US08865386B2
A carrier core particle for an electrophotographic developer includes a core composition expressed by a general formula: MnxFe3−xO4+y (0
US08865383B2
A toner comprising an amorphous polyester, a crystalline polyester that is forming domains in the toner, and a colorant that is being dispersed at least in the domains of the crystalline polyester. The toner may be obtained by dispersing an oil phase including the amorphous polyester or a precursor capable of producing the amorphous polyester, the crystalline polyester, the colorant, and an organic solvent, in an aqueous medium to prepare an O/W dispersion, the oil phase; and removing the organic solvent from the O/W dispersion.
US08865374B2
A package that has at least one hologram on its exterior surface is formed from a paper, paperboard or thermoplastic substrate material that has an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface has a radiation curable particulate metal containing coating. This coating is cured and zero to one or more ink containing coatings are applied to the radiation curable particulate metal containing coating in areas that are not to have a hologram. Each of these ink containing coatings are cured, and a substantially transparent radiation curable coating is applied to the areas deficient in the zero to one or more ink coatings. This substantially transparent radiation curable coating is contacted with a substantially transparent holographic shim in an area not having thereon ink containing coatings while curing radiation is applied to the substantially transparent radiation curable coating and the substantially transparent shim.
US08865371B2
The present invention provides a membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, including: an electrolyte membrane; a catalyst layer; and a conductive porous gas diffusion layer, in which an interface between the catalyst layer and the electrolyte membrane is provided with a groove for allowing one of passage and retention of a fluid, and a polymer electrolyte fuel cell employing the membrane electrode assembly. As a result, there is provided at low costs the membrane electrode assembly for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell having improved drainage performance and the polymer electrolyte fuel cell employing the membrane electrode assembly and having stable power generation performance.
US08865366B2
An assembling operation of a fuel cell is effectively simplified. With the simple and economical structure, the desired sealing function is achieved. The fuel cell (10) includes a membrane electrode assembly (14) and first and second metal separators (16, 18) sandwiching the membrane electrode assembly (14). Connection channels (28a, 28b) are provided on the first metal separator (16). The connection channels (28a, 28b) connect the oxygen-containing gas supply passage (20a) and the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage (20b) to the oxygen-containing gas flow field (26). The membrane electrode assembly (14) has first overlapping portions (66a, 66b) overlapped on the connection channels (28a, 28b) for sealing the connection channels (28a, 28b). The first overlapping portions (66a, 66b) comprise, in effect, a gas diffusion layer.
US08865362B2
A bipolar plate (1) in combination with a sealant (50, 70) for a PEM fuel cell, wherein the bipolar plate (1) has an anode side with first flow channels (20) for transport of a proton-donating fuel or a cathode side with second flow channels (12) for transport of proton-accepting fluid, or both, wherein a sealant (50, 70) is provided parallel with the bipolar plate (1) for sealing the bipolar plate against an adjacent electrolytic membrane (40). The sealant (50, 70) has fluid channels (54a, 54b, 74a, 74b) across the sealant (50, 70) for transport of proton-donating fuel or proton-accepting fluid, respectively, across the sealant and along the bipolar plate.
US08865348B2
A positive active material according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an internal bulk part and an external bulk part surrounding the internal bulk part and has a continuous concentration gradient of the metal composition from an interface between the internal bulk part and the external bulk part to the surface of the active material. The provided positive active material in which the metal composition is distributed in a continuous concentration gradient has excellent electrochemical characteristics such as a cycle life, capacity, and thermal stability.
US08865347B2
Alloys of tunable compositions and corresponding optical, electrical and mechanical properties are described. Also described are their uses in optoelectronic devices and material interfaces.
US08865338B2
A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells; a casing in which the plurality of battery cells are housed; a plurality of conductive members that electrically connect the plurality of battery cells; and a voltage detection conductor that detects voltages at each of the plurality of battery cells. The casing includes at least a pair of resin side plates that sandwich and support the plurality of battery cells from both sides. The voltage detection conductor is formed in a predetermined shape and integrated with the side plates.
US08865336B2
Provided is a separator for alkaline batteries which can not only prevent batteries from internal short circuit by inhibiting the dendrite formation at anode, but also enables to have a low electrical resistance. The separator for alkaline batteries comprises a composite sheet in which a base layer comprising a wet-type nonwoven material formed from alkaline resistant fibers is covered with a nanofiber layer comprising a modified polyvinyl alcohol fiber which has a fiber diameter of 10 to 1000 nm and a liquid absorption amount by fibers of 4.0 to 40.0 g/g after immersion in a 35% aqueous solution of KOH.
US08865333B2
System and methods for mitigating battery damage in a vehicle including a liquid-cooled battery system. In certain embodiments, a system for mitigating damage caused by leaks of liquid coolant in a battery system may include a one or more coolant leak sensors. A coolant leak detection system communicatively coupled to the coolant leak sensors may be configured to detect an occurrence of a liquid coolant leak in the battery system based on information provided by the coolant leak sensors. One or more valves communicatively coupled with the coolant leak detection system may actuate by the coolant leak detection system when a leak of liquid coolant is detected, thereby allowing leaked liquid coolant to drain from the battery system.
US08865330B2
A battery comprise: a housing made by a metal or a metal alloy; a battery core in the housing comprising a positive plate, a separator and a negative plate; an electrolyte in the housing; a cover assembly having a positive terminal electrically connected with the positive plate and a negative terminal electrically connected with the negative plate; and a protection component to prevent the housing from being corroded by the electrolyte.
US08865323B2
A biscarbazole derivative of the invention is represented by a formula (1) below. In the formula (1): A1 represents a substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group having 1 to 30 ring carbon atoms; A2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group having 6 to 30 ring carbon atoms, or substituted or unsubstituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group having 1 to 30 ring carbon atoms; X1 and X2 each are a linking group; Y1 to Y4 each represent a substituent; p and q represent an integer of 1 to 4; and r and s represent an integer of 1 to 3.
US08865322B2
A dendrimer and an organic light-emitting device including an organic layer having the dendrimer.
US08865315B2
The present invention is directed to a coating system deposited onto at least a portion of a substrate comprising: an inner coating layer deposited onto at least a portion of the substrate; a viscous gel coating layer deposited onto at least a portion of the inner coating layer wherein the viscous coating layer comprises: (A) the reaction product of: (i) at least one primary amine; (ii) a monofunctional surfactant; and (iii) a liquid polybutadiene; (B) optionally, a fatty acid; and (C) optionally, a secondary swelling agent; and an outer coating layer deposited onto a least a portion of the viscous coating layer; and an outer coating layer deposited onto a least a portion of the viscous coating layer.
US08865312B2
A coating composition for a solar cell backsheet of the present invention includes: (a) 10 to 40 mass % of vinyl ester resin or unsaturated polyester resin; (b) 30 to 60 mass % of vinyl monomer and/or (meth)acrylate monomer; (c) 5 to 40 mass % of denaturant (The components (a) to (c) are 100 mass % in total); (d) 0.1 to 15 parts by mass of an ultraviolet curing agent relative to 100 parts by mass in total of the components (a) to (c); and (e) 5 to 20 parts by mass of a white colorant relative to 100 parts by mass in total of the components (a) to (c).
US08865305B2
A method of making a core-shell phosphor is provided. The method comprises mixing a lanthanum phosphate (LaPO4) core with a shell precursor mixture comprising at least one compound of La, at least one compound of Ce, and at least one compound of Tb to form a core+shell precursor mixture, heating the core+shell precursor mixture to a temperature in a range from about 900° C. to about 1200° C. with an inorganic flux material in presence of a reductant to provide a heated core+shell precursor mixture, cooling the heated core+shell precursor mixture to ambient temperature to provide a product core-shell phosphor dispersed in the inorganic flux material; and separating the product core-shell phosphor from the inorganic flux material.
US08865298B2
A laminate donor element can be used to transfer a composite of a metal grid and an electronically conductive polymer to a receiver sheet for use in various devices. The laminate donor element has a donor substrate, a metal grid that is disposed over only portions of the donor substrate, leaving portions of the substrate uncovered by the metal grid, and an electronically conductive polymer that covers the portions of the donor substrate that are uncovered by the metal grid. The composite of metal grid and electronically conductive polymer exhibits a peel force of less than or equal to 40 g/cm for separation from the donor substrate at room temperature. The resulting article has a substrate on which a reverse composite of the metal grid and electronically conductive polymer is disposed, which article can be incorporated into various devices.
US08865296B2
Novel methods and kits for creating defects in composite materials, as well as an engineered part or structure with one or more designed defects, are disclosed. The disclosed inventions advantageously permit the intentional introduction of one or multiple defects of any desired size and shape, either between the same two chosen laminae or on different layers within a multi-layer composite, having mechanical and thermal properties that are akin to those found for actual defects. One disclosed method involves creating a mask having a cut-out in the size and shape of a desired defect, placing the mask at a location on a first substrate where the defect is desired, applying a release agent, removing the mask, and adding a second substrate over the first substrate with release agent. The first substrate may be a cured lamina or an uncured lamina pre-impregnated with resin having a barricade in the size and shape of the outline of the desired defect.
US08865283B2
The present invention relates to a security label for securing medications retained in an individual packaging, comprising a base layer (10, 20, 30) that can be adhesively bonded to the individual packaging (12, 22, 32), wherein at least one opening cut (17, 37, 47, 57, 67, 77, 87, 97, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147, 157) per medication (16) is provided in the base layer (10, 20, 30) in the area of the expected medications (16), wherein the opening cut (17, 37, 47, 57, 67, 77, 87, 97, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147, 157) has at least one first and one second partial cut, and wherein the first partial cut and the second partial cut meet or cross, wherein two, three, four, or five opening cuts (17, 37, 47, 57, 67, 77, 87, 97, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147, 157) are provided in the area of the expected medication (16), and the opening cuts (17, 37, 47, 57, 67, 77, 87, 97, 107, 117, 127, 137, 147, 157); are arranged exclusively along a segment of the contour of the medication (16) or along a segment of the contour of the medication trough, wherein the segment makes up approximately one half to one sixth, preferably one fourth, of the contour.
US08865282B2
A protective cover plate mainly comprises a substrate, a printing layer, an ultraviolet layer and an adhesive layer, wherein the printing layer is disposed at a side surface of the substrate. The printing layer is formed with at least a pattern. The pattern protrudes the substrate to form a segmental difference surface. The ultraviolet layer is disposed to another side surface of the printing layer relative to the substrate, and the ultraviolet layer is disposed with at least a filling portion. The filling portion can be relatively located near the pattern to fill the segmental difference surface of the pattern to flat the surface. A side of the ultraviolet layer is disposed with the adhesive layer. The plate can be adhered to the article by utilizing the adhesive layer. The protective cover plate does not only have flat appearance but also achieves dustproof and dirt prevention efficacies.
US08865278B2
The polymeric material having oxygen barrier properties and low light transmission characteristics, in particular within the UV and visible light wavelengths and comprises (A) a polyester, (B) mineral particles, (C) a polyamide, and (D) at least one transition metal catalyst. Preferably the amount of mineral particles is not more than 26 wt % of the total weight of the material, and is not less than 20 wt % of the total weight of the material.
US08865270B2
The power extraction efficiency of a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery is improved. A material having magnetic susceptibility anisotropy such as an olivine type oxide including a transition metal element is used for active material particles. The active material particles and an electrolyte solution are mixed to form a slurry. The slurry is applied to a current collector, and then the current collector is left in a magnetic field. Thus, the active material particles are oriented. With the use of active material particles oriented in such a manner, the power extraction efficiency can be improved.
US08865265B2
A process and an apparatus for coating glass by means of a method using at least one or more liquid raw materials which react essentially on at least a portion of the glass substrate forming a coating on it. At least part of the liquid raw materials is atomized to droplets with one or more two-fluid atomizer and at least a fraction of the gas used in the one or more two-fluid atomizers is electrically charged such that at least a fraction of the droplets become electrically charged during or after the atomization. According to the invention the droplets are formed into a separately created electric field.
US08865261B2
The present disclosure relates to extrusion coating systems, extrusion coated substrates, and processes for making the same. In some aspects, extrusion coating systems as described herein may include an at least partially insulated outlet wall, which may facilitate production of coated substrates exhibiting a very desirable surface texture and appearance. Coated substrates of the present invention may be utilized in a variety of end applications, including, but not limited to, interior and exterior construction materials for homes, buildings, and furniture.
US08865255B2
A process for setting the average flow rate within a hollow component is provided. The process includes setting a relatively small wall thickness in a first region with a relatively large flow cross section using a first diffusion coating process and setting a relatively large wall thickness by a second different diffusion process in a second region with a relatively small flow cross section. The use of different diffusion coatings in a component allows the flow of coolant through a component to be set in a controlled manner.
US08865253B2
A method of coloring a surface of a zirconium-based metallic glass component that includes the step of imparting interference colors by carrying out an anodizing process using an alkaline solution to form a film having a thickness of 300 nm or less on the surface of the zirconium-based metallic glass component.
US08865245B2
The invention relates to edible fat powders having a full width at half maximum of the first order long spacing X-ray diffraction peak of 0.17 to 0.80 degrees and a free flowing density of 10 to 350 g/l; with the proviso that when the free flowing density is equal to or greater than C, the full width at half maximum is equal to or greater than ((A*free flowing density)+B), wherein A is 0.0005625, B is 0.213 degrees and C is 90 g/l. The invention further relates to a method of preparing a fat continuous spread comprising the use of such edible fat powder.
US08865242B2
Disclosed is a cellulose composite which comprises cellulose and a hydrophilic gum, the cellulose composite giving a 1-mass % aqueous dispersion thereof which has a storage modulus (G′) of 0.06 Pa or more when the pH thereof is 4.
US08865240B2
A palatable, edible soft chewable medication vehicle for delivery of a pharmaceutically acceptable active ingredient, such as a drug, to an animal or human subject. The edible soft chews contain only food grade or better inactive ingredients, and preferably do not contain ingredients of animal origin. Processes for manufacturing the edible soft chews do not require the use of heat or the addition of water during mixing of active and inactive ingredients, provide stable concentrations of the active ingredient, and produce chews of consistent weight and texture.
US08865234B1
Analgesic formulations to be applied topically that are reported to relieve moderate to severe pain due to tendonitis, fibromyalgia, shingles, insect bites and bee stings, ACL, arthritis, and sinus headaches. In many cases, test subjects report immediate pain relief with a single application and complete pain elimination with only a few applications. The formulations are in a coconut oil base which is skin friendly. The primary active ingredient is wrightia tinctoria, which when combined with other ingredients, causes the formulation to exhibit a synergistic effect on pain relief unexpected from using the ingredients alone or in combination.
US08865221B2
Swellable and degradable microspheres are described. The microspheres are prepared by a process that is reliable and high yielding, and makes use of a low temperature azo initiator, a small molecule chlorinated solvent as the organic phase, and a heat treatment step, and is carried out in absence of a crosslinking agent. The microsphere preparation made using the process is particularly useful as a degradable embolic material.
US08865214B1
Bioactive formulations and methods of use comprising a gypsum biopolymer matrix and soil beneficial microorganisms are described herein.
US08865203B2
Compositions and methods to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) are provided, as are methods of treating various disorders using SAMe formulations with improved pharmacokinetic profiles. More specifically, the invention is directed to methods of treating a disease or disorder in a subject and/or improving the nutritional status of a subject by administering formulations exhibiting improved pharmacokinetic profiles of exogenous SAMe. The method also includes the step of orally administering compositions of the invention to the subject once per day after overnight fast; that is prior to food intake in the morning.
US08865202B2
A composition containing therapeutic agents and/or breath freshening agents for use in the oral cavity is disclosed. The carrier comprises water-soluble polymers in combination with certain ingredients and provides a therapeutic and/or cosmetic effect. The film is coated and dried utilizing existing coating technology and exhibits instant wettability followed by rapid dissolution/disintegration upon administration in the oral cavity.
US08865200B2
Disclosed are sustained release compositions for vaginal or transdermal administration that contain a progesterone receptor modulator such as CDB-2914 (also referred to as VA-2914), and methods of using them for long term contraception or therapeutic purposes. Also disclosed are methods for making the compositions.
US08865196B2
An environmentally- and user-friendly, aqueous antimicrobial solution comprising effective amounts of hydrogen peroxide, glycolic acid, and at least one antimicrobially-active solvent chosen from benzyl alcohol and phenoxyethanol; concentrated versions of same; kits that can be used to make same; wipes containing same; and the use of same in a method of antimicrobial treatment of a surface contaminated with a microorganism (e.g. bacterial or fungal spore such as C. Difficile).
US08865181B1
An extracting method of Antrodia cinnamomea, being apt to improve extraction rate of dehydrosulphurenic acid, comprises: soaking a sample of raw Antrodia cinnamomea in a salt solution, with the sample of raw Antrodia cinnamomea absorbing the salt solution, to obtain a soaked Antrodia cinnamomea; and further soaking the soaked Antrodia cinnamomea in an alcohol solvent, and obtaining an extract of Antrodia cinnamomea through sonication.
US08865165B2
This present invention discloses a monoclonal antibody which specifically recognizes and binds to a epitope of group 2 allergen of Dermatophagoides pteronyssiuns, usually named Der p 2, and a hybridoma cell line producing thereof. Furthermore, this invention also discloses a strip, kit and method utilizing said monoclonal antibody for the detection of the presence of dust mite allergens and the calculation of dust mite number in the environment.
US08865158B2
A genetically modified bacteriophage is disclosed which comprises: (i) an exogenous polynucleotide which encodes an agent which reduces the toxicity of a bacterium; and (ii) an exogenous polynucleotide which encodes a selectable marker. Uses thereof and kits comprising same are also disclosed.
US08865157B2
The present invention provides novel therapeutic antimicrobial peptides that are bactericides and have an inhibitory effect on biofilms produced by biofilm-forming bacteria and especially biofilm-forming staphyloccocal bacteria. The invention includes the nucleic acids encoding the polypeptides, methods of treating bacterial infections, medical devices or implants or prosthetics impregnated with, covered or coated in the polypeptides, and means of delivery of the peptide to the oral cavity.
US08865152B2
A method for attracting cockroaches to an object or area, involving treating said object or area with a cockroach attracting composition containing a cockroach attractant effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl esters of C3-7 saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof, and optionally a carrier material or carrier. A method for repelling cockroaches from ah object or area, involving treating said object or area with a cockroach repelling composition containing a cockroach repelling effective amount of at least one compound selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl esters of C3-7 saturated or unsaturated carboxylic acids or mixtures thereof, and optionally a carrier material or carrier.
US08865149B2
Polymeric reagents comprising a polymer attached, either directly or through one or more atoms, to a ketone or a related functional group such as ketone hydrate, thione, monothiohydrate, dithiohydrate, hemiketal, monothiohemiketal, dithiohemiketal, ketal, or dithioketal are provided. The polymeric reagents are useful for, among other things, forming polymer-active agent conjugates. Related methods, compositions, preparations, and so forth are also provided.
US08865140B2
The invention relates to soap based liquid body and facial wash compositions. Using high solvent, low water compositions and incompletely neutralized fatty acid to help structure the compositions, all in combination with modified benefit agents, enhanced deposition of make-up agents is achieved.
US08865138B2
A method for the modification of melanin distribution, and the composition thereof to modify melanin distribution are disclosed. A method for the reduction of melanin distribution, and the composition thereof to reduce melanin distribution are disclosed. A representative composition comprises 4-ethoxybenzaldehyde and one or more additional active agents as well as a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. Carriers and excipients may be formulated for topical administration. Compositions may also be formulated for transdermal administration. The compositions may be used for the prevention and treatment of pigmentation disorders, by way of non-limited example, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and others. The compositions may be used for lightening skin.
US08865136B2
A polyantiseptic antimicrobial pharmaceutical composition for oral use, for the hygiene and treatment of oral diseases of bacterial, mycotic or viral etiology, for over-the-counter sale, without contraindications. The composition does not contain phenolic or, chlorophenolic compounds, and consists of a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, eugenol, natural camphor, zinc sulphate, sodium fluoride, xylitol, cetylpyridinium chloride and excipients. The formulation is used to deodorise, disinfect, astringe and soothe inflammation of the oral area, avoids the neoformation of bacterial plaque, prevents tooth cavities, inhibits the formation of dental tartar, improves the resistance of teeth to cavities, and treats and prevents oral aphthous ulcers.
US08865127B2
Provided herein is an antibody- or antibody fragment-targeted cationic immunoliposome complex prepared by a method comprising the steps of (a) preparing an antibody or antibody fragment; (b) mixing the antibody or antibody fragment with a cationic liposome and to form a cationic immunoliposome wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is complexed with the cationic liposome, but is not chemically conjugated to the cationic liposome and wherein said antibody or antibody fragment does not comprise a lipid tag; and (c) mixing the cationic immunoliposome with a therapeutic or diagnostic agent to form the antibody- or antibody fragment-targeted cationic immunoliposome. Also provided is an antibody- or antibody fragment-targeted cationic immunoliposome comprising an antibody or antibody fragment; a cationic liposome, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is complexed with the cationic liposome, but is not chemically conjugated to the cationic liposome and wherein said antibody or antibody fragment does not comprise a lipid tag and a therapeutic or diagnostic agent.
US08865121B2
The present invention relates to an organotemplate-free synthetic process for the production of a zeolitic material having a BEA framework structure comprising YO2 and optionally comprising X2O3, wherein said process comprises the steps of (1) preparing a mixture comprising seed crystals and at least one source for YO2; and (2) crystallizing the mixture; wherein Y is a tetravalent element, and X is a trivalent element, wherein the zeolitic material optionally comprises at least one alkali metal M, wherein when the BEA framework additionally comprises X2O3; the mixture according to step (1) comprises at least one source for X2O3, and wherein the seed crystals comprise zeolitic material having a BEA framework structure, preferably zeolite Beta.
US08865117B2
The invention provides an integrated catalyst and membrane reactor for the production a predetermined gas such as hydrogen. The reactor comprises a gas flow channel, comprising a plurality of alternating catalyst sections and membrane sections, wherein each catalyst section comprises a catalyst bed and each membrane section comprises a plurality of membranes, and wherein the membranes are selectively permeable for the predetermined gaseous species.
US08865113B2
Methods of ex situ synthesis of graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, other graphene derivative structures and nanoparticles useful as polishing agents are disclosed. Compositions and methods for polishing, hardening, protecting, adding longevity to, and lubricating moving and stationary parts in devices and systems, including, but not limited to, engines, turbos, turbines, tracks, races, wheels, bearings, gear systems, armor, heat shields, and other physical and mechanical systems employing machined interacting hard surfaces through the use of nano-polishing agents formed in situ from lubricating compositions and, in some cases, ex situ and their various uses are also disclosed.
US08865111B2
A process for producing a filmy graphite includes the steps of forming a polyimide film having a birefringence of 0.12 or more and heat-treating the polyimide film at 2,400° C. or higher.
US08865107B2
Highly concentrated carbon nanotube or other nano-reinforcement suspensions and/or masses are prepared for use as admixtures in cement base materials to make cementitious composite materials.
US08865102B2
A method of producing a carbon material which is mainly composed of graphene-containing carbon particles is provided. The method includes a step of producing carbon particles from an organic material by maintaining a mixture containing the organic substance as a starting material, hydrogen peroxide and water under conditions of a temperature of 300° C. to 1000° C. and a pressure of 22 MPa or more. The method further includes a step of heat-treating the carbon particles at a higher temperature than the temperature maintained in the carbon particle producing step. The carbon material produced by the present method has a structure in which substances such as ions can easily enter and leave the graphene structures of the carbon particles, making the carbon material be useful as active materials of secondary batteries and electric double layer capacitors.
US08865101B2
The invention features methods and systems for producing commercial quality carbon dioxide (CO2) of 90% to +99% purity using, wet calcium carbonate lime mud produced in a manufacturing operation, for instance, Kraft pulp mill lime mud (a.k.a., “lime mud”) as a feedstock to a multi-stage lime mud calcination process. This process may be fueled with waste water treatment plant (WWTP), sludge biomass, precipitated lignins, coal, or other low cost solid fuels. High reactivity “soft-burned” lime product (“calcine”) required in the mill's chemical recovery circuit is also produced, and steam and heated boiler feed-water is generated and exported to the mill's steam distribution and generation system as well as hot process water for use in the mill's boiler house and manufacturing operation. The system for calcining calcium carbonate lime mud produced from a re-causticizing manufacturing operation and converting it to re-burned lime and CO2 comprises a calciner and a combustor linked by a moving media heat transfer (MMHT) system or apparatus. The MMHT system or apparatus thermally links separate fluid bed combustion (exothermic) and calcination (endothermic) stages with a solid particulate media. The system further comprises a flash dryer or spray dryer that utilizes exhausted heat from the calcination stage.
US08865096B2
A process for the production of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate out of trona, comprising crushing trona ore and dissolving it in a leaching tank containing a solution comprising sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, and an additive selected from the group consisting of: phosphates, phospholipids, carboxylates, carboxilic acids, and combinations thereof, saturated in sodium bicarbonate, in order to produce solid particles suspended in a production solution comprising sodium carbonate, the solid particles containing insoluble impurities and at least 65% by weight of sodium bicarbonate. The solid particles are separated from the production solution containing sodium carbonate. At least part of the production solution containing sodium carbonate is taken out of the leaching tank.
US08865078B2
An apparatus for detecting an object capable of emitting light. The apparatus includes a light source and a waveguide. The waveguide includes a core layer and a first cladding layer. At least one nanowell is formed in at least the first cladding layer. The apparatus further includes a light detector. The light detector can detect a light emitted from a single molecule object contained in the at least one nanowell.
US08865072B2
This analysis apparatus includes a transporter transporting the specimens to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, and a control portion so controlling the transporter as to transport a first specimen container, stored in the rack, storing a first specimen to the first measurement unit and as to transport a second specimen container, stored in the rack along with the first specimen container, storing a second specimen to the second measurement unit.
US08865063B2
The current invention provides this advance in infection control via its unique application of active sterilization to a catheter or implant. While most catheters, and many implants, are passive devices, the current invention will provide an active component as a integral part of the implanted catheter or device to continuously or intermittently sterilize the exposed surfaces/areas of the device. This active sterilization may be accomplished by a variety of mechanisms, including, application of heat, RF, microwave, ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation or other energy capable of sterilizing the device or dislodging any problematic Biofilm that may form. The active sterilization may also employ the pumping of a sterilizing chemical from an attached drug reservoir, the use of electricity or freezing temperatures or any other mechanism for either inhibiting, killing or dislodging any infectious material in contact with the implant. One major advantage of this design is that through the use of a small, battery powered or inductively powered sterilization element, the implanted catheter or device can be effectively sterilized without requiring the standard removal surgery, waiting period, then replacement of the infected device. This is expected to translate into greatly improved outcomes (particularly for devices where infection may be catastrophic, ie a prosthetic knee or hip), greatly improved costs, and greatly improved longevity of susceptible devices (ie IV ports, etc.).
US08865060B2
An austenitic stainless steel, which consists of by mass percent, C: not more than 0.02%, Si: not more than 1.5%, Mn: not more than 2%, Cr: 17 to 25%, Ni: 9 to 13%, Cu: more than 0.26% not more than 4%, N: 0.06 to 0.35%, sol. Al: 0.008 to 0.03%. One or more elements selected from Nb, Ti, V, TA, Hf, and Zr in controlled amounts can be included with the balance being Fe and impurities. P, S, Sn, As, Zn, Pb and Sb among the impurities are controlled as P: 0.006 to 0.04%, S: 0.0004 to 0.03%, Sn: 0.001 to 0.1%, As: not more than 0.01%, Zn: not more than 0.01%, Pb: not more than 0.01% and Sb: not more than 0.01%. The amounts of S, P, Sn, As, Zn, Pb and Sb and the amounts of Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, and Ti are further controlled using formulas.
US08865056B2
A bevel head apparatus includes tilt, rotation, and vertical positioning with a cutting torch of a numerically controlled plate cutting machine. The apparatus has a back panel that attaches to the cutting machine and provides vertical movement of the cutting torch, a drive box coupled with the back panel houses electronics and mechanical components, an arm coupled to the drive box provides rotational movement of the cutting torch, and a pantograph coupled with the arm provides tilt movement to the cutting torch attached to the pantograph. Tilt, rotation, and vertical positioning of the cutting torch is controlled by the electronics and mechanical components. The bevel head apparatus also include a laser for measuring distance to determine and control a height of the cutting torch above the flat plate.
US08865055B2
A freeze-forging method for producing sintered three-dimensional ceramic bodies, particularly magnesium aluminate spinel domes. The method comprises forming a ceramic mix of a ready-to-sinter ceramic powder and a nonaqueous liquefied sublimable vehicle having a solidification temperature from room temperature to below 200° C.; reducing the temperature of the ceramic mix to below the vehicle's solidification temperature to freeze the mix; crushing the frozen mix into powdered form; molding the frozen powder into net shape by cold forging in a mold to form a net-shaped green body preform of the desired three-dimensional shape; and densifying the green body into a sintered three-dimensional ceramic body.
US08865053B2
The present invention relates to a polymer powder which comprises nylon-11, and to the use of this powder for shaping processes, and also to moldings produced from this polymer powder.The shaping processes are layer-by-layer processes which use powders, where regions of the respective layer are selectively melted via introduction of electromagnetic energy. The selectivity may—with no intention of restricting the invention thereto—be achieved via masks, application of inhibitors, of absorbers, or of susceptors, or via focusing of the energy introduced. After cooling, the regions then solidified can be removed in the form of moldings from the powder bed.Compared with moldings composed of conventional powders, the moldings constructed using the inventive powder by one of the inventive processes exhibit marked advantages in terms of component properties, particularly surface finish. There are also improvements here in processing and in recycling capability when comparison is made with conventional polyamide powders.
US08865051B1
A process for making a crosslinked assembly includes steps of: selecting a desired performance parameter for a molded assembly of a first polymeric component and a second polymeric component bonded to the first polymeric component, controlling a first crosslinking percentage for the first polymeric component and a second crosslinking percentage for the second polymeric component independently to provide the desired performance parameter for the assembly, orienting the assembly at an angle between an orientation axis of the assembly and a electron beam direction, exposing the oriented assembly a predetermined number of times (N) to the electron beam operable to deliver a predetermined amount of radiation (R) in the electron beam direction providing a total radiation exposure proportional to (N×R) providing the first component crosslinking percentage and the second component crosslinking percentage, the resulting assembly having the desired performance parameter.
US08865046B2
Edge field patterning of a substrate having full fields and partial fields may include patterning using a template having multiple mesas with each mesa corresponding to a field on the substrate. Polymerizable material may be deposited solely between the template and the full fields of the substrate. A non-reactive material may be deposited between the template and partial fields of the substrate.
US08865039B2
Molds and processes that permit high-speed, mass production of retaining wall blocks having patterned or other processed front faces, as well as retaining wall blocks formed by such processes. The invention permits the front face of the block to be impressed with a pattern or otherwise directly processed, to allow the formation of pre-determined block front faces, while at the same time facilitating high-speed, high-volume production of blocks. A mirror image of the desired pattern can be created on a stripper shoe by selecting a desired three-dimensional surface from a naturally occurring or man made object and digitally scanning the selected three-dimensional pattern to create scanned data. The scanned data can then be used to machine a face of the stripper shoe that is the mirror image of the selected pattern.
US08865036B2
A method for stretch-blowing containers of preforms in a blow-molding station of a blow-molding machine, where a stretching bar is adjusted during a stretching process via an electric servomotor by taking along the preform bottom until it contacts a mold cavity bottom of a blow mold, and where in the final phase or at the end or after termination of the stretching process the force transmitted by the servomotor to the stretching bar is reduced in a controlled manner by a maximum force. A stretch-blowing machine, including an electronic programmable control unit having an input section for programming a fixed or a variable reduction of the force the servomotor transmitted in a final phase or upon termination or after termination of each stretching process to the stretching bar with regard to a maximum force and a fixed or a variable period of time for the force reduction and/or a fixed or a variable force reduction waiting time.
US08865023B2
Disclosed are a (halo)silicate-based phosphor and a manufacturing method of the same. More particularly, the disclosed phosphor is a novel (halo)silicate-based phosphor manufactured by using a (halo)silicate-based host material containing an alkaline earth metal, and europium as an activator.
US08865014B2
The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing composition which generate fire extinguishing substance by high temperature sublimation; the fire extinguishing composition comprising a fire extinguishing material which, in a heating process, can sublimate and release a fire extinguishing substance with fire extinguishing properties; the content of the fire extinguishing material is at least 80 wt %. When the fire extinguishing composition is in use, a pyrotechnic agent as a heat source and a power source; and the purpose of fire extinguishing is achieved by: igniting the pyrotechnic agent, generating a large quantity of fire substance from the fire extinguishing composition in the use of high temperature produced by burning pyrotechnic agent, and the fire substance sprays out together with the pyrotechnic agent. When compared with traditional aerosol fire extinguishing systems, gas fire extinguishing systems and water type extinguishing systems, the present invention can provide a more efficient and safer fire extinguishing composition.
US08865008B2
A two part ion beam etch sequence involving low energy (<300 eV) is disclosed for fabricating a free layer width (FLW) as small as 20-25 nm in a MTJ element. A first etch process has one or more low incident angles and accounts for removal of 70% to 100% of the MTJ stack that is not covered by an overlying photoresist layer. The second etch process employs one or more high incident angles and a sweeping motion that is repeated during a plurality of cycles. Sidewall slope may be adjusted by varying the incident angle during either of the etch processes. FLW is about 30 nm less than an initial critical dimension in the photoresist layer while maintaining a MR ratio over 60% and low RA (resistance×area) value of 1.0 ohm-μm2.
US08865005B2
Devices for controlling fluid flow, in particular microfluidic devices, are described, which exploit gas/liquid interfaces to control liquid flow in accordance with application requirements. Devices for on/off flow switching, centrifugal separation, mixing, metering and aliquoting are described.
US08865000B2
The present invention relates to a process for separating at least one first material from a mixture comprising this at least one first material, at least one second material and magnetic particles, which comprises the following steps (A) at least partial removal of the magnetic particles by application of a magnetic field gradient, optionally in the presence of at least one dispersing medium, to give a mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material and a reduced amount of magnetic particles, (B) contacting of the mixture comprising at least one first material and at least one second material from step (A) with magnetic particles so that the at least one first material and the magnetic particles agglomerate, (C) separation of the agglomeration product from the mixture from step (B) by application of a magnetic field gradient and (D) dissociation of the agglomeration product separated off in step (C) in order to obtain the at least one first material and the magnetic particles separately, and also a control and/or regulation device for a corresponding apparatus.
US08864991B2
The present invention refers to a module (2) for assembly of a filter frame (1) for at least one filter disc (not shown) of a rotatable disc filter, which filter frame is provided for supporting at least two filter segments (not shown), which filter segments together form the outer part of said filter disc. The module (2) comprises an intermediate member (5) intended to beat least partially provided between two adjacent filter segments. According to the invention, the intermediate member (5) comprises at least two parts (6, 7) which are interconnectable with each other in the radial direction of the disc filter
US08864984B2
This invention relates to compositions comprising fluid hydrocarbon products, and to methods for making fluid hydrocarbon products via catalytic pyrolysis. Some embodiments relate to methods for the production of specific aromatic products (e.g., benzene, toluene, naphthalene, xylene, etc.) via catalytic pyrolysis. Some such methods involve the use of a composition comprising a mixture of a solid hydrocarbonaceous material and a heterogeneous pyrolytic catalyst component. The methods described herein may also involve the use of specialized catalysts. For example, in some cases, zeolite catalysts may be used.
US08864973B2
A device for dielectrophoretic manipulation of suspended particulate matter comprises a plurality of interleaved layers of electrically conductive and non-conductive material wherein at least one channel is defined through a plurality of the interleaved layers of electrically conductive material.
US08864972B2
Provided is a dielectrophoresis apparatus with which it is possible to handle (move, stop, separate and sort, etc.) a dielectric particle utilizing dielectrophoresis and to measure dielectrophoretic force.The interior of a dielectrophoresis device that includes a case having a flat top or bottom surface is filled with a dielectric solution S and accepts introduction of a small target body (particle) P comprising a dielectric. A non-uniform alternating electric field is formed within the case. By tilting the case (through an angle θpitch or other direction), rotating the case in an inclined plane (through a rotational angle θyaw) or adjusting the voltage and frequency of the alternating electric field, imbalance or balance is produced between a dielectrophoretic force FDEP that acts upon the small body and a force FG sin θpitch ascribable to gravity and buoyancy, thereby enabling the small body to be moved and stopped. The dielectrophoretic force FDEP can also be measured by using the tilt angle θpitch of the dielectrophoresis device prevailing when the small body has come to rest.
US08864966B2
The invention relates to a coating mask (1) for electrolytically coating the piston ring groove (39) of a piston (38), which is made of an elastically deformable material and has openings (3 to 10) that are arranged axially and are distributed in a uniform manner over the periphery, into which rods (11 to 18) of an expansion device (19) can be introduced, the rods being arranged in a displaceable manner such that the expansion device (19) can increase the radial diameter of the coating mask (1) and also the inner opening (2) so that the piston (38) can be introduced into the inner opening (2). The radial diameter of the coating mask (1) is selected in such a manner that after the reduction of radial diameter of the coating mask (1) and the inner opening, the elastically tensed coating mask (1) presses sealing lips (44, 45) of the coating groove (37) against the piston (38), on both sides of the piston ring groove (39).
US08864955B2
The invention is related to a process to apply a heater function to a plastic glass that was made of a polycarbonate. The process includes a sputtering process that allows producing high performance heater function on a plastic glass. Another aspect of the invention is the plastic glass mirrors produced by the inventive process.
US08864949B2
A system and method for decontaminating water and generating water vapor includes introducing contaminated water in to a vessel. The water is moved through a series of rotating trays alternately separated by stationary baffles so as to swirl and heat the water to effect the vaporization thereof to produce a vapor having at least some of the contaminants separated therefrom. The vapor is removed from the vessel for condensing apart from the separated contaminants and the remaining water. The vapor may be passed through a turbine connected to an electric generator. Sensors in a controller may be employed to adjust the speed of rotation of the trays or water input into the vessel in response to the sensed conditions. The treated water may be recirculated and reprocessed through the vessel to increase the purification thereof.
US08864941B2
A method for the production water insoluble reactive lignin having low sulfur content and lignosulfonates from lignocellulosic material in a batch or continuous process. Lignocellulosic material is fractionated to produce water insoluble native lignin and lignosulfonates in various ratios, while preserving the cellulose and hydrolyzed hemicelluloses using water, ethanol and sulfur dioxide.
US08864937B2
A substrate treatment apparatus includes: a treatment chamber provided therein with a chemical solution treatment area for treating a substrate with a chemical solution and a drying treatment area provided above the chemical solution treatment area for drying the substrate; a substrate holding member vertically movably provided in the treatment chamber for holding the substrate; and a lifting mechanism vertically moving the substrate in the range between the chemical solution treatment area and the drying treatment area.
US08864934B2
Provided is a parallel flat-panel type plasma processing apparatus which includes a recipe storing unit storing a processing recipe for performing a plasma processing, a compensation setting unit setting an accumulation time of the plasma processing or the number of processed substrates after starting using a new second electrode and the compensation value of the set temperature of the second electrode in an input screen, and a storage unit storing the compensated set value. The plasma processing apparatus is further equipped with a program for controlling a temperature adjusting mechanism based on a set temperature after compensation by adding a set temperature of an upper electrode written in the processing recipe to the compensation value stored within the storage unit. As a result, the non-uniformity in the plasma processing between the substrates caused by the change of processing atmosphere is suppressed.
US08864933B2
In a substrate treatment method for supplying a coating solution to a substrate with projections and depressions on a front surface thereof to form a coating film on the front surface of the substrate, the coating solution is supplied to the rotating substrate to form a coating film on the front surface of the substrate, and the substrate having the coating film formed thereon is heated to adjust an etching condition of the coating film. Next, the etching solution is supplied to the rotating substrate to etch the coating film, and thereafter the coating solution is supplied to the substrate to form a flat coating film on the front surface of the substrate. Thereafter, the substrate is heated to cure the coating film. This flattens the coating film with uniformity and high accuracy without undergoing a high-load process such as chemical mechanical polishing.
US08864926B2
An impact resistant door skin, a door including the same, and a method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin are provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one preformed door skin and applying adhesive to a rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. A fiberglass mesh mat is pressed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. Then, chopped glass fibers coated with adhesive are sprayed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin using a chopper gun to form a layer of chopped glass fibers on the fiberglass mesh mat. The performed door skin may be a molded door skin having at least one recessed panel formed therein.
US08864921B2
A method for annealing a strip of steel having a variable thickness in its length direction with at least thicker and thinner sections, wherein the strip has been cold rolled to form the thicker and thinner sections, one thicker and one thinner section having a length of at most a few meter. The annealing is performed by continuous annealing.
US08864915B2
A method of processing a substrate having a transparent conductive oxide disposed thereon, including: exposing the substrate to a first cleaning solution comprising hydrogen peroxide and ammonium citrate; exposing the substrate to a second cleaning solution having a pH within a range from about 6 to about 7, the second cleaning solution different than the first cleaning solution; agitating the second cleaning solution; and depositing a silicon-containing film on the transparent conductive oxide.
US08864912B2
Internal cleaning of inverted cans includes engaging a can's cylindrical wall with a wall-conforming vacuum or adhesive gripper, causing a spraying unit to travel axially in and out of the can's opening while the can is inverted on a circular conveyor, and using a supporting arm or bottom stop to subject the can to a counterforce against a flushing force from sprayed cleaning medium. This prevents the can from being pressed out of a receptacle in which it sits during cleaning.
US08864903B2
Plaster compositions including at least one cement having a first particle distribution and a first mode, at least one non-reactive fine aggregate having a second particle size distribution and a second mode, at least one non-reactive coarse aggregate having a third particle size distribution and a third mode, and an unmodified, hydrophilic, starch. The first mode is greater than the second mode and less than the third mode. The combination of cement, non-reactive fine and coarse aggregates and unmodified, hydrophilic, starch produces a plaster composition having favorable properties suitable for use in providing exposed aggregate finishes used in water reservoirs, pools, and stucco finishes.
US08864898B2
Anti-reflective coatings and coating formulations, optical elements and processes for preparing coating formulations and optical elements are described. The coating formulations are formed from at least one alkoxysilane material and at least one high boiling solvent. The coating formulation may be applied using roller coat processes.
US08864893B2
An aqueous binder composition is provided that includes a carbohydrate and a crosslinking agent. In exemplary embodiments, the carbohydrate-based binder composition may also include a catalyst, a coupling agent, a process aid, a crosslinking density enhancer, an extender, a moisture resistant agent, a dedusting oil, a colorant, a corrosion inhibitor, a surfactant, a pH adjuster, and combinations thereof. The carbohydrate may be natural in origin and derived from renewable resources. Additionally, the carbohydrate polymer may have a dextrose equivalent (DE) number from 2 to 20. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the carbohydrate is a water-soluble polysaccharide such as dextrin or maltodextrin and the crosslinking agent is citric acid. Advantageously, the carbohydrates have a low viscosity and cure at moderate temperatures. The environmentally friendly, formaldehyde-free binder may be used in the formation of insulation materials and non-woven chopped strand mats. A method of making fibrous insulation products is also provided.
US08864887B2
A slug-containing vapor recovery system wherein pressure and/or fluid level sensors are provided which monitor for conditions caused by the entry of a slug of hydrocarbon liquid, including that caused by a plunger-lift system. The system can be configured to accommodate virtually any anticipated slug-events.
US08864886B2
A composite getter system is described. The system has NEG materials coated with a polyimide or polyamide based compound.
US08864880B2
Described is an apparatus useful for mechanically delaying formation of or breaking a pocket and a method of delaying formation of or breaking a gas pocket employing the apparatus.
US08864878B2
The present invention relates to methods and systems for improving the utilization of energy in a cement manufacturing plant comprising an absorption based contaminant, e.g. CO2, capture process using thermal regeneration of a liquid absorbent. The methods and systems of the present invention are characterized in that the thermal regeneration of the liquid absorbent is at least partially effected using a hot exhaust gas stream generated in the kiln of the cement manufacturing plant.
US08864874B2
The invention provides a method for preparing sponge titanium from sodium fluotitanate by aluminothermic reduction, comprising the following steps: a reaction step: aluminum and zinc are mixed under a vacuum state, and sodium fluotitanate is then added into the mixture for reaction; a separation step: the product resulting from the complete reaction stands still and is then introduced with inert gas, and NaF and AlF3 in upper-layer liquid phase are extracted; and a distillation step: Zn in the remaining product Zn—Ti is distilled out under a vacuum state, wherein the mass ratio of the aluminum to the zinc is 1:2 to 1:10.
US08864872B2
A method for the recovery of uranium from pregnant liquor solutions that comprise levels of chloride of 5 to 80 g/L by using an amino phosphonic functionalized resin. The method includes providing an amino phosphonic functionalized resin; providing a pregnant liquor solution comprising and uranium; passining the pregnant liquor solution over the amino phosphonic functionalized resin to separate the uranium from the pregnant liquor solution; and eluting the uranium.
US08864866B2
Air cleaner assemblies, components therefor, and features thereof are described. Also described are methods of assembly and use. In depicted examples, the air cleaner assemblies and components optionally use advantageous housing seal features. Also, an advantageous resonator/sonic choke arrangement, which is optional and which can be used without the advantageous housing seal, is described. Methods of assembly and use are described.
US08864865B2
An air filter element (10) with a cylindrical central pipe (11) is provided wherein at one end of the central tube (11) a device (18) for transmission of torque from a tool to the air filter element (10) is provided and at the other end of the central tube (11) a fastening device (14) for detachably mounting the filter element (10) in a cylindrical support body (21) by means of an insertion/rotation movement is provided.
US08864859B2
The present application relates to polishing pads for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of substrates, and methods of fabrication and use thereof. The pads described in this invention are customized to polishing specifications where specifications include (but not limited to) to the material being polished, chip design and architecture, chip density and pattern density, equipment platform and type of slurry used. These pads can be designed with a specialized polymeric nano-structure with a long or short range order which allows for molecular level tuning achieving superior thermo-mechanical characteristics. More particularly, the pads can be designed and fabricated so that there is both uniform and nonuniform spatial distribution of chemical and physical properties within the pads. In addition, these pads can be designed to tune the coefficient of friction by surface engineering, through the addition of solid lubricants, and creating low shear integral pads having multiple layers of polymeric material which form an interface parallel to the polishing surface. The pads can also have controlled porosity, embedded abrasive, novel grooves on the polishing surface, for slurry transport, which are produced in situ, and a transparent region for endpoint detection.
US08864858B1
Embodiments of the invention relate to methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) and applications for such PDCs. In an embodiment, a method of fabricating a PDC includes providing a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table in which a catalyst is disposed throughout, leaching the PCD table with a gaseous leaching agent to remove catalyst from the PCD table and bonding the at least partially leached PCD table to a substrate to form a PDC.
US08864857B1
An apparatus for generating hydrogen gas from a replaceable aluminum pack comprising an aluminum and hydride mixture encased in a breathable membrane that is raised and lowered into a fluid contained within an enclosed tank wherein contact with the fluid releases hydrogen gas from the aluminum. A pressure transducer and microprocessor chip are provided for monitoring and regulating the rate of hydrogen production by engaging and disengaging a reversible motor that raises and lowers an inner tray on which the aluminum pack resides accordingly.
US08864846B2
A model-based neuromechanical controller for a robotic limb having at least one joint includes a finite state machine configured to receive feedback data relating to the state of the robotic limb and to determine the state of the robotic limb, a muscle model processor configured to receive state information from the finite state machine and, using muscle tendon lever arm and muscle tendon length equations and reflex control equations in a neuromuscular model, to determine at least one desired joint torque or stiffness command to be sent to the robotic limb, and a joint command processor configured to command the biomimetic torques and stiffnesses determined by the muscle model processor at the robotic limb joint. The feedback data is preferably provided by at least one sensor mounted at each joint of the robotic limb. In a preferred embodiment, the robotic limb is a leg and the finite state machine is synchronized to the leg gait cycle.
US08864841B2
Bioresorbable inflatable devices and tunnel incision tool and methods for treating and enlarging a tissue or an organ or a tube or a vessel or a cavity. The device is composed of a hollow expanding pouch made of a resorbable material or a perforated material that can be attached to a filling element. The pouch can be filled with a biocompatible materials, one or more times in few days interval, after the insertion of the device. While filling the pouch every few days the tissue expands and the filling material if it is bioactive start to function. The tunnel incision tool composed of a little blade that emerges from the surface of the tool in order to make shallow incisions in the surrounding tissue therefore enabling easy expansion of the tissue. This device and method can be used for example for: horizontal and vertical bone augmentation in the jaws and the tunnel incision tool is used to make shallow incisions in the periosteum when using the tunnel technique, sinus augmentation when the device is placed beneath the Schneiderian tissue, vessels widening if the pouch become a stent, fixating bone fractures etc.
US08864832B2
A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae comprises an upper joint component. The upper joint component comprises an upper contact surface and an upper articulation surface. The system further includes a lower joint component. The lower joint component comprises a lower contact surface and a lower articulation surface configured to movably engage the upper articulation surface to form an articulating joint. The articulating joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from one of either the upper or lower joint components and from the disc space. The bridge component has a distal end opposite the one of the either upper or lower joint components. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener.
US08864829B1
A spinal cage with a wall extending in a longitudinal direction defining an interior space is disclosed. There is also provided a deployable element in movable relation to the spinal cage. In some embodiments, there is a rib, and the rotatable member is engaged at one end with the wall and at the other end with the rib. In some embodiments, the spinal cage is provided with holes for screws that can be directed at adjacent vertebrae for fixation. Such a spinal cage can be used with the spin-plate or with the screws. The screws and the spinal cage may have features that cooperate to prevent back-out of the screws.
US08864827B2
An implant comprising a first, second, and third segment wherein the second and third segments partially overlap the first segment and define a load bearing surface comprising an anterior-posterior (AP) curvature including at least two tangential curves of the portion of the articular surface of the femoral condyle, the tangential curves having different radii of curvature. A drill guide comprises a body portion including a first, second and third bushing spaced along the body portion to establish a first, second and third axes, respectively. Each axis may be substantially normal to the articular surface at three different points along a curvature of the articular surface comprising the two tangential curves. A measuring device comprises a housing defining a longitudinally passageway and an outrigger. A guide pin may be received in the longitudinal passageway and a measuring device determines how far the guide pin is in the passageway.
US08864822B2
Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.
US08864820B2
A coating and a method of coating an implantable medical device, such as a stent, is disclosed. The coating compensates for regions of higher stress and resulting strain due to the geometry of the device. Certain embodiments may include a nonuniform coating on the device in which a strain on the nonuniform coating is less than a strain on a uniform coating when the device is placed under an applied stress during use. Other embodiments may include a coating with a greater resistance to strain on higher strain regions of the device.
US08864816B2
An implantable medical device includes a radiolucent member provided with an x-ray mirror that reflects incident x-ray radiation to enable visualization of the device. The x-ray mirror includes a multilayer nanolaminate having alternating layers of a first metal or ceramic layer deposited by atomic layer deposition having a first refractive index, and a second metal or ceramic layer deposited by atomic layer deposition having a second refractive index that is different from the first refractive index. The nanolaminate includes a total of at least four layers.
US08864812B2
An interventional delivery system with a first catheter having at its distal end a side branch vessel segment; a second catheter attached around the first catheter and having at its distal end a main vessel segment; a side branch vessel device attached to side branch vessel segment of the first catheter; and main vessel device attached to the main vessel segment of the second catheter. The main vessel device and the side branch vessel device are able to be simultaneously delivered to a treatment site.
US08864804B2
Devices and methods are disclosed for the fusion of joints (particularly finger joints or toe joints) in a bent (or angled) position. In certain embodiments, the device is pre-bent and inserted into the joint in its pre-bent configuration. Alternatively, the device may be configured to have a first position wherein it is bent and a second position wherein it is straight. In that case, the device is preferably straightened by inserting a K-wire through a cannula in the device, and the device can be inserted into the joint in its straight position. Once inserted, the device is permitted to move to its bent position, which moves the joint to a bent position. In one embodiment the device moves to its bent position when the K-wire is removed.
US08864795B2
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly.
US08864789B2
A system is provided that includes an elongated introducer navigable through body vessels of a human subject and a pusher component for incorporation within the introducer. The pusher component includes a tubular portion with a spiral ribbon. A radiopaque marker is secured to at least a portion of the spiral ribbon such that an outer surface of the radiopaque marker is substantially flush with an outer surface of the tubular portion immediately proximal and/or immediately distal the radiopaque marker. According to a method of manufacturing such a component, the spiral ribbon is formed by a spiral cutting operation and a pre-assembly radiopaque marker member is crimped onto the spiral ribbon. According to another method of manufacturing such a component, the spiral ribbon is formed by winding a filament and a pre-assembly radiopaque marker member is crimped onto the spiral ribbon.
US08864787B2
Substance delivering spacer devices may comprise expandable reservoirs that are implantable in paranasal sinuses and other cavities, openings and passageways of the body to maintain patency and to provide sustained local delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic substance. Also provided are sinus penetrator devices and systems for performing ethmoidotomy procedures or for creating other openings in the walls of paranasal sinuses or other anatomical structures.
US08864785B2
A surgical access system for accessing a surgical target site within a spine includes a retractor and an elongated element. The retractor has a closed configuration defining a lumen with an internal circumference, and an open configuration in which the internal circumference, at least at the distal end of the retractor, is enlarged relative to said closed configuration. The open configuration creates and maintains an operative corridor to said target site. The elongated element is releasably coupled to an interior wall of the retractor and has an extension extending distal of the distal end of the retractor into the surgical target site. When coupled to the retractor, the elongated element covers a body structure at the target site without blocking access to the operative corridor.
US08864783B2
A lancing mechanism is adapted to move between a resting, cocking and a puncture position. The lancing mechanism comprises a lancet holder adapted to receive a lancet, a shaft attached to the lancet holder, at least one drive spring and at least one damping spring. The drive spring surrounds at least a portion of the shaft and drives the lancing mechanism from the cocking position to the puncture position. The damping spring moves the lancing mechanism from the puncture position to the resting position. The drive spring is located at least partially within the damping spring.
US08864782B2
An ophthalmic marker having a U-shaped yoke at one end of a cranked axle is disclosed. The axle is rotatable mounted with a co-axial cylindrical handle. The other end of the axle extends beyond the handle and is bifurcated. A plumb bob having a sphere and a stem is pivotally mounted on the bifurcated end of the axle. The yoke has three marker points the upper two of which are maintained in a horizontal plane by a gravitational force urging the plumb bob into a vertical plane notwithstanding the handle not being held exactly horizontal. A method of eye marking and marker making are also disclosed.
US08864773B2
The present application is directed to devices and methods for treating vertebral fractures with one or more bone pins. In one embodiment of a method, a fractured vertebral body may be accessed through a pedicle portion and an opening may be created therethrough. One or more bone pins may be inserted through the opening. In one embodiment, at least one of the inserted bone pins is inserted to extend across a fracture zone with a proximal portion of the pin engaging a first bone segment and a distal portion engaging a second bone segment. The pin or pins may be manipulated to immobilize the first and second portions of the fractured vertebra.
US08864767B2
A rod reducer instrument is configured to be secured to a fixation element and to force a rod into engagement with the fixation element. The rod reducer instrument can have a pliers to secure the rod reducer to the fixation element and a threaded shaft with a handle and a pusher member. The pliers can form a threaded channel that engages the threaded shaft and directs a movement of the shaft. The threaded shaft can translate a rotational movement at the handle into a linear movement at the pusher member and in this way force a rod into engagement with a fixation element.
US08864760B2
This invention relates to medical methods, instruments and systems for creating a controlled lesion using temperature to control the growth of the lesion. The treatment can be used in any tissue area and is particularly useful in or around a vertebral body. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of soft or hard tissue including bone or hard tissue.
US08864758B2
A catheter used for diagnosing and treating, for example, atrial fibrillation. The catheter includes a catheter shaft that has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is adapted to be inserted into a body cavity having tissue to be diagnosed or treated and is disposed remotely from the proximal portion. The distal portion, which may be curved or straight, comprises an outer peripheral wall having an active region, and the distal portion has a cross-sectional configuration along the active region. The cross-sectional configuration is adapted to bias the active region against the tissue to be diagnosed or treated.
US08864750B2
The present disclosure includes a method for adjusting the orientation of a first external fixator support member relative to a second external fixator support member, wherein a plurality of adjustable struts connect the first and second external fixator support members. The method include providing a programmable tool, and storing, in a memory unit of the tool, instructions for adjusting the length of each of the plurality of adjustable struts to a desired length. The method further includes receiving identification information corresponding to a first adjustable strut and retrieving, from the memory unit, the instructions for adjusting the length of the first adjustable strut. The method also includes activating an actuator of the tool to adjust the length of the first adjustable strut according to the retrieved instructions. Various embodiments of the programmable tools are also included in the present disclosure.
US08864748B2
A reduced pressure treatment apparatus includes a charging chamber storing a first pressure less than an ambient pressure and a regulated chamber storing a second pressure less than the ambient pressure. The first pressure is less than the second pressure. A conduit provides fluid communication between the regulated chamber and the charging chamber. A regulator member is operably associated with the conduit to prevent fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure is less than or equal to a desired therapy pressure and to allow fluid communication through the conduit when the second pressure exceeds the desired therapy pressure.
US08864744B2
A catheter includes a braid assembly having a dual-laminate coating. The braid assembly includes a plurality of braid members interwoven to provide for interstices between the braid members, each braid member having an electrically conductive element, a flexible non-electrically-conductive polymer coating that insulates the electrically conductive element and a thermoplastic bonding adhesive coating. The braid assembly is formed between an inner polymer layer and an outer polymer layer. One or more of the braid members may be coupled to an energy delivery element.
US08864741B2
Methods for treating an undesired varicose or spider vein in a venous system of a patient generally includes substantially emptying the vein of blood between its proximal end and distal end; introducing a medically acceptable adhesive into the substantially emptied vein; and applying pressure to the vein to cause the opposing side walls of the vein to be adhered together in a collapsed configuration by the adhesive. Also disclosed are kits for the treatment of undesired varicose or spider vein in a venous system of a patient. The kits include a medically acceptable adhesive; a cannula; a guide wire; and a catheter.
US08864737B2
To provide a drug solution preparing kit which can be handled with ease in a substantially aseptic manner, and has no risk that a leakage of a drug solution such as a splash and a dispersion of an aerosol to an ambient environment occurs upon preparation of the drug solution There is provided a drug solution preparing kit including a pre-filled syringe and a transfusing tool, wherein the pre-filled syringe includes a sealing member which seals the tip end and can not be removed from the tip end, and that the transfusing tool includes a one-way valve which can discharge only gas from the system in an irreversible manner, and a filter which is provided so as to adjoin to the second communication channel with respect to the one-way valve.
US08864734B2
The present invention provides a disposable pants-type wearing article free from possibility that upper regions of the leg-openings' peripheral edges might be formed with frills even when the belt-like leg elastic members contract along the peripheral edges of the respective leg-openings. Belt-like leg elastic members in a disposable pants-type diaper each has inner and outer surfaces at least one of which is bonded to sheet-like members included in put flat and joined together regions and a crotch region of the diaper. The belt-like leg elastic members extend from the respective put flat and joined regions along leg-openings' peripheral edges. Over ranges in which the belt-like leg elastic members extend along the respective peripheral edges the sheet-like members also extend along the peripheral edges.
US08864733B2
The invention relates to an absorbent open-type incontinence article with attached ears, wherein the rear ears have closure elements in the peripheral region, and to the folding of the ears at high production speeds without the functionality of the closure elements being impaired and with the simultaneously use-friendly arrangement of the closure elements in the folded absorbent incontinence article. The invention also relates to a method of producing this absorbent incontinence article.
US08864711B2
Methods for administering medication at or near an intervertebral spinal disc are provided. In various embodiments, a microporous uninflated balloon is inserted into a spinal disk and after insertion of the balloon into the disc space, a medication is inserted into the interior of the balloon. Due to both the pressure on the balloon from the spine and drug diffusion, the medication moves through the pores over time.
US08864709B2
In a medical liquid supply device, a control unit controls a liquid supply driver so that a liquid flows from the liquid supply driver in a liquid supply path regardless of whether a liquid-supply ON mode is selected. All of the liquid flowing from the liquid supply driver flows into a communication path when the liquid-supply ON mode is not selected. At least a part of the liquid flowing from the liquid supply driver does not flow into the communication path and is thereby supplied from a distal end of the liquid supply path when the liquid-supply ON mode is selected.
US08864707B1
A closure assembly structured for use with a female luer connector and operative to indicate an accomplished or attempted tampering thereof. A connector cover is movably and removably disposed within a housing and includes an interior chamber disposed and structured to receive an access port of the female connector. An indicator member is removably connected to an interior of the housing in surrounding relation to the connector cover and a drive assembly associated with both the connector cover and the housing is operable to concurrently rotate and axially advance the interior chamber into enclosing relation to the access port. Attempted removal of the housing from the female connector, such as by an applied axial force to the housing, will detach the indicated member from the housing and dispose it in a visually observable position surrounding the connector cover, thereby indicating attempted access.
US08864706B2
A retractable syringe comprises a cutting head mounted on a plunger of the syringe. When the plunger is advanced to expel fluid from the syringe, the cutting crown cuts a retention mechanism which holds a needle unit of the syringe, allowing a drive mechanism to drive the needle unit into the syringe. The cutting crown is shaped to reduce the force which has to be applied to cut the retention mechanism. Furthermore, a disposable needle assembly for attachment to a syringe unit comprises a needle and connector element for connecting the needle to the syringe unit. The connector element encircles the needle and has a thread on its outer surface for mating with the syringe unit. When the needle assembly is mated with the syringe, a central bore of substantially constant bore extends from the tip of the needle into the interior chamber of the syringe.
US08864699B2
The dose of dialysis in terms of urea clearance is marginal in many hemodialysis patients, and metabolic acidosis as determined by the pre-dialysis serum HCO3 level is common. A dialysate that included citric acid rather than acetic acid as acidifying agent provides superior performance properties. Citrate-containing dialysate was used exclusively in 22 hemodialysis patients. Initially, only 8 of the 22 patients had a pre-dialysis serum HCO3>23 mEq/L (lower limit of normal), however, after 12 weeks of dialysis using the citrate-containing dialysate, the serum HCO3 normalized in 15 patients (p=0.0001, Chi-square). Dialysis variables were kept constant in 19 of the patients, who also used and reused the same dialyzer model throughout. In these patients, the initial average urea reduction ratio (URR) was 68.5±5.9%, and after treatment with the citrate dialysate disclosed herein, this ratio had increased to 73±5.3% (p<0.03). SpKt/V, calculated using the Daugirdas II formula, also increased from 1.23±0.19 to 1.34±0.2 (p=0.01). This increased urea clearance may be the result of the anticoagulant property of citrate maintaining patency of the dialyzer membrane. The increase in pre-dialysis serum HCO3 may represent increased delivery from the dialysate and production from citric acid.
US08864696B1
An apparatus and associated methods for preventing and treating toe curl, a condition where the toes of a patient curl toward the bottom of the foot, are provided. The apparatus provides a pad operable for engaging the bottom of the foot, and a strap that surrounds the foot and pad for applying a flexion force against the foot. The pad engages and supports at least one toe and prevents the toe or toes from curling toward the bottom of the foot. The device can be worn by a patient at night or during the day to treat or prevent toe curl. Additionally, the strap can include an elastic material for providing a tension force required for flexion stretching, and the strap can be attachable at one end to a removable leg band that can be securely and releasably positioned about the leg.
US08864692B2
A brace includes a frame having first and second sections defined by a clearance, a rotary ratcheting mechanism connected to the frame, and an elongate tensioning element having a first end secured to the ratcheting mechanism and a second end connected to the frame. The ratcheting mechanism is configured for unidirectional incremental adjustment in distance in a first direction of the second end of the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism, and includes a release device configured to release the tensioning element relative to the ratcheting mechanism in a second direction relative to the ratcheting mechanism.
US08864691B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods are sized and configured to effectively and efficiently augment the flow of fluid within body vessels, not only during conditions in which a patient is bedbound and immobile, but also in conditions when the individual is out of bed, and completely mobile and ambulatory.
US08864690B2
This massage head is fitted with a case defining an internal chamber in which a skinfold is formed when it is applied to the skin of a patient. The fold presses against the lower edges of the chamber, which is defined by two lateral walls and by two transverse walls The transverse walls each include a clack valve able to be driven in a pivoting motion, so as to cause the lower edges of the clack valves in contact with the skinfold to come closer together or move further apart. The relative displacement of the clack valves is ensured by of a motorized rotary cam provided in the massage head. The cam defines a cam path engaging with a component associated with the clack valves, and able to cause the swivelling motion thereof.
US08864687B2
The present invention comprises the provision and use of new and improved arthroscopic instrumentation for (i) harvesting a tissue biopsy from a non-critical section of a joint, and (ii) sizing and seating an autologous graft at an implant site.
US08864686B2
A system and method is provided for resolving a pivot point via touchless interaction. It applies to situations where one end of a rigid object is inaccessible but remains stationary at a pivot point, while the other end is free to move and is accessible to an input pointing device. As an example, the rigid object can be a leg bone where the proximal end is at the hip joint and the distal end is at the knee. The system comprises a wand and a receiver that are spatially configurable to touchlessly locate the pivot point without contact. The receiver tracks a relative displacement of the wand and geometrically resolves the location of the pivot point by a spherical mapping. The system can use a combination of ultrasonic sensing and/or accelerometer measurements. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08864683B2
The present invention relates to a brush (1) for cleaning or sampling body tissue. The brush (1) comprises a support (2) that is provided with at least one row (3) of brush hairs (5) as well as one second row (4) of brush hairs (16). The first and second rows are mutually parallel and are situated next to one another. Each brush hair (5,6) has a proximal end (7) facing the support (2) and a distal end (9) facing away from the support (2). The first row (3) of brush hairs (5) comprises a strip (30) that extends in the longitudinal direction of the first row (3) and a longitudinal side (32) of which is fixed to the support (2). The proximal ends (7) of the brush hairs (5) in the first row (3) are fixed to the other longitudinal side (34) of the strip (30).
US08864682B2
A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump may be provided in the handpiece for providing a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor may be provided in the handpiece to drive the vacuum pump and/or the cutter. A biopsy device may also include a valving mechanism within the handpiece for selectively communicating a vacuum and/or atmospheric air to the needle. A clutching mechanism may selectively provide communication between a motor and the cutter. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first motor; and a cutter and vacuum pump by a second motor. A biopsy device may include batteries for powering motors. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless.
US08864667B2
A biological information imaging method includes a first measurement step to measure an acoustic wave (54) generated by light (53) which is irradiated to a living body (51) from a light source (50) and which is absorbed by tissue (52) in the living body, a storage step to store first information obtained in the first measurement step, a second measurement step to measure an acoustic wave (54) generated by light (53) which is irradiated to the living body (51) from the light source (50) and which is absorbed by the tissue (52) in the living body, and a processing step to generate an image of information of the tissue in the living body by using second information obtained in the second measurement step, and the first information stored in the storage step.
US08864666B2
Devices and methods useful for non-invasively measuring and indicating a rate of fluid flow are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor housing adapted to received fluid flow therethrough is provided. A radio frequency tag and a masking element can be disposed in the sensor housing. The masking element and the radio frequency tag can be configured to move relative to one another. The relative positions or movement can alter the response of the radio frequency tag to a wireless signal (which can be emitted from an external reading device, for example) and thereby indicate a rate of fluid flowing through the housing. For example, in some embodiments, the masking element can selectively cover at least part of the radio frequency tag in correspondence to the flow rate, which can change a characteristic of the radio frequency tag's response to the wireless signal.
US08864658B2
A method of accessing an internal portion of a patient including the steps of providing an access assembly including an outer frame, an inner member and a flexible member, inserting the inner member through an opening in tissue into a body of a patient with the flexible member extending proximally through the opening in tissue, moving at least a first portion or second portion of the outer member to a select unlocked spread position to enlarge the opening in tissue and the passageway through the flexible member, and subsequently moving the locking member to move the first and second engagement structures into a locking position to lock the first portion in the select spread position.
US08864652B2
A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with surgical tools and a camera extending out of its distal end. To supplement the view provided by an image captured by the camera, an auxiliary view including articulatable arms of the surgical tools and/or camera is generated from sensed or otherwise determined information about their positions and orientations and displayed on a display screen from the perspective of a specified viewing point. Intuitive control is provided to an operator with respect to the auxiliary view while the operator controls the positioning and orienting of the camera.
US08864647B2
An implant includes a support body defining a longitudinal axis, two transverse arms, two pubic arms, and a pubic arm attachment mechanism. The two transverse arms are aligned on a common transverse axis of the implant. The two pubic arms include a first pubic arm spaced a distance apart from a second pubic arm and both the first and second pubic arms are parallel to the longitudinal axis. The pubic arm attachment mechanism is attached to an end of each of the first and second pubic arms. Each of the first and second pubic arms has an arm length that is less than a body length of the support body.
US08864642B2
The invention relates to a housing (8) for a functional element (5), in particular for use in the medical field in naturally occurring vessels in the body, the housing wall of which has a slack, flexible, tensionable membrane (8a) with a plurality of formed parts (8b, 8c) secured thereon which support the membrane in the tensioned state thereof. Hence the housing can be expanded and compressed easily, the membrane being supported effectively in the expanded state by formed parts.
US08864632B2
An exercise apparatus and method allows a user to perform exercises while seated or otherwise supported. Such exercises can assist in avoiding DVT and help those who otherwise might have difficulty exercising due to various conditions. The apparatus requires a base element formed of substantially flat sheet material dimensioned to accommodate a portion of a user's foot, and a leash element attached to a periphery of the base element and dimensioned for retention of the base element. The sheet material reduces friction between a user's foot and the exercise surface to allow a user to exercise their lower extremities via a sliding motion. The leash element allows the base element to be deployed to a floor or other surface for use, and then retrieved without requiring the user to bend over. The leash element is preferably formed of elastic to allow resistive forces to be applied to the base element.
US08864630B2
A system and method are provide for an obstacle course including first and second lanes associated with first and second difficulty ratings, respectively. The first lane includes a first plurality of obstacles associated with the first difficulty rating and the second lane includes a second plurality of obstacles associated with the second difficulty rating. The first difficulty rating indicates greater difficulty than the second difficulty rating.
US08864626B2
A hydraulic control device of an automatic transmission is provided, which includes a hydraulic control circuit with a pressure reducing valve including a first friction element for achieving a first gear position and a second friction element for achieving a second gear position that produces a lower speed than the first gear position. The hydraulic control circuit further includes a switch valve formed with an input port which is inputted with the line pressure in a forward gear position range, and which is switched between a first state where the input port communicates with a first oil path communicating with the first friction element in a failure state of power distribution to the plurality of hydraulic control valves, and a second state where the input port communicates with the second friction element in the same power distribution failure state. The switch valve includes various control ports to control its function.
US08864617B2
When a first output shaft (5) of a planetary differential reduction device (1) is driven to rotate, a first internal gear (24) of a first planetary reduction part (20) and a second internal gear (34) of a second planetary reduction part (30) are rotated in the same direction at the same speed, and a planetary carrier (63) of a third planetary reduction part (40) is also rotated in the same direction at the same speed, whereby a second output shaft (6) connected to the planetary carrier (63) is rotated synchronously with the first output shaft (5). When differential rotation is inputted to the second sun gear (31), a reduced rotational output is output to the planetary carrier (63) of the third planetary reduction part (40). The second output shaft (6) is added with the reduced rotational output for differential rotation, whereby the second output shaft (6) is shifted to a differential rotating state. It is possible to realize a small, compact and highly reliable differential mechanism compared to a case in which spur gears and bevel gears are used.
US08864612B2
A cam sprocket according to the present invention includes a ring-shaped plate portion having external teeth along its outer circumference; a circular plate portion that is disposed at the radially inner region substantially parallel to the ring-shaped plate portion and at a level difference in axial direction to the ring-shaped plate portion, the circular plate portion being abuttable against one end face in axial direction of the cam shaft; and a tapered portion linking the circular plate portion to the ring-shaped portion at a radially intermediate region. The tapered portion is provided with a plurality of punched portions whose radially inner faces are provided with a partial circular arc shape so as to come into area contact with an outer circumferential surface at the one end face in axial direction of the cam shaft.
US08864610B2
A belt type continuously variable transmission for a vehicle includes: an input shaft and an output shaft disposed in parallel with each other; a pair of groove width variable pulleys disposed on the outer circumferential sides of the input shaft and the output shaft; and a transmission belt wound around each of V-grooves of the pair of the groove width variable pulleys, the belt type continuously variable transmission for a vehicle changing a winding diameter of the transmission belt by changing the groove widths of the V-grooves so as to continuously vary a gear ratio, wherein the groove width variable pulley includes a fixed sheave fixed to an outer circumferential surface of one of the input shaft and the output shaft, and a movable sheave disposed relatively non-rotatably on the one shaft and relatively movably in the direction of the shaft center of the one shaft so as to form the V-groove with the fixed sheave, wherein the belt type continuously variable transmission for a vehicle is disposed with a parking gear having a disc-shaped main body portion fixed to the one shaft on the side opposite to the movable sheave relative to the fixed sheave, and an annular projecting portion projecting from the main body portion toward a wall surface of the fixed sheave on the side opposite to the movable sheave and abutting on the wall surface of the opposite side on the outer circumferential side than the minimum winding diameter of the transmission belt, and wherein the annular projecting portion of the parking gear abuts on the wall surface of the fixed sheave on the side opposite to the movable sheave at a radial position corresponding to the maximum winding diameter of the transmission belt.
US08864607B2
A golf training aid has an elongated alignment guide. A plurality of club markings extends along a first edge of the guide. The club markings indicate the position of a golf ball along the guide when the ball is struck with a club corresponding to the marking. The club markings include markings for drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons and wedges. Sets of paired foot markings extend along the second edge. The paired foot markings are centered on one of the club markings and are equally spaced along the length of the guide from the centered club marking, with each pair of foot markings being spaced apart by a fixed distance larger than the prior pair.
US08864599B2
A system for improving a swing has a transmitter coil for creating an electromagnetic field aligned with respect to a desired swing plane of a sporting implement and a plurality of coils for detecting an actual swing plane relative to the desired swing plane.
US08864598B2
Disclosed herein are exemplary methods and systems for selecting a shaft flex for a golfer based on characteristics of the golfer's swing. Some exemplary methods comprise using measuring in-swing-plane shaft deflection values of a golfer's golf club during the golfer's swing, determining a phase of the golfer's swing when maximum in-swing-plane shaft deflection occurs; determining a kick velocity of the golfer's swing at impact with a golf ball; and selecting a shaft flex for the golfer based on the determined phase of the golfer's swing when maximum in-swing-plane shaft deflection occurs and based on the determined kick velocity of the golfer's swing at impact with a golf ball.
US08864596B1
A golf putting practice device having a box structure with a lid that when open is offset from and disposed at a lower height than the top of said box, the lid forming a ramp, such device including a mat extending from a cup area within the box, down the ramp and extending beyond for putting a golf ball along the mat to the cup, such mat being foldable within the box for storage when the top lid is closed.
US08864591B2
A propeller shaft is proposed which comprises an inner cylindrical member that has a center through bore into which a shaft is inserted; an outer cylindrical member disposed around the inner cylindrical member; a torque transmitting unit operatively disposed between the inner and outer cylindrical members; a sleeve member coaxially connected to the center through bore of the inner cylindrical member; a boot unit arranged to hermetically close one open side of an interior of the outer cylindrical member; and a positioning mechanism that effects a relative axial positioning between the shaft and the inner cylindrical member when a splined cylindrical outer wall of the shaft is inserted through the sleeve member into a given position of a splined cylindrical inner wall of the center through bore of the inner cylindrical member.
US08864590B2
A propeller shaft is proposed which comprises an outer cylindrical member formed with a sleeve portion that has a splined cylindrical inner wall with which a splined cylindrical outer wall of a shaft is engaged; an inner cylindrical member installed in the outer cylindrical member; a torque transmitting unit through which a torque is transmitted from the outer cylindrical member to the inner cylindrical member; and a connecting mechanism that, upon engagement of the splined cylindrical outer wall with the splined cylindrical inner wall, effects an axial and relative positioning between the shaft and the outer cylindrical member while establishing a detachable connection therebetween.
US08864586B2
Gaming machines and systems are configured to present viral gaming events. Once a viral gaming event is triggered, it is presented at one or more first gaming machines at a first time. The viral gaming events spreads to other gaming machines, such as one or more second gaming machines where it is presented at a later time. The viral gaming event may continue to spread to numerous gaming machines. The viral gaming event may comprise a game or a bonus or secondary event, such as a bonus award event to a base wagering game presented by the gaming machine. Feedback or metrics may be used to control the machines to which the viral gaming event spreads and/or the rate of spread.
US08864578B2
Methods and systems for securely generating lottery games are presented. A final game generation seed number is formed from multiple seed numbers from multiple and differing parties such that no one party has the ability to create the final seed number without the other parties' consent or knowledge. Since the final seed number is required by the software that governs the distribution of prizes within a game and is therefore required to produce valid game data, no one entity would have enough information to determine the location of a winning prize. This creates an environment of transparency such that all parties must agree on the terms that result in the formation of the final seed number from the individual seed number fragments in order to produce a game.
US08864568B2
The present invention is a gaming machine including a reel display, which is configured with a plurality of reel lines displaying a plurality of symbols arranged to rotate along the reel lines, a controller, which shows a substantially-stationary symbol on a reel line while the symbols are rotating along the reel line, an evaluator, which recognizes a pass of a symbol related to the substantially-stationary symbol by the substantially-stationary symbol on the reel line, and a processor, which changes a function of the substantially-stationary symbol when the evaluator detects the symbol related to the substantially-stationary symbol passing by the substantially-stationary symbol on the reel line.
US08864567B2
Novel methods, devices and systems are described for forming displays and creating environments in a casino. Some implementations of the invention provide configurable gaming machine skins, which may be formed from electronic paper or the like. Casino environments may be created in accordance with a game theme and/or to indicate a group of players. The environment may include configurable surfaces of gaming machines and/or nearby surfaces, such as walls, floors and ceilings. Projected light and/or an audio system may be used to enhance the immersive and dynamic environment. Preferably, some or all of these features may be changed automatically when a game theme changes.
US08864565B2
Some systems, processes, apparatus and articles of manufacture provide for selling lottery entries. In one example, a request is received to purchase a multiplier and a set of play indicia for a lottery game.
US08864546B1
A building block set comprises a plurality of transparent blocks each having a hollow internal cavity with a light source fitted within each cavity and first and second electrically conductive connectors extending through each block and into the internal cavity with a circuit within the cavity for illuminating the light in response to an electronic input to either connector.
US08864545B2
A radio-controlled model airplane, including: a fuselage; first and second wings connected to the fuselage; and a control system including: a battery; a receiver powered by the battery and arranged to receive radio frequency signals; and a computer powered by the battery, electrically connected to the receiver, and arranged to transmit control signals in response to the received radio frequency signals. The airplane also includes a first motor powered by the battery and arranged to receive the transmitted control signals to rotate a propeller; and a single flexible wire: passing through an opening in a distal end of the first wing; with a first end fixed to a point at or near a junction of the first wing and the fuselage; and with a second end for connection to a point outside of the model airplane.
US08864538B1
Systems and methods are for cooling a marine propulsion system on a marine vessel. A lift pump pumps raw cooling water from a body of water in which the marine vessel is situated. The lift pump pumps the raw cooling water through an open cooling circuit from an upstream inlet for receiving the raw cooling water to a downstream outlet for discharging the cooling water back to the body of water. A control circuit controls operation of the lift pump. At least one sensing device indicates whether the lift pump is connected to the body of water. The sensing device is in communication with the control circuit. The control circuit prevents operation of the lift pump when the sensing device indicates that the lift pump is not connected to the body of water.
US08864534B2
The present disclosure relates to a socket for an electric bulb, formed by a tubular body having two longitudinal cavities for receiving contacts crimped onto cables, said tubular body including lateral clip-fastening elements having lugs for locking into the base of a motor vehicle light or headlight. The disclosure provides that the locking elements are provided with internal shoulders having dimensions and positions configured such as: to be engaged behind a transverse surface of the contact when said contact is correctly mounted and to allow insertion into the base of the light or headlight when the clip-fastening elements are biased; and to prevent the movement of the elements which would allow insertion of the socket when the contact has not been correctly engaged.
US08864532B2
Communications jacks include a housing having a plug aperture, a plurality of input contacts, a plurality of output contacts, and a flexible printed circuit board that includes a plurality of conductive pads and a plurality of conductive paths that each electrically connect a respective one of the input contacts to a respective one of the conductive pads. The conductive paths are arranged as a plurality of differential pairs of conductive paths, and each output contact includes a spring-biased base and an insulation displacement portion.
US08864528B2
A USB 3.0 socket jack connector structure allows a USB plug connector to conduct working when it is plugged in the jack connector of the present invention positively or oppositely through a two-war sharing grounding transmission conductor, and a first signal transmission conductor, second signal transmission conductor, first differential signal transmission conductor, second differential signal transmission conductor, third grounding transmission conductor, third differential signal transmission conductor, fourth differential signal transmission conductor, first power supply transmission conductor, third signal transmission conductor, fourth signal transmission conductor, second power supply transmission conductor, fourth grounding transmission conductor, fifth differential signal transmission conductor, sixth differential signal transmission conductor, seventh differential signal transmission conductor and eighth differential signal transmission conductor.
US08864525B2
A memory card connector includes a housing including an accommodation portion and contacts, a slider movable between an initial position and a fully-inserted position, a correct-insertion abutting portion and an incorrect-insertion abutting portion provided on the slider, and a stopper-switch leaf spring. A stopper is provided on the stopper-switch leaf spring, wherein the slider is allowed to slidably move from the initial position to the fully-inserted position when the stopper-switch leaf spring is positioned at a stopper-ineffective position, and the slider is prevented from slidably moving from the initial position to the fully-inserted position when the stopper-switch leaf spring is positioned at a stopper-effective position. The stopper-switch leaf spring and the stopper are positioned within the housing when the stopper-switch leaf spring is in a free state.
US08864515B2
Disclosed herein is a multimedia jack for a vehicle with a lighting apparatus, including: a housing with an opening part; a terminal part, mounted on an inner side of the housing, with a multimedia port and a light emitting diode (LED) lighting apparatus; a cover part covering the opening part of the housing and including a connection receptacle disposed at a position corresponding to the multimedia port so as to be connected to the multimedia port; and a connection receptacle display part disposed around the connection receptacle, wherein light of the LED lighting apparatus is irradiated through the connection receptacle display part. Therefore, it is possible to increase user convenience at night by uniform lighting of the multimedia jack and control power and brightness by interworking with other apparatuses in the vehicle.
US08864514B2
An electrical device includes a housing and an electrically insulating base secured to the housing. A communication terminal protrudes from the base. Electrically conductive main terminals protrude from the base and are spaced apart from each other and from the communication terminal. The main terminals are arcuate shaped and form arcs of a reference ring the center of which is a rotational axis of the electrical device. The communication terminal is disposed within the reference ring. Also featured is a controller device.
US08864512B2
An electrical connector including a housing, a plurality of conductive contacts arranged on the housing, an actuator provided to be rotatable for taking up first and second stations selectively and operative to cause each of the conductive contacts to come into press-contact with one of connecting terminals on the flat circuit device inserted into the housing with shifting from the first station to the second station and to release each of the conductive contacts from the press-contact with the connecting terminal with shifting from the second station to the first station, and an engaging member for engaging with the actuator to hold the same so that the actuator is prevented from being removed from the housing and for engaging with the flat circuit device inserted into the housing to hold the same so that the flat circuit device is prevented from getting out of the housing.
US08864511B2
Both ends of a lamp body are mounted on sockets of an apparatus body and a feeding unit configured to feed power to LEDs is provided on the back side facing the apparatus body of the lamp body.
US08864510B2
A busway joint pack includes a first latch mechanism having an open position and a closed position and a second latch mechanism having an open position and a closed position. The busway joint pack further includes a first connector plate having a first major surface opposing a second major surface and a second connector plate having a first major surface opposing a second major surface. The second connector plate is spaced from the first connector plate such that the first and the second connector plates are configured to engage phase conductors of busway sections in a clamping fashion when to the first latch mechanism is in the closed position and the second latch mechanism is in the closed position. The busway joint pack lacks a fastener positioned through the center of the first and the second connector plates, but is rather held together by the latch mechanisms.
US08864502B2
A mechanical grounding connector is provided for connecting at least two conductors. The connector is comprised of a first, second and third body section which have channels that allow for installation of conductors between each of the body sections. The channels of each body section lie at 90 degree angles such that conductors can be installed in a parallel or transverse arrangement. Bolts are used to hold together the first, second and third body sections of the connector and allow the body sections to be separated from one another by loosening the bolts to install conductors, without the need to completely remove the bolts from the connector.
US08864501B2
A connector includes an insulator, and a plurality of spaced apart signal contacts and return reference contacts which are held by and routed through the insulator. The signal contacts form signal pairs which include a positive signal contact and a negative signal contact. At a first end of the insulator, the signal pairs and return reference contacts are provided in two rows. At the second end of the insulator, the signal pairs and return reference contacts are provided in at least three rows. The signal pairs and return reference contacts form either a plurality of isosceles triangles or a plurality of diagonal lines.
US08864494B2
A housing (35) for an implant (25), a holding piece (1) to connect the implant (25) to the housing (35), and an insertion tool (20) for inserting the implant (25) into an implant site. The holding piece (1) includes at least one resilient element (45) for detachably connecting to the implant (25) with a first retentive force and a tool retention means to connect to the insertion tool (20) with a second retentive force which is greater than the first retentive force. In between the two ends the holding piece (1) features a housing connection segment (30) for connecting the holding piece (1) to the housing (35). On a distal end the insertion tool (20) comprises torque transmission means, which transmit torque directly to the holding piece (1) and/or to the implant (25).
US08864493B2
A dental appliance has an auxiliary feature bonded to a polymeric surface of a shell body with a compartment for receiving teeth. The auxiliary feature is bonded with a light-curable acrylic adhesive comprising acrylate base material and photoinitiator. Auxiliary features include colored layers and, decals, reinforcing features and auxiliary dental devices. A light-curable acrylic adhesive may include a thiol monomer and/or a pigment. A dental appliance may have a shell body with a bonding surface adapted for attachment of an auxiliary feature, such as prepared by a pretreatment to mar the surface of to impregnate the surface with a reactive adhesion promoter.
US08864491B1
A method for low NOx combustion, without premixing of fuel and air prior to passage to a combustor, is provided wherein a fuel is injected into a reaction zone via an eductor thereby inducing an air flow and producing a fuel-rich mixture. The fuel-rich mixture is reacted and produces partial reaction products plus heat. A portion of the heat is to transferred to a cooling air stream and the cooled partial reaction products are brought into contact with the heated cooling air stream for combustion. Increased injection of the fuel results in an increased induction of the air flow.
US08864487B2
A pottery holding device and method for securely holding a workpiece during rotation and working of the workpiece on a wheelhead of a pottery wheel. The pottery holding device includes a wheelhead member and at least three holding members. The wheelhead member configured for attachment to the wheelhead of a pottery wheel. The at least three holding members and wheelhead member configured to allow selective locking of the at least three holding members in positions about the periphery of a workpiece. The device adapted to securely hold circular, non-circular symmetric and irregular, asymmetric or organic shaped workpieces. The device further adapted to securely hold workpieces in positions and orientations such that the center of the workpieces is aligned with the axis of rotation of the device, and positions and orientations such that the center of the workpieces is spaced from the axis of rotation of the device.
US08864485B2
An adjustable platen assembly and method of assembly therefore. The platen assembly has a platen and a pressure plate attached to the platen. The pressure plate may be rotatable around a longitudinal axis of the rod according to the size of a mold half mounted to the platen. The platen assembly may have at least one platen support mounted to the platen. The at least one platen support may be rotatably mounted to the mold clamp. The at least one platen support can be rotated according to the size of a mold half mounted to the platen. The adjustable platen provides support to the mold half to reduce the amount of deformation to the mold half that is caused by the application of a closing force.
US08864481B2
Mold for casting a polycrystalline silicon ingot, and a silicon nitride powder for a mold release material thereof, a slurry containing a silicon nitride power for a mold release layer thereof, and a mold release material for casting thereof. The present invention relates to a silicon nitride powder for a mold release material of a mold for casting a polycrystalline silicon ingot characterized in that the percentage of primary particles of granular crystals monodispersed in powders is not less than 95% in terms of the area ratio calculated by analysis of an SEM image.
US08864480B2
An oil recovery member, a motor mechanism, and a compressor using the same are provided. The oil recovery member is provided to prevent oil rising along a rotational shaft from being discharged with refrigerant, and relative sizes, such as installation positions between the oil recovery member and components adjacent thereto, are restricted. As the oil flow is guided through a passage defined between the oil recovery member and the adjacent components, the oil may be efficiently recovered, so that, an oil circulation rate of a freezing cycle may be reduced and compression efficiency improved.
US08864476B2
A pump is provided featuring a housing and battery configuration, where the housing is configured with a battery receiving portion having electrical terminals for receiving power to the pump, and where the battery has a protruding portion with corresponding electrical terminals configured to contact the electrical terminals to provide power to the pump when the protruding portion of the battery is inserted into the battery receiving portion of the housing and rotated in one direction to an “ON” position, and also configured not to contact the electrical terminals when the battery is not rotated to the “ON” position.
US08864473B2
Provided is a blade for a rotor of a wind turbine having a substantially horizontal rotor shaft, said rotor comprising a hub, from which the blade extends substantially radially when mounted, said blade having a chord plane extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge of said blade, a root area closest to the hub, an airfoil area furthest away from the hub, a transition area between the root area and the airfoil area, a first airfoil extending substantially along the entire airfoil area, and a second airfoil separately mounted to the blade, said second airfoil arranged at a mutual distance transverse to the chord plane and extending along the root area of the blades.
US08864470B2
A turbomachine including at least one unducted propeller with variable pitch blades, the blades being carried by respective plates mounted to pivot in radial housings of a rotor element and connected to a control ring that is driven in rotation about the axis of the turbomachine together with the rotor element, and that is movable in translation along the axis to pivot the plates about their axes, the control ring being centered and guided in rotation about the axis on a mechanism that is stationary in rotation and movable in translation along the axis by an actuator carried by the stator of the turbomachine.
US08864463B2
A rotating fan with a transmission mechanism and a blade deployment mechanism. In an energized state, an electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic force that causes a clutch plate to be in contact with a contact surface, thereby engaging a planetary gear system. In a de-energized state, the clutch plate is not in contact with the contact surface, thereby disengaging the planetary gear system. In a deployed configuration, a drive link activated by the planetary gear system rotates a blade link to cause a fan blade to pivot. The result is that the fan blade tip is farther from the motor shaft than the fan blade root. In a retracted configuration, the drive link rotates the blade link to cause the fan blade to pivot and retract. The result is that the fan blade tip is equidistant from the motor shaft as the fan blade root.
US08864462B2
An active sensing system for wind turbines is described. The sensing system may include a plurality of ports, a local sensing device and a load mitigation device and may be operably coupled to a control system. The plurality of ports, local sensing device, and load mitigation device may be operably coupled and configured to monitor air pressure on wind turbine blades, determine if proper sensing operation is occurring, and eradicate an obstruction if proper sensing operation is being prevented by the obstruction. Associated methods performing the sensing and eradication of the obstruction including purging and deicing are disclosed. Wind turbines and wind turbine blades with the active sensing system are also described.
US08864453B2
A near flow path seal member for a turbomachine includes a seal body having a seal support member including a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through an intermediate portion. An arm member extends from the first end portion of the seal body. The arm member has a first end that extends to a second end to define an axial dimension of the arm member, a first edge that extends to a second, opposing edge to define a circumferential dimension of the arm member, and a surface having a profile that establishes a thickness variation of the arm member in each of the axial dimension and the circumferential dimension.
US08864451B2
An interstage seal is provided for installation between forward and aft stage discs of a turbine section of a gas turbine engine. The seal has a forward annular portion, which extends forward to contribute to an air seal at the outer periphery of the forward stage disc, and an aft annular portion, which extends rearward to contribute to an air seal at the outer periphery of the aft stage disc. The seal has a peripheral slot into which static vane inner rails are loadable. The seal includes a first component, which provides the forward annular portion, and a second component, which provides the aft annular portion. The second component is separably connectable to the first component such that the first and second components, when connected, cooperate to form the peripheral slot. Loading the static vane inner rails into the slot prevents the second component separating from the first component.
US08864450B2
A gas turbine engine includes a synchronizing ring. A cradle includes an integrally formed anti-rotation feature. The cradle is secured to the synchronizing ring and located relative thereto with the anti-rotation feature. A bumper is slidably supported within the cradle. In one example, a bushing is provided within a hole in the bumper. A fastener is inserted into the hole and a bushing to secure the bumper to the synchronizing ring.
US08864436B2
The present invention provides an alignment device of cutting machine, which includes: a stand and a ball transfer unit mounted on the stand. The ball transfer unit includes a main body, a first rotating body, and a plurality of second rotating bodies arranged between the main body and the first rotating body. The main body has an end forming a receiving chamber and thus forming a receiving chamber sidewall. The second rotating bodies are rotatably arranged on the receiving chamber sidewall. The main body forms an air entrance passage in communication with the receiving chamber. The receiving chamber sidewall extends out to form a bearing section corresponding to the air entrance passage. The bearing section has a side surface in which air outlet ports are formed. The main body has an opposite end forming a connection section that is mateable and coupleable to the stand. The present invention uses a ball transfer unit to replace the float pad made of porous carbon fiber material for aligning a glass substrate in order to achieve the purposes of lowering down cost.
US08864432B2
The invention relates to a fastening arrangement for fastening a component B to a component A with automatic compensation of tolerances with a spacing (S) between the component B and the component A, which comprises the following features: a.) a receiving element (10) and an adjusting element (20, 30) which can be screwed to the receiving element (10) via a first thread pair (12, 32) having a first pitch direction, while b.) a fastening screw (40) can be inserted through an opening in the receiving element (10) and adjusting element (20, 30) which screw can be screwed into the receiving element (10) via a second thread pair (42, 52) having a second pitch direction opposite to the first and can be connected to the adjusting element (20, 30) by a releasable drag connection (24) in order to co-rotate the adjusting element (20, 30) during the rotation of the fastening screw (40) and thereby move it into contact with the component B, and wherein c.) the adjusting element (20, 30) comprises a drag element (20) which is arranged in a rotationally fixed and floating manner inside a thread element (30), thus making it possible to compensate for a misalignment of the fastening screw (40) during insertion into the adjusting element (20, 30).
US08864428B2
A continuous rod transport system has a reel with a cage and a removable hub. The cage has support members interconnected by rings to hold the rod coiled in the cage. The removable hub has extending arms that removably attach to the cage's support members. Locks on the ends of the arms can removably lock the hub to the cages. Because the hub is removable, the cage with coiled rod can be shipped separate from the hub, thereby significantly reducing the transportation weight. Preferably, the cage has a diameter of 14-ft so two cages can be held on a stand and can be transported in overseas containers. In this way, the coiled rod in the cage can be transported to various areas in less costly and time-consuming ways than currently available.
US08864423B2
A pond liner system includes a geomembrane liner (12), a binder (22) and a particulate (24). The geomembrane liner (12) has a submerged portion (14), an exposed portion (15) and an anchor portion (16). The binder (22) adheres to the exposed portion (15) of the geomembrane liner, and the particulate (24) adheres to the binder (22). A method of applying a protective cover to the exposed portion (15) of the geomembrane liner includes spraying the binder (22) onto the liner (12), allowing the binder (22) to partially cure, and spreading the particulate (24) over the partially cured binder (22).
US08864414B1
A device for controlling buoyancy of a buried pipeline, the device comprising a form placed atop the pipeline and a flexible strap extending around the form adjacent its top. The form may comprise a first trough located adjacent the first side of the pipeline, a second trough located adjacent the opposing second side of the pipeline, and a middle section with an inverted-U-shaped cross section such that the middle portion fits over the top of the pipeline and joins the first trough and the second trough. The troughs are filled with backfill when the pipeline is buried. Thus, when fully installed, the device may comprise the slot form, the strap, and the backfill. As the pipeline tends to rise, the straps deform, bringing the sides of the troughs inward and compressing the backfill therein. This prevents further upward movement of the pipeline.
US08864413B2
A gas and liquid extraction system and method to efficiently capture the gas generated from the decomposition of organic matter, generally referred herein as the biomass, present in a landfill is disclosed herein. The system and method taking in account the presence of high amount of water and proposing landfilling methodology to allow the efficient capture of an as high as possible amount of gas from each and every ton of biomass contained in the landfill which is heterogeneous, anisotropic in nature and unsteady in term of fluid flow behavior.
US08864410B1
A walkway for a screed includes a main walkway and an extender walkway coupled to the main walkway and an extender frame of the screed. The extender walkway is slidable relative to the main walkway along a sliding direction. Further, the extender walkway and the extender frame are pivotable relative to each other about a walkway pivot axis, the walkway pivot axis being substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction.
US08864399B2
An applicator assembly includes a body defining a pocket, a closed ampoule received in the pocket, an integrated protective device attached to the body and enclosing the pocket, a lever projecting from the body, at least one tappet that bears against an external surface of the pocket and fractures the ampoule when the lever is pivoted, and an application member secured to the body, wherein an interior of the pocket is placed in fluid communication with the application member by way of through-holes provided in the integrated protective device. A method for manufacturing the applicator assembly includes rotating the protective device from an open position into a closed position to enclose the ampoule in the pocket before the application member is attached to the body so that the fluid to be dispensed will flow through the protective device and contact the application member when the ampoule is fractured.
US08864396B2
In order to enables a user to easily specify a sheet storage unit to which sheets are supplied next without confirming an operation unit, there is provided a method for controlling a printing apparatus for feeding a sheet from any one of a plurality of sheet storage units to print an image on the fed sheet. The method includes receiving an instruction to open a sheet storage unit, specifying, according to the received instruction, based on an attribute set to the sheet storage unit to which the instruction is issued, another sheet storage unit which has an attribute same as the attribute, and controlling the other specified sheet storage unit to be opened.
US08864389B2
An optical fiber connector includes a connector housing and a positioning unit. The connector housing has two opposite side walls, a base wall disposed between and interconnecting the side walls, and a lid disposed between and inter-engaging releasably the side walls. The connector housing defines an inner space, and an access opening in spatial communication with the inner space and covered by the lid. The positioning unit is mounted in the inner space and includes first and second holding members and a coupling sleeve extending into and interconnecting the first and second holding members. The positioning unit is inserted into the inner space through the access opening so as to be mounted in the inner space before covering the access opening with the lid.
US08864378B2
A process variable transmitter for measuring a temperature of an industrial process, includes a first electrical connector configured to couple to a first wire of a thermocouple, the first electrical connector includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are configured to electrically couple to the first wire of the thermocouple. A second electrical connector is configured to couple to a second wire of the thermocouple, the second electrical connector includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode. The third and fourth electrodes are configured to electrically couple to the second wire of the thermocouple. The second wire is of a different material than the first wire. Measurement circuitry is coupled to the first and second electrical connectors configured to provide an output related to a temperature of the thermocouple. The measurement circuitry is further configured to identify polarity of thermocouple based upon at least one measurement taken between at least two of the first, second, third and fourth electrodes.
US08864375B2
The temperature sensor 1 is equipped with a temperature sensitive device 2 to be disposed inside an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, signal lines 31 connected at a top end side to the temperature sensitive device 2 and at a rear end side to leads for connection with an external circuit, an inner member 18 having a sheath pin 3 in which the signal lines 31 are disposed, and an outer member 13 disposed to cover at least a portion of an outer periphery of the inner member 18. The outer member 13 includes a fixed portion (rib 6) to be fixed to an upper wall of the exhaust pipe, a retainer portion 132 retaining the inner member 18, and an extending portion 131 formed closer to a top end side than the retainer portion 132. The extending portion 131 includes a clearance portion 19 disposed so as to have an air gap between itself and the inner member 18 and a front interference portion 133 disposed in a condition that a maximum air gap between the front interference portion 133 and the inner member 18 in a radius direction is 0.2 mm or less.
US08864374B2
A sensing cable has a sensing fiber assembly, which includes a pair of sensing fibers joined by a turnaround section with a modal filter, at a terminating end of the sensing fibers. The sensing cable also includes an inner sleeve that surrounds the sensing fiber assembly and an armored casing that caps the terminating end of the inner sleeve. The sensing cable has a low profile and its components are each made of high temperature and hydrogen tolerant materials and are capable of prolonged operation at high temperatures, such as up to 300° C., in hydrogen environments over long lengths of fiber. A distributed thermal sensing (DTS) interrogator is connected to the sensing cable and performs DTS measuring according to protocols and algorithms that leverage the modal filter of the turnaround section to calculate temperature readings along the sensing fiber assembly.
US08864367B2
A fluid mixer includes a main flow path comprised of a first flow path and a second flow path, spiral flow paths formed around the second flow path in shapes substantially concentric with the second flow path and offset in position from each other in a circumferential direction, the spiral flow paths having first ends communicated with the first flow path, branch flow paths branched from a plurality of locations of the second flow path in a flow direction, the branch flow paths being communicated with the spiral flow paths at a plurality of locations of the spiral flow paths in the flow direction, a fluid inlet at an open end of either of the first flow path and the second flow path, and a fluid outlet at an open end of the other of the first flow path and the second flow path.
US08864361B2
A backlight unit includes: a wiring board having a light source mounted thereon; a light guide plate; a light-shielding pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet; and a light diffusion sheet. The front surface of the light guide plate includes an effective region serving as the planar light source and a light entering region ranging from the end surface into which the light enters to the effective region. The wiring board and the light-shielding pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet each have a part positioned in the light entering region. The light diffusion sheet is arranged from the effective region to the light entering region, and overlaps with the light-shielding pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet in the light entering region. On a side closer to the effective region with respect to the light-shielding pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, the light entering region is covered with the light diffusion sheet without a gap.
US08864359B1
An ultra thin lighting element including at least one light source (1b). A lightguide element (2c) includes one lightguide layer comprising a plurality of discrete fine optic surface relief structures (3e) on at least one portion of at least one surface. Each surface relief structure (3e) includes basic structural features on the order of about 10 microns or less in height, and on the order of about 10 microns or less in each lateral dimension. The number, arrangement and size of each surface relief structure (3e) and height and lateral dimensions of the structural features of the surface relief structures (3e) being varied to provide a desired degree of outcoupling modulation of light incoupled into the light guide element.
US08864358B2
In a surface light source device frame, an amount of light that leaks from an outer peripheral surface of the frame can be decreased while a decrease in luminance is suppressed in an emission surface. The frame includes a rectangular frame main body made of a black resin and an auxiliary member made of a white resin. In inner peripheral surfaces of both lateral sides of the frame main body, fitting portions are provided in an end portion on a side farther away from the light source in the frame main body in order to fit the leg portions. The auxiliary member is attached to the inner peripheral surface on the side farther away from the light source in the frame main body while the leg portions are fitted in the fitting portions.
US08864349B2
An illuminated motorcycle exhaust apparatus is provided. In one embodiment, the illuminated motorcycle exhaust apparatus includes a light assembly housing sized to be removeably coupled to a distal end of a motorcycle exhaust. A thermally insulated light assembly is coupled to the light assembly housing, the thermally insulated light assembly is capable of providing a brake indicator function, a running light function, and a turn indicator function. An optional insertable motorcycle exhaust tip is sized to be removeably insertable into the light assembly housing so that a distal end portion of the motorcycle exhaust tip extends from the light assembly housing.
US08864337B2
A portable lighting system including a housing having an elongated slot formed in a surface of the housing. The slot being sized to receive a rod therein via an opening in the slot. The system further including a retention member movable between a closed position and an opened position, wherein the closed position provides at least a portion of the retention member blocking at least a portion of the upper opening of the slot and the opened position includes the retention member not blocking the upper opening of the slot. The system also having a light source including a plurality of lights oriented in different directions.
US08864336B2
An LED light emitting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of LEDs, a case having the LEDs at its front side, and a plurality of bolts each having a threaded portion for fixing the case to outside. The case has a plurality of insertion portions each allows inserting a bolt from the front side through the back side of the case. Each of the insertion portions has at its inner portion an elastic member having a first inner diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of the threaded portion, and the elastic member is fixed in the insertion portion.
US08864332B2
A passive cooling lighting fixture that includes a light diffusing lens. The fixture is self-contained and self-cooled in order to maximize the life span of the light source. The passive cooling system utilizes vented end caps that circulate cool air into the lighting fixture while venting hot air out of the lighting fixture. The light diffusing lens produces a light that is soft enough for use indoors.
US08864326B2
An underwater diving light has a rotatable front filter ring for selecting light filtration as needed for underwater still or video photography conditions. The filter ring is removable and interchangeable with different rings. Another important feature is efficient cooling of the LEDs and other internal electronics of the diving light assembly. The water is in contact with a metallic front face that conducts heat directly away from a metal core circuit board carrying the LED array or arrays. In one form of the diving light water channels are provided so that the ambient water can enter the assembly to spaces behind the LCD circuit board to efficiently cool the LEDs and associated electronics. The front plate assembly can be removable, for rinsing the internal cooling cavities, for interchange with different front face assemblies, and for air travel when the LCDs must be removed from driving electronics for safety concerns.
US08864320B2
Medical lens assemblies and sterile drapes with a lens assembly are presented herein. In one embodiment, a lens assembly includes an annular lens housing that is attachable to a medical drape. The lens housing is configured to releasably attach to a medical device, such as a surgical microscope. An annular lens cover holder is removably attachable to the lens housing. A lens cover for shielding the objective lens is pivotably hinged to the lens cover holder. In another embodiment, a drape assembly includes a flexible body sized to cover an optical device. A lens housing attached to the drape body is engageable with the optical device to attach proximate an objective lens thereof. A lens cover holder is removably attached to the lens housing to rotate about a first axis. A lens cover is mounted to the lens cover holder to pivot about a second, different axis.
US08864316B2
Optical MEMS scanning micro-mirror comprising: —a movable scanning micro-mirror (101) pivotally connected to a MEMS body (102) substantially surrounding the lateral sides of the micro-mirror; —an transparent prism (500, 600) substantially covering the reflection side of the micro-mirror; —wherein said prism has its outer face non-parallel to the micro-mirror neutral plane N-N, thereby providing a dual anti-speckle and anti-reflection effect, namely against parasitic light. The invention also provides the corresponding micro-projection system and method for reducing speckle.
US08864313B2
A display apparatus (10) has at least one color channel providing a modulated light for each of a plurality of image frames (92). One or more laser sources that provide an illumination beam having a first polarization transmission axis. An imaging modulator (854, 85g, 85b) in the path of the illumination beam is actuable to direct the modulated light toward a projection lens. A laser blanking apparatus in the path of the modulated light is disposed to block transient light between image frames and has at least one analyzer (66) having a second polarization transmission axis that is orthogonal to the first polarization transmission axis and at least one light polarization modulator that is synchronously timed to rotate polarization of transient light during an interval between frames.
US08864305B2
Apparatus, systems and methods employing contact lens with capacitive sensors are provided. In some aspects, a contact lens includes: a substrate; a capacitive sensor, disposed on or within the substrate, that senses a capacitance on the contact lens; and a circuit disposed on or within the substrate. In some aspects, the circuit can include a capacitance analysis component that determines a condition of an eyelid associated with the eye over which the contact lens is disposed and/or a parameter associated with the eye over which the contact lens is disposed. In some aspects, the condition can be a blink of an eyelid. In some aspects, the parameter can be at least one of a pressure of an object in proximity to the contact lens, a thickness or type of a layer of material disposed on or within the contact lens or a composition of material on the contact lens.
US08864294B1
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for supplying solid-ink pellets from a container to an image-forming device. The system includes a delivery tube within the container, with one or more openings to receive solid-ink pellets from the container. An agitating structure coupled to the delivery tube disturbs the solid ink pellets. The movement of the delivery tube moves the agitating structure, resulting in disturbing the solid-ink pellets and maintaining flowability of the pellets to the image-forming device.
US08864265B2
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection head including a plurality of ejection opening groups each constituted by two or more ejection openings and each forming one pixel by at least two liquid droplets ejected from the two or more ejection openings; a plurality of individual channels respectively connecting the plurality of ejection opening groups to a plurality of pressure chambers; a nozzle plate through which a plurality of nozzle holes extend; and an energy-applying portion applying energy to liquid in the plurality of pressure chambers, and a controller controlling the energy-applying portion. The controller controls the energy-applying portion in such a manner as to meet the following inequations: 0.85Ta≦T≦0.9Ta or 1.2Ta≦T in a case of p/D≦1.2, and 0.85Ta≦T in a case of p/D>1.2.
US08864251B2
A refrigerator appliance that includes a freezer compartment having a freezer compartment door, and a refrigeration compartment having at least one refrigeration compartment door. The appliance further includes a mullion with an exterior surface. The mullion divides the compartments and the exterior surface directs condensation toward a transfer point. The appliance may also include a cabinet that houses the compartments and has two sides, each with an exterior surface. Further, at least one exterior surface directs condensation toward a transfer point.
US08864248B2
A computer case includes a first sidewall, a plurality of peripheral walls, a retractable fence, and a second sidewall. One side of each of the peripheral walls connects with the first sidewall in a surrounding manner; one end of the retractable fence is disposed to the other side of each of the peripheral walls. The retractable fence is able to reciprocate along an extending direction of the peripheral walls. Besides, the second sidewall connects with the other end of the retractable fence in a surrounding manner. An inner space of the computer case is selectively increased or decreased by the reciprocating of the retractable fence for replacing a cooling module or an electronic component with different width.
US08864244B2
The invention relates to a hydraulic brake system comprising a master brake cylinder the at least one working chamber of which is connected to the wheel brakes of the vehicle via at least one hydraulic line, the brake piston of at least one wheel brake being adjustable by a negative pressure in the hydraulic lines to produce a brake clearance.
US08864235B2
A seat assembly having a guide bushing. The guide bushing has a body and a biasing member. The body has an opening for receiving a support post and first and second engagement features that are configured to flex. The biasing member exerts a biasing force on the first and second engagement features to bias the first and second engagement features.
US08864227B2
The invention is directed to a method for absorbing energy in a motor vehicle seat in the case of a collision etc., and to an energy-absorption device for implementing said method.The method comprises the step of providing a removable deformation element in or at the vehicle seat, preferably in a space thereto provided in the fitting provided for inclining the backrest of the vehicle seat. The energy-absorption device implemented as the deformation element comprises at least one deformation portion which is deformable in a collision, thus absorbing energy.The invention is also directed to a fitting for inclining the backrest, the fitting having a space for mounting the deformation element.The invention is in especially provided to avoid in particular damages to the nape of the neck in the case of collisions from the rear. By use of a separate releasable deformation element certain information on the collision forces is made available, which facilitates deciding whether to replace or to re-use the vehicle seat.
US08864223B2
A collapsible quad chair has a frame selectively moveable between a collapsed configuration of the chair and a use configuration of the chair, and a fabric frame cover attachable to the frame to define a back portion and a seat portion of the chair. A support is coupled to the frame and a plate is mounted on the support. The plate is sized and shaped to provide a user sitting in the chair with a surface suitable for allowing the user to rest a dish of food while eating a meal while sitting in the chair.
US08864219B2
In a method for connecting two objects, comprising applying to at least one of said objects a volume of an adhesive of the type which, when cured, is flexible and thereafter a step of bringing the other of said objects in contact with said volume of adhesive, there is the additional step of, before applying said volume of adhesive, providing a stiffening device extending from and attached to the object to which said volume is to be applied and with a height which is less than the height of the completed volume of adhesive, after which additional step the volume of adhesive is applied around said stiffening device.