US08999824B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device suppresses loss of vacuum in a chamber of an ion implanter, sag of a resist mask pattern for ion implantation, and producing a resist residue after ashing. First ion implanting process implants n-type impurity to form n+ impurity layer on the whole back surface of n− semiconductor wafer. A resist mask on the back surface of the wafer covers a part corresponding to where n+ cathode layer will be formed. A second ion implanting process implants p-type impurity using the resist mask to form p+ impurity layer in the interior of the n+ impurity layer. Second ion implanting process is split into two or more times. The dose of p-type impurity in second ion implanting process is greater than that of n-type impurity in first ion implanting process. The resist mask is removed, and p+ the n+ impurity layers activated.
US08999823B2
A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a thin-film transistor and a thin-film diode. The respective semiconductor layers and of the thin-film transistor and the thin-film diode are crystalline semiconductor layers that have been formed by crystallizing the same crystalline semiconductor film. Ridges have been formed on the surface of the semiconductor layer of the thin-film diode. And the semiconductor layer of the thin-film diode has a greater surface roughness than the semiconductor layer of the thin-film transistor.
US08999821B2
Methods of forming a fin structure for a field effect transistor are described. The methods may include the operations of patterning a mandrel on a surface of a substrate, and depositing an epitaxial layer of high-mobility channel material over exposed surfaces of the patterned mandrel. The epitaxial layer leaves a gap between adjacent columns of the patterned mandrel, and a dielectric material may be deposited in the gap between the adjacent columns of the patterned mandrel. The methods may also include planarizing the epitaxial layer to form a planarized epitaxial layer and exposing the columns of the patterned mandrel, and etching at least a portion of the exposed columns of the patterned mandrel and the dielectric material to expose at least a portion of the planarized epitaxial layer that forms the fin structure.
US08999813B2
A method of forming a focal plane array by: forming a first wafer having sensing material provided on a surface, which is covered by a sacrificial layer, the sensing material being a thermistor material defining at least one pixel; providing supporting legs for the pixel within the sacrificial layer, covering them with a further sacrificial layer and forming first conductive portions in the surface of the sacrificial layer that are in contact with the supporting legs; forming a second wafer having read-out integrated circuit (ROIC), the second wafer being covered by another sacrificial layer, into which is formed second conductive portions in contact with the ROIC; bringing the sacrificial oxide layers of the first wafer and second wafer together such that the first and second conductive portions are aligned and bonding them together such that the sensing material is transferred from the first wafer to the second wafer when a sacrificial bulk layer of the first wafer is removed; and removing the sacrificial layers to release the pixel, with the supporting legs underneath it.
US08999810B2
A method of making a stacked microelectronic package by forming a microelectronic assembly by stacking a first subassembly including a plurality of microelectronic elements onto a second subassembly including a plurality of microelectronic elements, at least some of the plurality of microelectronic elements of said first subassembly and said second subassembly having traces that extend to respective edges of the microelectronic elements, then forming notches in the microelectronic assembly so as to expose the traces of at least some of the plurality of microelectronic elements, then forming leads at the side walls of the notches, the leads being in electrical communication with at least some of the traces and dicing the assembly into packages. Additional embodiments include methods for creating stacked packages using substrates and having additional traces that extend to both the top and bottom of the package.
US08999807B2
A semiconductor component and methods for manufacturing the semiconductor component that includes a monolithically integrated common mode choke. In accordance with embodiments, a transient voltage suppression device may be coupled to the monolithically integrated common mode choke.
US08999803B2
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes forming a first gate electrode structure above a first active region and a second gate electrode structure above a second active region, forming a sacrificial spacer on sidewalls of the first and second gate electrode structures, and forming deep drain and source regions selectively in the first and second active regions by using the sacrificial spacer as an implantation mask. The method further includes forming drain and source extension and halo regions in the first and second active regions after removal of the sacrificial spacer and forming a fluorine implant region in the halo region of the first active region before or after formation of the drain and source extension and halo regions.
US08999802B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises: forming a gate stack on a substrate, wherein the gate stack comprises a gate dielectric layer and a gate conductor layer; selectively etching end portions of the gate dielectric layer to form gaps; and filling a material for the gate dielectric layer into the gaps.
US08999792B2
An apparatus comprises a substrate and a fin-type semiconductor device extending from the substrate. The fin type semiconductor device comprises a fin that comprises a first region having a first doping concentration and a second region having a second doping concentration. The first doping concentration is greater than the second doping concentration. The fin type semiconductor device also comprises an oxide layer. Prior to source and drain formation of the fin-type semiconductor device, a doping concentration of the oxide layer is less than the first doping concentration.
US08999786B1
Methods and structures for transistors having reduced source contact to gate spacings in semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming a transistor can include: forming a gate over an active area of the transistor; forming source and drain regions aligned to the gate in the active area; forming source and drain contacts over the source and drain regions, where a spacing from the gate to the source contact of the transistor is less than a spacing from the gate to the drain contact of the transistor; and using one or more modified masks for forming doping profiles for the source region and the drain region.
US08999767B2
A method including etching a dual damascene feature in a dielectric layer, the dual damascene feature including a first via opening, a second via opening, and a trench opening, forming a seed layer within the dual damascene feature, the seed layer including a conductive material, and heating the seed layer causing the seed layer to reflow and fill the first via opening, fill the second via opening, and partially fill the trench opening to form a first via, a second via, and a fuse line, respectively, wherein the seed layer no longer remains along an entire length of a sidewall of the trench opening. The method further including forming an insulating layer on top of the fuse line, and forming a fill material on top of the insulating layer and substantially filling the trench opening.
US08999759B2
A method for fabricating a packaging structure having an embedded semiconductor element includes: providing a substrate having opposite first and second surfaces and at least an opening penetrating the first and second surfaces; forming a first metallic frame around the periphery of the opening on the first surface; forming at least an opening inside the first metallic frame by laser ablation; disposing a semiconductor chip in the opening; forming a first dielectric layer on the first and second surfaces and the chip; forming a first wiring layer on the first dielectric layer of the first surface; and forming a first built-up structure on the first dielectric layer and the first wiring layer of the first surface. A shape of the opening is precisely controlled through the first metallic frame around the periphery of the predefined opening region, thereby allowing the chip to be precisely embedded in the substrate.
US08999756B2
Method and apparatus for semiconductor device fabrication using a reconstituted wafer is described. In one embodiment, diced semiconductor chips are placed within openings on a frame. A reconstituted wafer is formed by filling a mold compound into the openings. The mold compound is formed around the chips. Finished dies are formed within the reconstituted wafer. The finished dies are separated from the frame.
US08999751B2
It is an object to provide a semiconductor device having a new productive semiconductor material and a new structure. The semiconductor device includes a first conductive layer over a substrate, a first insulating layer which covers the first conductive layer, an oxide semiconductor layer over the first insulating layer that overlaps with part of the first conductive layer and has a crystal region in a surface part, second and third conductive layers formed in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer, an insulating layer which covers the oxide semiconductor layer and the second and third conductive layers, and a fourth conductive layer over the insulating layer that overlaps with part of the oxide semiconductor layer.
US08999742B1
Small silicon spheres, less than 200 um in diameter, are desirable for use in forming solar panels. To make such small spheres, a large-area glass substrate has etched in its surface millions of identical indentations, such as having diameters less than 200 um. A silicon ink, formed of a fluid containing nanoparticles of milled silicon, is then deposited over the substrate to completely fill the indentations, and the excess ink is removed. The ink is heated to evaporate the fluid and melt the silicon nanoparticles. A photonic system is used to rapidly melt the silicon. The melted silicon forms a sphere in each indentation by surface tension. Since the density of the silicon in the ink and the volume of each indentation are well defined, the volume of each sphere is well defined. The substrates are reusable. Hundreds of millions of spheres may be produced per minute using the process.
US08999738B2
A method for manufacturing an organic electroluminescent display apparatus including a plurality of organic electroluminescent devices at least containing a fused ring compound having an anthracene skeleton, includes, in the following order: forming an organic electroluminescent layer on a substrate on which a first electrode has been formed; processing the organic electroluminescent layer; forming a second electrode on the organic electroluminescent layer; and providing a sealing member covering the organic electroluminescent layer, in which the organic electroluminescent layer is not exposed to an environment containing oxygen and including light of a wavelength shorter than a wavelength of a long wavelength edge of an absorption spectrum of the fused ring compound having an anthracene skeleton from forming the organic electroluminescent layer until completion of providing the sealing member.
US08999729B2
A device for conducting an agglutination assay comprising several reaction vessels, each reaction vessel comprising an upper chamber having an opening for accepting reactants and/or a sample; and a lower chamber comprising an end in communication with the upper chamber for receiving fluids from the upper chamber, a closed end opposite to the end, and a matrix for separating agglutinates from non-agglutinates; wherein the device further comprises a rotating support able to rotate around an axis and holding pivotally the reaction vessels in a way to allow the reaction vessels to pivot about an axis essentially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the support when the latter is rotated, such that the fluids remain in the upper chamber when the support is not rotated, and can flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber and into the matrix when the support is rotated.
US08999725B2
In one embodiment of the present application, a stimulus-responsive gel is disclosed with optical characteristic molecule introduced therein that is capable of easily and securely converting a volume change responding to external stimulus to optical data being easy to handle in the construction of sensor system; an external stimulus measuring apparatus making use of the same; and a method of measuring external stimulus therewith. A molecule having fluorescent chromophore or a molecule or a molecule capable of absorbing visible light or ultraviolet light is introduced in a stimulus-responsive gel so that the content of the molecule having fluorescent chromophore or the molecule or a molecule capable of absorbing visible light or ultraviolet light falls within such a range that the concentration of the molecule having fluorescent chromophore or a molecule or the molecule capable of absorbing visible light or ultraviolet light in the stimulus-responsive gel with optical characteristic molecule introduced therein is substantially proportional to the fluorescence intensity or absorbance of the visible light or ultraviolet light of the stimulus-responsive gel with optical characteristic molecule introduced therein.
US08999722B2
Sensors and methods for determination of analytes are provided. Analytes including explosives (e.g., RDX or PETN) may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of a material upon exposure to the analyte. In some embodiments, the analyte and the material may interact via a chemical reaction to form a new emissive species. Embodiments described herein may provide inexpensive sensors with high selectivity and sensitivity.
US08999721B2
Provided is a method for assessing cardiovascular risk in Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes patients. The method involves obtaining data from a Type 2 diabetes patient or a Metabolic Syndrome patient and determining a Fayad/Schentag index which includes a Glucose Supply Index (S) to an Insulin Demand Index (D) ratio. The Fayad/Schentag index is used in scoring cardiovascular risks of Metabolic Syndrome patients and for recommending and implementing therapeutic interventions that can be shown to lower cardiovascular risk.
US08999714B2
Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, at least one of compositions, methods, devices, systems, kits, or products regarding rejuvenation or preservation of stem cells. Certain embodiments disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, methods of modifying stem cells, or methods of administering modified stem cells to at least one biological tissue.
US08999713B2
The invention provides methods for multiplying conifer embryogenic tissue. The methods of the invention comprise the steps of: (a) culturing conifer embryogenic tissue in or on a solid multiplication medium comprising one or more growth hormones; and (b) culturing the conifer embryogenic tissue multiplied in step (a) in or on a liquid multiplication medium comprising one or more growth hormones, wherein the initial concentration of growth hormones in the solid multiplication medium of step (a) is greater than the initial concentration of growth hormones in the liquid multiplication medium of step (b).
US08999712B1
A method for improving the sensitivity of an assay to determine the pathogenicity of a plant root pathogen using a soil amendment is presented. The method involves growing the plant root in the presence of a soil amendment after exposure of the plant root to the pathogen. A method of breeding plants is also provided.
US08999710B2
In a process for preparing disinfected preparations from mammalian tissues, mammalian tissue is perfused at one step with an enzyme-free liquid antibiotic composition that includes at least one antibiotic and is contained in at least one perfusion buffer. In a step occurring after such one step, enzymatic antibiotic-free treatment of the tissue is carried out to obtain a single-cell suspension. In another step disinfected preparations are obtained.
US08999708B2
The present invention relates to antibodies that specifically bind to IL12Rβ1, the non-signal transducing chain of both the heterodimeric IL12 and IL23 receptors. The invention more specifically relates to specific antibodies that are IL12 and IL23 receptor antagonists capable of inhibiting IL12/IL18 induced IFNγ production of blood cells and compositions and methods of use for said antibodies to treat pathological disorders that can be treated by inhibiting IFNγ production, IL12 and/IL23 signaling, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or inflammatory bowel diseases or other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
US08999702B2
The present invention is a disposable bioreactor formed of molded plastic. The bioreactor is presterilized and has a top and body sealed to each other. One or more ports are formed in the top and side of the housing. Preferably at least one port is below the liquid/air level for the housing. The one or more ports that are below the liquid/air interface level may be used as sampling ports or access ports for probes or drains or supply ports for liquids or gases. The bioreactor provides a direct retrofit for the existing glass or steel assembly that utilizes the existing support structures and controls. The molded design overcomes issues of discontinuity, dead spots and the like due to its fixed dimensions that are built in by the molding process. Reproducible probe and other equipment location is also guaranteed through the use of the molded port features. The molded plastic allows for greater flexibility in material selection to reduce or eliminate lipid or cholesterol binding.
US08999701B2
Furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are representative inhibitors to ethanologenic yeast generated from biomass pretreatment using dilute acid hydrolysis. Few yeast strains tolerant to inhibitors are available. A novel tolerant strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, NRRL Y-50049, having enhanced biotransformation ability to convert furfural to furan methanol (FM), HMF to furan di-methanol (FDM), and is able to produce a normal yield of ethanol as an initial culture.
US08999695B1
A β-mannanase having increased production yield and enzymatic activity is disclosed. The β-mannanase has a modified amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the modification is a substitution of Tyrosine at position 25 with Histidine.
US08999694B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides.
US08999690B2
Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes that are intramolecularly crosslinked between the 1-position and 3′-position, their bioconjugates and their uses are described. 1,3′-crosslinked carbocyanines are superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar 1,1′-crosslinked or non-crosslinked dyes. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.
US08999689B2
The invention provides novel nucleic acid polymerases from strains GK24 and RQ-1 of Thermus thermophilus, and nucleic acids encoding those polymerases, as well as methods for using the polymerases and nucleic acids.
US08999683B2
The invention is directed to a genetically modified microorganism for the extracellular production of free fatty acids and esters thereof, wherein said microorganism is characterized by a modified lipid biosynthesis metabolic pathway: for example reduced fatty acyl-coA synthetase activity that enables the microorganism to overproduce and secrete of esters of fatty acids (Biodiesel) into the surrounding medium, using one or more of: glucose, starch, lignocellulose and a glycerol-based substrate, as a carbon source. The invention further provides a method for the extracellular production of free fatty acids and esters thereof, comprising the use of said genetically modified organism, and a growth medium adapted for said method.
US08999680B2
The present invention relates to a novel method for the preparation of 1,4-diaminobutane [DAB]. The method according to the present invention involves at least one biocatalytic step which comprises the biocatalytic production of at least one N-protected precursor of DAB. The present invention also relates to a method for the preparation of DAB involving at least one biocatalytic step, and comprising the steps of a) biocatalytically preparing an N-protected precursor of DAB yielding a—biocatalytic reaction mixture containing the N-protected precursor of DAB, b) recovering the N-protected precursor from the biocatalytic reaction mixture and c) converting the N-protected precursor into DAB. More in particular, the present invention relates to a method for the preparation of DAB, wherein the at least N-protected precursor of DAB is selected from the group consisting of N5-protected ornithine, N-protected DAB, and N-protected 4-aminobutyraldehyde.
US08999670B2
A polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding same comprising one carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to an amino terminus of a cytokine and two carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to a carboxy terminus of a cytokine are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using same are also disclosed.
US08999669B2
The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide specifically binding to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The present invention also relates to a vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule of the invention, a host cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule of or the vector of the invention and a method of detecting the amount and/or location of PCNA in living cells, a method of screening for compounds having an effect on the cell cycle.
US08999666B2
The invention relates to kinase ligands and polyligands. In particular, the invention relates to ligands, homopolyligands, and heteropolyligands that modulate PKC activity. The ligands and polyligands are utilized as research tools or as therapeutics. The invention includes linkage of the ligands, homopolyligands, and heteropolyligands to a cellular localization signal, epitope tag and/or a reporter. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding the ligands and polyligands.
US08999658B2
The presently-disclosed subject matter provides methods and kits for diagnosing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a subject, such as a human child, wherein a biological sample is provided from the subject and the amount of a Urocortin III peptide is determined from the sample. Further provided are methods for diagnosing OSA in a subject wherein the amount of a Urocortin III peptide and one or more peptides selected from a Uromodulin peptide, an Orosomucoid 1 peptide, and a Kallikrein 1 peptide are determined in a biological sample from a subject.
US08999654B2
The present invention provides GPCR polypeptides and polynucleotides, recombinant materials, and transgenic mice, as well as methods for their production. The polypeptides and polynucleotides are useful, for example, in methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders. The invention also provides methods for identifying compounds (e.g., agonists or antagonists) using the GPCR polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention, and for treating conditions associated with GPCR dysfunction with the GPCR polypeptides, polynucleotides, or identified compounds. The invention also provides diagnostic assays for detecting diseases or disorders associated with inappropriate GPCR activity or levels.
US08999650B2
An apparatus and method for performing biopsies in-vivo using magnetically labeled nanoparticles is disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus is called a magnetic needle. When used in a biopsy, one embodiment of the present invention collects diseased cells in-vivo which have been tagged with magnetic nanoparticles coated with receptors for specific diseased cells.
US08999649B2
The present invention provides a molecular construct capable of fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET), comprising a linker peptide, and donor and acceptor fluorophore moieties, where the linker peptide is a substrate of a botulinum neurotoxin selected from the group consisting of synaptobrevin, syntaxin and SNAP-25, or a fragment thereof capable being cleaved by the botulinum neurotoxin, and separates the donor and acceptor fluorophores by a distance of not more than 10 nm, and where emission spectrum of the donor fluorophore moiety overlaps with the excitation spectrum of the acceptor fluorophore moiety; or where the emission spectra of the fluorophores are detectably different. Also provided are isolated nucleic acid expressing the construct, kits comprising said construct and cell lines comprising said nucleic acid. Further provided are methods of detecting a BoNT using the above described construct via FRET, and methods for detecting a BoNT using surface plasmon resonance imaging.
US08999630B2
An image is formed via positive/negative reversal on organic solvent development using a photoresist film comprising a polymer comprising recurring units of isosorbide (meth)acrylate in which one hydroxyl group of isosorbide is bonded to form (meth)acrylate and the other hydroxyl group is substituted with an acid labile group and an acid generator. The resist film is characterized by a high dissolution contrast between the unexposed and exposed regions. The photoresist film is exposed to radiation and developed in an organic solvent to form a fine hole pattern with good size control and high sensitivity.
US08999622B2
A pattern forming method, includes: (i) forming a film from a chemical amplification resist composition that contains (A) a resin capable of increasing a polarity of the resin (A) to decrease a solubility of the resin (A) for a developer containing an organic solvent by an action of an acid, (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, and (C) a solvent; (ii) exposing the film; and (iii) performing development by using a developer containing an organic solvent, wherein the resin (A) has a structure in which a polar group is protected with a leaving group capable of decomposing and leaving by an action of an acid, and the leaving group contains a fluorine atom.
US08999610B2
A method includes performing a beam scan on a photolithography mask to repair the photolithography mask. After the beam scan, a radiation treatment is performed on the photolithography mask. The method is performed by an apparatus including a beam generator configured to generate and project a beam on the lithography mask, a radiation source configured to generate a radiation on the lithography mask, and a process gas source configured to release a process gas onto the lithography mask. The process as reacts with a surface portion of the lithography mask to repair the lithography mask. With the radiation treatment, residue process gas on the lithography mask is removed.
US08999605B2
One exemplary embodiment discloses a bipolar plate assembly including a cathode plate and an anode plate. Each of the cathode plate and the anode plate includes a core material, a first surface material coupled to a first side of the core material, and a second surface material coupled to a second side of the core material, wherein the first surface material and the second surface material have a different composition from the core material.
US08999594B2
This invention relates to a unit cell for a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolyzer, and a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell and a flat-tubular solid oxide electrolyzer using the same, and more particularly to a unit cell for a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell or solid oxide electrolyzer, wherein the unit cell includes a connector including connection parts, thus decreasing the thickness of the unit cell and reducing the size of a cell stack, and to a flat-tubular solid oxide fuel cell and a flat-tubular solid oxide electrolyzer using the same.
US08999591B2
It is possible to prevent excessive power generation of a fuel cell when a failure has occurred. When a start signal is input, a fuel cell system sets an open end voltage of the fuel cell as an initial value of the output voltage of the fuel cell corresponding to the output current zero of the fuel cell. When the failure is detected, the fuel cell system reads out the open end voltage of the preset initial value as the output voltage corresponding to the output current zero and controls the voltage so that the output voltage of the fuel cell coincides with the open end voltage.
US08999587B2
A negative-electrode active material layer 12 contains Li4Ti5O12 as a negative-electrode active material, and a positive-electrode active material layer 14 contains LiCoO2 as a positive-electrode active material. A solid electrolyte layer 13 contains polyethylene oxide and polystyrene as an electrolyte material. Gradients of surfaces of stripe-shaped pattern elements 121 forming the negative-electrode active material layer 12 are smaller than 90° when viewed from a surface of the negative-electrode current collector 11. By such a construction, it is possible to construct a battery having a high capacity in relation to the used amount of the active materials and good charge and discharge characteristics.
US08999582B2
A composition including (a) a lithiated oxide of transition metals containing at least nickel, cobalt and aluminum and (b) a lithiated phosphate of at least one transition metal, the surface of which is at least partially covered by a layer of carbon. In the composition, the proportion by mass of the lithiated oxide of transition metals containing at least nickel, cobalt and aluminum is less than or equal to 10% of the weight of the composition, and the proportion by mass of the lithiated phosphate of at least one transition metal is greater than or equal to 90% of the weight of the composition. A lithium-ion or lithium-polymer type accumulator including at least one positive electrode containing this composition.
US08999580B2
The invention provides composite graphite particles, comprising a core material consisting of graphite having a interlayer distance d(002) of 0.337 nm or less and a surface layer consisting of graphite in which the intensity ratio ID/IG (R value) between the peak intensities (ID) in a range of 1300 to 1400 cm−1 and ( IG) in a range of 1580 to 1620 cm−1 as measured by Raman scattering spectroscopy is 0.3 or higher, wherein the peak intensity ratio I110/I004 between the peak intensities (I110)of face (110) and (I004)of face (004) obtained by XRD measurement on the graphite crystal is 0.15 or higher when the graphite has been mixed with a binder and pressure-molded to a density of 1.55 to 1.65 g/cm3, which composite graphite particles are useful in a secondary battery negative electrode having a high capacity, high charge/discharge characteristics and an excellent charging property, and also provides a paste for negative electrode, a negative electrode and a lithium secondary battery using the composite graphite.
US08999564B2
Disclosed is a secondary battery. The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly including a first plate, a second plate, and a separator disposed between the first and second plates, a battery case accommodating the electrode assembly and an electrolyte, a cap assembly sealing an opening formed on one side of the battery case, and a gasket disposed between the cap assembly and the battery case. The battery case includes a crimping part formed on an upper portion of the battery case, and the crimping part is disposed on the gasket. A ratio of a second thickness of the gasket to a first thickness of the gasket is greater than 1.8 and is less than 4.8. The first thickness is a length between an internal surface of the battery case and an outermost edge of the cap assembly, and the second thickness is a length between the internal surface of the battery case and an outermost tip of the crimping part.
US08999560B2
A prismatic type secondary battery including an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator between the first and second electrodes; a case accommodating the electrode assembly, the case having an open upper end and at least two pairs of surfaces facing each other; a cap assembly sealing the open upper end of the case; and an insulation tube surrounding a lateral periphery of the case and the cap assembly within a region up to a certain height or greater, the insulation tube including at least one elasticity part at a side thereof.
US08999559B2
A secondary battery is disclosed. The secondary battery includes an adhesive configured to attach to the electrode plates so as to strengthen the battery against separation, to reduce production of dust, and to protect the battery from dust.
US08999558B2
Various methods and apparatus relating to three-dimensional battery structures and methods of manufacturing them are disclosed and claimed. In certain embodiments, a three-dimensional battery comprises a battery enclosure, and a first structural layer within the battery enclosure, where the first structural layer has a first surface, and a first plurality of conductive protrusions extend from the first surface. A first plurality of electrodes is located within the battery enclosure, where the first plurality of electrodes includes a plurality of cathodes and a plurality of anodes, and wherein the first plurality of electrodes includes a second plurality of electrodes selected from the first plurality of electrodes, each of the second plurality of electrodes being in contact with the outer surface of one of said first plurality of conductive protrusions. Some embodiments relate to processes of manufacturing energy storage devices with or without the use of a backbone structure or layer.
US08999548B2
A battery module having a cooling plate assembly made from two non-contiguous cooling plates is provided. Each cooling plate has a side panel contiguous with a base panel, and the cooling plates are disposed opposite one another such that the base panels are coplanar and separated by a gap. An inlet duct runs along an upper edge of each side panel, and a manifold having coolant channels in fluid communication with the inlet duct is located in each side panel. The base panels have an outlet duct in fluid communication with the manifold. The cooling plate is designed to decrease friction loss as coolant flows through the inlet duct, manifold and outlet cut, and coolant channels in the manifold are designed to maintain a uniform flow rate across the manifold. Individual cells are disposed in the assembly such that the cell sides and bottoms are in heat-transfer contact with the plate side and base panels, respectively. The design of the battery module reduces operational temperature variation in the cells across the battery module and within each battery cell. Methods for reducing coolant flow friction loss, for establishing a more uniform coolant flow rate, and for reducing temperature variation are also provided.
US08999541B2
A battery pack including: a case in which a plurality of batteries are received; an electrode tab to connect the batteries to form one unit; and a data wire having a first end connected to the electrode tab, to act as a signal transmitting line of the plurality of batteries.
US08999536B2
A battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes at least two battery cells to provide a high capacity battery pack. The battery pack includes a single PCM assembly controlling at least two battery cells to decrease inferiority due to overcharge and overdischarge. Since a connector tab electrically connecting at least two battery cells to a single PCM assembly is provided, contacts are not separated during the swelling of the battery cells to prevent contact inferiority. A top case and a bottom case are provided to be coupled with at least two battery cells to maintain a secure coupling between the at least two battery cells.
US08999534B2
A lubricant for a magnetic disk that is excellent in heat resistance and is suitably used in a magnetic disk to be mounted on a magnetic recording device of a thermally assisted magnetic recording system and a magnetic disk provided with a lubricant layer containing this lubricant. The lubricant for a magnetic disk contains a compound where perfluoropolyether groups each having a perfluoropolyether main chain in its structure and a phosphazene ring at an end are linked to each other through a linking group. The linking group is an aliphatic group or a phosphazene ring. In a magnetic disk having at least a magnetic recording layer, a protective layer, and a lubricant layer on a substrate, the lubricant layer contains the lubricant for a magnetic disk.
US08999533B2
Provided is a magnetic disk comprising a lubricating layer formed of a lubricant. The lubricant constituting the lubricating layer has excellent properties, for example, excellent fluidity, surface energy, and CFT properties. By virtue of the excellent properties, the magnetic disk has a high level of reliability despite a low flying height of a magnetic head due to a recent rapid increase in recording density and a very severe environment resistance requirement due to diversification of applications. The magnetic disk comprises a substrate and at least a magnetic layer, a protective layer, and a lubricating layer provided in that order over the substrate. The lubricating layer is formed of a lubricant that is a mixture of a specific perfluoropolyether lubricant with a lubricant formed of a compound comprising perfluoropolyether groups having a perfluoropolyether main chain in the structure thereof and having a hydroxyl group at the end thereof, the perfluoropolyether groups being bonded to each other through a divalent linking group having at least two hydroxyl groups in the structure thereof.
US08999530B2
The present invention provides a new compound and an organic electronic device using the same. The compound according to the present invention may serve as hole injection, hole transporting, electron injection and transporting, and light emitting materials and the like in an organic electronic device comprising an organic light emitting device, and the organic electronic device according to the present invention shows excellent properties in terms of efficiency, driving voltage and service life.
US08999526B2
An organic photoelectric device may include an anode and a cathode configured to face each other, and an active layer between the anode and cathode, wherein the active layer includes a quinacridone derivative and a thiophene derivative having a cyanovinyl group.
US08999522B2
A 6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline derivative has a structure of formula (I). R9 is a member selected from the group consisted of an aryl group having one or more substituents and a heteroaryl group having one or more substituents, and R1 to R8 are substituents. The 6H-indolo[2,3-b]quinoxaline derivative of the present invention incorporates an indole and a quinoxaline group therefore inherits good energy transfer ability from indole and good electron-injection ability from quinoxaline. The compound of the present invention may function as a host material or a dopant in the light-emitting layer. In addition, the compound of the present invention may function as hole transport material, electron transport material, hole blocking material, electron blocking material, hole injecting material or electron injecting material.
US08999515B2
A projection welding structure including plural projection portions that are provided to an end face at an open side end portion of a reinforcement member flange portion and are disposed at intervals along the length direction of the reinforcement member. The plural projection portions are each abutted and welded to welding projections formed in a surface of a panel frame. Contact between the welding member and the welded member is suppressed at locations other than at the welding projections by such a structure.
US08999508B2
A back sheet of solar module with high adhesivity comprises a substrate (3), a layer of fluorine-based film (2), and a layer of fluoro-silicone film (1) or titanium-silicon film (4) formed between the layer of fluorine-based film (2) and the substrate (3), as well as on outer surface of the layer of fluorine-based film (2). A method for manufacturing the back sheet of solar module comprises the treatment on the layer of fluorine-based film (2) and/or substrate (3) with compound of fluoro-silicone or titanium-silicon, so as to coat a layer of fluoro-silicone film (1) or titanium-silicon film (4).
US08999506B2
The present invention relates to a method for synthesizing water-soluble particles, the method includes providing a solution including a lanthanide compound, a halide compound, and a first solvent; introducing a capping agent into the solution to form a mixture; heating the mixture under pressure to produce the particles; and recovering the particles from the mixture. The present invention also relates to a water-soluble particle having a surface functional group. The particles exhibit up-conversion luminescence utilizing NIR excitation, wherein the particles are synthesized in a one-pot process.
US08999503B2
A thermally removable pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet includes a substrate and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that is provided on at least one side of the substrate and made from a polyester-based pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing a polyester including at least a lactic acid unit, a dibasic acid unit, and a glycol unit, a foaming agent, and a crosslinking agent. The dibasic acid unit includes a dimer acid, the polyester has a weight average molecular weight of 20,000 to 200,000 and a glass transition temperature of −70 to −20° C. as measured using a differential scanning calorimeter at a temperature rise rate of 20° C./minute, and the polyester has a hydroxyl value of 1 to 60 mgKOH/g.
US08999499B2
A white porous polyester film of the present invention comprising a polyester-based monopolymer/copolymer blend, a crystalline polymer resin which is not miscible with a polyester and has a heat deformation temperature of 90° C. or higher, inorganic particles, a whitening agent, and a stabilizing agent has improved optical properties, and thus is useful as a film for use in printing, labeling, electronics, and display applications.
US08999488B2
An optical member includes an oxide layer that has a stable fine textured structure that is excellent in durability. The optical member includes a base material and an antireflection coating on a surface of the base material. The antireflection coating includes at least an oxide layer having a fine textured structure on the surface, and the oxide layer contains a phosphate compound. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing the optical member is provided.
US08999482B2
A structure 1 is provided with a core layer 2 where a plurality of polygonal-cylindrical or circular-cylindrical cells S are disposed adjoiningly inside and skin layers 3, 4 that are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the core layer 2. Communication portions 6 for communicating with adjacent cells S are formed in the core layer 2. A molded article is formed by providing a bent portion to the structure 1.
US08999477B2
An apparatus for attachment to a medicine container has a label with label surface such that it can be written upon by hand with a writing instrument. An attachment mechanism is provided which will attach the label to a medicine container. The label surface contains thermochromic material to indicate change in body temperature.
US08999473B2
Thick, compressible, multilayer labels with the appearance and feel of hard plastic identification shields comprise: A. A printable film having first and second opposing facial surfaces; B. A first adhesive having first and second opposing facial surfaces, the first facial surface of the adhesive in intimate contact with the second facial surface of the film; and C. Foam having first and second opposing facial surfaces, the first facial surface of the foam in intimate contact with the second facial surface of the first adhesive. In certain embodiments of the invention, the labels include one or more of a printable coating on the first facial surface of the film, a second adhesive in intimate contact with the second facial surface of the foam, and a release liner in contact with the second adhesive.
US08999471B2
A cylindrical stopper for closing a medical system and a method for closing a medical system, and to the medical system itself, closed with the stopper of the invention.
US08999470B2
Disclosed is a surface conductive laminated sheet which comprises a base material layer containing an ABS resin as a main component, and a surface layer laminated on the surface of at least one side of the base material layer. In the laminated sheet, the ABS resin in the base material layer includes a composition made of 5-15 mass % of vinyl cyanide monomer, 45-65 mass % of diene-based rubber, and 50-20 mass % of aromatic vinyl monomer, and includes a graft rubber having a graft rate of 50-80%. The graft rubber has a mass average molecular weight (Mw) of a graft chain of 18,000-56,000, and/or has a volume average particle diameter of 0.3 to 2.0 μm. By using the laminated sheet, it is possible to obtain an electronic part packaging container, such as carrier tape etc., which has extremely few punch burrs regardless of the type of forming apparatus when punched by means of a slit method or embossing.
US08999464B2
An optical film having a core layer containing a (meth)acrylic resin having a lactone ring structure, and an outer layer containing a cellulose acetate with a thickness of from more than 3 μm to 20 μm on at least one side of the core layer is excellent in nonbrittleness and adhesiveness to a polarizing element.
US08999462B2
The present invention provides a photosensitive monomer of which hydrogen atoms of benzene ring of a hard core are substituted by fluorine atoms to increase the electronegativity of the hard core, so that the curing voltage of the curing process is reduced. The photosensitive monomer of the present invention not only reduces the curing voltage and curing time of the curing process of liquid crystal panels, but also increases the pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules to reduce the response time of a liquid crystal display, so that image sticking and MURA phenomenon are reduced.
US08999461B2
The present invention relates to an electro-optical light modulation element and to electro-optical displays and display systems, such as television screens and computer monitors, containing elements of this type. The light modulation elements according to the invention contain a mesogenic modulation medium which is in the isotropic phase during operation of the light modulation elements and are particularly distinguished by very short response times in addition to good contrast and low viewing-angle dependence. The mesogenic modulation media used in the electro-optical light modulation elements are likewise a subject-matter of the present invention.
US08999459B2
The present invention relates to a liquid-crystal (LC) display of the PSA (polymer sustained alignment) type, and to polymerizable compounds and LC media for use in PSA displays.
US08999458B2
A method and apparatus for fabricating or altering a microstructure use means for heating to facilitate a local chemical reaction that forms or alters the submicrostructure.
US08999450B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a substrate having a metal complex film on the surface thereof. According to the present invention, a metal salt-containing composition containing a metal salt, a polyvalent carboxylic acid having a cis-form structure, and a solvent, in which: the molar ratio of the polyvalent carboxylic acid to the metal salt is not less than 0.5 and not more than 4.0; the moisture content of the composition is not less than 0.05% by weight is used in an application method to apply on a substrate. Thereafter, a two-step heat treatment is carried out.
US08999434B2
A process is provided whereby a membrane/electrode assembly for polymer electrolyte fuel cells whereby a high output voltage is obtainable within a wide range of current densities.A process for producing a membrane/electrode assembly 1 comprising a first electrode 10 having a first catalyst layer 12 and a first gas diffusion layer 14, a second electrode 20 having a second catalyst layer 22 and a second gas diffusion layer 24, and an electrolyte membrane 30, wherein the first gas diffusion layer 14, a first intermediate having the first catalyst layer 12 formed on the surface of the electrolyte membrane 30 by coating followed by annealing, and a second intermediate having the second catalyst layer 22 formed on the surface of the second gas diffusion layer 24 by coating, are bonded, so that the first catalyst layer 12 is located between the first gas diffusion layer 14 and the electrolyte membrane 30, and the second catalyst layer 22 is located between the second gas diffusion layer 24 and the electrolyte membrane 30.
US08999424B2
An aqueous composition specifically adapted for supporting physical performance. The liquid composition comprises ribose, a saccharide such as glucose or dextrose, coenzyme Q10, ATP, caffeine, and D-pinitol in conjunction with minerals and electrolytes. The orally-consumed liquid composition may be sold in solid form, such as a powder, granulate, or tablet to be added to water or other fluid, or it may be sold as a shelf-stable ready-to-drink liquid. The liquid composition physiologically enhances essential energy stores and provides a supply of ingredients which support physiological generation and regeneration of ATP.
US08999418B2
The present application describes methods for reducing oil uptake of fried foods, comprising adding water to a batter mix comprising flour, at least one seasoning, optionally, a leavening agent, and granulated or agglomerated methylcellulose, provided that the methylcellulose has been granulated or agglomerated with a sufficient amount of carboxymethylcellulose as binder, to form a batter; contacting a food with the batter to prepare a battered food; and frying the battered food.
US08999403B2
Methods of using extracts of Serissa japonica to impart benefits to skin and/or improve skin conditions resulting from aging or damaged skin.
US08999399B2
The invention relates to a novel combined disinfection and decontamination agent comprising at least one vitamin, at least one metal ion, at least one active-surface compound, and at least one further antimicrobial active substance. The agent according to the invention surprisingly shows nearly complete nucleic acid disintegration in addition to an improved disinfectant effect. The agent can be successfully used as a combined decontamination and disinfection agent for skin, mucous membranes, hands, wounds, and/or hair, and instruments and surfaces of all kinds.
US08999389B2
A novel method for the preparation of a highly densified and at least partly, preferably fully or almost fully hydrated ceramic for use in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition notably for controlled-release of one or more therapeutically, prophylactically and/or diagnostically active substance. The method involves a concomitant step of hydrating and densifying a bioresorbable and hydratable ceramic such as calcium sulphate. The invention also relates to compositions comprising such a highly densified ceramic. The pharmaceutical composition is useful for targeted and controlled local prolonged release of active substances, e.g. anti-cancer agents, whereby the spectrum and severity of side effects are minimized due to an optimized local concentration-time profile.
US08999388B2
Drug tablets that include a prolonged-release core and an immediate-release layer or shell are prepared with a thin barrier layer of drug-free polymer between the prolonged-release and immediate-release portions of the tablet. The barrier layer is penetrable by gastrointestinal fluid, thereby providing full access of the gastrointestinal fluid to the prolonged-release core, but remains intact during the application of the immediate-release layer, substantially reducing or eliminating any penetration of the immediate-release drug into the prolonged-release portion.
US08999370B2
The invention provides a method to treat or prevent posterior capsular opacification. The method comprises administering a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one kinase inhibitor. The kinase inhibitor inhibits p38 kinases, ERK kinases, and/or Src family kinases. The invention also provides an ocular device coated with at least one kinase inhibitor.
US08999369B2
Methods and devices relating to polymer-bioceramic composite implantable medical devices, such as stents are disclosed. A suspension solution is formed including a fluid, a biodegradable polymer, and bioceramic particles. The biodegradable polymer and particles are precipitated from the suspension to form a mixture. A composite is formed by combining the mixture with another polymer and a scaffolding is formed from the composite.
US08999367B1
Bioabsorbable substrates having antimicrobial metal ion coatings that are well suited for implantation in to a subject's body to treat and/or prevent infection. In particular, described herein are flexible bioabsorbable filaments that are coated with an anodic metal (e.g., silver and/or zinc and/or copper) that is co-deposited with a cathodic metal (e.g., palladium, platinum, gold, molybdenum, titanium, iridium, osmium, niobium or rhenium) on the filament so that the anodic metal is galvanically released as antimicrobial ions when the apparatus is inserted into a subject's body. The anodic metal may be at least about 30 percent by volume of the coating.
US08999358B2
The present invention relates to aqueous insecticidal preparations in the form of an aqueous dispersion of finely divided polymer particles which comprise at least one insecticidal organic active ingredient with a solubility in water of not more than 5 g/l at 25° C. at 1013 mbar and which have a mean particle size, determined by dynamic light scattering, of not more than 300 nm, where the polymer particles which comprise the at least one insecticidal active ingredient of a cationic surface charge and where the aqueous dispersion of the active-ingredient-comprising polymer particles is obtainable by subjecting a monomer composition of ethylenically unsaturated monomers M, in which the ethylenically unsaturated monomers M comprise the at least one insecticidal active ingredient in dissolved form, to radical aqueous emulsion polymerization. The invention also related to the use of such aqueous insecticide compositions for protecting lignocellulosic materials, in particular timber, against attack by harmful insects.
US08999356B1
Drug delivery systems and a treatment regimen that improves percutaneous absorption of topically applied drug or active agent is described. The method generally has three steps including pre-treating the surface of skin in need thereof; applying an active ingredient to the skin; and applying a post treatment agent to the skin. Pre-treatment agents, drugs and active ingredients, as well as post treatment agents are described.
US08999347B2
The present invention relates to a novel lipoprotein particle, methods for preparing and purifying the same, its use in medicine, particularly in the prevention of malarial infections, compositions/vaccines containing the particle or antibodies against the protein particle such as monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies and use of the same, particularly in therapy. Furthermore, particles with the specific ratio can be prepared by employing yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Pichia pastoris. In particular it relates to an immunogenic protein particle comprising the following monomers: a. a fusion protein comprising sequences derived from a CS protein of P. vivax and the S antigen of Hepatitis B (CSV-S), and b. S antigen derived from Hepatitis B virus, and characterized in that the ratio of S to CSV-S is in the range 0.1 to 1. Suitably, the ratio of S to CSV-S is in the range 0.19 to 0.30 or 0.68 to 0.80.
US08999346B2
The present invention relates to the use of immunogenic peptides comprising a T-cell epitope derived from a tumour-associated antigen and a redox motif such as C-(X)2-[CST] or [CST]-(X)2-C in the treatment of a tumour or in the treatment or prevention of a tumour relapse, and in the manufacture of medicaments therefore.
US08999337B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) where a TNFα inhibitor, such as a human TNFα antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, is used to treat JIA. In particular, the invention is directed to methods and compositions relating to a fixed dosing regimen for treating JIA with a TNFα inhibitor.
US08999336B2
The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that bind or neutralize Orthopoxviruses. The invention provides such antibodies, fragments of such antibodies retaining B5 or A33 binding ability, fully human antibodies retaining B5 or A33 binding ability, and pharmaceutical compositions including such antibodies. The invention further provides for isolated nucleic acids encoding the antibodies of the invention and host cells transformed therewith. Additionally, the invention provides for prophylactic, therapeutic, and diagnostic methods employing the antibodies and nucleic acids of the invention.
US08999332B2
A method of regulating an activity of metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the MMP-9 with an agent which specifically interacts with an OG domain of the MMP-9. Molecules capable of specifically interacting with the OG domain, methods of identifying same, pharmaceutical compositions comprising same and uses thereof are also disclosed.
US08999330B2
The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as antibodies and fragments thereof having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat thrombosis in diseases associated with abnormal blood coagulation or fibrinolysis. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting elevated D-dimer or other cogulation cascade related proteins and optionally will further exhibit elevated C reactive protein prior to treatment. The subject therapies also may include the administration of other actives such as chemotherapeutics, anti-coagulants, statins, et al.
US08999328B2
Small animal models for assessing immunomodulatory effects of compounds are provided.
US08999317B2
Disclosed are methods and compositions related to the structure and function of APOBEC3G.
US08999312B2
The use of poly(oxybutylene)-poly(oxyethylene)-poly(oxybutylene) block copolymers in pharmaceutical compositions useful, for modifying the surfaces of contact lenses and other medical devices is disclosed. The present invention is based in-part on a discovery that this class of compounds is particularly efficient in wetting hydrophobic surfaces, such as the surfaces of silicone hydrogel contact lenses and other types of ophthalmic lenses, but do not induce foaming when used in conjunction with a peroxide-based contact lens disinfection regimen. Such compounds may also be useful for cleaning purposes. The use of the compounds as surfactants in peroxide-based compositions for disinfecting contact lenses therefore represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
US08999311B2
The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one compound which gives the cosmetic composition a thermal profile having a melting peak wherein the mid-height width Lf is less than or equal to 20° C., and wherein the composition is heat-stable. The present disclosure also relates to the process of depositing a film on the keratin fibers, wherein the film is homogenous and/or has improved curling properties, comprising applying the cosmetic composition disclosed herein to keratin fibers.
US08999309B2
Cosmetics, particularly styling agents, containing at least one copolymer A composed of at least one monomer A1 chosen from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, alkyl acrylates, and alkyl methacrylates, and at least one amphoteric monomer A2 chosen from (meth)acryloyl alkyl betaines and (meth)acryloyl alkyl amine oxides, and at least one film-forming and/or stabilizing anionic copolymer B in a cosmetically acceptable carrier. Also disclosed is the use of said cosmetics for temporarily shaping hair.
US08999301B2
A method of treating a material, the method comprising applying to the material a composition comprising at least 10 wt % of ammonium carbonate, ammonium carbamate or a mixture thereof; and a source of hydrogen peroxide.
US08999299B2
UV-photoprotective, topically applicable cosmetic/dermatological compositions contain: (a) at least one silicon-containing s-triazine substituted with two aminobenzoate or aminobenzamide groups of specific formula (I), and (b) at least one non-silicon-containing lipophilic 1,3,5-triazine compound UV-screening agent, such compositions having improved photoprotective effectiveness in the UV-B range and the 1,3,5-triazine compound(s) being improvedly soluble therein.
US08999298B2
A dental composition for oral use, containing a phosphorylated saccharide (a), a polyphosphoric acid and/or a salt thereof (b), and a cationic bactericidal agent (c), wherein a ratio of a total amount of the phosphorylated saccharide (a) and the polyphosphoric acid and/or a salt thereof (b) contained to an amount of the cationic bactericidal agent (c) contained, i.e. {(a)+(b)}/(c), is from 0.05 to 20 in a weight ratio. The dental composition for oral use of the present invention can be suitably used for an oral cavity cleaning agent, including dentifrice agents such as a paste dentifrice agent, a powder dentifrice agent, and a liquid dentifrice agent, a mouse-wash agent, a troche, a tablet, a cream, an ointment, a bonding agent, a mouth spray, a coating agent to tooth surface or a dental prosthetic, a hypersensitive inhibitor, a therapeutic agent for periodontal diseases, that is applied to a periodontal pocket, wet tissue for oral cavity care, an oral refreshing agent, chewing gum, or a gargling agent, or the like.
US08999297B2
A generally non-acidic hemostatic agent, having a relatively neutral pH comprising a magnesium compound, such as a magnesium chloride, a magnesium sulfate and/or a magnesium acetate based compound. The resultant agent is generally less caustic than previous agents, when using a similar amount of active material.
US08999291B2
This invention provides isolated or recombinant polypeptides that are useful to vaccinate individuals suffering from chronic/recurrent biofilm disease or as a therapeutic for those with an existing infection. The individual's immune system will then naturally generate antibodies which prevent or clear these bacteria from the host by interfering with the construction and or maintenance of a functional protective biofilm. Alternatively, antibodies to the polypeptides can be administered to treat or prevent infection. Bacteria that cannot form functional biofilms are more readily cleared by the remainder of the host's immune system.
US08999288B1
A method for making zeolite SSZ-35 is disclosed using a N,N-dimethylazonanium cation as a structure directing agent.
US08999287B2
A device for mixing and cooling two reactive liquids, comprising a bundle type heat exchanger with parallel tubes, a head space open to one end of all tubes, a first inlet to the head space for introducing a first liquid and a second inlet to the head space with a multitude of nozzles for introducing a second liquid, the nozzles being located within the head space and oriented to direct the introduced liquid transverse to the axis of the tubes of the tube bundle, is useful for making peroxomonosulphuric acid from 85 to 98% by weight sulphuric acid introduced into the first inlet of the device and 50 to 80% by weight aqueous hydrogen peroxide introduced into the second inlet of the device.
US08999284B2
The present invention provides a process for preparing a precipitated calcium carbonate product. The process comprises the steps of preparing an aqueous suspension of precipitated calcium carbonate seeds by carbonating a suspension of Ca(OH)2 in the presence of 0.005 to 0.030 moles of Sr, in the form of Sr(OH)2, based upon moles of Ca(OH)2 prior to or during carbonation; forming an aqueous suspension of a precipitated calcium carbonate product by carbonating a slurry of Ca(OH)2 in the presence of 0.5 to 5% by dry weight of the precipitated calcium carbonate seeds, wherein the precipitated calcium carbonate seeds have a D50 that is less than the D50 of the precipitated calcium carbonate product and the precipitated calcium carbonate seeds have an aragonitic polymorph content greater than or equal to the precipitated calcium carbonate product.
US08999283B1
In one embodiment, carbon dioxide is converted into a chemical feedstock by providing a mixture of plasmonic material and oxygen-conducting material, exposing the mixture to sunlight so that solar energy is absorbed by the plasmonic material which then heats the oxygen-conducting material so that oxygen vacancies are generated, passing carbon dioxide through the mixture, and the oxygen-conducting material removing oxygen atoms from the carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide.
US08999277B2
A Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) that includes urea, demineralized water and between 5 and 300 ppm formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propianaldehyde, or butyraldehyde, and this formulation of DEF include less than 0.6 ppm of phosphates, calcium, iron, aluminum, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, the formulation also includes less than 0.3 ppm copper, zinc, chromium, and nickel. This formulation of DEF reduces the accumulation of urea deposit in the diesel exhaust system relative to other formulation of specification grade DEF that include less formaldehyde.
US08999275B2
The present disclosure is directed to a method for monitoring a cleaning of a process gas passing through a wet scrubber. The wet scrubber comprises an inlet zone, a contact zone and an outlet zone. The contact zone is divided into at least two sections. The method comprises measuring a concentration of sulphur dioxide in at least a first measuring point corresponding to a first section of the at least two sections of the contact zone to obtain measurement information; and comparing the measurement information to a reference value to determine a local sulphur dioxide removal performance of the first section.
US08999272B2
The present invention relates to a holder for at least one capture device (30) for collecting microdissected specimens, having a holding element (2) in which the at least one capture device (30) is to be arranged, the holding element (2) being transferable into a working position in order to collect microdissected specimens, the holding element (2) being mounted by way of at least two levers (3a, 3b) in a frame (1) of the holder (40), and being vertically displaceable relative to said frame (1) by way of a displacement of the levers (3a, 3b).
US08999266B2
A slotted pin tool, a delivery system containing the pin tool, a substrate for use in the system and methods using the pin tool and system are provided. The slotted pin tool contains a plurality of pins having slotted ends designed to fit around each loci of material deposited on a surface, such as a microarray, without contacting any of the deposited material. Sample is delivered by contacting the pin tool with the surface; the amount delivered is proportional to the velocity of the pin tool as it contacts the surface or the velocity of the liquid when movement of the pin is halted.
US08999247B2
In one exemplary embodiment, a system for reacting a first feed can include a petroleum fraction having at least about 90%, by volume, with a boiling point of at least about 300° C. The system can include a bubble column reactor. The bubble column reactor, in turn, can include a first inlet for the first feed and a second inlet for a second feed including a gas rich in hydrogen. In addition, the petroleum fraction may be in counter-current flow with respect to the gas rich in hydrogen inside the bubble column reactor.
US08999233B2
Nanostructured Mn—Al, Mn—Al—C permanent magnets are disclosed. The magnets have high coercivities (about 4.8 kOe and 5.2 kOe) and high magnetization values. An intennetallic composition includes a ternary transition metal modified manganese aluminum alloy Mn—Al—Fe, Mn—Al—Ni, or Mn—Al—Co having at least about 80% of a magnetic τ phase and permanent magnetic properties. The alloy may have a saturation magnetization value of at least 96 emu/g with approximately 5% ternary transition metal replacing Al. The alloy may also have a saturation magnetization value of at least 105 emu/g with 10% ternary transition metal replacing Al.
US08999232B2
There is provided a bearing for motor-powered fuel injection pumps, made from Cu—Ni-based sintered alloy, which is able to be obtained at a low cost, having excellent corrosion and abrasion resistances. The bearing contains 10 to 20% by mass of Ni, 5 to 13% by mass of Sn, 0.1 to 0.8% by mass of P, 1 to 6% by mass of C, and a remainder containing Cu and inevitable impurities, and is formed with a Ni—Sn—Cu—P phase containing at least 30% by mass of Sn in a grain boundary, and has a 8 to 18% porosity. The Ni—Sn—Cu—P phase contains 30 to 49% by mass of Ni, 10 to 30% by mass of Cu, 0.5 to 1.5% by mass of P, and a remainder containing Sn and inevitable impurities.
US08999230B1
New net shape strength retaining high temperature alloy parts are formed from fine metallurgical powders by mechanically blending the powders and placing them in die, placing a piston in the die, extending the piston into a driving chamber, filling the chamber with CH4 and air and compressing the powders with the filling pressure. Igniting gas in the chamber drives the piston into the cavity, producing pressures of about 85 to 150 tsi, compacting the powders into a near net shape alloy part, ready for sintering at 2300° C. without shrinking. The alloy parts are Re, Mo—Re, W—Re, Re—Hf—HfC, Re—Ta—Hf—HfC, Re—Mo—Hf—HfC, Mo—Re—Ta, Mo—Re-f-HfC, W—Re—Hf—HfC, W—Re—Ta—Hf—HfC or W—Re—Mo—Hf alloys.
US08999217B2
The present invention relates to a method of decorating an element. This method includes the following steps: a) taking the element (1, 11, 21, 31), said element including anchoring means (7) for improving the securing of the decoration (5) to said element; b) making a mask (4) of the desired thickness of the decorations (5), and having at least one opening (4′); c) placing said at least one opening in the mask (4) against the place to be decorated so as to form at least one mold (4′, 6, 6′, 6″, 100); d) filling said at least one mold with an at least partially amorphous material via hot forming; e) removing the mask (4).
US08999214B2
In order for light conductor pins (6) in dead hole channels (5) of a plastic cover not to be melted together at their entire side walls with the cover they are produced through a particular injection molding tool in the same tool as the cover and the tool slide (104) which is a component of the injection molding tool (100) is aligned in the injection molding tool (100) with the dead hole channels (5) and inserted into the dead hole channels. The front plate is integrally molded with the base component before or after the light conductor pins are inserted into the base component. When the integral molding is performed after inserting the light conductor pins (6) the integral molding is also provided e.g. at a face of the inserted light conductor pins (6).
US08999210B2
The invention concerns a method of manufacturing a lens (1, 2) that has a front face and a rear face, and into which light beams emitted by an optical element of a light beam generator system (IB) are introduced via an entry surface (Si) and directed towards the eye of the wearer to enable information content to be viewed, by means of a transparent optical insert (IA, 2A, I) constituted by a light guide, said insert (I) being with a form substantially identical to the form of a final lens suitable for being positioned in a frame (3) of a support. According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps: manufacturing said insert (I) with a form smaller than the form of said final lens according to a proportional transformation, manufacturing a lens blank (LB) by association of plastic material forming said front face and said rear face with said insert (I) and cutting said lens blank (LB) around said insert (I) and with a distance from the edges of said insert which is around 1 mm for at least 50% of the periphery of said insert.
US08999209B2
A method of measuring an axis angle of a toric contact lens including a posterior toric central zone having a cylindrical axis, and an anterior lens surface forming a ballast that has an axis of orientation offset from the cylindrical axis at a selected rotational angle is disclosed. The method involves (a) providing anterior and posterior mold sections including respective anterior and posterior mold cavity defining surfaces, wherein the posterior mold cavity defining surface includes a toric central zone and the anterior mold cavity defining surface is shaped to provide the ballast, the mold sections being alignable at multiple rotational positions; (b) providing a detectable feature on each of the anterior and posterior mold sections at a predetermined angular location with respect to the tonic and ballast axes thereof, respectively; (c) rotating the detectable feature of the posterior mold section relative to the detectable feature of the anterior mold section, wherein the detectable feature of the anterior mold section is a zero reference; and (d) measuring the axis angle between the detectable feature of the posterior mold section relative to the detectable feature of the anterior mold section after rotational displacement of the mold sections during toric contact lens formation.
US08999206B2
Metal nanoparticles having improved migration resistance are provided. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing composite nanoparticles including obtaining composite nanoparticles containing at least silver and copper in a single particle by heat treating a mixture containing an organic silver compound and an organic copper compound at a temperature of 150° C. or more in a non-oxidative atmosphere in the presence of a tertiary amine compound represented by the general formula R1R2R3N (wherein R1 through R3 are optionally substituted alkyl groups or aryl groups that may be the same or different, R1 through R3 may be linked in a ring, and the number of carbon atoms in each of R1 through R3 is 5 through 18 and may be the same or different).
US08999193B2
Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) compositions containing chemical additives and methods of using the CMP compositions are disclosed. The CMP composition comprises abrasive; chemical additive; liquid carrier; optionally an oxidizing agent; a pH buffering agent and salt; a surfactant and a biocide. The CMP compositions and the methods provide enhanced removing rate for “SiC”, SiN” and “SiCxNy” films; and tunable removal selectivity for “SiC” in reference to SiO2, “SiN” in reference to SiO2, “SiC” in reference to “SiN”, or “SiCxNy” in reference to SiO2; wherein x ranges from 0.1 wt % to 55 wt %, y ranges from 0.1 wt % to 32 wt %.
US08999186B2
The present invention relates to a method for selectively etching and patterning with high resolution of flexible polymer matrices, which may comprise Ag nano tubes.
US08999182B2
A method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head includes a step of preparing a first substrate having an energy generating element at a front surface side thereof; a step of forming a wall member, which is to become a wall for a liquid flow passage, at the front surface side of the first substrate; a step of forming a mask having an opening on the wall member and forming a second substrate, which is composed of silicon and is to become an orifice plate, on the mask; and a step of forming a liquid supply port in the first substrate and a liquid discharge port in the second substrate by supplying an etchant from a back surface side of the first substrate, the back surface being a surface opposite the front surface.
US08999178B2
A method for fabricating a sharpened needle-like emitter, the method including: electrolytically polishing an end portion of an electrically conductive emitter material so as to be tapered toward a tip portion thereof; performing a first etching in which the electrolytically polished part of the emitter material is irradiated with a charged-particle beam to form a pyramid-like sharpened part having a vertex including the tip portion; performing a second etching in which the tip portion is further sharpened through field-assisted gas etching, while observing a crystal structure at the tip portion by a field ion microscope and keeping the number of atoms at a leading edge of the tip portion at a predetermined number or less; and heating the emitter material to arrange the atoms at the leading edge of the tip portion of the sharpened part in a pyramid shape.
US08999173B2
An electrochlorination and electrochemical system for the on-site generation and treatment of municipal water supplies and other reservoirs of water, by using a custom mixed oxidant and mixed reductant generating system for the enhanced destruction of water borne contaminants by creating custom oxidation-reduction-reactant chemistries with real time monitoring. A range of chemical precursors are provided that when acted upon in an electrochemical cell either create an enhanced oxidation, or reduction environment for the destruction or control of contaminants. Chemical agents that can be used to control standard water quality parameters such as total hardness, total alkalinity, pH, total dissolved solids, and the like are introduced via the chemical precursor injection subsystem infrequently or in real time based on sensor inputs and controller set points.
US08999170B2
A biological wastewater treatment system includes an equalization tank for sending a defined first portion of the wastewater to a submerged membrane filter. When the quantity of the received wastewater exceeds the defined first portion, a second portion of wastewater, formed from the wastewater that exceeds the defined first portion, is sent to a filtration process. The filtration process includes adding a flocculating agent to the second portion entering filtration, filtering the second portion, thereby producing retentive waste including flocculated material, and then sending the retentive waste to the submerged membrane filter.
US08999168B2
A system and method for the extraction of americium from radioactive waste solutions. The method includes the transfer of highly oxidized americium from an acidic aqueous feed solution through an immobilized liquid membrane to an organic receiving solvent, for example tributyl phosphate. The immobilized liquid membrane includes porous support and separating layers loaded with tributyl phosphate. The extracted solution is subsequently stripped of americium and recycled at the immobilized liquid membrane as neat tributyl phosphate for the continuous extraction of americium. The sequestered americium can be used as a nuclear fuel, a nuclear fuel component or a radiation source, and the remaining constituent elements in the aqueous feed solution can be stored in glassified waste forms substantially free of americium.
US08999159B2
An apparatus for removing magnetic particles from a mud slurry is disclosed, and includes one or more endless belts or chains enclosed almost wholly within a pipe. A motor drives the chain around the pipe. When the pipe is located within a mud slurry, magnetic particles in the mud slurry are drawn to the pipe and carried along the outside and away from the slurry until a collar is reached. Once separated the particles can be collected for disposal. The chain comprises a series of units linked together. Each unit includes a magnet with pole pieces at either pole to direct magnetic flux. Wear discs prevent the magnets and pole pieces from abrasion as they are drawn through the pipe. Units can be included in the chain which units do not include a magnet, thereby providing a break in the field, allowing particles to fall away from the collar region.
US08999158B2
A fuel conditioner is provided for improving fuel combustibility and reducing emissions into the environment. The fuel conditioner may be placed in-line in a fuel delivery system for internal combustion engines and may include the following components: a first housing defining a sealed chamber, a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber, a second housing disposed within the sealed chamber, a magnet disposed in the second housing, a fuel outlet in fluid communication with the sealed chamber, and a flow path in the sealed chamber for flow of the liquid fuel between the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet. Along its flow path, the liquid fuel is split apart and passes through magnetic fields due to one or more magnets inside the second housing to condition the fuel to improve fuel combustibility and reduce toxic emissions.
US08999154B2
Disclosed is a water treatment apparatus for treating Lake Okeechobee water. The treatment apparatus operates on a continuous flow of water which is subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone and electrolysis. The treatment system provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process for cleaning contaminated water that is directed into estuaries, lagoons, intracoastal waterway, everglades, and the ocean. Treatment includes addressing various levels of contaminants such as aerobic bacteria, often called a green slime that produces a bio-film. The apparatus can be mounted on a vessel to permit targeting of algae blooms.
US08999150B2
A process is disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripper and a cold stripper. The cold stripper and the hot stripper utilize a common overhead recovery apparatus.
US08999147B2
A process allowing the removal of contaminants from an unstable oil such as those produced by thermal or catalytic cracking, wherein, in at least one step of the process, mixing of the unstable oil with a pure or impure solvent having a dipole moment greater than 2 is performed. The stabilized diesels thereby obtained exhibit interesting properties among which significant stability features and are useful in numerous applications, some of these stabilized wide range diesels are new as well as their uses.
US08999146B2
Hydrocarbon feed to a catalytic reactor can be heat exchanged with flue gas from a catalyst regenerator. This innovation enables recovery of more energy from flue gas thus resulting in a lower flue gas discharge temperature. As a result, other hot hydrocarbon streams conventionally used to preheat hydrocarbon feed can now be used to generate more high pressure steam.
US08999143B2
A process is presented for increasing the aromatics content in a reformate process stream. The process modifies existing processes to change the operation without changing the reactors or heating units. The process includes bypasses to utilize heating capacity of upstream heating units, and passes the excess capacity of the upstream heating units to downstream process streams.
US08999140B2
Compositions, devices, kits and methods are disclosed for assaying glucose with a glucose oxidase mutant that has been modified at an amino acid residue involved in the active site. The glucose oxidase mutant has reduced oxidase activity while substantially maintaining its dehydrogenase activity.
US08999136B2
A Method and machine tool for compensating a wear of an electrode that machines a workpiece. The method includes selecting a current pocket from plural pockets of the workpiece; updating a wear compensation to be applied to the electrode for the current pocket based on wear compensation of a previous pocket, where the previous pocket is adjacent to the current pocket; and applying the updated wear compensation to the electrode for machining the current pocket.
US08999128B2
This invention prevents leakage of an internal liquid and breakage of a reference electrode resulting from volume expansion of the internal liquid due to the congelation of the internal liquid, and comprises a vessel that forms a sealed space, an internal liquid that is contained in the vessel, an internal electrode that is immersed in the internal liquid, an ion conduction part that is arranged on a wall of the vessel and that electrically connects the internal liquid and a measurement sample, and a volume expansion absorption mechanism 6 at least a part of which is immersed in the internal liquid and that absorbs volume expansion of the internal liquid due to congelation of the internal liquid.
US08999126B2
A lactate sensor capable of accurately measuring a lactate concentration in a short period of time. The lactate sensor includes an insulating substrate, an electrode system including at least a working electrode and a counter electrode provided on the substrate, and a reagent layer provided on the electrode system. The reagent layer contains lactate oxidase, it mediator, and N-(2-acetamide)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid.
US08999120B2
An energy-saving ionized water production device and a production method are provided that are capable of producing strongly alkaline ionized in a short period of time.An ionized water production device 1 is used that is configured such that a first electrolysis cell 20A is arranged in a first electrolysis bath 10A, a second electrolysis cell 20B is arranged in a second electrolysis bath 10B, and alkaline ionized water formed in an electrolysis diaphragm 21 of the first electrolysis cell 20A is quantitatively and continuously transferred to an electrolysis diaphragm of the second electrolysis cell 20B by a transfer pump 50 arranged in a water filling pipe 27A of the first electrolysis cell 20A, and current is applied by setting the current applied to the first electrolysis cell 20A to 5 amperes to 15 amperes and setting the current applied to the second electrolysis cell 20B to 15 amperes to 20 amperes within a range of a total current applied to the first electrolysis cell 20A and the second electrolysis cell 20B of 25 amperes to 30 amperes.
US08999119B2
The hydrogen production device of the present invention includes: a first electrode including a conductive substrate and a photocatalytic semiconductor layer; a second electrode that is electrically connected to the first electrode and disposed in a second region opposite to a first region relative to the first electrode; the first region is defined as a region on a side of a surface of the first electrode in which the photocatalytic semiconductor layer is provided; a water-containing electrolyte solution; and a housing containing these. The first electrode is provided with first through-holes and the second electrode is provided with second through-holes; and the first through-holes and second through-holes form a communicating hole for allowing the first region and the second region to communicate with each other. An ion exchange membrane having substantially the same shape as the communicating hole is disposed in the communicating hole to close the communicating hole.
US08999112B2
A method for manufacturing a sheet of paper and/or board having improved retention and drainage properties is provided, according to which, before the formation of the sheet and/or board, at least two retention aids are added to the fibrous suspension. These two retention aids are a main retention aid corresponding to a (co)polymer having a cationic charge density above 2 meq/g, obtained by the Hofmann degradation reaction, and a secondary retention aid corresponding to a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer having an anionic charge density above 0.1 meq/g. The main retention aid is introduced into the fibrous suspension in a proportion of 100 to 800 g/t of dry pulp, and the secondary retention aid is introduced into the fibrous suspension in a proportion of 50 to 800 g/t of dry pulp and has an intrinsic viscosity IV above 3 dl/g.
US08999104B2
A plasma source includes multiple ring plasma chambers, multiple primary windings, multiple ferrites and a control system. Each one of the primary windings is wrapped around an exterior one of the ring plasma chambers. Each one of the plurality of the ring plasma chamber passes through a respective portion of the plurality of ferrites. The control system is coupled to each of the ring plasma chambers. A system and method for generating and using a plasma are also described.
US08999099B2
A substrate attachment system, including a portable chamber for receiving a pair of substrates which are aligned; a conveyor transportation device which continuously moves the portable chamber and to which a vacuum generator that is connected to a vacuum port of the portable chamber to evacuate the inside of the portable chamber is provided; and a heating device for performing a heating process in which the aligned substrates are attached to each other in the portable chamber, wherein the conveyor transportation device is arranged to pass through the heating device. The substrate attachment system may contribute to high attachment accuracy, and also, since the size of a chamber is reduced, a spatial utilization rate may be high, and also, since an attachment process is continuously performed by using a conveyor transportation device, a process time may be reduced.
US08999098B2
A method of preparing pre-impregnated (pre-preg) material is provided. The method comprises treating a first surface of a backing with a corona discharge to enhance surface adhesion and applying the pre-preg material to the treated surface of the backing to form a pre-preg material with backing.
US08999090B2
The invention relates to a method for bonding two substrates, in particular, two semiconductor substrates that, in order to be able to improve the reliability of the process, provides the step of providing a gaseous flow over the bonding surfaces of the substrates. The gaseous flow is preferably a laminar flow that is essentially parallel to the bonding surfaces of the substrates, and has a temperature in a range of from room temperature up to 100° C.
US08999089B2
A machine for making an impermeable join between two panels made of three-layer or two-layer textile material including at least an internal layer, already joined along a joining line by way of a stitching operation, simple or complex, or by ultrasound joining or other, includes first movement element able to move the textile material in a direction of feed and impermeabilization element able to achieve the impermeabilization along said joining line and including second movement element able to move an impermeable tape for hot taping with adhesive, in order to determine the hot application and welding on the internal layer along the joining line. The impermeabilization element also comprise heating element suitable to effect a cauterization of the material of the internal layer and positionable directly upstream of the second movement element in the direction of feed, so that the hot taping can be effected immediately after the cauterization.
US08999087B2
The outer shape of a surface to be bonded of a first optical crystal member is formed as a shape in which the length in a direction parallel to an optical axis of the first optical crystal member differs from the length in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the first optical crystal member. The outer shape of a surface to be bonded of a second optical crystal member is formed as a shape coinciding with the outer shape of the surface to be bonded of the first optical crystal member or a shape obtained by enlarging or reducing the coinciding shape in an orientation in which an optical axis of the second optical crystal member and the optical axis of the first optical crystal member are adjusted to a prescribed angle.
US08999066B2
A method of forming a bleached dextrin, comprising combining a dextrin-based composition selected from the group consisting of starch dextrin, cyclodextrins, inulin, hydrogenated indigestible dextrins, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, highly branched maltodextrins, and combinations of any thereof with a caustic agent and an oxidant to form a mixture; heating the mixture for a period of time; and drying the mixture to form the bleached dextrin.
US08999063B2
A susceptor includes a first step portion on which a wafer is placed; and a convex portion placed on a bottom surface of the first step portion, wherein a void is formed between a top surface of the convex portion and a rear surface of the wafer in a state in which the wafer is placed on the top surface of the convex portion.
US08999054B2
In order to provide a method of manufacturing an aluminum flake pigment having a small mean particle size as well as high brightness, a method of manufacturing an aluminum flake pigment including a step of flaking aluminum powder in an organic solvent with a grinder having grinding media, which grinding media contain steel ball grinding media formed by spherical media consisting of a material including steel and having diameters in the range of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, is provided. The mean particle size (D50Al) of this aluminum powder is preferably in the range of 1.0 to 10.0 μm. Further, this grinder is preferably a ball mill.
US08999046B2
A cell expansion system includes an air removal chamber to provide a bubble trap so that air and/or gas bubbles do not enter the bioreactor of the cell expansion system. The air removal chamber includes a pair of ports situated at the bottom of the air removal chamber. An entrance port allows fluid to enter the air removal chamber, and an exit port allows fluid to exit the air removal chamber. In one embodiment the air removal chamber forms an element of a premounted fluid conveyance assembly for use with a cell expansion machine.
US08999044B2
A liner for mixing the sample gas and a carrier gas and delivering the gas mixture to the inlet end of a capillary tube of a gas chromatograph for analysis, comprises (a) a transparent tube having an inlet and an outlet and a bore with an inside surface, and (b) at least one glass subcomponent permanently affixed to the liner tube wherein the subcomponent is at least one color.
US08999035B2
Embodiments of the invention generally provide a containment system having integrated bubble tight-dampers. In another embodiment, the containment system includes an integral auto-scan mechanism disposed in the housing of the containment system so that a filter element, disposed in the housing, may be leak tested without accessing the interior of the housing. In yet another embodiment, a method for testing a filter disposed in a containment system includes challenging an upstream side of a filter element disposed in a housing of the containment system with a test aerosol, and automatically moving a probe disposed within the housing to obtain samples for leak testing.
US08999032B2
An application of carbon nanotubes on agglomerates of ore fines to increase the mechanical strength is provided. A process for the preparation of ore agglomerates having enhanced mechanical strength by the application of the carbon nanotubes is also provided.
US08999028B2
An apparatus for controlling a flow of gas comprises a spiral path guiding member. The spiral path guiding member comprises at least two groups of guiding plates. Each guiding plate of each group is disposed in an axial direction to form a longitudinal axis. Each group is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. A surface of each guiding plate is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. At least one guiding plate of each group has a guiding plate opening. Guiding plate openings of the guiding plates may facilitate gas to flow in a spiral flow path.
US08999027B1
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for removing disinfectant by-product contaminants from the air above the water surface of an indoor swimming pool. The apparatus and methods employ a laminar piston-like mass of air that is continuously generated from one side of the pool, sweeps across the water surface of the pool to the opposite of the pool and is sucked away from the opposite side of the pool. The apparatus and methods are applicable to a modified perimeter gutter system and can employ air supply fans, air exhaust fans, specialized laminar air flow diffusers, associated plenums and ducting and contaminant strippers.
US08999021B2
The present disclosure is generally directed to process of gasification of carbonaceous materials to produce synthesis gas or syngas. The present disclosure provides improved methods of gasification comprising: adding one or more carbonaceous materials, adding a molecular oxygen-containing gas, adding a methane-containing gas and optionally adding water or steam into said gasifier. This disclosure is also directed to process of production of one or more alcohols from said syngas via fermentation or digestion in the presence of at least one microorganism.
US08999020B2
Processes for the catalytic conversion of a carbonaceous composition into a gas stream comprising methane are provided. In addition, the processes provide for the generation of a hydrogen-enriched gas stream and, optionally, a carbon monoxide-enriched gas stream, which can be mixed or used separately as an energy source for subsequent catalytic gasification processes.
US08999015B2
An apparatus for upgrading coal comprising a baffle tower, inlet and exhaust plenums, and one or more cooling augers. The baffle tower comprises a plurality of alternating rows of inverted v-shaped inlet and outlet baffles. The inlet and outlet plenums are affixed to side walls of the baffle tower. Process gas enters the baffle tower from the inlet plenum via baffle holes in the side wall and dries the coal in the baffle tower. Process exhaust gas exits the baffle tower into the exhaust plenum via baffle holes in a different side wall of the baffle tower. Coal that enters the baffle tower descends by gravity downward through the baffle tower and enters a cooling auger, where the dried coal from the baffle tower is mixed with non-dried coal. A method of using the apparatus described above to upgrade coal.
US08999004B2
The present invention relates to a coupling device (100) for connecting a residual limb liner (10) to a residual limb socket (20) of a limb prosthesis, characterized by: a magnet assembly (120) comprising a permanent magnet (122) sandwiched by a pair of iron bars (124) for creating a magnetic field; a housing (110) comprising a protrusion (112) for intensifying magnetic field and a cavity (114) for receiving the magnet assembly (120), wherein said housing (110) is embedded at a distal end of the residual limb socket (20); a controlling means (130) coupled to the housing (110) and the magnet assembly (120) for controlling the magnetic field by rotating the magnet assembly (120); and a mounting plate (140) coupled to the residual limb liner (10); wherein the mounting plate (140) is attracted to the protrusion (112) of the housing (110) when the permanent magnet (122) is vertically aligned, thereby attaching the residual limb liner (10) to the residual limb socket (20); and wherein the mounting plate (140) is repelled from the protrusion (112) of the housing (110) when the permanent magnet (122) is horizontally aligned, thereby detaching the residual limb liner (10) from the residual limb socket (20).
US08998992B2
A device is disclosed for reducing a vertebral compression fracture, comprising a superior end plate and an inferior end plate disposed along a vertical axis. The superior end plate and the inferior end plate are slidably separable in a vertical direction along the vertical axis. An interior chamber is provided in fluid communication with a port extending from an exterior to the interior chamber. The device is deployable within a vertebral body and expandable within the vertebral body by injecting a flowable material into the interior chamber thereby displacing the superior and inferior end plates along the vertical axis.
US08998990B2
An intervertebral implant component of an intervertebral implant includes an outer surface for engaging an adjacent vertebra and an inner surface. A keel extends from the outer surface and is designed to be disposed in a slot provided in the adjacent vertebra. This keel extends in a plane which is non-perpendicular to the outer surface; and preferably there are two of the keels extending from the outer surface which are preferably offset laterally from one another. In another embodiment, an anterior shelf is provided at an anterior end of the outer surface, and this anterior shelf extends vertically away from the inner surface in order to help prevent bone growth from the adjacent vertebra towards the inner surface. Further in accordance with disclosed embodiments, various materials, shapes and forms of construction of the component and/or keel provide various benefits.
US08998989B2
Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the sagittal plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation.
US08998987B2
The present disclosure relates to orthopedic implants including a porous, non-metallic, bone interface or outer bone contacting surface adapted for promoting bone ingrowth into the pores of such surface. The present disclosure also relates to orthopedic implants having a porous, non-metallic and/or polymeric bone interface or outer bone contacting surface wherein the implant has a stiffness that approaches or substantially matches the stiffness of the surrounding bone and thereby reduces the effects of stress shielding. The present disclosure also relates to methods of making such implants.
US08998976B2
Techniques are described for delivering a replacement valve to a target location in a patient. In one example, a medical device system includes an implantable medical device comprising an expandable anchor, a locking member engaged to a first end of the anchor, two posts configured to engage the locking member, each of the posts being engaged to a portion of the anchor, each post defining a hole at a distal end of the post, and a fastening element extending through each hole of a respective post and being engaged to a second end of the anchor, where, in a locked configuration, the posts are secured to the locking member.
US08998975B2
A helical stent includes a central segment having a first tubular waveform and a first end segment having a second tubular waveform. The waveforms are defined by a plurality of struts and a plurality of crowns connecting adjacent struts together. The struts of the second tubular waveform have different lengths such that second tubular waveform includes a plurality of amplitudes. The second tubular waveform comprises a complete turn around a longitudinal axis of the stent. A first connector connects together the first tubular waveform first end, the second tubular waveform first end, and the second tubular waveform second end. Due to the configuration of the second tubular waveform of the first end segment, the stent end at the first end segment is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the stent. A second end segment similar to the first end segment can be connected to a second end of the first tubular waveform.
US08998974B2
A woven fabric for an implantable medical device includes a plurality of carbon nanotube strands interwoven with a plurality of textile strands, where each carbon nanotube strand comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes. An implantable medical device comprises a component and a fabric secured to the component, where the fabric includes a plurality of woven carbon nanotube strands, and each of the carbon nanotube strands comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes.
US08998969B2
A bone fracture fixation system comprises a bone plate configured to bear against a proximal surface of the bone and a plurality of elongated tension elements, each sized to pass through an opening in the bone plate and through the bone from the proximal surface to a distal surface thereof. Each tension element is anchored to the bone and maintained in tension by a distal anchor attached to said tension element and configured to engage the distal surface of the bone and a proximal anchor engageable between the bone plate and the tension element. In one method for fixation of a bone fracture, the bone plate is positioned on a proximal surface of the bone while the tension element is introduced into the bone and through an opening in the bone plate from an opposite distal surface of the bone.
US08998966B2
A screw system includes a screw and a washer assembly captive to the screw. The washer assembly is polyaxially pivotable relative to the screw. The screw may be freely rotated in one direction relative to the washer assembly, but frictionally binds with the washer assembly when rotated in a second direction. Various auxiliary fixation features are disclosed.
US08998962B2
The plate (1) has a generally triangular shape and includes two juxtaposed lower holes (7), intended to receive implantation screw (2) in the sacrum (100), and a first upper hole (8) for receiving an implantation screw (2) in the fifth lumbar vertebra (101). According to the invention, the plate (1) includes an extension (6) integral therewith, extending its upper side, i.e. protruding from the side opposite the two juxtaposed lower holes (7), the extension (6) having a second upper hole (15) formed in its entirety thereon, for receiving a second screw (2) intended to be implanted in the fifth lumbar vertebra (101), and having, at all points of its length, a width not greater than two times the diameter of the second upper hole (15); the direction in which the extension (6) protrudes from the plate (1) is such that the first upper hole (8) and the second upper hole (15) are placed on a first line (L1) substantially perpendicular to a second line (L2) passing through the two juxtaposed lower holes (7).
US08998955B2
Interspinous distractor for percutaneous implantation comprising a central body (10) and two couples of stabilizears (14a, 14b; 14c, 14d), hinged at the end of the body (10) in order to rotate from a closed position, which assists the percutaneous implantation of the distractor, to a spread apart position, which limits its movement stabilizing it in the interspinous gap. Means are provided for causing the rotation of the stabilizears that can be operated percutaneously, in particular, by means of cam shaped elements sliding axially and adapted to engage a cam-shaped surface, or by a system of tie members, and special tools. With respect to the known distractors it can implanted end extracted percutaneously and in a much easier way.
US08998953B2
Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis with surfaces configured to articulate with the facets of the facet joint. A retaining member for anchoring the prosthesis within the facet joint is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis and securing the prosthesis to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided.
US08998927B2
Devices, systems, methods, and kits for treating the tissue structures of the ear make use of a guide structure that can mechanically register a treatment probe with a target region of a target tissue, the guide structure being fittingly received in an auditory canal and often comprising a conformable body such as a compressible foam, or the like. The guide structure may include an articulating mechanism for selectively orienting the treatment probe toward the target region of, for example, a tympanic membrane. The guide structure may also support a videoscopic image capture device, illumination transmitting optical fibers, an aiming beam transmitter, and the like. Such structures facilitate myringotomy, tympanostomy tube placement, and the like, under local anesthesia in a doctor's office.
US08998920B2
An apparatus for inserting an intervertebral prosthesis within a spine of a mammal includes: a handle including a drive nut operating to produce rotational torque in response to user-input about a central axis; a first drive shaft including a proximal end in communication with the drive nut, receiving rotational torque therefrom, and imparting rotational torque to the first drive shaft about a first axis, which is laterally offset from the central axis; and a distal end of the first drive shaft including a first drive head; and a chuck disposed at a distal end of the tool for engaging the intervertebral prosthesis during implantation, wherein the first drive shaft extends through the chuck and the first drive head engages a first gear of the intervertebral prosthesis, such that rotation of the first gear causes rotation and deployment of a first anchoring element of the intervertebral prosthesis.
US08998919B2
An assembly tool for assembly of a first component of a prosthesis to a second component of the prosthesis for use in joint arthroplasty is provided. The tool includes a first member in contact with the first component and a second member connected to the second component. The first member defines a first member longitudinal axis. The first member and the second member provide for the assembly of the first component of the prosthesis to the second component of the prosthesis. The second member provides relative motion of the second member with respect to the first member when the second member is rotated relative to the first member about the first member longitudinal axis. The first member and the second member have relative motion features adapted to reduce friction that cooperate with each other to provide the relative motion of the first member with respect to the second member.
US08998918B2
A device and technique for the preparation and implantation of osteochondral allografts for resurfacing of a human joint. The grafts are prepared to a uniform shell thickness using the described invention.
US08998901B2
Systems and methods for endometrial ablation. The systems include a handle and elongated introducer sleeve extending to an expandable working end having a fluid-tight interior chamber. A thin dielectric wall surrounds at least a portion of the interior chamber and has an external surface for contacting endometrial tissue. The thin dielectric wall surrounds a collapsible-expandable frame and receives an electrically non-conductive gas. First and second polarity electrodes are exposed to the interior and exterior of the chamber, respectively. A radiofrequency power source operatively connects to the electrode arrangement to apply a radiofrequency voltage across the first and second electrodes, wherein the voltage is sufficient to initiate ionization of the neutral gas into a conductive plasma within the interior chamber, and to capacitively couple the current in the plasma across the thin dielectric wall to ablate endometrial tissue engaged by the external surface of the dielectric structure.
US08998898B2
An apparatus and method for use in performing ablation or coagulation of organs and other tissue includes a metallized fabric electrode array which is substantially absorbent and/or permeable to moisture and gases such as steam and conformable to the body cavity. Following placement of the ablation device into contact with the tissue to be ablated, an RF generator is used to deliver RF energy to the conductive regions and to thereby induce current flow from the electrodes to tissue to be ablated. As the current heats the tissue, moisture (such as steam or liquid) leaves the tissue causing the tissue to dehydrate. Suction may be applied to facilitate moisture removal. The moisture permeability and/or absorbency of the electrode carrying member allows the moisture to leave the ablation site so as to prevent the moisture from providing a path of conductivity for the current.
US08998897B2
An ablation cap and a method of delivering energy to a tissue are provided. An ablation cap includes a tubular body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen extending therethrough. The ablation cap also includes a cover portion covering a portion of the tubular body, the covering portion having a region at least partially spaced apart from the tubular body and an electrode portion movably positionable relative to the cover portion. The electrode portion has a covered position where the electrode portion is positioned within the cover portion and an exposed position where the electrode portion is exposed relative to the cover portion. The proximal portion of the body is sized and shaped to fit on a distal end of an endoscope and the distal portion of the body extends distal to the distal end of the endoscope.
US08998896B2
A tube connector for a radio-frequency surgical device, having two end sleeves, which are each provided with an axial through channel and connected to each other by a web extending from a wall plane of the first end sleeve axially in the direction of the second end sleeve. The web being at least partially made of an electrically conductive material, and the respective end sleeves can be compressed or crimped in some regions for fixing a tube, which can be arranged in the respective through channel. Also disclosed is a handle for an RF surgical device, and to a method for connecting tubes for an RF surgical device to such a tube connector.
US08998877B2
The present invention provides improved methods for ID delivery of drugs and other substances to humans or animals. The methods employ small gauge needles, especially microneedles, placed in the intradermal space to deliver the substance to the intradermal space as a bolus or by infusion. It has been discovered that the placement of the needle outlet within the skin and the exposed height of the needle outlet are critical for efficacious delivery of active substances via small gauge needles to prevent leakage of the substance out of the skin and to improve absorption within the intradermal space. The pharmacokinetics of hormone drugs delivered according to the methods of the invention have been found to be very similar to the pharmacokinetics of conventional SC delivery, indicating that ID administration according to the methods of the invention is likely to produce a similar clinical result (i.e., similar efficacy) with the advantage of reduction or elimination of pain for the patient. Delivery devices which place the needle outlet at an appropriate depth in the intradermal space and control the volume and rate of fluid delivery provide accurate delivery of the substance to the desired location without leakage.
US08998854B2
A catheter for drainage of a wound and delivery of a therapeutic agent at or near the wound of a patient is provided. The catheter comprises: a proximal end configured to receive the therapeutic agent and permit passage of bodily fluid, the proximal end configured to be coupled to a drainage tube and/or a therapeutic agent delivery device; a distal end for insertion at or near the wound; and a body disposed between the proximal end and distal end of the catheter and configured to receive the therapeutic agent from the proximal end of the catheter, the body having a first set of holes configured to allow passage of the therapeutic agent from the proximal end to a site at or near the wound and the body having a second set of holes configured to allow drainage of bodily fluid from the wound into the catheter.
US08998844B2
A medical device handle assembly can include a modular extension that allows for the addition of any number of connector ports to an existing handle. In an embodiment, such an extension can comprise a main body portion configured to be coupled with an elongate medical device shaft comprising at least one of an electrical wire and a fluid lumen. The main body portion may comprise a handle port configured to provide access to one or more of a fluid connector fluidly coupled with the fluid lumen and an electromechanical connector electrically coupled with the electrical wire. The handle assembly can further comprise a handle extension portion coupled with the handle port.
US08998825B2
The endoscope treatment system includes an endoscope treatment tool that has an operating section including a distal end and a proximal end, and a sheath that is connected to the distal end of the operating section and is formed with a lumen into which the guide wire is capable of being inserted; a guide wire holder that has a tube member, in which the guide wire is accommodated, and that is circumferentially wound; and a fixing member that couples the operating section to the guide wire holder so that the distal end and the proximal end of the operating section are located outside the circumference of the guide wire holder.
US08998824B2
Biological samples, such as saliva, are commonly collected on a swab and subsequently transferred to an absorbent storage medium. Embodiments of the present invention provide a biological sample collection device comprising a collection portion and a body portion, the body portion including a holding portion for holding a biological sample storage medium, and a sample transfer means, such as a cover. The collection portion can be arranged in a first position separated from the body portion for collecting a sample, and in a second position at least partly between the sample transfer means and the holding portion, with the sample transfer means being operable to push the collection portion towards a position at which the holding means is arranged to hold the biological sample storage medium, enabling a sample held in the collection portion to be transferred to the latter. This provides an improved means of collecting a biological sample.
US08998821B2
Systems, devices and methods provide for acquiring respiration information. A respiration information device includes timer circuitry to time a plurality of shorter time apertures and a plurality of longer time apertures. A respiration sensor, which may be implemented as a transthoracic impedance sensor, is configured to generate a signal indicative of patient respiration. For each aperture of the plurality of shorter time apertures and for each aperture of the plurality of longer time apertures, an estimated characteristic of the respiration is determined. Respiration metrics are developed using one or both of the estimated respiration characteristics of the shorter time apertures and the estimated respiration characteristics of the longer time apertures.
US08998819B2
In an electronic sphygmomanometer, a protruding member is provided in an outside surface of a first air port connection head, and when a first air port is pushed into the first air port connection head, the protruding member passes over a first shielding plate while elastically deforming and reaches a position on the inner side of the first shielding plate. As a result, the first air port connection head is prevented from pulling out from the first air port, and a sense of the protruding member locking in upon returning to its original form is imparted on a worker. It is therefore possible to provide an electronic sphygmomanometer that includes, as a structure in which a pressure sensor used in the electronic sphygmomanometer is disposed, a peripheral structure for the pressure sensor that can improve the reliability of blood pressure measurement values.
US08998818B2
A system for detecting and measuring increased global or local intracranial pressure includes various devices for performing controlled occlusion of jugular cranial blood outflow and generating occlusion data related to said controlled occlusion, a cranial blood outflow pressure measurement device and a processor for processing jugular cranial blood outflow occlusion data and cranial blood outflow data to identify and/or measure a functional relationship between the jugular controlled occlusion and the jugular cranial blood outflow pressure. A device communicates the functional relationship a display device and/or a patient monitoring system. The processor also detects a state of equilibrium between the jugular cranial blood outflow pressure and the jugular occlusion pressure at occlusion. In yet another embodiment, intracranial and extracranial vessel compliance is measured by NIRS system, the equilibrated using external compression bladder, and equilibrium bladder pressure is displayed as local intracranial pressure.
US08998817B2
A blood pressure measuring device includes a flexible element configured to at least partially surround a body part and having a stiffening element configured to stiffen the flexible element; and at least one pressure sensor element attached to the flexible element.
US08998814B2
A novel diagnostic ultrasound apparatus has a plurality of ultrasound probes 1, delay means pairs 4 and 7 arranged respectively in the plurality of ultrasound probes to electronically delay the timings of transmissions or receptions of ultrasonic waves by the ultrasonic transducers, position/orientation detecting means 10 and delay control signal generating means for generating a delay control signal to control signal delays of the plurality of ultrasonic transducers of the plurality of ultrasound probes, using information acquired from the means 10. The delay control signal is input to the delay means to control the timings of transmission of ultrasonic waves to a target object of examination.
US08998809B2
Systems and methods for calibrating minimally invasive and non-invasive physiological sensor devices
A calibration system is disclosed for calibrating a first physiological monitoring device using a second physiological monitoring device. The first physiological monitor measures a first indication of a physiological parameter. The second physiological monitor measures a second indication of the physiological parameter. The first and second indications are used to calibrate the first physiological monitoring device.
US08998798B2
The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components.
US08998796B2
A sexual stimulation device is described. The device uses electrical stimulation and provides advantages in means to make gentle and safe electrical contact to the user's penis that is contained within a fluid environment. The device includes both a containment vessel as well as electrical connection embodiments that incorporate magnetically actuated contacts the can be quickly disconnected. The device provides flexibility for programmed and varied stimulation to different regions of the user's penis.
US08998778B2
An exercise weight comprises a plate having a width, a length and a thickness. The length is substantially greater than the width, and the width is substantially greater than the thickness. The plate has opposed longitudinal edges and opposed end edges, and has opposed lengthwise grip apertures adjacent respective longitudinal edges and opposed end grip apertures adjacent respective end edges. The grip apertures cooperate with their respective edges to form lengthwise handgrips and end handgrips. A barbell comprises a main support portion for receiving exercise weights and which includes at least one mounting projection adapted to be received in a corresponding aperture in one of the exercise weights to support the exercise weight on the barbell. Opposed lifting handles extend outwardly from opposite ends of the main support portion and an elongated lifting bar is carried by and spaced from the main support portion.
US08998777B2
An offset weight bar is provided which operates with the lifter's neuro-fascial connections to increase muscle activation and recruitment of muscle groups. The offset weight bar includes a grip portion that is shaped in accordance with the neuro-fascial connections in the lifter's hands and arms. The offset weight bar also offsets the weight of the bar from the lifter's palm to a point out along the lifter's unfolded fingers. The shape of the offset weight bar operates with the offset of the weight from the palm to increase the lifter's muscle activation and muscle group recruitment in accordance with the lifter's neuro-fascial physiology.
US08998773B2
A method of controlling shifting in a transmission having a first partial transmission, designed as a dual-clutch transmission, which comprises first and second clutches by which the dual-clutch transmission can be functionally connected to a turbocharged internal combustion engine. A second partial transmission is arranged in the drive-train, downstream of the dual-clutch transmission, which is in the form of a main transmission that shifts with traction force interruption. To at least reduce traction power loss of the turbocharged engine after a traction shift, during a traction shift involving a gearshift in the main transmission, the clutches are at least partially engaged so as to be braced against one another and produce a torque that acts in opposition to the drive engine by virtue of which, during the traction shift, the supercharge pressure of the drive engine is largely maintained, or at least built up shortly after the traction shift.
US08998769B2
The invention relates to a planetary gear set having an anti-turn mechanism, comprising a sun fear and at least one planet gear revolving in a fear housing having an internal toothing, wherein the gear housing is connected to at least one bearing flange on the output side and/or on the input side, and for the anti-turn connection to the gear housing, toothing means are provided which engage with the internal toothing. According to the invention at least one tooth segment is provided as a toothing means, the tooth segment comprises a tooth segment body, and the bearing flange has an opening for positively receiving the tooth segment body.
US08998768B2
A reverse clutch and planetary gear set are provided that can be installed in an automotive transmission. In some embodiments, the reverse clutch and planetary gear set are configured and dimensioned to be installed in a Powerglide transmission case. In other embodiments, the reverse clutch can have an increased mean diameter. In some embodiments, the reverse clutch can have an increased static holding capacity. In another embodiment, the planetary gear set can have a reduced numerical first gear ratio. In other embodiments, the planetary gear set can have components with increased strength. Methods for modifying a transmission to install a reverse clutch and planetary gear set are also provided.
US08998754B2
A handle weighted bat according to various embodiments can include an elongated hollow aluminum barrel portion. A handle weighted portion is included such that the largest concentration of mass is provided in the handle portion and for positioning the center of gravity within the handle portion of the bat. The handle weighted portion is configured as a one-piece, solid body construction that is impression die forged from a single piece of carbon steel to form an integral knob and rod portion. The bat includes a non-threaded connector comprising a pair of spring pins inserted to rigidly connect the aluminum barrel portion to the rod portion. The pair of spring pins is oriented at a 90 degree angle relative to each other.
US08998750B2
Multi-layered golf ball core sub-assemblies and the resulting golf balls are provided. The core structure includes an inner core (center) comprising a foam composition, preferably foamed polyurethane. The intermediate and outer core layers are preferably formed from non-foamed thermoset compositions such as polybutadiene rubber. The core layers have different hardness and specific gravity levels. The core structure and resulting ball have relatively good resiliency.
US08998747B2
A weight screw for a golf club head having one or more weight ports is disclosed herein. A set of weight screws is also disclosed herein, the set comprising at least one low-weight screw comprising multiple materials and at least one weight screw comprising a single material.
US08998732B2
A device for damping vibrations in a drive train, in particular for plug screws in the pulp and paper industries. The device is principally characterized in that a cylindrical shaft, preferably designed as a hollow shaft, is provided, wherein the cylindrical shaft is arranged between the halves of a coupling and at least one ring having friction surfaces is arranged around the cylindrical shaft. Stick-slip vibrations that occur can thereby be favorably eliminated, and thus the gearbox and the motor of the drive train can be protected.
US08998727B2
A disclosed method provides for tournament gaming. The method comprises: allowing a wager on non-modified base game in normal mode and awarding pay table prize for a winning event on said base game; monitoring said base game wager and win data; processing a calculated normalized tournament score using said monitored data spanning multiple base game plays; and providing a tournament game and awarding a tournament prize to at least one tournament winner; wherein the tournament score calculation also uses the theoretical payout percentage for the base game in determining player ranking.
US08998722B2
A gaming platform is presented where various types of non-game domains can be incorporated into a game as a game component. Two or more domains, possibly a website, can become a territory within an online game where players cooperate or compete to dominate the website. The domains can be bridged or otherwise linked to form a game map topology, and allow movement of a player's units from one domain to another. The game space can be presented to players as an overlay in a browser allowing players to engage the game and browse domain content without necessarily affecting the underlying website.
US08998715B2
Methods and systems for controlling vehicles within graphically simulated environments are described herein. A video game such as a vehicle-based combat game may have vehicles (such as airplanes) operating in a simulated three dimensional space. In a destination based control mode, users may partially control vehicles using two-dimensional input devices by inputting a new destination for the vehicle to go to, and the game's control logic may then automatically calculate how to control the vehicle toward the new heading. Fight and assault (bombing) control sub-modes may be provided. In addition, in an immediate control mode, a user may provide input that indicates a direction and speed of rotation, to provide more direct control of a vehicles control systems and/or control surfaces.
US08998711B2
A method of gaming comprising: awarding a feature game in response to a trigger event occurring; and conducting a feature game comprising: displaying a plurality of objects for selection; receiving player selections of a plurality of objects, making one or more awards to the player based on the player selected objects; forming a composite image based on the player selected objects; and displaying the composite image on a display.
US08998703B2
A gaming system and method which provides for one or more gaming device triggered bonus games to be skipped or otherwise not provided to the players at the gaming devices which triggered such bonus games. The average expected payouts of skipped gaming device triggered bonus games are contributed to a bonus accumulation pool or fund. The accumulation pool is subsequently utilized to provide one or more gaming system triggered bonuses to one or more players at one or more of the gaming devices in the gaming system. A player's accumulated triggering symbols determine, at least in part, the player's probability of winning part of the bonus accumulation pool and/or the player's portion of the bonus accumulation pool.
US08998701B2
An electromechanical wager-based gaming machine includes a plurality of reels that are aligned as they are spun so that the reels can be rapidly stopped in response to a player's input. One reel is selected as a reference reel and other reels are brought into alignment using feedback from reel position sensors.
US08998690B1
A safety net for a window air conditioner window mounted air conditioning unit. The safety net protects a window mounted air conditioning unit from falling from a window opening during installation, operation and removal thereof.
US08998687B2
A supply system is provided that includes, but is not limited to a profile element. The profile element includes, but is not limited to a front wall, a rear wall, and webs between the front wall and the rear wall so that there are ducts within the profile element. The supply system also includes, but is not limited to at least one functional component integrated in at least one of the plurality of ducts.
US08998685B2
Disclosed is a grinder, in particular an oscillating grinder, having a grinding spindle, to which a grinding tool can be attached, and having a housing, and having a dust extraction duct which can be attached to the housing by means of a pivot joint and a latching connection.
US08998675B2
A device for expelling bees from a bee hive, the bee hive having a portion containing at least one bee frame, the device comprising: a board for covering the portion of the bee hive, the board having a bottom side to face towards said portion, the board further comprising an inlet for receiving an air flow and at least two outlet slits arranged at the bottom side for directing at least a part of the air flow into the portion of the bee hive, a conduit system connecting the inlet and the at least two outlet slits, the outlet slits extending over a length of the at least one bee frame.
US08998670B1
A figurine system having interchangeable appendages features a body component having a general shape of a body of an animal. A body anterior end features a female head component slot. A body posterior end features a female tail component slot. A body first side features a female first anterior limb component slot and a female first posterior limb component slot. A body second side features a second female anterior limb component slot and a female second posterior limb component slot. The system features a head component, a tail component, a first anterior limb component, a first posterior limb component, a second anterior limb component, and a second posterior limb component. The system features a plurality of adapter components.
US08998663B1
An outboard motor and a method of making an outboard motor provide an exhaust conduit having a first end that receives exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and a second end that discharges exhaust gas to seawater via a propeller shaft housing outlet. An exhaust conduit opening is formed in the exhaust conduit between the first and second ends. The exhaust conduit opening is for discharging exhaust gas from the exhaust conduit to atmosphere via a driveshaft housing of the outboard motor and via an idle exhaust relief outlet and a driveshaft housing outlet in the driveshaft housing. The driveshaft housing outlet is vertically located between the propeller shaft housing outlet and the idle exhaust relief outlet. A cooling pump pumps cooling water from a cooling water inlet for cooling the internal combustion engine to a cooling water outlet for discharging cooling water from the outboard motor. The exhaust conduit opening and cooling water outlet are configured such that the cooling water collects by gravity in the driveshaft housing to a level that is above the exhaust conduit opening.
US08998662B2
A system for providing sealed shaft bearing is disclosed. The system can include housing and one or more end caps. The end caps can house one or more seals and one or more bearings for supporting a shaft. The housing can be watertight to prevent water from infiltrating the housing and to prevent lubricant, if any, from escaping the housing into the environment. The system can use a multi-piece design to facilitate repair and maintenance. The system can be easily retrofitted into systems, such as marine systems, that use conventional plain shaft bearings.
US08998657B1
An electrical connection device has a first end and a second end configured to be electrically coupled to a first conductor and a second conductor. A pair of conductive elements are arranged between the first end and the second end and configured for engagement with the first and second conductors. The conductive elements include a respective flat segment and a bent segment. The bent segments define an opening in which one of the first and second conductors are configured to be received. The bent segments include a number of corners configured to engage opposing sides of the one of the first and second conductors at a number of discrete points along at least a portion of the length of the at least one first and second conductors.
US08998656B2
A terminal fitting (T) includes a rectangular tube (2) into which a mating terminal (M) is to be inserted. A tongue (11) is cantilevered backward in the tube (2). A support (35) struck from the bottom plate (3) to project into the rectangular tube (2) from the bottom plate (3). An auxiliary spring (15) cantilevers forward from the support (35). Opposite widthwise sides of this support (35) are continuous with the bottom plate (3). The base end part of the auxiliary spring (15) is lifted up from the bottom plate (3) by forming the support (35). Thus, the base end part does not project from the bottom plate (3) even if the auxiliary spring (15) is resiliently deformed.
US08998655B2
An electrical terminal includes a contact portion having a contact portion base with at least three sides forming a generally polyhedron structure. The contact portion has a plurality of contact arms, with at least one of the contact arms extending from at least some of the sides. The contact arms are arranged to receive a mating electrical component such that the mating electrical component contacts at least one of the contact arms associated with each side. A spring arrangement includes a plurality of spring arms, each having a spring head in contact with at least one respective contact arm near a distal end of the contact portion for applying a force thereto in a direction toward a central axis of the terminal, thereby increasing the retention force applied to the mating electrical component.
US08998654B2
An industrial automation technology input/output module includes a base section with front and rear sides, a printed circuit board, a contact strip on the front side with a plurality of contact elements configured to make an electrical connection with corresponding mating contact elements of a connector strip, wherein the contact elements are electrically connected to the printed circuit board, a device for forwarding a supply voltage for the printed circuit board is disposed parallel to the contact strip, the device includes a terminal point and the connector strip is formed to include a plurality of mating terminal points electrically connected to respective mating contact elements, and the supply voltage is switched to the printed circuit board via a link element that is insertable into the terminal point and the mating terminal point to interconnect a pair of opposed contact elements and to supply voltage to the printed circuit board.
US08998651B2
An electric power plug includes an insulative body having a first bar and a second bar at a space. The first bar is longitudinally formed with only one first channel for receiving a first plug terminal. The second bar is longitudinally formed with a plurality of second channels for receiving a plurality of second plug terminals. An electric power receptacle includes an insulative seat having a first trough for connecting the first bar and a second trough for connecting the second bar. The first and second troughs are arranged at a space. The first trough is provided with only one first receptacle terminal. The second trough is provided with a plurality of second receptacle terminals which are parallel with each other and arranged at a space.
US08998635B2
A junction box includes a cable connecting box, a cover covering the cable connecting box and a cable electrically connecting with the cable connecting box. The cable connecting box including an insulative box and a wire connecting module, the insulative box comprising a plurality of walls extending upwardly and a receiving cavity surround by the walls, the walls including a front wall defining a plurality of mounting holes for the cable passing through. The cover includes a plurality of separating walls extending downwardly from a peripheral of the cover to engage with the walls of the insulative box and a pretending wall being parallel to the separating wall and located in front of the front wall. The adding pretending wall provides a longer distance for the junction box to ensure a safe creepage distance for the user to use the junction box.
US08998632B2
A dual orientation connector having a connector tab with first and second major opposing sides and a plurality of electrical contacts carried by the connector tab. The plurality of contacts includes a first set of external contacts formed at the first major side and a second set of external contacts formed at the second major side. The first plurality of contacts are symmetrically spaced with the second plurality of contacts and the connector tab is shaped to have 180 degree symmetry so that it can be inserted and operatively coupled to a corresponding receptacle connector in either of two insertion orientations.
US08998617B2
A method for training an operator to control a powered system is disclosed including operating the powered system with an autonomous controller, and informing an operator of a change in operation of the powered system as the change in operation occurs. A system and a computer software code are also disclosed for training the operator to control the powered system.
US08998606B2
An apparatus for uniform reactive thermal treatment of thin-film materials includes a chamber enclosing a tube shaped space filled with a work gas and heaters disposed outside the chamber. The apparatus further includes a loading configuration for subjecting a plurality of planar substrates to the work gas in the tube shaped space. Baffles are disposed above and below the loading configuration.
US08998603B2
Described is a container treatment device for the expansion of pre-forms into containers, having at least one blow moulding device for the introduction of a flowable medium under pressure into an inner space of the pre-form, and at least one stretching device for stretching the pre-form during an expansion procedure. The blow molding device has at least one blow molding nozzle piston and the stretching device has at least one stretch rod which is movable at least locally and at least for a time through a through opening of the blow molding nozzle piston in a translational manner and which is operatively connected to at least one portion of a stretch rod drive device, wherein at least one bearing element is arranged in the region of the through opening in order to guide the stretch rod.
US08998600B1
Improved apparatus for in-situ forming of polymeric materials. During formation, the polymeric materials can be applied to horizontal or inclined surfaces such as roofs. The improved apparatus is automatically controlled and laser guided.
US08998598B2
A press assembly for pressurizing a body, comprising a frame and a cartridge for applying load to the body, in which the frame comprises a bore for accommodating the cartridge. The press assembly further comprises an axial securement mechanism for securing the cartridge axially within the bore and a radial securement mechanism for securing the cartridge radially within the bore. The press assembly is configured such that the cartridge can be rotated in the bore between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. The radial and axial securement mechanisms are cooperatively configured with respect to each other so when the cartridge is in the locked condition, both the radial and axial securement mechanisms are engaged and when the cartridge is in the unlocked condition the radial and axial securement mechanisms are both disengaged and there is a clearance gap between the cartridge and the bore permitting the cartridge to be axially displaceable within the bore.
US08998597B2
Described herein is a device comprising: a chamber wall comprising outer and inner surfaces, wherein the inner surface encloses a lobed chamber with a plurality of lobes and the inner surface comprises segments of arcuate surfaces, each of the segments of arcuate surfaces being tangent with its immediate neighboring segments, and wherein the chamber wall further comprises channels connecting the outer surface and the inner surface of the chamber wall and/or channels through an end surface of the chamber wall; a lobed piston configured to translate along a circular path relative to the chamber wall, the outer surface of the piston and the inner surface of the chamber wall engaged during translation and forming a fluid-tight seal between some portions of the outer surface of the piston and the inner surface of the chamber wall such that enclosed spaces are formed between the piston and the chamber wall.
US08998596B2
A scroll compressor includes a pressing mechanism and a back-flow prevention mechanism. The pressing mechanism includes a back-pressure chamber facing a back surface of a movable-scroll end plate, and a back-pressure supply path arranged to allow the back-pressure chamber to communicate with a compression chamber which is in a state right before the compression chamber communicates with an outlet port or a state in which the compression chamber communicates with the outlet port. The back-flow prevention mechanism allows refrigerant of the back-pressure supply path to flow from the compression chamber to the back-pressure chamber, and prevents fluid of the back-pressure supply path from returning from the back-pressure chamber to the compression chamber.
US08998592B2
A compressor includes a discharge chamber, compressor chamber, valve plate, and discharge reed valve. The valve plate includes a fixing surface, exposed to the discharge chamber, and a discharge port, which communicates the discharge chamber and the compression chamber. The discharge reed valve includes a fixed portion, fixed to the fixing surface, a base portion, separable from the valve plate, and a valve portion, which closes the discharge port. The valve plate includes an annular seal surface, recessed groove, receiving surface, and support surface. The seal surface contacts the valve portion around the discharge port. The recessed groove is arranged in the fixing surface outward from the seal surface. The receiving surface is flush with the fixing surface and contacts a distal region of the valve portion. The support surface is flush with the fixing surface and contacts a central region of the valve portion.
US08998586B2
A self-priming pump assembly is disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, the self-priming pump assembly includes a motor, a main pump having a main pump impeller, a vacuum pump having a vacuum pump impeller, and a drive shaft driven by the motor. The main pump impeller and the vacuum pump impeller may be directly coupled to and driven by the drive shaft, and may rotate about the rotation axis of the drive shaft. In some instances, the vacuum pump impeller is situated between the motor and the main pump impeller, while in other instances, the main pump impeller may be situated between the vacuum pump impeller and the motor. In some cases, bearings may be provided at or near the vacuum pump to help support the vacuum pump relative to the drive shaft.
US08998583B2
A gas turbine engine component providing a gas flow passage is provided, which gas flow passage surrounds an inner passage surface, an outer passage surface forming an outer delimitation of said gas flow passage. In an aspect, the trace of the inner passage surface in a cross-section perpendicular to a central axis of the component presents at least one substantially straight portion. In another aspect, where a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades extends between the inner and outer passage surfaces, two portions of the trace, in a cross-section perpendicular to a central axis of the component, of the outer passage surface between two adjacent blades are substantially straight and oriented in an angle in relation to each other so as to form a concavity in the gas flow passage.
US08998571B2
A slotted turbine static nozzle airfoil. In one embodiment, the turbine static nozzle airfoil includes a concave pressure wall having a slot extending therethrough; a convex suction wall adjoined with the concave pressure wall at respective end joints; and a pocket fluidly connected with the slot and located between the convex suction wall and the concave pressure wall, wherein at least one of the convex suction wall or the concave pressure wall includes a thinned segment proximate one of the respective end joints, the thinned segment configured to extend the pocket toward a trailing edge of the turbine static nozzle airfoil.
US08998563B2
An active clearance control system for a gas turbine engine includes a structural member that is configured to be arranged near a blade tip. A plenum includes first and second walls respectively providing first and second cavities. The first wall includes impingement holes. The plenum is arranged over the structural member. A fluid source is fluidly connected to the second cavity to provide an impingement cooling flow from the second cavity through the impingement holes to the first cavity onto the structural member. A method includes the steps of providing a conditioning fluid to an outer cavity of a plenum providing an impingement cooling flow through impingement holes from an inner wall of the plenum to an inner cavity, directing the impingement cooling flow onto a structural member, and conditioning a temperature of the structural member with the impingement cooling flow to control a blade tip clearance.
US08998556B2
A cargo platform system which can be uncoupled from a vehicle frame and lowered to a ground surface using a self-contained jack system after the vehicle has been removed from beneath the platform. The cargo platform system may comprise a sub-frame having deck-rails for attachment to a vehicle frame, a platform having deck-rails for removably coupling to the sub-frame, and a jack system comprising a first jack, a second jack, a third jack, and a fourth jack removably attached to a left front corner, a right front corner, a left rear corner, and a right rear corner respectively. All four jacks of the jack system are in communication together such that extension and retraction of the jacks are simultaneous and electric motors atop each jack are removable for storage.
US08998545B2
A retention knob for use with a tool holder that is less prone to distorting a tapered tool holder surface, especially if it is over-tightened. The retention knob includes a knob head, a flange engageable with an end of a tool holder shank, a pilot segment receivable by the counter bore defined by said tool holder shank and a threaded segment spaced from said flange by an undercut segment. The threaded segment is configured so that it has a length that is substantially the minimum length required to achieve maximum thread holding strength. The undercut segment is configured to space the threaded segment from its head so that a distal end of the threaded segment is substantially near the bottom of the tapered bore forming part of the tool holder.
US08998541B2
A rock bolt to be installed into a borehole (1) drilled in a rock is described. The rock bolt includes wherein an expansion member (9) of the rock bolt includes an internal second cone abutment surface (12) in the interior of the expansion member in the vicinity of a second end thereof. A second cone member is at least partially fitted in the interior of the second end of the expansion member. The second cone member includes a hole (14), through which a drawbar is adapted to extend with a clearance, and a second cone surface (15) tapering inward relative to the expansion member and abutting against the second cone abutment surface (12) of the expansion member. A first end (17) of an elongated pushing member bears on tightening members and a second end (18) bears against the second cone member on the opposite side relative to the expansion member so that, as the drawbar is tightened by the tightening members, the pushing member simultaneously pushes the second cone member to the interior of the expansion member for expanding the expansion member and engaging the expansion member to the wall of the borehole.
US08998530B2
A method for laying down a pavement in which a compaction unit such as a tamper pre-compacts the paving material with a selectable stroke and at a selectable frequency while the pavement having a selectable pavement thickness is in the process of being laid down at a selectable paving speed, the stroke of the compaction unit is automatically adjustable in response to paving parameters, such as the paving speed and/or the pavement thickness, along a characteristic curve or in a characteristic map. The compaction unit includes an adjusting mechanism which is operable during the paving operation for adjusting the stroke of the compaction unit.
US08998526B2
A set of profiles for forming complex profiles comprises two profiles, namely a first profile (10) and a second profile (20), adjoining each other and having walls surrounding a main chamber. Each profile (10, 20) of the set has an outer shape which may be inscribed into a triangle, and has an inner wall (12, 22) with a faying face (13, 23) without protruding fragments. The faying faces (13, 23) adjoining each other, after being coated with adhesive enable a joint to be created when the complex profile is discussed, however, in the case of the set of the profiles they are considered to be contact surfaces. After adjoining the first profile (10) and the second profile (20) by attaching the first faying face (13) to the second faying face (23) in order to create a complex profile (30), a first outer surface (15) of first side walls (14) and a second outer surface (25) of second side walls (24) are situated outside of the complex profile and an angle between the first outer surface (15) and the second outer surface (25) equals to a sum of a first angle (α) between the first faying face (13) and the first outer surface (15) of the first side wall (14) of the first profile (10) and a second angle (β) between the second faying face (23) and the second outer surface (25) of the second side wall (24) of the second profile (20).
US08998521B2
A cosmetics container for a liquid or pasty cosmetic, comprising a storage container having a removal opening, and a closure cap for opening and closing this removal opening. The closure cap can be detachably locked in its closing position on the storage container using at least one latching device that acts between the closure cap and the storage container. The cosmetics container further comprises at least one locking device which is able to assume at least one release position and at least one blocking position, and which in the blocking position blocks the latching element in such a way that a lock existing between the closure cap and the storage container cannot be released and the closure cap thus cannot be moved out of its closing position.
US08998515B2
Embodiments described herein are directed to characterizing a media curler for a printing. Test curls can be imposed on media having input curls with known input values using a media curler to be characterized. The media curler can impose the test curls based on curler settings of the media curler. Resulting output values from an interaction between the test curls and the input curls can be measured and the curler settings can be characterized based on the known input values and the resulting output values so that the media curler can be configured to respond to incoming media having a known input curl by applying curler setting to achieve a desired output curl.
US08998513B2
A unipod rotating apparatus includes a main rod, an adapting platform fixing photographic equipment, and a rotating device connecting the adapting platform to the main rod in a rotatable manner, in which the rotating device includes a rotating tube, a first connecting structure, a second connecting structure and a rotation connecting structure, in which the rotating tube is sleeved around the main rod; the first connecting structure fixedly connects the adapting platform to the upper end of the rotating tube; the second connecting structure is fixedly connected to the upper end of the main rod; and the rotation connecting structure is arranged between the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure, such that the first connecting structure and the second connecting structure are connected with each other in a relatively rotatable manner.
US08998508B2
A microwave transmit/receive enclosure comprises an enclosure housing and one or more I/O connection ports that are mounted on one side of the enclosure housing. The enclosure housing contains a removable communication connector and a removable memory card. Both the removable communication connector and the removable memory card can be inserted into or removed from the enclosure housing via the same I/O connection port.
US08998504B2
An optical fiber connector includes a connector body and a submodule having a user-selectable configuration, such as a splitter or coupler. The connector body has a submodule mounting region. A first end of the connector body has a pluggable optical fiber port. A second end of the connector body has at least one body fiber guide. The submodule is releasably mounted in the submodule mounting region. The submodule has at least one submodule fiber guide aligned with at least one body fiber guide and at least one submodule fiber guide aligned with the pluggable optical fiber port. One or more optical fibers are routed through the connector body in accordance with the submodule configuration.
US08998502B2
According to at least one exemplary embodiment a ferrule, comprises: (i) a bore extending from a rear of the ferrule to a front of the ferrule, wherein the bore is sized to receive an optical fiber and a buffer layer at one end face of the ferrule; and (ii) an end stop sized to engage the buffer layer and to contain the optical fiber within said ferrule. In some embodiments the ferrule includes an optical fiber situated within the bore.
US08998493B2
A split combo bearing including a damper body that has a through-hole through which a rotor shaft passes, a cover that covers both axial sides of the damper body and a predetermined area of the outer circumference of the damper body, a thrust bump that is fixed to the side of the cover, which is in contact with the impeller on a rotor shaft, and is arranged circumferentially around the through-hole, a thrust top foil that is axially fixed to the outermost side of the thrust bump, and a radial top foil that is formed to cover the rotor shaft, and is disposed between the outer side of the rotor shaft and the inner side of the through-hole of the damper body.
US08998491B2
A linear actuator includes a guide mechanism and a retainer. On a guide block of the guide mechanism, a pair of ball-circulating grooves is formed on the lower surface that faces a cylinder body. Multiple balls are loaded in the ball-circulating grooves. Paired cover blocks are respectively mounted on the two ends of the guide block. The retainer has the form of paired ball clips, which are formed as arms to engage with the cover blocks when the clips are inserted in the ball-circulating grooves to hold the balls. Paired cover plates are respectively mounted on the end faces of the cover blocks, and arm-shaped cover clips are mounted so as to hold the cover plates. The cover plates, the cover blocks, and the guide block are thereby integrally linked.
US08998490B2
A linear motion bearing assembly comprising a rolling element retainer structure and an outer housing sleeve enclosing substantially all of an exposed exterior surface of said rolling element retainer structure. A bearing block effective to enclose substantially all of an exposed exterior surface of the outer housing sleeve, the bearing block including a first bearing block segment effective to enclose a first part of the outer housing sleeve; and a second bearing block segment effective to enclose a second part of the outer housing sleeve, wherein the first bearing block segment and the second bearing block segment include first elements and second elements effective to interlock with each other when the bearing block encloses the outer housing sleeve.
US08998488B2
A radiographic projector (10) for housing and projecting a radioisotope for use in radiography is described. The front end of the projector has a chamfered surface (12) for receiving an ancillary shielding component. The material used for the front end surface of the projector is tungsten powder in a less dense material matrix. A locking mechanism (30) for a projector is described, including a locking bar for locking a source holder in the projector. The locking mechanism includes an interlock section for retaining the locking bar in an unlocked position while a source holder is not in its storage position, and a latch section for latching the locking bar in the unlocked position prior to engagement of the interlock section. A holster for mounting a radiographic projector and a retraction cage for a remote windout mechanism are also described.
US08998480B2
An LED lighting device, in particular an LED retrofit lamp, comprising a light-emitting means (2) having at least one LED (16) and a lampholder (1) for accommodating the light-emitting means (2), and at least one elastic element (12), which braces the light-emitting means (2) in the lampholder.
US08998479B2
A surface light guide has a radiation exit area extending along a main extension plane of the surface light guide and is provided for laterally coupling radiation. The surface light guide includes scattering locations for scattering the coupled radiation. The surface light guide includes a first boundary surface and a second boundary surface which delimit the light conductance of the coupled-in radiation in the vertical direction. A first layer and a second layer are formed on each other in the vertical direction between the first boundary surface and the second boundary surface. Further disclosed are a planar emitter including at least one surface light guide.
US08998476B2
The backlight device 24 according to the present invention is provided with: an LED substrate 30; an LED light source 28; a light guide plate 20 having a light entrance surface 20a on a side surface; a chassis 22 having a bottom plate and a side plate; and spacer members that regulate the distance between the side plate and the light guide plate 20. The side plate has three first side plates 22c and 22d on the surface of which an LED substrate 30 is arranged, and one second side plate 22b on the surface of which the LED substrate 30 is not arranged. The spacer members have an elastic spacer member 34a and a non-elastic spacer member 34b. The space between the first side plate 22c that is opposite the second side plate 22b, across the light guide plate 20, and the light guide plate 20 is regulated by the non-elastic spacer member 34b. The space between the other side plates 22b and 22d and the light guide plate 20 is regulated by the elastic spacer member 34a.
US08998471B2
Lighting units include a light source, a light-diffusing optical fiber assembly, and a support substrate. The light-diffusing optical fiber assembly includes a plurality of light-diffusing optical fibers that are arranged in a bundled portion surrounded by a jacket and a splayed portion free from the jacket. The plurality of light-diffusing optical fibers in the splayed portion scatter light optically coupled into the plurality of light-diffusing optical fibers from the light source. The plurality of light-diffusing optical fibers within the splayed portion are structurally coupled to the support substrate.
US08998468B2
A solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon light sources for applications in microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and endoscopy. The illumination system includes hybrid optical and electrical control of output intensity in which the light output of one or more of the light sources is attenuated optically such that it is not necessary to reduce the electrical drive power/current of the LEDs at a level where the spectral power distribution is variable. One or more fixed, selectable, or variable neutral density filters is interposed in the output beam of one or more sources to achieve optical attenuation of the light output. The hybrid optical and electrical control of output intensity allows greater dynamic range of intensity to be achieved than could be achieved with electrical control of the LEDs alone while maintaining the desired spectral power distribution.
US08998462B2
A multiple surface LED light has at least a first surface on which LED elements are arranged to provide an illumination function and at least one other surface arranged to provide other desired functions, performances, and/or features. The said LED light has a frame or housing, and an opening that allows the exposed one of the first and other r surfaces to be changed when external force is applied to the LED light.
US08998461B2
An electrically powered flame simulator comprises at least two light sources, an integrated circuit electrically connected to the light sources for intermittently illuminating at least one of the light sources independently of other light sources such that the light sources together provide the effect of a flickering movement, and a power source for providing power to the integrated circuit. The flame simulator may be mounted in a decorative or ornamental device such as a candle or fire log, or used on decorative clothing, or may be part of a hazard or warning system. One or more solid state light sources may also be used.
US08998457B2
A self-ballasted lamp includes: a base body; a light-emitting module and a globe which are provided at one end side of the base body; a cap provided at the other end side of the base body; and a lighting circuit housed between the base body and the cap. The light-emitting module has light-emitting portions each using a semiconductor light-emitting element, and a support portion projected at one end side of the base body, and the light-emitting portions are disposed at least on a circumferential surface of the support portion. A light-transmissive member is interposed between the light-emitting module and an inner face of the globe.
US08998452B2
A light bulb includes a base, light guide, and light source. The base is configured to mechanically mount the light bulb and receive electrical power. The light guide includes light input regions, at least one of the light input regions associated with an optical modifying characteristic, the light guide configured to propagate light by total internal reflection. The light source is located adjacent the light input regions. The light source and light input regions are variably positionable relative to one another to vary location at which light is incident on the light input regions such that light emitted from the light source is selectively apportioned between the light input regions. A characteristic of the light output from the light bulb is modified based on the optical modifying characteristic of the at least one of the light input regions and the relative positioning of the light source and light input regions.
US08998451B2
A customizable decorative party apparatus. One of several possible insert photographs, name tags, decals, or logos inserts in place on a generally planer surface of a base. A substantially transparent cover removably locks onto the base, defining a substantially water-tight protective cover over the insert. The apparatus includes an attaching structure on the opposite surface, configured to temporarily, removably connect the apparatus to one of a plurality of party items, e.g., cups, plates, straws, hats, ornaments, a string of holiday lights, or the like. The apparatus can be removed from the decoration, the cover can be removed from the base by hand-manipulating the lock, and the same insert, or a different insert, can be inserted for use at the same party or a different party.
US08998450B2
A light module (1; 14), comprising a carrier (8, 10) for mounting at least one semiconductor source (5), in particular a light emitting diode, wherein: the carrier (8, 10) has a flexible printed circuit board (10), the flexible printed circuit board (10) is bonded face-to face to at least one base plate, (8) and the carrier (8, 10) can be bent along at least one predetermined bending line (3; 3a-3e), the base plate (8) can be bent along the at least one bending line, (3; 3a-3e), the base plate (8) has at least one cutout (9) along the bending line (3; 3a-3e) and the flexible printed circuit board (10) has at least one strip (11; 15) which crosses at least one of the cutouts (9).
US08998443B1
A beacon light and lens system includes a base, a light emitting diode assembly having at least one light emitting diode secured to the base, a lens including optics configured to capture and direct light from the at least one light emitting diode, a driver board configured to power the at least one light emitting diode, a power source connected to the driver board wherein the lens is mounted on the base. The system generates a 360° horizontal beam pattern and a predetermined vertical beam pattern.
US08998441B2
Provided are an LED light-emitting module and an illumination apparatus using the same. The LED light-emitting module includes a body frame having a light emitting opening in a direction inclined with respect to a ground surface and a coupling surface to which an LED package is coupled, the body frame including reflective plates extending from opposite sides of the coupling surface to define the light emitting opening, a plurality of heat radiating fins placed on the entire surface of the body frame except for the light emitting opening, and a plurality of LED packages installed on the coupling surface of the body frame such that light radiation angles of the LED packages are adjusted according to an angle by which the coupling surface is bent.
US08998438B1
A system and method that helps evacuees exit a residential structure in the event of an emergency such as a fire, earthquake, security breach or the like, by providing emergency illumination around the periphery of an exit door and/or an alternative safe exit portal together with floor/ground level illumination along the path to the portal, and by providing an audible tone or voice recording to guide occupants to the exit portal. Various forms of linear illuminators parallel to and near the floor of an interior room or hallway provide the floor-level identification and illumination of the exit route to be used in the event of emergency, with some linear illuminators having directional aspects along hallways to lead evacuees toward an exit, and other illuminators outlining the perimeter of portals that are safe to exit through, the illuminators normally being hardly noticeable but having controllers and energizers to light up the planned exit route when emergency conditions are detected.
US08998432B2
An instrument includes a substrate; first and second light-emitting parts provided on the substrate; a light guide plate having a first illumination part that is illuminated by first light of the first light-emitting part, and that guides the first light of the first light-emitting part incident thereinto to the first illumination part, which is separated from the first light-emitting part; and a design plate having a second illumination part.
US08998430B2
A light trap, a device for coupling a first beam path to a second beam path, and an illumination device for an optical observation device, as well as an optical observation device. The light trap is for eliminating or preventing stray light, e.g., in the form of scattered light. In order to be able to further improve the elimination of disruptive stray light in the form of scattered light, the light trap is configured in a special way. It has a filter element, particularly a neutral filter element, which is characterized in that an incident light face of the filter element has a concave radius, whereby the incident light face has a specific curvature.
US08998426B2
A projection system includes a projector body including a projection lens that projects image light, a color wheel located in a position downstream of the projection lens, a lens moving section that moves the projection lens from an initial position in at least one of an X direction and a Y direction, a movement amount detection unit that detects the amount of movement of the projection lens and the position to which the projection lens has been moved, an adjustment section that changes the position and the attitude of the color wheel, and an adjustment controller that controls the adjustment section in accordance with a detection result from the movement amount detection unit to adjust at least one of the position and the attitude of the color wheel.
US08998422B1
Systems, devices and methods for displaying control room data are disclosed. In some embodiments, the systems, devices and methods are employed by operators of infrastructure to depict the status of the infrastructure to provide situational awareness to the operators.
US08998413B2
A measurement apparatus for measuring aberration based on return light of measuring light radiated to an object, includes a light source configured to emit the measuring light, a focusing unit configured to focus the measuring light on the object, an acquisition unit configured to acquire, from a storage unit, information indicating a state of the focusing unit corresponding to identification information of a specific object, and a control unit configured to control the focusing unit based on the acquired information indicating the state of the focusing unit.
US08998409B2
A method and apparatus for creating a progressive spectacle lens design by transforming a starting design. The starting design is defined to include specification of a principal line, specifications for target astigmatism values A(u=0,y) along the principal line, and specifications for the course of a base target isoastigmatism line, which is described by a one-dimensional function of the form uG(y)=ƒ(y). The method and apparatus transform the starting design by modifying the course of the base target isoastigmatism line uG(y)→u′G(y), and calculating the target astigmatism values A(u,y) of the spectacle lens design by an interpolation between the target astigmatism values A(u=0,y) on the principal line and the target astigmatism values A(u′G(y),y) on the modified base target isoastigmatism line. Furthermore, the method and apparatus are provided to create the spectacle lens for the wearer on the basis of the progressive spectacle lens design.
US08998405B2
A transportation device includes: a transportation section that transports a continuous paper; and an imaging unit that detects a transportation amount of the continuous paper which is transported by the transportation section. The imaging unit includes a lens barrel; a light irradiation unit disposed in the lens barrel and capable of radiating light on the continuous paper; a condensing lens which is disposed in a position farther than the light irradiation section with respect to the continuous paper in the lens barrel and condenses a reflected light when the light is radiated from the light irradiation section to the continuous paper; and an imaging element which is disposed in a position farther than the condensing lens with respect to the continuous paper P in the lens barrel and captures an image by receiving the reflected light condensed by the condensing lens.
US08998400B2
A copolymer contains repeating units represented by the following chemical formulae 1 and 2: In the chemical formulae 1 and 2, R represents a hydrogen atom or a cation; X represents an alkylene group having 2 to 18 carbon atoms; Y represents a single bond, an oxycarbonyl group [(X)—O—CO—(Z)], a carbonyloxy group [(X)—CO—O—(Z)], an ether group (—O—), or an imido group [(X)—N—CO—(—CO—)(Z)]; and Z represents a biphenyl group or a naphthyl group).
US08998397B2
The invention provides an ink that inhibits lowering of ejection stability caused by a precipitate derived from a self-dispersible type monoazo pigment and also inhibits deterioration of a liquid contact surface of a heater portion of a recording head. The ink is an ink for ink jet recording system employing an thermal energy, containing a monoazo pigment, a resin and a surfactant represented by the following formula (1). A proportion of a molecular weight of an ethylene oxide group moiety occupying the surfactant is 10% or more and 85% or less, the monoazo pigment is a self-dispersible pigment to the particle surface of which at least one hydrophilic group selected from the group consisting of —COOM, —SO3M, —PO3HM and —PO3M2 is bonded directly or through another atomic group, and the acid value of the resin is 240 mg KOH/g or less.
US08998394B2
There is provided an ink cartridge which is formed from an ink-filled ink pack and a hermetic outer shell case for housing the ink pack and which supplies ink to a recording head by means of application of air pressure to a space between the outer shell case and the ink pack. The outer shell case is formed by coupling an upper case and a lower case together. The ink-filled ink pack is housed in the lower case, and the upper case is laid on the lower case from above. The upper and lower cases are hermetically sealed by vibratory welding or heat welding, thus constituting the ink cartridge.
US08998391B2
A method for determining the quality of a break-off of an ink jet of a CIJ printing machine is disclosed. In one aspect, this method includes: generating a first line of N1 drops, all charged by the charge means, at the same voltage V1. Also included is: generating at least one drop G1, charged by the charge means, at a second voltage (VG1), followed by at least one drop G2, charged by the charge means, at a third voltage (VG2) lower than V1; generating a second line of N2 drops, all charged by the charge means, at a same voltage V2; and measuring, using an electrostatic sensor, the charge variation of a non-deflected jet of drops including at least the first line of drops and the second line of drops, separated by the drops G1 and G2, during the passage of the jet in front of the sensor.
US08998387B2
The invention is directed to a method of working a small recess portion. In the method, prior to press-forming small recess portions arrayed in a row by pressing a predetermined number of pieces of aligned male dies to a metal base plate, the metal base plate is previously formed with a highly rigid portion at a predetermined portion at a vicinity of an imaginary line extending in a row direction along end portions of predicted press portions to which the respective male dies are pressed.
US08998385B2
A thermal head including: a laminated substrate including a support substrate and an upper substrate at least one of which has a recess formed in a surface thereof; a heat generating resistor formed on a surface of the upper substrate in the laminated substrate at a position opposed to the recess; and a pair of electrode portions connected to each of both ends of a heat generating resistor, wherein the laminated substrate further includes: an intermediate metal layer sandwiched between the support substrate and the upper substrate and bonded thereto in a laminated state; and a surrounding metal layer formed of a metal material, the surrounding metal layer provided in contact with the intermediate metal layer and formed from a surface of the support substrate extending in a thickness direction thereof to a surface thereof opposite to a portion bonded to the upper substrate.
US08998384B2
A circuit can include a die configured to electronically control particular elements and a flex circuit having copper leads coated with a non-gold corrosion inhibitor, the flex circuit being electrically connected to the die by the copper leads.
US08998383B2
An inkjet nozzle device for symmetrically constrained bubble formation includes: a firing chamber having and an end wall, opposite sidewalls and a nozzle aperture defined in a roof thereof; a baffle plate positioned between the sidewalls of the firing chamber, such that a pair of firing chamber entrances are defined between side edges of the baffle plate and the sidewalls; and an elongate heating element bonded to a floor of the firing chamber, the heater element extending longitudinally between the baffle plate and the end wall. The baffle plate is wider than the heater element. Further, a centroid of the heater element coincides with a midpoint between the baffle plate and the end wall.
US08998371B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a conveyance unit, a correction unit, and an attitude controller. The image forming device forms an image on a printing medium. The conveyance unit is disposed opposing the image forming device to convey the printing medium. The correction unit corrects an attitude of a leading edge of the printing medium sent out from the conveyance unit. The attitude controller controls correction of the attitude of the leading edge of the punting medium performed by the correction unit. The attitude controller determines whether or not the correction of the attitude of the leading edge of the printing medium is to be performed, and causes the correction unit to perform the correction when the attitude controller determines that the correction is to be performed.
US08998370B2
A process of configuring a web-fed printer is disclosed. Parameters for a web of printable media used in the web-fed printer and for print density are received. The parameters are applied to determine tension of the printable media and speed of the printable media through a print engine of the web-fed printer.
US08998365B2
A printing method that forms images by arranging liquid material on a target print medium in such a manner that liquid droplets is discharged from discharge nozzles while relatively moving a discharge head, which is provided with the discharge nozzles that discharge the liquid material as the liquid droplets, and the target print medium, includes storing a shape pattern of the target print medium, detecting at least one piece of positional information for the target print medium, calculating a shape of the target print medium by comparing the detected positional information with the shape pattern, and calculating a distance between a nozzle surface and a target printing surface from the shape, and landing the liquid droplets onto the target printing surface by controlling landing positions of the liquid droplets depending on the distance between the nozzle surface and the target printing surface.
US08998346B2
In one aspect of the present invention, a tool has a wear-resistant steel base comprising a shank suitable for attachment to a driving mechanism. A planar end of a cemented metal carbide segment brazed to an interfacial surface of the base axially opposed to the shank. At least one interruption is formed in the interfacial surface.
US08998344B2
A road cutting machine has a machine frame and at least one left-hand running gear and at least one right-hand running gear. A device is provided for raising or lowering the running gears resting on the ground, in relation to the machine frame, and also a control unit is provided for activating the device for raising and lowering the running gears, so that the height of the running gears can be adjusted to the machine frame. The control unit comprises sensors for detecting changes in the height of the ground to be covered by the running gears in relation to the machine frame, whereby the control unit contains a control mode for initiating actions in the control system for adjusting the height of the running gears. The control unit is configured in such a way in the control mode that if a change is detected in the height of the ground, the respective running gear or the respective running gears are raised or lowered so as to compensate any lateral tilting due to a change in the height of the ground.
US08998343B2
A method and system for determining the position and/or location of plant components of a mining extracting plant, which includes at least one face conveyor, a shield-type support system having a plurality of shield-type support frames and an extracting machine, the position/location of at least one plant component is determined by an evaluation system including a detection unit. To determine the location/position of at least one plant component even in the case of a dynamic mineral mining process, the detection unit includes an image sensor, by way of which at least four object points, which are at a predetermined spacing to each other and are detectable within the optical wavelength range, of at least one measuring object associated with one of the plant components, are detected and the position/location of the plant component can be determined from the projection of the object points detected by the image sensor.
US08998329B2
A fitting for a vehicle seat has a first fitting part and a second fitting part. The fitting parts can be rotated relative to one another about an axis. A toothed ring is formed on one of the fitting parts, and guide segments for guiding bolts are formed on the other of the fitting parts. A rotatably mounted eccentric acts on the radially displaceable bolt which then interacts with the toothed ring in order to lock the fitting. A spring arrangement acts on the eccentric and is arranged in a central receptacle in the second fitting part. The second fitting part has a guide part having the guides and a cover for covering the spring arrangement, wherein the guide part and the cover are formed separately and are connected to one another.
US08998327B2
A reclining marine seat is provided. An embodiment of the reclining marine seat marine seat comprises a seat back retainer section having at least one sidewall. The sidewall defines a top surface. The reclining marine seat further comprises a back having at least one sidewall. The sidewall defines a bottom surface. The back is pivotal between first and second positions with respect to the seat back retainer section. The bottom surface of the back does not extend above the top surface of the seat back retainer section during movement of the back between the first and second positions. The reclining marine seat further includes a seat. First and second frames are provided to support the back and seat.
US08998324B2
A seat main body is mounted on a seat mount base on a vehicle body floor through left and right seat rails. The seat mount base includes left and right side members and a connection member connecting substantially central portions of the side members to each other. The seat rails each include a lower rail and an upper rail. Force sensors are disposed between the side members and the corresponding lower rails. The upper rails are secured to the seat main body. A central region of the connection member, located substantially in a center in a seat width direction, protrudes toward the front compared to joining portions where the connection member is joined to the left and right side members. A space opening toward the rear is formed between the joining portions.
US08998318B2
A child restraint includes a seat base and a juvenile seat. The juvenile seat is tiltable relative to the seat base at the option of a caregiver.
US08998317B2
A support base for a child safety seat includes a shell body, an adjustable arm assembled with the shell body and having a rear end provided with a fastener operable to attach with an anchorage fixture of a vehicle, a safety lock, and a coupling portion assembled through an interior of the adjustable arm. The shell body is movable along the adjustable arm to adjust a distance between the fastener and a rear of the shell body. The safety lock is assembled with the shell body, and includes a latch operable to engage and disengage an opening of the adjustable arm. The latch is operable to lock the shell body with the adjustable arm, and a locking engagement of the fastener with the anchorage fixture causes a displacement of the coupling portion that pushes the latch to disengage from the opening for allowing displacement of the shell body toward the fastener.
US08998314B2
Among other things, a structure supports the ischial tubularities of a user of a device to which the structure is attached, while gravity is applying a downward force on the ischial tubularities and the user's legs are engaged in motion during which forces are being applied that tend to cause the user's respective ischial tubularities to move relative to a frame of the device. The structure includes two buttock supports having surfaces against which the bottom surfaces of the user's respective buttocks bear during the motion. A mechanism connects the two buttock supports to the frame of the device to permit simultaneously (1) free motion of the two buttock supports (a) up and down relative to a frame of the device and (b) back and forth relative to the frame of the device and (2) free variation of the angular orientations of the bottom surfaces of the user's buttocks back and forth, relative to a hypothetical horizontal plane that is fixed relative to the frame of the device.
US08998312B2
An infant safety seat comprises a seat shell, a handle and at least a latch element mounted between the seat shell and the handle. Two sides of the seat shell are provided with first coupling elements, each of which includes multiple locking grooves. Two sides of the handle has second coupling elements that are pivotally connected with the first coupling elements, each of the second coupling elements having an interior defining a guide slot. The latch element is movably assembled in the guide slot and includes at least a first stud, the latch element being operable to switch between a locked state where the first stud is engaged with one of the locking grooves to hold the handle in place, and an unlocked state where the first stud is disengaged from the locking grooves to allow rotation of the handle relative to the seat shell.
US08998304B2
A cab rear mounting device includes: a pair of posts disposed at a predetermined interval in a width direction of a vehicle, and fixedly mounted to a vehicle body; strikers mounted to the pair of posts, respectively; a pair of locking devices mounted to the cab, and coupled to each striker to be locked, so as to fix the cab to the vehicle body, or separated from each striker to be unlocked, so as to release the cab from the vehicle body; and damper devices mounted to the posts, respectively, and configured to absorb vibration or shock, thereby promoting a decrease in the number of components, and weight and cost of the vehicle.
US08998303B2
The cab for a mobile machine includes a seat for an operator, and a rollover protective structure (ROPS). The ROPS being positioned on either side of a first vertical plane centrally located on the seat and extending along a length of the cab. The ROPS may include a C-post positioned behind the seat, and a B-post positioned in front of the seat. The C-post may include a first portion extending upwards and angled towards the seat. The first portion may extend from a first end proximate a bottom rear corner of the cab to a second end proximate the first vertical axis. The ROPS may also include a second portion extending upwards from the second end to a third end proximate a roof of the cab. The ROPS may further include a third portion extending in a direction away from the seat from the third end to a fourth end proximate a top rear corner of the cab.
US08998297B1
Systems for mounting a windshield to a vehicle are described. In one example, an apparatus configured to a mount a windshield to a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a foam configured to be positioned between the windshield and a frame of the vehicle along at least three sides of an interior perimeter of the windshield. The apparatus also includes one or more rigid components configured to compress the foam when the windshield is deformed. The one or more rigid components may be positioned at least partially within the foam. The apparatus further includes an attachment component configured to attach the foam to the frame of the vehicle.
US08998280B1
A release mechanism that decreases the effort necessary to release a tensile load is provided. The mechanism includes a connecting body that secures a member connected to a load between a fixed jaw and an opposing jaw, two floating links connected to a moveable jaw and to a moveable toggle pivot, and a moveable toggle that includes a central lever and two toggle links mounted on the moveable toggle pivot. A cam lobe is formed on the lever and rotation of the cam lobe against a flat rise included in the connecting body decreases the effort necessary to unlock the mechanism and release the load. The central lever is interspersed between the toggle links and can move between spacer/stops attached to each of the toggle links. The spacer/stops keep the lever from exceeding the prescribed range of motion.
US08998277B2
An outside handle for a sliding door includes a base member, a grip member, and a lever. The base member is mounted on a door panel and has a first hole formed at one end thereof. The grip member is rotatably and slidably mounted to the base member and has a first hook formed at one end thereof, the first hook being inserted into the first hole. The lever is connected to the first hook of the grip member and is positioned in the first hole of the base member to enable rotation and sliding of the lever in response to rotation and sliding of the grip member. The outside handle improves the operation convenience and ease of assembly of outside handles for sliding doors.
US08998262B2
A device that limits a load of a seat belt includes various elements. For example, the device includes a seat-belt webbing and a shoulder anchor to which a portion of the webbing is secured. A button is attached to the webbing at a position that is a distance away from the portion secured to the shoulder anchor. The button is able to engage a lever, when the webbing is pulled out, to control energy absorption of the seat belt.
US08998261B2
A mounting structure for mounting a support for a seat belt to a vehicle, arranged so that when mounted to a vehicle it will move relative to the vehicle in a first range of directions under application of a first force urging the mounting structure in one of the range of directions, but will not move relative to the vehicle in a direction outside the first range of directions when a second, greater, force is applied urging the mounting structure in such a direction. The structure may have a bracket (7) secured to a vehicle by bolts (18) passing through slots (15) in the bracket, allowing the bracket to move generally in the direction of the slots, but not otherwise. De-couplers, in which toothed flanges (20) on collars (19) through which the bolts extend bear against raised pads on u-shaped washer structures (23) may be disposed between the bolt heads and the bracket to limit the force applied to the bracket and enable the applied force at which the bracket will move relative to the vehicle to be controlled.
US08998256B2
A front loader (10) for a tractor with a parking stand unit (28) including a parking support (30) pivotably mounted on the front loader arm (12). A locking brace (32) is pivotably seated at one end on the parking support (30) and is movably guided at the other end by a guidance means (50) formed on the locking brace (32) and at least one guide groove (48, 49) formed in the parking support (30). The guidance means (50) can be brought by pivoting the parking support (30) into the parking position (P3) into a locking position in which it comes to rest at a stop (66) formed in the guide groove (48, 49). The guidance means (50) can be pressed against the stop (66) and fixed in the locking position by a support force of the front loader arm (12) acting in the parking position (P3) on the locking brace (32).
US08998247B2
An airbag enclosure has a cover formed by a rigid panel having a portion forming a flap defined by a plurality of sides all formed as breakaway lines and one of which also forms a hinge. The cover is made of a thermoplastic laminate that has a plurality of first layers alternating with a plurality of second layers. The first layers each consist of a homogenous thermoplastic film of a polyolefin copolymer, polyester, or a polyester copolymer. The second layers each consist of an array of strips, fibers, or filaments of polypropylene or polyester.
US08998245B1
A wheelchair includes left and right side frames and a folding mechanism for connecting the left and right side frames to each other in a folding and unfolding relationship. The folding mechanism includes cross struts rotatably connected to the lower side frame members, hinge links connected to the upper side frame members, and a lock for locking the hinge links together when the folding mechanism is unfolded to form a rigid truss between the left and right upper side frame members.
US08998238B1
There is provided a meal-serving stock shelf-equipped wheelchair, with which the wheelchair user can efficiently perform meal-serving work when charged with the work, and in which the stock shelf is capable of being folded in a compact manner after the meal serving. The meal-serving motorized wheelchair includes: a wheelchair meal-serving table that is attached via a frame; and a meal-serving stock shelf that is engaged with an engaging plate via an engaging portion. The meal-serving stock shelf is structured by a raising and lowering mechanism powered by a motor and a dish tray storage section. The dish tray storage section stores dish trays of at least two levels disposed at a predetermined interval. The stock shelf can be folded in a compact manner when not in use.
US08998236B2
A bicycle frame with an improved suspension system. The bicycle frame includes an adjustable dropout assembly that provides adequate shock absorption without affecting or being affected by the chain length or the pedaling action of the bicycle. The bicycle frame includes a uni-axis system that increases the efficiency and performance of the bicycle while eliminating latter movement found in traditional frames. The bicycle frame includes a micro-adjustable suspension system that allows the rider to easily adjust the suspension of the frame to precise measurements quickly and without additional tools.
US08998218B1
The invention includes a pivoting floor member coupled to the bottom shelf of a shopping cart. The floor member is pivotally arranged so that it assumes a first position when nothing is placed upon it and a second position when any object having more than a predetermined weight is placed upon it. The floor member is mechanically coupled to a mechanical indicator which assumes a first indicating position when the floor member is in its first position and a second indicating position when the floor member is in its second position. The indicator may be a rod and sleeve arrangement and the rod may include indicia such as one or more colored stripes.
US08998217B1
A footwear product (10) with a selectively retractable skating mechanism (30) that permits a user to selectively change from WALK to SKATE. Mechanism (30) includes two coaxially disposed elongated rail assemblies (40; 60) conforming to each other and snuggly fitted to allow them to slide and cammingly deploy and retract wheel assembly (80) that protrudes outwardly in the SKATE position. Upper rail assembly (40) is totally housed within the sole assembly (20) in the WALK position.
US08998216B2
A vehicle includes a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion, a roll-over protection cage supported by the frame portion, a pair of suspension assemblies at a rear region of the frame portion to suspend the pair of rear wheels, an engine supported by the frame portion, with at least a portion of the engine being at a more rearward position than the roll-over protection cage, and a rear stabilizer connecting the pair of suspension assemblies to each other. Each of the pair of suspension assemblies includes an arm portion supported pivotably by the frame portion, and a shock absorber which connects the arm portion and the frame portion to each other. The rear stabilizer overlaps the engine in a plan view, passing in front of the pair of shock absorbers and below the engine.
US08998215B2
The invention relates to an arrangement (9) for overcoming an obstruction (8) to traveling movement, preferably on an automatically traveling floor cleaning appliance (1) having a driven travel wheel (3). To configure an arrangement of the kind in question in an improved manner, it is proposed that on the travel wheel (3), a lifting part (10) is mounted in an eccentrically pivotable manner, the lifting part protruding with a front end surface (12) beyond a running surface (7) of the travel wheel (3) in the direction of travel (r), a counter mounting being provided which is fixed to the housing.
US08998210B2
A card disposal system for a table game is provided that is capable of assuring the disposal of all of cards corresponding to a predetermined number of decks that are used at a game table without any deficiency and without any fraudulent diversion being made over such cards.A card disposal system for a table game of the present invention includes a discharge opening (4) for disposal of cards (3) after a game, a disposed card receiving board (5) for receiving the cards 3 from the discharge opening (4), a disposed card information acquiring means (6) that acquires information on the number (rank) of the card 3 placed in the discharge opening (4), a group information acquiring means (7) that acquires group information of the card (3) disposed of, a card counter (8) serving as a number counting means that counts the number of cards (3) that are placed in the discharge opening (4) for disposal, a deck examination means (13) that determines whether cards (3h) to be disposed of includes all the cards within a predetermined number of decks, for example, 416 cards in case of 8 decks (52 cards×8 decks), and an output means (10) that outputs a result of the determination. With the card disposal system, a void hole is made on the card to be disposed of, and the disposal of all the cards without any deficiency and without any fraudulent diversion being made over such cards is assured.
US08998207B2
An image recording apparatus includes: a recording portion; a sheet conveyor; a detector; and a controller configured to control the sheet conveyor to stop a first-attribute sheet in a state in which the sheet conveyor is nipping the first-attribute sheet when the detector has detected that the first-attribute sheet reaches a first-attribute-sheet stopping position; and to control the sheet conveyor to stop a second-attribute sheet in a state in which the sheet conveyor is nipping the second-attribute sheet when the detector has detected that the second-attribute sheet reaches a second-attribute-sheet stopping position which is located on an upstream side of the first-attribute-sheet stopping position in the conveying direction.
US08998206B2
A medium transport direction switching mechanism may be provided of a simple configuration which is capable of switching the transport direction of a transported information recording medium. One end may be a biasing member for biasing a pinch roller toward a transport roller engages a support shaft which supports the pinch roller, whereas the other end of the biasing member engages a retaining member which retains the support shaft. In the medium transport direction switching mechanism, rotational behavior of the pinch roller centering upon a rotational center of the transport roller is possible between a first facing position and a second facing position, wherein the pinch roller moves to the first facing position when the transport roller rotates positively, and moves to the second facing position when the transport roller rotates negatively.
US08998194B2
There is provided an image forming apparatus including separating members in a conveyance direction of sheets conveyed from a paper tray, the separating members being configured to separate the sheets one by one. The separating members include an upward regulating member configured to regulate a central part of a sheet in a width direction in a manner that the central part of the sheet points upward, and downward regulating members on both sides of the upward regulating member, the downward regulating members each being configured to regulate both ends of the sheet in the width direction in a manner that both ends of the sheet point downward. A position of an upper end of the upward regulating member is higher than a position of a lower end of each downward regulating member.
US08998192B2
In the invention, for a first sheet, regardless of the sheet size (width), a lateral registration detector is moved in a direction towards an edge face of the sheet from a home position to detect the edge face of the sheet. With lateral deviation in the sheet position corrected, punching is performed by a puncher. For the second and subsequent sheets, the lateral registration detector is moved in advance to near the edge face of the sheet with reference to the detected position of the sheet edge of the first sheet, and the edge face is detected at a given timing. With lateral deviation in the sheet position corrected, punching is performed by the puncher.
US08998188B2
Elastomer components that can be prestressed by pressure means and method for the production thereof
Elastomer components (104), which are to have an elastomer volume with a sufficiently large prestress, as is required, for example, for use in wind energy plants. The elastomer components (104) are substantially based on the incorporation and integration of separating elements (105) into the elastomer body of the component, the elements are disposed either individually or in structures. The body may be compressed by pressure supplied into the region, between the separating elements and the surrounding elastomer material, or directly into the separating elements, such that elastomer components are prestressed in a dynamically adjustable manner.
US08998181B2
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus includes a connection body and a connection element arranged at least partially within the connection body. The connection body is operable to couple to a first element in a link arrangement and the connection element is operable to couple to a second element in the link arrangement. The apparatus further includes a metallic spring system arranged circumferentially around at least a portion of the connection element. The metallic spring system is operable to compress in response to relative movement between the connection body and the connection element.
US08998180B2
A fuel carburetor includes a fuel passage, a heat medium passage, a space part, and an absorbent material. Ammonia as fuel flows through the fuel passage. The heat medium passage is arranged adjacent to the fuel passage, and a heat medium flows through the heat medium passage. Ammonia gas leaking out of the fuel passage flows into the space part. The absorbent material is provided in the space part for absorbing the ammonia gas. The fuel carburetor is configured to exchange heat between the fuel flowing through the fuel passage and the heat medium flowing through the heat medium passage so as to heat and vaporize the fuel.
US08998179B2
An aeration ship including a ship body, a ship bottom, and an aerator. The aerator includes an air cylinder having an upper section and a lower section. The upper section of the air cylinder is fixed on the ship body, and the lower section of the air cylinder penetrates the ship bottom and extends downwards.
US08998175B2
A railing assembly that, in one embodiment, includes a first rail, a second rail, and a post that are coupled with a rail crossover assembly. The rail crossover assembly may include a first end with a first flange configured to be received in a cavity of the first rail, a second end with a second flange configured to be received in a cavity of the second rail, and a post coupling member configured to be received in a cavity of the post. The first end, the second end and the third end of the rail crossover assembly are oriented so the post is substantially orthogonal with respect to the first rail and the second rail.
US08998172B2
In an embodiment of the present invention, a valve seal for a ball valve includes a ball configured to mate with a tail piece, an annular seat ring to facilitate the mating of the ball with the tail piece, the seat ring having an angled wall having a first groove for accommodating a first seal and a second groove for accommodating a second seal, the first seal having a different Young's modulus from the second seal.
US08998169B2
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided is a fluid control valve configured to attenuate acoustic resonance generated by a fluid flow. The fluid control valve includes a valve body defining a fluid passageway. A pair of seat rings are coupled to the valve body, with each seat ring defining an opening disposed about the fluid passageway. Each seat ring includes a plurality of vortex generators disposed about the radial periphery thereof for generating streamwise vorticies which suppress acoustic resonance.
US08998166B2
An actuator for operating a linear valve, such as a gate valve, includes a sealing plate that extends across the diameter of a housing. A diaphragm is located on, and fully supported by, the plate. When pressure media urges the diaphragm and sealing plate downward, the sealing plate urges a step downward to actuate a valve. A hub and an annular support plate can be assembled to form the plate, and the plate can be different sizes by selecting different sized annular support plates.
US08998164B2
An insulated foot pad for a tripod has an insulated block sandwiched between two plates. The plates are made of a material that is a poor conductor of heat. Tripod legs placed on the foot pads will not sink into the snow on sunny days nor into warm asphalt on hot days.
US08998148B2
A locomotive warning system includes an acoustical warning subsystem configured to emit variably directed sound. A controller subsystem is responsive to an initiation command and is configured to trigger the acoustical warning subsystem to begin a sounding sequence when the initiation command is received at a first directivity angle and to continue the sound blast sequence at increasing directivity angles for a pre-establish time and/or distance traveled.
US08998140B2
An electromagnetic shield mesh 25 is provided on a window part 21, and a gasket seal 50 is provided between the electromagnetic shield mesh 25 and a window frame 30 made of a conductive material. The first seal part 51 of the gasket seal 50 has a low volume resistivity, and makes it possible to prevent electromagnetic noise from entering the inside of an airframe between the window part 21 and a window frame 30. Moreover, the second seal part 52 of the gasket seal 50, which is made in contact with the electromagnetic shield mesh 25 of the window part 21 on the outer perimeter side of window panels 23A and 23B, has a volume resistivity of, for example, 300 Ωcm or more, so that it becomes possible to prevent corrosion from occurring at contact portions with a clamp 28, a clip 29 or the like.
US08998139B2
A passenger seating arrangement in an aircraft cabin includes a plurality of pairs of seat units, the pairs of seat units being located directly behind one another, and each seat unit having a longitudinal axis. Each pair of seat units includes an aisle-seat unit and a non-aisle-seat unit. The longitudinal axes of the non-aisle-seat units are arranged in-line with one another, and the longitudinal axis of the aisle-seat unit of each pair of seat units is angled so as to provide a passenger access path linking the non-aisle-seat unit of a pair, with the aisle.
US08998135B1
An apparatus and method comprising a rack and a translation mechanism. The rack may be configured to hold components. The rack may comprise movable rack segments that are movable independently of each other. The translation mechanism may be configured to move a portion of the movable rack segments relative to another portion of the movable rack segments inside a platform such that internal access to at least a portion of the components is provided inside the platform.
US08998133B2
A method and apparatus for changing a length of a landing gear system. A first cylinder and a second cylinder are moved relative to each other along an axis extending centrally through the first cylinder and the second cylinder such that the first cylinder and the second cylinder are in an extended position. In response to the first cylinder and the second cylinder being in the extended position, a flow of a fluid is substantially prevented between a first chamber formed between the first cylinder and the second cylinder and a second chamber within the first cylinder and the second cylinder. In response to a pressure applied to the first chamber, the first cylinder and the second cylinder are moved relative to each other along the axis such that a length of the first cylinder and the second cylinder is reduced.
US08998129B2
Aircraft landing gear including an axle pivotally connected to a bogie beam and a locking device. The locking couples the axle to the bogie beam, and has a movable member and a follower. The movable member is movable between first and second configurations. Movement of the movable member towards the second configuration causes corresponding movement of the follower so as to transfer a steering force to the axle through the follower which causes the axle to rotate in a first direction. With the movable member in the first configuration, the follower is in a first configuration that inhibits the movable member being moved by an external force applied to the axle. With the movable member in the second configuration, the follower in a second configuration that permits the movable member to be moved by an external force applied to the axle.
US08998127B2
A method and apparatus for reducing roll of rotorcraft landing in autorotation may include executing a flight with a rotorcraft. The flight may include first, second, and third portions ordered sequentially. During the first portion, the rotorcraft may be flown with the rotor exclusively in autorotation. During the second portion, the rotorcraft may be flown with the rotor powered at least partially by an engine of the rotorcraft, which may increase the rotational speed of the rotor. During the third portion, the rotorcraft may be flown with the rotor exclusively in autorotation. The flight and the third portion may terminate simultaneously with a touch down of the rotorcraft. Kinetic energy stored in the rotor during the second portion, during the third portion, bring the ground speed of the rotorcraft to substantially zero before touching down.
US08998126B2
A lift generating device is provided enabling vertical flight. The lift generating device includes a first revolution structure having a funnel shape and a second revolution structure having a funnel shape. Each revolution structure includes a circular open surface and an open stem. The second revolution structure is attached to the first revolution structure by a plurality of connectors so as to form a gap between the first revolution structure and the second revolution structure. A propeller is coupled to an open stem at a bottom end of the first revolution structure and a motor is operatively connected to the propeller to provide power for the propeller to suction air into the lift generating device.
US08998118B2
A debris grinder interfaces directly with a typical roll-off container and a typical roll-off truck. By interfacing to the roll-off container, there is no need to feed waste by hand—an operation that is often dangerous to those operating the equipment. By interfacing with a typical roll-off truck, the debris grinder becomes mobile for spreading of the ground debris into the soil around the construction site. The debris grinder includes a skid portion for supporting and holding the roll-off container, a grinder portion for grinding debris from the roll-off container and depositing the ground-up debris onto the soil at the job site.
US08998116B2
An injector for injecting a reagent includes an electromagnet and an axially translatable valve member positioned within a housing. The valve member is moveable from a seated position to an unseated position in response to energizing the electromagnet. The valve member includes a hollow tube including a curled end having a reduced diameter sized to allow a ball to partially extend beyond the tube end but not pass through the tube. The tube includes an inwardly extending detent restricting the ball from movement within the tube. A pintle head is fixed to the tube and positioned proximate the electromagnet.
US08998113B2
A drip irrigation emitter receives liquid flowing in an irrigation pipe at an inlet pressure and emits the liquid out of the emitter at an outlet pressure lower than the inlet pressure. The emitter has a flow path through which the liquid flows in the emitter, wherein below a threshold pressure of liquid in the pipe the emitter is adapted to emit a regulated flow of liquid out of the emitter, and above the threshold pressure of liquid in the pipe the emitter is adapted to emit a non-regulated flow of liquid out of the emitter.
US08998110B2
Safe handling spraying device, which comprises a reservoir where is assembled an actuating lever or, manually or automatically actuating air pumps, that perform the internal reservoir pressurization. Inside of it, there is a pressure chamber where is stored water and the Chemical Concentrated product that is inside a pliable tightly closed bag. The reservoir (10) is designed for supplying water (Ag), the chemical concentrated product (CCP) is stored separately in a pliable container (12). The pliable container (12) is disposed inside of a pressure chamber or water reservoir (10), so that the same pressure defined inside the reservoir (10) is applied to the pliable container (12) simultaneously. The output end of the pliable container (12) is connected to the inlet of a mixing device (20) which doses the CCP continuously. After the CCP had been mixed with water, it communicates with a hose provided with an actuating trigger (30) and spraying nozzle (27) at the free end.
US08998106B2
A boom mounting assembly (20; 120; 220) for attachment to an agricultural application machine (10) is provided. The assembly comprises a boom support frame (22) which is suspended from a primary frame (24) mounted to a chassis. The boom support frame comprises a transverse beam (35) for supporting an intermediate section of a fluid application boom (16). The suspension mechanism allows both yaw and pitch of boom support frame relative to the primary frame resulting from fore and aft forces on the boom. Dampers (50, 52) are each connected between the primary frame and the boom support frame at a position spaced from the transverse centre of the assembly. Damping of pitch and asymmetrical yaw movement of the transverse beam away from a neutral position is controlled by the first and second dampers.
US08998102B2
A sleek, low-profile wall-mountable thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described. The thermostat includes a ring-shaped controller that rotates about a central axis, and an optical sensor directed away from the central axis and toward a radially inward-facing surface of the ring-shaped controller so as to accurately detect optical signals indicating controller's rotational movement.
US08998098B2
A microcircuit card (2) and held within a carrier card (3) is generally shown as 1 in FIG. 1. The microcircuit card (2) is bounded on all edges except one edge (10a) which is free. The free edge (10a) is substantially in alignment with an edge (7) of a carrier card (3). The microcircuit card and carrier card are held together by connections (12), which can be broken to release the microcircuit card (20) so it can be used independently of the carrier card. The position of the microcircuit card allows it to be easily and cleanly removed from the carrier card.
US08998088B2
Provided is a chip tray which is capable of accurately reading out an IC tag for use in RFID without increasing a magnitude of a magnetic field generated by an antenna. A magnetic field generating antenna is disposed along a direction in which a plurality of tokens having embedded therein feeder antennas of IC tags for use in RFID are stacked.
US08998079B2
A staged bill payment transaction method comprises receiving transaction information from a user terminal at a kiosk, building a staging record at a data center in communication with the kiosk, and providing a retrieval key to the sender. The transaction information includes sender and biller information, for example where the sender has an account with the biller. The staging record comprises the transaction information and the retrieval key, which identifies the staging record for finalizing the transaction. If the retrieval key leads to the staging record at the data center, the staged bill payment transaction proceeds to credit a send amount to biller. If not, the transaction is rejected.
US08998075B1
A gambling risk management device restricts access to financial resources while in a gambling facility to prevent risking financial resources beyond an initial selected limit. The device includes a container and a bottom door selectively closing a bottom opening into the container. A lock selectively secures the bottom door in a closed position. A bill compartment and a card compartment are each positioned in the container. A bill opening is positioned at a top of the bill compartment. The bill opening permits passing a bill through the bill opening into the bill compartment and restricts removal of the bill from the bill compartment. A card opening is positioned at a top of the card compartment. The card opening permits passing a card through the card opening into the card compartment and restricts removal of the card from the card compartment through the card opening.
US08998074B2
A container includes a first blank and a second blank. The first blank includes a first plurality of panel and a plurality flaps. The first plurality of panels includes a first side panel, a second side panel opposing the first side panel, a back panel, and a front panel of the container, the first plurality of flaps defines a bottom of the container and a first exterior portion of a top of the container. The front panel includes a first breakaway portion. The second blank includes an insert front panel and a top flap. The top flap defines a second exterior portion of the top of the container. The insert front panel includes a second breakaway portion that is attached to the first breakaway portion of the front panel.
US08998071B2
A three-pronged box flap closure device is provided for securing together three box flaps of a moving box or carton without the use of adhesive tape or overlapping the box flaps to secure the same together. One or more closure devices are contemplated for each box end, wherein each closure device comprises a first and second upper prong member forming a substantial V-shape with a common apex. A third prong member extends from the apex and between the first and second prong members, wherein the third prong member is disposed below the plane created by the first and second prong members. The first and second prong members are adapted to be positioned over a pair of aligned box flaps, while the lower prong member extends beneath a third, undermost box flap below the aligned box flaps, thereby sandwiching the three box flaps together along one side of the box end.
US08998069B2
The present package is formed from a bag construct that entirely surrounds a blank construct and that can be folded from a flat configuration to a carton configuration. The blank construct has five sides, including four sides and a bottom side, and an open top. The bag construct surrounds all four sides, the bottom, and the open top. The package includes a dispensing flap that provides access to contents, and the dispensing flap can be hinged about a hinge line or that can be removed entirely from the package. Any variance in density of product in the package can be accommodated by the stiff, yet flexible, sides of the package.
US08998067B2
Tubulars are joined to each other without rotation of the tubulars. A coupling is placed between the aligned tubulars and is supported for rotation or oscillating about its longitudinal axis. The tubulars are clamped in a manner that allows a compressive force to be transmitted to the coupling as the coupling is rotated. An induction device can preheat each connection site before friction welding and/or provide heat as the connection is made and is allowed to cool down. The process can continuously create a string of casing or liner that can be run in or drilled into a wellbore.
US08998060B2
An apparatus for endosurgical use includes an instrument having an end effector and a staple cartridge insertable into the end effector. The staple cartridge includes staples, staple apertures, a resistive member, and a medical fluid. When coupled to a power source, the medical fluid is vaporized by the resistive member and expelled out the staple apertures onto the stapled tissue. The power source may be contained within the instrument. In one configuration, a resistive strip with strip contacts may electrically couple to a conductor in the end effector. The medical fluid may also be divided into a plurality of sealant pads corresponding to the staple apertures, and the medical fluid may be a depolymerizable cyanoacrylate, a sprayable thermoplastic urethane, or any vaporizable medicament or pharmaceutical. The staple drivers may include one or more apertures to permit the medical fluid to pass through or around the staple drivers.
US08998054B2
A holder for a set of tongs is provided that includes a back anchoring portion with a tab joined to an intermediary bridge portion which is in turn joined to a forward tubular tong-receiving portion. A bend at the bridge portion positions the back anchoring portion to the back of the forward tong-receiving portion. The tab and bridge portion are adapted to be engaged over the top edge of an apron, apron tie, or similar support at a user's waist. The forward tong-receiving portion is formed into a generally open tubular-shape to receive a set of tongs. Preferably the holder is formed of a unitary continuous, thin blank. The support of the bridge and back anchor portion including a projecting tab allows the tongs to be inserted quickly and removed efficiently from the forward tubular tong-receiving portion.
US08998053B2
A load bearing device for human use include first and second load bearing plates that have a first uncompressed position and a second compressed position that conform to the anatomy of the hips of a human. The plates are sufficiently rigid so as to prevent local inversion when the plates are subject to point or line loads and so as to distribute local loads over the plates. The plates can be used with belts, clothes, backpacks and other load carrying devices and can be incorporated into belts, clothes, backpacks and other load carrying devices.
US08998052B1
This is a skateboard carrier strap that is designed in a manner to that of a waist belt. This is a skateboard carrier strap that is worn in said manner when not appropriating a skateboard. It is a carrier body strap in its separated state [FIG. 2] having a lower carrier body strap 10a member and an upper carrier body strap member 10b. Additionally there are loop straps 12 members located and attached at each end of upper member carrier body strap and lower member carrier body strap. Alternatively there are VELCRO (hook&loop) fastener open loop straps with high friction adhesive inlay, making this skateboard carrier suitable to appropriate multiple dimensions of long boards, skate boards and deck boards.The essence of this present art; it is a skateboard carrier strap designed and styled to be worn like a fashionable belt, when not being used to appropriate a skateboard. It is a no bulk, unobtrusive skateboard carrier suitable and desirable to those skilled in the present art. Its design makes it very accommodating to the skateboarder's persons, also appreciated by one skilled in the present art. It has a illuminating stripe that contours to the carrier's complete and entire length on both sides of the skateboard carrier strap webbing.Its illuminating stripe suggestively implies usage as a safety strap, in both its reflective feature and or, (see Specifications) its extended strap form design. It is a carrier for today's times and those in it, who are avid purchaser and appreciators of skateboard paraphernalia that is, the board pushers of today. The transparency of this present invention's superiority is that it has eluded the unattractiveness, balky and cumbersomeness, that plagues the outdated and out of touch prior art, and the other skateboard carriers.
US08998047B2
One possible embodiment of the invention could be a hitch-mounted telescopic rack and its operation, the rack could be comprised of a vertical telescopic tube assembly having an inner tube movably received within a hollow outer tube, the hollow outer tube having a hitch attachment end while the inner tube has an attachment end that connects to a top tube assembly that movably supports one or more rollers perpendicularly to the vertical telescopic tube assembly; wherein the hitch attachment end is reversibly received by a trailer hitch of an automotive vehicle to vertically orient the vertical telescopic tube assembly and place the rollers in a horizontal position distal from the trailer hitch, the one or more rollers moving an object relative to a rear edge of a top of the automotive vehicle as well as supporting the rear overhanging portion of the object that is placed on the top.
US08998039B2
An electric caulking gun may include a cartridge setting portion to which a cartridge containing a caulking material can be set, an electric motor, a push rod driven by the electric motor via a power transmission path and configured to be pressed against the cartridge for dispensing the caulking material from the cartridge, and an interruption device provided in the power transmission path and operable for interrupting the power transmission path and allowing the push rod to be freely moved.
US08998037B2
A drink preparing device that includes a box and a holding and drip-collecting system that comprises a holding part positionable beneath a drink outlet in order to accept a first, relatively small receptacle, and being configured and dimensioned to be moveable between a deployed holding position suitable for accepting the small receptacle and a second position in which the part is moved at least partly out of the way of the drink outlet to create an unoccupied space in which a second, larger receptacle can be positioned, in place of the first receptacle, beneath the drink outlet.
US08998036B2
A dispenser including a base unit with an actuation mechanism for dispensing liquid and a refill unit insertable into the base unit in an inverted configuration with its outlet lowermost for the supply of liquid to the base unit. The refill unit includes an annular wall projecting into the refill unit and defining an outlet from the refill unit, the annular wall being closable at its innermost end by a valve element biased onto the annular wall. The base unit includes a hollow spigot and an annular seal surrounding and spaced from the top of the spigot whereby insertion of the refill unit into the base unit causes the spigot to enter the annular wall and to lift the valve element from the annular wall to define a flow path from the refill unit, and the annular seal to seal between the spigot and the annular wall.
US08998035B2
A system, method, and apparatus are disclosed for controllably dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate for use in dispensing a beverage. The beverage may contain liquid beverage concentrate in combination with a liquid dilution ingredient such as water and may also include one or more additional ingredients. This system, method, and apparatus provides more precise control of the quantity of beverage concentrate dispensed by operating a pump used to dispense the concentrate based on the number of pulses of concentrate dispensed. A calibration is made to determine the measure of concentrate in each pulse. This volume per pulse is recorded and stored in a controller to controllably dispense a precise volume for a specific type of concentrate based on a predetermined recipe retained in the controller for each drink, type, and volume of the finished beverage.
US08998034B2
Device with co-molded closure, one-way valve and variable-volume storage chamber, and related method
A device includes a first part having a co-molded first support, valve cover and elastic actuator, and a second part having an injection molded second support, valve seat, and variable-volume storage chamber pre-form. The pre-form is blow molded into a flexible pouch defining the variable-volume storage chamber. The one-way valve includes a semi-annular, curvilinear, relatively rigid valve seat defining axially-extending, opposing first marginal portions, and an axially-extending first mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions. A flexible valve member is superimposed on the valve seat and defines axially-extending, opposing second marginal portions fixedly secured on or adjacent to respective first marginal portions of the valve seat, and an axially-extending second mid-portion angularly extending between the opposing first marginal portions and superimposed onto the first mid-portion of the valve seat. The flexible valve cover and valve seat form a normally closed axially and angularly extending valve seam therebetween.
US08998025B2
Base for a container, the base being made of polymeric material, including a support surface having an outer perimeter defining a first dimension along a major axis and a second dimension along a minor axis disposed at an angle to the major axis. An inner wall is coupled to the support surface opposite the outer perimeter. A dome projects upwardly from the inner wall and has an initial depth with respect to the support surface, the initial depth of the dome is between approximately 8 percent to approximately 15 percent of the first dimension. The dome includes a major radius of curvature along the major axis and a minor radius of curvature along the minor axis. The dome is deflectable in response to a differential pressure across the base without permanent deformation of the base.
US08998016B2
A forcing-off device of an, in particular, explosion-proof or flameproof container for electronic devices, the container including at least one base body having an opening surrounded by an opening edge and a cover part that can be placed onto or inserted into the opening edge. A forcing-off shoulder is formed on the base body or cover part at least in a section in circumferential direction of the container. The forcing-off shoulder is part of a shoulder running around the opening edge, and at least one forcing-off part is rotatably mounted in a lateral recess of the cover part or on the base body in an eccentric fashion between a forcing-off position and a passive position. The forcing-off part is an eccentric disc and in the forcing-off position is in abutment with the forcing-off shoulder for the gap-forming spacing of cover part and base body.
US08998012B2
A container cap locking mechanism includes a barb and adjacent stop both projecting downward from a cap edge to mesh with a V-shaped block projecting outward from a container sidewall.
US08998011B2
A collapsible rack is disclosed. In one embodiment, a collapsible rack has a first supporting member, a second supporting member, a first connecting member and a second connecting member. The first supporting member may include a first pair of supporting rods, a second pair of supporting rods and a first supporting fabric. The first pair of supporting rods are parallel and spaced with a predetermined distance, as well as the second pair supporting rods. The first pair of supporting rods and the second pair of supporting rods are connected to form a rectangular surface and the first supporting fabric is secured. The structure of the second supporting member is substantially identical to the first supporting member, and the first and second supporting members are parallel, spaced with a predetermined distance and connected by the first and second connecting members.
US08998003B2
A freestanding storage station includes a pair of spaced-apart, generally parallel side members and a roof that is supported by the side members. Each side member includes a cross bar, and at least one saddle-shaped, hollow ballast-receiving member that straddles the cross bar and rests on the ground. When filled with ballast, the ballast-receiving members serve to stabilize the storage station relative to the ground and enable the storage station to resist movement due to environmental winds or collision. The ballast-receiving members include a first ballast-receiving portion and a second ballast-receiving portion, and the ballast member straddles the cross bar such that the first ballast-receiving portion resides on an interior-facing side of the cross bar and the second ballast-receiving portion resides on an exterior-facing side of the cross bar.
US08997993B2
A stackable tray is provided that includes a tray having a bottom, a pair of side walls each having an upper edge, and a rear wall. A pair of support columns is provided on each side wall. Each of the support columns includes: a protrusion extending upwardly from a top portion of the support column; a first groove formed in a bottom portion of the support column, the first groove being aligned with the protrusion in the vertical direction; and a second groove formed in the bottom portion of the support column, the second groove being aligned with the upper edge of the respective side wall in the vertical direction.
US08997987B1
A carrier is constructed from paperboard and includes a rounded or non-rectangular top in combination with a non-rounded or rectangular bottom. Dust flaps which extend from the top and bottom of the carrier overlap one another to form a pair of opposing composite side panels. The dust flaps which are attached to the side panels include a crease or fold line adjacent to the bottom of the carrier which only extends partially along the height of the carrier so that the juncture between the side flap and the associated side panel adjacent the top of the carrier does not include a crease or fold line. As such, the side panel and adjacent side flap adjacent the top of the carrier can be tightly wrapped around the arcuate sidewall of the containers within the carrier to thereby provide a neat and tightly packed package configuration.
US08997977B2
An apparatus for storing ammunition. The apparatus is comprised of a first member and a second member. The first member has an interior portion. The second member is configured so that at least a portion of the second member may enter the interior portion of the first member. The first member includes a first element of a securing device and the second member includes a second element of the securing device. The securing device releasably secures the first and second members together.
US08997974B2
An endless conveyor belt for a conveyor device, includes a planar body (2) that is transversely deformable into a tubular configuration, the body having a plurality of longitudinal reinforcing members built into the body thereof. The body has an upper layer (10), a portion of the lower surface of which is combined with a lower layer (11). The two layers are made of two different elastomer materials, with the lower layer made of a first elastomer material, whose hardness is greater than that of the second elastomer material constituting the upper layer, and the lower layer includes a plurality of softening recesses (13) that are distributed across the entire length of the lower layer and each of which extend over at least a portion of the body thereof so as to reduce the resistance thereof to longitudinal deformations in order to reduce the resistance to the bending of the conveyor belt into the tubular configuration thereof.
US08997973B2
Conveying systems and method for detecting the presence of static electric charge on a conveyor. The conveyor system includes a conveyor with an outer conveying surface. Embedded or external static-electricity sensors make measurements of static electricity on the belt's conveying surface. A controller uses the measurements to control the level of electric charges on the belt by transferring charge to or from the belt.
US08997970B2
A storage device for products includes parallel transport elements configured to convey product in opposite directions, and storage sections formed on corresponding transport elements and defining a transport plane. A transfer element includes a transfer section that extends over the transport elements. An actuating drive is arranged beneath the transport plane and coupled to the transfer element to change receiving capacities of the storage sections. The actuating drive is configured to adjust the transfer element by movement along the transport elements. At least one of the transport elements is controllable independently of adjustment of the transfer element.
US08997962B2
A clutch apparatus includes a clutch outer member for supporting friction discs, which are nonrotatable relative to the clutch outer member, and are axially slidable along a clutch axis; a clutch inner member for supporting clutch discs, which are nonrotatable relative to the clutch inner member, and are axially slidable along the clutch axis, and a pressure plate having a deep recess for accommodating a clutch spring engaged with the clutch inner member. The deep recess includes a bottom portion having a spring seat for receiving the clutch spring, and a partially cylindrical shape wall portion having an axis parallel to the clutch axis. The wall portion is oriented towards the clutch axis. The deep recess has a communicating portion formed therein for establishing the communication between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall portion so as to discharge oil towards the friction and clutch discs during operation.
US08997958B2
A dual clutch transmission, in particular of a motor vehicle, includes a hydraulic circuit for cooling the dual clutch transmission, wherein the hydraulic circuit includes at least one pump for conveying a hydraulic medium flow, at least one cooler for cooling the hydraulic medium flow, and a volume control valve for adjusting the hydraulic medium flow for at least one cooling system associated with clutches of the dual clutch transmission. The volume control valve is designed to convey the hydraulic medium flow in a first switching state to a first cooling system associated with a first of the clutches, and in at least one second switching state to a second cooling system associated with a second of the clutches.
US08997953B2
A shock absorber includes a piston assembly disposed within a pressure tube. The piston assembly has a first and a second housing and a valve assembly located adjacent the first housing. The valve assembly has a valve disc which engages the first housing to close at least one of a first plurality of passages extending through the first and second housings and a biasing member for applying a load to the valve disc.
US08997952B2
A motor-vehicle shock absorber has a tube at least partially filled with damping liquid and extending, a piston rod axially shiftable inside the damper tube, and a piston connected to the piston rod and subdividing the damper tube into a piston rod-side working chamber and an opposite working chamber. An on-off control valve is axially movable inside the piston between a closed and an open position. A first soft-characteristic damping valve inside the piston through which the damping liquid may flow in both flow directions is connectable to a flow path of the damping liquid from one into the other working chamber through the control valve. A second hard-characteristic damping valve through which the damping liquid may flow in both flow directions is also provided in the piston.
US08997949B2
A low weight and low cost brake beam assembly having high static strength and fatigue resistance having two independent brake heads each including a receiving section for receiving and retaining an end of a tension member, an end of a compression member and a portion of an end extension.
US08997940B2
An elevator installation includes a control unit and at least one elevator cage in a building with a plurality of stories, wherein elevator control units are arranged on at least two stories. A travel request is communicated to the control unit, wherein a destination story is defined either by the input into the elevator control unit or by an input into a control unit, which communicates the input to the control unit, and wherein the at least one input travel destination and the at least one input travel request are executed by the control unit by means of a collect operating mode. Energy consumption values of the elevator installation for journeys are determined by the control unit. A journey is undertaken to that destination story or travel request story for which the at least one energy consumption value of the elevator installation is smaller.
US08997937B2
The device is configured for moving a fluid within a gearbox. In one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a base portion coupled to a rotatable member within the gearbox. An inlet portion of the device is configured to draw the fluid from a reservoir portion of the gearbox. The device is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid from the inlet portion toward the base portion along an interior surface of a conical portion. In another illustrative embodiment, the device includes a conical portion having an external threaded portion configured to capture a fluid during a rotation of the device. In such an embodiment, the threaded portion is configured to utilize a centrifugal force for moving the fluid captured by the threaded portion along an exterior surface of the conical portion.
US08997934B2
A lubrication system for a gear system for a wind turbine is disclosed. The lubrication system comprises a reservoir adapted to contain lubricant, first pump means arranged to supply lubricant from the reservoir to the gear system via a first fluid connection, and vacuum generating means arranged in fluid connection with the reservoir, thereby maintaining a total air pressure in the reservoir which is lower than an ambient pressure during normal operation. The lowered total air pressure in the reservoir draws lubricant from the gear system into the reservoir, thereby increasing the lubricant level in the reservoir and decreasing the lubricant level in the gear system, allowing the lubrication system to be operated in a ‘dry sump mode’. In the case of an emergency or during start-up the vacuum generating means is stopped, thereby increasing the total air pressure in the reservoir. This causes a decrease in the lubricant level in the reservoir and an increase in the lubricant level in the gear system, allowing the lubrication system to be operated in a ‘wet sump mode’.
US08997932B1
A climbing safety assembly for securing a ladder to a stanchion includes a plate that may abut a stanchion so the plate extends laterally away from the stanchion. The plate selectively engages a ladder. The ladder is retained proximate the stanchion so the ladder may be safely climbed by a user. A hook is operationally coupled to the plate. The hook may selectively engage the stanchion so the hook retains the plate on the stanchion. A belt is operationally coupled to the plate. The belt may be extendable around the stanchion so the plate is retained on the stanchion.
US08997925B2
Disclosed is a highly heat resistant sound absorbing material for a vehicle capable of maintaining a shape even at high temperatures of about 200° C. or above and which satisfies UL 94V-0 flame retardancy. More particularly, the a highly heat resistant sound absorbing material includes a fiber material having a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of at least about 25% and capable of maintaining a shape at a temperature of about 200° C. or above, and a thermosetting binder resin capable of maintaining a shape at a temperature of about 200° C., wherein the fiber material and thermosetting binder resin are provided at a specific proportion.
US08997923B2
The bandwidth or acoustical range of an acoustic structure is increased by locating a sound wave guide within the acoustic cell. The wave guide divides the cell into two acoustical chambers. The two chambers provide an effective increase in resonator length of the cell.
US08997922B1
An exhaust muffler for a vehicle includes a muffler body coupled to an exhaust pipe and a tailpipe coupled to the muffler body. The muffler body has a plurality of expansion chambers, an exit communication pipe that discharges exhaust to the tailpipe from one of the plurality of expansion chambers positioned in a most downstream part of an exhaust flow path, and a spark arrester arranged in the exit communication pipe. An exhaust flow path narrowing portion is provided at an entrance portion of the exit communication pipe.
US08997921B2
An exhaust system of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes an end cap and a muffler close to each other to achieve uniformity therebetween and which is capable of preventing the occurrence of a knocking sound. The exhaust system of a saddle-ride type vehicle includes a muffler connected to an exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust of an engine E and an end cap is attached to a muffler rear end portion. In the end cap, an insertion portion thereof is inserted into and held by an end cap inserted portion provided in the muffler rear end portion, and multiple protruding portions are formed on an outer surface of the insertion portion at a predetermined interval in a circumferential direction of the outer surface. The multiple protruding portions come in contact with an inserted portion inner peripheral wall surface of the end cap inserted portion.
US08997920B2
The invention relates to a method for the reduction of the natural vibration (resonance) of a component (2). According to the invention a vibration behavior of component (2) is determined, wherein to each of the positions having vibration amplitudes, which exceed a preset threshold value, an attenuation element (1) is locally mounted, which is formed as a multilayered adhesive element including a support layer (1.1) and a self-adhesive damping mass. Moreover the invention relates to an attenuation element (1) for the reduction of the natural vibrations of a component (2). According to the invention the attenuation element (1) is formed as a multilayered adhesive element of a support layer (1.1) and a self-adhesive damping mass (1.2), wherein the support layer (1.1) is formed of a bend-resistant material and the damping mass (1.2) preferably is formed of butyl rubber.
US08997907B2
A cowling assembly (10) is installed about the radiator (R) of a vehicle (V). A frame (12) fits about the radiator and defines an opening through which air can flow into the radiator. A rack and pinion drive (600) for moving a sheet (618) over the frame to expose a portion of the opening and allow air to flow into the radiator, the frame and sheet producing a smoother flow of air over and about the front of the vehicle thereby reducing the amount of drag on the vehicle while still allowing air flow into the radiator.
US08997905B2
A utility vehicle can comprise a wheeled platform, a motor coupled to the platform and configured to propel the platform, at least one cleaning element coupled to the platform, wherein the at least one cleaning element is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, and one or more controls configured to move the at least one cleaning element between the collapsed position and the expanded position. The at least one cleaning element can also be movable between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the wheeled platform, and the one or more controls can further be configured to move the at least one cleaning element between the raised position and the lowered position.
US08997904B2
A hydraulic pump powering system includes a mobile vehicle, a first electric current generator device, and one or more electric pump motors. The mobile vehicle has first and second prime movers. The first electric current generator device is disposed onboard the mobile vehicle and is configured to be mechanically coupled with the first prime mover to convert movement created by the first prime mover into first electric current. The one or more electric pump motors are configured to receive the first electric current to power a hydraulic pump. The second prime mover is configured to generate movement that is converted into a propulsive force that propels the mobile vehicle. The one or more electric pump motors are configured to receive the first electric current in order to power the hydraulic pump to pump a fluid into a pumping location located off-board the mobile vehicle.
US08997897B2
A layer of matrix powder is deposited within a mold opening. A layer of super-abrasive particles is then deposited over the matrix powder layer. The super-abrasive particles have a non-random distribution, such as being positioned at locations set by a regular and repeating distribution pattern. A layer of matrix powder is then deposited over the super-abrasive particles. The particle and matrix powder layer deposition process steps are repeated to produce a cell having alternating layers of matrix powder and non-randomly distributed super-abrasive particles. The cell is then fused, for example using an infiltration, hot isostatic pressing or sintering process, to produce an impregnated structure. A working surface of the impregnated structure that is oriented non-parallel (and, in particular, perpendicular) to the super-abrasive particle layers is used as an abrading surface for a tool.
US08997896B2
Methods and related systems are configured to treat a drilling fluid to cause water droplets to coalesce. One or more phases are thereafter separated from the treated drilling fluid. The oil and/or solids separated from the treated drilling fluid may be added to a base fluid.
US08997889B2
The invention relates to an underwater drilling arrangement and a method for introducing a foundation element into a bed of a body of water comprising a submersible working platform for placement onto the bed of a body of water, several ground contact elements which are arranged in an adjustable manner on the working platform for aligning the working platform on the bed of a body of water, and at least one guide pipe for receiving and guiding the drilling tool. For an improved anchoring provision is made according to the invention for the guide pipe to be supported in a longitudinally displaceable and rotatable manner on the working platform and for a guide pipe drive to be provided on the working platform for driving the guide pipe in a rotating manner.
US08997877B2
A method for making a riser component includes: positioning a coupler adjacent and end of a tube such that a region of the coupler forms an interface with the tube's end, wherein the region includes a material (in some embodiments an aluminum alloy), and the tube's end includes a groove and another material (in some embodiments a steel alloy) that is different than the region's material; heating the region of the coupler to increase the region's malleability; and exerting pressure on the region of the coupler to plastically deform the region to insert some of the region's material into the groove in the tube's end. By fixing the coupler to the tube in this manner, the coupler may be strongly secured to the tube, and thus able to withstand high, dynamic loads frequently experienced in service. Also, the material of the coupler may be different than the material of the tube, and thus the material of the coupler may be lighter than the material of the tube. This allows one to design a riser component that is lighter than a conventional steel riser component having a steel tube and steel flanges, but that can withstand the high, dynamic loads frequently experienced in service.
US08997874B2
A method of evacuating hydrocarbons from a plurality of nested tubulars of a well pipe, extending from an underwater well tree, includes attaching a fluid transmission line to the underwater well tree, the fluid transmission line having one end portion forming the attachment to the tree and the other end portion attached to a pump that forces fluid under pressure to the tree and attached nested tubulars. Openings are formed through one or more tubulars at a selected location. A specially configured fitting is attached to the tubulars. The fitting seals the openings. The fitting has an expandable seal that is expandable responsive to rotation of a rotating member that rotates upon a saddle, pulling a tapered mandrel against the seal. The saddle surrounds the mandrel and bears against an outer tubular of the nested tubulars. The fitting mandrel has a bore through which hydrocarbons escape from the tubulars.
US08997870B2
An apparatus for downhole separation of an oil/water fluid and the injection of the separated water into the formation includes a casing in a borehole, a tubing string in the casing, first perforations in the casing at a production zone in the borehole for admitting the mixture into an annulus between the casing and the tubing string, second perforations in the tubing string for admitting production fluid from the casing into the tubing string, third perforations in the casing for discharging separated water from the annulus into the formation, a packer in the annulus separating the first perforations from the third perforations, a first check valve in the tubing string above the packer for admitting the mixture from the tubing string into the annulus where water separates by gravity from the hydrocarbons for discharge through the third perforations, and a second check valve in the tubing string above the first check valve for admitting separated hydrocarbons from the annulus into the tubing string for passage to the top of the borehole.
US08997866B2
A method of cementing in a subterranean formation may comprise: introducing a cement composition comprising cement, water, and a lignite-based copolymer into a subterranean formation, wherein the lignite-based copolymer comprises a lignite backbone, a first grafted monomer selected from the group consisting of -acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, a salt of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, and a second grafted monomer comprising N,N-dimethylacrylamide; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation, wherein cement composition has a transition time of less than or equal to about 150 minutes.
US08997865B2
A method for sealing a breakthrough penetrating an injection well.
US08997851B2
A grinding arrangement is described to remove sharp edges on a pipe coupling (51) of a drill string (50), as a consequence of marks from the jaws of pliers and machines used to connect the pipe couplings (51) on a drill deck. A receiving unit (30) is arranged to receive a grinding unit (36) which is equipped with at least one grinding element (38), as the grinding unit (36) is arranged to be driven into the receiving unit (30) with the help of the drill string (50) or a suitable running tool and to be locked securely into the receiving unit (30). Furthermore, the receiving unit is arranged in a riser, landing string or in other connections between the drill deck and a wellhead and over a sealing arrangement for dynamic sealing around the drill string (50) during pressure controlled drilling.
US08997850B2
An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.
US08997848B2
A system, including an ultrasonic flow meter with a conduit including a conduit wall and configured to flow a fluid, an housing disposed about the conduit to define a fluid chamber about the conduit, wherein the conduit facilitates fluid flow into the fluid chamber and through the ultrasonic flow meter and a first ultrasonic transducer disposed in the fluid chamber.
US08997844B2
The invention relates to a manifold, of the type comprising a substantially flat plate (20) with holes (22) to accept tubes of a heat exchanger, and turned-up lateral edges (24) extending at an angle to said plate (20) and connected thereto by at least one curved portion in which ribs (52) are formed, the ribs each having a convexity extending substantially in the direction of extension of the lateral edges (24). The plate (20) comprises at least one additional rib (50) between at least some of said holes (22), which ribs each have a convexity extending substantially in the opposite direction to the direction in which the lateral edges (24) extend.
US08997833B2
Molten metal of a first composition is fed into a mold cavity, via a first control apparatus, wherein the control apparatus is open, wherein the feeding includes at least flowing out of a first feed chamber. The first control apparatus is closed. A second control apparatus is opened. Molten metal of a second composition is fed into the mold cavity, via the second control apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the metal of the first composition in the mold cavity is sufficiently molten so that an initial feed of molten metal of the second composition mixes with the molten metal of the first composition in the mold cavity, wherein the feeding includes at least flowing out of a second feed chamber, wherein the second composition is different from the first composition. An ingot is removed from the mold cavity, wherein the ingot as a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section, wherein the bottom section is composed of metal of the first composition, wherein the top section is composed of metal of the second composition, wherein the middle section is composed of a mixture of metal of the first composition and the second composition.
US08997831B2
A sunshade assembly includes two rail seats, a shade member and a guide unit. The shade member has a main portion and two foldable portions connected respectively to left and right sides of the main portion. The guide unit includes two guide members mounted respectively to the rail seats. Each guide member has a guide groove for receiving a portion of a respective one of the foldable portions of the shade member, and a guide surface formed in the guide groove. When the shade member is unwound, the foldable portions pass through the guide grooves and are urged to be folded through guidance of the guide surfaces before entering and being confined in the rail seats.
US08997830B1
A drape assembly facilitates replacement of curtains without tools and without disassembling or taking down a curtain rod. The assembly includes a suction cup that may be coupled to a support surface. A tubular rod is removably coupled to the suction cup so the tubular rod is spaced from the support surface. A coupler is slidably coupled to the tubular rod so the coupler is movable between a first end and a second end of the tubular rod. A drape is selectively coupled to the coupler so the drape extends downwardly from the tubular rod.
US08997828B2
A shield system adapted for use in an air cooler structure (100). The shield system includes at least one flexible sheet (304) and at least one arrangement (106) for fixing, in use, the at least one flexible sheet to an air cooler structure.
US08997824B2
A window covering specially designed and attached to indoor residential shutters is disclosed. The window cover is removably attached by various means in various embodiments and provides a user with more control over light transmission, solar transmission and view through properties, as desired. In a preferred embodiment, holes are drilled into as shutter at respective corner. Subsequently, circular magnets are provided to each of the holes to mate with ferromagnetic material configured to the window covering. A variety of fabrics and color options are additionally provided to the window covering.
US08997815B2
According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic bonding apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer, a distal-end tool, an ultrasonic horn and an ultrasonic oscillator. The ultrasonic oscillator includes an oscillation circuit and a control device. The ultrasonic oscillator applies the voltage oscillated by the oscillation circuit to the ultrasonic transducer. The control device is configured to detect a voltage reflection ratio from the voltage and current supplied from the oscillation circuit and to control the frequency of the voltage generated by the oscillation circuit, thereby to minimize the voltage reflection ratio.
US08997805B2
Provided is a pneumatic tire in which the adhesion of a noise absorbing member formed of a porous material is improved. A pneumatic tire according to the present invention includes a resin layer, a noise absorbing member and a locking member. The resin layer is formed of any one of a thermoplastic resin and a thermoplastic elastomeric composition obtained by dispersing an elastomer in a thermoplastic resin, and is formed on at least a part of the inner surface of the tire. The noise absorbing member is formed of a porous material, and is disposed on the resin layer. The locking member is formed of a thermoplastic resin, and is bonded to the resin layer through the noise absorbing member by thermal fusion.
US08997803B2
A dispensing system is provided that includes a vessel having a base portion with an aperture, and a dispenser containing a control system. The dispensing system controls the flow of a liquid into the vessel to provide for a rapid fill.
US08997796B2
A durable, semi-rigid, single-layered flexible duct having a sleeve made of a single aluminum layer and a resilient wound element disposed at the mid-point of the overlap region of the aluminum layer. The wound element imparts corrugations to the sleeve, such that the duct is extendible between a compacted configuration suitable for storage and for shipping and an extended configuration suitable for installation in a gas transport arrangement. Closely and evenly-spaced ridges that are situated in between the corrugations, add rigidity and durability to the duct. The inward-facing surface of the aluminum ribbon is substantially smooth and featureless except for the helical corrugations imparted by wire winding and the closely and evenly-spaced ridges. The aluminum sleeve is of a predetermined thickness rendering the duct substantially rigid when in an extended configuration and enabling the duct to maintain its substantial rigidity upon extension from a compacted configuration.
US08997788B2
A metering end cap provided to the neck of a flexible container containing a fluid and intended to transfer, at will, an amount of fluid from an upstream space towards a downstream space, this end cap including a chamber in which is disposed a movable valve normally biased towards a rest position and operationally moved towards an end position. The valve isolates the upstream space and the downstream space from each other in its end position and only in this position, and the outlet of the chamber communicates with the upstream space for any position of the valve other that its end position.
US08997786B2
Disclosed is a work vehicle having a hydraulic apparatus which can reliably prevent erroneous operation of the valve of the hydraulic apparatus even when the operating lever is moved inadvertently. With this hydraulic apparatus, with operations of a single operating lever in two directions, two valves are operated respectively. Two valve operating links for operating the two valves respectively are pivotally supported to a support shaft provided to a pair of frame plates and a lock pin is provided to the frame plates. The two valve operating links form pin holes. When the two valves are at the neutral positions, the lock pin is inserted into the pin holes with a locking operation of a lock operating tool, thus fixing the valve operating links and locking the valves.
US08997782B2
Inlet control valves for use with fuel delivery systems are described. An example inlet control valve includes a first body portion having a first coupling to define an inlet of the control valve and one of a plurality of fasteners or a plurality of slots opposite the inlet. A second body portion coupled to the first body portion to define a fluid flow passageway, where the second body portion has a second coupling to define an outlet of the control valve and the other one of the plurality of fasteners or the plurality of slots opposite the outlet. The first plurality of slots receives the first plurality of fasteners when the first body portion is coupled to the second body portion. A valve is pivotally coupled relative to the first and second body portions to control fluid flow through the passageway.
US08997781B2
The invention relates to a vacuum pump, in particular a vane pump, having a pump housing in which an intake chamber is provided, and a pump housing opening which feeds into the intake chamber, wherein an intake check valve is arranged in the pump housing opening and communicates with the atmosphere or feeds into an external vacuum chamber, with the intake check valve being accommodated in a pot-shaped valve housing, and with the pot-shaped valve housing having a housing bottom and a housing jacket, wherein the housing bottom is connectable to the housing jacket and the housing bottom can be snapped onto the housing jacket.
US08997778B2
The invention relates to a conduit for transferring milk. The conduit is provided with at least one flexible wall, which divides the conduit into at least one milk duct and at least one secondary duct. The milk duct and the at least one secondary duct extend along a longitudinal axis of the conduit, it being possible for the at least one milk duct to be substantially emptied by pressing through filling the at least one secondary duct.
US08997768B1
A retractable canopy assembly includes a recoiling member that has a first end, a second end and a perimeter wall extending between the first and second ends. A mount is attached to the recoiling member and is configured to engage a dwelling surface. A canopy has an attached end, a free end, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. The attached end extends through the canopy aperture and is attached to the spindle of the recoiling member. The recoiling member retracts the canopy into the recoiling member when the spindle rotates in the first direction. A pair of legs each is pivotally attached to the canopy adjacent to the free end. A pair of side panels each has a fixable end and a hanging end. Each of the first and second lateral edges has one of the fixable ends removably coupled thereto.
US08997764B2
An apparatus for treating a wafer-shaped article, comprises a spin chuck for holding a wafer-shaped article in a predetermined orientation, at least one upper nozzle for dispensing a treatment fluid onto an upwardly facing surface of a wafer-shaped article when positioned on the spin chuck, and at least one lower nozzle arm comprising a series of lower nozzles extending from a central region of the spin chuck to a peripheral region of the spin chuck. The series of nozzles comprises a smaller nozzle in a central region of the spin chuck and a larger nozzle in a peripheral region of the spin chuck. In the method according to the invention, a heated liquid is supplied through the series of nozzles so as to supply more heat to peripheral regions of a wafer than to central regions.
US08997761B1
A disposable mini-toothbrush comprises a brush and flosser head positioned at a first and second end of a handle portion. The brush head is comprised of a plurality of bristles that extend in opposite directions from a bristle supporting element. The plurality of bristles which extend in opposite directions facilitate cleaning of the upper and lower teeth without having to readjust grip by a user. The mini-toothbrush also comprises a first and second flat grip element to facilitate manipulation of the brush and flosser head while using only a thumb and at least one finger by the user. In its preferred embodiment, the plurality of bristles will be coated with dentifrice for cleaning is of the user's teeth and gums. A thin plastic cover surrounds and seals the toothbrush and provides a seal which maintains sterility during shipping and storage.
US08997759B2
The invention relates to a cosmetics applicator having a handle section, an applicator element and a shaft section connecting the applicator element and the handle section, wherein the applicator element includes a core element of a first material and a bristle element which at least partially envelops the core element and includes a second material preferably different from the first material with regard to its hardness and/or flexibility.
US08997753B2
An electronic smoking article comprising an aerosol generator and a mechanical aerosol converter insert having the capacity to improve characteristics of aerosol produced by the aerosol generator, including sensory attributes.
US08997751B2
A surgical instrument has a gas-delivery device to supply a noble gas or other inert gas to a tissue-treatment region and a rinsing device for rinsing a target region, in particular a tissue-treatment region. In the instrument the rinsing pressure is generated by the inert gas supplied by the gas-delivery device.
US08997748B2
A dilator assembly for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy includes a dilator element having a wall and a proximal end part extending into a distal tip part via an intermediate part. The wall has a substantially U-shaped cross section defining a dilator opening. The assembly extends towards the distal tip part. The dilator assembly is part of a tracheostomy device. The device has a first branch for arranging inside the trachea, and a second branch co-operative with the first branch. The first branch has a first end and a receiving member while the opposing second end has a first coupling part. The second branch has a first end with a guide for a neck penetration member and an opposing second end with a second coupling part for coupling with the first coupling part of the first branch. The first and second branches are detachably coupled together at their respective second ends.
US08997742B2
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface adapted in use to face the patient. A cushion having a side wall is removably attachable to the frame. The cushion has a rim extending away from the side wall, and a membrane provided to substantially surround the rim. An inner edge of the membrane defines an aperture, the aperture having a generally trapezoidal shape.
US08997738B2
A device for delivering diluted oxygen to a patient is provided. The device comprises a configurable oxygen delivery unit and multiple orifices in the configurable oxygen delivery unit. Each of the orifices has a size which pertains to a particular oxygen concentration. The configurable oxygen delivery unit is structured to enable selectively altering the oxygen concentration without requiring replacement of any components in a respiratory circuit.
US08997737B2
An inhaler is disclosed. It comprises a housing to receive a strip of blisters each having a puncturable lid and containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user, a mouthpiece through which a dose of medicament is inhaled by a user and, an actuator operable to sequentially move each blister into alignment with a blister piercing member. The actuator is also operable to cause the blister piercing element to puncture the lid of a blister such that, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece, an airflow through the blister is generated to entrain the dose contained therein and carry it out of the blister and via the mouthpiece into the user's airway.
US08997731B2
The invention relates to a gas burner for a gas cooking appliance with at least one gas hob and/or one gas oven, wherein the gas burner (10) comprises a heat source (18) and an electric ignition system (24), and wherein an electric or electronic control circuit (38) is provided for controlling the electric ignition system (24). According to the invention the gas burner (10) includes a photovoltaic generator (20) for generating the electric power for the electric ignition system (24).
US08997726B2
A method is provided for checking the functional capacity of a liquid-cooled exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine, having an exhaust line connected to the exhaust manifold, in the course of which an exhaust gas sensor having an electrical heater is arranged. During the operation of the internal combustion engine, the electrical resistance of the exhaust gas sensor is determined, on the basis of which the current value of the exhaust gas temperature is evaluated, and compared to a target value of the exhaust gas temperature, which is expected at this point in the operation of the internal combustion engine. Depending on the result of the comparison, the functional capacity of the liquid-cooling of the exhaust manifold is estimated.
US08997725B2
The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of systems and methods for reducing the production of harmful emissions in combustion engines. One method includes correlating combustion chamber temperature to acceleration of a power train component, such as a crankshaft. Once the relationship between acceleration/deceleration of the component and combustion temperature are known, an engine control module can be configured to adjust combustion parameters to reduce combustion temperature when acceleration data indicates peak combustion temperature is approaching a harmful level, such as a level conducive to the formation of undesirable oxides of nitrogen. Various embodiments of the methods and systems disclosed herein can employ injectors with integrated igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels.
US08997723B2
Methods and systems are provided for reducing late burn induced cylinder pre-ignition events. In response to a late burn combustion event in a cylinder, ignition coil dwell time is extended in the cylinder to reduce unintended combustion delays. In addition, pre-ignition mitigating actions are performed in a neighboring cylinder that may be prone to pre-ignition induced by the late combustion event.
US08997718B2
The present disclosure is directed to integrated injector/igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels. One such injector/igniter can include a body having a base portion opposite a nozzle portion. The base portion receives fuel into the body and the nozzle portion can be positioned adjacent the combustion chamber. The injector further includes a valve carried by the nozzle portion that is movable between a closed position and an open position to inject the fuel into the combustion chamber. An actuator is coupled to the valve and extends longitudinally through the body towards the base portion, and a driver is carried by the body and is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the driver does not move the actuator and in the second position the driver moves the actuator to move the valve to the open position.
US08997716B2
A nozzle injection apparatus for use in internal combustion engines includes a fuel pump for intermittently pressurizing fuel, an injection conduit in fluid communication with the fuel pump, the injection conduit permitting the pressurized fuel to be communicated to a fuel injection nozzle a control valve in fluid communication with the nozzle, wherein the control valve dynamically and selectively controls a pressure of said pressurized fuel within the injection conduit.
US08997714B2
A method, comprising: operating an engine cylinder with fuel from a first injector and not a second injector and activating the second injector in response to a rail pressure increase of a fuel rail, the fuel rail coupled to the second injector. In this way, degradation of the second injector may be reduced by activating the second injector and allowing fuel flow through the second injector to reduce the pressure and temperature of the fuel rail.
US08997708B2
An intake manifold capable of discharging oil or water in a liquid reservoir in a stable manner includes an introduction section for introducing air to a combustion chamber of an engine, a liquid reservoir provided under the introduction section for retaining a liquid medium, a differential pressure tank including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a differential pressure valve for regulating flow from the second chamber to the first chamber, a return passage for allowing the liquid medium accumulated in the liquid reservoir to return to the first chamber from the liquid reservoir when the pressure in the second chamber is higher than the pressure in the first chamber, and an exhaust passage for discharging the liquid medium having flown into the second chamber from the first chamber to the instruction section when the pressure in the second chamber is lower than the pressure in the first chamber.
US08997706B2
In an internal combustion engine a valve actuation control arrangement is provided, which has at least three independently axially displaceable cam elements and a switch gate which has at least one continuous gate track for displacing the at least three cam elements sequentially one after the other.
US08997703B2
An internal combustion engine for motor-vehicles, includes a system for variable actuation of the intake valves of the engine having a solenoid valve controllable between a closed condition and an open condition wherein it places a pressurized fluid chamber in communication with an exhaust chamber, with the aim of decoupling the intake valve from the respective tappet and causing the quick closing of the intake valve due to the respective return spring. The solenoid valve has a valve element with a cylindrical body having a first conical surface portion and a second conical surface portion. The conical surface portions are defined by the axially opposite ends of a circumferential groove formed on the valve element. The first conical surface portion cooperates with the valve seat. The other conical surface portion has an outer diameter substantially identical to the diameter of the annular edge defining the valve seat.
US08997701B2
An exemplary two-stroke internal combustion engine can comprise one or more cylinders comprising exhaust ports, one or more pistons configured to cyclically cover and uncover the exhaust ports during reciprocation of the pistons within the cylinders, and one or more rotary exhaust valves associated with each exhaust port. The exhaust valves can be configured to rotate around a valve axis that is substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of a crank shaft of the engine. Each exhaust valve at least partially obstructs the associated exhaust port during a portion of the exhaust valve's rotation about the valve axis while the associated exhaust port is at least partially uncovered by the associated piston, thereby trapping fresh charge within the combustion chamber.
US08997696B1
A deterrent device which discourages pets from climbing on furniture, or stealing food from countertops or tables, is set using a spring release arm connected to a large trip plate. Once the deterrent device is tripped, a large padded arm will swing up and over the trip plate. The force of the padded arm is very low and will not cause damage or pain. The deterrent device can be reset upon tripping and is preferably used to train an animal to avoid certain areas.
US08997694B2
A system and method for removal of phosphates from a closed loop estuarine or marine recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), involving denitrification in the presence of a media substrate for: 1) anaerobic nitrate, nitrite and ammonia removal and 2) sequestering of excess phosphate in the RAS. Phosphate is precipitated in or on the denitrifying biofilm formed on the media substrate as phosphate salts. The phosphate salt-containing media substrate can be removed from the RAS, the phosphates can be removed, and both the substrate and the phosphates can be reused or recycled.
US08997689B2
One embodiment of a treat dispenser for an animal comprises a first and second chamber separated at a junction of the chambers by a dividing wall, wherein each chamber is formed from a skeletal framework, wherein the skeletal framework of the first chamber is substantially open and the skeletal framework of the second chamber is substantially closed, and further comprising a sound device disposed within the second chamber.
US08997687B2
A system for coating a side surface of a moving substrate. The system includes an array of plasma sources, a first plurality of orifices located upstream of the array and a second plurality of orifices located downstream of the array. A coating reagent is injected from each orifice into a plasma jet issuing from plasma source associated with that orifice. A controller modulates the flow of coating reagent and the flow flush gas to the orifices according to the contours of the substrate and to the position of the substrate relative to the array. An additional plasma array and set of orifices may be employed to coat the opposite side surface of the substrate.
US08997686B2
A system for and method of delivering pulses of a desired mass of gas to a tool is described. A system for delivering pulses of a desired mass of gas to a process chamber or tool, comprising: a gas delivery chamber; a first valve arranged so as to control the flow of gas into the gas delivery chamber; a second valve arranged so as control the flow of gas leaving the gas delivery chamber so that the gas can leave the gas delivery chamber in pulses, each of a selected mass as a function of the initial pressure of the gas in the gas delivery chamber and the duration of the respective pulse; and a pressure control arrangement configured and arranged so as to control the flow of gas into the gas delivery chamber so as to precharge the gas in the gas delivery chamber to an initial pressure set point prior to delivering the pulses of gas such that the variance of the starting pressure of the gas in the gas delivery chamber is controlled prior to delivering the pulses of gas, and the repeatability of the mass delivery is improved as a function of the duration of each of the pulses.
US08997680B2
An animal alert device comprising a sound emitting device, the sound emitting device having an internal geometry configured to emit sound while a vehicle is in motion, an attachment portion having a first portion, a second portion, and a transition portion, wherein the attachment portion is configured to engage a window of the vehicle when in a first position, and an extension portion operably connecting the sound emitting device and the attachment portion, wherein the animal alert device is movable from the first position to a second position from a position within the vehicle is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
US08997678B2
An underwater load-carrier is disclosed that includes an underwater-balloon detachably attached to a container that is loaded with ballast. The underwater load-carrier is lowered into the water of an ocean and allowed to descend to the ocean bottom and there connected a mining-vehicle. The mining-vehicle loads mined nodules into the container while the container ejects ballast to maintain the container at a specified altitude above the ocean bottom. When nodule loading is complete, nodules and/or ballast is ejected to allow underwater load-carrier to rise to the ocean surface where mined nodules is unloaded from the container.
US08997675B2
A method and a marine towing system for towing streamers or sources. The towing system includes a connecting line; a first paravane connected to the connecting line, wherein the connecting line is configured to connect the first paravane to a vessel; a spur line connected to the first paravane and configured to provide a tension to maintain streamers apart from each other; and a second paravane connected to the connecting line, between the first paravane and the vessel. The second paravane is configured to increase an angle (α4) between the connecting line and the spur line.
US08997672B2
An article has a surface topography for resisting bioadhesion of organisms and includes a base article having a surface. A composition of the surface includes a polymer. The surface has a topography comprising a pattern defined by a plurality of spaced apart features attached to or projected into the base article. The plurality of features each have at least one microscale dimension and at least one neighboring feature having a substantially different geometry. An average feature spacing between adjacent ones of the features is between 10 μm and 100 μm in at least a portion of the surface. The surface topography can be numerically represented using at least one sinusoidal function. In one embodiment, the surface can comprise a coating layer disposed on the base article.
US08997669B1
Thread tensioner for a sewing machine. In one example embodiment, a thread tensioner for a sewing machine includes a first disk, a second disk, a spring, a knob, and a sensor. The second disk is positioned next to the first disk. The spring is configured to apply tension to a thread positioned between the first disk and the second disk by exerting a force against the second disk. The spring defines a length between a first end and a second end. The knob is configured, when rotated in one direction, to travel along a threaded shaft toward the spring and thereby cause the length of the spring to shorten. The knob is configured, when rotated in another direction, to travel along the threaded shaft away from the spring and thereby allow the length of the spring to lengthen. The sensor is configured to track a current length of the spring.
US08997666B2
A combustion device in the form of an elevated fixed-grate that includes arcuately shaped solid refractory brick with ribs placed thereunder so as to allow horizontal air flow for fuel combustion. The brick are arranged atop one another in a stacked concentric configuration that forms a central fuel passageway and allows cascading of a fuel pile throughout the combustion stages. The device provides the benefit of proper de-ashing online while distributing the underfire air radially around the fuel pile. The elevated design of the bricks allows the air to be evenly distributed throughout the fuel pile and further allows the isolation of overfire and underfire air. Segregating overfire and underfire air in an evenly distributed manner allows the burner to combust a wide range of fuel moisture contents without modifying the mechanical components of the burner.
US08997661B1
A table top extension and method for increasing the table top surface area of an existing table. The table top extension includes at least first and second planar panel sections each having a first, inner peripheral edge and a second, outer peripheral edge. The first, inner peripheral edges include interlocking tongue and groove structure such that the first, inner peripheral edges can be locked together to form the table top extension having a combined table top area defined by at least the first and second planar panel sections. The second, outer peripheral edges of the first and second planar panel sections align to form an outer peripheral edge of the table top extension when the first and second panel sections are locked together with the interlocking tongue and groove structure. The table top extension is configured as a planar panel including at least the first and second planar panel sections, and may be placed on the existing table to increase the table top surface area by placement of the outer peripheral edge of the table top extension radially outside of an outer peripheral edge of the existing table, relative to a center point of the table.
US08997660B2
A table assembly is provided. The table assembly includes a lower table portion, and an upper table portion operationally engaging the lower table portion. The upper and lower table portions are slidably movable relative to each other between a generally parallel configuration wherein the lower and upper table portions are vertically stacked and a generally co-planar configuration wherein the lower and upper table portions are generally horizontally aligned.
US08997650B2
An ink supply method in an ink supply apparatus including an ink fountain, a plurality of ink fountain keys, an ink fountain roller, an ink ductor roller, and an ink roller group. An ink film thickness distribution corresponding to an image on a printing plate is formed in the ink roller group. The ink roller group is divided into a plurality of roller subgroups. After or before division, a throw-on operation is performed for at least one of the plurality of roller subgroups, and a plate cylinder on which the printing plate to be used for printing of the next job is mounted. Ink in at least one of the plurality of roller subgroups is supplied to the printing plate mounted on the plate cylinder by rotating the plate cylinder and at least one of the plurality of roller subgroups. An ink supply apparatus is also disclosed.
US08997644B2
A punching device includes a punching unit that punches a hole in a sheet of paper; a container that receives a chad of paper generated upon punching by the punching unit; a dispersing member that is provided within the container and that is configured to disperse the chad of paper; and a guiding member configured to guide the chad of paper that is generated upon punching by the punching unit and fallen into the container to the dispersing member.
US08997640B2
The present disclosure provides a system, apparatus, and method for a modular food tray system having a plurality of food trays that can be used for heating, cooling, or a combination thereof. The system can include a first food tray for heating and a second food tray for cooling, generally mounted at a different elevation from the first food tray. Alternatively, one or both of the food trays can be designed for cooling through temperature elements coupled thereto and the tray can be heated by overhead radiant heating elements for dual temperature capabilities. The first food tray can be mounted above the second food tray. The first food tray can include a thermal shield between a heating element in the first food tray and the second food tray. In other embodiments, the second food tray can be mounted above the first food tray with a thermal shield therebetween.
US08997625B2
A hydraulic feed-rate control apparatus pushes out a fluid by a main piston to a reservoir chamber via feed-rate adjustment mechanisms and flow passages and adjusts a feed rate of a reciprocating body; the adjustment mechanisms comprises first and second throttle valves arranged at front ends of a cylinder and adjusting flow rates of the fluid flowing into the flow passages; the main piston comprises an auxiliary piston integrally moving, and opening and closing the second throttle valve; and the auxiliary piston comprises an outer peripheral portion fitted in the second throttle valve and closed, a concave portion formed between a front portion and rear portion of the outer peripheral portion, a circulation hole formed in an inner peripheral portion of the auxiliary piston, rear-portion escape holes communicating the rear portion and the circulation hole, and concave-portion escape holes communicating the concave portion with the circulation hole.
US08997621B1
A quick mount adapter for a firearm that includes a cylindrical adapter base having a first portion, a second portion, and a central bore. The central bore includes a first bore having a smaller diameter and a second bore having a larger diameter. A portion of the second bore is threaded and an exterior portion of the housing includes threads. The quick mount adapter includes a biasing mechanism and a washer being positioned within the second bore of the adapter base. A collar having a central bore and an internal locking profile in the central bore is threaded into the adapter base to retain the washer and biasing mechanism within the second bore. The quick mount adapter includes a spacer comprising a hollow cylindrical housing having a top surface, a central opening in the top surface, and a plurality of annular openings positioned around the central opening.
US08997620B2
A firearm includes a receiver. A bolt carrier is moveable relative to the receiver between a firing position and a rearward position. A hand guard is coupled to the receiver. A gas tube is disposed at least partially within and fixed relative to the hand guard. A handle assembly is at least partially disposed in the hand guard and is moveable between a forward position and a charging position. The handle assembly has a body and an elongated member extending from the body toward the bolt carrier. The elongated member is disposed about the gas tube and is movable relative to the gas tube between the forward and charging positions. The elongated member engages the bolt carrier to move the bolt carrier from the firing position to the rearward position when the handle assembly moves from the forward position to the charging position.
US08997617B2
A punch assembly for a turret punch press having a two piece reciprocally movable punch member that has a punch point insert removably attached to a punch driver that allows replacement of the punch point insert without the need to extract the punch member from its punch guide. A locking assembly having four vertical guideways containing slider strips for coupling the punch point insert to the punch driver ensures precision registration of the punch point insert with its driver.
US08997614B2
A method and a device for separating food products, including to permit a straight cut at high cycle rates, the food product is conveyed by a conveying device in the direction of transport. The food product is cut through, where a cutting element is moved in the direction of transport and transverse to the direction of transport, wherein the motion of the cutting element transverse to the direction of transport is controlled independently of its motion in the direction of transport and the food product does not rest on the cutting area on the conveying means.
US08997605B2
A pedal assembly having crash absorption features. The pedal assembly includes a pedal arm having a lower end. A slider bracket is provided connected to the rear surface of the pedal arm. A slider mounted within the slider bracket is connected to a housing of the pedal assembly. The slider bracket includes at least one shear tab breakable by the slider. A crush block is provided mounted within the housing of the pedal assembly. The crush block is further connected to the pedal arm. An absorption block is provided mounted adjacent to and forward of the crush block. In the event of a front end crash, a forward force is applied on the pedal pad. As this happens, the slider moves downwards within the slider bracket thereby breaking the shear tabs and allowing further rotation of the pedal arm.
US08997603B2
A steering column assembly comprises an upper column jacket, a collar assembly, a position lock bracket, and a guide clamp. A guide shaft extends from a guide end of the collar assembly, and a cam shaft extends from a cam end of the collar assembly. The guide shaft extends through an adjustment channel defined in the position lock bracket, and the cam shaft extends through an adjustment channel defined in the position lock bracket. A guide clamp is disposed along the guide shaft between the upper column jacket and the position lock bracket, and a guide retainer is fixed to the guide shaft such that, when the steering column assembly is in a locked mode, the guide clamp is placed in compression between the upper column jacket and the position lock bracket, which is placed in compression between the guide clamp and the guide retainer.
US08997601B2
A steering column with a steering-column tube, a steering spindle and at least one steering bearing for the rotatable mounting of the steering spindle in the steering-column tube, the steering bearing having an outer ring sitting in the steering-column tube, an inner ring and rolling bodies arranged between the outer ring and a track section of the inner ring, wherein the inner ring bears against the steering spindle at only two points and, for this purpose, has a first section which axially adjoins the track section and bears under prestress against the steering spindle at the first point, and a second section which is axially spaced apart from the first section, which axially adjoins the track section, and which has a first end of the inner ring in interaction with the steering spindle at the second point.
US08997591B1
An encoder assembly including control knob return mechanisms and encoder elements. Each control knob return mechanism includes a frame assembly including return spring locators. A return rotor assembly, includes a rotor having a plurality of rotor located spring stops. A return mechanism rotatable shaft is operably positioned within the return rotor assembly and operably connectable to an encoder element. The rotor and the shaft are rotatably stationary relative to each other. A return spring is positioned about the rotatable shaft and operably positioned relative to the return spring locators and the rotor located spring stops to bias the return mechanism rotatable shaft and the rotor in a normally centered position. Each encoder element is connected to an associated return mechanism rotatable shaft of an associated control knob return mechanism, wherein the return mechanism rotatable shafts of the control knob return mechanisms are concentrically positioned relative to each other.
US08997589B2
A rack buffer unit 8 serving as a sample-container switching unit is provided between a rack conveying module 4 and a rack conveying module 5 which convey racks 2 on which the sample containers 1 are mounted, and an urgent-sample loading module 7 installing a rack 2 on which a sample container 1 storing a sample desired to be preferentially analyzed is mounted is provided. The rack 2 which is in the process of sample dispensing and the rack 2 desired to be preferentially analyzed are switched from each other by the rack buffer unit 8, and the sample container 1 mounted on the rack 2 desired to be preferentially analyzed is moved to a sample dispensing position in a short period of time.
US08997588B2
A flexible force or pressure sensing mat includes a first sheet of electrically conductive first paths, a second sheet of electrically conductive second paths, and a sensing layer positioned between the first and second sheets. The first and second conductive paths are oriented transversely to each other, and the locations of their intersections define individual sensing areas or sensors. The sensing layer is made from materials that have first and second electrical characteristics—such as capacitance and resistance—that vary in response to physical forces exerted thereon. A controller repetitively measures the multiple electrical characteristics of each sensor in order to produce a near real time pressure distribution map of the forces sensed by the mat. The mat can be used on a patient support surface—such as a bed, cot, stretcher, recliner, operating table, etc.—to monitor and help reduce the likelihood of a patient developing pressure ulcers.
US08997572B2
A probe for use with an imaging system, including a scanning device configured to receive a first light beam from a light source, a beam-divider configured to split the first light beam into a plurality of second light beams, and a focusing device configured to focus each of the second light beams on respective locations in an object of interest.
US08997560B2
A method for synchronizing the measurements obtained, over a given period, from a number of measurement acquisition means for acquiring measurements of characteristics associated with the stresses withstood by a tire fitted on a running vehicle. The measurement acquisition means are brought into operation independently of one another and at least one indexing at a given instant of the measurements from each of said means is created relative to a time-measuring reference means.
US08997556B2
An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium. The apparatus includes: at least one mechanically oscillatable unit, which comes in contact at least partially with the medium; at least one transducer unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to execute mechanical oscillations and which receives mechanical oscillations from the mechanically oscillatable unit; and at least one housing. At least one limiting element is provided. The limiting element is embodied and arranged in such a manner that the limiting element at least partially surrounds the mechanically oscillatable unit and the therefrom resulting reduction of volume surrounding the mechanically oscillatable unit increases the measuring sensitivity of the apparatus. Furthermore, the invention relates to a limiting element.
US08997555B2
A system and method for generating a change in pressure proportional to fluid viscosity is disclosed herein. The system can comprise a first pilot stream, a second pilot stream, and a pressure sensing device that reads a differential pressure across a first junction on the first pilot stream and a second junction on the second pilot stream. The first junction is between a first section having a first predominant pressure loss characteristic, and a second section having a second predominant pressure loss characteristic. Similarly, the second junction can be between a third section having a third predominant pressure loss characteristic and a fourth section having a fourth pressure loss characteristic.
US08997550B2
A method and system for correcting for temperature variation in ultrasonic testing systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, an offset is determined for correcting a time of flight measurement, wherein the offset is based on the pulse delays at first and second calibration temperatures. In another embodiment, a factor is determined for correcting a time of flight measurement, wherein the factor is based on clock signal errors at first and second calibration temperatures.
US08997547B2
A device for taking pressure readings on a HVAC system includes a first needle connectable in communication with the HVAC system for taking a first pressure reading thereof. The first needle is mounted within a first gauge and configured to self-calibrate. The device further includes a second needle connectable in communication with the HVAC system for taking a second pressure reading thereof that is independent of the first pressure reading. The second needle is mounted within a second gauge and configured to self-calibrate. A first stepper motor actuates the first needle and a second stepper motor actuates the second needle. A microcontroller controls the first and second stepper motors to move the needles to a plurality of respective positions and thereby visually confirm calibration.
US08997546B2
A method of detecting a fault of a frequency sensor having a bias resistor and associated with a rotary member. The following steps are performed while the rotary member is stationary: injecting into the bias resistor of the sensor inverted alternating signals (S1, S2) comprising at least one first alternation (A1) and at least one second alternation (A2), the first alternation being of amplitude greater than the amplitude of the second alternation; and detecting a frequency of an output signal (S″) from the sensor. A measurement circuit implementing the method is also provided.
US08997545B1
An apparatus and method are provided for changing physical characteristics of a workpiece which may have been pre-loaded before being further processed. The workpiece is supported in a fixed position during processing. A driven member applies multiple impacts to one surface of the workpiece. The driven member is operated within adjustable parameters. A controller, having the adjustable parameters, is operatively connected to the driven member for causing the driven member to apply multiple impacts against a surface of the workpiece while under the control of the pre-adjustable parameters for changing physical characteristics of the workpiece.
US08997539B2
Methods and apparatus for monitoring and conditioning strip material are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a plurality of sensors located along a width of a moving material. Each of the plurality of sensors corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of longitudinal zones located along a width of the moving material. The apparatus also includes a material condition monitor configured to determine the condition of the moving material, and a feedback unit coupled to the material condition monitor and configured to be coupled to a plurality of different types of material conditioners. The feedback unit is configured to map each of the plurality of sensors to at least a respective one of a plurality of adjustable backup bearings based on being coupled to any one of the material conditioners.
US08997538B2
A lock assembly (10) including a plug (12) having a keyway (14) for inserting therein a key (16), and a movable element (18) movingly disposed in the plug (12), the movable element (18) being divided into at least two separate magnetic portions (20, 22) arranged to move relative to one another and having identical magnetic polarity, wherein the magnetic portions (20, 22) are sufficiently near one another such that one of the magnetic portions (20, 22) applies a magnetic repelling force on the other magnetic portion (20, 22).
US08997536B2
A lockout device for a handle assembly includes first and second lockout members each including an outward facing base wall and outward extending first and second projections. The first and second projections of the first base member are spaced apart to receive the handle therebetween, and the first and second projections of the second base member are spaced apart to receive the handle latch therebetween. The first and second lockout members are pivotable with respect to each other to a lockout position for engagement of the base walls of the first and second lockout members with facing surfaces of a handle and a handle latch of the handle assembly. When the first and second lockout members are secured between the handle and the handle latch in the lockout position, the first and second lockout members block movement of the handle latch to prevent rotational movement of the handle assembly.
US08997531B2
An expandable and collapsible enclosure is provided for a garment refreshing appliance. The appliance has at least either a top or a bottom rigid housing structure. The enclosure comprises a wall structure extending substantially an entire height of the enclosure. The wall structure is made of a flexible material. An opening is provided in the wall structure through which garments can be introduced into or removed from the enclosure. A zipper is attached at the opening to selectively open and close the opening. A snap attachment mechanism is located at either or both of the top and a bottom of the wall structure for securing the wall structure to the top and/or bottom rigid housing structures.
US08997511B2
This invention relates to a heating/cooling system operating on the basis of a novel SPLIT BUFFER TANK; representing an efficiency improvement alternative to HVAC systems functioning with existing commercial buffer tanks. Currently, commercial buffers have the heat source provider (HSP)-return and system-return discharging to a common buffer/vessel. Novel SPLIT BUFFER is provided with a SEPARATION DISK placed inside the tank as mechanical way of separating the hot water inflow from the HSP from the warmer water inflow from system return. The disk moves up and down along the tank driven by demanded water supply and return. Pump-1 circulates hot water from the hot section of the buffer to the secondary system claiming for heat. Pump-2 circulates warmer water from the warmer section of the buffer through the HSP where it is reheated, and subsequently stored in the hot section of the buffer to reinitiate this cycle again.
US08997508B2
An object of the present invention is to keep an appropriate high pressure side pressure in a refrigerant circuit while reducing noises of an operation of a blower in a refrigerating apparatus which obtains a critical pressure on a high pressure side. The refrigerating apparatus in which the refrigerant circuit is constituted of a compressor, a gas cooler, a reducing element and an evaporator to obtain a supercritical pressure on the high pressure side includes a blower which air-cools the gas cooler and a control device which controls this blower. This control device controls a revolution speed of the blower based on an outdoor temperature and an evaporation temperature of a refrigerant in the evaporator.
US08997496B2
An exhaust includes a wall that has a first composite material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second composite material having a second coefficient of the thermal expansion that is less than the first coefficient of thermal expansion.
US08997494B2
A fan blade for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil that includes leading and trailing edges joined by pressure and suction sides to provide an exterior airfoil surface that extends in a radial direction to a tip. The external airfoil surface is formed in substantial conformance with multiple cross-sectional profiles of the airfoil described by a set of Cartesian coordinates set forth in Table 1. The Cartesian coordinates are provided by an axial coordinate scaled by a local axial chord. A circumferential coordinate is scaled by the local axial chord, and a span location. The local axial chord corresponds to a width of the airfoil between the leading and trailing edges at the span location.
US08997490B2
Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for the improved use of waste heat recovery systems which utilize the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) to generate mechanical and/or electric power from waste heat of large industrial machines (prime movers) generating power from biofuel such as biogas produced during the anaerobic digestion process. Waste heat energy obtained from prime mover(s) is provided to one or more ORC system(s) which are operatively coupled to separate electrical generator(s). The ORC system includes a heat coupling subsystem which provides the requisite condensation of ORC working fluid by transferring heat from ORC working fluid to another process or system, such as anaerobic digester tank(s), to provide heat energy that enhances the production of fuel for the prime mover(s) without requiring the consumption of additional energy for that purpose.
US08997486B2
A compressor wheel for use with turbochargers or superchargers for forced air induction of internal combustion engines includes a base having a hub portion, and a plurality of blades extending from the base, each blade having a length defined by the distance between opposite axial extremities of the blade, the plurality of blades including at least three different types of blades, each having a substantially different length.
US08997472B2
Provided is an abnormality detecting device for a construction machine that can estimate an abnormality occurring to a component (engine, pump, etc.) of the construction machine based on the relationship among a plurality of pieces of sensor information and thereby prevent machine failure. A correlation coefficient calculation unit 102 calculates correlation coefficients between time-series sensor values acquired by a plurality of sensors 101. A correlation coefficient comparison unit 103 compares the correlation coefficients and calculates the degree of difference between each correlation coefficient and other correlation coefficients. An abnormality judgment unit 104 judges that an abnormality has occurred to a part related to a sensor when the degree of difference calculated in regard to the sensor exceeds a preset value.
US08997469B2
An engine with an exhaust treatment device (2) wherein a rotation moment of a side support stay (12) is generated by a load of a side portion (50) received by side support stay fastening tool (13) via an edge portion (21) of a cutout groove (20). As a result, a load of the side portion (50) of the exhaust treatment device (2) can be supported by the side support stay (12). A one-side temporary mount portions (22) is provided in a one-side support stay (10). The one-side support stay (10) can be temporarily mounted on the one-side temporary mount portions (22).
US08997462B2
An engine system comprising: an exhaust gas system for removing exhaust gas from the engine; a turbocharger comprising a compressor for inducing air towards the engine and a turbine provided along the exhaust gas system and driven by removed exhaust gas for powering the compressor; a hydrogen delivery apparatus adapted to deliver hydrogen to the exhaust gas system such that the hydrogen can combust and expand, thereby increasing the speed of the turbine. The increased speed of the turbine operation decreases turbo lag and increases engine responsiveness.
US08997456B2
An electronically controlled compression ignition engine includes an electronic engine controller in control communication with fuel injectors, a high pressure exhaust recirculation system and a variable geometry turbocharger. The controller is configured to execute a low load rapid warm up algorithm that generates control signals to reduce turbine efficiency, set an air fuel ratio in a predetermined range, set the exhaust gas recirculation in a predetermine range and supply fuel in a split injection in each engine cycle that includes a main injection initiated before top dead center and a post injection initiated after top dead center. These settings allow for rapid warm up to the aftertreatment inlet in excess of 300° C.
US08997455B2
A method and a device for treating exhaust gas containing particles, include a particle separator and at least one particle agglomeration device positioned upstream of the particle separator in exhaust gas flow direction. The particle agglomeration device includes at least one apparatus for forming an electrical field and a particle buffer storage device, through which the exhaust gas can flow. The particles are stored on top of each other at the particle buffer storage device in such a way that particle agglomerates are formed, which are removed from the particle buffer storage device again after a short period of time and supplied to the particle separator for conversion. A motor vehicle having the device and performing the method is also provided.
US08997443B2
An apparatus for removing a plastic wrapping film from a pack of objects, comprising an opening station of the wrapping film. The opening station in turn comprising housing means of the pack identifying a housing seating of the pack. The opening station comprises weakening means of a part of the film. The weakening means comprising heating means of a fluid and a first outlet mouth and a second outlet mouth of the heated fluid, said first mouth and said second mouth being, at least in a configuration thereof: operatively connected to said heating means of a fluid; facing towards said housing seating; facing towards an imaginary plane interposed there-between.
US08997441B2
There is provided a medicine packaging method, which is capable of rapidly coping with errors occurring during processes. The medicine packaging method includes the following steps: a medicine supplying step for supplying a relevant medicine according to a prescription data; a medicine standby step for allowing the supplied medicine to temporarily stand by; a medicine detecting step for detecting the standing by medicine; a printing step for printing a packaging paper when the medicine based on the prescription data is detected; a conveying step for conveying the packaging paper; and a packaging step for supplying the temporarily standing by medicine to a printed portion of the packaging paper and packaging the medicine. The steps are performed in sequence.
US08997438B1
A robotic case packing system loads articles from one conveyor into containers on another conveyor using a robotic pick and place mechanism and a set of pivoting bins. A controller moves the robotic mechanism in first picking movements to pick and place articles from the conveyor into the first bin. Once the first bin is full, the controller pivots the first bin to allow the articles stacked in the first bin to be loaded into a container held below. While the first bin is pivoting, the controller moves the robotic mechanism to pick and place articles from the conveyor into the second bin. The process repeats with the controller pivoting the second bin during the picking movements used to fill the first bin and vice versa.
US08997435B2
A method including arranging a plurality of actuators into an operating position, arranging a first upper frame and a second upper frame proximate the actuators, attaching a support to the first upper frame and the second upper frame, wherein the support is located above the actuators, and extending the actuators to engage the support. The method also includes extending the actuators to raise the support, the first upper frame, and the second upper frame to a first position, arranging a first middle frame below the first upper frame and a second middle frame below the second upper frame, retracting the actuators to lower the support, the first upper frame, and the second upper frame to a second position, and attaching the first upper frame to the first middle frame and attaching the second upper frame to the second middle frame.
US08997426B1
A ceiling panel clip to engage the grid structure of a drop ceiling and thereby hold panels of a drop ceiling in place.
US08997423B2
Provided are stone-like or brick-like veneer systems for covering walls. Specifically provided in embodiments are facade panels comprising: (i) a molded brick-like or stone-like panel; and (ii) a suspension rail partially embedded in the panel comprising: a first four-sided frame with horizontally and vertically disposed sides; one or more cross bar joining two or more sides of the first frame; a plurality of posts extending perpendicularly from the first frame or cross bars; a second four-sided frame in communication with the plurality of posts; a tab in communication with the frame for connecting the suspension rail to a surface.
US08997418B2
The present invention is directed to a load supporting blocking member for use in a metal stud wall having a plurality of parallel spaced apart metal studs, each of the studs having an aligned opening and horizontal bridging member passing through the aligned openings and tying the studs together. The load supporting blocking member comprises a base for overlying and being attached to the bridging member and an upstanding flange extending from one edge of the base the depth of the base being sufficient to overly the bridging member and position the upstanding flange in line with the edges of the studs in the metal stud wall.
US08997411B2
A system and method for establishing a safe room environment within an attic space utilizing a typical folding attic stair and door assembly. The system includes components that retrofit to an existing folding attic stair in a manner that allows the user to draw the attic stair up behind them and to secure the attic door panel closed and locked while the user is within the attic space. The components include a retractable lift cord attached to a middle section of the attic stair, and a lift rod attached to the attic door. Brackets and frames positioned on the attic door and door frame allow the user to pull up to fold and raise the stair into the attic space. A lock may then secure the attic stair closed preventing access from below. Methods for installing the system and using the system are provided.
US08997408B2
Aspects of the invention relate to a roof comprising at least an inclined surface and a rim marking a transition to another surface extending horizontally or at a different inclination, the inclined surface and the rim being covered by roof elements. The roof further comprising at least one anchor for attaching an anchor rope to. The anchor is secured to the roof beneath the roof element or elements covering the rim and the roof elements covering the rim are spaced apart from the roof elements covering the inclined surface so as to allow access to the anchor from outside the roof.
US08997406B2
An unfoldable modular living unit includes one or more folding modules having a bottom, pitched roof elements forming the roof and the side walls, and two opposing facades, front and back. Each one of the modules includes a folding and collapsible structure having two adjacent rigid sides or walls hinged to each other through a hinge or a fixed knot, a third foldable side or wall hinged to the first two rigid sides or walls, and at least one intermediate plane hinged to one of the pitched roof elements and suited to be constrained to the other pitched roof element.
US08997404B1
A closet door support mechanism that provides rotation and translation of a door used to close the entry to a room such as a closet is disclosed. An example of the mechanism includes a first track that is generally straight and is connected to a first track retraction section by a curved section. The track sections are mounted a distance from the floor, and allow movement of a closet door through translation and rotation to close the entry of the closet.
US08997403B1
A rain gutter assembly including an overlying cover. A gutter trough is in the form of a channel having an upwardly-facing opening. The cover overlies the channel opening and includes a front edge that is spaced from the front edge of the gutter channel to define a gap therebetween to allow roof runoff to flow around the convex front edge of the cover and into the channel. A series of longitudinally-spaced support brackets are positioned within the gutter channel and support the gutter trough and the cover to provide a rigid gutter assembly. An end cap is provided at each longitudinal end of the gutter channel and overlies both the gutter channel cross section and the space between the gutter channel cross section and the cover, to prevent entry of leaves, twigs, and debris into the channel through the ends of the gutter trough.
US08997398B2
An automated method for analyzing seeds generally includes collecting image data from individual seeds using a seed sampling system, determining at least one characteristic of each of the individual seeds based on the collected image data, and removing tissue from each of the individual seeds using the seed sampling system. The method also includes, prior to removing the tissue sample from each of the individual seeds, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the seed sampling system based on the at least one characteristic of the seed from which the tissue is to be removed to thereby allow for generally consistent removal of tissue from each of the individual seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic.
US08997396B2
Rodent bait station assemblies and methods for assembly and bundling.
US08997394B2
A motorized decoy provides lifelike feeding motion by rotating a weighted head through a full 360 degrees. As the head passes the upper apex of rotation, a drive cam located on the drive shaft disengages from a cam located on the decoy head, thereby allowing the head to accelerate and plunge quickly into the water. This action simultaneously causes the rear of the decoy to rotate to a vertical orientation. The head pauses under water until the drive cam re-engages the head cam at the bottom point of the rotation and continues to rotate the head through a channel in the body. This redistribution of weight causes the body to return to a horizontal position. The head rotation continues to the apex and the cycle repeats. This motion also disturbs the surface of the water surrounding the decoy, which can impart motion to adjacent static waterfowl decoys.
US08997392B1
A dot-sighting device includes a light source, a beam splitter and a reflective element. The light source emits light. The beam splitter includes a surface that reflects at least a portion of a first light component of the light and transmits at least a portion of a second light component. The reflective element reflects at least a portion of the first light component reflected by the surface of the beam splitter toward the beam splitter. The light reflected by the reflective element includes the second light component.
US08997384B2
Wear assembly for machinery includes wear and support elements and a retaining pin for attaching them to each other. The retaining pin has protrusions and the wear element has cavities such that the protrusions can be passed therethrough. The support element has a recess for receiving one of the protrusions. In a first position the retaining pin can be inserted into the wear and support elements. In a second position one protrusion is snap fitted in one cavity so the retaining pin cannot be rotated to the wear and support elements and the other protrusion is received into the recess abutting an inner surface of the wear element such that the retaining pin cannot be displaced axially to the wear and support elements.
US08997381B2
An interchangeable cleat system for an article of footwear includes an outer sole member with a plurality of fixed cleat members and a plurality of removable cleat members. The spacing between the removable cleat members and the fixed cleat members may be approximately constant in at least one portion of the article of footwear. The differences in height between the removable cleat members and the fixed cleat members may be approximately constant within a portion of the outer sole member. The cleat system can include at least three sets of cleat members that can be interchanged over different portions of the outer sole member.
US08997373B1
A skate blade dryer is provided for removing moisture from a skate blade after use to prevent rust, discoloration, pitting, and premature dulling of the skate blade. The dryer includes a housing having an interior, a top, and a front face. A blower is positioned in the interior of the housing. A conduit extends from the housing. The conduit includes a slot configured for receiving a skate blade coupled to a skate boot. The blower has an output port in fluid communication with the conduit for directing air flow through the conduit.
