US08927694B2
Disclosed is a human serum albumin (HSA) linker and HSA linker with binding, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents conjugated thereto. Also disclosed is a conjugate in which the HSA linker is covalently bonded to amino and carboxy terminal binding moieties that are first and second single-chain Fv molecules (scFvs). Exemplified conjugates are useful, e.g., in reducing tumor cell proliferation, e.g., for therapeutic therapeutic applications. Also disclosed are methods and kits for the diagnostic and therapeutic application of an HSA linker conjugate.
US08927693B2
The present invention relates to fibronectin based scaffold domain protein that bind interleukin 23 (IL-23), specifically the p19 subunit of IL-23. The invention also relates to the use of the innovative proteins in therapeutic applications to treat autoimmune diseases. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotide encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative proteins.
US08927687B2
The disclosure provides microcrystals of Y receptor agonists; microcrystalline pellets of Y receptor agonists, and microcrystalline suspensions of Y receptor agonists. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these microcrystals, microcrystalline pellets, and microcrystalline suspensions have prolonged pharmacokinetic profiles making them useful for once daily or once weekly administration.
US08927674B2
Disclosed herein are cobalt complexes containing terdentate pyridine di-imine ligands and their use as efficient and selective dehydrogenative silylation and crosslinking catalysts.
US08927673B2
Disclosed are a method for polymerizing polysilsesquioxane from a trialkoxysiloxane monomer, including: preparing an aqueous organic solution including a trialkoxysiloxane monomer, an organic solvent, water and a catalyst; and selectively preparing a polysilsesquioxane with a cage structure or a polysilsesquioxane with a ladder structure by adjusting the amount of the organic solvent or water in the aqueous organic solution, and a polysilsesquioxane with a cage structure or a polysilsesquioxane with a ladder structure prepared therefrom.
US08927671B2
The present invention relates to an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer satisfying the following requirements (A) to (E): (A) the MFR is 0.1 to 50 g/10 min., (B) the density is 860 to 970 kg/m3, (C) the Mz/Mw is from 3.0 to 6.0, (D) the fraction having a molecular weight of 106.5 g/mol of the ethylene-α-olefin copolymer has a branching index g′ of 0.26 or more, and (E) the Ea is 60 to 90 kJ/mol.
US08927670B2
Improved catalysts useful in alkyne or olefin metathesis are made by bringing into contact a multi-coordinated metal complex comprising a multidentate Schiff base ligand, and one or more other ligands, with a selected activating compound under conditions such that at least partial cleavage of a bond between the metal and the multidentate Schiff base ligand of said metal complex occurs.
US08927661B2
Disclosed herein is a flame retardant composition comprising 10 to 90 weight percent of a linear polycarbonate; a branched polycarbonate; 10 to 70 weight percent of a polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymer; and 1 to 20 weight percent of a phosphazene compound; were all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. Disclosed herein too is a method comprising blending 10 to 90 weight percent of a linear polycarbonate; a branched polycarbonate; 10 to 70 weight percent of a polysiloxane-polycarbonate copolymer; and 1 to 20 weight percent of a phosphazene compound; to form a flame retardant composition; were all weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition.
US08927660B2
The present invention pertains to crosslinkable and crosslinked polyisobutylene-based polymers, to compositions that contain such polymers, and to medical devices that are formed using such polymers. According to one aspect, the present invention pertains to crosslinkable and crosslinked compositions that comprise a copolymer that comprises a polyisobutylene segment and two or more reactive groups. According to another aspect, the present invention pertains to medical devices that contain such compositions. According to another aspect, the present invention pertains to methods of making medical devices using such compositions.
US08927654B2
Provided are a water-treating agent which includes a specific nonionic polymer and a phosphorus compound and can exhibit the ability to inhibit the deposition of silica-based scale under wide ranges of water quality conditions and temperature conditions; and a method of treating water. The inhibitor for silica-based scale includes a nonionic polymer and a phosphorus compound, the nonionic polymer being: a polymer formed by the reaction of an unsaturated double bond and including units derived from at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of (meth)acrylamide, N-substituted (meth)acrylamide and N-vinyl lactam; and/or one or more polymers having an ether group and selected from the group consisting of alkyl alcohol/polyalkylene oxide adducts, aliphatic monocarboxylic acid/polyalkylene oxide adducts, and polyvinyl alcohol/polyalkylene oxide adducts.
US08927648B2
Disclosed herein is a method of making a modified pigment, comprising: reacting, under Mitsunobu conditions: (a) a first reactant comprising a protonated nucleophile having a pKa<15, and (b) a second reactant comprising a hydroxyl-containing organic group, wherein a pigment is attached to either the first or second reactant. The method further comprises forming the modified pigment having attached an organic species comprising the nucleophile bonded to the organic group, with the net elimination of a proton and a hydroxyl. Also disclosed herein are modified pigments, which can have applications in chemical toners, inkjet ink and electrophoretic ink compositions, black matrix materials, color filters, and coatings.
US08927645B2
A polymer having at least the following characteristics: (a) a block styrene content with more than 6 consecutive styrene units from about 15 to about 35 weight percent based on total styrene content in the polymer; (b) a vinyl content from about 25 to about 80 weight percent based on total amount of polymerized 1,3-diene; and (c) a styrene content from about 35 to about 75 weight percent based on total weight of polymer; and (d) a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of 1.5 or less.
US08927640B2
A nitrile copolymer latex composition containing a latex of a nitrile copolymer rubber (A) having α,β-ethylenically unsaturated nitrile monomer units in 10 to 75 wt %, conjugated diene monomer units in 5 to 89.9 wt %, and cationic monomer units and/or monomer units able to form cations in 0.1 to 20 wt %, an inorganic filler (B) having an aspect ratio of 30 to 2,000, and a plasticizer (C) having an SP value by the HOY method of 8 to 10.2 (cal/cm3)1/2, wherein a content of said plasticizer (C) is 0.1 to 200 parts by weight with respect to said nitrile copolymer rubber (A) as 100 parts by weight is provided.
US08927636B2
To provide a polycarbonate resin composition excellent in flame resistance, impact resistance and external appearance and a molded article formed from the polycarbonate resin composition. The composition comprises 0.001 to 2 parts by mass of a metal organic sulfonate (B), 0.001 to 1 parts by mass of a fluoropolymer (C), 0.5 to 5 parts by mass of polyalkylsilsesquioxane particles having an average particle diameter of 0.6 to 5 μm (D), and 0.5 to 8 parts by mass of a graft copolymer (E) having a butadiene content ratio of 50% to 90%, relative to 100 parts by mass of a polycarbonate resin (A).
US08927633B2
An aromatic polycarbonate resin composition includes per 100 mass parts of an aromatic polycarbonate resin (A) having an aromatic polycarbonate resin (a1) and an aromatic polycarbonate resin (a2) in a ratio when a total quantity of aromatic polycarbonate resins (a1) and (a2) is denoted as 100 mass percent, (a1):(a2)=99 mass percent to 50 mass percent:1 mass percent to 50 mass percent; 0.01 to 10 mass parts of microparticles (B) selected from the group consisting of polyorganosilsesquioxane microparticles and (meth)acrylic resin microparticles; and 0.005 mass part to 0.1 mass part of a flame retardant (C) in the form of organic sulfonic acid metal salt; wherein a molten resin quantity Q value flowing out of an orifice 1 mm in diameter×10 mm in length at a temperature of 280° C. at a load of 1.57×107 Pa.
US08927632B2
A polylactic acid based film includes a composition containing a polylactic acid based resin (A), a thermoplastic resin other than polylactic acid based resin (B), and a compound treated with a surface treatment agent as filler (C), the polylactic acid based resin containing a crystalline polylactic acid based resin and an amorphous polylactic acid based resin, and resin (A) accounting for 10 to 95 mass % and resin (B) accounting for 5 to 90 mass % of a combined total of 100 mass % of resin (A) and resin (B), and filler (C) accounting for 10 to 400 parts by mass per a combined total of 100 parts by mass of resin (A) and resin (B).
US08927621B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of compositions comprising vinyl aromatic copolymers prepared by the emulsion polymerisation process and having salt inclusions resulting from their preparation, which compositions are distinguished by an improved surface quality after storage under warm moist conditions and in that respect are suitable for the production of molded bodies having a class A surface.
US08927619B2
Microparticles containing an ultraviolet light absorbing polymer and 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate (“IPBC”) resist discoloration by sunlight and other ultraviolet light sources. Methods for preparing the microparticles produce polymer-shielded, formaldehyde-free IPBC formulations which resist discoloration and leaching, and are especially useful in water-based applications. The microparticles include a polymer that absorbs light over a range of ultraviolet wavelengths associated with IPBC discoloration. The microparticles may be utilized in paints, stains, stuccoes, adhesives, and plastics, for example.
US08927610B2
A process for the production of methane comprising reacting at least part of a feed gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen in an internally cooled methanation reactor containing a nickel comprising methanation catalyst to produce a product gas containing methane, cooling the internally cooled methanation reactor with water, wherein the water enters the internally cooled methanation reactor at a temperature in the range from 20-120° C. below its boiling temperature.
US08927596B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel antischistosomal agent, and more specifically, to provide a novel drug capable of inhibiting a growth of schistosomes in vivo to prevent development of liver dysfunction due to eggs of the schistosomes in the case of infection with the schistosomes. The novel antischistosomal agent includes as an active ingredient a peroxide derivative. Specifically, the novel antischistosomal agent includes as an active ingredient a peroxide derivative represented by the general formula (I): where C represents an alicyclic hydrocarbon ring group which may be substituted, and n represents an integer of 1 to 6.
US08927589B2
Compounds of Formulas 1 and 2 where the variables have the meaning disclosed in the specification, have analgesic and in some cases immunostimulant activity.
US08927588B2
To develop an antibiotic having a novel mechanism of action, the present inventors have searched for a compound that has weak cytotoxicity, the physical property of high solubility in water, the effect of inhibiting both DNA gyrase GyrB and topoisomerase IV ParE subunits, and sufficient antibacterial activity. As a result, the present inventors have completed the present invention by finding that a compound of the present invention represented by the general formula (1), a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, and a prodrug thereof have desirable properties. The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition (particularly, a preventive or therapeutic composition for infectious disease) comprising a compound represented by the formula (1), a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof as an active ingredient.
US08927582B2
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I): wherein X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, R, R1, R2 are as defined above. The compounds have apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (“ASK1”) inhibitory activity, and are thus useful in the treatment of ASK1-mediated conditions, including autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, cardio-renal diseases, including kidney disease, fibrotic diseases, respiratory diseases, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, acute lung injury, acute and chronic liver diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of the compounds of Formula (I), and to methods of preparing the compounds of Formula (I).
US08927581B2
The present invention relates to fungicide N-(2-pyridylpropyl)carboxamide derivative and its oxa, aza and thia analogs of formula (I), their process of preparation and intermediate compound for their preparation, their use as fungicides, particularly in the form of fungicidal compositions and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi of plants using these compounds or their compositions. wherein A, T, W, X, n and Z3 to Z7 represent various substituents.
US08927575B2
(S)-2-(Diphenylacetyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-methoxy-5-(phenylmethoxy)-3-isoquinoline carboxylic acid in substantially pure form is described together with its sodium salt and solvates. Methods for preparing the compound, its sodium salt and its solvates and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are also described.
US08927573B2
The invention provides novel 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, A, and G are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt or solvate thereof, that are antagonists at the mu opioid receptor. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat conditions associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08927569B2
A class of macrocyclic compounds of formula (I), wherein R1, R3, R4, Ra, Rb, A, Z, Y, X, M, W, n and m are defined herein, that are useful as inhibitors of viral proteases, particularly the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3 protease, are provided. Also provided are processes 5 for the synthesis and use of such macrocyclic compounds for treating or preventing HCV infection. Formula (I):
US08927567B2
Provided herein are novel fluoroergoline derivatives and compositions thereof. In other embodiments, provided herein are methods of treatment, prevention, or amelioration of a variety of medical disorders such as, for example, migraine using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of agonizing receptors such as, for example, the 5-HT1D and/or the 5-HT1B receptor, without agonizing the 5-HT2B receptor using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein. In still other embodiments, provided herein are methods of antagonizing or inhibiting activity at receptors such as, for example, the adrenergic alpha2A and/or the alpha2B receptors using the compounds and compositions disclosed herein.
US08927563B2
There is provided a compound of formula I, which compound has antiinflammatory activity (e.g. through inhibition of one or more of members of: the family of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase enzymes; Syk kinase; and members of the Src family of tyrosine kinases, e.g., Src and Lck) and has use in therapy, including in pharmaceutical combinations, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory diseases of the lung, eye and intestines.
US08927562B2
This invention relates to novel fused tricyclic compounds that are inhibitors of mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, which is also known as FRAP, RAFT, RAPT or SEP, and are useful in the treatment of cellular proliferative diseases, for example cancer and other proliferative disorders.
US08927555B2
Thieno- and furo-pyrimidine compounds are described, which are useful as H4 receptor modulators. Such compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the modulation of histamine H4 receptor activity and for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by H4 receptor activity, such as inflammation.
US08927549B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide adamantyl benzamide derivatives and pharmaceutical compositions comprising adamantyl benzamide derivatives. Methods of use of such compounds and compositions to modulate the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) in a subject are also provided.
US08927545B2
EphB3 kinase inhibitor compounds, including certain pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine compounds, inhibit EphB3 kinase. The EphB3 kinase inhibitor compounds can have greater potency for the inhibition of EphB3 kinase than general kinase inhibitors. Pharmaceutical compositions, such as neuroprotective agents, comprising the EphB3 kinase inhibitor compounds are also provided. The EphB3 kinase inhibitor compounds and pharmaceutical compositions are useful, for example, to provide neuroprotection and/or repair of neuronal tissue damaged during an ischemic event, such as a stroke.
US08927538B2
The present invention provides a compound of general formulae A useful as potential antitumour agents against human cancer cell lines. The present invention further provides a process for the preparation of pyrrolo[2, 1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine hybrids of general formulae 6a-g, 10a-o, 14a-g and 18a-o.
US08927527B2
The present invention provides cyclic nitro compound, pharmaceutical compositions of cyclic nitro compounds and methods of using cyclic nitro compounds and/or pharmaceutical compositions thereof to treat or prevent diseases or disorders characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune disease.
US08927524B2
The present invention relates to ready-to-use sterile, alginate-based, aqueous compositions for medical use. More particularly, the invention relates to an aqueous composition for medical use that has been sterilized by heat sterilization and having a viscosity at 25° C. of at least 300 cP) (Helipath® T F spindle, 100 rpm at 25° C.), said composition having a pH in the range of 6.5-7.5; containing 0.5-10 wt. % of an alginate salt; and further containing 10-500 mM of one or more dissolved C2-C7 mono- or dicarboxylates that are optionally substituted with up to 2 hydroxyl groups.The alginate-based composition of the present invention has excellent storage stability and is easy to manufacture. The alginate-based aqueous compositions of the present invention can advantageously be used, for instance, to prevent adhesions between a healing trauma site and adjacent surrounding tissue. These compositions can further be used in implants or in pharmaceutical preparations for oral administration.
US08927522B2
Provided herein are microalgal polysaccharide compositions and. Also provided are methods of using polysaccharides for applications such as topical personal care products, cosmetics, and wrinkle reduction compositions. The invention also provides novel microalgal compositions useful for improving the health and appearance of skin. The invention also includes insoluble polysaccharide particles for application to human skin.
US08927520B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein Rj, R2, R3, R4, Xi, X2, X3 and Z are as defined in claim 1. The compounds are useful in the prevention and/or treatment of bacterial infections.
US08927514B2
Novel adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors in nucleotide and amino acid forms and uses thereof are provided. The isolates show specific tropism for certain target tissues, such as blood stem cells, liver, heart and joint tissue, and may be used to transduce stem cells for introduction of genes of interest into the target tissues. Certain of the vectors are able to cross tightly controlled biological junctions, such as the blood-brain barrier, which open up additional novel uses and target organs for the vectors, providing for additional methods of gene therapy and drug delivery.
US08927513B2
The present invention provides nucleosides and oligonucleotides comprising a 5′ phosphate mimics of formula (IVc) or (Vc). One aspect of the present invention relates to modified nucleosides and oligonucleotides comprising such dinucleotide of formula (Ia). Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of inhibiting the expression of a gene in call, the method comprising (a) contacting an oligonucleotide of the invention with the cell; and (b) maintaining the cell from step (a) for a time sufficient to obtain degradation of the mRNA of the target gene.
US08927509B2
This invention relates to nucleic acid aptamers that recognize and bind the complement protein C3 or its biologically active proteolytic products and methods of their use. Particularly preferred are bi-functional aptamer construct that binding specifically with C3b or iC3b, and another target protein. Use of these molecular constructs for commandeering the opsonization process is also described herein.
US08927506B2
Novel compounds and methods of using the same to inhibit glycolysis and treat cancer and other diseases are provided herein.
US08927497B2
A composition including a surfactant and at least one alkyl glycoside and/or saccharide alkyl ester and a drug. The surfactant composition(s) when admixed with a drug is non-toxic and non-irritating, while stabilizing and increasing the bioavailability of the drug. The invention also provides compositions that enhance absorption of drugs via the oral, ocular, nasal, nasolacrimal, inhalation or pulmonary, oral cavity (sublingual or Buccal cell) or CSF delivery route of a patient, including but not limited to insulin, glucagon and exendin-4.
US08927495B1
Adrenocortical disease (ACD) in ferrets develops as a result of the effect of increased concentration of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) on adrenal LH receptors. This increase in LH often results from the neutering of male or female ferrets. Neutered ferrets have no negative feedback of the ovarian or testicular hormone and as a result LH is elevated 3 to 10 times normal. Elevated LH may be prevented and/or treated by injection of GnRH vaccine. Administration of GnRH produces antibodies to endogenous GnRH. The GnRH-anti-GnRH immune-complex is ineffective in stimulating the release of LH and FSH in the anterior pituitary resulting drop in concentration of LH in the systemic circulation. This reduction in LH significantly reduces the occurrence or clinical symptoms of ACD therein. Moreover, treatment of ferrets with the GnRH provides long term relief from ACD for a period of a year or more.
US08927490B2
Systems, techniques and methods for estimating the metabolic state or flux, e.g., the body energy state (“BES”) of a patient, are disclosed. The BES provides deep insight into the nutritional needs of the patient, thus allowing for a sort of exquisite glycemic control with regard to the patient. The invention discloses systems and methods for estimating fractional gluconeogenesis, which is the % of glucose production that comes from gluconeogenesis (“GNG”), as opposed to glycogenolysis (“GLY”), the other form of glucose production. Nutritional formulations, materials, cocktails and methods for feeding patients by parenteral and other means are disclosed. The amount, type and rate of such nutritional feeding are typically based upon the above estimating. The invention discloses formulations that contain labels, such as deuterium, for medical diagnostics, such as for estimating BES and fractional gluconeogenesis. The invention is suitable for any sort of patient, including those who are injured, such as with traumatic brain injury, ill, or have other conditions that stress the metabolic system.
US08927488B2
The present invention relates to modified forms of C-peptide, and methods for their use. In one aspect, the modified forms of C-peptide comprise PEGylated C-peptide derivatives comprising at least one PEG group attached to the N-terminus, which exhibit superior pharmacokinetic and biological activity in vivo.
US08927480B2
A cleaning cloth for use with a steam mop having a housing mounting the cleaning cloth for cleaning the surface to be cleaned and a steam delivery system for delivering steam to the cleaning cloth. The cleaning cloth has at least one fabric layer that is configured to be attached to a steam mop and an encapsulated cleaning composition associated with the fabric layer and configured to be released by exposure to steam delivered to the cleaning cloth. A steam mop for use of the cleaning cloth and a method of cleaning with the cleaning pad is also disclosed.
US08927473B2
A two-part liquid product, the first of which comprises a first solvent and a first dissolved dye; and the second of which comprises a second solvent and a second dissolved dye. The two solvents are immiscible. The first dye is insoluble in the second solvent, and the second dye is insoluble in the first solvent. Each dye is a different color than the other. Initially, when placed in a single container, the two parts form two separate different colored layers that do not mix. Shaking the container produces a temporary micro-emulsion. The emulsion has a new color representing the combination of the colors of the two component layers. This combination color indicates to the user that an emulsion exists and that the product is effective. The component materials are selected so as to produce a stable emulsion for between five to twenty minutes before separation.
US08927470B2
The invention provides for a process and apparatus for preparing a soap concentrate, including: (a) introducing feed components to a first feeding zone; (b) first reacting in a first reacting zone; (c) first venting in a first venting zone; and (d) cooling in a cooling zone. The process may further include, after (c) and before (d): (i) continued reacting in a continued reacting zone; and (ii) second venting in a second venting zone. The invention also provides for a process and apparatus for preparing a lubricating composition comprising: (aa) introducing a soap concentrate and a base oil to a lubricating composition feeding zone; (bb) dispersing the soap concentrate in a lubricating composition dispersing zone; (cc) mixing the soap concentrate and the base oil in a lubricating composition mixing zone; and (dd) cooling in a lubricating composition cooling zone.
US08927468B2
Spray dried emulsifier compositions are described, which have desirable emulsifying and wetting characteristics. Among other advantages, the solid particulate emulsifier compositions greatly reduce transportation costs and simplify the logistics and environmental concerns associated with shipping large volumes of solvent-containing liquids. The emulsifier comprises (1) a carboxylic acid terminated fatty amine condensate or (2) a modified tall oil or (3) a blend of (1) and (2) that is converted to its alkali or alkaline earth metal salt and spray dried.
US08927464B2
Fluidics-induced localized deposition and assembly of materials using a superhydrophobic surface structure is described. A method of localized deposition of a material includes contacting a superhydrophobic substrate comprising raised surface structures with a non-wetting fluid comprising a material to be locally deposited or a precursor thereto, said surface and said fluid selected such that the fluid wets only an upper portion of the raised surface structure; and allowing the material to deposit at the tips of the surface structure.
US08927463B2
A high throughput method and apparatus for rapidly screening a plurality of genotoxicants to determine the degree and type of genotoxicity are provided.
US08927462B2
A method for identifying from an HLA library an HLA complex that specifically binds to a compound. This method can be relied on to assess whether a compound is likely to induce an adverse drug reaction and, if so, in which human population.
US08927460B2
Described are agrochemical compositions, comprising (a) esters and/or amides of pyroglutamic acid, and (b) biocides. The compositions are clear and exhibit an improved stability even when stored at temperatures between 5° and 40° C. over a longer period.
US08927455B2
The present invention discloses a method of producing a magnesia-zirconia complex carrier for a catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane through a single-step precipitation process wherein the oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane is to produce n-butene and 1,3-butadiene from n-butane; a method of producing a magnesium orthovanadate catalyst supported by thus prepared magnesia-zirconia complex carrier; and a method of producing n-butene and 1,3-butadiene using said catalyst.
US08927447B2
A ceramic sintered body includes tungsten carbide, zirconia, and alumina. The content of the tungsten carbide is 20 to 50 vol %, and the content of the zirconia is 5 to 25 vol %. The crystal phase of the zirconia is a tetragonal crystal or a mixture of tetragonal and monoclinic crystals. The ceramic sintered body does not substantially include Ti compounds. The average particle diameter of the tungsten carbide, the average particle diameter of the zirconia, and the average particle diameter of the alumina are all 1 μm or less.
US08927445B2
The invention includes a composition for sealing agent, generally in the form of glass frit, lead-free, comprising by weight over the total weight of the composition: 30-80% Bi2O3; 2-10% ZnO; 2-10% B2O3; 0-5% Na2O; 1-10% SiO2; 1-8% Al2O3; 0-7% BaO; and 0-8% MgO. The composition for sealing agent as defined above can be added with a filler in a quantity up to 20% by weight over the total weight of the resulting mixture. The invention also includes a sealing paste containing the composition for sealing agent, the optional filler, an organic binder and optionally an organic solvent. The invention also includes methods for producing and using the composition for sealing agent and the sealing paste, as well as an electronic device sealed with the sealing paste.
US08927438B2
Provided are methods for depositing a cerium doped hafnium containing high-k dielectric film on a substrate. The reagents of specific methods include hafnium tetrachloride, an organometallic complex of cerium and water.
US08927434B2
A method of producing a patterned inorganic thin film dielectric stack includes providing a substrate. A first patterned deposition inhibiting material layer is provided on the substrate. A first inorganic thin film dielectric material layer is selectively deposited on a region of the substrate where the first deposition inhibiting material layer is not present using an atomic layer deposition process. The first deposition inhibiting and first inorganic thin film dielectric material layers are simultaneously treated after deposition of the first inorganic thin film dielectric material layer. A second patterned deposition inhibiting material layer is provided on the substrate. A second inorganic thin film dielectric material layer is selectively deposited on a region of the substrate where the second deposition inhibiting material layer is not present using an atomic layer deposition process. The first and second inorganic thin film dielectric material layers form a patterned inorganic thin film dielectric stack.
US08927433B2
Provided is a technology for forming a conductive via hole to implement a three dimensional stacked structure of an integrated circuit. A method for forming a conductive via hole according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: filling inside of a via hole structure that is formed in one or more of an upper portion and a lower portion of a substrate with silver by using a reduction and precipitation of silver in order to connect a plurality of stacked substrates by a conductor; filling a portion that is not filled with silver inside of the via hole structure by flowing silver thereinto; and sublimating residual material of silver oxide series, which is generated during the flowing, on an upper layer inside of the via hole structure filled with silver.
US08927415B2
Embodiments described herein provide interconnect barrier layers and methods for forming such barriers. A dielectric body having a trench formed in a surface thereof is provided. A first layer is formed above the dielectric body within the trench. The first layer includes amorphous carbon. A second layer is formed above the first layer. The second layer includes a metal. The dielectric body, the first layer, and the second layer are heated to convert at least some of the amorphous carbon to graphene.
US08927409B2
An apparatus includes a wafer annealing tool and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the wafer annealing tool, wherein the electrodes are configured to be in physical contact with a wafer so that, when the wafer is annealed, a negative electrical bias is formed across one or more gate stacks of the wafer.
US08927408B2
A dielectric liner is formed on sidewalls of a gate stack and a lower contact-level dielectric material layer is deposited on the dielectric liner and planarized. The dielectric liner is recessed relative to the top surface of the lower contact-level dielectric material layer and the top surface of the gate stack. A dielectric metal oxide layer is deposited and planarized to form a dielectric metal oxide spacer that surrounds an upper portion of the gate stack. The dielectric metal oxide layer has a top surface that is coplanar with a top surface of the planarized lower contact-level dielectric material layer. Optionally, the conductive material in the gate stack may be replaced. After deposition of at least one upper contact-level dielectric material layer, at least one via hole extending to a semiconductor substrate is formed employing the dielectric metal oxide spacer as a self-aligning structure.
US08927403B2
Processes are provided for selectively depositing thin films comprising one or more noble metals on a substrate by vapor deposition processes. In some embodiments, atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes are used to deposit a noble metal containing thin film on a high-k material, metal, metal nitride or other conductive metal compound while avoiding deposition on a lower k insulator such as silicon oxide. The ability to deposit on a first surface, such as a high-k material, while avoiding deposition on a second surface, such as a silicon oxide or silicon nitride surface, may be utilized, for example, in the formation of a gate electrode.
US08927401B2
A trench Schottky diode and its manufacturing method are provided. The trench Schottky diode includes a semiconductor substrate having therein a plurality of trenches, a gate oxide layer, a polysilicon structure, a guard ring and an electrode. At first, the trenches are formed in the semiconductor substrate by an etching step. Then, the gate oxide layer and the polysilicon structure are formed in the trenches and protrude above a surface of the semiconductor substrate. The guard ring is formed to cover a portion of the resultant structure. At last, the electrode is formed above the guard ring and the other portion not covered by the guard ring. The protruding gate oxide layer and the protruding polysilicon structure can avoid cracks occurring in the trench structure.
US08927400B2
A method of preventing toxic gas formation after an implantation process is disclosed. Certain dopants, when implanted into films disposed on a substrate, may react when exposed to moisture to form a toxic gas and/or a flammable gas. By in-situ exposing the doped film to an oxygen containing compound, dopant that is shallowly implanted into the layer stack reacts to form a dopant oxide, thereby reducing potential toxic gas and/or flammable gas formation. Alternatively, a capping layer may be formed in-situ over the implanted film to reduce the potential generation of toxic gas and/or flammable gas.
US08927395B2
In a wafer processing method, a modified layer is formed inside a wafer along planned dividing lines by irradiating the wafer with a laser beam with such a wavelength as to be transmitted through the wafer from the back surface side of the wafer along the dividing lines. A first modified layer is formed near the back surface of the wafer by irradiating the wafer with the light focal point of the laser beam positioned near the back surface of the wafer. The wafer is then irradiated with the light focal point of the laser beam positioned on the front surface side. Then plural second modified layers are formed in a multi-layering manner with sequential movement of the light focal point toward an area leading to the first modified layer. The wafer is divided into individual devices along the dividing lines by applying an external force to the wafer.
US08927392B2
Methods for forming semiconductor devices include providing a textured template, forming a buffer layer over the textured template, forming a substrate layer over the buffer layer, removing the textured template, thereby exposing a surface of the buffer layer, and forming a semiconductor layer over the exposed surface of the buffer layer.
US08927384B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device includes forming a hard mask pattern using a damascene method on a lower mold layer stacked on a substrate and etching the lower mold layer using the hard mask pattern as an etch mask to define a protrusion under the hard mask pattern. A support pattern is formed on a top surface of the etched lower mold layer, the top surface of the etched lower mold layer being located at a lower level than a top surface of the protrusion. A lower electrode supported by the support pattern is formed.
US08927371B2
A multi-gate transistor includes a semiconductor fin over a substrate. The semiconductor fin includes a central fin formed of a first semiconductor material; and a semiconductor layer having a first portion and a second portion on opposite sidewalls of the central fin. The semiconductor layer includes a second semiconductor material different from the first semiconductor material. The multi-gate transistor further includes a gate electrode wrapping around sidewalls of the semiconductor fin; and a source region and a drain region on opposite ends of the semiconductor fin. Each of the central fin and the semiconductor layer extends from the source region to the drain region.
US08927368B2
A trench having a side wall and a bottom portion is formed in a silicon carbide substrate. A trench insulating film is formed to cover the bottom portion and the side wall. A silicon film is formed to fill the trench with the trench insulating film being interposed therebetween. The silicon film is etched so as to leave a portion of the silicon film that is disposed on the bottom portion with the trench insulating film being interposed therebetween. The trench insulating film is removed from the side wall. By oxidizing the silicon film, a bottom insulating film is formed. A side wall insulating film is formed on the side wall.
US08927362B2
A semiconductor device and method for fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. An exemplary semiconductor device includes a substrate including a first region and a second region. The semiconductor device further includes a first buffer layer formed over the substrate and between first and second isolation regions in the first region and a second buffer layer formed over the substrate and between first and second isolation regions in the second region. The semiconductor device further includes a first fin structure formed over the first buffer layer and between the first and second isolation regions in the first region and a second fin structure formed over the second buffer layer and between the first and second isolation regions in the second region. The first buffer layer includes a top surface different from a top surface of the second buffer layer.
US08927359B2
The present disclosure provides a method of semiconductor device fabrication including forming a multi-composition ILD layer by forming a first portion of an inter-layer dielectric (ILD) layer on a semiconductor substrate; and forming a second portion of an ILD layer on the first portion of the ILD layer. The second portion may have a greater silicon content than the first portion. For example, the second portion may be a silicon rich oxide.
US08927357B2
Junction field-effect transistors, methods for fabricating junction field-effect transistors, and design structures for a junction field-effect transistor. A source and a drain of the junction field-effect transistor are comprised of a semiconductor material grown by selective epitaxy and in direct contact with a top surface of a semiconductor layer. A gate is formed that is aligned with a channel laterally disposed in the semiconductor layer between the source and the drain. The source, the drain, and the semiconductor layer are each comprised of a second semiconductor material having an opposite conductivity type from a first semiconductor material comprising the gate.
US08927355B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including the second sacrificial layer receiving a gate structure include a metal and a spacer on a sidewall of the gate structure therethrough being formed on a substrate. The second sacrificial layer is removed. A second etch stop layer and an insulating interlayer are sequentially formed on the gate structure, the spacer and the substrate. An opening passing through the insulating interlayer is formed to expose a portion of the gate structure, a portion of the spacer and a portion of the second etch stop layer on a portion of the substrate. The second etch stop layer being exposed through the opening is removed. The contact being electrically connected to the gate structure and the substrate and filling the opening is formed. The semiconductor device having the metal gate electrode and the shared contact has a desired leakage current characteristic and resistivity characteristics.
US08927351B2
It is an object to drive a semiconductor device at high speed or to improve the reliability of the semiconductor device. In a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device, in which a gate electrode is formed over a substrate with an insulating property, a gate insulating film is formed over the gate electrode, and an oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gate insulating film, the gate insulating film is formed by deposition treatment using high-density plasma. Accordingly, dangling bonds in the gate insulating film are reduced and the quality of the interface between the gate insulating film and the oxide semiconductor is improved.
US08927350B2
An integration flow for LDD and spacer fabrication on a sacrificial amorphous carbon gate structure, form first spacer by way of depositing on the si substrate which have gate structure first. Gate is provided above the N-well and P-well on substrate. Spin coating a layer of photoresist in the first spacer, patterning the photoresist, and the gate structure above the N-well or P-well is exposed, ion lightly dope treatment is then used to the whole device. Remove the redundant photoresist and the first spacer layer, form the second spacer layer by depositing on the surface of the si substrate and gate, and spin coating another photoresist layer on the second spacer layer. Pattern the another photoresist layer, and another side of the gate structure is exposed, ion lightly dope treatment is then used to the whole device. Remove the redundant photoresist and the second spacer layer, form the third spacer layer and SiN layer by depositing on the gate and the Si substrate in turn. Form spacer by removing the redundant the third spacer layer and SiN layer.
US08927333B2
A package-on-package arrangement for maintaining die alignment during a reflow operation is provided. A first top die has a first arrangement of solder bumps. A bottom package has a first electrical arrangement to electrically connect to the first arrangement of solder bumps. A die carrier has a plurality of mounting regions defined on its bottom surface, wherein the first top die is adhered to the die carrier at a first of the plurality of mounting regions. One of a second top die and a dummy die having a second arrangement of solder bumps is also fixed to the die carrier at a second of the plurality of mounting regions of the die carrier. The first and second arrangements of solder bumps are symmetric to one another, therein balancing a surface tension during a reflow operation, and generally fixing an orientation of the die carrier with respect to the bottom package.
US08927331B2
A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile memory device includes: forming a tantalum oxide material layer including an oxygen-deficient transition metal oxide; forming a tantalum oxide material layer including a transition metal oxide and having a degree of oxygen deficiency lower than a degree of oxygen deficiency of the tantalum oxide material layer; and exposing, after the forming of a tantalum oxide material layer, the tantalum oxide material layer to plasma generated from a noble gas.
US08927319B2
There is disclosed methods of making photosensitive devices, such as flexible photovoltaic (PV) devices, through the use of epitaxial liftoff. Also described herein are methods of preparing flexible PV devices comprising a structure having a growth substrate, wherein the selective etching of protective layers yields a smooth growth substrate that us suitable for reuse.
US08927317B2
A method for producing a selective doping structure in a semiconductor substrate in order produce a photovoltaic solar cell. The method includes the following steps: A) applying a doping layer (2) to the emitter side of the semiconductor substrate, B) locally heating a melting region of the doping layer (2) and a melting region of the semiconductor substrate lying under the doping layer (2) in such a way that dopant diffuses from the doping layer (2) into the melted semiconductor substrate via liquid-liquid diffusion, so that a high doping region (3) is produced after the melt mixture solidifies, C) producing the planar low doping region by globally heating the semiconductor substrate, D) removing the doping layer (2) and E) removing or converting a layer of the semiconductor substrate on the doping side in such a way that part of the low doping region and of the high doping region close to the surface is removed or is converted into an electrically non-conducting layer.
US08927296B2
The invention provides droplet actuators and droplet actuator techniques. Among other things, the droplet actuators and methods are useful for manipulating beads on a droplet actuator, such as conducting droplet operations using bead-containing droplets on a droplet actuator. For example, beads may be manipulated on a droplet actuator in the context of executing a sample preparation protocol and/or an assay protocol. An output of the methods of the invention may be beads prepared for execution of an assay protocol. Another output of the methods of the invention may be results of an assay protocol executed using beads. Among the methods described herein are methods of concentrating beads in droplets, methods of washing beads, methods of suspending beads, methods of separating beads, methods of localizing beads within a droplet, methods of forming emulsions in which droplets include beads, methods of loading beads into a droplet operations gap of a droplet actuator, methods of organizing beads in a monolayer, and methods of capturing, trapping or restraining beads.
US08927294B2
A method of determining a normalized quantity of an analyte adhering to beads in a detection area of a bead-based assaying system, the method comprising: a) causing a complex of the analyte to fluorescently or chemically emit a first light, or to release a dye; b) measuring an integrated intensity of the first light emitted from the beads in the detection area, or a concentration of the dye released from the beads in the detection area, or both; c) causing light to interact with the beads in the detection area, the interaction not depending on whether or how much analyte is adhering to the beads; d) measuring a second light resulting from the interaction with the beads which does not depend on the analyte; and e) determining the normalized quantity of analyte from the integrated intensity of the first light or concentration of the dye or both, and from the measured second light.
US08927283B2
Methods for treating surfaces of polymeric substrates (as used in medical implants) with inert plasmas to promote the growth of bioentities (such as cells) on these surfaces is disclosed. The treated surfaces are subsequently exposed to an environment to form functionalities associated with enhanced growth of the bioentity on the surface. For example, the substrate may be exposed to the ambient environment. The bioentity may then be deposited on the modified surface. This inert plasma treatment and exposure to a suitable environment does not degrade the implants, and thus improved implants are created. Also, due to the specific functional groups at the modified surface, high cell densities are achieved.
US08927282B2
The present invention relates to cell and tissue culture. In particular, the present invention provides a method for preparing an organotypic culture using dissociated cells or microexplants obtained from an animal organ. The method for preparing an organotypic culture comprises culturing cells from an organ on a surface characterized in that the cells are compacted. The invention further relates to a high-throughput method for the preparation of a collection of organotypic cultures. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out a method of organotypic culture according to the invention.
US08927278B2
The present invention develops a straightforward and rapid method for generating immunomodulatory cells from peripheral mononuclear cells, comprising treating peripheral mononuclear cells with a hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to induce differentiation of the peripheral mononuclear cells into immunomodulatory leukocytes. The present invention also provides an immunomodulatory cell prepared according to this method. The present invention further provides a method for treating a disease caused by abnormal immune response comprising administering a HGF to a patient exhibiting the disease, inducing the patient's peripheral mononuclear cells to differentiate into immunomodulatory leukocytes, and modulating the abnormal immune response.
US08927264B2
Methods and apparatus are disclosed herein to improve on and expand the range of electrical and electromagnetic frequencies used in therapeutic electro medical devices. The present invention uses electrical and electromagnetic frequency generators and detectors integrated with a live cell imaging system that provides feedback to the frequency generators using data derived from said imaging system.
US08927263B2
A microfluidic device for glycan analysis includes a deglycosylation column comprising a glycosidase attached to a solid support; a tagging column comprising a reactive ester for reaction with an amino group, wherein the tagging column is arranged downstream of the deglycosylation column; an analytical column comprising a stationary phase capable of separating a derivatized glycan; and a plurality of inlet/outlet ports configured to connect with channels on a switching element to form flow paths.
US08927255B2
Many fungal secondary metabolites are of industrial interest, such as antibiotics, while others are undesirable compounds such as mycotoxins. Overexpression of mtfA enhances production of fungal compounds with applications in the medical field, and overexpression or impaired mtfA expression decreases the production of compounds that negatively affect health/agriculture/economy such as mycotoxins.
US08927254B2
Provided herein are methods for transforming a Pyrococcus furiosus with a polynucleotide. In one embodiment, the method includes contacting a P. furiosus with a polynucleotide under conditions suitable for uptake of the polynucleotide by the P. furiosus, and identifying transformants at a frequency of, for instance, at least 103 transformants per microgram DNA. Also provided are isolated Pyrococcus furiosus having the characteristics of Pyrococcus furiosus COM1, and plasmids that include an origin of replication that functions in a Pyrococcus furiosus. The plasmid is stable in a recipient P. furiosus without selection for more than 100 generations and is structurally unchanged after replication in P. furiosus for more than 100 generations.
US08927253B2
This disclosure relates to enhancing growth and/or activity of lactobacilli using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and α-galactosidase; and to enhancing growth and/or activity of bifidobacteria using a prebiotic formulation which includes iso-malto oligosaccharides and β-glucanase. Other combinations of fibers and enzymes are described below which also stimulate growth and activity of lactobacilli or bifidobacteria. These combinations of enzymes and prebiotics can be taken separately or added to foods, including desserts.
US08927251B2
The invention relates to engineered Herpes simplex virus (HSV) particles that are targeted to one or more specific binding pair members, such as receptors. Also, recombinant vectors for producing such HSV particles are provided. By reducing the affinity of HSV for its natural receptor(s) and increasing the affinity for a selected receptor, the HSV particles of the invention are useful for targeting cells that express the selected receptor, which itself may be a product of genetic engineering. The ability to selectively target cells render the HSV particles. particularly useful in selectively diagnosing, treating, and imaging cells bearing the selected binding pair member, such as a receptor. The invention also provides for polynucleotide-based therapy to cells bearing the selected binding pair member such as a receptor.
US08927247B2
A new I-CreI derived single-chain meganuclease comprising two domains, each domain comprising a portion of a parent I-CreI monomer which extends at least from the beginning of the first alpha helix to the end of the C-terminal loop and said two domains being joined by a peptidic linker which allows them to fold as a I-CreI dimer that is able to bind and cleave a chimeric DNA target comprising one different half of each parent homodimeric I-CreI meganuclease target sequence. Use of said I-CreI derived single-chain meganuclease for genetic engineering, genome therapy and antiviral therapy.
US08927241B2
The invention relates to the production of one or more terpenoids through microbial engineering, and relates to the manufacture of products comprising terpenoids.
US08927237B2
An acylating agent and a hydrolase are caused to act on a hydroxypyranone represented by formula (I) in a water-containing organic solvent, to thereby produce an acyloxypyranone compound represented by formula (II) (wherein R1 represents an acyl group). Then, an acetylene organic metal compound represented by formula (III) (wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a tri-substituted silyl group, and M represents an alkali metal atom, aluminum, or a magnesium monohalide) and a coordinating additive are caused to act on the acyloxypyranone compound represented by formula (II), to thereby produce an alkyne compound represented by formula (IV). The alkyne compound represented by formula (IV) is hydrolyzed with acid, to thereby produce a dihydrofuran compound represented by formula (V).
US08927232B2
The present application describes an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide capable of synchronously binding VEGF polypeptide and TNF polypeptide comprising: (a) a nucleotide sequence encoding a TNFR2 component and VEGFR1 component operatively linked to (b) a nucleotide sequence encoding a multimerizing component, wherein the TNFR2 component consists essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequences of cystein rich domain 1, cystein rich domain 2, cystein rich domain 3, and cystein rich domain 4 of the extracellular domain of TNFR2, and wherein the VEGFR1 component consists essentially of a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequences of Ig-like domain 2 of the extracellular domain of VEGFR1.
US08927229B2
Rapid, animal protein free, chromatographic processes and systems for obtaining high potency, high yield botulinum neurotoxin for research, therapeutic and cosmetic use.
US08927215B2
The present invention provides methods of detecting mutations in a GNA11 gene in a melanocytic neoplasm for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. The invention further provides methods of treating such melanocytic neoplasm by modulating the activity of the mutated GNA11 gene.
US08927212B2
FRET-labeled compounds are provided for use in analytical reactions. In certain embodiments, FRET-labeled nucleotide analogs are used in place of naturally occurring nucleoside triphosphates or other analogs in analytical reactions comprising nucleic acids, for example, template-directed nucleic acid synthesis, DNA sequencing, RNA sequencing, single-base identification, hybridization, binding assays, and other analytical reactions.
US08927210B2
The present invention relates to novel conjugate complexes for immunoassays as well as kits comprising these conjugate complexes, methods of producing these complexes, and methods of detecting an analyte by use of these complexes. The conjugate complexes of the invention comprise one or more non-nucleic acid receptors capable of specifically binding an analyte, one or more nucleic acid markers comprising a predetermined nucleotide sequence, one or more first linker molecules capable of specifically binding the non-nucleic acid receptor and the nucleic acid marker, and one or more second linker molecules capable of specifically binding the first linker molecules.
US08927199B2
A mask includes: a substrate that includes a central area and a peripheral area disposed around the central area; and lenses disposed in rows and columns, in the central area and the peripheral area. The lenses of opposing sides of the peripheral area may be disposed in different rows or columns. For a given amount of input light, the lenses of the peripheral area may focus less light on a substrate than the lenses of the central area. The mask may be disposed over the substrate in different positions, and then the substrate may be irradiated through the mask, while the mask is in each of the positions. The peripheral portion of the mask may be disposed over the same area of the substrate, while the mask is in different ones of the positions.
US08927197B2
A negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor is used for making lithographic printing plates from infrared radiation imaging. The precursor comprises free radical chemistry and a specific infrared radiation absorber that is a cyanine dye and defined by Formula (1a) described in the disclosure. This particular infrared radiation absorber provides both IR sensitivity and print out after imaging.
US08927195B2
A photosensitive composition includes (A) a polyurethane obtained by reacting a diol component including a compound represented by the following Formula (I) with a polyisocyanate component; and (B) a photosensitive component. In Formula (I), A represents a single bond, or a divalent linking group including an atom selected from the group consisting of a carbon atom, a hydrogen atom, and an oxygen atoms; B represents a monovalent organic group; each of R1 to R5 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; m represents an integer from 0 to 3; n represents an integer from 0 to 3; and m+n is not zero.
US08927191B2
A resist composition including a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, wherein the base component (A) includes a polymeric compound (A1) having a structural unit (a5) represented by general formula (a5-1). In the formula (a5-1), R represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms; each of Ra and Rb independently represents a hydrocarbon group which may have a substituent, and Ra and Rb may be mutually bonded to form a ring.
US08927189B2
A photoresist composition including a binder resin including a novolac resin represented by Chemical Formula 1, a diazide photosensitive initiator, and a solvent including a base solvent and an auxiliary solvent, wherein the base solvent includes propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, and the auxiliary solvent includes dimethyl-2-methylglutarate and ethyl beta-ethoxypropionate, wherein in Chemical Formula 1, R1 to R9 are each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, “a” is an integer number from 0 through 10, “b” is an integer number from 0 through 100, and “c” is an integer number from 1 through 10.
US08927185B2
The present invention provides a toner having superior color development property and a method of producing a toner having favorable particle size distribution and color development property, in which the toner containing a binder resin and a colorant that contains a phthalocyanine pigment represented by general formula (1), and the method for producing the toner.
US08927182B2
The present invention relates to a photosensitive resist composition comprising a colorant. More specifically, it relates to a photosensitive resist composition which is advantageously used for the production of a color filter for use in electronic paper displays devices, color image pick-up elements and the like.
US08927178B2
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a polymeric relief structure by a) coating a substrate with a first coating composition comprising one or more radiation-sensitive ingredients, d) locally treating the coated substrate with electromagnetic radiation having a periodic or random radiation-intensity pattern, forming a latent image, e) polymerizing and/or crosslinking the resulting coated substrate to a first coating. This process is improved by applying a second coating composition on top of the first coating composition, said second coating composition comprising either an organic compound (Co) of a monomeric nature and wherein Co is also polymerized during the process, or wherein said second coating comprises a dissolved polymer (Cp). As a result a polymeric relief structure is obtained, where a substrate is coated with a functional, stacked, bi-layer, in which each layer exhibits a specific, and from each other differing function.
US08927176B2
Collector plates made of bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys, the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys providing ruggedness, lightweight structure, excellent resistance to chemical and environmental effects, and low-cost manufacturing, and methods of making such collector plates from such bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are provided.
US08927167B2
A method of driving a fuel cell system according to embodiments of the present invention includes supplying a first amount of oxidizer (which is less than a normal amount of oxidizer) to a fuel cell stack while continuously supplying fuel to the fuel cell stack, supplying a second amount of oxidizer (which is more than the normal amount) to the fuel cell stack, and supplying a third amount of oxidizer (which is the normal amount of oxidizer supplied in a normal driving state) to the fuel cell stack.
US08927162B2
The present invention comprises fuel cells 84 disposed within a fuel cell module 2, a reformer 20, a reformer temperature sensor 148 for detecting a reforming state temperature, and a control section 110 for controlling the operation of the fuel cell module. The control section prohibits the normal startup POX and executes a restart control different from the normal startup POX when the reforming state temperature is at least in a high temperature region within the POX temperature band in a state in which the operation of the solid oxide fuel cell module is stopped.
US08927159B2
The present invention provides non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery, comprising an ester-based compound having a branched-chain alkyl group and an ester-based compound having a straight-chain alkyl group; and a lithium secondary battery using the same.
US08927155B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and a porous protective film formed on either one or both surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes. The porous protective film includes a binder, fine particles, and a surfactant.
US08927145B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer provided on a positive electrode collector, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the positive electrode active material layer contains a polyvinylidene fluoride-containing binder and a nano ceramic particle having a primary particle size of not more than 100 nm; and the binder and the nano ceramic particle are complexed.
US08927144B2
In one aspect, a battery cell including: an electrode assembly, wherein the electrode assembly includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; electrode tabs connected to the electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and extending from one side of the electrode assembly; a case for sealing the electrode assembly and an electrolyte; and a reinforcing material disposed in at least a region between the electrode assembly and the case, and comprising ceramic material and a polymer gel is provided.
US08927141B2
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a case housing the electrode assembly, the case having an opening; a cap assembly including a cap plate coupled to the opening of the case and a vent member on the cap plate adapted to discharge a gas from the case; and a separation member located between the electrode assembly and the cap plate to prevent the electrode assembly from significantly moving toward the cap plate.
US08927126B2
A battery pack includes a bare cell and a protection circuit assembly electrically connected to the bare cell. The protection circuit assembly includes a protection circuit board on which a protection module, a PTC thermistor, an external connection terminal, a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal are mounted. A first lead plate and a second lead plate are in contact with the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, respectively. The protection circuit board defines opposite lateral edges and a first groove in each of the opposite lateral edges, and the first lead plate is exposed through the first groove.
US08927117B2
The present invention relates to a compound of the formula (1) and (2) The invention further relates to a process to produce the compound. The invention additionally relates and an electronic device containing the compound of the formula (1) or (2). The electronic device can be an organic electroluminescence devices, particularly a blue emitting device, in which compounds are used as host materials or dopants in the emitting layer and/or as hole transport materials and/or as electron transport materials.
US08927114B2
A layer included in an electroluminescent element is required to be thickened to optimize light extraction efficiency of the electroluminescent element and to prevent short-circuit between electrodes. However, in a conventional element material, desired light extraction efficiency cannot be accomplished since drive voltage rises or power consumption is increased as the element material is thickened. A composite is formed by mixing a conjugated molecule having low ionization potential and a substance having an electron-accepting property to the conjugated molecule. A composite layer included in an element is formed using the composite as an element material. The composite layer is arranged between a first electrode and a light emitting layer or between a second electrode and a light emitting layer. The composite layer has high conductivity; therefore, drive voltage does not rise even if a film thickness is increased. Thus, an electroluminescent element which can prevent short-circuit of an electrode can be provided.
US08927108B2
Inelastic film structures including at least one layer incorporating a combination of a first polymeric component that is at least one polymer incorporating propylene-derived units and a second polymeric component that is a thermoplastic polymer, for example, a polymer incorporating a polyolefin, are provided. The combination of the first polymeric component and the second polymeric component incorporates from about 40 wt. % to about 98 wt. % of the at least one polymer incorporating propylene-derived units and from about 2 wt. % to about 60 wt. % of the at least one polymer incorporating a polyolefin. The film structures are found to have properties making the structures useful for inclusion in a variety of applications. In certain embodiments, the film structures may exhibit optical clarity, tack, sealability, toughness, softness, and machinability properties superior to conventional polypropylene films and other conventional polyolefin films.
US08927089B2
A sheet material (1) includes a stiffness-increasing concave-convex part (20). A first reference plane (K1), an intermediate reference plane (K3), and a second reference plane (K2) serve as a reference system. First reference areas (213), which have a specific shape, and second reference areas (223), which are all areas other than the first reference areas (213), are disposed in the intermediate reference plane (K3). The concave-convex part (20) is formed of first areas (21) as well as second areas (22) and/or plane areas (23).
US08927074B2
A method of producing inkjet media (170) includes dissolving heptahydrate epsomite in a coating solution comprising at least one surface sizing additive, coating at least one side of a substrate with the coating solution to produce the inkjet media (170). An inkjet medium (170) includes a substrate (172) and a coating layer (174) comprising heptahydrate epsomite deposited on a first side of the substrate, the coating layer (174) having a substantially uniform distribution of heptahydrate epsomite throughout its volume.
US08927066B2
Methods and apparatus for gas delivery are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a gas delivery system includes an ampoule for storing a precursor in solid or liquid form, a first conduit coupled to the ampoule and having a first end coupled to a first gas source to draw a vapor of the precursor from the ampoule into the first conduit, a second conduit coupled to the first conduit at a first junction located downstream of the ampoule and having a first end coupled to a second gas source and a second end coupled to a process chamber, and a heat source configured to heat the ampoule and at least a first portion of the first conduit from the ampoule to the second conduit and to heat only a second portion of the second conduit, wherein the second portion of the second conduit includes the first junction.
US08927062B2
A method of preparing a substrate with a composition comprising (i) an organoborane initiator and (ii) a radical curable component disposed thereon includes the step of depositing the composition onto the substrate wherein at least one of (i) the organoborane initiator and (ii) the radical curable component is deposited onto the substrate in the form of a gradient pattern. An article comprises the substrate and the gradient pattern formed on the substrate. The gradient pattern is formed from a developed composition comprising the reaction product of (i) the organoborane initiator and (ii) the radical curable component. By forming the gradient pattern on the substrate, combinatorial and high-throughput methods of generating and testing the developed composition are possible, which enable characterization of the developed composition for various physical and chemical properties.
US08927057B2
A method for forming a single, few-layer, or multi-layer graphene and structure is described incorporating selecting a substrate having a buried layer of carbon underneath a metal layer, providing an ambient and providing a heat treatment to pass carbon through the metal layer to form a graphene layer on the metal layer surface or incorporating a metal-carbon layer which is heated to segregate carbon in the form of graphene to the surface or chemically reacting the metal in the metal-carbon layer with a substrate containing Si driving the carbon to the surface whereby graphene is formed.
US08927055B2
Coating compositions, and methods for depositing them on the surface of an article to produce an antireflection coating, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the coating composition includes a (meth)acrylate-functional silicon alkoxide, silica particles, a (meth)acrylate monomer, an epoxy (meth)acrylate oligomer, a photoinitiator, a solvent, an acid, and water. The relative amounts of these constituents are controlled such that, when the coating composition is deposited onto the surface of an article and cured, it has a refractive index less than about 1.60 at a wavelength of 510 nm. In another embodiment, the coating composition includes an organo-metallic compound other than an organo-metallic compound of silicon, an epoxy-functional silicon alkoxide, a non-epoxy-functional silicon alkoxide, a curing agent compatible with epoxy-functional molecules, a solvent, an inorganic acid, and water. The relative amounts of these constituents are controlled such that, when the coating composition is deposited onto the surface of an article and cured, it has a refractive index greater than about 1.70 at a wavelength of 510 nm. The coating compositions are deposited in a process that produces an antireflection coating in less than 90 minutes of processing time.
US08927054B2
Provided are a conductive substrate which can be produced from inexpensive materials at a lower temperature than those for conventional substrates, and a process for producing the conductive substrate. The conductive substrate comprises a substrate (1) and a conductive pattern (5) provided on the substrate (1), wherein the conductive pattern (5), except on a surface and in a vicinity thereof on a side opposite to the substrate side, entirely has a structure comprising a binder (2) and fine aluminum grains (3) dispersed therein, and on the surface and in the vicinity a surface metal aluminum layer (4) is formed in which the fine aluminum grains (3) are spread with a roller to form a conductive junction connecting the fine aluminum grains to each other.
US08927053B2
Disclosed is an electronic device comprising a glass, glass ceramic, or ceramic sheet having a thickness less than about 0.4 mm and wherein a minimum strength of the inorganic substrate is greater than about 500 MPa. Also disclosed is a method of making an electronic device including drawing a viscous inorganic material to form an inorganic ribbon having opposing as-formed edges along a length of the ribbon, separating the ribbon to form a substrate sheet of inorganic material comprising two as-formed edges and forming a device element on the inorganic substrate.
US08927050B2
A method of coating a stent comprises contacting a first axial portion of a stent with a support element, such that a second axial portion does not contact the support element or any other support element, applying a coating material to the second axial portion, and inhibiting or preventing application of the coating material on the first axial portion. A shuttle sheath can be used to push the stent off the support element.
US08927048B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for making coated liners and/or tubular devices including such coated liners. A sleeve may be provided that includes an outer first surface and an inner second surface extending between first and second ends thereof, and a hydrophilic or other coating may be applied to the first. The coated sleeve may be cut between the first and second ends to create opposing edges extending between the first and second ends, and the cut sleeve may be reversed such that the coated first surface defines an inner surface and the opposing edges are disposed adjacent one another, thereby providing a coated liner. Optionally, a tubular structure, e.g., one or more reinforcing layers and/or or outer layers may be attached around the coated liner, thereby providing a tubular device including an inner surface with a desired coating.
US08927033B2
A neutral-fat-level-regulating agent, a cholesterol-level-regulating agent, a free-fatty-acid-level-regulating agent or an anti-obesity agent, including: at least one of protopanaxatriol, panaxatriol, protopanaxadiol and panaxadiol which are aglycons of dammarane-type saponins and a hyperlipemia-ameliorating agent including: at least one of the neutral-fat-level-regulating agent, the cholesterol-level-regulating agent, the free-fatty-acid-level-regulating agent and the anti-obesity agent.
US08927027B2
This disclosure features human milk permeates and compositions containing the same obtained from fractionated whole human milk. The oligosaccharide rich permeate and permeate compositions of the present invention are useful as nutritional supplements for pre-term and full term infants, for establishing or maintaining gut flora and for treating the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
US08927021B2
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing microcrystalline ezetimibe containing granulate, wherein a) ezetimibe is dissolved; b) the dissolved ezetimibe is precipitated with water, which if necessary contains pharmaceutical excipients, preferably lauryl-sulfate derivatives, and c) granulates are formed from the obtained suspension by spraying the suspension onto pharmaceutical excipients. A further aspect of the present invention is the granulate obtained by the present process and the pharmaceutical composition containing such granulate.
US08927016B2
This invention provides a production method for a solid sustained-release preparation, characterized in that a sustained-release preparation (a sustained-release preparation suspension) is freeze-dried in a freeze-drying container whose inner face is partially or totally coated with an ice layer or water-repelling base material.
US08927005B2
Described herein are liquid formulations which deliver a variety of therapeutic agents, including but not limited to rapamycin, to a subject for an extended period of time; liquid formulations which form a non-dispersed mass when placed in an aqueous medium of a subject; liquid formulations, comprising a therapeutic agent and a plurality of polymers; and methods for delivering therapeutic agents to a subject for an extended period of time using the liquid formulations. The liquid formulation may be placed in an aqueous medium of a subject, including but not limited to via intraocular or periocular administration. A method may be used to administer rapamycin to treat or prevent angiogenesis, choroidal neovascularization, or age-related macular degeneration in a subject.
US08927001B2
Absorbable, essentially non-absorbable, and non-absorbable crystalline, amphiphilic, block/graft copolymeric compositions exhibit an inherent viscosity of at least 0.5 dL/g, a heat of fusion of at least 10 J/g and undergo swelling in the biological environment due to a water up-take of at least 10 percent of original dry mass. These compositions are designed for use in swellable surgical sutures, coatings of medical devices, and carriers for the delivery of bioactive agents.
US08926999B2
This invention pertains to method for imparting a durable antimicrobial activity to substrates, particularly textiles. An acetate-free metal and peroxide antimicrobial treatment formulation is prepared from a metal derivative, hydrogen peroxide and a source of hydroxide ion. The substrate is treated with the composition and dried to afford the treated substrate with antimicrobial activity. Zinc salts, ions, or complexes are preferred.
US08926987B2
This invention provides improved replication-competent adenoviral vectors. The improved vectors have both a hybrid regulatory unit that provides for high level transgene expression. The vectors can be use, e.g., for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes.
US08926981B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the diagnosis and management of autoimmune diseases. In particular, the present invention provides improved methods and compositions for the diagnosis and management of Graves' disease. The methods of the present invention not only avoids the need for radioactivity and are much simpler, economical, and rapid than methods traditionally used for the diagnosis of Graves' disease, but also improve upon the sensitivity and detection abilities of previous luciferase-based autoantibody detection assays.
US08926979B2
Methods for treating a human patient for a cancer or pre-malignant condition that is associated with CD40-expressing cells are provided, where the human patient is heterozygous or homozygous for FcγRIIIa-158F (genotype V/F or F/F). Also provided are methods of inhibiting antibody production by B cells in a human patient who is heterozygous or homozygous for FcγRIIIa-158F (genotype V/F or F/F). The methods comprise administering to the human patient a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an anti-CD40 antibody. Methods and kits for identifying a human patient with a cancer or pre-malignant condition that is treatable with an anti-CD40 antibody and which is refractory to treatment with rituximab (Rituxan®), as well as methods and kits for selecting an antibody therapy for treatment of a human patient having a cancer or pre-malignant condition that is refractory to treatment with rituximab (Rituxan®), are also provided. The methods of the present invention find use in treatment of cancers and pre-malignant conditions that are associated with CD40-expressing cells. These methods are particularly advantageous with respect to cancers and pre-malignant conditions that are associated with cells expressing both CD40 and CD20, as the methods enable the treatment of patients having a cancer or pre-malignant condition that is refractory to therapy with other oncotherapeutic agents such as anti-CD20 antibodies.
US08926977B2
An anti-E1 ion channel antibody or binding fragment thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said antibodies, use of the antibodies and compositions comprising the same, in treatment, for example in the treatment/modulation of pain and processes for generating and preparing said antibodies.
US08926966B1
Isolated polypeptides useful in ameliorating GAD-associated autoimmune disease as well as diagnostic and therapeutic methods of using the peptides are disclosed.
US08926963B2
The specification discloses compositions and methods for treating a soft tissue defect of an individual.
US08926957B2
The present invention relates to predicting therapeutic response of treating patients suffering from itching and pruritis mediated by cutaneous lymphocyte antigen positive T cells in atopic dermatitis. The invention also includes methods of predicting a therapeutically responsive patient population.
US08926949B2
The present invention provides compositions and related methods for oral health treatment of a subject. Compositions of the invention include an anti-oxidant enzyme, an anti-inflammatory agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable buffer. In certain embodiments, the compositions are administered to the subjection in conjunction with teeth whitening, oral surgery, oral pathology treatment, endodontic therapy, periodontal therapy, dental restoration, preventative tooth cleaning, or subsequent to a pro-oxidant.
US08926946B2
A system for targeted delivery of agents (e.g., molecular probes, diagnostic agents, therapeutic agents, imaging agents, research or analytical compounds, enzymes, peptides, proteins, lipids, lipoproteins, sugars, hormones, vitamins, nucleic acids, viruses, bacteria, and/or cells) including use of a composition containing the agent and a targeting moiety, specific for a determinant at the target location. An exemplary composition of the system includes a targeting moiety of one of peptides γ3, 2γ3, 3γ3, A1, B7, B8, B9, B1O, and D6, specific for targeting ICAM-I. The system enables effective, versatile, and safe targeting and transport of agents. The system is useful in research applications, as well as in the context of translational science and clinical interventions.
US08926941B2
The invention involves the use of a temperature swing adsorption process in steam methane reforming or autothermal reforming H2-production processes to capture CO2 and produce nearly pure off gas streams of CO2 for sequestration or enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The hydrogen stream output is substantially pure and can be recycled as a fuel to the steam methane reformer furnace or used in other petroleum and petrochemical processes.
US08926935B2
Processes for preparing or handling graphene sheets wherein low bulk density graphene sheets are compressed. The graphene sheets may be produced by a thermal treatment such as exfoliation of precursor or reduction or annealing of previously existing graphene sheets and conveyed in a closed system to a compression apparatus.
US08926934B2
A method for growing an array of carbon nanotubes includes the steps of: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a catalyst film on the substrate, the catalyst film including carbonaceous material; (c) introducing a mixture of a carrier gas and a carbon source gas flowing across the catalyst film; (d) focusing a laser beam on the catalyst film to locally heat the catalyst to a predetermined reaction temperature; and (e) growing an array of the carbon nanotubes from the substrate.
US08926932B2
The present invention provides a high surface area porous carbon material and a process for making this material. In particular, the carbon material is derived from biomass and has large mesopore and micropore surfaces that promote improved adsorption of materials and gas storage capabilities.
US08926931B2
The present invention generally relates to a catalytic gasification of coal. Catalytic gasification of a Wyodak low-sulfur sub-bituminous coal from the Powder River Basin of Wyoming was investigated using an inexpensive sodium carbonate catalyst applied via incipient wetness impregnation. Experiments in an atmospheric pressure fixed-bed laboratory gasifier were performed to evaluate the effects of reaction temperature, feed gas steam content, and Na2CO3 loading on the catalytic gasification of the Wyodak coal. The temperature range investigated (700-900° C.) was selected with consideration of the Na2CO3 melting point (850° C.) to reduce the loss by volatilization of sodium. Sodium was found to be active during both pyrolysis and gasification steps. The catalyst was most cost-effective at addition levels of approximately 3 wt %. The random pore model provided a good fit to the conversion versus time data collected under both the catalytic and the uncatalytic conditions.
US08926927B2
A process for the removal of co2 from a gas comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the gas (1) in an absorber (2) with an aqueous solution of one or more carbonate compounds in the presence of an accelerator, thereby reacting at least part of the co2 to form a bicarbonate compound, under conditions such that at least a part of the bicarbonate compound formed precipitates, forming a bicarbonate slurry; (b) subjecting at least part of the bicarbonate slurry to a concentration step (5) to obtain an aqueous solution (6) and a concentrated bicarbonate slurry (7), wherein the concentrated bicarbonate slurry comprises from 20 to 80 wt % of bicarbonate compounds; (c) returning at least part of the aqueous solution to the absorber; (d) pressurising (8) the concentrated bicarbonate slurry, (e) transferring the pressurized concentrated bicarbonate slurry to a regenerator (12) and applying heat to obtain a co2-rich gas stream (13) and a regenerated carbonate stream (14).
US08926914B2
A liquid medium plasma discharge generating apparatus includes a main body; a power electrode, provided at one side within the main body, for receiving electric power; a diaphragm member provided within the main body, and consisting of a dielectric defining one or more holes or slits; and a liquid medium charged inside the main body, wherein a ground electrode may be further provided in the main body, opposite the power electrode with the diaphragm member therebetween, whereupon the diaphragm member is arranged contacting the ground electrode.
US08926912B2
An exhaust gas processing device includes a honeycomb structure in a pillar shape including a honeycomb unit, a catalytic agent, an inorganic mat member, a cylindrical metallic member and an insulating layer. The honeycomb unit includes cell walls to define a plurality of cells which extend from a first end of the honeycomb unit to a second end of the honeycomb unit along a longitudinal direction. The catalytic agent is provided on the cell walls. The inorganic mat member is wound around an outer peripheral surface of the honeycomb structure. The cylindrical metallic member accommodates the honeycomb structure around which the inorganic mat member is wound. The insulating layer has a thickness of about 20 μm to about 400 μm and is densely formed. The insulating layer is provided between an inner surface of the cylindrical metallic member and the inorganic mat member.
US08926907B2
Systems for loading catalyst and/or additives into a fluidized catalytic cracking unit are disclosed. Methods of making and using the systems are also disclosed.
US08926906B2
The present application is directed to a technological platform with integrated microfluidic and optical modules for bio-detection. The platform enables in-situ detection by integrating fluidics with optical source and detection capabilities within a fabricated microchip. The platform is a polymer-based microfluidic chip having integrated excitation source and detection elements in a vicinity of a microfluidic reaction chamber configured to contain a micro-volume of a test sample. The principle of detection is based on an excitation source induced fluorescence of the test sample within the microfluidic reaction chamber.
US08926901B2
A sample analyzer that analyzes a sample by using a reagent contained in a reagent container is disclosed. The sample analyzer includes a container holding unit which is configured to hold a plurality of reagent containers, and a plurality of electronic tags is attached to the plurality of reagent containers, on which a reagent information regarding reagents is recorded. The sample analyzer further includes an antenna section which emits a radio wave to an electronic tag of a reagent container. A range of the radio wave emitted from the antenna section to the electronic tag is limited to a predetermined range or by a limiting member which is arranged between the antenna section and the electronic tag of the reagent container, and which is configured to limit a range of the radio wave emitted from the antenna section to the electronic tag.
US08926895B2
A post-combustion lance for directing a gas at least partially therethrough. The post-combustion lance includes a body extending between an upstream end and a downstream end of the lance, the body including upper and lower portions and a post-combustion distributor mounted therebetween. The lance also includes an internal support assembly for supporting the body, the internal support assembly including an internal tube positioned inside the body and at least partially engaged with the lower portion, and at least partially engaged with the upper portion of the body, so that the internal support assembly supports the body both upstream and downstream relative to the distributor. The lance also includes a lower o-ring gland positioned downstream relative to the internal support assembly and an upper o-ring gland positioned upstream relative to the lower o-ring gland.
US08926889B2
Particular embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for molding and/or curing an article. Particular embodiments of such methods include positioning a mold core centrally within mold outer portion to form an annular mold cavity between the mold outer portion and the mold core, the core including an outer ring having an outer surface for engaging the annular article, the outer ring being formed of a material capable of expanding and contracting with changes in temperature. Such methods also include heating the mold outer ring, cooling the core outer ring subsequent to the step of heating, whereby the core outer ring contracts relative to the article and removing the article from the core outer ring.
US08926886B2
The present invention relates to the fabrication of multichannel nerve conduits for use in the repair of nerve injury. In particular, the invention relates to collagen multichannel nerve conduits which are suitable for use in repair of peripheral nerves.
US08926883B2
The present invention relates to method of forming a material, including the steps of, presenting a formable material to a space from where the material can be carried by and/or between opposing surfaces of the space, as the opposing surfaces advance in an advancing direction. Also pressurising, as the opposing surfaces advance, the material between the opposing surfaces in a reduced space between the opposing surfaces defining at least in part a pressure forming zone. The reduced space between the opposing surfaces being maintained at least substantially constant until such time as the form of at least one of the opposing surfaces is profiled into the material and is retainable thereon. Thereafter releasing the now profiled material from between the opposing surfaces, as the space increases between the opposing surfaces as the surfaces advance. The relative movement between adjacent tools of at least one set of forming tools over the zone before the pressure forming zone is only towards the forming tools of the other opposing surface.
US08926882B2
A ribbon liquefier comprising an outer liquefier portion configured to receive thermal energy from a heat transfer component, and a channel at least partially defined by the outer liquefier portion, where the channel has dimensions that are configured to receive the ribbon filament, and where the ribbon liquefier is configured to melt the ribbon filament received in the channel to at least an extrudable state with the received thermal energy to provide a melt flow. The dimensions of the channel are further configured to conform the melt flow from an axially-asymmetric flow to a substantially axially-symmetric flow in an extrusion tip connected to the ribbon liquefier.
US08926878B2
A method for manufacturing a golf ball includes the steps of forming the golf ball by using a mold, which mold includes at least two body parts, and is configured so that a cavity is formed within the mold by the joining of the at least two body parts, and in at least one of the body parts, a groove for forming a projecting land part which is ground after the formation of the golf ball is provided in a cavity wall surface near the entire circumference of a parting line formed by the joining; and performing treatment in which the golf ball formed by using the mold is treated so that the color of the entire land part of the golf ball is different from the color of dimples.
US08926877B2
The present invention provides nonwoven webs comprising multicomponent fibers that enable the nonwoven web to possess high extensibility. The multicomponent fibers will comprise a first component comprising a polypropylene composition having a melt flow rate of from about 100 to about 2000 grams per 10 minutes and a second component comprising a polymer composition having a melt flow rate lower than the melt flow rate of the first component. The first component comprises at least about 10% of a surface of the multicomponent fiber.
US08926868B2
A superconducting article comprises a substrate, a buffer layer overlying the substrate, and a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) layer overlying the buffer layer. The HTS layer includes a plurality of nanorods. A method of forming a superconducting article comprises providing a substrate, depositing a buffer layer overlying the substrate; forming a nanodot array overlying the buffer layer; depositing an array of nanorods nucleated on the nanodot array; and depositing a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) layer around the array of nanorods and overlying the buffer layer.
US08926857B2
The present invention provides a lubricating oil for a compression type refrigerator including a polyvinyl ether-based compound which containing an alkylene glycol or polyoxyalkylene glycol unit and a vinyl ether unit in a molecule and having a molecular weight in a range of 300 to 3,000 and one or more kinds of phosphorous compound selected from a phosphate having 25 or more carbon atoms, a phosphite having 10 to 60 carbon atoms, an amine salt of phosphate having 10 to 60 carbon atoms, and a metal salt of phosphate having to 60 carbon atoms. The lubricating oil for a compression type refrigerator of the present invention has high compatibility and high viscosity index, and is excellent in anti-seizure property and also in stability under carbon dioxide atmosphere.
US08926853B2
Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of forming graphene structures. Initially, a cluster of particles is received. The cluster of particles comprises a plurality of particles with each particle in the plurality of particles contacting one or more other particles in the plurality of particles. Subsequently, one or more layers are deposited on the cluster of particles with the one or more layers comprising graphene. The plurality of particles are then etched away without substantially etching the deposited one or more layers. Lastly, the remaining one or more layers are dried. The resultant graphene structures are particularly resistant to the negative effects of aggregation and compaction.
US08926852B2
The present invention discloses a method for transferring a graphene layer. The graphene layer formed on a metal carrier layer is electrostatically adsorbed on a substrate by electrostatic charges, and then the substrate having the graphene layer formed on the metal carrier layer is immersed in an etching solution to remove the metal carrier layer, thereby completing the transfer of the graphene layer. In addition to being able to provide a simple method for transferring the graphene layer, the present invention further solves a problem of retaining organic residues, thus enhancing electrical properties of the transferred graphene layer.
US08926851B2
A method for making a film of core-shell nanoparticles generally uniformly arranged on a substrate uses atomic layer deposition (ALD) to form the shells. The nanoparticle cores are placed in a solution containing a polymer having an end group for attachment to the cores. The solution is then applied to a substrate and allowed to dry, resulting in the nanoparticle cores being uniformly arranged by the attached polymer chains. ALD is then used to grow the shell material on the cores, using two precursors for the shell material that are non-reactive with the polymer. The polymer chains also form between the cores and the substrate surface, so the ALD forms shell material completely surrounding the cores. The uniformly arranged core-shell nanoparticles can be used as an etch mask to etch the substrate.
US08926847B1
A method for using an extractor system to extract particulate material from a liquid tank includes inserting a first conduit into a liquid tank; inserting an outflow line into the liquid tank, the outflow line comprising one or more nozzles having a distal end; inserting an inflow line into the liquid tank, the inflow line comprising a collector having a distal end, the collector and the one or more nozzles being proximate each other; and operating the pump to pump liquid from an extractor tank through an outflow line out of the one or more nozzles to unsettle the particulate material, the particulate material drawn through the collector and the inflow line into the extractor tank without passing through the pump.
US08926841B2
An organic waste processing system and method for producing a slurry for the production of bio-gas, transportation fuels and chemical products, and a residual solid. The system includes (i) a hopper configured to receive sorted organic waste having contaminants from one or more sources, (ii) a separator system in communication with the hopper and configured to receive the sorted organic waste from the hopper and to remove at least a portion of the contaminants in the sorted organic waste, (iii) a complimentary liquid tank in communication with the separator system and containing complimentary liquids, (iv) a wash water liquid tank in communication with the separator system and containing wash water, (v) a product tank in communication with the separator system and configured to receive the sorted organic waste from the separator system, (vi) a make-up product tank in communication with the separator system and configured to receive the sorted organic waste from the separator system having low COD, (vii) a anaerobic digester system configured to receive the sorted organic waste from the product tank, and (viii) a programmable logic controller.
US08926834B2
A water treatment sensor includes a housing having a bottom with an exterior surface in contact with a flow path of a fluid and an interior surface. First and second probes spaced from one another extend from the exterior surface and into the flow path. A first circuit electrically connects the first and second probes and determines a conductivity from a measured resistivity between the probes. First and second temperature sensors are spaced from one another and are coupled to the interior surface. The first sensor determines a temperature of the fluid. A temperature elevated by a heat source and determined by the second sensor is maintained above the temperature of the fluid. A second circuit determines a flow rate of the fluid based on adjustments to the heat source. Communication circuitry communicates the conductivity, the temperature, and the flow rate of the fluid to a controller.
US08926833B2
A continuous process for upgrading a heavy hydrocarbon includes the steps of: obtaining a heavy hydrocarbon; heating the heavy hydrocarbon; contacting the heavy hydrocarbon with a solvent at upgrading conditions so as to produce a first product comprising a mixture of upgraded hydrocarbon and solvent and a second product comprising asphaltene waste and water; continuously feeding the first product and the second product to a first separator; heating the first product; and continuously feeding the first product to a second separator to separate the upgraded hydrocarbon from the solvent. A system is also provided.
US08926827B2
A process for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The process involves splitting a naphtha feedstream to at least two feedstreams and passing each feedstream to separation reformers. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize the differences in the reaction properties of the different hydrocarbon components. The process utilizes a common catalyst, and common downstream processes for recovering the desired aromatic compounds generated.
US08926825B2
Methods for removing sulfur from hydrocarbon streams using the sequential application of hydrodesulfurization, fractionation and oxidation. The hydrodesulfurization step is operative to remove easily-hydrogenated sulfur species, such as sulfides, disulfides and mercaptans. The resultant stream is then fractionated at a select temperature range to generate a sub-stream that is sulfur-rich with the sulfur species resistant to removal by hydrodesulfurization. The sub-stream is then isolated and subjected to an oxidative process operative to oxidize the sulfur species to sulfones or sulfoxides, which may then be removed by a variety of conventional methods, such as absorption. Alternatively, the methods may comprise using the sequential application of fractionation to generate a sulfur-rich sub-stream followed by oxidation and subsequent removal of the sulfur species present in the sub-fraction. The latter methods are ideally suited for transmix applications.
US08926821B2
The invention relates to the use of diazonium salts for the formation of thick layers on at least one surface of a substrate. The diazonium salts used in the invention have the following formula (I): wherein R is a group that can be electrochemically reduced in a reversible manner to a cathodic potential between 0 and −1.5 V, E is a spacer chain consisting of at least one aromatic cyclic group having between 5 and 6 links, optionally containing at least one heteroatom preferably selected from N, S, O or P and optionally substituted by at least one group selected from the C1-C5 alkyls and the halogens, r is 1 or 2, m is a whole number between 1 and 5 inclusive, p is a whole number between 1 and 5, and B is a counter-ion. The invention can be especially applied to the field of gas sensors.
US08926820B2
An electroplating apparatus including a plating tank for containing a plating electrolyte. A counter electrode, e.g., anode, is present in a first portion of the plating tank. A cathode system is present in a second portion of the plating tank. The cathode system includes a working electrode and a thief electrode. The thief electrode is present between the working electrode and the counter electrode. The thief electrode includes an exterior face that is in contact with the plating electrolyte that is offset from the plating surface of the working electrode. In one embodiment, the thief electrode overlaps a portion of the working electrode about the perimeter of the working electrode. In one embodiment, a method is provided of using the aforementioned electroplating apparatus that provides increased uniformity in the plating thickness.
US08926816B2
Systems and methods for trapping and moving individual particles of a target material of a suspension are disclosed. In one aspect, a system includes a tube and an electronically addressable float. The float includes one or more arrays of electrodes in which each electrode can be independently addressed to create non-uniform electric fields that trap and isolate target particles near the float. The electrodes can be dynamically operated to move the target particles to particular locations on the float for analysis and collection.
US08926813B2
Devices and methods for detecting the length of analytes, and/or sequencing analytes are provided in which two or more electrical signals are obtained as an analyte traverses a fluidic channel. Detection of the relative position of probes hybridized to a biopolymer and/or the length of the analyte (e.g., a biopolymer) does not rely on the absolute time between detection events of a given electrical signal to determine a distance associated with the biopolymer. Instead, multiple signals are obtained as functions of time) corresponding to a plurality of detector volumes at known locations along a fluidic channel through which the biopolymer passes, and the distances are determined from the multiple signals.
US08926812B2
The present invention relates to a cell-based transparent sensor capable of the real-time optical observation of cell behavior, to a method for manufacturing same, and to a multi-detection sensor chip using same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a cell-based transparent sensor capable of the real-time optical observation of cell behavior, to a method for manufacturing same, and to a multi-detection sensor chip using same, wherein the sensor can sense the ionic concentration of an electrolyte in accordance with the variation in the metabolic activity of cells using an ion-selective field effect transistor (ISFET) sensor and an electrochemical sensor, and the sensor is made of a transparent material which enables real-time observations of optical phenomenon for measurement of cell behavior.
US08926806B2
The present disclosure is directed to a physical vapor deposition system configured to heat a semiconductor substrate or wafer. In some embodiments the disclosed physical vapor deposition system comprises at least one heat source having one or more lamp modules for heating of the substrate. The lamp modules may be separated from the substrate by a shielding device. In some embodiments, the shielding device comprises a one-piece device or a two piece device. The disclosed physical vapor deposition system can heat the semiconductor substrate, reflowing a metal film deposited thereon without the necessity for separate chambers, thereby decreasing process time, requiring less thermal budget, and decreasing substrate damage.
US08926801B2
The present invention relates to methods of production of chemical bonds and subsequent molecules by electrospray ionization and the design of an electrospray chemical synthesizer, for use in chemical synthesis and expedited organic chemical reactions.
US08926793B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide technology for regenerating pulp having high quality with compact pulp regenerating equipment and less energy.In the pulp regenerating method of the present invention, pulp slurry containing 1.5 wt % or more of a solid component including waste paper pulp is separated into a long fiber fraction and a short fiber fraction by using an outward type slit screen including an opening portion having a slit width in the range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm. The solid component ratio of the long fiber fraction and the short fiber fraction is in the range from 10:90 to 60:40, and the difference in Canadian Standard Freeness of the long fiber fraction and the short fiber fraction is in the range of 100 ml to 300 ml.
US08926789B2
An apparatus generating a plasma for removing fluorinated polymer from a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a powered electrode assembly, which includes a powered electrode, a first dielectric layer, and a first wire mesh disposed between the powered electrode and the first dielectric layer. The apparatus also includes a grounded electrode assembly disposed opposite the powered electrode assembly so as to form a cavity wherein the plasma is generated. The first wire mesh is shielded from the plasma by the first dielectric layer when the plasma is present in the cavity, which has an outlet at one end for providing the plasma to remove the fluorinated polymer.
US08926788B2
An improved design for a closed chamber process module for single wafer wet processing utilizes a combination lid and gas showerhead for sealing the chamber from above. One or more media arms dispense liquid onto a wafer in the chamber. The media arms are mounted inside the chamber but are connected by a linkage that passes through the chamber wall to a drive unit mounted outside the chamber.
US08926784B2
A resin laminate manufacturing method includes providing a pair of split mold blocks one of which has a cavity provided with a plurality of protrusions extending toward the other mold block, preparing two molten thermoplastic resin sheets each having an adjusted thickness, feeding the two molten thermoplastic resin sheets between the pair of split mold blocks with a predetermined gap left therebetween, forming a hermetic space between one of the sheets and the cavity of the one mold block opposed to an outer surface of the one sheet, sucking air in the hermetic space from the side of the one mold block, pressing the outer surface of the one sheet against the cavity of the one mold block to shape the one sheet, forming cup-shaped portions, and clamping the pair of mold blocks.
US08926778B2
A manufacturing apparatus for an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes a stage mounted with an organic light emitting display panel and a supporting substrate of the organic light emitting display panel, a porous sheet attachable to and detachable from a thin film encapsulation layer of the organic light emitting display panel, and a porous sheet attaching/detaching apparatus configured to be separable from the organic light emitting display panel and to attach and detach the porous sheet to and from the thin film encapsulation layer of the organic light emitting display panel. The porous sheet attaching/detaching apparatus is configured to remove an attaching/detaching gas from between the porous sheet and the thin film encapsulation layer to attach the porous sheet to the thin film encapsulation layer.
US08926777B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing an optical sheet comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a transfer film having a single roughened side by coating one side of a first substrate with resin component comprising 100 parts by weight of binder resin and 70 to 130 parts by weight of spherical organic polymer beads, followed by drying; (b) laminating the transfer film preparing in step (a) with an ultraviolet-curable (UV-curable) resin-coated layer, which prepared by coating one side of a second substrate with UV-curable resin, such that the roughened side of the transfer film is facing the UV-curable resin-coated side of the second substrate; and (c) forming a roughened diffusive layer on the single-side of the second substrate having refractive index of 1.41 to 1.59 by curing the laminate obtained in step (b), followed by separating and removing the transfer film, wherein the roughened side of the transfer film has a segment angle of 130 to 150°. The optical sheet prepared by the method of the present invention has high brightness, which can also provide masking of prism sheet pattern, and is safe from surface stains and interface scratches between the sheet and the polarizing plate positioned underneath, thus, can be used as an optical sheet in backlight unit of LCD.
US08926767B2
The present invention provides a steel part for machine structural use whose fatigue strength and toughness are improved and a manufacturing method thereof. A steel part made of a steel containing, in mass %, C: 0.05 to 0.20%, Si: 0.10 to 1.00%, Mn: 0.75 to 3.00%, P: 0.001 to 0.050%, S: 0.001 to 0.200%, V: exceeding 0.25 to 0.50%, Cr: 0.01 to 1.00%, Al: 0.001 to 0.500%, and N: 0.0080 to 0.0200%, and a balance being composed of Fe and inevitable impurities, in which a steel structure contains a bainite structure having an area ratio of 95% or more, a bainite lath width is 5 μm or less, V carbide having an average grain diameter of not less than 4 nm nor more than 7 nm dispersedly exists in the bainite structure, and an area ratio of V carbide in the bainite structure is 0.18% or more.
US08926763B2
Interior parts of gasoline engines are readily cleaned by a method comprising the steps of connecting an a cleaning liquid supply pipe having a gas supply port thereon airtightly to a port of an intake pipe of the engine below a throttle valve-attached position of the engine; operating the engine to draw cleaning liquid in the form of liquid drop and simultaneously drawing continuously a gas having an oxygen concentration of less than 20 vol. % into the intake pipe; and exhausting the cleaning liquid having been brought into contact with the internal parts of the engine with an exhaust gas.
US08926755B2
A vapor deposition device using a lift-off process includes an evaporation source, a support frame mounted for rotation about a first axis that passes through the evaporation source, a central dome-shaped wafer holder mounted to the support frame wherein a centerpoint of the central dome-shaped wafer holder is aligned with the first axis, an orbital dome-shaped wafer holder mounted to the support frame in a position offset from the first axis and rotatable about a second axis that passes through a centerpoint of the orbital dome-shaped wafer holder and the evaporation source, and a plurality of wafer positions on the central dome-shaped wafer holder and the orbital dome-shaped wafer holder where each of the wafer positions are offset from the first axis and the second axis.
US08926749B2
Flowable chips and methods for the preparation and use of same, and apparatus for use in the methods
A method for recharging a crucible with polycrystalline silicon comprises adding flowable chips to a crucible used in a Czochralski-type process. Flowable chips are polycrystalline silicon particles made from polycrystalline silicon prepared by a chemical vapor deposition process, and flowable chips have a controlled particle size distribution, generally nonspherical morphology, low levels of bulk impurities, and low levels of surface impurities. Flowable chips can be added to the crucible using conventional feeder equipment, such as vibration feeder systems and canister feeder systems.
US08926747B2
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of coating dispersions for use in the paper industry by co-grinding natural calcium carbonate (GCC) and precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC), characterized in that powdery GCC is co-ground with a slurry containing from 5 to 70% by weight of PCC to obtain a particle size distribution of the calcium carbonate with at least 90% by weight of smaller than 5 μm, at least 70% by weight of smaller than 2 μm, and at least 20% by weight of smaller than 1 μm, with a weight average particle size within a range of from 0.7 to 3 μm.
US08926745B2
A method for preparing a low dielectric constant (low k) material and a film thereof is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate is first put into a plasma generating reaction system, and a carrier gas carrying a carbon and fluorine containing silicon dioxide precursor is then introduced into the plasma generating reaction system, so that the carbon and fluorine containing silicon dioxide precursor is formed on the substrate. After that, the carbon and fluorine containing silicon dioxide precursor is converted to a low k material film through heating; meanwhile, a stress of the low k material film is eliminated such that the film has a more compact structure. By means of these steps the carbon and fluorine containing silicon dioxide precursor is still capable of forming a low k material film of silicon dioxide containing a large amount of fluorocarbon, even under various different atmospheres.
US08926742B2
One embodiment provides a process for preparing an asphalt-coated crumb rubber composition that meets the specification set forth in ASTM D80-02 or deviations thereof which may be established by the specifying agency from time to time. The process generally comprises obtaining asphalt of different penetration grades, combining the asphalt of each grade with preselected chemicals to form separate premixed components, blending the premixed components together under predetermined conditions to form, upon curing, an asphalt-coated crumb rubber composition that meets certain physical requirements for asphalt-rubber binder (ARB), such as those set forth in ASTM D8-02. Advantageously, the resulting asphalt-coated crumb rubber composition not only meets the physical requirements of ARB used in road paving but also has improved dispersion of the rubber, such as dispersion of the rubber in an oil-in-water emulsion of an asphalt.
US08926736B2
The present invention relates to reducible porous crystalline solids, constituted of a metal-organic framework (MOF), for the separation of mixtures of molecules having different unsaturation degrees and/or a different number of unsaturations with a selectivity that can be adjusted by controlling the reduction of the MOF. The MOF solids of the present invention, after reduction, have a strong affinity for molecules containing at least one unsaturation. They can be used in various separation processes, especially those relating to hydrocarbons.
US08926730B2
The invention relates to a method for recovering gold by solvent extraction from an acidic chloride-containing aqueous solution or from slurry containing gold-bearing solids using a diester-based reagent that is poorly soluble in water as organic extraction solution. In accordance with the method, gold is extracted extremely effectively, but other precious metals and many other metals quite sparingly. Gold is stripped from the extraction phase with pure water, from which the gold can be reduced either chemically or electrochemically.
US08926717B2
Methods and systems for producing a synthetic fuel are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: thermally reforming methane and carbon dioxide to generate a syngas including a first quantity of carbon monoxide and a first quantity of hydrogen; oxidizing the quantity of first carbon monoxide with a metal to produce metal oxide and carbon thereby separating oxygen from the carbon monoxide; gasifying the carbon using steam to produce a second quantity of carbon monoxide and a second quantity of hydrogen; reacting the metal oxide with methane to produce metal oxide, carbon dioxide, and a third quantity of hydrogen; and synthesizing the first quantity of carbon monoxide, the first quantity of hydrogen, the second quantity of hydrogen, and the third quantity of hydrogen to form the synthetic fuel.
US08926716B2
In a fuel composition containing a static dissipator additive, a Fischer-Tropsch derived fuel component is blended for the purpose of increasing the electrical conductivity of the composition and/or for reducing the concentration of the static dissipator additive in the composition. The fuel composition is preferably an automotive diesel fuel composition.
US08926715B2
In a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for a rectangular battery, in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately laminated so that a separator exists between the respective positive and negative electrodes, the manufacturing method includes the steps of: arranging a plurality of guide members in zigzag form in a perpendicular direction; inserting a continuous member of the separator between one and another one rows of the guide members; folding, into zigzag form, the continuous member by intersecting the rows of the guide members in a horizontal direction; inserting alternately the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes in respective valley grooves of the zigzag-folded continuous member; withdrawing the guide members from the respective valley grooves of the continuous member; and pressing, thereafter, the continuous member in the zigzag direction so as to make flat the continuous member.
US08926707B2
A femoral implant (10) comprises a distal end and a proximal end. A stem (12) is provided at the distal end of the implant (10) and comprises a rounded tip (16) for insertion into a femur, in use, and a body (18) of generally tapering form extending in a distal direction from a base to the tip (16). A femoral head (14) is provided at the proximal end of the implant (10) and extends from the base (20) of the stem (12). The body (18) of the stem (12) includes a plurality of discrete steps (22, 24, 26, 28, 30), located between the tip (16) and the base (20), and the steps (22, 24, 26, 28, 30) are concentrated more towards the base (20) of the stem (12) than towards the tip (16).
US08926706B2
Methods and devices are disclosed relating improved articular models, implant components, and related guide tools and procedures. In addition, methods and devices are disclosed relating articular models, implant components, and/or related guide tools and procedures that include one or more features derived from patient-data, for example, images of the patient's joint. The data can be used to create a model for analyzing a patient's joint and to devise and evaluate a course of corrective action. The data also can be used to create patient-adapted implant components and related tools and procedures.
US08926700B2
Superior and/or inferior facets of one or more facet joints may be replaced by superior and/or inferior facet joint prostheses. In one embodiment, a kit of superior or inferior prostheses is provided, in which the prostheses have at least two dimensions that vary among members of the kit independently of each other. Each prosthesis may have a bone engaging surface having a surface that is polyaxially rotatable against a corresponding resection of a vertebra. Each prosthesis may also have an articulating surface shaped such that, after attachment to the spine, the replaced or partially replaced facet joints provide a larger medial-lateral range of motion when the spine is flexed than when the spine is extended. Crosslinks may be used to connect left and right prosthesis together in such a manner that they are stabilized in a position in which they are seated directly against the vertebra.
US08926698B2
A breast prosthesis for wearing against a chest of a user includes a bag, a first silicone rubber and a silicone agglomerate putty. The bag includes at least three films that are sealed together around a periphery so as to define at least a front chamber and a back chamber. The first silicone rubber is disposed in the front chamber and is cured in an outer shape of a breast. The silicone agglomerate putty is disposed in the back chamber and is configured as a shear thinning fluid that conforms in shape to surface features of the chest of the user when placed against the chest of the user.
US08926693B2
Valve delivery catheter assemblies including components that limit trauma to the expanded prosthetic valve and body channels as the distal tip of the catheter is withdrawn through the expanded valve and thereafter from the body. Catheter assemblies according to the present invention can include a handle assembly, an introducer sheath, and a distal tip assembly. The handle assembly can include a fixed main handle and two or more rotating handles that allow a user to control the distal tip assembly of the catheter. A safety button can be included on the handle assembly to allow for precise and consistent positioning of the prosthetic valve in the body. A valve retaining mechanism can be included to assist in retaining the prosthetic valve prior to deployment.
US08926690B2
A heart valve prosthesis configured for deployment within a native heart valve. The heart valve prosthesis includes a tubular stent and a prosthetic valve component disposed within and secured to the stent. In addition, one or more elements are coupled to a distal end of the stent to position, anchor, and/or seal the prosthesis within the native heart valve. Each element transforms from a compressed configuration in which the elements distally extend from the distal end of the stent to a deployed configuration in which the elements proximally extend from the distal end of the stent. Each element includes at least one U-shaped or V-shaped support arm that bends radially outward and then towards an outer surface of the stent such that it translates more than ninety degrees from the compressed configuration. Each element may include an outer support arm and an inner support arm.
US08926687B2
An endoluminal prosthesis may include a tubular graft extending in a longitudinal direction, where the graft has an inner surface forming a lumen extending a length of the graft. An elongate member may be attached to the graft in a circumferentially and longitudinally extending manner such that the elongate member forms a series of longitudinally spaced apart turns, each turn extending substantially around a circumference of the graft. The elongate member may torsion the graft in at least the circumferential direction and cause the graft to form circumferentially and longitudinally extending folds in the portions of the graft disposed between longitudinally adjacent turns of the elongate member.
US08926686B2
A temporary diameter reduction constraint arrangement for a stent graft is disclosed. The arrangement comprises: primary and secondary release wires extending along the graft; a plurality of loops of thread, each loop engaged with either the primary or secondary wire and engaged around a portion of the graft circumferentially spaced away from its release wire, and drawn tight to reduce the diameter of the graft; an end constraint arrangement comprising four of the plurality of loops of thread arranged into a first and second pairs engaged with respective primary and secondary wires; and an intermediate constraint arrangement comprising a fifth and sixth of the plurality of loops of thread arranged into a third pair, the third pair engaged with the primary release wire, the primary release wire deviating towards the secondary release wire so as to locate the intermediate constraint arrangement substantially in-line with the end constraint arrangement.
US08926684B2
An endoprosthesis deployment system includes an axial catheter, an outer sheath extending parallel to the axial catheter, and an inner sheath positioned transversely between the axial catheter and outer sheath, the inner sheath including first and second inner sheath sections extending along the axial catheter, each of said first and said second inner sheath sections mounted for axial movement relative to the other inner sheath section.
US08926683B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for deploying an implantable device, such as a stent, within a lumen of a body of a patient. The delivery device may include an inner member and an outer sheath surrounding a distal portion of the inner member and configured to retain the implantable device sheathed near the distal end of the outer sheath until deployment. The outer sheath is slidably moveable relative to the inner member such that proximal movement of the outer sheath relative to the inner member deploys the implantable device. A trigger assembly of the delivery device can include an internal connector coupled to the outer sheath, a plurality of triggers, and a floater coupling two of the triggers. The triggers are serially retracted to deploy the stent. A panchor secures the stent against proximal and distal movement relative to the inner member during deployment.
US08926666B2
A cervical spine spacer includes a spacer body configured to be disposed between adjacent cervical vertebrae in the cervical spine and to maintain a desired spacing between the adjacent cervical vertebrae. The cervical spine spacer also includes a channel passing completely through the spacer body from a first surface of the spacer body to a second surface of the spacer body and a fastener configured to pass through the channel. At least one of the first surface and the second surface is configured to contact one of the adjacent cervical vertebrae and the channel is sized to accommodate the fastener passing through the channel at a plurality of angles.
US08926664B1
Devices and methods for treating degenerative conditions of the spine or for alleviating pain or discomfort associated with the spinal column are disclosed. In particular, laminoplasty fixation devices and methods are disclosed. Also disclosed, is a vertebral implant comprising a first bone engaging portion configured for securing to a first cut portion of a vertebra and a second bone engaging portion configured for securing to a second cut portion of the vertebra. A body portion is provided for associating the first and second bone engaging portions at a preselected spacing from each other, wherein the implant is adjustable to select said spacing.
US08926660B2
The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods of anchoring surgical wires, catheters, leads, and other medical objects in an effective, efficient, and cost-sensitive manner. In one embodiment, the present disclosure could include a system to secure a medical object. The system could include a body having a first inner arm, a second inner arm, and a first outer arm. The first inner arm and the first outer arm could include a pronged structure. The system could also include a crossbar having a bore to receive a screw. The crossbar could be disposed between opposing surfaces of the first inner arm and the second inner arm and could be coupled to sliding grooves disposed along the opposing surfaces. When the screw is in an engaged position relative to the crossbar, the pronged structure could be configured to secure the medical object.
US08926651B2
Tourniquet assemblies are provided including a pressure applicator adapted to be secured around a limb and a tensioning mechanism for applying a working tension to the pressure applicator. The tensioning mechanism may include a platform, a clip and a tensioning member. The tensioning mechanism may be configured to apply the working tension via rotation of the tensioning member, and the clip may be configured to receive, and at least temporarily inhibit rotation of, the tensioning member. A tension indicator may also be provided including a base configured to attach to a tourniquet strap, a platform configured to move relative to the base when subjected to a tourniquet working pressure, and one or more tactile or visual indicators configured to provide a variable tactile or visual indicator based on the tourniquet working pressure.
US08926650B2
A device for delivering an occlusive element includes an elongate pusher member having a lumen extending between distal and proximal ends. An elongate releasing member is slideably disposed within the lumen of the elongate pusher member. A retaining member is disposed on the distal end of the elongate pusher member and includes a finger portion having an aperture sized to receive the distal end of the elongate releasing member. An occlusive element such as a coil is provided and includes a securing member positioned at a proximal end thereof. The securing member is releasably secured to the finger portion of the retaining member. The securing member is secured to the finger portion when the elongate releasing member is disposed in the aperture of the finger portion and unsecured when the elongate releasing member is retracted proximally from the aperture of the finger portion.
US08926648B2
A multi-method and multi-apparatus for treating obesity. The multi-method includes a method for estimating a volume of an intragastric balloon appropriate for an individual patient, a method for using an enterocutaneous fistula to inspect an intragastric balloon without sedation and endoscopic complications associated with an upper endoscopy, and a method for decreasing ability of the stomach of an individual patient to distend or expand after a meal increasing satiety and helping the individual patient to comply with a weight loss diet. The multi-apparatus includes an intragastric balloon for inflating without installation of a pressurized gas or liquid, an intragastric balloon for minimizing trauma of the intragastric balloon on the gastric mucosa, and an intragastric balloon for administering therapeutic medications.
US08926645B2
A disposable lancing device including: a lancet housed in a housing and urged by a spring member such that a puncture member provided at a distal end of the lancet is adapted to extend out from the housing so as to carry out a puncturing operation; a locking ring disposed within the housing such that the lancet is allowed to displace in an extension direction through the locking ring; a locking protrusion provided to the lancet and adapted to be engaged by the locking ring so as to hold the lancet in a puncture-ready position located deep in the housing with the spring member being compressed; and an operating member adapted to carry out the puncturing operation by rotating the locking ring so as to disengage the locking protrusion from the locking ring and displace the lancet in the extension direction by means of the spring member.
US08926641B2
Endoluminal treatment devices and methods are provided. Generally, the device and methods can allow an endoluminal device to be introduced into a lumen of a patient and engage a wall of the lumen with an implant device, which can be a drug delivery device or medical device. In one embodiment, a medical implant apparatus is provided that includes an anchor object configured to couple with tissue, and an adjustable mechanism configured to interact with the anchor object such as to apply alternative forces upon the anchor object in response to a stimulus.
US08926640B2
A device for placing sutures through thick and/or moving tissue such as the wall of a beating heart. The device includes a tissue welting tip having a trough for forming a welt in a tissue section, an alignment guide having an opening receiving a guide wire and pivotally mounted in the distal end adjacent to the trough, and an elongated sleeve slidably engagable with the guide wire. The device also includes one or more expandable tissue engaging member(s) on the sleeve expandable from a collapsed configuration having a diameter small enough to pass through the opening in the tip to an expanded configuration having a diameter large enough to engage a tissue section and urge it into the trough to form a welt in the tissue section and a retractable needle extendable through at least two portions of a tissue section while the tissue section is engaged with the trough.
US08926635B2
A novel occluder application and clip device for treatment of embolic stroke caused by atrial fibrillation uses multiple sutures in a non directional handle to affix the occlusion device to the applicator and manipulate the occluder from an open and receiving position to a closed and occluding position. The occluder is retained in place by a clamping means related to locks retainers, resilient material or otherwise. An actuator mechanism is used to manipulate the occluder to a locked or occluding position. The applicator with the occluder attached has a low profile and remote manipulations to allow the occluder to be delivered to the clamping location within a patient through a small incision or delivery port such as a trocar cannula or the like.
US08926634B2
Apparatus and methods for manipulating and securing tissue are described herein. In creating tissue folds within the body of a patient, a tissue manipulation assembly may generally have an elongate tubular member, an engagement member slidably disposed through the tubular member and a distal end adapted to engage tissue via a helical member, tissue stabilizing members positioned at the tubular member distal end which are adapted to stabilize tissue therebetween, and a delivery tube pivotable about the tissue stabilizer. The stabilizing members can be adapted to become angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tubular member. Moreover, one or all the articulation controls and functions can be integrated into a singular handle assembly connectable to the tissue manipulation assembly via a rigid or flexible tubular body.
US08926624B2
A bone cement injection device whereby bone cement is inserted through the skin and into bone, and can easily be separated during outflow of the bone cement into the blood vessels and spinal canal and curing. An outer insertion member has an outer needle tube having one end that is sharpened to be inserted through the skin and into bone and a partially closed part where the cross-sectional area of the internal space is reduced. A main hand grip is integrally formed on the other end of the outer needle tube and has a fastening part able to be fastened to a bone cement supply. An inner insertion member includes an inner needle rod for insertion into the other end part of the outer needle tube which opens through the main hand grip, and an auxiliary hand grip which is integrally formed on the inner needle rod.
US08926612B2
An apparatus to promote bone fusion between portions of bone tissue comprises a bone engagement member and a flexible retention member. The bone engagement member comprises (a) an extramedullary bone contacting main body with a first surface defining a hole in the main body and (b) an intramedullary bone engaging projection extending from the main body. The projection engages the intramedullary portions of at least one the portions of bone tissue. The projection includes a second surface that defines a retention passage in the projection. The retention passage is spaced away from the hole and oriented transversely relative to the hole. The flexible retention member is configured and dimensioned to extend through the retention passage and into the hole to help retain the projection in intramedullary engagement with the at least one of the portions of bone tissue.
US08926610B2
An electrosurgical instrument for coagulating and/or cutting biological tissue which can be manufactured easily and economically and which allows a surgical intervention to be carried out easily and reliably The instrument includes two linked branches which can be moved toward one another, gripping devices at a proximal region of the branches or of the instrument for bringing the branches together, electrode parts at a distal region of the branches or of the instrument for grasping tissue and for conducting a high-frequency current through the tissue, current feed devices for feeding the high-frequency current to the electrode parts from a high-frequency generator, a switching device for activating the high-frequency current with the branches brought together, at least one spacing element to form a defined minimum spacing between the electrode parts, and at least one elastically deformable element, which is arranged at one of the branches or the gripping devices such that, on closing the branches and reaching the minimum spacing, at least one region of the gripping devices can be moved further in the proximal region for actuating the switching device. The instrument can also be carried out as a shaft instrument, wherein at least one electrode part is movable through a shaft in its extension direction.
US08926605B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for radiometrically measuring temperature during ablation. An interface module includes a processor; a first input/output (I/O) port configured to receive digital radiometer and thermocouple signals from an integrated catheter tip (ICT) that includes a radiometer; a second I/O port configured to receive ablative energy from an electrosurgical generator; a temperature display; a patient relay in communication with the first and second I/O ports and the processor; and a computer-readable medium storing radiometer and thermocouple operation parameters and instructions for causing the processor to: calculate a temperature adjacent to the ICT based on the radiometer and thermocouple signals and the operation parameters, causing the temperature display to display the calculated temperature, and closing the patient relay so as to pass ablative energy received on the second I/O port to the first I/O port.
US08926604B2
Tissue ablation systems and methods are provided, wherein a cardiac catheter incorporates a pressure detector for sensing a mechanical force against the distal tip when engaging an ablation site. Responsively to the pressure detector, a controller computes an ablation volume according to relationships between the contact pressure against the site, the power output of an ablator, and the energy application time. A monitor displays a map of the heart which includes a visual indication of the computed ablation volume. The monitor may dynamically display the progress of the ablation by varying the visual indication.
US08926594B2
An apparatus includes a label configured to be coupled to a medicament delivery device. The label includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is configured to be coupled to an outer surface of the medicament delivery device. The second surface includes a textual indicia. The label further includes an electronic circuit system configured to output an electronic signal.
US08926593B2
A wound support (50) for use in the vacuum therapy of wounds, can be disposed in its intended use in a wound space underneath a vacuum dressing (6) sealing the wound space with respect to the atmosphere in an essentially vacuum-tight manner, wherein the wound space can communicate with a suction tube (10) to which a vacuum can be applied through an opening (20) in the vacuum dressing (6). The wound support (50) comprises a flexibly compliant foamed material and has a through-hole (54) that extends in the direction of the wound depth, which is used to insert or pass through a wound-side end section (44) of a fluid feed tube (40). A sleeve (56) is disposed in the through-hole (54) into which this end section (44) can be inserted.
US08926586B2
Thermochemical ablation techniques may provide ablation of bodily tissue using chemical reaction energy.
US08926581B1
An intergluteal perspiration pad for wicking perspiration from a gluteal cleft including an absorbent pad having a convex top side configured to conform to a gluteal cleft, a pair of U-shaped first and second ends of the pad, an absorbent cover continuously disposed on the pad, and a pair of U-shaped clip attachment members slidingly disposed through the first and second ends to secure the combined pad and cover to the waistband of various garments.
US08926578B2
A male incontinence protector includes a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, a front end portion with a front end edge, and a rear end portion with a rear end edge. The front end portion has greater maximum extension in the transverse direction than the maximum extension of the rear end portion in the transverse direction. The male incontinence protector further includes side edges extending between the front end edge and the rear end edge, a garment-facing surface, and a wearer-facing surface. The incontinence protector has a tendon engagement member arranged in the rear end portion.
US08926568B2
A medicament delivery device includes a housing for a medicament container assembly; a drive member interactively connected to the assembly for expelling a dose of medicament; a dose actuation assembly operably connected to the drive member; and an actuation member interactively connected to the housing and the dose actuation assembly by a gear assembly. The actuation member is movable generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the device from an initial position, in which the actuation member is positioned within the housing, to a dose-set position, in which a portion of the actuation member protrudes a distance proportional to the set dose from the longitudinal surface of the housing when the dose actuation assembly. The actuation member is manually operated in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device from the dose-set position to the initial position for driving the dose actuation assembly and drive member.
US08926564B2
Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters and methods for making and using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the introducer axis. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. The conduit can include a one-way, two-way, or other suitable valve actuator that can penetrate and open the valve, yet remain attached to a portion of the introducer when the introducer is split for removal from a patient. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer.
US08926561B2
Embodiments are directed to portable infusion devices, systems, and methods of using the same for dispensing materials. In some cases, the devices, systems and methods may be used for infusing a material such as medicament, e.g., insulin, into a body in need thereof.
US08926557B2
A fluid dispenser contains a fluid and selectively delivers the fluid orally to a subject. The fluid dispenser includes a main body defining a vessel that contains the fluid. The fluid dispenser also includes a dispensing portion that extends from the main body. The dispensing portion defines a passage therethrough that is in fluid communication with the vessel. The passage terminates at a dispenser opening through which the fluid exits the passage and flows into the mouth of the subject. Moreover, the fluid dispenser includes a tongue depressor that extends from the dispensing portion. The tongue depressor is operable to depress the tongue of the subject while the fluid is dispensed into the mouth of the subject.
US08926550B2
A portable peritoneal dialysis apparatus having a USB interface for uploading and downloading patient files and records using a USB flash drive, and for playing a training video for the PD machine on the machine's own display, transferred via a USB flash drive.
US08926549B2
A handle for a medical instrument having a handle housing that can be closed by a cover and having at least one drainage or irrigation hose in the handle housing that can be connected to a hose connection support. To create a handle that is of a simple construction and ensures a reliable fluid-proof insulated connection of the at least one hose and the hose connection support while protecting a material of the at least one hose, it is proposed that each drainage or irrigation hose should be connectable by an adaptor to the hose connection support and that the adaptor upon closing the handle housing can be pressed against the hose connection support by a stop positioned on the cover or on a base portion of the handle housing.
US08926547B2
An applicator having a color gradient. The applicator includes an outer member having a first end, a second end disposed opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis, a length measured along the longitudinal axis, and an exterior surface. The outer member further includes a color gradient extending along at least a portion of the length from a first region to a second region, the color gradient being visible by a user viewing the exterior surface of the outer member.
US08926533B2
Therapy heads and related medical systems having an actuation assembly for controlling the position/orientation of a directional energy applicator in at least two planes are disclosed. A therapy head includes an enclosure, a partition separating a lower compartment from an upper compartment, an aperture in the partition, a control arm extending through the aperture, an actuation assembly positioned within the upper compartment, and a directional energy applicator positioned in the lower compartment for transmitting energy through a window. The control arm includes an upper end disposed within the upper compartment and a lower end disposed within the lower compartment. The actuation assembly is coupled with the upper end of the control arm such that the control arm is movable by the actuation assembly in at least two planes. The directional energy applicator is coupled with the lower end of the control arm.
US08926530B2
At least one embodiment is directed to an insert for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The insert can be temporary or permanent. In one embodiment, the insert is prosthetic component for a single compartment of the knee. The insert comprises a support structure and a support structure respectively having an articular surface and a load bearing surface. The height of the insert is less than 10 millimeters. At least one internal cavity is formed when support structures are coupled together for housing electronic circuitry, sensors, and the power source. The cavity is sterilized through a port. A membrane is between the port and the cavity. A sterilization gas permeates the membrane for sterilizing cavity. The membrane prevents ingress of solids and liquids to the cavity.
US08926525B2
Methods and structures for detecting a physiologic parameter of a target anatomical environment. The device including a housing with a distal portion first port couplable to a probe and a proximal portion; and a sensing unit, a processing unit, and an output unit carried by the housing, the output unit configured to output a reporting signal based on the determined physiologic parameter value such as pressure; the sensing unit, processing unit, and output unit being disposed substantially between the first port and the proximal portion of the housing.
US08926522B2
A device for correlating trend data with respect to a patient's weight ankle displacement can identify conditions indicative of congestive heart failure. A weight scale or similar device coupled with imaging mechanism operable to measure ankle displacement collects a plurality of measurements over a period of time. Over time trend analysis of both the patient's weight and the ankle displacement measurements can be obtained and compared to identify whether over a particular sample period an increase in a patient's ankle displacement is or is not correlated with an increase in the patient's weight. When an increase in ankle displacement is identified as not correlating to a corresponding change in the patient's weight an alert can be issued of conditions indicative of congestive heart failure.
US08926520B2
A transducer interface system/method allowing conversion from an analog sensor input to a standardized analog output interface is disclosed. In some preferred embodiments the system/method permits a fiber optic pressure sensor to be interfaced to a standard patient care monitor (PCM) system using standardized Wheatstone Bridge analog interface inputs. Within this context the Wheatstone Bridge sensed output is defined by stimulus from the PCM and modulation of bridge element values by the conditioned output of an analog pressure sensor. The use of analog-to-digital-to-analog conversion in this transducer interface permits retrofitting of PCM devices having analog Wheatstone Bridge inputs with advanced patient monitoring sensors without the need for specialized modifications to the baseline PCM data collection framework. Methods disclosed herein include techniques to connect arbitrary types/numbers of analog sensors to traditional PCM systems without the need for PCM system hardware/software modifications.
US08926518B2
A dental ultrasonography probe includes a probe tip having a scanning ultrasonography transducer that generates a narrow beam ultrasonic transmission signal over a sequence of beam angles, that receives an ultrasonic return signal, and that generates an ultrasonic receive signal in response to the ultrasonic return signal to identify and measure dental and craniofacial objects and features. A probe body has a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the probe tip.
US08926516B2
An ultrasound imaging apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave and a controller configured to control the ultrasonic probe such that an ultrasonic wave for imaging a contrast agent injected into an object and an ultrasonic wave for imaging a tissue movement of the object are transmitted in time division. A method of ultrasound imaging comprises transmitting a first ultrasonic wave and a second ultrasonic wave which hardly destroys bubbles of a contrast agent, obtaining blood flow information based on a signal generated from the first ultrasonic wave, and obtaining tissue movement information based on a signal generated from the second ultrasonic wave.
US08926512B2
A resolution optimization unit determines an optimal sound velocity corresponding to a tissue component at each position in a scan slice, and calculates a reception delay time or the like for each reception beam from each position in the scan slice. A control processor executes delay addition processing in a scan for acquiring an ultrasonic image actually used for diagnosis by using the reception delay time calculated using an optimal sound velocity. This can correct the difference between the set sound velocity used for the calculation of a reception delay time and the actual in vivo sound velocity and acquire an ultrasonic image with optimized resolution.
US08926511B2
Control of an invasive medical instrument during a medical procedure is achieved using a system that includes magnetic field-based location facilities. Magnetic field sensors are placed in a medical instrument, e.g., a probe, and in an interface device to enable respective positions of the probe and the interface device to be ascertained by a location processor when the sensors are exposed to a magnetic field. The interface device is disposed such that an operator can control the medical instrument and the interface device concurrently. A display device, which can comprise a virtual reality display, is responsive to movements of the interface device as determined by the location processor to control the medical instrument, invoke various functions of the system, e.g., image manipulation, and otherwise facilitate the medical procedure via a graphical user interface.
US08926507B2
A surgical apparatus includes a housing member having leading and trailing ends that define a longitudinal axis. One or more ports longitudinally extend between the leading and trailing ends, and are configured and adapted to receive a surgical instrument therein in a substantially sealed relation. At least one cleaning port longitudinally extends between the leading and trailing ends, and is configured and adapted to receive a cleaning device therein. The cleaning device is configured and adapted to clean surgical instruments positioned within the one or more ports without necessitating removal of the surgical instruments from the one or more ports.
US08926502B2
There is provided herein an endoscope assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a side service channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.
US08926498B2
A device for treatment of premature ejaculation or stimulation of a male organ includes an elastic sleeve mounted within a housing, at least one aperture formed on the elastic sleeve, and at least one liquid-absorbing member held between the housing and the elastic sleeve over the at least one aperture. The at least one liquid-absorbing member is adapted to soak up a liquid with a temperature higher or lower than the body temperature of a user and deliver the liquid through the at least one aperture and into the elastic sleeve when the at least one liquid-absorbing member is squeezed by a male organ of the user frictionally moving to-and-fro inside the elastic sleeve, thereby stimulating the male organ and reducing the sensitivity thereof.
US08926492B2
A method for selectively expanding and compressing a housing for a blood pump is described. The housing is provided in a compressed state. The housing has a slack, flexible membrane with a plurality of groups of compressed formed parts with gaps between the individual formed parts. The formed parts are moved together outwardly against the membrane to expand the membrane. A fully expanded membrane and housing is formed where the formed parts completely abut against the membrane in a gap free relationship with respect to one another.
US08926489B2
Containment systems and methods safely and permanently encapsulate a sharp portion of a sharp medical instrument (e.g. a hypodermic needle). The containment system includes a cap or other container formed of a durable and flexible material and having a rim defining an open end configured to receive the sharp portion therein and an adhesive disposed on an interior surface of the container. The method of use includes inserting the sharp medical instrument into the container, and compressing the sides of the container to permanently encapsulate the sharp portion of the medical instrument within the adhesive. The adhesive may be an adhesive tape and may be protected before use by a covering, which may be removed at the time of use by pulling a pull tab extending from an opening in the container.
US08926480B2
A multipurpose exercise machine requiring only three points of adjustment centrally located. It has a one point height adjustment and two adjustments for the rotating arm assemblies. Dip and chin up bars are attached to the arm assemblies. The machine contains an integrated swingable workout bench. Through the use of a pulley system and counter balance assembly, the cable system maintains tension and provides a constant length of cable.
US08926473B2
The invention refers to a locking unit, in particular a transmission locking unit. It consists of a coil encircling at least partly an armature space. The coil has a wire that can be energized by electric current. An armature rod projecting out of the armature space and carrying an armature is provided, as well as an operating element locking unit interacting with the armature rod. This holds or releases, depending on the position of the armature rod, an operating element, wherein the armature rod or the armature is held in a first position by a permanent magnet, and a current flow through the wire of the coil compensates the holding force of the permanent magnet, and the armature rod gets in the second position.
US08926472B2
Construction of a continuously variable transmission device for a vehicle is achieved that, when a shift lever is shifted to a selection position for a direction opposite the traveling direction at that time, it is capable of preventing the vehicle from continuing to travel at high speed in a direction opposite the direction intended by the operator. When the shift lever is shifted to a selection position of a direction opposite the traveling direction at that time, and the vehicle speed is faster than a specified speed (V1), the connection of a clutch device that transmits power between a continuously variable transmission mechanism and a differential gear mechanism is disconnected, and the drive force from the drive source is prevented from being further transmitted to the wheels. As a result, it is possible to cause the vehicle to decelerate without accelerating even when the operator tries to move faster in the opposite direction, or when the operator steps on the accelerator pedal with the intention of accelerating in the opposite direction, and thus it is possible to prevent the vehicle from continuing to travel at high speed in the direction opposite the intended direction of the operator.
US08926468B2
A variable transmission includes an input shaft, a planetary gear set drivingly engaged with a variator comprising, a variator carrier assembly, a first ring assembly, and a second ring assembly; and the output shaft, arranged to produce transmissions with continuously variable or infinitely variable output ratios.
US08926463B1
A drive mechanism for a cage in a spiral conveyor belt system including a plurality of tooth segments secured to a drive ring and positioned to define a substantially constant pitch diameter. The drive ring may be formed from a plurality of discrete pie plates positioned adjacent each other and arranged in a substantially circular format around the cage.
US08926459B2
A sport ball may include a casing that forms an exterior surface of the sport ball. The casing may incorporate a plurality of joined panels, including a closure panel. In addition, the ball may include a backing layer located radially inward of the closure panel, the backing layer extending beyond a peripheral boundary of the closure panel and at least partially overlapping with one or more panels adjacent to the closure panel. The backing layer may also include an opening located radially inward of the closure panel, the opening being smaller than the surface area of the closure panel. Also, the ball may include a bladder located radially inward of the backing layer, the bladder including a valve for introducing fluid into the ball, the valve extending through the opening and through the closure panel.
US08926453B2
The present invention relates to golf balls, specifically, to a golf ball with multifaceted depressions comprising two discrete geometries surrounded by a first perimeter. A second perimeter is circumscribed within the first and surrounds prismatoid depressions or protrusions. Primarily the first and second perimeters are circular and the depressions or protrusions are based on a polyhedral prismatoid having a minimum of three and a maximum of twelve edges, wherein the ratio of the first and second diameters is between 0.25 to 0.90.
US08926447B2
Embodiments of golf coupling mechanisms are presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US08926445B2
The presented invention relates to a method for determining the effectiveness of a golfer's swing without the requirement of the club head making contact with a golf ball. More specifically, the present invention relates to a measurement and analysis system comprising a first module that attaches to the club head and captures measurement receiver signal strength data during the entire swing time line and may capture motional data on same time line, further first module wirelessly communicates bi-directionally with a second module that is further connected to a user interface device and computational engine where feedback results are derived and conveyed to the golfer. The system provides comprehensive feedback for a swing characterization time line referenced to the spatial domain using receiver signal strength measurements that may be in combination with motional and dynamics orientation measurements.
US08926438B2
Provided is a gaming machine having a cabinet. Between the back as a back face and the right side face of the sides of the cabinet, the gaming machine has a right end side, which is formed by cutting a plane parallel to the gravitational direction in a manner to join lines spaced at predetermined distances in the individual directions of the back and the right side face from a line of intersection, on which the back and the right side face intersect when extended. The gaming machine also has a left end side between the back and a left side face. Moreover, the right end side and the left end side are symmetric with respect to a plane dividing the cabinet equally to the right and left.
US08926433B2
A method, system, and gaming machine for enabling a group play bonus feature is described. The method comprises networking a plurality of gaming machines, wherein each gaming machine includes a primary game module and a bonus game module. The method then proceeds to determine which of the plurality of gaming machines are qualified for playing the group bonus game. A first qualified gaming machine is selected and a bonus offer is presented to the qualified gaming machine. The bonus offer includes an initial bonus offer that is user selectable, and an alternative random bonus prize that is awarded if the user instruction indicates that the initial bonus offer has not been accepted. After the user selectable instruction is received, a bonus prize is awarded.
US08926430B1
A game system according to an embodiment of the present invention provides a game, the game system comprising one or more processors to execute a game program, wherein a plurality of player units battle with a plurality of non-player units in either manual mode or automatic mode. The manual mode and automatic mode can be selected in accordance with first and second operations on a control object. In manual mode, a battle process is performed in accordance with a third operation on the control object.
US08926428B1
The server according to an embodiment provides interactive games that use characters moving on a route and require more strategies. The server is configured to execute an interactive-game program including a screen display module for display a game screen, a first placement module for placing the characters selected by the players on the routes before a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, a movement module for moving the characters toward the bases of the opponent after the predetermined starting condition is satisfied, a second placement module for placing the characters selected by the players on the routes after a predetermined starting condition is satisfied, a battle process module for performing a battle process when the distance between the characters falls within a predetermined range, an occupation process module for performing an occupation process, and a determination module for determining a result of the interactive game.
US08926427B2
When there is an instruction for rotation during a game in a first field, a CPU core of a game apparatus obtains central coordinates in a second field after the rotation and coordinates (central coordinates) of a player object and BG object in steps S53 and S55. Then, the CPU core executes a rotation process in a hardware calculation circuit, for example, in steps S57 to S61. When detecting end of the rotation in a step S63, the CPU core executes a map switch process in a step S65. In the map switch process, the CPU core generates a second field according to second area data. Then, after generating the second field, the CPU core makes a hit determination according to the second area data in a step S7, for example.
US08926421B2
A multi-player gaming system sensing multiple simultaneous contacts on a surface of a gaming table, differentiating contacts by different players. Privacy controls selectively display private information visible to only one of the players on or near the display surface of the gaming table. The gaming system also detects physical objects placed on the surface of the gaming table, causing wagering game functions or peripheral functions to be performed as a result of the placement of the object on the display surface.
US08926403B2
A dressing tool produces a plurality of first radial sections in a first flank of a first screw channel in a grinding worm, and a plurality of second radial sections in a second flank of a second screw channel in the grinding worm. Each radial section extends only a portion of a total radial height of the respective flank, the portion being less than the total radial height of the respective flank. Each first radial section in the first screw channel is radially displaced with respect to a corresponding second radial section in the second screw channel.
US08926398B1
The under garment consists of a front panel having an outer side and an inner side. Two shoulder areas are formed at top portions of the front panel and the back panel. A breast receiving unit is provided associated with the inner area of the front panel and is formed with first and second breast receiving pockets. A front area of each receiving pocket is formed by a respective part of the inner face of the front panel and a rear area of each said breast receiving pocket is formed by an independent rear panel. In use, the independent rear panels of each breast receiving pocket are positioned between the skin of the breast and the skin of the user's torso.
US08926392B2
A system and method for increasing customer interest in containers. A set of actuating components are coupled to moveable elements of an active container, the moveable elements respond to operation of an actuating mechanism in a handle portion.
US08926390B2
Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing an organic electroluminescence display including multilayer structures that are each formed in a respective one of pixel areas in an effective area of a substrate and are each formed by a lower electrode, an organic layer, and an upper electrode, the organic electroluminescence display having a common electrode that electrically connects the pixel areas, the method including the steps of: forming a protective electrode and an outer-peripheral electrode that are electrically connected to the common electrode; forming the multilayer structures; and carrying out film deposition treatment involving electrification of the substrate.
US08926380B2
A marine vessel propulsion device includes a bracket that is attachable to a marine vessel, a duct that is rotatable around a steering axis with respect to the bracket, a propeller that is rotatable with respect to the duct around a propeller axis extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, and an electric motor that rotates the propeller. The propeller includes a plurality of blades and a cylindrical rim that surrounds the plurality of blades, and is surrounded by the duct. The electric motor rotates the rim with respect to the duct.
US08926378B2
A first housing (10) includes a first frame (11) with a frame main body (12) and a receptacle (13), a plurality of first sub-housings (17) individually accommodated in first accommodation spaces (14) of the first frame (11), a projection (21) projecting forward from the frame main body (12) and reinforcements (22) projecting from outer surfaces of the projection (21). A second housing (30) includes a second frame (31) with second accommodation spaces (32), second sub-housings (35) individually accommodated in the second accommodation spaces (32), a second partition wall (33) between adjacent second accommodation spaces (32), an accommodating recess (38) in the second partition wall (33) and configured to accommodate the projection (21). A cut portion (39) is formed in the second partition wall (33) and accommodates the reinforcements (22).
US08926376B2
A contact terminal having a main body case and a plunger pin received in an elongate hole formed in the main body case is provided. The plunger pin is a round bar provided with a step and includes a small diameter portion including the protrusion end portion and a large diameter portion that slides on a surface of the hole to freely move in a longitudinal direction thereof. A cut space is formed to extend from an end of the large diameter portion so as to leave at least a part of a side surface portion of the large diameter portion and the cut space receives an insulation ball including at least an insulation surface. A coil spring is arranged between the hole and the insulation ball to press the protrusion end portion of the plunger pin such that the protrusion end portion protrudes from the main body case.
US08926374B2
An electric connection unit is provided. The electric connection unit includes a plug and a socket. The plug includes a plurality of plug contacts. The socket includes a plurality of socket contacts, wherein an opening is formed on a socket surface of the socket, and a sliding space is formed in the socket. The opening is communicated to the sliding space, and the socket contacts are disposed in the sliding space. The plug contacts are inserted into the sliding space of the socket through the opening, and the plug contacts are rotated between a first orientation and a second orientation. When the plug contacts are in the first orientation, the plug contacts are separated from the socket contacts, and when the plug contacts are in the second orientation, the plug contacts are electrically connected to the socket contacts.
US08926369B2
An electrical connector can receive a substrate having conductive tracks. The connector includes a housing with a port and at least one alignment feature that together define a direction of insertion. At least three function pins mounted to the housing each include contacts that electrically connect to one of the conductive tracks of a substrate inserted in the connector. A sense pin mounted to the housing has a contact that electrically connects to at least one of the conductive tracks of an inserted substrate. The sense pin can include a plurality of electrically-connected segments, each segment extending substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the substrate. Systems and methods for detecting an analyte in a bodily-fluid sample are also described.
US08926366B2
A board-mount electrical connector includes an electrically conductive rear shell interposed between a contact-retaining front body and an insulator member that holds a plurality of board-mount contacts. The rear shell includes at least one electrically conductive shielding divider that extends through the insulator member and is positioned between two or more of the board-mount contacts. Also disclosed is a rear shell elbow for an electrical connector that is assembled from a pair of slidably interlocking members that form an X-shaped divider within the rear shell when assembled.
US08926363B2
An electrical connector assembly includes a housing having a front end and a rear end and including housing channels extending axially from the front end to the rear end for holding a wire assembly. The connector assembly includes a stabilizer having a front end and a rear end. The stabilizer includes supports extending from the front end with support channels along a longitudinal axis of the stabilizer. The stabilizer is coupled to the rear end of the housing so that the support channels align with the housing channels to accept corresponding wire assemblies therein. A front retaining feature holds the stabilizer to the housing. A rear retaining feature holds the wire assemblies to the stabilizer.
US08926362B2
An electrical connector comprising a threaded sleeve for mating with another electrical component, a connector body which has first and second ends and a central axis, the first end receiving the threaded sleeve and the second end having a blind hole extending through the connector body, an insulator positioned within the connector body, a contact pin positioned within the insulator having an axial center line, an extension extending from the second end of the connector body along its central axis, the extension extending coaxially with the contact pin and which has a primary cable clamp, a fastener positioned within the connector body, and a secondary cable clamp coupled to the second end of the connector body via the blind hole, wherein the blind hole is adjacent to the extension and the axis of the blind hole is parallel with the axial center line of the contact pin, such that the fastener passes through the connector body such that at least a portion is receivable in the blind hole is provided.
US08926359B2
An electrical connector assembly includes an electrical connector and a module. The electrical connector includes a connector housing and a first plurality of electrical terminals supported by the connector housing. The module includes a module housing and a second plurality of electrical terminals supported by the module housing. The second plurality of electrical terminals is greater in number than the first plurality of electrical terminals, such that a first select number of the second plurality of electrical terminals is configured to mate with the first plurality of electrical terminals, and a second select number of the second plurality of electrical terminals is configured to mate with an auxiliary electrical component.
US08926357B1
A plug-in connector for connecting to a receptacle including a housing including fins, at least one electrically conductive terminal at least partly situated in the housing and defining a mating axis and a mating direction, cantilevered locking beams arranged in the housing, a slider slidingly coupled to the housing and including blocking beams extending in the mating direction, a compressive member arranged to urge the slider outward away from the housing in the mating direction. The fins are situated to engage with the blocking beams during an initial stage of relative movement between the housing and the slider against a bias of the compressive member and allow inward deflection of the locking beams. The blocking beams are configured to prevent inward deflection of the locking beams after a final stage of the relative movement between the housing and the slider.
US08926355B2
A connector assembly is provided with a first member and a second member that is removably connected to the first member. The second member has a deflectable latch that secures the first and second members together. A connector position assurance device is movably supported on the second member. The connector position assurance device includes a body portion and a deflectable locking arm that extends from the body portion. The connector position assurance device is movable between a first position, wherein the locking arm is in contact with the latch to lock the connector position assurance device in the first position and to deflect the locking arm when the latch is deflected, and a second position, wherein the body portion is positioned adjacent to the latch to prevent deflection of the latch, only after the first and second members are secured together by the latch.
US08926349B2
A docking station having a docking tray that is adapted for seating a portable electronic device therein with a docking port of the portable electronic device seated against an interface portion thereof, and the interface portion of the docking tray being formed with an interface outlet aperture positioned for alignment with the docking port of the portable electronic device. A connector retainer is coupleable for releasably urging individual ones of a plurality of different interfaces toward the interface portion of the docking tray and positioning a connection portion thereof adjacent to the interface outlet aperture and directed inwardly of the docking tray. An urging mechanism is adapted for urging the seated portable electronic device toward the interface portion of the docking tray and the interface outlet aperture thereof.
US08926346B2
The present invention discloses a power supply including a first conductive module, a second conductive module connected to the first conductive module, and a plurality of hollow sleeves. The first conductive module and the second conductive module respectively include a plurality of first clamping parts and second clamping parts, wherein a position of each second clamping part corresponds to one of first clamping parts. The hollow sleeves are housing around the first conductive module and the second conductive module. Each hollow sleeve includes at least one plug hole, and covers one of the first clamping parts and the corresponding second clamping part. When rotating the hollow sleeve, the plug hole selectively coincides with the first clamping part or the second clamping part, so that multiple fins of a plug are inserted into the first clamping part or the second clamping part through the plug hole.
US08926337B2
An improved method is employed to attach an enclosure to a connector body having relatively small geometry. One or more bonding channels are disposed in the outside surface of the connector body. During assembly of an enclosure over the connector body, a bonding material is distributed within the bonding channels and subsequently cured. The bonding channels and the bonding material are designed to employ capillary wicking to aid in the distribution of the bonding material within the bonding channels.
US08926336B2
A rotatable electrical coupling device incorporates a first connector having a first electrical contact member adapted to conduct or transmit a high-frequency and/or high-speed data signal, and a second connector having a second electrical contact member adapted to conduct or transmit a high-frequency and/or high-speed data signal. The second connector is configured to be coupled with the first connector for substantially free or unimpeded rotation about an axis (X) relative to the first connector, the first and second electrical contact members being configured to engage one another and to maintain uninterrupted electrical contact throughout a relative rotational movement between the first and second connectors in a coupled state.
US08926332B2
The present invention relates generally to apparatus for training the art of forcible door entry for emergency personnel such as firefighters and, in particular, a reusable forcible entry door training prop adapted to simulate a locked door and allow individuals to conduct training in forcible entry techniques for different door types and mounting configurations (e.g., opening inward or outward, left hand opening or right band opening, steel jam or wood jams).
US08926328B2
A placement jig for locating a dental implant analog in a physical model of a patient's mouth includes a base, a guide-strut receiving feature, a throughbore, and an angled receiving feature. The guide-strut receiving feature is positioned within the base and is configured to receive a guide-strut of the physical model thereby positioning a lower surface of the placement jig at a desired distance from an opening of a bore in the physical model. The throughbore receives a screw therethrough that engages the dental implant analog such that the dental implant analog, is removably coupled to the base. The angled receiving, feature is positioned about the throughbore on the lower surface of the base. The angled receiving feature includes a mating surface that is configured to abut a custom abutment positioned between the mating surface and the dental implant analog.
US08926309B2
An apparatus for manufacturing a reinforcing cloth of a seat pad which includes: a mold for fixing a sheet and having an outer shape substantially identical to a shape of the reinforcing cloth and provided with a plurality of air holes interconnecting an internal space with an outer surface; a closed space between the mold and a cover member formed by covering the sheet fixed on the mold with the cover member; a heating unit for heating the sheet; and an exhausting unit for exhausting air from the closed space is provided.
US08926307B1
A dough depositing machine adapted for use in the manufacture of non-traditional baked goods and methods related thereto. Non-traditional dough (e.g., gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegetarian, or vegan dough) may have properties that are more difficult to accommodate during manufacturing than the properties of traditional dough. Accordingly, various components of the dough depositing machine may be adapted to operate with non-traditional dough. For example, at least one of a dough delivery mechanism, a forming portion, a cutting assembly and a controller of the dough depositing machine may be adapted for use with non-traditional dough. These components of a dough depositing mechanism may be provided as originally manufactured equipment or may be retrofit to an existing dough depositing machine designed for use with traditional dough.
US08926297B2
A fluid transporter which transports fluid by pressing a plurality of radially disposed pressing shafts against a tube held in a circular-arc shape in directions from the inside of the circular-arc shape in accordance with rotation of a rotational pressing plate having a plurality of projections on the outer circumference thereof so as to allow flow of fluid includes: a first detecting section which detects the rotation angle of the rotational pressing plate; a second detecting section which detects the rotation angle of either a driving rotor for giving a rotational force to the rotational pressing plate or a reduction transmission mechanism for connecting the driving rotor and the rotational pressing plate; a data table which shows the relationship between the rotation angle of the rotational pressing plate and a cumulative delivery amount; and a controller which controls the drive of the driving rotor.
US08926293B2
Disclosed is a motor-pump assembly (1) for a brake actuating device of a motor vehicle brake system with a pneumatic brake booster. An electric motor (3) drives a double diaphragm pump (2) with two working diaphragms (4) which are located opposite one another. Air expelled from the working spaces (7) is directed into an interior space (22) surrounding a crank drive (8) of the pump housing (5). An air outlet unit (13) permits low-noise expulsion of the air from the interior space 22 by deflecting the air.In order to make available a low-noise, cost-reduced motor-pump assembly the eccentrics (9) each have an unbalance weight (25) integrally molded onto the eccentric (9).
US08926291B2
A liquid pump control system for dry run avoidance and re-prime detection. Pump dry run conditions can be detected with improved sensitivity by measuring pump cycle speed. Pump cycle speed is determined from sensors including pressure sensors, diaphragm end of stroke indicators, check valve movement sensors, and other techniques. A controller closes a valve to reduce pump cycle speed by reducing drive air pressure or by deadheading the pump liquid outlet. When the pump re-primes, the valve is opened, pump cycle speed increases, and pumping volume flow rate increases until a dry run condition is again encountered. Time delays can be introduced to delay shutting down or restarting the pump, for example to give a liquid source tank time to refill. The improved control sensitivity provides improved shut-down and re-start performance, reducing wear on the pump and reducing wasted drive air and energy consumption.
US08926284B2
An assembly for the removal of contaminants from a contact zone between respective contact surfaces 6, 8 of a first component 2 and a second component 4. At least one of the contact surfaces has a low friction element 10 provided with grooves 12 which extend through the contact zone such that, in operation, a pressure difference across the contact zone causes contaminants entering the grooves 12 to be expelled along the grooves 12 from the contact zone.
US08926283B2
A gas turbine engine, including: a plurality of blades (60) assembled into an annular row of blades and partly defining a hot gas path (26) and a cooling fluid path (24), wherein the cooling fluid path extends from a rotor cavity (22) to the hot gas path; an angel wing assembly (99) disposed on a side (74) of a base (76) of the row of blades; and pumping features (130) distributed about the angel wing assembly configured to impart, at a narrowest gap (42) of the cooling fluid path, motion to a flow of cooling fluid flowing there through. The plurality of pumping features, the angel wing assembly, and the base of the row of blades are effective to produce a helical motion to the flow of cooling fluid as it enters the hot gas path.
US08926281B2
A rotary system includes a retention member and a flexible yoke having an opening forming a bridge. The rotary system is further provided with two bearing assemblies, a first bearing assembly extending through the opening of the yoke and configured to secure a rotor blade to the retention member and a second bearing assembly extending through the opening of the flexible yoke and configured to secure the rotor blade to the bridge. The second bearing element includes a bearing element having a first surface forming a spherical contouring and an opposing integral second surface forming a conical contouring.
US08926276B2
Turbomachines having close-coupling flow guides (CCFGs) that are designed and configured to closely-couple flow fields of adjacent bladed elements. In some embodiments, the CCFGs may be located in regions extending between the adjacent bladed elements, described herein as coupling avoidance zones, where conventional turbomachine design would suggest no structure should be added. In yet other embodiments, CCFGs are located upstream and/or downstream of rows of blades coupled to the bladed elements, including overlapping one of more of the rows of blades, to improve flow coupling and machine performance. Methods of designing turbomachines to incorporate CCFGs are also provided.
US08926275B2
A centrifugal pump includes an electric motor, an impeller driven by the motor and a pump housing having an impeller chamber, an inlet in communication with the impeller chamber via an opening, and first and second outlets in communication with the impeller chamber. The impeller chamber has an interference structure which forms first and second flow channels in communication with the first and second outlets. The interference structure directs the fluid in the impeller chamber to flow through the first outlet via the first flow channel when the impeller rotates in a first direction or to flow through the second outlet via the second flow channel when the impeller rotates in the opposite direction.
US08926268B2
An assembly for reducing compressor noise includes a compressor and an acoustic shield. The compressor has a rotor with a plurality of blades mounted thereto. Additionally, the compressor has one or more bleed slots therein. The acoustic shield is disposed adjacent to the one more bleed slots and spaced at a distance therefrom.
US08926267B2
A gas turbine engine including: an ambient-air cooling circuit (10) having a cooling channel (26) disposed in a turbine blade (22) and in fluid communication with a source (12) of ambient air: and an pre-swirler (18), the pre-swirler having: an inner shroud (38); an outer shroud (56); and a plurality of guide vanes (42), each spanning from the inner shroud to the outer shroud. Circumferentially adjacent guide vanes (46, 48) define respective nozzles (44) there between. Forces created by a rotation of the turbine blade motivate ambient air through the cooling circuit. The pre-swirler is configured to impart swirl to ambient air drawn through the nozzles and to direct the swirled ambient air toward a base of the turbine blade. The end walls (50, 54) of the pre-swirler may be contoured.
US08926264B2
In order to improve a turbo compressor comprising a compressor housing, in which an incoming gas volume flow is supplied to an impeller channel through an inlet channel, is compressed in the impeller channel by an impeller and is discharged from the impeller channel via an outlet channel, and a flow diversion channel which is provided in the compressor housing, extends outside of the impeller channel and the inlet channel, opens into the inlet channel with an opening on the inlet side and into the impeller channel with an opening on the impeller side and conveys a diversion volume flow between the openings as a function of a difference in pressure, in such a manner that it can be operated optimally with volume flows which are far below the volume flow provided for the design point it is suggested that the flow diversion channel have a cross-sectional flow area increasing in size up to the opening on the inlet side proceeding from the opening on the impeller side.
US08926263B2
A turbomachine casing assembly including: a first casing element arrangeable adjacent to one or more rotating aerofoil structures of a turbomachine; a second casing element provided at a radially outer position with respect to the first casing element; and an infill member disposed between the first and second casing elements, wherein an end of the infill member is set back from an end of the first casing element such that a void is provided between the first and second casing elements.
US08926260B2
An automated, high volume container manipulator and process useful with an agricultural seed box. In an exemplary application, the manipulator removes an upper ring of a seed box, rotates the ring 180 degrees and places the ring over the lower seed box base in a nested condition. Container lid removal, transport and replacement devices and processes are also included.
US08926258B2
A substrate supporting apparatus includes a substrate support that supports a substrate. A first connecting member is connected to the substrate support and includes a first magnet. A second connecting member faces the first connecting member and is connectable to a transport robot for transporting the substrate to a substrate holder. The second connecting member includes a second magnet magnetically coupled with the first magnet. A spacer is configured to hold an interval between the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The first connecting member and the second connecting member are relatively movable in a plane direction of the substrate via the spacer.
US08926252B2
The present invention is directed to novel transportable silo systems for storage of materials. The invention relates to self-erecting silo storage systems for use in the oil and natural gas mining and drilling industries. The silo storage systems of embodiments of the instant invention are uniquely designed to improve storage capabilities and mobility while at the same time reducing space requirements at well sites.
US08926250B2
A device for fastening a first object to a second object, including a fastening element and a ring element. The ring element has a predetermined bending point.
US08926243B2
An aircraft cargo restraint has a base configured for attachment to a cargo deck. A housing is rotatably mounted to the base about a first axis and is movable between an erect position and a stowed position. A head is movably disposed in the housing, and is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in directions that are substantially parallel to the first axis. The restraint includes a lock configured to releasably secure the housing in the erect position when the head is in the contracted position, and to permit movement of the head from the erect position to the stowed position when the head is in the extended position.
US08926241B2
A machine tool 1 has a support body 11, moving bodies 12, 13, 14, 15 with an engagement member 12a having an engagement hole 12b, a guide mechanism 20 for guiding the movement of the moving bodies 12, 13, 14, 15, a guide rail 31 provided along the moving direction of the moving bodies 12, 13, 14, 15 on the support body 11, a moving member 32 having a moving member body 33 engaged with the guide rail 31 and an engagement shaft 34 provided on the moving member body 33 and engaged with the engagement hole 12b and a collar member 35 provided on the tip portion of the engagement shaft 34, and a compressing spring 38 in which the engagement shaft 34 is inserted and which energizes the engagement member 12a. The engagement member 12a is provided on the opposite side to the moving body 14.
US08926239B2
A piston pin hole boring system and method of forming pin holes therewith includes fixing a piston to a fixture supported by a slide member. Then, rotating a cutting member about a first axis and moving the slide member with the fixture thereon toward the cutting member along the first axis and bringing the piston into cutting contact with the cutting member. Further, moving the fixture along second and third axes, each extending transversely to the first axis and machining the desired pin hole contours in the piston with the cutting member.
US08926237B2
One non-limiting aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a multi-piece twist drill head. The multi-piece twist drill head includes a core piece formed from a first hard material, and a peripheral piece formed from a second hard material. The core piece and peripheral piece each comprise a cutting edge and are adapted to mate to provide a central region and a peripheral region, respectively, of the multi-piece twist drill head. A twist drill including the multi-piece twist drill head is also disclosed.
US08926235B2
A drilling head (1) with an axial oscillation generator, includes a mounting (2) for coupling the head to a motor for rotating the mounting about an axis, the mounting (2) having a longitudinal axis (5) coinciding with the axis of rotation of the motor, a tool holder (3), an elastically deformable element (6) for retaining the tool holder (3) in the mounting (2) and an element (7) for guiding the tool holder (3) in the mounting (2) along the longitudinal axis (5) of the mounting, wherein the mounting of the drilling head includes a controlled generator (8) of reciprocating movements in the direction of the aforementioned axis (5) positioned between the mounting (2) and the tool holder, the tool holder and the generator being connected by a longitudinal coupling member (9) suitable for damping the impacts withstood by the tool holder while enabling the transmission of the reciprocating movements.
US08926234B2
An indexable end-milling insert including an underside, an upperside and a plurality of cutting edges that are formed between the upperside and a number of clearance sides and that include a chip-removing main edge as well as a surface-wiping wiper edge. The cutting insert has a square basic shape and includes four main edges and four wiper edges that are countersunk to a lower level than the main edges. The wiper edge is included in a lip projecting in relation to a secondary clearance surface and has a tertiary clearance surface, which laterally transforms into a primary clearance surface. The primary clearance surface has a width that decreases from the two opposite ends thereof toward a section having a smallest width therebetween.
US08926232B2
Milling tool formed for hobbing of workpieces having cogs has a cylindrical tool body defining a rotation axis and a plurality of disc-shaped segments. Each segment includes a hub part having two opposite plane-parallel end surfaces extending perpendicular to the rotation axis, and a peripheral cam having a plurality of tangentially spaced-apart milling inserts. Bordering segments are detachably interconnected by male and female members co-operating in pairs and situated with the rotation axis extending through the members, each of which include a contact surface converging from a big end toward a small end and, in a cross-section across the rotation axis, form an out-of-round curve. Contact surfaces are dimensioned so that, when members are brought together, they direct their two bordering segments toward an end position centered and mutually angularly determined by the out-of-round cross-section curve and where plane-parallel end surfaces abut against each other. An individual segment is disclosed.
US08926223B1
A floatable building foundation comprises a steel beam support frame platform with buoyancy provided by underlying pontoons and/or foam billets. Vertical movement of the platform in response to a storm surge is constrained by cuboidal column guides at the four corners. Each of the column guides comprises two tiers of square roller frames, within each of which is an I-beam engaged between the flanges on either side by two rollers supported on horizontal axes. The orientations of the I-beams and rollers alternate orthogonally at each corner of the platform, so that torques generated by uneven buoyancy are suppressed and do not result in jamming of the platform as it rises.
US08926214B2
A stick has a first tube member and a second tube member connected to each other in the length direction; and a connection member connected to one end portion of the second tube member, wherein the first tube member is selectively locked to or unlocked from the connection member, the second tube member is rotatably connected to the connection member. When the first tube member is locked to the connection member, the first tube member and the connection member are fixed to each other, and the second tube member is freely rotatable relative to the first tube member.
US08926205B1
A handle and screw facilitate the applying of soap to hard to reach areas of the body. The handle may be wood, plastic, metal, or the like and may be of various desirable lengths and shapes. The screw is a specialty item with a novel characteristic of having features enabling a bather to easily advance the screw into the handle and a bar of soap wears thinner. The head of the screw is rounded to prevent scratching the user, and the screw either includes engaging features on an underside of the screw head to cause the screw to turn and advance into the handle by turning the soap, or the screw is a barbed screw advanceable by pressing into the handle.
US08926193B2
The present invention relates to an optical cable connection module having a function of preventing separation of a shutter. The optical cable connection module includes a body configured to have an optical device embedded therein and have U-shaped insertion grooves provided on both sides of the top end of a cable insertion hole on the front side; the shutter disposed in the cable insertion hole of the body and configured to have a rotating shaft provided on both sides of the top end of the shutter, the rotating shaft being inserted into the U-shaped insertion grooves of the body and rotated around the U-shaped insertion grooves; an elastic member disposed in an upper inner portion of the body and configured to have a front end on the front side support the rear of the shutter.
US08926191B2
An axial cage for cylindrical rolling elements includes an annular disc, the disc having a W-shaped profile cross-section and including a radially inner rim, a radially outer rim, and a U-shaped bead connected via straight profile sections to the rims. Rectangular cage pockets are worked out of the bead and the adjoining straight sections, between which are pocket webs that connect the rims to one another and hold cylindrical rolling elements in the cage pockets. The outer rim has a crown cap-like overall shape such that it includes, in the region of each cage pocket, a constriction that extends axially into the cage pocket and is in supporting contact with an end face of the rolling elements, and, in the region of each pocket web, a section corresponding to the outer diameter of the axial cage.
US08926174B2
A controller of a power converter has: an average loss calculator (202) calculating an average loss in a semiconductor device; and a partial temperature variation estimation part (204), while regarding the semiconductor device as a thermal network including at least one combination of a thermal resistance and a thermal time constant, estimating a partial temperature variation of the combination from a loss in the semiconductor device and the combination of the thermal resistance and the thermal time constant. The partial temperature variation estimation part (204) estimates an average temperature from the loss, the thermal resistance, and the thermal time constant; extracts a pulsation envelope temperature exceeding the maximum value of a pulsation temperature dependent on the average loss and the pulsation frequency; and estimates a temperature variation in the semiconductor device by adding the average temperature and the pulsation envelope temperature.
US08926161B2
A method for manufacturing a display apparatus includes a first step of arranging a display panel (110) inside a housing (130); a second step including a light guide lens formation step of forming a curved surface (151b) of a light guide lens (151) into a concave-convex surface having surface roughness of 40-250 μm, and a cover layer formation step of forming a light guide member (150) in such a manner that the curved surface (151b) of the light guide lens (151) is covered by a cover layer (152) to form an image-display-side surface of the cover layer (152) into a non-concave-convex surface; and a third step of bonding the light guide member (150) to a surface of an outer peripheral edge part of the display panel (110) and a surface of the window frame (130).
US08926160B2
The light guide plate has at least two layers which are superposed on each other in the direction almost perpendicular to the light exit surface and contain the scattering particles at different particle concentrations, the scattering particles are polydisperse particles including a mixture of particles with different particle sizes, and the combined particle concentrations in each portion of the light guide plate is different by changing the thicknesses of the first layer and the second layer in the direction almost perpendicular to the exit surface.
US08926157B2
A light diffusing member includes a base material having a light transmitting property; a plurality of light blocking sections that are formed in a scattered manner at one surface of the base material; and a light transmissive material layer that is formed at the one surface of the base material. A thickness of the light transmissive material layer is larger than a thickness of each light blocking section. The light transmissive material layer has hollow portions in regions where the light blocking sections are formed. Each hollow portion has a shape in which a cross-section area when each hollow portion is cut at a plane that is parallel to the one surface of the base material is large on a side of the corresponding light blocking section and becomes gradually smaller with increasing distance from the corresponding light blocking section. A portion of the light transmissive material layer other than where the hollow portions are formed is a light transmitting section.
US08926153B2
A method and apparatus is provided for an integrated light pipe. In one embodiment, the apparatus may include a light pipe with a cavity positioned at a first end of the light pipe. The apparatus may further include a light emitting diode (LED) coupled to the light pipe within the cavity. The apparatus may further include, the light emitted from the LED is directed through the light pipe. The apparatus may also include a first and second conductive mount coupled to the LED and extending out of the cavity.
US08926146B2
A device for mounting lighting sources on a substrate includes a mounting frame provided with fixing formations for fixing on the substrate, the mounting frame defining a cavity for receiving the lighting source which rests on the substrate. A locking member may be provided which can be positioned in the cavity of the mounting frame to urge said lighting source toward the substrate. At least one of the mounting frame and the locking member may include at least one retaining formation for the lighting source, including one or more pins extending into corresponding openings in the lighting source, and/or one or more elastic fins extending from the mounting frame to elastically contact the lighting source.
US08926144B2
The present disclosure provides a liquid crystal display (LCD) module and an LCD device. The LCD module includes a backplane, and a reflector sheet arranged on the backplane. The backplane is configured with a plurality of reinforced structures, a plurality of concave parts are formed between the reinforced structures, and the reflector sheet is arranged over the reinforced structures. The concave part(s) is configured with a support member used for supporting the reflector sheet. In the present disclosure, because the concave part of the backplane is configured with a support member used for supporting the reflector sheet, the reflector sheet is prevented from deforming and being depressed on the concave part of the backplane because of no support, and the reflector sheet is prevented from abnormally reflecting light because of deformation, thereby increasing the display effect of the LCD device.
US08926139B2
An illumination device comprises a solid-state lighting device and a heat sink. The heat sink is configured to be attachable to a fixture for a gas-discharge lamp to retrofit existing gas-discharge fixtures. The heat sink is conductively thermally coupled to the solid-state lighting device to dissipate heat generated by the solid-state lighting device.
US08926131B2
A light with integrated light and thermal guides, and having solid state light sources such as LEDs. The light guide includes a material having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and forming an interior volume. The light guide is coupled to the LEDs for receiving and distributing light from them through the first surface, and the light is transported through the light guide until the light is extracted from the first or second surface. The light guide can include alignment features such as fiducials that mate with a base. The thermal guide is contained within the interior volume and integrated with the light guide for providing thermal conduction from the LEDs for cooling the light. The thermal guide can be vented to provide for internal cross flow of air for the cooling.
US08926119B2
Embodiments may provide an extendable light source with a variable light emitting area. A first device is provided that includes a support, a first substrate movably coupled to the support, and a plurality of lighting devices disposed on the first substrate. The plurality of lighting devices includes a first portion of lighting devices and a second portion of lighting devices. The first device also includes an energizing component that is configured to selectively energize the first portion and the second portion of lighting devices based on a position of the first substrate relative to the support.
US08926100B2
An illumination device includes a light source including plural light emitting devices arranged in a pattern and that generate and guide light, the light emitting devices having tilted gain regions wherein guiding directions of the light are tilted with respect to a perpendicular of output surfaces of the light source, an optical axis conversion device that bends optical axes of the light output from the light source, and a light distribution control device that controls a light distribution angle of the light output from the optical axis conversion device, wherein the light emitting devices are super luminescent diodes, and the light output from the light distribution control device diverge.
US08926099B2
A phosphor wheel includes a glass, a first phosphor agent and a first filter. The glass has a first region and the first phosphor agent is coated on the first region for converting a first color light into a second color light. The first filter is disposed next to the first region for filtering at least a portion of the first color light and a first light beam of the second color light, so that a second light beam of the second color light is transmitted through the first filter. The second color light is yellow light, the first phosphor agent is yellow phosphor agent, and the first filter is a red light filter. The present invention achieves the advantages of decreasing the fabricating cost, increasing the brightness of the red light with increasing of driving current and the whole brightness of the illumination system, and improving the image quality.
US08926090B2
An eyeglass frame assembly includes temple mounting portions and temple units. Each temple mounting portion has front and rear faces and an engagement hole. Each temple unit includes a temple arm and a pivot member. The temple arm has a connection portion that is inserted into the engagement hole and that is provided with a pivot hole. The pivot member is pivoted to the connection portion and is mounted on the temple mounting portion, and has a pivot pin that is pivotally inserted into the pivot hole. The pivot member resides in the engagement hole and engages the front and rear faces of the respective one of the temple mounting portions.
US08926081B2
The present disclosure is drawn to a nanoparticle containing overcoat composition for use in ink jet printing. The composition can include a liquid vehicle and a composite latex particulate. The composite latex particulate can include inorganic nanoparticles at least partially encapsulated by a polymer. The inorganic nanoparticles can be silica, titania, alumina, zinc oxide, silicates, oxides of indium and tin, and combinations thereof. The inorganic nanoparticles can comprise from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the composite latex particulate. The overcoat composition can be used to improve the properties of ink-jetted images.
US08926076B2
In an image forming apparatus, a first detection part and a second detection part, each for detecting a position of a displacement member that changes its position according to a remaining amount of liquid in a sub-tank, are provided to a carriage carrying the sub-tank and a recording head, and a body of the image forming apparatus, respectively. A first position is a position of the displacement member detected by the first detection part such that the remaining amount of liquid in the sub-tank is smaller than that at a second position detected by the second detection part. The liquid is supplied to the sub-tank of a differential supply amount, corresponding to a displacement amount of the displacement member between a position detected by the first detection part and a position detected by the second detection part, after the first detection part detects the displacement member.
US08926072B2
An inkjet printer includes: an inkjet printhead; an ink delivery system configured for supplying ink to the printhead at a negative hydrostatic pressure; and an air chamber in fluid communication with the ink delivery system. The air chamber has an air-permeable wall which is impervious to the ink. The air chamber provides dampening of pressure fluctuations in the ink delivery system and, further, is self-recovering from ingress of ink into the air chamber.
US08926071B2
A liquid-jet recording apparatus includes a liquid-jet recording head unit to jet ink droplets toward a recording medium for printing and including an opening area through which the ink droplets fly out from the liquid-jet recording head unit, and a conveyance unit to convey the recording medium to a fore side of the opening area. The liquid-jet recording head unit includes a multi-nozzle inkjet head, a separation unit, a gas-flow application unit, and a gutter unit. The multi-nozzle inkjet head includes multiple inkjet nozzles, pressurizes ink, and emits a plurality of continuous streams of an ink. The opening area has a slit shape extending along a direction in which the multiple inkjet nozzles are arrayed. An air flow generated in the opening area has a velocity vector directed inward from the opening area.
US08926065B2
A microfluidic device having a substrate with an electrically conductive element made using a conductive ink layer underlying a hydrophobic layer.
US08926063B2
The invention aims to form an ink coating having a predetermined film thickness on a surface of a printing medium having a three-dimensional structure in shorter time. As solving means, a plurality of times of scanning process is included, ink 80 is discharged to head-facing areas (10a, 10c) in a state of facing straight toward a printhead 110 in one scanning process, and the ink 80 is discharged to a non-head-facing area (10b) so that the total film thickness of the ink coatings (11, 12) to be formed without facing straight toward the printhead 110 in two or more times of the scanning process becomes a predetermined film thickness T0.
US08926062B2
Printers and duplexers are described herein. An example duplexer for a printer includes a waste ink roller movable between a concealed region and a receiving region.
US08926052B2
There are provided a method of detecting an ink residual quantity and a printing device which do not make an erroneous determination as to detection on presence/absence of ink without influence of ink mist generated in the middle of using a printing device on calibration of an optical sensor. Therefore, by performing allotment processing based upon ink tank memory element information, calibration of an optical sensor using a reflection portion equipped in the ink tank, in a state where it is determined that the ink is left in the ink tank.
US08926047B2
An ink jet printer for printing on an at least partially cylindrical objects comprises one or more printheads positioned above a line of travel and a carriage assembly configured to hold an at least partially cylindrical object axially aligned along the line of travel and to position said object relative to the printheads, and then rotate the object relative to said one or more printheads. The printer also includes a curing device located along the line of travel and configured to emit energy suitable to cure the deposited fluid.
US08926046B2
An image forming apparatus includes at least one inkjet head which is disposed above a feed path of a print medium and on which plural nozzles are aligned along a primary sweeping direction perpendicular to a feed direction of the print medium fed along the feed path. The image forming apparatus forms images by ejecting ink droplets from the nozzles. The image forming apparatus includes a controller that is operable to compensate ejection timings of ink droplets to be ejected from the nozzles onto the print medium based on ejection density of the ink droplets. The image forming apparatus can form good images that are not affected by ink dot displacements caused by feed airflow even when the ink dot displacements are affected by self-induced airflow.
US08926045B2
A recording device has a medium-supporting part that supports a long recording medium, a recording processing part that performs recording process on the recording medium supported by the medium-supporting part, a recording processing part conveyance system that moves the recording processing part, a medium conveyance system that includes a first drive roller, a first drive motor, a second drive roller and a second drive motor, and a control unit that controls the recording device. The control unit retracts the recording processing part to an area outside of the medium-supporting part while maintaining the movement direction of the recording processing part at a time at which an abnormality has occurred in an interval in which the recording processing is carried out on the recording medium while the recording processing part scans above the recording medium by the recording processing part conveyance system.
US08926044B2
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head which jets ink droplets, a head transporting mechanism which transports the recording head, and a control unit which controls the head transporting mechanism to reciprocate the recording head along a transporting path and controls the recording head to form an image on a sheet by jetting the ink droplets when the recording head passes over an image formation area within the transporting path. When the control unit controls the transporting mechanism to transport the recording head toward a turn-around point in the transporting path, the control unit decelerates the recording head in accordance with a first acceleration profile and a second acceleration profile which has a peak of deceleration higher than that of the first acceleration profile.
US08926030B2
An electrical switchgear cabinet is includes two side wall parts and a respective cover and base wall part. The wall parts are in each case integrally connected to one another, and form a rectangular frame which can be connected to a rear face and to a front face. Each side wall part and each cover or base wall part is angled along its outer edges so as to form a box-like shape. The angled edges are integrally connected to one another at the abutment points with adjacent angled outer edges and form a corner profile at each frame corner. As a result, it is possible for a connecting profile to be connected to the corner profile in each case. A switchgear cabinet connecting profile of the abovementioned type for connecting at least two switchgear cabinets (e.g., in a force-fitting manner) is also provided.
US08926023B2
A vehicle seat having a backrest which is arranged on a seat part such that it can be pivoted and/or rotated by means of an adjusting mechanism, wherein the adjusting mechanism is covered with a covering and the covering is provided in two parts. The first part is made of a comparatively hard plastic material and the second part is made of a comparatively soft plastic material.
US08926022B2
A vehicle frame component has two side wall portions arranged to face each other and a connecting portion that connects edges of the two side wall portions, and that forms a framework of a vehicle component. A connecting-side protruding portion that protrudes into a space between the two side wall portions while extending along a direction in which the connecting portion extends is formed in at least part of the connecting portion, and at least part of the connecting portion is formed in a shape in which the connecting portion is curved in an arcuate shape and leaned in a direction opposite to a direction in which the connecting-side protruding portion protrudes.
US08926019B2
Provided is a seat back latch for locking or unlocking a seat back of a motor vehicle seat in order to fold the seat back, and more particularly, a seat back latch for a motor vehicle capable of adjusting an inclination of a seat back in a multi-stage and firmly maintaining a locked state of the seat back.
US08926018B2
A reclining apparatus in which assembly of a rotation cam to be arranged on the side of a center axis with respect to a pole and configured to move to a locked position in which outer teeth of the pole engages inner teeth of a ratchet (first member) is disclosed. A rotation cam 31 is formed with a through hole 31a having a center at a center of rotation thereof, and a spacer 75 provided on a bottom portion of a ratchet (first member) 21 and configured to restrict the pole 33 from moving to the bottom portion of the ratchet 21 is formed with a cylindrical portion 77 configured to fit to the through hole 31a of the rotation cam 31.
US08926017B2
A chair of the type commonly found in a home or office and having a stationary back, a pair of arms, and a rotatable seat cradle that is located between the arms. The seat cradle includes a lumbar portion lying against the stationary chair back to support the user's lower back and a seat cushion portion to support the user's pelvis. The lumbar portion and the seat cushion portion of the seat cradle are connected to one another so as to rotate together as a unit relative to the stationary back and the arms of the chair. By virtue of the foregoing, the hips and spine of the user will be continuously aligned whenever the user shifts his weight in the chair, whereby to maximize user comfort and improve user posture.
US08926010B2
A vehicle seat includes a seat main body, a heating portion provided in the seat main body, a degree-of-contact measuring portion that measures a degree of contact between the seat main body and an occupant seated on the seat main body, and a control portion that controls an amount of heat output from the heating portion such that the amount of heat increases according to an increase in the degree of contact between the seat main body and the occupant, and decreases according to a decrease in the degree of contact between the seat main body and the occupant.
US08925980B2
The object of the invention is a method and an arrangement for opening and closing a suspended ceiling or corresponding of an elevator car and also a locking device. The suspended ceiling or corresponding is supported in place at least partly by one or more locking devices. In the method the suspended ceiling or corresponding is opened from its locking and lowered away from its position and fixed again into its position. In the opening phase of the suspended ceiling the locking devices supporting the suspended ceiling are pre-tuned into a state where the suspended ceiling continues to stay in place in the upper position and after pre-tuning the suspended ceiling is released from its locking by lifting the suspended ceiling first upwards and after this by letting the suspended ceiling lower downwards.
US08925979B2
A latching system for releasably securing a first member to a second member in a closed position. The latching system includes a command latch assembly comprising a hook latch assembly including a handle selectively moveable from a first handle position toward a second handle position and a hook member adapted to selectively engage a first keeper when the handle is in the first handle position and to disengage from the first keeper when the handle is moved to the second handle position. The latching system also includes a remotely located slave latch assembly comprising a pin latch assembly adapted to secure a second keeper to the pin latch assembly when the handle of the hook latch assembly is in the first handle position and to disengage the second keeper when the handle of the hook latch assembly is moved to the second handle position.
US08925973B2
A system and method for connecting two flexible containers is provided, in particular for the environmentally sealed connecting of two open ends of tubular films. The method has at least the following method steps of: everting a first open end of a first flexible container over a first ring; everting a second open end of a second flexible container over a second ring, subsequently inserting the first ring through the second ring into the inside of the second flexible container; subsequently aligning, in a parallel and coaxial relationship, the rings in relation to one another; and abutting the rings with the ends clamped in between them.
US08925970B2
Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.
US08925965B2
This utility tray is rectangular in shape and mounts securely to the rear fender of a motorcross bike. The main frame has tapered side walls with U-shaped cuts to accommodate tools such as Tee Handle Wrenches. A quarter portion of the utility tray has a top tray. The top tray incorporates two large holes to accommodate aerosol cans and two small holes for the front and rear axles. On the back section of the top tray is a tool rail with strategic holes for screwdrivers, bolts and sockets. The bottom of the main frame mounts a trapezoid shaped fender pocket, four non slip standoffs and an auxiliary stabilizer strap. To mount the utility tray, insert the rear fender into the trapezoid fender pocket and apply the strap. This combination gives the utility tray a tremendous amount of stability. While the utility tray is mounted, the seat is able to be removed to access the air filter. The utility tray stores in a vertical position when mounted on a wall bracket. In this position the utility tray will accommodate three aerosol cans.
US08925960B2
A vehicle ceiling structure includes a ceiling interior material that covers a curtain shield air bag with a terminal side, an assist grip is attached to a body panel through an attachment hole provided in the ceiling interior material and an attachment portion is provided on the assist grip. The attachment portion is in contact with or faces an outer circumference of the attachment hole in a surface of the ceiling interior material in a vehicle cabin side. The vehicle ceiling structure on a surface thereof in a vehicle cabin outer side, has an annular groove facing the outer circumference of the attachment portion such that the annular groove surrounds the attachment portion.
US08925942B2
The invention relates to an axle support (12) for motor vehicles. The axle support comprises at least one receiving element (10) for the steering device, which preferably comprises a tubular hollow body (10a) and is either produced in a single piece with the axle support or is bonded thereto.
US08925941B2
A method of producing a modular independent suspension having portal wheel ends is disclosed herein. The method includes, but is not limited to, assembling a first flank component and a second flank component to opposite sides of a sub-frame configured to receive a carrier. The method further includes assembling a first upper control arm and a first lower control arm to the first flank component. The method further includes assembling a second upper control arm and a second lower control arm to the second flank component. The method further includes assembling a first portal wheel end to the first upper control arm and the first lower control arm. The method still further includes assembling a second portal wheel end to the second upper control arm and the second lower control arm.
US08925933B2
Methods and apparatus for regulating the function of a suspension system are disclosed herein. Suspension characteristics often contribute to the efficiency of a suspended system. Depending on the desired operating parameters of the suspended system, it may be desirable to alter the functional characteristics of the suspension from time to time in order to maintain or increase efficiency. The suspension hereof may be selectively locked into a substantially rigid configuration, and the damping fluid may be phase separated and/or cooled to increase damping rate during use (or offset rate degradation). The suspension hereof may generate power usable to achieve any or all of the foregoing or to be stored for use elsewhere in the suspended system or beyond.
US08925918B2
A conveying apparatus has a first conveying roller pair; a second conveying roller pair; a first conveying path through which a sheet is conveyed in such a manner that the first conveying roller pair is placed downstream of the second conveying roller pair; and a second conveying path through which the sheet is conveyed in such a manner that the first conveying roller pair is placed upstream of the second conveying roller path. A circumferential velocity of at least one of the first conveying roller pair and the second conveying roller pair is switched so as to meet conditions, i.e., |Va|>|Vb| when the sheet is conveyed through the first conveying path and |Va|≦|Vb| when the sheet is conveyed through the second conveying path. Here, |Va| is an absolute value of the circumferential velocity of the first conveying roller pair, and |Vb| is an absolute value of the circumferential velocity of the second conveying roller pair.
US08925904B2
A metal safety rail for open floors of a building under construction includes a baseplate secured to a floor surface, a substantially vertical inner stanchion integrally joined to the baseplate, a substantially vertical outer stanchion slidably disposed over the inner stanchion, and at least one guard member secured to adjacent outer stanchions, whereby a safety rail is ultimately disposed about a peripheral portion of an open floor of a building under construction to prevent workers from falling from the open floor to the ground below.
US08925901B2
The present invention relates to control means (20) for controlling a lifter device (10), the control means having a grip (25) comprising a body (30) extending longitudinally in a first direction (D1) in elevation from a first end (31) to a second end (32), said control means (20) including at least one control member (40) for controlling said lifter device (10). The body (30) includes a groove (33) extending longitudinally in a second direction (D2) in elevation, said groove (33) having a back wall (34) and an open section (35) that is open to the outside (EXT) of the grip (25) so that a suspension member (15) can be reversibly inserted in said groove (33) through said open section (35), the suspension member (15) being held in said groove (33) by the hand of an operator.
US08925895B2
The present invention provides a cutoff valve control apparatus capable of predicting a failure of devices therein with a failure diagnosis based on an operation test when the cutoff valve control apparatus is set. The cutoff valve control apparatus includes a judging device to judge a normal state or an abnormal state of the apparatus based on a pressure characteristic of an internal pressure of a cylinder measured with a pressure sensor when an air is supplied to the cylinder of an air cylinder from an air supply source, and a memory device storing beforehand the pressure characteristic of the internal pressure of the cylinder of an initial normal operation of the apparatus and the pressure characteristic of a failure prediction boundary. The judging device judges (1) the apparatus the normal state when the measured pressure characteristic is in a area between the pressure characteristic of the normal operation and the pressure characteristic of the failure prediction boundary, and (2) the apparatus the abnormal state when the measured pressure characteristic is outside the area between the pressure characteristic of the normal operation and the pressure characteristic of the failure prediction boundary.
US08925889B2
A vehicle seat sliding device includes: a first rail adapted to be fixed to one of a vehicle floor and a seat; a second rail adapted to be fixed to the other one of the vehicle floor and the seat, and coupled to the first rail in a relatively movable manner; an engagement member, which selectively limits and permits the relative movement of the first and the second rails; an operation member configured such that operating force to cancel the restriction of the relative movement in the second rail is transmitted to the engagement member; and a cover mounted on the first end of the second rail to close the first end. The cover has an engagement piece, which engages with a support wall provided in the second rail and restricts the pivoting of the cover when pressed against the operation member.
US08925882B1
A mount for a telemetry receiver having a data connector and used in conjunction with a cage for housing animals and having at least one wall. The mount includes a base plate and a pair of rails which are attached to the base plate. These rails are dimensioned to slidably receive opposed sides of the telemetry receiver. The base plate includes at least one opening aligned with the telemetry receiver data connector when the telemetry receiver is inserted between the rails. The opening is dimensioned to receive a data cable therethrough. A fastener then secures the base plate to the inside of the wall of the cage.
US08925881B2
The invention relates to a magnetic based mounting apparatus configured for supporting and or securing devices to a surface such as the windshield of a car or a window glass. Such magnetic based mounting apparatus comprises a first magnetic component configured for being associated with a first side of a mounting surface and a second magnetic component configured for being disposed on an opposing second side of said mounting surface adjacent to said first magnetic component thereby magnetically associating the two magnetic components.
US08925874B2
An anti-tamper device in the form of a collar fitted about a housing is provided. The ends of the collar are formed into lock tabs, one of which is formed into a U-shaped portion, or V-shaped portion, to permit capture of the end of the other lock tab. Movement of the captured tab is prevented to resist tampering with the housing. Embodiment of the invention find application, in particular, to a housing for a bell at a railroad level crossing, and prevents loss of the bell due to vandalism.
US08925868B2
A parachute comprising a channel extending from the bottom surface of the parachute to the top surface of the parachute, and configured to allow for the passage of a closing loop mounted to a parachute container.
US08925859B2
In an aircraft there is customarily provided, for receiving a load in the cargo compartment, a cargo deck that comprises a plurality of ball mats, floor panels or similar flat floor elements. Also provided are a plurality of roller conveyors or similar profile elements mounted in the long direction of the aircraft to accommodate transport rollers, PDUs, latches or similar functional units for moving and fixing the load on the cargo deck. To simplify the arrangement and the assembly it is proposed in the present invention that the floor elements at least in sections be firmly connected to the profile elements to form a deck section that extends across the entire width of the cargo compartment, in such a way that longitudinal forces imposed on the deck section, in particular imposed by the load, oriented in the direction of an aircraft long axis and acting as shear forces in the surface direction of the cargo deck, can be transmitted to outer edges of the deck section and can be dissipated from the outer edges to an outer skin of the aircraft that is reinforced by ribs.
US08925852B2
A medium supplying apparatus for applying a back tension opposite to a transferring direction of a rolled medium being transferred by a transfer unit, to the rolled medium, includes a driving unit including a drive gear to be rotated in a forward direction and a reverse direction; a rotation transmitting mechanism that includes a one-way clutch and a torque limiter and transmits a rotational force between the driving unit and a medium rotation shaft that rotatably holds the rolled medium via the one-way clutch and the torque limiter; and a control unit that controls the driving unit to be one of states including being rotated in the forward direction, being rotated in the reverse direction and not being power supplied while the rolled medium is being transferred by the transfer unit to change the strength of the back tension.
US08925851B2
A reel mounting assembly can include a base and a reel support. The base can be configured to mount to a surface. The reel support can be configured to support a reel hanging from the reel support. The base and reel support each have engagement elements configured to pivotably engage one another, such that the base and the reel support can pivot with respect to each other about at least two approximately orthogonal axes extending through the engagement elements. The reel mounting assembly can be provided in combination with a reel. The reel mounting assembly can provide self-leveling features for a reel.
US08925846B2
A method of manufacturing a fishing-reel reel unit including a main body member having an opening includes forming the main body member having the opening and a processing reference, accommodating a bearing mounting part in the opening where the bearing mounting part has a bearing opening and an inner peripheral surface, accommodating a bearing in the bearing opening where the bearing is fixedly mounted on the inner peripheral surface, and machining the inner peripheral surface of the bearing mounting part after the bearing is fixedly mounted on the inner peripheral surface, based on the processing reference.
US08925845B2
A food homogenizer is provided, including a base with a driving motor and a homogenizer assembly removably coupled to the base. The homogenizer assembly includes a homogenizing chamber, an inlet chute, and an exit spout. A shredder is disposed within the homogenizing chamber and is driven by the driving motor to homogenize food ingredients into a soft texture with a similar consistency as ice cream or sherbet.
US08925839B2
The spreader has a movable container and at least one elongated tube, and can thus be moved along a path in the forest, and the tube successively deployed to blow the soil conditioner between the trees, away from the path. Satisfactory efficiency can be achieved using an eductor device to transfer the powdery soil conditioner into the air flow in the tube.
US08925837B2
A variable arc sprinkler head or nozzle may be set to numerous positions to adjust the arcuate span of the sprinkler. The sprinkler head includes an arc adjustment valve having two portions that helically engage each other to define an opening that may be adjusted at the top of the sprinkler to a desired arcuate length. The arcuate length may be adjusted by pressing down and rotating a deflector to directly actuate the valve. The sprinkler head may include a lock-out feature to prevent adjustment. A method of irrigation is also provided involving moving the deflector between an arc adjustment position and an operational, irrigation position. The sprinkler head may also include a flow rate adjustment valve that may be adjusted by actuation of an outer wall of the sprinkler. Rotation of the outer wall causes a flow control member to move axially to or away from an inlet.
US08925826B2
Magnetic stripe-based transaction enabled mobile communication device embodiments are presented which generally involve a mobile communication device which has been configured to perform transactions that heretofore were completed using a magnetic stripe found on magnetic-stripe cards. In one general embodiment, a mobile communication device generates magnetic stripe data which is used to perform a magnetic stripe-based transaction. To this end, the mobile communication device includes a magnetic stripe device and a computing device. The computing device stores the magnetic stripe data, and the magnetic stripe device is employed to transfer the stored magnetic stripe information so that it can be used to conduct transactions as if a traditional magnetic stripe card were being used.
US08925818B2
A network accessible node that facilitates management of a fleet of portable communication devices (EIR terminal), including portable data terminals and/or barcode readers, by directing performance of software upgrade and/or configuration update actions by one or more members of the fleet of EIR terminals.
US08925811B2
A checkout system including a rotating barcode reader. In an example embodiment, the checkout system includes a base, a platform rotatable with respect to the base, a substantially circular top plate mounted to the platform including a window; and a barcode reader on the platform adjacent the window. The substantially circular top plate and the barcode reader are rotatable with the platform.
US08925810B2
An interrogating and processing system and method is described. A wireless communication device interrogates an information source, having a barcode or tag, and wirelessly transmits data indicative of the information source. The interrogator can be built into or adjunct to the wireless communication device. An automated processing subsystem receives the transmitted data and identifies an item corresponding to the data. A fulfillment subsystem effects delivery of the item to a destination. There can be a coupon code scanning and processing system and method. A wireless computing device having an interrogator reads a coupon code. An automated processing subsystem receives the corresponding data and provides a benefit associated with the coupon. The benefit can be a discount on a product or service. Alternatively, at least a portion of the coupon including a code is displayed on a screen of the computing device for processing at a point of sale terminal.
US08925803B2
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. A card actuated automated banking machine may accept checks and dispense cash to users. The banking machine is operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be credited to a user account corresponding to card data or may be dispensed to the user from the banking machine responsive to one or more deposited checks.
US08925797B1
A currency handling device may convert a first recycling unit to a holding unit andto receive and store notes unfit for recycled circulation. The currency handling device may reallocate a second recycling unit to store a frequently recycled currency. Thereafter, deposits or withdrawals conducted with respect to the currency handling device may access or store currency in the converted or reallocated recycling units. The frequently recycled currency may be determined based on one or more trends.
US08925794B2
A swing-open type package has a box body (10), a lid (12) to be put onto the box body (10) from above, and a swing device connecting the lid (12) and the box body (10), the swing device including a movable rear wall portion (36) formed by a part of a rear wall of the box body (10), and a support flap (44) connecting the lid (12) and a transverse wall (21) of the box body (10), and enables a swing motion of the lid (12) when a front wall of the lid (12) is raised from the boxy body (10) so that the swing motion causes the lid (12) to tilt and open wide.
US08925791B2
A system includes host and learning machines. Each machine has a processor in electrical communication with at least one sensor. Instructions for predicting a binary quality status of an item of interest during a repeatable process are recorded in memory. The binary quality status includes passing and failing binary classes. The learning machine receives signals from the at least one sensor and identifies candidate features. Features are extracted from the candidate features, each more predictive of the binary quality status. The extracted features are mapped to a dimensional space having a number of dimensions proportional to the number of extracted features. The dimensional space includes most of the passing class and excludes at least 90 percent of the failing class. Received signals are compared to the boundaries of the recorded dimensional space to predict, in real time, the binary quality status of a subsequent item of interest.
US08925785B2
A surgical stapling apparatus includes a staple cartridge and an anvil member. The staple cartridge includes a plurality of surgical fasteners disposed in rows of retention slots. The staple cartridge may have an annular or linear configuration of retention slots. The tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge may be tapered or stepped. The anvil member has a tissue contacting surface that includes a number of pockets arranged for substantially aligning with the retention slots. In addition, the tissue contacting surface of the anvil member may complement the tissue contacting surface of the staple cartridge.
US08925779B1
A disposable or reusable shopping bag which can be carried by hand or worn on the back of a user as a backpack. The reusable shopping bag provides an inexpensive bag with shoulder straps concealed within the side gussets. The shoulder straps can be deployed in order to wear the bag as a backpack or may remain concealed in the gussets when the bag is functioning as a handheld shopping bag.
US08925778B1
In one embodiment, an add-on storing or organizing embodiment comprises a compartment that comprises a lower surface, one or more walls coupled to a perimeter of the lower surface, and a cavity defined at least in part by the lower surface and the one or more walls. The compartment further comprises an upper surface formed substantially opposite the lower surface of the compartment. The compartment is configured to fit into a hard motorcycle saddlebag. One or more storing and/or organizing components are further contained in the compartment's formed cavity comprising of at least one or more pre-arranged spaces for holding articles. The upper surface may be substantially open to facilitate placing and/or removing of articles. Other embodiments and related storing and organizing methods and manufacturing methods are also disclosed herein.
US08925773B2
A holster assembly for a revolver includes a holster pocket for removably accommodating a revolver therein, the holster pocket generally surrounding an insertion axis of the revolver, and a locking device arranged in the holster pocket for automatically engaging the revolver upon insertion into the holster pocket and selectively operable to allow subsequent removal of the revolver.
US08925762B2
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for counting a plurality of objects and parsing the objects into groups of varying quantities. In various embodiments, the system includes a singulating and counting module operable to singulate and count a plurality of objects from a large volume of the objects. Additionally, the system includes a diverter and accumulator module operable to receive the singulated objects, parse the objects into groups of varying quantities, and direct each group into a selected one of a plurality of discharge funnels. Furthermore, the system includes an object collection module operable to sequentially position each one of a plurality of object collection receptacles adjacent the discharge funnels such that each group of objects is deposited into a respective corresponding one of the object collection receptacles.
US08925761B2
A cover for a food container includes a first cover piece and a second cover piece. The second cover piece is hingably and releasably coupled to the first cover piece so that the first cover piece and the second cover piece are separable from one another. At least one tab extends laterally away from at least one of the first cover piece and the second cover piece, and is engageable by a user to lift an end of the at least one of the first cover piece and the second cover piece.
US08925745B2
A shelf-type display module includes a carrier tray assembly including a carrier tray having a top, a bottom, a plurality of tracks and at least one light. The plurality of tracks protrude from the top of the carrier tray and the at least one light is mounted to the bottom of the carrier tray. An insert tray includes a main body having components for holding products for display and components for mating with the plurality of tracks on the carrier tray. The components of the main body that mate with the plurality of tracks on the carrier tray slide along the plurality of tracks from a right side to a left side of the carrier tray or from the left side to the right side of the carrier tray.
US08925737B2
A crystalline polymer microporous membrane, which contains: a laminate of two or more layers including a layer containing a first crystalline polymer and a layer containing a second crystalline polymer, the laminate having a plurality of pores each piercing through the laminate in a thickness direction thereof, wherein the first crystalline polymer has higher crystallinity than crystallinity of the second crystalline polymer, and the layer containing the first crystalline polymer has the maximum thickness thicker than the maximum thickness of the layer containing the second crystalline polymer, and wherein at least one layer in the laminate has a plurality of pores whose average diameter continuously or discontinuously changes along with a thickness direction of the laminate at least at part thereof.
US08925734B2
A filter vial and piston are provided where the vial has a cylindrical wall with a closed bottom and open top and with the hollow, tubular piston therein. The piston has a distal end covered by a cup having a proximal cup seal extending outward to engage the walls of the vial to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. The distal end of the piston has a piston flange extending outwardly and located adjacent a recess in the piston so the cup forms a snap fit over the piston flange and extends into the recess. The piston flange causes the cup to bulge sufficiently outward to form a fluid tight seal with the vial during use. A filter is placed in the bottom of the cup and abuts an inwardly extending lip on the cup. The filter is held against the lip by a piston support at the distal end of the piston. A cup support at a distal end of the cup also helps support the filter.
US08925733B2
The invention relates to a screen element (1) for a disc screen device which has a plurality of rotable shafts (2, 3) oriented parallel to one another, on each of which a plurality of screen elements (1) that are spaced axially from one another are non-rotationally arranged, wherein the screen element (1) has elastically flexible fingers (4). The screen element is implemented such that at least one of the fingers is designed as a cleaning finger (5) free of reinforcement for cleaning in particular the collar (6) of a screen element (1) arranged on the neighboring axis of rotation (2, 3).
US08925728B2
The invention relates to a method for removing solid matter, in particular impurities, by means of flotation from a fibrous material suspension (S), wherein the fibrous material suspension (S) is mixed with gas (L), and wherein in at least two flotation chambers (1, 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, 2″″) flotation foam (3, 4) is formed that collects solid matter and removes it from the flotation chamber. The flotation foam (4) of at least one flotation chamber (1, 2, 2′, 2″, 2′″, 2″″) is at least partially conducted into at least one other flotation chamber (1), in particular in the flotation foam (3) formed therein. According to the method, the complexity can be reduced, even with high requirements regarding effect and yield.
US08925722B2
A protective case for accommodating a number of variable sized electronic devices is provided. The case comprises internal features including rigid support members and biasing members for securing an electronic device and allowing the selective orientation and positioning of the electrical device for optimizing viewing.
US08925709B2
A carrier device and product handling system are described, in which product items are stored or transported through a product processing environment including such stages as portioning, packaging and labeling. The carrier device is designed such that product items can be loaded and unloaded automatically on trays. Traceability is provided by means of a machine-readable tag storing information relating to the contents of the carrier device's array of compartments. Examples of loading and unloading mechanisms are also described. The invention has particular application to the processing of meat products or other perishable goods.
US08925702B2
The present invention relates to a clutch actuation mechanism having a valve, a plurality of couplings in fluid communication with the valve, wherein one of the plurality of couplings is operable to distribute power between a primary set of wheels and a secondary set of wheels, and another of the plurality of couplings is operable to distribute power between each of the secondary set of wheels. The present invention also includes a drive shaft driven by a source of power, which is also connected to the secondary set of wheels, and a pressure supply device in fluid communication with the valve, wherein the valve directs fluid to the plurality of couplings, and when the valve directs fluid to the one of the plurality of couplings operable to distribute power between the primary set and secondary set of wheels, the drive shaft will transfer power to the secondary set of wheels.
US08925692B2
A system and method for an electromechanically actuable parking brake for motor vehicles, which is embodied as a drum brake of the “duo-servo” type. The parking brake has a brake actuating device which can be actuated by an electromechanical actuator, is designed as an expander element and acts on two brake shoes, the expander element being supported via a spring energy storage device, may be designed as a diaphragm spring assembly, and being spreadable by a predetermined length of travel, when the parking brake is actuated, to apply an application force. In order to provide a sufficiently large hot parking travel, the length of travel travelled by the expander element to apply the application force when the parking brake is actuated can be moved as a function of at least one motor vehicle state parameter.
US08925690B2
A back plate is biased radially inward of a disc rotor by a spring, engaged at two locations on a torque reception surface with a caliper support shaft, and engaged at one location on a torque reception surface with a caliper support shaft. Inner and outer shims are disposed toward a back plate and pistons, respectively, and a friction factor between the back plate and the inner shim and that between the pistons and the outer shim are higher than that between the inner and outer shims. The inner shim is movable with the back plate in radial and circumferential directions and is movable relative to the back plate in the axial direction, and the outer shim is movable with the back plate in radial and circumferential directions, is movable relative to the back plate in the axial direction, and is rotatable about the radially inner support shaft axis.
US08925683B1
A utility holding device is suitable for carrying tools and materials at a construction site. The utility holding device is especially useful for carrying tools and materials for an electrician or a plumber. The wheels provide mobility. The ladder attachment permits a utility holding device to be safely used with a ladder. The scaffold attachment permits a utility holding device to be safely used with a scaffold.
US08925682B2
An apparatus and method for a children's convertible dual mode step stool that includes both a single-step mode and a double-step mode. A moveable housing, coupled to a base housing, selectively and lockably maintains either of two different ninety degree orientations to present a desired one of either a single-step mode or a double-step mode.
US08925679B2
A fall restraint system includes a cable for attachment to a fall restraint harness assembly of a worker. The cable can be attached to a boom arm cantilevered on a mast carried from the ground or can be stretched between two points on opposed walls. A shock absorber is provided for absorbing at least part of the shock forces so as to reduce the loading applied to the support system. This comprises an elongate member with a movable member or sleeve mounted on it for longitudinal movement. The movement is resisted by a friction brake or a compressible material contained within a tube so that the sleeve moves along the tube in response to loads exceeding the normal load to reduce the loading on the cable while compressing the material in the tube.
US08925678B2
A noise structure having a barrier made of a generally sound redirecting material defining a surface of the barrier, and a plurality of sound absorbing boxes connected to this surface, each box comprising a rear wall and an extensively perforated front wall, the walls defining a longitudinal channel at least partially occupied by a filling made of a sound absorbing material, in which the rear wall is a substantially flat plane wall assembled parallel to and spaced apart from the surface of the barrier and is in its turn extensively perforated.
US08925673B2
A preload adjusting plug is inserted through a communication hole extending through center portions of a Z1 gear, a Z4 gear, and an inner ring of a nutation gear. A male thread portion is formed at an outer periphery of one end of the preload adjusting plug, and is screwed to a female thread portion formed at an inner periphery of the Z1 gear. A disc-shaped flange portion extending radially outward is formed at the other end of the preload adjusting plug, and axially presses a back face of the Z4 gear through a bearing. The preload adjusting plug applies predetermined preloads to meshing portions in the nutation gear mechanism.
US08925661B2
Wheel drive motors (8) constituted of electric motors for driving rear wheels (7) are provided on a vehicle body (2) of a dump truck (1). Each wheel drive motor (8) is connected to a main power generator (12) through a bidirectional converter (20) and the like and driven by power supplied from the main power generator (12). A resistor (21) that consumes regenerative power from each wheel drive motor (8) is connected to the bidirectional converter (20). Cooling air is supplied to the resistor (21) from a blower (24). Operations of a switch (23) of the resistor (21) and the blower (24) are controlled by a controller (28). A mode selecting switch (29) for selecting a heating mode (A), a blowing mode (B), and a heating and blowing mode (C) is connected to the controller (28).
US08925654B2
A fixed-cutter earth-boring tool includes a first blade carrying a first plurality of cutting elements and having a first stiffness and a second blade configured to have a second stiffness different from the first stiffness. A method of forming an earth-boring tool includes forming a bit body having a plurality of blades, and providing at least one cutting element on at least one of the plurality of blades. At least one blade of the plurality has a stiffness different from a stiffness of another blade of the plurality. A fixed-cutter earth-boring drill bit includes a first blade having a first aggressiveness, and at least one additional blade having a second aggressiveness.
US08925653B2
A method and system are provided for injecting high pressure abrasive fluid into an abrasive jet tool. The method and system comprise a slurry tank connected to an abrasive hopper and a low pressure abrasive pump for circulating abrasive slurry and transferring the slurry to a high pressure vessel. The method and system also contain a high pressure non-abrasive pump connected to a high pressure valve for pressurizing the high pressure vessel prior to injecting abrasive fluid into the abrasive jet tool.
US08925648B2
A system and method for controlling an oscillatory penetration apparatus. An embodiment is a system and method for controlling a sonic drill having a displacement and an operating range and operating at a phase difference, said sonic drill comprising a push-pull piston and eccentrics, said method comprising: operating the push-pull piston at an initial push-pull force while the eccentrics are operated at a plurality of different operating frequencies within the operating range of the sonic drill and measuring the displacement at each operating frequency; determining an efficient operating frequency for the material being drilled and operating the eccentrics at said efficient operating frequency; determining the phase difference at which the sonic drill is operating; and if the phase difference is not substantially equal to minus ninety degrees, operating the push-pull piston at another push-pull force.
US08925644B2
A fastener installation tool including a guide that guides a fastener into a side of a work piece at an angle, while optionally restraining the fastener from wobbling due to rotation, even upon initial entry into the work piece. The guide can define an angled bore including a fastener entrance opening and a fastener exit opening which is adapted to be positioned immediately adjacent the work piece. The guide can include a material ejection port between the openings, through which material bored from the work piece can be evacuated from the angled bore to prevent binding of the material with the fastener. The tool can include a clamp assembly that clamps opposing sides of the work piece to precisely align and steadily hold the angled bore as a fastener is being installed in a side surface. Related methods of using the tool to install fasteners also are provided.
US08925641B1
A low pressure, extended coverage, fire protection sprinkler, e.g., of the upright type, suitable for use in protection of at least extra hazard and high piled storage occupancies, in accordance with the 1999 Edition of NFPA 13, has a body with an internal passageway extending between an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, and a deflector mounted to the body by at least one support arm and disposed in alignment with the axis and generally spaced from the outlet end of the internal passageway. The sprinkler has a predetermined K-factor, e.g., of greater than about 16.0. The sprinkler is configured and arranged to deflect flow of water generally radially outwardly and downwardly of the sprinkler in a predetermined spray pattern. Preferably, the predetermined spray pattern has a generally polygonal shape, e.g., a rectangular shape, when viewed at a predetermined distance below the deflector.
US08925633B2
An inflow control device laterally insertable in a wall of a tubular, the inflow control device includes a plug shaped body having a first section and a second section, the first section having an orifice accessible to an interior of the tubular and the second section having an opening accessible to an exterior of the tubular, the orifice in fluid communication with the opening; and a selectable insert insertable into the orifice, the insert having an inner periphery providing a flow path between the exterior and interior of the tubular. Also, included is a production string and adjustable orifice inflow control device combination.
US08925620B2
A windshield washer fluid heater for an automotive vehicle has an elongated housing with two open ends and in which the housing defines a housing chamber. A tubular subhousing divides the housing chamber into an outer housing chamber and an inner housing chamber. A core is disposed in the inner housing chamber and this core forms an annular chamber between the core and the subhousing. A pair of end caps is attached to the ends of the housing and these end caps sealingly engage the housing and the subchamber to fluidly separate the outer housing chamber from the annular chamber. The housing includes a washer fluid passageway which fluidly connects a washer fluid port on the end cap with the annular chamber as well as a coolant fluid passageway which fluidly connects a coolant port on each end cap with the housing chamber.
US08925614B2
A screen device including first rigid units (24) which constitute an upper slide guide frame portion (15) and second rigid units (17) which constitute a lower slide guide frame portion (16). The upper slide guide frame portion and the lower slide guide frame portion are retractable into the interior of a screen mounting frame (10). Wall portions (18) of the first rigid units are fitted in between the side wall portions of the second rigid units, and the upper slide guide frame portion intersects the lower slide guide frame portion in the interior of the screen mounting frame. Connection of the first rigid units can be released at an arbitrary position in the interior of the screen mounting frame when adjusting the length of the screen device (1), and the upper slide guide frame portion can be taken out from the screen mounting frame, so that an adjustment of the length in the field of installation is facilitated.
US08925613B2
A medium transporting apparatus is used for transporting a label web including a carrier web and labels adhered thereto. A platen roller transports the label web in a transport path. A pressure roller is disposed downstream of the separating member with respect to the transport path, and causes the carrier web to be kinked. The pressure roller urges the carrier web against the platen roller. A support member is mounted on a cover and rotatably supports the pressure roller. The cover is pivoted between an open position and a closed. Immediately after the cover has moved to the closed position, the pressure roller contacts the platen roller and then slides by a predetermined amount on the circumferential surface of the platen roller in a direction away from the separating member. Thus, the carrier web sandwiched between the pressure and platen rollers becomes taut.
US08925602B2
A pneumatic tire has an asymmetric tread pattern and an outboard tread edge and an inboard tread edge to be located outside and inside of a vehicle respectively. Inboard shoulder blocks have an axial width and outboard shoulder blocks have an axial width more than the axial width of the inboard shoulder blocks. The inboard and outboard shoulder blocks are each provided with a plurality of sipes. The sipes of each outboard shoulder block include a circumferential sipe as the axially outermost sipe. The circumferential sipe extends at an angle of not more than 10 degrees with respect to the tire circumferential direction. The outboard shoulder block has an axially outer sidewall of which surface is provided with a plurality of narrow buttress grooves extending radially inwardly from the outboard tread edge.
US08925600B2
Winter tyre includes a tread band on which a plurality of grooves, blocks and sipes of complex shape are provided, wherein the complex shape of the sipe is defined by a first protuberance having a vertex at a first depth from the tread surface. The vertex is connected to a sipe reference plane via a first connecting surface facing toward a radially outer side of the sipe and a second connecting surface facing toward a radially inner side of the sipe, the first connecting surface being inclined with respect to the plane of reference at an angle of between about 50° and about 90°, and the second connecting surface being inclined with respect to the plane of reference at an angle of between about 0° and about 50°.
US08925595B2
A nozzle for use in a non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a nozzle body, a liquid delivery conduit having a liquid-receiving inlet and a liquid-dispensing outlet, and a non-bifurcated liquid recovery conduit having a liquid-receiving inlet and a liquid-conveying outlet. The minimum effective internal cross-sectional area of the liquid recovery throughpassage is greater than half the minimum effective internal cross-sectional area of the liquid delivery throughpassage. A valve has a first movable valve portion and a second movable valve portion that are interconnected one to the other for co-operative movement one with the other. A manually operable trigger is connected to the first movable valve portion for corresponding positive uninterruptable movement of the first movable valve portion between a valve-closed configuration and the valve-open configuration.
US08925591B2
A length of flexible helically corrugated rubber tubing is provided with certain characteristics that enable it to be axially compressed to less than half of its normal relaxed length using minimal force while still providing a high resistance to crushing. The tubing has a wall with a uniform thickness, the wall defining external and internal threads with a specially defined pitch and thread height related to the wall thickness.
US08925581B2
A pump suction line assembly includes a sump including a wall formed with a bore and a seat, a tube including an inlet, an outlet, a length connecting the outlet and inlet, and a flange contacting the seat, a housing, a seal fitted in the bore and contacting the flange and the housing, and fasteners that compress the seal, secure the tube to the wall, and secure the sump to the housing.
US08925577B2
The present invention relates to a throttling structure for use in a fluid pressure device. A nozzle passage is formed between a primary side port and a nozzle back pressure chamber. A throttling mechanism made up from a plurality of orifice plates is disposed in the nozzle passage. Small diameter opening holes, which are smaller in diameter than the nozzle passage, are provided in the orifice plates. Outer edge portions of the orifice plates are retained in a second body part via seal members. Further, the orifice plates are separated mutually from each other by a predetermined distance along the direction of extension of the nozzle passage.
US08925576B2
The invention relates to a device (100) for actuating a process valve that has a first cylinder and a second cylinder, comprising at least one first control valve arrangement (102) that has at least a connector for a line to the first cylinder of the double-seat valve, an intake-air connector and an exhaust-air connector, and comprising a second control valve arrangement (103) that has at least a connector for a line to the second cylinder of the double-seat valve, a connector for an intake-air line and a connector for an exhaust-air line, wherein separate exhaust-air lines (104, 105) are provided for the first and the second control valve arrangement (102, 103).
US08925572B2
A connecting structure of a faucet body and a control valve contains a faucet body, a fixing cylinder, a guiding seat, a control valve, and an outlet pipe. The faucet body includes a first segment, a second segment, a positioning rim, and a receiving space. The fixing cylinder is fitted into the faucet body and includes a circular cavity, an orifice, and two apertures. The guiding seat is disposed in the circular cavity and includes two grooves and two inlets. The control valve is inserted into the receiving space from the first segment of the faucet body, and a bottom end of the control valve is biased against the guiding seat. The outlet pipe couples with the faucet body and communicates with the guiding seat. Thereby, the guiding seat and the control valve are fixed in the faucet body, and a shape of the faucet body is geometrical and variable.
US08925571B2
A fixing structure of a pull-out faucet is mounted on a platform with a fixing hole and contains a pull-out faucet including a housing, a pull-out spray head, a mixing valve, and a pipe line set; the pipe line set including a plurality of fixedly static pipe lines and a movably dynamic pipe line; a positioning device including a seat and a clamping set; the seat being fixed under the platform by the clamping set and being fixed in the fixing hole to fit with the housing, the seat including a passage set for inserting the pipe line set; wherein the passage set has a first passage for inserting the static pipe lines and a second passage for inserting the dynamic pipe line, and the first passage is spaced apart from the second passage so that the dynamic pipe line is limited in the second passage to move smoothly.
US08925568B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems and methods for automating the operation of a solenoid valve to prevent overheating of solenoid elements. The solenoid valve controls the flow of a fluid, such as gas, and may be automatically interrupted, or shut-off, of power upon the occurrence of fluctuating currents or other events. Once the problem has been removed or repaired, the flow of fluid through the solenoid valve may resume.
US08925565B2
The present invention provides a roof connecting mechanism of a foldable tent wherein a connecting hub is pivotally connected to roof strut rods so that the roof strut rods are movable in a compact manner relative to the connecting hub. The connecting hub includes pivoting cabinets in radial arrangement for pivoting the ends of each roof strut rod which has sufficient space to accommodate the ends of the roof strut rods when the tent is both in an open and folded configuration. The connecting hub also includes a stopper to limit the movement of the roof strut rods when in the open configuration. Such construction allows for a simple and compact opening and folding of the tent.
US08925563B2
A robotic cane may include a grip handle, a cane body extending from the grip handle at a first end, a motorized omni-directional wheel coupled to a second end of the cane body, a balance control sensor, and a controller module. The balance control sensor provides a balance signal corresponding to an orientation of the robotic cane. The controller module may receive the balance signal from the balance control sensor and calculate a balancing velocity of the motorized omni-directional wheel based at least in part on the balance signal and an inverted pendulum control algorithm. The controller module may further provide a drive signal to the motorized omni-directional wheel in accordance with the calculated balancing velocity. The calculated balancing velocity is a speed and direction of the motorized omni-directional wheel to retain the robotic cane in an substantially upright position.
US08925556B2
Wrapper for cigarette manufacture includes transversely extending band regions applied by a printing technique, such as gravure printing. The band regions comprise starch, an anti-wrinkling agent such as 1,2 propylene glycol or glycerin, and optionally calcium carbonate. Any suitable printing technique can be used to apply the aqueous solution to the banded regions. The pattern of banded regions may be bands, stripes, two-dimensional arrays, undulated regions, and the like along and/or around the tobacco rod. The pattern can be applied in one or more layers. The pattern may be configured so that when a smoking article is placed on a substrate, at least two longitudinal locations along the length of the tobacco rod have film-forming compound located only on sides of the smoking article not in contact with the substrate.
US08925553B2
A wrappable sterile radiation shield drape, a wrappable sterile radiation shield drape in combination with a radiation shield, and a method of providing a sterile surface about a suspended radiation shield is provided. The drape includes a flexible wall having a sterilized outer surface. The wall has opposite side edges extending between upper and lower ends. The upper end has an everted portion providing an inverted pocket. The wall includes an upper fastener adjacent its upper end. The upper fastener is configured to releasably fix the upper end of the wall relative to the radiation shield. The wall further includes an edge fastener adjacent at least one of its side edges. The edge fastener is configured for releasable attachment adjacent the opposite side edge to releasably maintain the wall in a wrapped configuration about the radiation shield with the side edges being releasably maintained in overlapping relation with one another.
US08925546B2
The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source, e.g. a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.
US08925538B2
Here is disclosed a reusable pneumatic distraction device having a housing which encloses a first and a second gas reservoir which are configured to contain a quantity of high and low pressure gas, respectively. A valve member seals off an exhaust in the first gas reservoir, the valve member movable between a closed position sealing the exhaust and an open position. The device also includes a pneumatic drive for urging the valve towards its opened position. The pneumatic drive configured to apply a lower urging force followed by a larger urging force as the valve opens. The device is also provided with a lock pin releasably coupled to the valve for preventing the valve from moving towards its open position. Finally, the device includes a delay mechanism to delay the opening of the piston when the lock pin is released.
US08925535B2
A hand-powered projectile assembly is provided for launching projectiles. The hand-powered projectile assembly includes an elastic projectile pouch, a hollow base ring and a hollow locking ring. The elastic projectile pouch having an open end is attached to the hollow base ring. The hollow base ring is attached to the locking ring. The hollow locking ring further maintains a tight seal with the elastic projectile pouch. The hand-powered projectile assembly further includes a cap to maintain the position of the projectiles inside the elastic projectile pouch. The cap maintains a watertight connection with the hollow base ring. The projectile exits through the open end of the elastic projectile pouch and the hollow base ring.
US08925532B2
A method for controlling the power supply of a radiofrequency spark plug in an internal combustion engine up to an electric voltage sufficient for generating a highly branched spark. To this end, the electric voltage for powering the spark plug is increased step by step up to an adequate voltage adapted for ignition.
US08925530B2
An integrated exhaust gas recirculation intake module comprises: an intake system including a fresh air channel; and a coupling device, wherein the coupling device is configured to receive an exhaust gas recirculation valve, wherein the coupling device is configured to connect an exhaust gas channel with a fresh gas channel, and wherein the exhaust gas channel is connected with the coupling device such that a heat transfer is hindered.
US08925529B2
A device has an air inlet channel with at an end an inlet opening for fresh air and at the other end an outlet opening for a mixture of air and exhaust gas. A part of a wall of the air inlet channel is provided with mixing openings for supply of exhaust gas. The device further has an exhaust gas recirculation channel connected to the mixing openings and provided with an inlet opening for exhaust gas.
US08925521B2
An adjustable restrictor device for controlling flow of induction air into an engine. The restrictor device may comprise a generally flat compact housing which is installed between a carburetor and intake manifold of an engine. The housing may have throughbores to allow air flow, which coincide in location to carburetor bores. The restrictor device may have two individual restrictors enclosed therein, each movable to positions which progressively obstruct and open the throughbores to control flow of inducted air. Each restrictor may be manually controlled in common by a rotatable control shaft. Threading of the knobs may be opposite handed, thereby enabling the restrictors to move similarly in effect as to controlling air flow but in opposite directions.
US08925519B2
A dual fuel system includes a plurality of fuel injectors that each have a non-injection configuration, a liquid fuel injection configuration, a gaseous fuel injection configuration and a combined fuel injection configuration. Each of the fuel injectors includes a liquid control valve member with a guide segment that defines a portion of a leak path from a liquid fuel inlet to a drain outlet, and a gas control valve member with a guide segment that defines a second leak path from the liquid fuel inlet to the drain outlet. Each injector body includes a tip component that defines both a liquid nozzle outlet set and a gas nozzle outlet set. A dual solenoid actuator has a first armature coupled to the liquid control valve member, a second armature coupled to the gas control valve member, and a shared stator.
US08925514B2
A method is disclosed for heating a liquid supplied to an engine of a motor vehicle by a pump when the temperature of the liquid is low, thereby reducing the operating efficiency of the engine. The method comprises inefficient operation of the pump by constricting flow to create heat that is transferable to the liquid. Inefficient operation of the pump is enacted when service brakes are applied and the vehicle is decelerating to minimize negative impact on fuel economy and overall engine efficiency.
US08925505B2
A finger follower lever of a valve train, which has a lever body that is a pressed and punched component made of sheet metal and has a U-shaped cross-section with two largely parallel side walls. A roller rotatably mounted between the side walls on a pin. The pin is uniformly hardened and inserted at each end into a hole punched out of the side wall and is staked or caulked at the ends. To enable the holes to be punched out simultaneously in opposite directions of a relatively narrow lever body, at least one of the two side walls has, at least on the outside thereof, a flat recess in the region of the hole.
US08925504B2
Provided is a variable valve operating apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which can switch, based on an actuation of a single actuator, operating characteristics of valves for a plurality of cylinders collectively and smoothly using a rigid member, while suppressing an increase in wear of a guide rail and reducing the number of delay mechanisms.A changeover mechanism to switch operating characteristics of valves for each cylinder of first and second cylinder groups is provided. The changeover mechanism includes link shafts as a rigid member which is displaced when being engaged with a helical guide rail as a result of the actuation of an electromagnetic solenoid. The changeover mechanism includes a delay mechanism, which delays the displacement of the second link shaft in a cylinder in which the valves are lifting when the electromagnetic solenoid is actuated, at some point in the link shafts between the first cylinder group and the second cylinder group.
US08925500B2
A casing structure of a water-cooled internal combustion engine includes a casing member defining an oil pump chamber and a water pump chamber. A rotor of an oil pump is inserted into the oil pump chamber and an impeller of a water pump is inserted into the water pump chamber. A cover member covers the casing member.
US08925498B2
Disclosed are a system and a method for promoting the formation of the emulsified fuel of a diesel engine. The system includes a viscous oil-water tank; an emulsified fuel mixing device for mixing viscous oil-water with diesel fuel to obtain emulsified fuel; a dual-fuel return fuel emulsification-promoting device connecting to a diesel tank, the emulsified fuel mixing device, and the return fuel pipe and the main fuel pipe of the engine respectively; a heat-exchanging device for heating the emulsified fuel from the dual-fuel return fuel emulsification-promoting device by the cooling water of the engine; a first purifying pipe and a second purifying pipe for purifying the main fuel pipe; and a dual-fuel management device for switching between the diesel fuel supply and the emulsified fuel supply according to the temperature of the cooling water, and after the ignition switch of the engine is closed, for controlling the diesel fuel to clean up the emulsified fuel in the engine, in the main fuel pipe and in the devices. By using the system, the water content of the emulsified fuel can be up to 33% and the diesel engine can keep essentially unchanged power, start easily and run steadily.
US08925490B2
A biofilter is provided. The biofilter comprises a housing; an inlet defining an upstream end of the housing; an outlet defining a downstream end of the housing; a chamber comprising an upstream opening and a downstream opening, the chamber configured to contain a filtration medium; and a counter flow generator for generating a counter flow of water in an upstream direction in the chamber. Related methods and systems are also provided.
US08925489B2
A fish cage for use in water comprising a main part (1) made of a watertight, substantially rigid material and has an outlet for effluent (12). The main part (1) is substantially hemispherical, and may slip unhindered through the water along a spherical path without influencing the body of water inside the cage substantially. Because the forces acting on the main part (1) from the surrounding water act mainly along the shell as opposed to perpendicular to the shell, the risk for tearing and the risk for swashing are reduced. Embodiments having flow and lighting conditions adaptable to different species are also disclosed. The cage can be localized in areas with currents and waves, and it can easily be adapted for different species.
US08925488B2
A system and method is described for a controlled electrified fish barrier that induces a potential field in a body of water with an electric field generator, a control system, and an object detection system, so that when the anode and cathode of the electric field generator are inserted in a body of water, and the object detection system detects an object, the object detection system electrically signals the control system; and in response the control system electrically adjusts the electric field generator.
US08925473B2
A method and a device for cutting at least an upper thread of a sewing machine provided with a fabric clamping member (20), wherein a length of the thread consumed for a cut can be set within a predetermined interval. The method for cutting at least the upper thread (4) of a sewing machine (1) includes the steps: feeding a predetermined length x of said upper thread (4) utilizing a thread feeder (15), pulling out the upper thread (4) said predetermined length utilizing a displacement of said fabric clamping member (20) from a current position to a second position executing by means of a sewing machine processor (C) program sequences stored in a memory (M) for controlling a thread cutter (10) to perform a cut of at least said upper thread (4).
US08925461B2
An igniter includes a housing having a first end with an opening, a second end opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, and a top surface with a weakened area. The igniter may further include a pyrotechnic material disposed within the housing, a header having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a bridge element provided on the first end of the header and having lead wires on the second end of the header. The first end of the header may be inserted into the opening of the housing in a first direction so as to force the header against the pyrotechnic material. Flow of current through the bridge element heats the bridge element and ignites the pyrotechnic material, which causes the weakened area to rupture.
US08925457B2
A printing form includes a bonding layer, an intermediate layer and a top layer. The top layer includes silicon nitride.
US08925453B2
An intaglio printing press includes: an intaglio cylinder; an ink collecting cylinder which has a blanket attached to a circumferential surface of the collecting cylinder, is in contact with the intaglio cylinder, and transfers ink onto the intaglio cylinder; multiple chablon rollers which are in contact with the ink collecting cylinder and transfer ink onto the ink collecting cylinder; and an inking device which feeds ink to the chablon rollers. In the intaglio printing press, a work space is formed between the chablon roller located at the highest position and the chablon roller immediately below the highest chablon roller. The work space allows an access to the ink collecting cylinder without detachment of the chablon rollers.
US08925450B2
In one embodiment, a stuffer system for a baler, the stuffer system comprising: a pre-compression chamber used to transport crop material to a plunger; and plural stuffer arms having coupled to the plural stuffer arms a retractable fork, each of the plural stuffer arms pivotable about an axis and driven in a clockwise and counterclockwise shared path by a first motive apparatus, the fork driven by a second motive apparatus, the fork and stuffer arm independently controlled, wherein the first and second motive apparatuses cause the plural stuffer arms and the fork, upon engagement, to advance plural crop material charges along the pre-compression chamber before delivering the plural charges to the plunger.
US08925446B2
A method for preparing a baked good according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, nesting a pan within an elastomeric sleeve and submerging the nested pan and elastomeric sleeve at least partially into a water bath.
US08925438B1
This invention relates to an improved countermeasure process for both military and civil commercial aircraft under an attack by an infrared heat seeking missile. The countermeasure process involves dispersing liquid substance under high pressure in a spray form rearward of the aircraft tail pipe into the wake of exhaust plume and into the path of trailing missile for the purpose of blinding its guidance system under the plastic dome, by distorting, disrupting and hindering its attack trajectory.
US08925437B2
A cutting tool includes an outer tubular member having a first magnet and an inner tubular member having a second magnet wherein the inner tubular member is slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. A force, such as an attractive force, is created between the first magnet and the second magnet. The attractive force creates a preload force between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member. A method of creating a force between an inner and outer tubular member is also disclosed.
US08925433B2
A machine tool monitoring device includes a monitoring unit for monitoring a machine tool working region, which is provided in particular for detecting the presence of a material type, in particular human tissue, in the machine tool working region. The machine tool monitoring device further includes a safety unit which outputs at least one safety status signal depending on at least one parameter.
US08925428B2
A returning device of a wrench tool contains a body including a tool segment disposed on at least one end portion thereof and having two jaws, an engaging face of at least one of the two jaws including a recessed section in which a receiving groove with a stop rim is formed, the stop rim including a slot fixed on an eccentric position thereof; an auxiliary retainer inserted in the receiving groove and having a retaining portion; a positioning shaft including a front end connected at an eccentric position of a rear end of the auxiliary retainer and including a rear end extending out of the slot and allowing to prevent the auxiliary retainer from disengagement from the receiving groove; a resilient element used to push the auxiliary retainer so that the retaining portion extends out of the recessed section of the at least one of the two jaws.
US08925427B2
A cat 40 tool holder wrench is provided. A wrench includes two knobs that protrude outward and perpendicular from a surface of the wrench at a top end of a u-shaped portion of the wrench. The knobs adapted to snuggly engage recessed fittings of a cat 40 tool holder to lock the cat 40 tool holder steady within a milling machine while a tool is changed from the cat 40 tool holder.
US08925424B1
A tool for facilitating the tightening and torquing (or loosening) of threaded fasteners used to hold together two work pieces. The tool includes one or more units, where each unit has an aperture for gripping a threaded fastener, a hole with a tension bolt extending therefrom, and a shoulder for supporting a tension bolt extending from an adjacent tool during the tightening and torquing of the threaded fasteners.
US08925423B1
A retractable bottle opener with a wearable wrist band coupled to a wrist-arm area of a user, a first end positioned proximal to the wrist area of the user, and a second end positioned on a forearm of the user, and a bottle opener coupled to the wearable wrist band. The opener has a first end, a second end, an opener length separating the first and second ends of the bottle opener, a working surface shaped to engage with a bottle, and a handle portion. Further, the retractable bottle has a storage position along an opener translation path with both the working surface and the handle portion disposed at least one of along the forearm of the user and proximal to the wrist area of the user and an operational position along the opener translation path with both the working surface and the handle portion disposed in a user's hand.
US08925419B2
A compliant cam system includes a one-piece cam including: a cam body rotatable with respect to a cam rotational axis and a having a cam body center spaced from the cam rotational axis and an outer surface; and a deflecting arm freely extending from the cam body having a free end elastically deflected toward the cam body in an arm deflected condition. A follower has at least one follower surface in direct contact with the cam outer surface at the deflecting arm. An arm non-deflected condition is defined when the outer surface is in direct contact with the cam follower surface prior to deflection of the deflecting arm. The cam when thereafter rotated with respect to the cam rotational axis acts to move the cam body center toward the follower thereby deflecting the deflecting arm to the deflected condition creating a biasing force acting toward the follower.
US08925417B2
A bicycle transmission shifting device that includes a cable having a portion of the cable attached to a derailleur and also having another portion of the cable attached to a cable drum. Rotation of the cable drum in one direction pulls the cable to move the derailleur to move a bike chain in a first direction to change gears. Rotation of the cable drum in a second direction pulls or releases tension in the cable to move the derailleur to move the bike chain in a second direction to change gears.
US08925403B2
A starter includes a motor section; an output shaft which rotates with receiving a rotational force of the motor section; a gear mechanism which transmits the rotational force of the output shaft to a ring gear of an engine; and a switch unit which performs electrical connection and disconnection to the motor section. Thus, the output shaft, the gear mechanism and the switch unit are accommodated in a housing, and a groove section for weakening the stiffness of the housing is formed in housing at a position which avoids a position where the switch unit is arranged.
US08925402B2
An output shaft (14) of a starting device (1) is provided to equip a motor vehicle. This output shaft (14) comprises a mounting support (16), a driving element (17) on the mounting support (16) intended to transmit a rotation movement to a thermal engine, and a track (15) on the mounting support (16) intended to transmit a rotation movement to the mounting support (16), this track (15) being driven by a freewheel of a starter-head assembly of the starting device. The track (15) is attached and secured to the mounting support (16).
US08925394B2
The invention relates to a support assembly (1) for an ink-jet printing device, comprising a support (3) with a guide track (2), which runs in the longitudinal direction of said support, for a moveable unit that travels along said guide track (2). A supporting element (4), which like-wise extends in the longitudinal direction, is associated with the support (3) of the support assembly (1) and the ends (10, 11) of said support element (4) are supported on the support (3) against the effective gravitational direction. In addition, the support (3) and the supporting element (4) are tensioned with respect to one another along their longitudinal extension by means of at least one adjusting element (13).
US08925391B2
A flow speed sensor arrangement is provided for measuring a flow speed of a fluid stream relative to an object. The arrangement comprises a first obstructive body having a first forward facing surface and two lateral edges and a second obstructive body having a second forward facing surface. The second obstructive body is positioned in tandem relative to the first obstructive body so that the first and second forward facing surfaces face the same direction and so that when the first forward facing surface is presented to an incoming fluid stream, the first obstructive body is between the incoming fluid flow and the second obstructive body. A sensor array is disposed on the second forward facing surface. The first and second obstructive bodies are attachable to the object so that the first forward face is presented to an incoming fluid stream when the object is immersed in the fluid stream.
US08925380B2
A method and an apparatus for determining the quality of a gearing system is described. The method includes the steps of setting a sequence of target angles of rotation of a first gear wheel, measuring for each of the target angles of rotation an output angle of rotation of a second gear wheel, and calculating a plurality of theoretical output angles of rotation. The method also includes obtaining angle of rotation differences between the plurality of output angles of rotation and the plurality of theoretical output angles of rotation, forming a sequence of cumulative values, and determining, based on the sequence, a first amplitude value, a second amplitude value or a third amplitude value.
US08925378B2
Apparatus for making measurements in boreholes comprising a sonde having a radial array of arms provided thereon; wherein the sonde is connectable to a cartridge containing electronic circuitry specific to a predetermined measurement to be made in the borehole, each arm is connectable to a sensor pad specific to the predetermined measurement; and the sonde provides electrical connectivity between the sensor pads and the cartridge that is substantially independent of the predetermined measurement.
US08925377B2
A brake test method is disclosed for use in testing the operation of a brake of a drive system comprising a motor operable to drive a pair of drive shaft arrangements for rotation, an inboard brake associated with the motor, a first outboard brake associated with an end part of a first one of the drive shaft arrangements, and first and second outboard position sensors associated with the end parts of respective ones of the drive shaft arrangements, the method comprising the steps of applying the first outboard brake, operating the motor to apply a torque to the first drive shaft arrangement, applying the inboard brake, de-activating the motor, and using the output of the second outboard position sensor in determining an operating status of the inboard brake and/or first outboard brake.
US08925375B1
A multiple loop sample introduction system comprises a valve assembly including a sample collection valve and a sample introduction valve. First and second sample loops are in fluid communication with the sample collection valve and the sample introduction valve to receive aliquots of liquid samples to be introduced into a nebulizer. The valve assembly is operable to port a first aliquot into the first sample loop, while porting a second aliquot received in the second sample loop for introduction into the nebulizer.
US08925372B2
Method of testing a gas injector valve for a combustion engine. The valve is placed in a holder (1) with a first chamber (2) and a second chamber (3), the valve spraying nozzle (11) being placed in the first chamber (2), after which the valve in a closed condition is influenced by a test gas under pressure to control whether the valve seat and the valve gaskets (13a, 13b) are leak proof. This method makes it possible to indicate the position of a leak if any.
US08925371B2
A sensor (2) for sensing a first substance and a second substance, the sensor comprising first (3) and second (5) sensor components each comprising a first material (20), the first material being sensitive to both the first substance and the second substance, the sensor further comprising a barrier (18) for preventing the second substance from passing into the second sensor component (5).
US08925361B2
A door having a latch mechanism is provided. The door also includes a bracket, and a pawl having a first aperture. The pawl is rotatably attached to the bracket and is operatively connected to the latch. The door additionally includes a key-cylinder adapted to selectively lock and unlock the latch by rotating the pawl, and a shield having a second aperture. Furthermore, the door includes a component connected to the key-cylinder. The component is aligned with and extends through the first and second apertures without contact with the pawl or with the shield, and is configured to not impede the rotation of the pawl by the key-cylinder when the component is aligned with the first and second apertures. The component is also configured to detach the pawl from the bracket and limit the key-cylinder extraction, when the key-cylinder is forcibly manipulated thereby causing the component to contact the shield.
US08925359B2
A security door brace is provided for bearing against an inside surface of a barrier door in order to prevent non-permitted, inward opening of the door. The security door brace carries one or more elongated pin means for cooperative engagement with one or more slotted receiving means formed within a cooperating mounting plate that is firmly affixed, preferably via conventional screw fastener means, to a portion of the floor underlying the intended operable position of the security door brace.
US08925358B2
The present disclosure relates generally to building control systems and, more particularly, to methods and devices for configuring and/or displaying parameters or other information such as menu screens on a programmable wall module of a building control system. In an illustrative embodiment, a configuration tool may be configured to create a number of screens for the user interface of the programmable wall module based on a number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool. In some cases, the number of user inputs received via the user interface of the configuration tool may be less than, and sometimes far less than, the number of screens that are created by the configuration tool. Regardless, with the number of screens created, the configuration tool may upload the number of screens to the programmable wall module for use on the user interface of the programmable wall module.
US08925356B2
Apparatus for performing optical readings on yarn spools subjected to dyeing in a dyeing tank or machine (1) in which a spool (6) provided with a pierced axial shaft (6A) is placed with the said shaft on the outlet of a feedpipe (IM) of a circuit that feeds a dyeing bath in the same tank or machine (1), so that the dyeing bath enters the dyeing tank or machine (1) passing by the feedpipe (IM) through the shaft (6A) and is subsequently collected through collecting conduit (IR) of the same feeding circuit. The apparatus comprises optical detection means connected with electronic processing means and the said optical detection means comprise a detector (9) with an optical window (92) located inside the dyeing tank or machine (1), a base of the spool (6) being cyclically put in contact with said optical window (92), periodically, the said spool being moved towards the optical window (92) by means of an actuator (7) which, cyclically, moves the said shaft (6A) the said base of the spool (6) towards a part (2) of the dyeing tank or machine (1) where the said optical window (92) is located.
US08925354B2
Methods of forming an overclad portion of an optical fiber are described which include positioning a core cane member in an overclad tube to form a rod and tube assembly. Thereafter, glass soot pellets are positioned in the rod and tube assembly between the core cane member and an interior sidewall of the overclad tube. The rod and tube assembly is then redrawn under conditions effective to form the overclad tube and the glass soot pellets into a continuous, void-free glass layer surrounding the core cane member at a sintering time tsinter of at least 1800 seconds thereby forming an overclad portion of an optical fiber.
US08925352B2
The present invention relates to a method of shaping a glass sheet in one dimension, by roll forming in a manner to selectively minimize/eliminate undesired curvature from the glass sheet. Such shaping is achieved by the selective location in first and second, shaping zones, of shaping rolls having first and second shaping configurations and, optionally, by varying the velocity of the glass sheet as it moves through the shaping zones, thus varying the time portions of the glass sheet are in contact with certain shaping rolls.
US08925349B2
A rare earth ion doped silicate luminescence glass and preparation method thereof are provided. The luminescence glass is the material with the following formula: aM2O.bM′2O3.cSiO2.dRE2O3, wherein M is at least one of Na, K and Li, M′ is at least one of Y, Gd, La, Sc and Lu, RE is at least one of Ce, Tm, Tb, Ho, Dy, Er, Nd, Sm, Eu and Pr. The preparation method is: grinding the raw material until mixed uniformly, calcining the raw material at 1200-1500° C. for 1-5 h, cooling to room temperature, annealing at 600-1100° C. for 0.5-24 h, cooling to room temperature again, molding then getting the product. The performance of the product is stable. The product is homogenous, and the luminescence performance is good. The light transmittance is high. The process of the preparation method is simple and with low cost.
US08925347B2
A misting system utilizing spent ice comprises a portable housing and an inner frame. The inner frame is secured inside the housing and is configured to receive ice and at least one of food and beverage. The inner frame has an outlet for passing the melted ice. A lid is provided for selectively enclosing the inner frame. The system includes a pump. The pump is inside the portable housing, and is in communication with the inner frame outlet and an outlet of the portable housing. The pump is configured to pump melted ice from the inner frame to the outlet of the portable housing for use as mist.
US08925342B2
Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet including a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment, a refrigerating compartment door opening or closing the refrigerating compartment, a dispenser disposed at the refrigerating compartment door to dispense water or ice pieces. The refrigerator also includes an ice bank disposed at a back surface of the refrigerating compartment door to supply the ice pieces to the dispenser, an ice maker disposed in the freezing compartment to make the ice pieces, and an ice transfer device disposed in the freezing compartment to transfer the ice pieces supplied from the ice maker into the ice bank. The ice transfer device includes a piston pushing the ice pieces supplied from the ice maker and an ice chute guiding the ice pieces supplied by the piston to the ice bank.
US08925331B2
An annular combustion chamber for a turbomachine presenting an axial direction, a radial direction, and an azimuth direction, the combustion chamber including a first annular wall and a second annular wall, each annular wall defining at least a portion of an enclosure of the combustion chamber. The first annular wall and the second annular wall present complementary assembly mechanisms that co-operate by engagement in azimuth.
US08925329B2
In a testing overspeed protection system: a) on receiving an order to start a turbomachine, an electronic regulation system (ERS) of the turbomachine sends an order to a control circuit of a fuel cutoff member to close the fuel cutoff member or to keep it in the closed position; b) the closed state of the FCM is verified on the basis of information transmitted to the ERS and representative of the position of the FCM; c) if the result of the verification in b) is positive, the ERS sends an order to the FCM control circuit to authorize opening of the FCM and enable the starting procedure to continue; and d) if the result of the verification in b) is negative, the ERS issues fault information concerning the overspeed protection system.
US08925322B2
A turbine fuel supply system is disclosed as including a first sub-system having: a first nozzle for injecting fuel into a combustor of a turbine engine; a first valve controllable to communicate fuel to the first nozzle; and a first fuel manifold for communicating fuel to the first valve from a fuel source; the system further including a controller assembly for raising the pressure of fuel in the first fuel manifold; and the system being characterized in that the first valve is adapted to open in response to a predetermined pressure difference between the first fuel manifold and the pressure in the combustor, thereby allowing fuel to be communicated from the first fuel manifold to the first nozzle. The system may include a first recirculating conduit in fluid communication with the first fuel manifold and the fuel source, the first recirculating conduit allowing fuel not communicated by the first valve to be returned to the fuel source.
US08925313B2
A device that converts wave energy to electrical or chemical energy includes a buoy adapted to float on a water surface, a venturi tube, and a rigid or flexible means of connecting the buoy and the venturi tube. The venturi tube defines a lumen through which water flows downwardly when the buoy moves upwardly and upwardly when the buoy moves downwardly. A constriction is formed in the lumen to create a venturi effect for water flowing upwardly and downwardly through the lumen. A turbine is positioned in the lumen at the constriction where water flow is at a maximum rate. The turbine is connected to a generator so that the venturi effect is harnessed to generate power. Multiple embodiments are included.
US08925300B2
A catalyst degradation detection method for use with a zero ceria catalyst. The method uses techniques to measure transient responses to engine control events of upstream and downstream sensors to determine catalyst degradation and performance. By measuring transient behavior, the method can determine catalyst degradation and performance based on the limited oxygen storage of precious metal catalysts that do not include added ceria or other materials with high oxygen capture rates.
US08925294B2
At least one electrode assembly is configured to enable like charged ions to convert potential energy of the like charged ions into kinetic energy based on the Coulomb forces therebetween via linear alignment thereof, or enable a first portion of like charged ions to convert potential energy of the first portion of like charged ions to kinetic energy based on interaction with the Coulomb forces of a second portion of like charged ions, or enable a first portion of like charged ions to convert potential energy of a second portion of like charged ions to kinetic energy based on similar interaction. Various electrode assemblies are described and corresponding methods of converting potential energy of like charged ions to kinetic energy. The like charged ions are configured to form a passive electric field voltage source that may have one or more electric field monopoles to enable motion of a mobile assembly.
US08925292B2
A mower-conditioner is provided having guide elements that protrude into the crop material flow. The guide elements make it possible to influence the direction of the trajectory of the cut crop material. Each guide element can be mounted on at least one component of the mower-conditioner by way of the least one holder. At least one component contains openings, through which at least one holder can be inserted into and/or fitted in the component.
US08925288B2
A packing method and unit (11) for folding a sheet (3) of packing material about a group (2) of cigarettes, and having: a first packing conveyor (12) having a first pocket (14) for receiving the group (2) wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material; a second packing conveyor (18) having a second pocket (20) for receiving the group (2) wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material; and a transfer device (24) which transfers the group (2), wrapped in the tubular-folded sheet (3) of packing material, from the first pocket (14) to the second pocket (20), and has a pusher (26) located at the first pocket (14) and engaging a first base wall (4) of the group (2), and a counter-pusher (27) located at the second pocket and engaging a second base wall (4), opposite the first base wall (4), of the group (2); the pusher (26) and/or the counter-pusher (27) of the transfer device (24) having respective lateral appendixes (28) which engage minor lateral walls (6) of the group (2), when the pusher (26) and counter-pusher (27) rest on the respective base walls (4) of the group (2), to fold portions (9) of the tubular sheet (3) of packing material onto the minor lateral walls (6) of the group (2).
US08925279B2
Anchoring devices and systems are disclosed for use with elongated reinforcement members such as FRP, SRP, metallic bars, or cables. Such devices and systems impart a compressive stress into a static structure having the elongated reinforcement member running there through or there along. An anchoring system can include an anchor block that includes a front end surface for contacting the static structure, an axial bore for receiving the elongated reinforcement member, and clamping members that work with fasteners to provide a clamping force. The bore may be tapered and the fasteners optionally provide different clamping levels to reduce the stress on the elongated reinforcement member near the front end surface. The disclosed systems also include pre-stressing devices that can be used with the disclosed anchor systems, and that can place a tensile force on the elongated reinforcement members to also impart a compressive force on the static structure.
US08925278B2
A connecting fitting includes a vertical frame attachment section 15a that can be attached to an inner surface of a vertical web 7a of a vertical frame 7A, 7B by way of bolts B2 in a state where the vertical frame attachment section 15a is disposed along the vertical web 7a, a brace attachment plate 14, connected to the vertical frame attachment section 15a, which enables attachment of an end of a brace 10A, 10B at a position inward of the vertical frame 7A, 7B, and a fixing plate 11, welded to the vertical frame attachment section 15a, which can be fixed to a beam member 4 or a foundation 2 in a state where the fixing plate 11 is disposed along an outer surface of a lateral frame 8A, 8B facing outward in a state of being disposed to make up a frame shape.
US08925261B1
Storm shelters are shown and described. In some embodiments, a storm shelter may include an elliptical-shaped enclosure configured to accommodate one or more persons during a weather event (e.g., a tornado, twister, hurricane, cyclone, typhoon, etc.). The shelter may also include one or more anchors coupled to the enclosure, the anchors configured to attach a bottom portion of the enclosure to the ground while maintaining a top portion of the enclosure above the ground during the weather event. The storm shelter may further include a hatch coupled to the enclosure via one or more hinges, the hatch configured to allow the one or more persons to enter the enclosure and to shut the enclosure from its exterior during the weather event. In some implementations, the hatch may be coupled to the enclosure via joints or hinges that allow it to be decoupled from the enclosure from within the enclosure.
US08925256B2
Methods of manufacturing an adjustable bird slope are described. A height of the face of the bird slope can be altered as necessary so that the bird slope can effectively fit almost any perching area.
US08925252B2
A rapidly-deployable fire shelter is described herein. Specifically, the fire shelter is equipped with one or more actuators that enable the fire shelter to be rapidly deployed thereby providing a quick and effective mechanism for protecting items or people from fire, smoke, and the other fire-related hazards. The fire shelter may include a protective barrier that is extended upon activation of the one or more actuators.
US08925248B2
A vehicle door structure comprises a slide door panel for opening and closing a front region of a rear door opening of a vehicle body and a swing door panel for opening and closing a rear region of the rear door opening in cooperation with the slide door panel, swing door panel lock mechanisms for locking the swing door panel with respect to the vehicle body when the swing door panel is fully closed, and slidability setting mechanisms provided with the vehicle body. Slide rails are provided in upper and lower parts of the vehicle body, while rollers are attached to upper and lower parts of the slide door panel. The slidability setting mechanisms permit the rollers to be introduced to the slide rails only when the swing door panel is locked with respect to the vehicle body.
US08925247B1
The present invention features a portable plant watering system. The system comprises a liquid bottle, an attaching means, a liquid bottle connector, a plurality of flexible water tubing, a plurality of T-connectors, a plurality of water outlet ports to water multiple plants. Each water outlet port is integrated with adjustment means to adjust water flow rate individually accordingly. The plant watering system can be set-up on porch or patio effortlessly thus provide a quick and cost effective solution for in-door garden water needs.
US08925246B1
A plant trellis system for growing plants on hard surfaces such as patios or decks is disclosed. The system comprises a trellis base having a plurality of cutouts, a pot having a plurality of legs protruding from the bottom surface, and a plurality of wire mesh panels supported on the trellis base. The plurality of legs is inserted into the plurality of cutouts forming a firm connection between the trellis base and the pot. The trellis base further comprises a groove on each side where a base wire of the plurality of wire mesh panels is inserted. The trellis base also comprises a plurality of notches on each side to receive the vertical wires coming from the base wire. Clips are used to attach each wire mesh panel to the adjacent wire mesh panel. The system is portable and stable beyond the boundaries of the pot to support larger plants.
US08925236B1
An improved firearm accessory mounting interface is herein disclosed. The interface can include one or more sets of first and second fasteners that interface through an elongated slot in a firearm in order to mount a firearm accessory to a firearm. The second fastener can be shaped and sized to clear the elongated slot and can, upon clearing the elongated slot, be pivoted to an oblique orientation relative to the elongated slot so that the second fastener cannot be retracted. The first fastener can continue to be turned thus drawing the first and second fasteners toward each other and locking the accessory to the firearm.
US08925231B2
An ammunition magazine base pad retaining plate is provided with a protrusion including a shaft portion, a flange portion having a lager cross sectional diameter than the shaft portion, and a longitudinal slot to allow lateral compression. When attached to a magazine base pad in a magazine assembly, the configuration of the base pad retaining plate eliminates the possibility that the base pad retaining plate will disengage from the base pad resulting in catastrophic disassembly of the ammunition magazine.
US08925222B2
A badge for displaying indicia includes a base plate, a top panel coupled to the base plate and defining an opening, a strip removably disposed between the base plate and the top panel and at least partially disposed underneath the opening, and a window panel disposed between the base plate and the top panel and above the strip relative to the base plate, a portion of the window panel being viewable through the opening.
US08925221B2
Disclosed are various exemplary embodiments of a lock for a ground engaging tool. The lock may include a head portion and a C-shaped portion extending from the head portion. The C-shaped portion may define a lock slot between two circumferential ends for receiving a portion of a support member to be locked with the ground engaging tool. The C-shaped portion may further include an outer surface configured to be rotatably received in an inner surface of a retainer bushing, an inner surface configured to contact the portion of the support member, and a base extending between the outer surface and the inner surface. The base may include a helical surface with a depth increasing from a first end to a second end.
US08925219B2
Footwear having an upper and a ground engaging sole, a sock liner disposed above the sole and inside the upper, the sock liner having a hollow channel with a flowable fluid contained therein, the channel having a venturi for restricting the flow of fluid therethrough, and a plurality of cleats secured to the sole, the cleats being rotatably mounted for adjusting their position on the sole, and a tongue with an extension having a pocket for receiving inserts with a design or color complimentary to the uniform of the wearer.
