduction vibration of the cochlea. An output transducer assembly can be positioned on a first side of the user to vibrate a first bone tissue near a first cochlea with a first amount of energy, such vibration of a second cochlea on a second side with a second amount of energy is attenuated substantially, for example at least about 6 db, such that the user can localize the sound to the first side. A microphone may be located on the first side and coupled to the output transducer assembly, such that the user localizes the sound to the first side detects sound localization cues.
US08715143B2
A dumbbell with a selectable number of weight disks includes a handle with pins projectable in opposing directions, a base assembly for accommodating two sets of weight disks standing upright, and having through-going openings. Neighboring weight disks have mutually cooperating connecting arrangements which axially interconnect the weight disks but which permit radial separation. The projection lengths of the pins are stepwise selectable in order thereby to permit selection of the number of weight disks carried on the handle. The handle has, in opposing ends, connecting arrangements for interconnecting with the connecting arrangements of the innermost weight disks in the base assembly. Further, the space between the connecting arrangements of the handle is free through 360° about the handle throughout its entire length, the openings of the weight disks being centrally located.
US08715140B1
An apparatus for climbing includes an elongate body having an outer surface with a rope-like texture, a length of at least six feet and a diameter not greater than four inches, a stiffness such that it cannot be looped around part of a child, and a mount on one end of the body for connecting the body to an elevated support. The elongate body can be mounted to an elevated support and thereby be suspended from the elevated support to allow a child to climb the apparatus without risking strangulation from looping of the elongate body around part of the child.
US08715136B1
A hybrid vehicle with an engine, an electric drive motor and battery, an automatic transmission with a torque converter having a bypass clutch, and a powertrain controller dynamically adjust the torque converter slip to balance fuel economy and drivability during a transient torque request by using motor torque to satisfy the transient torque and applying feed forward control of the fluid pressure in the bypass clutch based on the motor torque and feedback control of the slip to maintain torque converter torque ratio substantially constant during the transient event.
US08715135B2
A control device for a hybrid vehicle automatic transmission. A friction engagement element control unit includes a first play elimination control unit that sets a first pressure as the pressure for a first set time where the predetermined friction engagement element is engaged using a hydraulic pressure from the electric oil pump in a travel state in which only the rotary electric machine serves as a drive source. The first play elimination pressure is lower than a play elimination pressure for use in the case where the predetermined friction engagement element is engaged using a hydraulic pressure from the mechanical oil pump in a travel state in which the internal combustion engine serves as a drive source.
US08715132B2
A linear actuator is disclosed. The linear actuator includes a housing, a linear output member, and a rotary lock assembly. The linear output member includes a radial groove and is axially movable from a retracted position within the housing. The rotary lock assembly is constrained from axial motion within the housing and includes a rotor and a lock. The rotor is capable of rotation from a first to a second position. When the linear output member is in the retracted position, the rotor surrounds the radial groove. When the rotor rotates to the first position, the lock engages the radial groove and prevents axial motion of the output member from the retracted position.
US08715131B2
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets, a planetary gear set assembly, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The planetary gear set assembly is a stacked planetary gear set that includes a first, second, third and fourth member. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are each selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eleven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08715130B2
A transmission has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Two of the four planetary gear sets are stacked. Two of the planetary gear sets include first, second and third members. The two planetary gear sets that are stacked form a planetary gear set assembly that includes a first, second, third and fourth member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08715128B2
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear, a carrier member supporting a plurality of planet pinion gears and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish a plurality forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08715114B2
A golf ball having a plurality of dimples on its surface based on a dimple pattern determined by circle packing theory. In particular, the dimple pattern is determined by arranging a plurality of circles on a Riemann surface where each circle is not tangent to any other circle in more than one place.
US08715109B2
A more efficient triangular shape for metal wood clubs or driver clubs is disclosed. This triangular shape allows the clubs to have higher rotational moments of inertia in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and a lower center of gravity.
US08715108B2
The present invention is directed at a quick release connection system to facilitate customization of golf clubs. It can be used to interchange soleplates quickly and easily. Teeth are disposed on the inside of a frame so that a soleplate may be inserted with minimal resistance, but cannot be removed without specific steps which may require the use of a simple tool. Strengthening and interlock devices are provided to ensure performance quality akin to traditional golf clubs.
US08715104B1
An adjustable shaft and hosel assembly allows for dependent and independent adjustment of a golf club's face angle, loft angle, and lie angle. The adjustable shaft and hosel assembly comprises a shaft sleeve and a tubular adjustment piece, which may be a shim or a wheel, that encircles at least a part of the shaft sleeve and is disposed within a hosel bore.
US08715098B2
A golf swing training device (1) having a substantially circle or oval-shaped ring (2) that stands at an angle to the ground. A guide (5) is slidably attached to the ring. A golf club (8) may be attached to a bracket (34) that is rotatably attached to housing (9) located on the guide. As an individual swings the golf club around the ring, the housing slides to allow for radial displacement of the golf club. In addition, the bracket rotates within the housing to allow for wrist rotation. Motors (37, 38, 39, 40, 12, 16) and gears (15, 17), controlled by one or more microprocessors (22) control the movement of the various components of the golf swing training device, thereby controlling the position of the golf club as well as the position of the user's body as the guide travels around the ring.
US08715097B2
A golf club head is provided and includes a club head body, a club head face connected to a front portion of the club head body, wherein the club head face includes a club face surface having a plurality of face cavities arranged across the club face surface and a plurality of protrusion posts, wherein each of the plurality of protrusion posts includes a post body having a post base and a post head, wherein the plurality of protrusion posts is associated with the club face to extend away from the club face surface such that the post base of each of the plurality posts is located in separate cavities of the plurality of face cavities.
US08715094B2
The present disclosure provides a hollow drive shaft which may include a hollow steel pipe, a mandrel set at the center of the hollow steel pipe in an axially direction, and a spiral rib plate set between the hollow steel pipe and the mandrel. The major diameter end surface of the spiral rib plate is spirally welded on the inner diameter surface of the wall of the hollow steel pipe. The minor diameter end surface of the spiral rib plate is welded on the outer diameter surface of the mandrel. The helix angle of the spiral rib plate is 10 to 45 degrees. The helical direction of the spiral rib plate is opposite to the delivery direction of a working torque M.
US08715093B2
A driveshaft assembly having a tubular shaft, an end component, and an annular anti-fretting spacer is disclosed. The tubular shaft has a first receiving end portion with an opening and an inner diameter, a center portion with an inner diameter, and an interior with an inner surface. The driveshaft end component has an insert end portion and an attachment end portion. The spacer has a first outer diameter that is substantially equal to the receiving end portion inner diameter, a second outer diameter, and an outer surface. At least a portion of the outer surface contacts the shaft inner surface and the spacer is disposed on the insert end portion of the driveshaft end component and the insert end portion, including the spacer, is disposed within the receiving end portion with an interference fit, and the shaft is rigidly coupled to the driveshaft end component.
US08715085B2
A gaming system having a plurality of primary game devices sharing a secondary bonus station is disclosed. The secondary game station comprises a secondary game which is configured to provide play pursuant to a triggering event originating from any one of the primary game devices in the gaming environment. The secondary game station is equipped with controls suitable for playing the secondary game. During play of the secondary game station, the triggering primary game device may also be “locked” so that the player may resume playing the primary game subsequent to playing the secondary game.
US08715084B2
A method is disclosed herein for displaying winning and non-winning game results in a traditional gaming environment. The system uses an overlay game to present an entertaining display to a player upon the occurrence of a win or trigger event. An overlay game has limited capabilities and additionally is engineered to be usable on a variety of gaming machines. To be usable on a variety of gaming machines, the overlay game is intentionally kept simple; in one case, it comprises a visual display that is shown to a player upon the occurrence of a trigger event. In another embodiment, it requires a simple button press to start the overlay game. The overlay games are downloaded on an as-needed basis, run on the gaming machine, and then discarded.
US08715082B2
Systems and methods for IPTV network game control. Exemplary embodiments include a game system, including a communications device, a game controller functionally coupled to the communications device and a process for establishing communication between the communications device and the game controller for manipulating game content, the process including instructions to receive game content from a network, the content being displayed on the communications device and interactively controlled by the game controller via communication with the communications device.
US08715079B1
An apparatus comprises a video device configured to output a video image. The apparatus comprises a curved beam splitter positioned in optical alignment with the video device, wherein a convex surface of the curved beam splitter is configured to receive the video image being output from the video device. The apparatus also includes a rotationally symmetrical mirror positioned in optical alignment with the curved beam splitter such that a part of the video image from the video device is directed to the rotationally symmetrical mirror, wherein the part of the video image reflected off the rotationally symmetrical mirror produces a curved aerial image.
US08715076B2
A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game. The gaming system further includes at least one display for displaying a plurality of game elements. The at least one display is adapted to display a first three-dimensional view of the plurality of game elements from a first viewpoint and a second three-dimensional view of at least one of the plurality of game elements indicating a randomly-selected outcome from a second viewpoint. The first three-dimensional view and the second three-dimensional view are rendered in real-time.
US08715074B2
An example game apparatus generates and outputs a predetermined test image to a television. A terminal device has its image pickup section acquire a pickup image of a screen of the television, and transmits the pickup image acquired by the image pickup section to the game apparatus. The game apparatus determines whether or not the pickup image includes the test image. When the pickup image is determined to include the test image, an image delay time is calculated on the basis of the time of the determination, the time of the output of the test image by the game apparatus, and a processing time between the acquisition of the pickup image and the determination. The game apparatus uses the image delay time to achieve synchronization between the terminal device and the television and also between image display and sound output of the television.
US08715070B2
Gaming apparatus and methods of conducting a wagering game of chance. A gaming machine is disclosed which is configured for mutually concurrent play of a plurality of games of chance on a single display screen. A method of conducting a wagering activity includes providing a player with a plurality of differing games, of chance, at least some of which are mutually concurrently playable on a single screen display of a gaming device and enabling mutually concurrent play of the plurality of differing games of chance on the single screen display. Various other gaming machine configurations and methods of play related to multiple differing games of chance on a single display screen are; also disclosed herein. Networked gaming machines are also disclosed.
US08715069B2
Methods and systems for enhanced head-to-head hybrid gaming are provided. An enhanced head-to-head hybrid game has a gambling game with a real world engine that provides a randomly generated payout for the gambling game, an entertainment software engine that executes an entertainment game providing outcomes upon a player's execution of the entertainment game, and a game world engine that manages the entertainment software engine and communicates gameplay gambling event occurrences based upon a player's execution of the entertainment game that trigger the gambling game. A global betting manager receives player performance measurements from the game world engine, determines tournament eligibility, assigns a tournament handicap based at least in part upon the performance measurements from the game world engine and sends information concerning these parameters to the game world engine which is configured to implement each assigned handicap and tournament eligibility within the enhanced head-to-head hybrid game.
US08715068B2
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention operate an anti-sandbagging hybrid game. One embodiment includes an anti-sandbagging hybrid game, including: a gambling game; an entertainment game; a game world engine constructed to manage the entertainment game and communicate gameplay gambling event occurrences based upon a player's skillful execution of the entertainment game that trigger randomly generated payouts for the gambling game to the gambling game; and an anti-sandbagging module constructed to: receive player performance measurements for at least one player from the game world engine; assign an anti-sandbagging provision to the at least one player based at least in part upon the performance measurements for the at least one player from the game world engine; and send information concerning the anti-sandbagging provision to the game world engine that configures the game world engine to implement the assigned anti-sandbagging provision within the anti-sandbagging hybrid game.
US08715062B2
Methods for generating a group of numbers usable for selections in a lottery are described. A user interface to a lottery selection method is also disclosed.
US08715048B2
An electronic game and method are set forth wherein the objective of the electronic game, playable by one or more persons, is to select moving or stationary game elements and move them to or otherwise cause them to make contact with a matched or otherwise associated goal and thus score points, and do so among a game space containing other moving and/or stationary game elements which themselves may be selected and moved by the player, and which if contacted by a user-controlled game element may result in either beneficial or detrimental consequences to the configuration of the playing field, the elements themselves, scoring, and progression of the game.
US08715040B2
A workholder includes a connecting member, a polishing member mounted on the connecting member, an elastic member sleeved on the connecting member, and a fixing assembly for movably receiving the connecting member. An end of the elastic member resists the polishing member, and the other end of the elastic member resists the fixing assembly, such that the connecting member is moveable to adjust a position of the polishing member when polishing.
US08715037B2
An abrasive element consisting substantially of a glass material that is at least partially devitrified.
US08715028B2
Some embodiments include a game of poker in which player actions are fixed by game rules.
US08715027B2
An expandable piñata including a body having a front wall, a rear wall, a left side portion, a right side portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion that define an interior cavity of the piñata; one or more pouches coupled to each of the front wall, back wall, left side portion, and right side portion; and a valve coupled to the body and configured for selectively inflating and deflating the interior cavity, the body being inflatably and deflatably adjustable between a first, substantially flat configuration, and a second expanded configuration.
US08715025B2
An electrode for a spark plug includes an electrode tip end. A first weld affixes at least a portion of the noble metal tip to the tip end of the electrode. The noble metal tip has a fold around its periphery. A second weld joins the fold of the noble metal tip to the tip end of the electrode and creates a seal over the first weld.
US08715017B1
A terminal block for mounting on a DIN rail includes a plurality of stacked modules with each module having a contact body and an extender body mounted on the contact body. A circuit board or electronic component is mounted on the contact body and the extender body. Different size extender bodies may be mounted on a common contact body to accommodate mounting different size circuit boards or components on the block.
US08715014B2
A connector unit is connectable to a printed circuit board (“PCB”) and includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first connector body having a receiving hole at one side, and a first terminal part disposed inside the receiving hole. The second connector includes a second connector body, and first and second fixing protrusions. The second connector body has a second terminal part formed at a first side. The second terminal part is inserted in the receiving hole, and is electrically connected to the first terminal part. First and second fixing protrusions are disposed at top and bottom surfaces of the second connector body, and are fixed to upper and lower edges of the receiving hole.
US08714999B1
The vehicle transmission and charge device contains a casing, a power conversion module, a cable winding device, and at least a transmission cable. The casing has a number of openings and an axle, and a tongue piece. The power conversion module is inside the casing and contains a transformer module, a power input connector, and a power plug. The cable winding device is inside the casing and contains a wheel base, an elastic element, and a winding module. The winding module contains a power output connector and a circuit board. The transmission cable has one end electrically connected to the winding module and the other end connected to a head piece after running through an opening of the casing. A cigarette lighter plug is connected to the power input connector, and then plugged into a cigarette lighter receptacle of a vehicle.
US08714996B2
An electrical insulation displacement connector (IDC) assembly includes a body having at least one channel with an open top side for receipt of an insulated conductive core wire. A contact element is fixed in the body with a first insulation displacement end defined by opposed blades oriented across the channel, and a second end extending from a bottom surface of the body for electrical contact with a PCB. The IDC assembly includes a cap having a size and configuration to engage over the body, with the cap including a recess with an open bottom that is aligned with the body channel in a fitted configuration of the cap on the body. The wires may be initially received in the cap recesses wherein upon pressing engagement of the cap onto the body, the insulated conductive core wire is pressed into the body channel between the contact element.
US08714993B2
A button structure includes a key cap, a first supporting member, a second supporting member, an elastomer and a base plate. The first supporting member has a first bending portion and a second bending portion. The second supporting member is cross-connected with the first supporting member. The second supporting member has a third bending portion and a fourth bending portion. The third bending portion passes through the first bending portion and abuts an inside of the first bending portion. The second bending portion passes through the fourth bending portion and abuts an inside of the fourth bending portion. The elastomer below the key cap supports the key cap. The base plate is for supporting the first supporting member, the second supporting member and the elastomer. The key cap is able to move up and down through operations of the first supporting member, the second supporting member and the elastomer.
US08714990B2
To provide a connector which is capable of reducing the amount of protrusion from the mounting surface of a substrate, and reducing the amount of exposure of contacts, and reducing a mounting area.A housing 50 is formed by a housing main body 51 which is inserted into a cutout formed in an LED-mounted substrate, and a top plate portion 52 which is continuous with the housing main body 51 and opposes to a mounting surface of the LED-mounted substrate. The housing main body 51 accommodates a contact portion 34 of a contact 30, and is formed with a connector receiving portion 51a which receives a housing of the cable connector. The top plate portion 52 is formed with a holding portion-receiving portion 52a which receives a holding portion 31 of the contact 30, from an inserting direction DI orthogonal to a direction along which the housing main body 51 is continuous with the top plate portion 52. The connection portions 32 and 33 of the contact 30 are caused to laterally protrude, and front ends of the connection portions 32 and 33 are bent toward the housing 50.
US08714987B2
Interactive electronic training systems and methods are described herein. Certain embodiments provide preprogrammed video, audio, and/or textual presentations of training materials which provide information related to skills/information to be trained. A scenario including real or animated actors is presented, simulating an interaction. The training system presents related queries for the trainee who audibly responds. The training system stores a score based in part on a comparison of the trainee's response with an answer stored in training system memory. Optionally, the scores are substantially immediately presented by the system to the trainee.
US08714982B2
A system for improving social skills and feature recognition including a user interface displaying an electronic image, the image including two or more features, software for visually amplifying a first portion of the image, software for visually partitioning the image into two or more second portions, software for visually quantifying the image, and software for animating at least one of the first portion and the second portions.
US08714978B2
Disclosed herein is a system for the endodontic treatment of a root canal. The system includes an endodontic instrument; an endodontic handpiece having a drive motor for rotating the endodontic instrument releasably attached to the handpiece; and a control unit for controlling the rotation of the endodontic instrument according to one or more predetermined rotational sequences. The rotational sequences include reciprocating the endodontic instrument by continuously sequentially rotating the endodontic instrument in a first direction followed by reversing the direction of rotation so that 0.5×Ψ≦α<Ψ and 3≦α/β≦20, where α represents a rotational angle in a direction in which the rotating endodontic instrument removes debris from the root canal, β represents a rotational angle in the opposite direction, and Ψ represents the elastic angle of the endodontic instrument at which plastic deformation occurs in the direction of α.
US08714960B2
A fiber cutting device and method for cutting one or more exposed portions of a through-thickness fiber in a surface of a composite material, the device including: a cutting element for cutting the one or more exposed portions; a suction device which is operable to extract the cut exposed portions from the surface of the composite material; and a storage device for receiving the cut exposed portions.
US08714958B2
A blow mould assembly for moulding plastic preforms into plastic containers may include a blow mould unit forming a cavity, within which the plastic preforms can be expanded into plastic containers. The blow mould unit may be of a design that includes at least two parts. The assembly further includes a blow mould holder for receiving the blow mould unit. The blow mould holder may include at least two mould holder elements for receiving parts of the blow mould unit. The assembly further includes a locking mechanism configured to arrest at least one part of the blow mould unit with respect to at least one mould holder element. The locking mechanism includes an engagement member that exerts a force, in a latched condition of the part of the blow mould unit with respect to a mould holder element, onto a section of the part of the blow mould unit. The force holds the part of the blow mould unit relative to the mould holder element. The locking mechanism has an actuating member configured to release a latching engagement between the mould holder element and the part of the blow mould unit. An orientation of the engagement member is latched in a first position of the actuating member and the orientation of the engagement member can be changed in a second position of the actuating member.
US08714955B2
A configuration for molding of a blend of metal powder around a core, which includes a mold delimiting a cavity, and which includes an elastically deformable portion on which the core is pressed, so as to adapt dimensions of the cavity to dimensions of the core. The elastically deformable portion includes an elastically deformable metal blade on one face of which the core is pressed directly.
US08714950B2
A scroll compressor is provided that can reliably prevent a situation in which a product whose performance is degraded due to misassembly of a tip seal is shipped. In the scroll compressor, tip seals of different lengths are embedded in tip surfaces of a fixed spiral wrap of a fixed scroll and an orbiting spiral wrap of an orbiting scroll. Among the tip seals, thicknesses of the shorter tip seals are made thicker than thicknesses of the longer tip seals, and depths of seal grooves in which the tip seals are embedded, respectively, are formed to different depths in correspondence with the thicknesses of the respective tip seals.
US08714949B2
In a washer fluid pump (2) for a window cleaning system (3) of a motor vehicle, a ventilation duct (21) of an electric motor (9) is guided in a labyrinth from a first plane (22) arranged in the electric motor (9) into the environment via a second plane (24) arranged in a collecting space (23). For this purpose, the ventilation duct (21) has two first sections (20) which lead vertically from the electric motor (9) into the collecting space (23), and two second sections (26) which open out vertically from the collecting space (23) into the environment. The first and the second sections (20, 26) are offset with respect to one another by 90°, so as to prevent an infiltration of spray water into the electric motor (9).
US08714948B2
An object is to provide a permanent magnet motor that highly reduces torque fluctuation, thereby reducing noise and vibration. The permanent magnet motor may be formed as follows: a length D of a permanent magnet 8 in a longitudinal direction is the same as or longer than a width A between sides of the magnetic pole tooth 3 in the circumferential direction in an end portion of the magnetic pole tooth 3, and a distance C between tip portions of a pair of the first slits 13a and 13b within the same pole is smaller than the width A between the sides of the magnetic pole tooth 3 in the circumferential direction in the end portion of the magnetic pole tooth 3. The permanent magnet motor, thus formed, may be characterized in that cut surfaces 12 face the first slits 13a and 13b.
US08714934B2
A circulation pump for a conveyed liquid is provided. The circulation pump has an electric motor, which is electronically commutated, has a rotor, a stator and a motor circuit. An impeller is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotor. The electric motor has an evaluation device for determining a flow rate of conveyed liquid through the circulation pump from a rotational speed of the rotor and/or a power consumption of the electric motor. At least one signal output is provided, by which a flow rate signal and/or flow rate-dependent switching signal can be supplied by the circulation pump.
US08714930B2
A turbine bucket is provided including a bucket airfoil having an airfoil shape, the bucket airfoil having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table 1 wherein the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values from 0% to 100% convertible to dimensional distances in inches by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a height of the airfoil in inches, and wherein X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z, the airfoil profile sections at Z distances being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08714922B2
A diffuser for decelerating a compressed gas, is provided, which includes a ring divided at circumferential positions around the ring into several arcuate sections, the complete ring is assembled from these sections. The ring defines one or more passages, the cross-section of which increases in the direction of flow of a fluid through the diffuser. The interface between adjacent sections is configured so that relative movement between the sections is prevented. The interface is configured to have a series of interlocking serrations along the axial length of the diffuser. In an embodiment, there are two arcuate sections involving two interfaces, and the peaks and troughs of the serrations of each of the two sections are arranged at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the diffuser. A small relative movement between the sections is achieved when the two angles at the two interfaces have opposite signs.
US08714921B2
A fan shroud with modular vane members for a cooling system. A plurality of modular vane set members are positioned around the inner surface of the fan shroud ring, each of the modular vane set members having a plurality of vane members. The modularity provides flexibility and versatility for the fan shroud and corresponding efficiencies in costs and manufacturing.
US08714919B2
According to one embodiment, an inlet system comprises first and second incoming fluid ducts configured to be disposed outside of a vessel and to receive a first incoming fluid stream in a first direction through the first incoming fluid duct and a second fluid stream through the second incoming fluid duct in a second direction substantially parallel to the first direction. An internal fluid duct is configured to be disposed inside the vessel and to discharge internal fluid from the first and second incoming fluid streams in a third direction within the vessel substantially parallel to the first and second directions. The inlet system also comprises first and second fluid channels coupling the first and second incoming fluid ducts outside the vessel to the first internal fluid duct such that the first and second incoming fluid streams are communicated to the first internal fluid duct.
US08714909B2
A turbine engine component has an airfoil portion, which airfoil portion is bounded by a platform at one end. The platform has an as-cast open cavity bordered by at least one as-cast landing. A plate is welded to the at least one as-cast landing to cover and close the as-cast open cavity. A process for forming the turbine engine component is described.
US08714895B2
A collapsible intermodal transport platform and methods for its operation are disclosed. The invention comprises structural ribbings that rotate about an axle disposed beneath the loading surface of the platform. The ribbings are positioned along the platform so as to provide lifting and stacking fitments at the standard overhead crane lifting points when in a lift configuration. The ribbings may be rotated inboard down to the loading surface, thereby presenting stacking blocks at the crane lifting points for stacking several platforms together. Alternatively, the ribbings may be rotated outboard to accommodate full size loading of cargo. The ribbings are rotated under electric or hydraulic power, according to the various embodiments disclosed. Other features and aspects disclosed lend to the invention's low weight and high carrying capacity, as well as its unique load securing features.
US08714891B2
An apparatus for making variable diameter and shape holes through metal plates in a sheet plate machining gantry machine comprises two parallel cross members and two horizontal parallel guides integral with the cross members and supporting a horizontal cross arm which is controllably driven on the guides, the horizontal arm supporting horizontal parallel guides therealong is controllably driven an apparatus including a milling tool which can controllably driven in a vertical plane. The method comprises the step of controllably simultaneously driving a two-fluted mill both in a vertical plane (Z), and in a horizontal plane (U).
US08714880B1
A method and apparatus for installing remedial piers in which substantially vertical piers are located in close proximity to the wall and footing of an existing structure and are drilled to a substantial depth to penetrate a rock stratum or debris-laden soil. The piers support the structure upon eccentric brackets to transfer the structural load from the footing to the piles. Installation of the piers is followed by a continuous lift of the structure via hydraulic manifold.
US08714876B2
The system employs a two piece gully assembly to implement an NFT system. The system has a square-U shaped base with a flat lid that can be fastened to the base. One of the advantages of the assembly is in shipping where the bases and lids can be easily nested for transport. When compared to prior art gullies, the shipping volume of the present assembly is effectively minimized. In fact, ten gullies of the present assembly can be shipped in the same volume as a single prior art gully.
US08714873B2
The apparatus and method comprise a concrete float with a vibratory additive broadcaster assembly attached therewith. The broadcaster assembly is suspended above the plane of the finishing tool with a vibratory source attached. The broadcaster assembly is filled with an additive and the apparatus is placed on a wet, concrete surface that is to be treated and finished, by a user. Actuation of a power switch by the user activates the vibratory source resulting in the substantial broadcast of additive on to the concrete surface at the desired location(s) on the slab as determined by the user. Vibration damper devices are utilized to minimize the vibrations experienced by the float. The additive is integrated into the concrete or other wet surface by passage of the float over the surface being treated.
US08714872B2
A transverse spreading arrangement for a road finishing machine includes spreading screws that work in opposite directions, a screw suspension that holds both spreading screws, and two screw bearing brackets that are each allocated to an outer end of a spreading screw. Each screw bearing bracket comprises a closed tube which is at least partially made of wear-resistant steel.
US08714849B2
In one embodiment, an intelligent printer ribbon cartridge includes a microcontroller that monitors sensors related to the ribbon cartridge for use in a line matrix printer. The ribbon cartridge contains an impact printing ribbon in the form of either a simple loop, a mobius loop, or a long strip of ribbon connected to two spools, with one spool at each end of the cartridge. The ribbon cartridge is able to monitor at least one motion sensor, process the information, and perform a suitable action or communicate an action or information to the printer. This allows the ribbon cartridge to adapt or instruct the printer to adapt with any new types of ribbons, ribbon cartridges, formats, etc. so that the printing may occur with virtually any type of ribbon/cartridge.
US08714843B2
Camera module embodiments and methods of manufacturing camera modules are provided. A camera module can include a housing and a printed circuit board having an image sensor. The housing can be mounted to the printed circuit board using a surface mount technology. In a method of manufacturing the camera module, the image sensor and the housing can be mounted to the printed circuit board, and a lens and a filter can be coupled to an upper portion of the housing.
US08714842B2
A tripod head comprising a resilient force adjusting mechanism which includes a rotating operation part, a cam which is coupled to the rotating operation part and slides with the rotation of the rotating operation part, and a cam follower coming into contact with cam surfaces of the cam, wherein the cam follower is supported by a counterbalancing mechanism, and the counterbalancing mechanism is configured in such a manner that the magnitude of a resilient force to be imparted on the spring is variable in accordance with a position where the cam follower comes into contact with the cam.
US08714837B2
An optical fiber connector includes a circular polarizer, an optical electrical converter, and a transceiving module. The circular polarizer receives external optical signals from an optical fiber and divides the received optical signals into first optical signals and second optical signals. The optical electrical converter converts the first optical signals into first electrical signals. The transceiving module receives third electrical signals from ports of an optical communication device, and includes an optical electrical converting circuit and an electrical optical converting circuit. The optical electrical converting circuit converts the second optical signals into second electrical signals and transmits the second electrical signals to the optical communication device. The electrical optical converting circuit converts the third electrical signals into third optical signals and transmits the third optical signals to the optical fiber. The first electrical signals are used to drive the transceiving module.
US08714823B2
A sliding bearing 5 is composed of a pair of halved bearings 11, 12 and is provided with crush reliefs 11E, 12E in positions adjoining abutment surfaces 11B, 12B of these halved bearings. Chamfered portions 11D, 12D are formed in inward edge portions of the above-described abutment surfaces 11B, 12B, and a dust pocket 15 is formed on the middle side of the chamfered portions 11D, 12D. The relative angle α formed by the above-described crush reliefs 11E, 12E with sliding surfaces 13 in positions adjoining the crush reliefs 11E, 12E is set at 0.69° or more.
US08714815B2
An apparatus, in one embodiment, can include a configuration including a plurality of heat generation devices. The apparatus also includes a plurality of thermal sensors respectively, operably connected to each of the plurality of heat generation devices, wherein each thermal sensor of the plurality of thermal sensors includes a respective output terminal configured to provide a voltage representative of the temperature of the respective heat generation device. The apparatus further includes an output circuit configured to output the highest temperature information among the heat generation devices. The output terminals of the plurality of thermal sensors are tied together. A corresponding method is also discussed.
US08714814B2
A timepiece including a case including a middle part, which is closed on the top portion thereof by a bezel and on the bottom portion by a back cover, and a timepiece movement mounted against the middle part by a casing ring. The timepiece also includes a locking device for pressing the assembly including the timepiece movement and casing ring against the middle part when the case of the timepiece is closed.
US08714812B2
Disclosed is an electronic timepiece, comprising: a second hand and a minute hand; a stepping motor which performs a stepping drive of the hands; a rotating body which includes a target section, and rotates with the second hand; a detection section which detects an existence of the target section; a detection control section which makes the detection section operate by every rotation period, to make the detection section detect the existence of the target section at a first timing and at a second timing; a hand position counter which counts estimated positions of the hands based on the number of drive times of the stepping motor; a counted value holding section capable of temporarily holding a value of the hand position counter; a counted value saving section which makes the counted value holding section hold the value; and a counted value correcting section which corrects the value.
US08714805B2
A display apparatus includes a light source and a light guide plate including a light incident surface facing the light source and which receive the light, an opposite surface opposite to the light incident surface and which reflects the light and has an arc shape, connection surfaces at opposing sides of the light incident surface and which connect the light incident surface and the opposite surface, an upper surface connected to the light incident surface, the opposite surface and the connection surfaces and which outputs the light, and a lower surface opposite to the upper surface. The light incident surface of the light guide plate includes a first surface extending in a predetermined direction, and second surfaces inclined from the first surface in an area corresponding to the light source such that an optical recess having a polygonal pyramid shape is defined by the second surfaces.
US08714804B2
The backlight assembly includes a light source part and a light guide plate. The light source part generates a first light beam. The light guide plate has a plurality of light guide blocks. Each of the light guide blocks has a light incident surface, an opposite surface, a light emitting surface, and an inclined surface. The light incident surface receives the first light beam. The opposite surface is located opposite to the light incident surface, has a convex shape with respect to the light incident surface, and reflects the first light beam and converts the first light beam into a second light beam. The light emitting surface emits the second light beam. The inclined surface is inclined with respect to the light emitting surface.
US08714796B2
An outer casing for headlights and a headlight using the outer casing can include an outer lens having an opening portion and a casing having an opening portion. The opening portion of the outer lens can include a sealing projection and a water guard rib, and the opening portion of the casing can include an end surface and a sealing concave portion. The outer lens can be attached to the casing so that the sealing projection is inserted in the sealing concave portion while the water guard rib contacts the end surface. The outer lens can be casted by a simple molding tool such that a burr is prevented from occurring on the opening portion. Therefore, the headlight using the outer casing can incorporate various lamps with an airtight structure and an adequate mechanical strength even when the outer lens is formed in a thickness of less than 2.5 millimeters.
US08714795B2
A vehicle headlamp has a focused-beam lamp unit, and a diffused-beam lamp unit. The focused-beam lamp unit has a first semiconductor light emitting device having a first rectangular light emitting surface, and a first optical member that projects light from the first semiconductor light emitting device to form a focused beam pattern. The diffused-beam lamp unit has a second semiconductor light emitting device having a second rectangular light emitting surface, and a second optical member that projects light from the second semiconductor light emitting device to form a diffused beam pattern, the diffused beam pattern being wider than the focused beam pattern in a direction along a vertical line in front a vehicle on which the vehicle headlamp is mounted. The focused-beam lamp unit and the diffused-beam lamp unit are arranged to form a light distribution pattern by combining the focused beam pattern and the diffused beam pattern.
US08714794B2
A vehicle lamp includes a first lamp having a first light emitting area, the first light emitting area having a circular shape or a roughly circular shape, a second lamp having a second light emitting area, the second light emitting area having a ring shape surrounding the first light emitting area, a lamp housing inside which the first lamp and the second lamp are provided, the lamp housing having an outer lens, the outer lens having first light distribution control steps in the first light emitting area, and an inner lens having second light distribution control steps in the second light emitting area.
US08714791B2
A detachable luggage lamp is used as a luggage lamp by fixing a flashlight to a stationary part at ordinary times and used by separating the flashlight from the luggage lamp, if necessary. The flashlight of the luggage lamp may include a lamp housing having an opening surface formed on one side thereof, a lamp disposed in the opening surface, and a battery embedded in the lamp housing and supplying power to the lamp and a stationary part including a stationary housing having an accommodating part having a shape corresponding to the lamp housing and having an inclined reflective surface mounted on a surface thereof corresponding to the opening surface of the lamp housing, wherein the lamp housing and the stationary housing include a fastening member.
US08714785B2
Provided are a cap, a socket device, and a luminary which reduce the influence of noise. A lamp with the cap includes a lamp main body having engaging means mounted so as to be attachable to and detachable from a socket device; a light emitting-portion; a control device that controls the light-emitting portion; a cap member for a power source situated adjacent to one side with the engaging means interposed therebetween is disposed in a circular track of the lamp main body and connected to the control device; a cap member for signaling situated adjacent to the other side with the engaging means interposed therebetween is disposed in the circular track of the lamp main body and connected to the control device; and a thermal conductor that comes into contact with a thermal radiator when mounted on the socket device.
US08714784B2
An LED lamp including a light guide/light pipe, and a method of reflecting light using same, are disclosed. The LED lamp includes a transparent light pipe enclosed in an envelope, where the light pipe has a lower section and an upper section. The lamp also includes an LED in a recess at a lower end of the lower section, and a reflector formed by an indentation in an upper end of the upper section. The lower section may be a compound parabolic concentrator, and the upper section may be a tapered cylinder. The lower section of the light pipe collects light emitted from the LED, the upper section of the light pipe directs the collected light onto the reflector, and the reflector reflects the directed light in a radial direction.
US08714783B2
There are provided an optical lens and a light source module, and a street lamp having the same. The optical lens includes a concave dome shaped inner surface formed to have a similarly-oval shaped lower surface, and formed to include a plurality of light incident surfaces formed to be stepped along the inner surface thereof and stepped surfaces connecting the plurality of light incident surfaces to one another; and an outer surface formed to surround the inner surface.
US08714778B2
An embodiment of the disclosure includes a LED module. A substrate is provided. A light sensor is positioned in the substrate. A LED chip is attached to the substrate. The LED chip has a first side and a second side. The second side is covered by an opaque layer with an opening. The opening is substantially aligned with the light sensor. The light sensor receives a light output emitting from the LED chip through the opening.
US08714776B2
A method for producing a fiber membrane of nanofibers that have both smooth and porous surface features. The method includes materials processing using polymer mixes with solvents and melt polymers with additives. The method includes nanomaterial incorporation onto a fiber structure after formation of the fiber structure. The fiber structure can be a part of a nanoparticle carrier material, a nanoparticle disposal medium, a lighting medium, and a catalysis medium.
US08714773B2
The invention relates to a light emitting diode (LED) lighting device that is comprised of a plurality of LED components and is characterized by the mixture of a primary light provided by the first and majority group of components and a secondary light provided by a second minority group of components and the components emitting the secondary light source have a viewing angle in the range of 130° to 160° and is greater than that of the primary light source. This wide angle of emission ensures that the secondary light is uniformly mixed into the primary light.
US08714768B2
A solar retrofit lighting system for light poles with a solar array panel assembly having semi-circular backing panels attached to adjustable internal mounting brackets or pole frames suitable to any size light pole and mounted in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the light pole with thin film photovoltaic laminate adhesively attached to the outer convex sides of the backing panels. A battery for storage of electrical energy from the thin film photovoltaic laminate will be provided along with a charge controller to regulate the charging of the battery, an inverter to convert DC to AC power and an LED light fixture extending from the pole. Alternatively, an on-grid option will be utilized at the pole, to convert and send energy back to the grid and draw power from the grid as needed when sunlight is unavailable.
US08714767B2
The present invention includes a modular stair unit, and kit for assembling the modular stair unit, that may be utilized as either a stair tread or stair riser. The modular stair unit includes a body, housing adjoined therewith, and light source within the housing. The body includes a generally planar dorsal surface and a ventral surface and forms a void between the dorsal surface and the ventral surface, which allows light passage. It is preferred that interior surfaces of the housing are fabricated of a substantially diffusive material.
US08714766B2
A planar element as well as a method for producing such planar elements in such way that the planar element is easily and inexpensively to produce on the one hand and allows remarkable optical effects to be obtained on the other hand, it is proposed to apply at least one coating to at least one area or side of at least one support substrate, especially of at least one support plate.
US08714765B2
In a rechargeable impact driver, a light unit provided in an extension portion of a housing is provided with a substrate, an LED disposed on the substrate so as to face forward, and a lens provided in front of the LED. The LED is used for an illumination function to irradiate ahead of a bit by lighting and for a notification function to notify a decrease in a battery level of a battery pack by flashing.
US08714762B2
A LED light source includes one or more LED light source arrangements, wherein each of the LED light source arrangements includes a LED member having a first light emitting surface and an opposed second light emitting surface, and two fluorescent members on top of the first and second light emitting surfaces of the LED member respectively to retain the LED member in position such that the illumination generated from the LED member is capable of passing through the two fluorescent members from the two light emitting surfaces respectively. The LED light source arrangement provides illumination at an angle greater than 180° and direct effective heat dissipation at all sides of the LED member.
US08714760B2
A reflective optical form that has both a telecentric image and a real entrance pupil. In one example, a non-relayed optical imaging system includes a real entrance pupil configured to admit a beam of electromagnetic radiation, an image plane, and a reflective triplet including a negative primary mirror, a positive secondary mirror optically coupled to the primary mirror, a negative tertiary mirror optically coupled to the secondary mirror, the reflective triplet configured to receive the beam of electromagnetic radiation from the real entrance pupil and to focus the beam of electromagnetic radiation onto the image plane to form a telecentric image at the image plane.
US08714747B2
A projector includes a light source, a first light separation optical system adapted to separate light emitted from the light source into first light and second light, a second light separation optical system adapted to separate the first light into third light and fourth light, separate the second light into fifth light and sixth light, and emit the third light, the fourth light, the fifth light, and the six light in directions intersecting with a plane including a light axis of the light emitted from the light source and a light axis of the first light, and a light modulation element which the third light, the fourth light, the fifth light, and the sixth light enter.
US08714746B2
A multi-projection system having a plurality of projection surfaces onto which images are projected is provided, where the plurality of projection surfaces are disposed on two or more sides not parallel to each other. The multi-projection system provides high three-dimensional images and a high degree of immersion in images and further provides multi-view images, thereby making theater customers feel like they really exist in the space described through the images.
US08714739B2
A product (30) for optical use and a method of using the product, which includes at least two splittable superposed layers, namely a transparent and flexible optical layer (31) suitable for sticking onto a lens of an eyeglass frame, and a first packaging layer (35) for packaging the optical layer and presenting stiffness greater than the stiffness of the optical layer so as to enable the product to be machined via a conventional appliance for shaping eyeglass lenses.
US08714731B2
An inkjet ink and an intermediate transfer medium for inkjet printing are disclosed herein. During inkjet printing, the inkjet ink forms ink drops having a contact angle (θ) of less than or equal to 50° on the intermediate transfer medium, where the contact angle (θ) reduces or substantially eliminates coalescence of adjacent ink drops. The contact angle (θ) may be obtained by controlling a property of the inkjet ink and/or a property of the surface of the intermediate transfer medium.
US08714724B2
A phase change ink composition including a pigment; a carrier; a dispersant; and a copper phthalocyanine synergist having a carboxylic acid group thereon.
US08714719B2
Features for various embodiments of a self-contained printhead unit, including an on-board fluidic system, quick-coupling electrical and pneumatic interfacing, in conjunction with the features of various embodiments of a kinematic mounting and air bearing clamping assembly, as well as contactless integration to a waste assembly, together provide for the ready interchangeability of a plurality of printhead units in a printing system during a printing process, while at the same time preventing cross-contamination of a plurality of end-user selected inks contained in each of a plurality of printhead units.
US08714701B2
There are provided an inkjet printing apparatus and a wiping method which are capable of reducing the load on a wiper. A wetting liquid retaining unit 140 including a transferring portion 221 making contact with the wiper 120 to transfer the wetting liquid is moved to a first position where contact with the wiper is possible and a second position where contact with the wiper is impossible. Drag generated by movement of the wiper 120 does not act on it and the transferring portion 221 can make contact with the wiper 120 in the Z direction (vertical direction). So, while the wiper 120 is not almost acted upon by drag in the thickness direction (Y direction) and the width direction (X direction) and rubbing against the transferring portion, the wetting liquid can be transferred with drag in the height direction (Z direction) alone in which relatively flexible deformation is allowed.
US08714697B2
An inkjet printer includes an inkjet printhead including nozzles disposed in a printhead face; a cap including: a base; and a sealing face for sealing around the printhead face, wherein suction is generated at the printhead face for priming the nozzles when the base is moved from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position is located a smaller distance from the sealing face than the second position; and a valve having an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve is configured to be in the open position when the base of the cap is moved from the second position to the first position for relieving excess pressure in the cap.
US08714683B2
An image recording apparatus includes: a transport unit that transports, along a transport path, a medium having a recording base material whose one surface is a recording layer for an image and whose other surface is an adhesive layer and a separating base material that covers the adhesive layer; a recording unit that records an image onto the medium; a heating unit that fixes the recorded image onto the medium; and a humidifying unit that humidifies the medium.
US08714675B2
A method of printing includes providing a printhead including a jet control element including a continuous heater element positioned to surround a nozzle. A plurality of three or more electrical contacts is in electrical communication with the continuous heater element. The plurality of three or more electrical contacts define a plurality of three or more continuous heater element portions that are actuatable with sufficient independence so as to control jet steering. The number of the continuous heater element portions equals the number of electrical contacts. A liquid is provided under a pressure sufficient to eject a jet of liquid through the nozzle. A waveform is applied to at least one of the plurality of three or more electrical contacts using a controller to affect at least one of the plurality of independently actuatable continuous heater element portions to control the jet of liquid.
US08714671B2
The present invention provides an automatic homing and track buffering device comprising a buffer base in which there are (a) a main base body with a buffer groove space and a flexible groove space prepared at both sides, a slide margin, and a revolving-resistant member having a slip resisting wall and a revolving-resistant wall in succession; (b) a buffer member; (c) a flexible member; (d) a swing member linking the buffer member's and the flexible member's front ends and provided with a push arm and a draw arm for development of an operating space in between wherein the draw arm has a first slider (external side) and a second slider with a curved part (internal side) for development of a slide groove in between.
US08714667B2
Enclosures for electronic components and methods for manufacturing the same are shown. In one embodiment, the enclosure includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, and a fourth sidewall defining an interior space of the enclosure. A first mounting channel and a second mounting channel can be coupled to each one of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the fourth sidewall. A side channel can be removably coupled to the first mounting channel and the second mounting channel. A mounting panel can be removably coupled to the side channel, the mounting panel providing a flat surface extending away from the side channel towards a sidewall opposite a sidewall nearest the side channel and adapted to support electronic components.
US08714664B2
An environmental containment system has a wall frame for mounting to a wall. The wall frame has a left section and a right section. The wall frame has a top section and a bottom section. The wall frame extends horizontally from a vertical plane and has a wall side opening and a working side opening. A suction opening is formed on the wall frame. A filter is mounted to a filter opening formed on the wall frame. A pair of mounting brackets are spaced apart horizontally at a set predetermined distance. The pair of mounting brackets includes a right mounting bracket and a left mounting bracket. The right mounting bracket has at least one right screw opening, and the left mounting bracket has at least one left screw opening. The pair of mounting brackets are mounted to an inside surface of the wall frame.
US08714649B2
A vehicle seat is provided, in particular motor vehicle seat, including a seat part (3) and a backrest (4) which is connected by at least one fitting (10) to the seat part (3) and may be pivoted relative thereto about an axis (A). The fitting includes at least one stop (51, 52, 53) on the seat part (3) and on the backrest (4), which are provided in each case on a structural part (4a) or an adapter (3a) fixed to the structure, and which by cooperation limit the pivoting angle of the backrest (4). At least one first stop (51), of the stops (51, 52, 53) provided, is integrally formed with the structural part (4a) or adapter (3a), as this least one first stop (51) is produced from the material of the structural part (4a) or adapter (3a).
US08714645B2
A pivoting mechanism with gross and fine adjustment with a housing, an elongate shaft pivotally retained by the housing, resiliently deformable members retained by the housing, cam members coupled to the shaft wherein the cam members are disposed to deform the resiliently deformable members when the cam members are pivoted, and a locking slide bar for selectively causing the cam members to pivot with the shaft to produce gross adjustments in pivoting resistance. First and second ends of the shaft can act as an output interface for outputting the pivoting resistance exhibited by the shaft to a seat back structure, a seat bottom structure, or some other structure. A threaded rod rotated by a handle can adjust an initial deformation of the first resiliently deformable member for fine pivoting resistance adjustment.
US08714644B2
A vehicle seat for children includes a base and an armchair. The armchair includes a seat and a seat back. The seat back has in its upper portion at least one strap passage intended to receive a chest strap of a safety belt of a motor vehicle.
US08714637B2
A chassis structure for a motor vehicle includes an extruded base member made of light metal and a reinforcing member made of steel to reinforce the base member. The base member has two walls which are spaced from one another by a distance, with the reinforcing member connecting free ends of the walls. The reinforcing member and the base member are joined to one another using electromagnetic pulse welding.
US08714627B2
A spoiler includes an outer member and an inner member. The outer member includes a base plate portion, a cover plate portion facing the base plate portion, and a bent portion connecting the base plate portion and the cover plate portion. The inner member is arranged between the base plate portion and the cover plate portion. The inner member includes a back plate portion facing the base plate portion, and a wall portion extending from the back plate portion toward the cover plate portion. The base plate portion and the back plate portion are vibration-welded, and the cover plate portion and the wall portion are vibration-welded. The wall portion includes a plurality of grooves forming a corrugated structure in a cross section taken along a plane perpendicular to a direction in which the wall portion extends from the back plate portion toward the cover plate portion.
US08714623B2
A convertible vehicle has a convertible top which can be moved between a closed convertible top position and an opened convertible top position and which is extended in its closed convertible top position over a convertible top frame with a convertible top linkage. A storm linkage is coupled in an articulated fashion, by a supporting device for supporting the closed convertible top, between the convertible top linkage and a tensioning bar which is arranged at the rear. In order to improve the support of the storm linkage in the convertible vehicle, the supporting device has a locking connecting rod with a roller which interacts with the storm linkage.
US08714612B2
A roll-in cot for patient transport and method thereof are disclosed. The cot provides a patient transporter having a support frame configured to support a stretcher on a top side of the support frame and having a sliding track mounted to an under-side of the support frame. A pair of collapsible leading legs is pivotally mounted on the underside of the support frame, and a pair of collapsible and retractable trailing legs is pivotally mounted to the underside of the support frame and also moveably coupled to the sliding track. The trailing legs are configured to swivel from a raised position to a collapsed, unretracted position wherein the pair of trailing legs extend a first horizontal distance past a trailing end of the support frame. The pair of trailing legs are further configured to slide inwardly from a collapsed, unretracted position to a collapsed, retracted position wherein the pair of collapsible and trailing legs extends a second horizontal distance past a trailing end of the support frame, wherein the second horizontal distance is less than the first horizontal distance.
US08714611B2
Handling device for handling of a wafer in the processing of the wafer with the following features: a carrier with a flat receiving side for holding the wafer, an especially lattice-like grid structure which is raised on the receiving side relative to the receiving side, a flexible cover which covers the grid structure relative to the carrier, sealing it, for fixing of the wafer on the carrier, and a grid space which is bordered by the cover and the carrier can be exposed to negative pressure, characterized in that the grid structure and the cover with the receiving side form an especially trough-shaped receiving space for holding of receiving structures which are provided on the wafer and which are raised relative to the wafer receiving side.
US08714610B2
A lift truck clamp arm assembly for engaging large cartons, which may contain large household appliances. Pivoting clamp pad support assemblies are adjustable to vary a radial spacing between a pivot pin and a clamp pad supported on the clamp arm assembly by attachment to the adjustable clamp pad support assembly, to provide desired pressure concentrations at selected parts of a carton to be gripped.
US08714599B2
A sealing microsawtooth ring joint, made between a toothed seating surface and a full plain seated surface by a microsawtooth ring with its tooth crest on the seating surface being a cutting edge whose corner or whose crest angle is about 90°˜120°, with its tooth height Zt being about 10˜20 times the roughness Ra of the seated surface, and with the ratio of its tooth pitch Xs to its tooth height Zt being 20˜500 to ensure that the tight joint has a microcosmic line contact followed by a surface contact or to ensure that the tight joint has both such a line contact as to be able to provide a necessary seating stress locally and such a surface contact as to be able to protect the line contact from being excessively pressed to get blunt or disappeared, can be used either as a pressure-tight joint or as a self-energizing tight joint of any two surfaces such as flats to flats, cones to cones or spheres, spheres to spheres or cones etc., thus simplifying and unifying the designing, calculating, manufacturing, selecting, installing and maintaining of fussy gaskets for a tight joint of flat surfaces, avoiding the lapping of formed jointing surfaces without using soft gaskets, increasing the reliability of tight joints and the utilizing coefficient of natural resources. The sealing microsawtooth ring joint can still have an extra sealing reliability and safety sensation by selectively adding one of four basic gland seals.
US08714591B1
A clamper includes a living hinge, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The first end portion includes a first buckle portion. The second end portion includes a second buckle portion. The first end portion and the second end portion are configured for engagement with one another in confronting relationship. Net assemblies and vehicles are also provided.
US08714589B2
A protection device (10) having a set (11) of protection inflatable members (15, 20, 25) including left and right inflatable lateral means (20, 25) that are suitable for co-operating respectively with the left and right shoulder straps (6, 7), said device (10) possessing an inflator (30) for inflating said protection inflatable members (15, 20, 25). The device includes a headrest (35) carrying a nape airbag (15) of said set of inflatable members (15, 20, 25), the nape airbag (15) including one passage (16, 17) per inflatable lateral means (20, 25) in order to convey fluid to each inflatable lateral means (20, 25), said headrest (35) being provided with a hollow support (40) carrying said inflator (30) and with a fluid diffusion box (50) arranged in the nape airbag (15) so as to convey a fluid from the inflator (30) to the nape airbag (15) and to the inflatable lateral means (20, 25).
US08714585B2
An airbag in which no choking occurs and which can be rapidly deployed. A cushion section of the airbag internally accommodates a cylinder-type inflator that includes an insertion hole for inserting the inflator from an outside to an inside, and a diffuser into which the inflator is inserted, and a diffuser having a tubular portion obtained by folding back a section of cloth to form symmetrical portions with an upper base formed by the folded back part and a lower base formed by adjacent ends of the symmetrical portions. The cushion section is folded back at both lateral sides of the along first folding lines that are substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the diffuser.
US08714583B2
An interior panel for the interior of a vehicle and a method for the production thereof. The interior panel has first and second layers and with the first layer having an air bag cover region extending over an air bag opening in the second layer. The interior panel has a connecting part which is formed from: a first fastening section which is fastened to the airbag cover region of the first layer, a second fastening section which is fastened to the lower side of the second layer, and a coupling section situated between the first fastening section and the second fastening section. The coupling section is made of flexible material such that the airbag cover region may be partially separated from the first layer during airbag deployment while being held by the coupling section.
US08714582B2
A baby stroller system is provided including a baby stroller and a ride along board attached thereto for supporting a rider (e.g., a child) while the stroller is pushed. The ride along board may include a platform for the rider to stand upon and at least one wheel for supporting the platform. Additionally, the ride along board is positioned asymmetrically relative to the stroller, e.g., in-line with one of the rear wheel or laterally outside of the stroller wheel base. Further, the platform may be positioned laterally outside of the handlebars, thereby providing more room for the rider (e.g., not having to stand or squeeze between the handlebars) and moving the ride along board and rider away from the moving space of a user pushing the stroller. The ride along board further includes at least three wheels defining a ride along board wheel base, where a center of mass of the ride along board is within the wheel base. The ride along board may be attached to opposing ends of an axle of one of the rear wheels.
US08714575B2
A running board assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. The running board assembly includes an actuator housing fixedly mounted to the motor vehicle. An arm is slidable relative to the actuator housing in opposing inboard and outboard directions for movement into and out of the actuator housing. A linear mechanism is disposed within the actuator housing and is spaced apart from the arm. The linear mechanism is also operably connected to the arm to provide linear movement of the arm in the inboard and outboard directions. A step is pivotal relative to the arm and movable in the opposing inboard and outboard directions therewith for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position.
US08714571B2
The present invention is directed to a torque rod comprised of a two piece mating design which increases rigidity and reduces the number of welds. Unlike other designs this design has single piece forged ends which permits the torque rod of the present invention to take greater payloads than other designs can take. The design further includes internal bearings.
US08714570B2
A second quick-disconnect wide handle is attached to the front of a stable wheelbarrow cart to enable two persons to quickly lift and dump the contents of a full wheelbarrow cart into a dumpster or walled compost bin. This accessory handle is easily removed when not in use. The handle has other uses such as moving plywood panels or table-tops, doors, or other large flat items. The quick-disconnect feature uses a quick disconnect clamp with the addition of an elongated handle and attachment of a rod attachment to it; whereby one such clamp is used at each rod end attaching the handle to the bin of the wheelbarrow cart.
US08714567B2
A ski boot (1) includes an inner boot (1.1) that is designed to accommodate the skier's foot and a leading shell (1.2) that surrounds the inner boot (1.1), making it possible to hold the skier's ankle in place. This boot (1) also includes a calf support (3) attached to the shell (1.2) that is designed to accommodate the skier's calf, and a thigh support (5) that forms an angle (α) with the calf support (3) that is designed to accommodate the skier's thigh when the latter is in the bent position. Preferably, the boot includes a damping element (8, 23, 27) that is installed between the calf support (3) and the thigh support (5), as well as elements (25, 26) for adjusting the angle (α) between the calf support (3) and the thigh support (5).
US08714565B1
A seal has a first endplate and has a second endplate. A first bellow spring spans first lateral portions of the first and second endplates. A second bellow spring spans second lateral portions of the first and second endplates.
US08714563B2
An annular elastic gasket adapted to be disposed between an insertion hole formed in a housing and a cylindrical body which is inserted into the housing via the insertion hole in such a manner that the annular elastic gasket elastically contacts an inner surface of the insertion hole and an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body. The annular elastic gasket comprises a hollow cylindrical gasket base body comprised of a molded body made of an elastic material, to be compressedly fitted and retained in the insertion hole, an annular seal lip portion extending in the centripetal direction from the gasket base body and an elastic extending portion which constitutes an extending base portion at an end of a tip side portion of the annular seal lip portion, being bent in such a manner that the end directs in the centripetal direction. The elastic extending portion elastically expands in the diametrical direction together with the tip side portion when the cylindrical body is inserted into the insertion hole, thereby the elastic extending portion elastically contacts the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body while maintaining elastic restoring force in the contracting direction.
US08714558B2
A welded bellows seal assembly is provided. In an embodiment, a welded bellows seal assembly includes a seal ring including a seal ring shell, an outer housing; and a bellows extending from a portion of the seal ring shell to a portion of the outer housing. The seal ring shell may include a bellows segment that extends longitudinally over the bellows. Moreover, in embodiments, the bellows may be connected to the seal ring at a lower inner diameter portion of the seal ring shell. Embodiments of the seal assembly may permit the tuning of the seal assembly to improve resistance physical effects, such as twisting, under anticipated operational conditions.
US08714552B1
A ticket dispenser includes a first engaging member advancing a ticket at a first rate of speed, a second engaging member advancing the ticket at a second, greater, rate of speed and a third engaging member advancing the ticket at a third, even greater, rate of speed. The ticket has length greater than a) the spacing between the first and second engaging members and b) the spacing between the second and third engaging members. As the ticket advances through the ticket dispensing mechanism, the second engaging member engages the ticket before the first engaging member disengages the ticket and the third engaging member engages the ticket before the second engaging member disengages the ticket. A force of the second ticket engaging member is greater than that of the first and third engaging members.
US08714550B2
The subject invention discloses an improved pinball machine and a method of updating existing pinball machines by replacing existing internal gas tube graphic displays with bright, large LED dot matrix or plasma dot matrix displays. These bright and large displays may be attached to a pinball machine within the backbox, external to the backbox or both. These large graphic displays contain multiple display circuit boards that can be separately removed and replaced devices for cheaper maintenance. This method allows any existing pinball machine to be updated with large, bright displays that can illuminate in a variety of colors with adjustable brightness.
US08714548B2
An image recording apparatus includes: a first motor for rotating first and second rollers; a second motor; a recording portion provided downstream of the first roller, the second roller provided downstream of the recording portion; a sensor portion provided between the recording portion and the second roller to sense a sheet; and a first gear movable between a first position and a second position where reverse rotational power of the first roller is transmitted to the second roller. When a controller determines that an upstream edge of the sheet in a conveying direction has reached a third position located between the recording portion and the sensor portion, the controller starts driving the second motor to move the first gear from the first position to the second position and thereafter controls the first motor to perform a forward rotation and a reverse rotation alternately a set number of times.
US08714545B2
A paper inverting device includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a guiding structure, a power mechanism, and a controller. The power mechanism is used for driving rotation of the guiding structure. The first sensor is used for detecting the position of the paper. The second sensor is used for detecting the thickness of the paper. According to the sensing signals from the first sensor and the second sensor, the controller may determine the timing of rotating the guiding structure and the rotating direction and the rotating angle of the guiding structure. Consequently, the guiding structure may be controlled to stop the paper and further invert the paper.
US08714544B2
A media cassette housing system, which may be usable in an image formation apparatus such as a printer or copier, includes: a guide member configured to guide an insertion of a media cassette from an entrance into an installed position of a cassette housing unit and to guide a pulling out of the media cassette from the installed position to the entrance of the cassette housing unit; and a swingable member provided to the guide member and swingable in inserting and pulling directions of the media cassette. The swingable member includes a slide guide surface configured to come into sliding contact with a slide surface of the media cassette upon the insertion and pulling of the medium cassette.
US08714542B2
Air is taken in through air holes of a paper transfer belt and through air inlets of an air intake duct, and a recording sheet of paper is sucked onto front surfaces of the paper transfer belts, forming the recording sheet of paper into a curved (waved) shape along the front surfaces of the paper transfer belts.
US08714526B2
Pulling eyes are provided with an integrated lug for electrically coupling conductors or cables to terminating equipment. The pulling eyes may include body portions that define interior cavities that are sized to snugly engage a bare metal portion of the conductors or cables. The body portions are sized to be deformably crimped onto the bare metal portions of the conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may also include head portions joined to the body portions, with the head portions are assembled to pulling ropes or cables for installing the conductors or cables. The pulling eyes may further include integrated lugs electrically attached or coupled to the body portions and configured to electrically couple the conductor to terminating equipment.
US08714522B2
A fluid control valve, which includes a body forming a fluid passage and including a sealing surface positioned in the fluid passage, a valve body configured to rotate between an open position and closed position within the fluid passage, an elastic sealing member provided at a rim portion of the valve body, and a lip portion extended from the elastic sealing member to be directed towards a center portion of the valve body. The lip portion contacts the sealing surface and a surface of the lip portion facing the sealing surface is exposed to the fluid passage.
US08714518B2
A valve assembly includes a valve body with an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber extending between the inlet and the outlet and an actuation sub-assembly. Positioned in the chamber is a flow restrictor, which is positionable between a valve open position wherein the fluid communication between the inlet and outlet is open and a valve closed position wherein the fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet is closed. A slow-close actuation sub-assembly includes a stem for engaging the flow restrictor, and includes a handle and plurality of annular members disposed around a shaft for resisting rotation of the shaft via the handle.
US08714516B2
A non-adjustable water pressure and flow speed regulating flushing system includes a valve member adapted for sealedly disposing between the water inlet and outlet to control water flowing from water inlet to outlet through the water chamber, a relief valve disposed within the water chamber for controlling the water flowing from water chamber to water outlet, and a flow speed regulation arrangement which includes an elongated bleed channel for controlling a water pressure between the water inlet and water chamber, so as to regulate a flow speed of the water entering into the water chamber through the bleed channel in a non-adjustable manner.
US08714515B2
A hydraulic actuating device for a sliding stem control valve assembly is mounted between a control valve and an actuator housing. The hydraulic actuating device is connected to one of a control valve stem, an actuator stem, and a stem connector and the hydraulic actuating device moves either the control valve stem, the actuator stem, or the stem connector in response to varying hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic actuating device. The hydraulic actuating device may be used to override an actuator of the sliding stem valve during emergency operations, or to provide a backup actuator in the case of a primary actuator malfunction.
US08714508B1
A telescoping support stand comprising a first tube partially defining a first enclosed area and a second tube partially defining a second enclosed area. A first end of the second tube may be telescopically slidable within the first tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first locking mechanism attached to the second tube. The first locking mechanism may releasably secure the first tube to the second tube. The telescoping support stand may also comprise a first air exchange aperture dimensioned to allow air to flow between the first and second enclosed areas. The telescoping support stand may further comprise a release mechanism and a release rod attached to the first locking mechanism. The release mechanism may comprise a displacement member adjacent to the release rod, the displacement member being configured to displace the release rod and release the first locking mechanism.
US08714502B1
A bracket assembly includes an elongated plate that has a first end, a second end, a front side, a back side, an upper edge and a lower edge. A first coupler is attached to and extends away from the back side. The first coupler is positioned adjacent to the first end. A second coupler is attached to and extends away from the back side. The second coupler is positioned adjacent to the second end. A catch is attached to and extends away from the front side of the plate. The catch is positioned between the first and second ends. The first and second couplers are engageable with opposite sides of a support member to allow an article to be positioned on the catch.
US08714496B2
A conduit harness has an inner part and an outer part which are snap-fitted together to provide redundancy in the event of failure of either part.
US08714481B2
A wheel design is provided for an aircraft landing gear wheel that is configured to maximize the space available within a landing gear wheel well to support a geared motor assembly that drives the aircraft wheel when the aircraft is on the ground. The wheel includes inboard and outboard support walls that are spaced apart a selected distance along the wheel axle so that the geared motor assembly components are substantially completely contained within the wheel space defined by the support walls. The preferred motor driver assembly includes an electric motor and a gear and clutch assembly operatively connected to the wheel to drive the wheel and move the aircraft on the ground. The wheel and motor driver assembly described herein may be retrofitted in an existing aircraft wheel without changing existing landing gear components, including tires, piston, and axle.
US08714479B1
The mechanism includes a primary load path element having at least one slot. A pin-key within the primary load path element slot allows freedom of movement in a rotational direction orthogonal to a positioning direction. A secondary load path element includes at least one secondary load path element slot. A key is positioned between the load path elements. A compression cam is positioned within an opening in the secondary load path element that defines a grooved cam seat. A tension cam is positioned within the opening in the secondary load path element. The tension cam has a defined pivot and stop. A cam follower rests on lobe surfaces of the cams. The cam follower applies a preload force to both cams opposing the cam's rotation. A push rod is seated in a hole in the cam follower and extends through a respective hole in the secondary load path element.
US08714475B2
An aircraft with reduced environmental impact includes two turboprop engines mounted on the back of the aircraft at the rear thereof, and one acoustic masking device per turboprop engine. The acoustic masking device includes a masking element, such as a flap, which can move between a position in which it is retracted into the wing, and a position in which it is extended toward the rear of the wing. In the extended position, the flap intercepts the noise area generated toward the front by the turboprop engine, so as to reduce the perception of noise on the ground.
US08714471B2
A cartridge assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a core, a cartridge housing defining a cavity that receives the core, a shaft extending from the cartridge housing into the cavity and at least part way into the core, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring is helically wound to define a coiled outer surface that is received in the core and also includes at least one end that engages the shaft. When the core is rotated in a first direction about the shaft, a circumference of the coiled outer surface of the torsion spring increases thereby restricting a rotation of the core in the first direction. When the core is rotated in a second direction opposite the first direction, the coiled outer surface provides a controlled amount of drag to resist a rotation of the core in the second direction.
US08714451B2
A disclosed managing apparatus and image forming apparatus management system ensure confidentiality of information in an image forming apparatus while usability is maintained. An image forming apparatus acquires IC card identifying information with an IC card reader. A management server acquires a user ID associated with the acquired IC card identifying information and use limit information concerning use of the image forming apparatus. A process is performed in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the use limit information.
US08714449B2
Security systems and methods are implemented using a variety of devices and methods. According to one such implementation, a controller arms or disarms a security system responsive to a contactless card reader. The contactless card reader includes a circuit for wirelessly interfacing with the controller, a battery circuit, and a sensor for detecting a contactless card. The card reader further includes a power-control circuit, responsive to the sensor, to control use of the battery circuit, and a coil for energizing the contactless card in response to the contactless card being detected by the sensor. The contactless card transmits data to the contactless card reader when the contactless card is energized. Responsive to the data transmitted by the contactless card, the contactless card reader wirelessly interfaces with the controller, which arms or disarms the security system based on the data transmitted by the card.
US08714447B1
During a correction technique, a computer system determines that an identifier for an individual received from a source is invalid based on a technique used to generate identifiers for individuals. In response, the computer system calculates one or more possible correct identifiers and associated confidence values based on the identifier and the source. Then, the computer system selects at least one of the possible correct identifiers as the correct identifier.
US08714436B2
The invention relates to a tray for transporting and displaying items such as yogurt containers. The tray is of the type comprising a bottom wall (1), side walls (2, 3, 4, 5) perpendicular to the bottom (1) and side flaps (27) enabling the attachment of a first wall (2, 4) to the adjacent wall (3, 5), each flap being hingedly connected to the side edge of the first wall (2, 4) and attached to the following wall (3, 5). According to the invention, the hinged connection of the side flap (27) to the first wall is provided by an interface area (16) in the shape of a triangle the apex (17) of which points toward the free upper edge (31, 32) of the two consecutive side walls (2, 3, 4, 5) and the base (18) of which rests on the bottom wall (1), this triangular interface area (16) being slanted from its base (18) to the apex (17) toward the outside of the outline defined by the bottom wall (1). The invention can be used for trays for transporting products such as yogurt containers.
US08714428B2
A sheet product dispenser includes a housing to partially enclose a roll of sheet product, at least one end-opening at a longitudinal end of the housing to load said roll within the housing, and a longitudinal slit along a length of the housing to allow a leading edge of said sheet product to be unrolled therethrough defined by an upper and lower lip of the housing. The upper lip can flex to contact the lower lip to hold the sheet product in place during a cutting operation. The dispenser may further include a deforming projection disposed on a portion of the lower lip to deform the sheet product during a cutting operation to prevent roll-back of the sheet product.
US08714424B2
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a user based carrying system capable of independent transportation of a load including a hip-based user attachment system. The carrying system includes an enclosure member having an internal region encased by an internal surface. A user attachment system releasably secures the carrying system to the user for independent transportation without requiring muscular engagement. The user attachment system includes a hip attachment system with a dorsal articulation member and a strap member. The dorsal articulation member includes a front and rear member three-dimensionally moveably coupled to one another. The rear member is coupled to the enclosure member and the front member is coupled to the strap member. The three-dimensional moveable coupling between the front and rear members includes three restricted degrees of freedom configured to efficiently absorb corresponding user hip movements and directly support other user hip movements.
US08714422B2
Systems and methods are disclosed to conveniently carry a mobile device, among others, on a wrist brace. The systems include a case to enclose the mobile device and a system to wear the apparatus on a wrist. The system is comprised of the case; a case tether coupled to the case; a wristband tether coupled to a wrist brace; a finger ring to loop around a finger and a case lock to secure the case in a closed position. Also presented, a method to carry and use the device while tethered to a wrist.
US08714417B1
A jar body is unitarily formed as a single piece and includes an externally-threaded neck having a rim defining a jar mouth. A main body has a sidewall and a base. A shoulder extends outward from an upper end of the main body to couple the main body to the neck. An interior pour channel is formed along the neck.
US08714405B2
A chute assembly for an object dispensing apparatus includes: a chute configured at a first end to attach to and convey objects from an object dispenser; a funnel having an inlet that merges with a second end of the chute and an outlet; a door attached to the funnel, the door being movable between a closed position, in which the door covers the funnel outlet and prevents access to objects within the funnel, and an open position, in which the door does not cover the funnel outlet and allows access to objects within the funnel; an object agitation unit configured to agitate objects in the funnel to prevent such objects from jamming in the funnel; and a locking unit associated with the door that prevents the door from moving to the open position without authorization.
US08714404B2
A refuse container has a bin defining a cavity and a lid selectively inhibiting access to the cavity. A pair of opposing brackets is located below the lid. The brackets are in laterally spaced relationship such that a space is located between portions of the brackets. Each bracket has opposing inner and outer face portions with an interior gap formed between therebetween. The interior gap is fluidly isolated from the cavity. A rib is located within the interior gaps such that each rib extends inwardly relative to the space between the brackets. A retention bar is coupled to each bracket and spans the space from one bracket to the other bracket wherein opposing ends of the retention bar extend into the interior gap of each bracket, and an exposed portion of the retention bar spans the space between the brackets. The end portions of the retention bar abut the ribs.
US08714403B2
A method for manufacturing an antiskid container (30) from a container (20) made of a ceramic or glass material, including a bottom wall (21) intended to be in contact with a flat support, the bottom wall including at least one antiskid pattern (28), the pattern including two grooves (25) delimiting at least one projection (24), the method including the following steps: an antiskid material (34) in a fluid state is applied onto the antiskid pattern (28) so as to cover the projection at least partially, the antiskid material is caused to solidify so as to form an antiskid coating (31).
US08714398B2
A rigid, durable non-metallic release laminate for holding food products during baking, cooking, toasting and other processing is provided. By eliminating the use of metal, the laminate of the invention can be readily manufactured in a variety of shapes and forms. The laminate can be used in a wide variety of ovens, including without limitation a conventional baking oven, microwave oven, toaster oven, convection oven, or multi-technology oven.
US08714395B2
The subject matter of the present invention is a container, in particular a large-volume disposable container made of plastic, such as a keg (1) for holding liquids of all types, for example, for holding beverages. The container is equipped in general with a connecting fitting (2) having a gasket (3). According to the invention, the connecting fitting (2) and/or the gasket (3) define an unclosable passage (9) for reducing pressure inside the container during the subsequent automatic closing operation after a previously defined opening operation.
US08714394B2
A storage container set comprises multiple plastic lid elements (20, 30) and a common container element (10), the side wall (11) of which has outward-protruding locking projections (12) that have a downward-extending locking profiled section (14) at their outer ends and are provided for locking the alternatively placeable lid elements. The first lid element (30) has hinged locking clips (31) for gripping the locking projections. The second lid element (20) has a continuous peripheral edge profile (21) and a vertical profiled section (22) which embraces the locking projections (12) from outside when the second lid element (20) is placed on the container element. A profiled tongue (23) at the end of the vertical profiled section (22) resiliently engages with the locking projections (12) while temporarily and peripherally tensioning the profiled section (22).
US08714389B2
A convertible device that converts between an activity mat and a storage container to capture and store numerous articles. Upon reclosing the activity mat, the articles are recaptured into the storage container. The device includes walls and a base, webbing connected between each adjacent wall pair, and a joint connected between the base and walls so that they are foldable into a third configuration wherein the footprint of the folded device is roughly the size of the base. In the third configuration, the walls are stacked relative to the base. The convertible device may further include two zippers for releasably holding the walls in a rigid and upright position in the first configuration. The webbing can be inwardly biased such that when the walls are urged from the second to the first configuration, the webbing folds toward the interior of the convertible device.
US08714388B2
A collapsible rectangular container includes a container body having a pair of opposed solid side walls, a pair of opposed foldable side walls hingedly connected to the pair of solid side walls and a base end wall and a top end wall removably and slidably connected to ends of the pairs of solid and foldable side walls when the container body is in an erected position. The base and top end walls are removable from the ends of the container body to permit the body to be collapsed into a flat configuration by folding the side walls inwardly when the base and top end walls are removed. The end walls are slidably received on one of the solid side walls when the container body is in a collapsed position. When the containers are collapsed and/or erected, the containers interlock for shipment.
US08714386B2
The invention relates to a bottle body and a handle member mounted on the bottle body. A mounting projecting portion forming a polygonal cross-sectional shape projects from the bottle body, and the handle member is provided with a mounting hole forming a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape into which the mounting projecting portion is inserted. The handle member is mounted on the bottle body such that four side portions of the mounting hole are brought into pressure contact with a pair of lateral pressure-contacting portions and a pair of axial pressure-contacting portions on the outer peripheral edge of the polygonal cross-sectional shape by inserting the mounting projecting portion into the mounting hole, and then relatively rotating the bottle body and the handle member. Accordingly, a bottle container with a handle having simple structure and capable of firmly fixing the bottle body and the handle member to each other can be provided.
US08714384B2
The invention relates to a device for stopping a container (1) having a neck (12). The device includes a stopper (51) and a plastic cap (52) configured to surround both the stopper (51) and the neck (12). The cap (52) includes a ring (53) that can surround the stopper and the neck when mounted and is provided with a locking tab (537) for locking onto the neck, and a body (54) for handling the ring, provided with an external rib (535) for transmitting a thrust force to the ring and an edge (541) for activating the tab for locking the ring. The ring (53) is provided with a continuous outer peripheral collar (5311), and the handling body (54) is provided with at least one raised element (5431) designed to abut (E4) against the continuous outer peripheral collar (5311) when the edge (541) activates the locking tab (537).
US08714366B2
This application describes a guide plate for collecting and discharging bulk products (12), comprising a first segment (14), said first segment (14) comprising damping means (19, 20), which, during use, dissipate the collision energy of each product (12) to be collected essentially individually. Further, this application describes a sorting machine for the sorting of a continuous single layer stream of products, in which said sorting machine contains a feeding unit, an analysis unit, a removal unit and transport unit, where said transport unit contains such a guide plate in order to collect the products coming from the feeding unit.
US08714360B2
A device is operable to separate tissue particles. The device comprises a reservoir and an ultrasonic transducer. The reservoir is configured to receive tissue particles in a fluid. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to emit ultrasonic energy toward tissue particles in the reservoir. Control circuitry is configured to drive the ultrasonic transducer at parameters selected to provide movement of tissue particles in the first reservoir based on the size of the tissue particles. The ultrasonic transducer may thus drive the tissue particles toward respective outlets or at particular times based on their particle size. An electrically driven screen may be used to separate tissue particles from liquid. An ultrasonic mincing device may be used to mince tissue particles whose size exceeds a predetermined size range.
US08714358B2
An earphone protector device includes top and bottom compartments partitioned by and releasably attachable to opposite sides of a central partition member. A passage through the partition member is sized for insertion of earphone cords, wherein the corresponding earphones are located on the top side of the partition member and the earphone plug is located on the bottom side of the partition member. When used in conjunction with a portable media player, the earphones and earphone plug may be extended through slots located on each corresponding compartment, thereby limiting the amount of slack in the earphone cords during use. In another embodiment of the device, the central partition member does not include a passage and the device may be used for separately storing complimenting articles in the two compartments.
US08714353B2
A package (100) of articles, such as oral care implements (200) comprising: a tubular body (109) having a cavity (115), an open top end (167) and a closed bottom end (126). An annular wall (120) divides the cavity into a central cavity (125) and an annular cavity (115) that circumferentially surrounds the central cavity. A plurality of radial walls (130) extend from an outer surface (121) of the annular wall to an inner surface (112) of the tubular body and divide the annular cavity into a plurality of subcavities (135). At least one oral care implement is disposed within each of the subcavities. A cover (170) is coupled to at least one of the tubular body and the annular wall. The cover comprises a central opening (177) that forms a passageway into the central cavity and a dispensing opening (174).
US08714350B2
The present invention includes methods and apparatus in which a reusable bag is provided for the collection and return of soiled garments, laundry and/or other clothing items. The bag may be provided in the form of a hamper that is open at the top, with one or more hooks that allow the bag to be hung from a clothing rod, and is provided with engagement devices that allow the bag to be folded up when not in use, and then unfolded to various levels for containment and protection of clean items that have been hung on standard hangers. In some embodiments, garment protection flaps and a detachable accessory bag are provided inside the bag. In other embodiments, convenient handles are provided as part of the hangers which support the bags, the handles being positioned to balance the bag when it is being carried to avoid spilling the contents thereof, the bags having special flaps for engaging the hangers having the handles.
US08714348B2
The present invention relates generally to a consumable beverage container, and more particularly to collectible cups including graphical souvenir, art, or thematic elements presented on the exterior surface of the container that remains exposed upon the nesting or stacking of each unit. While such elements may present a cohesive brand or image presence on each cup, the elements also represent a fragment of a larger design that may only be visible upon proper vertical sequencing and rotational orientation of the various individual units within the particular series or collection of containers. The exact geometry of the containers may be counter intuitively formulated to present a larger exposed surface for the presentation of such elements thereby sacrificing the volumetric savings normally associated with the nesting or stacking of equivalently-sized units in a storage or retail setting.
US08714346B2
A conveyor belt for a treadmill has a contoured structure on its upper surface which causes a runner to experience bumps and depressions when running. The contoured features may be provided by plates attached to the conveyor belt, and/or by inserts placed onto the belt or within chambers defined in the belt. The contoured features may vary in hardness.
US08714340B2
The invention can be used with an automated mail tray filling apparatus for taking envelopes from a vertical stacker output of an inserter machine and placing them in mail trays. A take-away feeder is positioned over the vertical stacker table and is arranged to withdraw individual envelopes from the vertical stack in a sideways direction. The envelope is then redirected in a downward direction by ejecting the envelope into an open space. A downward tamping mechanism positioned above the open space moves downward to push on a top edge of the free-floating envelope. A downward transport positioned beneath the open space receives and transports envelopes pushed downward by the downward tamping mechanism.
US08714329B2
An electromagnetic clutch includes a rotating member; an electromagnetic coil that is arranged on a rotational axis of the rotating member and generates electro-magnetic force; an output mechanism that has an armature to which return force in a direction away from the electromagnetic coil is applied by a return spring; a cam mechanism that is juxtaposed along the rotational axis to the output mechanism, and has a control cam that is unable to rotate relative to the rotating member, and a cam follower that is able to roll between the control cam and the armature; and a relative rotation restricting device that is arranged on an axis of the cam mechanism, and that is configured to restrict relative rotation between the armature and the control cam when the electromagnetic coil is in a de-energized state.
US08714328B2
A hub assembly includes a ratchet mechanism located between the hub and the tubular portion on one end of the hub, and including a driving member which is located in the tubular portion and is movable linearly. One side of the driving member has a cone-shaped first ratchet portion located axially and is composed of two triangular contact surfaces. A passive member is movable in the first slot and one side of the passive member has a cone-shaped second ratchet portion which is engaged with the first ratchet portion. A returning member unit is located between the hub and the passive member, and between the tubular portion and the driving member. By the triangular cone-shaped first and second ratchet portions, the contact area and the friction between the ratchet portions are reduced, and the engagement and disengagement is more quick and smooth.
US08714327B2
A gear shifting system is described that includes an first shaft that is connected to a motor to be rotated thereby, a synchronizing gear, a first insert unit and a second insert unit protrude at both sides thereof, a first gear and a second gear configured to rotate around the first shaft, a first plate and a second plate, a first engagement aperture and a second engagement aperture, and a second shaft. The second shaft is configured to move the synchronizing gear in an axial direction so that the first insert unit is inserted into the first engagement aperture or the second insert unit is inserted into the second engagement aperture to transfer a torque of the synchronizing gear to the first gear or the second gear.
US08714322B2
A hydraulic brake mechanism is described including a housing. A master cylinder assembly is disposed within the housing, and the master cylinder assembly includes a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber includes a first chamber portion having a first diameter and a second chamber portion having a second diameter, with the first diameter greater than the second diameter. The fluid chamber includes a transition region between the first and second chamber portions. The mechanism includes a piston assembly having a piston disposed within the fluid chamber. A first seal is configured to sealingly engage between the first chamber portion and the piston, and a second seal is configured to sealingly engage between the second chamber portion and the piston. The mechanism includes an outlet port extending from the fluid chamber from or adjacent the transition region.
US08714321B2
One example embodiment includes a fluid based shock absorber. The fluid based shock absorber includes a first assembly. The first assembly includes a first compression chamber. The first assembly also includes a first sliding member. At least a portion of the first sliding member is configured to remain within the first compression chamber and the first sliding member is configured to move in a first direction relative to the first compression chamber.
US08714308B2
A fall arrest safety net assembly has the form of a bag constructed of wire mesh, with a closed end and an opposing open mouth about which a plurality of eyes are spaced. An elongate line has opposing first and second ends, first and second line portions of the line being disposed adjacent the first and second ends respectively, an intermediate portion of the line located between the first and second line portions. A choker fitting has two faces between which a plurality of openings extend, and an end fixture on the choker fitting. The first portion of the line is connected in a ring by the choker fitting, the first end being fixed to the end fixture, the first portion extending through the eyes for drawing the mouth closed, and the intermediate portion extending through the openings in the choker fitting.
US08714307B2
A support structure of the present disclosure provides a stable and expansible material storage system or work platform. The support platform includes a plurality of apertures, typically sized and configured to receive standard grade lumber sizes. The support platform may be used singly for storing materials or for working on the materials or two or more additional support structures can be combined to support multiple work pieces in a tiered and/or side-by-side arrangement, or to create a stable workstation. The material support capability of support structure is also expansible both horizontally and vertically, and for ease of storage, multiple support structures are nestable or may be individually collapsible.
US08714289B2
A utility vehicle is disclosed having an electric drive. The drivetrain is comprised of batteries, a motor, a transaxle driven by the motor, a rear differential driven by the transaxle, and a prop shaft which is driven by the transaxle and drives a front differential. The batteries are provided in two groups and are supported on the frame of the vehicle.
US08714280B2
A power tool includes a body and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the body. The power tool also includes a first isolator positioned between the body and the housing and in contact with the body and the housing. The power tool also includes a first fastener connected to the housing to position the first isolator with respect to the housing.
US08714277B2
Tool (1) for engagement in the ground including a holding portion (9) for turning of the tool around an axis of rotation (3), wherein an engagement portion (2) has a plurality of cutting blades (4) extending in directions from the holding portion (9) and being distributed around the axis of rotation (3) for pressing down into and engagement with the ground, said cutting blades each having a proximal end (5) and a distal free end (6). The cutting blades (4) have a respective front edge (7), for cutting action against the ground and a respective rear edge (8), wherein points on the front edges (7) are positioned at a greater distance from the axis of rotation (3) than points on the rear edges (8), and the cutting blades (4) are angled such that a distal portion of each rear edge is positioned in front of as seen in the turning direction (v), and essentially at the same distance from the axis of rotation (3) as a proximal portion thereof.
US08714276B2
A tillage implement equipped with a finishing attachment for chopping and leveling soil. The implement includes at least one soil engaging element (e.g., a shank) operable to form a trench with mounds on either side of the trench. The finishing attachment includes at least one soil chopping and leveling assembly that is operable to chop up clods of soil and crop remnants in the mounds and to level off the mounds by pushing the mounds at least partially into the trench.
US08714272B2
A downhole sleeve has an insert movable in the sleeve's bore from a closed condition to an opened condition when a ball dropped in the bore engages an indexing seat in the sliding sleeve. In the closed condition, the insert prevents communication between the bore and the sleeve's port, while the insert in the opened condition permits communication between the bore and port. Keys of a seat extend into the bore to engage the ball and to move the insert open. After opening, the keys retract so the ball can pass through the sleeve to another cluster sleeve or to an isolation sleeve of an assembly. Insets or buttons disposed in the sleeve's port temporarily maintain fluid pressure in the sleeve's bore so that a cluster of sleeves can be opened before treatment fluid dislodges the button to treat the surrounding formation through the open port.
US08714271B2
A FAC tool for use in a well comprising a well casing. The FAC tool comprises a top drive connection for coupling the tool to a top drive; a push plate; a telescoping section coupling the push plate to the top drive connection; a packer cup configured to seal an annular space between the FAC tool and the well casing when the packer cup is energized; a packer element system comprising at least one packer moveable between a locked position in which the at least one packer is not energized, and an energized position, the packer element system being configured to seal the annular space between the FAC tool and the well casing when in the energized position; and a slip system comprising at least one slip, the slip system configured to lock the packer element in the energized position.
US08714268B2
A method for making a tripping ball comprising configuring two or more parts to collectively make up a portion of a tripping ball; and assembling the two or more parts by adhering the two or more parts together with an adherent dissolvable material to form the tripping ball, the adherent dissolvable material operatively arranged to dissolve for enabling the two or more parts to separate from each other. A method of performing a pressure operation with a tripping ball is also included.
US08714264B2
A side pocket mandrel has openings to receive a plurality of valves such that the flow of fluid from outside the string and into the tubular such as in gas lift will flow through the valves in series. The side pocket mandrel that has a single valve pocket can also be used in tandem with another similar side pocket mandrel to get the same dual barrier configuration to meet requirements of many jurisdictions of such a valve arrangement for tubular wall openings.
US08714258B2
There is disclosed a process for transporting fracture fluid additives underground to oil and gas wells by attaching a fracture fluid additive to an ion exchange resin and flowing the ion exchange resin underground and thereafter releasing the frac fluid additives from the ion exchange resins and also there is provided the use of an ion exchange resin as a proppant and a frac fluid lubricant.
US08714254B2
Methods and devices for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid downhole include a chamber having a first end, a second end and an opening for fluid to flow there through. A top surface of a piston is capable of contacting the second end of the chamber. The piston is located at a first position within the chamber based upon characteristics of a second fluid. A fluid delivery system supplies the first fluid and supplies a second fluid through a first opening of the chamber, wherein the second fluid is at a pressure that moves the piston approximate to the second end of the chamber. The piston includes an agitator mixing device that is attached to a bottom surface of the piston, wherein mixing of the first fluid with the second fluid primarily occurs upon movement of the piston by actuating device.
US08714250B2
A multilayered ball sealer having a deformable layer. The multilayered ball sealer has an outer or intermediate layer that is deformable under pressure. In the former, the deformable layer may be water-soluble or hydrolysable. In the latter, the outer layer is a sheath that contains the deformable layer and adapts to its shape. A multilayered ball sealer may be used as a diversion agent by being suspended in a fluid injected into a wellbore and applying pressure to deform the shape of the intermediate layer such that the multilayered ball sealer adapts to the shape of a perforation opening on which the multilayered ball sealer has seated.
US08714242B2
An anchor assembly can anchor a downhole power unit in a wellbore. The anchor assembly can couple to a downhole power unit and can include a coupling member supported by a supporting member in a body. The supporting member can move vertically relative to the body in response to a force and the coupling member can move radially between an expanded position and a retracted position in response to movement by the supporting member. The coupling member in the expanded position can anchor the anchor assembly.
US08714238B2
A heat exchanger collects exhaust heat of high temperature so as to warm up an engine and to heat a cabin and a battery and reduces noise of an exhaust gas. The heat exchanger may include a case provided with an exhaust inlet at one side and an exhaust outlet at the other side, an exhaust gas flowing in through the exhaust inlet and flowing out through the exhaust outlet, a coolant pathway formed in the case and fluidly communicating with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet so as to pass coolant, an exhaust pathway formed in a pipe shape, disposed close to the coolant pathway in the case, and provided with one end connected to the exhaust inlet and the other end connected to the exhaust outlet so as to pass the exhaust gas, a bypass pathway formed in a pipe shape, disposed at a middle portion of the exhaust pathway along a length direction thereof, provided with one end selectively connected to the exhaust inlet through a valve and the other end always connected to the exhaust outlet so as to pass the exhaust gas selectively, and a connecting pipe radially extending from an exterior circumference of the bypass pathway to the exhaust pathway so as to send a portion of the exhaust gas passing through the bypass pathway to the exhaust pathway.
US08714232B2
One exemplary embodiment includes a method that calls for supporting an insert in a mold cavity of a casting die by way of one or more spacers, introducing a molten material into the mold cavity such that the one or more spacers are melted and consumed by the molten material, and wherein the one or more spacers and the molten material are of the same composition.
US08714224B2
There is described a labeling machine for dispensing labels derivable from a web travelling along a feed path and applying them to articles travelling along an article path. The machine includes a web supply reel; a dispenser to unwind the web off the supply reel and for feeding the web towards an affixing station of the labeling machine, at which the labels are sequentially applied to the articles sequentially arriving thereat. The dispenser including a driver to control the advancement along the feed path of the web from which labels are derivable in accordance with the advancement along the article path of the articles to which the labels are to be applied; and a web tension control selectively actuatable to exert on the supply reel a torque directed against the unwinding sense of the web.
US08714223B2
The machine for producing a corrugated board includes a first corrugating roller (3) and a second corrugating roller (5) defining a corrugating nip (7) through which a first web material (N1) passes. A gluing unit (9) applies a glue on crests of the first web material (N1) formed in the corrugating nip (7). A pressing member (11) cooperates with the second corrugating roller (5) to press a second web material (N2) against the crests of the first web material (N1). A pressure regulating system adjusts the pressure of the pressing member (11) against the second corrugating roller (5). At least a first pressure chamber (27C), which contains a pressure liquid and a pressure transducer, is associated with a first abutment (33) for said pressing member (11). A control unit (69) opens a stop valve (39) when the pressure detected by the pressure transducer (37) is outside a tolerance range.
US08714212B2
One embodiment of a fuel inlet includes a tube including a side wall having an interior surface that defines an interior adapted for receiving a fuel nozzle therein and for receiving fuel there through, and the side wall including a raised region that extends circumferentially around the interior surface of the side wall and inwardly into the interior.
US08714210B2
A select-fill dispensing system and method for a dispenser assembly utilizes a camera to sense a desired fill level based on the location of a user's finger with respect to a container. In use, a consumer places his or her finger along a container to indicate the desired fill level of the container. Image data from the camera is transmitted to a controller and processed for distortion correction, edge based image segmentation and morphological operations are carried out to remove background noise. The processed image data is utilized to detect the presence of the container, as well as the shape of the container, the position of the container opening, and the top and bottom points of the container. The controller provides a means for controlling the dispensing operation, including a fill rate, based on the desired fill level and the shape of the container.
US08714208B2
A container is provided comprising a receiving vessel (12) and an outlet part (14), wherein the outlet part (14) comprises a one-way valve (24) and at least one bypass passage (32) bypassing the one-way valve (24), wherein the outlet part (14) is at least partly movable with respect to the receiving vessel (12) between a closed position and an opened position, wherein in the closed position the receiving vessel (12) seals the bypass passage (32) and in the opened position the receiving vessels (12) unseals the bypass passage (32). Due to the one-way valve (24) of the alternative container (10) the filling is facilitated without complicating emptying, since it is prevented that the content (42) of the container (10) flows back accidently.
US08714207B2
A vertical round container (1) for storing liquids comprises a floating cover (6) covering the surface of the liquid. The cover is sealed in relation to the container wall by means of flexible sealing elements (18, 19) and includes, on the lower side thereof, at least one compartment (62) which is open towards the liquid and contains gaseous media/vapors. Devices (40a) are provided for determining the submersion depth of the cover, and supply/discharge lines (29) are provided for modifying the quantity of the gaseous medium in the at least one compartment. The supply/discharge lines for the gaseous medium are connected to a central unit (28) provided outside the container region.
US08714203B2
A high pressure hose and method of manufacturing the hose is disclosed. The hose is comprised of an elastomer, thermoset rubber inner tube, reinforced with one or more layers of braided or spiralized high tensile strength wire or high tenacity textile yarn and covered with a highly flexible thermoplastic sheath.
US08714198B1
An improved faucet control valve has a valve seat, a spring, a one-piece valve stem, an expanded end, a flexible hooking portion and a control unit. The one-piece valve stem manufactured integrally enables to realize convenient manufacturing, cost reduction and structural simplification of control members. The one-piece valve stem is only required to penetrate the valve port of the valve seat from top to bottom, enabling engagement of the flexible hooking portion for simple and fast assembly.
US08714189B2
A flow valve that may act as either an excess flow valve or a pressure relief valve has a seat and a valve body for sealing against the seat. The valve body has an integral spring arm for biasing the valve body towards or away from the seat to seal or open a flow of fluid, and a magnet cooperating with the spring arm to position the body relative to the seat to maintain the body in a first position during a normal flow condition and maintain the body in a second position in an abnormal flow condition.
US08714187B2
Retention apparatus employing wedge element and engagement assembly for use in a nuclear application
An improved retention apparatus includes a wedge element that is disposed between a brace element and a flow element of a nuclear reactor system. The retention apparatus further includes an engagement assembly that is engaged with the wedge element and that is structured to engage at least one of the brace element and the flow element. The engagement assembly includes a deflectable element such as a spring that is structured to apply a retention force in an engagement direction of the wedge element to resist movement of the flow element during operation of the nuclear reactor system, such as movement due to vibration.
US08714185B2
A device for the piping of process systems in the food and beverage industry in that: the respective valve distributor tree (rvdt) opens immediately into the lower tank bottom of a respectively associated tank of the process system, and/or the rvdt is connected via an associated pipe connection to an associated process aggregate or to the lower tank bottom of the process apparatus, and the pipe connection opens out into the tank-side or process-aggregate-side end of the valve distributor tree (vdt); a stirring device (16) which is operative in the entire interior space of the hollow structure is disposed in the vdt; and/or the vdt with the entire interior space of the hollow structure is part of a circulation line which extends over the tank or the process aggregate; and/or the vdt can be recuperatively acted upon by a heat transfer medium (W).
US08714177B2
A system is adapted to automatically maintain a desired yield level for a slurry flow. Measurements of the electrical conductivity of a slurry are taken and corrected for the effects of temperature and pressure. The corrected conductivity measurements are used to arrive at a value for system yield. The system automatically determines if the yield is too high or too low relative to a desired level, and controls the rate at which accelerator is added to the slurry in order to increase or decrease yield.
US08714172B2
A pole grip for a skiing pole, trekking pole or walking pole, with a fastening mechanism allowing a hand loop to be fixed with variable length. The hang grip is characterized in that the fastening mechanism comprises a triggering element pivotably mounted in a recess in the head region of the grip about a pivot axis that is transverse to the pole axis, the recess is a through-opening aligned at an acute angle to the pole axis, the hand loop is inserted into the recess through a lower opening of the recess, the hand loop has a first end portion being fastened to the triggering element, and a second end portion, in a securely clamped state, is guided between an inner wall and a retaining region of the triggering element, and is guided through an upper opening of the recess, and is clamped in a positive and/or a non-positive locking manner, the clamping is released by a tilting of the triggering element, and the second end portion can be moved upward and downward to adjust the length of the hand loop.
US08714171B1
The present invention is directed to a device for attachment to a walker which facilitates a user rising from a seated position or returning to a seated position. The device includes a clamp, a primary support region, an angular support, and a foot. The clamp further includes a perimeter dimensioned for receipt of a vertical support of a walker. The clamp further includes a mechanical fastener assembly for secure joinder to the first end of a primary support. The primary support includes a rigid length of material extending distally from the first end. The second end of the primary support is coupled to a first end of an angular support, the angular support extends away from the primary support where its second end is joined to a foot. The foot includes a bottom surface configured to bear load and transfer load to a seating surface.
US08714166B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and apparatus for ex-situ cleaning of a chamber component part. In one embodiment, a system for cleaning component parts in a cleaning chemistry is provided. The system comprises a wet bench set-up comprising a cleaning vessel assembly for holding one or more component parts to be cleaned during a cleaning process and a detachable cleaning cart detachably coupled with the cleaning vessel assembly for supplying one or more cleaning chemistries to the cleaning vessel assembly during the cleaning process.
US08714159B2
A device for maintaining an airway in a patient. This device includes a mask having a resilient conformable peripheral portion that is shaped such that the mask forms a seal with the larynx when the mask is positioned in the laryngo pharynx to thereby prevent ingress of extraneous fluids into the larynx. The peripheral portion of the mask define at least one cavity for providing fluid communication to the esophagus when the mask is inserted into the laryngo pharynx. An airway tube is connected to or formed with the mask for passing gas to the larynx when the mask is properly inserted into the laryngo pharynx. The airway tube preferably is curved as it leaves the mask.
US08714157B2
A mask (30) is disclosed that has a gas outlet (37) which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet (37) is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a users chin in use.
US08714151B2
An atomizing device (1), an inhaler and a method for dispensing a liquid formulation (5) are proposed. An insert (2) comprises a cylinder (4) filled with the liquid, an atomizing nozzle (7) and a piston (6). The piston is moved in the cylinder to pressurize the liquid and force it out of cylinder through the atomizing nozzle in order to generate a spray (13). The insert is received in a holder (3) which is sealed. The insert is moved within the holder so that the sealing (9) is ruptured before the spray is generated.
US08714147B2
An arrow quiver includes a base member, a bow attachment member configured to mount the base member to an archery bow, at least one arrow mounting assembly, and a hood assembly. The at least one arrow mounting assembly includes a first arrow mounting portion mounted to the base member and configured to retain a first plurality of arrows, and a second arrow mounting portion releasably mounted to the first arrow mounting portion and configured to retain a second plurality of arrows. The hood assembly is mounted to the base member and configured to at least partially hood arrow points of the plurality of arrows retained by the at least one arrow mounting assembly.
US08714142B2
Crankcase ventilation filter arrangements and components therefore are described. Example arrangements are described. In one, a serviceable filter cartridge includes a check valve therein, for protection during vehicle rollover. Handle arrangements are also described. An example filter cartridge is described in which media, surrounding an open interior, is positioned between first and second, opposite, end pieces. A first end piece has a projection on an opposite side from the media, the projection including framework having an upper rail supported by spaced supports. Methods of use are described.
US08714141B2
Provided is a highly durable multi-layer piezoelectric element wherein a conductive connection member is not broken even in the case of continuous driving for a long period in a high electric field under high pressure.A multi-layer piezoelectric element includes a stacked body configured so that piezoelectric layers and internal electrode layers are alternately laminated, an external electrode bonded to a side surface of the stacked body and electrically connected to the internal electrode layers, and a conductive connection member which is disposed on a surface of the external electrode and of which surface has projections and depressions formed repeatedly at least in a stacked direction of the stacked body.
US08714135B2
The disclosure provides engines or pumps that includes a rotatable shaft defining a central axis A, the shaft having a first end and a second end. The shaft can have an elongate first island disposed thereon. The first island can have a body with a volume generally defined between front and rear surfaces that are spaced apart. The front and rear surfaces can lie in a plane parallel to a radial axis R. The perimeters of the front and rear surfaces can define a curved perimeter surface therebetween. The engine or pump can further include a front side plate disposed adjacent to the front surface of the first island, and a rear side plate disposed adjacent to the rear surface of the first island. The engine or pump also includes a first contour assembly disposed between the front side plate and the rear side plate.
US08714133B2
An oil pump housing of an internal combustion engine flanged to a crankshaft housing, which includes, but is not limited to an oil pump housing wall. The oil pump housing has an oil collecting tray in an upper region of the oil pump housing wall. An oil return channel is integrated in the oil pump housing. An oil return channel extends from an oil inlet opening in the oil collecting tray as far as an oil outlet opening in an area below an oil pan level.
US08714130B2
An integrally cast four-stroke engine mono-block includes integrally cast cylinder block, cylinder head, and portion of a crankcase including crankcase outboard and inboard walls. At least parts of outer and inner bearing bosses are integrally cast with the cylinder block with the inner bearing boss integrally cast in the inboard wall. At least one cored out longitudinally extending open valve train chamber is disposed between the outboard wall and the cast cylinder block. An alternative embodiment of the integrally cast four-stroke engine mono-block includes at least parts of an outer bearing boss and/or an inner bearing boss integrally cast in the outboard and inboard walls respectively with the cast cylinder block. At least one cored out longitudinally extending open valve train chamber is disposed between the outboard wall and the cast cylinder block. Push tube passages or a belt drive passage may be in the valve train chamber.
US08714127B2
A balance shaft module of an engine, may include a crank sprocket driving gear for receiving a power of a crankshaft of the engine, a crank sprocket driven gear engaged with the crank sprocket driving gear and receiving a power of the crank sprocket driving gear, a first balance shaft arranged coaxially with the crank sprocket driven gear and having a first driving gear to receive a power from the crank sprocket driven gear, and a second balance shaft receiving a power through a second driven gear engaged with the first driving gear.
US08714114B1
A leash assembly includes a belt and at least one connector piece coupled to the belt. The belt can be worn by a subject around the torso, shoulders, neck or wrist. Each connector piece is configured to move along at least a portion of the belt. In some embodiments, the connector piece is a link configured to be receive the belt and to move along the belt. Alternatively, the belt has one or more tracks, in which the connector piece is configured to travel on thereby allowing the connector to travel along the belt. Each connector piece is coupled with a leash. In some embodiments, the leash has a retractable end. The leash assembly can include adornments and/or a carrier coupled to the belt.
US08714106B2
A liquid crystal dispensing system includes a container to contain liquid crystal to be dispensed, a discharge pump to receive the liquid crystal from the container and to discharge the liquid crystal, a nozzle to dispense the liquid crystal discharged from the discharge pump onto a substrate, and a control unit to control a dispensing amount of liquid crystal discharged from the discharge pump and to compensate the dispensing amount when the dispensing amount of liquid crystal exceeds a limitation value.
US08714102B2
A liquid drop discharge device provides a head unit 420 which discharges filter element material relative to each of various colors of color filters. The head unit 420 is composed of an ink jet heads which are arranged on one end of a print substrate plate having a shape of rectangular card and head devices 433 which are arranged on the other end of the print substrate plate comprising connectors 441. The head devices 433 are aligned in two rows, as two groups, in a staggered arrangement so that a portion on which the connectors 441 are aligned in one of the two rows does not face to the same portion of the other in the two rows and protrudes outside of the print substrate plate. The head unit 420 discharges the filter element material onto predetermined portions in a superimposing manner while shifting along a direction which intersects to a direction along which the head devices 433 are arranged.
US08714092B2
A switch system for a guided automatic transit vehicle (GATV) is adapted for maintaining a first path of travel or for redirecting the first path of travel of the GATV. The switch includes a continuous guide having a first end and a pivotable second end opposite the first end. The continuous guide has a first edge with a first edge profile and a first continuous sidewall and a second edge with a second edge profile and a second continuous sidewall. A pivot point having a pivot axis is provided at the pivotable second end. The switch system pivots about the pivot point from a first position and a second position. In the first position, the switch system maintains the GATV along the first path of travel via the first continuous sidewall. In the second position, the GATV travels along a second path via the second continuous sidewall.
US08714090B2
A time control device for the movement of a micro-machined or micro-engraved counterweight with respect to a substrate, said counterweight incorporating at least one face having at least one indentation intended to cooperate with at least one other indentation on a housing in which said counterweight moves so as to ensure the delaying of said movement of said counterweight, wherein said one indentation on said counterweight respectively on said housing receiving said counterweight is made on at least one flexible tongue itself integral with said counterweight respectively said housing, said at least one flexible tongue being able to be deformed by bending during the displacement of said counterweight.
US08714083B2
In a rotary stencil printing press including a rotary screen cylinder which supports a screen printing form and is supported rotatably, and a squeegee which is located within the rotary screen cylinder and, when printing is done, contacts an inner peripheral surface of the screen printing form to transfer ink stored within the rotary screen cylinder to a web via holes of the screen printing form and, when printing is stopped, leaves the inner peripheral surface of the screen printing form, throw-on and throw-off of the squeegee with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the screen printing form, and adjustment of the position of the throw-on are performed by motors.
US08714077B2
A bun heating and toasting apparatus provides at least one elongated, inverted V-shaped bun support member formed of heat conductive material, each bun support member arranged to support a partially opened hot dog bun or other elongated bakery bun over an underlying heat source for heating and toasting of the interior surface of the supported bun. The bun support members capture the heat from the heat source in an air space between the base and the apex of the interior cavity of the inverted V-shaped support members. The bun-supporting surface of the bun support members is preferably provided with a non-stick coating or is highly polished to prevent sticking. The apparatus preferably includes enclosing, peripheral side walls that may include receivers for insertion of a removable carrier handle.
US08714076B2
A system and process for steeping tea in a vessel is disclosed. The present invention incorporates the use of an infusing filter seated on or within a vessel and a lid or retaining mechanism to steep tea in water. The vessel has an retaining ledge that supports a mating infuser placed inside. The infuser seats in a stationery position on the mating ledge inside the vessel, offset from the center of the vessel, to allow for stirring, pouring or drinking of the resulting beverage without introducing the infusible material into the resulting steeped beverage product. The infuser comprises a filter element that holds the infusible material and allows contact with the water. The infusing filter is retained in its seated position in the cup, ether by a lid or positive locking mechanism that allows for the safe and convenient portage of the tea steeping assembly. The tea steeping assembly introduces a system that has the ability to produce a beverage product in a process that is entirely biodegradable and compostable.
US08714074B2
A length-adjustable piston cylinder unit comprises a casing; a guide and sealing unit; a piston rod; a piston; a first interior portion; a second interior portion which faces away from the first interior portion; an adjustment valve; a guide sleeve which is arranged for displacement on the casing, the guide sleeve being secured to the piston rod at a sleeve end and comprising at least one latch opening which is spaced from the sleeve end along the central longitudinal axis; and a latch sleeve arranged on the guide sleeve, the latch sleeve comprising a latch protrusion for engagement into the latch opening, with the latch protrusion of the latch sleeve being arrangeMc in the latch opening of the guide sleeve for arranging the piston cylinder unit in a secured position so that the displaccability of the guide sleeve connected with the piston rod relative to the casing is blocked.
US08714072B1
An adjustable guiding device (the device) is used for a weapon for guiding a target. The device uses the slide-on rail of a gun for attachment purposes. A small digital camera is housed in an aiming module of the device to transmit a video of the target to a LCD screen sitting eye level. The LCD screen is attached to the module several support elements that envelope the barrel of the gun and slide. In addition to the digital camera, the module houses movable lenses for magnification/zoom function as well as a night vision capability to provide visibility of the target in dark environments.
US08714070B2
An interdiction device that includes a net for trapping and containing a target swimmer, diver or water-borne vessel. The net is deployed from the interdiction device that is either initially submerged in a body of water or floating on the surface of the body of water. The net is deployed either below the surface of the water in one embodiment or on the surface of the water depending on the desired function.
US08714069B1
A mine clearing system and method remotely deploys line charge from a remotely controlled two-wheeled vehicle. The wheels are connected together via a central hub shaft. Individual battery operated hub motors on each wheel communicate with a central controller and receiver mounted inside the hub shaft. The power source for the motors is contained within the hub shaft, with a battery recharge port located on the hub shaft. The line charge is wrapped around the central hub shaft. An operator uses a remote control console in communication with the receiver and central controller in the hub shaft to independently control each wheel of the vehicle. A camera can hang from a hub shaft bearing on the outside of one wheel so as to be gravitationally stabilized during vehicle movement. The camera can broadcast signals to a display at the remote control console.
US08714061B2
A power tool in one embodiment includes a work-piece support surface, a swing arm assembly movable along a swing path between a first swing arm position whereat a portion of a shaping device supported by the swing arm assembly extends above the work-piece support surface and a second swing arm position whereat the portion of the shaping device does not extend above the work-piece support surface, a latch hold pivotable between a first latch hold position whereat the swing arm assembly can be supported by the latch hold in the first swing arm position and a second latch hold position whereat the swing arm assembly cannot be supported by the latch hold in the first swing arm position, an actuator chamber configured to receive at least one actuator, an opening in the actuator chamber, and a plug aligned with the opening and connected to the latch hold.
US08714060B2
Successive strips of material may be cut to uniform widths by placing at least a first spacing guide on an edge of the material so that the first spacing guide overlies the material and placing at least a second spacing guide in contact with the first spacing guide so that the second spacing guide overlies the material and so that combined widths of the spacing guides correspond to desired width of the strips. A hand support maybe placed adjacent the second spacing guide and in overlying relationship with the material. The first and second spacing guides may be removed from the material and the material may be cut along an edge of the hand support.
US08714055B2
A one-way ratchet wheel element has engaged and linked driving wheel and driven wheel in a body. The side of the body that connects with the driving wheel has a shifting space. A tooth section is provided on a wedge opposite to the shifting space. When the driven wheel rolls and engages with the tooth section, there is a resistance to the rotation of the driving wheel, forming an engagement state. When the driven wheel is away from the tooth section on the wedge, it is in the idle state.
US08714052B2
A bicycle pedal can include a pedal body configured to rotate about a spindle. The pedal can also include one or more bearing systems to reduce friction between the pedal body and the spindle. The spindle can act as the inner bearing race for one or more of the bearing systems. A bearing body can act as the outer bearing race for one or more of the bearing systems.
US08714042B2
A controllable steering rack guide system includes a pinion having pinion gear teeth and a steering rack having rack gear teeth engaged with the pinion gear teeth of the pinion. A rack guide is radially moveable relative to the steering rack for applying a radial force to the steering rack. A primary spring applies a compression force on the rack guide for forcing the rack guide radially toward the steering rack. The compression force of the primary spring is continuously adjustable during operation of the pinion and the steering rack.
US08714031B2
A flowmeter, in particular for a beverage preparation machine, includes a housing, such as a moulded housing, delimiting a measuring chamber, and a measuring body, such as a moulded body, rotatably mounted in the measuring chamber. The housing and the measuring body are made of at least one of polyoxymethylene, polyformaldehyde or polybutyleneterehpthalate.
US08714027B2
A method for operating a magneto-inductive flow measuring system, wherein the magneto-inductive flow measuring system has a measuring tube, wherein measuring tube has a lumen for the conveying an at least slightly electrically conductive, measured substance, and wherein the magneto-inductive flow measuring system has a first and a second electrode electrically interacting with the measured substance. In a first diagnostic operation, an input voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes, wherein the input voltage produces an electrical current essentially within the lumen, and wherein the flow measuring system additionally has a third and a fourth electrode electrically interacting with the measured substance, wherein an output voltage falling between the third and fourth electrodes essentially due to the electrical current is determined, and wherein, by means of the output voltage, a state of the flow measuring system and/or a chemical and/or physical property of the measured substance is determined.
US08714025B2
A bond strength testing apparatus comprising a main body, a test tool mount for holding a test tool, and an axial drive mechanism including a screw and nut assembly. The drive mechanism couples the test tool mount to the main body and allows for relative movement between the test tool mount and the main body in an axial direction. A backlash control element is coupled to the main body and the test tool mount, and, in operation, biases the test tool mount relative to the main body in an axial direction. The backlash control element is switchable between a first state in which the test tool mount is biased in a first axial direction by the backlash control element, and a second state in which either the test tool mount is biased in a second axial direction by backlash control element, or the backlash control element applies no biasing force to test tool mount. The apparatus can be automated to apply the appropriate backlash control for a particular, selected test type.
US08714022B2
The present invention provides a capacitance pressure sensor having a traces structure which can stably measure a pressure. A capacitance pressure sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a substrate having a first insulation layer to a third insulation layer; a diaphragm placed to face the substrate so that a reference chamber is formed between the diaphragm and the substrate; a first electrode on the substrate 1, facing to the diaphragm; a second electrode on the diaphragm, which is disposed so as to face the first electrode; a trace connected to the first electrode, for electrically connecting the first electrode to the outside; and a second trace connected to the second electrode, for electrically connecting the second electrode to the outside. The traces penetrate the first insulation layer from the reference chamber side of the substrate toward the side opposing to the reference chamber of the substrate, and also are bent between each of the insulation layers.
US08714021B2
A catheter die is provided and includes a device layer defining a cavity and including a piezoresistive pressure sensor operably disposed proximate to the cavity and an insulator having an opening and being disposed on an upper surface of the device layer such that a portion of the piezoresistive pressure sensor is exposed through the opening. The catheter die further includes an insulation layer bonded to a lower surface of the device layer and first and second bond pads, the first bond pad being electrically coupled to the portion of the piezoresistive pressure sensor via the opening and the second bond pad being disposed on the insulation layer.
US08714011B2
One or more measuring cups or spoons include a handle and a measuring container. The measuring container is formed with a volumetric capacity such as a fraction of a cup, a teaspoon, or a tablespoon. The handle of a first measuring container includes a feature that interacts with a complementary feature on the handle of a second measuring cup to secure the first and second cups together.
US08714004B2
A method of measuring the in-situ Total Gas content of an unconventional reservoir rock, the method including: drilling a borehole through a measurement interval in the reservoir to generate an annular volume of drilling mud that includes cuttings and gas, the annular volume having a leading edge and a trailing edge; diverting the leading edge of the annular volume such that all of the annular volume is captured in a degassing storage system without being exposed to atmosphere; discontinuing the diversion of the annular volume when the trailing edge of the annular volume has been captured in the degassing storage system; measuring the gas volume in the degassing storage system to determine the amount of gas per annular volume; and calculating the in-situ Total Gas content of the reservoir with reference to the amount of gas and cuttings per annular volume.
US08714002B2
Described is a device (51) for monitoring the state of inflation of vehicle wheel tires, the wheels comprising a rim (100) and a respective tire (101) delimiting a hollow space (103) inside the wheel from the outside environment (104). The device (51) comprises: a first end (53) equipped with a self-closing valve connectable to means for inflating and deflating the tire (101); a second end (99) sealingly connectable on a hole (102) in the rim (100) of the wheel; a cavity (62) interposed between the two ends (53) and (99) and sealingly delimited by a wall (81) which is integral with a body (52) of the device and by an elastically deformable partition (203) having an inside face subjected to the pressure inside the tire and an outside face subjected to the atmospheric pressure of the outside environment; means (221) for generating and transmitting electromagnetic signals and a power source (215); a switch (208) mounted in the cavity (62) and configured to drive the means (221) for generating and transmitting electromagnetic signals, where the deformable partition (203) comprises a contact element (222) operating on the switch (208) in such a way as to activate it in response to a deformation of the partition (203) itself. The device is adapted to be mounted in place of the inflation valve of a vehicle wheel tire in order to provide the driver of the vehicle with indications about the state of radial deformation of the tire, without increasing dimensions and weight compared to the original valve and without creating obstacles to fitting and removing the tire.
US08714001B2
Disclosed is a floating mechanism loading vehicle provided with double shafts and eight wheels for pavement accelerated loading test. The floating mechanism loading vehicle comprises front and rear rotating shafts (5), on each of which two loading steel wheels (3) and two backhaul steel wheels (2) are mounted, the loading steel wheels (3) being fixed on the rotating shafts (5) and the backhaul steel wheels (2) being rotatable round the rotating shafts (5). During the loading rolling course, the loading steel wheels (3) runs on the loading rail (4), while during the unloading backhaul course, the backhaul steel wheels (2) runs on the backhaul rail (1).
US08713991B2
A sensor assembly includes a voltage source, a sensor electrode, a grounded assembly, an integration capacitor, and a current meter. The sensor electrode is coupled to the voltage source to receive a voltage. The sensor electrode is disposed within a directed and controlled exhaust flow to facilitate particle agglomeration into particulate matter structures at a surface of the sensor electrode. The grounded assembly is coupled to a ground reference and disposed at a distance from the sensor electrode. The integration capacitor is coupled to a negative side of the voltage source to integrate in time current pulses from charge transfers from the sensor electrode of the particulate matter structures. The current meter is coupled to the voltage source to measure an integrated value of current supplied to the voltage source in response to charge transfers from the sensor electrode to the particulate matter structures in the exhaust flow.
US08713988B2
A technique related to a fermentation process; where a signal processor receives a signal containing information about an amount of entrained air in a mixture forming part of a fermentation process in a tank; and determines a level of foam in the tank based at least partly on the amount of entrained air in the mixture. The signal processor may also provide a control signal for controlling an amount of defoamer (or antiforming agent) added to the mixture in the tank so as to control the production of foam within the tank by controlling the amount of defoamer added to the mixture in the tank.
US08713986B2
An electronic torque wrench calibration device is for calibrating a torque value and a pivot angle of an electronic torque wrench. The electronic torque wrench calibration device includes a base, a driving member, a torque setting member and a dial plate. One end of the driving member is driven by a electronic torque wrench, and the other end of the driving member is pivotally connected to the base. The torque setting member is disposed on the base. The torque setting member provides the driving member with a predetermined resistance against a pivotal rotation. The dial plate is pivotally disposed on a surface of the base and linked with the driving member. The dial plate includes a plurality of angular scale markings located on a surface of the dial plate.
US08713981B2
The invention provides equipment for supplying lubricant for a rolling roll of a rolling mill comprising a plurality of spray nozzles for spraying a lubricant and a gas in a particulate or atomized state to the rolling roll, a lubricant feed device for feeding the lubricant to the spray nozzles, and a gas feed device for feeding the gas to the nozzles. The amount of lubricant supplied from side spray nozzles is larger than the lubricant feed rate from the center spray nozzle, and the amount of lubricant supplied from the spray nozzles between these side spray nozzles and center spray nozzle is not more than the amount of lubricant from the side spray nozzles and not less than the lubricant from the center spray nozzle. Thus uneven wear and roughness is reduced in the axial direction of the rolling roll.
US08713973B2
The present invention relates to glass tempering modules of a glass tempering apparatus capable of selectively directing a tempering medium at increased velocity in designated areas of a shaped glass sheet, by the selective arrangement and utilization of quench nozzles in the glass tempering modules, at varying distances from the surface of the shaped glass sheet. A method of tempering a glass sheet utilizing the foregoing apparatus is also provided.
US08713966B2
The disclosure relates to methods of forming a vessel and to the resulting vessel. The vessel may be formed by providing a first fumed silica soot layer comprised of primary particles of fumed silica soot, and then providing over the first fumed silica soot layer a second fumed silica soot layer comprised of agglomerated particles formed into an agglomerated form from primary particles of fumed silica soot. The primary particles of the first fumed silica soot layer may have a substantially uniform density distribution, and the agglomerated particles of the second fumed silica soot layer may have a substantially non-uniform density distribution. The methods may include consolidating the first and second soot layers together to form a consolidated body.
US08713965B1
An attachment for an article of jewelry called a brooch enabling the brooch to be worn as a pendant. The attachment comprises a body, a head, and a tail. The body contains one or multiple pin holes into which the pin stem of the brooch is inserted. The head extends upward from the body and contains the necklace hole. The tail, which flexes upon closure of the pin stem, extends downward from the body and covers the back of the brooch below the pin stem. When engaged on the back of a brooch, the attachment will bear on the back of the brooch above and below the pin stem and prevent rotation of the attachment about the pin stem. The body encloses the pin stem and prevents the pin stem from contacting the wearer, protecting the wearer from injury.
US08713962B2
To obtain a refrigerating cycle apparatus that reduces a pressure loss at the time of a normal operation in which an ejector is bypassed to improve refrigeration cycle performance. A second throttle apparatus is installed on piping path between the outlet of a condenser, which is a radiator, and the outlet of a first throttle device. A check valve is installed on piping path between a gas refrigerant suction section of the ejector and the outlet of the ejector.
US08713959B2
A heat generating body box housing refrigeration device includes a first refrigerant cycle in which a first condenser and a first evaporator are connected by a first refrigerant liquid pipe and a first refrigerant steam pipe and a second refrigerant cycle in which a second condenser and a second evaporator are connected by a second refrigerant liquid pipe and a second refrigerant steam pipe. The first refrigerant liquid pipe is connected between a first joint and a second joint, the first refrigerant steam pipe is connected between a third joint and a fourth joint, the second refrigerant liquid pipe is connected between a fifth joint and a sixth joint, and the second refrigerant steam pipe is connected between a seventh joint and an eighth joint.
US08713957B2
Cooling methods are provided for immersion-cooling one or more electronic components. The cooling method includes: providing a housing at least partially surrounding and forming a fluid-tight compartment about the electronic component(s) and a dielectric fluid disposed within the fluid-tight compartment, with the electronic component(s) immersed within the dielectric fluid; and providing a vapor-condenser, heat sink, and thermal conductive path. The vapor-condenser includes a plurality of thermally conductive condenser fins extending within the fluid-tight compartment, and the heat sink includes a first region and a second region, with the first region of the heat sink being in thermal contact with the vapor-condenser. The thermal conduction path couples the fluid-tight compartment and the second region of the heat sink in thermal contact, and includes a thermoelectric array, which facilitates transfer of heat from the fluid-tight compartment to the second region of the heat sink through the thermal conduction path.
US08713955B2
Apparatuses and methods are provided for facilitating cooling of an electronic component. The apparatus includes a vapor-compression refrigeration system. The vapor-compression refrigeration system includes an expansion component, an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser coupled in fluid communication via a refrigerant flow path. The evaporator is coupled to and cools the electronic component. The apparatus further includes a contaminant extractor coupled in fluid communication with the refrigerant flow path. The extractor includes a refrigerant boiling filter and a heater. At least a portion of refrigerant passing through the refrigerant flow path passes through the refrigerant boiling filter, and the heater provides heat to the refrigerant boiling filter to boil refrigerant passing through the filter. By boiling refrigerant passing through the filter, contaminants are extracted from the refrigerant, and are deposited in the refrigerant boiling filter.
US08713954B2
An open-front refrigerated display case is provided having a medium temperature zone disposed above a low temperature zone in a generally vertically-stacked arrangement. A spillover airflow-diverting device is disposed between the medium temperature zone and the low temperature zone and is configured to direct spillover air from the medium temperature zone air curtain (and ambient air entrained therewith) in a direction away from the open front of the low temperature zone. The spillover airflow-diverting device may include louvers configured to direct a gravity-induced flow of the spillover air in an outward direction away from the open front of the low temperature zone, or may include fans to collect spillover air and forcibly direct it in an outward direction away from the open front of the low temperature zone. The outwardly directed spillover air may be discharged in the form of an ‘outer layer’ for an air curtain on the low temperature zone.
US08713950B2
In a method of the application, cooling energy is produced by a refrigerating device. The cooling energy produced by the refrigerating device is supplied to at least one cooling station by a cooling circuit, circulating in which is a refrigerant, which upon release of its cooling energy to the at least one cooling station is converted from the liquid to the gaseous state and is then converted back to the liquid state by corresponding pressure- and temperature control in the cooling circuit. Upon transfer of the cooling system to its state of rest, a control value disposed in the cooling circuit is controlled in such a way that a desired operating pressure (ρβ) arises in the cooling circuit downstream of the control valve. Refrigerant cooled by the refrigerating device is received in a reservoir disposed upstream of the control valve in the cooling circuit.
US08713942B2
Embodiments of an ORC system can be configured to reduce ingress of contaminants from the ambient environment. In one embodiment, the ORC system can comprise a pressure equilibrating unit that comprises a variable volume device for holding a working fluid. The variable volume device can be fluidly coupled to a condenser so that working fluid can move amongst the condenser and the variable volume device. This movement can occur in response to changes in the pressure of the working fluid in the ORC system, and in one example the working fluid is allowed to move when the pressure deviates from atmospheric pressure.
US08713941B2
A method for operating a multi-step steam turbine operating in high temperature conditions is provided. The rotor is embodied as a welded construction including a first component and a second component. A coolant is supplied to the steam turbine after an intermediate state when the steam turbine is in the light-load or no-load phase. As a result, the thermal loads in the outflow area of the steam turbine are reduced.
US08713939B2
In a case of a refrigerant amount being short when a Rankine cycle starts operating, because the pressure difference does not occur across a refrigerant pump, refrigerant cannot be injected from a bypass circuit to the Rankine cycle, and therefore super-cooling degree cannot be controlled. An exhaust heat recovery system is provided that can adjust the super-cooling degree even in the case of the pressure difference not occurring across the refrigerant pump. The system includes a refrigerant tank, for storing refrigerant, which is connected by pipes to the low-pressure circuit side and the high-pressure circuit side of the Rankine cycle through a low-pressure-side valve and a high-pressure-side valve, respectively, and a temperature adjuster for adjusting internal temperature of the refrigerant tank.
US08713938B2
A method for providing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, the engine including an intake manifold selectably coupled to a boost tank. The method comprises pressurizing and storing air in the boost tank, discharging some of the air stored in the boost tank to the intake manifold, and releasing condensate from the boost tank.
US08713937B2
Methods and systems are provided for a boosted engine having a split intake system coupled to a split exhaust system. Aircharges of differing composition, pressure, and temperature may be delivered to the engine through the split intake system at different points of an engine cycle. In this way, boost and EGR benefits may be extended.
US08713936B2
One embodiment includes a housing (12) and a valve (10) to be used in an internal combustion engine exhaust breathing system (14). The housing (12) may define one or more inlet passages that receive fluid-flow, and may also define one or more outlet passages that deliver fluid-flow. The valve (10) regulates fluid-flow through the housing (12) and between the passages.
US08713930B2
A negative control type hydraulic system in which the use of a pilot pump and a load pressure generator between a hydraulic pump and a control valve is not required to prevent a power loss.
US08713929B2
The invention relates to methods and systems for the storage and recovery of energy using open-air hydraulic-pneumatic accumulator and intensifier arrangements that combine at least one accumulator and at least one intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits.
US08713921B2
An upper catalyst layer of an upstream catalyst 3 and a downstream catalyst 5 includes an oxygen storage/release material in/on which a catalytic metal is included or loaded. The content of the oxygen storage/release material per 1 L of a substrate in the catalyst layer of the upstream catalyst 3 is larger than that in the catalyst layer of the downstream catalyst 5. The oxygen release amount per a unit amount of the Rh is larger than that for the upper catalyst layer of the upstream catalyst 5. At least part of the oxygen storage/release material included in the downstream catalyst shows a particle size distribution having a peak particle size smaller than that in the upstream catalyst 5.
US08713920B2
An exhaust gas treatment device includes at least a housing and a second exhaust gas treatment unit which is disposed at a distance from the housing and extends into the housing. The housing has an opening that is disposed laterally relative to the second exhaust gas treatment unit and extends laterally at least across 50% of the second exhaust gas treatment unit which extends into the housing. A motor vehicle having the exhaust gas treatment device is also provided.
US08713916B2
An NOx purification system and a method for control of the NOx purification system. Two oxidation catalysts are provided upstream of an ammonia solution supply unit, and an in-cylinder fuel injection is so controlled that hydrocarbon in exhaust gas is mainly oxidized by an upstream one of the oxidation catalysts and nitric oxide in the exhaust gas is mainly oxidized by a relatively downstream one of the oxidation catalysts. NOx in the exhaust gas is purified by feeding an ammonia solution to a selective reduction NOx catalyst. The system adjusts to the concentrations of HC, NO and NO2 going to the selective reduction NOx catalyst to proper values so as to purify the NOx efficiently by the selective reduction NOx catalyst, and improve NOx purification performance in a lower temperature range.
US08713913B2
A method for operating a particle filter that filters particles contained in the exhaust of motor vehicle combustion engines. A conditioning step is performed such that the separation efficiency of the particle filter for particles is increased relative to the value existing in the new condition.
US08713911B2
A thrust reverser assembly for use in a turbofan engine assembly. The engine assembly includes a core gas turbine engine and a core cowl which circumscribes the core gas turbine engine. A nacelle is positioned radially outward from the core cowl to define a fan nozzle duct between the core cowl and a portion of the nacelle. The nacelle includes a stationary cowl. The thrust reverser assembly includes a first translating cowl that is slidably coupled to the nacelle. The first translating cowl is positionable with respect to the stationary cowl. A second translating cowl is slidably coupled to the nacelle such that the first translating cowl is positioned between the stationary cowl and the second translating cowl. The second translating cowl is positionable with respect to the first translating cowl. A positioning assembly is coupled to the first translating cowl. An actuator assembly is operatively coupled to the second translating cowl for selectively moving the second translating cowl. The actuator assembly is configured to engage the positioning assembly to selectively move the first translating cowl.
US08713901B2
A method for providing low count packages of absorbent articles in a high speed manufacturing process in which a plurality of absorbent articles are conveyed in series to the infeed of a continuously rotating stacker. The articles are sequentially inserted into cassettes disposed on the stacker such that a plurality of absorbent article containing cassettes is provided. The articles are extracted from the continuously rotating stacker by an angled extractor and packaged into low count packages.
US08713898B2
A package includes a container and a lid adapted to mate with a brim of the container. The lid closes a top opening in the container when mounted on the container.
US08713882B2
A roofing product having at least two separate zones, with one of the zones having one or more certain functional characteristics such as flame retardancy, solar reflectivity, weather resistance, selected coloring, heat stabilization, algae resistance, and/or solar collection for electrical generation, and another of the zones not having such functional feature(s). The different zones can be present in core or capstock material. The product can be made by any of various processes, such as co-extrusion, forming, molding, coinjection, shot injection moldings, multiple step injection moldings and/lamination.
US08713872B2
Disclosed are a floating wall bracket and a method for constructing a floating wall using floating wall brackets. A floating wall bracket may have bracket walls designed to hold a vertical member with at least one fastening tab disposed perpendicular to said bracket walls, at least one attachment means to attach the at least one fastening tab to a base plate member, and at least one friction means that provides enough friction to hold the weight of the vertical member, but not so much friction that it will stop the vertical member from moving within the bracket once a floating wall assembly is incorporated into a building/structure. The bracket may also have at least one guide/lateral support flange disposed parallel to the bracket walls and sized/places to guide installation of the floating wall brackets and to provide lateral support to the vertical members of the floating wall assembly.
US08713867B2
A unit structural member 20 for building utilizes an M-shaped channel 1 which includes a center U-shaped channel section 2 and right and left U-shaped channel sections 6, 5 continuously formed to share right and left side plates 4, 3 of the center U-shaped channel section 2. A channel trench 7 of the center U-shaped channel section 2 and respective channel trenches 9, 8 of the right and left U-shaped channel sections 6, 5 are opened in opposite directions. The unit structural member 20 for building is constituted with a pair of longitudinal beams 15 formed of long pieces of material of the M-shaped channel 1 in parallel at an established distance and a number of lateral beams formed of short pieces of material of the M-shaped channel 1 in parallel laterally between the parallely-arranged longitudinal beams 15 at established distances in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal beams 15.
US08713848B2
An improved fishing weight or “bottom bouncer” wherein a flexible wire support arm includes an offset bent region that cooperates with an exposed cavity and internal depression at a weighted ballast piece threaded onto the arm. Reciprocating movement of a latch piece mounted to the arm prevents or permits the arm to flex in the ballast piece to attach and detach the bent region from the depression. The support arm also provides a line attachment bend having defined shoulders that maintain a preferred alignment of the sinker to a supporting fishing line. An alternative, single arm bottom bouncer sinker is also disclosed.
US08713846B1
A remote control decoy for luring game animals includes a motorized frame with wheels, a wireless remote controller, and at least one life-like decoy shell. The motorized frame is a miniature wheeled vehicle having battery-powered drive and steering motors and a mounting plate for securing the decoy. The wireless controller transmits control signals to a receiver within the motorized frame, thereby allowing a user to remotely control the movement of the decoy. In use, the user moves the decoy in order to lure prey while occupying a concealed location. The user can also selectively interchange the type of decoy being used.
US08713844B2
The present disclosure relates to a firearm which may include a frame with a first outer wall, and a second outer wall opposite the first outer wall. A laser module may be disposed between the first and second outer walls. An alignment pin may be in communication with the first outer wall and may be configured to move the laser module relative to the frame.
US08713843B2
An adjustment turret knob for a telescopic sight comprises a programmable function in which rotational positions of the knob for a specific projectile, at selected ranges, ambient atmospheric conditions, or field conditions, or any combination thereof, are stored and later used for adjusting elevation or windage settings based on the determined range of a target or conditions experienced in the field. In one exemplary embodiment, the turret knob is capable of determining, or calculating, a “best fit” trajectory curve for a specific projectile based on the stored rotational positions of the turret knob relating to the conditions under which the projectile was fired and conditions stored in memory.
US08713841B2
A firearm system includes lubrication notches are incised into portions of the frame and slide along the region of interaction between these two components. The notches act as reservoirs of lubrication and upon each cycling movement of the slide (firing of the weapon) one or more of the notches is placed opposite a corresponding portion of the slide or frame. The notches themselves are never exposed to the environment and thus retain the lubricant, unlike topically applied material. As a result, the frame and slide are lubricated during each cycle of the slide.
US08713838B2
A rifle conversion platform assembly comprised of components to fit around an existing action such that attachment locations such as a hand guard, pistol grip, and butt stock attachment locations are provided to have conventional rifle components, which in one form may be components of a high caliber semiautomatic rifle such as an AR-15, attached thereto.
US08713835B1
A magazine for a firearm is adjustable for cartridge capacity using a thumb slide to select the quantity of cartridges to be held by the magazine. The thumb slide is operable in a vertical slot and below the carriage pushing up on the bullets. The thumb slide protrudes into the internal chamber through the vertical slot so as to form an obstruction preventing downward movement of the carriage beyond the obstruction. Alternatively, the thumb slide raises a platform on which a segmented spring rests. When the platform is raised, it reduces available storage in the magazine. If a capacity selection requires a smaller spring, then spring segments are removed. A set screw locks the thumb slide in place. An indicator bar shows through holes in the magazine indicating the number of cartridges remaining in the magazine. A bolt and nut is introduced to permanently prevent further adjustment.
US08713816B2
A ventilating shoe including a removable deodorant and/or a perfumed pad includes a water resistant sole, an upper shoe portion and connecting means for fastening the sole to the upper shoe portion. A series of closely spaced small openings are disposed between the sole and the upper shoe portion surrounding the shoe with the exception of a back portion thereof. In addition, an open porous pad impregnated with a deodorant and/or perfume and a longitudinally extending air chamber are provided.
US08713811B2
A plumbing path guide apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnectable elements, said elements interconnectable by means of female and male connectors configured to slidingly mate with each other, wherein a perceived plumbing path is erectable between at least two extant points whereby measurements of extant pipe required to plumb said plumbing path are ascertained as the apparatus is erected.
US08713803B2
A blade assembly of a hedge trimmer includes at least one cutting blade having cutting teeth. At least one portion of the cutting teeth are configured as protective teeth which, referred to the cutting blade axis, have an inner cutting region and from which an outer protective finger extends. The protective tooth is, referred to its tooth axis, configured unsymmetrically. The protective tooth has a cutting side and an opposite-lying holding side and a cutting edge in the cutting region on the cutting side and a holding edge on the holding side. The protective finger has a forward edge on the cutting side and a rearward edge on the holding side. Starting from the blade axis, the forward edge is inclined to the tooth axis and the rearward edge, starting from the blade axis, is inclined away from the tooth axis.
US08713801B2
A blade cartridge for a shaving razor contains a series of parallel blades, and at least two wire conductors of an electric circuit connected to the blades at spaced intervals to provide an electric current flow through the blades in a manner that provides more efficient heat distribution across the length of the blades. The ends of the blades may be held in place by staples that are insulated from the electric circuit. A thin conductive film may be fitted to be in contact with the ends of the blades to insure conductivity throughout the entire length of each blade. A radiator effect of the heated blades causes the blades to become warmer when the blades are placed against the skin surface and air is unable to circulate between the blades. The blades become less hot when removed from the skin and air circulates between the blades.
US08713799B2
A vehicle body assembly and sequencing system includes the advantages of a batch vehicle body build sequence with the advantages of a random sequence of vehicle body styles transferred to a painting area. The build system includes using automated guided vehicles which transfer and store assembled, un-painted vehicle bodies in a storage area and sequentially transfers selected bodies from the storage area to the painting area achieving a random or variable supply of different vehicle bodies to be painted a certain color.
US08713794B2
A method for producing steam generator tube walls, where the tube walls are formed from a tube-fin-tube combination and are comprised of a multiplicity of at least one of the tube wall components made of plane tube wall panels, curved tube wall panels, transition tube wall panels and corner bends and are configured with a take-up member with one penetration opening each at tube wall regions at which tubes are passed through the tube wall and the tube wall panels exhibit at the periphery longitudinal fin-fin panel joints and transverse circumferential weld-panel joints. The method including producing tube wall components made primarily of 9-12% martensitic chromium steels by welding in a workshop, the components having a material that is not to be heat treated at specific locations. Tempering the tube wall components in the workshop with a first heating device. Connecting the tube wall components at their circumferential weld-panel joints at the assembly site with weld seams. Tempering the weld seams at the assembly site with second heating devices. Connecting the tube wall components at their fin-fin panel joints at the assembly site with weld seams without subsequent tempering of these weld seams. Passing the prepared tubes through the take-up members of the tube walls and connecting the pipe with the take-up members at the assembly site with a weld seam without subsequent tempering of these weld seams.
US08713786B2
To provide a metal ring excellent in durability by reducing decrease in margin of strength and concentration of tensile stress at its both widthwise end portions and to efficiently realize a production method of the same, a metal ring is formed in an endless band-like body having a nitride layer on its surface portion and constituting part of a metal belt of a belt type continuously variable transmission, the nitride layer being constituted by a first nitride layer portion positioned on an outer circumferential side, a second nitride layer portion positioned on an inner circumferential side, and third nitride layer portions positioned on both widthwise end sides, and the layer thicknesses of the third nitride layer portions being smaller than either one of the layer thicknesses of the first nitride layer portion and the second nitride layer portion.
US08713779B2
Disclosed is a system to be combined to one or more rewinding machines (1) for forming reels or logs of web material wound around winding mandrels. The system, whose function is to prepare the winding mandrels with the related winding cores positioned thereon, comprises in combination: a robot (5) for extracting winding mandrels (A) from formed reels (BB); a cutting unit (7) for cutting tubes (T) for forming tubular winding cores (AT) of settable axial length; an insertion unit (9), for introducing the winding mandrels into a set of tubular winding cores.
US08713777B1
A piston pin puller adaptor tool, which includes a body, a puller screw attached to the body and a number of interchangeable adaptor sleeves, which attach to the body. The interchangeable adaptor sleeves include at least a short skirt adaptor sleeve and a full skirt adaptor sleeve. Also, an adaptor sleeve for use with a pin puller tool, which has been configured to interface with the contours of a short skirt piston.
US08713768B2
A method of producing a piezoelectric actuator includes a first electrode film forming process; a monomolecular film forming process; a pattering process of removing a monomolecular film having a rectangular shape; an application process of applying a precursor solution to the first electrode film exposed in the rectangular shape; a piezoelectric film forming process of converting the applied precursor solution into a piezoelectric film; and a second electrode film forming process. Materials of the precursor solution, the first electrode film, and the monomolecular film are adjusted so that the first electrode film is lyophilic and the monomolecular film is lyophobic to the precursor solution. The piezoelectric film forming process includes a drying and thermally decomposing process of drying and thermally decomposing the precursor solution; and a crystallizing process of crystallizing a thermally decomposed piezoelectric material.
US08713764B1
A connector structured to removably attach an object to a support platform including an elongated, rigid material base having a locking assembly disposed thereon and including a retainer and a gripping member. The gripping member is movably connected to the retainer and disposable relative to the base into both a locking orientation and a release orientation, wherein the locking orientation comprises a predetermined portion of the gripping member disposed in gripping, at least partially penetrating relation to an exposed surface of a corresponding part of either the support platform or the supported object. An activating member is connected to the gripping member and movable therewith, wherein positioning force exerted on the activating member will selectively dispose the gripping member between the locking and release orientations.
US08713763B2
A hose clamp which can be produced at a low cost and quickly clamp a hose is provided. The hose clamp is made of resin and made by integrally forming a generally annular clamp body which is partially cut out and a lever continuing to an end of the cut out of the clamp body. The lever includes a first operating piece which is rotatably connected to one of the cut-out ends of the clamp body via a first hinge and has an engagement part on its tip and a second operating piece rotatably connected to the other of the cut-out ends of the clamp body via a second hinge. The tip of the second operating piece is connected to the first operating piece and an engaged part corresponding to the engagement part is formed on the outer periphery of the clamp body.
US08713761B2
A handlebar coupling and adjustment unit comprises a housing, a pivot pin, a manual grip and a retaining pin. The housing receives an end portion of a handlebar. The pivot pin joins the housing to the handlebar and pivotally supports the handle relative to the handle bracket. The retaining pin is connected to the manual grip and is linearly translatable in a first direction from an extended positioned projecting beyond the housing to a withdrawn position within the housing. The manual grip is rotatable while the retaining pin is in the withdrawn position between a locked position in which the housing holds the manual grip with the retaining pin in the withdrawn position and an unlocked positioned in which the manual grip is linearly translatable in a second direction to return the retaining pin to the extended position.
US08713752B2
A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a vacuum cleaner, comprising a main body, and a dust separator selectively on the main body, the dust separator comprising a dust separation device, a dust compression device having at least one compression member disposed therein, the at least one compression member being configured to be rotated to compress dust, and a storage device.
US08713743B2
The present invention is a rotary brushing tool and method of constructing the rotary brushing tool. The rotary brushing tool comprises a hub portion and a wheel portion. The hub portion has a pair of hub elements, where each hub element includes a central opening, an annular retaining plate portion that extends radially from the central opening, and a tubular portion that extends axially from the central opening. Placing the tubular portions of the hub elements in opposition forms a hub channel that extends radially from the central opening. The wheel portion includes bristles arranged in the hub channel to extend substantially radially from the central opening, and a castable material for retaining the bristles. Pouring the castable material into the hub channel and allowing it to cure, forms a hub that retains the bristles.
US08713738B2
The head of a toothbrush includes a first tuft block having bristles and a second tuft block having bristles. The first and second tuft blocks are mounted for counter-rotational or counter-rotational oscillating movement in a direction parallel to the outer surface of the head. The toothbrush head also includes a third section having bristles extending outwardly from the head to provide an extended field of bristles to support an elongated ribbon of toothpaste and for enhanced cleaning.
US08713736B2
A laundry machine and a control method thereof are provided in which laundering ability may be improved while also improving efficiency and noise/vibration. The laundry machine employs a plurality of drum motions by varying drum rotational speed, drum rotational direction, and drum starting and stopping point, to provide different motion of laundry items in the drum.
US08713734B2
An aerated bumper and liner system for a baby crib provides increased airflow into and out of the baby crib while creating a soft pad to guard the baby against injury. The bumper and liner system includes pads with apertures that allow for added air circulation. Each pad may further include ties for attaching the pad to the bars of the crib. Support stays are included in the liner pads to help ensure that the liner pad do not sag once put in place in the crib.
US08713731B2
An evacuation mattress comprises an integral mattress including a mattress interior, a mattress top face sheet, four mattress side face sheets, and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet forms both the mattress bottom face sheet and an evacuation bottom sheet. The integral evacuation mattress also includes a top evacuation sheet configured to be deployed over a patient who is disposed above the mattress top face sheet. The integral evacuation mattress further includes securing structure configured to secure the top evacuation sheet to the patient and the integral mattress. Transport structure is also included in the integral evacuation mattress and is configured for a person to drag the secured patient and integral mattress from a hospital.
US08713726B1
A hinge assembly includes a linkage base adapted to be secured to a portion of a furniture sidewall, an elongate first linkage arm, and an elongate second linkage arm. The hinge assembly may also include an insert member assembly that includes an elongate first insert member, an elongate second insert member, a pivot assembly to pivotably couple the first insert member to the second insert member, and an insert linkage arm that is coupled to the first insert member. The first linkage arm and the second linkage arm are each pivotally coupled to the linkage base and the insert linkage arm. The first insert member may be releasably coupled to a first rear receiving member secured to a first furniture portion and the second insert member may be releasably coupled to a first front receiving member secured to a second furniture portion.
US08713722B2
A flushing arrangement for a WC, comprising a toilet bowl which has an inlet and an outlet, there between a U-bend, and pulse generating elements for generating a pulse with which water which is present in the U-bend and forms an air trap is accelerated, for a flushing operation, in the direction of the outlet. The pulse generating elements are arranged in the U-bend and have a plurality of nozzles, or at least one annular gap extending in the circumferential direction of the U-bend. The nozzles or the at least one annular gap generate, in the water in each case, a flow which is directed substantially towards the outlet. The nozzles or the at least one annular gap are arranged directly upstream of an ascending region or in an ascending region of the U-bend.
US08713717B2
Provided is protective athletic headwear that includes a body, band and protective inserts. The body has a first opening and a second smaller opening. The pocket band extends about the first opening to the interior of the body and partially toward the second opening. The band is free floating with respect to the body and configured to fit the head of the person. Further, the band includes pockets disposed about a base stitching that secure the band to the body. The protective inserts are configured to be received into pockets to provide a protective function to the head of the person. The protective inserts are disposed adjacently to one another about the band and extend from the base stitching of the band partially toward the second opening such that the body encloses the protective inserts in the band.
US08713712B2
A venting apparatus with a no-catch mechanism and a method of manufacture of the apparatus are described. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention may comprise: a fastening device, a venting mechanism wherein the venting mechanism further comprises an opening, a mesh arrangement, and a no-catch mechanism.
US08719959B2
A displacement detection portion is provided in a lever portion of a cantilever or between the lever portion and a main body portion. The displacement detection portion is provided by laminating two conductor electrodes to sandwich an insulating portion. A thickness of the insulating portion (electrode interval) is set to a value capable of detecting a variation in tunnel current due to a change in electrode interval which corresponds to a displacement of the lever portion while a predetermined voltage is applied. When the lever portion is slightly displaced, the interval between the conductor electrodes changes. Therefore, the displacement may be detected as the variation in tunnel current at high resolution with sensitivity of an exponential multiple of the change in interval.
US08719957B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for preventing tampering of a programmable integrated circuit device. Generally, programmable devices, such as FPGAs, have two stages of operation; a configuration stage and a user mode stage. To prevent tampering and/or reverse engineering of a programmable device, various anti-tampering techniques may be employed during either stage of operation to disable the device and/or erase sensitive information stored on the device once tampering is suspected. One type of tampering involves bombarding the device with a number of false configuration attempts in order to decipher encrypted data. By utilizing a dirty bit and a sticky error counter, the device can keep track of the number of failed configuration attempts that have occurred and initiate anti-tampering operations when tampering is suspected while the device is still in the configuration stage of operation.
US08719956B2
A method and an apparatus for moving a license between SRMs. A DRM agent obtains the license from a first SRM, and sets the license to a forwarding state locally; the DRM agent deducts one permission of moving the license; and the DRM agent sends the license to a second SRM.
US08719952B1
The public key of an RSA (asymmetric) software key pair is maintained confidentially on an authentication server, while the corresponding private key is maintained in encrypted, unstructured form on a mobile communication device (e.g. smartphone). The mobile device cannot verify locally whether a decrypted private key is correct, and a brute force, dictionary, or other attack that yields the correct private key among many decrypted keys does not allow determining which private key is correct without access to the authentication server. A relatively-long (128+ bit, e.g. 512-bit) public key exponent is used to make brute-force local verification of the private key impractical. The unstructured private key can secure other resources such as RSA keys used for digital signing. The enhanced security provided for the private key adds computational and logistical cost, but is of particular use if the mobile device controls access to external resources such as secure websites.
US08719944B2
A computer assisted method for detecting encrypted tunneling or proxy avoidance is provided. The method may include electronically receiving information from a proxy server, extracting information regarding a CONNECT function of Hyper Text Transport Protocol (HTTP) from the electronically received information, determining at least one destination to which the extracted information regarding the CONNECT function of HTTP corresponds and attempting to negotiate a standard HTTPS session with each of the at least one destination. Further, the computer assisted method may further include, for each of the at least one destination, determining whether the destination is hosting an encrypted tunneling or proxy avoidance application, wherein such a determining may be based on characteristics of an Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate associated with the destination or a response received from the destination over a TCP/IP connection.
US08719938B2
Systems and methods for detecting intrusion into a data network are disclosed. Such intrusion can be detected, for example, by providing at least two network devices in a data network. Each of the network devices has a decoy cryptographic key that is used to detect unauthorized data and an authentic cryptographic key that is used to encrypt authorized data. The first network device receives data from the second network device that is encrypted using the decoy cryptographic key. The first network device determines that the data is encrypted using the decoy cryptographic key. The first network device deletes or otherwise discards the data encrypted using the decoy cryptographic key. The first network device can generate an alert message instructing other network devices that the second network device is generating the unauthorized data. The alert message also instructs the other network devices to ignore data originating from the second network device.
US08719937B2
Methods and systems for detection and/or prevention of network attacks can include the use of multiple and/or time-dependent addresses coupled with filtering by the directory or naming service. The directory service can respond to requests for the address of a resource by returning an address that can be relocated over time by coordinating the directory service entry with the host and network address configuration data and/or by returning an address specific to the requestor. Thus, the directory service can track and build profiles of matches between requestors and accesses. The methods and systems can use the time dependent addresses and profiles to distinguish legitimate accesses from unauthorized or malicious ones. Requests for non-valid addresses can be misdirected to “empty” addresses or to detection devices.
US08719933B1
Approaches for processing a digital file in a manner designed to minimize exposure of any malicious code contained therein. A digital file resides with a virtual machine. When the virtual machine receives an instruction to print, fax, or email the digital file, the virtual machine creates, from the digital file existing in an original format, a copy of the digital file in a different format within the virtual machine. The different format preserves a visual presentation of the digital file without supporting metadata or file format data structures of the original format. The virtual machine instructs the host OS to print the copy of the digital file, send a facsimile of the copy of the digital file, or email the copy of the digital file. The host OS may consult policy data in determining how to carry out the request vis-à-vis the digital file.
US08719929B2
The invention relates to a method for recognizing attacks on at least one interface of a computer system, particularly a self-service machine, comprising: monitoring the interface in order to detect changes to the interface; if changes occur, the probability of an impermissible attack on the interface is determined based on the nature of the change; if the probability is above a defined threshold value, defensive measures are taken.
US08719919B2
A service mediation framework may allow each component within a computer network to perform common service processing tasks driven by standardized service policies stored within a centralized repository. In particular, an enhanced service domain name system (DNS) server, an enhanced service router, and/or an enhanced service gateway within the network may each access relevant service policies stored within an enhanced service repository to implement tasks such as security, content-based routing, logging, message format translation, and protocol bridging for each service request processed by the network. In addition, each network component may communicate through standardized formats, such as Extensible Markup Language (XML), to realize the end-to-end network solution.
US08719918B2
With migration of network technology and more and more requirements of user equipment for accessing to Internet, the network security faces more and more severe situation. There is provided a method for distributed security control in communication network system and the device thereof in order to improve security and operatability of network operator. In the method, firstly the network controller establishes a network security control mechanism, which is used for a second network device to check the validity of the data package from the user equipment; secondly, the network controller sends the network security control mechanism to the second network devices; lastly, the second network device checks the validity of the data package from the user equipment according to the network security control mechanism, and discards the data package if the data package is invalid. With the present invention, security and operatability of the communication network may be improved greatly, particularly, the functionality of address anti-spoofing can be implemented in the network with a WLAN architecture in centralized control.
US08719917B1
A network device may be configured to filter network traffic using multiple different filters bound to different interfaces of the network device. The network device may include logic to identify a relationship map that describes a topology of bind-points associated with the network device. Additionally, the network device may include logic to generate a merge graph based on the relationship map, the merge graph including one or more nodes, where each node represents a walk through the relationship map and includes one or more merge-points, where each merge-point is defined as a filter associated with a bind-point. The network device may also include a ternary content-addressable memory (TCAM) programmed to include entries based on the nodes of the merge graph.
US08719906B2
Systems and methods for reactively authorizing publication of information by a third party are coordinated through the use of a presence server. The presence server communicates with other communication nodes/devices to determine and relay publication information. Publication requests that are initially unauthorized, from the perspective of the presence server, are resolved.
US08719885B2
Content delivery systems and methods are operable to provide recoverable program content to a media device. An exemplary embodiment detects an occurrence of a qualifying event, wherein the qualifying event is associated with an unavailable portion of a program of interest; communicates a request to establish a backchannel between the media device and a program content device in response to detecting the occurrence of the qualifying event; communicates a request for a recoverable portion of the program of interest from the media device to the program content device over the backchannel, wherein the requested recoverable portion of the program of interest corresponds to the unavailable portion of the program of interest; and receives at the media device the recoverable portion of the program of interest from the program content device.
US08719872B2
Apparatus and methods for providing enhanced consumer access to information sources and controllable entities. An Access device can be a stand alone device such as a DVD player in which the DVD disk contains the back-end information network. Other Access devices obtain the back-end information network from remote sources. By way of a specific example, the consumer can then view a game and interactively select every television camera located at the game venue.
US08719869B2
A method for sharing data and synchronizing broadcast data with additional information, the broadcast data and the additional information being provided by at least two distinct sources to a multimedia device. The method comprises steps of: receiving by a data extractor associated to the multimedia device broadcast data from a first source and extracting first metadata from the broadcast data, accessing by the multimedia device to additional information provided by a second source by using the first metadata and obtaining from the additional information second metadata and additional content data related to a content of the broadcast data, merging and synchronizing, by the multimedia device, the second metadata and the additional content data with the content of the broadcast data, and obtaining modified broadcast data.
US08719867B2
A method that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving a selection from a media device corresponding to a first media content, generating a play list at a server where the play list includes second media content that is associated with the first media content by at least one of genre, artist and being published in temporal proximity, and providing play list content comprising at least a portion of the first and second media content to the media device, where at least one of the generation of the play list and the providing of the play list content is based on metadata pointers associated with the first and second media content. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08719863B2
If a user requests an output of synthetic speech, a broadcast receiving apparatus (10), when a control section (105) determines on the basis of the display state of the broadcast receiving apparatus (10) that a synthetic speech signal is not to be output, outputs a confirmation sound generated by an operation confirmation sound generation section (108); and, when it is determined that the synthetic speech signal is to be output, outputs synthetic speech generated by a synthetic speech generation section (109), whereby it is possible to assist a user having difficulty viewing a screen, such as a visually-impaired person, with understanding the situation.
US08719862B2
A method for enhancing digital video recorder television advertising viewership provides a method wherein the first or last number of seconds of a commercial break are carefully authored to provide a “teaser” to entice the viewer to watch multiple commercials during the commercial break instead of skipping the commercial break using the fast forward or jump functions of the DVR. A bookending function displays an advertisement before and/or after a program that has been recorded on the DVR's storage device is played to the viewer. The viewer selects a recorded program from the DVR's storage device to playback. Before the program is played back, an advertisement is retrieved from the storage device and is displayed before the program is run. Another advertisement is retrieved and then played after the program is over.
US08719857B1
Systems and methods for providing parental control support in video mosaic environment are disclosed. Upon receiving a request for a video mosaic page, screen data, which may include parental control information, is received. The screen data may identify the video assets in the video mosaic page. A determination is made whether the video assets in the video mosaic page are locked or unlocked by parental controls in force on the user equipment. Locked assets may be masked and individually unlocked upon verification of a parental control access code or PIN. Unlocked assets may be presented in cells, or windows, in the video mosaic page and may also be individually locked and subsequently masked. A separate set of parental control settings may be maintained for video mosaic pages or the mosaic parental control commands may be resolved with system parental control settings.
US08719851B2
In one embodiment of a data storage device, the inside of its housing 111 is divided into first and second spaces 1 and 2 by a chassis 110. The data storage device includes at least one optical pickup 104 that writes data on a storage medium and a heat radiating member 109 which is thermally coupled to the optical pickup 104 to transfer the heat generated by the optical pickup 104. The optical pickup 104 and the heat radiating member 109 are arranged in the first and second spaces 1 and 2, respectively.
US08719848B2
According to an embodiment, an information processing device offering various APIs stores, for every application program, a WSDL file which indicates definition information of an API which is permitted to be used by an application program, and developer information which specifies a developer of an application program. The information processing device releases to an application program a WSDL file corresponding to the application program, receives, through a web service, a request that is a request for use of a first API, determines whether or not the definition information of the first API is indicated in a first WSDL file corresponding to the first application program, and determines whether or not the first WSDL file is leaked, using developer information.
US08719841B2
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for coordinating application state and communication medium state. Embodiments of the invention provide mechanisms by which a dispatcher can enable application code to coordinate changes in application state with the consumption of messages from a communication medium. The coordination can be automatic where the dispatcher performs the coordination, or manual, where the coordination is performed more expressly by application code. Embodiments also include mechanisms by which applications targeting an execution (e.g., continuation based) runtime may compose alternative state transitions in the application with a peek lock protocol.
US08719834B2
An information processing system that maintains balance in the processing loads between processors and that includes operating systems, which each perform execution control on processing tasks by assigning each task to a task group and causing all tasks in the same task group to be executed on the same processor, and a hypervisor that associates each processor with one or more task groups in the operating systems and causes each operating system to perform the execution control so that all tasks in the same task group are executed on the processor associated with the same task group. The hypervisor sequentially acquires load indicators indicating a processing load of each task group in each operating system, refers to the processing loads indicated by the sequentially acquired load indicators, and when determining that the processing loads are not balanced between the processors, re-associates the processors with the task groups.
US08719830B2
A method of producing a compartment specification for an application, the method comprising executing the application; determining resource requests made by the executing application; and recording the resource requests in the compartment specification.
US08719822B2
A print control unit coupled with a printer, the print control unit having host to provide partial resource components to a complex resource generator, the partial resources components including printing instructions. The complex resource generator to generate a shell representing a complex resource, generate a partial complex resource having the partial resource components, the shell to hold the partial complex resource, and store the partial complex resource to be referenced later.
US08719818B2
A cloud-based test system is disclosed. The cloud-based test system utilizes several cloud systems for testing. Each cloud system includes several cloud servers for providing a cloud resource to simulate several virtual test machines. The cloud-based test system includes several slave servers and a main server. Each slave server corresponds to one of the cloud systems for controlling the corresponding virtual test machines. The main server receives a test instruction, which is utilized to execute a target test item for a target electrical device, from a client, and generates a test environment condition corresponding to the test instruction. The main server determines the virtual test machines for executing the target test item and the at least one server to control the virtual test machines. The main server transmits the test instruction and the corresponding test environment condition to the server slave servers for testing.
US08719806B2
The latencies associated with retrieving instruction information for a main thread are decreased through the use of a simultaneous helper thread. The helper thread is a speculative prefetch thread to perform instruction prefetch and/or trace pre-build for the main thread.
US08719802B2
An interprocedural exception analysis and transformation framework for computer programming languages such as C++ that (1) captures the control-flow induced by exceptions precisely, and (2) transforms the given computer program into an exception-free program that is amenable for precise static analysis, verification, and optimizations.
US08719801B2
Described are various techniques by which a concurrent program is analyzed with respect to timing. In one aspect, code fragments in a concurrent program are modified and/or instrumented by inserting iteration counters inside loops. Examples of modified fragments include those corresponding to concurrently executing code fragments, non-blocking concurrent code fragments, blocking concurrent code fragments, fragments having a loop that may not terminate, fragments having interlocked operation, or fragments having a timeout. Such fragments are modified and/or flagged so as to provide the summary data. When statically analyzed, the instrumented code provides complexity information regarding each fragment, or combinations of fragments, such as concurrent fragments. Summary data regarding the concurrent program is provided by processing the complexity information into at least one computation graph.
US08719799B2
Test coverage is enhanced by measuring various types of coupling between coverage tasks. The coupling measurements may be implicit coupling measurements, explicit coupling measurements, coding coupling measurements, performance coupling measurements, resource coupling measurements or the like. Based on the coupling measurements, different coverage tasks may be grouped together. For example, closely coupled coverage tasks may be grouped together. The groups may also be determined based on an initial distribution of groups, by combining groups having closely coupled member coverage tasks. The groups may be ordered and prioritized, such as based on the size of the groups and the number of uncovered tasks in each group. The groups may also be ordered, such as based on coupling score which aggregate the coupling measurements of the member coverage tasks.
US08719795B2
An application under test may be run in a test mode that receives a series of test scenarios and produces a set of test results under the control of a verification application. The verification application utilizes “typed-data” (i.e., data having known types that are associated with the data itself, e.g., XML-based data) such that a number of parameters can be set for each event and a number of result parameters can be checked for each result in at least one script. A series of scripts can be combined into an action file that may invoke scripts and override parameters within the invoked scripts. The events can be sent and received using a number of messaging protocols and communications adapters.
US08719791B1
Embodiments described herein relate to systems and methods for displaying aggregated stack traces in a source code viewer. One or more execution identifiers are received in response to an execution of a first program executing on one or more client computing devices. Each execution identifier can include one or more stack frames, which correspond to a function call within the first program. An error-likeliness score is identified for each execution identifier. An error-weight is determined for each of the execution identifiers based on the identified error-likeliness scores for instances of the execution identifiers.
US08719790B2
A computer implemented program analysis method employing a set of new abstract domains applicable to non-convex invarients. The method analyzes programs statically using abstract interpretation while advantageously considering non-convex structures and in particular those situations in which an internal region of an unreachable state exists within a larger region of reachable states. The method employs a new set of non-convex domains (donut domains) based upon the notion of an outer convex region of reachable states (Domain D1) and an inner region of unreachable states (Domain D2) which advantageously permits capture of non-convex properties by using convex regions and operations.
US08719788B2
Various technologies and techniques are disclosed for dynamically determining test platforms. A test platform matrix is generated for use with a test run. The test platform matrix is generated based on a combination of test coverage specifications and a history of test coverage from prior runs. Machines are provisioned for executing the test run according to the test platform matrix. Different system configurations are tested than prior system configurations that were tested in a most recent prior run.
US08719786B2
A method combines N versions of a C/C++ program into a single, semantically correct, unified program, while maintaining the semantics of each version within N. The problem of merge conflicts is avoided by conditionalizing changes that potentially conflict, according to a set of preprocessors definitions that uniquely define the version within N. Conditionalization is realized through C/C++ preprocessing directives (e.g., #if, #else, #elif).
US08719777B2
An object oriented programming environment with an improved object, referred to herein as a “peculiar object”, which among other things, facilitates the implementation of a defined transition between object types is described. A peculiar object includes a programming construct referred to herein as a selector, which maps a set of object behaviors to a set of values for a special type of attribute, referred to herein as a “peculiar attribute.” As such, as the value of a peculiar attribute changes, so too does the type or state of the peculiar object. With each transition of the object from one type or state to another, the available behaviors dynamically change.
US08719775B1
A system interprets a process map. The process map indicates a plurality of steps associated with a process. The process map provides a visual representation of the steps. The system executes the process according to the process map, and captures an execution of the process in a recording. The system provides a capability to traverse the recording according to the process map.
US08719772B2
A computer system may provide various resources to users through one or more programming libraries, such as application programming interfaces (APIs), in order to standardize access to such resources through various general-purpose mechanisms. These programming libraries may be operated by other programs, such as task-specific user interfaces, through which a user may utilize the programming library without having to understand its structure and functions. However, in many scenarios, a user may wish to know the manner of invoking a programming library to achieve an invoked behavior, or may wish to reproduce the behavior without having to utilize the user interface. A user may therefore capture an invocation of the programming library, and may generate an instruction set representing the captured invocation that may be studied, copied, modified, subsequently performed, etc.
US08719769B2
A method for quality objective-based ETL pipeline optimization is provided. An improvement objective is obtained from user input into a computing system. The improvement objective represents a priority optimization desired by a user for improved ETL flows for an application designed to run in memory of the computing system. An ETL flow is created in the memory of the computing system. The ETL flow is restructured for flow optimization with a processor of the computing system. The flow restructuring is based on the improvement objective. Flow restructuring can include application of flow rewriting optimization or application of an algebraic rewriting optimization. The optimized ETL flow is stored as executable code on a computer readable storage medium.
US08719768B2
A system and method for identifying duplicate or similar class instances existing in two or more Common Information Model (CIM) namespaces, accreting them, and thereafter returning a set of class instances and their associated information based on predetermined criteria. In different embodiments of the invention, an abstraction layer is implemented to provide a consolidation namespace operable to aggregate CIM instance data from two or more namespaces into a single namespace. A CIM client management application can then access and search the resulting consolidation namespace for all CIM class instances instead of iteratively browsing individual namespaces. A consolidation provider queries CIM namespaces to enumerate instances of CIM namespaces, which are consolidated in the Interop namespace, and similarly enumerates class instance data, which is consolidated in the consolidation namespace.
US08719763B1
Approaches for binning integrated circuits using timing are provided. A method includes performing a statistical timing analysis of a design. The method also includes identifying bin sub-spaces within a process space of the design. The method further includes determining a frequency limit for each said bin sub-space. The method additionally includes closing timing to the frequency limit for each said bin sub-space.
US08719757B2
A method for enabling jogging functionality in circuit designs utilizing DPT without the need for difficult to implement tools such as stitch-aware routing tools is disclosed. Embodiments include: displaying a user interface for generating an IC having a plurality of masks for a single layer; causing, at least in part, a presentation in the user interface of a cell placement of the IC that includes a filler cell; and designating a portion of the filler cell as a routing zone, the routing zone being configured such that routes placed in the routing zone are decomposable with other routes placed outside the filler cell.
US08719755B2
Among other things, one or more techniques for graded dummy insertion and a resulting array are provided herein. For example an array is a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) array, a metal oxide metal (MOM) array, or a resistor array. In some embodiments, a first region and a second region are identified based on a density gradient between a first pattern density associated with the first region and a second pattern density associated with the second region. For example, the first pattern density and the second pattern density are gate densities and/or poly densities. To this end, a dummy region is inserted between the first region and the second region, the dummy region includes a graded pattern density based on a first adjacent pattern density and a second adjacent pattern density. In this manner, graded dummy insertion is provided, thus enhancing edge cell performance for an array, for example.
US08719750B1
Approaches for placing and routing a circuit design on a programmable integrated circuit (IC) are disclosed. One partial reconfiguration (PR) resource portion of the circuit design is selected from a plurality of PR resource portions of the design. Uncontained resources in the PR resource portion is identified. The PR resource portion, less the uncontained resources, is placed in an assigned region, and the uncontained resources is placed on the programmable IC unconstrained by the assigned region of the PR resource portion. The design is routed from the placed PR resource portion to the placed uncontained resources, and the process is repeated for each unplaced PR resource portion. After placing the plurality of PR resource portions and routing to uncontained resources in the plurality of PR resource portions, unplaced portions of the circuit design are placed and routed.
US08719745B2
A system and method are provided for establishing an automated debugging environment in an Electronic Design Automation (EDA) work flow for the debugging of parameterized cells (PCELLS/PyCELLS) in a layout. A user may merely select a particular PCELL within a hierarchical PCELL and the system and method will determine dependencies thereof. The source code for the selected PCELL and its dependencies may be located and loaded. At least one breakpoint may be set in the source code of the selected PCELL. The source code for the selected PCELL and its dependencies may be executed to be arrested at the set breakpoints. Upon the arrest of execution, a debugging environment may be established and the located source code of the selected PCELL may be displayed along with values for parametric components thereof and progression control tools.
US08719744B2
A language conversion method includes a first process in which a computer unit inputs algorithm description data describing an algorithm of hardware under a predetermined description constraint using a program description language, a second process in which the computer unit inputs hardware element specification data specifying parameters representing hardware elements included in the algorithm description data, and a third process in which the computer unit converts the algorithm description data into data of a hardware model based on a system level description language, wherein, in the third process, the computer unit generates a data dependency preservation description which preserves, in the hardware model, data dependency in the algorithm description with regard to a parameter specified in the hardware element specification data.
US08719737B1
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for automatically, accurately, and efficiently identifying double patterning (DP) loop violations in an IC design layout. The method of some embodiments identifies DP loop violations in a manner that eliminates false identification of DP loop violations without missing DP loop violations that should be identified. The method of some embodiments also generates a marker for each identified DP loop violation to indicate that a set of shapes associated with the marker forms the DP loop and displays the marker in the design layout.
