US08987233B2
Described herein are probes for Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Such probes are used to characterize and develop Btk-selective inhibitors intended for therapeutic use.
US08987230B2
The present invention provides a composition comprising a hyaluronic acid derivative having a crosslinking group(s) and a hydrophilic polysaccharide derivative having a hydrophobic group(s), wherein the hyaluronic acid derivative having a crosslinking group(s) is prepared by crosslinkage formation reaction in hyaluronic acid or a derivative thereof having a crosslinkable group(s) in the presence of the hydrophilic polysaccharide derivative wherein the hydrophilic polysaccharide derivative may have a crosslinkable group(s).
US08987227B2
The present invention provides agents, compositions, constructs and methods for silencing HCV polynucleotides, as well as methods and compositions for treating or preventing HCV infection in a mammalian cell. In one aspect, the present invention provides an agent or composition comprising at least one double-stranded RNA effector molecule or complex. The double-stranded RNA effector molecule or complex comprises: (1) a sequence of at least 19 nucleotides having at least 90% identity with a nucleotide sequence within HCV Conserved Region 1 (SEQ ID NO: 2), HCV Conserved Region 2 (SEQ ID NO: 3), HCV Conserved Region 5 (SEQ ID NO: 4), (ATR)-1 (SEQ ID NO: 86), ATR-2 (SEQ ID NO: 87), ATR-3 (SEQ ID NO: 88), ATR-4 (SEQ ID NO: 89); and (2) its complementary sequence. In another aspect, the present invention provides a construct suitable for replication in a host cell, and/or suitable for expression of an RNA molecule or complex of the invention in vitro or in vivo. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for silencing HCV RNA in a mammalian cell, which comprises administering to the mammalian cell an agent, composition, or construct of the invention in a manner and amount effective to silence HCV RNA in the cell. In a related aspect, the invention provides a method for treating or preventing HCV infection in a patient, comprising administering to the patient an effective amount of an agent, composition, or construct of the invention as described herein.
US08987217B2
Methods of treating a fungal infection in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a modified saponin.
US08987215B2
A composition useful in gene therapy and a method of treatment to effect gene therapy is provided. In particular, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a nonimmunogenic net polyanionic oligosaccharide, such as an oligouronate, associated with a particulate complex of an anionic nucleic acid material and a cationic macromolecule, optionally together with at least one pharmaceutical carrier or excipient, is provided.
US08987214B2
The present invention features solid compositions comprising a selected HCV inhibitor in an amorphous form. In one embodiment, the selected HCV inhibitor is formulated in an amorphous solid dispersion which comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable hydrophilic polymer and preferably a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant.
US08987211B2
Fusion proteins that contain the fusion of (i) a peptide of less than 100 amino acids comprising a first amino acid sequence comprising AASSG (SEQ ID NO: 1) and a second amino acid sequence comprising XAGXDXXTEXPXS (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein X designates any amino acid, and (ii) a protein transduction domain (PTD) are provided, along with pharmaceutical compositions containing the fusion protein. The proteins can be used to treat Huntington's disease.
US08987208B2
The present invention is based on the identification of synaptic vessel glycoprotein SV2 as the BoNT/A receptor and the further identification of various BoNT/A-binding fragments of SV2. The disclosure here provides new tools for diagnosing and treating botulism.
US08987201B2
Black bear parathyroid hormone (PTH) and functional fragments thereof are provided. Also provided are methods of using black bear PTH and functional fragments for increasing cAMP in a bone-forming cell; reducing apoptosis in a bone-forming cell; decreasing the ratio of expression levels of Bax protein to Bcl-2 protein in a bone-forming cell; increasing the expression level of one or more of a bone matrix protein, a transcriptional activator, or a transcriptional regulator in a bone-forming cell; enhancing bone mineral density, increasing bone mass, decreasing bone loss, or reducing the incidence of bone fractures, or any combination thereof, in a subject; also provided are antibodies directed against black bear parathyroid hormone (PTH) and functional fragments thereof.
US08987193B2
The present invention relates to a nisin derivative comprising amino acid substitutions in the peptide sequence encoding the hinge region of the protein, wherein the derivative exhibits an increased anti-microbial activity.
US08987190B2
Treatment of acute ischemic stroke or intracranial bleeding with tPa and carbamylated erythropoietin
The present invention relates a method for the treatment of intracranial bleeding comprising administration of a therapeutically effective amount of tPa and a therapeutically effective amount of carbamylated erythropoietin.
US08987188B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) in the form of any one of its stereoisomers or a mixture thereof, and wherein R1 represents a substituent of the benzene ring and is a bromine atom or a linear, branched or cyclic C1-8 alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy or alkenyloxy group; R2 represents a C1-3 alkyl group; and R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group; and their use as perfuming ingredients, for instance to impart odor notes of the watery/ozone type.
US08987184B2
The present invention is directed, in certain embodiments, to compositions useful for the removal of grease, lime scale, soap scum, feces, rust or other soils from surfaces such as those found in bathrooms, toilets and kitchens. Methods of removing soils and preventing soil adhesion are also contemplated.
US08987173B2
The present invention relates to the fields of microbiology, molecular biology and protein biochemistry. More particularly, it relates to compositions and methods for analyzing and altering (e.g., enhancing or inhibiting) protein folding and solubility.
US08987169B2
A stabilized herbicidal composition comprising fenoxaprop ester herbicide in combination with pyrasulfotole. The present disclosure also provides for a method of stabilizing herbicidal compositions.
US08987161B2
A catalyst comprising a zeolite loaded with copper ions and at least one trivalent metal ion other than Al+3, wherein the catalyst decreases NOx emissions in diesel exhaust. The trivalent metal ions are selected from, for example, trivalent transition metal ions, trivalent main group metal ions, and/or trivalent lanthanide metal ions. In particular embodiments, the catalysts are selected from Cu—Fe-ZSM5, Cu—La-ZSM-5, Fe—Cu—La-ZSM5, Cu—Sc-ZSM-5, and Cu—In-ZSM5. The catalysts are placed on refractory support materials and incorporated into catalytic converters.
US08987160B2
Cryptomelane-type manganese oxide octahedral molecular sieves (OMS-2) supported Fe and Co catalysts are utilized in a method for producing hydrocarbons by a Fischer-Tropsch mechanism. The hydrocarbon producing method includes providing a catalyst of a manganese oxide-based octahedral molecular sieve nanofibers with an active catalyst component of at least one of iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, manganese, vanadium, zinc, and mixtures thereof, and further containing an alkali metal. The formation of iron carbides and cobalt carbides by exposing the catalyst to conditions sufficient to form those carbides is also taught. After the catalyst has been appropriately treated, a carbon source and a hydrogen source are provided and contacted with the catalyst to thereby form a hydrocarbon containing product. The catalyst have high catalytic activity and selectivity (75%) for C2+ hydrocarbons in both CO hydrogenation and CO2 hydrogenation. Highly selective syntheses of high value jet fuel, C2-C6 alkenes, C2-C6 carboxylic acids; α-hydroxylic acids and their derivatives have been realized by tuning the oxidation ability of OMS-2 supports and by doping with Cu2+ ions.
US08987158B2
The present invention relates to a composition for forming a friable-resistant dielectric porcelain material. The present invention also relates to a friable-resistant dielectric porcelain material formed from the composition of the present invention, a method of making a friable-resistant dielectric porcelain material, a friable-resistant dielectric porcelain material formed by the method of the present invention, a dielectric porcelain material comprising a particular composition, and a system for producing ozone using the dielectric porcelain material of to the present invention.
US08987157B2
A sintering composition and calcined object which are precursors for a sintered zirconia. The burned surface of the sintered zirconia gives an X-ray diffraction pattern in which the ratio of the height of the peak present around the location where a [200] peak assigned to the cubic system is to appear to the height of the peak present around the location where a [200] peak assigned to the tetragonal system is to appear is 0.4 or more, and a region located at a depth of 100 μm or more from the burned surface gives an X-ray diffraction pattern in which the ratio of the height of the peak present around the location where a [200] peak assigned to the cubic system is to appear to the height of the peak present around the location where a [200] peak assigned to the tetragonal system is to appear is 0.3 or less.
US08987154B2
An R-glass composition including SiO2 in an amount from 59.0 to 64.5% by weight, Al2O3 in an amount from 14.5 to 20.5% by weight, CaO in an amount from 11.0 to 16.0% by weight, MgO in an amount from 5.5 to 11.5% by weight, Na2O in N an amount from 0.0 to 4.0% by weight, TiO2 in an amount from 0.0 to 2.0% by weight, Fe2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to 1.0% by weight, B2O3 in an amount from 0.0 to about 3.0% by weight, K2O, Fe2O3, ZrO2, and Fluorine, each of which is present in an amount from 0.0 to about 1.0% by weight, and SrO and ZnO, each of which is present in an amount from 0.0 to about 2.0% by weight. In exemplary embodiments, the glass composition does not contain lithium or boron.
US08987152B2
A polymer fiber comprising a thermoplastic polymer and an inorganic filler, wherein the filler content, based on the polymer fiber, is more than about 10% by weight and the mean particle size (D50) of the filler is less than or equal to about 6 μm. A textile fabric, especially nonwoven, produced from the polymer fiber.
US08987149B2
The present invention relates to fire resistant composite materials and to fire resistant fabric materials and mattresses made therefrom. The composite materials include (a) a substrate selected from the group consisting of cotton, rayon, lyocell and blends thereof; and (b) a coating consisting essentially of water, ammonium polyphosphate, binder material, cross-linking material, thickener material and a catalyst. The binder material bonds the ammonium polyphosphate, cross-linking material, thickener material and catalyst together and to the substrate such that the substrate is coated with the coating.
US08987147B2
A method of depositing a film on substrates using an apparatus including a turntable mounting substrates, first and second process areas above the upper surface of the turntable provided with gas supplying portions, a separation gas supplying portion between the first and second process areas, and a separation area including depositing a first oxide film by rotating the turntable first turns while supplying a first reaction gas, the oxidation gas from the second gas supplying portion, and the separation gas; rotating at least one turn while supplying the separation gas from the first gas supplying portion and the separation gas supplying portion, and the oxidation gas from the second gas supplying portion; and rotating at least second turns to deposit a second oxide film while supplying a second reaction gas from the first gas supplying portion, the oxidation gas from the second gas supplying portion, and the separation gas.
US08987145B2
A two-layered polysilicon capacitive element is manufactured to enable suppression of both of an increase in the applied electric field dependence of the capacitance value and the initial defect of the dielectric film. Included are a lower electrode into which phosphorous ions are implanted, a dielectric film formed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed on the dielectric film. The dielectric film includes a thermal oxide film formed by partially oxidizing a polysilicon film constituting the lower electrode and etching out its outer layer part, and a deposited oxide film formed on the thermal oxide film.
US08987143B2
Methods and apparatus for processing using a remote plasma source are disclosed. The apparatus includes an outer chamber enclosing a substrate support, a remote plasma source, and a showerhead. A substrate heater can be mounted in the substrate support. A transport system moves the substrate support and is capable of positioning the substrate. The plasma system may be used to generate activated hydrogen species. The activated hydrogen species can be used to etch/clean semiconductor oxide surfaces such as silicon oxide or germanium oxide.
US08987134B2
Semiconductor devices and methods of making thereof are disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate prepared with a first dielectric layer formed thereon. The dielectric layer includes at least first, second and third contact regions. A second dielectric layer is disposed over the first dielectric layer. The device also includes at least first, second and third via contacts disposed in the second dielectric layer. The via contacts are coupled to the respective underlying contact regions and the via contacts do not extend beyond the underlying contact regions.
US08987129B2
Methods for improving the performance and lifetime of irradiated photovoltaic cells are disclosed, whereby Group-V elements, and preferably nitrogen, are used to dope semiconductor GaAs-based subcell alloys.
US08987119B2
A method of making a semiconductor device includes providing an insulating layer containing a plurality of openings, forming a first semiconductor layer in the plurality of openings in the insulating layer and over the insulating layer, and removing a first portion of the first semiconductor layer, such that first conductivity type second portions of the first semiconductor layer remain in lower portions of the plurality of openings in the insulating layer, and upper portions of the plurality of openings in the insulating layer remain unfilled. The method also includes forming a second semiconductor layer in the upper portions of the plurality of openings in the insulating layer and over the insulating layer, and removing a first portion of the second semiconductor layer located over the insulating layer. The second conductivity type second portions of the second semiconductor layer remain in upper portions of the plurality of openings in the insulating layer to form a plurality of pillar shaped diodes in the plurality of openings.
US08987115B2
Methods of preparing a thin crystalline silicon film for transfer and devices utilizing a transferred crystalline silicon film are disclosed. The methods include preparing a silicon growth substrate which has an interface defining substance associated with an exterior surface. The methods further include depositing an epitaxial layer of silicon on the silicon growth substrate at the surface and separating the epitaxial layer from the substrate substantially along the plane or other surface defined by the interface defining substance. The epitaxial layer may be utilized as a thin film of crystalline silicon in any type of semiconductor device which requires a crystalline silicon layer. In use, the epitaxial transfer layer may be associated with a secondary substrate.
US08987108B2
Semiconductor structures that include bodies of a semiconductor material spaced apart from an underlying substrate. The bodies may be physically separated from the substrate by at least one of a dielectric material, an open volume and a conductive material. The bodies may be electrically coupled by one or more conductive structures, which may be used as an interconnect structure to electrically couple components of memory devices. By providing isolation between the bodies, the semiconductor structure provides the properties of a conventional SOI substrate (e.g., high speed, low power, increased device density and isolation) while substantially reducing fabrication acts and costs associated with such SOI substrates. Additionally, the semiconductor structures of the present disclosure provide reduced parasitic coupling and current leakage due to the isolation of the bodies by the intervening dielectric material.
US08987090B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes introducing at least a first and a second trench pattern including array trenches from a first surface into a semiconductor substrate, wherein an array isolation portion of the semiconductor substrate separates the first and second trench patterns. A buried gate electrode structure is provided in the first and second trench patterns at a distance to the first surface. In a single etch process, both a device separation trench having a first width is introduced into the array isolation portion and cell separation trenches having at most a second width that is smaller than the first width are introduced into semiconductor fins between the array trenches. Switching devices integrated in the same semiconductor die may be formed in a cost effective way.
US08987083B1
In a non-planar based semiconductor process where the structure includes both N and P type raised structures (e.g., fins), and where a different type of epitaxy is to be grown on each of the N and P type raised structures, prior to the growing, a lithographic blocking material over one of the N and P type raised structure portions is selectively etched to expose and planarize a gate cap. After the first type of epitaxy is grown, the process is repeated for the other of the N and P type epitaxy.
US08987080B2
Provided are methods for making metal gates suitable for FinFET structures. The methods described herein generally involve forming a high-k dielectric material on a semiconductor substrate; depositing a high-k dielectric cap layer over the high-k dielectric material; depositing a PMOS work function layer having a positive work function value; depositing an NMOS work function layer; depositing an NMOS work function cap layer over the NMOS work function layer; removing at least a portion of the PMOS work function layer or at least a portion of the NMOS work function layer; and depositing a fill layer. Depositing a high-k dielectric cap layer, depositing a PMOS work function layer or depositing a NMOS work function cap layer may comprise atomic layer deposition of TiN, TiSiN, or TiAlN. Either PMOS or NMOS may be deposited first.
US08987064B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a lead-frame having a metal connector mounted thereon and having a peripheral mounting region; forming an insulation cover on the lead-frame and on the metal connector; connecting an integrated circuit die over the insulation cover; forming a top encapsulation on the integrated circuit die with the peripheral mounting region exposed from the top encapsulation; forming a routing layer, having a conductive land, from the lead-frame; and forming a bottom encapsulation partially encapsulating the routing layer and the insulation cover.
US08987062B2
Thermal conductivity in a stacked IC device can be improved by constructing one or more active temperature control devices within the stacked IC device. In one embodiment, the control devices are thermal electric (TE) devices, such as Peltier devices. The TE devices can then be selectively controlled to remove or add heat, as necessary, to maintain the stacked IC device within a defined temperature range. The active temperature control elements can be P-N junctions created in the stacked IC device and can serve to move the heat laterally and/or vertically, as desired.
US08987061B2
Methods for antenna switch modules are disclosed. In certain implementations, a method of making an antenna switch module is provided. The method includes providing a package substrate implemented to receive one or more electrical components, attaching a silicon on insulator (SOI) die to the package substrate, and providing an integrated filter. The SOI die includes a capacitor and a switch coupled to a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signal paths. The integrated filter filters an RF signal received on a first RF signal path of the plurality of RF signal paths, and includes the capacitor of the SOI die and an inductor.
US08987039B2
A process is provided for making a photovoltaic device comprising a silicon substrate comprising a p-n junction, the process comprising the steps of: forming an amorphous silicon carbide antireflective coating over at least one surface of the silicon substrate by chemical vapor deposition of a composition comprising a precursor selected from the group consisting of an organosilane, an aminosilane, and mixtures thereof, wherein the amorphous silicon carbide antireflective coating is a film represented by the formula SivCxNuHyFz, wherein v+x+u+y+z=100%, v is from 1 to 35 atomic %, x is from 5 to 80 atomic %, u is from 0 to 50 atomic %, y is from 10 to 50 atomic % and z is from 0 to 15 atomic %.
US08987036B2
A solar battery module (40) includes a stack of: a plurality of solar battery strings (30) and bus sections (32) connected to both ends of each of the plurality of solar battery strings (30); flexible resin layers (33a through 33c); and a flexible resin film (34). The flexible resin layers (33a through 33c) and the flexible resin film (34) have, on a light receiving surface side of solar battery cells (20), holes through which the bus sections (32) are each partially exposed. The exposed parts of the bus sections (32) serve as a respective plurality of electrically-connecting means (32a). A solar battery array (41) includes a plurality of solar battery modules (40). The plurality of solar battery modules (40) are electrically connected with each other via the plurality of electrically-connecting means (32a). This makes it possible to achieve a large-scale solar battery array (41) with high mechanical strength.
US08987034B2
A method of manufacturing a backside illumination image sensor includes forming an epitaxial layer on a silicon (Si) substrate, and forming an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) on the epitaxial layer. The method includes forming a trench in one side region of the epitaxial layer, forming an insulating layer at a side wall and bottom of the trench, forming a color filter and microlens on the IMD, bonding a support wafer onto the IMD with the color filter and microlens formed therein, and/or removing the Si substrate.
US08987032B2
A method for making a solar cell is disclosed. In accordance with the method of the present invention a composite wafer is formed. The composite layer includes a single crystal silicon wafer, a silicon-based device layer and sacrificial porous silicon sandwiched therebetween. The composite wafer is treated to an aqueous etchant maintained below ambient temperatures to selectively etch the sacrificial porous silicon and release or undercut the silicon-based layer from the single crystal silicon wafer. The released silicon device layer is attached to a substrate to make a solar cell and the released single crystal silicon wafer is reused to make additional silicon device layer.
US08987031B2
A method for a constructing radiation detector includes fabricating a multi-layer structure upon a wafer, the multi-layer structure comprising a plurality of metal layers, a plurality of sacrificial layers, and a plurality of insulating layers, forming a cavity within the multi-layer structure, filling the cavity with a gas that ionizes in response to nuclear radiation, and sealing the gas within the cavity.
US08987027B2
A method is provided for fabricating thin-film transistors (TFTs) for an LCD having an array of pixels. The method includes depositing a first photoresist layer over a portion of a TFT stack that includes a conductive gate layer, and a semiconductor layer. The method also includes doping the exposed semiconductor layer with a first doping dose. The method further includes etching a portion of the conductive gate layer to expose a portion of the semiconductor layer, and doping the exposed portion of the semiconductor layer with a second doping dose. The method also includes depositing a second photoresist layer over a first portion of the doped semiconductor layer in an active area of the pixels to expose a second portion of the doped semiconductor layer in an area surrounding the active area, and doping the second portion of the doped semiconductor layer with a third doping dose.
US08987025B2
A manufacturing method for an LED (light emitting diode) includes following steps: providing a substrate; disposing a transitional layer on the substrate, the transitional layer comprising a planar area with a flat top surface and a patterned area with a rugged top surface; coating an aluminum layer on the transitional layer; using a nitriding process on the aluminum layer to form an AlN material on the transitional layer; disposing an epitaxial layer on the transitional layer and covering the AlN material, the epitaxial layer contacting the planar area and the patterned area of the transitional layer, a plurality of gaps being defined between the epitaxial layer and the slugs of the second part of the AlN material in the patterned area of the transitional layer.
US08987024B2
System for wafer-level phosphor deposition. In an aspect, a semiconductor wafer is provided that includes a plurality of LED dies wherein at least one die includes an electrical contact, a photo-resist post covering the electrical contact, and a phosphor deposition layer covering the semiconductor wafer and surrounding the photo-resist post. In another aspect, a semiconductor wafer is provided that comprises a plurality of LED dies wherein at least one die comprises an electrical contact, a phosphor deposition layer covering the semiconductor wafer, and a cavity in the phosphor deposition layer exposing the at least one electrical contact.
US08987023B2
A light emitting device includes: a substrate; a light emitting element disposed on the substrate; a wavelength conversion unit disposed on the substrate to cover at least an upper surface of the light emitting element; and a reflection unit formed to cover a side surface and a lower surface of the substrate and having a resin and a reflective filler dispersed in the resin. Light emitting devices having uniform characteristics can be obtained by minimizing a chromaticity distribution of white light with respect to the different light emitting devices.
US08987017B2
This disclosure discloses a method of manufacturing a light-emitting device, comprising proving a single growth substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; forming a plurality of light-emitting stacks on the first major surface, wherein the light-emitting stacks are electrically connected to each other in series via a first electrical connecting structure; forming an electronic device on the second major surface; and forming a second electrical connecting structure extending from the first major surface to the second major surface and electrically connecting the first light-emitting stacks and the electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises a resistance, an inductance, capacitance, or a rectifying device, and wherein the material of the resistance comprises tantalum nitride (TaN), silicon-chromium alloy (SiCr), or nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr).
US08987013B2
A method of inspecting misalignment of a polysilicon gate is disclosed, characterized in forming only NMOS devices in P-wells in a test wafer and utilizing an advanced electron beam inspection tool operating with a positive mode to carry out electrical defect inspection. The method can be applied in precisely figuring out the in-plane misalignment of the polysilicon gates of an in-process semiconductor product and identifying a misalignment tendency therebetween across a wafer by verifying all locations of interest thereon, thus providing a methodology for process window optimization and on-line monitoring and contributing to the manufacturing process and yield improvement.
US08987009B1
A method for tracking an interposer die of a stacked silicon interconnect technology (SSIT) product includes forming a plurality of dummy components on the interposer die, and modifying one or more of the plurality of dummy components on the interposer die to form a unique identifier for the interposer die. An apparatus for a stacked silicon interconnect technology (SSIT) product includes an interposer die, and a plurality of dummy components at the interposer die. One or more of the plurality of dummy components is modifiable to form a unique identifier for the interposer die.
US08987008B2
The present disclosure provides one embodiment of a method for an integrated circuit (IC). The method includes forming a mandrel pattern on a substrate by a first lithography process; forming a first spacer pattern on sidewalls of the mandrel pattern; removing the mandrel pattern; forming a second spacer pattern on sidewalls of the first spacer pattern; removing the first spacer pattern; and etching the substrate using the second spacer pattern as an etch mask.
US08987005B2
[PROBLEMS] To provide a reagent for measuring agglutination by using a reaction accelerator, which causes no spontaneous agglutination of receptor-sensitized carrier particles in the coexistence of these carrier particles, and a measurement method.[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A reagent for measuring agglutination by using a specific amine compound, whereby aggregation based on a specific reaction can be accelerated without causing spontaneous agglutination of carrier particles, and measurement method.
US08987003B2
A biosensor device (100) for detecting biological particles, the biosensor device (100) comprising an electromagnetic radiation transmitting member (102) adapted for transmitting electromagnetic radiation and a plurality of sensor active structures (104) arranged at the electromagnetic radiation transmitting member (102), wherein each of the plurality of sensor active structures (104) is sensitive to specific biological particles and is adapted to modify electromagnetic radiation transmission properties of the electromagnetic radiation transmitting member (102) in the event of the presence of the respective biological particles, and wherein the electromagnetic radiation transmitting member (102) is adapted for a simultaneous detection of different biological particles at different ones of the plurality of sensor active structures (104).
US08986997B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for enhancing folding and stability of biological molecules. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying biological molecules with enhanced stability. The present invention further relates to host cells that confer enhanced stability to biological molecules expressed therein.
US08986994B2
Provided are compounds of formula (I) and/or salts thereof, of the class of substituted pyridines and pyrimidines, useful for inducing cardiomyogenesis, a process for producing cardiomyocyte-like cells from mammalian cells by culturing mammalian cells in the presence of the compound of formula (I), the pharmaceutical use of compounds of formula (I) for producing cardiomyocyte-like cells from omnipotent, pluripotent, or lineage committed mammalian cells, and the use of thus produced cardiomyocyte-like cells for treating disorders associated with impaired function of the heart.
US08986992B2
Provided are ex vivo and in vivo methods of expanding renewable stem cells using agents capable of down-regulating Sir2 protein activity and/or expression, expanded populations of renewable stem cells, and uses thereof.
US08986991B2
A system and method of adapting host cells to suspension cell culture and suspension cell lines ATCC PTA-12593 and ATCC PTA-12461 produced thereby are disclosed. The method includes the serial replating of substantially undiluted culture cells onto a surface area until cell clumps are visualized and then, upon cell clumping, moving the cells into a suspension culture system.
US08986990B2
The invention described herein provides for human antibodies produced in non-human animals that specifically bind to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The invention further provides methods for making the antibodies in a non-human animal, expression of the antibodies in cell lines including hybridomas and recombinant host cell systems. Also provided are kits and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies and methods of treating or preventing pseudomonas infection by administering to a patient the pharmaceutical compositions described herein.
US08986989B2
The invention provides a promoter derived from a genome of an actinomycete, Streptomyces species, and can specifically induce expression of a transgene in an actinomycete, Streptomyces species, in and after a logarithmic growth phase, and an actinomycete host having a high secondary metabolite production ability and a high precursor supply ability in and after the logarithmic growth phase, and a method for producing useful substances in which the promoter and the actinomycete host are combined.
US08986985B2
An invention proposes a photobioreactor with a cultivation chamber in the form of a shallow closed trough that is irradiated by the sun light. The bottom section of the shallow closed trough comprises an elongated polymer flexible film, which is arranged with small inclination to the horizontal plane; the middle longitudinal section of the elongated polymer flexible film plays a role of the bottom cover of the shallow closed trough. A bank of translucent or transparent flat rigid members, which are abutted in-line with a small inclination to the horizontal plane, provides required rigidity to the entire photobioreactor. The translucent or transparent flat rigid members are provided with longitudinal bottom spacers and joined with the lateral longitudinal sections of the elongated polymer flexible film. In addition, the translucent flat rigid members serve for closing the shallow trough from above.
US08986982B2
A thermal cycle system and method suitable for mass production of DNA comprising a temperature control body having at least two sectors. Each sector has at least one heater, cooler, or other means for changing temperature. A path traverses the sectors in a cyclical fashion. In use, a piece of tubing or other means for conveying is placed along the path and a reaction mixture is pumped or otherwise moved along the path such that the reaction mixture is repetitively heated or cooled to varying temperatures as the reaction mixture cyclically traverses the sectors. The reaction mixture thereby reacts to form a product. In particular, polymerase chain reaction reactants may continuously be pumped through the tubing to amplify DNA. The temperature control body is preferably a single aluminum cylinder with a grooved channel circling around its exterior surface, and preferably has wedge-shaped or pie-shaped sectors separated by a thermal barrier.
US08986974B2
The present invention relates to mutants of a parent Trichoderma strain, comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide and one or more (several) genes selected from the group consisting of a first subtilisin-like serine protease gene, a first aspartic protease gene, a trypsin-like serine protease gene, a second subtilisin-like serine protease gene, and a second aspartic protease gene, wherein the one or more (several) genes are modified rendering the mutant strain deficient in the production of one or more (several) enzymes selected from the group consisting of a first subtilisin-like serine protease, a first aspartic protease, a trypsin-like serine protease, a second subtilisin-like serine protease, and a second aspartic protease, respectively, compared to the parent Trichoderma strain when cultivated under identical conditions. The present invention also relates to methods of producing a polypeptide in such mutants and methods for producing such mutants.
US08986962B2
This invention provides co-cultures of photosynthetic microorganisms and biofuel producing microorganisms. In certain embodiments, polysaccharide-producing, photosynthetic microorganisms are microalgae having frustules provide a substrate on which biofuel-producing microorganisms can grow. In other embodiments, the photosynthetic microorganisms produce a lipid and the non-photosynthetic microorganisms produce a solvent in which the lipid is soluble.
US08986960B2
Disclosed are microorganisms of the genus Cupriavidus or Ralstonia, which are genetically modified to express phosphomannose isomerase (EC5.3.1.8) and facilitated diffusion protein (EC1.3.1.74) for mannose uptake, and optionally mannofructokinase (EC2.7.1.4). The microorganisms also may be genetically modified to express xylose isomerase (EC 5.3.1.5), xylulokinase (E 2.7.1.17) and xylose proton symporter E or a high affinity ABC-transporter. The genetically modified microorganisms are capable of growing on mannose, xylose, arabinose, glucose, or galactose, or a combination thereof as the carbon source.
US08986957B2
A cell culture medium with high content of choline chloride is provided. The cell culture media further comprise only moderate amounts of amino acids, in particular the amount of glutamine in the cell culture media is limited. The cell culture media can be used for large scale production of polypeptides using cell cultures. The cell culture media with high content of choline chloride are particularly suitable for fed-batch cell culture whereby cell viabilities stay at a higher level for a longer time and high polypeptide titers although limited amounts of amino acids are used.
US08986956B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing hEGF (human epidermal growth factor) which has the same activity as the wild form, in high concentration and with a high degree of purity. More specifically, the invention relates to an hEGF expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence coding for the polypeptide of sequence number 14; a host cell in which the expression vector has been genetically transformed; and a method for producing hEGF, comprising a step in which the expression vector is created and is genetically transformed in yeast from which the KEX1 gene is lacking. Using the method of the present invention, it is possible to produce a large volume of human derived EGF which has the same size and activity as human derived EGF, and this EGF can be used in various ways such as in medicine and cosmetics.
US08986953B2
Macrocyclic compounds with a hybrid peptidic/non-peptidic backbone and methods for their preparation
Methods and compositions are provided that utilize synthetic molecules and genetically encoded polypeptides to generate macrocyclic peptide-containing molecules with a hybrid peptidic/non-peptidic backbone. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, and methods for generating libraries of macrocyclic peptide-containing molecules with a hybrid peptidic/non-peptidic backbone. These methods can be used to increase the structural diversity of ligand libraries as well as facilitate the functional screening of these libraries to identify compound(s) with desired activity properties.
US08986951B2
The present invention relates to novel muteins derived from human tear lipocalin, which bind to IL 4 receptor alpha. The sequences of the muteins comprise particular combinations of amino acids. In particular a mutated amino acid residue is present at any one or more of the sequence positions 27, 28, 30, 31, 33, 53, 57, 61, 64, 66, 80, 83, 104-106 and 108 of the linear polypeptide sequence of the mature human tear lipocalin. A mutated amino acid residue is also present at any 2 or more of the sequence positions 26, 32, 34, 55, 56, 58 and 63 of the linear polypeptide sequence of the mature human tear lipocalin. The invention also provides a corresponding nucleic acid molecule encoding such a mutein and a method for producing such a mutein and its encoding nucleic acid molecule.
US08986944B2
The present invention includes methods of enriching rare cells, such as cancer cells, from biological samples, such as blood samples. The methods include performing at least one debulking step on a blood sample and selectively removing at least one type undesirable component from the blood sample to obtain a blood sample that is enriched in a rare cell of interest. In some embodiments magnetic beads coupled to specific binding members are used to selectively removed components.
US08986942B2
Compositions and methods related to carbon nanotubes are provided. More particularly, imaging agents comprising carbon nanotubes internally loaded with a contrast agent and associated methods are provided. One example of a method may involve a method for imaging comprising: providing an imaging agent comprising a carbon nanotube loaded with contrast agent; introducing the imaging agent into a cell; and imaging the cell to detect the presence of the imaging agent.
US08986936B2
The present invention relates to methods and kits for the prediction of risk for heart failure using post-translation modified forms of cardiac troponin T as a biomarker.
US08986935B2
Described herein are methods for the identification or validation of compounds capable of causing ribosomal frameshifting and the use of the compounds identified by the methods described herein to produce a stabilized SMNΔEx7 protein and treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy.
US08986933B2
A process for detecting human rhinovirus nucleic acid in a biological sample, includes producing an amplification product by amplifying an human bocavirus nucleotide sequence using a forward primer of SEQ ID NO: 1, and a reverse primer of SEQ ID NO: 2, and measuring said amplification product to detect human rhinovirus in said biological sample. Also provided are reagents and methods for detecting and distinguishing human rhinovirus from other viruses. A kit is provided for detecting and quantifying human rhinovirus in a biological sample.
US08986930B2
Compositions, kits, methods and systems for single molecule nucleotide sequencing comprising producing polymerase reactions having monovalent cations that control the median pulse width for incorporated nucleotides are disclosed. The levels of alkali metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium in the polymerization are used to control pulse width while allowing other sequencing parameters to remain within a desirable range.
US08986925B2
Method for in vitro detection and/or quantification and/or identification of infectious compounds present in a fluid medium M constituting a biological material, in which method a suspension of microbeads of solid polymer material capable of binding proteins is prepared; the microbeads are loaded with β2GPI proteins by coupling with a sufficient amount of β2GPI proteins; said microbeads are brought into contact with the fluid medium M while adding ions of at least one oxidizing metal, so as to bind the infectious compounds to the β2GPI proteins; the microbeads thus prepared are separated from their suspension medium, so as to obtain a residue; and the infectious compounds of the residue are detected and/or quantified and/or identified.
US08986924B2
A thiosulfate polymer composition includes an electron-accepting photosensitizer component, either as a separate compound or as an attachment to the thiosulfate polymer. The thiosulfate polymer composition can be applied to various articles, or used to form a predetermined polymeric pattern after photothermal reaction to form crosslinked disulfide bonds, removing non-crosslinked polymer, and reaction with a disulfide-reactive material. Such thiosulfate polymer compositions can also be used to sequestering metals.
US08986919B2
A resist composition including a base component (A) which generates acid upon exposure and exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under action of acid, the base component (A) including a resin component (A1) containing a structural unit (a0-1) having a group represented by general formula (a0-1) shown below and a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester which may have the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position substituted with a substituent and contains an acid decomposable group which exhibits increased polarity by the action of acid.
US08986917B2
A method of making a toner composition includes preparing raw toner particles, increasing a surface area of the raw toner particles by contacting the raw toner particles with a base to produce base-treated raw toner particles, and mixing the base-treated raw toner particles with at least one surface additive such that the at least one surface additive attaches to a surface of the base-treated raw toner particles to obtain blended toner particles. A toner composition includes blended toner particles containing base-treated raw toner particles, and at least one surface additive attached to a surface of the base-treated raw toner particles, wherein a ratio of a triboelectric charge of the blended toner composition to a triboelectric charge of the base-treated raw toner particles is from about 0.8 to about 1.2.
US08986910B2
There are provided an EUV optical member, in which deterioration in the reflectivity due to oxidation of the Ru protective layer is prevented, a functional film-equipped substrate to be employed for production of the EUV optical member. A reflective layer-equipped substrate for EUV lithography comprising a substrate, and a reflective layer for reflecting EUV light and a protective layer for protecting the reflective layer, formed in this order on the substrate, wherein the reflective layer is a Mo/Si multilayer reflective film, the protective layer has a three-layer structure wherein a first layer made of a Ru layer or a Ru compound layer, a second layer made of a Mo layer and a third layer made of a Ru layer or a Ru compound layer are laminated in this order on the reflective layer.
US08986904B2
A solid oxide fuel cell and a manufacturing method thereof includes a unit cell and a cell coupling member. The unit cell includes a first electrode layer, an electrolyte layer surrounding an outer peripheral surface of the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer surrounding the electrolyte layer so that one end portion of the electrolyte layer is exposed. The cell coupling member is coupled to the unit cell and includes a coupling member. A sealing member including at least two layers having different porosities is coated on at least one portion of the coupling member to seal the unit cell and the cell coupling member.
US08986903B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing a polymer electrolyte molded article, which comprises forming a polymer electrolyte precursor having a protective group and an ionic group, and deprotecting at least a portion of protective groups contained in the resulting molded article to obtain a polymer electrolyte molded article. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a polymer electrolyte material and a polymer electrolyte molded article, which are excellent in proton conductivity and are also excellent in fuel barrier properties, mechanical strength, physical durability, resistance to hot water, resistance to hot methanol, processability and chemical stability. A polymer electrolyte fuel cell using a polymer electrolyte membrane, polymer electrolyte parts or a membrane electrode assembly can achieve high output, high energy density and long-term durability.
US08986901B2
A fuel cell system includes an air supply flow path configured to supply the air to a fuel cell, a reed valve provided in the air supply flow path, an air exhaust flow path configured to allow the air discharged from the fuel cell to flow therethrough, a pressure regulating valve provided in the air exhaust flow path and configured to adjust back pressure of the air supplied to the fuel cell, a bypass flow path configured to connect an upstream section of the air supply flow path upstream of the reed valve with the air exhaust flow path, and a bypass valve provided in the bypass flow path and configured to open and close the bypass flow path. The fuel cell system reduces the opening of the pressure regulating valve with supplying the air to the fuel cell in the closed position of the bypass valve, so as to increase the pressure of the air upstream of the pressure regulating valve, and subsequently opens the bypass valve.
US08986897B2
A fuel cell constructed with single layer bipolar plates, water damming layers and membrane electrode assembly with gas diffusion layers locally impregnated with water transporting materials, which has reactant gas flow fields placed on both sides of the single layer plates, while cooling liquid flow fields are integrated at least on one side of the plates. Disclosed novel configuration of the fuel cell provides a united means for humidifying reactant gases, hydrating membrane, removing generated water and cooling cells.
US08986895B2
An all-solid-state lithium ion secondary battery containing a novel garnet-type oxide serving as a solid electrolyte. The garnet-type lithium ion-conducting oxide is one represented by the formula Li5+XLa3(ZrX, A2-X)O12, wherein A is at least one selected from the group consisting of Sc, Ti, V, Y, Nb, Hf, Ta, Al, Si, Ga, Ge, and Sn and X satisfies the inequality 1.4≦X<2, or is one obtained by substituting an element having an ionic radius different from that of Zr for Zr sites in an garnet-type lithium ion-conducting oxide represented by the formula Li7La3Zr2O12, wherein the normalized intensity of an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern with a diffraction peak, as normalized on the basis of the intensity of a diffraction peak, is 9.2 or more.
US08986889B2
A positive active material for a lithium secondary battery comprises a core comprising a compound that can reversibly intercalate and deintercalate lithium; and a compound attached to the surface of the core and represented by Chemical Formula 1: Li1+xM(I)xM(II)2−xSiyP3−yO12, [Chemical Formula 1] wherein M(I) and M(II) are selected from the group consisting of Al, Zr, Hf, Ti, Ge, Sn, Cr, Nb, Ga, Fe, Sc, In, Y, La, Lu, and Mg, and 0
US08986876B2
Provided are a cap assembly for a secondary battery. The cap assembly includes a cap-up, a PTC thermistor disposed under the cap-up, a vent disposed under the PTC thermistor, and an insulating plate disposed between the vent and the cap-up and preventing contact between the vent and the PTC thermistor. Here, the vent includes a curling part bent to cover an external surface of the insulating plate. Further, the secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a can accommodating the electrode assembly and having an opening, and the cap assembly which seals the can.
US08986869B2
A shaft core includes a positive electrode shaft core portion having a positive electrode splaying portion at one end, a negative electrode shaft core portion having a negative electrode splaying portion at the other end, and an insulation portion that mutually insulates and integrates the positive and negative electrode shaft core portions. The positive electrode plate is electrically connected to the positive electrode collector in a state of being splayed through the positive electrode splaying portion, and the negative electrode plate is electrically connected to the negative electrode collector being splayed through the negative electrode splaying portion. The positive and negative electrode shaft core splaying portions press and open their respective electrode laminates at the end surfaces of the wound electrode group, the positive electrode connection piece and the positive electrode collecting portion are welded, and the negative electrode connection piece and the negative electrode collecting portion are also welded.
US08986867B2
A battery pack assembly comprises at least one light emitting device, a switch for operating the light emitting devices, a case, and a battery pack. The battery pack assembly includes a support portion, an elastic connection portion, a button and an observation portion. The support portion is fixed to an inside of the case. The elastic connection portion is extended from one side of the support portion. The button is formed at an end portion of the elastic connection portion. The observation portion is fixed between the support portion and the case, and is configured to allow light emitted from the light emitting devices to pass therethrough. In the battery pack assembly, the button is exposed through the button hole, and light passing through the observation portion is exposed through the observation holes.
US08986864B2
A battery housing for a hybrid vehicle battery includes a degassing system on a floor of the housing. The degassing system includes a base body configured for attachment to the floor, where the base body includes an opening in an upper section and is at least partially permeable to a liquid in a lower section. The degassing system also includes a guide in the base body and a float provided in the base body. The guide is configured to guide the float.
US08986862B2
A metal-ligand coordination compound containing an aliphatic ligand useful as a catholyte and/or an anolyte that enables the provision of a redox flow battery having high energy efficiency and charge/discharge efficiency.
US08986858B2
Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent device (organic EL device) that is improved in luminous efficiency, sufficiently secures driving stability, and has a simple configuration. This organic EL device comprises organic layers between an anode and a cathode piled one upon another on a substrate and at least one organic layer selected from a light-emitting layer, a hole-transporting layer, an electron-transporting layer, and a hole-blocking layer contains a carbazole compound represented by the following formula (1). In the case where the light-emitting layer of the organic electroluminescent device contains a phosphorescent dopant and a host material, it is the carbazole compound that is contained as the host material. In formula (1), X is C—Y or a nitrogen atom; Y is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, or an aromatic group; n is an integer of 2 to 4: A is an n-valent aromatic group; L is a direct bond or a divalent aromatic group; and R is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or a cycloalkyl group.
US08986853B2
A red phosphorescent compound includes a host material being capable of transporting an electron or a hole; and a dopant material represented by following Formula 1: and each of R1 to R4 is one of the group consisting of hydrogen atom (H), C1 to C6 substituted or non-substituted alkyl group, C1 to C6 substituted or non-substituted alkoxy group, and halogen atom.
US08986848B2
A hydrophilic coating can be applied to virtually any surface to produce a long-lasting, durable antifog effect. The coating includes a molecular-level blend of hydrophilic polymers. The coating can be assembled using a layer-by-layer assembly process.
US08986845B2
A ceramic composite article includes ceramic carbide fibers and a ceramic matrix in which the ceramic carbide fibers are embedded. The ceramic matrix includes a laminar structure with at least one layer of a first ceramic material and at least one layer of a second, different ceramic material.
US08986844B2
A method for manufacturing a touch screen panel includes reinforcing a glass substrate, the glass substrate to be formed with a plurality of touch screen panels in unit cells, reinforcing the glass substrate including forming a reinforcing layer on an upper and a lower side of the glass substrate by performing a reinforcement treatment on a whole surface of the glass substrate, cutting the reinforced glass substrate in each unit cell, removing a part of the reinforcing layer formed in the upper and the lower side of the glass substrate adjacent to a cut cross section, performing a chemical HF treatment on a cross section of the glass substrate corresponding to the cut cross section and exposing the glass substrate by partially removing the reinforcing layer, and forming a touch screen panel per region of the unit cells, respectively.
US08986841B2
A process for reinforcing a glass-ceramic article, into which a maximum tension is introduced beneath the surface of the glass-ceramic, advantageously in proximity to said surface. The invention also relates to an enamel that can be used for this reinforcement, this enamel being formed from a glass frit having the following composition, the proportions being expressed as weight percentages: SiO250-66% MgO3-8% Na2O 7-15% K2O0-3% Li2O 0-12% CaO 0-10% BaO 0-15% Al2O30-3% ZrO20-3% ZnO0-5% B2O30-8% the sum of the alkaline-earth metal oxides CaO+BaO moreover being between 8 and 15%, and the sum of the alkali metal oxides Na2O+K2O+Li2O moreover being between 7 and 20%. The reinforced glass-ceramics obtained by the process.
US08986835B2
A GaN nanorod and formation method. Formation includes providing a substrate having a GaN film, depositing SiNx on the GaN film, etching a growth opening through the SiNx and into the GaN film, growing a GaN nanorod through the growth opening, the nanorod having a nanopore running substantially through its centerline. Focused ion beam etching can be used. The growing can be done using organometallic vapor phase epitaxy. The nanopore diameter can be controlled using the growth opening diameter or the growing step duration. The GaN nanorods can be removed from the substrate. The SiNx layer can be removed after the growing step. A SiOx template can be formed on the GaN film and the GaN can be grown to cover the SiOx template before depositing SiNx on the GaN film. The SiOx template can be removed after growing the nanorods.
US08986834B2
A insulated wire includes a conductor, and an insulating coating on a periphery of the conductor. The insulating coating includes an insulating film formed by applying and baking a polyester imide resin insulating coating material, and the insulating film has a relative permittivity of less than 3.5 both in a dried state and in a moisture-absorbed state. The insulating film is formed by applying and baking a polyester imide resin insulating coating material including an imide dicarboxylic acid and an alcohol component, the imide dicarboxylic acid being obtained by synthesizing a diamine component including aromatic diamine having not less than three aromatic rings and an acid component including aromatic tricarboxylic acid anhydride.
US08986831B2
A tape that includes a cellulosic substrate defining a first surface and an opposing second surface; a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the first surface of the cellulosic substrate; and an encapsulated fibrous material disposed on the first surface of the cellulosic substrate or the second surface of the cellulosic substrate.
US08986825B2
The invention relates to a resin curing agent having the formula (I), wherein R1 to R4 are each individually selected from linear or branched C1 to C5 alkyl, a process for its manufacture, blends of the reaction products, and two-component curable resin systems.
US08986816B2
A method and apparatus comprising a layer of material having a decorative graphic and an electrically conductive material in the layer of material. The layer of material is configured to be attached to a surface of an aircraft. The electrically conductive material is configured to cause a current from an atmospheric electrostatic discharge contacting the layer of material to spread out in a desired amount within the layer of material.
US08986815B2
A jacket configured to encase building component insulation is provided. The jacket comprises at least inner layer, an intermediate layer attached to the inner layer, and an outer layer attached to the intermediate layer. The inner layer, intermediate layer and outer layers are configured for attachment to each other with the use at least one of heat, polymeric material, and pressure. Additionally, the jacket complies with the standards of flame retardancy as provided by ASTM C1136.
US08986814B2
Surfaces having a hierarchical structure—having features of both microscale and nanoscale dimensions—can exhibit superhydrophobic properties and advantageous condensation and heat transfer properties. The hierarchical surfaces can be fabricated using biological nanostructures, such as viruses as a self-assembled nanoscale template.
US08986809B2
In exemplary implementations of this invention, a digital material comprising many discrete units is used to fabricate a sparse structure. The units are reversibly joined by elastic connections. Each unit comprises fiber-reinforced composite material. Each unit is small compared to the sparse structure as a whole. Likewise, in a sparse structure made from this digital material, the number of types of units is small compared to the total number of units. The digital material is anisotropic. This anisotropy may be due to different fiber orientations within each unit. Furthermore, different units in a single sparse structure may be oriented in different directions and in different, non-parallel planes. In some cases, the digital material is reinforced with carbon fibers, and connections between units are stronger than the units themselves. The small discrete units may be assembled into a strong, lightweight sparse structure, such as an airframe.
US08986808B2
An artificial turf is disclosed having a base and a plurality of synthetic fibers attached to and extending upward from the base, the fibers comprising a chlorin-based organic colorant and the colorant reflects infrared radiation in the range of 700 to 1,100 nm.
US08986806B1
A warpage control stiffener ring package includes a substrate having an upper surface and corners. A segmented stiffener ring is formed of “L” shaped segments, each segment being mounted to the upper surface at a corner of the substrate, wherein a gap exists between each of the segments. By forming the segmented stiffener ring of segments having gaps therebetween, warpage of the segmented stiffener ring itself, and thus the thermal stress applied by the segmented stiffener ring on to the substrate, is reduced as compared to a continuous stiffener ring. This allows the segmented stiffener ring to be designed to minimize warpage of the warpage control stiffener ring package.
US08986798B2
A new and novel impact energy attenuation material, impact energy attenuation module employing the material and a fit system for optimizing the performance thereof is provided. Non-linear energy attenuating material consisting of a plurality of loose particles is employed for impact energy dissipation. The loose particles are preferably spherical elastomeric balls. An impact energy attenuation module includes a container that holds the loose particles. The impact energy attenuation module can be provided in a wide range of sizes and shapes and the loose particles can be provided in different materials, sizes, density, compaction and hardness to suit with the application at hand. A matrix of impact energy attenuation module are provided about the surface of a shell to provide the required impact energy attenuation. The material, impact energy attenuation module and system of the present invention are well suited for protection of body parts and other cushioning and protection needs.
US08986796B2
There is provided a thermal transfer sheet that includes a heat-resistant slipping layer and a colorant layer, the heat-resistant slipping layer and the colorant layer being formable in an in-line process, has excellent heat resistance, and can suppress tailing. The thermal transfer sheet includes a substrate, a colorant layer provided on one surface of the substrate, and a heat-resistant slipping layer provided on the surface of the substrate opposite to the colorant layer, wherein the heat-resistant slipping layer contains at least a binder resin containing an amino group-containing acrylic resin and an epoxysilane, and a slipping agent.
US08986789B2
The invention relates to a substrate having a bondable metal coating comprising, in this order, on an Al or Cu surface: (a) a Ni—P layer, (b) a Pd layer and, optionally, (c) an Au layer, wherein the thickness of the Ni—P layer (a) is 0.2 to 10 m, the thickness of the Pd layer (b) is 0.05 to 1.0 m and the thickness of the optional Au layer (c) is 0.01 to 0.5 m, and wherein the Ni—P layer (a) has a P content of 10.5 to 14 wt.-%. The deposit internal stress of the resulting Ni—P/Pd stack is not higher than 34.48M−Pa (5,000 psi). Further, a process for the preparation of such a substrate is described.
US08986786B2
A distribution manifold having a manifold and a removable cartridge with a plurality of needle tubes extending from the removable cartridge is disclosed. The distribution manifold can be used with a pre-metered coating system to apply coating material to a substrate.
US08986785B2
An apparatus for continuous sulfonization of discrete articles comprising a feeder box for drying the discrete articles with ultra-dry air, a sulfonization chamber for treating the discrete articles with sulfur trioxide gas, a conveyor assembly for transporting the discrete articles from the feeder box to the sulfonization chamber, and a neutralizing tank for treating the discrete articles with neutralizing fluid. The sulfonization chamber includes a rotating dial plate with a circular periphery and an upper surface extending radially from and rotatable about a center axis (A) for receiving the discrete articles at the circular periphery. A plurality of arcuate guides extend perpendicularly from a guide arm toward the rotating dial plate and are spaced radially outward from one another along a radial (R) extending radially from the center axis (A) for moving the discrete articles radially inward in a spiral path during rotation of the rotating dial plate.
US08986776B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a microbial substance-releasing layer on a technical surface. The inventive method comprises three steps: a) producing a solution from polyvinylacetate, a preservative agent and a solvent, b) applying the solution to the technical surface, and c) drying the solution applied to the technical surface while forming the layer. The inventive method is characterized by using benzoic acid, sorbic acid, natamycin, bacteriocines, plant extracts or mixtures thereof as the preservative agent and an ethanol/water mixture, ethyl acetate or acetone as the solvent.
US08986769B2
The present invention is directed to a processing method and a selection of ingredients that will retain TGF-β levels, bioactivity, and/or bioavailability in a liquid nutritional product. The method involves selecting one or more protein ingredients that have been subjected to a heat load comprising medium-heat or less; combining the protein ingredients with other components of the liquid nutritional product to form a slurry; subjecting the slurry to a pressure of from about 2500 psi to about 3500 psi at a temperature of from about 55° C. to about 65° C. for about 5 to 20 seconds; subjecting the slurry to a temperature of about 135 to 150° C. for about 1.5 to 15 seconds; and cooling the slurry to a temperature of less than about 8° C. over about 30 minutes or less.
US08986766B2
The present invention relates to a beverage mixing and dispersing apparatus comprising: —a metering device, —a mixing chamber, —at least one diluent feeding means, —means for moving the mixing chamber, characterized in that the mixing chamber is movable between: —a metering position, where the metering device outlet emerges in the mixing chamber inlet, and —a mixing position, where the diluent feeding means are able to inject the diluent in the mixing chamber and the metering device outlet does not emerge in the mixing chamber inlet.
US08986744B2
The present invention relates to populations of stem cells, methods for isolating these stem cell populations, and methods repairing, regenerating, and reconstituting tissues using the these stem cell populations. The invention additionally relates to methods of screening agents that promote growth, engraftment, or differentiation of stem cells.
US08986736B2
The present invention is concerned with delivering a pharmaceutical composition to a tissue target of a mammalian subject for treating brain diseases or disorders. The process includes the steps of: (i) providing a dispersion of the pharmaceutical composition as particles having an average particle size of from about 150 nm to about 100 microns, and (ii) administering the dispersion to the mammalian subject for delivery to the tissue target of a portion of the pharmaceutical composition by cells capable of reaching the tissue target. The dispersion of the pharmaceutical composition as particles, for example, can be phagocytized or adsorbed by the cells prior or subsequent to administration into the mammalian subject. The dispersion of the pharmaceutical composition can be administered to the central nervous system or the vascular system. After administration, the loaded cells transport the pharmaceutical composition as particles into the tissue target.
US08986730B2
Methods for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel are provided that include introducing a porous carrier formed from lyophilized hydrogel or other material into the puncture. The plug may include at least first and second hydrogel precursors and a pH adjusting agent carried by the porous carrier in an unreactive state prior to exposure to an aqueous physiological environment. Once exposed to bodily fluids, the carrier expands as the lyophilized material hydrates to enhance and facilitate rapid hemostasis of the puncture. When the plug is placed into the puncture, the natural wetting of the plug by bodily fluids (e.g., blood) causes the first and second precursors to react and cross-link into an adhesive or “sticky” hydrogel that aids in retaining the plug in place within the puncture.
US08986725B2
A composite for delivering extended-release of oxygen is disclosed. The composite can include a biocompatible polymeric support having a plurality of solid peroxide particles suspended therein. The polymer support can exhibit an oxygen tension value of at least 40 mmHg for a period of 14 days. The weight ratio of biocompatible polymeric support to solid peroxide particles can range from 1:1 to 99:1. Also disclosed is a method of using the composite to deliver oxygen to cells in both in vivo and in vitro environments.
US08986721B2
Skin care or cleansing implements are described containing a liquid, semisolid or solid cleansing or skin treatment composition that is releasably associated with the implement. The composition is substantially nonaqueous and has a continuous and a discontinuous phase. Components of the discontinuous phase can react with each other or with water when water is blended with the nonaqueous cleansing or skin treatment composition during consumer use. Methods for treating the skin with the inventive implements are also described.
US08986719B2
Disclosed herein are teeth whitening compositions generally including an oxidizing agent (e.g., a peroxide), and an activating agent that has an emission wavelength between about 400 nm and about 570 nm (e.g., Eosin B). Methods of employing these compositions to whiten teeth, methods of making these compositions and kits that include some or part of the composition ingredients, are also described.
US08986714B2
Novel formulations and methods for their use in treating neuropathology incident to trauma are provided. Multiple-component formulations of the invention, and especially those having four components, comprise biologically active compounds configured for preventing or reducing the incidence and severity of damage caused by neurotrauma. Formulations and methods of the invention effect both neuroprotective actions to prevent or reduce secondary injuries, and neurotrophic actions to repair and restore cells and tissues affected by the trauma. Formulations and methods of the invention are especially useful in treating neurological trauma, such as those caused by sports injuries and improvised explosive devices in combat.
US08986710B2
In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 95% identical to SEQ ID NO: 71. In another aspect, the invention relates to an immunogenic composition including an isolated non-lipidated, non-pyruvylated ORF2086 polypeptide from Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B, and at least one conjugated capsular saccharide from a meningococcal serogroup.
US08986701B2
Methods of treating cancer by targeting tumor vasculature using an enzyme prodrug cancer therapy treatment are provided.
US08986700B2
The present invention provides synthetic immunogenic lipopeptide molecules comprising co-linear T-helper and CTL epitopes, and methods for their production and use in the generation of primary and secondary immune responses, and for the vaccination of animal subjects against particular CTL epitopes. More particularly, the present invention provides highly soluble lipopeptides wherein the lipid moiety is attached to the terminal side-chain group of an internal lysine or lysine analog, preferably to the terminal side-chain group of an internal diamino acid residue. Preferably the internal lysine or lysine analog is positioned between the T-helper epitope and the CTL epitope.
US08986690B2
The present invention relates to methods for modulating the activity of one or more neurotrophins, such as neural growth factor (NGF), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), in an animal and methods for treatment of a disease or disorder in an individual by modulation of neurotrophin activity. The modulation is carried out by interfering with binding between a neurotrophin and a receptor of the Vps10p-domain receptor family or modulating the expression of a receptor of the Vps10p-domain receptor family. Methods for screening for agents capable of modulating neurotrophin activity and agents selected using these screening methods are also disclosed, as are methods for determining the effect of an agent on one or more neurotrophins in cells. The present invention also pertains to methods for modulating the transport of one or more neurotrophins.
US08986686B2
The present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that immunospecifically bind to a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antigen, which formulations exhibit stability, low to undetectable levels of aggregation, and very little to no loss of the biological activities of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, even during long periods of storage. In particular, the present invention provides liquid formulations of SYNAGIS® or an antigen-binding fragment thereof which immunospecifically binds to a RSV antigen, which formulations are substantially free of surfactant, inorganic salts, and/or other common excipients. Furthermore, the invention provides method of preventing, treating or ameliorating symptoms associated with RSV infection utilizing liquid formulations of the present invention.
US08986682B2
The present invention relates to a method to increase the absorption by a human infant of at least one unsaturated fatty acid, said method comprising the enteral administration to said infant of recombinant human bile-salt-stimulated lipase (rhBSSL). In another aspect the invention also relates to a method to improve the visual and/or cognitive development of a human infant, said method comprising the enteral administration to said infant of rhBSSL. Such methods have particular utility for preterm human infants, particular those in medical need of increasing their absorption of or availability to such unsaturated fatty acids. In further aspects, the invention relates to kits, packaged-pharmaceutical-products, recombinant human bile-salt-stimulated lipase and pharmaceutical compositions, in each case useful for increasing the absorption by a human infant of at least one unsaturated fatty acid, or for increasing the visual and/or cognitive development of a human infant.
US08986672B2
The present invention is directed to the composition and use of a modified Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) as a medicament in the treatment of cancer. The modified HSV-2 has fusogenic activity, and comprises a modified/mutated ICP 10 polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having ribonucleotide reductase activity and lacking protein kinase activity.
US08986665B2
Provided are polyglyceryl compositions comprising one or more polyglyceryl compounds having: (a) a node structure comprising at least three contiguous glyceryl remnant units; (b) one or more cationic groups each linked to the node structure by an independently selected linking group; and (c) one or more hydrophobic moieties each independently (i) linked to the node structure by a linking group, or (ii) constituting a portion of one of the one or more cationic groups, wherein the composition has an average degree of polymerization determined by hydroxyl value testing (DPOH) of from about 3 to about 20. Also provided are polyglyceryl compounds which may compose such compositions, and uses of the polyglyceryl compositions and compounds.
US08986660B2
Disclosed is a cooling component or sensate component which does not have undesirable stimulus feeling, bitterness and the like and is excellent in the persistence of refresh-feeling and cool-feeling, a sensate composition which comprises the same, and various products that comprise said sensate composition. Also disclosed is a cooling agent comprising (3S)-1-menthyl 3-hydroxybutyrate represented by the following formula (I)
US08986655B2
PSMA ligands, compositions, and methods therefore are disclosed where the ligand is a peptide having the sequence X1X2CVEVX3QNSCX4X5 where X1-X5 are independently a natural or non-natural amino acid or a peptide having the sequence CALCEFLG [SEQ ID NO: 1]. Especially preferred aspects include diagnostic reagents for detection and/or quantification of PSMA in a sample, therapeutic reagents, and diagnostic imaging reagents.
US08986641B1
In some embodiments, the present invention provides amphiphilic nanosheets that comprise lamellar crystals with at least two regions: a first hydrophilic region, and a second hydrophobic region. In some embodiments, the amphiphilic nanosheets of the present invention also comprise a plurality of functional groups that are appended to the lamellar crystals. In some embodiments, the functional groups are hydrophobic functional groups that are appended to the second region of the lamellar crystals. In some embodiments, the lamellar crystals comprise α-zirconium phosphates. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of making the aforementioned amphiphilic nanosheets. Such methods generally comprise appending one or more functional groups to a stack of lamellar crystals; and exfoliating the stack of lamellar crystals for form the amphiphilic nanosheets.
US08986639B2
A process of introducing a NOx reduction fluid into combustion products within a downstream end of a regenerative pyrolysis reactor. This NOx reduction fluid may thermally reduce NOx contained therein. The NOx reduction fluid may include ammonia.
US08986631B2
A reactor vessel for performing a steam reforming reaction having a vessel inlet for natural gas and steam; a vessel inlet for a hot gaseous medium; a vessel outlet for the steam reforming product; and a reactor space which is a bed of steam reforming catalyst, which reactor space inlet is fluidly connected to the inlet for natural gas and steam and at its outlet end fluidly connected with the outlet for the gaseous product; wherein inside the catalyst bed a passageway is provided fluidly connected to the vessel inlet for the hot gaseous medium for passage of hot gaseous mixture counter currently to the flow of reactants in the catalyst bed.
US08986626B2
The invention relates to a probe arrangement (10g) for exchanging in a controllable way liquids with micro-sized samples of material like biological cells, especially in connection with an scanning probe microscope, said probe arrangement (10g) comprising a probe holder (11) with at least one embedded first channel (18) and a cantilever (12) with at least one embedded second channel (15) and being provided to be attached to said probe holder (11) in a way that at least one aperture (19) of the first channel (18) is connected to at least one aperture (17) of the second channel (15) in a way that permits the liquid-tight transfer of a liquid between said first and second channels (15, 18). A safe and easy use of the probe arrangement is achieved by having the cantilever (12) permanently attached to said probe holder (11) to form a prefabricated probe unit (10g).
US08986625B2
A method for sampling a sulphur-containing solid product including supplying a gas flow comprising hydrogen sulphide, bringing the gas flow into contact with a solid reagent and reacting the solid reagent with the hydrogen sulphide contained in the gas flow, the reaction fixing the sulphur of the hydrogen sulphide by forming a sulphur-containing solid product which is different in color from the solid reagent, and recovering the sulphur-containing solid product. The invention also relates to a device suitable for the implementation of this method.
US08986624B2
A measurement device includes a housing and at least one display integrated in the housing. The housing includes a recess adapted for insertion of a cartridge into the housing to deliver a sample to be measured to the device. The recess has an opening at the front of the housing and a first part of the housing for insertion of the cartridge protrudes in a direction enclosing an angle with a second part of the housing.
US08986622B2
A crude oil feedstream is treated to remove or reduce the content of known undesired heteroatomic and polynuclear aromatic compounds containing nitrogen and sulfur by contacting the feedstream with one or more solid adsorbent materials selected from attapulgus clay, alumina, silica gel and activated carbon in a mixing vessel for a time that is sufficient to optimize the adsorption of the undesired compounds from the crude oil, subjecting the mixture to atmospheric flash distillation and then to vacuum flash distillation to recover presorbed boiling ranges of products having a lowered content of the undesired compounds, and preferably regenerating at least a portion of the solid adsorbent material for reuse in the process.
US08986616B2
An ultrasonic oscillation machine for manufacturing porous collagen matrices has a hollow body, a vessel, a conveyor, multiple frames, multiple oscillation devices and an ultrasonic mechanism. The vessel is mounted in the body. The frames are connected to the conveyor. The conveyor moves the frames to leave from or to be put into the vessel. Each frame has multiple containers to carry subjects. The oscillation devices are connected respectively to the frames. The ultrasonic mechanism is mounted in the vessel. During the manufacturing process, the oscillation devices and the ultrasonic mechanism operate to provide affection. Then the connective tissues in the containers gradually become porous collagen matrices.
US08986613B2
The present invention provides a handheld USB Cup for use in collection of a fluidic body sample, comprising ad receptacle comprising side surfaces, a bottom plate and a sensor assembly, the sensor assembly comprising at least one sensor and a slave circuitry; said sensor assembly is permanently affixed to said side surfaces or said bottom plate. The receptacle is capable of maintaining the fluidic body sample for a sufficient time period in the vicinity of the sensor thereby the sensor is operative to provide continuous measurement of an electric, chemical or physical property of the urine. The slave circuitry responds to the electric, chemical or physical property of the fluidic body sample received from the sensor and is configured and operable to electronically communicate the measurement of the electric, chemical or physical property of the fluidic body sample to an external processing master unit.
US08986610B2
A system and method delivers an atomized solution to the interior volume of a building or room utilizing a venturi effect for the atomization.
US08986609B2
The present invention relates to a terminal sterilization process for biodegradable PEG-based insoluble hydrogels using irradiation. The presence of a protective solvent ensures that the hydrogel remains intact with functionally preserved three-dimensional and physicochemical properties.
US08986607B2
A validatable method for determining a photochemically effective dose for inactivating pathogens in a fluid sample is described herein. In particular, the instant invention covers methods for determining a photochemically effective dose sufficient to inactivate pathogens in a biological sample while leaving biologically active substances of interest unaffected. A batch irradiation reactor effective for inactivating pathogens in biological samples is also described.
US08986605B2
Disclosed herein is a method and gas atmosphere for a metal component in a continuous furnace. In one embodiment, the method and gas atmosphere comprises the use of an effective amount, or about 1 to about 10 percent volume of endo-gas, into an atmosphere comprising nitrogen and hydrogen. In another embodiment, there is provided a method sintering metal components in a furnace at a one or more operating temperatures comprising: providing a furnace comprising a belt comprising a wire mesh material wherein the metal components are supported thereupon; and sintering the components in the furnace in an atmosphere comprising nitrogen, hydrogen, and effective amount of endothermic gas at the one or more operating temperatures ranging from about 1800° F. to about 2200° F. wherein the amount of endothermic gas in the atmosphere is such that it is oxidizing to the wire mesh material and reducing to the metal components.
US08986597B2
A method is disclosed for manufacturing a zircon composition, the method comprising contacting a zircon powder with a sintering aid, wherein the sintering aid is in the form of a liquid, a sol, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are methods for forming the zircon composition into a desired shape and for firing a composition to produce a ceramic body. The zircon composition and ceramic body produced by the described methods are also disclosed.
US08986595B2
Provided is a method of producing a resin molded article which hardly involves the occurrence of optical distortion and of sink marks. The method of producing a resin molded article includes: a first step including pouring a polyfunctional (meth)acrylic monomer into a molding die and irradiating the polyfunctional (meth)acrylic monomer with radiant energy rays until a polymerization conversion degree reaches 1 to 10% to polymerize a part of the polyfunctional (meth)acrylic monomer; and a second step including heating the polymerized polyfunctional (meth)acrylic monomer after the first step in a state where the polymerized polyfunctional (meth)acrylic monomer is held in the molding die to further polymerize a remaining part of the polyfunctional (meth)acrylic monomer until the polymerization conversion degree reaches 60% or more.
US08986594B2
The present invention relates to metal coated nano-fibres obtained by a process that includes electrospinning and to the use of said metal coated nano-fibres. The process is characterised in that a polymer nano-fibre with functional groups providing the binding ability to a reducing reagent is prepared by electrospinning at ambient conditions. Then this is contacted with a reducing agent, thereby opening the epoxy ring on the surface of polymer nano-fibre and replacing with the reducing agent and the reducing agent modified film is reacted with metal solution in alkaline media. Finally the electrospun mat is treated with water to open the epoxy rings in the structure and crosslinking the chains to provide integrity.
US08986590B2
Provided are a polymer article excellent in mechanical strength, toughness, and stretchability and a production method of the polymer article. The polymer article of the present invention is formed of a polymer material and is a polymer blank or a formed polymer body. The polymer article of the present invention has a crystallinity of not less than 50% but less than 90% and a tensile strain at fracture of not less than 60%. A method for producing a polymer article of the present invention includes: a heating step of heating the polymer material to a temperature of not lower than (Tm−70)° C. but lower than Tm(° C.) where Tm is the melting point (° C.) of the polymer material; and a compression step of cooling the polymer material heated in the heating step and compressing the polymer material in the course of the cooling to obtain a polymer article having a crystallinity of not less than 50% but less than 90% and a tensile strain at fracture of not less than 60%.
US08986589B2
A method for manufacturing a carrier tray includes softening and disposing a plastic film on a first mold, wherein the first mold includes a top surface and a first lateral surface, the top surface includes a recession and a first edge, the first lateral surface is connected to the top surface and extends from the first edge, and the first lateral surface and the top surface form a first included angle; attaching the plastic film to the top surface and the first lateral surface; disposing a restorer on an outer side of the first mold; separating the first mold from the plastic film, wherein the plastic film is pushed by the first lateral surface such that the restorer is moved from an initial position to a final position; and pushing the plastic film from the final position to the initial position by the restorer; and cooling the plastic film.
US08986585B2
A method of manufacturing polishing layers having a window for use in chemical mechanical polishing pads is provided, wherein a plurality of polishing layers having an integral window are derived from a cake, wherein the formation of density defects in the cake and the surface roughness of the polishing layers formed are minimized.
US08986584B2
A process for making an embossed web. A precursor web is provided between a forming structure and a compliant substrate. The forming structure has a plurality of discrete protruded elements and lands completely surrounding them. Pressure is provided between the compliant substrate and the forming structure to conform the precursor web to the forming structure to form the embossed web. The resulting embossed web has a plurality of discrete extended elements completely surrounded by land areas.
US08986581B2
A method for producing biochar particles or pellets which use sulphur and other additives. The method includes producing a mixture with biochar and additives selected from sulphur, lignin, and gluten. The mixture is mixed with water and passed through an extruder to produce an extrudate. The extrudate is then cut into pellets. The pellets are then tumbled/spun with each other and heated to result in mostly spheroidal pellets whose mechanical characteristics allow them to be used with well-known agricultural equipment. The biochar can be produced with sulphur incorporated as an outer coating. To produce this sulphur coated biochar, the method includes feeding a biomass feedstock to a pyrolysis reactor, pyrolyzing the feedstock into biochar particles, size-sorting the biochar particles, and coating the biochar particles with the sulphur coating material.
US08986572B2
The invention is directed to calcium fluoride crystal optics with improved laser durability that can be used for the transmission of below 250 nanometer (nm) electromagnetic radiation. The optics consists of CaF2 as the major component and Mg in an amount in the range of 13 ppm to 20 ppm while Ce and Mn are <0.5 ppm. The doped crystal and optics made therefrom have a ratio of 515/380 nm transmission loss of less than 0.3 after exposure to greater than 2.8 MRads of γ-radiation. Further, the doped crystal and optics made therefrom exhibit a greatly improved lifetime as shown by ALDT testing to at least 1 billion pulses.
US08986568B2
The present invention aims to ensure strength of a thin-walled sintered magnet. A sintered magnet is a ferrite sintered magnet made by sintering a magnetic material. A magnetic powder mixture obtained by mixing magnetic powder with a binder resin is injection-molded into a mold with a magnetic field applied thereto to produce a molded body, which is then sintered to produce the sintered magnet. The sintered magnet has a thickness of 3.5 mm or less in the position of center of gravity thereof. The sintered magnet has a surface roughness Rz of 0.1 μm or more and 2.5 μm or less. The surface roughness Rz is a 10 point average roughness.
US08986566B2
A thermoelectric material including a composition according to Chemical Formula 1: (Bia-xSb1-a-yMb)2-i(TecSe1-c)3-j Chemical Formula 1 wherein M is an element of Group 13, 0≦a≦1, 0
US08986563B2
A method for producing three-dimensional microstructures in which a source material is applied on a substrate, with a property changing by exposure with electromagnetic radiation. A three-dimensional source structure is written via spatially-resolving exposure in the source material, the source material is removed except for the source structure, and the source structure is molded with a target material, from which the microstructure to be produced is made. Here, a shell structure is provided surrounding the microstructure to be produced, with the source structure being created as the shell structure or the shell structure is produced using the source structure, and subsequently the target material is inserted into the shell structure.
US08986557B2
Method and apparatus for forming a patterned magnetic substrate are provided. A patterned resist is formed on a magnetically active surface of a substrate. An oxide layer is formed over the patterned resist by a flowable CVD process. The oxide layer is etched to expose portions of the patterned resist. The patterned resist is then etched, using the etched oxide layer as a mask, to expose portions of the magnetically active surface. A magnetic property of the exposed portions of the magnetically active surface is then modified by directing energy through the etched resist layer and the etched oxide layer, which are subsequently removed from the substrate.
US08986550B2
A method and a modular system for performing a sterilizing treatment of ballast waters (12) onboard of a ship (10), for reducing and/or removing the contents of invasive living micro-organisms. A water loading pump (13) and a water preliminary filtering stage (14) are operatively connected to a plurality of ballast water storing tanks (11); a UV sterilizing apparatus (18) for the ballast water is submerged into the ballast water in each water storing tank (11), and is operatively connected to a local control unit (QE). Each UV sterilizing apparatus (18) comprises a UV radiation source (28). The ballast water (12) inside each storing tank (11) is recirculated although the UV radiation source (28), for a required time and mixed with the ballast water inside the water storage tank (11) to enable the living micro-organisms to be substantially reduced or eliminated, during the navigation.
US08986541B2
According to one embodiment, a copper recovery apparatus includes a precipitation tank, a mixing tank, a filter-aid feeder, a solid-liquid separator includes a filter, a cleaning-water supply line, a cleaning-water discharge line, a separation tank, and a filter-aid return line. The precipitation tank is configured to receive copper ions-containing water to be treated and an alkali to prepare treated water containing a precipitate of copper compound. The solid-liquid separator is configured to allow the treated water to be passed through the filter on which the precoat layer is deposited to separate the precipitate retained on the precoat layer from a filtrate.
US08986539B2
In an inside-out flow filter, a transition pressure recovery member is provided at the inlet and has structured contoured guide surfaces guiding fluid flow therealong into the hollow interior of an annular filter element to minimize transition pressure loss from the inlet to the hollow interior. The transition pressure recovery member includes transition flow deceleration surfaces gradually decelerating flow of fluid into the hollow interior and minimizing pressure drop.
US08986535B2
The invention discloses an erythropoietin receptor modified electrode, which is a glassy carbon electrode with erythropoietin receptor as recognition element fixed onto the electrode surface via ZnO sol-gel. The modified electrode can be prepared easily, and its performance is stable. After 50-day storage in the dark at 4° C., its response current remained approximately 77% of the original value. An electrochemical biosensor using this modified electrode as working electrode, a platinum electrode as counter electrode, a saturated calomel electrode as reference electrode, and 2 mmol/L K3[Fe(CN)6]—K4[Fe(CN)6]phosphate buffer as the test base solution, can detect erythropoietin (EPO) and/or recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in a fast, specific, and sensitive manner, with a linear range of 5 pg/L-500 ng/L and a limit of detection of 0.5 pg/L. In particular, according to peak potential differences, the biosensor allows accurate discrimination of EPO and rhEPO. It may be used not only for detection of low concentrations of EPO or rhEPO, but also for detection of the stimulant rhEPO in sports games.
US08986533B2
The invention relates to various embodiments of an environmentally beneficial method for reducing carbon dioxide. The methods in accordance with the invention include electrochemically or photoelectrochemically reducing the carbon dioxide in a divided electrochemical cell that includes an anode, e.g., an inert metal counterelectrode, in one cell compartment and a metal or p-type semiconductor cathode electrode in another cell compartment that also contains an aqueous solution of an electrolyte and a catalyst of one or more substituted or unsubstituted aromatic amines to produce therein a reduced organic product.
US08986529B2
Improved electrophoretic analysis is provided by interaction of anionic and cationic isotachophoresis (ITP) shock waves that propagate toward each other, and analysis of the resulting interaction zones. These shock wave interactions can provide qualitatively different capabilities from conventional ITP methods. Shock wave interaction can enable a single assay to identify analyte and quantify its concentration via isotachophoretic focusing followed by separation of the concentrated analytes via electrophoresis, without any mid-assay alteration of the externally imposed experimental conditions (i.e., no switching, valve operation, etc. during the measurement). As another example, shock wave interaction can enable a single assay to provide coupled ITP processes with different electrolyte concentrations (as in cascade-ITP) in a single simple system (again, without any mid-assay alteration of the externally imposed experimental conditions).
US08986507B2
Methods, devices and systems for continuously converting biomass are described herein. A device has a feed section for holding a moving bed of biomass, namely wood, having a drying section, a flame zone for degassing, and a, smolder zone for carbonizing the biomass into a solid converted product, namely charcoal. The device includes a tank for collecting the solid converted product arranged below a grate and coupled with the feed section in a gas-tight manner. The system comprising the device, a biogas plant and/or a combined heat and power plant conveys the liquid converted product, namely pyroligneous acid or acetic acid, to the biogas plant and/or the solid converted product, namely charcoal, to the combined heat and power plant.
US08986506B2
A shoe press belt, and a method for manufacturing and using it. The press belt comprises a base formed of heat-resistant elastomer, inside which base there is a support structure comprising a plurality of support yarns. At least some of the support yarns are heat-resistant polymer yarns, the polymer structure of the material of which comprises a naphthalene group.
US08986505B2
A sheet manufacturing apparatus is provided with a screen portion in which introduced material is passed through a plurality of openings; an information acquiring unit configured to acquire at least one of inflow information related to a flow rate of the material that flows into the screen portion and outflow information related to a flow rate of the material that passes through the screen portion; and a controller configured to make a determination that a clogging of the screen portion is generated when the flow rate is reduced based on at least one of the inflow information and the outflow information.
US08986493B2
When a substrate is etched by using a processing gas including a first gas containing halogen and carbon and having a carbon number of two or less per molecule, while supplying the processing gas toward the substrate independently from a central and a peripheral portion of a gas supply unit, which face the central and the periphery part of the substrate respectively, the processing gas is supplied such that a gas flow rate is greater in the central portion than in the peripheral portion. When the substrate is etched by using a processing gas including a second gas containing halogen and carbon and having a carbon number of three or more per molecule, the processing gas is supplied such that a gas flow rate is greater in the peripheral portion than in the central portion.
US08986484B2
A tooling system may include a cure tool and a biasing element. The cure tool may have a cure tool coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and may be configured for curing a composite article formed of two or more components having dissimilar component CTEs. The biasing element may be fixedly attached to the cure tool and has a biasing element CTE that may be different than the cure tool CTE. The biasing element may be configured such that a combination of the cure tool CTE and the biasing element CTE causes a heat-up displacement in the cure tool when heated and the composite article is cured in a distorted shape. When the cured composite article is cooled, the cured composite article may substantially assume an as-designed shape.
US08986481B2
A manufacturing method of a composite sheet includes: bonding a belt member to a sheet surface of the belt-like sheet by supplying a belt-like sheet to an outer circumferential surface of a bonding roll; supplying the belt member to a part of the belt-like sheet that is brought in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the bonding roll and overlapping the belt member to the part. The guide member has a reciprocating roller and a supply roller. The method further includes wrapping the belt member subsequently around the outer circumferential surface of the supply roller and the outer circumferential surface of the reciprocating roller, and leading the belt member to the belt-like sheet; and oscillating the supply roller so that the outer circumferential surface of the supply roller faces toward the reciprocating roller in accordance with a reciprocating motion of the reciprocating roller.
US08986475B2
A transfer label machine has a post treatment station for exposing newly applied labels to heat in order to finish and gloss out the label. The heat is applied through a nozzle coupled to a hot air supply system that includes a blower, ductwork, and a heating element disposed in the airflow. A temperature probe measures temperature of the air flow and an IR sensor measures the resulting temperature of containers on which the labels have been applied. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is programmed with proportional integral derivative (PID) algorithms to control the blower speed and the heating element to provide the appropriate amount of heat for the labeling or processing speed at which the labeling machine is operating. A vision system can confirm the quality of label after the post treatment heating. In the event of a machine jam, the blower and/or heating element can be turned off or the air can be shunted away from the containers to reduce greatly the likelihood of a fire, which has occurred with prior art flame based post treatment heating units.
US08986474B2
Methods related to forming superabsorbent composite core structures using superabsorbent materials, such as superabsorbent polymers (SAP). In one method superabsorbent material is sprayed simultaneously with an adhesive to form a superabsorbent layer adhered to a first flexible sheet of material. A second flexible sheet of material is applied to the superabsorbent layer to position the superabsorbent layer between the first and second flexible sheets of material. At least one of the first or second flexible sheets of material is liquid permeable to allow liquid to penetrate into the superabsorbent layer from outside the composite product.
US08986453B2
The invention relates to a device for coating substrates having a process chamber (1) disposed in a reactor housing and a two-part, substantially cup-shaped susceptor (2, 3) disposed therein, forming an upper susceptor part (2) with the cup floor thereof having a flat plate (2′) and a lower susceptor part (3) with the cup side walls thereof, the outer side (4) of the plate (2′) of the upper susceptor part (2) facing upwards toward the process chamber (1) and forming a contact surface for at least one substrate, the upper susceptor part (2) contacting a front edge (3″) of the lower susceptor part (3) at the edge of said upper susceptor part (2), the lower susceptor part (3) being supported by a susceptor carrier (6), and heating zones (A, B, C) for heating the upper susceptor part (2) being disposed below the plate (2′). An advantageous refinement of the invention proposes that the upper susceptor part (2) be removable from the process chamber (1) separately from the lower susceptor part (3), and the joint (30) between the edge of the upper susceptor part (2) and the front edge (3″) of the lower susceptor part (3) be formed as a heat conduction barrier.
US08986444B2
A hybrid cement clinker incorporates specific ranges of clinker phases and falls within specific modulus values as set forth and described in this document.
US08986432B2
Filter media, as well as related assemblies, systems and methods. Filter media may contain one or more layers formed of a meltblown material.
US08986429B2
An off gas extraction system provides superior results to other systems for cleaning polluted soil. Off gas is extracted, followed by compression and condensation. Compression and condensation produce an off gas further treated to produce pollutant-free exhaust. A regenerative adsorber cleans the influent gas/air by adsorbing residual chemical vapor and concentrates the removed chemical vapor and reprocesses them. Conventional scrubbers are used on the back end of the system to produce a final exhaust as prescribed by environmental regulation. Methods of accomplishing the same are likewise taught including combinations and additions consistent with schemes as they evolve.
US08986428B2
To include a boiler 11 that burns fuel F, an air heater 13 that recovers heat of flue gas 18 from the boiler 11, a first precipitator 14 that reduces dust in the flue gas 18 after heat recovery, a desulfurizer 15 that reduces sulfur oxides in the flue gas 18 after dust reduction by an absorbent, a dewaterer 32 that reduces gypsum 31 from desulfurization discharged water 30 discharged from the desulfurizer 15, a spray drying device 34 including an atomizer that atomizes a dewatering filtration fluid 33 discharged from the dewaterer 32, and a flue-gas introducing line L11 that introduces a part of the flue gas 18 into the spray drying device 34.
US08986424B2
Method for rhenium recovery from copper solvent extraction solution. It is determined whether the copper solvent extraction solution contains trace amounts of rhenium. If so, a feedstock from the copper solvent extraction solution is provided, which is then filtered, producing filtered feedstock. Trace amounts of rhenium are absorbed from the filtered feedstock using a supply of ion exchange resin selective for rhenium. The ion exchange resin is washed. Trace amounts of rhenium are eluted from the ion exchange resin using a first amount of eluent, a second amount of eluent and a third amount of eluent. The first amount and the third amount of eluent produce supplemental feedstock and the second amount of eluent produces rhenium eluate. The rhenium eluate is collected and the ion exchange resin is protonated.
US08986404B2
The present application is directed to gas generators comprising a fuel mixture and a catalyst. The catalyst is contained in a self-regulated reactor or buoy, and selectively opens and closes to produce a gas in accordance with the demand for gas. This fuel mixture is generally a solution formed by dissolving a solid fuel component in a liquid fuel component. The mixing preferably occurs before the first use, and more preferably occurs immediately prior to the first use. The inventive gas generators preferably further comprises a starting mechanism that isolates the solid fuel from the liquid fuel or vice versa before the first use. In one embodiment, the starting mechanism further comprises a catalyst shield mechanism that isolates the catalyst in the reactor or buoy from the liquid and/or the solid fuel prior to the first use.
US08986399B2
A process of covalently modifying a lignocellulosic material is provided. The process includes oxidizing a lignocellulosic material having hydroxyl groups with an oxidant to oxidize at least a portion of the hydroxyl groups to carboxylic acid groups, optionally activating the carboxylic acid groups with an activating agent to form activated carboxylic acid groups, and reacting the carboxylic acid groups or the activated carboxylic acid groups with a first nitrogen-containing reagent selected from amino acids, peptides, or protected derivatives thereof to provide a treated lignocellulosic material. The treated lignocellulosic materials thus prepared displays resistance to degradation.
US08986390B2
A method of trialing prosthetic components of a knee prosthesis including positioning a femoral trial component on a surgically-prepared distal end of a patient's femur, assembling a tibial bearing trial component, and positioning the tibial bearing trial component on a tibial base trial component seated on a surgically-prepared proximal end of a patient's tibia. The method may also include adjusting the patient's leg with the tibial bearing trial component engaging the femoral trial component, and readjusting the patient's leg with the tibial bearing trial component engaging the femoral trial component after positioning the tibial bearing trial component on the tibial base trial component and a keel punch.
US08986387B1
Systems and methods for distracting an intervertebral disc space are provided. The systems use a staged, bilaterally expandable trial. The systems and methods of distracting an intervertebral space are provided in a manner that addresses the problem of subsidence. The method includes inserting the trial into the intervertebral space in a collapsed state and, once inserted, the trial is then used for distracting the intervertebral space using an expansion that includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes expanding the trial laterally toward the peripheral zones of the top vertebral plate and the bottom vertebral plate, and the second stage includes expanding the trial vertically to distract the intervertebral space.
US08986386B2
The subject disclosure is directed to systems, apparatuses, devices and methods for vertebral and spinal correction. In some embodiments, an expandable implant is provided which may be inserted inside the vertebral body and/or between two vertebrae, for instance, for maintenance and/or restoration of a space therein or there between. In certain embodiments, the implant includes a mechanical resistance that prevents the expandable implant from contracting once it has been expanded. Methods of treatment and methods of use of such implants for the alleviation of back pain (for example) are also provided herein.
US08986383B2
The present invention is a spinal implant that can be inserted into a surgically created cavity of one or more regions of the mammalian spine. Among other things, the biocompatible implant and end cap or biocompatible implant, connector and end cap combinations can assist with the restoration of the normal anatomic spinal alignment and spinal stability.
US08986380B2
Provided herein is a biocompatible implant for meniscus tissue engineering. Particularly, the biocompatible implant comprises a multi-layered crescent-shaped silk fibroin scaffold, in which each layer comprises distinct pore size and/or pore orientation, e.g., to mimic native meniscus complex architecture. Accordingly, the biocompatible implant can be used for repairing any meniscal defect or promoting meniscal regeneration in a subject.
US08986377B2
Graft materials and devices for surgical breast procedures, as well as methods of making graft devices are described.
US08986371B2
A method for treating paravalvular leakage at a location of a stented prosthetic valve includes the steps of delivering a clip to a location adjacent chordae tendinae of a native valve, and deploying the clip such that the clip captures at least some of the chordae tendinae of the native valve, thereby increasing tension in the captured chordae tendinae. The clip is delivered to the location in a collapsed stated and is released from a sheath convert to an undeflected or relaxed state. After the clip is released from the sheath, the clip is rotated to capture the chordae tendinae. The clip is then released from the delivery system and the delivery system is retracted.
US08986355B2
Facet fusion implants with various body geometries are provided. The bodies of the facet fusion implants can be configured to minimize migration of the implants when the implants are inserted into facet joints. Surgical methods and accompanying surgical instrumentation for inserting the facet fusion implants into facet joints are provided.
US08986352B2
A method for securing neighboring bone plates by an implant includes the steps of resting an inner contact element of the implant on inner faces of the bone plates, resting an outer contact element of the implant on outer faces of the bone plates, connecting the inner contact element and the outer connecting element by a flexible tensioning element, forming a knot between free strands of the tensioning element, wherein the knot is a slip knot, and pushing the knot in a recess of the outer contact element with the knot being positioned at least partially below an outer surface of the outer contact element.
US08986351B2
Plate devices are provided for mounting to bone and receiving one or more spinal rods. The devices may include coupling members or rod receiving members coupled to the plate member and configured to have multiple degrees of adjustability in order to accommodate elongate connecting members of various orientations. The plate devices may also include quick locking features or locking devices that secure multiple points of articulation simultaneously.
US08986346B2
A wedge knotless anchor that is suture/wire activated. The anchor includes an anchor body and at least two flexible strands attached to the body. One of the flexible strands is a tying strand (attached to tissue to be fixated) and the other strand is a locking strand having a first end (a wedge end) and a second end. The wedge end has a larger cross-section than the second end. In the “locked position,” the locking strand is pulled so that the wedge end (the larger portion) is pulled into the anchor body and plugs up an opening in the anchor body, preventing movement (sliding) of the tying tissue strand which also passes through the opening.
US08986337B2
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods, devices, and computer systems thereof for reducing stomach volume in a subject. In certain embodiments, a subject receives a stomach-volume-reducing device that optionally includes at least one reservoir configured to release at least one appetite suppressant. In an embodiment, the stomach-volume-reducing device is responsive to one or more environmental conditions of the subject, for example, pH or chemical chemicals in the stomach of the subject. In an embodiment, the stomach-volume-reducing device controls hunger in the subject.
US08986336B2
An apparatus and method deploy a self-expandable bronchial obstruction device in an air passageway. The apparatus includes a catheter configured to be passed down the trachea. The apparatus further includes a capsule for housing the self-expandable bronchial obstruction device in a sterile environment. The capsule is configured to be advanced down the catheter. The capsule further includes a tubular extension. The capsule has a breakable seam so as to release the bronchial obstruction device in the air passageway upon a proximal force being exerted upon the bronchial obstruction device. The method includes guiding a conduit down a trachea into the air passageway. The method further includes advancing a capsule having a bronchial device therein down an internal lumen of the conduit into the air passageway. The method further includes releasing the bronchial device from the capsule. The method further includes deploying the bronchial device into the air passageway.
US08986335B2
Surgical apparatus and method includes a cannula that houses an endoscope and supports a dilating element near a distal end of the cannula. The dilating element has a dimension which is greater than the diameter of the cannula for enlarging a surgical cavity in tissue as the cannula is advanced through tissue at a surgical site to provide working space adjacent a target vessel within which surgical instruments may be conveniently manipulated. The dilating element of oval sided shape permits surrounding tissue to be pushed away or otherwise displaced away from the target vessel atraumatically. A locking mechanism is disposed on the cannula, which accepts a succession of mating dilating elements of progressively larger dimensions for successive insertion and enlargement of a surgical cavity as required. In one embodiment, the dilating element is made of rigid plastic, and in another embodiment, the dilating element is made of resilient material that may be confined within a retractable sheath which, in the extended position, encases and compresses the dilating element to a smaller dimension and which, in a retracted position, allows the dilating element to resiliently expand and enlarge the surgical cavity.
US08986329B2
A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. Portions of the valve support may expand to a preset diameter to maintain coaptivity of the replacement valve and to prevent occlusion of the coronary ostia.
US08986324B2
Systems and methods are provided for harvesting hair grafts from a body surface utilizing a removal tool comprising first and second elongated bodies. The described systems and methods serve to eliminate and/or at least minimize unnecessary compression of adjacent tissue during the removal process, thereby minimizing damage to the follicular unit being removed, reducing the opportunities for the follicular unit to intersect the path of the harvesting tool, and/or improving the quality of the removed specimen, preferably preserving its integrity.
US08986323B2
A microdermabrasion system upgrade kit includes a plurality of couplers from which a user may choose one or more couplers in order to connect the upgrade kit to a vacuum source of an existing microdermabrasion system. In an implementation, the upgrade kit includes a power socket that the user can plug the vacuum source into.
US08986314B1
A multi-positional dual drill guide for use in orthopedic surgical procedures provides two independent drill guides which are independently, pivotally and removably secured along a pivotal drill guide plate comprising two separate and independent guide plate sections, selectively aligning each of the two drill guides for drilling an intersecting bone channel into a common bone from different locations for the passage of a suture and associated tissue during an orthopedic repair of a joint. The drill guide provide for three dimensional movement of the drill guides to provide a range of drilling angles from nearly zero degrees up to 180-degrees apart and in a three dimensional array, the drill.
US08986312B2
The present invention relates to medically useful devices and methods for introducing flowable compositions into mammalian body cavities. More specifically, the devices and methods of the present invention are useful for introducing restorative compositions into intraosseous cavities. Such devices and methods are particularly useful in percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty procedures for the controlled introduction of bone cement into a vertebral cavity.
US08986309B1
A medical imaging device takes one or more images of the local anatomy of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure. A surface model generator receives the one or more images and generates a 3-D surface model of the patient's anatomy. A fabrication device utilizes the 3-D surface model to fabricate a template custom designed to match the surface of the patient's anatomy. Attached to the template is a directional guide vane. The fabrication device is configured to create a template and directional guide vane such that, when the template is fitted to the patient's anatomy, the directional guide vane points along a predefined orientation relative to the patient's anatomy. A physician uses the directional guide vane as a visual guide or cue for installing an implantable prosthetic component during a surgical procedure.
US08986307B2
A surgical instrument for inserting an implant is shown. The instrument has a housing having a first end and a second end, a rotatable drive member having an elongated member comprising a grip that is associated with the first end, an implant holder having a securing member that extends through the second end and that is adapted to receive and hold the implant. A universal joint couples the implant holder and the elongated member and is adapted to permit a user to rotatably drive the implant holder when the implant holder is in a pivoted position.
US08986305B2
A method of performing vertebral facet fusion by lateral approach and related devices. The lateral approach to facet fusion involves identifying the lateral mass and introducing any of the fixation methods known or described herein laterally at one or more facets through the use of a Kirschner wire guide, a cannulated bone drill and cooperatively cannulated staple guide. A surgical bone staple have a perforated bridge is used across the lateral facet joint where fixation is required. Where fusion is desired, a bone screw have lateral perforations of the shank is inserted through the cannulated staple guide and bridge perforation at the joint to promote fusion. A staple cap and graft container for overlay grafting may be utilized for additional fusion. The method involves less surgical time, reduced blood loss and discomfort for the patient as compared to the posterior approach.
US08986304B2
A method of treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, wherein the fibrinogen, the activating compound or both has been reconstituted with a solution containing at least one additive, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.
US08986290B2
Devices to perform femtolaser ablation and phacoemulsification are physically and/or operationally combined. In some embodiments the femtolaser ablation and phacoemulsification are housed together, and in other embodiments they are housed separately, but operated through a common display screen. At least some software can be shared by the femtolaser ablation and phacoemulsification functionalities. A non-transitory computer-readable memory can provide data that can be used to operate each of at least one femtolaser ablation functionality and at least one phacoemulsification functionality.
US08986270B2
A device for treatment of wounds using reduced pressure is provided. The device includes a pump, a reservoir connected to the pump for collecting exudate from a wound, an inlet to the reservoir for connecting the reservoir with the wound so as to allow the pump to expose the wound to the reduced pressure, a wound pad to be arranged in the wound cavity, and a sealing covering the wound and the wound pad. The wound pad consists of an open-cell polyurethane foam which is fully impregnated with a soft hydrophobic silicone gel. The foam has a hardness of 1.0-6.0 kPa measured according to ISO 3386-1 at 40% compression. Also provided is a wound pad to be used with an absorbent member. In addition, provided is a method for manufacturing the wound pad.
US08986269B2
A wound leakage collection device is described wherein a chamber provides a volume wherein wound leakage material can be removed from vacuum tubing and said device can be easily removed from a wound and a negative pressure source.
US08986265B2
A catheter assembly is provided comprising a catheter including a catheter tube and a connector arranged in one end of the catheter tube. The catheter is preferably a urinary, hydrophilic catheter. Further, the assembly comprises a catheter receptacle, a compartment accommodating the wetting fluid, the compartment being an integrated part of the receptacle but is separated from the cavity, the separation between the wetting fluid compartment and the cavity accommodating the catheter providing a rupturable sealed enclosure with at least one point of weakness.
US08986262B2
A sampling connector for use in sampling a body fluid such as arterial blood or cerebrospinal fluid. The sampling connector comprises at least two apertures in fluid communication via a fluid flow conduit and a one-way valve (14) disposed to allow fluid flow from the first aperture, through the fluid flow conduit and out of the second aperture, but not to allow fluid to flow into the second aperture and through the fluid flow conduit to the first aperture. In use, the sampling connector is connected to a body cavity to enable the sampling of a body fluid by withdrawal of the body fluid through the first aperture, and to prevent the introduction of a separate fluid to the body cavity. The first aperture can be within a male end and the second aperture can be within a female end or vice versa. A sampling device comprising a sampling connector according to the present invention and use of the sampling connector and/or sampling device is also claimed.
US08986259B2
Various embodiments of piston rod assemblies, drug delivery devices making use of such piston rod assemblies, and methods for assembling such piston rod assemblies and drug delivery devices are provided. In one embodiment, a piston rod assembly for a drug delivery device is provided, wherein the piston rod assembly is configured to engage a piston of a medicament cartridge. The piston rod assembly comprises (i) a piston rod, (ii) at least one adjusting member displaceably engaged with a distal end section of the piston rod, wherein the at least one adjusting member is displaceable along a long axis of the piston rod, and (iii) at least one interlock member configured to mutually lock the at least one adjusting member and the piston rod in an arbitrary relative axial position.
US08986258B2
A device for receiving a hypodermic syringe comprises an outer housing which has at one end a supporting element with an opening for an injection cannula and which has on its inner surface fixing means for engaging in counter-fixing means which are arranged on the outer surface of an injection container, and a displacement element which has at its end opposite the supporting element an actuating element on which at least one means is arranged which, during displacement, tensions a spring element with the build-up of a restoring force and, if a hypodermic syringe is received in the device, disengages the fixing means from the counter-fixing means. The spring element is disposed such that the outer housing and the injection container are moved relative to one another by the restoring force to such an extent until the injection cannula is fully received in the outer housing.
US08986254B2
A medical fluid delivery cassette configured for use with a medical fluid pumping system. The cassette includes a base, a membrane attached to the base, and an adhesive disposed on a portion of the membrane overlying a fluid pump chamber of the cassette. The portion of the membrane overlying the fluid pump chamber is moveable such that the volume of the fluid pump chamber can be changed.
US08986251B2
The invention relates to an adapter for a syringe plunger. The adapter of some embodiments may include a first side adapted to interface with a syringe plunger and an opposing a second side adapted to interface with a drive ram of a medical fluid injector. The adapter may include a peripheral side surface exhibiting a thickness and may include what may be characterized as at least one mating section adapted to engage with the syringe plunger. The mating section(s) may include a channel extending through the entire thickness of the adapter. In some embodiments, the mating section(s) may include a stop adjacent the channel that extends less than the entirety of the thickness of the adapter.
US08986247B2
An insufflation pump is provided for single handed actuation for inflation of dilatation balloons or other inflatable devices employed during medical procedures. The insufflation pump includes a pump body having a first end and a second end. The first end is provided with a syringe mechanism and the second end is provided with an actuation mechanism. The syringe mechanism and the actuation mechanism are linked by a pivoting mechanical linkage member facilitating the transfer of power from the actuation mechanism to the syringe mechanism. The actuation mechanism includes an actuator pivotally secured adjacent the second end of the pump body. The linkage member includes a first end and a second end, the first end of which is pivotally connected to the second end of the actuator, the second end of the linkage member is pivotally secured to the plunger of the syringe mechanism.
US08986245B2
Injection device for manual penetration and injection comprising a distal housing part (10); a proximal housing part (12) with a multi-chamber container (20); a plunger rod (40); a push button (70); an activation member (30); a drive force means(100) and a locking member (50), wherein the device further comprises a guide rod (60) arranged to generate an audible and tactile indication of the start of an injection.
US08986243B2
Peritoneal dialysis connectors, connector sets, connector systems and methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a connector includes, a body, a spike located at a first end of the body, a sealing ring sized to seal inside a female connector and located adjacent to the spike end, threads located adjacent to the sealing ring, and at least one barbed ring located adjacent to the threads at a second end of the body. The at least one barbed ring is configured to seal the second end of the body to a tube.
US08986237B2
A filtering unit for removing a virucidal substance from a biological fluid including an outer casing having at least one input aperture and at least one output aperture. The outer casing including a filter medium, which separates the filtration unit into an input compartment and an output compartment. The filter medium includes at least one hydrophilic material able to absorb or adsorb the virucidal substance. The at least one hydrophilic material includes either porous non-woven material or a porous membrane.
US08986235B2
An ankle brace is provided that includes (a) a boot assembly having a semi-rigid or rigid support, (b) an adjustable stirrup configured to go under the arch of a wearer's foot, and (c) a lace and rotatable tightening mechanism configured to tighten the adjustable stirrup and pull it upward.
US08986234B2
A custom brace and method for fabricating the custom brace includes marking a body with reference points and/or other indicators. Multiple images of the body from multiple angles are then obtained. The images are used to determine the contours of the body and the other markings are located and used to design the custom brace. Fenestrations can be added to the brace design. The custom brace can be fabricated with the fenestrations as a single piece structure or in multiple pieces that are assembled to complete the custom device.
US08986233B2
A leg assist device having an abnormality management procedure which appropriately adapts to an abnormal situation is provided. The leg assist device is provided with a leg attachment and a controller. The leg attachment comprises upper and a lower links connected with a rotary joint, and an actuator. The upper link is to be attached to the upper leg of the user. The lower link is to be attached to the lower leg of the user. The actuator swings the lower link relative to the upper link. The controller outputs the commands so that the swing angle of the lower link follows a target trajectory. Further, the controller executes a first abnormality management process in which the controller shuts off torque transmission from the actuator to the user when the controller detects an abnormality before outputting the commands to the actuator.
US08986232B2
An actuator (10) includes a body (12), an output member (14) slidably received in the body (12) along— a first axis (X1), an electric motor (18) arranged to set into rotation a motor shaft (20) about a, second axis (X2) and a motion conversion mechanism (22) for converting the rotary motion produced by the electric motor (18) about the second axis (X2) into a translational motion of the output member (14) along the first axis (X1). The motion conversion mechanism (22) includes a driving pulley (24) which is drivingly connected for rotation with the motor shaft (20) and an elongated mechanical transmission member which is wound onto the driving pulley (24) and is fastened at its two opposite ends to the output member (14) to draw this latter in either direction along the first axis (X1) as a result of the rotation of the driving pulley (24) in either direction. The output member (14) is shaped as a rod and is received in a cylindrical cavity (16) of the body (12) so as to project partially therefrom. The elongated mechanical transmission member (2S) is fastened to the output member (14) at axially opposite points of this latter with respect to the driving pulley (24).
US08986229B2
An apparatus for evaluating the tongue strength of a subject during a sucking event includes an insert positioned within a nipple element to provide an output in response to deformation of the nipple element during a sucking event. The output is at least one of resistive force exerted against the subject's tongue and movement measurement of deformation force exerted on the nipple element during the sucking event. The apparatus is configurable to evaluate nutritive sucking (NS) or non-nutritive sucking (NNS) capabilities of the subject. The insert may be a sensing device, a compliance element, an intermediate device or a combination of these. A coupling device is configured to position the insert relative to the nipple element and/or to receive output from the insert. A method includes evaluating tongue strength of a subject during NS or NNS and using inserts providing increasing levels of resistive force to exercise the subject's tongue.
US08986224B2
A medical device formed of a coil with repeating loops, each loop forming a polygon and each successive loop being slightly rotated with respect to its adjacent loops to form a spiral configuration. The polygon in a preferred embodiment is a triangle, and the repeating triangular loop coil can be used as a guidewire in a stent delivering catheter. The guidewire can further include a stiff core wire that is disposed within the triangular loop coil, where the stiff core wire includes tapered sections that reduce the stiffness in the distal direction. The coil can include multiple sections of different loop shapes, including circular, to alter the stiffness of the guidewire to meet the needs of the application.
US08986219B2
Devices and methods are disclosed to detect or verify fallopian tube occlusion. Devices include an elongated body, a continuous open space extending between proximal and distal openings, a first pressure sensor or flow meter configured to measure a pressure or fluid flow within the continuous open space, at least one seal member protruding from the outer wall of the elongated body, and a second pressure sensor or flow meter configured to measure a pressure or flow meter within a space created by the at least one seal member.
US08986218B2
A system and method is provided for calibrating and normalizing eye data of one or more subjects prior to and/or during emotional testing of the subjects. In particular, initially performing one or more calibration or normalization operations prior to an emotional test of a subject may result in accurate evaluations of emotional responses based on measurements of eye data. Additionally, further calibration or normalization performed during the emotional test may be used to refine the initial calibration or normalization, further increasing the accuracy of the evaluated emotional responses.
US08986216B2
A process is provided for leak testing in a respirator (10) with overpressure operation. An indicator of a breathing gas consumption is compared with an indicator of an expiration volume and a leak is detected in case of a deviation of the result of the comparison (58) from a desired value. A device is also provided for carrying out the process as well as to a respirator (10) with overpressure operation with such a device.
US08986209B2
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
US08986206B2
A health care apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes: a motion sensing unit; a bio-electric potential sensing unit sensing an electric potential signal of the health examinee corresponding to the sensed result; and an analysis unit analyzing the sensed result. By recognizing a current motion of the examinee and sensing an electric potential signal corresponding to the recognized current motion from the examinee, a more reliable health index of the examinee can be calculated. Even when information on the current motion of the health examinee is not given, the current motion can be recognized by the apparatus and method. Furthermore, since the health examinee is notified of the calculated health index in real time, the health examinee can be informed immediately if the physical condition is in an emergency state. As a result, the examinee can respond quickly to the emergency situation.
US08986205B2
Disclosed is a multi-variable sensor and systems and methods for its use to sense process changes or variations. The sensor is employed to concurrently sense a plurality of parameters (e.g., temperature and pressure) for a process.
US08986204B2
Methods and systems for telemedicine are provided. A method for operating a telemedicine base unit includes initiating a remote connection with a remote care site. The remote care site may be selected from a plurality of remote care sites based on an attached medical device. The telemedicine base unit transmits the output from the attached medical device to the remote care site. Medical device operating instructions and other information are received from the remote care site. The medical device operation instructions provide guidance for operating the attached medical device.
US08986197B2
A medical system includes: a treatment instrument having an insertion portion configured by an exterior member, and an insertion member that is inserted into the exterior member and is longer than the exterior member; an insertion portion inserting/pulling-out device to transmit a driving force to the exterior member or the insertion member configuring the insertion portion of the treatment instrument, the insertion portion inserting/pulling-out device advancing/retreating at least one of the exterior member and the insertion member; and a driving force non-transmitting portion provided to the insertion member, the driving force non-transmitting portion preventing a driving force of the insertion portion inserting/pulling-out device from being transmitted to the exterior member when the insertion member is moved by a predetermined distance.
US08986187B2
A transducer is configured to couple to the cochlear fluid so as to transmit sound with low amounts of energy, such that feed back to a microphone positioned in the ear canal is inhibited substantially. The cochlear fluid coupled hearing device can allow a user to determine from which side a sound originates with vibration of the cochlea and the user can also receive sound localization cues from the device, as feedback can be substantially inhibited. The transducer may be coupled to the cochlear fluid with a thin membrane disposed between the transducer and the cochlear fluid, for example with a fenestration in the cochlea. In some embodiments, a support coupled to the transducer directly contacts the fluid of the cochlea so as to couple the transducer to the cochlear fluid.
US08986184B2
Aspects of the present disclosure involve methods and apparatuses for folding absorbent articles.
US08986169B2
A manually operated treadmill is provided. The treadmill includes a treadmill frame, a front shaft rotatably coupled to the treadmill frame, a rear shaft rotatably coupled to the treadmill frame, a running belt including a contoured running surface upon which a user of the treadmill may run, wherein the running belt is disposed about the front and rear shafts such that force generated by the user causes rotation of the front shaft and the rear shaft and also causes the running belt to rotate about the front shaft and the rear shaft without the rotation of the running belt being generated by a motor, and a one-way bearing assembly configured to prevent rotation of the running surface of the running belt in one direction.
US08986165B2
A key includes a safety mechanism operatively connectable to a safety port on an exercise device. When the safety mechanism is operatively connected to the safety port, the exercise device is placed in an operational configuration and when disconnected, the exercise device is in a non-operational configuration. The key further includes a user identification mechanism that is communicatively connectable to a user identification port on the exercise device and transmits user identification information to the exercise device.
US08986159B2
An actuator comprises a shaft 12 arranged to be driven for rotation by an electrically powered motor 18, a sleeve 22 encircling at least part of the shaft 12 and carrying a toothed rack formation 26, and a low friction screw coupling 36 between the shaft 12 and the sleeve 22 and arranged such that rotation of the shaft 12 drives the sleeve 22 for axial movement, wherein the low friction screw coupling 36 is adjacent and aligned with the rack formation 26.
US08986158B2
The present invention relates to a reduction gearing with a ring gear, at least one planet gear rolling around in the ring gear and having a planet gear axis, and an output being rotatably mounted coaxially to the ring gear. According to the invention, it is provided that the planet gear comprises a guide member that is spaced apart from the planet gear axis and describes a hypocycloid relative to the ring gear when the planet gear rolls around, wherein guidance is provided between the guide member and a cam disk of the output, such that the output experiences a drive motion by the planet gear rolling around.
US08986155B2
A family of transmission gearing arrangements provides a plurality of forward speed ratios and one or more reverse speed ratios by selective engagement of shift elements in various combinations. An input and an output are provided. Three planetary gear sets are located at an offset position relative to the input axis and the output axis. Axis transfer gears are provided to transfer rotational energy from the input to one of the planetary gear sets, and from one of the planetary gear sets to the output.
US08986154B2
A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include: a first shaft; a second parallel shaft; a first planetary gear set on the first shaft including a first element selectively connected to the first shaft, a second element selectively connected to the first shaft or a transmission housing, and a third output element; a second planetary gear set on the second shaft, and including a fourth element selectively connected to the first shaft, connected to the first element, and selectively connected to the transmission housing, a fifth element connected to the third element and directly connected to an output gear, and a sixth element selectively connected to the first shaft; four transfer gears; and frictional elements including clutches selectively connecting the first, second, fourth, and sixth elements with the first shaft and brakes selectively connecting the second and fourth elements with the transmission housing.
US08986151B2
A powertrain with a disconnecting rear drive axle generally includes a prime mover including an output that rotates about a rotational axis. A transmission includes an output that rotates about a rotational axis. The rotational axes of the outputs are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the powertrain. A front driveline is operable to direct rotary power from the prime mover to front vehicle wheels. A rear driveline includes a propeller shaft that provides rotary power to a first shaft member and a second shaft member through a pinion and a ring gear. The first shaft member and the second shaft are operable to connect to rear vehicle wheels. A power switching mechanism has an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. The power switching mechanism is operable to direct the rotary power from the transmission to the rear driveline in the engaged condition. A torque transfer device has an engaged condition and a disengaged condition. The power switching mechanism and the torque transfer device in the disengaged condition are operable to only transmit rotary power to the first vehicle wheels. The torque transfer device in the disengaged condition prevents the first shaft member and the second shaft member from back-driving the ring gear and the pinion of the rear driveline. The power switching mechanism in the disengaged condition prevents the transmission from driving the propeller shaft.
US08986150B2
A variable transmission includes an input shaft, a planetary gear set drivingly engaged with a variator comprising, a variator carrier assembly, a first ring assembly, and a second ring assembly; and the output shaft, arranged with various combinations of brakes and clutches to produce transmissions with continuously variable or infinitely variable torque output ratios.
US08986148B2
A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, a rear drive module having a torque transfer device providing a disconnect function, a speed synchronization function and a torque biasing function, and a control system for controlling actuation of the disconnect mechanism and the torque transfer device. The power take-off unit and the rear drive module can each be equipped with a two-speed range shift unit which, under the control of the control system, permits establishment of high and low speed drive connections.
US08986146B2
A reduction gear with epicyclic gear train including an annulus gear, and at least one planet gear rolling on the annulus gear and able to rotate about a planet spindle borne by a planet carrier is provided. The planet spindle is mounted such that it can itself rotate about its axis relative to the planet carrier. The reduction gear is suitable for mounting in a high bypass ratio jet engine for driving the fan thereof.
US08986132B2
The present invention provides a golf club head having air flow guiding slot with uneven surface, which includes a ball striking plate, a connection portion, a top plate, a bottom portion and at least one air flow guiding slot. The at least one air flow guiding slot is mounted on the top plate and the bottom portion, is near to the connection portion, and has an uneven surface. Utilizing the uneven surface of the at least one air flow guiding slot, the stability of air flow can be improved and the surface area of the air flow guiding slot can be greatly increased so as to raise the weight of the air flow guiding slot so that the center of gravity for the golf club head can be mounted on the at least one air flow guiding slot.
US08986131B2
A golf club includes a shaft and a club head. The club head includes a body member having a ball striking face, a heel, a toe, a rear and a crown. The crown may include a forward crown region, a rearward crown region, and a crown transition region therebetween. The rearward crown region may have a lower height than the forward crown region. The crown transition region may extend generally in a heel-to-toe direction. The vertical slope of the crown transition region may decrease as the crown transition region extends from the heel toward the toe. The crown transition region may lie at an angle from a front plane of the club head. Optionally, a club head may include a forward sole region, a rearward sole region, and a sole transition region therebetween.
US08986127B2
A coupling means (10) provided with a first member (20) suitable for being fastened to a first rotary part (2) and with a second member (30) suitable for being fastened to a second rotary part (3), the first member (20) being provided with a first diaphragm (22) and the second member (30) being provided with a second diaphragm (32) that is secured to the first diaphragm (22). An emergency torque transmission device comprises at least one bayonet system including a protuberance (50) secured to one member (30) and co-operating with an angled groove (60) secured to the other member (20) by being inserted in the angled groove (60) by a thrust-and-rotation movement, in the absence of said breakage said coupling means (10) including both axial clearances in compression (70′) and in translation (70″) and also circumferential clearance between each protuberance (50) and walls defining the corresponding angled groove (60).
US08986121B2
A system, method and apparatus for a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a rewards server and a separate gaming or slot accounting server. The system may further include a separate player tracking server. The system further includes one or more game machines. The game machines may include a base game, rewards tracking module, and a game management module. Further details will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims.
US08986118B2
An apparatus and method including a multi-touch interface for card gaming includes providing a multi-touch interface for displaying a card having a hidden value. The method includes detecting a touch on the interface. The touch has a curved pattern with multiple points of contact with the interface. The curved pattern is indicative of the lateral edge of a human hand in contact with the interface, oriented to hide the card from others. The method then detects movement of the multiple points of contact sweeping over a portion of the interface to reveal the value of the card to the user.
US08986115B2
Virtual items may be unlocked in a virtual space responsive to physical token detection. A common virtual item repository may be provided in the virtual space. Once unlocked, a given virtual item may be accessible to multiple characters in the virtual space via the virtual item repository. Customization of a virtual space may be facilitated. The customization may be based on the virtual items accessible via the virtual item repository.
US08986112B2
An example video game program download system and method apparatus for downloading a video game program to a target video game platform in which a processing system receives a download request from the target video game platform requesting downloading of a video game program that executes on a native video game platform different than the target video game platform. In response thereto, the requested video game program is sent along with a program for providing compatibility between the target and native video game platforms.
US08986110B2
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments operate an anti-cheating hybrid game. One embodiment includes an anti-cheating hybrid game constructed to communicate occurrences based upon a player's skillful execution of an entertainment game that triggers a randomly generated payout to a gambling game; where the anti-cheating hybrid game incorporates an anti-cheating module constructed to: receive player data for a player, where the player data is indicative of the player's current gameplay performance at the entertainment game; analyze the player data to determine whether cheating is occurring by comparing the player's current gameplay performance with historical gameplay data to evaluate whether the player's current gameplay performance is beyond the statistical limits of the randomness inherent in the anti-cheating hybrid game; and send a command to penalize the player during play of the entertainment game based upon a determination that cheating has occurred from the analyzed player data.
US08986103B2
In one embodiment, the gaming device and method disclosed herein provides a player one or more modifiers to apply to different components or characteristics of a game. In one such embodiment, the gaming device enables a player to selectively apply or associate a plurality of modifiers to a single game component or apply the plurality of modifiers across the plurality of game components. For each game component with at least one applied modifier, the gaming device disclosed herein modifies said game component based on each applied modifier. The gaming device generates any awards based on any modified game components and any unmodified game components and provides any generated awards to the player.
US08986102B2
A gaming system includes a wagering game initiated by a wager. The wagering game further includes an ascending-feature game outcome that triggers an ascending feature in which symbols displayed in a symbol array are changed into different symbols, including higher-value symbols, that may be subsequently evaluated for winning symbol combinations.
US08986098B2
The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a keno game including an additional number triggering event that causes at least one additional number to be added to a selected number set to form a modified number set. A player number set and a gaming system number set are selected from a plurality of numbers. Upon an occurrence of an additional number triggering event, the gaming system adds at least one of the numbers to one of: the player number set to form a modified player number set, and the gaming system number set to form a modified gaming system number set. The gaming system determines any awards based on a comparison of the player number set (or the modified player number set) with the gaming system number set (or the modified gaming system number set), and provides any determined awards.
US08986097B2
Methods and systems for providing a lottery ticket to a player of a hybrid game having a gambling game portion and an entertainment game portion are provided. One or more lottery tickets are generated by a lottery system and transmitted to the hybrid game where the one or more lottery tickets are held in a queue. Attendant rules for issuing a lottery ticket are also transmitted to the hybrid game. The hybrid game receives player actions from the entertainment portion of the hybrid game and, based on the player actions and the attendant rules, awards a lottery ticket to the player.
US08986089B1
Sports based computer game, e.g., football game, is played using data from actual games. Updates are received about new information from more recent games. Each game is divided into plays, and each play is characterized so that the play can be replayed on the game. Characteristics of the plays can be changed to simulate what is scenarios.
US08986084B2
Device for receiving coins improved in such a way that large amounts of coins can be received as well as separated reliably and quickly and such that the adverse influence of foreign matters introduced along with the coins on the coin separating function and/or on the performance of the coin separating unit may be reduced. The device includes an aperture for charging coins, a unit for separating coins and a feed unit for feeding coins which is provided with a guide face giving support to the coins during the feeding process and which is an active type feeder having a feed module (5) that is operable with the aid of an actuator means to feed coins toward the coin separating unit and that is designed such that the coins are transported toward the coin separating unit along said guide face.
US08986075B2
Disclosed is a blade grinder comprising a blade holder that is mounted so as to be rotatable about a horizontal shaft which is mounted so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, thus allowing the blade to be optimally adjusted relative to a grinding disk. The grinding disk can preferably be vertically and horizontally moved using spindles. This creates a simple design allowing a lawnmower blade to be ground in a fully automatic manner.
US08986071B2
A parts carrier assembly for a grinding machine includes an annular parts carrier and a bearing insert. The annular parts carrier includes an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner edge, an outer edge, and a plurality of loading apertures. The inner edge is configured to engage a driving wheel of the grinding machine. The driving wheel rotates about a central axis resulting in rotation of the parts carrier about an offset axis, which is offset from the central axis. The loading apertures are configured to receive parts to be ground by the grinding machine. The bearing insert includes an inner bearing surface complementary in shape to the outer edge of the parts carrier. The outer surface the parts carrier bears against the inner bearing surface of the bearing insert as the parts carrier rotates about the offset axis.
US08986066B2
A rotating top assembly toy play set includes at least one track segment having a starter section, a launch section and a guiding path therebetween. Also included is a rotatable top configured to translate along the guiding path. Further included is a top receiving structure positionally spaced from the launch section for receiving the rotatable top subsequent to a flight of the rotatable top, wherein the flight extends along an aerial trajectory between the launch section and the top receiving structure.
US08986061B2
An aquatic accessory adapted for frictional attachment with a shoe being worn by a user comprises a receptacle portion and a fin portion extending outwardly from the receptacle portion. The receptacle portion is adapted to receive at least a portion of an inserted shoe, and frictionally attach with the shoe. Gripping members can be configured and angled in a manner for providing increased frictional attachment between the aquatic accessory and inserted shoe. The accessory can be fabricated from a stretchable material to provide a radial attachment force for enhancing frictional attachment between the aquatic accessory and an inserted shoe.
US08986060B2
A vehicle propulsion system having a mount; a rotation shaft oriented substantially normal to a plane of travel of a vehicle; a fixture coupled to the rotation shaft, the fixture being rotatable about a rotation shaft axis of the rotation shaft; and an oar assembly coupled to the fixture; wherein the coupling is coupled to the fixture, wherein the rotation shaft axis is substantially normal to the rotational axis; wherein the coupling is coupled to the fixture to permit rotation of the oar assembly about the rotation axis when the lock is locked.
US08986050B2
In a particular embodiment, a connector includes a connector module and a set of conductive connectors coupled to the connector module. The set of conductive connectors is configured to electrically couple to a set of contacts of a memory module. The connector also includes a ground contact coupled to the connector module. The ground contact is configured to be coupled to a ground of the memory module and to a conductive shroud.
US08986046B2
A duplex harness assembly for a motor vehicle airbag occupant restraint system. The system design incorporates a connector housing for connection via a cable with a restraint system controller. The connector housing having an integrated circuit provides a duplex restraint system control. The duplex control is provided by incorporating one or more electronic elements such as diodes mounted to the circuit. One or more electronic device attachments are remotely mounted from the connector housing via pairs of conductive wires.
US08986042B2
An electrical contact includes a female portion having a conductive sheath, a dielectric disposed within the conductive sheath, and a center conductor extending through the dielectric; and a male portion having a conductive sheath, a dielectric disclosed within the conductive sheath, and a center conductor extending through the dielectric. The female portion and the male portion are arranged to be engageable with one another. The conductive sheath, center conductor, and dielectric of each of the female portion and the male portion have a substantially square shape. Each of the center conductors of the female portion and the male portion includes a contact portion. The contact portions of the female and male portions are arranged to be engaged with one another when the female portion and the male portion are engaged with one another. The contact portion of each of the center conductors of the female portion and the male portion has a thickness of substantially half of a thickness of the remaining portions of the center conductors.
US08986037B2
The present invention relates to a plug element (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″, 1″″) with a plugging section (2) which is configured to be able to be brought together in a direction of plugging (Z) of the plug element (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″, 1″″) with a mating plug element (100) and has at least one receptacle (5) for an electrical plug-in contact, and with a contact lock member (8) which, at least in its securing position (S), projects, at least in sections, into the receptacle (5). In order, with the smallest possible external dimensions of the plug element (1, 1′, 1″, 1′″, 1″″), to be able simply to feel that the securing position (S) has been reached, provision is made according to the invention for the contact lock member (8) in the securing position (S) to release a test path (P) along which a test member (3, 200) can be moved past a test stop (18).
US08986027B2
A connector includes a plurality of contacts, a housing made of a predetermined material and a reinforcement member. The housing holds the contacts. The housing includes a bottom portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the connector. The reinforcement member is, at least in part, embedded in the bottom portion of the housing via insert-molding. The reinforcement member has a rib portion extending in the longitudinal direction. The rib portion has a reversed U- or V-shape cross-section and is filled with the predetermined material of the housing.
US08986019B2
An electrical connector a semiconductor processing tool is provided. The electrical connector comprises a male connector part having pins and a first holder in which the pins are mounted and a female connector part having sockets and a second holder in which the sockets are mounted. The male connector part is configured to mate with the female connector part, and at least one of the male connector part and the female connector part has an air extraction conduit of which one end communicates with a vacuum pump and the other end communicates with a space formed between the male connector part and the female connector part.
US08986013B2
A system and device for welding training. In one example, a welding training system includes a display configured to show welding features related to a training welding operation. The system also includes a training workpiece having a substantially transparent weld joint configured to be placed adjacent to the display during the training welding operation. The system includes a processing device coupled to the display and configured to provide welding data relating to the training welding operation to the display. The system also includes a training torch comprising an optical sensor. The training torch is coupled to the processing device and configured to provide the processing device with data from the optical sensor corresponding to a position of the training torch relative to the training workpiece.
US08986012B1
The 3D visualization kit helps visualize concepts relating to points, surfaces, planes, curves, contours, and vectors in three dimensions. The kit is an inexpensive solution provided along with accompanying materials for its use that will allow students to effectively visualize concepts in three dimensions and aid in understanding important calculations in multivariable calculus eliminating the abstraction normally associated with concepts in three dimensions.
US08986010B2
The present disclosure relates to an airburst simulation system and method. The airburst simulation system includes a laser emitting unit to emit laser beam to an airburst aiming position, preset above a target hidden behind an obstacle, such that a warhead is airbursted to shoot the target, a laser detecting unit mounted onto the target to detect an arrival of the laser beam above the target, and a determining unit to measure a distance between the airburst aiming position and an arrival position of the laser detected by the laser detecting unit, and determine whether or not the target has been shot based on the distance. This allows for a simulated engagement using an airburst apparatus, with no harm to human bodies by virtue of the use of laser.
US08986005B2
An oral care device is described for contacting or transferring a dental composition to the hard or soft surfaces of the teeth comprising a backing layer and a discontinuous pattern of a dentally therapeutic composition. A method of using said oral care device to effectuate an aesthetic or therapeutic treatment is also described, whereby the oral care device is placed against the surface of at least one oral cavity structure, the discontinuous pattern of dentally therapeutic composition is contacted with or transferred to said structure. The backing layer may be left in place during the treatment period, or optionally removed from the oral cavity while leaving the therapeutic composition in contact with the target structure.
US08986003B2
Improved aligners are provided with pearlescent white coloring and improved aesthetics.
US08985999B2
A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) furnace has a venturi premixer and a disturber disposed downstream relative to the premixer and in an undivided output of the venturi premixer.
US08985995B2
A process for manufacturing a stiffener made of composite material with an inside surface of a concave shape, includes producing a flat strip (18) that includes at least one layer of fibers; heating it to be able to deform it; connecting one of the lateral edges of the strip (18) to a rotary mandrel (36) in such a way as to cause a winding of the strip on the mandrel (36) during its rotation, whereby the mandrel (36) has an outside surface (46) of which at least one part corresponds to the inside surface of the stiffener to be produced; and exerting tension at the other lateral edge of the strip (18) in a direction that is opposite to the direction of the movement of the strip (18) caused by the winding on the rotary mandrel (36).
US08985987B2
The present invention provides an apparatus for producing thermoplastic resin pellets of uniform shape. The apparatus includes a batch-type polymerization vessel whose inner pressure can be controlled; a pelletizer for cutting a strand-form thermoplastic resin discharged from the polymerization vessel, thereby forming pellets; a pipe for transferring the pellets to a storage container by pneumatic transportation or suction transportation; a pressure differential measuring unit for determining variation in a pressure difference between the inlet and the outlet of the transfer pipe; and a pressure controlling unit for controlling the inner pressure of the batch-type polymerization vessel on the basis of the variation in the measured pressure difference; wherein the inner pressure of the batch-type polymerization vessel is controlled in relation to a pressure loss in the transfer pipe.
US08985983B2
A blade-type fluid transmission device includes a rotor eccentrically located in the room of a stator and the outer periphery of the rotor is tangent to the inner periphery of the room. At least one blade is pivotably connected to stator and movably inserted in at least one slot of the rotor. The distal end of the at least one blade is in contact with the inner periphery of the room so as to form a space for receiving fluid between the outer periphery of the rotor and the inner periphery of the room. The contact between the at least one blade and the inner periphery of the room increases the efficiency for transmitting fluid which enters into the stator from an inlet and leaves from the stator from an outlet.
US08985982B2
A pump housing has a cylindrical interior surface having outlets and a pair of side surfaces defining, in combination with the interior surface, a substantially cylindrical chamber. The surfaces have inlets. A rotor has a void, lobes and, for each lobe, a throughpassage. The rotor is positioned in the chamber such that the void communicates with the inlet to receive fluid and the throughpassage for each lobe provides communication between the void and chamber. The rotor is rotatably mounted in the chamber such that the lobes traverse the cylindrical surface. Provided for each outlet is a vane. As the rotor turns, the rotor outer surface is traversed by the vane to create, as the vane traverses a throughpassage, a chamber ahead of the vane which increases in volume and communicates with the throughpassage, and a chamber behind the vane which decreases in volume and communicates with the outlet port.
US08985981B2
A rotary displacement pump of an undulatory disk type; with a pump housing (24) comprising a front end plate (56) and a rear end plate, the pump housing enclosing a stator (40, 48), a rotor (42), a scraper (44) and a scraper guide (46), a shaft (8) extending through at least the rear end plate; the stator including a generally semi-circular arc-formed first stator member (40) and a generally semi-circular arc-formed second stator member (48), the stator, the pump housing and the scraper together with the scraper guide defining an inlet and outlet chamber, wherein at least part of the end faces of the first and second stator members being situated in the outlet chamber are oblique so as to provide an obtuse-angled transition to the inner faces of the front end plate and the rear end plate.
US08985967B2
A rotor is provided. The rotor comprises external blades for use in causing rotation of the rotor, and internal blades for use in propelling a fluid through the rotor during rotation of the rotor.
US08985963B2
A vane compressor includes a cylinder block, a cylinder chamber having an ellipsoidal inner wall, a rotor whose outer circumferential surface is provided with vane slots formed thereon, a drive source for the rotor, and vanes housed in the vane slots, respectively. The rotor is rotated by the drive source while the vanes are protruded from the vane slots by backpressure generated in backpressure spaces in the vane slots to contact end edges of the vanes with the inner wall of the cylinder chamber. The compressor further comprises a stop mechanism that makes the rotor stopped at a predetermined rotational position where a difference between a total volume of the backpressure spaces when operated and a total volume of the backpressure spaces when stopped becomes minimum. According to the compressor, chattering can be prevented without extra workings on the vanes or the rotor and without providing extra parts.
US08985960B2
A method and system for sealing a gap between a bucket dovetail and a rotor is provided. The dovetail seal includes a first end portion extending from a first extent of the first end portion a predetermined distance along a length of the dovetail seal, a second end portion extending from a first extent of the second end portion a predetermined distance along a length of the dovetail seal towards the first end portion, and a body extending between the first and second end portions. The body includes a U-shaped bend complementary to a sealing groove in a dovetail of a turbine blade. The first end portion includes a converging flared cross-section from the first extent of the first end portion toward the second end portion and the second end portion includes a converging flared cross-section from the first extent of the second end portion toward the first end portion.
US08985958B2
A connection means (1) for mounting a rotor blade (2) to a rotor hub, particularly for mounting a rotor blade (2) to a rotor hub of a helicopter, with at least two bolts (4, 5) inserted vertically relative to a main plane of said rotor blade (2) into an end (7) of said rotor blade (2) that is generally directed towards the rotor hub. At least two bolts (4, 5) are arranged distant from each other along a longitudinal axis (6) of said rotor blade (2) to said rotor hub.
US08985957B2
A blade channel having a not-axially-symmetric end wall contour in a turbomachine is disclosed, the end wall contour having at least one individual contour in the form of an elevation, on the pressure side, and at least three individual contours in the form of two recesses and one elevation, on the suction side, the elevation being situated between the recesses in the flow direction; a turbomachine having a plurality of blade channels of this type is also disclosed.
US08985954B2
A device for controlling pitch of fan blades of a turboprop including at least one set of adjustable-pitch fan blades secured to rotate with a rotary ring mechanically connected to a turbine rotor, each blade of the set being coupled for pitch adjustment to a synchronization ring. The device includes a rolling bearing including an inner cage slidably mounted on a turbine casing and connected to the rod of an actuator, and an outer cage that is mechanically connected to the synchronization ring by a plurality of connection arms connected to the actuator rod and hinge-mounted on the synchronization ring such that actuating the actuator causes the synchronization ring to move in turning about the longitudinal axis.
US08985953B2
A rotor (10) provided with a hub (11) and a plurality of blades (12), said rotor (10) including a mast (15) secured to said hub (11) and protection means (30) for providing protection against lightning. The protection means (30) comprise rotary electric current conduction means (32) constrained to rotate with said mast (15) and connected to each of the blades (12) via a respective first electrical connection member (31), said protection means (30) including non-rotary electric current conduction means (33) facing said rotary conduction means (32) while not being constrained to rotate with said mast (15), said protection means (30) including electrical connection trigger means (35), said non-rotary conduction means (33) being provided with a second electrical connection member (34) suitable for being electrically connected to a target member (38) external to said rotor (10).
US08985949B2
An airfoil in a gas turbine engine includes an outer wall, a cooling fluid cavity, and a cooling system. The outer wall has a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side, a suction side, and radially inner and outer ends. The cooling fluid cavity is defined in the outer wall, extends generally radially between the inner and outer ends of the outer wall, and receives cooling fluid for cooling the outer wall. The cooling system receives cooling fluid from the cooling fluid cavity for cooling the trailing edge portion of the outer wall and includes a cooling fluid chamber defined by opposing first and second sidewalls that include respective alternating angled sections that provide the cooling fluid chamber with a zigzag shape.
US08985945B2
Provided is a uni-axial multi-stage radial gas expander which has a high degree of reliability and which can sufficiently cope with the conditions of a high pressure and a high pressure ratio. Two or more radial gas expander sections (11A, 11B) formed of two-or-more-stage impeller vanes (14a to 14h) arranged between bearings (21a, 21b) on a rotor shaft (13) consisting of a single shaft are housed in a signal casing (10).
US08985940B2
A turbine blade for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The turbine blade can include at least one internal cooling path, and an internal vane disposed in the at least one internal cooling path. The internal vane can include a central portion, a first leg extending in a first direction from the central portion, and a second leg extending in a second direction from the central portion. The central portion can have a thickness greater than a thickness of the first leg or a thickness of the second leg.
US08985933B2
An apparatus for facilitating the storage of equipment such as ladders in the upper area, but particularly in the upper area on the outside of emergency vehicles such as trucks which includes a capability of moving the ladder to an extended lower deployed position to facilitate immediate access thereto by emergency workers such as firemen. An outer bracket is connected to an inner housing through a parallel linkage with the inner housing attached to the vehicle and the outer bracket attachable to the equipment. The outer bracket includes a downwardly extendable sliding carriage to facilitate positioning of the equipment at a lower level for aiding in retrieval thereof utilizing a flexible control arm.
US08985932B1
In a multi-silo distribution and storage system, the regions between the stationary and transport batchers, and between transport batcher and storage bin are isolated during asphalt discharge with a bellows automatically deployed when clamshell gates of the stationary and transport batchers are opened. The storage bin is provided with a sealing door that lifts vertically for unsealing and slides horizontally to permit access to the bin interior for receiving asphalt discharged from the transport batcher. After registry above the top bin opening, the sealing door is forced downwardly to create a tight seal. For prolonged storage, a fluid seal isolates the lower discharge gate of the storage bin. Steam is delivered to the stored asphalt and bin interior to displace atmospheric oxygen vented through a valve in the bin top. An oxygen sensor linked to a process controller monitors the oxygen level within the storage bin.
US08985928B2
The present disclosure relates to a completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to a pipe handling system which includes a pipe handling skid with a pipe arm being able to raise along a vertical plane to pass off a joint of pipe to a mast and top drive. Further, the present disclosure includes a pipe handling system having pipe tubs for transporting and delivering joint of pipe to the pipe arm for insertion into a well. Further, the present disclosure includes a pipe handling system having pipe tubs for transporting and delivering joints of pipe to the pipe arm for insertion into a well. Further, the present pipe handling system and method of use contemplates the use in conjunction with a portable rig carrier for completing hydrocarbon producing wells.
US08985924B2
A partition structure for absorbing an impact energy applied to the partition for petitioning a vehicle room includes a cover, a plurality of reinforcing member (wires) arranged with an interval in the vehicle width direction inside the cover, and a belt arranged behind the reinforcing member so as to intersect the reinforcing member. An installation structure for an installation part fixes an installation part to an installation target member by engaging and screwing the bolt with nut. A fixing seat is formed on a back surface of the installation target member integrally with the installation target member. A bolt is arranged in the fixing seat through the installation target member, and a holding part holding a nut on a back surface side of the seating face to prevent the nut from rotating.
US08985915B2
A cutting insert having excellent chip discharge performance is provided. The cutting insert (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper surface (2), a lower surface (3), a side surface (4) connected to the upper surface (2) and the lower surface (3), and a cutting edge (5) which is located at an intersection of the upper surface (2) and the side surface (4), and includes a major cutting edge (51) and a flat cutting edge (52). The major cutting edge (51) includes a major cutting section (512) which has a concave shape and is inclined downward as a straight line connecting both ends thereof is away from the flat cutting edge (52) in a side view. A cutting tool (11) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the cutting insert (1) and a holder (10) configured to attach the cutting insert (1) thereto.
US08985906B2
An assembly for connecting a flexible line (20) to an underwater installation (18). The line is extended between the underwater installation (18) and a surface installation (16). The line (20) includes (i) a surface end (22), a bottom end (28) (ii) a contact portion (26) near the bottom end and a floating portion (24) which extends between the contact portion (26) and the surface end (22). The contact portion (26) includes an angled part (40) that divides the contact portion (26) into a first part (36) and a second part. Then angled part (40) is moored to the bottom (10) at an anchoring point (42) located in the opposite direction from both the bottom end (28) and the floating portion (24).
US08985905B2
A method of laying a pipeline on the bed of a body of water includes constructing, on a laying vessel, a pipeline having pipe sections of a designated or given thickness, and thicker pipe sections distributed along the pipeline; moving the laying vessel forward and laying the pipeline in the body of water as the pipeline is constructed; and propelling a train, configured to plug the pipeline, in steps inside the pipeline laid on the bed of the body of water; the step travel of the train being related to the position of the thicker pipe sections, and to the touchdown point of the pipeline on the bed of the body of water.
US08985903B1
An underground service protection system made from two main sections, a first frame having a bottom panel with hinged side and end panels and a second frame having side and end panels. The end panels retain inserted slides having half apertures. The half apertures surround a pipe or other structure being protected while the first frame and second frame form a protective cage. A standpipe and a back-fill gauge extend upward from the protection system. The hinged ends and sides enable the first frame to be installed with reduced material removable. The first frame and the second frame are aligned and held together using stakes on the first frame and pockets on the second frame. Tie wraps are used to hold the sides and the stakes and pockets together.
US08985896B2
A transportable wave suppressor and sediment collection (WSSC) system positionable in deep water along a coastline of a body of water, having a plurality of sections, each section further including a base portion having an upper floor portion, a forward wall, rear wall and two sidewalls and an open bottom end portion for being positioned on a floor of the body of water; at least a pair of raised elongated members positioned on the upper surface of the upper floor of the base; an upper portion to be secured to the base portion, the upper section having a angulated front wall to receive the flow of water through a plurality of flow pipes as the water engages each section; at least a pair of elongated openings in the upper portion for receiving the raised elongated members positioned on the upper surface of the upper wall of the base to define a means for securing the base to the upper portion. There is further provided a one way valving element positioned on the rear end of each flow pipe, for allowing water containing sediments to exit the pipe at the rear wall, but preventing the water and sediments from returning through the flow pipe; and a spacer portion to be positioned intermediate the base portion and upper portion, the spacer portion including a plurality of flow pipes to allow water carrying sediment to the rear of the section.
US08985893B2
A road marker and related light based warning device are described. The road marker or device includes a thermal sensor that triggers the illumination of at least one light-emitting diode at a predetermined temperature. The temperature may be associated with ice formation. The light-emitting diode(s) may flash to alert motorists to hazardous road conditions. The road marker or device utilize simple components to increase reliability, particularly when the device is subjected to high heat such as when the device is mounted into hot tar seal. The device further includes a switching element that prevents rapid on/off cycling.
US08985885B2
Disclosed is a pencil-type case for allowing pressing a pressure button to discharge liquid content out to a content brush. The container for dispensing a preset quantity of liquid content accommodated in a main body by pressing a pressure button. The container includes: main body including content case to accommodate content in outer body and having pushing member; pumping member including: folding link driven by pressure button; check valve preventing content from flowing backward when content is introduced into cylinder tube via content-introducing hole formed in cylinder tube, and piston pumping content out to content brush of content brush body; and content brush body including: content-introducing tube in which check valve is installed; cam surface adjusting stroke of folding link; and content brush provided at leading end to discharge content of content-introducing tube.
US08985884B2
A pen dispenser for dispensing flowable and non-flowable material, comprising a pen body and an optional push button applicator for the pen, a universal cartridge, optionally having a disposable cartridge, and capable of accepting a multitude of interchangeable tip applicators.
US08985881B2
A lipstick tube including a hollow cylindrical base, a lipstick holder disposed in the base, a cap longer than the distance between the top of the protruding element and the top of a lipstick in the lipstick holder covering the lipstick holder, and a protruding element affixed to the lipstick holder and moving together with the lipstick holder relative to the base, the protruding element protruding radially from the holder for engaging the cap in a closed orientation.
US08985876B2
A ferrule holder is provided as one capable of improving convenience in a fusion splice between a built-in fiber and an optical fiber. The ferrule holder 1 is provided with a main body 2 and a lid 3. The main body 2 has a mount portion 4 on which a ferrule body is to be mounted, and the mount portion 4 is provided with a first mount surface 8, and a second mount surface 9 provided through a step portion 11 on the rear side of the first mount surface 8. This allows, for example, the ferrule body with a dust cap thereon to be mounted on the first mount surface 8 in the fusion splice in the case of an SC connector; it also allows the ferrule body with a dust cap thereon to be mounted on the second mount surface 9 in the fusion splice in the case of an LC connector. Therefore, there is no need for preparing a plurality of ferrule holders according to types of connectors, which can achieve improvement in convenience in the fusion splice between the built-in fiber and the optical fiber.
US08985875B2
An optical connector includes a housing, a photoelectric conversion circuit board on which a photoelectric conversion element is mounted, and a resin member made of a light transmissive synthetic resin and arranged on a plate surface of the photoelectric conversion circuit board so as to cover the photoelectric conversion element. The photoelectric conversion circuit board is housed in the housing. The resin member includes a sleeve to which a ferrule attached to an end of an optical fiber is fitted. The sleeve of the resin member is arranged such that an axial direction thereof is substantially perpendicular to the plate surface of the photoelectric circuit board. The resin member integrally includes a lens on an axial line of the sleeve such that the lens faces the photoelectric conversion element.
US08985868B2
This invention relates to an optoelectronic transceiver which has the following: an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, coupling means consisting of a first and second optical lens made with optically active interfaces for changing/deflecting optical paths of on the one hand optical output signals A of the optical transmitter to a connectable optical light guide and on the other hand of input signals E of the same light guide to the receiver, characterized in that the first lens has a concave reflection surface which lies inside in the coupling means for signals of the optical transmitter and the second lens has a convex transmission surface which lies outside for outgoing signals of the optical transmitter and a concave reflection surface which lies inside for incoming signals.
US08985866B2
Simultaneous thermal forming of a ferrule and optical fiber as part of a ferrule assembly to thermally form an optical surface in the ferrule assembly. Related fiber optic components, connectors, assemblies, and methods are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the ferrule assembly is comprised of a ferrule and an optical fiber having an end portion extending from an end face of the ferrule. The ferrule may be made from a material or material composition having the same or similar thermal energy absorption characteristics as the optical fiber disposed in the ferrule. Thus, when the end face of the ferrule and an end portion of an optical fiber are simultaneously exposed to a wavelength(s) of a laser beam emitted by a laser, at least a portion of the end face of the ferrule and end portion of the optical fiber are both thermally formed together to form an optical surface.
US08985865B2
A unitary fiber optic ferrule reflects light off an interior lens and through the fiber optic ferrule. Optical fibers can be easily secured in the unitary fiber optic ferrule. An adapter to secure the unitary fiber optic ferrule to a optical component assembly is also presented. The adapter provides a sealing function for the lenses and to provide routing for optical fibers from other assemblies of unitary fiber optic ferrules and adapters.
US08985857B2
A bearing unit for a turbocharger, including a bearing housing extending in an axial direction and also including a bearing cartridge arranged within the bearing housing, wherein between the outer circumference of the bearing cartridge and the bearing housing there is formed an intermediate space with an oil film, and wherein the bearing housing has a supply bore formed for the supply of oil to the oil film. The bearing cartridge includes a rolling bearing, the outer cartridge ring of which is mounted in a freely rotatable manner in the oil film. A bearing unit for a turbocharger, the bearing cartridge of which includes a rolling bearing, the bearing outer ring of which is mounted in a freely rotatable manner in the oil film. By means of bearing units of such design, it is possible to ensure the secure mounting of a shaft even without a separate twist prevention device.
US08985856B2
The sealing performance by a side seal is improved by changing the sealing function of the side seal for a linear guide apparatus which includes, as constituting components, a seal member, a holder plate that holds the seal member, and a cover (a scraper) depending on its application of the side seal. Plural types of the seal members (1A to 1B) which have a difference in at least any one of the inclination, the material, the thickness, and the tip shape of lips (11a to 11f) are prepared as the seal members. Multiple numbers of the seal members among those seal members are appropriately selected, the same number of the covers and the same number of the holder plates are combined together to assemble the side seal.
US08985855B2
A gastight valve strip for a reclosable container. The valve strip includes opposing first and second film layers adapted to be disposed over a container aperture through a sidewall of the reclosable container. The first film layer is attached to the second film layer by a first thermal seal disposed around the periphery of the first film layer. An attachment surface of the second film layer is adapted to be sealed to the sidewall of the reclosable container. Opposing surfaces of the first and second film layers form a substantially gastight seal therebetween upon contact of the film layers. Offset first film layer and second film layer apertures extend through the first and second film layers, respectively, the first film layer aperture being in fluid communication with an exterior side of the valve strip and the second film layer aperture being configured to be in fluid communication with the container aperture.
US08985854B2
Disclosed herein is an adapter for use with ordinary lawn and leaf bags and a method for manufacture of such adapter. The adapter has a cavity that has four sides and four corners, and a lower portion consisting of four flaps. The use of a frame, side and/or corner fasteners create an adapter where the flaps lie inside the bag and the cavity remains outside the bag to create a large surface area for filling the bag and also prevents the mouth of the bag from closing due to wind or other forces.
US08985853B2
A method of calibrating a first threshold voltage that is a reference of X-ray detection for each unit cell of a plurality of unit cells of an X-ray detector may comprise detecting an X-ray by using a plurality of second threshold voltages for each of a plurality of X-rays having spectra at different energy levels; determining a correspondence relationship between energies having a maximum intensity in the spectra of X-rays and third threshold voltages at which a maximum number of photons having a same energy intensity are detected; and/or calibrating the first threshold voltage based on the determined correspondence relationship.
US08985849B2
Temperature is determined by measuring the time it takes to charge a capacitor with a resistive temperature sensor. A clock, time counter, a voltage comparator and voltage reference are used in determining a coarse time measurement. The time measurement resolution is enhanced with the addition of a constant current source charging another timing capacitor within a single clock pulse time to provide a fine time measurement.
US08985848B2
The method and apparatus to automatically inspect or pre-screen the Equipment of passing CMVs employs the novel application of acquiring, processing and analyzing the temperature data from areas of interest on passing wheels using a computer based imaging system to improve the efficiency of current CMV inspecting and/or pre-screening manual methods that require an inspection system operator. The inspection system includes a triggering device, thermographic camera(s), computer based image acquisition hardware, image processing and analysis software, user interface and operator workspace (herein referred to as the “Inspection System”). The components of the apparatus are not limited to the list above nor are all components required to embody the method for inspection or pre-screening of equipment of passing CMVs. The method is a means of collecting the thermal information of the Equipment as it passes through an Inspection Area and analyzing it to determine or estimate its condition or fitness. The thermal properties of passing Equipment is used to analyze for anomalies and comparison to thermal properties of Equipment in good working condition, or thermal properties of other similar equipment on the same CMV. Test results that lie outside the parameters of either absolute or relative test rules-for-fitness are flagged and pulled out of the flow of traffic for further investigation.
US08985847B2
Monitoring of cooling of an electronic component is provided, which includes: determining a current thermal resistance associated with one or more of the electronic component, a heat sink coupled to the electronic component, or a thermal interface coupling the electronic component and the heat sink; and determining, by a processor, whether the current thermal resistance exceeds a set thermal resistance threshold, and responsive to the current thermal resistance exceeding the set thermal resistance threshold, indicating a thermal resistance fault. As an enhancement, rate of change over time of the thermal resistance is determined, and compared against a rate of change threshold, and if exceeding the threshold, a rate of change thermal resistance warning is provided.
US08985841B2
An apparatus for mixing tank contents including sedimentary material is disclosed. The apparatus includes an agitator connected to a support including a plurality of detachable sections. The apparatus further includes a frame adjacent an opening in a top of the tank. The apparatus also includes an actuatable connector for interconnecting the frame to the support. The connector is configured to be actuated in order to lift a first portion of the support above the frame while a second portion of the support below the frame is maintained, to thereby cause a gap between the first portion and the second portion enabling at least one of the detachable sections to be inserted into the gap. The apparatus also includes at least one actuator for causing the connector to lift the first portion in order to cause the gap, and for lowering the first portion and the second portion.
US08985839B2
A stand mixer (10) capable of subjecting ingredients in a bowl (60) to a planetary mixing action, and which is also provided with the capability of heating the ingredients, is further provided with a guarding device (70, 80) to reduce unwanted egress of steam and/or to prevent ingredients being ejected from the bowl (60). The guarding device comprises a first component (70) which is removably attachable to the stand mixer (10) in the vicinity of its planetary drive outlet (44) and a second component (80) which is removably attachable to the first component (70) and also to the bowl (60). The first component (70) is shaped and configured to shield part of the stand mixer (10) from heat and the second component (80) is designed to resist unwanted egress of steam and/or to prevent ingredients being ejected from the bowl. A user is thus provided with the flexibility of operating the stand mixer with just the first component (70) in place as a heat shield, thereby leaving the bowl (60) open so that steam can escape, or operating the stand mixer (10) with both components (70, 80) in place, in which case the bowl (60) is effectively covered.
US08985835B2
There is described a hot-mix asphalt plant intended for the production of hot-mix asphalt using a full percentage of milled asphalt product or using cold ingredients and filler charge for producing first grade hot-mix asphalt, comprised of a circular chamber 2 adapted to receive and mix milled asphalt product with solid asphalt additive or to receive and mix the cold ingredients and a filler charge with liquid asphalt cement, provided with a circular tubular coil 104 for circulation of thermal fluid or gas, secured next to the lower side part of the circular chamber 102, adapted with electrical resistors 123 or gas-fueled heaters to produce thermal energy in the form of heat.
US08985834B2
The present invention discloses an assembly method for backlight module and assembly equipment thereof. The method includes: stacking reflector, light-guiding plate and optical film to form a component entirety and fixing the component entirety; fixing at least two main connection elements in head-to-tail manner to form a back plate on four sides around the component entirety so as to fix reflector, light-guiding plate and optical film to corresponding position on the back plate respectively. The method is suitable for realization with automatic equipment. Through automatic equipment to assemble backlight module, the assembly efficiency can be improved to reduce the labor required for backlight module assembly and reduce labor cost.
US08985831B2
A light guide plate includes a main body and a number of micro protrusions. The main body includes a light emitting surface, a bottom surface, and a light incident surface. The bottom surface is opposite to the light emitting surface. The light incident surface connects the light emitting surface and the bottom surface. The protrusions are randomly positioned on the light emitting surface, and are used for reflecting light rays towards random directions.
US08985830B2
A switch according to the present invention includes: a substrate; a touch sensor; a light guide plate; a light emitting unit; and a control unit. The light guide plate has a surrounding side surface chamfered so that a light entering into the surrounding side surface of the light guide plate diffusely reflects inside the light guide plate. The light emitting unit is arranged at a position facing the surrounding side surface of the light guide plate. The light emitting unit is configured to emit the light to the surrounding side surface of the light guide plate.
US08985828B2
Flat illuminating display device with light emitting means to illuminate a film for display of an image applied to a display area, wherein the light emitting means are embodied as at least one light coupling unit arranged laterally at a translucent film thus forming a light duct, wherein the light such fed into the adjacent edge area into the film is reflected by a reflective layer, which is applied on at least one side, to homogeneously spread within the film, wherein a reflection screen to obtain a light emission is provided opposite of the display area to create said display area.
US08985825B2
A headlight for a vehicle having a housing in which LED modules and a reflector are accommodated, wherein the LED modules irradiate light into the reflector and wherein the light reflects at the reflector and leaves the headlight. It is inventively provided that the LED modules each have a cooling receptacle body, wherein the LED modules are mounted on the reflector by means of the respective cooling receptacle body.
US08985824B2
An automotive lamp is provided with: a lamp chamber formed so as to include a lamp body having a front end opening portion and a translucent cover provided on the lamp body so as to cover the front end opening portion; a lamp unit that is housed inside the lamp chamber and includes a semiconductor light emitting device as a light source; a bracket that includes a light source mounting portion having a mounting surface for the semiconductor light emitting device and a plurality of radiating fins, thermally in contact with the light source mounting portion and arranged such that ventilation passages extend from the lamp body side toward the translucent cover, are formed, and that supports the lamp unit; and a fan that blows air such that air flows through the ventilation passages from the lamp body side toward the translucent cover.
US08985822B2
A lighting assembly for mounting to the exterior of a wheel of a vehicle includes a mounting assembly which enables the lighting assembly to be mounted to the wheel via the lug nuts ordinarily associated with a wheel cover. The mounting assembly, in one embodiment, includes a twist lock assembly which not only mounts the lighting assembly to the wheel but also stabilizes it while mounted thereto. The lighting assembly includes and interchangeable LED display for providing interchangeable messages, advertising or the like.
US08985815B2
A light bulb includes a lamp base unit including a base, an electrically insulative hollow column fastened to the base, a heat sink surrounding the electrically insulative hollow column, a light-transmissive shade surrounding the upper part of the metal cylindrical heat sink and a power supply module electrically connected to the base, a light source module including a metal holder plate, a first circuit board with upward-facing LEDs, a second circuit board with downward-facing LEDs, a first adapter board, a second adapter board, a positioning block and a heat transfer pad and supported on the heat sink in the light-transmissive shade, and a lamp shell fastened to the metal holder plate and capped on the light-transmissive shade. During operation of the LEDs, waste heat can be quickly dissipated into the outside open air through the mounting lugs of the metal holder plate, the heat transfer pad and the heat sink.
US08985809B2
Disclosed is a lighting fixture that provides approximately even illumination across a planar surface. Also enclosed is an LED light for producing the same. In one embodiment, the light fixture includes a plurality of hollow gradient diffusion globes; each diffusion globe is affixed to a planar reflector that forms an outer illumination surface of the light fixture. Each diffusion globe surrounds a light-emitting portion of an LED or LED cluster. The hollow gradient diffusion globe can include a wall defining by the interior and exterior boundary of the diffusion globe. The wall includes diffusing-particulate homogenously distributed within the wall that in combination with varying thickness of the wall creates continuously varying diffusion. The relative spacing of the diffusion globes on the planar reflective surface in combination with the continuous variable diffusion property of each globe produce approximately even illumination across the outer illumination surface of the LED light fixture.
US08985800B2
The present invention discloses a manufacturing method of heat-dissipating element, including the following steps: processing a heat-dissipating element body with a bottom plate and at least two stop plates, the stop plates being disposed at two sides of the bottom plate and bending towards surface; cutting from the bottom plate of the heat-dissipating element body to form heat-dissipating element, the dissipating element at least comprising two heat-dissipating elements of same shape or of symmetric shape. The present invention also discloses a heat-dissipating element and backlight module manufactured by the above method. The heat-dissipating element, manufacturing method and backlight module thereof can maintain optimal heat-dissipation effect and save material used to lower cost.
US08985797B2
The present invention discloses a backlight module comprising a light source; a back plate with side walls; an optical sheet arranged on the back plate and having a plurality of openings on sides thereof; and a plurality of positioning components, each having a suspending portion and a clamping portion; the suspending portion and the opening of the optical sheet are coupled to each other, and the clamping portion and the side wall of the back plate are coupled to each other. The present invention further discloses a liquid crystal display (LCD).
US08985796B2
The present invention provides a backlight system, which includes an LED light source, which includes an LED lamp and an LED substrate carrying the LED lamp; a back frame, which is disposed below the LED substrate and includes at least two primary assembling pieces, the at least two primary assembling pieces being joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame; and a PCB, which is disposed below the back frame and fixed to the LED substrate. The backlight system of the present invention saves the material and space of the back frame, and lowers down the cost of the backlight system.
US08985790B2
The present invention provides a mounting structure for the vehicle auxiliary mirror, including an attachment plate enabling said auxiliary mirror to be attached to the rear-view mirror, at least one first hook configured on the edge of said attachment plate corresponding to the mirror frame opening of the rear-view mirror and allowed to hook the abutting mirror frame opening of the rear-view mirror, a fixing belt with one end fastened to the housing of said auxiliary mirror disposed on the middle of the rear face of said auxiliary mirror and adjustable in length, and a second hook secured to the other end of said fixing belt and allowed to hook the rim of the rear-view mirror frame opening opposite to the rim hooked by the first hook via the rear face of the rear-view mirror, so that said auxiliary mirror may be tightly attached to the rear-view mirror.
US08985788B2
A support stand made of sheet metal is cooperated with an optical module and a reflective module. The support stand includes a base and a back frame. The optical module is disposed on the base. To enhance its structural rigidity, the base substantially has a “” or inverted “U” shape as viewed from an optical axis. The back frame is connected with the base, and the reflective module is disposed on the back frame. An optical apparatus with the above support stand is also disclosed.
US08985779B2
Provided is a LED light source box that includes: case (10) having body (11) and cover (13) to hermetically seal opening (12) of body (11); light source unit (15) having LED tight source (51) and holder (50) on which LED light source (51) is mounted; and cooling unit (61) having first cooling member (60) in contact with holder (50) and second cooling member (61) in contact with first cooling member (60). Holder (50) is fixed to cover (13) by fixing member (55) in a state where cooling unit (16) is sandwiched between holder (50) and cover (13). Heat insulation member (70) is disposed between holder (50) and fixing member (55), and air gap (91) is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of holder (50) and the inner peripheral surface of body (11).
US08985778B2
An image projection system whereby a position of a pointer on a projected image can be easily controlled from a location separated from the main control means. The system comprises a projector, a computer for controlling the projector to display a pointer on a projected image in accordance with an operational signal from a terminal, and a remote controller for the projector. The remote controller comprises a pointing device and a transmitter for transmitting an operation signal as an infrared ray operational signal. The projector comprises a receiver which is an infrared (IR) optical receiver having directivity, and receives the infrared ray operational signal.
US08985775B2
An illumination optical system includes: a light source emitting light of a first wavelength; a fluorophore unit; an optical element and a quarter-wave plate between the optical element and the fluorophore unit. The fluorophore unit has a reflection region and a fluorophore region that gives off fluorescent light of a different wavelength than the first wavelength when irradiated by light of the first wavelength. The fluorophore unit is able to move such that the light from the light source sequentially irradiates the fluorophore region and the reflection region. The optical element separates the light of the first wavelength into a first linearly polarized light component and a second linearly polarized light component that is orthogonal to the first linearly polarized light component. The optical element guides the first linearly polarized light component of the light emitted from the light source to the fluorophore unit, and emits the light of the first wavelength that was reflected by the reflection region and fluorescent light that was emitted by the fluorophore region in the same direction.
US08985773B2
Provided is an ophthalmologic apparatus that can perform the alignment of an acquiring unit with respect to an eye to be inspected without a rotation operation so that operability can be improved. The ophthalmologic apparatus includes: an acquiring unit which acquires specific information of an eye to be inspected; a joystick which can perform a rotation motion for moving the acquiring unit in an up-down direction, a left-right tilting motion for moving the acquiring unit in a left-right direction with respect to the eye to be inspected, and a front-back tilting motion for moving the acquiring unit in a front-back direction with respect to the eye to be inspected; and a control unit which changes a motion for moving the acquiring unit in the up-down direction from the rotation motion to the front-back tilting motion.
US08985770B2
An ophthalmic imaging apparatus which obtains a tomographic image of an eye to be examined based on light obtained by combining return light from the eye irradiated with measurement light with reference light corresponding to the measurement light, the apparatus comprising: a scanning unit configured to scan the measurement light on the eye; and a control unit configured to control the number of times of scanning by the scanning unit in accordance with a scanning position of the scanning unit on the eye.
US08985768B2
The present invention contemplates a refraction system to integrate the objective and subjective measurement into a single instrument. The present invention also contemplates a refraction system with open-field and binocular viewing to overcome instrument myopia and to mimic viewing experience of a phoropter. The present invention further contemplates a refraction system employing a pair of optical trombones to eliminate the need of flipping plurality sets of trial lenses for defocus power correction.
US08985761B2
A printer assembly is configured to be arranged on a support surface and comprises: a medium delivery station and a printing station comprising a moveably arranged element. The printer assembly extends between a first end and a second end, wherein the printer is configured to be supported on the support surface at the first end. The medium delivery station and the printing station are arranged on a line extending between the first end and the second end. The printing station is arranged closer to the first end than the medium delivery station. A direction of movement of the moveably arranged element is not parallel to said line extending between the first end and the second end.
US08985753B2
A radiation curable composition includes a) at least one monomer comprising at least one vinyl ether group and at least one (meth)acrylate group; and b) at least one diffusion hindered photoinitiator selected from the group consisting of a polymeric photoinitiator, a multifunctional photoinitiator and a polymerizable photoinitiator characterized in that the diffusion hindered photoinitiator includes at least one structural moiety according to Formula (I): wherein: R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted alkaryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl or heteroaryl group, a halogen, an ether, a thioether, an aldehyde, a ketone, an ester, an amide, an amine and a nitro group; R1 and R2 may represent the necessary atoms to form a five to eight membered ring; and the dotted line represents the covalent bond of the structural moiety according to Formula (I) to the diffusion hindered photoinitiator.
US08985749B2
A liquid ejection head includes a flow path unit having pressure generating chambers, a case head that is mounted to the flow path unit, and a piezoelectric element unit having a fixation member and piezoelectric elements, an adhesive surface of the fixation member being adhered to the case head by using a first adhesive and a second adhesive, and the piezoelectric elements being bonded to a piezoelectric element attachment surface of the fixation member which intersects the adhesive surface and also attached to islands that oppose the pressure generating chambers of the flow path unit, wherein the second adhesive has curing time shorter than that of the first adhesive, and the first adhesive has adhesion strength higher than that of the second adhesive and is applied on a first adhesive surface on the adhesive surface of the fixation member which is subject to a reaction force of the piezoelectric elements.
US08985747B2
Provided is a piezoelectric element that has a first electrode, a piezoelectric layer provided on the first electrode, and a second electrode provided on the piezoelectric layer, an average grain size of crystal grains aligned in a planar direction within 15° from a (100) plane is less than the average grain size of the crystal grains facing a planar direction inclined by more than 15° from the (100) plane, in a case in which the crystal orientation of the piezoelectric layer is analyzed using an electron beam backscatter diffraction method (EBSD).
US08985733B2
A pattern inspection apparatus is provided, including a reading mechanism configured to read a print pattern including an overlapped pattern portion formed by overlapping a first-pattern and a second-pattern and a single pattern portion formed with only any one of the first-pattern and the second-pattern; and a controller configured to perform acquisition of density information of the print pattern based on a result of the reading and correction of density information of the overlapped pattern portion by using density information of the single pattern portion.
US08985727B2
An inkjet printing apparatus is provided that can establish a test pattern detection region according to the printing format, where performing printing by way of a margined printing and a marginless printing is possible. The inkjet printing apparatus detects the position of both ends of the test pattern. In the case of a margined printing, a detection of the ink ejection status is performed with respect to ejection ports that perform printing at a region between both ends of the margined test pattern, and that eject the ink forming the pixels of the margined test pattern. In the case of a marginless printing, a detection of the ink ejection status is performed with respect to ejection ports that perform printing at a region between both ends of the marginless test pattern, and that eject the ink forming the pixels of the marginless test pattern.
US08985726B2
An inkjet recording apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes nozzle, pressuring chambers, piezoelectric element, ambient condition obtaining portion, application portion, and control portion. Control portion causes application portion to output ejection driving-voltage by which piezoelectric element is deformed so as to eject droplets from nozzles in printing period in printing state, and causes application portion to output vibration driving-voltage by which piezoelectric element is vibrated so as to vibrate meniscus in each nozzle in non-printing period between printing periods in printing state. Control portion changes the number of times piezoelectric element is vibrated in non-printing period, based on ambient condition obtained by ambient condition obtaining portion, or zero shear viscosity of ink which is calculated or obtained according to obtained ambient condition, and causes application portion to output vibration driving-voltage by which piezoelectric element is vibrated the number of times having been changed.
US08985720B2
A printer includes a recording unit and a scanner unit configured to open and close the top portion of the recording unit. The recording unit includes a flexible ink tube through which ink from an ink tank is supplied to the head unit, and a control unit that controls the head unit, according to a state of a press-down switch provided on the top portion of the recording unit, so as to perform recording on a medium when a pressed state of the switch is detected and not to perform the recording when an unpressed state of the switch is detected. The switch enters the pressed state when a gap that allows the ink tube to pass therethrough is formed between the recording unit and the scanner unit, the gap having a size that at least prevents an ink flow path in the ink tube from being blocked.
US08985701B2
An exhaust system is disclosed for use with a cold planer. The exhaust system may have an inlet manifold located downstream of a milling drum and above a material conveyor. The inlet manifold may be configured to receive dust and fumes generated by the milling drum. The exhaust system may also include at least one inlet passage located at a side of the material conveyor and gravitationally lower than the inlet manifold. The at least one inlet passage may be configured to receive dust and fumes generated by the milling drum. The exhaust system may further include a ventilator in fluid communication with the inlet manifold and the at least one inlet passage. The ventilator may be configured to draw the dust and fumes from the inlet manifold and the at least one inlet passage.
US08985699B2
Methods and equipment have been developed that combine the use of continuous miners, flexible conveyor trains, and longwall mining techniques to provide flexible and efficient removal of resources from subterranean formations. Some mining operations use a powered roof support comprising: a canopy configured to directly contacts a roof of a mine; a base configured to rest on a floor of the mine, the base comprising a spill plate and a push cylinder with a maximum stroke greater than 11 feet; and a pair of hydraulic legs attaching the canopy to the base.
US08985692B2
A rear row vehicle seat in which a pair of spaced apart and fixed supports are mounted upon a floor of a vehicle. A seat bottom exhibits a pair of side plates pivotally secured between said fixed supports. A seat back is pivotally mounted at its side ends to axially aligning locations of the side plates, offset from a pivot axis established between the seat bottom and the fixed supports, and such that upward pivoting of the seat bottom causes a combined pivotal and vertically induced displacement of the seatback. A latch is mounted to a rear facing location of the seatback and an elongated striker bar is mounted to a structurally supported and elevated location of the vehicle. The striker bar exhibits a combined arcuate and vertically extending profile for engaging the latch while accommodating vertical sliding of the seatback.
US08985689B2
A recliner mechanism for a seat. The recliner mechanism may include a first plate, a second plate, and a set of pawls. A pawl may extend between a set of teeth on the second plate and into a pawl tooth opening on the first plate to inhibit rotation of the second plate.
US08985684B2
Disclosed herein is a single arm adjustment mechanism for supporting an object, the single arm adjustment mechanism comprising: a support arm; an upper adjustment assembly coupled to an upper end of said support arm, said upper adjustment assembly capable of being coupled to said object such that said object pivots about a first axis; and a lower adjustment assembly capable of being fixed to a support and pivotally coupled to a lower end of said support arm such that said support arm pivots about a second axis parallel to said first axis in order to maintain said object in a desired angular orientation with respect to said support.
US08985681B2
A vehicle body floor structure reinforces a floor body by a reinforcing portion, and the floor body includes a side sill, an outrigger, a floor cross member, and a tunnel frame. The reinforcing portion includes a first member that connects a corner portion between the side sill and a vehicle body skeleton part formed by the outrigger to a corner portion between a vehicle body skeleton part formed by the floor cross member and a vehicle body skeleton part formed by the tunnel frame, and a second member that connects a front-end vehicle body skeleton part of a front end of the floor body to a middle portion of the first member.
US08985679B2
An instrument panel crossmember for vehicles that have different configurations is intended to extend between two front pillars of a vehicle. The crossmember has a first portion extending opposite the vehicle driving seat. One end of the first portion connects to a front pillar of the vehicle, and another end of the first portion is connected to a fixing device. The fixing device is designed selectively to support a second portion of the crossmember that extends facing the vehicle passenger seat and/or to support a strut designed to connect the crossmember to the floor of the vehicle, depending on the configuration of the vehicle.
US08985676B2
A vehicle component includes a surface which, during operation, is exposed to an air flow. The surface includes a separating area where the air flow separates from the surface, and at least one obstructing element associated with the separating area for introducing an obstruction into the air flow. The obstructing element includes at least one guide surface which protrudes into the air flow. The guide surface is inclined relative to the local direction of the main air flow so that it confers on the part of the main air flow that impacts the guide surface a speed component that runs perpendicular to the local direction of the main air flow and induces turbulence in the air flow downstream of the obstructing element.
US08985675B1
A vehicle liftgate system comprises an outer panel that includes a Class A surface and a sole lamp opening extending for a first horizontal distance that greater than half, but less than all, of a width of the outer panel. The liftgate system further comprises a reinforcement having a perimeter corresponding to a perimeter of the lamp opening and configured to accommodate at least one lamp assembly.
US08985674B2
A door trim for a vehicle includes a front trim, a rear trim, and at least one trim component. The front trim is to be arranged closer to the front of the vehicle. The rear trim is to be arranged closer to a rear of the vehicle. The at least one trim component is mounted to the front trim and the rear trim so as to extend from the front trim to the rear trim across a boundary between the front trim and the rear trim.
US08985668B2
Provided is a sealing structure of a fuel inlet box exhibiting good sealing characteristics without deforming a mounting surface of a vehicle body side panel. The fuel inlet box comprises a main body member and a sealing member. The main body member has a box portion, and a storage wall bulging from a side wall of the box portion and having space for storing an arm portion of a lid body. The mounting surface is interposed between a base portion of the storage wall and a flange portion, and faces the flange portion through a gap extending in a planar direction. A seal lip of the sealing member is fixed on the flange portion, extending toward the mounting surface and inclined toward an outer peripheral side of an opening. An outer basing point of a root portion of the seal lip is located in the flange portion.
US08985654B2
The invention described herein is a removable lifting and transporting pan handle that is used to lift and transport individual food pans, sometimes called chafing dishes or steam pans, as commonly used in restaurants. In performing these functions it does four things: it provides a sharp edge on the front of two lifting claws to wedge and slide between the food pan lip and the warming well to facilitate the food pan's removal from the well, it provides a mechanism to secure the food pan lid to the food pan to minimize food leakage and heat dissipation during transport, it provides a lifting/transporting handle that is clamped to the food pan for lifting and/or transporting the food pan and lid combination and it provides a mechanism for releasing the food pan and lid combination once transport is complete. It can be used on food pans that are full of food, partially full of food or empty.
US08985647B2
A locking band for use with a container having an annular end portion defining a top opening and a removable cover overlying said opening. The locking band comprises a split circular ring, generally U-shaped in cross section, having first and second ends and including an outer circumferential wall. The second end is of a larger size than the first end to define a handle. A first notch opens outwardly proximate the first end and a second notch opens inwardly proximate the second end. Circumferential spacing between the notches is a select amount greater than a circumference of a cover. A band link has a first end and a second end, each end including a shaft receivable in the respective first and second notches. Spacing between the shafts is substantially similar to the select amount. In use, with the split circular ring surrounding the removable cover and annular end portion, the handle is forced inwardly toward the first end until the handle overlies the first end to secure the cover on the container.
US08985641B1
This invention is a device that is used for attaching a garden hose to a hose bib (faucet). It consists primarily of two components: an upper part which attaches to a hose bib and a lower part which attaches to the hose. The upper part has a stepped protruding tube which carries two o-rings on its circumference. The lower part has a smooth bore, particularly at the location of the o-rings; and when inserted over the upper tube, results in a pressure tight seal. The two parts are held together by a three-pronged clasp arrangement which facilitates the installation and separation of the two components. Roller bearings incorporated into the upper part and inclined ramps which are part of the lower part assist with the connection.
US08985638B2
Slip joint having a stacked washer seal, a male part and a female part. The female part has a small and a large inner diameter. The male part has substantially constant inner and outer diameters and a ring on the outer diameter. A gap is located between the male and female part. At least two washers and a flat shim are located in the gap. Each washer and flat shim has a first side, a second side, a first end and a second end. The first side of a first washer abuts an end of the male part. A second side of the washer contacts a first side of a flat shim. The second side of the shim contacts the first side of a second washer. The second side of the second washer contacts a first side of a second flat shim or an end of the female part.
US08985637B1
A sealing apparatus has a first cavity comprised of two separable sections for fastening about a second cavity, and the first cavity comprises a first flange that extends about the cavity's top periphery. The sealing apparatus further has a deformable seal located adjacent an inner surface of the first flange and a clamping seal flange fastened to the first flange adjacent and atop the deformable seal such that the deformable seal deforms as the clamping seal flange is tightened thereby creating pressure on side walls of the second cavity forming a seal.
US08985613B2
A towbar includes a body and a carriage assembly mounted to the body for movement between a retracted position in which wheels on the carriage assembly are elevated above the ground and a support position in which the wheels support the towbar on the ground, wherein the towbar is configured for rapid deployment of the carriage assembly from the retracted position to the support position. Rapid deployment is provided by a hydraulic actuator and an accumulator that can store fluid pressure, such that controllably discharging the accumulator drives the actuator to move the carriage assembly. A method is disclosed using the towbar to move an aircraft such that the accumulator is charged with pressure before the towbar is decoupled from nose gear.
US08985612B2
A towing bar assembly that is convertible from an articulated assembly for extracting a vehicle in an inaccessible location to a rigid assembly for safely towing a vehicle on a road.
US08985608B2
There is provided a frame structure for a saddle-ridden type vehicle. A pair of tank rails are jointed to a head frame and extend rearward of a vehicle body from the head frame. The head frame includes a head pipe portion and a pair of arm portions being continuous with the head pipe portion and extending rearward of the vehicle body. Each of upper surfaces of at least one of rear end portions of the arm portions and front end portions of the tank rails are formed into a convex surface having an arc-shaped cross section. The rear end portions of the arm portions and the front end portions of the tank rails are respectively welded to each other so that end portions of weld beads are positioned at side surfaces thereof.
US08985604B2
A front lower control arm assembly includes a front lower control arm and a bushing attached to the arm. The bushing has a first central axis. A ball joint is also attached to the arm. The ball joint has a second central axis oriented substantially perpendicularly to a plane including the first central axis.
US08985598B2
Disclosed is a cart having a number of stretcher-like platforms suitable for placement and storage of a medical training manikin. The platforms are mounted to the cart such that they may be substantially pulled out in a direction parallel to their width, so as to facilitate easy loading and unloading of the manikins as well as to provide user access to the manikin when in its proper position on the platform if needed. The cart may include a series of electrical connectors for powering and/or charging the manikins during storage. Additionally, the electrical connectors may be selectively fed by an on-board battery which would enable the manikins to be powered and/or charged even during transport. The cart also preferably includes a motorized lift system, powered by an on-board battery, which raises and lowers the various platforms to allow the height of each platform to be brought to a loading level.
US08985597B2
The invention relates to an assembly (1) formed of at least two wall elements (2, 6), in which the wall elements (2, 6) comprise vertically and horizontally arranged reinforcing elements (10, 11) and the wall elements (2, 6) are either movably connected to one another or are present separately and can be transposed into a space-saving arrangement within a common region (14), wherein, in this arrangement, and according to a first embodiment, either the vertical reinforcing elements (10) of the wall element (6) are located in at least one interspace (12) which is formed by vertical reinforcing elements (10) of the wall element (2), or wherein, according to a second embodiment, the horizontal reinforcing elements (11) of the wall element (6) are located in at least one interspace (13) which is formed by horizontal reinforcing elements (11) of the wall element (2). The invention is distinguished in that, in the space-saving arrangement and within the common region (14) according to the first embodiment, the horizontally extending reinforcing elements (11) of the at least one wall element (6) are at the same time also completely or partially located in interspaces (13) which are formed on the wall element (2) by horizontal reinforcing elements (11), or in that, according to the second embodiment, the vertically arranged reinforcing elements (10) of the at least one wall element (6) are at the same time also completely or partially located in interspaces (12) which are formed on the wall element (2) by vertical reinforcing elements (10), and in that, in both embodiments, the interspaces (12, 13), when viewed across the thickness thereof, are arranged with an offset.
US08985593B1
The present invention is a self-locking internal adapter for D-shaped orthopedic tools. A locking ball mechanism prevents movement of the adapter components relative to each other, while a plurality of securing ball mechanisms releasably secure a D-shaped orthopedic tool in the adapter. A chamfered surface of the adapter engages a chamfer of the tool to centrally stabilize the tool in the adapter. The internal adapter may be used with driver handles, ratcheting handles and torque-limiting handles.
US08985592B2
A system (10) is provided for sealing a gap (12) between a transition exit frame (14) and a vane rail (18) at a turbine inlet (20). The system includes a seal (11) with a compliant seal member having a generally u-shaped profile to provide a sealing function in an axial direction. The compliant seal member includes a U-shaped inner sheet (28) securely pressed within a U-shaped outer sheet (26). The outer and inner sheets include spaced-apart segments (30, 32) in a lateral direction which are spaced-apart by misaligned slots (36, 38) to block passage of air there through. The system may also include wear resistant material (62) interposed between the seal and the vane rail. A lateral gap between adjacent exit frames may include a plurality of ribs defining valleys and tips, with crushable material disposed between the valleys and tips.
US08985582B2
The present invention is directed to providing a mechanism for allowing a user to easily take out print products discharged onto a plurality of sheet discharge trays in the discharge order. A control method for controlling a sheet processing apparatus for performing control to discharge sheets onto a plurality of sheet discharge trays includes storing, in a storage unit, the discharge order in which sheets have been discharged onto equal to or more than two sheet discharge trays by executing a job, and performing, upon reception of a take-out instruction for taking out in the discharge order the sheets discharged by executing the job, processing for allowing a user to take out the sheets discharged onto the equal to or more than two sheet discharge trays, in the discharge order stored in the storage unit.
US08985566B2
A F type clamp having a locking function includes a base frame including a locating frame bar and a rail, a sliding member having one end coupled to the rail and selectively set between a locking position and an unlocking position, a clamping member movably mounted at an opposite end of the sliding member and providing a jaw plate for working with the locating frame bar to hold down a workpiece, and a locking device set between the sliding member and the rail for locking the sliding member to the rail under normal conditions and for enabling the sliding member to be moved relative to the rail by an external force.
US08985557B2
Provided herein are various mobile cooling devices. In some embodiments, a mobile cooling device provided herein includes a base comprising a reservoir and a lid; and a fan assembly dimensioned to fit within the base. In some embodiments, the fan assembly of a mobile cooling device can include a vent configured to divert a portion of airflow toward an electronic component attached to the base. In some embodiments, the electronic component is attached to the bottom of the base.
US08985552B2
A lock open device for use with a valve in a hydraulic fracturing system, which maintains the valve in an open position. The lock open device includes a plate with beveled edges and spring loaded ball bearings strategically disposed to contact the edges and interfere with axial movement of the plate. The plate couples to a gate member in the valve, so that the interference between the plate and the ball bearings maintains the valve in a designated open or closed position. The angle of the bevel regulates how much force is required to urge the plate past the ball bearings to thereby open/close the valve.
US08985549B2
An electromagnetic valve (32) for use in controlling fluid flow between first and second passageways (P1, P2) in a hydraulic valve block (4), includes a valve body (51). The valve body (51) defines a central axis (A), has a central opening (51A) therethrough, has a lower end (54) adapted to be inserted into a bore (19) of the valve block (4), and is provided with a lower cylindrical opening (70). An armature (56) is axially movable within the valve body (51) and is biased by a spring in one axial direction (57A). A closing element (88) is carried by a lower end (54) of the armature (56). An electromagnetic coil (64) coaxially surrounds the armature (56) and is operable to effect axial movement of the armature (56) in an axial direction opposite the one direction (57B). A valve seat member (62) is carried by the lower end (54) of the valve body (51) and has an orifice (98) providing fluid flow between the first and second valve block passageways (P1, P2). The valve seat member (62) defines a valve seat (96) surrounding the orifice (98) and cooperates with the closing element (88) for selectively closing the orifice (98). The valve seat member (62) includes a cylindrical tubular portion (90) frictionally retained in the lower cylindrical opening (70) of the valve body (51). The lower cylindrical opening (70) of the valve body (51) is provided with a stop surface (68) at the upper end of thereof, and an upper part (92) of the cylindrical portion (90) of the valve seat member (62) includes a flange (100) engageable with the stop surface (68) for limiting downward movement of the valve seat member (62) relative to the valve body (51).
US08985542B2
A slide assembly includes a first member and a second member support for movement relative to the first member. The slide assembly also includes a sensor supported on one of the first member and the second member and a target supported on the other of the first member and the second member. The sensor generates a signal when the target is within a detection bounds. The slide assembly is characterized in that cooperating guides are supported relative to the sensor and the target and are engageable with one another to maintain a predetermined alignment between the sensor and the target.
US08985540B1
Apparatuses include two monolithic members that are coupled together, that are configured to move relative to each other, and that are configured so that they cannot be decoupled from each other without alteration of one or both of the two monolithic members. Methods of forming and using such apparatuses also are disclosed. Some monolithic members are formed utilizing an additive manufacturing method so that they are restricted from being decoupled from each other. Some apparatuses define clamps. Some clamps are used to precisely align laser projection alignment targets for use with laser projection alignment systems.
US08985524B2
An on-board device capable of receiving train control signals from ground-side equipment of train control systems of different types or the like to control the speed of a train and the like appropriately, is provided. An on-board device 10 mounted on a train 1 includes ATC/TD antennas 11a, 11b that receive an ATC signal including train control information from loop coils installed along a route of the train 1, a vehicle radio set 12 that receives a CBTC signal including train control information from wayside radio sets installed along the route, an ATC control unit 141 that controls the train 1 based on the train control information in the ATC signal, a CBTC control unit 142 that controls the train 1 based on the train control information in the CBTC signal, and a selection unit 143 that selects the ATC control unit 141 or the CBTC control unit 142.
US08985523B2
A method of monitoring and/or controlling components of a railway system which includes a track and at least one train that is operable to run on said track, comprises the steps of: a) providing an acoustic transducer proximate the railway for picking up acoustic signals; b) receiving acoustic signals from the transducer; and c) analyzing the received signals.
US08985522B2
The present invention provides a method for improving operation density of rail vehicles and for preventing head-on collision and rear-ending collision. Said method divides a rail line into equidistant electronic zones, the length of a zone being greater than the shortest safe distance between two running vehicles. Said method installs a locomotive passing detection alarm device in each zone, when a locomotive travels at high speed on the rail, the locomotive passing detection alarm device corresponding to the zone occupied by the locomotive itself will simultaneously access adjacent front and back zones, and determine whether the two adjacent zones are simultaneously occupied by locomotives. If the two adjacent. zones are simultaneously occupied by locomotives, the locomotive passing alarm device will send an alarm signal to the locomotives to warn or otherwise take measures. The aforesaid method can avoid locomotive head-on collision and rear-end collision and increase transportation density according to the vehicle speed and distance at the same time, thus improving the transportation efficiency.
US08985519B2
The system comprises an outer container which is fixed, directly and fully, in the hold of the transport aeroplane (AC), and in which there is an inner container that can be moved longitudinally and brought from a first or carrying position in which it is situated fully inside the outer container into a second or off-loading position (P2) in which it is longitudinally offset towards the rear of the aircraft (AC) so that a part of the inner container is then situated outside the transport aeroplane (AC).
US08985517B2
A passive cooling system for an aircraft includes a rotor assembly and a closed heat pipe. The closed heat pipe is carried by the rotor assembly and configured to extract heat energy from a heat source positioned away from the rotor assembly and configured to dissipate the heat energy through the rotor assembly.
US08985513B2
Honeycomb cores for use in aerospace applications include two honeycomb core sections operably joined at a splice joint, the splice joint defined by a foam adhesive that is sandwiched between a sheet of film adhesive. Methods of assembling honeycomb cores also are disclosed herein.
US08985510B2
A stabilizer actuator has a first end for connecting to an aircraft support structure and a second end for connecting to a stabilizer. The actuator includes a primary load path for transmittal of loads acting on the stabilizer to the aircraft support structure, and a secondary load path for transmittal of loads acting on the stabilizer to the aircraft support structure upon failure of the primary load path. The secondary load path includes a tie rod extending along a longitudinal axis, a load path locking mechanism coupled to the tie rod, a lock housing having a central bore for receiving the locking mechanism, and at least one radially movable segment that, upon failure of the primary load path, moves radially to lock the tie rod to the lock housing against axial and/or radial movement.
US08985508B2
A suspension assembly for an aircraft turbojet engine includes a pylon and connecting rods for taking up the thrust of the turbojet engine which is connected to the pylon. In particular, the suspension assembly includes an insulator which is separate from the pylon and thermally insulates the connecting rods from the turbojet engine.
US08985507B2
A method of designing a nacelle for a gas turbine engine includes defining an initial geometry for the nacelle, pivoting, at each of one or more positions on a highlight and in a plane of a respective longitudinal section, a front portion of a section of an intake lip lying in the respective longitudinal section about the highlight, and obtaining an altered geometry for the nacelle by adjusting surfaces of the intake neighboring the pivoted front portion to smoothly blend the surfaces of the pivoted front portion to unadjusted surfaces of the intake further removed from the pivoted front portion.
US08985505B2
The invention provides an aircraft landing gear arrangement, comprising a bogie including a steerable axle pivotally mounted to said bogie. A locking mechanism is provided to lock the steerable axle in the straight ahead position, where the locking mechanism includes an over-center linkage arrangement.
US08985486B2
The present invention relates to a comminuting device and method for comminuting material such as green waste, waste wood and/or demolition wood. The comminuting device comprises: —a comminutor (12) for comminuting supplied material; an infeed conveyor (10) operatively connected during use to the comminutor for supplying material to the comminutor; —an outfeed conveyor (14) operatively connected during use to the comminutor; a gripper (40) operatively connected during use to the comminutor for filling the infeed conveyor; and operating means operatively connectable to the comminutor.
US08985484B2
A spray gun attachment is provided for fluid supply lines in a fluid handling system. A fluid input portion of a gun body is coupled wife a swivel connector, which includes a rotor that is rotatably coupled with a housing stem. In various embodiments, a bearing cup is rotatably coupled at one end with an exterior surface of the housing stem and anchored at an opposite end with the rotor. An O-ring seal is positioned between the rotor and the exterior surface of the housing stem. A bearing assembly residing within a raceway that is defined by flat surfaces on each of: the rotor, the housing stem, and ah interior bearing wall within the bearing cup.
US08985483B2
Disclosed is a method and device to control a spray pattern produced from a spraying device consisting of a plurality of individual jets that form the resulting spray pattern. The trajectory of each individual jet is controlled by orienting the nozzle-like feature that produces each individual jet, thereby producing a variety of spray patterns. This is accomplished utilizing the flexible properties of elastomeric or rubber-like materials. In addition to allowing for deformation or movement to remove possible obstructions to the fluid flow, this flexibility property also permits for specific, controlled movements, whereby it is possible to control the trajectory of the fluid issuing from the device. These rubber-like materials can include specific features that allow the material to be deformed in a controlled fashion so as to predictably control the trajectory of the streams issuing from the individual nozzles.
US08985478B2
A spray nozzle for two-component flue gas cleaning nozzles. The spray nozzle includes an output or mixing chamber and at least two through bores which lead to the output or mixing chamber and are each connected to a fluid line. At least one through bore is embodied in such a way that it is self-cleaning and/or a cleaning device is provided for at least one through bore.
US08985468B1
Disclosed is an apparatus for use as a switch. In one embodiment, the switch comprises at least one RFID tag, each RFID tag comprising an antenna element and an RFID integrated circuit, at least one source element, and at least one lever arm. Each lever arm is connected to one of the RFID tags, and each lever arm is capable of two positions. One of the positions places the lever arm and the RFID tag connected thereto into alignment with the source element. Other embodiments are also described.
US08985464B2
A system for managing bar or restaurant tabs includes a payment card storage apparatus, such as a carousel, to receive and store payment cards under computer control, and a payment card reader to read identifying information from the payment cards that are to be stored in the payment card storage apparatus. The system permits a server to conveniently receive and store a payment card to secure a patron's tab, and then return it to the patron at the time the tab is closed and paid out. An associated point-of-sale system displays tab information and a list of names of those patrons having open tabs. A particular patron's card can be returned from the payment card storage apparatus by selecting the patron's tab from the list. The system may further be applied in any situation in which a debt or obligation can be secured by the possession of a personally-identifiable token that has, holds or permits access to value.
US08985461B2
A mobile device includes a camera, a user interface system, and a processor communicatively coupled to the camera and the user interface system. The user interface system includes a visual display. The processor is configured for (i) capturing an image including a code symbol, (ii) displaying the image on the visual display, (iii) determining whether the code symbol in the image is readable by the processor, and (iv) displaying on the visual display a positive indicator overlaying the code symbol in the image when the processor determines that the code symbol in the image is readable by the processor. The processor is further configured for reading the code symbol in the image in response to a selection input received from the user interface system.
US08985456B2
A strobe illumination control process for use in a digital image capture and processing system includes illuminating an object in the field of view with different pulses of illumination over a pair of consecutive video image frames, detecting digital images of the illuminated object over these consecutive image frames, and decode processing the digital images. In a first illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol in one of the first and second images, these digital images are analyzed in real-time, and based on the results of this real-time image analysis, the exposure time is adjusted during subsequent image frames. In a second illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol in one of the first and second images, these digital images are analyzed in real-time, and based on the results of this real-time image analysis, the energy level of the illumination is adjusted during subsequent image frames.
US08985453B2
A change part, which is used for a machine employed in the filling or bottle manufacturing industry and which includes an identification element, where the identification element comprises a piezoelectric transmitter, which, when the change part is mounted and/or demounted, is able to be activated by the forces acting thereon and to transmit an identification signal, and to a suitable method for identifying a change part mounted in a machine.
US08985452B2
The invention relates to a security device with sensors for checking whether the security device (1) is in an undamaged state and checking for the presence of a specified support (9) of the security device (1), said support (9) being an object, in particular a mechanical or electronic component, characterized in that the sensors detect movements and/or accelerations of the security device (1) relative to the support (9) and/or material properties of the support (9) and/or of the security device (1) and are connected to an electronic system (3) for signal evaluation. In a method for using such a security device (1) the state of the security device (1) and the presence of a specified support (9) are ascertained multiple times and in different ways, wherein signals are used which are obtained as actual values and which are compared with specified target values in an electronic system (3). An action is triggered upon a deviation of at least one of the actual values from the target values.
US08985451B2
A communication apparatus performing communication in a noncontact manner is provided. The communication apparatus includes a transmission control unit configured to transmit a command; a timeout period checking unit configured to check whether a timeout period during which a response to the command is waited for has elapsed; a retransmission control unit configured to retransmit the command only after the timeout period has elapsed; an error checking unit configured to check whether data received within the timeout period has an error; and a processing unit configured to regard the data received within the timeout period as a correct response to the command if the data does not have an error and perform a process in accordance with the response. If the data received within the timeout period has an error, the retransmission control unit does not retransmit the command and the timeout period checking unit continues to check whether the timeout period has elapsed.
US08985449B2
The invention relates to a magnetic stripe reader, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of directly extracting binary information embedded in a magnetic stripe using simple analog and digital signal processing techniques. Once information stored in the magnetic stripe is extracted as a F-2F waveform by the magnetic stripe reader, peaks, valleys and mid-level transition points between every consecutive peak and valley are detected. A peak-to-peak period and an average time are directly derived to determine whether the corresponding peak-to-peak transition is associated with a binary bit of “1” or “0”. This magnetic stripe reader spares a need for a multi-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a large memory, and thus, constitutes a simple and self-contained solution that may read out the binary information stored on the magnetic stripe with reduced power consumption and improved cost efficiency.
US08985448B2
Locking devices, electronic locks, and detection assemblies are provided. One locking device includes an antenna and a conductive body having a cavity disposed around the antenna and formed in an interior portion of the conductive body. The conductive body further includes a slot extending from the cavity to an outer surface of the conductive body.
US08985447B2
The invention relates to a smartcard reader, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of creating a card input/output interface that allows the smartcard reader to couple to a smartcard within a secure cavity. The secure cavity is mounted on an internal side of a system housing, i.e., a smartcard socket, included in the smartcard reader. An interface chip is further attached inside the secure cavity. When the smartcard is inserted to a designated position or depth inside the system housing, the secure cavity encloses the interface chip and its contact area with the smartcard. Mechanical contacts on the interface chip are thus aligned to and physically contact electrical connectors on the inserted smartcard, so as to electrically couple the interface chip and the smartcard. As a result, sensitive data within the smartcard may be protected from exposure to any tamper attempt and processed with an enhanced security level.
US08985437B2
A dynamic quick response (QR) code including an encoded unique value is displayed in association with an item displayed in a retail environment. A configured QR code change event is detected. Encoding of the dynamic QR code is changed to encode a new unique value. The new unique value is based upon a set of contemporaneous data elements associated with the item displayed in the retail environment. The encoded new unique value of the changed dynamic QR code is archived. The changed dynamic QR code including the encoded new unique value is displayed in association with the item displayed in the retail environment.
US08985427B1
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a feeder belt; wings fixed to that feeder belt; and a die into which the feeder belt extends, where relative motion of the die and feeder belt bends at least one wing to transform at least one wing into an unformed staple. An exemplary surgical method for treating tissue of a patient may include providing a surgical instrument including an end effector; placing the end effector adjacent to tissue of a patient; and manufacturing at least one surgical staple within the end effector.
US08985424B2
An improved driving tool is provided which can prevent malfunction in detection of the number of fasteners remaining in a magazine. A representative driving tool includes a driving member for driving fasteners and a magazine for storing the fasteners. The driving tool further includes a driving tool actuation control member that can be switched between an actuating position and a deactuating position, and a retaining member that can be switched between a retaining position and a releasing position. The retaining member is switched from the retaining position to the releasing position according to the number of remaining fasteners in the magazine and the driving tool actuation control member is switched from the actuating position to the deactuating position when the retaining member is switched to the releasing position.
US08985421B2
A holder for a feminine hygiene article is secured on the user's body and retains an unused personal item in an inconspicuous position under the user's outer clothing. The holder is formed as a pouch, or pocket having a front panel and a back panel attached to the front panel. A belt formed from two accordion-style folded non-resilient portions is detachably secured to the holder body and to the user's waist, hips or thigh. One of the belt portions has an adhesive tab that is securable to a free end of the second portion, while an unwanted length of the first portion is detached along tear-off perforation lines. An adhesive strip near the open upper end secures the holder body to the user's body or undergarments.
US08985418B1
A lightweight convertible cargo carrier cart system and accessories adaptable for transporting articles using a vehicle's receiver hitch, or wheeled hand cart, or trailer (pulled via a bicycle or other device). Users can select appropriate components to manage loads based on the available method for transporting the load. Accessories include a handle accessory, a leg/foot accessory, and inserts (for attaching wheels, hardware, and accessories). When the convertible cargo carrier and cart system is used as a cart the user is afforded a variety of positions for installing inserts and wheels based on the weight, mass, and distribution of the load.
US08985414B2
A vehicle article carrier system for use on an outer body surface of a vehicle, where the system may make use of a light emitting diode (LED) and a pair of support rails assemblies secured parallel to one another along a major longitudinal axis of the vehicle. At least one of the support rail assemblies may have a light pipe in optical communication with the LED. The light pipe may operate to radiate light generated by the LED outwardly from the support rail assembly along the length of the light pipe to thus illuminate a portion of the vehicle.
US08985410B2
This invention is a bracelet designed to accommodate a metallic golf ball marker held in place by a magnet. The marker is a key part of a golf game utilized by players to mark the position of their ball on the green. By incorporating a magnet in an attractive colorful bracelet the golfer can have ready access to an easily removable and replaceable marker.
US08985405B2
A snap fitment system for attaching a closure such as a valve body to a container may include one or more fingers attached to the valve body and held in a securing position about the container by a retaining ring.
US08985401B2
Fluid discharge head having a discharge nozzle (5) which has a discharge opening (6) in which an inner sleeve (7) is arranged, which has a medium duct (8) and holds a spring-loaded valve body (10) automatically closing the discharge opening (6), the valve body (10) being formed as a cylindrical piston, which can be displaced axially in a cylinder chamber (12) formed by the inner sleeve (7), an upper (14) and a lower valve seat (15) being provided for the piston ends (16, 17), and the valve body (10) having an intermediate valve plate (18), which forms a chamber bottom of a pressure chamber (19) connected to the medium duct (8), and, in order to open the upper valve seat (14), a medium discharge pressure which is higher than a spring force holding the valve body (10) closed can be set in the pressure chamber.
US08985399B2
[Problems] To provide an ejection container capable of falling a liquid in drops from the container body without relying on the sense of the fingertips and without affected by a change in the temperature.[Means for Solution] A knock-type ejection container 1 in which an ejection port 8 is provided at one end of a container body 2, a knock button 4 is provided at the other end thereof, a container chamber 22 is provided in the container body 2 to contain a liquid, and the liquid contained in the container chamber 22 is ejected from the ejection port 8 being interlocked to the operation of the knock button 4.
US08985386B2
A plastic container having a container body and a permanently attached container lid is provided. The container lid is attached to the container body by a living hinge such that the entire plastic container is a one-piece construction. The container lid is pre-curved such that in an open state the container lid is curved. However, when the container lid mates with the container body in a closed state, at least a portion of the container lid that was previously curved becomes substantially planar such that portions of the lid remain biased into the container body. The container can also incorporate a carrying feature for receiving and positioning articles therein, as well as a sealing chamfer for reducing the likelihood of the ingress of foreign matter into an interior cavity of the container.
US08985379B1
A beverage container holder is provided, consisting of an elongated body having a planar upper support surface having alternative engagement mechanisms on opposing ends thereof. At one end an aperture is formed, having an elongated ledge-like support that extends downwardly to a horizontally-extending terminus that underlies a portion of the aperture to receive and retain a beverage container—both cylindrical and goblet-shaped. At an opposing end and at a midpoint of the planar upper support surface, a pair of apertures cooperates with the thumb and fingers of a user's hand, to position and secure a food plate against an upper surface of the beverage container holder. The thumb and fingers extend through the apertures from a position below the holder, and in gripping the food plate, the user is also grasping the holder—which in turn may be carrying a beverage container held within the beverage-receiving aperture.
US08985369B2
Caps and container systems suited to dispensing products like cosmetics. Some of the caps include two portions that can be coupled together and that include a dispensing system that has at least two open positions and at least one closed position.
US08985368B2
The invention relates to an air cargo container with an interior space limited by a wall and sealed against the exterior for avoiding an entry of fluid. The wall comprises a first operating configuration wherein said interior space limited by the wall has a first volume VI1. Furthermore, in case of a fire the wall is deformed into a second operating configuration wherein said interior space limited by the wall comprises a second volume VI2 being smaller than the first volume VI1. A check valve blocks fluid from streaming from the exterior into the interior space but opens for a stream from the interior space to the exterior. An actuation means for changing the operating configuration in case of a fire automatically transfers the wall from the first operating configuration into the second operating configuration. During this transfer fluid is pushed from said interior space via the check valve to the exterior.
US08985365B2
A container structure is disclosed. The container structure may include a container body and two movable supporting units. When the container body is used as a regular container, two movable supporting units has not been extended from the container body; and the covering rod, extending rod, connecting rods of the movable supporting units are conjugated with the horizontal supporting columns and connecting posts respectively to reinforce the structure of the container body, so that the reinforced container body can have a better status to sustain heavier weight. Furthermore, the movable supporting units can extend to expand the space of the container body to receive more items to reduce the transportation costs; and when the container is not used for storage purposes, the expanded space can be used for other purposes.
US08985364B2
A self-supporting apparatus can be placed in an opening in an existing wall substrate. A frame assembly is configured with a perimeter that can be adjusted to correspond to the opening of the wall substrate. Opposing frame portions are movable in opposite directions with respect to each other to be expandable for contact with the opening. Each frame portion comprises a first side having a detent on one surface and a second side with at least one groove on a surface thereof. The surfaces of the opposing frame portions face each other. The detents and grooves are dimensioned to provide engagement, respectively, between grooves and dents of facing frame portion surfaces.
US08985357B1
A pediatric medicine delivery device includes a syringe and a nipple. The syringe body frictionally engages the inner surface of the nipple with an interference fit. The nipple opening has a diverter for directing fluid in a direction transverse to the axis of the device. A faceplate includes a circumferential orientation device to properly orient the nipple.
US08985355B2
A railcar draft gear assembly including a housing, a spring sea, a spring and a friction clutch assembly in operable combination relative to each other within the housing. The spring includes a series of axially stacked elastomeric pads arranged between a closed end of the housing and the spring seat. An axially elongated guide rod is endwise passed through the spring seat and elastomeric pads for aligning the pads relative to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear assembly. The guide rod is operably inhibited from axial shifting movements during operation of the draft gear assembly. A related method for assembling the draft gear is also disclosed.
US08985354B2
A movement system includes a bridge crane, a trolley, and a movement device. The movement device includes an attachment portion, a plurality of housings, first and second curved elements, a cable, and a cable angle sensor. The curved elements are pivotally attached to housings and perpendicularly overlap with one another such that a first slot defined in the first curved element is perpendicular to a second slot defined in the second curved element. The first curved element is pivotable about a first axis and the second curved element is configured to pivot about a second axis. The cable extends from the attachment portion and through each of the slots. The cable is pivotable to angularly displace at least one of the curved elements about a respective axis. The cable angle sensor is configured to measure the angular displacement of the at least one of the first and second curved elements.
US08985350B2
A storage system comprises a rack of multiple platforms connectable to one another in a first direction, where each of the platforms has segments that connect to one another along a direction other than the first direction, via a user-operable coupling. The platforms are preferably rectangular, and are connected at their long ends. The segments of each platform are also preferably rectangular, but they are connected along their long sides. In such embodiments, the connection between platforms is perpendicular to the length of the rack, while the connection between segments is parallel to the length of the rack. The segments of individual platforms are preferably coupled together with snap fit connections, and supported from their undersides by transverse supports, and the transverse supports are supported from their undersides by longitudinal supports via recesses on the segments. The transverse supports are preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal supports.
US08985345B2
A rack includes a rack body, at least one latch member secured to the rack body, and a supporting assembly. The supporting assembly includes at least one sliding lever and a supporting member secured to the at least one sliding lever. The at least one sliding lever is slidably engaged in the at least one latch member and the supporting assembly is extendable and retractable relative to the rack body, to provide a wider base for the rack when required where it rests on the floor, increasing stability and decreasing the likelihood that the rack might topple.
US08985344B2
An elevated tiltable storage assembly for the storage and retrieval of goods. The tiltable storage assembly includes a stationary frame structure for mounting to a wall and a tiltable frame structure pivotally connected to the bottom of the stationary frame. The tiltable frame has a storage structure for holding goods. A windable strap extends between the top of the stationary frame and the top of the tiltable frame. An activatable power assembly operates to wind and unwind the strap to rotate the tiltable frame from a storage to a retrieval position to provide access to the goods.
US08985340B2
A device and a method for the handling of containers with a plurality of handling units recognize a defective state in a handling element situated downstream and, as a reaction to this recognition, a specified container conveyed upstream is separated out, namely preferably that container which in the further course of operation would arrive at the handling element known to be operating defectively.
US08985336B1
A display carton includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a front wall with a rolled upper edge, and a rear wall, with the rear wall formed by overlapping, folded panels that are adhered together at the overlap. The display carton can be assembled from a blank, in part by folding panels together to partially overlap the panels, and adhering the panels together.
US08985330B1
A portable container for transporting and storing a plurality of perishable items including food and beverage items, having a heat-resistant outer tubular member with double-layered insulation in an adjacent inner tubular member to accommodate a plurality of perishable items and to sustain the prescribed temperature of such food and beverage items and to promote longevity thereof. The portable container optionally includes a plurality of external compartments and has removable endcaps enclosing both ends thereof. Each endcap is conveniently removed from a tubular end and then used as a cup for drinking a plurality of beverage items or used as a dish for eating a plurality of food items.
US08985329B2
A system for efficient transportation and display of plants or flowers has been designed that contains two or more trays and a container. The first tray and alternative tray house the plants or flowers. The second tray, in which the first tray and alternative tray nest, allows for easy movement of the first tray, the alternative tray and the supply of water or nutrients. The container is designed to serve two functions, shipping and displaying.
US08985322B2
A sorbent container includes a plurality of sealed pockets connected in a strip. At least one of the pockets is a filled pocket containing a quantity of sorbent material. A pocket adjacent to the filled pocket is empty.
US08985319B2
A hydrogen storage tank by absorption into a hydrogen storage material, the tank having a longitudinal axis and including an enclosure and an inner structure provided within the enclosure. The inner structure includes a plurality of stages and a heat exchange system within the inner structure, each stage including a plurality of compartments distributed into a plurality of rows directed along the longitudinal direction, each compartment having a semi-cylindrical shape, and each compartment containing a hydrogen storage material, wherein the material has been introduced through the opening.
US08985318B2
A link for a modular conveyor belt may include a supporting structure and a bearing structure covering at least a portion of the supporting structure. The supporting structure may have a tensile strength that is higher than the bearing structure, and the bearing structure may be more resistant to wear than the supporting structure.
US08985315B2
A loading member includes a receiving section that changes a posture thereof from a receiving posture where a loading material is received to a rising posture where the loading material is supported in a raised state; and a positioning section that is projected from a portion of a base end of the receiving section and then positions a lower end position of the loading material when the posture of the receiving section is changed to the rising posture; wherein the positioning section is provided with a loading assisting member assists the positioning of the loading material in a case of the receiving posture, while the front end of the loading assisting member rotates in a direction to approach a receiving surface of the loading material at the receiving section in a case of changing from the receiving posture to the rising posture.
US08985314B2
A driven roller unit and a paper feeding device are provided. The paper feeding device includes a frame, the driven roller unit and a driving roller. The frame has a dome concave. The driven roller unit has an omnidirectional ball, wherein the omnidirectional ball is in the dome concave. The driving roller is disposed above the frame and the driven roller unit. When the driving roller presses on the driven roller unit, an angle included by the driving roller and the driven roller unit is adjusted due to the rotation of the omnidirectional ball relative to the dome concave, and therefore the force applied on the driven roller unit is uniform.
US08985313B2
A screw conveyor includes a plurality of shafts rotatable in a common imaginary plane, and a plurality of blades arranged on each of the shafts in an axial direction of the shafts such that the blades define a part of an imaginary spiral around the shafts, each of the blades being semicircular in shape when viewed in an axial direction of the shafts, a distance S being longer than a length D, but shorter than 2D, wherein “S” indicates a distance between outer surfaces of two shafts located adjacent to each other, and “D” indicates a length by which the blades extend from outer surfaces of the shafts.
US08985311B2
A flight conveyor for conveying material includes a frame, drive and idler wheel(s) rotatably mounted on the frame, segments for supporting the material, shafts for pivotally interconnecting the segments to an endless row which has an upper row and a lower row running, during operation, over the drive and idler wheel(s) and a number of conveyor flights for bringing the material along in the conveying direction. A scraper is arranged at the drive wheel for successively scraping off adhered material from segments and flights such that the conveyor can be used for conveying products tending to adhere to the surfaces of the segments and the flights since the adhered products are automatically removed by the scraper.
US08985310B2
The invention relates to a sorting feeder having a series of travelers (2) joined together by a hinge, and guidable and displaceable along a track (4), each comprising a guide unit (8) and a supporting unit (10) joined thereto by a hinge, wherein each guide unit (8) comprises a support roller (16) on each side at matching longitudinal positions for interacting with the track (4), and wherein each support roller (16) is associated with two guide rollers (18), of which a first is disposed at a first longitudinal position at a distance ahead of the support roller (16) and a second is disposed at a second longitudinal position at a distance behind the support roller (16), wherein a coupling hinge (12) pivotable about a pivot axis (12a) aligned perpendicular to a track plane is disposed between the guide unit (8) and the support unit (10) of each traveler (2) and a connecting hinge (26) rotatable in every direction is disposed between adjacent travelers (2), and wherein the connecting hinge (26) and the coupling hinge (12) each are disposed at longitudinal positions outside of an area between the first and the second longitudinal position of the guide rollers (18).
US08985306B2
Embodiments provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor with the workpieces oriented transverse to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors configured to convey workpieces toward a lugged conveyor. The first and second endless conveyors of each pair are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction and aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array can form a continuous or discontinuous transport surface. Some pairs of endless conveyors in the array may overlap one or more other pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array may include two or more endless conveyors that are independently driven at different speeds and/or in different directions to de-skew a workpiece.
US08985305B2
A vibration feeding apparatus comprises an alignment track that is operative to receive electronic components and to arrange the electronic components in a desired orientation by vibrating and accelerating the electronic components located on the alignment track. An inspection station rejects electronic components that are not in the desired orientation onto a reject track for reintroduction to the alignment track. A spreading unit adjacent to the alignment track then transfers rejected electronic components from the reject track to the alignment track for arranging the electronic components in the desired orientation.
US08985298B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for a dual validator self-service kiosk (“SSK”). The SSK may include a first validator. The first validator may examine a deposit inserted into the SSK. The SSK may include a second validator. The second validator may examine a tangible item before the SSK dispenses the tangible item. The SSK may retract the tangible item if the tangible item in not collected by a customer. The second validator may examine the tangible item after being retracted by the SSK. The first validator may apply a first examination routine to the deposit. The second validator may apply a second examination routine before the SSK dispenses the tangible item. The second validator may apply a third examination routine to a tangible item retracted by the SSK.
US08985287B2
A device for actively influencing vibrations in a component, in particular vibrations in a component of a motor vehicle such as engine vibrations, for example. The device includes a sensor for detecting the vibrations, an actuator which acts on the component, and a regulation and control unit in which actuating signals may be generated from the sensor signals in order to adjust the actuator. The actuator is designed as an electrically actuatable piezoelectric actuator.
US08985281B2
An elevator installation with an elevator cab in an elevator shaft and a measurement tape for determining the position of the elevator cab within the elevator shaft, which measurement tape is arranged vertically in the elevator shaft and has a code along the measurement tape, and at least one marking element which is attached in the elevator shaft and has a reference marking, and a sensor apparatus which is attached to the elevator cab and includes an illumination source and a sensor, which form a detection field for detecting the measurement tape and with an evaluation apparatus. The reference marking is arranged such that it can be captured by the detection field and the sensor apparatus is also provided for detecting the reference marking and the evaluation apparatus aligns the position determined by the measurement tape with the reference marking.
US08985275B2
A lift safety system that prevents the lifting of a support platform from a support base until all of the support legs for the support base are supporting a minimum amount of weight to ensure stability of the lift. The support base includes a plurality of legs that extend outwardly with each of the legs having an adjustment member with a pad that engages a ground surface. As the adjustment member is adjusted downwardly with respect to the leg, a first engaging member connected to the adjustment member is elevated upwardly to engage a second engaging member thereby releasing a corresponding finger member attached to the support platform from the support base. Once all of the legs are supporting a minimum amount of weight, all of the finger members are released from the support base thereby allowing elevation of the support platform.
US08985270B2
A muffler for a motor vehicle has a muffler housing with a packing void into which an envelope containing a loose fill material is installed during assembly. The envelope contains elongated strands of continuous strand fiberglass, woven as a fiberglass mesh fabric, and having a thin organic polymer coating to reduce sliding and/or being formed with a Leno or gauze weave structure. The envelope is joined at one or more stitched seams, preferably with cotton thread, to enclose a volume. The volume is packed with uncoated continuous strand fiberglass roving, filling the volume to complement the packing void. The cotton thread and the thin polymer coating are consumable by hot gas in the exhaust path, but produce minimal smoke and odor due to their compositions and the small proportion of the packing volume and surface area that the consumable portions occupy.
US08985265B2
An electric power steering apparatus includes an electric motor, a drive torque transmission mechanism for converting a rotation of the electric motor to a linear movement and transmitting the linear movement to vehicle wheels, first and second circuit boards mounting electronic components to process a motor control command and drive the electric motor based on the motor control command, a metal control housing accommodating therein the first and second circuit boards and coupled at an outer surface thereof to the drive torque transmission mechanism, a heat transfer part located inside the control housing so as to receive heat from the respective circuit boards and a heat guide part extending from the outer surface of the control housing to the inside of the heat transfer member so as to guide the heat transferred to the heat transfer part in a direction toward the drive torque transmission mechanism.
US08985264B2
A kit for raising and increasing wheel torque of an off road four wheel vehicle comprising four portal boxes, each portal box being associated with an individual one of the vehicle wheels, the portal boxes enclosing identical gear sets and associated bearings, each portal box being adapted to receive the output of an axle constant velocity joint and having an output shaft projecting therefrom, a set of four metal backing plates for joining the portal boxes to the suspension arms of the vehicle, the backing plates being substantially identical, the backing plates each having inwardly extending mounting brackets for attaching to upper and lower suspension arm parts.
US08985262B2
A construction vehicle adapted to travel using a wheel and equipped with an exhaust aftertreatment device to which a reductant is supplied is provided. At least a portion of the exhaust aftertreatment device including a front end thereof is located on a fender provided for the wheel. A supply pump adapted to supply the reductant and a reductant tank adapted to store the reductant are located ahead of the fender and below the exhaust aftertreatment device. The reductant tank is located below the supply pump.
US08985261B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide an engine supporting structure for a working vehicle that can realize the simplification of manufacturing processes and the reduction of costs. With respect to an engine supporting structure for a working vehicle (backhoe) that includes an engine and a plurality of engine mounts to support the engine, the engine supporting structure includes one piece of mount plate to support the plurality of engine mounts, wherein the mount plate is supported by a stand having a skin-stressed sheet-metal body construction, surrounding with beams welded to the left and right end portions of the mount plate, and with beams welded to the anterior and posterior end portions of the mount plate.
US08985255B2
A three wheel electric vehicle platform with two wheels in front and one wheel at the rear, a full safety roll cage, a propulsion and steering system operating through the two front wheels, and operator's and passenger's seats mounted in-line along the vehicle centerline. The propulsion system is an electric motor powered by an energy storage device driving a speed reduction and differential with dual outputs suitable for two wheel front drive. The operator's seat is narrower in parts than a conventional automotive seat such that the rear seat passenger's knees can comfortably straddle the operator seat to allow the distance between the two occupants to be less than a typical automobile. The driver's and passenger's heels comfortably fit into recessed wells within the energy storage device, thus allowing the driver's and passenger's center of gravity to be lower, while still maintaining a comfortable sitting position.
US08985244B2
Downhole tools are provided with a topographical pattern, and anti-balling material is provided over the topographical pattern. The topographical pattern may be defined by at least one of a plurality of recesses extending into a surface of a body of the tool and a plurality of protrusions protruding from the surface. Downhole tools include an insert disposed within a recess in a body, and the insert comprises an anti-balling material having a composition selected to reduce accumulation of formation cuttings on the tools when the tools are used to form or service a wellbore. Downhole tools include anti-balling material disposed over a porous mass provided over the surfaces of the tools. Methods of forming downhole tools include providing anti-balling material over features on and/or in a surface of a body of a tool. Methods of repairing downhole tools include removing an insert therefrom and disposing a replacement insert therein.
US08985242B2
Planning and/or drilling wellbores. At least some of the various embodiments are methods including: receiving data indicative of position of a first wellbore; reading data indicative of position of an offset wellbore; reading data indicative of a fracture diameter for the offset wellbore; calculating a first positional uncertainty of the first wellbore; calculating a second positional uncertainly of the offset wellbore taking into account the data indicative of position and the data indicative of fracture diameter; and generating a value indicative of proximity of the positional uncertainties.
US08985238B2
A mobile drill rig includes a frame structure and a plurality of hinged outriggers that are adapted to be retractable to a substantially vertical position during a drilling operation and extendable to a substantially horizontal position during movement of the mobile drill rig. The frame structure is adapted to transfer a weight of the mobile drill rig through the plurality of hinged outriggers to a plurality of wheeled frame dollies during the rig movement.
US08985234B2
A coulter assembly for an agricultural implement. The coulter assembly includes a support structure and a disc blade rotatably mounted to the support structure. The coulter assembly also includes a spring assembly coupled to the support structure and configured to urge the disc blade into soil. The spring assembly includes a variable rate spring.
US08985226B2
An electric submersible pump assembly (ESP) (21, 120) is deployed in a production tube (20, 100) in a borehole such that the motor (26, 41, 121) of the ESP is spaced from the inner wall of the production tube, defining a conduit (36, 111) through which the pumped well fluid can flow to cool the motor. The production tube may have an enlarged diameter portion (25, 76, 101) within which the motor is positioned. Alternatively or additionally, the ESP and/or the production tube may be provided with stabilizing spacers (24, 45, 140, 141) which extend between the ESP and the tube to centralize the ESP in the tube and support it against vibrational movement, the spacers defining an annular conduit (36, 111) between the motor casing and the production tube.
US08985224B1
An internal bidirectional tubing plug for plugging a well to prevent well fluids from passing the plug in a well conduit until the internal components of the plug are pumped out of its body. The body of the plug connects to the well's tubing string. The body holds a petal assembly consisting of several petals and a tapered cork assembly located within an opening formed by the petals. Both assemblies are sandwiched between upper and lower pistons. Hydrostatic pressure on the bottom of the plug as it is lowered into the fluid filled well holds the petals within the body. The internal components of the plug are removed from the body by applying hydraulic pressure in the upper area of the plug. This causes the plug to fail at a recess provided in the cork, resulting in the two assemblies and the pistons being forced out of the body.
US08985220B2
A well intervention system is described which has a riser access drive adapted to be located below a vessel, or a rig, work floor. The riser is tensioned and extends from a subsea wellhead to the access device which, in use, is attached to the riser at the location below the work floor. Embodiments of the invention are described.
US08985219B2
A technique facilitates formation of subsea connections. A free portion of a stab plate connection system is moved into proximity with a fixed portion of the stab plate connection system at a subsea location. The free portion is initially engaged with the fixed portion via a docking probe. Subsequently, a local actuator is used to draw the free portion into an operating engagement with the fixed portion in which line couplers of the fixed portion are engaged with corresponding line couplers of the free portion.
US08985218B2
An example downhole tool configured for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation comprises a first fluid communicator configured to allow drilling fluid communication with an annulus between the downhole tool and the wellbore, a second fluid communicator configured to direct formation fluid to the annulus, and a formation testing device disposed deeper in the wellbore relative to the first fluid communicator and configured to pump formation fluid from the formation to the second fluid communicator. At least one of the first and second fluid communicators comprises a jet pump.
US08985212B1
A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a water-soluble crosslinkable composition, a particulate water-swellable superabsorber, and an aqueous base fluid, placing the fluid in a treated portion of the formation, wherein the treated portion comprises a first region having a first region permeability and a second region having a second region permeability, wherein a permeability contrast is a ratio between first region permeability and second region permeability, and wherein the permeability contrast is equal to or greater than 10 prior to placement of the fluid, allowing the superabsorber to occupy at least a portion of the first region, thereby reducing the first region permeability, and allowing the crosslinkable composition to penetrate at least a portion of the second region, thereby reducing the second region permeability, wherein the permeability contrast is reduced to less than 10 after placement of the fluid.
US08985211B2
Methods of drilling with a wellbore fluid may include pumping the wellbore fluid with an oxidative degradable polymer into a wellbore with and an inactivated oxidant; forming a filtercake in a downhole environment, allowing some of the fluid to filter into a subterranean rock formation to produce a filtercake containing the oxidative degradable polymer and inactivated oxidant; and removing the filtercake formed by the wellbore fluid from the wellbore walls by exposing the filtercake with a breaker fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, and at least one iminodiacetic acid or a salt thereof.
US08985209B2
A technique facilitates removal of excess sand during a jet perforating operation without requiring that the perforating string be pulled out of hole. A jet perforating tool is provided with at least one perforating nozzle for creating perforations in a well via high-pressure fluid. The jet perforating tool also comprises at least one wash nozzle oriented to direct fluid under pressure against a sand plug to break loose excess sand. A pair of seats and plug members may be used in the jet perforating tool to control the flow of pressurized fluid through the perforating jet nozzle and/or the wash nozzle.
US08985208B2
Method of consolidating sand in a subterranean formation by contacting the sand in a first location in the presence of water with a slurry in a liquid medium of cement of average particle size less than 10 microns to produce a mixture including sand, water and cement, the slurry being injected into the formation to the location. A separation step is carried out in which a liquid hydrocarbon fluid is passed into the location to displace from the location at least some of the cement from the mixture. The volume ratio of liquid hydrocarbon fluid to the volume of the slurry injected to the formation is at least 5:1. The mixture is allowed to set to give permeable consolidated sand.
US08985192B2
A plate fin heat exchanger of the present invention includes a heat exchange part including a heat exchange part main body including layers of plural flow passages, and heat transfer members each of which is disposed within each flow passage of the heat exchange part main body to transfer the heat of fluid flowing in each of the flow passages to each partition walls opposed across the flow passage; and sensing parts connected to both the outsides of the heat exchange part respectively. Each of the sensing parts includes plural sealed spaces, and a sensor wall disposed to separate the outermost sealed space from the sealed space on the inner side thereof. The plate fin heat exchanger further includes a detection means for detecting damage of the sensor wall of the sensing part. According to such a structure, external leak of the fluid performing the heat exchange can be prevented while suppressing deterioration of performance or increase in size or weight.
US08985189B2
An arrangement for a continuous casting process. The arrangement includes a vessel having a first opening for receiving molten metal in the vessel, a second opening for discharging the molten metal from the vessel, and a body extending between the first opening and the second opening, a first magnetic arrangement attached to the body, the first magnetic arrangement having a magnetic core with legs, and coils arranged around the legs, and a power system configured to provide an alternating current superimposed on a carrier current to each of the coils, each pair of alternating current and carrier current provided to a coil forming a flow control current, wherein flow control currents provided to adjacent coils are phase shifted relative each other, thereby creating a travelling magnetic field in molten metal in the vessel. A corresponding method is also presented herein.
US08985188B2
Disclosed is a cast pin equipped with circular grooves which are provided at any location. The cast pin (10) is equipped with: an outer tube (11) in the shape of a hollow body the tip of which is closed; an inner tube (20) inserted into the outer tube (11); and a cooling medium pipe (30) that is inserted into the inner tube (20) and supplies a cooling medium to the interior of the inner tube (20). Three circular grooves (22) are formed at prescribed intervals in the longitudinal direction, for example, on the outer circumferential surface (21) of the inner tube (20). The circular grooves (22) are formed in the outer circumferential surface (21) by applying a cutting tool from the radial outward direction of the inner tube (20).
US08985185B2
An apparatus and methods for controlling the location and distribution of loose ceramic particles in a ceramic metal composite component formed via casting. A retaining structure that may include loose ceramic particles is placed in a casting mold at a desired location for ceramic particles in the composite component prior to pouring molten metal into the casting mold. Alternatively, the loose ceramic particles may be introduced into the mold concurrently with the molten metal.
US08985182B2
A foldable welding screen includes first and second elongate members each with a first end, a second end and an intermediate point. Intermediate point includes a pivoting connection with the first ends of the first and second elongate members being pivotally connected and the second ends of the first and second elongate members being pivotally connected. A stabilizing member has a first portion that is pivotally connected to the intermediate point of the first elongate member and a second portion that is pivotally connected to the intermediate point of the second elongate member. The first portion of the stabilizing member is movable relative to the second portion of the stabilizing member. A flexible substrate is attached to the first elongate member and the second elongate member. The first and second elongate members move between an erected position and a collapsed position.
US08985181B2
In a door operator having a driving end and a weight carrying end, an electric motor mechanism, a first electromagnetic clutch mechanism, a combination pull-chain disc and brake, a second electromagnetic clutch mechanism are disposed in sequence between the driving end and the weight carrying end, the mechanisms being connected by rotating shafts and a hollow shaft, in which when the electric motor mechanism is electrically powered, the first electromagnetic clutch mechanism moves the hollow shaft to separate from a brake device, and the second electromagnetic clutch mechanism connects the driving end to the weight carrying end; and when the electric motor mechanism is not electrically powered, the first electromagnetic clutch mechanism connects the hollow shaft to the brake device, and the second electromagnetic clutch mechanism separates the driving end from the weight carrying end.
US08985175B2
A room temperature bonding machine is provided with an evacuation apparatus, a gas supply apparatus, a pressure gauge, a cleaner apparatus, a pressure controller and a pressing mechanism. The evacuation apparatus evacuates gas from the chamber. The gas supply apparatus supplies introduction gas into the chamber. The pressure gauge measures the pressure in the chamber. The cleaner apparatus cleans first and second substrates in the chamber when said pressure is at a predetermined degree of vacuum. The pressure controller controls both of the evacuation apparatus and the gas supply apparatus so that the pressure is regulated to a target pressure. The pressing mechanism presses and bonds the first and second substrates when the pressure is set to said target pressure.
US08985164B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for controlling flow of a flowable material. The flowable material passes from a product supply through one or more valves which are coupled to a controller. The controller is also coupled to one or more sensors operable to generate a signal indicating whether flowable product is present or not present at a specific level within a container. The controller is programmed to operate the valves based on signals received from the sensors. The sensors may be associated with the feed container and used to control metering of flowable product out of the feed container, or they may be associated with a container and used to control filling of the container with flowable product.
US08985163B2
A system for charging pressurized aerosol cans with liquid is provided combining a disposable syringe and filling machine. The syringe is loaded with a liquid, then placed in the filling machine and connected to the inlet of the pressurized container. The filling machine is activated and an electric motor or a hydraulic piston exerts force on the syringe to inject the liquid into the aerosol container.
US08985162B2
A device connecting a recipient closed by a perforatable stopper and a container for a needle, comprising a base for mounting the container, the base defining a central bore and comprising means for mounting on the recipient, the needle pertaining to a subset engaged in the central bore forming part of the device, for mounting on the container, and being arranged in the central bore parallel to the bore's longitudinal axis, and a sealing sleeve arranged in the central bore, around the needle and in contact therewith, the base being a single component and comprising a body for perforating the stopper extending from an intermediate wall of the base, away from the central bore and parallel to its central axis, up to a distal end, the perforating body being hollow and the inner space thereof communicating with the central bore and with a space radially surrounding its distal end.
US08985153B2
A valve sub-base (100) is provided. The valve sub-base (100) includes a coupling system (200). The valve sub-base (100) includes a female coupling member (106a) formed on a first side (151) of the valve sub-base (100). The valve sub-base (100) also includes a male coupling member (106b) formed on a second side (152) of the valve sub-base (100) and configured to engage a corresponding female coupling member (106a) on an adjoining valve sub-base (100) to couple two or more valve sub-bases (100).
US08985151B1
A rotary fluid distribution apparatus has a first head with a wall extending around an interior volume thereof, and having a first orifice and a second orifice formed through the wall so as to open to the interior volume, a rotor extending through the interior volume, a first separation plate positioned within the first head and having an opening formed therethrough, a second separation plate positioned within the first head in spaced relation to the first separation plate and having a first opening and a second opening formed therein, and a tunneling channel extending between the first and second separation plates so as to communicate with the opening of the first separation plate and with the first opening of the second separation plate. The tunneling channel is movable with a rotation of the rotor.
US08985148B2
A ceramic control valve has a valve shell that orderly has a control shaft, an upper ceramic piece, a lower ceramic piece and a valve base connected underneath to avoid the abovementioned components from falling out. The ceramic control valve can change the water output style of the faucet without an additional handle, and the water output can be switched between front portion of the faucet and showerhead to effectively reduce the components of the faucets and simplify the assembly process.
US08985146B2
A faucet including a molded waterway assembly having a plurality of tubes overmolded within a valve interface member.
US08985134B2
A pressure relief device for pipeline networks includes first and second safety valves, each having an inlet side and an outlet side. The first safety valve is connected to a line of the pipeline network by its outlet side. A connecting pipeline extends between the two safety valves and connects the inlet side of the second valve to the outlet side of the first. A supply line carries a working fluid to the connecting pipeline, a supply-line safety valve for the supply line, and a discharge line connected to the connecting pipeline for removing working fluid carried to the connecting pipeline by the supply line.
US08985133B2
A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.
US08985130B2
A magnetically assisted coupling comprises at least two shaft segments. Each shaft segment has opposed ends and a hollow core. Adjacent segment ends are configured in a probe/socket configuration such that one segment end is configured to receive the adjacent segment end. Magnets of opposite polarity are mounted within said hollow core of adjacent segment ends, such that the magnet in the socket is positioned at a bottom of the socket, while the magnet in the probe defines a probe end. When adjacent segment ends are brought into close proximity the magnets attract each other and draw the probe end into the socket until the magnets are in contact.
US08985119B1
A nerve-stimulation device and method using light to provide a source of precise stimulation on one or more nerve fibers. In some embodiments, this simulation is provided through a device and method wherein a laser- or LED-light-generating source is operatively coupled to an optical fiber, which in turn is coupled to a plug in the end of a holder in a sheath. Light is then passed from the light source through the optical fiber to the holder and out a selected optical tip on the sheath to provide an efficacious amount of light to simulate nerves. In some embodiments, the device is constructed from non-magnetic material such as glass, plastic or ceramics. In some embodiments, the light emanating from the optical tip can be controlled manually or automatically. Some embodiments omit the fiber and use light directly from the laser diode.
US08985117B2
A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.
US08985113B2
A nozzle apparatus for dispensing an adjustable combination of gas, having a nozzle outlet adjustably combined with a delivery component. The nozzle outlet may have a groove for receiving a roll pin; and an inner lumen comprising a cylindrical shaft having a diameter between 5/1000ths and 20/1000ths of an inch. The delivery component configured to receive air from the nozzle outlet, may have a first circular ambient air hole having a diameter, and a second circular ambient air hole having the same diameter as the first ambient air hole, and a removable plugging device covering the second circular ambient air hole. The delivery component may be adjustable in orientation with respect to the nozzle outlet, and may be adjustable to vary a concentration of therapeutic gas delivered to a patient.
US08985112B2
An MIE apparatus has a blower, a direction valve, an oscillator, and a mask hose connector. The blower is connected to the direction valve, which is connected to the oscillator, which is connected to the hose connector. During insufflation, a direction valve connects exhaust of a blower to an oscillator, causing positive pressure at the hose connector. During exsufflation, the direction valve connects the blower intake to the oscillator, causing negative pressure at the hose connector. The oscillator is a butterfly valve with a 360° rotating disc. During insufflation, the disc is fixed to steadily modulate the airflow. During exsufflation, the oscillator is inactive or in flutter mode. When inactive, the disc is fixed to allow maximum air flow. In flutter mode, the disc continuously rotates so that the air flow rapidly alternates between maximum and minimum.
US08985109B2
A CPAP apparatus has a variable rise time (iii) from a base level of positive air pressure during expiration (EPAP) to a higher level during inspiration (IPAP). The rise time is adjusted in order to reduce obstruction, resistance or instability in the upper airway.
US08985104B2
A circulation system for use in a rebreathe system includes a base and a fan assembly coupled to the base. The base includes a motor and a rotatable drive shaft coupled to the motor. The fan assembly includes a housing with an inlet and outlet. The fan assembly further includes a fan coupled to the drive shaft to rotate therewith and is fluidly isolated from the drive shaft.
US08985098B2
A method for regulating gas flows into and out of a patient includes repetitively forcing respiratory gases out of the lungs. Respiratory gases are prevented from entering back into the lungs during a time between when respiratory gases are forced out of the lungs. Periodically, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the lungs.
US08985094B2
A heating system can include certain pressure sensitive features. These features can be configured to change from a first position to a second position based on a pressure of a fuel flowing into the feature. These features can include, fuel selector valves, pressure regulators, burner nozzles, and oxygen depletion sensor nozzles, among other features.
US08985088B2
Various systems and method for controlling exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in an internal combustion engine are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes injecting fuel to a subset of cylinders that includes less than all cylinders of a first cylinder group to obtain a target EGR rate. The first cylinder group provides exhaust gas through an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage structure fluidly coupled between the first cylinder group and an intake passage structure. The method further includes injecting fuel to at least one cylinder of a second cylinder group. The second cylinder group provides substantially no exhaust gas through the EGR passage structure.
US08985084B2
A crankshaft includes a coupling portion, a first functional portion, and a second functional portion. The coupling portion is coupled to a connecting rod. The first functional portion is provided on an upper portion of the crankshaft protruding from a crankcase. The first functional portion drives a first functional component. The second functional portion is provided on a lower portion of the crankshaft protruding from the crankcase. The second functional portion drives a second functional component. The entire crankshaft has been processed by a first treatment to at least enhance the corrosion resistance thereof. At least a coupling portion of the crankshaft has been processed by a second treatment to at least enhance the strength thereof. Neither of the first functional portion and the second functional portion has been processed by the second treatment.
US08985073B2
An oil supply apparatus includes an oil pump that is driven by an internal combustion engine; a supply passage that is connected to a discharge side of the oil pump; a lubricant passage that leads hydraulic fluid from the supply passage to a portion to be lubricated that is provided in the internal combustion engine; a hydraulic passage that leads hydraulic fluid from the supply passage to a variable valve mechanism; a flow regulating valve capable of regulating a flowrate of hydraulic fluid that flows through the lubricant passage; and a control apparatus that controls the flow regulating valve in a closing direction at startup of the internal combustion engine such that a pressure of hydraulic fluid that is led to the variable valve mechanism when the internal combustion engine is being cranked comes to be equal to or greater than a predetermined target pressure.
US08985063B2
When a detection temperature by a hot-water tank thermister (42) has been equal to or lower than a re-heating determination temperature over at least a re-heating determination time, a tank controller (50) performs a sterilization process by heating hot water within a hot-water tank (30) by means of a heat pump unit (60); and when the detection temperature by the hot-water tank thermister (42) has been equal to or lower than a determination temperature for prohibiting the use of hot water in the hot-water tank over at least a determination time for prohibiting the use of hot water in the hot-water tank, the tank controller (50) performs only a temperature regulation control via heating while keeping a hot-water flow regulation valve (34) in a closed state.
US08985061B2
An anchor in including a cylindrical member having a helical thread which can be advanced into an anchoring material and a tether restraint element having a configuration adapted to guide movement of a tether end movably coupled to said tether restraint toward a position on said tether restraint which directs forces transmitted to the tether restraint element from said tether end in a direction capable of rotationally advancing the elongate cylindrical member into the anchoring material.
US08985058B2
The present invention provides a wire crate for housing an animal. The wire crate includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and a pair of side panels oppositely disposed from one another. The crate also includes a front opening defined in the front panel. The front opening is configured to provide access to the interior of the crate. The crate further includes a pair of tracks coupled to each side of the front opening and a door slidably coupled to the pair of tracks. The door slides along the pair of tracks between an open position and a closed position.
US08985028B2
A multiple cable zip line ride is provided. The ride includes a support structure with a cross beam mounted to the support structure for routing and mounting of a plurality of cables of the zip line ride. The cables are mounted to the cross beam such that multiple users can travel simultaneously in the same direction along the cables. The cross beam provides for the mounting of additional safety cables and tensioning devices.
US08985026B2
Techniques are described for penetrating protective vehicle armor. In one example, a penetrator round assembly comprises a main penetrator rod comprising a tungsten alloy and a solid nose engaged to the main penetrator rod.
US08985025B1
A cluster munition may include a plurality of submunitions that are ejected from a delivery vehicle. Each submunition is single target discriminating and includes electronic self-destruct and self-deactivate capability. Each submunition includes a microprocessor and a wireless communication device connected to the microprocessor. Each submunition includes a deployable antenna/stabilizer that functions as an antenna for the wireless communication device and as a stabilizer to stabilize the descent of the submunition. Optionally, the deployable antenna/stabilizer may also facilitate ejection of the submunition from the delivery vehicle. The submunitions may wirelessly communicate with each other and with other entities.
US08985023B2
An apparatus for perforating a wellbore comprises a housing, at least one perforating charge disposed within the housing, a detonation cord coupled to the at least one perforating charge, and a booster coupled to an end of the detonation cord. The booster comprises a booster body having a first end and a second end, a cavity defined within the booster body between the first end and the second end, an explosive material disposed within the cavity adjacent the first end, and a locking feature disposed adjacent the second end, where the locking feature is configured to allow the booster to engage the end of the detonation cord in a first direction and resist movement in a second direction.
US08985018B2
A container system for containing a plurality of ink pads including a cover and a plurality of bases. The cover defines a cover mounting portion. Each base defines a support surface, a first base mounting portion, and a second base mounting portion. Each of the support surfaces is adapted to support at least one of the ink pads. The cover mounting portion is capable of engaging any one of the first base mounting portions to detachably attach the cover to the plurality of bases. The first base mounting portions are capable of engaging the second base mounting portions to detachably attach at least one of the bases to at least another of the bases. The container system operates in a stack mode and in a single mode. In the stack mode, the cover is detachably attached to one of the plurality of bases, and the one of the plurality of bases to which the cover is detachably attached is detachably attached to another of the plurality of bases. In the single mode, the cover is detachably attached to one of the plurality of bases and the plurality of bases are detached from each other.
US08985017B2
A variable cutoff printing press includes a plate cylinder, a plate cylinder support removably supporting the plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder, a blanket cylinder support removably supporting the blanket, an impression cylinder and an impression cylinder support. An actuator for moving the blanket cylinder support accommodates different blanket cylinder sizes, the actuator further moving the impression cylinder support so that regardless of blanket cylinder size a gap exists between the blanket cylinder support and the impression cylinder support. An on impression actuator moves the impression cylinder support against the blanket cylinder support to set a desired print load. A method is also provided.
US08984999B2
A programmable ammunition which receives a program as well as energy transmission is provided. The ammunition also comprises an energy store, an electronic system and an ignition in addition to at least one sensor for capturing the signal emitted for the program, the signal having a frequency which is transmitted further to the electronic system. The ammunition is also combined with an energy transfer unit in such a manner that an additional signal having a frequency is guided to the energy unit by the same the sensor and/or an additional sensor and is charged. Programming and the energy transmission occurs when the projectile passes through a weapon barrel, a muzzle brake or similar which is operated as a waveguide below the threshold frequency.
US08984998B2
The present disclosure provides an automatic electric punching apparatus that can automatically punch documents or paper sheets by lowering a screw punch blade by means of a screw while being rotated in conjunction with driving of a motor due to switching.
US08984990B2
A wrench includes a locking mechanism that provides variable locking positions. The wrench has handles that are rotatably connected such that a closing motion of the handles allows the wrench to grip workpieces as desired by moving a plurality of jaw elements inward toward the workpiece. The locking mechanism advantageously allows the jaws and handles of the wrench to be locked precisely on any size workpiece within the working range of the wrench. Related methods are also described.
US08984975B2
Provided is an interlocking chain unit that has reliable and strong interlocking and avoids buckling, breaking, and bending of a rigidified chain portion. In the interlocking chain unit (100), the interlocking operation of an outer tooth link plate (112BZ) and an outer tooth link plate (112AY) that are just about to complete the interlocking operation is completed in a manner that causes a first inter-pin distance (d1) and a second inter-pin distance (d2) become substantially equal to each other, and causes a third inter-pin distance (d3) to approach the second inter-pin distance (d2).
US08984967B2
The present disclosure relates to a method for sampling rock mass, especially jointed rock mass. The present disclosure provides a simple and convenient method for sampling jointed rock mass to prevent the rock sample from being disturbed and damaged during sampling and accordingly resulting in opening of the weak structural planes, to therefore obtain rock specimen correctly reflecting the basic physical and mechanical characteristics of rock mass comprising integral fissure network. The method for sampling jointed rock mass of the present disclosure comprises the following steps: Step a: Siting; Step b: Drilling; Step c: Protecting; and Step d: Sampling. The method is suitable for determining the basic mechanical properties of the rock mass and for assessing the stability of caverns in jointed rock mass.
US08984965B2
A rotational torsion tester, comprising: a first drive shaft; a second drive shaft; a load applying unit that applies a torsional load to a workpiece; at least one bearing unit including a first bearing unit that supports the load applying unit to be rotatable about a rotation axis; a rotation drive unit having a first electric motor that drives the second drive shaft and the load applying unit to rotate in phase; and a torque sensor that detects the torsional load, wherein the load applying unit comprises: a second electric motor that drives the first drive shaft; the torque sensor is attached to a part at which the first drive shaft is inserted into the shaft part; the torque sensor is disposed between a pair of first bearings; and the torque sensor includes a strain gauge adhered to a narrowed part to detect the torsional load.
US08984964B2
Provided is a torque measurement device including a stator in which a space portion is formed by a first annular ring and a second annular ring having protrusion pieces, a ring-shaped magnet disposed in the space portion, and a collector assembly including a first collector member and a second collector member to form at least one insertion space in which a magnetic element is disposed, wherein the insertion space is formed by bending an end of the first collector member and an end of the second collector member toward the space portion.
