US08465852B2
An oxide film, an oxide film coated material and a method for forming the oxide film, which oxide film is more excellent in wear resistance than existing aluminum oxide-based oxide films are provided. The oxide film of the invention is an oxide film consisting of (Zr1-a-b-cAlaMgbYc) (O1-xNx), characterized in that the following formulas (1)-(5) are satisfied (first invention) 0≦a≦0.7 formula (1) 0≦b≦0.15 formula (2) 0≦c≦0.15 formula (3) 0
US08465851B2
A device is provided, having an anode, a cathode, and two adjacent organic layers disposed between the anode and the cathode. One organic layer is a phosphorescent emissive material. The other organic layer may comprise an aromatic hydrocarbon material, comprising an aromatic non-heterocyclic hydrocarbon core optionally substituted, and wherein the substituents are the same or different, and each is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, heteroalkyl, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl and heterocyclic groups. The second organic layer may comprise a material having a molecular dipole moment less than about 2.0 debyes, such that the device has an unmodified external quantum efficiency of at least about 3% and a lifetime of at least about 1000 hours at an initial luminance of about 100 to about 1000 cd/m2.
US08465845B2
An apparatus for preserving wood product comprising, in one embodiment, a treatment space sealable in medium-tight manner; a vacuum pump connected to the treatment space; a steam source connected to the treatment space; a heating device which is in thermal contact with the treatment space; a dispenser for adding predetermined amounts of either a base or an acid to the treatment space; pH measuring device for determining the pH value of steam in the treatment space; and measuring and control equipment adapted to monitor at least the pH temperature and pressure inside the treatment space and to control the vacuum pump, the steam source and the heat source, and the pH by dispensing either a base or an acid. Also disclosed is a method for preserving wood. The preservation process has a relatively short process time, wherein a good preservation is realized while the mechanical strength of the wood is largely retained. The amount of waste wood material is greatly reduced.
US08465843B2
The present invention relates to a method for applying a crack resistant coating on a surface, where the crack resistant coating increases resistance to high vertical and horizontal movements and high shear stresses on the surface. The method comprises the steps of applying a binding material to the surface and applying an aggregate mixture within 15 seconds of applying the binding material to the surface, where the aggregate mixture comprises aggregate particles and an asphalt solution and where the aggregate mixture has a plurality of air voids, and where the binding material fills at least 15% of the air voids in the aggregate mixture (AVFA).
US08465842B2
The present invention relates to a biaxial oriented polyester film and process for preparing the same, the said film is having an average ellipticity of not more than 0.6, Poisson ratio of not more than 0.7 (at elongation greater than 25%) all along the width of web and residual enthalpy in the range of 12% to 20%, a continuous reduction in residual film area up to an elongation of 100%.
US08465838B2
The present teachings provide a fuser member. The fuser member includes a substrate layer comprising a polyimide polymer and an alkylthiophosphate.
US08465836B2
Provided is a method for producing single-hole hollow polymer particles which have an extremely uniform outside diameter and inside diameter, and thus do not require a classifying operation. Further provided are single-hole hollow polymer particles produced by such a method for producing single-hole hollow polymer particles.The invention relates to a method for producing single-hole hollow polymer particles, which includes: preparing a dispersion of swollen particle droplets by mixing a seed particle dispersion obtained by dispersing uncrosslinked polymer-containing seed particles in a water-containing dispersion medium, with a radical polymerizable monomer, an oil-soluble solvent and an oil-soluble polymerization initiator, and causing the radical polymerizable monomer, the oil-soluble solvent and the oil-soluble polymerization initiator to be absorbed in the seed particles; and polymerizing the radical polymerizable monomer in the swollen particle droplets. The relationship between the SP value of a polymer obtained by polymerizing the radical polymerizable monomer (SPp) and the SP value of the oil-soluble solvent (SPs) satisfies formula (1) below: 2.1≦SPp−SPs≦7.0 (1).
US08465833B2
Microparticles that encapsulate a fire extinguishing agent or combination of fire extinguishing agents, methods for preparing these microcapsules, methods for using such microcapsules, and articles of manufacture including at least one of such microparticles either in a coating or in a matrix that makes up a structural component of the article of manufacture are disclosed.
US08465812B2
A hard, transparent coating for a substrate and associated method for coating is disclosed. The coating includes alternating layers of a soft coating and a hard coating. The coating further includes a sensor. The electrical resistivity of the sensor may be measured to determine if the coating has been degraded. The coating may further include a hydrophobic outer layer.
US08465806B2
A method for hot dip galvanizing of advanced high strength or ultra high strength steel strip material, such as dual phase steel, transformation induced plasticity steel, transformation induced plasticity assisted dual phase steel and twinning induced plasticity steel strip material. The strip material is pickled and thereafter heated to a temperature below the continuous annealing temperature before the strip material is hot dip galvanized.
US08465804B2
A coated panel may include a substrate and a decorative top layer provided on the substrate. A method for manufacturing the panel may involve forming at least a portion of the top layer by printing on the substrate to provide a structure on the substrate. The structure may include protrusions formed by two or more prints provided on top of each other.
US08465801B2
A system and method for mixing a plurality of gases for an atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor. The mixer is configured to mix the plurality of gases while minimizing the potential for re-circulation within the mixer. The mixer is further configured to maintain the flow velocity of the plurality of gases as the gases pass through the mixer.
US08465800B2
The invention is to provide a leather-like sheet having a fine image drawn by an inkjet printing method, etc., on its surface and having practically sufficient physical properties. This invention includes a leather-like sheet including (i) a fibrous substrate and (ii) a porous layer thereon, the porous layer having a surface having open pores with a diameter of 1 μm or more and the porous layer having the surface having an image whose definition is 5 dots/mm or more, and a process for the production thereof.
US08465796B2
A method of manufacturing a unit cell of a solid oxide fuel cell using a decalcomania process, in which an anode, electrolyte, cathode and interconnect are deposited on a substrate using the decalcomania process when the unit cell of the solid oxide fuel cell having a variety of shapes, such as a planar type, a horizontal pipe type, a tubular type, a segmented type, and the like, is manufactured. In manufacture of solid oxide fuel cells having a variety of shapes according to lamination and arrangement of unit cells, the components of each unit cell, such as the anode, the cathode, the electrolyte, the interconnect, and the like, may be deposited in a desired shape using the decalcomania process through deposition or coating, so that the components of the unit cell having a large scale or a complicated structure can be deposited without limit in size and shape, the thickness of the components of the unit cell can be easily controlled depending on the number of stacked transfer paper sheets, and a coating film can be formed on a substrate at a lower cost.
US08465793B2
A process for preparing a shaped substrate suitable in the production of coated conductors which process allows the deformation of a textured substrate onto which a textured buffer layer has been already grown.
US08465792B2
A spray monitoring device analyzes images obtained from a beam passing through a spray pattern applying a spray to a substrate, and identifies discontinuities in the image as indicative of a discontinuity in a spray pattern. The spray pattern is produced by a plurality of nozzles spaced apart across the substrate for applying a suitable coating thereto. The beam is produced by a laser, that preferably has a collimator for distributing the beam intensity. The beam is imaged by a camera that provides a constant image to a computers where the scattering of beam light by the spray pattern is processed by image processing software and optionally provided to a user interface for analysis. Discontinuities detected by the user or software indicate faulty spray nozzles and may trigger remedial action.
US08465784B2
The invention related to a method and a device for thawing food products that comprises using at least one microwave radiation applicator in a chamber through which said products are passing, characterized in that before the insertion into the chamber or a first inlet area of the chamber, all the surfaces of the product are covered with a homogenous film of carbon dioxide snow in the form of electrostatically charged microparticles.
US08465781B2
The present invention relates to the preparation of an enriched and equilibrated plant extract from Solanum glaucophyllum with an enriched content of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 glycosides and flavonols, particularly quercetin glycosides. The present invention particularly describes a method for preparation of such a plant extract either in industrial or in laboratory scale. The present invention furthermore describes the use of such a plant extract or similar (synthetic) compositions for the prevention and treatment of bone mass reduction-related diseases, such as Osteopenia or Osteoporosis, for the prevention and treatment of Tibial Dyschondroplasia, preferably in poultry, for the treatment of milk fever, and as a dietary supplement for human or veterinary use.
US08465776B2
The present invention relates to granules comprising oxycodone, as well as to orally disintegrating tablets including same and optionally acetaminophen.
US08465767B2
The invention relates to an oral administration form for pyridin-2-ylmethylsulfinyl-1H-benzimidazoles and their salts, which comprises the active compound together with tablet disintegrants and is provided with a film coating customary per se for sustained-release compositions.
US08465766B2
Aqueous wound and mucous membrane disinfectant containing a) octenidine dihydrochloride, and b) one or more active ingredients selected from the group ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, undecylene amidopropyl trimonium methosulfate, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1,2-propanediol and/or sodium hydroxymethylglycinate and c) glycerin and/or 1,2-diols having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, and d) optionally surfactants, emulsifiers, solubilizers, pH regulators, dyestuffs, perfumes and/or thickeners, the agent being free of phenoxyethanol, phenoxypropanol, phenoxyisopropanol and organic acids.
US08465765B2
An oral methylphenidate powder which is reconstitutable into a final oral aqueous sustained release formulation containing at least about 50%, or at least about 80% by weight water based on the total weight of the suspension, is provided. The powder is a blend containing a combination of an uncoated methylphenidate-ion exchange resin complex, a barrier coated methylphenidate-ion exchange resin complex-matrix, and a water soluble buffering agent such that upon formed into an aqueous liquid formulation, the formulation has a pH in the range of about 3.5 to about 5, or about 4 to about 4.5. Following administration of a single dose of the oral aqueous methylphenidate suspension, a therapeutically effective amount of methylphenidate is reached in less than one hour and the composition provides a twelve-hour extended release profile.
US08465755B2
The present invention relates to a recombinant bacterium that is capable of eliciting an immune response against at least two enteric pathogens, without substantially inducing an immune response specific to the serotype of the bacterium. The invention also relates to methods of making such a bacterium and vaccines and methods of using such a bacterium.
US08465752B2
Sympathetic nerves run through the adventitia surrounding renal arteries and are critical in the modulation of systemic hypertension. Hyperactivity of these nerves can cause renal hypertension, a disease prevalent in 30-40% of the adult population. Hypertension can be treated with neuromodulating agents (such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II inhibitors, or aldosterone receptor blockers), but requires adherence to strict medication regimens and often does not reach target blood pressure threshold to reduce risk of major cardiovascular events. A minimally invasive solution is presented here to reduce the activity of the sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal artery by locally delivering neurotoxic or nerve-blocking agents into the adventitia. Extended elution of these agents may also be accomplished in order to tailor the therapy to the patient.
US08465749B2
Methods for synthesis and manufacture of polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines at high yield are provided. The methods involve reaction of a hydrazide group on one reactant with an aldehyde or cyanate ester group on the other reactant. The reaction proceeds rapidly with a high conjugation efficiency, such that a simplified purification process can be employed to separate the conjugate product from the unconjugated protein and polysaccharide and other small molecule by-products.
US08465742B2
A method of constructing a VHH library from an immunized camelid, using whole venom or an extract thereof There is also provided VHH antibody fragments isolated from a library produced in hyperimmunized llama These VHH antibody fragments were sequenced, and specifically bind α-cobratoxin.
US08465740B2
The present invention relates to novel regulatory T cell proteins. One protein, designated PD-L3, resembles members of the PD-L1 family, and co-stimulates αCD3 proliferation of T cells in vitro. A second, TNF-like, protein has also been identified as being upregulated upon αCD3/αGITR stimulation. This protein has been designated Treg-sTNF. Proteins, antibodies, activated T cells and methods for using the same are disclosed.
US08465739B2
This invention is directed to a stable liquid pharmaceutical formulation comprising a high concentration, e.g. 50 mg/ml or more, of antibody in about 20-60 mM succinate buffer or 30-70 mM histidine buffer, having pH from about pH 5.5 to about pH 6.5, about 0.01-0.1% polysorbate, and a tonicity modifier that contributes to the isotonicity of the formulation. This liquid formulation is stable at refrigerated temperature (2-8° C.) for at least 1 year, and preferably 2 years. This liquid formulation is suitable for subcutaneous injection. The preferred antibodies include Daclizumab, a humanized anti-IL-2 receptor monoclonal antibody; HAIL-12, a humanized anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody; HuEP5C7, a humanized anti-L selectin monoclonal antibody; and Flintozumab, a humanized anti-gamma interferon monoclonal antibody.
US08465736B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical combination product for cancer therapy. The combination product comprises the two active ingredients glutaminase and 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON). The invention further relates to the use of such a combination product for the treatment of cancers.
US08465735B2
The present invention relates to genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity. More specifically, the invention relates to proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases.
US08465734B2
The present invention relates to highly conjugated proteins and methods for making such proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to methods for linking additional sites to a protein for conjugation with activated polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers, without denaturing the protein. The invention also relates to highly conjugated proteins with decreased immunogenicity and increased circulating half-life.
US08465732B2
The present invention relates to adenovirus E4ORF 1 gene and to endothelial cells engineered to express the E40RF 1 gene. The present invention also relates to uses of the E40RF 1 gene, and cells expressing the E40RF1 gene, and to compositions comprising the E4ORF 1 gene, or comprising cells expressing the E4ORF 1 gene.
US08465728B2
An air treating composition for eliminating airborne malodors and/or sanitizing air in combination with a spray valve and actuator and spray performance parameters providing maximum dispersion of the composition is disclosed. The particles of the composition are small so that the active component is dispersed into air as a fine dispersion to provide more contact with malodors and to provide quick absorption of malodors and/or bacteria. The particle size of the composition is controlled through the valve and actuator dimensions, as well as the formulation requirements of the composition. The air treating composition includes water, a low molecular weight polyol, and a propellant. The composition may also include one or more adjuvants such as an emulsifier, a co-solvent, a fragrance, a corrosion inhibitor, a pH adjusting agent and the like.
US08465727B2
Methods for determining the onset of ALS in a subject are provided. One method includes analyzing a sample obtained from the subject for the presence or amount of one or more biomarkers indicative of ALS. In a preferred embodiment, the biomarkers are one or more of the following: C-reactive protein (CRP), cystatin c, plasminogen, complement C3, CysGly-transthyretin, and phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNFH). The sample is typically cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). The levels or concentrations of the biomarkers can be used to determine the onset of ALS, monitor the progression of ALS, or monitor the progression of a treatment for ALS.
US08465725B2
A manufacturing process for the preparation of radiolabeled compounds of formula (I) includes reacting compounds of formula (II) with a source of radionuclide of a halogen in the presence of an oxidant under acidic condition, wherein: *I is 123I, 124I, 125I or 131I; R is lower alkyl, optionally substituted with one or more fluorine atoms; Q is C(O), O, NR′, S, S(O)2, C(O)2, (CH2)p; Y is C(O), O, NR′, S, S(O)2, C(O)2, (CH2)p; R′ is H, C(O), S(O)2, C(O)2; Z is H, C1-C4 alkyl, benzyl, substituted benzyl or trialkylsilyl; m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5; n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6; and p is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
US08465717B2
A process for preparing a nanoparticle powder of a lithium transition metal phosphate includes mixing lithium, a transition metal and a phosphorus-containing salt as starting materials, adding an additive to the starting materials in an amount of greater than 0 at % and less than 10 at % to obtain a mixed raw material powder, subjecting the mixed powder to a first heat treatment at a temperature of 250° C. to 400° C. under a gas atmosphere for 2 to 10 hours; and subjecting the first heat-treated product to a second heat treatment at a temperature of 400° C. to 700° C. for 2 to 24 hours to uniformly form crystalline nuclei so as to induce growth of nanocrystalline particles. The additive may be any one element selected from the group consisting of sodium (Na), potassium (K), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), samarium (Sm), gadolinium (Gd) and erbium (Er).
US08465712B2
A method and system for desulfurization comprising first and second metal oxides; a walled enclosure having an inlet and an exhaust for the passage of gas to be treated; the first and second metal oxide being combinable with hydrogen sulfide to produce a reaction comprising a sulfide and water; the first metal oxide forming a first layer and the second metal oxide forming a second layer within the walled surroundings; the first and second layers being positioned so the first layer removes the bulk amount of the hydrogen sulfide from the treated gas prior to passage through the second layer, and the second layer removes substantially all of the remaining hydrogen sulfide from the treated gas; the first metal oxide producing a stoichiometrical capacity in excess of 500 mg sulfur/gram; the second metal oxide reacts with the hydrogen sulfide more favorably but has a stoichometrical capacity which is less than the first reactant; whereby the optimal amount by weight of the first and second metal oxides is achieved by utilizing two to three units by weight of the first metal oxide for every unit of the second metal oxide.
US08465710B2
There is provided a radial flow reactor having a multi-pass structure in which loading and unloading of granular packing are easy and which does not impair the reaction performance. The reactor includes, in an upright tubular reactor vessel: a packing region for housing a continuous packed bed of granular packing; and an outer and an inner passages disposed outside and inside the packing region, respectively, allowing a fluid to flow in the axial direction. The reactor is configured so that the fluid can pass between the packing region and the outer passage and between the packing region and the inner passage.
US08465700B2
The evaporator (10) efficiently evaporates solvent and/or introduces gases to multiple samples. The evaporator (10) contains a top plate (20) and a bottom plate (30). The top plate (20) is mated to the bottom plate (30) to define a main chamber (130) for distribution of gas. An input port (80) is defined within the bottom plate (30) of the evaporator (10) is in fluid communication with a gas distribution channel (100). The gas distribution channel (100) has a series of gas distribution ports (110A-C) increasing in diameter, in proportion to a distance from the input port (80), that provide for an even distribution of gas into the main chamber (130). Gas exits the main chamber (130) through exit ports (120A-C) defined within the bottom plate (30). Screws (50) respectively control gas flow to exit ports (120A-C) for delivery to an array of nozzles (90) on the bottom plate (30).
US08465688B2
A method for taking a nozzle of a valve gated runner apparatus includes releasably attaching a valve pin to a movable part of an actuator for moving the valve pin between an open position and a closed position and detaching the valve pin from the actuator by moving the movable part of the actuator towards the open position when the valve pin is immobilized. The valve pin and the movable part valve pin may be releasably attached by a magnetic force. The step of detaching the valve pin from the actuator may be accomplished by overcoming the magnetic force. A valve pin plate can be provided for a plurality of valve pins to be releasably attached to the actuator.
US08465687B2
Devices and methods for making hollow concrete elements are disclosed. A device includes a drum mold having a tubular mold wall. The mold wall has a first and a second end flange each with an inner periphery smaller than the inner periphery of the mold wall at each respective end. The device further includes a compaction roller positionable inside the mold wall. The compaction roller has a profile that defines the interior shape of the concrete element. The compaction roller is supported by a hydraulically height adjustable supporting mechanism that is operable to independently adjust the distance of each end of the compaction roller with respect to the inner periphery of the mold wall.
US08465685B2
Device for taking an impression of a subject's ear minimizes risk of damage on the eardrum when the impression is made. The device comprises a nozzle having a first essentially tubular part that has a centre axis and a side wall. The first tubular part has also a first end intended to be inserted into a subject's ear, a first opening for the outlet of impression material, and a second end connected to a supply member for impression material to the tubular part.The first opening has a centre axis that is essentially perpendicular to the centre axis of the first tubular part at the point where the two centre axes intersect each other, alternatively has a direction, as seen from the centre axis of the first tubular part through the side wall, from said first end. The first opening is preferably arranged in the side wall of the tubular part.
US08465682B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductive rubber belt wherein a variation in the electric resistance is decreased, in particular, in the belt circumferential direction so that high-quality images can be formed, and a process for producing the same. In order to achieve the object, in a case where on any single straight line extended in the belt circumferential direction, the maximum value of the molecular orientation ratio correction value MOR-C of the semiconductive rubber belt, the minimum value thereof, and the average thereof are set to satisfy a specified relationship.
US08465678B2
The present invention relates to a class of luminescent and conductive polymer compositions having chromophores, and particularly solid films of these compositions exhibiting increased luminescent lifetimes, quantum yields and amplified emissions. These desirable properties can be provided through polymers having rigid groups designed to prevent polymer reorganization, aggregation or π-stacking upon solidification. These polymers can also display an unusually high stability with respect to solvent and heat exposures. The invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing an analyte through the luminescent and conductive properties of these polymers. Analytes can be sensed by activation of a chromophore at a polymer surface. Analytes include aromatics, phosphate ester groups and in particular explosives and chemical warfare agents in a gaseous state. The present invention also relates to devices and methods for amplifying emissions by incorporating a polymer having an energy migration pathway and/or providing the polymer as a block co-polymer or as a multi-layer.
US08465675B2
Disclosed are encapsulation materials including an 80 to 99.5 weight percentage (wt %) of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) and a 0.5 to 20 weight percentage(wt %) of a photoluminescent polymer, wherein the EVA and the photoluminescent polymers are evenly blended. The encapsulation materials can be applied to packaging solar cells, and the encapsulating structure may protect the EVA from UV damage and enhance light utilization efficiency of the solar cell.
US08465672B2
The invention relates to mesogenic tetrahydropyran compounds having at least four rings, of the formula I in which R1, A1, A2, X1, L1, L2, m and n have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to a process for the preparation thereof, to the use thereof in liquid-crystalline media, to liquid-crystalline media comprising at least one compound of the formula I, and to electro-optical displays containing a liquid-crystalline medium of this type.
US08465667B2
The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for treating piles of low-rank coal to inhibit its spontaneous combustion. The method involves applying to the low-rank coal a composition containing VAE and crude glycerin. The composition prevents water from evaporating out of the low-rank coal. This prevents the formation within the low-rank coal of hollow openings which are a huge factor in causing its spontaneous combustion. The composition has better performance than its ingredients do alone. In fact it is so effective that certain cumbersome low-rank coal-handling methods, such as FIFO recordkeeping and inventorying, not using pinch points, or only using elbow-free equipment can be disregarded when the composition is used.
US08465650B2
Strong acid cation resins used alone or in combination with zeolite-based ion exchange resins are encapsulated in various water permeable polymer fabric bags of various geometries and thicknesses to reduce the calcium hardness levels during swimming pool and spa water fills. The resin bags are strategically placed in the pool or spa to allow water under pressure to flow through the ion exchange media to exchange calcium or magnesium ions with sodium or other harmless cations.
US08465646B2
To provide an apparatus for treating a nitrate waste liquid that includes a denitrification tank (12A) which accommodates active sludge that adsorbs or takes in the radioactive substance in a nitrate waste liquid (11) and in which an anaerobic microorganism that reduces the nitric acid to nitrogen gas grows, and a reaeration tank (14) in which a denitrification-treated liquid (24) treated in the denitrification tank (12A) is aerated and mixed with active sludge. A pH adjuster (21), a first carbon source (22A) and a second carbon source (22B) different in type from each other, and nitrogen gas (N2) are supplied to the denitrification tank (12A) so as to separate a denitrified liquid into a solid content and the denitrification-treated liquid (24) by using a first solid-liquid separating film (25), and the denitrification-treated liquid (24) treated with the active sludge in the reaeration tank (14) is reaerated and separated into a solid content and a reaeration-treated liquid (27) by using a second solid-liquid separating film (28).
US08465645B2
A renewable energy microgeneration system is disclosed. The system comprises one or more portable containers that include a plurality of small holding tanks that are configured to perform at least one of pasteurization and thermophilic anaerobic digestion on waste, a large holding tank that is configured to perform mesophilic anaerobic digestion on the waste after at least one of pasteurization and thermophilic anaerobic digestion is performed, and a de-watering unit that is configured to dry what remains of the waste after mesophilic anaerobic digestion is performed. The system further comprises a controller for automatically moving the waste between the plurality of small holding tanks, the large holding tank, and the de-watering unit as required to facilitate mesophilic anaerobic digestion in the large holding tank. Further, the portable containers are configured to be transported to a site and placed in fluid communication with each other at the site.
US08465643B2
A filter and filter element is provided that incorporates a valve member for preventing priming fluid from contaminating a clean fluid side of the filter or filter element. The filter may incorporate a replaceable filter element or be replaceable itself. The valve member is preferably formed as an annular flange of a grommet mounted to an end cap of the filter element. The annular flange sealingly engages with the end cap and closes a clean fluid outlet port in a relaxed state and opens the clean fluid outlet port in a deformed state.
US08465635B2
The system includes: an assortment (10) of sensors (10a, 10b, 10c), wherein the working electrode (14a) of each sensor is covered with a specific reagent of a given proteolytic enzyme, including a substrate capable of releasing leaving groups (LG) via the action of the enzyme; a measuring apparatus (20) having an electronic circuit imposing a current, whose intensity or voltage may or may not be variable, between the electrodes, and for receiving in return a signal representative of the release of the LG; and an electronic apparatus (30) for processing the transmitted signal and displaying, on a display screen (32), an indication representative of the release of the LG as a function of time. The system may be used to determine, in a plasma or whole blood sample, factors responsible for a coagulation anomaly.
US08465628B1
A solar energy conversion and distillation apparatus floats on a body of saltwater and includes a matrix of buoyant distillation modules that produce and collect distilled water for on-shore usage. The distillation modules and other buoyant structures are mutually joined within a peripheral seawall to form an atmospheric barrier, and each distillation module includes a submerged energy absorber layer to form an energy conversion chamber that confines a shallow volume of solar-heated seawater. Water vapor in the air above the confined water condenses on chilled heat exchanger conduits, and the energy absorber layer is water permeable so that confined water lost to evaporation and condensation is replenished with water from a thermal reservoir underlying the energy conversion chamber. Buoyant mistifier units in each distillation module enhance the evaporative surface area of the water vapor subject to condensation.
US08465626B2
This invention relates to a coking oven in flat-type construction, a non-recovery or heat-recovery coking oven, which has at least one measuring apparatus for measuring the concentration of gaseous constituents of the coke oven retort, the coke oven hearth and/or the off gas duct, and in which, on the basis of these data, a process control computer determines and regulates the optimal supply of primary and/or secondary air. Also embraced by the invention is a coking method employing a coking oven of this kind.
US08465623B2
The invention provides a method of improving dewatering efficiency, increasing sheet wet web strength, increasing sheet wet strength and enhancing filler retention in a papermaking process The method improves the efficiency of drainage aids or wet web strength aids or wet strength aid by coating at least some of the filler particles with a material that prevents the filler materials form adhering to a those additives. The drainage additive or wet web strength additive or wet strength aid holds the cellulose fibers together tightly and is not wasted on the filler particles.
US08465614B2
The present disclosure is directed to a process for recycling film materials, and is particularly directed to collecting spent release liners for labels and constructing new release liner stock from the spent materials. In order to use the waste film, the film is subjected to a process for increasing the intrinsic viscosity. In addition, a coloring agent may be incorporated into the film in order to mask yellowing. In one embodiment, a multilayered composite film is formed.
US08465608B1
A method for forming a metastable intermolecular composite (MIC) includes providing a vacuum level of <10−8 torr base pressure in a deposition chamber. A first layer of a first material of a metal that is reactive with water vapor is deposited, followed by depositing a second layer of a second material of a metal oxide on the first layer. The first and second material are capable of an exothermic chemical reaction to form at least one product, and the first and second layer are in sufficiently close physical proximity so that upon initiation of the exothermic reaction the reaction develops into a self initiating chemical reaction. An interfacial region averaging <1 nm thick is formed between the first layer and second layer from a reaction of the first material with water vapor. In one embodiment, the first material is Al and the second material is CuOx.
US08465602B2
This invention relates to thermally sprayed coatings having an amorphous-nanocrystalline-microcrystalline composition structure, said thermally sprayed coating comprising from about 1 to about 95 volume percent of an amorphous phase, from about 1 to about 80 volume percent of a nanocrystalline phase, and from about 1 to about 90 volume percent of a microcrystalline phase, and wherein said amorphous phase, nanocrystalline phase and microcrystalline phase comprise about 100 volume percent of said thermally sprayed coating. This invention also relates to methods for producing the coatings, thermal spray processes for producing the coatings, and articles coated with the coatings. The thermally sprayed coatings of this invention provide enhanced wear and corrosion resistance for articles used in severe environments (e.g., landing gears, airframes, ball valves, gate valves (gates and seats), pot rolls, and work rolls for paper processing).
US08465600B2
According to the present invention, there is provided a high strength steel sheet, which has, for example, a tensile strength of 590 to 980 MPa or more, which has favorable workability, and which is useful for an automobile, etc. The high strength steel sheet of the present invention comprises 0.03 to 0.20% C (% by mass in chemical compositions; hereafter, the same holds true), 0.50 to 2.5% Si, 0.50 to 2.5% Mn, and further, preferably 0.02 to 0.2% Mo. Moreover, its metal structure includes ferrite and low temperature transformation phase. The mean grain size of the low temperature transformation phase is 3.0 μm or less. Further, grains whose size is 3.0 μm or less occupy 50% or more by area ratio of the low temperature transformation phase, and an average aspect ratio of the low temperature transformation phase is 0.35 or more.
US08465599B2
A method of providing sulfidation corrosion resistance and corrosion induced fouling resistance for a heat transfer component is disclosed. The heat transfer component includes a heat exchange surface formed from a chromium-enriched oxide containing material formed from the composition δ, ε, and ζ, wherein ζ is a steel containing at least about 5 to about 40 wt. % chromium, ε is a chromium enriched oxide (M3O4 or M2O3 or mixtures thereof) formed on the surface of the steel ζ, wherein M is a metal containing at least 5 wt. % Cr based on the total weight of the metal M, and δ is a top layer formed on the surface of the chromium-enriched oxide ε, comprising sulfide, oxide, oxysulfide, and mixtures thereof. The top layer δ comprises iron sulfide (Fe1-xS), iron oxide (Fe3O4), iron oxysulfide, iron-chromium sulfide, iron-chromium oxide, iron-chromium oxysulfide, and mixtures thereof. The metal M of the chromium enriched oxide (M3O4 or M2O3 or mixtures thereof) may comprise Fe, Cr, and constituting elements of the steel ζ. The steel ζ may be selected from low chromium steels, ferritic stainless steels, martensitic stainless steels, austenitic stainless steels, duplex stainless steels and precipitation-hardenable alloys.
US08465598B2
A vacuum carburization processing method includes a preparatory heating step of increasing the temperature of a workpiece in a heating chamber to a first temperature, a carburizing step of carburizing the workpiece by supplying carburizing gas into the heating chamber from a state where the pressure inside the heating chamber is reduced to an extremely low pressure, a diffusing step of terminating the supply of the carburizing gas and making carbon diffuse from a surface of the workpiece into its internal part, and a quenching step of abruptly cooling the temperature of the workpiece from a state where the temperature of the workpiece is at a second temperature; and also includes, between the diffusing step and the quenching step, a normalizing step of reducing the temperature of the workpiece so that the temperature history of the workpiece from the first temperature to a predetermined temperature satisfies predetermined conditions, a post-normalization maintaining step, performed after the normalizing step, of miniaturizing crystal grains of the workpiece by maintaining the workpiece at the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time so that the entire workpiece reaches the predetermined temperature, and a reheating step, performed after the post-normalization maintaining step, of increasing the temperature of the workpiece to the second temperature.
US08465594B1
Motor vehicle jumper cables comprising an integral wire brush mounted on an interior portion of the clamp assemblies is herein disclosed. The jumper cables with the wire brush are to be motioned to remove battery terminal corrosion, thereby providing for a better electrical connection. The device resembles a standard pair of jumper cables used to aid in jump-starting a motor vehicle with a dead battery and comprises a small wire brush located inside of each jaw area. The bristles are made of conductive steel or copper of a sufficient stiffness to clean any corrosion from the battery terminals as the clamps are being installed. Due to the conductive nature of the bristles, current will flow through the bristles as well as the clamp body, thus improving charging and starting ability.
US08465591B2
A disclosed film deposition apparatus includes a turntable having in one surface a substrate receiving portion along a turntable rotation direction; a first reaction gas supplying portion for supplying a first reaction gas; a second reaction gas supplying portion for supplying a second reaction gas; a separation area between a first process area where the first reaction gas is supplied and a second process area where the second reaction gas is supplied, the separation area including a separation gas supplying portion for supplying a first separation gas in the separation area, and a ceiling surface opposing the one surface to produce a thin space; a center area having an ejection hole for ejecting a second separation gas along the one surface; and an evacuation opening for evacuating the chamber.
US08465580B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a black ink composition by which a recorded matter in which a fine surface defect on a recorded matter is effectively suppressed, can be obtained. For this object, the present invention is a black ink composition containing water, carbon black, and a water-soluble polyurethane resin, wherein when a content of carbon black is not less than 0.4% by weight and less than 1.5% by weight, a content of a solid matter of the water-soluble polyurethane resin is not less than 0.67-fold and not more than 2.5-fold a content of the carbon black and, when a content of the carbon black is less than 0.4% by weight, a content of a solid matter of the water-soluble polyurethane resin is not less than 7.5-fold a content of the carbon black.
US08465569B2
A gas separation unit 102, 200, 300 for permeating a gas out from a pressurized feed mixture includes an input manifold 104, 204, an exhaust manifold, 106, 206 and a permeate assembly 108, 208, 303. The permeate assembly supports one or more permselective foils 130, 132, 218, 232, 318 over a hollow cavity 134, 272, 306 supported by a microscreen element 142, 144, 228, 230, 326. The microscreen element includes non-porous perimeter walls 190, 192, 278 supported on a frame surface and a porous central area 194, 280 supported over the hollow cavity. A porous spacer 138, 140, 174, 234 disposed inside the hollow cavity structurally supports the entire microscreen surface spanning the hollow cavity while also providing a void volume for receiving fluid passing through the porous central area and for conveying the fluid through the hollow cavity.
US08465564B2
The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a multilayered filter medium whose air permeability is at least 500 l/m2sec and a multilayered filter medium obtainable by said method which, when charged with 5 mg/cm2 SAE-dust of the class “fine”, exhibits a pressure increase of no more than 100 Pa.
US08465559B2
The present invention is a process and apparatus for forming various bio-products from cellulosic plant material. The plant material is subjected to a pulping step in which lignin is extracted from the material by an aqueous lignin solvent to form a lignin-solvent mixture and purified cellulose. The lignin-solvent mixture can be separated from the water to form a high energy density fuel that can be used independently or combined with biodiesel. The purified cellulose can be used in conventional processes, e.g., paper making, or can be converted to fermentable sugars with a cellulase enzyme to produce other bio-products depending on the operating conditions of the fermenter. The bio-products produced by the fermenter can include the solvent that may be recycled for use in extracting the lignin.
US08465557B2
A reactive distillation process is disclosed for converting aquatic biomass to a bio-oil. In the process a slurry of aquatic biomass is contacted with a particulate inorganic material. The mixture is heated to or above its boiling point. During the heating step biomass is converted to bio-oil. In a preferred embodiment water vapors emanating from the slurry are collected and condensed. The fresh water obtained may be used for irrigation, in human domestic uses, and for human consumption.
US08465550B2
A line of cotyloid implants of different sizes including a cup intended to be fastened in a cotyloid cavity and including a substantially hemispherical polar portion and an equatorial portion extending the polar portion, the polar portion and the equatorial portion delimiting a substantially hemispherical inner cavity, an insert pivotally mounted in the inner cavity delimited by the polar and equatorial portions of the cup, the insert delimiting an inner cavity having an inner spherical surface portion and intended to pivotally and retentively mount a prosthetic femoral head, where the height of the equatorial portions of the cups of the various cotyloid implants belonging to the line varies in a decreasing manner as a function of the increase in the size of the cotyloid implants.
US08465547B2
Methods and devices for spacing vertebral members using modular intervertebral devices and insertion tools. The devices may include opposing first and second endplates, and an intermediate member configured to fit between and support the endplates. The insertion tool may include an elongated handle and a distracter. A method of inserting the device using the tool may include inserting the endplates positioned on opposing sides of the handle into the intervertebral space and positioning the endplates in the intervertebral space relative to first and second vertebral members. The method may include deploying the distracter and increasing a distance between the endplates. Another step may include inserting the intermediate member into the intervertebral space and between the endplates and supporting the endplates with the intermediate member. The insertion tool may then be removed from the intervertebral space.
US08465542B2
A modified polyurethane including a lipid substituent pendant from at least one urethane nitrogen and/or at least one carbon atom of the modified polyurethane, methods of preparing modified polyurethanes and the use thereof as an implantable biomaterial.
US08465536B2
A stent deployment system includes a handle and a flexible sheath coupled the handle. A flexible tube extends from the handle through the sheath. A tapered flexible extension is coupled to the flexible tube, the tapered flexible extension has a taper angle of between about 5 degrees and 15 degrees towards the handle. A bead of adhesive can be supplied at an end of the tapered flexible extension. A thrust block is coupled to the flexible tube, and an endoluminal prosthesis is positioned around the flexible tube between the thrust block and the tapered flexible extension with a space situated between the endoluminal prosthesis and the thrust block.
US08465522B2
Self-reinforcing mechanical systems with application to biological fixation of a first tissue (for example, soft tissue) to a second tissue (for example, bone). As a repair construct is stressed, there is a feedback mechanism (self-reinforcing) against failure that is initially triggered by early failure. The construct “detects” its early/impending failure and utilizes the potentially destructive force to reinforce itself.
US08465508B2
An apparatus for the treatment of venous stasis includes an elongated intraluminal member shaped and dimensioned for passage through vessels of a subject. The intraluminal member includes a proximal end and a distal end. A conduit extends from proximate the proximal end of the intraluminal member to proximate the distal end of the intraluminal member. The conduit is shaped and dimensioned for fluid communication between the proximal end of the intraluminal member and the distal end of the intraluminal member. The distal end of the intraluminal member includes disruption means proximate thereto for ablating a predetermined vessel wall. A method is also provided for the treatment of venous stasis. The method is achieved by advancing an elongated intraluminal member through a vein to a treatment site, activating the intraluminal member for ablation of the treatment site and injecting sclerosant into the vein at the treatment site.
US08465504B2
A machine, and method of using, constructed and configured for automatic continuous suturing for reduced or minimized scarring and reduced suturing time, including a helical shaped needle, a hook, and a holding arm. The needle is used to provide for substantially planar stitching adjoining edges side by side. The hook is used to manipulate the stitching in automatic coordination with the needle so as to allow for continuous stitching. The holding arm is used in automatic coordination with the hook. The coordination and synchronization of these components provide for continuous planar stitches which adjoin edges side by side.
US08465493B2
A system for installing a vertebral stabilization system. The system includes an installation tool including a handle portion and a shaft extending distally from the handle portion. The shaft includes a conduit and a staple mechanism. The system also includes a flexible implant member extending along the conduit configured to be advanced out from a distal end of the shaft, and a staple housed in the staple mechanism. The staple is configured to secure the flexible implant member to a vertebra. The handle portion is configured to selectively advance the flexible implant member from the shaft and to selectively actuate the staple mechanism.
US08465492B2
Devices are described relating to the retaining of surgical tools within the chuck of a reciprocating surgical instrument, such as a reciprocating saw. A securing chuck is disclosed for securing a surgical tool to a reciprocating surgical instrument that comprises a shaft and a securing member. The shaft defines an axis and has a cylindrical bore extending along the axis. The bore is shaped to receive a substantially rounded tool shank. A pair of transverse slots extends into the shaft along a plane passing through the axis for receiving a substantially flattened tool shank. The transverse slots intersect with the cylindrical bore. The securing member is carried by the shaft and is radially movable relative to the bore both inwardly and outwardly to secure the surgical tool in the chuck.
US08465487B2
The present invention relates to a plasma-generating device comprising an anode, a cathode, and intermediate electrodes. The intermediate electrodes and the anode form an elongate plasma channel that extends from a point between the cathode and the anode and through the anode. The plasma channel has a throttling portion with a throat having the smallest cross-sectional area of the entire plasma channel. As a plasma flow passes through the throttling portion, the plasma flow's speed is increased while its pressure is decreased. By varying the position of the throttling portion in the plasma channel properties of the discharged plasma can be changed. Plasma flows with different properties can be used for various applications, especially, medical procedures.
US08465486B2
Methods and devices for treating reversible chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are disclosed, which include a device for delivering energy to a wall of an airway in a human lung. The device includes a flexible elongate body with a proximal portion, a distal portion, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The device also includes a deployment member having an electrically conducting wire extending from the proximal portion of the elongate body and extending through the lumen and terminating at a distal tip distal to the distal end of the elongate body. The device further includes an expandable basket having a plurality of curved electrode legs and a temperature sensing element coupled to the expandable basket.
US08465483B2
The supply circuit for the electrodes comprises a series resonant filter and a parallel resonant filter, tuned to admit the fundamental signal of the input signal and simultaneously and exponentially attenuate the remaining harmonics by increasing the frequency thereof, in such a way that the input signal with harmonics only passes the fundamental signal without attenuation to the output, while the harmonics causing interferences are increasingly attenuated as their frequency is raised.
US08465471B2
An endoscopically-guided intra-abdominal fat aspiration system for performing fat aspiration operations, including an endoscopy subsystem for capturing and recording captured digital video images of the intra-abdominal region of a patient, and a twin-cannula powered fat aspiration subsystem having a powered hand-supportable fat aspiration instrument provided with a bipolar electro-cauterizing twin-cannula assembly.
US08465466B2
A method and system for non-vascular sensor implantation. An implant unit is implanted in an area of a body and a foreign body capsule is allowed to form around the area of the implant unit. The sensor may be directed into a body cavity such as, for example, the peritoneal space, subcutaneous tissues, the foreign body capsule, or other area of the body. A subcutaneous area of the body may be tunneled to place the sensor. The system may include an implant unit such as, for example, for delivering drug to a human body and a sensor for detecting a physiological parameter. The sensor may be separate from and connectable to the implant unit and may be placed in a non-vascular area of the human body.
US08465465B2
A dynamic, reduced-pressure treatment system generates reduced pressure and a wave experienced at a tissue site where the wave may have a frequency in the range of from 0.5 Hertz to 20 Hertz. The system includes a manifold for delivering reduced pressure to the tissue site, a sealing member forming a fluid seal over the tissue site, a reduced-pressure source for providing reduced pressure, a reduced-pressure delivery member for delivering reduced pressure from the reduced-pressure source to the manifold, and a wave generator associated with the reduced-pressure delivery member for imparting a wave to the reduced pressure developed by the reduced-pressure source. A reduced-pressure delivery member with liquid-impermeable-and-gas-permeable element may be applied to help reduce blockages and to facilitate ease of treatment. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed.
US08465462B2
A rapid exchange balloon dilation catheter includes a catheter shaft with a proximal tubular member defining a proximal inflation/deflation lumen for conveying fluids therethrough with a distal portion of the bore of proximal tubular member filled with a fluid-impervious barrier, a distal body extending from the fluid-impervious barrier to the distal end of the shaft, a plurality of distal tubular members defining distal inflation/deflation lumens in fluid communication with the proximal inflation/deflation lumen and extending through the fluid-impervious barrier and the distal body to the distal end of the shaft distal portion, a guidewire tubular member having a bore extending from a side aperture formed in the distal body through the distal body alongside the distal tubular members in a multi-lumen arrangement, and a plurality of stiffening members extending from within the fluid-impervious barrier into the distal body to a point within the shaft distal portion.
US08465455B2
A cartridge insertion assembly including apparatus with a pathway formed therein, a cartridge insertable into the pathway, the cartridge including a cartridge coupling element connectable to an activation mechanism disposed in the apparatus operative to cause a substance contained in the cartridge to be metered out of the cartridge, and a door pivoted to the apparatus that includes a door coupling element arranged with respect to the cartridge such that when the door is in a fully closed position, the door coupling element couples the cartridge coupling element with a coupling element of the activation mechanism.
US08465454B2
A matrix infusion cassette for use with an intravenous (IV) pump is disclosed. The matrix infusion cassette includes a body configured to attach to the IV pump, the body having one or more inlet ports, an outlet port, and a plurality of pumping chambers, and a plurality of fluid conduits connecting the inlet ports to at least one pumping chamber, interconnecting the pumping chambers, and connecting at least one pumping chamber to the outlet port.
US08465450B2
A vertically hand palm pressing suction device for a piston breast pump includes a casing and a piston suction member. The device is provided with a pressing handle, which goes through the casing and is fixedly connected with a gear shaft mounted on a base. A piston of the piston suction member is connected to a toothed rack. The pressing handle and the toothed rack are operatively connected through a gear member, wherein the connection converts up-and-down movement of the pressing handle into forth-and-back movement of the piston.
US08465436B2
An implant centering system includes a sensor connected to a hollow cylindrical anchor via at least two struts. The hollow cylindrical anchor is transformable between a radially compressed configuration for delivery and a radially expanded configuration for lodging against a vessel wall. The struts longitudinally relocate the sensor between a first position in which the sensor is longitudinally spaced apart from the radially compressed anchor, and a second position in which the sensor is at least partially within a lumen of the radially expanded anchor and radially centered within vessel. In one embodiment, the struts are heat-set into a curved configuration and an externally applied force longitudinally relocates the sensor until the struts lock over center into their heat-set configuration. In another embodiment, radial expansion of the anchor longitudinally relocates the sensor without an externally applied force.
US08465433B2
Disclosed is an ultrasound assembly. The ultrasound assembly includes a garment configured to be affixed to a portion of a living body, and at least one ultrasound transducer having a fixed position on the garment and configured to provide at least one of: produce and receive, ultrasound signals that pass through the living body. The ultrasound assembly further includes an ultrasound processing unit operatively associated with the at least one ultrasound transducer and configured to process the ultrasound signals following passage through the living body, and an ultrasound operator-interface unit operatively associated with the ultrasound processing unit and configured to provide information with respect to the ultrasound signals following passage through the living body.
US08465432B2
In an example embodiment, a method for bidirectional signal propagation comprises: a) sensing a voltage level of a first signal at a first port; b) coupling the first port to an output of an amplifier with a solid state switch if the voltage level of the first signal is less than a threshold voltage, whereby a second signal applied to a second port coupled to an input of the amplifier is propagated in a first direction from the second port to the first port; and c) bypassing the amplifier if the voltage level of the first signal is greater than the threshold voltage such that the first signal is propagated in a second direction from the first port to the second port.
US08465431B2
To generate information representing a volume, co-arrays or synthetic transmit aperture process is performed in one dimension and beamforming is performed in another dimension. For example, a transmit aperture focuses in azimuth, but is unfocused or divergent in elevation. A multi-dimensional array receives reflected echoes. The echoes are beamformed for sub-arrays for focus in azimuth. The resulting partial beamformed information is provided to an imaging system from the probe housing for completion of beamforming at least in elevation.
US08465421B2
A medical device includes an insertion tube, having a proximal end and a distal end, which is configured for insertion into a body cavity of a subject. An optical assembly is contained in the distal end and configured to form an image of a target region in the body cavity. A working channel passes through the insertion tube and is configured to convey a fluid from the proximal to the distal end. The working channel has a segment adjacent to the distal end that is narrowed so as to cause the fluid to exit the working channel into the target region in a diverging cone.
US08465419B2
The present invention is an endoscope system comprising an endoscope provided with a distal end inserted into a subject body and a proximal end having a site capable of being held by a physician and provided with an endoscope insertion unit having a first flexible portion arranged on the distal end thereof and a second flexible portion coupled to the proximal end of the first flexible portion and provided with a site having an outer diameter larger than a site having the maximum outer diameter of the first flexible portion; and an endoscope insertion assisting device, in which the inner diameter of a distal opening of an insertion hole through which the endoscope insertion unit is inserted is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the second flexible portion.
US08465408B2
Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for treatment of coma, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, cognitive performance, and/or amblyopia. Described are methods and devices to treat coma, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, cognitive performance, and/or amblyopia that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect symptoms of coma, post-traumatic stress disorder, Parkinson's disease, cognitive performance, and/or amblyopia.
US08465407B2
Described here are conformable brachytherapy applicators. The conformable brachytherapy applicators generally follow the contour of tissue surfaces so that distances between radiation sources and target tissues can be precisely determined and radiation dose clouds can be readily shaped. Systems and methods for using the conformable brachytherapy applicators are also described.
US08465404B2
A container insert, and an apparatus and a method of producing the container insert. The container insert is formed as a deformable pouch adapted to be received in an interior of an associated container. The pouch has a closed lower end, an open upper end, and spaced apart sealed edges. The lower end of the pouch includes two leg portions. The pouch is manipulatable to generally conform to the interior of the contained and form a hollow interior space therein for receiving an object and providing a lining for the interior of the container. The apparatus and the method for producing the insert provides for a substantially automatic and continuous production of the insert from a roll of material.
US08465403B2
An improved exercise bench for effectively and efficiently training the core portion of the user's body. The core training bench comprises a bench having an upper section and a separate lower section, a frame for supporting the bench above a surface, leg members interconnecting the frame and the bench and pivoting mechanisms interconnecting the leg members and the bench or the frame to allow the sections of the bench to pivot or tilt relative to the leg members. In the preferred embodiment, the upper section is able to pivot independent of the pivoting lower section so the user can place the bench in any one of a plurality of different tilt positions so he or she may selectively exercise different muscle groups at his or her core. The core training bench can include an oblique stand, grip bar, tension cable hooks and/or a removable section for an AB ball.
US08465400B1
A linearly adjustable multi resistance ratio exercise apparatus provides at least two linearly adjustable flexible connector ends which can be pressed or pulled for functional and strength training exercises. The flexible connector ends may be interconnected with resistance wherein the pressing or pulling of one flexible connector end will provide the user a different ratio of resistance than the pressing or pulling of an alternate flexible connector end. The user can select a flexible connector end which will provide less resistance and will provide more flexible connector travel for functional training exercises. The user can select a flexible connector end which will provide more resistance and will provide less flexible connector travel for strength training exercises. Some flexible connector ends may share the same swivel pulley assembly. One handle assembly may be attached to multiple flexible connector ends to obtain additional ratios of resistance.
US08465392B2
A method of operating a vehicle hybrid drive train comprising an internal combustion engine and electric machine whose torque is applicable to a drive output of the drive train. The drive train comprises a clutch arranged between the internal combustion engine and electric machine, an oil pump connected in the drive train downstream of the clutch in relation to the internal combustion engine, and the oil pump can be driven by the internal combustion engine and the electric machine, and a transmission which comprises a shifting elements for producing various gear ratios and which is supplied with hydraulic fluid by the oil pump in an operating-status-dependent manner. The speed of the electric machine is set independently of the speed of the internal combustion engine, in order to supply the transmission with a flow of a volume hydraulic fluid required for the operating point of the transmission present at the time.
US08465386B2
The present disclosure provides a semi-power split transmission with multiple Electric Variable Transmission (EVT) modes and fixed gears for use in hybrid electrical vehicles (HEV). The present disclosure utilizes two electric motors (“E-motors”), an engine, and two planetary gear sets. The planetary gear sets can include a dual-sun Ravigneaux-type gear set (DS-RGS), a dual-ring Ravigneaux-type gear set (DR-RGS), a three-sun Ravigneaux-type gear set (TS-RGS), and a normal planetary gear set (PGS). The E-motors can be placed at the front end of the transmission, with one E-motor at the front and one in the middle between the gear sets, and with both E-motors in the middle between the gear sets.
US08465380B2
A hollow golf club head includes a sole, a crown, a skirt, and a striking face. The golf club includes a junction interconnecting the sole, crown, and skirt to the striking face, the junction including at least one stiffening member.
US08465370B2
Various application-centric user interface techniques are described. A user can easily launch, add, or update applications. An application-centric activity center can be presented as part of a user interface for an operating system shell. A file defining metadata for an application can be defined. The techniques can be applied to game-related software.
US08465365B2
For a playing experience in a computer game that more accurately captures the experience of professional football or another sport, it would be advantageous to be able to hide from an opponent a selected player formation and play selection until the play actually begins. Similarly, in other computer games such as war games and role-playing games, it is desirable to be able to hide from other players certain properties—e.g., equipment, disposition of forces, etc.—held by each player while making this information available to the player holding these properties. In the present invention, a signal processor is inserted in the link between the game console and the television set and auxiliary displays are provided that are visible only to individual players. The signal processor detects certain frames containing information that should not be displayed to all players, removes that information from the signal to the television set and displays it instead on the appropriate auxiliary display.
US08465363B1
A networked gaming system and method for offering interactive games with a theoretical return or payback to the player exceeding 100% of the amount wagered on the game over time by awarding the player with non-cash awards such as merchandise or services, or vouchers to purchase merchandise or services that have been purchased in bulk by the gaming website or game operator. The gaming system and method are offered and deployed on internet connected devices such as general purpose computing devices, tablet computers, mobile telephones, smartphones, personal computers and dedicated gaming devices such as an “Xbox” or “PSP.”
US08465362B2
A method and apparatus of wagered mechanical, electromechanical or video symbol play for individual or networked gaming machines is disclosed. The method comprises a base game, a time-based bonus element scheme that may provide a bonus event, and a time-based window of opportunity in which the bonus element scheme may be accepted by a qualified player. Upon a triggering event in the base game, or alternately a random event, the player is afforded a specific period of time in which to choose a bonus element scheme comprised of at least one but preferably two bonus elements (i.e., cash, credits, casino player points, free spins, multipliers, and the like) that are each available for a predetermined and/or random time interval. The chosen bonus element scheme provides the parameters of a bonus round game.
US08465352B2
A plane defining unit (241) defines a horizontal plane in the field of view, within whose bounds an own character exists. A block division unit (242) divides the defined plane into a plurality of blocks. An aiming position selecting unit (243) randomly selects a predetermined number of aiming positions, which are arbitrary positions in each of the blocks thus divided. An reaching determining unit (244) determines whether a bullet can reach each of the target positions thus selected, based on a positional relationship with an opponent character, who conducts shooting, and the like. An aiming position deciding unit (245) randomly decides one target position from among the target positions determined to be reachable. An image generating unit (250) generates a game image including the own character attacked by a bullet shoot at the decided target position.
US08465351B2
A modular air delivery system for supplying treated air to plural individuals wearing ventilation cooling garments. These garments are formed of comfortable and flexible air permeable inner layer and an air impermeable outer layer to define a plurality of air channels therebetween. In one disclosed embodiment, a flexible channel support is disposed between the inner and outer layer to prevent the layers from collapsing together during use.
US08465343B2
This invention relates to a mobile floor levelling vehicle for levelling an undulating floor surface, which comprises a vehicle body with front and back displacement means for moving the vehicle body. To carry out the levelling operation the floor levelling vehicle comprises at least one grinding tool which is provided and driven to remove an amount of material from the floor, and at least one additional polishing device provided at a position behind the back displacement members in moving direction of the levelling vehicle.
US08465326B1
A card connector includes a first insulating housing, a second insulating housing mounted above the first insulating housing, a plurality of electrical terminals assembled in the first insulating housing and the second insulating housing, and a shielding shell enclosing the first and the second insulating housings. The first insulating housing defines a first receiving room and a second receiving room abreast arranged with each other, and the second insulating housing defines a third receiving room located over the first and the second receiving rooms. So the card connector forms a structure combining a juxtaposition arrangement and a stratiform arrangement for the receiving rooms to reduce the space occupied by the card connector on an external circuit board. Such structure contributes to the miniaturization of digital products.
US08465320B2
A connector has a housing and two edge card-receiving slots disposed in a stacked arrangement on a first face of the housing. The housing supports a plurality of wafers, each wafer supporting a plurality of terminals and including two grooves, the grooves aligned with the terminals supported by the wafer. The housing may be positioned in a cage that includes receptacles on a front face of the cage. A light pipe may extend toward the front face of the cage.
US08465309B2
A detection switch for detecting when a card is inserted in to a connector. The detection switch includes a housing, a shell, a card receiving passageway, and a detection switch. The shell is disposed on and covers the housing. The card receiving passageway is arranged between the housing and the shell. The detection switch detects when the card is inserted into the card receiving passageway and disposed along a side of the card connector. The detection switch includes a fixed contact secured to the housing, and a movable contact extending from the shell and configured to (1) contact the fixed contact when the card is not inserted in the card receiving passageway and (2) release from contact with the fixed contact when the card is inserted into the card receiving passageway.
US08465304B2
A connector mechanism includes a base and a casing. An opening is formed on a side of the base and the casing. The connector mechanism further includes a circuit terminal installed on the base, and a sliding socket connected to the base in a slidable manner and disposed on a side of the circuit terminal. The connector mechanism further includes a contacting terminal installed on the sliding socket for contacting with the circuit terminal. The connector mechanism further includes a sliding cover pivoted to the sliding socket, and at least one resilient component. The resilient component drives the sliding cover to separate from the sliding socket when the sliding socket slides to a position relative to the base where the casing does not constrain the sliding cover so as to generate a distance between the sliding cover and the sliding socket greater than a height of the opening.
US08465302B2
A connector housing includes a plurality of wafers containing terminal dedicated to either ground signals or differential signals. Terminals in adjacent wafers can be arranged to provide broadside coupled differential signal pairs. Terminals dedicated for use as ground terminals can be wider than the signal terminals to provide shielding between adjacent differential signal pairs. The signal terminals of each differential signal terminal pair can a constant width from their contact portions to a location proximate their tail portions and the terminals diverge from broadside alignment and increase in their width until they end at the terminal tail portions.
US08465300B2
A cable installation assembly includes a connector, a power wire, a ground wire and two signal wires. The connector includes a base, having a plurality of terminal containing grooves formed in the base and arranged separately adjacent to each other. The power wire includes a power core and a power terminal electrically coupled to power core, and each power terminal is plugged into each corresponding terminal containing groove. The ground wire includes a grounding core and a grounding terminal electrically coupled to the grounding core and plugged into the terminal containing groove. The signal wire includes a signal core and a signal terminal electrically coupled to signal core, and the two signal terminals are plugged into the terminal containing grooves respectively and not arranged adjacent to each other, so that signals can be transmitted without interfering with one another.
US08465299B2
An electrical connector comprises a housing, a plurality of first, second and third terminals and a shield fitting over an exterior of the housing. The housing comprises a base and a tongue with a front end; the base is provided with a base wall and an assembly slot that receives the tongue. The tongue can include a U-shaped flange that mates to the assembly slot and extends convexly forward from the base wall to support the posterior of the tongue. Each first terminal is provided with an elastic contact which is exposed on the top surface. Each second terminal is provided with a second contact exposed on the top surface and closer to the front end of the tongue than the elastic contacts. Each third terminal is provided with a third contact that is exposed on the bottom surface.
US08465294B2
A heart compression simulation device featuring a base; a resistance means disposed on the base; and an actuator operatively connected to the resistance means. The actuator can move between at least a starting position wherein the actuator is positioned at a starting position above the base and an end position wherein the actuator is pushed down near or contacting the base. The actuator is biased in the starting position caused by the resistance means. A tear effect providing mechanism provides resistance when moving the actuator from the starting position to the end position a first time. A lock-out mechanism is adapted to disengage the tear effect providing mechanism after the actuator has been moved from the starting position to the end position such that subsequent movements of the actuator between the starting position and the end position are not hindered by the tear effect providing mechanism.
US08465285B2
A dental fulcrum composed of soft material, such as foam, containing a slit for the insertion of incisors, and used as a pivot for scaling, or other treating, teeth by an oral hygienist or dentist. The dental fulcrum protects the fingers of an oral hygienist or dentist from calluses, or loss of sensitivity over time, while at the same time providing friction to reduce the risk of injury caused by fingers slipping on wet incisors. The device may be disposable or reusable, depending on the material used. Foam provides the additional benefit of absorbing saliva to further reduce the risk of slippage.
US08465284B2
Methods and compositions including an aqueous liquid that includes an acid-sensitive dye are disclosed for use in dental and orthodontic procedures. The aqueous liquid can be useful for providing a visible color change to indicate contact with acidic materials including, for example, etching compositions, self-etching adhesives, and self-adhesive compositions.
US08465283B2
The invention provides dental implants for fixed and removable prosthetic devices, and for other devices such as orthodontic devices, and has application to single tooth replacement, e.g., caps and crowns, and multiple tooth replacement using one or more implants, e.g., bridges, and multiple implants for full and partial prosthetic devices. Dental implants according to embodiments of the invention comprise a post or posts inserted into the jawbone and a base that is loaded, in the general area of the gum line, against the jawbone using the post or posts. According to some embodiments, the base is secured to each post, loaded against the jawbone, by a fastener system.
US08465282B2
An oral implant system and method. The system includes a positioning tool, a transfer band, a transfer screw, and a transfer drill to provide for accurate placement of a dental implant parallel to other implants and or existing teeth and at predetermined depths. A model is made of the patient's maxilla and mandible. The model is marked for implant position, depth and size. Holes are drilled in the model for implant analogs using the positioning tool. The analogs are installed into the model using the positioning tool and a surveyor. Transfer bands are coupled to the analogs and a surgical stent portion is fabricated. The surgical stent is fitted to the patient's occlusion, secured, and then utilized to accurately drill apertures into the patient's maxilla or mandible. The implants are installed into the apertures and the surgical stent is removed. A final restoration is secured to the implants.
US08465276B2
Disclosed is a method for operating a burner for fluid fuels. According to said method, the fluid fuel is mixed with an oxidizer before the fluid fuel is burned. The inventive method is characterized in that a liquid fuel that is used as a fluid fuel is mixed with a gaseous or vaporous carrier flow before being mixed with the oxidizer while the carrier flow containing the liquid fuel is mixed with the oxidizer in order to mix the liquid fuel with the oxidizer.
US08465275B2
A candle with a smooth exterior surface is configured so that it has a size and shape to substantially fill a hollow interior of the receptacle. The receptacle has an open mouth and a hollow interior having a smooth surface. The smooth exterior surface of the candle and smooth interior surface of the receptacle are in contact and slide past each other upon inserting the candle into the hollow interior to seat the candle on a moveable platform that is near a base end of the receptacle. After the candle is partially burned so an outer end thereof is burned away and displaced from the open mouth of the receptacle, the platform is advanced inward to move the outer end of the candle towards the open mouth to reposition the displaced outer end nearby the open mouth of the receptacle.
US08465272B2
Apparatus and methods for fabricating food items include extruding a first hot plastic food mass through multiple passages (14) and co-extruding a second hot plastic food mass through a feed stem (22) received in each of the multiple passages (14) and through nozzles (42). Each nozzle (42) includes a first portion (42b) in communication with the feed stem (22) but not the passage (14) and a second portion (42a) in communication with the passage (16) but not the feed stem (22). The nozzles (42) are rotatable in gearing relation with the drive gear (70) of a servomotor (72). The co-extruded ropes are conveyed at a linear speed rate less than or equal to the discharge speed from the nozzles (42), cooled, and cut into individual pieces in the form of peelably separable strands.
US08465264B2
A jet pump apparatus for mixing a higher pressure gas and a lower pressure gas, includes an inlet section, an outlet section, a diffuser section and a mixing section. Inlet section includes a higher pressure inlet and a lower pressure inlet. Mixing section includes a plurality of separated mixing chambers. The diffuser section includes diffusers for receiving mixed gases from the mixing chambers. The outlet section receives mixed gases from the diffuser section and conveys those gases to an outlet. The inlet section includes a higher pressure inlet which receives higher pressure gas, and a lower pressure gas inlet which receives lower pressure gas. Each of the mixing chambers has a primary nozzle for introducing primarily higher pressure gas from to a respective mixing chamber, and a secondary inlet for introducing primarily lower pressure gas to each of the mixing chambers.
US08465235B2
The present invention provides an apparatus (100) for forming circumferential grooves (14) in the exterior surface of a linear member (10), such as a tube. The grooves are formed by rotating a cylindrical cutting element (120) around the tube such that cutting means in the cylindrical cutting element form the grooves. One rotation of the cylindrical cutting element causes multiple grooves to be formed in the surface of the tubes.
US08465232B2
A cutting tool includes a coolant conveying member, to provide coolant fluid to a cutting area during a cutting operation. The coolant conveying member includes a member body having a fluid passage formed therein, and a nozzle to convey and to jet out the coolant fluid therethrough. The nozzle is shiftable relative to the member body, between a first, extended position and a second, retracted position. In the extended position, for example, assumed during the cutting operation—the nozzle extends out and forwardly from the member body, stabilized by the continuous flow of coolant fluid therethrough, forcing the nozzle forwardly. In the retracted position, for example, assumed when the when the coolant fluid does not flow through the coolant conveying member, or flows at a very low rate, the nozzle may be at least partially accommodated in the fluid passage, to allow, for example, indexing or replacing of the cutting insert.
US08465231B2
An geotextile silt fence has an increasing permittivity with increase in height thereby allowing larger storm events to flow through the fence without overtopping. A stiffening device is provided at the top of the silt fence to reduce sagging and improper overtopping. This stiffening device may be a mono-directional extruded geogrid structure that is a higher mil thickness than the geotextile monofilament structure of the silt fence and which is affixed to the geotextile continuously throughout the silt fence length. An overflow preferential pathway may be provided at the top of the silt fence through large voids within the geogrid providing controlled overflow of impounded water which mitigates structural failure of the silt by eliminating the typical overtopping failure mechanism.
US08465230B1
A silt fence support base comprised of a porous casting made of stone, cement and water, and having a half-moon shape. Each casting may have one or more openings for the insertion of posts, which provide a frame for holding porous, filter material. Silt fence filtering material may be anchored under the bases.
US08465211B2
A compact wheel end (A) serves to couple a road wheel (B) to a suspension system component (C) on an automotive vehicle and to transmit torque from a CV joint (D) to the road wheel. The wheel end includes a housing (2) that is attached to the suspension system component and a hub (4) provided with a drive flange (18) on which the road wheel is mounted and a spindle (20) that extends through the housing. The hub rotates relative to the housing on a double row tapered roller bearing (6), the raceways (40, 42, 44, 46) of which are surfaces on the housing and hub spindle. The wheel end also has a coupler (8) that is engaged with the hub spindle and the CV joint through mating splines (32, 72, 76, 94) and further provides a rib face (52) that backs the rollers (62) of the inboard row. The CV joint has a small diameter stub shaft (92) that extends through the hub to secure the CV joint to the hub, but does not transmit torque. The tapered roller bearing and coupler enable the wheel end to assume a radial size smaller than conventional wheel ends.
US08465205B2
A trash bag includes a bag body being formed of plastic material and a tying element. The bag body includes a first bag sheet overlain with to a second bag sheet. A cavity is formed between the first and second bag sheets, and a top opening is formed along top edges of the first and second bag sheets. The tying element is impermanently integrated with the bag body. After the use of the bag body, said tying element is torn from the bag body to tie a knot around the top opening of the bag body and to seal the cavity. More specifically, the tying element includes a first tying band and a second tying band integrated with the first and second bag sheets of the bag body respectively, which forms the double-layer tying structure to enhance the tying strength of the tying element.
US08465204B2
A biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy needle for insertion into an object to be examined in order to sample tissue of a biopsy region in the object, and a spatial range measuring section, which measures a spatial range within which the biopsy needle is capable of sampling the tissue of the biopsy region, based on an image of a phantom that simulates the object, which is captured after the biopsy needle has been inserted into the phantom and a portion of the phantom has been extracted.
US08465174B2
A light box defined with a peripheral portion and a display portion is provided. The peripheral portion has four margins, and the opposing margins being defined with equal widths. The display portion is surrounded by the peripheral portion and is rectangular. The light box comprises at least two sets of electrode pads and an outer frame. The at least two sets of the electrode pads are disposed on at least two of the margins, respectively, and each set of the electrode pads comprises a connector electrode pad, disposed at the corresponding margin. With the arrangement of the at least two sets of the electrode pads, the light box can be panelized with one or more lighting panels.
US08465168B2
This lighting unit can control luminance in a plurality of block areas independently, and minimize luminance unevenness caused by discretely arrayed light sources, with a reduced number of parts. The lighting unit comprises: a light guide plate having a first and a second grooves formed therein; a first light source group accommodated in the first groove; and a second light source group accommodated in the second groove; the light guide plate having a first light mixing area, a first light emitting area and a second light mixing area; in the first light mixing area, the thickness of the light guide plate progressively increasing away from the first light source group; in the second light mixing area, the thickness of the light guide plate progressively increasing away from the second light source group; and in the first light emitting area, the light guide plate being flat-plate-like.
US08465166B2
The invention relates to a white emitting light source with an improved luminescent material of the formula (AEN2/3)*b (MN)*c (SiN4/3)*d1 CeO3/2*d2 EuO*x SiO2*y AlO3/2 wherein AE is an alkaline earth metal chosen of the group of Ca, Mg, Sr and Ba or mixtures thereof and M is a trivalent element chosen of the group of Al, B, Ga, Sc with d1>10*d2. In combination with a UV to blue light generating device this material leads to an improved light quality and stability, especially an improved temperature stability for a wide range of applications.
US08465163B2
An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having compass circuitry having a multi-axis sensor and associated circuitry. At least a portion of the compass circuitry is established on a semiconductor substrate using CMOS technology. The multi-axis sensor comprises at least first and second magnetoresponsive sensing elements. The magnetoresponsive sensing elements may be disposed in the mirror casing and move in tandem with the mirror casing and the reflective element when the mirror casing is adjusted by the driver of the vehicle. Processing of an algorithm by a microprocessor of the interior rearview mirror system determines a directional heading of the equipped vehicle responsive to a sensing of a magnetic field by the magnetoresponsive sensing elements and automatically compensates for a deviating magnetic field. An information display may display the directional heading of the equipped vehicle.
US08465162B2
An interior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and an information display. The display is disposed in the interior rearview mirror assembly rearward of a transflective mirror reflector of an electrochromic reflective element of the mirror assembly. Information display intensity of the display is adjustable responsive to determination of a light level at the mirror assembly by a photosensor of the mirror assembly. The display is operable to display information for viewing by the driver of the vehicle, and the information at least includes video images captured by a camera of the vehicle. A control of the mirror assembly is in communication with a network bus of the equipped vehicle when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle. A reflectance level of the electrochromic reflective element is controlled at least responsive to a determination of a light level by the photosensor.
US08465161B2
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a reflective element, a bezel portion positioned around the perimeter of the reflective element, and a user input module disposed at the bezel portion. The bezel portion has a recess established at its surface that faces generally toward a driver of a vehicle when the mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle. The user input module is attached to the bezel portion at the recess and is at least partially received in the recess. The user input module includes at least one user input that is actuatable by a user to engage and actuate electronic circuitry of the user input module.
US08465160B2
A liquid tank, a viewing device for under-liquid observation, and an optical film are disclosed, each excellent in visibility and durability and being easy to clean. In at least one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a liquid tank having a transparent wall, including, on an internal surface of the wall, a first moth-eye layer having a moth-eye structure, and a protective layer covering the moth-eye structure, in this order from the wall side, and preferably, further including, on an external surface of the wall, a second moth-eye layer having a moth-eye structure, and the second moth-eye layer being disposed in a region facing the first moth-eye layer.
US08465155B2
A method for forming, onto a linear array light modulator, a line of illumination that extends in a linear direction, the method includes forming a first linear beam array and a second linear beam array, both linear beam arrays comprising a plurality of laser beams; forming a mixed illumination by aligning the first linear beam array and the second linear beam array in the linear direction and directing the first and second linear beam arrays along a propagation path; magnifying the mixed illumination from the propagation path in the linear direction and relaying the magnified mixed illumination toward the linear array light modulator; and focusing the mixed illumination in the cross-array direction that is orthogonal to the linear direction onto the linear array light modulator.
US08465152B2
An ophthalmological photographic apparatus includes an observation moving-image photographic unit configured to photograph an observation moving image of a subject's eye, a still-image photographic unit configured to photograph a still image of the subject's eye, an image display unit configured to display at least one of the observation moving image and the still image, and a display content control unit configured to cause the image display unit to display one of the observation moving image and the still image when the still-image photographic unit photographs a still image.
US08465143B1
Systems, methods and apparatuses are described for a continuous line process of printing a digital continuously variable image on a textile. The systems and methods provide for accomplishing all tasks associated with printing a textile simultaneously for multiple textiles at varying stages of the printing process without interruption.
US08465139B2
An inkjet printhead having a drop ejector array, an ink passageway for providing ink to the drop ejector array, and a thermally actuated degassing unit. The degassing unit itself includes a body enclosing an air chamber, a check valve configured to allow air to vent from the air chamber to ambient when the pressure in the air chamber exceeds ambient air pressure by a predetermined amount. The thermal degassing unit includes a thermally-induced pressure build-up time to increase the pressure in the air chamber. The air chamber is allowed to cool which causes internal pressure to drop below ambient and draws gas out of the ink.
US08465135B2
The liquid container has a fixing lever, a first surface, a second surface, a third surface, and a corner. The fixing lever engages with a designated portion of the liquid consuming device, thereby fixing the liquid container in the liquid consuming device. The fixing lever is provided on the first surface. A liquid supply port for supplying liquid to the liquid consuming device is provided on the second surface. The third surface corresponds to a surface facing opposite the second surface or to a top surface of the liquid container in a state with the liquid container mounted on the liquid consuming device. The corner has a cutout in contact with the first surface and the third surface.
US08465133B2
A bidirectional sealless ink pumping system used in an inkjet printing device includes a liquid ink reservoir and a pump. The pump moves ink from the reservoir through a pumping chamber to supply ink to printheads in the printer, and moves ink from a recirculation receptacle through the pumping chamber to the reservoir. A portion of the ink in the pumping chamber is drawn out of the pumping chamber to lubricate the moving member and is filtered before returning to the pumping chamber.
US08465132B2
An image forming apparatus is disclosed that includes the pressure adjusting valve including a movable member movably disposed in the pressure adjusting valve, a first throttling part; and a second throttling part, wherein the second throttling part is formed as a gap between an internal wall of the frame of the pressure adjusting valve and the movable member, an internal fluid resistance of the pressure adjusting valve varies in response to the flow rate of the liquid, and when the liquid is discharged from the nozzle, the liquid is fed from the liquid tank to the recording head by the liquid feeding unit in a state where the recording head is in fluid communication with the liquid tank via the pressure adjusting valve.
US08465131B2
A fluid distribution system having a first fluid container having a fluid outlet, a second fluid container having a fluid inlet, a fluid line interconnecting the outlet of the first container and the inlet of the second container, an inverted umbrella valve between the fluid line and the inlet, the valve arranged to allow fluid flow from the first container to the second container via the fluid line and a restrictor for restricting the allowed fluid flow through the fluid line.
US08465123B2
A waste liquid recovery apparatus includes a container body; a liquid absorbing body which is accommodated in the container body and absorbs liquid discharged as a waste liquid; and a sealing member which seals the container body, wherein a first space into which liquid is discharged from a liquid ejecting head and a second space which links with the outside through a ventilation hole formed in the sealing member are formed in a space closed by the container body and the sealing body, and the first space and the second space are connected with each other at the ventilation hole side.
US08465122B2
A liquid jetting apparatus includes: a liquid jetting head which has a liquid jetting surface being formed with a nozzle to jet a liquid to a recording medium; a wiper which makes contact with the liquid jetting surface to bend and wipes away the liquid adhered to the liquid jetting surface; a movement mechanism which moves the wiper relative to the liquid jetting surface in a wipe direction along the liquid jetting surface; a movement controller which stops the wiper, which has wiped away the liquid adhered to the liquid jetting surface by moving relative to the liquid jetting surface in the wipe direction, at a predetermined stop position; and a separating mechanism which separates the wiper stopped by the movement controller from the liquid jetting surface in a separating direction intersecting the liquid jetting surface.
US08465112B2
A droplet ejecting component of the present invention includes an ejecting component having a charge and discharge characteristic, an applying component being provided with a transistor, and an increasing component. The ejecting component ejects a droplet. When a control signal is inputted, the applying component applies an application voltage to the ejecting component, and the increasing component increases the impedance of the transistor.
US08465106B2
A method for producing a vehicle wheel and wheel cover assembly comprising the steps of: (a) providing a wheel cover having an inner surface and an outer surface; (b) selectively applying at least one shot of a first adhesive material to a portion of the inner surface of the wheel cover to define a predetermined masked area; (c) providing a vehicle wheel having an outboard face; (d) positioning the wheel cover and the vehicle wheel relative to one another whereby at least one cavity is formed between the inner surface of the wheel cover, the outboard face of the vehicle wheel, and the masked area of the wheel cover defined by the first adhesive material; and (e) selectively applying a second adhesive material to the cavity to secure the wheel cover to the vehicle wheel.
US08465096B2
A stowable vehicle seat includes a seat supporting portion that supports one end portion side of a seat cushion movably in a front-and-rear direction, a seat back that can be folded to a seat cushion through a reclining mechanism, a link mechanism that is connected to the reclining mechanism and is movable, and a strap connected to the reclining mechanism through the link mechanism. The link mechanism has a fourth link member that prohibits return from a moved position to an initial position after movement by the strap, and since an unlocked state of the reclining mechanism is maintained even if a pulling operation of the strap is stopped, the seat back can be reliably folded and stowed.
US08465093B2
An automotive seat cover is provided which allows a person to change the appearance of the seat cover without removing the seat cover from the seat. The seat cover includes panels which are removably attachable to the seat cover to alter the functionality or the visual appearance of the seat cover.
US08465083B2
In a vehicle whose tire is wholly covered from the left, right and back, a negative pressure area to the rear of the vehicle is reduced. In a vehicle including a left trunk and a right trunk in a rear portion of the vehicle, a rear fender continuous with respective rear faces of the left and right trunks is provided, and a plane formed of the respective rear faces of the left and right trunks and the rear fender is provided with negative pressure correction holes.
US08465081B2
A convertible top having a cover and a headliner interconnected by transverse bows having fore and aft slots that are connected to either the cover or the headliner by flexible welts. A method of making a convertible top with welts that are assembled to the bows by sliding first and second welts lengthwise into fore and aft slots formed on the bows. The bows are assembled to the top stack after the cover and headliner are attached to the bows. One or more bows may include a central portion and two end portions that are assembled to opposite ends of the central portion in a range of predetermined positions. A method is disclosed for making a bow by extruding the central portion of the bow and molding the right and left end portions of the bow in a thixotropic molding process.
US08465080B2
A covering system for vehicles and trailers having a narrow pivot assembly with a moveable arm to help deploy the covering system. The pivot assembly has a gear assembly combined with a spring assembly having the power of multiple springs, which are preferably spiral torsion springs, regarding movement of the arm. The pivot assembly may in turn be mounted in a sliding mechanism for covering various heights of detachable containers.
US08465076B1
A console assembly having a first storage area and a second storage area, wherein access to the first storage area is possible without having to remove articles supported on the outer surface of the console assembly is provided. The console assembly includes a slidable support is operable to slide between a covered position and a retracted position. In the covered position the slidable support covers the first storage area, and in the retracted position the slidable support is disposed within the second storage area, between each of the pair of second side walls.
US08465071B2
Disclosed is multiple-unit indexing, mechanical scissor clamp for handling one or more modular segmental retaining wall units, also called “SRW blocks” having opposite ends each provided with a vertical groove. This clamp allows the user to move SRW blocks from a shipping pallet to a wall. The clamp and blocks are lifted using traditional construction machinery such as a backhoe, crane, bobcat, etc. The significant innovation of this clamp/block system is the ability to lift and place more than one large segmental retaining wall block with each installation cycle, substantially increasing installation efficiency.
US08465068B1
A grill panel removal tool includes a handle that has a first end and a second end. A mount is coupled to the second end of the handle and the mount has a first side and a second side. A pair of holding members extends forwardly from the mount. Each holding member has a proximal end relative to the mount that is attached to the mount. Each of the holding members extends outwardly from the mount away from the handle. Each of the holding members has a curved medial section positioned between a distal section relative to the mount and a proximal section extending from the mount. The holding members engage and lift a grill panel that has spaced parallel bars.
US08465066B2
The invention relates to a swivel bearing for a pressing mechanism of a closing device. In order to create a swivel bearing that is easy to mount and inexpensive to produce, the pivotable unit is connected to the base plate by a journal located on the pivotable unit.
US08465063B1
The invention relates to a device and methods for installing and using a gate latch apparatus to protect and enclose livestock. The latching device may or may not be permanently installed, and it can be installed on gates in both a horizontal and vertical fashion. The gate latch apparatus can be opened with one hand of a person. The apparatus includes a pair of latch plates with two chain-grasping slots. The ability to double latch the gate is possible by sliding the chain into both the first and second slots of an L-shaped slot and wrapping the chain across the fitted member and then slipping the chain into a U-shaped slot. The gate latch of this invention can also be used to attach two gates together and to attach free standing fence panels together.
US08465062B2
A latch, latching system and other components are disclosed that are particularly well suited for use with the heavy doors of armored military vehicles. Some component embodiments are usable in normal and emergency modes to provide access, entry, egress and rescue through vehicle door openings. Included among the disclosed components are latches having separate operating components that can be used to retract spring projected latch bolts and that usable advantageously in pairs and readily reconfigurable for use on left, right, front and rear doors of a vehicle at locations where door thicknesses differ. Also disclosed are operating linkages intended to extend exteriorly of door armor to turn shafts to operate latches situated interiorly of the door armor.
US08465059B1
A swivel coupling is provided for a waste disposal system having a first waste disposal component and a second waste disposal component. The swivel coupling comprises a first coupling portion having a first end and a second end, the second end being configured for connection to the first waste disposal component, and a second coupling portion having a third end and a fourth end, the fourth end being configured for connection to the second waste disposal component. The first end is rotatably connected to the third end such that when the second end is connected to the first waste disposal component and the fourth end is connected to the second waste disposal component, the first and second coupling portions are rotatable relative to one other.
US08465053B2
A protective shield for a vehicle is provided. The protective shield may include a plurality of shield panels configured to shield particular areas of a vehicle from damage, and a connecting member that connects the shield panels. The shield panels may be adjustable along a length of the connecting member. The shield panels may each include a planar main body, and at least one opening that extends through the planar main body, configured to receive the connecting member threaded therethrough. At least one magnet may be embedded in the planar main body of the panel shield, configured to magnetically adhere the shield panel to the vehicle. A clasp member may be disposed at each end of the connecting member. The connecting member may extend through each shield panel at least twice.
US08465050B1
An integrated safety net system for a recreational vehicle having a chassis with a step-through door opening. They safety net system includes a door having a forward end and a rearward end, and a hinge coupled between the rearward end of the door and the chassis of the vehicle. Upper and lower safety nets are coupled to the door forward of the hinge and coupled to the chassis of the vehicle on or rearward of the rearward side of the door opening. The safety net and the door are collectively and cooperatively movable as the rear-hinged door moves to the open position or closed position. The door includes a latch at the forward end of the door to provide one operational step to release or secure the door and the integrated safety nets to the chassis upon ingress or egress of the vehicle.
US08465026B1
A safe roller shoe structure contains a body and a base, the base includes four rollers, characterized in that a pedal is lower than an upper periphery of each roller to lower a gravity center of legs in exercise; the pedal includes the four seats four integrally formed and extending from two sides thereof to correspond to the four rollers.
US08465014B2
A feeding device includes: a sheet housing unit; a sheet conveying unit having an endless belt member, which faces a topmost sheet of sheets stacked in the sheet housing unit, and a suction unit disposed inside the belt member; a sheet lifting unit that lifts the topmost sheet to a position where the topmost sheet is attracted on a surface of the belt member by a negative pressure generated by the suction unit; and an external device sheet conveying unit that conveys a sheet fed from another feeding device connected to the feeding device to a gap between the topmost sheet in the sheet housing unit and the belt member. In feeding the sheet fed from the other feeding device to the subsequent step, the sheet lifting unit is stopped while the suction unit, the belt member, and the external device sheet conveying unit are operated.
US08465008B2
A complex wave spring, or Beer Spring™, for electrically coupling opposed electrical contact surfaces or generating a relatively constant force. The spring includes a first wave portion shaped to define a first upward undulation and a first downward undulation, and a second wave portion fixedly arranged relative to the first wave portion. The second wave portion is shaped to define a second upward undulation proximate to the first downward undulation, and a second downward undulation proximate to the first upward undulation. The spring may be formed of electrically conductive material suitable for electrically coupling electrical contact surfaces when the spring is in contact between the surfaces. The complex spring provides unusually constant spring forces over a relatively wide range of compression distances.
US08464994B2
A folding tool stand includes a platform connected to a base frame. The platform is pivotally and slidingly connected at a first side thereof to the base frame and is pivotally connected at a second side thereof to links that are pivotally connected to the base frame. A leg support is pivotally connected to the base frame. A locking device is provided to maintain the platform in an extended position. In the collapsed position, the platform is guided by the links to be positioned along the base frame. In the extended position, the links guide and support the platform in a position spaced from the base frame. In a first embodiment, spring members bias the platform into the extended position. In an alternate embodiment, a driving device is used to provide support to the second side of the platform during the expansion and collapse of the folding tool stand.
US08464989B2
A backer strip load distribution device 10 includes a load distribution member 12 for disbursing a load imparted upon the device 10 over an area of the wall portion 6 engaged by a back wall 14 of the distribution member 12. The device 10 also includes an alignment member 16 for disposing a support structure 4 (prior art) upon a preselected portion of the load distribution member 12.
US08464987B1
An adjustable conduit clamp to secure a conduit to a structure has a clampback and a strap that interfits therewith. The clampback has sidewalls configured to be placed against a structure and a portion of each sidewall configured to support a conduit. A first spacer is positioned between the sidewalls at a first region of the sidewalls and a second spacer positioned between the sidewalls at a second region. A cantilever member extends from the second spacer and is positioned between the first and second sidewalls, the cantilever member having a free end movable relative to the sidewalls and spaced from an end of the first spacer so as to form an opening therebetween for passage of the strap. The strap has a first end portion shaped to contact a conduit and a second end portion dimensioned for passage through the opening in the clampback.
US08464980B2
The present invention relates to a power plant (10) having a single engine (13) together with both a main gearbox (MGB) suitable for driving the rotary wing (3) of a helicopter (1) and a tail gearbox (TGB) suitable for driving an anti-torque rotor (4) of a helicopter (1). The power plant (10) also includes a first electric motor (11) mechanically connected to said main gearbox (MGB) in order to be capable of driving said main gearbox (MGB), and a second electric motor (12) mechanically connected to said tail gearbox (TGB) in order to be capable of driving said tail gearbox (TGB).
US08464972B2
A concrete pulverizer adapted for mounting on an arm of an excavator including a lower jaw having a first pivot pin mechanism and a crushing surface. The crushing surface on this jaw is formed with concrete waste apertures. An upper jaw has a rear end section connectible to an end of the arm and has crushing teeth mounted on a lower side. This jaw is pivotably connected to the lower jaw by the pivot pin mechanism. The upper jaw is pivotably connected to a hydraulic cylinder actuator on the arm and can be pivoted between an upper position and a crushing closed position. There is a power mechanism for pivoting the lower jaw between a horizontal scooping position and a dumping position and this mechanism can hold the lower jaw in a crushing position while the upper jaw is being pivoted by the hydraulic cylinder actuator.
US08464968B2
A system for spraying liquid (100) for a windshield (111) of an aircraft including a spray-liquid supply circuit (101), a pressurized-gas supply circuit (102) designed to purge the spray-liquid supply circuit, and at least one nozzle (114) disposed downstream from the circuits and designed to spray the spray liquid and pressurized gas on a windshield, characterized in that the system includes an auxiliary means of compression (107) ready to compress gas designed to circulate in the pressurized-gas supply circuit, the auxiliary means of compression being positioned near the nozzle. Also, an aircraft cockpit provided with at least such a spray system.
US08464963B2
A system for supplying supplemental heat to a vehicle, particularly a vehicle with a diesel engine, A driven viscous plate with different viscous clutch faces on either side is provided between the engine and the coolant pump. One side clutches to the engine structure (ground) to generate heat, and the other side clutches to the coolant pump to vary the pump drive. The two sides are controlled by a valve operated by signals from the engine computer. The valve varies the supply of viscous fluid from a common reservoir independently to both sides of the driven viscous plate. The signal from the engine control unit is based on the instantaneous desired supplemental heat and coolant flow. In another embodiment, two separate viscous clutches are utilized and positioned on opposite sides of the coolant pump.
US08464953B2
Network and device configuration systems and methods are described. In an embodiment, a first user interface configured to receive from a user configuration information regarding a first network provided. Program code stored in computer accessible memory is configured to generate a barcode that includes information related to the first network configuration information, wherein the barcode can be scanned by a device having a barcode scanner and a network interface to configure the network interface to access the first network.
US08464930B2
A system for decoding machine-readable graphical codes is provided. The system includes a graphical code reading device configured to read a graphical code and generate reference encoded source data. The reference encoded source data includes a first reference identifier and a second portion. The system also includes a computing device in electronic communication with the graphical code reading device. The computing device also includes a reference decoder configured to effect conversion of the reference encoded source data into source data. The source data includes first affiliated data in place of the first reference identifier. The first affiliated data may be longer in length than the first reference identifier. The source data also includes the second portion. The computing device also includes a software application configured to use the source data.
US08464929B2
Disclosed are systems and methods that time correlate input at a point of entry of consumer data of least two identifications for products, prescriptions, vouchers, or codes, uses positive correlation determinations for triggering output of predetermined information. The time correlation of identifications may be used to build a time correlation database, and thereafter use that database for targeted communications. Related inventions include an intelligent Y cable or the like to filter data transmitted from a scanner at a point of entry of consumer data, and a novel POS CS configured to receive bar codes that would otherwise cause the POS CS to enter an error condition.w
US08464925B2
A surgical stapler includes first and second tissue clamping members and a reservoir configured to hold a tissue treatment composition. The first tissue clamping member is configured to receive a plurality of staples. The second tissue clamping member comprises an anvil configured to form the staples. The reservoir may be provided in a handle portion of the surgical stapler, and a fluid conduit may be used to communicate the tissue treatment composition from the reservoir. An end effector lumen may selectively communicate with the fluid conduit. The lumen may also be in communication with openings to further communicate the tissue treatment composition to tissue or to a scaffold material positioned adjacent to tissue. A reservoir may alternatively be provided in one of the clamping members. A knife member may pierce a housing defining the reservoir, and a resilient member may then urge a tissue treatment composition from the housing.
US08464917B2
A tap with a dosing chamber for dosing liquids, in particular for dosing high and medium density liquids, including a body equipped with a connecting part to a container of liquid to be delivered through a liquid delivering passage and a valve that opens and closes the liquid delivering passage with an elastic button that actuates the valve and an air circulating tank in order to vent the liquid container when liquid is dispensed.
US08464916B2
The invention relates to a so-called “anti-drip” cap (10) for a flexible bottle (12) including a base (16), in communication with the bottle, covered by a cover (26), including an outlet opening (30), the cover (26) being movable between a bottom blocking position and a top dispensing position, characterized in that the cover (26) is mobile between a first angular position associated with the bottom blocking position and a second angular position, in which the cover (26) is mobile under the pressure of a product feeding the base, between an intermediate position for venting the bottle (12) and the top dispensing position, an elastic return element (38) with a predetermined stiffness being inserted in the second angular position between the cover and the base.
US08464913B2
A detergent container cradle including a seating surface for supporting a detergent container having an outlet for discharging detergent therefrom, and sidewalls provided at opposite edges of the seating surface to apply pressure to an outside circumferential surface of the detergent container having no outlet provided thereto.
US08464911B2
A container is disclosed which segregates at least two types of seed during storage and blends the at least two types of seed together when emptied from the container. The container has a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment storing a first type of seed and the second compartment storing a second type of seed. A method is disclosed for blending at least two types of seed together.
US08464910B2
The present disclosure is drawn to a multi-component container system and related methods for storing and mixing fluids and associated methods of use. The system provides individual component packaging which increases the shelf-life and usefulness of the multi-component system while reducing or eliminating hazards associated with increased component concentration. Specifically, the system can provide a multi-chamber container system for storing and mixing fluids in which at least one chamber is substantially encapsulated within another chamber.
US08464903B2
A system for providing an iced alcoholic beverage such as iced beer or carbonated soft drink includes a source of chilled coolant (16), and a beverage line (10) for supplying the beverage. A heat exchanger (20) is disposed in the beverage line (10) for cooling the beverage by heat transfer to the chilled coolant. A restriction (22) or orifice forming a venturi is provided in the beverage line (10) downstream from the heat exchanger. A chilled font (18) for further cooling the beverage is provided downstream from the orifice. The font (18) includes a dispenser tap (30) capable of dispensing the beverage at a relatively low dispense rate and at a relatively higher dispense rate. In use the beverage is first dispensed at a relatively low dispense rate through a smaller orifice of a narrow diameter at a preset low flow rate of beverage, and becomes ice or slush (40). After a period of time the liquid beverage, which may contain ice in the form of flakes, slush, crystals or the like is dispensed at a faster rate, typically through a larger diameter orifice.
US08464901B2
An apparatus for dispensing solid articles includes a housing and a gate system. The housing defines a dispensing channel and a portal through which articles can flow along a dispensing pathway. The gate system includes a gate member positioned in the dispensing pathway. The gate member is selectively positionable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate member is in the open position, the gate member permits the articles to pass through the portal and, when the gate member is in the closed position, the gate member blocks the articles from passing through the portal. The gate system is configured such that the gate member is passively transitionable between the open and closed positions.
US08464896B2
The invention is a container or container lid, including but not limited to a container or lid or container-lid combination of the kind commonly used to distribute bulk-dispensed beverages that features an integrated component used for attaching and holding a straw vertically to the outside of the container. The integrated component may be made a part of the container or a part of the lid, and may take any of a variety of shapes as described in the specification.
US08464894B2
A structure is injection molded onto a group of panels to form a container. The container has a tray and an injection-molded feature. The tray has a plurality of side panels that extend at least partially around, and at least partially define, a cavity of the container. The tray has a plurality of multi-part flanges with at least one of the multi-part flanges including a lower flange portion and an upper flange portion. The injection-molded feature has band that is injected molded onto the lower flange portion and the upper flange portion. An injection-molded strip extends along and at least partially defines the corner of the container. The strip extends downward from the inner portion of the band in the elongate corner of the container. A tool is also disclosed for forming the container.
US08464889B1
A transportable pastry container comprises a modular system of portable containers which comprises a lid portion and a storage portion. The lid portion comprises a flat, rectangular lid with a handle located centrally on a top surface. The storage portion comprises a rectangular bottom surface of as well as integral side walls which extend perpendicularly upward from the sides of the bottom surface. The top edges of the side walls further comprise a plurality of fasteners which extend above the top of the walls. The bottom edges of the side walls and the sides of the lid portion are further comprised of corresponding fasteners which selectively attach or detach the lid portion to the top of a storage portion. In a preferred embodiment, one (1) side wall of each storage portion further comprises a hinged door for selective accessibility.
US08464888B2
Provided is the lid of a beverage container consisting of synthetic resin similarly to the container and constituted in such a manner that a straw can easily run through the lid, and the content, i.e. the beverage, does not leak even if shock is applied. The lid of a beverage container consists entirely of synthetic resin (R), wherein a substantially circular straw sticking region (20) is provided in a part (e.g. the center) of the lid, a plurality of cuts (Hc) having a depth equal to ¼-½ of the thickness of the synthetic resin material are formed in the straw sticking region (20), and the straw sticking region (20) has a diameter of 8.0 mm or less and the cut (Hc) has a length of 3.0 mm or less.
US08464887B2
The invention covers a number of alternative improvements to the prior art pull-tab used to open container such as soda cans. One improvement is by forming the nose of the pull tab at a certain angle to the body of the tab, thus allowing the user to tilt the tab thus lifting the pull tip higher and providing more room for the user to insert the finger tip under the pull tip thus making it easier to open the container. Another improvement is by rotating the pull tab a certain angle and making it follow a caming surface thus lifting the pull tip and again providing more room to insert the finger tip and making it easier to open the container.
US08464886B2
A container closure includes a body that is adapted to mount on an underlying container to cover a mouth opening into an interior region formed in the container. The container closure further includes flip-top caps mounted for movement relative to the body to open and close dispensing apertures formed in the body. The container closure also includes a tamper band coupled to the flip-top caps and to the body until a consumer opens the flip-top caps for the first time.
US08464879B2
A display stand for sheet goods such as desk chair mats has a pair of upright side members and a base coupled to the side members. The base can have an upper surface to support a lower edge of sheet goods in a standing position. A protrusion can define an arcuate front lip along the retaining well. The arcuate front lip can be configured to impart a curvature to facilitate standing of the sheet goods. The upper surface of the base can be configured to have different elevations. A back member can be coupled to the upright side members, and can swing, slide, or both, between an open position to provide access to the sheet goods and a closed position to retain the sheet goods within the display. Signage panels can be coupled between the side members along a tie member to attract customers to the displayed goods.
US08464874B2
In general terms, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for cleaning, grooming, and otherwise maintaining sand and sandy surfaces. For example, some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for cleaning a sandy surface, where the sandy surface includes unsifted sand, and where the unsifted sand includes sand and unwanted material. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes: (a) one or more frames; (b) a conveyor carried by the one or more frames and including a first portion and a second portion, where the conveyor is configured to transport the unsifted sand from the first portion towards the second portion; (c) at least one paddle carried by the one or more frames and configured to direct the unsifted sand from the sandy surface towards the conveyor; and (d) a sifter carried by the one or more frames and configured to: (i) receive the unsifted sand from the conveyor; (ii) prevent the unwanted material from passing through the sifter; and (iii) allow the sand to pass through the sifter.
US08464869B2
A multi-function tool case includes a housing body having a wall extending from a first end to a second end. The wall includes an exterior surface and an interior surface. A cavity is defined by the interior surface and extends from the first end toward the second end. An extension member extends from the exterior surface adjacent the second end and defines a socket oriented along a tool axis for receiving a first portion of an accessory for retaining a tool bit. A cover assembly is coupled to the first end. The cover assembly includes a cap portion and a first lid member rotatably coupled to the cap portion. The cap portion and the lid member are configured to substantially enclose the cavity.
US08464868B2
A cleaning article holder is provided which is capable of fitting within a cabinet drawer and supports in a nonvertical position one or more cleaning articles having a neck that extends between a cleaning head and an elongated handle.
US08464863B2
A drive roller assembly for cutting machinery is connected to a drive motor via a drive train to drive a drive belt within the machinery, and the drive roller assembly is configured such that, when the drive belt needs to be changed, the entire assembly can easily be removed and replaced without having to dismantle the assembly or disturb any other mechanisms in the vicinity of the drive roller assembly, as the drive roller assembly includes a drive shaft that has a first end and a second end, a split ring located on the first end of the shaft between a first bearing and the first end of the shaft, the split ring having a conical surface that fixes the first bearing relative to the first end of the shaft, on the second end of the shaft a second bearing is provided that is retained within a housing, and the housing is removably mounted on the machinery.
US08464855B2
Circuitry to control reflective optical sensors is provided that reduces false detections due to ambient light without compromising the performance of the optical sensors to detect dark materials. A reflective optical sensor includes an emitter LED and photo-detector arranged to receive light from the LED that is reflected by an object being detected. A first input of a comparator is coupled to the output of the photo-detector. A second input of the comparator is coupled to the output of the photo-detector through a filtering circuit. The filtering circuit operates to filter the detector's output and adaptively adjust the trigger threshold of the comparator, thereby enabling the photo-detector to be sensitive enough to detect dark mail pieces, i.e., those mail pieces that are minimally reflective, while being immune to repeated false triggers due to excessive ambient light.
US08464854B2
A money handling system includes a plurality of money handling machines that are configured to recognize and count money. A management device is provided to assign first and second recognition information for respectively recognizing a transaction of money and for recognizing a group that is created by dividing the money for one transaction. In addition, each money handling machine receives the second recognition information, counts the money of the group corresponding to the second recognition information, and associates the count result with the second recognition information, whereupon the associated count result and second recognition information is transmitted to a management device. The management device manages the count result for each group based on the association between the first recognition information and the second recognition information, as well as on the count results and second recognition information, respectively received from the plurality of money handling machines.
US08464846B2
Wheel restraints for restraining vehicles at loading docks are described herein. An example wheel restraint includes a restraining arm to anchor a wheel chock to a fixed point at the dock. When in a blocking position, the chock rests directly upon the dock's driveway without the chock having to engage additional hardware that could be an obstruction to snow removal. In some examples, the wheel chock automatically swings between its blocking and release positions in response to the arm simply lowering or raising the chock.
US08464844B2
A control assembly is mountable to a handlebar. The control assembly features a housing mountable to the handlebar and a brake actuation mechanism including a brake lever pivotally connected to a housing. The brake lever defines a fluid cavity inside the brake lever such that the fluid cavity pivots with the lever relative to the housing. A piston is provided in the fluid cavity and also pivots with the lever relative to the housing. Actuation of the lever causes the piston to move in the fluid cavity to provide compressive force to a fluid. The fluid cavity is in fluid communication with a hydraulic line.
US08464840B2
An exemplary method of controlling a plurality of elevator cars includes determining that there is a security violation condition involving at least one of the elevator cars at a landing. That elevator car is prevented from moving from the landing until the condition is resolved. The other elevator cars are controlled such that they do not provide elevator service to or from the landing until the condition is resolved.
US08464839B2
In a car door apparatus for an elevator, a closing-plate supporting portion is provided at a car-door front surface, the closing-plate supporting portion supporting the closing plate so that the closing plate is slidable along a direction in which the car door is opened and closed. A door-pocket cover is provided with a closing-plate engagement portion brought into engagement with the closing plate at the time of a door-closing operation to restrict displacement of the closing plate in a door-closing direction relative to the cover front-surface portion.
US08464827B2
A utility vehicle includes a vehicle body frame including a main frame to which an engine is mounted, the main frame including a round pipe having a circular cross-section and a rectangular pipe having a rectangular cross-section.
US08464806B2
The tool comprises an engine for propelling a piston including a shaft for driving a fastening member into a supporting material and through a pin guide, with means for adjusting the depth of drive of the piston shaft outside the pin guide at the end of the propulsion and at the stop of the piston in abutment against stop means. The pin guide is mounted free in translation and the depth of drive adjusting means comprise an adjustment knurl with a knurl shaft arranged so as to be in abutment against the pin guide and to push the pin guide forwards under the rotation action of the knurl.
US08464801B2
A turf collecting machine capable of automatically collecting laid artificial athletic turf, separating the infill and tufted backing components of the collected turf, and then depositing those separated components into separate storage containers. The apparatus also includes mechanisms for cleaning the infill particles collected.
US08464800B2
A method of forming a downhole apparatus comprises the steps of providing a body having a longitudinal axis and forming an expanding portion on the body from multiple layers of a partially or substantially cured material around the longitudinal axis of the body. The material is selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, such as a wellbore fluid. Apparatuses formed by the method include wellbore packers.
US08464797B2
A method for assembling a control module having a fixed part and a removable section. The method includes configuring the fixed part of the control module to be attached to a pressure supply line for receiving a fluid under pressure; providing in the fixed part a valve manifold that houses a hydraulic activated valve; detachably attaching the removable section of the control module to the fixed part; fluidly connecting an electrically activated valve of the removable section to the hydraulic activated valve such that the electrically activated valve controls the hydraulic activated valve; and configuring the electrically activated valve to electrically connect to a control section.
US08464793B2
A technique enables long-lasting control over fluid flow in a wellbore. The technique employs a base pipe, a flow control device, and a sand control screen. The sand control screen is coupled to the flow control device and mounted over the base pipe. Additionally, the sand control screen comprises longitudinal ribs positioned along the base pipe and a filter media positioned along the longitudinal ribs. A protective shroud is mounted over the filter media and cooperates with the other components of the system to provide a simple but durable system and method for controlling fluid flow.
US08464790B2
Temperature and pressure measurements that are made downhole are used to predict a compressional wave velocity for pure water under downhole conditions. The predicted velocity and a measured compressional velocity of a formation brine are used in a non-iterative method to estimate a value of the formation brine salinity that is between 0 and 1.
US08464785B2
A pipe shear ram assembly has a housing having a bore extending vertically therethrough for the passage of a pipe string. Ram blocks have blades positioned such that one slides over the other when the first and second ram blocks are moved toward each other to shear a well pipe. A pair of guide arms extend from one of the rams. The guide arms have tips protruding a greater distance than the blade. Each of the guide arms has an inboard wedge surface beginning at the tip and extending along a line that intersects the longitudinal axis for guiding the pipe string toward a bore axis of the bore in the event the first and second ram blocks are moved to the closed position.
US08464783B2
The present invention relates to a method and arrangement of optimizing the level of anti freeze agent in a heat transfer fluid in a heat exchange system The method comprises determining (305) a wanted level of anti freeze agent at least partly based on the temperature of the media to which the heat exchange system will deliver heat, controlling (310) the current level of the anti freezing agent in the heat transfer fluid. Anti freezing agent is added 315:1 to the heat transfer fluid if the current level is a predetermined amount lower than the wanted level, and removed 315:2 from the heat transfer fluid if the current level is a predetermined amount higher than the wanted level.
US08464782B2
A communication plate extends along and is sandwiched between cylindrical communication manifolds of a first heat exchanger assembly and a second heat exchanger assembly. The communication plate includes a saddling surface arcuate in one direction and a saddling surface arcuate in the opposite direction for engaging in saddle-like fashion the cylindrical shape of the manifolds. The communication plate defines a plurality of communication plate orifices disposed along the communication plate and aligned co-axial with a plurality of communication orifices disposed along the manifolds to seal the communication orifices of the manifolds and establish distributed and sealed fluid communication between the heat exchanger assemblies.
US08464777B2
A method for forming a turbine or compressor wheel from a semi-solid material uses a die assembly that has an inner cartridge made up from a plurality of segments and an outer die. The semi-solid material is injected under pressure and high temperature into the die so that it flows into blade cavities defined between the segments of the cartridge. The cartridge is removed from the outer die and the segments are then separated to release the wheel.
US08464772B2
A dispensing apparatus for labeling machines for applying labels, which are supplied via a carrier belt carrying a plurality of labels, to bottles and in particular to bottle necks, has a dispensing arm and a dispensing head which is arranged on the dispensing arm and has a dispensing edge for deflecting the carrier belt in order thereby to detach a respective label, wherein the dispensing edge and/or the dispensing head is pivotable in order to adjust a movement direction of the labels being detached from the carrier belt.
US08464770B2
The tread portion 2 is divided in the tire widthwise direction into five regions comprising the center tread region A, respective shoulder tread regions C, and respective intermediate tread regions B. A curved length in the tire widthwise direction of a tread surface of the center tread region A is in the range of 10 to 35% of the curved length in the tire widthwise direction of the entire tread surface, and the whole curved length in the tire widthwise direction of a tread surface of the shoulder tread regions C is in the range of 5 to 35% of the curved length in the tire widthwise direction of the entire tread surface. 100% Mod, i.e. the modulus at 100% elongation, of tread rubber forming the intermediate tread region B is larger than 100% Mod of tread rubber forming the center tread region A, and loss tangent of each shoulder tread region C is larger than loss tangent of the center tread region A.
US08464769B2
A proper balance between ride comfort, steering stability, and road noise is achieved. A pneumatic tire (1) has a band layer (9) comprising a band ply (9A) where band cords are arranged at an angle of not more than 5 deg. with respect to the circumferential direction of the tire on the radially outer side of a belt layer (7). The band ply (9A) comprises a first ply piece (9a) covering only one side of end portions of the belt layer (7) and a second ply piece (9b) disposed adjacently to the first ply piece (9a), covering continuously the central portion of the belt layer (7) and another side of the end portions, and having a width larger than that of the above-mentioned first ply piece (9a). And, the band cords of said first ply piece (9a) and band cords of said second ply piece (9b) are different in modulus.
US08464765B2
A machine for filling bottles with solid forms of pharmaceutical products is provided with a conveying device for continuously moving forward a sequence of bottles along a given path, and a vibrating distribution plate, which is mounted along the path itself so as to continuously rotate around its own longitudinal axis, and has a plurality of feeding channels, each of which is wound in a helix around and along said longitudinal axis, and is moved forward in phase with a corresponding bottle to feed a given number of solid forms in the bottle itself.
US08464755B2
A hydraulic control system for controlling a variable fluid volume flow to a consumer (6, 60, 94, 126, 146, 162), for example a flow of cooling oil to a wet-operating clutch, with a hydraulically pilot-controlled control valve connected to a fluid supply. The first control valve (2, 56, 90, 122, 142) is designed such that, in the absence of any pilot control pressure (pVST), the valve delivers a specified initial volume flow (Q1) and, as the variable pilot control pressure (pVST) increases, the valve delivers a continuously increasing volume flow (QK). At least one second, independent, also hydraulically pilot-controlled valve (170) is designed such that this valve is activated in a specified range (55, 88, 120, 132, 140, 152) of the variable pilot control pressure (pVST).
US08464743B2
An inline dispersal valve that can be used with or without a base. One embodiment includes a rotatable member that is rotatable from a fluid stream obstructing condition to an out-of-the-way condition to prevent fluid diversion into the dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes a lever handle for quickly setting the amount of fluid being diverted into the inline dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes an indicator that can be viewed from a position above the inline dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes a cap that can be secured or removed without the aid of tools. Another embodiment includes a clip that allows one to disassemble the inline dispersal valve for servicing. Another embodiment includes a dispensing valve that can be reversed and still properly divert fluid into a dispersant chamber. Another embodiment includes an inline dispersal valve with a bleed valve positioned to allow one to bring the air volume in the dispersant chamber to the proper level.
US08464735B2
An elongated solution injection bar operable in a cleaning system as a combination dry vacuum and fluid carpet cleaner. The elongated solution injection bar having an upper solution distribution and pressure equalization chamber in fluid communication with a lower solution discharge chamber through a solution flow restrictor structured for distributing hot liquid cleaning solution in a substantially uniform flow along substantially the entire length of a cleaning head operating surface. The hot liquid cleaning solution being discharged from the lower solution discharge chamber at a volumetric flow rate of or about 1 gallon per minute (gpm) or less, so that the liquid cleaning solution is discharged to the operating surface as a flood under pressure.
US08464726B2
A cigarette includes lighting and mouth ends. It may include a smokable segment disposed at the lighting end. It also includes a mouth-end segment; an aerosol-generation system disposed between the lighting and mouth ends, which includes (i) a heat-generation segment adjacent the smokable segment, including a heat source configured to be activated by combustion of a smokable material and an insulation layer of a non-glass material that is woven, knit, or both, and (ii) an aerosol-generating segment with aerosol-forming material disposed between, but physically separate from, each of the heat generation segment and the mouth end; a piece of outer wrapping material that provides an overwrap around at least a portion of the aerosol-generating segment, the heat-generation segment, and at least a portion of the smokable segment; those segments being connected together by the overwrap to provide a cigarette rod; that is connected to the cigarette rod using tipping material.
US08464725B2
The present invention is directed to a hookah bowl with a central spire and a hookah bowl system with the hookah bowl and a coal plate. The coal plate fits about the spire and may be retained upon the hookah bowl via multiple means. The spire assists transportation, attachment, use, and removal of the hookah bowl.
US08464722B2
An equipment drape (1000) is made from an elongated drape body (1401) that includes an equipment opening (1041). The elongated drape body (1401) is telescopically folded (1403) to form a telescopic drape body (1404). An accordion fold (1501) is then applied to form a rectangular shape (1503). The distal edges (1011,1012) are then folded back over the rectangular shape (1503) to meet at a longitudinal part (1511). Insertion indicators (1043,1044) can be attached to the equipment opening (1041). A user can easily and quickly insert their hands into the equipment opening (1041) to deploy the equipment drape (1000) with a single motion without having to first fumble with and unfold the drape.
US08464703B2
A top burner and a cooker having the top burner are provided. A flame transfer slit for guiding the flame formed by the combustion of the mixed gas at an outer burner to an inner burner. A shielding member is provided to shield the flame transfer slit. Therefore, the object to be heated is uniformly heated and the flame transfer from the outer burner to the inner burner can be effectively realized.
US08464702B2
This invention is to be used primarily to convert a traditional charcoal grill into a multifaceted smoker with wet and dry smoking capabilities. Furthermore, novel racks within the invention allow the user to utilize all of the space within the smoker providing for more food cooked over a given time frame. The invention also included a removal tray allowing access to the fuel and liquid pan with only negligible heat loss and no risk of damage to the contents of the smoker or the surface upon which the smoker is placed when removed from the primary heat source.
US08464695B2
A plasma equipment comprising a microwave oscillator for generating a predetermined microwave band, a microwave resonant cavity for allowing the predetermined microwave band to resonate, and microwave radiation means for radiating the microwave into the microwave resonant cavity, wherein the microwave radiation means is a microwave radiation antenna having the shape and the size so as to form a strong electric field of the microwave in a plasma generation field formed by the microwave.
US08464693B2
A fuel pump module including a reservoir and a sender gauge. The reservoir includes an outer wall, an inner wall spaced radially inward from the outer wall, a floor connecting the inner and outer walls, and N sets of supports fixed to the floor and disposed between the inner and outer walls and around the inner wall. The sender gauge is supported and retained by one of the N sets of supports, wherein N is an integer greater than one.
US08464678B1
The present invention may be used for vehicle engines having bores in which roller valve lifters reciprocate. A roller valve lifter may have a body with two opposed subtending spaced apart legs. A cam follower roller bearing having a press fit inner sleeve bushing may be rotatably mounted on the pin. Each of the legs may have an oil feed hole that traverses from an exterior surface to an interior surface adjacent to the inner sleeve bushing. The body in an upper portion may have a key device or an attached vertical guide bar to maintain proper orientation of the roller valve lifter to a cam lobe.
US08464669B2
Cooling circuit for an internal combustion engine 2, having an internal combustion engine with at least one cylinder head and one crankcase, a coolant pump, a primary heat exchanger, and a heat exchanger for an operating medium of the internal combustion engine, the cooling circuit 1 downstream of the coolant pump being divided between a branch site A and a connection site B so that at least one cylinder head is incorporated in a cylinder head branch circuit and the crankcase is incorporated in a crankcase branch circuit and the heat exchanger for an operating medium being located in the cylinder head branch circuit downstream of the at least one cylinder head.
US08464655B2
Methods clean a gripping device (5) of a milking station (1) for milking animals. Methods include initiating (21) a gripper device cleaning procedure, moving (22) the gripper device (5) to a cleaning position, and carrying out (23) the gripper device cleaning procedure. Efficient and automatic cleaning of gripper devices is provided. Milking systems also include apparatuses for cleaning a gripper device.
US08464654B2
An installation for the hardened galvanization of a continuously-moving rolled steel strip, includes a coating tank receiving a liquid metal mixture containing, for example, zinc and aluminum to be deposited on the strip which is immersed in the mixture. The liquid mixture is permanently circulated between the coating tank and a preparation device, in which the temperature of the liquid mixture is deliberately lowered in order to reduce an iron solubility threshold and is sufficiently high for initiating fusion of at least one ingot containing a zinc-aluminum Zn—Al alloy in a so-called fusion zone of the preparation device, in an amount necessary to compensate for the liquid mixture used for deposition on the strip. The installation includes a loop for circulating the liquid mixture that is thermally optimized.
US08464648B2
Installation kit for equipping a case (11) as a multifunctional, portable security system (10), and case (11). The installation kit comprises a receptacle area for valuables (13), having an access opening, a cover (12.2), and a protection system. The protection system comprises an electrically triggerable igniter (14) having membrane, an ink module (17) having a liquid for inking the valuables (13), which has a connection for a pressurized connection to the igniter (14) and an outlet area for discharging the liquid, a one-piece distributor plate (18) having at least one integrated liquid channel and multiple outlet openings for the liquid, the distributor plate (18) being connectable to the outlet area of the module (17), a pressurized gas cartridge (15) connectable to the igniter (14), the activated igniter (14) penetrating the membrane, upon which gas flows from the pressurized gas cartridge (15) into the ink module (17) and thus conveys this liquid into the distributor plate (18) and from there through in the direction of the valuables (13) in order to ink them.
US08464638B2
A printing press includes at least one exchangeable cylinder (10, 12) that is rotatably supported in a machine frame, a movable bearing member (18) forming part of a bearing (44) for the exchangeable cylinder (12), and a sensor head (26, 28, 30) that is capable of receiving signals from a signalling device (22, 24, 32) that is mounted on one of the cylinders (10, 12) of the printing press, and the sensor head (26, 28, 30) is mounted on the movable bearing member (18) and is arranged to receive the signals from a signalling device (22, 24, 32) at least when the bearing member (18) is in a predetermined position.
US08464636B2
A sheet-fed rotary printing machine includes at least two electric drive motors acting on a gearwheel train which mechanically connects a plurality of printing units to one another. A device for controlling the printing machine includes a control loop for each electric drive motor having a higher-frequency control element. At least one control loop has a low-frequency control element supplying an output signal picked up at the control loops in a predetermined ratio. A sheet-fed rotary printing machine having the device is also provided.
US08464634B2
Popcorn machines having topping dispensing systems are disclosed herein. A popcorn machine configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes a popping kettle or other popping apparatus positioned in a cabinet. The popping apparatus is configured to heat un-popped corn kernels and pop the corn kernels. After popping, the corn is held in the cabinet. The popcorn machine of this embodiment further includes a topping outlet positioned in the cabinet and a topping pump. The topping outlet is operably connectable to a topping container, and the topping pump is configured to move topping from the topping container through the topping outlet and onto a serving portion of popcorn in response to operator activation of the pump.
US08464630B2
A cartridge for extracting a beverage from a particulate substance contained therein by means of water under pressure, the cartridge comprising: a main body comprising a cup portion and a lid portion, the cup portion comprising a base, a sidewall and a rim opposed to the base, the lid portion being fixedly attached to the rim of the cup portion so as to define an internal volume of the cartridge, the internal volume of the cartridge housing the particulate substance comprised within filtering means for retaining the particulate substance and for percolating fluid substances therethrough, the lid portion comprising a lid port defining a first passage for percolation fluid substances, the base of the cup portion comprising a cup port defining a second passage for percolation fluid substances, wherein the base comprises a plurality of ridges directly formed thereon and protruding towards the internal volume of the cartridge, so as to support the filtering means and the particulate substance and to define a fine canalization between the filtering means and the cup port.
US08464626B2
The armor tile system embodying the principles of the present invention comprises one or more hybrid tiles which can be connected together to cover a protected structure. Various arrays of material layers may be utilized (1×1, 2×2, 4×4, 2×8, etc) within a hybrid tile system and multiple hybrid tiles may be mounted on the area to be protected. Each hybrid tile comprises one or more material layers stacked within a single metal matrix casting. Each material layer within a hybrid tile includes at least one reinforcement insert arranged along a common surface. The reinforcement inserts comprise material types suitable for containment, structural support, and projectile deflection and destruction. The armor tile system of the present invention is created utilizing a molten metal infiltration process. In the preferred embodiment, the reinforcement inserts are arranged along a common surface within each material layer and further positioned within the mold cavity to create a controlled inner seam between adjacent reinforcement inserts to keep the reinforcement inserts from shifting during metal infiltration. The outer periphery of the material layer(s) and the mold cavity inside periphery has a space defining an outer seam. Both the outer and inner seams may further contain a reinforcement material to enhance the effectiveness of the armor system if desired. The mold cavity is infiltrated with liquid metal which solidifies within the materials open porosity thereby binding the layers together to create a coherent integral structure.
US08464624B2
A blast treatment method and an apparatus, which can perform the blast treatment of a treatment subject by using and securely initiating a blasting explosive having fluidity. The blast treatment method includes: a blasting preparation operation of housing a blasting explosive having fluidity in a container and placing the blasting explosive around a treatment subject as well as attaching an initiation device to the container; a housing operation of housing the container, the blasting explosive, and the treatment subject in a chamber; a decompression operation of decompressing the inside of the chamber; and a blasting operation of initiating the blasting explosive and blasting the treatment subject with the blasting explosive. In the decompression operation, the inside of the chamber is decompressed while a gas vent portion regulates the escape of the blasting explosive to the outside of the container and permits the escape of gases in the container to the outside.
US08464615B2
A safety pipe wrench includes a Y-shaped handle having a stem extending from a first end of the handle towards a second end of the handle. The stem bifurcates into a first arm and a second arm at a location between the first end and the second end of the handle. The first arm and the second arm extend to the second end of the handle. A slot is defined between the first arm and the second arm. A first gripping insert is mounted on the first arm. A nut is rotatably retained in the slot. A jaw has a shank terminating in a jaw head. The shank is movably engaged with the nut. A second gripping insert is mounted on the jaw head.
US08464603B2
An actuating device includes a base link, a first link, a second link, a translating link, a shaft, and a drive. The base link includes a base plate, a first joint, and a second joint. The base plate extends between the first joint and the second joint. The first link is mounted to the first joint to allow rotation of the first link relative to the base plate at the first joint. The second link is mounted to the second joint to allow rotation of the second link relative to the base plate at the second joint. The drive includes an arc surface and is mounted to the translating link such that, when operating the actuating device, a position of the arc surface is fixed relative to the translating plate. The shaft is mounted to the arc surface to cause translation of the translating link as the shaft rotates.
US08464601B2
An actuating device for selecting gear steps in a gearshift transmission. The actuating device comprises a selector lever that can be moved between at least two drive-setting positions and a locking mechanism for restricting the movement range of the lever and locking certain positions or for locking the selector lever. The locking mechanism comprises a locking recess connected to the selector lever and a blocking cam that can be rotated by an actuator. The cam engages in the locking recess. Complex locking tasks are possible with the simplified actuating device. In addition, the range of movement of the selector lever can be freely positioned largely variably and its width can be changed. Furthermore, the selector lever of the actuating device is movable by the actuator or locked in a desired position.
US08464600B2
The invention relates to a device for shifting changes in the transmission ratio of a vehicle transmission. The device comprises at least one axially movable and/or rotabale shifting element and an electrical position identification of the shifting element. At least one magnet which generates position signals in combination with a stationary sensor is disposed on the shifting element. In order to create a device that is advantageous regarding production and design, the magnet is formed directly by a magnetic area on the shifting element.
US08464598B2
A torque measurement device including: a power shaft transmitting rotary torque about the axis of the power shaft; a first wheel carrying angle marks, the wheel being secured to the power shaft; a reference shaft including a second wheel carrying angle marks; and a sensor placed facing at least one of the wheels to determine the torque transmitted by the power shaft. The first wheel includes first and second series of angle marks and the second wheel includes third and fourth series of angle marks. The marks of the first and third series are mutually parallel, while the marks of the second and fourth series are mutually parallel and are inclined relative to a first axial plane containing the axis, the marks of the first series being inclined relative to the marks of the second series, whereby the signal supplied by the sensor is representative of temperature of the power shaft.
US08464596B1
Vortex-shedding flow meters provide an output signal having a frequency representative of fluid flow rate. At high flow rates the vortices are larger and easier to detect. Adjusting the gain of an output amplifier responsive to the output frequency extends the operating range, or turndown ratio, of a vortex flow meter.
US08464595B2
A plastic is manufactured on the basis of at least four starting components (A, B, C, F) of which at least a first primary component (A) and a second primary component (B) can react with one another. A chemical reaction of the two primary components (A, B) is accelerated in such case by addition of at least one secondary component (C) serving as a catalyst. Additionally, according to the method, a tertiary component (F) serves as a filler, especially a color-giving filler. Initially a first multicomponent system (BF; CF; BCF), especially also a storable system, serving as an intermediate component, is formed, which contains, at least in part, both the secondary component (C) as well as also the tertiary component (F). Additionally, on the basis of the first multicomponent system (BF; CF; BCF) a flowable, especially liquid, second multicomponent system (ABCF) is formed, which contains the four starting components (A, B, C, F) in concentrations enabling the chemical reaction of the primary components (A, B). The plastic is finally formed by means of the second multicomponent system in that the therein contained primary component (A) and the therein contained second primary component (B) are allowed to react, at least partially, with one another. By applying the second multicomponent system (ABCF) onto an inner wall of a support tube, especially a metal support tube, serving as a component of an in-line measuring device, a liner internally coating the support tube can be formed from this plastic in simple manner.
US08464594B2
A gas nozzle measurement apparatus comprises a controllable gas source to provide across a gas plate having gas nozzles, a flow of gas at a constant pressure or constant flow rate, and a sensor plate sized to cover an area comprising at least a portion of the front face of the gas plate. The sensor plate comprises gas flow sensors arranged in locations that correspond to positions of individual gas nozzles of the gas nozzles of the gas plate such that each gas flow sensor can measure a pressure, flow rate, density, or velocity of a gas stream passing through the individual gas nozzle that faces the gas flow sensor, and generate a signal indicative of, or display, the pressure, flow rate, density, or velocity of the gas stream passing through the individual gas nozzle.
US08464587B2
A sensor for examining a document of value in a detection range of the sensor has at least one electrical component for converting electrical energy into sound waves and/or electromagnetic fields, in particular optical radiation, for examining the document of value and/or for detecting sound waves and/or magnetic or electromagnetic fields, in particular optical radiation, from the document of value to generate detection signals. Additionally, the sensor has a holder for the component, having a recess or a hole for at least partially accommodating the component, in which the electrical component is held, and on or in which at least one conductive path extends to contact with at least one electrical contact of the electrical component.
US08464584B2
A beverage dispenser (20) has a double-walled tubular, preferably cylindrical, sensor (22) that is immersed in liquid (23), such as coffee or tea, within an opaque, stainless steel container, or beverage dispenser (25) has a double-walled tubular sensor connected via two conductive paths (24, 26) to two inputs (28, 30), respectively, of a resistance measuring circuit (32) that measures the resistance between the two inputs (28, 30) to produce an electrical, direct current, resistance output signal that varies with changes in the instantaneous resistance between the two inputs (28, 30) The resistance output signal is connected to an input (34) of an electronic controller (40) The electronic controller (40) calculates the depth of the liquid (23) based on the magnitude of the resistance output signal applied to the input (34). The sensed and calculated level is then converted to display control output signals produced on a controller output terminal and connected to electronic display (44) to provide a visual indication of the level or quantity of beverage within the dispenser (20). Alternatively, resistance is measured between the interior of the beverage dispenser (20) and a sensor tube.
US08464581B2
A passive liquid flow monitoring system includes a monitoring device made of a liquid-soluble material in which coded transponders are releasably retained. The monitoring device may be deployed proximate a region of interest in a hydrocarbon-producing well. Characteristics of a liquid flow in the region of interest may be determined based upon detection of transponders that are released from the monitoring device when the monitoring device is exposed to the liquid flow.
US08464577B2
To provide a quartz sensor capable of detecting a sensing target with high sensitivity also in measurement in a liquid phase in which a difference in Q values at the time of measurement in the liquid phase and in a vapor phase is small. In a quartz sensor 1 including an AT-cut quartz plate 11 having a capture layer (absorbing layer) 12 formed on one surface (XZ′ surface) thereof and detecting a sensing target based on an amount of change in a frequency of a quartz resonator 10 caused when the sensing target is absorbed by the capture layer 12, there are formed electrodes 13 for oscillating the quartz plate 11 on end faces (XY′ surfaces) mutually opposite in a Z′ direction of the surface of the quartz resonator 10 on which the capture layer 12 is formed (XZ′ surface).
US08464573B2
A flow path from outer gas introduction apertures 144a to inner gas introduction apertures 134a has a narrower-width flow passage formed by an inner wall member 150. This structure effectively lowers the probability that a liquid, such as water, entering from the outer gas introduction apertures 144a passes through a gas inflow chamber 122 and reaches a sensor element 110, compared with a structure without the inner wall member 150. The inner wall member 150 is formed as a solid member that is capable of storing the surrounding heat. Even if there is a certain event that has the potential of causing a temperature decrease of the sensor element 110, for example, an abrupt change in flow rate of an object gas, the heat stored in the inner wall member 150 effectively prevents a temperature decrease of the sensor element 110. This structure prevents the occurrence of cracking in the sensor element 110, compared with a conventional sensor structure having a double-layered protective cover.
US08464570B2
A method of making an S-shaped bent edge component comprising: placing in order an upper layer of metal base plate and a lower layer of metal base plate as well as a middle layer of heat-isolating materials in between; fixing the metal base plates with the heat-isolating materials; forming J-shaped edges on the base plates by stamping, and the J-shaped edges of the base plates are perpendicular to a horizontal portion of the metal base plates; each of the J-shaped edges of the base plates has an outwardly bent curve with a crown and a curve end; by means of a stamping step performed by an upper mold M1 with a concave surface and a flat surface and a lower mold M2 with a flat surface, the concave surface of the mold M1 exerts lateral force onto the curve ends so that the J-shaped edges of the base plates inwardly bend towards the upper metal base plate.
US08464558B2
The subject of the invention is a process for manufacturing red glass containing copper that comprises the steps consisting in: obtaining a mass of colorless molten glass, free of sulfides, the iron oxide weight content of which is between 0.01 and 0.15%; then conveying said mass of molten glass in a feeder channel, in which copper oxide and tin oxide are added to said mass of molten glass, the partial pressure of oxygen in said mass of molten glass being between 10−7 and 10−4; then forming glass objects, especially bottles or flasks from said mass of molten glass; then subjecting said glass objects to a heat treatment so as to develop a red tint.
US08464551B2
A method for liquefaction using a closed loop refrigeration system, the method comprising the steps of (a) compressing a gaseous refrigerant stream in at least one compressor; (b) cooling the compressed gaseous refrigerant stream in a first heat exchanger; (c) expanding at least a first portion of the cooled, compressed gaseous refrigerant stream from the first heat exchanger in a first expander to provide a first expanded gaseous refrigerant stream; and (d) cooling and substantially liquefying a feed gas stream to form a substantially liquefied feed gas stream in a second heat exchanger through indirect heat exchange against at least a first portion of the first expanded gaseous refrigerant stream from the first expander, wherein the first expanded gaseous refrigerant stream exiting the first expander is substantially vapor.
US08464543B2
An ice level detection device of a refrigerator includes an ice level detection arm and an ice storage container detection arm, the ice level detection arm operatively connected to a mechanical motor for movement between an ice sensing position with the ice level detection arm extending at least partially into the ice storage container and an ice harvest position with the ice level detection arm being clear of the ice storage container, the ice storage container detection arm abutting the ice storage container while the ice storage container is mounted at the door. The ice level detection arm transitions from the ice sensing position to the ice harvest position for ice harvest by the ice maker. Opening the door disables ice harvest by the ice maker. Upon removal of the ice storage container the ice level detection arm transitions to the ice harvest position and disables ice harvest.
US08464540B2
A plant produces electrical energy from municipal solid waste without exhausting a carbon dioxide or other carbon based gas to the atmosphere. The plant includes a source of artificial light powered by electrical energy, and a reactor into which the municipal solid waste is fed and which is operated under temperature, pressure and flow rate conditions to produced a syngas. An electrical energy generating station at which the syngas is burned produces the electrical energy and a flue gas comprising carbon dioxide and other products of combustion. At least a portion of the electrical energy is used to power the artificial light source. A carbon dioxide collector separates the carbon dioxide from the other products of combustion in the flue gas to provide a clean carbon dioxide suitable as a nutrient for microorganisms, and a farm of the microorganisms is illuminated essentially constantly, alternately with sunlight and artificial light from said source.
US08464539B2
A nozzle assembly (10) comprising a first inlet tube (14), a second inlet tube (15), and a nozzle (16). The nozzle (16) is formed from a stack of plates (20-38) which are joined together in face-to-face contact. The plates (20-38) collectively have openings which define a nozzle outlet, a first inlet, a second inlet, a first circuit from the first inlet to the nozzle outlet, a second circuit from the second inlet to the nozzle outlet, and a fluid-outlet chamber through which both the first circuit and the second circuit pass. The nozzle assembly (10) can be used as a fuel injector for a gas turbine engine, with jet fuel being supplied to the first circuit during start-up and low power conditions and jet fuel being supplied to both the first circuit and the second circuit during high power conditions.
US08464536B2
A gas turbine combustion chamber is provided. The gas turbine includes a combustion chamber interior and a combustion chamber wall which has a substantially rotationally symmetrical cross-section, wherein on the side of the combustion chamber wall facing away from the combustion chamber interior there is arranged over the entire cross-sectional circumference of the combustion chamber wall a corrugated component which, in combination with the combustion chamber wall, embodies a plurality of separate resonance chambers and wherein openings are incorporated in the combustion chamber wall in such a way that a fluidic connection is established in each case between the combustion chamber interior and one of the resonance chambers and wherein the corrugated component has two locking rings which are connected to the combustion chamber wall in order to seal off the resonance chambers.
US08464522B2
An exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine is provided with an upstream side three-way catalyst capable of purifying exhaust gas and a particulate filter (PM filter) for trapping particulate matter PM contained in exhaust gas. Catalyst warm-up control is exercised for the purpose of warming up mainly the upstream side three-way catalyst at cold start. Filter regeneration control for removing the particulate matter PM accumulating on the particulate filter from the filter is exercised at the cold start after the catalyst warm-up control is exercised.
US08464513B2
A system comprises a fuel system for delivering fuel to an engine for combustion and a reductant storage system for delivering reductant to the exhaust stream for an SCR catalyst for NOx reduction. The fuel system further comprises a water separator for separating water-based fluid from fuel in the fuel tank, and a separation reservoir to collect the separated water-based fluid. Based on readings of a water-in-fuel sensor positioned within the reservoir, a type of degradation (e.g., water build-up, high-water-content fuel, mis-filling of the reductant, etc.) may be determined and indicated.
US08464509B2
In an example embodiment, a continuous baler includes a round baler and an adjustable conveyor for providing crop to the round baler. The adjustable conveyor may include a conveyor belt and a controller for manipulating the conveyor belts. In one example embodiment, the speed of the conveyor is adjusted in accordance with the operation of the baler.
US08464507B2
A walk-behind lawn mower includes a cutter and a housing covering the cutter for allowing rotation of the cutter to cut grass. The housing includes a front wall portion covering a front part of the cutter and a portion other than the front wall portion. The front wall portion extends laterally of the housing. The front wall portion has a thickness more than twice a thickness of the portion other than the front wall portion. The front wall portion has a downwardly convex bottom surface, and serves as a handle for use in lifting up the lawn mower.
US08464498B1
The present embodiments are directed to a medicinal extractor that may open and empty pharmaceutical capsules of variable sizes. The medicinal extractor may have a cover that swings open to expose an interior chamber for a powder-filled medication capsule to be dropped into, and the cover may then be closed. The medicinal extractor may have squeezable side depressors on each side for manually squeezing or holding the capsule in place horizontally. Once closed, the cover may be pushed down to compress two components of the medicinal extractor that are moveable with respect to each other. As the moveable components compress, the cover may press the capsule downward onto a hollow piercing element. The hollow piercing element may puncture the capsule to allow medication within the capsule to fall through the hollow piercing element and into a collection chamber or onto a surface below the medicinal extractor for collection.
US08464494B2
In an anchor for use in a construction panel which includes upper and lower cover plates, wherein the anchor includes a cylinder body, a displacement body and a cement container provided with desired rupture locations and installed in the cylinder body and the cylinder body is provided with engagement elements for extending behind the upper cover plate, the cement container includes at least two chambers separated by an intermediate wall and is provided with an upper and a lower opening each closed by a thin-walled rupturable foil, with the intermediate wall being also rupturable by the displacement member upon movement thereof into the cylinder body.
US08464487B2
A modular system for a façade structure for a building comprising panels and panel retaining elements for mounting the panels to the building and method for producing said facade.
US08464480B2
A modular fenestration system includes a collection of standardized functional units such as double hung window units, casement window units, picture window units, transom units, and the like. The functional units all share common sightlines, common glass set-back, common interfaces, common design language, and are sized according to a unique modular or incremental sizing grid. The sizing grid specifies individual window units in terms of the rough opening size in which they are designed to be installed. Individual functional units are easily combinable in a vast array of combinations to create a large number of possible composite window units. The above attributes of the functional units ensures that the composite window units are architecturally pleasing and appear as though they were custom crafted. The system also includes a collection of interior and interior trim units in various architectural styles that can be attached to installed standardized functional units via the common interfaces to match the architecture of a particular home or building. A collection of matching architectural grilles and hardware also are provided, and the trim units, grills, and hardware are all historically and period accurate to represent a wide variety of architectures both past and present. Exterior and interior trim can be built up from a limited number of standard components that can be combined in a large number of ways to create a wide variety of trim profiles.
US08464478B2
A system and method for mounting photovoltaic solar panels onto a roof. The system includes first and second strut rails spaced from the roof employing a series of standoffs, the strut rails having a length, cross section, a base and side walls, side walls terminating with first and second turned in edges. First and second mounting fixtures are attached to the photovoltaic solar panels which are of a type and geometry enabling the solar panels to be removably appended to the strut rails. The first and second mounting fixtures can be applied to the photovoltaic solar panels before being elevated to a roof.
US08464468B2
A drive unit for a door includes a guiding device comprising guide rail and a guide element extending in a movement direction of the door. A drive device arranged inside a carriage moves back and forth along the guide rail and is engaged in the guide element. The drive unit is supplied with power via the guide rail and the guide element. Electrical plug connectors are provided on an external power source for the electrical connection of the guide element and the guide rail.
US08464466B1
A counterbalance system for a window assembly having a window sash that moves in a guide track. The counterbalance system has a first stop mounted in the guide track. A spring housing is placed in the guide track above the first stop. The spring housing holds the counterbalance spring that provides the counterbalance force. The spring housing is free to move along the guide track above the first stop. The spring housing is incapable of passing the first stop and traveling below the first stop. A brake shoe is positioned in the guide track. The counterbalance spring has a free end that extends from the spring housing to the brake shoe. The brake shoe is capable of moving in the guide track past the first stop. In this manner, the brake shoe can be raised above the first stop.
US08464464B2
An edging guide may include an anchor and a retailer that may be rotatably mounted to the anchor. The anchor may be buried in the ground during use and may include a post portion and a support portion. The retailer may be rotatably mounted to the support of the anchor and may function to secure hold one or more lengths of edging material.
US08464463B1
A plant screening apparatus is provided for preventing pest damage to a plant while permitting access to light, water and nutrients. The plant screening apparatus includes a base member for positioning on a support surface. The base member has a central opening for positioning the base member around a plant. A screen is coupled to the base member and a support assembly is coupled to the base member. The screen is supported by the support assembly such that the screen is positioned to enclose an interior space designed for containing the plant.
US08464460B1
A trailer mounted shooting bench with a storage container and a detachable target apparatus provides a portable shooting station which is placed in a safe shooting area, with the target apparatus detached from the shooting bench and placed in a selected location prior to the placement of the shooting bench at a selected shooting location. The trailer mounted shooting bench and storage container may also be used while hunting, with the target apparatus remaining attached or set aside. The shooting bench has a storage container built within and upon which the shooting platform is hingeably attached, the shooting bench having one or more seats available for a right handed or left handed shooter to sit while the shooting platform provides a flat level surface, including an arm rest, for a shooter to position themself while shooting at the target apparatus. The storage compartment provides transport storage for firearms, target accessories, ammunition, camping supplies.
US08464436B2
A tape measure with a utensil holding device for holding a variety of elongated utensils for cutting, scoring, marking and scribing incorporating a quick release clamping cam and a threaded adjustment means with a substantially forceful tape brake utilizing a lever and cams to securely lock the tape at a specified measurement. The utensil holding device and tape brake are so configured as to be assembled with the parts on either side of the tape measure to accommodate individual preferences; the utensil being available on one side of the tape or the other; the tape brake lever on either side of the tape measure housing.
US08464434B1
A method and apparatus for measuring diameters of holes and countersinks. A tip of a countersink measurement system may be moved to engage a countersink for a hole. A diameter of the countersink may be measured in response to the tip of the countersink measurement system engaging the countersink. A probe may be moved through the tip of the countersink measurement system into a channel for the hole, while the tip is engaged with the countersink. A number of diameters for the channel may be measured as the probe moves in the hole.
US08464433B1
A human-portable MEMS azimuth sensing unit and method that determines the azimuth of a target. There is a spinning support structure, with at least a gyroscope carried by the support structure. The gyroscope has an input axis and an output signal. There is an angle resolver that measures the spin angle of the support structure relative to a reference direction and that has an output signal. Circuitry determines the target azimuth based on the phase difference between the output signals of the gyroscope and the angle resolver. The phase difference can be based on the time between zero crossings of the sinusoidal gyro and angle resolver signals. An accelerometer can also be carried by the support structure, in which case its output can be used to level the unit.