US08975508B2
A solar concentrator (1) having a longitudinal axis of extension (3) and a cross-section at right angles to the longitudinal axis substantially equal for a continuum of cross-sections, and comprising a reflective system (6) and a refractive system (7), the reflective system forming an optical inlet (8) and an optical outlet (9) and comprising two semi-portions positioned specularly relative to the plane of symmetry, where the cross-section profile of the refractive system is a triangle (11) having a base (12) at the optical outlet (9) and apex (13) on the axis of symmetry (5), where the cross-section profile of each semi-portion of the reflective system comprises a segment (18) in the shape of a parabola having an axis (20) forming with the axis of symmetry an acceptance angle (θ0) greater than zero and a focus (F) on the axis of symmetry, and where the focus falls inside the triangle.
US08975499B1
A wind instrument training device is provided having a housing with a mouthpiece opening in one end and an air exit opening in an opposite end. The device also has two sliding members movable within the housing, each having an air passage and each extending through opposite side openings in the housing. The sliding members are connectable to each other by a biasing means. When the training device is inserted in a wind player's mouth with the sliding members placed against the sides of the player's mouth, air blown from the player's mouth is prevented from flowing through the device. When the wind player tightens muscles against the sliding members, the sliding members move inward and air blown from the player's mouth flows through the mouthpiece opening, the air passages, and the air exit opening.
US08975498B2
A device and method of supporting a stringed musical instrument such as a ukulele or guitar in a stable hands-free playing position on the user by means of a shoulder strap comprising a single adjustable closed loop including a one-half twist which follows a specific novel path under the strings and about the instrument and the user's body.
US08975489B2
The invention provides isolated fungal endophytes and synthetic combinations thereof with host grass plants. Methods for inoculating grass plant with the endophytes, for propagating the grass-endophyte combinations, and for producing feeds and biofuels from grass-endophyte combinations are also provided.
US08975488B2
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid PS02420487 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid PS02420487 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US08975482B2
The soybean variety DLL1172 is disclosed. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, harvested products and soybean lint as well as to hybrid soybean plants and seeds obtained by repeatedly crossing plants of variety DLL1172 with other plants. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of DLL1172 and to plants of DLL1172 reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerable cells or tissue from DLL1172.
US08975469B1
A novel maize variety designated X13C704HR and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X13C704HR with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13C704HR through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13C704HR, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13C704HR. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13C704HR.
US08975465B2
A diaper having wetness detectors, a system thereof and a wetness detecting method are adapted to detect the excreting status of an animal. The diaper includes a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts which are constituted by conductive material. The first set of contacts and the second set of contacts are respectively disposed on proximal and distal area of the diaper corresponding to the excretory organ of the animal. A detecting circuit detects the electrical property of the first set of contacts and the second set of contacts and then determines the excretion status of the animal to be a reference for a caregiver.
US08975459B2
A process for making a bio-naphtha and optionally bio-propane from a complex mixture of natural occurring fats & oils, wherein said complex mixture is subjected to a refining treatment for removing the major part of non-triglyceride and non-fatty acid components, thereby obtaining refined fats & oils; said refined fats & oils are transformed into linear or substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by an hydrodeoxygenation or from said refined fats & oils are obtained fatty acids that are transformed into linear or substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by hydrodeoxygenation or decarboxylation of the free fatty acids or from said refined fats & oils are obtained fatty acids soaps that are transformed into linear or substantially linear paraffin's as the bio-naphtha by decarboxylation of the soaps.
US08975455B2
The present invention aims in a method wherein tetrachloroethylene (PCE) is reacted with HF in a gas phase in the presence of a catalyst to obtain pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), to reduce production of undesirable by-products and maintain a catalytic activity at a high level over a long period of time while achieving a high conversion ratio of PCE and suppressing deterioration of the catalyst.In a method for producing pentafluoroethane wherein tetrachloroethylene is reacted with HF in a gas phase in the presence of a catalyst to obtain pentafluoroethane, characterized in that chromium oxyfluoride is disposed in a reactor as the catalyst, and oxygen is fed into the reactor together with tetrachloroethylene and HF, at a amount of 0.4-1.8% by mole with respect to tetrachloroethylene.
US08975453B2
The catalytic conversion of glycerol or acetol to alcohols, such as polyhydric alcohols like propylene glycol and simple alcohols like methanol and ethanol, without the addition of external hydrogen, is improved by the use of a transition metal alloy catalyst which, in the case of glycerol, is a nickel alloy catalyst.
US08975441B2
The present invention generally relates to a process for preparing 2,2-dibromomalonamide from 2,2-dibromo-3-cyanoacetamide.
US08975432B2
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of an alkanediol and a dialkyl carbonate comprising: reacting an alkylene carbonate and an alkanol in the presence of a transesterification catalyst to obtain a reaction mixture comprising dialkyl carbonate, unconverted alkanol, alkanediol, unconverted alkylene carbonate and an alkoxy alkanol impurity; and subjecting the reaction mixture to distillation in a series of steps.
US08975427B2
A method of synthesizing an alkyl cyclopentadiene compound is disclosed. The method includes contacting at least one cyclopentadienyl anion source and at least one alkyl group source to form at least one alkyl cyclopentadiene compound. The method further includes extracting the alkyl cyclopentadiene compound with a hydrocarbon solvent. The alkyl cyclopentadiene compound may be converted to a metallocene catalyst compound.
US08975422B2
Intermediates and methods of their use in the synthesis of analogs of halichondrin B are provided.
US08975420B2
A 5-membered cyclic carbonate polysiloxane compound is represented by the below-described formula (1), and is produced by a process that reacts an epoxy-modified polysiloxane compound with carbon dioxide. wherein A means in which R1 means an alkylene group which has from 1 to 12 carbon atoms and may be linked via an element of O, S or N and/or —(C2H4O)b—, R2 means a direct bond or an alkylene group having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, R2 may be linked to an alicyclic group or aromatic group, b stands for a number of from 1 to 300, and a stands for a number of from 1 to 300.
US08975414B2
A method for preparing a ruthenium carbene complex precursor includes reacting a ruthenium refinery salt with a hydrogen halide to form a ruthenium intermediate, and reacting the ruthenium intermediate with an L-type ligand to form the ruthenium carbene complex precursor. A method for preparing a ruthenium vinylcarbene complex includes converting a ruthenium carbene complex precursor into a ruthenium hydrido halide complex, and reacting the ruthenium hydrido halide complex with a propargyl halide to form the ruthenium vinylcarbene complex. A method for preparing a ruthenium carbene complex includes converting a ruthenium carbene complex precursor into a ruthenium carbene complex having a structure (PR1R2R3)2Cl2Ru═CH—R4, wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are alike or different, and wherein covalent bonds may optionally exist between two or more of R1, R2, and R3 and/or two of R1, R2, and R3 taken together may optionally form a ring with phosphorous.
US08975409B2
The compound represented by the formula (I-1): wherein all the symbols have the same meanings as described in the specification, has two cyclic groups, particularly phenoxy groups at specific substitution positions and thus has high human S1P2 antagonistic activity. The compound may therefore be used as a therapeutic agent for S1P2-mediated diseases such as diseases resulting from vascular constriction, fibrosis and respiratory diseases.
US08975400B2
Disclosed are 2,3-dihydroimiazo[1,2-c]pyrimidin-5(IH)-one compounds that inhibit Lp-PLA2,processes for their preparation, compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of diseases associated with the activity of Lp-PLA2, for example atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease.
US08975399B2
A benzene sulphonamide compound of formula I or one of its addition salts with pharmaceutically acceptable acids, for its use in a method for treating a pathology linked to an excessive effect of TNF-alpha and for its use in a method for treating the human or animal body as a direct inhibitor of TNF-alpha.
US08975396B2
The invention relates to a process for the asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of a ketone substrate to produce as chiral secondary alcohol with an ee of greater than 85% in which an enantio-enriched chiral catalyst containing ruthenium or rhodium is used with a hydrogen donor and in which an anion exchange resin is used as a base.
US08975389B2
The present invention provides nucleosides of formula (1) and oligonucleotides comprising at least one nucleoside of formula (2): Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of inhibiting the expression of a gene in cell, 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.
US08975384B2
The present invention provides a tag peptide comprising an amino acid sequence represented by the following formula (I): X1-Tyr-X2-Gly-Gln-X3 (I) (wherein X1, X2 and X3 are the same or different and each represent any amino acid residue) and an antibody against the tag peptide. By combined use of the tag peptide and antibody of the present invention, a system that enables proteins expressed from cloned genes to be highly purified in an inexpensive and easy manner can be established.
US08975381B2
Anti-VEGF antibodies and variants thereof, including those having high affinity for binding to VEGF, are disclosed. Also provided are methods of using phage display technology with naïve libraries to generate and select the anti-VEGF antibodies with desired binding and other biological activities. Further contemplated are uses of the antibodies in research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
US08975379B2
The claimed invention describes methods to diagnose or aid in the diagnosis of cancer. The claimed methods are based on the identification of biomarkers which are particularly well suited to discriminate between cancer subjects and healthy subjects. These biomarkers were identified using a unique and novel screening method described herein. The biomarkers identified herein can also be used in the prognosis and monitoring of cancer. The invention comprises the use of leptin, prolactin, OPN and IGF-II for diagnosing, prognosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer.
US08975378B2
Provided is a human antibody having a neutralization activity against a human influenza virus. More specifically, provided is a human antibody which recognizes a highly conserved region in a human influenza A virus subtype H3N2 or a human influenza B virus and has a neutralization activity against the virus. The human antibody is a human anti-human influenza virus antibody, which has a neutralization activity against a human influenza A virus subtype H3N2 and binds to a hemagglutinin HA1 region of the human influenza A virus subtype H3N2, or which has a neutralization activity against a human influenza B virus, and includes, as a base sequence of a DNA encoding a variable region of the antibody, a sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 5 to 12.
US08975375B2
The invention relates to genetic products the expression of which is associated with cancer diseases. The invention also relates to the therapy and diagnosis of diseases in which the genetic products are expressed or aberrantly expressed, in particular cancer diseases.
US08975371B2
The present invention relates to novel melanoma antigen peptides and specific T lymphocytes directed to said peptides and the use thereof for treating melanoma.
US08975368B2
Peptide nanotube polymers and methods of making such are disclosed. The peptide nanotube polymers are comprised of alternating monomers of the first peptide ring and monomers of the second peptide ring covalently bonded to one another via a linker, and can be functionalized. The described peptide nanotube polymers can enjoy the combined properties of healing and toughness, self-reporting, and tunability and actuation.
US08975363B2
Use, as a shock absorber, of a material formed from branched molecules containing associative groups
A shock absorber is prepared from a material formed from branched molecules comprising associative groups. The branched molecules each contains at least bifunctional fragments and at least trifunctional fragments joined together by ester or thioester bridges alone or in combination with amide or urea bridges.
US08975354B2
A polypropylene-based resin composition including 100 parts by weight of the following component (A), 18 parts by weight or more and 65 parts by weight or less of the following component (B), 6 parts by weight or more and 45 parts by weight or less of the following component (C), 25 parts by weight or more and 60 parts by weight or less of the following component (D), 0.1 part by weight or more and 6.5 parts by weight or less of the following component (E) and 0.15 part by weight or more and 5.0 parts or less by weight of the following component (F): (A) a specific propylene-ethylene block copolymer A: (B) a specific propylene-ethylene block copolymer B: (C) an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer having a melt flow rate (230° C., under the load of 2.16 kg) of 0.5 g/10 min or more and 20 g/10 min or less; (D) an inorganic filler having an average particle diameter of 1 μm or more and 14 μm or less; (E) an acid-modified polypropylene; and (F) a lubricant.
US08975350B2
The invention pertains to a polymerizable composition comprising a cycloolefin monomer, a coupling agent (A) that has a cycloolefin structure, a coupling agent (B) that includes at least one compound represented by a formula (1) (provided that the coupling agent (B) excludes the coupling agent (A)), a filler, and a metathesis polymerization catalyst, a weight ratio (coupling agent (A)/coupling agent (B)) of the coupling agent (A) to the coupling agent (B) being 0.1 to 1.5, (X)n-m-M-(Y)m (1) wherein M is a silicon atom, a titanium atom, an aluminum atom, or a zirconium atom, X is a hydrolyzable group, Y is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 50 carbon atoms that is unsubstituted or substituted with a substituent that includes an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom, a sulfur atom, a halogen atom, or a silicon atom, provided that at least one Y is a group having a solubility parameter value (SP value) of 7.5 to 10, m is an integer from 1 to 3, and n is a valence of M. A resin formed article that exhibits excellent heat resistance and impact resistance can be obtained by utilizing the polymerizable composition.
US08975340B2
An organic synthesis of materials to achieve removal of low molecular weight ionic species, such as transition metal ions including cobalt, iron, nickel, and zinc, from aqueous solutions. The synthesis includes the steps of providing a cation exchange resin, functionalizing the cation exchange resin using a chloride intermediate to form a sulfonyl chloride resin, and reacting a multi-amine based ligand with the sulfonyl chloride resin to form a sequestration resin. The synthesis further includes the steps of cooling the sequestration resin, and washing and drying the sequestration resin.
US08975338B2
A propylene composition comprising (percent by weight): A) 60%-90%, of a crystalline propylene copolymer containing from 3.5% to 10% of ethylene derived units; B) 10%-40%, of a copolymer of propylene containing from 18.5% to 23.5%, of ethylene derived units.
US08975336B2
It is an object of the present invention to obtain an optically transparent nano-dispersed polymer blend extrudate and a transparent resin having a microscopic dispersion structure in which incompatible polymer blend is melted and kneaded, one of resins is formed into a matrix, a size of dispersed phase of the other resin is controlled to 300 nm or less, more preferably 100 nm or less. Extra additive such as a compatibilizer is not added. When the incompatible polymer blend is melted and kneaded using a high shearing and forming apparatus having an inner feedback type screw under a condition that the screw rotation speed is 600 rpm to 3000 rpm, the rotation speed of the inner feedback type screw is increased, the kneading time is set under constant rotation speed, the high shearing forming condition is adjusted, and a structure in which a size of dispersed phase is controlled to 300 nm or less, more preferably 100 nm or less is formed.
US08975326B2
An aerogel includes a plurality of supramolecular structures bound to one another. Each supramolecular structure includes a carbon nanotube (CNT) or graphene type structure having an outer surface, and a plurality of polymers or aromatic molecules secured to the outer surface of the CNT or graphene type structure. The plurality of polymers or aromatic molecules have at least one crosslinkable structure. The supramolecular structures are crosslinked together by chemical bonding between the crosslinkable structures. The polymers can be block copolymers including at least one conjugated polymer block and at least one block of a crosslinkable non-conjugated polymer that provides the cross linkable structure, where the conjugated polymer block is non-covalently bonded to the outer surface of the CNT or graphene type structure.
US08975322B2
A calcium carbonate filler for a resin, in which the content rate of particles having a particle diameter of 0.26 μm or less is 30% or less in a number particle size distribution diameter measured (Mac-VIEW manufactured by Mountech) from an electron micrograph, and which satisfies the following expressions (a) to (c) is provided. Dms5/Dmv5≦3 (a) 1≦Sw≦8 (m2/g) (b) Mo≦300 (ppm) (c) wherein Dms5: A 5% diameter (μm) accumulated from a small particle side in a volume particle size distribution by a laser diffraction particle size distribution measuring device (MASTERSIZER2000 manufactured by Malvern); Dmv5: A 5% diameter (μm) accumulated from a small particle side in a number particle size distribution in a particle diameter (Mac-VIEW manufactured by Mountech) measured with an electron microscope; Sw: A BET specific surface area (Macsorb manufactured by Mountech) (m2/g); Mo: A water amount (ppm) by the Karl Fischer method at 200 to 300° C. The calcium carbonate filler for a resin of the present invention contains less fine powders, has a particle size which has been adjusted to a specific particle size, and contains less volatile components such as water etc. and, even when it is incorporated into a resin having a high processing temperature at a high concentration, problems such as foaming etc. are solved.
US08975320B2
A flame retardant additive for polymers is disclosed which additive comprises a polyacrylate in combination with a) at least one zinc borate, b) at least one silicone resin, and c) alumina trihydrate or magnesium hydroxide or a mixture thereof, said additive being free of halogens, antimony oxide and phosphorus-containing substances. A flame retardant composition comprising a polymer and a flame retardant additive is also disclosed as well as a method of reducing the flammability of a polymer by mixing said polymer with said flame retardant additive.
US08975316B2
Modified fillers are described which have adsorbed and/or attached chemical groups, such as a triazole and/or pyrazole thereon. Other modified fillers are also described. Elastomeric compositions containing the modified filler are further described, as well as methods to improve hysteresis and/or abrasion resistance in elastomeric compositions using the modified fillers of the present invention.
US08975309B2
A cryogel-forming vinyl alcohol co-polymer is operable to form a cryogel, i.e., a hydrogel formed by crytropic gelation, in an aqueous solution at a concentration of less than about 10% by weight, in the absence of a chemical cross-linking agent and in the absence of an emulsifier. In one embodiment, a vinyl alcohol co-polymer cryogel comprises at least about 75% by weight water and a vinyl alcohol co-polymer, wherein the vinyl alcohol co-polymer is operable to form a cryogel in an aqueous solution at a concentration of less than about 10% by weight, in the absence of a chemical cross-linking agent and in the absence of an emulsifier. In another embodiment, a vinyl alcohol co-polymer cryogel comprises at least about 75% by weight water and a vinyl alcohol co-polymer comprising a saponified product of a vinyl acetate co-polymer formed from at least about 80% by weight of vinyl acetate monomer, and (i) at least about 3% by weight of acrylamide monomer or a mixture of acrylamide monomer and acrylic acid monomer, or (ii) at least about 5% by weight acrylic acid monomer. The vinyl acetate co-polymer, vinyl alcohol co-polymer and vinyl alcohol co-polymer cryogel may be formed according to particular methods, and the vinyl alcohol co-polymer cryogels may be used in various applications including biomedical implants and thin films and for delivery of therapeutic or cosmetic agents.
US08975306B2
A viscoelastic foam system is provided having an amine-based polyoxypropylene extended polyol to impart strength, recoverability and endurance to the foam, and an appropriately selected non-amine-based polyol to provide flexibility to the foam. The combination of amine-based propylene oxide extended polyol and non-amine-based polyol provides a viscoelastic semi-rigid foam with excellent impact and recovery properties, recovering to substantially 100% of its initial volume and shape following an impact, yet with sufficient rigidity and stiffness so that it is effective at absorbing multiple impacts. A method of making the above viscoelastic foam is also provided.
US08975304B2
A process for producing hydrocarbons and, optionally, oxygenates of hydrocarbons is provided. A synthesis gas comprises hydrogen, carbon monoxide and N-containing contaminants selected from the group consisting of HCN, NH3, NO, RXNH3-X, R1—CN and heterocyclic compounds containing at least one nitrogen atom as a ring member of a heterocyclic ring of the heterocyclic compound. The N-containing contaminants constitute, in total, at least 100 vppb but less than 1 000 000 vppb of the synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is contacted at an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure, with a particulate supported Fischer-Tropsch synthesis catalyst. The catalyst comprises a catalyst support, Co in catalytically active form supported on the catalyst support, and a dopant selected from the group consisting of platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru) and/or rhenium (Re). The dopant level is expressed by a formula. Hydrocarbons and, optionally, oxygenates of hydrocarbons are obtained.
US08975301B2
Described is a method to prepare wet foams exhibiting long-term stability wherein colloidal particles are used to stabilize the gas-liquid interface, said particles being initially inherently partially lyophobic particles or partially lyophobized particles having mean particle sizes from 1 nm to 20 μm. In one aspect, the partially lyophobized particles are prepared in-situ by treating initially hydrophilic particles with amphiphilic molecules of specific solubility in the liquid phase of the suspension.
US08975293B2
This disclosure describes methods of screening for compounds that disrupt the interaction between DNMT1 and the gamma-globin promoter or between LSD-1 and the gamma-globin promoter. This disclosure describes methods of screening for compounds that de-repress the gamma-globin gene.
US08975291B2
Herein are disclosed indoles of formula (I) where the various groups are defined herein, and which are useful for treating cancer.
US08975290B2
Provided are methods of enhancing an immune response and methods for reducing the recruitment of monocytes to a lymph node by administering to an individual an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an antigen. The invention also provides relate methods for amplifying vaccine immunity by administering to an individual an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an vaccine. The invention also provides related methods of inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis by administering to an individual with cancer an angiotensin II receptor blocker or a compound of Formula (I) in conjunction with an anti-tumor preparation. In addition, related compositions comprising an ARB or a compound of Formula (I) and an antigen, vaccine, or anti-tumor preparation are provided.
US08975287B2
Novel 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid compounds, methods of using and pharmaceutical compositions comprising an 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid derivative are disclosed. The methods include methods of treating or preventing a disease ameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated therewith.
US08975281B2
Since each of the site I sodium channel blockers have a unique activity and cannot be used to extrapolate the same effective dosage for another site I sodium channel blocker, studies were conducted to identify dosages of neosaxitoxin (“NeoSTX”) and bupivacaine, alone or in combination with epinephrine, to provide two to three days of pain relief in humans. Bupivacaine-NeoSTX combinations produce more reliable blockade and longer duration blockade compared to NeoSTX alone. The three-way combination of NeoSTX-bupivacaine-epinephrine produces more prolonged local anesthesia than the two-way combination of NeoSTX-bupivacaine. Addition of epinephrine to this NeoSTX-bupivacaine combination dramatically prolongs the duration of complete blockade to a mechanical stimulus. These results led to development of specific combination dosage formulations.
US08975280B2
A compound of Formula I are provided: wherein R is: R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group; W1-4 are independently selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted haloalkyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted alkanoyl groups, substituted or unsubstituted aroyl groups, or substituted or unsubstituted haloalkanoyl groups; X1-5 are independently selected from H, NO2, N3, and NH2; Y is absent or is a substituted or unsubstituted C1-alkyl group, other than carbonyl; Z is selected from a bond or NH, provided that when Z is a bond, Y is absent, and provided that when Z is NH, Y is a substituted or unsubstituted C1-alkyl group, other than carbonyl. Also provided are D-arabinitol compounds, methods for preparing such compounds and compositions of such compounds, and methods of using such compounds.
US08975278B2
The present invention describes a method for the treatment of a neurological condition in a subject which comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effect amount of a compound of the formula or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, hydrates, or solvates thereof.
US08975277B2
The present invention relates to compounds of general formula I, wherein the groups R1, LQ and Ar are as defined in the application, which have valuable pharmacological properties, and in particular bind to the GPR119 receptor and modulate its activity.
US08975276B2
PDE10 inhibitors having the general formula (I) are disclosed. Compositions comprising the compounds and methods for using the compounds to inhibit PDE10 are also disclosed.
US08975272B2
This invention relates to the discovery of novel polymorphic forms of naltrexone, including solvates, hydrates, anhydrous and other crystalline forms and combinations thereof. These novel forms of naltrexone impart advantages in pharmaceutical formulations incorporating them, including sustained release, or long acting, formulations.
US08975270B2
The present invention is directed to a buprenorphine sustained release delivery system capable of delivering buprenorphine, a metabolite, or a prodrug thereof for a duration of about 14 days to about 3 months. The buprenorphine sustained release delivery system includes a flowable composition and a solid implant for the sustained release of buprenorphine, a metabolite, or a prodrug thereof. The implant is produced from the flowable composition. The buprenorphine sustained release delivery system provides in situ 1-month and 3-month release profiles characterized by an exceptionally high bioavailability and minimal risk of permanent tissue damage and typically no risk of muscle necrosis.
US08975266B2
Disclosed herein are pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions.
US08975263B2
The present invention relates to a compound or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof having an excellent glucose lowering effect.A compound represented by the following general formula (I) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof: wherein R1 represents a C1-C3 alkyl group, each substituent R2 may be the same or different and may each represent a C1-C3 alkyl group, R3 represents an optionally substituted pyridyl group or the like, R4 and R5, which are the same or different, each represent a C1-C3 alkyl group, R6 and R7, which are the same or different, each represent a C1-C3 alkyl group, and n represents 0 to 3.
US08975261B2
The present invention is directed to aryloxymethyl cyclopropane derivatives which are useful as therapeutic agents for the treatment of central nervous system disorders associated with phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE10). The present invention also relates to the use of such compounds for treating neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, psychosis or Huntington's disease, and those associated with striatal hypofunction or basal ganglia dysfunction.
US08975259B2
Disclosed are compositions and methods for treating diseases associated with G protein βγ subunit activity.
US08975258B2
Compounds and methods are provided for the treatment of, inter alia, Type II diabetes and other diseases associated with poor glycemic control. The compounds of the invention are orally active.
US08975257B2
Disclosed are methods for making aldehydes and ketones comprising allowing the corresponding primary or secondary alcohol to react in the presence of trichoroisocyanuric acid, a compound of formula R1SR2 and a base. In one embodiment, the alcohol is a compound of formula (I): wherein R3 is a protecting group. Also disclosed are methods for making 3-O-protected morphine dienol carboxylates comprising allowing a compound of formula (I) to oxidize in the presence of a chlorine-containing compound and a compound of formula R1SR2; and allowing the product of the oxidation step to react with an acylating agent.
US08975249B2
The present invention provides compounds, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US08975238B2
Provided herein are compositions and formulations comprising S-adenosyl-L-methionine (“SAM-e” or “SAMe”) and one or more gallic acid esters. Also provided herein are methods for improving the delivery of SAMe. Compositions and formulations provided herein increase SAMe plasma concentrations and area under the curve (AUC) values. Also provided herein are methods of treating a disease or disorder in a subject by administering compositions or formulations comprising exogenous SAMe and one or more gallic acid esters.
US08975235B2
Compounds, methods of making such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments comprising such compounds, and methods of using such compounds to treat, prevent or diagnose diseases, disorders, or conditions associated with one or more of the lysophosphatidic acid receptors are provided.
US08975228B2
Disclosed are methods and compositions related to the use of boswellic acids (such as acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid, 11-keto-β-boswellic acid, β-boswellic acid, acetyl-β-boswellic acid, 9,11-dehydro-β-boswellic acid, acetyl-9,11-dehydro-β-boswellic acid, α-boswellic acid, acetyl-α-boswellic acid, 11-dehydro-α-boswellic acid, acetyl-9,11-dehydro-α-boswellic acid, lupeolic acid, acetyl lupeolic acid, 12-ursene-2-diketone, incensole, incensole acetate, a derivative, in particular an ester thereof, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a combination thereof, or a preparation containing one or more of these compounds) for the human medical or veterinary prophylaxis and/or treatment of: a) damage to and/or inflammation of the islets of Langerhans and/or b) damage to the B-cells of the islets of Langerhans.
US08975223B2
Methods are provided for administering an extended half-life GLP-1/GIP coagonist peptide to a patient in need thereof for reducing weight gain, inducing weight loss, treating hyperglycemia, reducing blood glucose levels, or normalizing blood glucose levels in said patient.
US08975214B2
An oil-in-water emulsion liquid composition suitable for use as an agricultural adjuvant comprising an oil, a saturated or substantially saturated aqueous solution of an ammonium salt and one or more of high molecular weight polymeric surfactants.
US08975212B2
The invention provides a phenolsulfonic acid aryl ester represented by formula (1) wherein each symbol is as defined in the description. The phenolsulfonic acid aryl ester is useful as a developer to provide a thermal recording material with good color-developing sensitivity, image density when printed at a low application energy (i.e., high start-up sensitivity), and heat and plasticizer resistance. The invention also provides a thermal recording material using the developer.
US08975200B2
The present invention relates to catalysts, to processes for making catalysts and to chemical processes employing such catalysts. The catalysts are preferably used for converting acetic acid to ethanol. The catalyst comprises a precious metal and one or more active metals on a modified support that comprises cobalt.
US08975194B2
Disclosed a method for manufacturing an oxide layer, applicable to a manufacture procedure of a field oxide layer of a CMOS transistor in the field of semiconductor manufacturing, the method includes: injecting a first gas satisfying a first predetermined condition into a processing furnace in which a first CMOS transistor semi-finished product formed with an N-well and a P-well is placed, and dry-oxidizing the first CMOS transistor semi-finished product into a second CMOS transistor semi-finished product; and injecting a second gas satisfying a second predetermined condition different from the first predetermined condition into the processing furnace, and wet-oxidizing the second CMOS transistor semi-finished product into a third CMOS transistor semi-finished product.
US08975190B2
A plasma processing method includes a surface improving step of improving a surface of the photoresist film by performing plasma processing using a hydrogen-containing gas as a processing gas and an etching step of etching the SiON film by performing plasma processing using a processing gas including a gas containing a CHF-based gas and a chlorine-containing gas while using as a mask the photoresist film having the improved surface.
US08975186B2
Various embodiments provide double patterning methods and structures. In an exemplary method, a to-be-etched layer can be provided. A stress layer can be formed on the to-be-etched layer. The stress layer can have a tensile stress. A plurality of discrete sacrificial layers can be formed on the stress layer. A sidewall-spacer material layer covering the plurality of sacrificial layers and the stress layer can be formed. The sidewall-spacer material layer can be etched to form a sidewall spacer on a sidewall of each sacrificial layer of the plurality of sacrificial layers. The stress layer at each side of the each sacrificial layer can be etched to form a groove passing through a thickness of the stress layer. The plurality of sacrificial layers can be removed.
US08975180B2
A masking layer is formed on a dielectric region of an electronic device so that, during subsequent formation of a capping layer on electrically conductive regions of the electronic device that are separated by the dielectric region, the masking layer inhibits formation of capping layer material on or in the dielectric region. The capping layer can be formed selectively on the electrically conductive regions or non-selectively; in either case, capping layer material formed over the dielectric region can subsequently be removed, thus ensuring that capping layer material is formed only on the electrically conductive regions. Silane-based materials, can be used to form the masking layer. The capping layer can be formed of an conductive material, a semiconductor material, or an insulative material, and can be formed using any appropriate process, including conventional deposition processes such as electroless deposition, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition.
US08975167B2
A fabrication process of a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate with a first insulation layer formed on the semiconductor substrate and a fin formed on the surface of the first insulation layer, and forming a fully-depleted semiconductor layer on sidewalls of the fin, and the fully-depleted semiconductor layer having a material different from that of the fin. The method also includes forming a second insulation layer covering the fully-depleted semiconductor layer, and removing the fin to form an opening exposing sidewalls of the fully-depleted semiconductor layer. Further, the method includes forming a gate dielectric layer on part of the sidewalls of the fully-depleted semiconductor layer such that the part of the sidewalls of the fully-depleted semiconductor layer form channel regions of the semiconductor device, and forming a gate electrode layer covering the gate dielectric layer.
US08975165B2
Embodiments relate to semiconductor structures and methods of forming them. In some embodiments, the methods may be used to fabricate semiconductor structures of III-V materials, such as InGaN. An In-III-V semiconductor layer is grown with an Indium concentration above a saturation regime by adjusting growth conditions such as a temperature of a growth surface to create a super-saturation regime wherein the In-III-V semiconductor layer will grow with a diminished density of V-pits relative to the saturation regime.
US08975163B1
Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. In an example, a method of dicing a semiconductor wafer comprising a plurality of integrated circuits involves forming a mask above the semiconductor wafer. The mask includes a layer covering and protecting the integrated circuits. The semiconductor wafer has a thickness. The method also involves laser scribing the mask and a majority of the thickness of the semiconductor wafer to provide scribe lines in the mask and the semiconductor wafer. The scribe lines are formed between the integrated circuits. The method also involves plasma etching the semiconductor wafer through the scribe lines to singulate the integrated circuits.
US08975162B2
Methods of dicing semiconductor wafers, each wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits, are described. For example, a method includes applying a protection tape to a wafer front side, the wafer having a dicing tape attached to the wafer backside. The dicing tape is removed from the wafer backside to expose a die attach film disposed between the wafer backside and the dicing tape. Alternatively, if no die attach film is initially disposed between the wafer backside and the dicing tape, a die attach film is applied to the wafer backside at this operation. A water soluble mask is applied to the wafer backside. Laser scribing is performed on the wafer backside to cut through the mask, the die attach film and the wafer, including all layers included within the front side and backside of the wafer. A plasma etch is performed to treat or clean surfaces of the wafer exposed by the laser scribing. A wafer backside cleaning is performed and a second dicing tape is applied to the wafer backside. The protection tape is the removed from the wafer front side.
US08975137B2
A process of forming a slit in a substrate is provided. A mask layer is formed on a substrate, wherein the mask layer does not include carbon. An etching process is performed to be substrate by using the mask layer as a mask, so as to form a slit in the substrate. The etching gas includes Cl2, CF4 and CHF3, a molar ratio of CF4 to CHF3 is about 0.5-0.8, and a molar ratio of F to Cl is about 0.4-0.8, for example. Further, the step of performing the etching process simultaneously removes the mask layer.
US08975130B2
Methods of forming bipolar devices and an integrated circuit product containing such bipolar devices
One method disclosed herein includes performing at least one common process operation to form a plurality of first gate structures for each of a plurality of field effect transistors and a plurality of second gate structures above a region where a bipolar transistor will be formed and performing an ion implantation process and a heating process to form a continuous doped emitter region that extends under all of the second gate structures. A device disclosed herein includes a first plurality of field effect transistors with first gate structures, a bipolar transistor that has an emitter region and a plurality of second gate structures positioned above the emitter region, wherein the bipolar transistor comprises a continuous doped emitter region that extends laterally under all of the plurality of second gate structures.
US08975126B2
A thin film transistor including a substrate, a semiconductor layer, a patterned doped semiconductor layer, a source and a drain, a gate insulation layer, and a gate is provided. The semiconductor layer is disposed on the substrate. The patterned doped semiconductor layer is disposed on opposite sides of the semiconductor layer. The source and the drain are disposed on the patterned doped semiconductor layer and the opposite sides of the semiconductor layer, wherein a part of the semiconductor layer covered by the source and the drain has a first thickness, a part of the semiconductor layer disposed between the source and the drain and not covered by the source and the drain has a second thickness ranging from 200 Å to 800 Å. The gate insulation layer is disposed on the source, the drain and the semiconductor layer. The gate is disposed on the gate insulation layer.
US08975124B2
One or more embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a thin film transistor, an array substrate and a method for preparing the same. The thin film transistor comprises a base substrate, and a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, an active layer, an ohmic contact layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode and a passivation layer prepared on the base substrate in this order. The active layer is formed of microcrystalline silicon, and the active layer comprises an active layer lower portion and an active layer upper portion, and the active layer lower portion is microcrystalline silicon obtained by using hydrogen plasma to treat at least two layers of amorphous silicon thin film prepared in a layer-by-layer manner.
US08975121B2
This invention discloses methods and apparatus to form thin film nanocrystal integrated circuit transistors upon three dimensionally formed insert devices. In some embodiments, the present invention includes incorporating the three dimensional surfaces with thin film nanocrystal integrated circuit based thin film transistors, electrical interconnects and energization elements into an insert for incorporation into ophthalmic lenses. In some embodiments the formed insert may be directly used as an ophthalmic device or incorporated into an ophthalmic device.
US08975120B2
The reliability of a semiconductor device is to be improved. A microcomputer chip (semiconductor chip) having a plurality of pads formed on a main surface thereof is mounted over an upper surface of a wiring substrate in an opposed state of the chip main surface to the substrate upper surface. Pads coupled to a plurality of terminals (bonding leads) formed over the substrate upper surface comprise a plurality of first pads in which a unique electric current different from the electric current flowing through other pads flows and a plurality of second pads in which an electric current common to the pads flows or does not flow. Another first pad of the first pads or one of the second pads are arranged next to the first pad. The first pads are electrically coupled to a plurality of bonding leads respectively via a plurality of bumps (first conductive members), while the second pads are bonded to the terminals via a plurality of bumps (second conductive members).
US08975116B2
An electronic unit is produced including at least one electronic component at least partially embedded in an insulating material. A film assembly is provided with at least one conductive layer and a carrier layer. The conductive layer includes openings in the form of holes for receiving bumps, which are connected to contact surfaces of the at least one electronic component. The at least one component is placed on the film assembly such that the bumps engage with the openings of the conductive layer. The at least one component is partially embedded from the side opposite of the bumps into a dielectric layer. The carrier layer of the film assembly is removed such that the surface of the bumps is exposed. A metallization layer is then deposited on the side of the remaining conductive layer having the exposed bumps and so as to produce conductor tracks that overlap with the bumps.
US08975105B2
Hermetically sealed semiconductor wafer packages that include a first bond ring on a first wafer facing a complementary surface of a second bond ring on a second wafer. The package includes first and second standoffs of a first material, having a first thickness, formed on a surface of the first bond ring. The package also includes a eutectic alloy (does not have to be eutectic, typically it will be an alloy not specific to the eutectic ratio of the elements) formed from a second material and the first material to create a hermetic seal between the first and second wafer, the eutectic alloy formed by heating the first and second wafers to a temperature above a reflow temperature of the second material and below a reflow temperature of the first material, wherein the eutectic alloy fills a volume between the first and second standoffs and the first and second bond rings, and wherein the standoffs maintain a prespecified distance between the first bond ring and the second bond ring.
US08975101B2
An element-connecting board is a lead frame for allowing a light emitting diode element to be connected to one side thereof in a thickness direction. The element-connecting board includes the lead frame which is provided with a plurality of leads disposed with spaces from each other and a first insulating resin portion which is light reflective and fills the spaces.
US08975099B2
An ESD protection device is manufactured such that its ESD characteristics are easily adjusted and stabilized. The ESD protection device includes an insulating substrate, a cavity provided in the insulating substrate, at least one pair of discharge electrodes each including a portion exposed in the cavity, the exposed portions being arranged to face each other, and external electrodes provided on a surface of the insulating substrate and connected to the at least one pair of discharge electrodes. A particulate supporting electrode material having conductivity is dispersed between the exposed portions of the at least one pair of discharge electrodes in the cavity.
US08975097B2
A method of manufacturing a liquid discharge head includes: forming a first hole which penetrates through a wafer and becomes at least part of a liquid supply port and a second hole which does not penetrate through the wafer and becomes at least part of a cut-off portion from a front side of the wafer; arranging a dry film on the front side of the wafer; forming a flow passage forming member by heating and developing the dry film; and cutting off the liquid discharge head from the wafer by grinding the wafer from a back side so that the second hole penetrates through the wafer.
US08975096B2
A jig includes a wafer including an accommodation groove configured to accommodate a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) when flip chip bonding is performed, and a separation groove formed in a bottom surface of the accommodation groove, the separation groove having a bottom surface that is spaced apart from thin films of the cMUT that face the bottom surface of the separation groove when the cMUT is seated on portions of the bottom surface of the accommodation groove.
US08975069B2
A method of identifying an antigen-specific regulatory T cell (Treg) from a subject is discussed wherein the method comprises quantitatively or qualitatively detecting co-expression of each of cell markers CD4, CD25 and CD134, or alternatively, each of cell markers CD8, CD25 and CD137, as well as one or more cell markers selected from the group of Treg cell markers consisting of CD39, CD73, CD127, CTLA-4 and Foxp3 on a cell in a suitable lymphocyte-containing sample from the subject in response to exposure to a target antigen. Also discussed are methods of isolating and expanding the identified antigen-specific Treg population, which may permit antigen-specific Treg cell therapy.
US08975064B2
The present invention relates to fungal cells and fungi which synthesize hyaluronan and to methods for preparing such fungi, and also to methods for preparing hyaluronan with the aid of these fungal cells or fungi. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of fungi for preparing hyaluronan and to food or feed which comprises hyaluronan.
US08975055B2
The present invention relates to a newly identified lipase belonging to the Ustilaginaceae family of Basidomycetes and variants thereof. The invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the lipase and the variants thereof. The invention further relates to procedures for producing the lipase, and variants thereof, polypeptides and polynucleotides. The invention further relates to lipase variants with an increased trans-selectivity. The invention further relates to lipase variants with a preference for long chain fatty acid esters or carboxylic acid moieties with a chain length greater than C12. The invention further relates to a method of reducing, or eliminating, trans-fatty acids from liquid oil stable enough for frying systems.
US08975052B2
Methods of marking paper products and marked paper products are provided. Some methods include irradiating the paper product to alter the functionalization of the paper.
US08975043B2
Novel enzymes, processes and antigenic structures useful in producing vaccines and compounds useful in combating gram-negative bacteria are described. Enzymes were isolated from the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum and used to specifically degrade lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Enzymatic degradation permits residues of the LPS molecule, including immunogenic epitopes of the core oligosaccharide portion of the LPS, to remain unmodified during this enzymatic removal of fatty acids from the lipid A region of the LPS molecule.
US08975040B2
The properties of an Fc-containing protein, for example, an antibody, are controlled by altering the sialylation of the oligosaccharides in the Fc region by transfecting the cell line expressing the Fc-containing protein with a vector sequence encoding a sialidase. The modified Fc-containing proteins have therapeutic utility in diseases or conditions in which it is desirable to control the affinity for one or more of the FcγRI, FcγRIIA, and FcγRIIIA receptors, ADCC activity, macrophage or monocyte activation, serum half-life, and avidity.
US08975036B2
The present invention relates to a method for improved diagnosis of dysplasias based on simultaneous detection of INK4a gene products and at least one marker for cell proliferation. Particularly the present invention provides a method for discriminating dysplastic cells over-expressing INK4a gene products from cells over-expressing INK4a gene products without being dysplastic by detection of a marker suitable for characterizing the proliferation properties of the respective cell. The characterization of the proliferation properties may comprise the detection of a marker or a set of markers characteristic for active cell proliferation and/or a marker or a set of markers characteristic for retarded or ceased cell proliferation. The method presented herein thus enables for a specific diagnosis of dysplasias in histological and cytological specimens.
US08975031B2
A method for predicting a need for Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) in a patient comprises: determining a concentration of pi glutathione S transferase-(πGST) in a first urine sample from the patient; and wherein a need for RRT is predicted when the πGST concentration is determined to be elevated in comparison to a patient without kidney injury. The method according to the invention can further comprise detecting for the presence of risk factors for RRT in a patient, the risk factors including elevated serum creatinine concentration, type I diabetes, type II diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, hyperglycaemia, proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia.
US08975030B2
The present invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and specifically to a method of diagnosing the presence, status or metastasis of cancer by detecting plasma Hsp90α having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 as a tumor marker. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for the treatment of cancer and metastasis.
US08975029B2
The invention provides an integrin alpha-2 binding agent and methods of using an integrin alpha-2 binding agent to, e.g., inhibit proliferation of cancer cells, modulate tumor growth in a subject, inhibiting angiogenesis, or treating a fibrotic disorder. The invention further provides a method of producing an antibody, the method comprising propagating cancer cells in a 3-dimensional matrix; immunizing a mammal with the propagated cancer cells; and isolating an antibody from the immunized mammal. A method of identifying an agent that inhibits cancer cell proliferation also is provided.
US08975027B2
Disclosed are compositions and a method for amplification and detection of nucleic acid sequences based on continuous flow thermal gradient PCR.
US08975023B2
The invention relates to a method of intracellularly controlling amounts of gene products, which can increase an amount of gene product intracellularly, comprising a step of introducing into the cell a substance having a sequence complementary to the base sequence of mRNA corresponding to the gene product, its precursor or another substance which can have equivalent action in the cell.
US08975011B2
Multi-layer articles are described that are capable of forming color images. The articles may contain at least two layers, a thermally activatable layer and a blocking layer, or at least three layers with two thermally activatable layers and a blocking layer between. The thermally activatable layers absorb light of a write wavelength and have an absorption threshold for activation. The blocking layer blocks light of the write wavelength at certain incident angles or polarization states and permits light of the write wavelength and certain incident angles or polarization states to pass through. The thermally activatable layers may be layers with a light to heat convertor composition and a color changing compound or they may be a group of layers arranged to change its reflective characteristic upon exposure to light while maintaining the structural integrity of the group of layers.
US08975006B2
New photoresist compositions are provided that are useful for immersion lithography. Preferred photoresist compositions of the invention comprise one or more block copolymers. Particularly preferred photoresists of the invention can exhibit reduced leaching of resist materials into an immersion fluid contacting the resist layer dining immersion lithography processing.
US08975001B2
Provided are photoresist compositions useful in forming photolithographic patterns. Also provided are substrates coated with the photoresist compositions and methods of forming photolithographic patterns. The compositions, methods and coated substrates find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
US08974998B2
A method of forming an image including an electrophotographic photoreceptor and a toner, wherein a photosensitive layer in the electrophotographic photoreceptor includes an undercoat layer including metal oxide particles, a charge generation layer including hydroxygallium phthalocyanine, and a charge transport layer, and the toner contains toner matrix particles formed in an aqueous medium; the toner has a volume median diameter (Dv50) of from 4.0 μm to 7.0 μm; and the relationship between the volume median diameter (Dv50) and the percentage in number (Dns) of toner particles having a particle diameter of from 2.00 μm to 3.56 μm satisfies—0.0517EXP(22.4/Dv50)≦Dns≦0.233EXP(17.3/Dv50) where Dv50 is the volume median diameter (μm) of the toner, and Dns is the percentage in number of toner particles having a particle diameter of from 2.00 μm to 3.56 μm.
US08974983B2
An electrical conductive member includes: an electrical conductive structure including: a substrate; an electrical conductive carbon layer provided on at least one surface of the substrate and containing electrical conductive carbon; and a middle layer interposed between the substrate and the electrical conductive carbon layer. An intensity ratio R (ID/IG) of a D-band peak intensity (ID) to a G-band peak intensity (IG) measured by a Raman scattering spectroscopic analysis in the electrical conductive carbon layer is between 1.4 and 1.9.
US08974982B2
A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes arranged on both sides of the electrolyte membrane in the thickness direction, a pair of frames having a frame shape and holding an outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane, a pair of gas diffusion layers arranged inside the pair of frames and on both sides of the MEA in the thickness direction, and a gasket covering at least a part of the pair of frames. The fuel cell further includes a first cross-linking adhesive member formed of rubber which includes a membrane accommodating portion having an indented shape for accommodating the outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane and a first intermediate portion interposed between the pair of frames and which is subjected to cross-linking adhesion with the outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane and the pair of frames.
US08974980B2
A fuel cell is provided with a membrane electrode assembly provided with a frame, both of which are sandwiched between two separators. The fuel cell is configured such that reactive gas is circulated between the frame and the separators. The frame and both separators each have manifold holes, the rims of the manifold holes of frame extend into the manifold holes in the separators, and protrusions cover the inner peripheral surfaces of the manifold holes in at least one of the separators. This structure makes possible the easy and accurate position and integration of the separators and the frame, and fuel cell miniaturization can be achieved because space to position the protrusions is not needed.
US08974972B2
A battery grid includes a frame that includes a top element, a bottom element, a first side element, and a second side element. The battery grid also includes a plurality of wires provided within the frame and defining a plurality of open areas and a current collection lug extending from the top element in a first direction. The battery grid further includes at least one feature provided in the battery grid that is configured to reduce the amount of growth of the battery grid in the first direction due to corrosion of the battery grid during the life of the battery grid.
US08974968B2
To provide a nonaqueous secondary battery exhibiting a sufficiently small charge/discharge irreversible capacity in the initial cycle, exhibiting an excellent charge acceptance and excellent cycle characteristics, even when the negative electrode material-containing active material layer on a current collector is highly densified so as to obtain a high capacity. A composite graphite particle for nonaqueous secondary batteries, which is a composite graphite particle (B) obtained by forming a spherical graphite particle (A) and a graphitized product of graphitizable binder, wherein the spherical graphite particle (A) is a specific graphite particle or the composite graphite particle satisfies (a) and/or (b): (a) assuming that the cumulative 50% diameter (d50 size), 90% diameter (d90 size) and 10% diameter (d10 size) of the (A) by a laser diffraction method are D50(A), D90(A) and D10(A), respectively, and the cumulative 50% diameter (d50 size), 90% diameter (d90 size) and 10% diameter (d10 size) of the (B) by a laser diffraction method are D50(B), D90(B) and D10(B), respectively, the composite graphite particle satisfies all of (formula 1), (formula 2) and (formula 3): 1.1≦D50(B)/D50(A)≦2.0 (formula 1) 1.1≦D90(B)/D90(A)≦2.4 (formula 2) 1.0≦D10(B)/D10(A)≦1.8 (formula 3) (b) assuming that the value of 110(A)/004(A) which is the ratio between 110 plane and 004 plane measured from XRD of the (A) is x and the value of 110(B)/004(B) which is the ratio between 110 plane and 004 plane measured from XRD of the (B) is y, the ratio z therebetween is defined by the following formula and z is from 1.2 to 3.5: z=y/x.
US08974961B2
Disclosed are an anode active material for secondary batteries, capable of intercalating and deintercalating ions, comprising a core comprising a crystalline carbon-based material and a composite coating layer comprising one or more materials selected from the group consisting of low crystalline carbon and amorphous carbon, and a metal and/or a non-metal capable of intercalating and deintercalating ions, wherein the composite coating layer comprises a matrix comprising one component selected from one or more materials selected from the group consisting of low crystalline carbon and amorphous carbon and a metal and/or a non-metal capable of intercalating and deintercalating ions, and a filler comprising the other component, incorporated in the matrix, and a secondary battery comprising the anode active material.
US08974948B2
A solid state battery including at least one multilayered battery cell comprising: 1) a layer of negative electrode material; 2) a layer of positive electrode material; and 3) a layer of perovskite-type oxide material disposed between the layer of positive electrode material and the layer of negative electrode material, where said layer of perovskite-type oxide material is electrically insulating and capable of readily conducting or transporting protons.
US08974947B2
When an electrode material having a weight-average mesopore/macropore specific surface area within a specific range is used, there arises an expansion of a cell caused by the generation of decomposed gas from a component of electrolyte solution during the pre-doping process of lithium ions. A potential drop upon the pre-doping process is adjusted so as to reduce or suppress the expansion of the cell. Specifically, since the pre-doping speed is increased, the negative electrode can speedily reach the potential by which an SEI component made of lithium alkyl carbonate can be produced on the surface of the negative electrode. Consequently, the absolute amount of the gas produced by the decomposition of the electrolyte solution can be reduced, whereby the expansion of the electric storage device can be reduced.
US08974938B2
A battery system is provided. The battery system includes a first battery cell assembly having first and second interconnect members. The first and second interconnect members have first and second blades, respectively. The battery system further includes an electrically non-conductive base member having first and second grooves. The battery system further includes first and second bus bar members disposed in the first and second grooves, respectively. The first bus bar member has a first aperture configured to removably receive the first blade therein. The second bus bar member has a second aperture configured to removably receive a second blade therein.
US08974936B2
A prismatic secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a cathode, an anode, and a separator mounted in a prismatic battery case in a sealed state, the battery case including a hexahedral case body open at the top thereof, the hexahedral case body being made of a metal material, and a case cap coupled to the open top of the case body, the case cap having an electrode terminal, wherein the case body is provided at a region exhibiting a stress distribution equivalent to 40% or less of the maximum stress of the case in a high pressure state with a line-shaped safety groove configured to be ruptured when high pressure occurs in the battery, and the safety groove is configured such that a residual thickness of the case body is decreased toward the middle from opposite ends of the safety groove in the longitudinal direction.
US08974931B2
The present disclosure relates to a cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery, which can prevent a cylindrical can from being cracked due to an external shock applied during an assembling process while controlling a rupture pressure of the cylindrical can. The cylindrical lithium ion secondary battery includes a cylindrical can, an electrode assembly accommodated in the cylindrical can with an electrolyte, and a cap assembly sealing the cylindrical can, wherein the cylindrical can has a cylindrical bottom portion and a side portion extending from the bottom portion to the cap assembly, and a safety vent having a thickness gradient is formed on the bottom portion.
US08974930B2
A battery module includes a plurality of cells and a plurality of holders. The plurality of cells are parallelly arranged in a row at intervals. The plurality of cells have explosion-proof valves which are provided therein and which are capable of opening upon an increase in an inner pressure in the plurality of cells. The plurality of holders are arranged among the cells so as to hold the cells. The holders have holder pieces which are integrally formed therein and which cover at least part of the explosion-valves so as to prevent emissions from the explosion-proof valves from being released in all directions.
US08974929B2
A heating system and a method for heating a battery module are provided. The method includes determining if the temperature signal indicates that the temperature level is less than a threshold temperature level. If the temperature level is less than the threshold temperature level, then the method further includes generating a first control signal to induce the switch to have the first operational position to at least partially discharge the first and second battery cell groups through a resistor to generate heat energy in the resistor. The method further includes generating a second control signal to turn on a fan to distribute the heat energy in the battery module to increase a temperature level of the battery module.
US08974926B2
Provided is a secondary battery in which an insertion hole where an electrode terminal is insertable is defined in a center of a bottom case disposed under a can to connect batteries to each other in series. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab, a can in which the electrode assembly is received, an insulation case inserted into a top opening of the can, the insulation case having a first hole and a second hole through which the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab pass, a protective circuit module disposed on the insulation case, the protective circuit module being electrically connected to the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab, and a cap assembly including a cap plate disposed on the protective circuit module to close the top opening of the can, the cap plate being electrically connected to the protective circuit module and an electrode terminal inserted into a through hole defined in the cap plate.
US08974920B2
Triphenylene derivatives having a structure of formula (1) are provided. Ar represents an aromatic compound, n is 1 to 3, and each of R and R1 to R13 is a member independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, cyano, trifluoromethyl, amino, C1-C10 alkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, C2-C10 alkynyl, C3-C20 cycloalkyl, C3-C20 cycloalkenyl, C1-C20 heterocycloalkyl, C1-C20 heterocycloalkenyl, aryl and heteroaryl. The compound of the present invention may function as a host emitter or dopant in the emitter layer of OLED device. An OLED device is also herein provided.
US08974915B2
PU/ZnO nanocomposites are provided wherein the addition of less than 1 vol % 33 nm ZnO nanoparticles into a PU matrix effect a decrease in the Young's Modulus and storage modulus of the polymer, while simultaneously effecting an increase glass transition temperature of the polymer. Detailed experiments are described (e.g., FTIR, DMTA, FESEM and AFM) that suggest that the reaction between hydroxyl groups of the ZnO nanoparticles and isocyanate groups of the polyurethane prepolymer disrupts the self-assembly of the phase separation in PU. Phase separation is responsible for the good mechanical properties of PU. Further, detailed experiments suggest that the increase of the glass transition temperature results from the crosslinking effect of the ZnO nanoparticles.
US08974914B2
A metal-ceramic substrate for electrical circuits or modules includes at least one first outer metal layer forming one first surface side of the metal-ceramic substrate and at least one second outer metal layer forming one second surface side of the metal-ceramic substrate. The outer metal layers are bonded respectively by two-dimensional bonding with the surface sides of a plate-like substrate body.
US08974911B2
The invention relates to a process for applying a fire-protection coating to a substrate using a process comprising the steps of applying a first clearcoat layer to the substrate, applying an intumescent fire-protection layer to the first clearcoat layer, and applying a second clearcoat layer to the intumescent fire-protection layer.
US08974909B2
Random copolymers of propylene with ethylene, and optionally other olefins, comprising from 3.5% to 6.5% by weight of ethylene and having a melt flow rate (MFR) according to ISO 1133 (230° C., 2.16 Kg) of less than 10 g/10 min and a melting temperature (Tm), determined by DSC, satisfying the relation: 45° C.≦Tm+C≦150° C. wherein C is the quantity (by weight) of ethylene in the copolymer. The random copolymers of the invention are specifically suited for cast film and/or sheet applications.
US08974907B2
The present invention provides a method for reinforcing a glass of a touch panel and a reinforcement structure thereof. The method provides at least one protective film and at least one glass substrate. One side of the glass substrate is adhered to one side of the protective film. The glass substrate adhered with the protective film is dipped in an adhesive reservoir. The glass substrate adhered with the protective film is taken out of the adhesive reservoir. After the adhesive is hardened, a reinforcement layer is formed on the other side and the periphery of the glass substrate. The present invention makes the surface of the glass to be more flat with an increased strength.
US08974905B2
A structural adhesive composition that is suitable for high-strength bonding of metals and aerospace structural materials. In one embodiment, the structural adhesive composition based on a two-part system, which is curable at or below 200° F. (93° C.). The two-part system is composed of a resinous part (A) and a catalyst part (B), which may be stored separately at room temperature until they are ready to be used. The resinous part (A) includes at least two different multifunctional epoxy resins with different functionality selected from difunctional, trifunctional, and tetrafunctional epoxy resins, certain toughening components, and inorganic filler particles as a rheology/thixotrophy modifying component. The toughening components include core-shell rubber particles with different particle sizes and at least one of an elastomeric polymer and a polyethersulfone polymer. The catalyst part (B) includes an aliphatic or cyclic amine compound as a curing agent and inorganic filler as a rheology/thixotropy modifying component. The weight ratio of part (A) to part (B) is within the range of 3:2 to 10:2. In another embodiment, the structural adhesive composition is based on a one-part system which includes the components of the resinous part (A) in the two-part system mixed with a latent amine curing agent. The one-part system may further include an imidazole and/or an aliphatic amine. The one-part system is curable within the temperature range of 140-300° F. (60-150° C.). The paste adhesive disclosed herein has film-like properties and is particularly useful in rapid-assembly aerospace structure bonding applications.
US08974904B2
A nanocomposite dry adhesive. The nanocomposite dry adhesive includes a substrate; and an array of vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes or vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the substrate, wherein the nanocomposite dry adhesive utilizes the array of single-walled carbon nanotubes or multi-walled carbon nanotubes as synthesized, the as synthesized single-walled carbon nanotubes being substantially free of randomly entangled nanotube segments on top of the vertically aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes, the as synthesized multi-walled carbon nanotubes having randomly entangled nanotube segments on top of the vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes; wherein the dry adhesive has a normal adhesion strength of at least about 5 N·cm−2, and a shear adhesion strength of at least about 13 N·cm−2. Methods of making a nanocomposite dry adhesive are also described.
US08974886B2
The disclosure herein provides for disbond resistant stringer runouts. Various aspects may be used independently or in combination to mitigate disbonding associated with the stiffener runout under operational loads. Aspects include a stiffener runout having rounded base flange corners. A recessed notch may be incorporated within the base flange to provide a flange termination point that is forward of the web termination point, allowing the web to terminate prior to the base flange. The web may be trimmed from a full height to a reduced height at the web termination point. The base flange may be co-bonded to the underlying composite structure via a scarf joint. Perimeter clamp radius fillers may be used to concentrate a clamping force around the perimeter of the base flange.
US08974883B2
A thin packaging film 1 includes a reference area 2 having a closed contour and which is surrounded over its entire periphery by a tear-off area, an incipient tear 3 being precut in this film so as to intercept this contour while leading into the latter while forming a gripping portion 4 capable of being pulled away from the plane of this thin film, the reference area being designed so as to trap one end of this incipient tear within the contour while the other end propagates by tearing in a spiral from the tear-off area over at least 180° around this reference area when the gripping portion begins to undergo pulling. This closed contour is preferably circular. The closed contour area can in particular be an opening, or a portion of film surrounded by a reinforcement material loop.
US08974875B2
A cellulose acylate film containing a cellulose acylate and a specific polymer, the specific polymer containing a repeating unit derived from a monomer represented by formula (1): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R2 represents a substituent; (A) represents an atomic group necessary to form a 5- or 6-membered ring; and n represents an integer of 0 to 4.
US08974870B2
Methods for fabricating porous low-k materials are provided, such as plasma enhanced chemically vapor deposited (PE-CVD) and chemically vapor deposited (CVD) low-k films used as dielectric materials in between interconnect structures in semiconductor devices. More specifically, a new method is provided which results in a low-k material with significant improved chemical stability and improved elastic modulus, for a porosity obtained.
US08974865B2
A component and a method of processing a component are disclosed. The method includes providing a base metal having a feature, removing the feature to form a processed region, applying a first layer to the processed region, and applying a second layer to the first layer. The base metal, the first layer, and the second layer each have predetermined thermal expansion coefficients, yield strengths, and elongations. The processed component includes the first layer applied to a processed region of the base metal and a second layer applied to the first layer.
US08974862B2
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a composite carbon sheet, including the steps of: mixing 70 parts by weight of a first solution as a dispersant with 30 parts by weight of a second solution as a binder to prepare a third solution; mixing 80˜97 parts by weight of the third solution with 3˜20 parts by weight of any one selected from the group consisting of single-wall carbon nanotubes, double-wall carbon nanotubes, multi-wall carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanoparticles, graphene and fullerene to prepare a fourth solution; dispersing the fourth solution to prepare a mixed dispersion solution; and coating an expanded graphite sheet with the mixed dispersion solution. The method is advantageous in that the thermal conductivity of the composite carbon sheet manufactured by this method can be improved, the physical properties thereof can be enhanced, the exfoliation thereof can be prevented, and the tensile strength and tear strength thereof can be improved.
US08974858B2
An apparatus for depositing an organic material and a depositing method thereof, wherein a deposition process is performed with respect to a second substrate while transfer and alignment processes are performed with respect to a first substrate in a chamber, so that loss of an organic material wasted in the transfer and alignment processes can be reduced, thereby maximizing material efficiency and minimizing a processing tack time. The apparatus includes a chamber having an interior divided into a first substrate deposition area and a second substrate deposition area, an organic material deposition source transferred to within ones of the first and second substrate deposition areas to spray particles of an organic material onto respective ones of first and second substrates and a first transferring unit to rotate the organic material deposition source in a first direction from one of the first and second substrate deposition areas to an other of the first and second substrate deposition areas.
US08974854B2
A composition for treating cellulosic materials is provided. The composition comprises a dispersion of micronized additives. The dispersion comprises additive particles with diameters in the range of 0.001 to 25 microns. Also provided is a method for the application of the additive-containing composition to wood, as well as wood products which have been treated with the composition.
US08974851B2
The present invention relates to a method for applying hexagonal boron nitride to a rough surface, wherein it is intended for the boron nitride to be provided as a temperature-resistant lubricant of the surface. According to the invention, a pin composed of hexagonal boron nitride is rubbed with pressure over the rough surface, such that abraded boron nitride adheres to the surface.
US08974844B2
Disclosed are methods for processing harvested produce such as fruits and vegetables, where the sterilization, stabilization and packaging is done in such a manner that it allows for longer retention of freshness, texture, flavor and overall quality than is possible with conventional retort processes and packaging. One specific embodiment discusses sterilizing and packaging harvested produce into a bulk storage container, comprising the steps of cleaning, dicing and blanching said produce, thereby creating pre-processed produce; adding water, at least one acid or salt, and at least one carbohydrate, to said pre-processed produce to form a mixture of pre-processed produce and a liquid packing medium; processing said mixture in an ohmic processing vessel to form a sterilized mixture suitable for aseptic packaging in said container, without first packaging said mixture.
US08974842B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a lipophilic extract from lignified portions of vine, such as shoots, stock and roots, characterized in that said method comprises a step for extraction from said lignified portions with an apolar solvent; to an extract obtained by such a method; to the use of such an extract as an excipient in a cosmetic composition; and to a cosmetic composition comprising such an extract.
US08974814B2
The present invention is directed generally to a layered polymeric monofilament fiber drug delivery device, where each layer of the device can contain a different polymer, drug, additive, or any combination or mixture thereof. The layered nature of the current monofilament polymeric monofilament device provides the capability to modulate the release of one or more drugs and/or the mechanical properties of the fiber so that drug release and device failure can be separately tuned to provide for the tailored introduction of therapeutically effective drugs or agents to a target tissue. Moreover, the fiber may comprise more than one distinct segments along its length, each segment itself having different combinations and/or numbers of layers thereby providing even greater freedom in the design of the therapeutic delivery device. The invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing such a layered polymeric monofilament fiber drug delivery device, and methods of treatment using such devices.
US08974804B2
Composition for topical application in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion containing an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase, and a hydrophilic polymer, the composition further containing (1) at least one elastomeric organopolysiloxane and (2) at least one lipophilic compound chosen from lipophilic amino acid compounds and lipophilic salicylic acid compounds. Uses thereof, including topical application to the skin, lips, hair, etc. Stabilization of certain emulsions using a lipophilic compound.
US08974800B2
The present invention is directed to reagents useful for generating immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and for diagnosing infection and disease in a subject that has been exposed to M. tuberculosis.
US08974799B2
The invention provides a process for preparing a conjugate of a S. aureus type 5 or type 8 capsular polysaccharide and a carrier molecule, comprising the steps of: (a) depolymerizing the capsular polysaccharide, to give a polysaccharide fragment; (b) oxidizing the fragment in order to introduce an aldehyde group into at least one saccharide residue in the fragment, to give an oxidized saccharide residue; and (c) coupling the oxidized saccharide residue to a carrier molecule via the aldehyde group, thereby giving the conjugate. The coupling in step (c) may be direct, or may be via a linker molecule. The invention also provides a conjugate obtained or obtainable by this process.
US08974797B2
The invention provides expression vectors and virus-like particles (VLPs) containing Newcastle Disease Virus Sequences in combination with sequences encoding proteins of interest. The vectors are useful in, for example, generating virus-like particles (VLPs) that contain proteins of interest. In one embodiment, the expressed VLPs elicit an immune response by an animal host against the protein. The invention's VLPs are useful as, for example, vaccines.
US08974793B2
Described herein are methods and systems that can be used to induce immunologic tolerance to non-self antigens. The methods and systems comprise introducing a tolerogen comprising at least one immunogenic non-self antigen coupled to a carrier, wherein the immunogenic antigen can be a foreign or endogenous antigen or fragments thereof. The non-self antigen can be selected from the group consisting of carbohydrate antigens, full-length antigenic proteins, and fragments and combinations thereof, while the carrier can be selected from nanoparticles and stents. Tolerogen compositions are also provided and can be used to induce immunologic tolerance to non-self antigens. These methods, systems and compositions are particularly advantageous since they can be used to allow for the extension of the window of safety for immunologically-incompatible transplantations to patients who are growing past the age of infancy.
US08974785B2
The invention provides a fully human anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, which has an amino acid sequence of heavy chain variable region as shown in SEQ ID NO: 6 and an amino acid sequence of light chain variable region as shown in SEQ ID NO: 8. The invention also discloses the nucleotide sequence encoding the antibody, the expression vector and the host cell comprising the nucleotide sequence, and the use of the antibody for manufacturing the medicament for the treatment of tumor.
US08974776B2
Novel biodegradable compositions are disclosed. The biodegradable compositions include at least one hydroxyl-terminated component and at least one bioactive peptide in a linear chain. The compositions may be utilized as medical devices including drug delivery devices, tissue adhesives and/or sealants.
US08974767B2
The use of fluorescent nanoparticles is disclosed which includes an inorganic core, a passivating layer and specific ligands having a hydrodynamic diameter of the inorganic core with the passivating layer of not more than 15 nm, preferably of not more than 10 nm, particularly preferably of not more than 5 nm, for preparing an in vivo diagnostic aid, the nanoparticles showing an emission of less than 700 nm.
US08974758B2
Disclosed is a process to purify COS and remove H2S without hydrolyzing or trapping the desired COS product.
US08974757B2
Methods and systems for sequestering carbon dioxide and generating hydrogen are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: dissolving an iron based material that includes a carbonate-forming element into a solution including the carbonate-forming element and iron; increasing a pH of the solution to cause precipitation of iron oxide from the solution thereby generating a first source of Fe2O3; reacting the carbonate-forming element in the solution with a first source of carbon dioxide to produce a carbonate thereby sequestering the carbon dioxide; oxidizing the first source of Fe2O3 with a carbonaceous fuel thereby generating a second source of carbon dioxide and iron; and oxidizing the iron with steam thereby generating hydrogen and an iron oxide. Some embodiments include producing iron-based catalysts.
US08974750B2
A nozzle device which can perform accurate quantitative suction without being affected by a pressure when, for example, a nozzle (2) is inserted into a closed container (T). The nozzle device has the nozzle (2) that is inserted into the closed container(T) and that sucks a liquid in the closed container (T), an exposure to atmosphere mechanism (3) that opens the closed container (T) to the atmospheric air, and an opening/closing structure (4) that is arranged at a proximal end of the nozzle (2) and that has an internal flow channel (411) communicated with a flow channel in the nozzle (2) and an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the internal flow channel (411), and an opening/closing control section (5) that controls the opening/closing mechanism.
US08974743B2
The invention relates to a device for continuously carrying out chemical reactions. The device comprises a microwave generator, a microwave applicator accommodating a microwave-transparent tube, and an isothermal reaction section which is arranged such that the material to be reacted is guided inside the microwave-transparent tube through a microwave applicator which is used as the heating zone and in which it is heated to reaction temperature by means of microwaves that are emitted from the microwave generator into the microwave applicator. The material to be reacted, which is heated and optionally under pressure, is transferred from the microwave applicator to an isothermal reaction zone once it has left the heating zone, said reaction zone being arranged downstream of the heating zone, and is cooled once it has left the isothermal reaction zone.
US08974741B2
A device for treating gases using surface plasma, including: at least one dielectric substrate having two opposite main surfaces, at least one first electrode, and at least one second electrode being respectively deposited on the two opposite main surfaces of the substrate, the first and second electrodes being connected to the two terminals of an electric power supply source; at least one catalytic support independent from the dielectric substrate and from the electrodes, and integrating a catalyst.
US08974738B2
A hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction (HC-SCR) catalyst is regenerated using a nitrogen-based reductant agent. The HC-SCR catalyst is in communication with a power system such as an internal combustion engine and receives exhaust gasses from the internal combustion engine. Sulfur in the exhaust gasses may deactivate the HC-SCR catalyst by sulfur oxides forming thereon. To remove the sulfur oxides, a nitrogen-based reductant agent is introduced to the exhaust gasses. The nitrogen-based reductant agent decomposes to nitrogen oxides and hydrogen. The hydrogen reacts with the sulfur oxides to form hydrogen sulfides thereby removing the sulfur oxides from the HC-SCR catalyst.
US08974736B2
A dispenser for a volatile material may be a cover that may be selectively attached to a base to form an internal cavity between them. A method is described for providing a visual indication when an item, such as the cover, needs to be replaced. The cover has a first initial size condition. The volatile material is permitted to evaporate from the cover into the air. The cover is permitted to shrink to a second size condition to provide a visual indication that the cover needs to be replaced.
US08974734B2
An electronic nose device is disclosed in an embodiment of the invention. The electronic nose device includes a fan module, a gas molecule sensor module, a control unit and an output unit. The fan module is used to pump air actively to the gas molecule sensor module. The gas molecule sensor module detects the air pumped into by the fan module. The gas molecule sensor module at least includes a gas molecule sensor which is covered with a compound. The compound is used to combine preset gas molecules. The control unit controls the fan module to suck air into the electronic nose device. Then the fan module transmits an air current to the gas molecule sensor module to generate a detected data. The output unit calculates the detected data to generate a calculation result and outputs an indicating signal to an operator or compatible host computer according to the calculation result.
US08974730B2
A process for creating acellular donor soft tissue by removing contaminants such as cells by extraction using a fluid at supercritical temperature and pressures while preserving the integrity of the soft tissue. The soft tissue is maintained in contact with the fluid in a pressure vessel at supercritical temperature and pressures for a period of time and then the pressure vessel is rapidly depressurized.
US08974727B2
There is provided a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped object, the method comprising the repeated steps of: (i) forming a solidified layer by irradiating a predetermined portion of a powder layer with a light beam, thereby allowing a sintering of the powder in the predetermined portion or a melting and subsequent solidification thereof; and (ii) forming another solidified layer by newly forming a powder layer on the resulting solidified layer, followed by the irradiation of a predetermined portion of the powder layer with the light beam, wherein a heater element is disposed on the solidified layer during the repeated steps (i) and (ii), and thereby the heater element is situated within the three-dimensional shaped object.
US08974726B2
Methods of preparing polycrystalline aluminum nitride materials that have high density, high purity, and favorable surface morphology are disclosed. The methods generally comprises pressing aluminum nitride powders to form a slug, sintering the slug to form a sintered, polycrystalline aluminum nitride boule, and optionally shaping the boule and/or polishing at least a portion of the boule to provide a finished substrate. The sintered, polycrystalline aluminum nitride materials beneficially are prepared without the use of any sintering aid or binder, and the formed materials exhibit excellent density, AlN purity, and surface morphology.
US08974712B2
A method of manufacturing a radome, which is provided on a detection side of a radar for detecting an obstacle in a vicinity of a vehicle, includes a first forming step of forming a transparent member that includes a recess on one surface thereof; an first installing step of installing a bright member, which has a shape corresponding to a space in the recess and of which a contact surface coming into contact with an inner surface of the recess has brilliance, in the recess; and a second installing step of installing a base member that covers the one surface and integrally holds the transparent member and the bright member.
US08974711B2
A method and apparatus for making a lined waterproof footwear product, and footwear product formed therefrom, are provided. A last, having an exterior surface configured to correspond to the size and shape of the interior surface of the footwear product, is covered with a microcellular lining material. An injection mold comprises shells having a pre-determined configuration to mold an upper portion that attaches to the lining during the molding process. In the finished footwear product, the molded upper portion has a molded foot portion that extends around the wear's foot and an upwardly-extending molded portion that covers a part of the lining while leaving another part of the lining uncovered.
US08974710B2
The present invention provides a pellet mill (20) for preparing pellets from a pelletizable material supplied to the pellet mill (20), comprising a frame (22), a main axle (28) rotatably mounted in said frame (22) and having a first end (30) and an opposite second end (32), an annular die (42) being supported by said second end (32) and having an inner surface (44) for receiving a portion of said pelletizable material (106) supplied to said pellet mill (20), an outer surface (46), and a plurality of radial channels (48) extending from said inner surface (44) to said outer surface (46) for preparing pellets from said portion of said pelletizable material (106), a roller holder (54) supported by said frame (22), a number of roller axles (64), each of said number of roller axles being moveably mounted in said roller holder (54), said roller axles may move in said roller holder (54) in the event of an overload to prevent damage to the pellet mill, a number of rollers (80), each of said number of rollers being rotatable around a corresponding one of said number of roller axles (64), each of said number of rollers (80) being adapted to press said portion of pelletizable material (106) against said inner surface (44) for rolling, in response to rotation of said annular die (42), along said inner surface (44) of said annular die (42) for forcing said portion of said pelletizable material (106) from said inner surface (44) to said outer surface (46) through at least one of said plurality of radial channels (48) for preparing said pellets, and a number of actuators (114), each of said number of actuators (114) being operatively connected to a corresponding one of said number of roller axles (64) and being adapted to prevent movement of said corresponding one of said number of roller axles (64) relative to said die holder (54) for maintaining a distance between a corresponding one of said number of rollers (80) and said inner surface (44) of said annular die (42).
US08974708B2
The coloring matter compound is represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1, R2, R6 represent an alkyl group; R3 to R5 represent an alkyl group, or satisfy either of the following conditions i) and ii): i) R3 and R4 are bonded to each other, so as to form a cyclic organic functional group containing R3, R4 and a carbon atom bonded to R3 and R4, and R5 represents an alkyl group; ii) R3 to R5 are bonded to one another, so as to form a cyclic organic functional group containing R3, R4, R5 and a carbon atom bonded to R3 to R5; and R7, R8 represent an alkyl group or an acyl group, or R7 and R8 are bonded to each other, so as to form a cyclic organic functional group containing R7, R8 and a nitrogen atom bonded simultaneously to R7 and R8.
US08974700B2
A method for producing synthesis gas, including: 1) pre-treating a biomass raw material; 2) carrying out low-temperature carbonization to obtain pyrolysis gas and charcoal, cooling the charcoal at an outlet of an carbonization furnace, and conveying the cooled charcoal to a charcoal storage bin; 3) separating the pyrolysis gas from charcoal powder; 4) delivering part of a separated pyrolysis gas to a combustion bed for combustion, heating the other part of the separated pyrolysis gas, and delivering a heated pyrolysis gas to the carbonization furnace; delivering a waste hot flue gas after heat exchange to a pretreatment part for the biomass raw material for drying; conveying the separated charcoal powder to the charcoal storage bin; 5) milling the charcoal powder to prepare a charcoal slurry; and 6) using high-pressure charcoal slurry pump, introducing the charcoal slurry to a gasification furnace for gasification.
US08974694B2
A cholesteric liquid-crystal composition is described, which contains a liquid-crystal component and a chiral agent, and has a selective reflection wavelength in the range of 400 nm to 800 nm at 25° C.
US08974693B2
The present invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium, characterized in that it contains a polymerizable component (A) containing one more polymerizable compounds and a liquid-crystalline component (B) containing one more compounds of the general formula I in which R, rings A1 and A2, Z1, Z2, Y1, Y2, X0 and r are as defined in Claim 1.
US08974692B2
Provided are novel chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) slurry compositions for polishing copper substrates and method of using the CMP compositions. The CMP slurry compositions deliver superior planarization with high and tunable removal rates and low defects when polishing bulk copper layers of the nanostructures of IC chips. The CMP slurry compositions also offer the high selectivity for polishing copper relative to the other materials (such as Ti, TiN, Ta, TaN, and Si), suitable for through-silicon via (TSV) CMP process which demands high copper film removal rates.
US08974684B2
Methods for etching a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of etching a substrate may include generating a plasma by providing only a first RF signal having a first frequency and a first duty cycle; applying only a second RF signal to bias the plasma towards the substrate, wherein the second RF signal has the first frequency and a second duty cycle different than the first duty cycle; adjusting a phase variance between the first and second RF signals to control an ion energy distribution in the plasma; and etching the substrate with the plasma.
US08974678B2
Block copolymers can be self-assembled and used in methods as described herein for sub-lithographic patterning, for example. The block copolymers can be diblock copolymers, triblock copolymers, multiblock copolymers, or combinations thereof. Such methods can be useful for making devices that include, for example, sub-lithographic conductive lines.
US08974677B2
Fluid processing apparatuses and systems are disclosed. In some embodiments the fluid processing apparatuses include a movable enclosure, a plurality of filter housings disposed substantially within the movable enclosure, and a stand disposed within the enclosure. The filter housings are in fluid communication with one another. Each filter housing defines an elongate path and is configured to support a respective filter along the elongate flow path to filter a substantially continuous flow of fluid. The stand supports each filter housing such that the elongate flow path of each filter housing is substantially parallel to a vertical axis, wherein each filter housing is independently rotatable, relative to the stand.
US08974673B2
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for restoring the extractive potential of organic hydroxyoxime-based extraction solution used in the recovery of metals by liquid-liquid extraction. The method is two-stage, in which an aqueous solution of hydroxylamine or some hydroxylamine compound is used in the reaction stage, and the removal of the undesirable compounds generated in the reaction occurs in the second stage by adsorption purification. The reaction stage and the adsorptive stage are carried out in a mixing tank.
US08974660B2
There is provided a method for upgrading hydrocarbon compounds, in which hydrocarbon compounds synthesized in a Fisher-Tropsch synthesis reaction are fractionally distillated, and the fractionally distillated hydrocarbon compounds are hydrotreated to produce liquid fuel products. The method includes fractionally distilling heavy hydrocarbon compounds synthesized in the Fisher-Tropsch synthesis reaction as a liquid into a first middle distillate and a wax fraction, and fractionally distilling light hydrocarbon compounds synthesized in the Fisher-Tropsch synthesis reaction as a gas into a second middle distillate and a light gas fraction.
US08974654B1
A multilayer ceramic capacitor and method of creating are provided. The capacitor includes a plurality of interior plates having edges that are brought to and exposed upon a first surface and also upon a portion of a second surface of the capacitor at a region where the second surface meets the first surface. An electroplated terminal is directly in contact with and mechanically and electrically connected to an edge of each of the interior plates where each plate's edge is exposed upon the first surface. The terminal wraps over the region of the capacitor from the first surface onto the portion of the second surface and is directly in contact with and mechanically and electrically connected to an edge of each of the interior plates where each plate's edge is exposed upon the second surface. The terminal does not extend to any additional surfaces which meet the first surface.
US08974651B2
The present invention discloses apparatuses and methods for the visualization of fluorophores in biological systems such as electrophoresis gels and cell cultures. Preferred embodiments of the apparatuses consists of a tray or tank having one or more light sources disposed to direct light through an electrophoresis gel disposed within the vessel such that the luminescence from fluorophores in the gel are easily visualized.
US08974650B2
A method for forming a microfluidic channel with improved flow characteristics for one or more analytes is disclosed. A microfluidic channel having modified surfaces is formed in a glass layer or glass substrate. The glass surfaces of the microfluidic channel are modified by the addition of a layer of borophosphosilicate glass. The addition of the borophosphosilicate glass results in an improved flow velocity profile of the analyte. As a result, control over the position and movement of analytes within the solution is improved.
US08974635B2
A web product is described. The web product has a machine direction and a cross-machine direction orthogonal thereto. The web product has at least one ply having a first plurality of low density regions having a first area in the machine and cross-machine directions and a second plurality of low density regions having a second area in the machine and cross-machine directions. The first and second areas are different. The web product has a Dry Bulk, DB, value greater than 15.5 cc/g and a Wet Burst, WB, value greater than 400g.
US08974634B2
The present invention provides a novel production method of a cellulose nanofiber and a novel cellulose nanofiber. The method for producing a cellulose nanofiber comprises defibrating pulp by a single- or multi-screw kneader in the presence of water, the single or multi-screw kneader having a screw circumferential speed of 45 m/min. Or more.
US08974597B2
The invention provides a set gypsum-containing product having increased resistance to permanent deformation and a method for preparing it comprising forming a mixture of a calcium sulfate material, water, and an appropriate amount of one or more enhancing materials chosen from condensed phosphoric acids, each of which comprises 2 or more phosphoric acid units; and salts or ions of condensed phosphates, each of which comprises 2 or more phosphate units. The mixture is then maintained under conditions sufficient for the calcium sulfate material to form a set gypsum material.
US08974596B2
A method of producing cement clinker including the steps of preheating raw meal comprising calcium carbonate in a preheating stage that is preheated by the exhaust gases of a sintering stage connected downstream in the direction of the gas flow, neutralizing the preheated raw meal, sintering the raw meal into cement clinker in a sintering stage, and cooling the cement clinker from the sintering stage in a cooling stage that cools the cement clinker with a gas. The exhaust gases of the sintering stage are combined with the exhaust gases of the neutralization, and the combined exhaust gases are conducted in an open gas circuit. The CO2 emissions are substantially reduced over known systems with CO separation, and the formation of nitrogen oxides by the combustion of atmospheric nitrogen in the oxidative environment of the sintering stage burner is almost completely prevented.
US08974578B2
Porous polymeric networks and composite materials comprising metal nanoparticles distributed in the polymeric networks are provided. Also provided are methods for using the polymeric networks and the composite materials in liquid- and vapor-phase waste remediation applications. The porous polymeric networks, are highly porous, three-dimensional structures characterized by high surface areas. The polymeric networks comprise polymers polymerized from aldehydes and phenolic molecules.
US08974577B2
Articles for capturing or separating a target gas from a gas stream may include a porous substrate such as a flexible sheet or mat, or a rigid ceramic monolith impregnated or coated with a sorbent composition. The sorbent composition may include a polyamine and a coexistent polymer chemically bonded to the polyamine. The polyamine may include a polyethylenimine. The coexistent polymer may include a polyurethane, a polyolefin-acrylic acid copolymer, or a combination thereof. The sorbent composition may be substantially less water-insoluble than compositions containing only a polyamine and may have high durability and good adsorption capacity for acidic target gases such as carbon dioxide. Methods for preparing the articles using aqueous polymer solutions are provided. Methods for capturing or separating target gases using the articles are provided.
US08974576B2
The disclosure relates to a continuous or semi-continuous, cyclic, countercurrent sorption-desorption method for enhanced control, separation, and/or purification of CO2 gas from one or more sources of a mixture of gases through integrated use of solid monolithic sorbents having a sorption selectivity for the CO2 gas, wherein liquid phase water is added to increase the heat capacity of the mixed gas source(s) in order to achieve a thermal wave moving through the thickness of the sorbent material faster than the CO2 sorption wave.
US08974574B2
There is provided a process for effecting permeation of at least an operative material component of an operative mixture from a higher pressure space, through a membrane, and into a lower pressure space, wherein the higher pressure space is disposed in mass transfer communication with the lower pressure space through the membrane.
US08974567B2
A gas-liquid rotating coalescer includes first and second sets of one or more detent surfaces on a rotary drive member and a driven annular rotating coalescing filter element which engagingly interact in interlocking mating keyed relation to effect rotation of the coalescing filter element by the rotary drive member. Designated operation of the coalescer requires that the coalescing filter element include the second set of detent surfaces. A coalescing filter element missing the second set of detent surfaces will not effect the noted designated operation.
US08974564B2
A screen cleaning system cleans debris from a material catching screen surrounded by a frame. A hollow vacuum arm which moves over the screen. The arm has a slot in a side which is adjacent to the screen. The arm includes an inner arm pivotally coupled to a duct and an outer arm which movable with respect to the inner arm. The arm is moved by an actuator mechanism which includes a first pulley coupled to a drive shaft, a second pulley coupled to an end of the arm, a belt drivingly coupling the first pulley to the second pulley. The outer arm is slidably coupled to the inner arm and a spring is biased to urge the outer arm radially inwardly. A track is formed by the frame and a roller rides along the track and is rotatably coupled to an end of the outer arm.
US08974556B2
Disclosed is a hydrogen generator that prevents the reformate water from bypassing the evaporator in a hydrogen generator, and the occurrence of sudden temperature changes within an evaporation flow path. The hydrogen generator comprises: an evaporator that produces a mixed gas by mixing a raw material gas containing methane with water vapor; a reformer that changes the mixed gas into a hydrogen-containing gas through a steam reforming reaction; and a combustor that supplies heat to the evaporator and the reformer. The evaporator comprises: an inner cylinder; an outer cylinder enclosing the inner cylinder; and a middle cylinder that is inserted between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, and that defines a helical flow path between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder, through which water supplied from the outside flows.
US08974545B2
The invention provides a method and formulation for cleaning a soiled substrate, the method comprising the treatment of the moistened substrate with a formulation comprising a multiplicity of polymeric particles, wherein the formulation is free of organic solvents. Preferably, the substrate is wetted so as to achieve a substrate to water ratio of between 1:0.1 to 1:5 w/w. Optionally, the formulation additionally comprises at least one cleaning material and, in this embodiment, it is preferred that the polymeric particles are coated with the at least one cleaning material. Preferably, the cleaning material comprises a surfactant, which most preferably has detergent properties. Most preferably, the substrate comprises a textile fiber. Typically, the polymeric particles comprise particles of nylon, most preferably in the form of nylon chips. The results obtained are very much in line with those observed when carrying out conventional dry cleaning processes and the method provides the significant advantage that the use of solvents, with all the attendant drawbacks in terms of cost and environmental considerations, can be avoided.
US08974542B2
Provided herein is a biodegradable elastomeric patch that can be implanted on a heart or other portions of the cardiovascular system to repair tissue deficiencies or tissue damage. The biodegradable elastomeric patch may be engineered to have mechanical properties similar to that of soft tissue and to provide mechanical support to the damaged tissue. The biodegradable elastomeric patch also may comprise therapeutic agents to aid in the healing process. Methods also are provided for using a biodegradable elastomeric patch for treating patients suffering from tissue damage or tissue deficiencies in the cardiac or cardiovascular system.
US08974536B2
A method of forming a shoulder prosthesis includes forming a concave articular surface into an end portion of a humerus, including compacting bone of the end portion to define the concave articular surface. An implant having a convex articular surface is secured to a glenoid. The concave articular surface of the humerus is articulated with the convex articular surface of the implant.
US08974534B2
A spinal fusion device is disclosed. The spinal fusion device includes a first endplate configured for fitting within a disc space and engaging with a first vertebra and a second endplate configured for fitting within the disc space and engaging with a second vertebra. The two endplates are separated by a single spacer that is positioned between the first endplate and the second endplate and maintains a pre-determined distance between the first endplate and the second endplate. The spacer contains an anterior end, a posterior end, a first lateral side, a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side, a first surface that engages with the first endplate, a second surface that engages with the second endplate. Also disclosed are methods and instruments for implanting the spinal fusion device.
US08974531B2
A method for inserting an intervertebral disc prosthesis into a space between two vertebrae involves inserting the prosthesis partway into the space under constraint to prevent endplates of the prosthesis from articulating, releasing the prosthesis from constraint, and inserting the unconstrained prosthesis farther into the space. In some embodiments, the method involves grasping the prosthesis with a grasping device to insert the prosthesis partway under constraint, loosing the grasping device to release the prosthesis from constraint, and pushing the prosthesis farther into the disc space using the grasping device and/or one or more separate pusher devices. A system includes a grasping device, at least one separate pushing device, and optionally a vertebral spreading device and/or a vertebral midline indicator device.
US08974526B2
An intraocular lens for providing enhanced vision includes an optic having a clear aperture having an outer diameter. The optic has opposing first and second surfaces disposed about an optical axis, the first surface including a cross-sectional profile. The optic further includes central and outer zones that fill the entire clear aperture of the optic. The central zone is disposed about the optical axis having an outer diameter, the profile in the vicinity of the central zone having a constant radius of curvature or a radius of curvature that increases with increasing radius from the optical axis.
US08974524B2
A percutaneous stented valve delivery device including an inner shaft, a sheath, and a delivery capsule. The sheath slidably receives the inner shaft. A capsule proximal zone is attached to the sheath. A capsule distal zone is configured to transition between normal and flared states. A diameter of the distal zone is greater in the flared state, and the capsule includes a shape memory component that naturally assumes the normal state. The device is operable to perform a reversible partial deployment procedure in which a portion of the prosthesis is exposed distal the capsule and allowed to radially expand. Subsequently, with distal advancement of the capsule, the distal zone transitions to the flared state and imparts a collapsing force onto the prosthesis, causing the prosthesis to radially collapse and become recaptured within the delivery capsule. The capsule can include a laser cut tube encapsulated by a polymer.
US08974509B2
Medical devices and methods for delivery or implantation of prostheses within hollow body organs and vessels or other luminal anatomy are disclosed. The subject technologies may be used in the treatment of atherosclerosis in stenting procedures or be used in variety of other procedures. The systems may employ a self expanding stent restrained by one or more members released by an electrolytically erodable latch. Such release means do not connect directly to the implant, though one or more portions may contact it.
US08974494B2
The present disclosure relates to a surgical device including a shaft having an outer member and an inner member slidably received within the outer member, a handle coupled to the shaft, and a combination of a cannulated body having a distal end and a proximal end, a plug including a top portion configured for engagement with the proximal end of the body and a bottom portion coupled to the top portion, a first portion disposed on the bottom portion of the plug, a second portion disposed on the bottom portion of the plug, and a spring located between the first and second portions for providing movement to the inner member coupled to the inner member. A method of tissue repair is also disclosed.
US08974487B2
A device to treat an aneurysm can include a plurality of soft and compressible fill members. A flow conduit can carry the fill members in a liquid flow. A flexible, expandable, and liquid-permeable net or mesh enclosure can be inserted into and to fit within the aneurysm. The net or mesh enclosure can receive and retain the plurality of fill members while openings in the net or mesh enclosure allow enough liquid flow through the net or mesh enclosure to transport the fill members into the net or mesh enclosure. A resulting accumulation of the plurality of fill members within the net or mesh enclosure causes the net or mesh enclosure to expand and to come into contact with and generally conform with an interior wall of the aneurysm. This can substantially occlude the aneurysm and retain the net or mesh enclosure within the aneurysm.
US08974483B2
Methods, devices and systems for delivering a device assembly into a gastric or other space within the body, allowing the device to expand to occupy volume within the gastric space and, after an effective period of time, delivering a substance or stimulus to begin breakdown of the expanded device so that it may release from the body.
US08974475B2
A delivery system for percutaneously guiding a repair or replacement device into a desired position relative to a valve within a patient. The delivery system includes a longitudinal support tube having a distal end, a deformable centering loop extending from the distal end of the support tube, at least one stop positioned on the centering loop and spaced from the distal end of the support tube, at least one clip delivery system slideably attached to the centering loop, and a sheath that is longitudinally slideable relative to the support tube, the centering loop, and the at least one clip delivery tube.
US08974466B2
A device for drilling a hole in bone and for inserting bone screws into the drilled hole is provided. The device comprises a trocar, drill sleeve and protection sleeve in a telescopically nested configuration. The drill sleeve and protection sleeve may have an axial locking feature that allows the two pieces to be handled together as a unit by preventing inadvertent separation. The axial locking feature may comprise an integral annular ridge provided on one sleeve that cooperates with an annular groove provided on the other sleeve. One sleeve may also have at least one slot allowing the locking feature to be disengaged prior to separation of the sleeves. The sleeves may be easily separated with one hand by the user by the application of an axial separation force between a pair of flanges provided with the sleeves, and by a radial compression force applied to at least a portion of the drill sleeve.
US08974463B2
A spinal distraction system includes a distraction rod having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured for affixation to a subject's spine at a first location, the distraction rod having a second end containing a recess having a threaded portion disposed therein. The system further includes an adjustable portion configured for affixation relative to the subject's spine at a second location remote from the first location, the adjustable portion comprising a housing containing a magnetic assembly, the magnetic assembly affixed at one end thereof to a lead screw, the lead screw operatively coupled to the threaded portion. A locking pin may secure the lead screw to the magnetic assembly. An o-ring gland disposed on the end of the housing may form a dynamic seal with the distraction rod.
US08974459B1
A method for aligning an orthopedic implant in a joint replacement includes determining the bone and cartilage deficiency from an undegenerated state caused by wear of a joint. Then a resection of a bone in the joint is made based on the deficiency of bone and cartilage from the undegenerated state and the size of a joint implant so as to locate the joint surface of the implant in the undegenerated cartilage location. The condylar wear from the undegenerated states may be assessed at a distal and posterior location on each of a medial and a lateral femoral condyle. A distal cut is made on the femur at a location adjusting for the condylar wear from the undegenerated state. The distal cut varus-valgus angle is oriented parallel to a plane across the distal femur after adjusting for wear in the distal location on the medial and lateral condyle.
US08974458B2
A reamer for use in performing arthroplasty includes a first cutting structure having an inner concave surface that defines a first cavity and terminates in a generally circular leading edge. The inner concave surface includes a first cutting feature that is spaced apart from the leading edge. An elongate member extends from the first cutting structure into the first cavity toward the leading edge that includes a second cutting feature. A second cutting structure is secured to the elongate member and positioned within the first cavity. The second cutting structure extends outwardly from the elongate member toward the inner concave surface and includes a third cutting feature.
US08974457B2
The invention provides systems and methods for sternum repair. A sternum repair device may include a central body, which may include a plurality of bands and buckles, such that a band extends from the central body and is received by a buckle component. The band may wrap around the sternum and the device may be tightened to keep the separate sternum pieces together.
US08974456B2
A dynamic tissue holding device for dynamically holding two tissue portions in contact with one another includes a resilient body having a spring and a band arranged for extending about the tissue portions to be held together. The band has a first end for attachment to a first attachment portion on the resilient body and a second end for attachment to a second attachment portion on the resilient body. Stops are disposed on portions of the resilient body for limiting both the compression and expansion of the spring. The compression of the spring is limited by engagement of two of the stops with one another and the expansion of the spring is limited by engagement of at least one of the stops with the spring.
US08974454B2
An electrophysiology catheter for use with a steerable introducer sheath includes a flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one hollow elongate tip electrode disposed at the distal end of the catheter body. The hollow elongate tip electrode includes a sidewall having at least one elongate gap that provides flexibility allowing the tip electrode to bend relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body. The catheter body is an independent, non-steerable structure, and can be moved via movement of the steerable introducer through which it is introduced into a patient.
US08974451B2
An ablation catheter is dimensioned for advancement through a vessel of the body. The catheter includes a lumen configured to receive a pressurized electrically conductive fluid. A nozzle is fluidly coupled to the distal end of the pressurizable lumen and configured to direct a jet of the pressurized conductive fluid at a wall of a target vessel, such as a renal artery, to create or expand a hole through the target vessel and to fill the hole and at least some of the space adjacent to the hole with the conductive fluid. An electrical conductor extends at least partially along the catheter and terminates proximate or at the distal end of the pressurizable lumen. The electrical conductor is configured to conduct radiofrequency energy to the conductive fluid sufficient to ablate target tissue, such as perivascular renal nerve tissue, proximate the hole.
US08974448B2
The tissue cutting device comprises an elongated assembly including both an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a tissue-receiving window, and the inner sleeve has a distal end which cuts tissue as the inner sleeve is advanced past the window. The tissue is received into a lumen of the inner sleeve, and the inner sleeve lumen is typically enlarged in a proximal direction to reduce the tendency of resected tissue to lodge therein. The tissue displacement member is optionally provided at a distal end of the outer sleeve to further aid in dislodging tissue which becomes captured in a distal end of the inner sleeve of the lumen.
US08974446B2
An ablation apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer which includes a piezoelectric element having a cylindrical shape; a plurality of external electrodes disposed on the outer surface of the piezoelectric element; and at least one internal electrode disposed on the inner surface of the piezoelectric element. The at least one internal electrode provides corresponding internal electrode portions that are disposed opposite the external electrodes with respect to the piezoelectric element, the external electrodes and the at least one internal electrode to be energized to apply an electric field across the piezoelectric element. The ultrasonic ablation zones of the external electrodes are distributed in a staggered configuration so as to span one or more open arc segments around the longitudinal axis, and the ultrasound ablation zones of all external electrodes projected longitudinally onto any lateral plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis span a substantially closed loop around the longitudinal axis.
US08974445B2
Mitral valve insufficiency is treated by introducing an expansible device such as a balloon bearing an ultrasonic transducer into the heart so that the transducer is positioned adjacent the mitral annulus but spaced from the mitral annulus, and actuating the transducer to heat the mitral annulus, denature collagen in the annulus and thereby shrink the annulus.
US08974441B2
An adjustable accessory for a medical device having an elongate tube and a lumen extending therein, the adjustable accessory including a handle adapted for connection to a proximal end of the elongate tube. The handle including a longitudinal axis and a slot on the handle transverse to the longitudinal axis. The slot includes multiple detent positions and a fitting movably disposed in the slot. The fitting is configured to be releasably secured within one of the detent positions, and the fitting includes a port in communication with the lumen of the elongate tube.
US08974440B2
The various embodiments disclosed herein relate to modular medical devices, including various devices with detachable modular components and various devices with pivotally attached modular components. Additional embodiments relate to procedures in which various of the devices are used cooperatively. Certain embodiments of the medical devices are robotic in vivo devices.
US08974432B2
An outer cover for an absorbent article has an absorbent capacity in addition to the absorbency of an absorbent insert. The outer cover may have two or more layers, at least one of which has liquid absorption capacity. Another layer may be hydrophobic. The outer cover as a whole may be breathable and water-impermeable.
US08974429B2
A method and apparatus for alerting a user of topical negative pressure therapy apparatus to a full waste canister condition are described, the apparatus comprising a device having vacuum pump means and a waste canister connected to the device and the waste canister operably connected to a wound dressing by aspiration conduit means for aspirating fluid from the wound, the aspiration conduit means, the waste canister and the device providing a fluid flow path therethrough and the vacuum pump means providing fluid flow through the apparatus, the apparatus further comprising fluid flow restriction means in the fluid flow path of said vacuum pump and fluid pressure sensing means upstream and downstream of said fluid flow restriction means.
US08974423B2
A resetting mechanism for a reusable drug delivery device. The device comprises a spindle and a spindle guide engaging the spindle. During a resetting step of the resetting mechanism, the spindle rotates while the spindle guide does not rotate.
US08974422B2
Apparatus for delivering therapeutic agents to the central nervous system of a subject is described. The apparatus comprises at least one intracranial catheter and a percutaneous access device. The percutaneous access device comprises a body having at least one extracorporeal surface and at least one subcutaneous surface, the body defining at least one port for connection to an implanted intracranial catheter. The port is accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the device, but is provided with a seal such as a rubber bung between the lumen of the port and the extracorporeal surface. The percutaneous access device may have more than two ports and/or a flange. A method of implanting the percutaneous access device is also described.
US08974419B2
A stretchable-diameter inserter, for hemodynamic studies and related operations, is characterized in that it comprises an inserter tube, a hemostatic valve designed for preventing blood from exiting the patient toward the operator, a side line including a faucet, adapted to be used for performing blood taking and infusion operations and two dilatators: a first dilatator having a smaller cross-section and a second dilatator having a larger cross-section. The inserter tube is made of a rigid and flexible material with a substantially circular or oval contour, and comprises one or more longitudinally extending reduced thickness regions; each said reduced thickness region being folded on itself; the inner diameter therewith the tube is originally extruded is that desired for a maximum diameter configuration; the thus obtained extruded tube being then thermoformed so as to cause the reduced thickness region edges to be approached to one another thereby providing a minimum diameter tube; the thermoforming method so handling the reduced thickness region as to cause the tube material forming its thickness to be folded inward the tube, to allow the tube edges to move one another.
US08974417B2
A needle for an endoscope, includes: an outer sheath tube having a fluid passage provided therein; a distal end discharging portion that is accommodated in the distal end of the outer sheath tube so as to be extended therefrom and retracted thereinto, and is connected to the distal end of the fluid passage; an operating device for operating the distal end discharging portion so as to be extended from the distal end of the outer sheath tube and retracted thereinto; a fluid supplying device, that is provided in the outer sheath tube and is caused to communicate with the fluid passage, and supplies a fluid to the distal end discharging portion through the fluid passage; and a blocking device that is provided in the fluid passage, for freely opening and shutting off circulation of a fluid in line with an operation of the operating device.
US08974408B2
A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.
US08974404B2
A massage device includes an outer housing, an inner housing, a drive motor, a gear assembly, a one-way bearing, a drive gear wheel, at least one massage member, and a linear motion device. The massage member can perform a massage through rotary motion and linear motion, and can massage by repeatedly moving forwards and backwards with respect to the user or at fixed positions. Furthermore, the gear wheels of the gear assembly are vertically disposed in the inner housing, while the drive motor is arranged in an oblique manner. Therefore, the inner housing doesn't need a large space to accommodate the gear assembly, and, consequently, the outer housing is also reduced in width.
US08974401B2
The invention relates to a retaining clip for retaining at least one medical line in a shortened lateral position and/or to a supportive surface. In one embodiment, the device includes an elongated, tapered helical wire structure defining a hook shaped leading edge, a loading channel, an inner lumen and a handle on the trailing end. The hooked shaped leading edge, inner lumen and channel are configured to accept the largest diameter of medical wires the device is destined to be used with. Sections of the medical wire may be captured in the hook portion, and multiple rotations of the structure by the handle, moves the medical wire(s) into the channel and the inner lumen to be retained.
US08974397B2
A cardiac therapy device and/or a cardiac monitoring device connected to at least one electrode lead that includes at least one first sensing electrode pole and at least one second sensing electrode pole. The at least one first and second sensing electrode poles move relative to one another during operation of the device. The device further includes a dislocation detection unit connected directly or indirectly to the at least one first and second sensing electrode poles. In order to detect dislocation, the dislocation detection unit evaluates detection times at the at least one first and second sensing electrode pole relative to one another. The detection times are ascribable to a cardiac event, such that the dislocation unit generates a dislocation signal if the relative time relationship of the detection times changes beyond a predetermined value, or a specifically determined value changes compared to a previously recorded reference value.
US08974390B1
Systems and methods of optimal pulse compression are described. A method of determining an optimal pulse takes as an input a function of the impulse response of a transducer and produces a pulse optimized for transmission through that transducer. Images then produced with that transducer will have both superior range and spatial resolution.
US08974387B2
Various embodiments are described and illustrated to calculate an insulin bolus, recommend such bolus, and provide reminder messages for performing an additional glucose test.
US08974379B2
Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for accessing a bodily opening that, among other things, are safe and reliable, and facilitate manipulation of a medical instrument. The medical access device generally includes an elongated flexible sheath and a port connected to the distal end of the flexible sheath. The sheath defines a sheath lumen and a longitudinal axis. The port has an interior surface defining a passageway and an exterior surface that is tapered in a distal direction. The passageway is in communication with the sheath lumen. The exterior surface of the port defines a radially opening channel sized to receive at least a portion of the tissue therein.
US08974375B2
An actuatable joint is disclosed having a transmission member, for example a ring gear, associated with a member of a joint and rotatable about a longitudinal axis through the member. In particular a two degree of freedom actuatable joint is disclosed comprising tendon driven joint arrangements having a transmission member disposed around or inside a body of the joint arrangement, to provide transmission of a force from a driving means to two tendons actuating a rotational degree of freedom of the joint arrangement. Further disclosed is a segmented device, for example an endoscope, comprising a plurality of such joints, for example to define a flexible and steerable conduit for an instrument.
US08974372B2
A path-following robot, such as for creating a path to a target surgical site, includes a series of interconnected elements including a lead element at one end thereof, and a plurality of actuators each operably coupled to one of the plurality of elements. Each actuator is capable of effecting rotational and spherical motion of one element with respect to another element. The actuators are arranged to receive commands which individually control the relative position of one element compared with another element, where a position of the lead element determines a path and corresponding positions for all subsequent elements to create a path-following motion.
US08974361B2
The present invention relates to a centrifuge and a method for cooling a centrifuge. The centrifuge according to the invention includes a cooling device which is improved in that its required installation space is reduced such that the centrifuge can be of a more compact design with the centrifugation capacity remaining unchanged, or the centrifugation capacity can be increased with the installation space remaining unchanged. Further, the number of components can be reduced and thus cost and assembly time can be saved.
US08974360B2
A creasing device forms a crease in a to-be-folded portion of a sheet. The creasing device includes a sheet-information reading unit that reads any one of sheet information and binding information; a determining unit that determines a surface, on which the crease is to be formed, of the sheet according to the one of the sheet information and the binding information read by the sheet-information reading unit; and a creasing unit that forms the crease on the surface determined by the determining unit.
US08974353B2
The present invention relates to a stair exercise device for simulating stair climbing, the device having a plurality of steps which are activated by the weight of a person walking up them. A stationary platform at the base of the stair exercise device sends a signal to a controller to bring the exercise device to a controlled stop when an operator steps onto the platform. The steps of the exercise device stop in a predetermined location when the exercise device comes to a controlled stop, ensuring proper step location to allow the operator to easily enter and exit the exercise device. Steps have a step platform of a different color than the risers between steps to aid in foot placement.
US08974352B2
The present invention relates to a standup exercise apparatus that simulates walking and jogging with arm exercise. More particularly, the present invention relates to an exercise machine having separately supported pedals for the feet and arm exercise coordinated with the motion of the feet where the pedal stride length is determined by the movements of an operator. Crank arms are positioned on the framework forward the operator at a height comparable to the pedals. Compound guides are used to achieve elliptical curve pedal paths.
US08974347B2
A fluid pressure control device for an automatic transmission that transfers power from a motor via a friction engagement element, including: a first pump actuated by the power from the motor; a pressure regulator that regulates pressure of a working fluid pumped from the first pump; a first flow passage connected to an output port of the pressure regulator; a second flow passage connected to a fluid pressure chamber of the friction engagement element; a switcher that establishes and blocks connection between the first flow passage and the second flow passage; a second pump actuated by supply of electric power and capable of supplying the working fluid to the second flow passage with connection between the first flow passage and the second flow passage blocked by the switcher; and a pressure accumulator that accumulates pressure of the working fluid. The pressure accumulator is connected to the first flow passage.
US08974341B2
A drive device having at least one electric machine, a gearbox, a differential which can be driven by the electric machine by means of the gearbox, at least one torque-fixed first operative connection between a first drive shaft of the electric machine and the gearbox.
US08974340B2
A hybrid mechanism is provided, including: an engine, a first motor, a second motor, a clutch, a hybrid unit, a differential, and a battery. The clutch, the second motor and the engine are sequentially coupled to one end of the hybrid unit, and the first motor and the battery are coupled to the other end of the hybrid mechanism. The battery provides supplying currents to the first motor or the second motor or receives range-extend currents from the second motor. The hybrid unit includes a first sun gear, a second sun gear, at least one planetary gear coupled to the first and second sun gears, and a planet carrier coupled to the at least one planetary gear. The hybrid mechanism has four modes. The hybrid unit harmonizes the first driving force from the first motor and the engine and the second driving force from the second motor and outputs a harmonized driving force to the differential.
US08974339B2
A vehicle power transmission device has a torque converter including an input-side rotating member, an output-side rotating member, a stator and a case including a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a bulkhead, and the first chamber and the second chamber being oil-tightly isolated from each other by an oil seal. The vehicle power transmission device is disposed with a thrust bearing between the input-side rotating member and the stator, which is disposed to partially or entirely overlap with the oil seal and a one way clutch disposed between the stator and a non-rotating member which supports the stator. A portion of the one way clutch protrudes toward the second chamber, the input-side rotating member having an annular projecting portion, and the annular projecting portion houses the thrust bearing and the portion of the one way clutch.
US08974337B2
A power transmission apparatus for a vehicle which includes a first, a second, and a third rotor which split power among a motor-generator, an internal combustion engine, and a driven wheel of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a torque transmission control mechanism which selectively transmits torque between the first rotor and the engine. When the torque transmission control mechanism establishes the transmission of torque between the first rotor and the engine, powers, as produced by the second and third rotors, are opposite in sign to each other. This enables the speed of the first rotor to be set to zero (0) or a very low speed. Therefore, when an initial torque is applied to the engine through the first rotor to start the engine, the mechanical vibration which usually arises from the application of initial torque and is to be exerted on the power transmission apparatus is minimized.
US08974333B2
A tensioning device for a continuous drive element includes a housing, a tensioning piston movably guided in the housing, and a pressure chamber for hydraulic fluid formed between the housing and the tensioning piston, wherein the tensioning piston comprises a vent opening, and a vent channel between the pressure chamber and the vent opening, formed by assembling at least two vent elements, wherein in the one vent element, in the contact surface to the second vent element, separate partial areas of the vent channel are formed by molded groove sections which are connected to each other by transfer grooves molded in the second vent element in the contact surface to the first vent element, such that sections of a main portion of the cross-section of flow of the vent channel are arranged on one side, and sections are arranged on another side of a plane spanned by the contact surfaces.
US08974331B2
A bicycle derailleur includes a base member, a movable member, a motor unit, a linkage and a saver mechanism. The linkage includes a first link that includes a first linking member and a second linking member. The first linking member is pivotally connected to the movable member. The second linking member is pivotally connected to the base member, and is attached to the first linking member. The saver mechanism includes an output member movably operated by the motor unit, a drive link movably mounted on the first link between a drive transmitting position that connects a drive force of the motor to the first link and a non-drive transmitting position that disconnect the drive force of the motor from the first link, and a biasing element biasing the drive link into engagement with the output member to maintain the drive link in the drive transmitting position.
US08974321B2
An apparatus comprises an elongated body comprising a top end, a bottom end, a chamber extending away from the bottom end, a hole extending through the bottom end into the chamber, and a door to expose the chamber and an interior of the hole. The chamber retains a golf tee with the door in a closed position. The hole enables only a bottom portion of the golf tee to extend beyond the bottom end. An adjustment mechanism adjusts a depth of the chamber to position the golf tee to protrude a desired length out of the hole during placement of the golf tee into a tee ground. A retention mechanism urges the door into the closed position and enables the door to open with an upward movement of the apparatus after the golf tee has been placed into the tee ground.
US08974314B2
A golf club swinging apparatus configured to support and provide for motion of a golf club along a pendulum swing path may comprise a frame, a rotation mechanism having club and frame coupling components, and an angle measurement mechanism. Another embodiment may comprise a frame, and a rotation mechanism configured to couple a golf club to the frame and to provide for rotation about a rotation point such that the golf club may follow a pendulum swing path through a strike position. Yet another embodiment may comprise a frame having a base component, a vertical component, and a cross-member component, a rotation mechanism rotatably coupled with the cross-member component, and a protractor having a freely rotatable arm configured to couple with the golf club and measure an angle at which the golf club is rotated about the rotation point along a swing path.
US08974313B2
A method and apparatus for determining an angle of attack of a golf swing based on multiple ball hitting is disclosed. Multiple golf balls of different known constructions are hit by a golfer. Club head speed and backspin data associated with each of the hit golf balls is measured. Based on a correlation between an angle of attack and measured data associated with the golf balls of different known constructions, an angle of attack of a golf swing can be determined. Different sets of golf balls of known constructions can be provided based on characteristics of a golfer. A kit including at least three golf balls of different known constructions and a database containing the correlation between data associated with the at least three golf balls and an angle of attack is also disclosed.
US08974312B2
The present invention relates to an automatic golf ball supply device, being an automatic golf ball supply device which automatically supplies golf balls to a position where the golf balls will be hit with a golf club by the user, which comprises: a frame on the upper part of which is formed a golf ball withdrawal hole; an ascending and descending mount which ascends and descends by means of a motor, and on the upper surface of which is provided a tee member where a golf ball rests, and which is provided so as to ascend and descend freely in the withdrawal hole direction following a guide provided in the frame; and a golf ball conveying loader which conveys golf balls towards the tee member of the ascending and descending mount as the outer circumferential surface rotates and makes contact with the golf balls inside a golf-ball-waiting chamber in such a way as to be able to push each golf ball and to rest the same on the tee member. Consequently, there are advantages in that the height of the frame can be minimized and there are great savings on the weight, volume and installation space of the product, and in that it is possible to reduce the number of parts and hence increase productivity and economize on production costs, and to minimize loss of motive force and so maximize the force with which the golf balls are conveyed.
US08974310B2
An intermediate shaft of a vehicle steering apparatus can prevent foreign matter, for example, moisture, dust or oil, from being introduced into the intermediate shaft even from a process of transporting the intermediate shaft to assemble it to a vehicle, and even when the intermediate shaft is assembled to the vehicle and the vehicle is driven. As a result, it is possible to prevent a component of the intermediate shaft from being deformed or damaged.
US08974306B2
Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for multi-tiered gaming data download. The system includes a gaming device for local play of a game. The gaming device includes a communication interface receiving and transmitting data to download a game for play at the gaming device. The system also includes a plurality of download servers communicating with the gaming device to provide game data for download to and play at the gaming device. The system further includes a middle tier server acting as a hub to communicate with the plurality of download servers to provide game data from one or more of the plurality of download servers. The middle tier server allocates download server resources and schedules a download of game data from one or more download servers to the gaming device based on resource constraints at the plurality of download servers and availability for download at the gaming device.
US08974302B2
Various embodiments that may generally relate to mobile gaming, location determination, mobile devices, authentication, and so on are described. Various methods are described. Various apparatus are described. Further embodiments are described.
US08974292B2
A betting system for handling betting events, comprising means for determining natural probability values assigned to the events based on a statistical method; and transformation means for applying a transformation function to the natural probability values to get transformed probability values; and means for providing the transformed probability values to betting clients of the betting system. The betting system may provide real-time betting events in comparable short time intervals.
US08974285B2
One or more instances of a bonus game (e.g., Class II games such as Bingo games) may be provided to players of another wagering game (e.g., a Class III game such as a slot game, a poker game, etc.). Some implementations of the invention allow players to exchange indicia of credit (e.g., money, game credits, or player loyalty points) for bonus opportunities. For example, players may be able to purchase one or more Bingo cards for Bingo bonus games. Some implementations award bonus opportunities to players based on wager levels, game results, a player's level in a player loyalty program and/or other criteria.
US08974252B1
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of first terminals each having a first elastic portion, a plurality of second terminals each having a second elastic portion, and a shielding shell enclosing the insulating housing. The insulating housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall and two side walls which together surround an inserting chamber thereamong. The top wall and the bottom wall respectively define a plurality of first terminal grooves and second terminal grooves which are opened symmetrically about the inserting chamber and communicate with the inserting chamber. The first and second terminals are respectively inserted frontward in the first and second terminal grooves with the first elastic portions and the second elastic portions face-to-face projecting into the inserting chamber and being symmetrical in structure and arrangement about the inserting chamber.
US08974250B2
The present invention discloses a coupling terminal structure and electrical connector using the same. The coupling terminal structure comprises: at least a pair of first terminal and second terminal, wherein the first terminal includes a first contact portion, a first neck portion and a first extension portion, the second terminal includes a second contact portion, a second neck portion and a second extension portion. The first contact portion is disposed aside to the second contact portion at a first distance, while the first extension portion is disposed aside to the second extension portion at a second distance. The first distance is greater than the second distance, thereby forming an electromagnetic coupling effect between the first extension portion and the second extension portion to provide better shielding and decrease interference between and within terminals.
US08974249B2
An electrical connector includes a body with a tongue and the body supports a terminal module, the terminal module including a first row of terminals and a second row of terminals. Each terminal includes a contact portion and a soldering portion, the contact portions of the first and second row of terminals being disposed on an upper side and a lower side of the tongue, respectively, and the soldering portions of the first and second row of terminals each being arranged in a front column and a back column. A first and second positioning element can support the first and second rows of terminals, respectively. A shield that envelopes a periphery of the insulating body forms a contact chamber for accommodating the tongue. The front portion of the shield can be recessed into the circuit board to reduce the effective height of the connector and circuit board.
US08974242B2
A posable strain relief for use with a cable which can he bent into a particular shape by the user, and which retains that shape, thus allowing modification to suit a specific environment or use.
US08974239B2
To prevent electrocution from improper connections through electrical outlets including Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (commonly known as AFCI's), Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (commonly known as GFCI's) and power strips, plugs of matching configuration should be used. For purposes of this application, “electrical outlet” or “receptacle outlet” have the same meaning as an “outlet”. When unattended, some children could be electrocuted by inserting metallic objects into electrical outlets. To control these incidents, it becomes necessary to provide outlets with a shutter device incorporated into the housing cover so that only plugs of matching configuration can be used. For purposes of this application, “childproof”, “tamper-proof” or “tamper-resistant” outlets are the same and refer to an outlet provided with a shutter device as the present invention. These shutter devices are typically incorporated into the outlet housing cover to resist tampering or entry of any object other than a plug of matching configuration.
US08974238B2
A portable memory storage device with a miniaturized memory storage assembly package with electrical contacts that further includes a casing, the casing holding the memory package and having a first end portion, a cover, the cover being rotatable about the first end portion of the casing, and at least a plug for engaging the cover and the casing and being fitted about the first end portion of the casing. When the cover is rotated about the first end portion of the casing to selectively cover or expose the electrical contacts, the plug rotates about the first end portion with the cover. Further, the first end portion includes a groove on an interior side surface, and when the cover is at a first locked state, a projection of the plug abuts against a side of the groove. The electrical contacts can be formed in accordance with the USB Specification.
US08974229B2
A method of virtually designing a post and core restoration for attachment in a damaged tooth of a patient, where the tooth includes a bore for receiving the post of the post and core, the method includes obtaining a first 3D scan includes at least a part of the damaged tooth; providing a digital 3D shape adapted to fit the bore of the damaged tooth; virtually matching the first 3D scan of the tooth and the digital 3D shape, where the matching includes matching a surface region in the first 3D scan of the tooth with a corresponding surface region of the digital 3D shape, such that at least part digital 3D shape is represented relative to the first 3D scan of the tooth; and virtually designing the post and core restoration based on the representation of the digital 3D shape relative to the first 3D scan of the tooth.
US08974228B2
A method of assessing the quality of periodontal tissue using a dental device having a flat laminar body with a visual indicator thereon. The visual indicator includes a color zone having a color. The method includes positioning the flat laminar body of the dental device under the periodontal tissue in a gap existing between a tooth and a portion of the periodontal tissue covering a neck portion of the tooth; observing the periodontal tissue underneath which the body has been positioned; and determining to what the degree the color of the color zone is apparent through the periodontal tissue.
US08974223B2
Provided is an injection foaming mold capable of preventing, when formed resin molding is performed by a partial core back, degradation of an outer appearance and component precision, and occurrence of swelling when a portion that is not subjected to the core back is taken out of a die. The injection foaming mold includes at least: a fixed core that avoids moving; and a movable core that performs the core back. The injection foaming mold further includes a capacity change shape portion, which is formed in a region in which a capacity in the die is changed smoothly and continuously from the fixed core side to the movable core side, the capacity change shape portion being formed at a boundary between the fixed core and the movable core.
US08974215B2
A heating mold for thermal nanoimprint lithography is disclosed. According to one aspect, the mold includes a resistive heating element and collecting element for collecting the electromagnetic energy of a variable electromagnetic field emitted by a source located outside the mold. The collecting element being connected to the resistive heating element in which the electromagnetic energy is dissipated. A method for manufacturing the mold, a thermal nanoimprint lithography device including the mold, and a a method for preparing a substrate including a surface nanostructured by a thermal nanoimprint lithography technique using the mold is applied are also disclosed.
US08974214B2
Provided is a device for manufacturing an optical film having satisfactorily reduced thickness unevenness, by using a melt-casting film forming method, which device includes a casting die for discharging a molten film-forming material including a thermoplastic resin into a film-like shape; a pair of a first rotation roll and a second rotation roll between which the discharged film-shaped molten article is pinched to be cooled and solidified to make the film-shaped molten article; and two pairs of wind shield plates each of which pairs are arranged between the shaft-direction ends of the first and second rotation rolls and an end part in the width-direction of the film-shaped molten article, wherein the wind shield plates are placed approximately perpendicular to the surface of the film-shaped molten article, and wherein each pair of the wind shield plates are placed approximately in parallel.
US08974211B2
A system for aiding in the replacement of a mold in a molding unit of a machine for manufacturing containers, includes at least one transport device (16) for transporting a joined mold (18) forming a transportable unit subassembly, the transport device (16) including at least one robotic arm (96) for positioning, in space along a trihedron (X, Y, Z) and with respect to the molding unit (12), elements (76) for handling at least one joined mold (18) so as to carry out a replacement of the at least one mold (18) of the molding unit (12).
US08974206B2
A metering pump with a special-shaped cavity comprising a housing, a rotor and two cover plates. The housing is a cylinder with a special-shaped surface inner cavity formed by combining two circular arc surfaces with two non-circular arc surfaces and a planar surface, an inlet and an outlet. The rotor comprises a rotor body and two pairs of combined sliding plates. The housing is matched with the cover plates for constituting a sealed cavity. When the rotor rotates, the non-circular arc surface of the special-shaped surface inner cavity can enable the two pairs of the combined sliding plates to slide in a cross manner so as to suck in fluid from the inlet and press out the fluid from the outlet. When the rotor rotates one cycle, four standard volumes are formed in a cavity body and the equal quantity of the fluid flows by the cavity body.
US08974199B2
A mixed-flow fan features a housing (42); an impeller (43) journaled rotatably with respect to the housing, and equipped with fan blades (54); a generally cylindrical air conduit (50) defined between the fan housing and the impeller, the fan blades extending into the air conduit in order, during operation, to transport air; an external-rotor motor (75) having an internal stator (100) and an external rotor (81) which includes a tubular ferromagnetic yoke (63) partly embedded in material of the impeller. A cup-shaped yoke (72) fits into a central cavity (68) of the tubular yoke (63) and accommodates a permanent magnet arrangement (66) which interacts with the stator. The tubular yoke (63) and the cup-shaped yoke (72) together serve as a magnetic return path for the external-rotor motor. The structure minimizes damage during final assembly, and simplifies insertion of balancing weights.
US08974197B2
The invention relates to a system and method of providing a compressor mechanism having a front housing, center housing and rear housing. The center housing includes an integrated compressor bearing support and compressor base surface that divides the housing into cantilevered wall sections. The system and method constructed in this manner provides a compact structure for an electric compressor with the ability to reduce noise vibration harshness.
US08974188B2
A clip to connect a blade to a rotor disk, the blade with a root and a tip in a spanwise direction, and a leading edge and a trailing edge in a chordwise direction, the root with a bottom surface, includes a locking mechanism shaped to engage a complementary slot extending into the bottom surface of the blade root in the spanwise direction; a support connected to the locking mechanism extending the length of the bottom surface of the root in the chordwise direction; and first and second arms extending radially inward converging in an axial direction so that the arms are closer at their distal ends to engage the rotor disk.
US08974184B2
An axial-flow turbine assembly that includes one or more features for enhancing the efficiency of the turbine's operation. In one embodiment, the turbine assembly includes a turbine rotor having blades that adjust their pitch angle in direct response to working fluid pressure on the blades themselves or other part(s) of the rotor. In other embodiments, the turbine assembly is deployable in an application, such as an oscillating water column system, in which the flow of working fluid varies over time, for example, as pressure driving the flow changes. In a first of these embodiments, the turbine assembly includes a valve that allows the pressure to build so that the flow is optimized for the turbine's operating parameters. In a second of these embodiments, one or more variable-admission nozzle and shutter assemblies are provided to control the flow through the turbine to optimize the flow relative to the turbine's operating parameters.
US08974179B2
A turbine system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the turbine system includes a transition duct. The transition duct includes an inlet, an outlet, and a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet and defining a longitudinal axis, a radial axis, and a tangential axis. The outlet of the transition duct is offset from the inlet along the longitudinal axis and the tangential axis. The transition duct further includes an interface member for interfacing with a turbine section. The turbine system further includes a convolution seal contacting the interface member to provide a seal between the interface member and the turbine section.
US08974175B2
A turbomachine compressor including variable-pitch vanes including an aerofoil section connected by a mounting plate of circular outline to a pivot guided in rotation in an orifice in a casing is disclosed. The mounting plate of the vane includes at least one notch for bleeding air from the compressor stream. The notch is intended to communicate with a hole in the casing in order to remove the air bled off when the vanes are in a first position, and to be closed off by this casing when the vanes are in a second position, so that the flow rate of bled air depends on the pitch angle of the vanes.
US08974168B2
An automated storage/retrieval system has two pairs of multi-tier racks that are arranged in series. An elevator is disposed between the two pairs of multi-tier racks. The elevator enables a load to be delivered to and received from the two pairs of multi-tier racks. The automated storage/retrieval system having such a tandem structure not only can provide the same storage capacity as that of a conventional configuration in which two pairs of multi-tier racks are arranged in parallel, but also can be applied to a building with a limited height since the system does not need to have an extended height. Since only one elevator is needed, the number of units is less than that of a conventional system, reducing manufacturing cost and an installation space for the system.
US08974166B2
A device (H) to be mounted to a friable wall (W) comprises a body (10) and at least one main saber tooth (12) extending rearwardly from an upper portion of the body (10) and adapted to be driven into the wall (W) for securing the device (H) thereto. The main saber tooth (12) is arcuate and has a pointed rear free end (22), and is adapted to be arcuately driven into the wall (W). An arcuate and pointy secondary saber tooth (14) extends rearwardly from a lower portion of the body (10) for insertion into the wall (W) before the main saber tooth (12) is inserted therein. The main saber tooth (12) defines a lower enlarged, and typically flat, load-bearing surface (30) for bearing against material of the wall (W). The main saber tooth (12) includes an upper transversely curved surface (32). A hook member (20) is provided on a front part of the body (10) for suspending items therefrom once the device (H) has been mounted to the wall (W).
US08974165B2
A screw has an outer diameter in a range of 0.3 mm to 1.4 mm. The screw includes resin and carbon fiber which is dispersed in the resin and has a fiber diameter in a range of 0.01 μm to 0.20 μm.
US08974151B2
A constant-resistance large-deformation anchor rod includes a rod body (6), a tray (3), a nut (2), and a constant-resistance device (4). The constant-resistance device (4) is formed into a cylindrical structure, and the inner surface of the constant-resistance device (4) and the outer surface of the rod body (6) are both formed with thread structures. The constant-resistance device (4) is sleeved at the tail of the rod body (6), and the tray (3) and the nut (2) are sequentially sleeved at the tail of the constant-resistance device (4). The nut (2) is in threaded connection with the constant-resistance device (4). The constant-resistance large-deformation anchor rod in the invention can be automatically stretched when the tunnel surrounding rock deforms largely, and keep the constant working resistance.
US08974145B2
A method and system for treating golf course sand bunkers to maintain sand in a playable condition by improving the propensity for water to pass through, opening clogged drains, and decomposing organic sediment. The method and system include a drainage solution and a microbe-based solution which are applied to the sand bunker in at least two applications, separated by a period of time, preferably a month. The drainage solution comprises a blend of surfactants and/or physical stability agents and the microbe-based solution comprises a liquid and microbes.
US08974143B2
An offshore atoll system includes a continuous barrier positioned at a sea surface and configured to reduce a magnitude of incoming waves on at least one side of the continuous barrier.
US08974137B2
A quick coupler for connecting an implement to a machine. The quick coupler including a frame, a first jaw pivotally connected to the frame and movable between an open position and a closed position, a second jaw pivotally connected to the frame and movable between an open position and a closed position, and a lock system connected to the first jaw and the second jaw. The lock system includes a first linkage pivotally connected to the frame and to the first jaw, a second linkage pivotally connected to the first linkage and to the second jaw, and a drive member connected to the first linkage and configured to selectively operate the lock system between an unlocked position and a locked position.
US08974134B2
A package for applying a liquid personal care product. the package including a body for storing and dispensing a personal care product and an applicator with a skin-contacting portion for applying the personal care product to the skin of a user. The body of the package and the skin-contacting portion both have first and second cross-sectional shapes with major and minor dimensions aligned with one another. The major dimension being greater than the minor dimension. The skin contacting portion includes a patterned surface. The patterned surface produces a corresponding pattern on skin when the personal care product is applied thereto. The pattern may be configured to deliver a discontinuous film of product to the skin, resulting in natural looking coverage.
US08974133B2
The present invention relates to a dispensing device (1) for dispensing glue or adhesive onto a substrate surface for the laying of floor coverings, in particular parquet or laminate in board format, comprising a glue cylinder (103) into which at least one pouch filled with glue or adhesive can be inserted, and comprising a plunger (10) which is disposed such as to be axially displaceable within the glue cylinder (103) so as to compress a pouch located within the glue cylinder (103) and so to push its contents out of the glue cylinder (103), an electric drive (9) being provided which is coupled to the plunger (10) in order to displace the plunger (10) axially within the glue cylinder (103).
US08974132B2
A tape cartridge 11 includes a platen roller 15, when the tape cartridge 11 is mounted on a tape printer 1, a print head 22 of the tape printer 1 contacting the platen roller 15 with a print tape T and an ink ribbon R arranged therebetween such that the print head 22 can be separated from the platen roller 15; a cartridge case 16 that houses the print tape T, the ink ribbon R, and the platen roller 15; and an insertion opening 17 formed in the cartridge case 16, the print head 22 being inserted into the insertion opening 17. A contact portion 10 of the platen roller 15 that is brought into contact with the print head 22 protrudes relative to a head receiver 72 of the insertion opening 17 to which the print head 22 is exposed.
US08974125B2
In an opto-electronic system having one or more optical transceiver modules and an enclosure, air is forced through the interior of the transceiver module to dissipate heat generated by the opto-electronic and electronic elements.
US08974124B2
A connector for a fiber optic cable is disclosed, as well as a housing therefor, wherein the housing is formed as a single unitary piece to simplify construction and assembly. A ferrule assembly may be configured in conjunction with the housing to provide a retentive coupling between the assembly and the housing upon insertion of the assembly into the housing.
US08974108B2
The present invention relates to a truck mixer having a chassis, a mixer subframe arranged on the chassis and a mixer drum which is arranged over a front drum support and a rear drum support on the mixer subframe, wherein at least the rear drum support is fastened on side members of the mixer subframe via elastic, shape-matched connections, wherein at least one of the connections for the fastening of the rear drum support to a side member of the mixer subframe has a connection arrangement for the shape-matched elastic connection which is arranged within the section width of the side member.
US08974099B2
A vehicle headlight having a plurality of semiconductor emitters for the alternative production of a low-beam light distribution and a daytime driving light distribution is provided. For producing the low-beam light distribution, a low-beam light luminous surface is generated by the vehicle headlight. For producing the daytime driving light distribution, a daytime driving light luminous surface is generated by the vehicle headlight. The low-beam light luminous surface and the daytime driving light luminous surface are essentially identical.
US08974097B2
A method for controlling an aircraft having a plurality of LEDs, light so as to emit a desired light intensity includes the steps of providing a reference LED located within or outside of the aircraft light, providing thermal conditions resulting in a thermal stress for the reference LED similar to the maximum thermal stress, and observing the reference LED by means of an optical sensor for monitoring the optical aging behavior of the reference LED throughout its lifetime. The desired light intensity of the aircraft light is achieved by controlling the plurality of LEDs in accordance with the monitored aging behavior of the reference LED.
US08974095B2
A coupling component has a groove for receiving a rim of a mouth portion of a lighting body protection bulb. The groove includes sculptured formations to keep the mouth portion rim received in the groove spaced from the bottom of the groove to produce a discontinuous contact between the mouth portion rim and the groove.
US08974091B2
A heat-dissipating structure for an LED lamp has a lamp cover, and a power conversion device and a ceramic substrate mounted inside the lamp cover. The lamp cover has multiple heat-dissipating holes and multiple mounting ears. Each mounting ear is formed on an edge of one of the heat-dissipating holes and is bent inwardly with the heat-dissipating hole uncovered. The ceramic substrate is mounted on the mounting ears. The ceramic substrate has multiple LEDs mounted thereon, absorbs heat generated when the LEDs emit light and conducts the heat to the lamp cover through the mounting ears. The heat generated when the LEDs are lit and the power conversion converts a mains power is transferred to a heat convection space between the ceramic substrate and the lamp cover, and is further dissipated to an ambient environment, thereby achieving fast heat dissipation and a light LED lamp without an additional heat sink thereon.
US08974090B2
The present invention discloses a high contrast water-proof LED lamp, including: a casing provided with a reflective cup (10), a PCB (12) disposed on the bottom surface of the casing, an LED chip (1) disposed inside the reflective cup (10), and a light-guiding packaging adhesive (4). The casing is composed of a light color layer (8) in the lower part and a dark color layer (9) in the upper part, and a top surface of the PCB (12) and an outer surface of the light color layer (8) of the casing are provided with black water-proof adhesive sealant (11). The lower part of the inner surface of the reflective cup is a light color layer and the upper part is a dark color layer.
US08974089B2
An illumination device 1 which is a light emitting device capable of emitting white light, includes: a laser element 2 for emitting a blue laser beam; a light emitting section 4 for generating fluorescence by be being irradiated with the blue laser beam emitted from the laser element 2; and a parabolic mirror 5 for reflecting the fluorescence generated from the light emitting section 4, the parabolic mirror 5 being disposed on an irradiated surface side which irradiated surface is a surface of the light emitting section 4 which surface is irradiated with the blue laser beam. This allows the illumination device 1 to efficiently project the white illumination light.
US08974084B2
Disclosed is an illuminating system of flexible shape and comprising at least one LED disposed on a flexible carrier material, an optic being provided that permits uniform, directed and/or glare-free light emission.
US08974081B2
An LED lamp includes a socket and a shallow dish-shaped body detachably connected to the socket. The body includes a rear cover, a transparent front cover, a lamp board, a number of LED light sources, a driving circuit board, and a fixing member. The front cover has a honeycombed pattern including a plurality of cells. The LED light sources are mounted on the lamp board facing an inside of the front cover, and each LED light source is configured to emit a light beam toward the front cover so as to create a light spot in a corresponding cell on the front cover. The driving circuit board is electrically connected to the socket and the lamp board, and is configured for driving the LED light sources to emit light beams. The fixing member is configured for fixing the rear cover, the driving circuit board and the lamp board together.
US08974074B1
A mounting system for a light source. The mounting system can include a first portion having a light source coupling feature and a first vertical adjustment feature, where the first vertical adjustment feature includes first fastening features. The mounting system can also include a second portion mechanically coupled to the first portion, where the second portion includes a second vertical adjustment feature having second fastening features, where the second fastening features are mechanically coupled to the first fastening features. The mounting system can further include a horizontal adjustment feature disposed at a bottom end of the second portion and mechanically coupled to the second portion. The mounting system can also include a mounting feature mechanically coupled to the horizontal adjustment feature and configured to mechanically couple to a mounting device. The mounting system can further include a guarding device disposed on a top end of the second portion.
US08974072B2
A lighted artificial tree includes a first tree portion including a first trunk portion, first branches joined to the first trunk portion, and a first light string. The first trunk portion has a trunk connector and a first trunk wiring assembly, the first trunk wiring assembly is electrically connectable to the first light string and the trunk connector, and at least a portion of the first wiring assembly is located inside the first portion. The second tree portion includes a second trunk portion, second branches, and a second light string. The second trunk portion has a trunk connector and a second trunk wiring assembly, the second trunk wiring assembly electrically connectable to the second lighting string and the trunk connector. The second tree portion may be mechanically coupled and electrically connected to the first tree portion by coaxially coupling the first trunk portion to the second trunk portion.
US08974070B2
A display device includes a display panel which displays an image, a backlight unit which supplies the display panel with light, an upper cover, and a lower cover. The upper and lower covers accommodate the display panel and the backlight unit. The backlight unit includes light guide plates spaced apart from each other, a light source part, an optical member and an optical diffusion member overlapping a space between the light guide plates. The optical diffusion member includes a diffusing part and a supporting part. The diffusing part faces the optical member, overlaps the space between the light guide plates, and diffuses light emitted from the light source part toward the optical member through the space between the light guide plates. The supporting part protrudes from a surface of the diffusing part which is opposite to the optical member, and is in a space between the light sources.
US08974065B2
An optical body includes a substrate having a concave-convex surface, a reflecting layer formed on the concave-convex surface, and an optical layer formed on the reflecting layer to embed the concave-convex surface, wherein the reflecting layer directionally reflects light, the concave-convex surface is made up of a plurality of triangular pillars arrayed in a one-dimensional pattern, and the triangular pillar has an apex angle α and a slope angle β, the apex angle α and the slope angle β satisfying a formula (1) or (2) given below: 30≦β≦4.5α−285(70≦α≦80) (1) 30≦β≦−1.5α+195(80≦α≦100) (2).
US08974062B2
A projection apparatus including a casing, a light source module, a fan, and a light engine module is provided. The casing has an inlet and an outlet. The light source module is disposed in the casing and is adjacent to the inlet. The fan is disposed in the casing and is adjacent to the outlet, and is configured to provide a heat dissipation airflow. The light engine module is disposed in the casing and is located between the fan and the light source module, and the heat dissipation airflow sequentially flows through the inlet, the light source module, the light engine module, the fan, and the outlet. The fan is disposed between the light engine module and the outlet.
US08974055B2
The present invention, as described above and as further defined by the claims below, provides methods for forming an Ophthalmic Lens that encapsulates a Rigid Insert, wherein the Rigid Insert may be tailored to correct specific astigmatic characteristics of an eye and apparatus for implementing such methods, as well as Ophthalmic Lenses formed with the Rigid Inserts.
US08974054B2
A silicone contact lens has a radial cross-section of the inner face, the rim portion contour of which is convex between a point of inflection and the outer edge. For its manufacture, a silicone precursor is brought between a female and a male mold and is polymerized, and the polymerized contact lens is released from the mold by means of a liquid swelling same.
US08974047B2
A phase change ink composition including an ink vehicle; an optional colorant; and ethylene vinyl acetate in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight based on the total weight of the phase change ink composition.
US08974023B2
This application discloses a method for controlling jet printing positions, including: detecting a color code of an inputted paper by a color code sensor, and outputting a pulse signal when the color code is detected; configuring an expectation window where the pulse signal is expected to be generated; initiating jet printing after a predetermined delay period when the pulse signal is detected in the expectation window; and initiating jet printing after correction when no pulse signal is detected in the expectation window or the pulse signal is detected outside the expectation window. The method may improve the quality of jet printing.
US08974020B2
A device for adjusting gap between platen and print head includes a base, a printing unit, a platen and a pair of adjusting elements. The printing unit is located on the base and includes a print head. The platen is located between the printing unit and the base, in which the platen has a platen-portion and a pair of adjusting-portions, the adjusting-portions are disposed at opposite sides of the platen-portion, and each of the adjusting-portions has a step-guiding-surface. The adjusting elements are disposed beside the platen and correspondingly contact the step-guiding-surfaces of the adjusting-portions, in which the distance between the platen and the print head is varied with positions of the adjusting elements relative to the step-guiding-surfaces.
US08974012B2
An electric autobrake interlock system for an aircraft includes an autobrake power interlock mechanism that prevents inadvertent (uncommanded) application of brakes. The autobrake power interlock removes operating power from the brake actuators whenever the autobrake actuation data does not indicate a legitimate autobrake application condition. The interlock processing occurs in parallel with the autobrake command processing such that even if an inadvertent autobrake command is generated, the brake actuators will be enable to act upon the inadvertent autobrake command. In this regard, the brake actuators are unable to apply brakes automatically unless the following two actions happen concurrently: the operating power is provided to enable the electric brake actuators and autobrake actuation control is commanded in response to the legitimate autobrake application condition.
US08974011B2
A vehicle brake system includes a pump, a sump, brake units and left and right manually operated brake valves. The brake system also includes, for each brake unit, a solenoid operated on-off valve having a first port connected to a pilot of one of the brake valves, a second port, a third port connected to one of the brake units, a solenoid and a spring which opposes the solenoid. The brake system also includes, for each brake unit, a solenoid operated proportional valve. Each proportional valve controls communication between the pump, the sump and the second port of a corresponding one of the on-off valves.
US08974007B2
A wheel for a vehicle includes a hub, a rim, a plurality of spokes, and a disk member. The hub includes a flange portion, a plurality of spoke pedestals, and a plurality of disk member attaching portions. The flange portion outwardly spreads in a radial direction of the hub and is provided on one end portion of the hub in an axial direction of the hub. The spoke pedestals are provided at substantially regular intervals on an inner side of the flange portion and inwardly projects from the flange portion in the radial direction. The disk member attaching portions are provided at substantially regular intervals on an outer periphery of the flange portion and outwardly projects from the flange portion in the radial direction. The disk member attaching portions are provided between the spoke pedestals in a circumferential direction of the flange portion.
US08974003B2
A sound blocking rear seat assembly for an automotive vehicle. The rear seat assembly includes a seat back adjacent to a seat bottom. The seat bottom also defines at least two passenger seating locations. A seat base of the seat bottom extends the width of the seat assembly and has a non-planar three dimensional contoured upper surface. A nonporous resilient sound blocking layer has a shape substantially conforming to the upper surface of the seat base and is located over the seat base such that it extends substantially continuously and uninterruptedly over the width of the seat assembly. Positioned over the sound blocking layer is a resilient seat cushion, and a trim layer is located over the seat cushion layer.
US08974002B2
Tubular bodies for use in frames for seats of vehicles such as aircraft are described. A tube can include a sidewall that has a variable thickness along the length of the tube. The variable thickness of the sidewalls can result in the tube having a variable inner diameter along the length of the tube. The tube may also include a variable outer diameter.
US08973995B2
Device for synchronizing the tilt of a chair back and seat, of the type comprising a frame of the chair back (5), a frame of the seat (2) and a support (1) integral with the base of the chair, as well as at least one first crank (3), integral with the afore said frame of the chair back (5), and hinged (6, 7) at the rear to the frame of the seat (2) and to the support (1), and at least one second crank (4), hinged (8, 9) at the front to the frame of the seat (2) and to the support (1). The afore said first crank (3) and the second crank (4), with the frame of the seat (2), determine a articulated quadrilateral, wherein such a first crank (3) and such a second crank (4) lie substantially on skew lines.
US08973992B2
A child safety seat includes a seat base and a safety-belt clamping device disposed on the seat base, and is disposed to a car seat by a safety belt. The safety-belt clamping device includes a bottom seat, a rotatable clamping arm connected pivotally to an end of the bottom seat, and a retainer mounted to an opposite end of the bottom seat and retaining releasably a free end of the rotatable clamping arm thereon. The seat base has a mounting groove. The bottom seat is disposed fixedly on the seat base. The rotatable clamping arm and the retainer are disposed within the mounting groove. When the rotatable clamping arm is retained on the retainer, the safety belt is clamped between the rotatable clamping arm and two sidewalls defining the mounting groove.
US08973980B2
A load-bearing structural component of a motor vehicle body is provided. The structural component is designed as a cast component, and exhibits at least one suspension strut holding fixture and a bulkhead section, which are joined together as a single piece. The cast component is designed as a cast steel component of a fabricated front structural node.
US08973977B2
A shroud element, for example for the engine compartment in the rear region of the vehicle, has a lower support and a thin-walled upper cover. The cover is locally recessed in the longitudinal direction, and rubber strips are provided between the cover and the support in the region of the recesses. The rubber strips also serve as luggage stopping strips and for sound absorption. The support has U-shaped longitudinal grooves locally in formations so that different thermal expansions between the support and the cover can be compensated for.
US08973969B1
A tonneau cover system for a cargo area of a vehicle. The system may comprise a flexible cover mounted to a main support frame. The flexible cover may include a folded portion such that the cover is operable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. In the collapsed position, the flexible cover is substantially planar, in the expanded position, the flexible cover is able to cover loads taller than the sidewalls of the vehicle cargo area.
US08973967B2
A vehicle seat having a seat surface, a backrest and a suspension device. The suspension device may comprise at least one upper part on a seat surface side, a lower part on the body side, suspension mechanisms and damping mechanisms. At least the scissor-type frame is positioned between the upper part on the seat surface and the lower part on a vehicle body. The vehicle seat may comprise a tilting mechanism which can be actuated by a vertical deflection of the suspension device for tilting the upper part on the seat surface side relative to the lower part on the body side.
US08973966B2
A seating assembly for a vehicle includes a stepped floor that has an upper portion and a lower portion. A front seat is disposed on the lower portion. A rear seat is arranged in a staggered relationship behind the front seat. The front seat is mounted high and has an upright backrest and the rear seat has a backrest that is more reclined than the backrest of the front seat.
US08973962B2
An emergency light system for an emergency vehicle. The light system can have a low profile configuration for improved aesthetics and aerodynamics. Further the light system can be configured to allow for customization of the individual emergency lights and/or easy access to the individual emergency lights.
US08973960B2
A manually deployed grasping apparatus may be utilized for retrieving objects, such as rocks, concrete chunks and other debris, from vertical excavations such as potholes, boreholes, drilled shafts, etc. Unlike backhoes and other articulated arm machinery, the disclosed grasping apparatus is manually lowered into the excavation by the user. Once the apparatus is adjacent to the object to be retrieved, the opposite facing jaw members of the apparatus are placed into an open position to receive the object. Once the object has been received by the opposite facing jaw members, the jaw members are closed to capture the object. The jaw members are then manually withdrawn from the vertical excavation to retrieve the object.
US08973957B2
A vehicle bumper system comprises a bumper reinforcement beam and an energy absorber with top and bottom rows of similarly-shaped spaced-apart crush lobes in alternating relation for uniform impact resistance across the bumper system. The illustrated top row of crush lobes provides a high first force-deflection curve for high impact forces, and the bottom row of crush lobes provides a lower second force-deflection curve, for pedestrian reduced injury. An elongated sensor is positioned under shear walls of the top and bottom crush lobes, and is retained by tabs on the energy absorber. This positively retains the sensor in position on the bumper system, with few (or zero) separate fasteners, while facilitating quick assembly and reliable operation of the sensor tube.
US08973952B2
A connector includes a housing having a connecting portion, an insertion portion, and slits, and a retainer having arms, and engaging portions. The engaging portions are engaged with a flange portion of a first pipe member so as to retain the first pipe member. An inclinatory contact portion is provided between inner circumferential surfaces of the slits and outer surfaces of the, such that the pair of arms are urged in directions of approaching each other when a force to pull out the first pipe member from the insertion portion is exerted.
US08973947B2
A protective plate can be mounted to a fuel tank without using costly melt bonding and insert blow molding. A mounting recess is formed in the peripheral wall of a fuel tank (1) formed by blow molding, and a fixing element (3) for fixing a protective plate (2) to the fuel tank (1) can engage with the mounting recess. The mounting recess is open in two directions, that is, in the direction of mold removal in the blow molding and in the direction of the thickness of the protective plate which direction is generally perpendicular to the direction of the mold removal. The fixing element comprises a first clip (6) provided with elastic leg sections (62) fitted in the mounting recess in the direction of the mold removal, and also comprises a second clip (7) provided with elastic leg sections (72) penetrating through the protective plate and fitting in the first clip in the direction of the thickness of the protective plate. The protective plate is sandwiched between the first and second clips.
US08973935B2
The invention relates to a vehicle (1) including a user seat comprising a backrest (3), a seat portion (4) and lateral edges (5) provided on both sides of the seat portion. The vehicle has a reduced production cost and a structure that facilitates the adaptation thereof to a plurality of activities, in particular owing to the fact that the seat, which is made from plastic, is produced in the form of a single piece, the lateral edges (5) being extended downwards such as to form two rear conduits intended to receive at least one rear movement member (26, 27, 28). The invention also relates to a vehicle production method in which rotational molding is used to form an ergonomic seat.
US08973933B2
A suspension device for suspension of an axle by an intermediate portion of a single leaf spring has first restriction device which restricts, upon breakage of the leaf spring at a position behind the intermediate portion of the spring, the rear portion of the leaf spring from tilting downwardly relative to a shackle, and a second restriction device for restriction of the shackle from pivotally moving backward beyond a predetermined angle. The first restriction device is constituted by a stopper plate on the shackle for support of the rear portion of the leaf spring from below upon breakage.
US08973931B2
A vehicle suspension wheel strut, includes a first bushing; a wheel carrier journaled onto the first bushing; a first bracket at a first end of the first bushing; a second bracket at a second end of the first bushing; and identical damping elements positioned between the first bracket and wheel carrier at the first end of the first bushing and the second bracket and the wheel carrier at the second end of the first bushing.
US08973925B1
A folding wheelchair is easily convertible between a folding wheelchair of a first type and a folding wheelchair of a second type through the use of conversion components, some of which are mounted permanently to the wheelchair and some of which are received by the mounted conversion components. In one form, the first type is a folding beach wheelchair while the second type is a folding all-terrain or trail wheelchair. Conversion is achieved through changeable front and back wheels. For instance, the folding beach wheelchair includes right and left rear wheels having oversized, low pressure tires. Right and left front brackets are mounted to the existing frame and are configured to receive right and left wheel assemblies, having smaller, low pressure tires mounted for pivoting movement. The folding all-terrain wheels have solid, high pressure or the like tires.
US08973922B2
A height control valve assembly having a housing with an air supply port, first and second ports, and an exhaust port. A valve positioned in the housing has a first surface in fluid communication with the air supply port and a second surface. The valve moves between first and second positions, in which the second surface sealingly engages a portion of the housing surrounding the first and second ports, respectively, to prevent fluid from flowing between the air supply port and the first and second ports, respectively. The valve is moveable from either of the first and second positions to a fill position, in which the air supply port is in fluid communication with one of the first and second ports, and an exhaust position, in which one of the first and second ports is in fluid communication with the exhaust port.
US08973891B2
An air bypass valve device includes a case 3 and a valve assembly 5, a tenon 3l is provided to one of the case 3 and the valve assembly 5, and a tenon groove 8e is provided to the other, such that the case 3 and the valve assembly 5 are united by a tenon insertion structure.
US08973887B2
In a slide structure, a support structure and a seismically isolated structure, a first sliding surface (25) of a sliding member (21) is formed of a sliding body (24) made of synthetic resin. A film (27) made of synthetic resin and having a Young's modulus more than twice as large as that of the first sliding surface (25) is formed on the second sliding surface (28) of the counter member (22). At the same time, fine irregularities having a maximum height Rz of 3 μm or higher are formed on the surface of the film (27). As a result, the lubricant is trapped in small pits of the irregularities to prevent the lubricant from flowing out, and a stable low friction state can be maintained.
US08973883B2
A fastening apparatus (1) for a battery (2) in a motor vehicle (29) has a carrier device (31) for carrying the battery (2). A clamping strap (10) encloses the battery (2) at least in sections and has opposite first and second end sections (11; 12). The first end section (11) is fastened to the carrier device (31). A clamping arrangement (17) is coupled to the second end section (12) of the clamping strap (10) and connects to the carrier device (31). An actuator (26) of the clamping arrangement (17) sets a prestress in the clamping strap (10).
US08973866B2
A landing gear for an aircraft has a set of axially spaced wheels rotatable about a common axis drive by a transverse flux drive. In another feature, a transverse flux drive includes a first rotor and a second rotor. One of the first and second rotors is positioned radially inwardly of the other. A single stator is positioned radially intermediate the first and second rotors. In another feature, a landing gear combination for use on an aircraft has a nose wheel assembly including at least one nose wheel to be associated with a nose cone on an aircraft. A main landing gear assembly is also associated with the aircraft. A transverse flux motor provides on-ground propulsion and/or braking to the aircraft.
US08973858B2
A web rewinding apparatus comprising a turret winder and a cupping assembly is disclosed. The turret winder has a rotatably driven turret supporting a plurality of rotatably driven mandrels capable of engaging cores upon which a web material is convolutely wound thereabout. The cupping assembly has a plurality of cupping arms each cooperatively associated with one of the plurality of mandrels and having a mandrel cup for releaseably engaging the unsupported ends of the cooperatively associated mandrel. The rewinding apparatus also provides a first actuator for disposing the cupping arm from the hold-open position to the hold-closed position. Each of the cupping arms is disposed radially about the cupping arm turret and is carried in a radial orbital path about the cupping arm turret central axis while disposed in either of a hold-open position or a hold-closed position.
US08973845B2
An air-conditioning apparatus includes a temperature sensor for detecting a heat exchanger temperature or an inlet air temperature, a controller that performs variable control of the direction of the indoor unit air blow vane or the air flow speed or rate of the blower fan, and a remote controller that remote-controls indoor unit operation, wherein temperatures set via the remote controller are divided into two set temperature ranges and during heating operation the controller sets at least the air blow vane to a horizontal or downward direction on the basis of the two set temperature ranges and the heat exchanger temperature or the inlet air temperature.
US08973841B2
A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC chip arranged to process a radio signal, a power-supply circuit board that is connected to the wireless IC chip and that includes a power supply circuit including at least one coil pattern, and a radiation plate arranged to radiate a transmission signal supplied from the power-supply circuit board and/or receiving a reception signal to supply the reception signal to the power-supply circuit board. The radiation plate includes an opening provided in a portion thereof and a slit connected to the opening. When viewed in plan from the direction of the winding axis of the coil pattern, the opening in the radiation plate overlaps with an inner area of the coil pattern and the area of the inner area is approximately the same as that of opening.
US08973836B2
A method for personalizing a portable data carrier having a chip provided in a body of the portable data carrier. A portable data carrier whose chip contains data for personalizing the body of the portable data carrier is provided to a personalization unit. The personalization unit receives the data for personalizing the body of the portable data carrier from the chip of the supplied portable data carrier, and personalizes the body on the basis of the received data.
US08973813B2
Systems and related methods for facilitating the return of lost, stolen or otherwise missing portable assets. Generally, a barcode or similar coding is generated and tagged to a specific portable asset such as, for example, an electronic device such as a smart phone or laptop computer or a piece of luggage such as a briefcase, purse, backpack or the like. A tag on the portable asset visually displays the barcode such that in the event the property is lost, a finder of the property can snap a picture of barcode with their smart device and automatically be directed to a webpage containing information that facilitates the return of the portable asset. When tagging the portable asset, an owner of the portable asset can control privacy levels with respect to information that ultimately becomes accessible to a subsequent finder of the portable asset.
US08973810B2
According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a part for an article of equipment includes a fluid conducting first region including a corrosion resistant first material, and a fluid conducting second region including a second material. The first region and the second region are either directly or indirectly joined by solid state welding to form a unitary fluid conducting part. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for replacing at least one fluid conducting part of an article of equipment is disclosed wherein a replacement part is provided that includes a fluid conducting first region including a corrosion resistant first material, and a fluid conducting second region including a second material. The second material is substantially identical to the material of a region of the equipment on which the replacement part is mounted. The first and second regions are either directly or indirectly joined by solid state welding to form a unitary fluid conducting replacement part. The replacement part is secured to the article of equipment by a process comprising fusion welding the second material of the second region of the replacement part to the substantially identical material of the mounting region of the article of equipment.
US08973809B2
A method for attaching a roof panel to a roof rail of a vehicle bodyside frame, wherein the roof rail prohibiting access to an underside of an area at which the roof panel attaches to the roof panel, can include applying a single-component adhesive to a roof rail or to a portion of a roof panel that rests on the roof rail, placing the roof panel onto the roof rail, attaching the roof panel to the roof rail using single-sided spot welds, and heating the roof panel and vehicle bodyside frame to a temperature that cures the single-component adhesive.
US08973787B2
The dispensing device (1) has a beverage receptacle (2) with holes (200) in the base thereof, said holes being stopped with valves (3); a supporting base (4) that supports the receptacle; serving mechanisms (5) for opening the valves; and a cooling element mounted between the receptacle and the stand. The base (20) of the receptacle has, within, a convex central portion (201) and a peripheral portion (202) with the emptying holes, and the outer part thereof has a concave central portion (203) and a peripheral zone (204) with housings (205) for mounting a respective valve. The stand has an upper portion (40) in which the receptacle fits, and supporting legs (41). The serving mechanisms (5) are mounted in the upper portion of the stand, operationally facing the respective valve. The cooling element (6) is designed to be fitted inside the upper portion of the stand, with the base of the receptacle located above said element.
US08973784B2
A system of medicament dispensers includes a plurality of dispenser housings each having a unique first indicia and a plurality of containers each having a unique second indicia. The unique second indicia of each of the containers corresponds to one of the unique first indicia of a corresponding one of the dispenser housings. Methods for associating various containers and dispensers is also provided.
US08973780B2
A can end for a two-piece beverage can is described. The can end has a center panel positioned about a vertical center axis. The center panel has a means for opening the can end located on a public side. A circumferential strengthening member is located about the center panel. A wall extends upwardly from the circumferential strengthening member. A curl is joined to an upper end of the wall. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the can end. A reinforcing bead is located on the wall between an uppermost portion of the wall and a lowermost portion of the wall.
US08973775B2
Provided is a disposable beverage container adapted to dispense an item through the side of the container. The open space in the downward-facing cavity at the bottom of many typical cups is utilized by providing therein one or more deflectable storage members, such as a blister-pack-type storage member, with an item sealed inside such as gum, a mint; candy; a pharmaceutical; a prize; a toy; or any other item. The item can be dispensed by pushing radially outward on the deflectable storage member and causing the item to break through a breakable member on the outside of the cup, such as aluminum foil. Various example embodiments, materials, and methods are described.
US08973765B2
A merchandising system includes a mounting member adapted to be secured to a first associated merchandising structure. A tile is connected to the mounting member. The tile extends away from the mounting member so as to approach a second associated merchandising structure spaced from the first associated merchandising structure. The tile includes a first portion located in a first plane and a protrusion located in a second plane spaced from the first plane. The protrusion is linked to the mounting member. The tile is configured to be movable in relation to the mounting member thereby allowing selective access to a desired portion of at least one of the first and second associated merchandising structures. The connection between the protrusion and the mounting member enables movement of the tile in relation to the mounting member via at least one of pivoting and sliding.
US08973762B2
An industrial absorbent and methods of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, the industrial absorbent includes a first scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; a second scrim made from at least one thermoplastic material; and a middle layer positioned between the first and second scrims. The middle layer includes a dry-laid web of fire-retardant treated cellulose and opened, individuated staple bicomponent fiber. At least some of the bicomponent fiber in the middle layer is thermally bonded to at least some of the cellulose in the middle layer, and the first and second scrims are thermally bonded to the middle layer.
US08973761B2
Disclosed in this specification is a method for making a pleated filter cartridge by placing a pleated filter on a mold and adding a polymerizable potting compound to the inner cavity of the pleated filter. The potting compound is permitted to cover the portion of the upper surface of the mold that is encompassed by the pleats. The potting compound is selected to form a polyurethane after polymerization is complete.
US08973760B2
A canister filter system includes a base, a canister attachable to the base, and a fluid separator filter having filter media positioned inside the canister. A drain engages and forms a seal with the filter in a closed position. In an open position, the drain allows fluid to be removed from the canister. The structure of the filter is such that the filter may more efficiently separate fluids.
US08973756B2
A corner sleeve with a hammock-like cushioning structure includes first and second air-column sides and a bottom air-column side. The inner surfaces of the first and second air-column sides are bonded together at a lateral end, except in the vicinity of the bottom air-column side, such that a deformable opening is formed at an end corner of the corner sleeve by the unbonded parts of the inner surfaces of the first and second air-column sides at the lateral end. The air columns of the three air-column sides that form the deformable opening define a cushioning side at the end corner of the corner sleeve. A hammock-like enclosing film extends between the first and second air-column sides without contact with the bottom air-column side. An end corner of an object to be packed can be wrapped between the first, second, and bottom air-column sides and the cushioning side for enhanced protection.
US08973751B2
A protective case that resists fractures, punctures, deformations, and other failures for use with a wildlife surveillance system is provided. The protective case includes a cooperating base and cover. The base and cover define a cavity therebetween, which houses the wildlife surveillance system. The base and cover interlock with each other, providing multi-dimensional stability of the entire assemblage. In addition, the protective case is made from a material that can endure manipulations, handling, or attacks from various wildlife animals, including, e.g., bears and others.
US08973750B2
The invention relates to a packet for smoking products, in particular for cigarettes, the packet having a packet body accommodating smoking products and including a withdrawal opening, and also having a packet lid for sealing the withdrawal opening. The packet lid is guided by guiding elements such that it can be pivoted about two pivoting axes with respect to the packet body during opening and closing.
US08973740B2
The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a method of transporting rolls of a fibrous material. The method comprises providing a V-shaped conveying mechanism, stacking a plurality of the rolls of the fibrous material on the V-shaped conveying mechanism, and transporting the plurality of the rolls of the fibrous material between a first position and a second position.
US08973739B2
A snap-fit scraper blade is provided for being snap-fit onto a mounting pole. The scraper blade has a blade body including an upper scraping portion and a lower mounting portion. The lower mounting portion has depending legs with inner surfaces that are configured for snap-fitting the scraper blade body onto a square mounting pole.
US08973732B2
A multiple-lane fruit positioning apparatus, especially suitable for peaches, includes a fruit flight conveyor having fruit holding flights with a number of recesses provided with an opening through which a part of the fruit protrudes. Associated to the fruit flight conveyor is an orientation device including rotating transverse shafts carrying rigidly connected orienting elements. The transverse shafts travel on an operation plane (Pa) that is parallel to a working stroke plane (Pc) of a tape formed by the fruit holding flights in time with a tape of the fruit flight conveyor so that each orienting element, rotating jointly with each transverse shaft by which it is borne, is in the recess opening in contact with the fruit contained therein and moves the fruit until a plane containing the suture line of each fruit is positioned at right angles with the longitudinal direction, and the stalk cavity thereof faces downwardly.
US08973728B1
A torque limiting apparatus is provided having an input shaft, an output shaft, a housing, a spring, and a length adjustable shank and collar assembly. The input shaft communicates with a rotating end segment having a cam surface. The output shaft communicates with a rotating end segment having a complementary cam surface for engaging with the cam surface of the input shaft. The cam surfaces cooperate to generate separation forces between the respective rotating end segments. The spring is configured to oppose the separation forces generated by the cam surfaces, and is configured to urge together the first end segment and the second end segment to remain in rotating coupled engagement. The length adjustable shank and collar assembly is provided between the spring and the housing and is configured to adjust compressive force on the spring to change torque output of the apparatus. A method is also provided.
US08973727B1
An electromagnetic clutch includes a first rotation transmission portion, annular field core, rotation stop member, second rotation transmission portion, armature, and spring member. The annular field core is supported by the first rotation transmission portion via a first bearing. The first bearing is housed in a hollow portion of the field core and fitted on an inner circumferential surface of the field core. The rotation stop member includes a flat portion which is fixed to an end of the field core on a side opposite to the armature. The flat portion is formed integrally with a retaining piece which projects toward the hollow portion of the field core and faces the first bearing when viewed from the axial direction of the field core.
US08973725B2
A shock strut includes a relief device that reduces the internal pressure within a sealed chamber of the shock strut when a load condition that exceeds a maximum operating load condition is encountered. The reduced pressure permits a telescopically moving piston of the shock strut to be received into a corresponding cylinder to an amount that increases the structural capability of the shock strut, especially with respect to applied side loads that generate bending and shearing stresses in the shock strut. In one embodiment, the reduced pressure permits the piston to “bottom out” relative to the cylinder, which is a condition not otherwise achievable without the relief device. This additional stroke achievable by the piston reduces or eliminates the need to reinforce and thus add weight to the shock strut because of higher load condition design requirements.
US08973716B2
Brake mechanisms for a wheel of non-motorized wheeled vehicle such as, e.g., a shopping cart, are described. In various embodiments, the brake mechanism can provide a variable amount of braking force or torque between zero and an amount sufficient to lock the wheel. In some embodiments, the brake mechanism includes a brake plate that is movable toward and away from a surface of the wheel hub along a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the wheel. The brake plate is configured not to rotate when the wheel and hub are rotating. Frictional engagement between the brake plate and the surface of the wheel hub provides the braking force. The brake plate and/or the surface of the wheel hub can include engagement features such as, e.g., protrusions and slots. In some embodiments, the brake mechanism fits entirely within the wheel.
US08973710B2
The present invention relates to ladders and, more particularly, various configurations of ladders including straight and extension ladders, as well as to methods relating to the use and manufacture of such ladders. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a ladder is provided that includes a first pair of spaced apart rails and a plurality of rungs extending between and coupled to the first pair of spaced apart rails. The ladder also includes a pair of lateral support members, wherein each support member is selectively displaceable in a lateral direction relative to an associated rail. Additionally, the ladder includes a pair of adjustable legs, each leg having a first end slidably coupled to an associated rail of the first pair of spaced apart rails and being slidably coupled to an associated lateral support member.
US08973705B2
A swivel D-ring attachment point. A first attachment portion has a first closed aperture defining a circular ring portion that extends over a first circumferential range of at least 180 degrees of arc that is symmetrically disposed relative to an axis. A second attachment portion has a second closed aperture. The first and second attachment portions are joined together so as to permit freely swivelling one of the attachment portions relative to the other around the axis. The second aperture has a shape that is substantially different from the shape of the first aperture, for connecting to substantially different articles.
US08973704B2
A vibration absorbing mounting device may include an outer housing, a mounting shaft, a core, a first nozzle valve spaced apart from and disposed below the core, an inner housing spaced apart from one side and the other side of the core, with the first nozzle valve being mounted to the inner housing, and a chamber separator fixed to the core and brought into close contact with and sliding on the first nozzle valve, wherein the chamber separator forms a first chamber and a second chamber, and an elastic member formed between the core and the inner housing and between the inner housing and the outer housing, wherein fluid is filled in the first chamber and the second chamber, and a first nozzle fluidly-connecting the first and second chambers is formed in the first nozzle valve.
US08973691B2
An off-road vehicle has four wheels and side-by-side driver and passenger seats. At least two of the wheels are driven by an electric motor powered by batteries disposed in the vehicle.
US08973690B2
A kinetic energy recovery system (“KERS system”) and motorcycle equipped with the same is disclosed. The KERS system may be mechanical, hydraulic, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, motorcycle includes a rear wheel, an electric motor, a motor shaft, and a front wheel equipped with a wheel hub that includes a sprag clutch. The motor shaft can be fitted with a motor drive sprocket that drives a jackshaft chain that in turn drives a jackshaft input sprocket that is fitted to the jackshaft. Jackshaft input sprocket may be installed in conjunction with a sprag clutch that allows the rear wheel to free wheel during coasting while the front wheel KERS system is engaged. The motor harvests kinetic energy from the front wheel without simultaneously powering the rear wheel while the use of a geared dead zone allows the front and rear wheels to not lock together to improve safety.
US08973687B2
Cutting elements include a substrate, a polycrystalline table, and an asymmetric interface feature. The interface feature includes a shape that is reflectively asymmetric about at least two planes defined by x, y, and z axes of a Cartesian coordinate system defined to align a z axis of the coordinate system with the central axis of the substrate and to locate a center of the coordinate system at a midpoint along an axial height of the asymmetric interface feature. Methods of forming a cutting element involve: forming an asymmetric interface feature at an end of a substrate; distributing a plurality of superhard particles on the substrate over the asymmetric interface feature in a mold; and bonding the superhard particles in the mold to form a polycrystalline table attached to the substrate.
US08973685B2
A reaming bit designed to operate with low torque fluctuation when driven with a turbine at speeds in the order of 300-600 RPM and above features a profile that is arcuate from the gauge dimension to the nose area or alternatively has a blunt straight taper section but with a ratio of profile length (PL) to bit size (BS) of under 0.75. The blades extend into a concave cone and the cutting structure continues along the blades towards the center. The blades have a step near the gauge section to increase the exposure of the blade cutting structure. An array of protrusions are disposed parallel to and behind the cutting structure to increase high speed stability and adjacent the blade step transition to protect outer casing on run in.
US08973682B2
A wellbore obstruction-clearing tool connected to the bottom of a tubing string, such as casing, utilizes a sleeve which is axially and rotationally moveable in response to axial reciprocation of a tubing string to engage and clear obstructions in the wellbore. Fluid is discharged through the casing and the tool to engage the obstructions and to convey debris through the annulus to surface. Thus, the obstructions are cleared from the wellbore, permitting the casing to be advanced, without the need to rotate the casing.
US08973681B2
A pressurized fluid flow system for a reverse circulation down-the-hole hammer includes a cylinder and a cylindrical control tube that are respectively coaxially disposed in between the outer casing and the piston of the hammer and in between the piston and the sample tube. Two chambers help to respectively supply and discharge pressurized fluid into and out of the front and rear chambers that exert work on the piston: an internal chamber, defined by a central recess in the inner surfaces of the piston and permanently connected to the source of pressurized fluid, and a discharge chamber, defined by one or more recesses in the inner surface of the outer casing and permanently communicated with the bottom of the hole. A hammer provided with this system has one or more end discharge ports connected to respective longitudinal discharge channels formed on the outer surface of the outer casing.
US08973675B2
A system for containing electronics positioned in a downhole tubular. The system includes a pressure housing, a rigid end piece, a compliant end piece, an inner tubular member, one or more annular standoffs, and a chassis. The pressure housing is supported within the downhole tubular. The rigid end piece and the compliant end piece are fixedly coupled within opposing ends of the pressure housing. The inner tubular member is disposed within the pressure housing and has opposing ends. One of the opposing ends is coupled to the rigid end piece, and the other of the opposing ends is free to move relative to the compliant end piece. The chassis is disposed within the inner tubular member and houses the electronics. Each standoff is disposed between the inner tubular member and the pressure housing and includes at least one radially extending portion compressed therebetween.
US08973673B2
The disclosed invention relates to a fire sprinkler shut-off tool for stopping water flow from an activated fire sprinkler head. Due to the lack of any automatic safety release mechanisms, such tools currently on market suffer the disadvantage of requiring constant monitoring in case fire rekindles. The shut-off tool comprising a pair of adjustable clamping arms and an actuator assembly for adjusting and fixing the clamping arms addresses the safety issue by integrating a fusible link locking tab into the actuator assembly. The presence of a nearby fire melts and separates the locking tab thereby releasing the clamping arms from an activated fire sprinkler head. The shut-off tool also addresses the safety problem of firemen or building maintenance personnel using a shut-off device that requires two hands while working from a ladder as this device can be easily used with one hand. The shut-off tool also achieves the object of universal fit on most fire sprinkler heads by use of the adjustable angled clamping arms and by locating a sealing surface on each of the clamping arms so as to permit operation with fire sprinklers mounted in an upright position.
US08973665B2
A technique for subsea intervention operations incorporates use of a compliant guide that extends between a surface location and a subsea installation. The technique facilitates deployment of tool strings into a subsea well. For example, a portion of the compliant guide can be used as a subsea lubricator during pressure deployment of tool strings. In some applications, a tool entry guide can be connected into the subsea installation to facilitate deployment of tool strings into the subsea well.
US08973664B2
A wellhead assembly for use subsea includes a high pressure housing landed within a low pressure housing. The low pressure housing is an annular member that mounts into the sea floor and having an inner surface engaging the high pressure housing along a loading interface. Upper and lower sockets are formed along axially spaced apart portions of the outer surface of the high pressure housing. As the high pressure housing inserts into the low pressure housing, the high pressure housing sockets engage corresponding sockets formed along axially spaced apart sockets on portions of the inner surface of the low pressure housing. The sockets each have cylindrically shaped outer surfaces, and when engaged with one another define the loading interface. The sockets are strategically located on the upper and lower portions of the housings to maximize their distance apart.
US08973654B2
A system for anchoring an expandable tubular to a borehole wall comprises a support member having a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end comprising a ramping surface. An anchor member has a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end extending toward the support member, the second end being movable relative to the outside of the tubular. The support member includes a ramp surface that tapers in the direction of the anchor member. Expansion of the portion of the expandable tubular between the first support end and the first anchor end causes the axial device length to shorten, wherein the difference in length is sufficient to cause the second anchor end to move radially outward and engage the borehole wall as a result of engagement with the ramping surface.
US08973641B1
Various roll-up contamination covers for shielding sensors and other sensitive equipment from particulate contamination are provided. Such covers may be provided by using a sheet of flexible material that has an elastically stable state of a spiral torsion spring, e.g., a clock spring shape. The spiral torsion spring may be anchored to a frame along one end that is substantially parallel to the center axis of the spiral torsion spring, and may be unrolled into a substantially unrolled state so as to cover an aperture in the frame. A movable release mechanism may be engaged with the unrolled end of the spiral torsion spring to prevent the spiral torsion spring from returning to the elastically stable state. When the release mechanism is moved to release the unrolled end of the spiral torsion spring, the spiral torsion spring may roll back into the elastically stable state and uncover the aperture.
US08973634B2
Composite reinforcement (R-2) that is self-adhesive by curing to a diene rubber matrix, which can be used as reinforcing element for a tire, comprising: at least one reinforcing thread (20), for example a carbon steel cord; a first layer (21) of a thermoplastic polymer, the glass transition temperature of which is positive, for example 6,6 polyamide, covering said thread; and a second layer (22) comprising an unsaturated thermoplastic stirene elastomer, the glass transition temperature of which is negative, for example an SBS (stirene-butadiene-stirene) copolymer, covering the first layer (21). Process for manufacturing such a composite reinforcement and rubber article or semi-finished product, especially a tire, incorporating such a composite reinforcement.
US08973630B2
A tire having an equatorial plane and a circumferential tread is provided. The tread includes at least one recess defined by at least one concave surface having a plurality of sipes formed therein. Optionally, the at least one concave surface can include one or more channel disposed therein.
US08973627B2
The invention is a modular pop-up purse shell, with an optional insert, wherein a rectangular swatch of material is removably attached to the purse shell to create a customized purse.
US08973624B2
A fill control system includes a fuel storage vessel, a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the fuel storage vessel to provide fluid communication between a fuel source and the fuel storage vessel, and a fill control valve disposed between and in fluid communication with the fuel inlet and the fuel storage vessel, an actuation of the fill control valve causing a pressure level upstream thereof which emulates a full condition of the fuel storage vessel.
US08973604B2
The invention relates to a device for producing and providing a vacuum for a vacuum consumer, having a vacuum source, having a suction valve, having a non-return valve arranged between the vacuum consumer and the suction valve, and having a ventilation valve, the control inlet of which ventilation valve is connected to the suction port of the vacuum source, the output of which ventilation valve opens out between the control valve and the non-return valve, and the input of which ventilation valve is open to the environment.
US08973594B2
Described is tent peg that provides easy storage and transport to reduce the likelihood of the tent peg being lost. The tent peg comprises a shaft having and a head comprising a body having an arm extending therefrom. The arm comprises a first aperture adjacent to the body and a second aperture located between the first aperture and a distal end of the arm. The first aperture is formed to receive a shaft of a first further tent peg in an opposite orientation. Additionally, the second aperture is formed to receive a shaft of a second further tent peg in the same orientation as the tent beg. Further, the shaft of the second further tent peg is receivable in a first aperture of the first further tent peg. Therefore, multiple tent pegs can be interconnected with each tent peg in the opposite orientation to the adjacent tent pegs.
US08973592B2
A paint roller enclosure and cleaning device is disclosed that eliminates the need for a user to manually clean a roller tool after its use. The device comprises an enclosure with an interior volume wherein a used paint roller is secured. A spray pipe with a plurality of apertures directs fluid directly onto the roller. Feed for the spray pipe is controllable by a ball valve that regulates the flow of fluid, updating the intensity and volume of fluid being entered into the enclosure. When flowing, the fluid sprays from the spray pipe within the enclosure directed at a paint roller and handle. The roller is forcibly rotated by the spray fluid and cleaned of residual paint and debris without requiring the user to do so by hand. Fluid then drains through a drainage hole at the base of the enclosure, into a flex pipe and into a drain or appropriate container. A transparent covering is provided over the upper surface of the enclosure to allow visualization of the cleaning process and to prevent fluid from escaping or spraying the user. Optionally, an air hose may be attached to the enclosure to dry the roller following cleaning.
US08973591B2
A dishwasher has a wash chamber and sump disposed below the wash chamber, wherein wash fluid supplied to the wash chamber collects in the sump. A main pump is configured to drawn wash fluid from the sump and supply the wash fluid to the wash chamber, for example via spray arm assemblies. A filter is operably disposed to filter the wash fluid recirculated by the main pump. A backflush line has an outlet disposed downstream of the filter, and a backflush pump is configured to supply backflush fluid through the backflush line against the filter. A reservoir separate from the sump is provided and sized to hold a measured amount of fluid. The backflush pump draws the backflush fluid from the reservoir at a defined time.
US08973587B2
This invention relates to an electronic cigarette device, including an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette charger, the electronic cigarette charger forming a first magnetic portion, the electronic cigarette correspondingly forming a second magnetic portion mutually magnetically adsorbed with the first magnetic portion. The electronic cigarette charger forms a first connector, and the first connector comprises a first seat, a first electrode pole disposed at a middle portion of the first seat and a first insulating sleeve disposed between the first seat and the first electrode pole to insulate the first seat and the first electrode pole. The electronic cigarette forms an electronic cigarette battery therein, and the electronic cigarette at an end thereof forms a second connector connected with the electronic cigarette battery and the first connector of the electronic cigarette charger. The electronic cigarette device is convenient to put/take the electronic cigarette into/out of the electronic cigarette charger.
US08973585B2
The present invention relates to a glass laboratory apparatus that includes a pre filter and a main filter to scrub solids from a gas using water filtration. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a main vessel adapted to hold a volume of a liquid such as water and an inlet conduit with an opening above the liquid level in the main vessel and an outlet below the surface of the liquid level in the main vessel. A pre filter arranges in the inlet conduit at a level above the liquid level in the main vessel. A main filter is located below the water level in the main vessel. A negative pressure is supplied to draw a gas through the first, pre-filter, through the water and second main filter.
US08973583B2
An incrementally adjustable wound retractor (500), having a first ring (504) with a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, a flexible second ring (502), having a lumen and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve (506), disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the first and second rings (502, 504), where the second ring may be rolled over itself to provide a sleeve with a radical retraction force sufficient to stretch the incision to the desired diameter.
US08973579B2
An apparatus for deploying oxygen masks that includes a pre-packaged modular system that does not require manual repacking of oxygen masks by aircraft technicians. The cartridge is for use with a manifold having a passageway in fluid communication with a source of breathable gas. The cartridge includes an end wall, a sidewall extending from the end wall and terminating at a distal end adjacent to an opening. A flexible member defines a chamber inside the cartridge. The chamber is in fluid communication with the passageway when the cartridge is coupled to the manifold. The flexible member has an outlet. A mask assembly is disposed inside the cartridge. The mask assembly has a hose coupled to the outlet of the flexible member. A cover is removably attached to the distal end of the at least one side wall.
US08973566B2
There is provided a method of cutting or drilling workpiece including stone such as marble and granite, brick, concrete and asphalt, using a frame gang saw. There are provided a workpiece cut by a frame gang saw that includes one or a plurality of blades having multiple cutting tips or that includes a blade without including a cutting tip; a method of cutting the workpiece by using a frame gang saw; and a product provided by the cutting method. The workpiece is provided to include one or more grooves into which at least a portion of at least one cutting tip among the multiple cutting tips or at least a portion of the blade without a cutting tip is inserted and which is formed in a surface thereof. Here, an initial cutting time on a workpiece may be shortened to greatly improve productivity and the quality of a product and a lifespan of a frame gang saw blade may be improved by significantly decreasing deflection in the blade.
US08973560B2
The present invention is directed to a dual fuel supply system for supplying fuel to a direct-injection system of a diesel engine. The dual fuel supply system includes a diesel supply system to supply diesel to the direct-injection system; and a mixed fuel supply system that is operatively able to supply a liquid fuel premixture of diesel and liquefied gaseous fuel to the direct-injection system at a supply pressure within a fuel demand pressure range of the direct-injection system and at a corresponding temperature range that retains the fuel premixture below its vapor temperature as it flows through the fuel path of the direct-injection system and the diesel engine. The dual fuel supply system is configured to permit selective change over between the diesel supply system and the mixed fuel system to supply the direct-injection system selectively with either diesel or liquid fuel premixture respectively.
US08973559B2
A gear subassembly is for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system including an EGR valve and a rotatable shaft provided for the EGR valve. The gear subassembly includes a gear and a cam. The gear is a part of reduction gears and is fastened to the rotatable shaft to rotate therearound. The cam is fastened to the gear and is a part of a link mechanism. The gear includes a metal shaft-fastening part used for fastening the gear to the rotatable shaft, and a metal cam-fastening part used for fastening the gear to the cam. The gear is formed by resin-molding with the shaft-fastening part and the cam-fastening part serving as insert parts.
US08973554B2
The present invention provides a two solenoid valve relay with a two-phase fuel injection valve for a diesel engine, which is installed on a valve itself to enable injection at pressure greater than opening pressure, at which the fuel enters into a fuel valve, thereby improving fuel injection performance, and which is configured to enable adjustment of an injection timing at the opening pressure within the valve, wherein injection timings through a solenoid valve is provided for low load and high load, respectively, such that a distinct difference exists between the injection timings to open the nozzle hole of the nozzle in a differential manner at pressure higher than the pressure, at which the fuel enters to the fuel valve and internal spring opening pressure, thereby injecting fuel at high pressure even at low load to facilitate vaporization, and wherein, in case of a high speed operation or high load, low pressure/high pressure needle valves are opened at the same time to quickly inject fuel of a high volume through a plurality of nozzle holes, thereby improving combustion performance of an engine, and wherein a space between the needle valve and the nozzle hole which are closed after the injection is minimized because the nozzle hole is opened differentially and sequentially according to pressure, thereby avoiding waste of fuel and reducing harmful gas (smoke, Nox).
US08973548B2
A liquid cooled piston of an internal combustion engine includes a piston lower part and piston upper part which has a combustion chamber recess. These piston components are supported via joining lands which are spaced apart radially and together form a dividing plane, and are joined together with a material-to-material fit. In order to receive piston rings, the piston upper part has a ring area and includes an annular cooling channel which extends into the piston lower part and is connected to an inner cooling space via connecting channels. The cooling channel is adjoined by recesses which are oriented in the direction of a piston head, are configured as a blind hole and widen conically starting from the cooling channel as far as a recess bottom. The recess bottom can be of a pronounced undulating enlarged surface or a finely undulating configuration.
US08973541B2
A pressure pulse generator includes a cylinder (2), a body (9) connected to the cylinder (2), a first channel (15) extending from the cylinder (2) to a pressure sink LP, a pressure fluid circuit having a second channel (4) extending to the cylinder (2) from a pressure source HP, an actuator piston (3) being displaceable arranged, a controllable first valve body (5) arranged in the second channel (4) to open or close a pressure fluid flow in the second channel (4), an electro element (7) to control the valve body (5), a second valve body (8) arranged at or to the second channel (4) for opening or closing of the channel (4). The second valve body (8) is an element rigidly connected to the actuator piston (3).
US08973538B2
An engine is disclosed. The engine may have an engine block with a front end, a back end opposite the front end in a length direction, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a top, and a bottom opposite the top. The engine may also have at least one cylinder head connected to the top of the engine block, and a first heat exchanger mounted at the first side of the engine block and configured to receive a flow of raw coolant and a flow of fresh coolant. The engine may further have a second heat exchanger mounted at the first side of the engine block, between the first heat exchanger and the top. The second heat exchanger may be configured to receive a flow of fresh coolant from the first heat exchanger and a flow of combustion air.
US08973537B2
An engine system may include a thermostat casing connected to a first, second, third, and fourth flow channels, a valve guide in which a main valve that opens and closes the first flow channel is formed at one side, a closing valve that opens and closes the second flow channel is formed at the other side, and a bypass valve is formed adjacent to the closing valve, an elastic member that elastically supports the valve guide to enable the main valve to block the first flow channel and the closing valve to block the second flow channel, a driver that moves the valve guide so that the main valve opens the first flow channel and the closing valve opens the second flow channel according to a temperature of a coolant, and a control unit that controls the temperature and a flow of the coolant by controlling the driver.
US08973535B2
A control method for boiler outlet temperatures includes predictive control of SH and RH desuperheater systems. The control method also includes control and optimization of steam generation conditions, for a boiler system, such as burner tilt and intensity, flue-gas recirculation, boiler fouling, and other conditions for the boiler. The control method assures a proportional-valve control action in the desuperheater system, that affects the boiler system.
US08973531B2
A system and method for determining the concentration of zooplankton in a continuous zooplankton culture system. The system may include a transmissiometer, a sample tube, a first sample containing water and microalgae, and a second sample containing water, microalgae, and zooplankton. The concentration of zooplankton in the system may be calculated by comparing the transmissiometer output from the first sample and the second sample, wherein each of the outputs are obtained by moving each sample into the sample tube such that the transmissionmeter is positioned to take a reading across the tube.
US08973530B2
A cat litter box cleaning system designed to sieve waste clumps from cat litter is provided. The cat litter box cleaning system has multiple layers thereby providing multiple cleaning operations. The layers may consist of a sieving layer and a liner. The liner shields the sieving layer from the cat's claws and the sieving layer is used to remove the waste from the litter. Each sieving layer and liner releasably cooperates with layer securing fixtures. The layer securing fixtures releasably attach the layers to a base and prevent the cat from dislodging the sieves or liners. Access ports may be provided for removing the layers from the layer securing fixtures without having to come into contact with the cat litter. A method is provided where at least two cat litter box cleaning systems are utilized to ensure that fresh cat litter always forms the basis of the litter used.
US08973520B2
A coating machine for coating fiber yarns includes: a yarn supply device; a coating device including a tank, a drum rotatably disposed in the tank, and at least one annular groove formed circumferentially in an outer surface of the drum; a thickness adjuster disposed downstream of the coating device and including an adjuster support and at least one adjusting die mounted movably to the adjuster support, the adjusting die having a through hole, the through hole having an upstream inlet end and a downstream outlet end and being tapered from the upstream inlet end to the downstream outlet end; a shape-setting device disposed downstream of the thickness adjuster and having a heating unit controllable to operate at a predetermined temperature; a cooling device disposed downstream of the shape-setting device; and a yarn pick-up device disposed downstream of the cooling device.
US08973519B2
A status indicator includes a display disc with a pin located within a central portion if the display disc, a first colored section, and a second colored section. The status indicator also includes a lens unit with an opaque section and a non-opaque section to alternately reveal the first colored section or the second colored section such that either the first or the second colored section is visible from any angle within a hemisphere below the status indicator. The status indicator also includes an indicator cam configured to receive a linear force initiated by an actuator component and to translate the linear force to a rotational force on the pin. The rotational force causes the display disc to rotate from a first position to a second position that aligns the second colored section with the non-opaque section.
US08973514B2
A support of deep caisson type having a longitudinal axis, for floating installation in a body of water and provided with mooring lines for anchoring to a seabed, has a lower portion in the body of water having a weight element, an upper portion that supports a platform above a water surface, and an extended portion in an area between the upper portion and the lower portion. The extended portion has one or more internal storage chambers and one or more ballast chambers. The storage chambers are arranged closer to the longitudinal axis than the ballast chambers.
US08973512B2
A wind gust dampening system for a sailing vessel for absorbing the forces generated by a wind gust upon a sail is disclosed. The wind gust dampening system may be adjustable such that the system may be used on a variety of different size and types of sailing vessels to absorb forces from wind gusts to prevent sailing vessels from capsizing or from damage occurring to equipment, or both. The configuration of the wind gust dampening system provides for a plurality of adjustments enabling the system to be uniquely adapted to each sailing vessel for increased efficiency. The wind gust dampening system may include one or more shock cords for absorbing the forces generated by wind gusts and may extend between a deck of a vessel and a sail.
US08973510B2
A vessel includes a body including a hull and a deck, a float disposed on both right and left sides of the hull and extending in the front/rear direction along the hull, a propulsion unit that propels the vessel, a steering handle disposed above the deck, and a seat disposed at the rear of the steering handle on the deck. The deck includes a flat portion extending from the lateral side of the seat to the rear end edge of the deck.
US08973508B2
A railroad freight car has lifting apparatus at the body bolsters of the car. In addition it has lifting interface members mounted to underlie the side sills near the wheel-well cut-outs of the side beams. The lifting interface members stand downwardly proud of adjacent structure and fasteners heads, such that when lifting apparatus, such as a hydraulic lift, is brought to bear it contacts the lifting interface member first, rather than damaging adjacent structure, be it the side sills themselves, lateral cross-members such as cross-bearers and cross-ties, or diagonal struts. It may also tend to prevent consequent damage to the end bulkheads. The lifting interface members may permit the replacement of wheelsets in the field. The lifting members may be sacrificial, such that they may be replaced when worn or damaged.
US08973507B2
The present invention provides a bogie for a guide rail type vehicle that runs along a predetermined guideway. The bogie includes a turn frame connected to a vehicle body; an axle turnably mounted to the turn frame via bearings and; a guide frame mounted to the axle; a first pair of guide wheels rotatably provided at a vehicle body end side portion of the guide frame; a second pair of guide wheels rotatably provided at a vehicle body center side portion of the guide frame; a stopper provided so as to project from an upper surface on a vehicle body side of the axle toward the vehicle body; and a pair of stopper receivers arranged facing each other at intervals from the stopper in a vehicle lateral direction.
US08973497B2
A hand holdable ink proofing tool including an anilox roll and an ink transfer roll, supporting a resilient printing plate. A metering roll adjacent the anilox roll is shiftable to be in contact with the anilox roll and to force ink into cells of the anilox roll; and a leading edge doctor blade is positioned to shear excess ink from a surface of the anilox roll.
US08973495B2
There is provided an imprint apparatus configured to perform an imprint in which a resin on a substrate is molded using a mold and a pattern is formed on the substrate. The apparatus includes a press unit configured to press the resin on the substrate and the mold to each other, a cure unit configured to irradiate light to the resin molded by the mold to cure the resin, and a movement unit configured to move the mold and the substrate, from a position at which the press is performed by the press unit to a position at which the light is irradiated by the cure unit, and from the position at which the light is irradiated by the cure unit to a position at which the mold is released.
US08973492B1
Radio frequency (RF) energy is used to quickly heat the yolk portion of a shell egg. An anode and corresponding cathode are applied to each individual egg. As the egg is selectively and systematically rotated, RF energy and a stream of cooling fluid (preferably water) are simultaneously applied to the egg. This initiates pasteurization of the egg yolk while maintaining a low temperature in the heat-sensitive albumen (egg white) thus preventing denaturation of the albumen. Immediately after the RF yolk heating process, the egg is placed in a hot water bath designed to rapidly pasteurize the albumen as well as to minimize heat loss from the yolk and pasteurize any portion of the yolk that is not already pasteurized through the RF yolk heating process.
US08973485B2
A modular method of manufacturing a set of beverage production machines with different beverage-related functions. The machines are designed for producing a beverage on the basis of pre-portioned ingredient packages. The method includes providing a plurality of identical core units having control circuitry and a beverage production module for housing an ingredient package and feeding a liquid to the interior of the ingredient package, providing a plurality of different base platforms that differ as to beverage production functions, and manufacturing a set of different beverage production machines by mounting respectively at least one of the core units on a top surface of one of the differing base platforms while also mounting water reservoirs on the base platforms.
US08973475B2
A torsion adjusting structure of a screwdriver includes an inner tube, a front micro-adjusting rod, a spring, an upper toothed block, a lower toothed block, a stop member, a compressive member, a regulating knob and an interacting member combined together, and the torsion adjusting structure is assembled in the handle of a screwdriver. To adjust the torsion of the screwdriver, an auxiliary tool is inserted in the polygonal recessed groove of the regulating knob to rotate the regulating knob having the graduation and number of a torsion value to be set by the regulating knob aligned to the position of an indication mark on the handle. Thus, the value of the torsion of a screwdriver can conveniently be regulated via the graduations and numbers on the regulating knob. Furthermore, the front micro-adjusting rod can carry out micro-adjustment of torsion.
US08973467B2
A forming and framing hammer comprises an elongate handle and a head fixed to the top end of the handle. The head has three striking surfaces: two on a striking body and one on the side of the head. The third striking surface is cushioned by a neoprene bushing to reduce vibration in the handle of the hammer. The head has two pulling tools for pulling nails. The bottom of the handle accepts interchangeable tools.
US08973465B2
A gearbox for a gas turbine engine includes a housing that includes first and second housing portions interconnected by an intermediate housing portion to provide a generally U-shaped structure. Each of the first and second housing portions includes opposing first and second faces. The second faces of the first and second housing portions are adjacent to one another. First and second gear sets are respectively arranged in the first and second housing portions. A third gear set is arranged in the intermediate portion and is coupled to the first and second gear sets. Accessory drive component mounts are provided on at least three of the first and second faces of the first and second housing portions. The mounts are each configured to support an accessory drive component coupled to one of the first and second gear sets.
US08973464B2
The present invention provides a housing that encloses a bearing. The housing includes a side wall upon which a lubricant is dispersed. The side wall has a sloped portion and a collection area is fluidly associated with the side wall. A fluid circuit is integral with the side wall such that the fluid circuit is configured to direct the lubricant into the collection area.
US08973463B2
A torsional vibration damper includes an inertia mass and a rotating shaft or hub with an elastomeric ring between the inertia mass and the rotating shaft or hub. A large portion of said elastomeric member is located in a channel located either in the inertia mass or in the hub. This allows one to achieve high contact pressure without creating a significant fatigue on the elastomeric member. This can be used with either a crankshaft damper or an internal or external drive shaft damper.
US08973460B2
A linear actuator suitable for mobilizing a load comprises: a leg linked to the load by one of its ends with a ball joint with three degrees of freedom in rotation; a plate that is mobile in translation along an axis belonging to a plane of a support of the actuator, said mobile plate being mechanically linked to the leg by its other end. The linear actuator also comprises at least one first elastic cable, fixed by one of its ends to the mobile plate, and fixed by its other end to the support, being engaged in a first pulley fixed to the support. The actuator can notably be used to mobilize a simulation platform mounted on a hexapod.
US08973458B2
A gear unit having at least one shaft supported by a bearing in the gear unit housing, the spatial region of a bearing of a shaft situated in a cutout of the gear unit housing being limited at least partially towards the interior of the gear unit by a limiting device, in particular one that has a cutout for a shaft supported in the bearing, the lowest point of the cutout effecting a minimum oil level in the spatial region of the bearing.
US08973456B2
A fitting structure includes: a power transmission member circumferentially provided with first and second spaced teeth and receiving power transmitted; and a fitting member surrounding the power transmission member and having a first recess and a second recess receiving the first tooth and the second tooth respectively, to fit to the power transmission member. There is a larger distance between an external surface of the first tooth and an internal surface of the first recess than that between an external surface of the second tooth and an internal surface of the second recess. An elastically deformable buffer member is provided between the external surface of the first tooth and the internal surface of the first recess.
US08973453B2
A feed screw mechanism includes a feed screw shaft connected to a drive source and formed with first screw threads on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and a displacement nut, which is screw-engaged with respect to the feed screw shaft through a plurality of balls. The displacement nut is supported with respect to a slider that makes up an electric actuator by a pair of pins. The pins are inserted and fixed in first pin holes formed in the slider, and distal end portions of the pins are inserted respectively into second pin holes formed in the displacement nut.
US08973452B2
In a body of an electric actuator, dust collecting pipes are disposed as a pair along an axial direction of a hole portion of the body. The dust collecting pipes are connected respectively to negative pressure supply ports provided in an end block, and include plural first through fifth suction holes separated mutually along an axial direction of the dust collecting pipes. Distances between the first through fifth suction holes are formed so as to become smaller stepwise from one end side of the dust collection pipes, on the side of the negative pressure supply ports, to the other end side thereof.
US08973444B2
Methods and apparatus for tracking objects in conduits, especially for tracking the movement of a pig in a pipeline, are disclosed. Distributed acoustic sensing is used to obtain signal returns from a plurality of discrete longitudinal sensing portions of a fibre optic cable which is laid along the length of the conduit. The method involves detecting an acoustic signature corresponding to the object moving in the conduit. The acoustic signature may comprise a series of pressure pulses caused by the object traversing joints etc. in the conduit. Preferably the method involves detecting pressure waves caused by the object as it moves through the conduit. Detecting the characteristic pressure wave signal provides discrimination of the object from other acoustic disturbances. In pipeline applications a pig can be tracked in real time, if the pig stops moving an alert can be generated and the location of the pig will be known.
US08973441B1
Embodiments of techniques and technologies to verify the interference fit of fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a transducer is positioned to transmit a shear ultrasonic signal through a region of a fastener which is subject to stress when the fastener experiences an interference fit. The shear ultrasonic signal is transmitted through a region of the fastener subject to the stress. As the transmitted ultrasonic signal encounters the region, it is mode converted corresponding to a degree of interference which the fastener is experiencing. A return ultrasonic signal from the fastener is received with the transducer. From the return ultrasonic signal, a processor determines the degree of interference fit which the fastener is experience and outputs an indication of the same.
US08973440B2
A piezoelectric substrate includes vibrating arms, a base portion to which one end portion of each vibrating arm is connected, spindle portions formed in the other end portion of each vibrating arm, formed to have a large width, and having first groove portions formed therein, and second groove portions that are formed along the resonator center line of each vibrating arm, and flexure-torsional combined resonator is excited. A piezoelectric resonator element has flexural resonator of flexure-torsional combined resonator that is excited as its principal resonator and sets the cutting angle of the piezoelectric substrate, the widths and the depths of the first groove portion and the second groove portion, and the thickness of the vibrating arm such that the frequency-temperature characteristics represent third-order characteristics with respect to the temperature.
US08973438B2
Disclosed herein are an inertial sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The inertial sensor 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a plate-shaped membrane 110, a mass body 120 disposed under a central portion 113 of the membrane 110, a post 130 disposed under an edge 115 of the membrane 110 so as to support the membrane 110, and a bottom cap 150 of which the edge 153 is provided with the first cavity 155 into which an adhesive 140 is introduced, wherein the adhesive 140 bonds an edge 153 to a bottom surface of the post, whereby the edge 153 of the bottom cap 150 is provided with the first cavity 155 to introduce the adhesive 140 into the first cavity 155, thereby preventing the adhesive 140 from being permeated into the post 130.
US08973437B2
A condensate sensing device to generate a condensate signal when condensate within a condensate collector reaches a predetermined level comprising a hollow shell and overmold integrally formed to form a water tight enclosure to operatively house a signal generator including electronic components to selectively generate the condensate signal when the condensate within the predetermined level reaches the predetermined level to control the operation of equipment and/or energize an alarm.
US08973435B2
A method and apparatus for measuring a resultant flow delivered by a pump coupled to an over pressure valve, the method comprising the steps of: measuring, using a first flow meter, feed flow to the pump; measuring, using a second flow meter, return flow from the over pressure valve; and calculating resultant flow, at least in part, by subtracting measured return flow from measured feed flow. A pump power modification module can further modifying the pump output pressure to enable pressure profiling.
US08973422B2
A biosensor has an underfill detection system that determines whether a sample of a biological fluid is large enough for an analysis of one or more analytes. The underfill detection system applies an excitation signal to the sample, which generates an output signal in response to the excitation signal. The underfill detection system switches the amplitude of the excitation signal. The transition of the excitation signal to a different amplitude changes the output signal when the sample is not large enough for an accurate and/or precise analysis. The underfill detection system measures and compares the output signal with one or more underfill thresholds to determine whether an underfill condition exists.
US08973420B2
A corrugate fin manufacturing apparatus includes: a die; a machining punch inserted into a concave in the die to form a rib, wherein on entering the concave, the machining punch does not contact a part of a plate-like body that has not been machined into ribs or does not cause resistance to drawing in of the unmachined part during formation of a rib even when there is contact; a mounting portion provided on the die; and a flat punch provided upstream of the machining punch, wherein when a rib is being formed, the flat punch is positioned to not contact the unmachined part or shaped to not cause resistance to drawing in of the machined part even when there is contact, and wherein after formation of a rib, the flat punch presses down the unmachined part and flattens the unmachined part in combination with the mounting portion.
US08973416B2
A lock includes a bolt having latching and unlatching positions, and a locking component having a locking position in which the bolt is prevented from moving from the latching position to the unlatching position, and an unlocking position in which the locking component does not prevent the bolt from moving. A lock cylinder includes a cam having unlocking and deadlocking positions. A deadlocking component has a disengaging position in which the deadlocking component does not prevent the locking component from moving from its locking position to its unlocking position; and when the locking component is in its locking position, an engaging position in which the deadlocking component prevents the locking component from moving. When the cam is in its unlocking position, the locking component is in its unlocking position and a deadlocking component is in its disengaging position, and conversely when the cylinder cam is in its deadlocking position.
US08973413B2
The present invention relates to a laundry refresher unit that can selectively supply various types of dry air as well as steam to laundry, and a laundry treating apparatus having the laundry refresher unit. A laundry refresher unit includes a cabinet that defines an exterior thereof, wherein an air path is formed in the cabinet; a steam generator provided in the cabinet to selectively supply steam outside the cabinet through a steam outlet; and a heated air supply device provided in the cabinet to heat air drawn through an air inlet, such that the air having at least three temperature ranges is supplied outside the cabinet through the air outlet. A laundry treating apparatus includes a laundry refresher unit that includes a cabinet, a steam generator and a heated air supply device.
US08973410B1
A knitted component including a knit element and a gusseted tongue is incorporated into an upper of an article of footwear. The knit element defines a portion of an exterior surface of the upper and an opposite interior surface of the upper, with the interior surface defining a void for receiving a foot. The knit element and the gusseted tongue are formed together as a knitted component during a knitting process as a one-piece element. The gusseted tongue is formed of unitary knit construction with the knit element and is joined with the knit element in an instep area of the upper. The knitting process includes steps of forming portions of the knitted component, transferring portions of the knitted component to opposite needle beds, shifting needle beds along a lateral direction to cause portions to overlap, and joining the overlapped portions by knitting to form the gusseted tongue.
US08973407B2
A method for producing synthetic quartz glass comprises providing a liquid SiO2 feedstock material containing mainly octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane D4, vaporizing the SiO2 feedstock material into a feedstock vapor, converting the feedstock vapor into SiO2 particles, depositing the SiO2 particles on a deposition surface while forming a porous SiO2 soot body, and vitrifying the SiO2 soot body while forming the synthetic quartz glass. To produce large-volume cylindrical soot bodies with outer diameters of more than 300 mm of improved material homogeneity, the liquid feedstock material contains additional components comprising hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane D3 and its linear homolog with a weight fraction mD3, dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane D6 and its linear homolog with a weight fraction mD6, and tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane D7 and/or hexadecamethylcyclooctasiloxane D8 and its linear homologs with a weight fraction mD7+. The weight ratio mD3/mD6 is in a range between 0.5 and 500 and the weight fraction mD7+ is at least 20 wt. ppm.
US08973398B2
A method for vaporizing a liquefied natural gas (LNG) stream and recovering heavier hydrocarbons from the LNG utilizing a heat transfer fluid is disclosed.
US08973388B2
Even in the case of drop accident occurring due to a certain cause during transport or the like, it is intended by the present invention that any deformation of a motor support or a fan panel will not occur. A fan mechanism includes fan units having fan panels disposed vertically, motor supports mounted inwardly of said fan panels, motors mounted on said motor supports so that output shafts of the motors are parallel to the surfaces of the fan panels, fans positioned inwardly of said fan panels and driven by the motors, and spacers mounted to the motor supports so as to be positioned between the motor supports and a top plate or a bottom plate that serves as a bottom during conveyance.
US08973387B2
A vehicular air conditioning system capable of suppressing the power consumption of a refrigerating cycle is disclosed. The vehicular air conditioning system comprises a refrigerating cycle circuit comprising a compressor, an outside heat exchanger and an inside air conditioning heat exchanger annularly connected in order, and a device cooling circuit comprising a heating unit, an inside cooling heat exchanger, an intermediate heat exchanger and a pump being annularly connected, the intermediate heat exchanger being constructed such that one end of a piping of the cooling medium for air conditioning is connected to a liquid piping, the liquid piping providing connection between the outside heat exchanger and the inside air conditioning heat exchanger, and an opposite end of the piping of the cooling medium for air conditioning is connected to a suction port of the compressor.
US08973377B2
An electric power generation system employs a thermoelectric generator placed between an aircraft inner skin and an aircraft outer skin. The thermoelectric generator is configured to utilize a thermal differential between the inner and outer skin to generate electricity. An electrical interface is provided for access to the electricity generated by said thermoelectric generator.
US08973375B2
One embodiment of the present application includes a hot section component of a gas turbine engine having a covering. The covering includes a protrusion and is attached to the hot section component though a flexible retainer. In one form the covering is made from ceramic matrix composite. The flexible retainer has a closed position and an open position. The retainer secures the protrusion to the hot section component when it engages part of the protrusion when in the closed position.
US08973373B2
A method to provide clearance control for a gas turbine having a multi-stage compressor and a turbine having turbine buckets rotating within a turbine shell, the method includes: selecting a first compressor stage from which to extract compressed air; ducting the compressed air from the first compressor stage to the turbine shell; passing the compressed air from the first compressor stage to thermally contract the turbine shell; selecting a second compressor stage from which to extract compressed air and deselecting the first compressor stage; ducting the compressed air from the second compressor stage to the turbine shell, and passing the compressed air from the second compressor stage to thermal expand the turbine shell.
US08973372B2
A shell air recirculation system for use in a gas turbine engine includes one or more outlet ports located at a bottom wall section of an engine casing wall and one or more inlet ports located at a top wall section of the engine casing wall. The system further includes a piping system that provides fluid communication between the outlet port(s) and the inlet port(s), a blower for extracting air from a combustor shell through the outlet port(s) and for conveying the extracted air to the inlet port(s), and a valve system for selectively allowing and preventing air from passing through the piping system. The system operates during less than full load operation of the engine to circulate air within the combustor shell but is not operational during full load operation of the engine.
US08973350B2
In forced regeneration control of an exhaust gas purification device 12, data for control such as the number of meshes of a data map and the number of data maps for forced regeneration control is reduced and occurrence of torque shock is avoided by smoothly changing a fuel pressure. In the forced regeneration control of the exhaust gas purification device, when an operation state of an internal combustion engine is in a high-load operation state, normal injection control by stopping multi injection is carried out and according to a rotation speed and a load of the internal combustion engine, a region for control is divided into a multi-injection control region, a transition region, and a normal injection control region, and in the transition region, data for fuel pressure control obtained by interpolation of data for fuel pressure control on the multi-injection control region side and data for fuel pressure control on the normal injection control region side is used.
US08973342B2
A system and method for controlling a load on an agricultural harvester (100) comprising a first sensor (124, 126, 128, 130) to sense a first load, a second sensor (132, 134, 136, 138) to sense a second load, an electronic control unit (200) coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, the electronic control unit (200) being configured to determine a difference between the first load and the second load, and to either (a) raise a harvesting head (102) or (b) stop the agricultural harvester (100), or (c) both, when the difference exceeds a threshold load.
US08973339B2
A method for controlling a braking mechanism for a supply roll with wrapping material for a round baler that passes through a first phase wherein, after detection of sufficient crop material in the baling chamber, wrapping material is brought up to the baling chamber and introduced into the baling chamber. The braking mechanism provides a higher braking force during the wrapping operation than the first phase. The wrapping operation is started on detection of movement in the wrapping material. This prevents the braking mechanism from being activated prematurely and leaves sufficient time to deactivate the braking mechanism after the wrapping operation.
US08973337B2
A modular construction kit for erecting a building is provided. The kit comprises a plurality of base track sections, a plurality of roof receiving tracks, and a plurality of wall panels. The base track is a U-shaped channel that extends around the base of the building and maintains the lower edges of the wall panels in a linear alignment. Wall panels include male, female, and hybrid (male/female) varieties, each variety having a different tongue and groove configuration on laterally opposing ends of the panel. Each wall panel has an outer skin and an inner skin separated by two divider walls and a structural bridge, which provide structural support across two axes. The roof receiving track is affixed to the upper edges of the wall panels to provide a supporting shelf for a roof structure. Thus, the invention is an easy to assemble kit for rapidly erecting buildings.
US08973331B2
Building panels 1, 1′ provided with a mechanical locking system including a tongue 30, at an edge of a first panel 1, cooperating with a tongue groove 20, at an edge of an adjacent second panel 1′, for vertical locking of the building panels. The edge of the first panel is provided with a displacement groove 60, which is downwardly open, and includes an inner wall 61, an outer wall 62, and an upper wall 67. The tongue 30 is formed out of the edge of the first panel. A resilient and displaceable and part 66 of the tongue 30 is displaceable into the displacement groove 60.
US08973330B2
An expansion bracket absorbs movement of a wall stud to prevent damage to a wall covering attached to the wall stud. The expansion bracket can include a main body having a main body flange, formed of a deformable material, and having a wall stud attachment end configured to attach to the wall stud via a wall stud attachment element. The main body can also have a furring attachment element configured to attach a furring to the main body. When the main body is attached to the wall stud and the furring, and the wall covering is attached to the furring via a wall covering attachment element, the main body flange is configured to absorb, via deformation, at least a portion of the movement of the wall stud due to heat-based expansion of the wall stud.
US08973326B2
A modular fitted flooring system includes a plurality of bearing plates (2) and a plurality of panel elements (3) designed to be hooked onto the bearing plates (2), the bearing plates including a plurality of supporting elements (7), a panel hooking element (13), and elements (14) for bearing the load of the panel elements, and being complete with jointing elements (20, 21) for connecting one bearing plate (2) to the next, the panel hooking element (13) consisting of a plurality of teeth designed to engage in grooves (17) provided on at least two edges of the panel element (3), the teeth (13) being arranged on the plate so as to create a gap between one panel element and the next in a direction (Y) crosswise to the direction of installation (X) of the panel elements.
US08973323B1
A rebar cap assembly, for use in connection with a rebar rod with a free end includes a metal casing and a circular metal disc independent of the casing. The casing has a side wall with a cylindrical shape extending between an open end and a closed end with a top wall for receiving the free end of the rebar rod. A shoulder extends annularly about and radially from the side wall into the closed end. The side wall has an outer surface with a plurality of retaining tabs to secure the rebar cap to the rebar rod. The disc extends to a circular perimeter in a cantilevered fashion radially outwardly from the closed end of the casing. A bond is sandwiched between the top wall of the casing and the disc for securing to the disc to the casing.
US08973319B2
A fire-rated receiver channel includes at least one intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The receiver channel can nest with a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. In other arrangements, a track assembly includes two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall.
US08973317B2
A relatively thin flat panel of thermal insulating material is provided with an array of holes or apertures, each coaxially aligned or coextensive with a reinforcement bar emanating from a concrete slab forming an interior floor within a structure consistent with the design of a structural engineer of record. Rebar couplers (nipples) are arranged within each of the holes or apertures of the insulating panel having axial lengths greater than the thickness of the panel to extend beyond the panel on both sides thereof. The couplers are threaded both internally and externally. Nuts or threaded washers are threaded and tightened on both sides of each coupler to secure the coupler in place in relation to the panel. Alternatively, fiberglass rebars can be used extending through the insulating panel.
US08973316B2
The disclosed system, method and device for construction generally includes a mullion having a guide track disposed therein and a custom fitting suitably adapted to support a construction section via substantially adjustable attachment to the guide track. Disclosed features and specifications may be optionally controlled, adapted or otherwise modified to improve the retention and/or support of construction sections in a variety of operating environments. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide improved aesthetic presentation and mechanical retention of construction panels in point-supported glass wall systems.
US08973309B2
A tower structure including a central, vertical mast and a plurality of tensioned elongate elements arranged to support the mast against buckling, the plurality of tensioned elements together defining a generally hyperboloid structure and including a first plurality of elongate elements which define a multiplicity of junctions therebetween, a second plurality of junction-to-mast joining elongate elements which join at least some of the multiplicity of junctions to the central, vertical mast; and a third plurality of junction-to-junction joining elongate elements which are connected at a plurality of mutually spaced fixed locations therealong to the at least some of the multiplicity of junctions.
US08973306B2
A two-stage linked sliding door of a machine tool is provided with a first door half and a second door half movable through different strokes. Pulleys are disposed individually at two opposite end portions of the second door half, and a wire is stretched between the pulleys. The opposite end portions of the wire are secured to the door frame or the first door half by two wire tensioning springs, individually, such that the opposite end portions face each other. These two springs are juxtaposed and offset with each other so that their respective central axes do not line on the same axis.
US08973302B2
The invention claim is a garden tool to assist in the removal of planting medium and plant from a planting container. The garden tool comprises a handle having a first end and a second end, a base, and a planting container. The handle and the base are connected forming a L-shape body. The base is placed inside the planting container, and the handle extends above the top of the planting container. The connection between the handle and base may be reinforced by an angle brace. The connection between the handle and base may be hinged. If the connection is hinged, the angle brace prevents the hinge movement. Located on one end of the angle brace is a hook, that connects to the base. In addition, the base has weeping holes to allow the drainage of water. The base also has raised ridges to contain the growing medium when removed.
US08973299B2
A device for trapping flying insects and a system of such devices are disclosed. The device includes a supporting frame with an associated combustible fuel supply connected to a combustion device with a fan which is operated to generate an exhaust gas having carbon dioxide to attract flying insects. The insects are drawn into a trap chamber on the frame by suction where they are collected and/or killed. The device may further include various sensors to regulate fuel flow and fan speed in accordance with insect activity as influenced by environmental and other factors.
US08973280B2
Method for determining a twist structure in the surface roughness of a workpiece which is cylindrical at least in part includes that multiple sampling segments which extend in the axial direction of the workpiece and which are mutually spaced apart in the circumferential direction are carried out in a surface region of interest on the workpiece, and the value of at least one parameter of the twist structure is determined based on the measured values obtained using the sampling segments. An estimated value of at least one parameter of the twist structure is determined based on the measured values associated with a first sampling segment, the estimated value being corrected based on the measured values associated with at least one second sampling segment.
US08973278B2
Disclosed are an alignment system and an alignment method for aligning a radar apparatus such that the alignment is not significantly influenced by tolerances in an assembly process of a bumper rail, a front end module, and a vehicle body.
US08973271B2
In certain embodiments, a method for manufacturing an integral duplex bearing having an outer ring, a first inner ring, and a second inner ring includes forming a first outer raceway and a second outer raceway in an inner surface of the outer ring. The method further includes forming a first inner raceway in an outer surface of the first inner ring and a second inner raceway in an outer surface of the second inner ring while the first inner ring and the second inner ring are joined together. The first and second inner rings each have an outer surface diameter less than an inner surface diameter of the outer ring such that the first and second inner rings may be positioned inside the outer ring with the first inner raceway located adjacent to the first outer raceway and the second inner raceway located adjacent to the second outer raceway. The method further includes separating the first inner ring from the second inner ring.
US08973267B2
A method for obtaining an incision in an embossing roller using a hob to provide protuberances that are rounded on top and which improve the quality of the embossed material and reduce the wear of the mechanical components of the embossing units. The shape of the protuberances is obtained by machining the cylindrical surface of the roller placed between the tailstocks of the lathe using a hob that has teeth, the profile thereof being complementary to the cross-section of the protuberances. A portion of the hob with the teeth generates the grooves that define the side faces of the protuberances. The grooves between the teeth of the hob have a profile that is curvilinear in a cross-sectional view. With a double pass at two different inclinations of the surface of the roller, the protuberances of FIGS. 5 and 6 are generated.
US08973265B2
According to an installation method of a water-chamber working apparatus of the present invention, the water-chamber working apparatus includes a base that holds heat transfer tubes on a tube plate surface and is fixed to the tube plate surface, and a manipulator that is coupled with the base, suspended in a water chamber and arranged therein, and has a separable configuration. In this case, a base installing step of installing the base on the tube plate surface and a manipulator coupling step of carrying the separated manipulator (a front stage and a rear stage) into the water chamber sequentially and individually and coupling the manipulator with the base (a coupling link) are performed.
US08973257B2
Methods for building a neutron detector are disclosed, in which the neutron detector comprises at least two conductive cathode sheets lying parallel to one another and coated with neutron reactive material on at least one side thereof; dielectric material separating the cathode sheets and covering less than about 80% of their surface area; and a plurality of anode wires lying generally parallel to the cathode sheets and separated from them by the dielectric, with the distance between adjacent anode wires being no more than twenty times the distance between said cathode sheets. The cathode sheets may be flat or curved; they may be separate plates or they may be successive folds or windings of a single folded or spiral-shaped metal sheet.
US08973252B2
Several embodiments of a circuit device using principles of planar Litz wire construction are disclosed using flexible printed circuit boards on which a given set of conductors is located on one surface only. The FPCBs are folded at strategic locations to effectively cause conductors in adjacent parallel planes to effectively cross one another to realize the advantages of braided Litz wire conductors, but without the use of vias or circuit interconnections between opposite sides of any given FPCB or between different sections of a continuous FPCB wherein each section defines its own coil or coil set.
US08973251B2
A method of manufacturing a stator wherein a stator core is fixed by a centering jig, and in this state, a fixing hole is formed in a flange portion provided on a fastening ring for the stator core, using a central position as a reference for position, by drilling with a drill. The fixing hole is opened to be located at a distance relative to the central position. In a plan view, the fixing hole is opened at a predetermined central angle interval (for example, intervals of 120°) relative to the central position.
US08973250B2
Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are provided. The method of forming a MEMS structure includes forming a wiring layer on a substrate comprising actuator electrodes and a contact electrode. The method further includes forming a MEMS beam above the wiring layer. The method further includes forming at least one spring attached to at least one end of the MEMS beam. The method further includes forming an array of mini-bumps between the wiring layer and the MEMS beam.
US08973244B2
A pipe processing tool that is configured to deform the end of a pipe so that the circumferential shape of the end of the pipe generally matches the circumferential shape of an adjacent pipe end. Matching the circumferential shapes of the pipe ends is advantageous during a pipe attachment process. The pipe processing tool can include a deformation ring with a plurality of pipe deformation members. Each pipe deformation member faces radially inward and is actuatable in a radial direction toward and away from the center of the deformation ring in order to permit engagement with the pipe. Each pipe deformation member is individually and separately actuatable from the other pipe deformation members so that the circumferential shapes of the pipes can be altered by controlling suitable ones of the pipe deformation members.
US08973241B1
A method and apparatus for forming a joint between a first composite structure and a second composite structure. A number of tab sections may be formed at an end of the first composite structure. The first composite structure may comprise a first skin, a second skin, and a core located between the first skin and the second skin. A tab section in the number of tab sections may comprise a first skin section of the first skin, a second skin section of the second skin, and a core section of the core. A portion of the core section may be removed from each tab section to form a number of tabs at the end of the first composite structure. The first composite structure may be attached to the second composite structure using the number of tabs to form the joint between the first composite structure and the second composite structure.
US08973236B2
A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.
US08973233B2
A hinge remover has a thick cylindrical base with a central opening and a flange, a hollow cylindrical wall upon a yoke, and two spaced apart shoulders upon the yoke. The shoulders receive a door pin. The wall receives a head upon a spring and has two diametrically opposed recesses for ball bearings. The central opening admits the head extending opposite the yoke. The central opening narrows and forms a chamber for a propellant. The base has a radial aperture that opens for an igniter that contacts the propellant. During assembly, the head compresses upon the spring against the yoke revealing the recesses to receive the ball bearings as the head eases inwardly. Upon combustion of the propellant, the head retreats towards the yoke, the ball bearings fall, and the yoke separates from the base.
US08973217B2
A brake for a steering caster which is actuatable with small shifting forces and small shifting travel and creates less noise during shifting. The steering caster includes a head portion; a support portion including at least one arm; and a foot lever for actuating a directional fixation device and for actuating a brake device for at least one wheel including a rim, wherein the rim is covered with a thread protector. The brake device includes at least one rim brake locking element that is actuatable through a foot lever and arranged laterally between the at least one arm and the thread protector connected with the at least one arm, wherein at least one actuation contour is arranged at an inside of the at least one arm and/or at an outside of the thread protector within a movement range of the at least one rim brake locking element.
US08973214B2
A cyclone bin assembly comprises a cyclone chamber having an air inlet, an air outlet, a dirt outlet and first and second opposed ends. The cyclone bin assembly may comprise a dirt collection chamber in communication with the dirt outlet. The dirt bin may surround at least a portion of the cyclone chamber and comprising first and second portions. The first and second portions may comprise discrete chambers that are separated from each other by a passage extending between the dirt outlet and a wall of the dirt collection chamber. A portion of the wall facing the dirt outlet may extend inwardly towards the dirt outlet.
US08973207B2
In a wiper blade (100) for a windscreen wiper, having a wiper strip (112) and an adapter unit (105) for hinging the wiper blade (112) to a wiper arm, wherein the adapter unit (150) is attached at a base connection device (160) provided on the wiper strip (112) and is configured for connection to a connection member associated with the wiper arm. The adapter unit (150) comprises a guide adapter (250) permanently connected to the base connection device (160) and having guide elements (352, 354, 356, 358) that are spherically curved at least in sections. The guide adapter is detachably connected to a function adapter (280) configured for connection to the connection member and comprising slide elements (382, 386) that are slidably displaceable on the guide elements (352, 354, 356, 358) such that the function adapter (280) is movable at least from a released position into a holding position by a combined translatory and rotary movement relative to the guide adapter (250).
US08973203B2
Conventional toothbrushes must be destroyed and incinerated as refuse after use, resulting in a waste of resources and generating carbon dioxide. A toothbrush is provided with: a toothbrush body having a head formed in an oval-ring shape, the head having a female part or male part being aligned with the toothbrush body and disposed at a connection region connecting to the toothbrush body; and a replaceable bristle part having a male or female part being releasably coupled to the male part or female part of the head. Thus, after an appropriate period of use, the replaceable bristle part can be easily exchanged. The coupling of the female part or male part prevents the fore-end of the toothbrush from shaking laterally during tooth brushing. The toothbrush provides a toothbrush body for repeated reuse, and contributes significantly to the reduction of carbon dioxide by a reduction in refuse.
US08973202B2
The oral hygiene device, particularly a toothbrush, has in the neck part, a cavity, which is closed off from the surroundings and in which a snap dome is arranged. This snap dome produces an acoustic warning signal when a limiting bending of the neck part is exceeded as a result of a limiting pressing force with which the head part is pressed, for example, against the teeth and gums is exceeded. On the one hand, this has the effect of protecting the snap dome, usually produced from metal, from corrosion and, on the other hand, the cavity serves as a resonance chamber to amplify the warning signal.
US08973198B2
A vehicle for cleaning collector mirrors in solar thermal energy installations, includes an operating cab (2), a body (3) for housing and holding the different items, a rolling system for moving the vehicle, a clean water tank, an assembly for discharging the clean water, at least one structure for spraying clean water (100)) onto the surfaces of the mirrors (22) and a tray (46) for collecting the water used in cleaning the mirrors; a set of lifting columns (5, 6); and supports (53, 63) for the cleaning and/or drying assemblies able to slide along the lifting columns, and in which the cleaning assembly includes a structure fitted with a rigid bar (91), which assumes the profile of the mirror to be cleaned, the bar being provided with an external rotation assembly for a brush.
US08973197B2
The present invention is comprised of an antibacterial door mat system for cleaning, disinfecting and detection of bacteria and other organisms on footwear to control spread of biological infections and contamination. The present invention is further comprised of an antibacterial door mat that cleans footwear, detects the presence of bacteria and a bio detection clearance door entry system that controls the entry into sterile areas.
US08973193B2
The present invention provides a method of optimizing a pressure contour of a pressure adjustable platform system by (a) measuring pressure in a plurality of bladders in the pressure adjustable platform system; (b) assessing whether a change in pressure in one or more of the plurality of bladders occurs; (c) determining whether a subject on the pressure adjustable platform system has adjusted position, moved or tossed; (d) generating an adaptive sleep algorithm; and (e) adjusting the pressure in one or more bladders.
US08973181B2
A foldable structure includes: an upper assembly forming an upper portion of the structure; a base assembly forming a lower portion of the structure; a centrally-located hub assembly operatively connected to the base assembly; and a post extending from each corner of the upper assembly to a corner of the base assembly. At least one rotatable wheel assembly is provided at each corner of the lower portion of the structure extending from the structure to engage a surface. Each wheel assembly includes at least one support surface adapted for supporting and guiding the wheel on a surface and at least one groove provided on opposing sides of the support surface.
US08973180B2
A reversible changing table installed on a crib frame of a crib includes a bracket and a pivoting mechanism. The pivoting mechanism is disposed on at least one corner of the bracket and has a locking mechanism. The bracket is installed on the crib frame through the pivoting mechanism such that the bracket is capable of being rotated with respect to the crib frame, and the locking mechanism is used for preventing the bracket from being rotated with respect to the crib frame.
US08973174B2
A vented toilet system for use in a residential or commercial building. The vented toilet system comprises a toilet bowl and a vent cavity arranged adjacent to a top surface of the bowl. The system also comprises a water cavity arranged adjacent to and directly below the vent cavity. The system comprises a seat arranged on a top surface of the bowl and a toilet tank connected to the bowl. The system also comprises a wireless motion detection unit arranged adjacent to the toilet bowl, such that the operation of the vacuum pump is automatic. The wireless motion sensor may allow the vacuum pump to turn on immediately and remain on during duration of use of the toilet by the user. The vented toilet system also comprises a pipe or tube connected to the vent cavity, the pipe passes through either an existing wall or other structure to a vacuum pump and then to the outside of the structure in which the toilet is located.
US08973165B1
An adjustable collar stay having a lower member engaged with an upper member, wherein the upper member can be extendable and retractable from the lower member for use with a variety of collar sizes and styles. The lower member and upper member can have locking mechanisms for retaining a position of extension or retraction. The adjustable collar stay can maintain a position of a shirt collar.
US08973164B2
Fiber blends for garments with high thermal, abrasion resistance, and moisture management properties
Fiber blends useful for garments with a balance of high thermal, abrasion resistance, and moisture management properties are disclosed. The fiber blends comprise a hydrophobic fiber component, a hydrophilic fiber component, a structural fiber component, and an optional antistatic fiber. Yarns, fabrics, and garments comprising the fiber blends are also disclosed. Such garments are particularly useful for occupations requiring high thermal properties and abrasion resistance, such as fire fighters, utility workers, and military personnel, without compromising comfort of the wearers by maintaining breathability and moisture management properties of the fabric.
US08973163B1
Protective garments for use by an infant caregiver are shown and described. In an embodiment, a protective garment includes a body for wearing over a caregiver's shoulders and upper torso and at least two soft epaulets on shoulder regions of the body. Exemplary protective garments very generally have an appearance creating the impression of an athletic shoulder pad and can be worn by a sports-enthusiast caregiver while viewing a sporting event and holding an infant. An infant's head may rest against the epaulets proving comfort for both the infant and caregiver. The epaulets and protective garment generally protect a caregiver from contact by any material which may be discharged from the infant, for example during burping of the infant. It is preferred that a pair of epaulets are provided for each left and right shoulder region in embodiments in which the protective garments generally have an appearance of football-type athletic shoulder pads.
