US08535579B2
A method for the production of spherical combustible or fertile material particles from an oxide of the group of the heavy metals uranium, plutonium, or mixtures thereof. For this purpose, the process steps of producing a base solution of the nitrates of the heavy metal(s), adding at least one first reagent in order to adjust the viscosity of the solution, dropping the solution to form microspheres, at least superficially solidifying the microspheres in an atmosphere containing ammonia, collecting the microspheres in a solution containing ammonia, and subsequent washing, drying and thermal treatment are carried out, where at least one of urea, ammonium carbonate, ammonium hydrogen carbonate, ammonium cyanate, and biuret are added to the base solution before adding the first reagent. The solution thus prepared is heated to a temperature T where 80° C.≦T
US08535576B2
Inorganic nanoparticles having a refractive index of at least 1.60 wherein the nanoparticles are surface modified with a surface treatment comprising a compound comprising a carboxylic acid end group and a C3-C8 ester repeat unit.
US08535575B2
A current-voltage non-linear resistor (10) comprises a sintered body (20) of a mixture whose chief constituent is zinc oxide and including as auxiliary constituents at least bismuth (Bi), antimony (Sb), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni). Also, the average grain size of the mixture is no more than 0.4 μm; and the average grain size of the zinc oxide grains in the sintered body (20) is no more than 7.5 μm and the standard deviation based on the grain size distribution of zinc oxide grains in the sintered body (20) is no more than 15% of the average grain size of the zinc oxide grains.
US08535571B2
Water-soluble electrically conductive polymers and a composition comprising such polymers are provided. Also, an electrically conductive layer or film formed from the composition, and articles comprising the electrically conductive layer or film are provided. The electrically conductive polymers according to the present disclosure have one or more hydrophilic side chains. Hydrophilic side chains are covalently bonded to the conductive polymers, which allow the polymer to be stable at high temperature. Thus, the stability of electrical conductivity is prolonged. Depending on the concentration of hydrophilic side chains, the conductivity may be changed. The hydrophilic side chains provide a successful way to fabricate a ductile film exhibiting tunable conductivity. Furthermore, high levels of surface-resistance uniformity can be achieved in the field of coating technology that uses eco-friendly water-based solvents to uniformly and quickly coat the conductive polymer on to plastic film surfaces.
US08535568B2
A composition with one or more tetrahydrobenzotriazoles and one or more one or more tetrahydrobenzotriazole activating solvents, wherein the tetrahydrobenzotriazoles are solubilized in the activating solvents in an amount effective to inhibit corrosion of a metal or metal alloy which is corrodible in the presence of copper or copper corroding agents. Also, a method of using this composition to inhibit corrosion of a metal component which has a metal or metal alloy which is corrodible in the presence of copper or copper corroding agents.
US08535560B2
The invention is directed to an ionic liquid comprising (i) a cationic portion containing a complex of a silver (I) ion and one or more neutral ligands selected from organoamides, organoamines, olefins, and organonitriles, and (ii) an anionic portion having the chemical formula wherein m and n are independently 0 or an integer of 1 or above, and p is 0 or 1, provided that when p is 0, the group —N—SO2—(CF2)nCF3 subtended by p is replaced with an oxide atom connected to the shown sulfur atom. The invention is also directed to a method for separating an olefin from an olefin-paraffin mixture by passing the mixture through a layer of the ionic liquid described above.
US08535556B2
The present invention relates to compositions comprising iodotrifluoromethane and an effective amount of at least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of hindered phenols, thiophosphates, butylated triphenylphosphorothionates, organo phosphates, phosphites, aryl alkyl ethers, terpenes, terpenoids, epoxides, fluorinated epoxides, oxetanes, ascorbic acid, thiols, lactones, thioethers, amines, nitromethane, alkylsilanes, benzophenone derivatives, aryl sulfides, divinyl terephalic acid, diphenyl terephalic acid, ionic liquids, and mixtures thereof. These stabilized iodotrifluoromethane compositions may be useful as working fluids in multiple applications including cooling apparatus, such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, chillers, and heat pumps.
US08535552B2
A method for evaluating center segregation of a continuous cast slab is provided. The method of the present invention includes (A) creating a center segregation image of a slab using an etching solution comprising a picric acid (C6H3N3O7), a cupric chloride (CuCl2), sodium laurylbenzenesulfonate (C18H29SO3Na) and the remainder of distilled water; and (B) evaluating the center segregation of a slab by scanning the image and applying the following Formula. The method creates an image of center segregation even for low-carbon steel having carbon (C) in an amount of 0.04 wt % or less as well as ultra low-sulfur steel having sulfur (S) in an amount of 50 ppm or less.
US08535549B2
A method for forming a stair-step structure in a substrate is provided. An organic mask is formed over the substrate. A hardmask with a top layer and sidewall layer is formed over the organic mask. The sidewall layer of the hard mask is removed while leaving the top layer of the hardmask. The organic mask is trimmed. The hardmask is removed. The substrate is etched. The forming the hardmask, removing the sidewall layer, trimming the organic mask, and etching the substrate are repeated a plurality of times.
US08535545B2
A method for fabricating a pellicle of an EUV mask is provided. An insulation layer is formed over a silicon substrate, and a mesh is formed over the insulation layer. A frame exposing a rear surface of the insulation layer is formed by selectively removing a center portion of a rear surface of the silicon substrate. A membrane layer is deposited over the mesh and an exposed top surface of the insulation layer which is adjacent to the mesh. A rear surface of the membrane layer is exposed by selectively removing the portion of the insulation layer which is exposed by the frame.
US08535540B2
A water treatment system is provided that includes a brine tank and a resin tank and a control valve in operative connection with the tanks. The control valve includes a piston that is operative by a first motor to move between different positions to change the flow of water through orifices in the control valve, and a brine valve that is operative by a second motor to open and close the passage between the brine tank and resin tank. The second motor operates the brine valve independently of the operation of the piston by the first motor.
US08535538B1
Embodiments provided herein include methods and apparatuses for purification and recycling of hydrofracture water used in natural gas drilling and production. Embodiments include removal of dissolved solids by precipitation with sodium sulfate and by evaporation using, for example, a multiple effect evaporator.
US08535533B2
The invention provides a bioretention system comprising one or more chambers and a high flow bypass system with top and bottom weirs for water filtration and storm water flow management. The invention also provides methods that are useful for managing storm water flow and inhibiting the flow of pollutants, debris, and other contaminants into drainage systems.
US08535532B2
A method of wastewater treatment is described. The method includes: (i) receiving wastewater produced after anaerobic digestion; (ii) performing a first type of treatment on wastewater to produce wastewater having a first property which is capable of changing; (iii) preventing the first property from changing; (iv) performing a second type of treatment on wastewater; and wherein the first property includes at least one property selected from a group consisting of biochemical oxygen demand (“BOD”) level, dissolved oxygen level, solid content and nutrient level.
US08535529B2
A filter assembly with a replaceable filter element and a reusable filter housing, which incorporates a locking mechanism to ensure that the filter system will not be operated without a filter element installed.
US08535528B1
Oxine ligands placed on styrene base ion exchange resins selectively remove iron and gallium from acidic solutions. After loading, the oxine resin is stripped of the loaded metals and used again for further metal removal. The resins can be used for process streams, acid rock drainages, or any other iron or gallium containing solution.
US08535525B2
A machine is provided with a slot to releasably receive and retain a cartridge in which dialysis is effected. The machine is configured for supplying to the cartridge, at a controlled temperature and rate, sterile water for use in haemodialysis and is operable to maintain, in a sterile condition, residual water contained therein after completion of a haemodialysis treatment.
US08535521B2
A hemofiltration system or method removes unwanted molecules from a flow of blood using cascaded first and second hemofilters. Filtration of the blood in first hemofilter raises hemoconcentration of unwanted protein-bound molecules. Combination of a substitution fluid with outflow from the first hemofilter creates a concentration differential between bound and unbound molecules that frees unwanted molecules from protein bonds. Filtration of the combined fluids in a second hemofilter removes the unwanted free molecules. A second substitution fluid may be added to the twice filtered blood fluid for return to a patient. Removal of inflammatory mediators, apoptotic mediators, and certain electrolytes may be effected, and the removal may be optimized by controlling fluid flows and transmembrane pressures.
US08535502B2
A system and method for recovery of CO2 includes an aqueous capture device having a capture solution. The aqueous capture device is arranged to receive gas and to capture components from the gas including at least CO2. An electrodialysis unit in operative connection with the capture device performs an electrodialysis operation on the capture solution including at least the CO2, wherein a CO2 rich process stream and a regenerated capture solution are generated from the capture solution including at least the CO2. The CO2 rich process stream is a pressurized process stream at a pressure which maintains the CO2 substantially within the CO2 rich process stream, while in the electrodialysis unit. In another alternative, at least the pH of the capture stream is controlled.
US08535501B2
A protective coating is applied to the electrically conductive surface of a reflective coating of a solar mirror by biasing a conductive member having a layer of a malleable electrically conductive material, e.g. a paste, against a portion of the conductive surface while moving an electrodepositable coating composition over the conductive surface. The moving of the electrodepositable coating composition over the conductive surface includes moving the solar mirror through a flow curtain of the electrodepositable coating composition and submerging the solar mirror in a pool of the electrodepositable coating composition. The use of the layer of a malleable electrically conductive material between the conductive member and the conductive surface compensates for irregularities in the conductive surface being contacted during the coating process thereby reducing the current density at the electrical contact area.
US08535497B2
The present invention provides a method of measuring a component in blood, by which an amount of the component can be corrected accurately by measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value of the blood with high accuracy and high reliability and also provides a sensor used in the method. The sensor for measuring a component in blood has a first analysis portion and a second analysis portion. The first analysis portion has a first electrode system (11,12) and a reagent layer (14), and the reagent layer (14) has an oxidoreductase that acts on the component and a mediator. In the first analysis portion, the component in the blood is measured by causing a redox reaction of the component with the oxidoreductase in the presence of the mediator and detecting a redox current caused when a voltage is applied by the first electrode (11,12). The second analysis portion has a working electrode and a counter electrode, and a mediator is provided on the counter electrode but not on the working electrode. In the second analysis portion, a Hct value of the blood is measured by supplying the blood to the electrode system, applying a voltage to cause a current to flow, and detecting a value of the current. Using this Hct value, the amount of the component is corrected.
US08535494B2
Provided is a rotary magnet sputtering apparatus which includes a plasma shielding member and an outer wall connected to the ground and which has a series resonant circuit and a parallel resonant circuit between the plasma shielding member and the outer wall. The series resonant circuit has a very low impedance only at its resonant frequency while the parallel resonant circuit has a very high impedance only at its resonant frequency. With this configuration, the impedance between substrate RF power and the plasma shielding member becomes very high so that it is possible to suppress the generation of plasma between a substrate 10 to be processed and the plasma shielding member. Further, since a series resonant circuit is provided between a target and the ground, the RF power is efficiently supplied only to a region where the substrate passes under the target, so that a self-bias voltage is generated.
US08535491B2
An electrode for an electrochemical machining process is provided. The electrode comprises a curved, electrically conductive member, and an insulating coating covering at least a portion of a side surface of the curved, electrically conductive member. An electrochemical machining assembly is also provided for machining curved holes in a workpiece. The assembly includes at least one curved electrode and a power supply operatively connected to provide a pulsed voltage to the at least one curved electrode and to the workpiece. The assembly further includes a rotational driver operatively connected to move the at least one curved electrode along a curved path within the workpiece. The assembly is configured to remove material from the workpiece upon application of the pulsed voltage to the at least one curved electrode and to the workpiece. An electrochemical machining method is also provided for forming one or more curved holes in an electrically conductive workpiece.
US08535490B2
A new and useful rotatable sputter magnetron assembly is provided, that addresses the issue of uneven wear of the target electrode tube. According to the principles of the present invention, a rotatable sputter magnetron assembly for use in magnetron sputtering target material onto a substrate comprises a. a longitudinally extending tubular shaped target electrode tube having a longitudinal central axis, b. the target electrode tube extending about a magnet bar that is configured to generate a plasma confining magnetic field adjacent the target electrode tube, c. the magnet bar being held substantially stationary within the target electrode tube, and d. the target electrode tube supported for rotation about its longitudinal central axis and for axial movement along its longitudinal central axis, so that wear of the target electrode tube can be controlled by moving the target electrode tube axially during magnetron sputtering of the target material.
US08535489B2
A method for manufacturing ozone ice that is improved for its storage stability is provided. In the method, ice 11 including oxygen gas g2 as gas bubbles b is produced and the produced ice 11 is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation, then the oxygen gas g2 in the ice 11 is ozonized to manufacture ozone ice 1.
US08535482B2
A process is provided for making a fluff pulp sheet, comprising forming a web comprising fluff pulp fibers; and applying at least one debonder surfactant to the web, to make the fluff pulp sheet. A fluff pulp sheet is also provided, comprising a web comprising fluff pulp fibers; at least one debonder surfactant; and a fiberization energy of <145 kJ/kg. Products and uses of the fluff pulp sheet are also provided.
US08535481B2
An embossing system for embossing at least a portion of a web is provided comprising a first embossing roll having male embossing elements, a second embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the first and second embossing rolls define a first nip for receiving the web, and a third embossing roll having male embossing elements, wherein the second and third embossing rolls define a second nip for receiving the web, and wherein at least a substantial portion of the embossing elements of at least one of the first, second, and third embossing rolls are substantially oriented in the cross-machine direction.
US08535480B2
A method for pulp processing includes a cold caustic extraction stage in which the spent cold caustic solution and the spent liquid used to wash the extracted pulp are concentrated by an evaporation system. The concentrated liquid can be used as part of the neutralization and cooking liquor in the pulp process, leading to increased efficiency without significant reduction in pulp quality. Highly concentrated filtrate from the cold caustic extraction stage may help reduce hemicellulose deposition on wood fiber during the cooking step.
US08535473B2
A thermosettable pressure sensitive adhesive tape comprising at least first and second adhesive layers bonded together. Each of the adhesive layers comprises a thermosettable pressure sensitive adhesive, which is the photo-polymerization reaction product of starting materials. The starting materials for each adhesive layer comprises at least a photo-polymerizable acrylic component and a thermosettable epoxy component. The thermosettable pressure sensitive adhesive, used for either of the two adhesive layers, is not black when fully cured without the presence of a black coloring pigment. The first adhesive layer is made from a layer of starting materials that is thin enough to allow substantial photo-polymerization of the starting materials, even with the starting materials containing a sufficient amount of a black coloring pigment to cause the first adhesive to have a black color after the first adhesive is substantially cured. The second adhesive layer is made from a layer of starting materials which has a thickness that would be sufficiently thick to prevent substantial photo-polymerization (e.g., with UV light) of the starting materials, if the starting materials contained enough of a black coloring pigment to cause the second adhesive to have a black color after the second adhesive is cured.
US08535471B2
The present invention relates to a door skin comprising an exterior surface having outer portions lying on a first plane, spaced grooves recessed from the plane of the outer portions, and tonal portions having a planar area and a plurality of spaced depressions recessed from the plane of said planar area. The present invention is also directed to a method of etching a plate, for use with a molded die set, for embossing a wood grain pattern in the door skin, and the etched plate formed therefrom.
US08535463B2
An uncured acoustic absorbing member (1, 31) for cavity sealing comprises a thermally inert carrier (8, 38) and a thermally expandable material (6, 40) applied to the carrier. The carrier (8, 38) contains openings (3, 33) which become covered when the thermally expandable material is expanded to seal the cavity. The acoustic absorbing members (1, 31) are particularly useful for sealing automotive cavities to provide acoustical abatement and to prevent the entry of fluids into the cavity.
US08535458B2
A steel sheet contains, on a mass percent basis, 0.03%-0.12% C, 0.5% or less Si, 0.8%-1.8% Mn, 0.030% or less P, 0.01% or less S, 0.005%-0.1% Al, 0.01% or less N, 0.035%-0.100% Ti, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities and has microstructures with a fraction of polygonal ferrite of 80% or more, the polygonal ferrite having an average grain size of 5 to 10 μm. The amount of Ti present in a precipitate having a size of less than 20 nm is 70% or more of the value of Ti* calculated using expression (1): Ti*=[Ti]−48×[N]/14 (1) where [Ti] and [N] represent a Ti content (percent by mass) and a N content percent by mass), respectively, of the steel sheet.
US08535455B2
A treatment solution for an insulation coating for a grain oriented electrical steel sheet includes at least one member selected from phosphates of Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr, Zn, Al, and Mn, and colloidal silica in a proportion of 0.5 to 10 mol in terms of SiO2 and at least one member selected from permanganates of Mg, Sr, Zn, Ba, and Ca in a proportion of 0.02 to 2.5 mol in terms of metal elements in the permanganates, relative to PO4:1 mol in the phosphates.
US08535450B2
Formulations comprising (A) at least one compound selected from aminocarboxylates and polyaminocarboxylates, and salts and derivatives thereof, (B) at least one salt of bismuth, and (C) at least one homopolymer or copolymer of ethyleneimine.
US08535448B2
A method of removing a metal protective layer from a surface of a reactor component comprising treating the metal protective layer with one or more chemical removal agents to remove at least a portion of the metal protective layer from the reactor component. A method of removing a metal protective layer from a surface of a reactor component comprising treating the metal protective layer to remove the metal protective layer from the reactor component, and determining a thickness of the reactor component following treatment.
US08535445B2
A wafer carrier used in wafer treatments such as chemical vapor deposition has pockets for holding the wafers and support surfaces for supporting the wafers above the floors of the pockets. The carrier is provided with locks for restraining wafers against upward movement away from the support surfaces. Constraining the wafers against upward movement limits the effect of wafer distortion on the spacing between the wafer and the floor surfaces, and thus limits the effects of wafer distortion on heat transfer. The carrier may include a main portion and minor portions having higher thermal conductivity than the main portion, the minor portions being disposed below the pockets.
US08535442B2
This invention includes a system and a method for growing crystals including a batch auto-feeding mechanism. The proposed system and method provide a minimization of compositional segregation effect during crystal growth by controlling growth rate involving a high-temperature flow control system operable in an open and a closed loop crystal growth process. The ability to control the growth rate without corresponding loss of volatilize-able elements enables significantly improvement in compositional homogeneity and a consequent increase in crystal yield. This growth system and method can be operated in production scale, simultaneously for a plurality of growth crucibles to further the reduction of manufacturing costs, particularly for the crystal materials of binary or ternary systems with volatile components, such as Lead (Pb) and Indium (In).
US08535429B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the treat en of process gas from an anaerobic digestion system or a landfill gas system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a caustic scrubber including a vertical column having a top and a bottom and including a counter current flow system, wherein a process gas stream flows up vertically through the column in counter current flow to a caustic liquid solution that flows downward through the column. The caustic liquid solution removes at least one acid from the process gas stream, wherein treated gas that is substantially free of acids bubbles out through an opening at the top of the vertical column.
US08535427B2
A CO2 recovery system includes an absorption tower and a regeneration tower. CO2 rich solution is produced in the absorption tower by absorbing CO2 from CO2-containing gas. The CO2 rich solution is conveyed to the regeneration tower where lean solution is produced from the rich solution by removing CO2. A regeneration heater heats lean solution that accumulates near a bottom portion of the regeneration tower with saturated steam thereby producing steam condensate from the saturated steam. A steam-condensate heat exchanger heats the rich solution conveyed from the absorption tower to the regeneration tower with the steam condensate.
US08535415B2
A process and system for recovering valuable by-products (e.g., hydrogen) from refinery gas streams. For hydrogen-only recovery, the invention comprises a partial condensation step to upgrade the refinery fuel gas to a minimum of 60% hydrogen, which is further purified in a pressure swing adsorption process. When configured to recover hydrogen, methane-rich gas and raw LPG (methane depleted gas containing C2 hydrocarbons and heavier), the invention comprises two partial condensation steps where the feed is cooled in the first step to allow separation of ethane and heavier hydrocarbons, and the resulting vapor is cooled to a lower temperature in a second step for hydrogen recovery.
US08535414B2
The present invention discloses the improvements to a vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) process used for Xe recovery. By only collecting the recovered gas mixture after the initial evacuation of N2 from the adsorbent vessel and void space, the recovered Xe is not diluted by N2 contained in the adsorbent vessel and void space. The concentration of the recovered Xe can by increased (high purity), simultaneously little Xenon is lost. During the initial evacuation of N2, the vessel has been evacuated to a pressure less than 1 atmospheric pressure, for example, from 100 to 1 torr.
US08535412B2
The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM <9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity.
US08535392B2
This invention relates to solid forms of polymeric colorants and the methods and processes for manufacturing the solid colorants. These solid polymeric colorants may be provided in the form of a free-flowing powder and may be useful for coloring solid pucks, tablets, powder detergents, soaps, fertilizers, personal care products, adhesives, sealants, thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, and the like.
US08535387B2
A method for preparing a femoral neck for receiving a neck implant includes obtaining image data of a proximal femoral bone and femoral neck of a patient by a medical imaging method and constructing a three-dimensional image model of the proximal femoral bone and neck of the patient using the image data. The method further includes identifying a three-dimensional cortical boundary surface at an interface between cortical and cancellous bone of the patient using the image model. A patient-specific broach having a three-dimensional cutting surface closely matching and complementary to the cortical boundary surface of the patient using the image model is designed and manufactured.
US08535385B2
A prosthetic system that includes a prosthetic implant and a support structure secured to an inner surface of the cavity in the end of the bone is disclosed. The support structure defines a channel that extends through the length of the support structure. The prosthetic implant is received in the channel, and a portion of the prosthetic implant is secured to an inner surface of the channel by an adhesive. The stem of the prosthesis beyond the channel may be cemented or uncemented. The support structure may have an approximately funnel shape. The support structure may be a hollow porous cylindrical sleeve. The support structure may comprise a pair of partially hemispherical components arranged in spaced apart relationship thereby defining a channel between the pair of components. The support structure may comprise a plurality of pedestals secured to the inner surface of the cavity of the bone.
US08535384B2
An acetabular shell can include a substrate and a screw hole cover. The substrate can define a screw hole configured to receive a screw to fix the substrate to bone. The screw hole cover is formed separate from the substrate and attached to the substrate to cover the screw hole, and configured to be ruptured.
US08535383B2
A kit for a prosthesis system includes a plurality of first components, each of the plurality of first components for replacing one of a plurality of first surface portions of a bone, a second component for replacing a second surface portion of the bone and a resilient connector for connecting at least one of the plurality of first components to the second component. In accordance with one method, components from a prosthesis system kit used to replace adjacent portions of a bone surface are assembled ex vivo.
US08535379B2
An artificial replacement disc includes a pair of substantially parallel plates formed to occupy a space defined by vertebral endplates, each of the plates including a plurality of spikes on a first surface and a concave trough formed on a second surface opposite of the first surface. A mobile core includes a core rim with opposing convex surfaces extending from opposite sides of the core rim, the mobile core being capable of being disposed between the pair of plates to permit the vertebral endplates to move relative to one another. The spikes on each of the plates extend substantially away from the mobile core and the convex surfaces are formed to integrally fit within the concave trough of at least one of the plates. The core rim limits lateral movement of the mobile core relative to the parallel plates. One or more insertion tools for inserting and implanting the replacement disc are also described.
US08535378B2
A spinal fusion interbody spacer device has a solid central core positioned between laterally opening opposed concave side surfaces. The device includes spaced apart superior and inferior abutment surfaces which are convexly arced. The spacer device is implanted between a pair of adjacent vertebrae by insertion in a tipped-over orientation and then reoriented to an upright orientation for engagement of the abutment surfaces by facing surfaces of the vertebrae.
US08535372B1
Stents and methods of fabricating stents with prohealing layers and drug-polymer layers are disclosed.
US08535369B2
A prosthesis delivery and deployment device includes an elongate and flexible outer catheter. The outer catheter has a tubular wall of layered construction, including translucent layers, opaque layers, and a braid composed of helically wound metal filaments. The outer catheter has a translucent distal adapted to constrain a radially self-expanding prosthesis in a radially reduced, axially elongated state. Because the stent constraining region is translucent, an endoscope can be used to visually monitor the stent when so constrained. Radiopaque markers can be mounted to the outer catheter and to an inner catheter used to deploy the prosthesis, to afford a combined visual and fluoroscopic monitoring for enhanced accuracy in positioning the prosthesis, both before and during its deployment.
US08535366B2
The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a delivery system and novel handle configuration for the delivery system that facilitates repeatable placement of implantable devices. In particular, in optical embodiments, the handle allows for the reversible coupling of scopes directly to the handle to enhance physician control during placement. The delivery system also allows for one-handed manipulation as finger action can be used to engage and disengage the scope as well as actuate the extent of implantable device deployment. Exemplary delivery systems are flexible, durable and/or assure proper installation of one or more implantable devices in a single procedure. Moreover, the preferred embodiments of the delivery system provides for the reloading of the delivery device with additional implantable devices for additional interventional procedures, resulting in a substantially reusable delivery device.
US08535360B2
Systems and methods treat superficial venous malformations, such as spider veins. The systems and methods distribute a light-reactive agent, e.g., verteporfin, at or near an inner wall of a vein. The systems and methods activate the light-reactive agent by applying non-thermal light energy at a wavelength that activates the light-reactive agent to cause localize injury to the inner wall of the vein.
US08535352B2
A spinal alignment system for interconnecting vertebral bodies is disclosed. The system includes a bone screw polyaxially connected to a seat. The seat includes a top opening, a first rod receiving portion and a second rod receiving portion, a first rod channel and a second rod channel. The system is implanted into a first vertebral body. A first rod is introduced to the seat through the top opening in a first orientation and connected to the first rod receiving portion. A second rod is introduced to the seat through the top opening in a first orientation and connected to the second rod receiving portion. The first and second rods are each moved into a second orientation such that the rods project through the first and second rod channels, respectively. The rods are capable of polyaxial movement with respect to the seat for landing the opposite ends of the rods in adjacent seats of screw systems implanted in other vertebral bodies. A closure mechanism that is configured to lock the polyaxial motion of the rods with respect to the seat and to lock the polyaxial motion of the bone screw with respect to the seat simultaneously or independently is provided. The seat is connectable to a cannula for delivering the first and second rods into the first seat in a percutaneous, minimally invasive procedure.
US08535350B2
A suture anchor comprises a shell and an anchor member. The shell comprises a body having a distal end, a proximal end and sidewalls therebetween defining an axial cannulation therethrough. The anchor member comprises a body having a distal end and a proximal end which is sized to fit within the cannulation. The sidewalls define a lateral cut-out such that with the anchor member received within the cannulation a first lateral portion of the anchor member is exposed laterally and a second, laterally opposite, lateral portion of the anchor member is enclosed by the sidewalls. A friction enhancement on the first lateral portion frictionally engages a bone surface when the suture anchor is disposed within a bone tunnel defined by the bone surface. Suture is trapped between the shell and the anchor and also between the anchor and the bone surface.
US08535349B2
This invention provides, in certain aspects, unique devices and methods for treating fistulae. In one embodiment, an inventive device includes an elongate graft body having a proximal end and a distal end. The graft body is configurable to a first condition and a second condition, the second condition including the distal end deflected laterally relative to its position in the first condition of the body. The device also includes a tether, which is connected to the graft body, and is configured to traverse proximally along the body. The tether is manipulable to convert the graft body from the first condition to the second condition. Such a device may also include one or more additional tethers connected to the graft body. For instance, a second tether can be configured to extend distally from the distal end of the graft body, and may be effective in pulling the graft body along a fistula tract.
US08535340B2
An ultrasonic surgical instrument is presented including an ultrasonic transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end, and a handle member located at the proximal end of the transmission member. The ultrasonic surgical instrument also includes an end effector assembly located at the distal end of the transmission member. The end effector assembly includes a sensing mechanism for sensing load variations on tissue based on mechanical vibrations detected on one or more portions of the surgical instrument, the mechanical vibrations sensed by a laser interferometer.
US08535336B2
The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for Nested Cannula configuration. Nested Cannula systems include a plurality of telescoping, pre-shaped tubes configured and dimensioned to reach target locations within a particular anatomical region. A three dimensional image is read for the particular anatomical region and structure in question. A series of arcs are generated between a point of the anatomical region and a target location, ensuring collision-free motion for each of the tubes at each specific diameter. The target location is determined based upon the medical procedure being performed and the location and orientation in six degrees of freedom of the anatomical structure in question. The series of arcs are used to configure and dimension the plurality of tubes. The Nested Cannula system is adapted to reach relatively small and complex target locations, such as to deliver photodynamic therapy, balloon angioplasty or BronchoAlveolar Lavage.
US08535323B2
A hand held instrument is provided in one embodiment in a kit for use in positioning a constraining ring of an acetabular liner system and includes a shaft including a first coupling member, and a plurality of heads, each of the plurality of heads including (i) a base configured to couple with the first coupling member and (ii) a pair of resilient gripper arms, each of the pair of resilient gripper arms defining a constraining ring reception area having a size different from the constraining ring reception area defined by the pair of gripper arms of each of the other of the plurality of heads.
US08535316B2
A reamer for medical applications includes an elongated shaft portion and a disposable hollow cutter assembly. The shaft portion's distal end has a coupling portion appointed for attachment to a drilling device, and the proximal end has a threaded portion. The cutter assembly includes a disposable hollow cutter sleeve and a pilot tip. The cutter sleeve has an outer surface and a hollow construction, and is preferably appointed for a single use. In addition, the disposable cutter sleeve portion has a plurality of cutting teeth and a plurality of apertures on the outer surface. The pilot tip has a threaded inner surface and is attached to the disposable cutter sleeve. The cutter assembly is adapted to slide over the proximal end of the shaft portion, thereby enabling the pilot tip to be threaded with the threaded portion of the proximal end of the shaft portion.
US08535310B2
A medical sphincterotome and a method of its use are described. The sphincterotome has structural elements that are capable of directing a wire guide through a selected body passageway. One structural element includes a distal port and deflection member that can deflect the wire guide into the desired passageway. Another structural element includes an offset nose-shaped end that can bend towards a passageway desired to be blocked. The wire guide is prevented from entering the blocked passageway, thereby enabling the wire guide to cannulate the desired passageway. The sphincterotome also includes a cutting wire to access a patient's sphincter and perform various other medical procedures.
US08535305B2
Apparatus and methods for insulating tissue during therapeutic procedures.
US08535302B2
An tissue interface module has an applicator chamber on a proximal side of the tissue interface module and a tissue acquisition chamber on a distal side of the tissue interface module. The applicator chamber may include: an opening adapted to receive the applicator; an attachment mechanism positioned in the applicator chamber and adapted to attach the tissue interface module to the applicator; a sealing member positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber; and a vacuum interface positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum inlet positioned on a distal end of the applicator. The invention also includes corresponding methods.
US08535301B2
The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.
US08535290B2
Clot disruption and dissolution are achieved using a catheter having the ability to infuse a thrombolytic agent, aspirate clot and fluid, and allow passage of a guidewire. Optionally, the catheter may also include a mechanical agitator for further disrupt clot in the presence of the thrombolytic agent. A flow resistor in the catheter provides for infusion and/or aspiration to be concentrated primarily at a clot treatment area in a blood vessel while also providing optional infusion and/or aspiration distal to the treatment area. In some embodiments, infusion, aspiration and guidewire passage occur through a common lumen. The thrombolytic agent, such as tPA, streptokinase, or urokinase, is directly released into the clot at the point where the agitator is engaging the clot. In this way, the thrombolytic activity of the agent is enhanced and the dissolution of the clot is improved.
US08535289B1
Vial attachment pliers that include a handle; a static arm that includes a recessed vial adapter slot and extends from the handle such that the longitudinal axis of the static arm is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle; a guide rod that extends from the static arm such that the longitudinal axis of the guide rod is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the static arm; a dynamic arm having a vial slot that is slidably attached to the guide rod; a lever pivotably attached to the handle; and a connector bar connecting the lever to the dynamic arm, such that as the lever pivots relative to the handle, the dynamic arm is urged to slide along the guide rod.
US08535284B2
The drainage pump unit according to the invention for aspirating body fluids by means of a suction pump comprises a drainage pump device with a pump housing (4) for receiving the suction pump, and a fluid collection container (5) that can be secured releasably on the pump housing (4). The drainage pump unit also comprises a pump-side attachment part (2) which has a connection element for connection to a patient-side drainage tube (10). The attachment part (2) is held releasably on the pump housing (4), and it has a connector piece (20) onto which an attachment opening (54) of the fluid collection container (5) can be fitted. Alternatively, the attachment part (2) can have an attachment opening into which a connector piece of the fluid collection container (5) can be inserted. The connection element and the connector piece (20) or attachment opening are connected to each other via a drainage channel (24) extending through the attachment part (2). This drainage pump unit allows the fluid collection container to be replaced without removing the drainage tube and, therefore, without disturbing the patient.
US08535279B2
A Huber needle assembly includes a needle, a safety tube substantially around at least a portion of the needle, and a skin plate at one end of the safety tube. The safety tube is adapted to irretractably extend over the needle.
US08535272B2
A catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a tubular member, and an inner member extending through the tubular member. The inner member is movable axially relative to the tubular member. The catheter also includes a seal member including a first portion and a second portion. The seal member extends between the tubular member and the inner member. The first portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the tubular member, and the second portion of the seal member remains stationary relative to the inner member during relative axial movement between the tubular member and the inner member.
US08535271B2
The present disclosure is directed to a catheter insertion device, which has a catheter hub at the proximal end of a catheter, a tubular needle hub, at which a hollow needle is fixed and extends through the catheter hub and the catheter in a ready position such that the needle tip projects over the distal end of the catheter, a protective barrel which is received in the tubular needle hub in the ready position and is releasably connected to the catheter hub, and a pressure spring arranged between the needle hub and the protective barrel and which displaces the needle hub and the protective barrel apart from each other in an axial direction, wherein a manually operable holding member is provided between the needle hub and the protective barrel, and holds the needle hub in the ready position at the protective barrel against the bias of the pressure spring, so that after the holding member is released, the pressure spring moves the needle hub into a protective position in relation to the protective barrel, in which position the needle is positioned in the protective barrel.
US08535268B2
Devices, systems, and associated methods that facilitate the injection and/or aspiration of precisely controlled volumes of fluids at precisely controlled rates are provided. In some implementations, an apparatus may include a syringe and a lead screw connected to a plunger of the syringe. A ratchet gear may be connected to the lead screw. A mechanism may also be included to oscillate a frame in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the lead screw such that one or more pawls of the frame engage the teeth of the ratchet gear in a manner that results in rotation of the ratchet gear in a single direction for controlled linear displacement of the plunger.
US08535267B2
A retractable needle syringe having a segmented retaining ledge at the distal end of the syringe barrel. The retaining ledge has uniformly spaced members configured to enable the retaining ring to break from the needle stem with a reduced plunger engagement force, which provides an improved tactile feeling of the syringe plunger and comfort of use. The segmented retaining ledge also makes it easier to install the needle stem and retaining ring in the barrel distal end, such that it snaps into place therepast with less axial force.
US08535261B2
A system for administering a therapeutic agent to a subject; for administering a first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject at least substantially concurrent with the therapeutic agent, the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile; and for administering a second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant to the subject with the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant, the second pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant having a pharmacokinetic profile different from the pharmacokinetic profile of the first pharmaceutically-acceptable taggant.
US08535259B2
Methods are provided for biliary diversion. In one embodiment, a tubular member can be implanted within a patient by positioning a proximal end of the tubular member in the patient's gall bladder, positioning a distal end of the tubular member in the patient's intestine, and positioning a length of the tubular member extending between the proximal and ends thereof within the patient's stomach. Bile can therefore be allowed to pass from the gall bladder into the tubular member's proximal end, flow through the tubular member, and exit through the tubular member's distal end to enter the patient's gastrointestinal tract at the intestine.
US08535255B2
A device for stabilizing a limb, typically when the limb is in a therapeutic boot. A wedge-shaped stabilization block includes an outwardly-extending tether. A fastener in the form of spaced fastener elements is located on the tether for securing the stabilization block in place.
US08535250B2
During shock wave therapy, a determination is made that a kidney stone has begun to fracture, and then a progress of its fragmentation is assessed. This determination can reduce the number of shock waves used to disintegrate kidney stones, and thereby reduce dose-dependent tissue damage. The identification of fracture is possible through the detection and analysis of resonant acoustic scattering, which is the radiation caused by reverberations within a stone particle that is struck by a shock wave. The scattering frequency can provide both an indication that the kidney stone has fragmented, and an indication of the relative sizes of the fragments. Related concepts employ displacement measurements of kidney stones/fragments to provide both an indication that the kidney stone has fragmented, and an indication of the relative sizes of the fragments. Such techniques can be combined with vibro-acoustography based gating that better targets the stone.
US08535247B2
According to some exemplary embodiments, a method or system can involve associating a plurality of biokinetographic comparison results with a first specific dysfunction from a group of specific dysfunctions, each of the biokinetographic comparison results obtained from a comparison of a biokinetographic value to a standard for a corresponding biokinetographic variable.
US08535243B2
Medical devices and methods for making and using the same. An example medical device may include a metallic tubular member including a tube wall defining an inner diameter and having a wall thickness. The tubular member may have a plurality of slots formed therein. The tubular member may also include first portion having a first length. The tube wall may have a substantially constant wall thickness across the first length. The tubular member may also include a second portion having a second length. The tube wall may thin so that the inner diameter increases across the second length.
US08535240B2
A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle.
US08535237B2
Described herein are devices, systems, kits and methods for continuously measuring intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) from a patient catheterized with a urinary catheter system Devices may include a lumen configured to connect to a pressure transducer, and a compensation chamber in fluid communication with the lumen and a urinary catheter.
US08535236B2
An apparatus for analyzing a sound signal is based on an ear model for deriving, for a number of inner hair cells, an estimate for a time-varying concentration of transmitter substance inside a cleft between an inner hair cell and an associated auditory nerve from the sound signal so that an estimated inner hair cell cleft contents map over time is obtained. This map is analyzed by means of a pitch analyzer to obtain a pitch line over time, the pitch line indicating a pitch of the sound signal for respective time instants. A rhythm analyzer is operative for analyzing envelopes of estimates for selected inner hair cells, the inner hair cells being selected in accordance with the pitch line, so that segmentation instants are obtained, wherein a segmentation instant indicates an end of the preceding note or a start of a succeeding note. Thus, a human-related and reliable sound signal analysis can be obtained.
US08535234B2
An apparatus for measuring a blood volume, includes: a first calculator which calculates a first blood volume by using information on a cardiac output of a subject; and a second calculator which calculates a second blood volume by using information on oxygen metabolism of the subject.
US08535233B2
Adaptive attachments used in combination with a blood pressure cuff enable various blood pressure measurements to be taken in a hospital or other setting having various single and/or dual lumen manual or electronic blood pressure measuring equipment with a single, patient-worn cuff.
US08535230B2
An ultrasound device is provided. The ultrasound device includes an ultrasound transducer to be moved along an object to be examined and a control device that communicates with the ultrasound device, controls the transmit and receive mode of the ultrasound transducer and processes the ultrasound signals received. The ultrasound transducer is arranged on a robotic arm that can be freely moved in space and controlled in terms of its movement.
US08535226B2
The present invention relates a method for assessing in vivo hematotoxicity. The method utilizes differential staining of nucleated and non-nucleated blood cells, and also differential labeling of cells with functional versus dysfunctional mitochondrial membrane potential. Quantitative analyses can be conducted on stained whole blood specimens, and is based on blood cells' fluorescent emission and light scatter properties following exposure to an excitatory light source. The ratio of certain cell populations can be readily measured. Furthermore, it is also possible to express cell population values in terms of number per unit volume. This invention can be used to evaluate the hematotoxicity of drugs, chemicals, radiation, and other exogenous agents, or the effects that a suspected protective agent may have on induced hematotoxicity. Furthermore, the matrix of measurements provided by this invention is useful in estimating radiation dose, i.e., retrospectively. Kits for practicing the invention are also disclosed.
US08535224B2
An electro diagnostic functional assessment unit (EFA-2) that diagnoses age of and treats soft tissue injuries. The EFA-2 utilizes sensor(s) including EMG, Range of Motion, FCE, pinch and grip, and allows for monitoring of muscles and muscle groups to ascertain compliance, pain and function. The EFA-2 also monitors disc pathology and determines whether a person requires surgery or conservative care and, the age of the disc. Additionally, the EFA-2 monitors EEK activity and NCV, as well as invasive EMG that monitors nerve damage. Previously, with NCV the temperature and the position of electrodes would effect readings and produce false positive or false negative readings. The EFA-2 eliminates these problems by incorporating temperature sensor(s) and electrode placement sensor(s). The EFA-2 also provides direct treatment by means of ultrasound and electrical stimulation. Thus, the EFA-2 allows diagnosis any treatment by means of a single unit.
US08535222B2
Devices and methods for sleep detection involve the use of an adjustable threshold for detecting sleep onset and termination. A method for detecting sleep includes adjusting a sleep threshold associated with a first sleep-related signal using a second sleep-related signal. The first sleep-related signal is compared to the adjusted threshold and sleep is detected based on the comparison. The sleep-related signals may be derived from implantable or external sensors. Additional sleep-related signals may be used to confirm the sleep condition. A sleep detector device implementing a sleep detection method may be a component of an implantable pulse generator such as a pacemaker or defibrillator.
US08535220B2
A laparoscope lens cleaning system includes a housing that is configured to be connected to existing laparoscopes. The housing forms a lumen which carries a tube for dispensing cleaning solution. An extension system enables the tubing to be extended beyond the end of the laparoscope such that a hole or a plurality of holes in the extended tube end enables the dispensing of cleaning solution on the lens without requiring removal of the laparoscope from the patient. A pumping system is connected to the other end of the tubing and provides a cleaning solution reservoir and means for selectively dispensing the cleaning solution when required by the surgeon.
US08535219B2
A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.
US08535216B2
Systems, method, and devices related to surgically implantable supportive slings are presented herein. More specifically, in various embodiments, the systems, devices and methods relate to a surgically implantable supportive sling adapted to anchor in patient tissue.
US08535215B2
In an implantable heart monitoring device and method, particularly for monitoring diastolic dysfunction, a control circuit (a) detects the heart rate, (b) derives information correlated to the stroke volume of the heart at the detected heart rate, and (c) stores the detected heart rate and the derived information correlated to the stroke volume in a memory. The control circuit automatically implements (a), (b) and (c) at a number of different occasions for a number of different, naturally varying heart rates, so that the memory contains information indicating the stroke volume as a function of the heart rate.
US08535214B2
Provided is a modular infant care system having a warming therapy device and a peripheral device. The warming therapy device includes a plurality of wheels and a patient support surface having an adjustable height. The peripheral device has at least one wheel and is adapted for releasably engaging the warming therapy device proximate the patient support surface. When the warming therapy device and the peripheral device are engaged to each other, the infant care system is movable as a combined unit. Also provided is a method for transporting a patient using the apparatus.
US08535211B2
A blood pump includes an impeller having a plurality of foldable blades and a cannula having a proximal portion with a fixed diameter, and a distal portion with an expandable diameter. The impeller can reside in the expandable portion of the cannula. The cannula has a collapsed condition for percutaneous delivery to a desired location within the body, and an expanded condition in which the impeller can rotate to pump blood. A flexible drive shaft can extend through the cannula for rotationally driving the impeller within the patient's body.
US08535209B2
A method and apparatus for making a stepped end on a tube of flexible material includes a tube slitting station having a slitting tool with double edge slitting blades penetrating through the tube to provide respective slits beside a first panel and beside a second panel, respectively; a first trimming station trimming a first panel of the tube to a first shortened length, a second trimming station trimming the side gussets to a second length, wherein the second length is longer than the first shortened length of the first panel; and an adhesive applying station applying adhesive on the tube above and below a fold line across the tube, wherein the tube is adapted to be folded along the fold line, and the adhesive material is adapted to form an adhesive to adhesive seal above and below the fold line while the tube is folded to provide a closed stepped end for a bag.
US08535208B2
Tool rack for tools of a coordinate measuring machine, wherein the guiding and retaining surfaces of the tool rack are arranged on two planes offset vertically so as to cause the tool to tilt when it is unhooked. The inventive arrangement allows the mechanical efforts during uncoupling to be reduced appreciably. This reduction is due to the tool tilting and to the residual magnetic force being divided between three retaining point, with a positive effect on the coupling precision and on the tool positioning in the tool rack.
US08535207B2
A bi-directional tensioning apparatus including one or more elongate resilient members, one or more support members, one or more first guide members, and one or more optional second guide members is provided. A method of using the bi-directional tensioning apparatus is also provided.
US08535200B2
A vehicle propulsion system includes an electric machine (EM) configured to generate an unconditioned output. The vehicle propulsion system also includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having an input side and an output side, the input side mechanically coupled to the EM and configured to receive the unconditioned output from the EM and produce a conditioned output on the output side. A fixed-ratio transmission is mechanically coupled to the output side of the CVT and configured to receive the conditioned output from the CVT and produce a reconditioned output.
US08535194B2
A coupling assembly for optionally connecting a driving axle in a motor vehicle having multiple driving axles is disclosed. The coupling assembly comprises an externally controllable friction coupling with a coupling input part and an output part. The input part is rotatingly drivable around an axis of rotation A. A differential drive with an input element and two output elements which are drivingly connected to the input element, are also included. The input element of the differential drive is arranged coaxially relative to the coupling output part and drivably connected to the coupling output part for the purpose of transmitting torque. A driveline assembly having such a coupling assembly is also disclosed.
US08535193B2
A shroud assembly and method for assembling such shroud assembly for a vehicle are disclosed. The shroud may comprise a collar joined to a nose cap. The shroud assembly may comprise the collar, the nose cap, and meshed ring and pinion gears. The collar may define at least one port and the nose cap may define an aperture. These allow lubricating fluid to escape outside of the shroud and thus be removed from the immediate vicinity of the rotating ring and pinion gears.
US08535180B1
Analysis of pitches to determine both their velocity and the location at which they arrive at the batter. The speed of the pitch is adjusted according to an adjustment value whose magnitude is a function of the location of the pitch relative to the batter. For example, high outside pitches would have a different adjustment value than low inside pitches. These adjustment values are calculated to take into account the fact that hitters must swing at different pitches at different times. That is, they must swing at some pitches earlier than others, depending on the location of the pitch. The adjusted speed, or “effective velocity,” of the pitch is thus a function of both the pitch's velocity and its location relative to the batter, making it a more useful metric than velocity or location alone.
US08535177B1
A cavity back iron type club head includes a striking plate having a substantially planar striking surface and a rear surface defining a thickness therebetween. The rear surface defines a striking plate rear cavity region. A perimeter support is coupled to a peripheral portion of the striking plate. The surface area of the striking surface is related to the club head loft angle by the equation SSA≧14.4(L)+2875, where SSA is the surface area of the striking surface in units of square-millimeters and L is the club head loft angle in units of degrees.
US08535171B2
A golf club head consisting of a striking face, a soleplate, a crown, and a skirt connecting the face, the soleplate and the crown. A flange is placed at a selected location on the periphery of the skirt. Incorporated into the flange is a hosel, positioned to be displaced from the club head, for receiving the shaft of the golf club. The area of the skirt covered by the flange has a length versus height ratio.
US08535170B2
Golf club telemetry equipment sends signals to a receiver in a golf round data system. The signals uniquely identify the particular club a player has selected for a stroke and the fact that a stroke has been taken. The club identification can occur either before or during a stroke. Automatic detection of clubs and strokes simplifies round data collection for the player. Club identification before a stroke permits a forecast of the result of the stroke to be presented to then player prior to the stroke. The signals can be either acoustic or electromagnetic.
US08535167B2
A constant velocity joint comprises: a hollow housing having a plurality of axially-extending guide grooves; a tripod having a plurality of trunnions positioned in the guide grooves of the hollow housing; and a roller assembly including an inner roller having a spherical inner face and an outer roller mounted on an outer face of each inner roller, the roller assembly for transmitting a load between the first and second rotating shafts. A cross sectional shape of the trunnion, taken in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trunnion, has a thickness at one or both lateral sides of the trunnion the same as or slightly less than a maximum non-interfering thickness of the trunnion, the maximum non-interfering thickness measured with the inner roller inclined by a predetermined degree relative to the longitudinal axis of the trunnion to assemble the trunnion into the inner roller.
US08535166B1
A stylized support and accessory holder for an electronic game console, having an overall shape of an insect or other animal. The support base raises an electronic game console above the floor to minimize intake of dust and other debris often circulating near the floor of a room. In addition, the base may include one or more fans to improve air circulation within the game console. Recharge stations are provided for controllers. An internal circuit breaker is used to protect multiple accessory outlets on the body of the support base. The support base is designed to be decorative and whimsical, but practical. The base supplies electrical power, cooling air, and recharging power for controllers or accessories, as well as electrical power for accessories. All supplied power is protected by a built-in circuit breaker.
US08535158B2
A system, method and apparatus for a gaming system is provided. The gaming system includes a rewards server and a separate gaming or slot accounting server. The system may further include a separate player tracking server. The system further includes one or more game machines. The game machines may include a base game, rewards tracking module, and a game management module. Further details will be apparent from the description, drawings and claims.
US08535143B2
A gaming machine has a wager-input device for receiving a first wager from a player to play a wagering game having a basic game and a bonus game. A display displays a plurality of symbols located thereon during the basic game. The symbols indicate a randomly-selected outcome selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to the wager. The plurality of outcomes includes a bonus-triggering outcome. A set of available game-enhancement parameters is displayed and the player is provided an option of submitting a second wager to purchase at least one of the set of available game-enhancement parameters. The set of available game-enhancement parameters provides an enhancement selected from the group consisting of: additional bonus-triggering outcomes providing a higher probability of triggering the bonus game, and enhanced awards during the bonus game.
US08535137B2
A method for providing a payout based on a scattered combination of game cards is described. A plurality of hands of cards is displayed, including at least a first hand of cards and a second hand of cards. Each hand of cards includes one or more card positions. In each hand of cards, a card is placed in each of the one or more card positions. Characteristics associated with each card in the each displayed hand of cards are analyzed. A first card in a first card position in the first hand of cards is combined with a second card in the second hand of cards. A determination is made whether a winning combination of cards is formed by at least the first and second cards in the first and second hands of cards. A payout award is provided based on the winning combination of cards.
US08535130B2
A method of providing entertainment including providing a game cell bounded by walls comprising, a first video game console system, a screen that interacts with the video game console system and displays images generated by the video game console system, wherein an inside face of at least one wall is decorated with a theme that corresponds to a game playable on the video game console system, checking for the availability of the cell for use by a player, upon availability of the cell, accepting payment from the player for rental of the cell for a period of time, and providing at least one controller to the player for use in the cell, the controller interacting with the video game console system.
US08535129B2
A straw walker for a combine harvester includes a straw walker grate provided with through-openings for grain to be separated and with driving profiles arranged along the straw walker grate at a mutual distance from one another. The driving profiles extend transversely to the conveying direction and include a first respective profile limb upwardly protruding from the straw walker grate. In order to provide advantageous conveying conditions, the driving profiles also include a second respective profile limb descends in the conveying direction towards the straw walkers grate. The second respective profile limb is provided between the first respective profile limb and the straw walker grate on the breast side of the driving profiles. The breast side of the driving profiles is at the rear of the driving profiles in the conveying direction.
US08535125B2
A feed unit for filling a coin module with coins improved in such a way that a plurality of coin modules can be filled or loaded with just one feed unit. The coin feed unit is a coin drum which is rotatable inside a shell. A coin stock compartment is provided into which coins can be filled via a charge aperture. A dispensing compartment is provided inside the coin drum from which coins can be taken out via the discharge aperture. A passage is arranged in such a way that coins get from the stock compartment into the dispensing compartment as the coin drum rotates around a pivot pin.
US08535114B2
A method for manufacturing an externally circular precursor lens that is processed into a rim-shaped lens includes inputting processing data to specify the shape of the rim-shaped lens, and processing a material block based on the processing data so as to manufacture a precursor lens. An elliptical virtual rim surrounding the precursor lens manufactured at that time is imaginarily set, and is processed based on the processing data up to that range, and, outside the virtual rim, an amount of sag is changed to secure the edge thickness of the precursor lens. This method for manufacturing a precursor lens for a rim-shaped lens reduces an excessive load imposed on a processing tool during processing, allows the precursor lens to be processed into a rim-shaped lens while satisfactorily maintaining its edge thickness without the lack of the edge of the precursor lens, and results in a thin lens.
US08535103B2
In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector comprising an insulative housing having a longitudinal base with a first side and a second side. Extending from the base at the first side is a tongue portion having a first tongue section and a second tongue section, both sections having a first face and a second face. A plurality of passageways are defined on the first faces of both sections. Each of the passageways has a recess located at one end and a plurality of conductive contacts are received in the passageways. Each contact comprises a mating section, a mounting section and a retainer section bridging the mating section to the mounting section whereby the mating section of the contact is free to flex into the recess. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrical connector having a socket extending from the base at the second side.
US08535100B2
An electrical connector (100) to be mounted on an exterior PCB (126) is disclosed. The electrical connector includes an insulating housing (120) having a front face defining a mating port (122) to receive a plug therein; a number of mating contacts (142) received in said insulating housing and extending into said mating port for mating with a plug inserted therein; a first internal PCB (144) having a front face on which said mating contacts are mounted; a second internal PCB (145) with a ferromagnetic core embedded therein and forming an inductance; a number of terminals (149) extending out to be mounted to said exterior PCB. A number of signal channels are formed between the mating contacts (142) and the terminals (149) with the inductance electrically connected therein.
US08535096B1
A cage is provided for a receptacle assembly that includes a receptacle connector. The cage includes a die cast body having side walls that are spaced apart to define an internal compartment of the die cast body therebetween. The die cast body has a front end that is open to the internal compartment of the die cast body. The internal compartment is configured to receive the receptacle connector therein. The internal compartment is configured to receive a pluggable module therein through the front end. An alignment plate is mounted to the die cast body. The alignment plate includes an alignment segment that extends between the side walls to form a bottom wall of the cage. The alignment segment includes an alignment surface that defines a bottom boundary of the internal compartment of the die cast body.
US08535091B2
A fixing apparatus for a connector includes a fixing plate and a fastener. The connector includes a main body, a block protruding from the main body, a connecting portion protruding from the block, and two protrusions respectively extending from opposite sides of the block. The fixing plate defines an opening, two notches communicating with the opening, and a positioning hole. The fastener is mounted to the main body of the connector and includes a slidable shaft. When the connecting portion and the block are extended through the opening, the protrusions are respectively extended through the notches, and the main body engages with a rear surface of the fixing plate. The connector is capable of sliding along the opening, to allow the protrusions to engage with a front surface of the fixing plate, and to allow the shaft to engage in the positioning hole.
US08535081B2
With the solar cell panel connector, first relay connector 5 possesses male type mating component 51 that is mountable-removable to female type mating component 45 of main connector 4 and possesses female type mating component 53 established at the opposite side, and second relay connector 6 possesses male type mating component 61 that is mountable-removable to female type mating component 46 of main connector 4 and possesses male type mating component 63 established at the opposite side. Female type mating component 53 of first relay connector 5 possesses a shape that is mountable-removable to male type mating component 63 of second relay connector 6, and male type mating component 63 of second relay connector 6 possesses as shape that is mountable-removable to female type mating component 53 of first relay connector 5.
US08535077B2
A card edge connector for mating with a corresponding daughter card 200 with a locking notch 201 at a side thereof, comprises: an insulative housing 1, a plurality of contacts 2 assembled to the insulative housing 1 and an ejector 3 and a locking member 4 set on two longitudinal ends of the insulative housing 1. The insulative housing defines a central slot 14 along the longitudinal direction. The locking member 4 is formed with a retention portion 41 and a pair of elastic arms 42 extending upwardly from the retention portion 41 and symmetrically located on two opposite sides of the central slot along a transverse direction perpendicular to longitudinal direction, each elastic arm 42 having a locking portion 321 protruding toward each other for locking with the locking notch 201 of the daughter card 200.
US08535060B2
A system and method is disclosed which detects a specific cognitive-emotional mental state (e.g., passion) in a subject. The system and method utilizes different Internal Personalized Explorer (IPE) stimuli subliminally exposed to the subject on a visual display. Following exposure, the subject performs a target-specific cognitive task and a related behavior (e.g., deciding whether a briefly displayed string of letters is a word or not, and pressing a button to indicate the decision). The decision reaction lime for the behavior is recorded in a computer database. The reaction times are interpreted quantitatively to detect the relative intensity of the specific cognitive-emotional mental state in the subject. A reaction time for a specific individual IPE that is shorter than the mean reaction time for an IPE that does not evoke the emotional state indicates that the specific individual IPE did evoke the emotional state in the subject.
US08535058B1
An oil-free aqueous lecithin composition is suitable as a release agent and lubricant for dental procedures. Layered between a first entity and a second entity during a dental procedure, the composition promotes ready separation of the first entity from the second entity as needed in the procedure.
US08535057B2
A disposable dental filing tool having a handle easy to hold between fingers which arches over and secures at both ends of a thin filing strip. The filing strip can be coated with superfine abrasive material. The filing strip can also be a sharp cutting system along the edge or lateral surface. The strip is fastened between each end of the handle with sufficient tension in the strip to create a rigid filing and grinding surface. The handle is made from formable materials into which a filing strip is inserted. On the outside edge of each vertical arm of the handle is a smooth flattened surface to place fingers to hold the handle.
US08535051B2
A four-way valve for use in a regenerative thermal oxidizer (RTO) assembly for alternating between a first cycle with a gas flowing in a first direction and a second cycle with a gas flowing in a second direction. A partition divides the interior of the housing of the valve into an input zone and an output zone. A pivot shaft rotatable about an axis is disposed in the interior of the housing, and a pair of opposing dampers extend radially outwardly on opposite sides of the pivot shaft. A plurality of ducts are disposed in the housing. Each duct engages one of the input and output apertures and extends into one of the input and output zones for engaging the dampers to restrict the flow of gas during the first and second cycles.
US08535040B2
A plastic film (2) is drawn in a different manner. A plurality of rollers (15a, 15b, 15c) are opposed to a base (14). The rollers are operated by a first drive mechanism (22), and the rollers are moved in the lateral direction of the plastic film. Second drive mechanisms (17a, 17b, 17c) act on the rollers, respectively. On the base, at least one roller is pressed against the plastic film, and at least one roller rolls along the plastic film. The plastic film is drawn by that roller.
US08535037B2
A blow molding machine for producing plastic bottles, particularly PET bottles, including a plurality of blow molding stations, which have assigned thereto valve blocks with control valves and blowing nozzles for introducing or discharging blowing air; and a cleaning-in-place (CIP) system for cleaning the blow molding machine. Since the valve blocks are configured such that they can be included in the CIP process, the system components, such as the blowing nozzle, which are particularly important for the production of PET bottles in terms of hygiene, can be cleaned and sterilized without disassembly.
US08535028B2
A downhole positive displacement motor converts hydraulic fluid pressure into rotational torque. The motor includes a non-helical rotor and stator, and upper and lower valve assemblies each comprising cylindrical rotating and stationary elements which define longitudinal passages. The timing of alignment of the passages creates pressure in power pockets in the stator, rotating the rotor. The rotational torque can be used in any application that may require mechanical force to operate or drive a mechanism created for oil, gas, or water production in a down hole application.
US08535027B2
A hydraulic pump has a rotor and a hollow housing with a main interior chamber. The rotor is rotatably mounted in the main interior chamber. A smaller interior chamber is separated from the main interior chamber such that the smaller interior chamber retains gas therein when the main interior chamber is filled with a liquid.
US08535014B2
A System and Method for Explosion-Proof Pump is provided that includes a component being mated to and sealed against an adjacent component. An embodiment provides that the component is a switch housing having a cavity formed therein. A switch is secured in the cavity and the adjacent component is selected from the group access plate and motor housing.
US08535007B2
A hydraulic lock system includes a spring pack defined between a female spring support and a male spring support, the spring pack includes a multiple of serrated washers, each of which defines an inner diameter which is greater than a diameter of the actuator rod and an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the cylinder.
US08535002B2
An automotive HVAC diffuser connects to a blower and a variable blower control (VBC) module having a plurality of cooling fins. An inlet receives air flow from the blower. An outlet is downstream from the inlet. An enclosed passageway is provided between the inlet and the outlet for forming a diffused air stream at the outlet. The enclosed passageway has a plurality of peripheral walls for guiding the air stream between the inlet and the outlet, including a curved outer peripheral wall corresponding to a region with a tendency for a high flow as a result of centrifugal effects. One of the peripheral walls includes a VBC receptacle formed as a depression into the peripheral wall having a substantially flat mounting surface and a first sloped side at an upstream end of the VBC receptacle to shape a portion of the diffused air stream. The flat mounting surface includes a plurality of cooling fin receiving slots arranged to receive the cooling fins, whereby the cooling fins extend into an interior of the diffused air stream.
US08534998B2
An exemplary centrifugal fan includes a casing defining an air outlet, and an impeller in the casing. An air channel is defined in the casing between a sidewall of the casing and outermost free ends of the impeller. The sidewall includes a first curved section adjoining a second curved section. The first curved section is located at a more upstream portion of the sidewall than the second curved section along a rotation direction of the impeller. The first curved section extends along a part of an Archimedes spiral or a part of a logarithmic spiral. The second curved section is located farther away from the impeller than an imaginary extension line of the first curved section along the Archimedes spiral or the logarithmic spiral. An air guide plate is formed in the casing and extends from the air outlet to an inner region of the air channel.
US08534996B1
A compressor stator vane and rotor blade tip clearance control assembly in which a plurality of stator vane segments each with vanes extending inward are connected to an annular sync ring through eccentric cranks so that circumferential movement of the sync ring will produce radial displacement of the vane segments and control the clearance between the blade tips. An actuator piston is rigidly fixed to the sync ring and forms an actuator chamber with stationary actuator housing. Bleed off pressure from one of the compressor stages is used to move the actuator piston, which moves the sync ring to radially displace the vane segments.
US08534994B2
A turbocharger includes a turbine wheel mounted within a turbine housing and connected to a compressor wheel by a shaft. The turbine housing defines an exhaust gas inlet connected to a divided volute that surrounds the turbine wheel, and an axial bore through which exhaust gas that has passed through the turbine wheel is discharged from the turbine housing. The turbine housing further defines a pair of concentric annular bypass passages surrounding the bore and arranged to allow exhaust gas to bypass the turbine wheel as two separate bypass streams. An annular bypass valve is disposed in the bypass passage. The bypass valve comprises a fixed annular valve seat and a rotary annular valve member arranged coaxially with the valve seat. The valve member is disposed against the valve seat and is rotatable about the axis for selectively varying a degree of alignment between respective orifices in the valve seat and valve member.
US08534993B2
Gas turbine engines and related systems involving blade outer air seals are provided. In this regard, a representative blade outer air seal segment for a set of rotatable blades includes: a blade arrival end; and a blade departure end; each of the blade arrival end and the blade departure end being angularly offset with respect to a longitudinal axis about which the blades rotate.
US08534985B2
A feeding device includes a support mechanism, a movable platform, a driving mechanism, a clutching mechanism, and two or more holding mechanisms. The movable platform is movably connected to the support mechanism, and loads feed trays stacked together. The driving mechanism drives the movable platform to move relative to the support mechanism. The holding mechanisms are fixed on the support mechanism, and switch from a first position to a second position. When the holding mechanisms are positioned in the first position, the holding mechanisms grasp one feed tray adjacent to a feed tray at a top of the feed trays, and the clutching mechanism clutches the feed tray at the top of the feed trays. When the holding mechanisms are positioned in the second position, the holding mechanisms separate from the feed trays.
US08534984B2
A pressware stacking assembly and method for using the same are provided. The stacking assembly may include a stacking surface for supporting a plurality of pressware products and at least one shaped wheel at least partially disposed through the stacking surface. The shaped wheel may include a body having at least three sides disposed about a perimeter thereof and at least one transition section disposed between adjoining sides, wherein each transition section is adapted to lift at least a portion of the pressware products off the stacking surface.
US08534980B2
Disclosed is system configured to place a load in a motor vehicle. The system includes a beam defining a first end configured to receive the load, and a second end configured to receive a counter force to the load; and a base defining a fulcrum for the beam, such that the second end of the beam receives a constraining force from a ceiling of the vehicle, the constraining force thereby acting as the counter force.
US08534978B2
A simplified apparatus is provided to exploit certain unique characteristics of DC winches, whereby two winches may be cooperatively joined to load and unload a light-duty truck. Since the speed and torque are linearly related in a DC motor, it possible to manipulate certain parameters, such as the resistance of the armature and the mechanical leverage applied to the load, to result in a stable dynamic between two oppositely-directed DC-motor winches. The novel concept avoids the need for controls to coordinate the winches, and no installation is required that would otherwise limit the use of the truck for other purposes.
US08534971B2
A plurality of pin legs descends from a pin flange, pin leg through holes and pin acceptance cavities are formed in a bushing flange and bushing leg, leg spreaders are formed in the tip ends of the bushing leg, first locks are formed in the tip ends of the pin legs, for latching on permanent fastening projections of the leg spreaders so as to maintain the pin legs that have been diametrically spread by the leg spreaders in a permanently coupled condition, and second locks are formed at positions different from those of the first locks, for latching on temporary fastening projections in the bushing leg, whereupon the pin leg through holes restrain the diametrical spreading of the pin legs in the radial direction so that the tip ends of the pin legs can be inserted into the attachment holes of the members being attached to.
US08534969B2
A load equalizing pallet apparatus for transporting a concentrated load and for use with load binders comprises a load equalizing base and a plurality of shoes. The base is constructed substantially of wood, has a periphery and, in use, receives said load. The shoes are metal and, in use, are arranged about the periphery of the base and rigidly engaged thereto. Each shoe has a plurality of lugs, the lugs, in use, being engaged by said load binders to couple said load to said pallet.
US08534965B2
A tool is provided for use in at least one of drilling, tapping, back spot facing and counter-boring at least one hole. The tool includes a servo motor cutting device and a gearbox. The servo motor cutting device and gearbox rotate a cutting tool to create the hole. A drill unit skid is adapted to engage a hook fit slot in the case of the dynamoelectric machine and supports the servo motor drill and gearbox.
US08534962B2
Tool for chip removing machining, including a primary tool part and a secondary tool part. The primary tool part includes a primary connecting surface, an opposite surface, a recess that extends from the primary connecting surface toward the opposite surface, and a wall section between a bottom surface of the recess and the opposite surface. The secondary tool part includes a secondary connecting surface, a protuberance that extends from the secondary connecting surface and, in a mounted state, into the recess, the protuberance having an end surface that, in the mounted state, faces the bottom surface of the recess. A fastening element, which, by a contractive force in the mounted state, connects the wall section with the protuberance. The wall section is elastically flexible and, in the mounted state, bent toward the end surface of the protuberance by the contractive force of the fastening element.
US08534961B1
A material blower for blowing materials that includes a base; a material container to hold the materials mounted to the base that is sealed to be pressurized; at least one loading opening in the top of the material container the includes a door to cover and seal the at least one loading opening; a material output chute as part of the bottom of the material container to receive material for distribution; a material exit at one end of the material output chute, the material exit including a distribution hose opening and an air blower connection; at least one anti-clumping bars that rotate inside the material container; an auger within and along the material output chute an air blower connected to the material container, the air blower connected to the material exit; a distribution hose; a power unit connected to the auger, the anti-clumping bars and the air blower.
US08534957B2
A method and system for repairing, replacing or installing an underground pipeline using an appropriate tool head. A coolant, preferably a cryogenic liquid, is injected in front of the tool head to embrittle or otherwise reduce the toughness of the material ahead of the tool head. The method and system of this invention are particularly suitable for use in connection with pipe splitting and pipe bursting, where a pig disposed within the underground pipeline is connected with the appropriate tool head forming a space between the pig and the tool head into which the coolant is introduced. The pipe between the pig and the tool head is embrittled by the coolant, reducing the resistance of a pipe to splitting or bursting which, in turn, reduces the force required for the pig to pull the tool head as the pig is motivated through the pipe.
US08534956B2
A system for use in providing moisture for plants including;a corn based polymer jell in a pressurized container pressurized to a first pressure above atmospheric pressure. A flexible hose connected to the pressurized container and to a manually operated pump, the manually operated pump supplying polymer jell pressurized at a second pressure higher than the first pressure through a rigid tube and out a tip on the tube and into soil.
US08534935B2
A device for synchronizing shutter blades, which are each fastened to a swivel arm which is mounted rotatably on a swivel pin on a circular-ring-shaped blade carrier, is distinguished in that a synchronizing ring disc (1) is arranged concentrically with respect to the blade carrier within a circle connecting the swivel pins (5) and is coupled in a form-fitting manner to each of the swivel arms (3).
US08534929B2
An optical fiber connector includes an optical fiber cable including two optical fibers; and a connector plug connected to opposite ends of the optical fiber cable for electrical connection to an electronic device. The connector plug includes a shell, a photodiode, a laser diode; and an electrical connector for electrical connection to an electronic device. The photodiode, the laser diode and the electrical connector are housed in the metallic shell, the photodiode is optically coupled to a distal end of one corresponding optical fiber and electrically coupled to the electrical connector, the laser diode optically is coupled to a distal end of the other optical fiber and electrically coupled to the electrical connector.
US08534923B2
In a rolling bearing device for a road-wheel including an inner shaft 1 that is provided with, on its outer-side end 10, a flange 4 on which a road-wheel member mounted, and an outer ring 2 disposed around the inner shaft 1, the inner shaft has, on its outer side, a hair-line pattern portion 5 that is formed by turning and that permits the manufacturing attribute of the bearing device to be identified based on the difference in the form of hair lines so formed. This permits the manufacturing attribute of the bearing device to be identified after the bearing device is assembled in a vehicle body. Furthermore, the representation of the manufacturing attribute can be readily implemented during a manufacturing step.
US08534919B2
A system, method and means is provided for withstanding mechanical shock for use with fluid dynamic bearings. A sealing system is provided that withstands 1000 G shock events. In an aspect, a grooved pumping seal employed between a thrust plate and a shield, a thrust plate having spiral grooves, a fluid recirculation passageway, and a reservoir creates an asymmetric pressure gradient. In an aspect, fluid is retained and air is purged utilizing an enlarged fluid reservoir, axial channels and an angled fill hole. In an aspect, a shaft is attached to a top cover supplying radial stiffness, and an enlarged single-sided thrust plate improves dynamic parallelism.
US08534915B2
An imaging apparatus comprising a ring-shaped gantry is provided. The gantry has a rotor arrangement rotating therein and a radiation source as well as at least one radiation detector. The gantry has at least one gantry segment which can be detached from the ring shape to allow the gantry to be opened laterally. The gantry is arranged on a supporting structure so as to be movable in space. The supporting structure is a floor, wall or ceiling mounted articulated-arm robot having at least four, preferably six, degrees of freedom of movement. The gantry has at least two radiation sources disposed offset by an angle on the rotor arrangement and associated with each of which is at least one radiation detector.
US08534912B2
An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one measured variable. The apparatus includes: at least one measuring unit; and at least one securement unit for holding the measuring unit in contact with an object. The securement unit is embodied in such a manner, that the securement unit has at least two stable shape states, wherein, for transition between the at least two states, application of a mechanical force to the securement unit is required.
US08534907B2
A device for accelerating mixing and dissolving processes of liquid water and powder. The device includes a main body formed in a bottle cap shape including a top surface and a side periphery surface, and a shaft disposed at a center of an upper portion of the main body in such a manner as to be inserted into a shaft insertion groove formed at a center of an impeller. The top surface of the main body has two or more introducing portions to introduce the liquid water and the powder into the device, and the side periphery surface of the main body has two or more discharging portions to discharge the liquid water and the powder introduced into the device through the two or more introducing portions to the outside of the device.
US08534900B2
A light guide plate for a backlight comprises a light transmissive medium. The light transmissive medium preferably has two pairs of opposing sides and a top surface. Also provided is a plurality of interleaved regions of elongated light extraction features on the top surface of the light transmissive medium. Each light extraction figure is configured to extract light injected into the light guide plate and into a direction away from the top surface of the light guide plate. Each elongated light extraction feature has a long dimension and a short dimension. The light extraction features in a first set of the regions are arranged with their long dimension orthogonal to the long dimension of the light extraction features in a second set of the regions.
US08534899B2
The present invention discloses a backlight module and its light guide plate module. The light guide plate module comprises a plurality of adjacently arranged light guide plates, each of the light guide plates includes a light emitting surface and at least one light entrance surface, and the light emitting surfaces of the light guide plates are on a same plane. The present invention employs the arrangement of a plurality of modular light guide plates to achieve a large light emitting area. Each of the light guide plates corresponds to an independently controlled light emitting module, respectively, so that the side-light type backlight module can realize local dimming function.
US08534898B2
An electronic device includes a chassis, a circuit board, and a light guide. The chassis includes a rear panel defining an opening. The circuit board is installed in the chassis. A connector is mounted to a rear end of the circuit board aligning with the opening. Two spaced light emitting diodes are mounted at a rear end of the connector. The light guide includes a connecting plate mounted to an outer side of the rear panel, and two light guiding posts extending from a bottom of the connecting plate. Front ends of the light guiding posts extend through the opening of the rear panel and align with the light emitting diodes of the connector, to transmit light generated by the light emitting diodes rearwards and upwards.
US08534887B2
An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head having an electrochromic reflective mirror element. A mirror mount is configured for attaching the interior rearview mirror assembly at an attachment element at an interior surface of a vehicle windshield. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a portion that does not adjust when the driver of the vehicle pivotally adjusts the mirror head to set the rearward field of view of the reflective mirror element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes circuitry, with at least a part of the circuitry accommodated within the mirror head. At least two electrical accessories of the interior rearview mirror assembly share at least one component of the circuitry. The portion includes a CMOS-based camera that, with the interior rearview mirror assembly normally mounted in the vehicle, has a field of view through a windshield of the vehicle.
US08534883B2
The invention relates to a lamp, essentially containing a lamp head, an upright tube, and a stand. These three elements can be connected to each other in a releasable and latchable manner based upon an operable construction. In the assembled state, the three elements form a table lamp or a floor lamp based on dimensions. The lamp head can be removed and thus can be used as a mobile hand lamp. After disassembly, all parts can be accommodated in the stand, which forms a transport case.
US08534878B2
The present invention relates to lighting assemblies and more particularly to light emitting diode (LED) light bulbs comprising a support for one or more LED lenses, which can be used to position and support the lenses within the lamp housing and which facilitate assembly of the light bulbs during manufacturing.
US08534875B1
A solid state lighting device (100) including a heat sink (108) stamped from a single sheet (200). The heat sink (108) features a base portion (111) including a central light module receiving region (114) configured to receive a light module (102), a first set of arms (116) extending generally radially outwardly from a perimeter (P) of the base (111), a first set of transverse members (118) intersecting with the first set of arms (116), a first set of air flow apertures (120) defined by the base portion (111), the arms (116), and the transverse members (118), and a first set of radiating plates (122) having adjacent radiating plates separated by gaps. Each one of the radiating plates (122) is bent outwardly and extends transversely from a front face of a first arm (116) or first transverse member (118).
US08534873B1
A light fixture assembly including an illumination assembly in the form of one or more light emitting diodes is interconnected to an electrical energy source by a conductor assembly and control circuitry. A mounting assembly supports the illumination assembly and a cover structure is disposed in heat transferring relation to the mounting assembly, wherein both the mounting assembly and the cover structure are formed of heat conductive material, thereby effectively dissipating the heat generated by the LED illumination assembly. The conductor assembly, comprising at least one electrically conductive material connector, mechanically interconnects components, including the illumination source and the mounting assembly, into an assembled orientation. A non-conductive insulation assembly or a predetermined air space isolates the at least one conductive connector from the mounting assembly to avoid electrical contact there between.
US08534868B2
The invention relates to an array of light generators where each light generator comprises reflecting collimation optics in the form of curved mirrors for collimating light emitted by light sources such as surface mounted Light Emitting Diodes. The collimation optics is formed to collimate light in a direction parallel with a plane, e.g. a printed circuit board, onto which the light sources are mounted. The light sources may emit light parallel with the direction of collimation or non-parallel, e.g. perpendicular, with the direction of collimation in which case the collimation optics redirects the light rays from the light source. The array of light generators can be used in combination with a television display for creating a pixelated image appearing to the viewer as an image peripherally surrounding the display.
US08534867B1
A light module for use in a lighting fixture includes a printed circuit board with one or more LED elements and one or more LED drivers. An electrical connector extends from the lower surface of the printed circuit board for attachment to an electrical socket within the fixture. A thermal conductor is attached on the lower surface of the printed circuit board. A reflector array comprises one or more individual parabolic reflectors, where each individual reflector is disposed at a position corresponding to a position of an LED element. Fastening means releasably attach each of the printed circuit board, the thermal conductor and the reflector array to a support surface within the interior cavity of the base. At least one optical element is releasably mounted on top of the reflector array.
US08534836B2
When pattern recognition of a fundus image is started in step S1, output from a fundus image sensing unit is compared with a regional pattern of stored fundus image specific regions in step S2, and it is decided whether to proceed to pattern recognition. If pattern recognition is possible, based on an AF evaluation value, the lens is driven, with which automatic focusing is completed.
US08534829B1
A combination of reading lenses placed onto a medium on which advertisements can be placed. The device can be given away free to advertisers who can advertise their products to individuals while they are visiting an eating and/or drinking establishment so the individual will be interested in purchasing the advertiser's products in addition to being able to read the menu through the lenses. The invention can also be used to advertise an advertiser's product to be inserted in other printed mediums.
US08534823B2
A recording apparatus includes a transport unit that intermittently transports an elongated recording medium from an upstream side to a downstream side as the lengthwise direction of the recording medium moves along a transport path. A recording unit adheres a recording material to the recording medium when the recording medium is stopped in a midstream position of the transport path. A drying unit downstream from the recording unit heats and dries the recording material. A contact member has a contact surface continuous contact with the surface of the recording medium opposite the surface thereof to which the recording material is adhered, from the time when the recording medium enters into the drying unit to the time when the recording medium is discharged from the drying unit. The contact member forms the transport path with the contact surface having at least one bent section in the drying unit.
US08534809B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes an ink passage member capable of supplying ink from an ink storage unit to a carriage, a passage connecting member capable of connecting the ink passage member to a recording head, an operating member capable of switching the passage connecting member between a connection state where the ink passage member is connected to the recording head and a disconnection state where the ink passage member is disconnected from the recording head, and an operating-member regulating member regulating the operating member. The operating-member regulating member is capable of switching the operating member between a state where switching to the disconnection state by the operating member is permitted and a state where this switching is prevented.
US08534807B2
A system for ejecting droplets of a fluid is described. The system includes a substrate having a flow path body that includes a fluid pumping chamber, a descender fluidically connected to the fluid pumping chamber, and a nozzle fluidically connected to the descender. The nozzle is arranged to eject droplets of fluid through an outlet formed in an outer substrate surface. The flow path body also includes a recirculation passage fluidically connected to the descender. The system for ejecting droplets of a fluid also includes a fluid supply tank fluidically connected to the fluid pumping chamber, a fluid return tank fluidically connected to the recirculation passage, and a pump fluidically connecting the fluid return tank and the fluid supply tank. In some implementations, a flow of fluid through the flow path body is at a flow rate sufficient to force air bubbles or contaminants through the flow path body.
US08534802B2
A liquid ejecting head including a fluid channel forming substrate including a pressure generating chamber communicating with a nozzle opening that ejects a liquid droplet and a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element has a first electrode, a piezoelectric material layer that is provided on the first electrode and has a perovskite monoclinic structure, and a second electrode formed on the piezoelectric material layer opposite to the first electrode. An angle formed between a direction of an electric field generated between the first and second electrodes and an orientation of a polarization moment of the piezoelectric material layer is greater than an angle formed between the direction of the electric field at a time when the piezoelectric constant of the piezoelectric material layer reaches a maximum level and the orientation of the polarization moment.
US08534801B2
A liquid ejecting system includes: a liquid ejecting head which ejects liquid; a container holder to which a liquid accommodating container main body is detachably attached; a circuit substrate which is movably provided in a side face along an attachment direction of the liquid accommodating container main body; a connector terminal which is attached to a side face of the container holder, which is in parallel with an attachment direction; and a movement member which is provided in the container holder and moves the circuit substrate from a position at which the circuit substrate is separated from the connector terminal to a position at which the circuit substrate makes contact with the connector terminal when the liquid accommodating container main body is attached to the container holder.
US08534794B1
An ink recirculation assembly for an inkjet printer recovers purged ink for recycling. The ink recirculation assembly includes a porous pad configured to absorb ink from a printhead face by capillary action. The porous pad is operatively connected to an actuator, which is configured to move the porous pad to contact the printhead face to absorb ink from the printhead face. The actuator is further configured to move the porous pad to contact a heated member, which releases ink from the porous pad and enables the ink to flow into an ink receptacle for recycle or disposal.
US08534791B2
A liquid droplet jetting apparatus comprises a liquid droplet jetting head which jets liquid droplets, a storage tank which stores a liquid to be jetted by the liquid droplet-jetting head, a tube which connects the liquid droplet jetting head and the storage tank, and a liquid-state detecting mechanism which detects a state of the liquid contained in the tube at a plurality of positions in a longitudinal direction of the tube.
US08534787B2
A method, a printing system and a printing bridge. The printing bridge is configured to accommodate in a precise manner a jet print head. The jet print head includes first jet nozzles for injecting a first type jettable substance to form a first pattern onto the surface of a object, and a second jet nozzles for injecting a second type of jettable substance to form a first pattern onto the surface of a object. The first type jettable substance is utilized for printing a solder mask pattern and the second type jettable substance is utilized for printing a legend pattern.
US08534785B2
An inkjet printer includes an ink circulation path, a first tank, a second tank, and a pump, first and second liquid surface detectors which respectively detect ink liquid surfaces in the first and second tanks, an ink supply unit, a supplementary feed valve a control unit, a storage unit, and a determination unit. During ink circulation, the storage unit accumulatively stores a detection result of the second detector. Based on the result, the determination unit determines occurrence of an abnormality in the second liquid surface detector. The storage unit thereafter accumulatively stores the detection result. Based on the result, the determination unit determines occurrence of the first liquid surface detector.
US08534776B2
A bezel assembly includes a bezel, at least one base member secured to the bezel, and at least one engaging member slidably attached to the at least one base member. The at least one base member includes a side flange substantially perpendicular to the bezel. At least one opening is defined in the side flange. The at least one engaging member includes at least one engaging protrusion. The at least one engaging member is slidable between an original position, wherein the at least one engaging protrusion engages into the at least one opening and protrudes out from an exterior surface of the side flange, and a release position, wherein the at least one engaging protrusion is disengaged from the at least one opening and retracts to an inner side of the side flange.
US08534769B2
The tips of pointed bristles are mechanically processed in order to remove any corroded threads or residual threads from the tip. Mechanically processed pointed bristles are fed to a receptacle recess of a tool in bundles, and aligned by means of a pin guided in the receptacle recess. The pointed bristles are pushed through the passage of the bristle carrier plate, and the end section are subsequently melted by means of a heating die in order to attach the pointed bristles to the bristle carrier plate. The mechanical processing of the tips of the bristles enables an error-free further processing of the pointed bristles utilizing the bristling method, particularly the AFT method.
US08534767B2
In one aspect of the present invention, a tool assembly comprises a rotary portion and a stationary portion. The rotary portion comprises a bolster bonded to a diamond symmetric, substantially conically shaped tip. The stationary portion comprises a block mounted to a driving mechanism. A compressible element is disposed intermediate and in mechanical contact with both the rotary and stationary portions. The compressible element is compressed sufficiently to restrict free rotation during a degradation operation.
US08534760B2
A motor-vehicle headrest has a head part and a base part, the latter being surrounded by and shiftable on the head part in a predetermined direction. A pair of inner racks on the base part are directed oppositely outward toward the head part and each have an array extending in the direction of gear teeth. Similarly, a pair of outer racks on the base part are directed toward each other inward, confront the inner racks, and are formed with respective arrays extending in the direction of gear teeth. Respective gears each mesh with a respective one of the outer racks and the respective inner rack so that on movement between the inner and outer positions the gears roll between the respective racks. A play compensator between one of the racks and the respective part biases the racks and gears into tight engagement with one another.
US08534756B2
A child car seat includes a seat body, a headrest connected to the seat body, a seat belt disposed on the seat body, and a shoulder pad unit. The shoulder pad unit includes a shoulder pad connected to the seat belt, and a connecting strap interconnecting the shoulder pad and the headrest.
US08534750B2
A stowable vehicle seat includes a seat support portion that supports a seat cushion rotatably in the front-and-rear direction, a seat back provided with reclining elements that can be folded onto the seat cushion, a stowage recess portion disposed on the vehicle body floor side, a front-side leg portion disposed on the front side of the seat cushion, leg-portion locking elements that lock and unlock the front-side leg portion to and from the vehicle body floor side, a link mechanism connected to the reclining elements and the leg-portion locking elements, and a strap for operating the reclining mechanism and the leg-portion locking elements through the link mechanism, in which the seat back is locked in the folded state in a stowing operation by a pulling operation of the strap.
US08534746B1
An aerodynamic nose cone front trailer that uses a topographical view for reference extending the trailer front all the way to the hitch. The trailer design reduces wind resistance while improving the fuel economy and improving the handling.
US08534740B2
A motorcycle of a type having its front region covered with a fairing has an outer side surface of the fairing formed with a guide groove extending from a location in the vicinity of a front end of the fairing to a location downwardly of a grip of a handlebar then held at the zero steering angle. The guide groove guides the incoming air towards a position forwardly of and in the vicinity of the grip and then deflects the incoming air at the position forwardly of and in the vicinity of the grip so that the incoming air can be guided outside the motorcycle body.
US08534734B2
An animal barrier for use in a vehicle is formed by a frame having an opening therein, and partition members mounted to the frame. First and second partition members are spaced apart to define the opening therebetween and are moveable relative to the frame so as to vary the width of the barrier and the width of the opening. A third partition member is slidably mounted to the frame so as to be moveable between a closed position in which it overlies the opening so as to substantially close the opening, and an open position in which is removed from the opening. In the open position, the third partition member may be located to one side of the opening, overlapping one of the first and second partition members or may be located above or below the opening, away from the first and second partition members.
US08534728B1
A method for grasping an object includes moving a first and second gripping pad (116) respectively to first and second locations in which a first face (117) of the first gripping pad is opposed from a second face (117) of the second gripping pad and spaced apart a distance. Two or more of pins (118) included in each gripping pad are extended from at least the first face in a direction toward the second face. Thereafter, an extension distance for each of the pins is independently determined responsive to a resistance encountered by each of the pins as a result of the extending. As a result of the independently determining step, an object-defined gripping contour is provided as formed by distal ends of the pins.
US08534725B1
A wearable animal waste collection device comprising a wearable structure configured to be worn by a user, a first securing portion attached to the wearable structure, the first securing portion structured to removably accommodate a top cover portion, and a second securing portion attached to the wearable structure, the second securing portion structured to removably accommodate a direct collection device, wherein the direct collection device directly collects an animal waste before the animal waste reaches a ground surface is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
US08534723B2
A lever latch lock assembly including: a. a lock housing mounted in the door including a lock bolt movable along a first axis, a spindle extending along a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis, the spindle extending outward at each of the interior and exterior sides of the housing and terminating in opposite ends, and a transmission which converts rotation of the spindle to axial motion the lock bolt, b. a lever assembly attached to each of the spindle's ends and adapted to rotate the spindle, the lever assembly, including: (1) an escutcheon formed as a truncated generally conical cylinder having (i) a base of first diameter adapted to be situated closely adjacent one of the interior and exterior sides of the door and coaxial with the second axis, (ii) a top end having a top edge opposite the base, the top end having a smaller diameter than the first diameter, and (iii) a bore through which extends the spindle, and (2) a lever including (i) a hub part and (ii) an elongated handle part extending from one side of the escutcheon in a direction transverse of the second axis, the handle having a top part that extends as a smooth contiguous uninterrupted surface from the top of the hub.
US08534717B2
An interconnect assembly (100) includes a spring member (200) integrally formed of a first portion (202) having two prongs (208) and a slot (210), the first portion being coupled to a second deflected portion (204) formed of a cantilevered beam (212) with interference fit tabs (214) extending from either side. A latch (400) includes hooks (406) and foot members (408). A housing (600), such as a battery pack housing, includes a side surface (606) having protrusion (602) and pockets (604) formed therein along with vertical side channels (610). The spring, latch and housing (200, 400, 600) are coupled such that the vertical channels (610) capture and guide the interference fit tabs (214) down the side of the housing (600) as the foot members (408) of the latch (400) are inserted into the pockets (604) of the housing (600). As the spring member (200) is pushed downward, the protrusion (602) of the housing (600) captures the slot (210), and the hooks (406) of the latch (400) capture the interference fit tabs (214) of the spring member thereby providing a locked latch-spring assembly (1000).
US08534715B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus which forms a sealed joint between two pipes, particularly but not limited to roofing drain pipes. This apparatus includes a cylindrical body made of rubber or similar material that grips and seals two pipes when it is axially compressed by two halves of an articulated housing as they move towards each other. The two half bodies of the articulated housing are threaded to each other such that when one body is rotated in one direction, the bodies move towards each other, thereby reducing the overall length of the housing, and compressing/deforming the rubber seal.
US08534714B2
A coupling device for connection and disconnection of bottomhole equipment includes a male part having a stinger with locking grooves and a female part includes a receptacle and a housing. The female part further includes a hold open sleeve below the receptacle, locking dogs arrange between the housing and the hold open sleeve, a locking sleeve arranged below the locking dogs, and a verifying bolt. By joining the male and female parts, the coupling device will lock automatically, as the hold open sleeve is pushed into the locking sleeve by the stinger, after which the locking dogs are pushed into the grooves of the stinger, after which the locking sleeve is pushed up over the locking dogs locking the locking dogs, after which the verifying bolt once the locking sleeve is in locking position will be pushed into an adapted opening in the locking sleeve, thereby verifying correct locking.
US08534707B2
An information page (1) of a security document, includes: an information part (3), on the upper or lower surface of which part of the information recorded on the information page (1) can be seen; and a flexible connecting part (2) with good bending strength for attaching the information page (1) to a security document. To ensure that detaching the information part and the connecting part from each other leaves visible marks, the connecting part (2) has a netlike structure, and the connecting part (2) is arranged to penetrate into the information part (3) in the immediate vicinity of the upper or lower surface of the information part.
US08534704B2
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) comprising a panel (114) that at least partially defines an inflatable volume (54) of the protection device. A vent (100) includes a sidewall that extends through the panel (114) and defines a passage (134) for venting inflation fluid from the inflatable volume (54). The vent (100) includes a first portion (102) extendable inside the inflatable volume (54) and an opposite second portion (104) extendable outside the inflatable volume. The vent (100) has an open condition in which the first portion (102) is maintained inside the inflatable volume (54) and thereby permits venting of inflation fluid through the passage (134), and a closed condition in which the first portion (102) is inverted and positioned in the second portion (104) thereby blocking inflation fluid from venting through the passage (134).
US08534696B2
A carrier device for mounting at a rear side of a body of a vehicle, said carrier device comprising, a receiving element, adapted to be fixed to the body of said vehicle, said receiving element comprising a receiving channel with an insert opening, a carrier element, adapted to be releaseably received in said receiving element in a mounted position, said carrier element being insertable into said receiving channel to arrive at its mounted position by movement through said insert opening in direction parallel to a longitudinal direction of said receiving channel, a locking unit for locking said carrier element in said mounted position in said receiving element, a key unit comprising a first key element arranged on said receiving element and a second key element arranged on said carrier element said first and second key elements cooperating in a keying position of said carrier element in order to only allow said carrier element provided with said second key element to arrive at the mounted position when inserted into said receiving channel.
US08534691B2
Derailleur mounts for use in bicycles. The derailleur mount comprises an elastic element having a functional state and a collapsed state. The elastic element is configured for reducing at least some of an impact force of at least 300 Newton (N) applied on the bicycle by switching from the functional state to the collapsed state. The elastic element is configured for reverting from the collapsed state to the functional state after the impact force is removed.
US08534689B2
A child vehicle includes a front frame having a handlebar and at least one front wheel, and a rear frame movably coupled thereto and having at least one rear wheel. At least one graphical interface is coupled to the vehicle and includes a placard having a frame secured to the vehicle and a working surface disposed generally within the frame. The working surface is configured to be marked thereon by the child using a marking utensil so as to create an artistic expression for customizing the vehicle. A tool-less coupling between the front and rear frames and an associated method of a tool-less assembly of a child vehicle are also disclosed.
US08534687B2
A hydraulic strut system that damps vehicle vibration and includes a compressible fluid, a strut, and a valve plate. The strut includes three concentric tubes defining an inner cavity, an intermediary cavity, and an outer reservoir cavity, the inner cavity and intermediary cavity being fluidly coupled, wherein the inner cavity receives a piston that divides the inner cavity into a first volume and a second volume, the piston having an aperture that allows one way flow from the first volume to the second volume. The valve plate is removably coupled to the strut, and includes a first fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the intermediary cavity to the reservoir cavity, the first fluid path including a damping valve that damps fluid flowing therethorugh; and a second fluid path that allows one-way fluid flow from the reservoir cavity to the inner cavity, the second fluid path further including a replenishment valve.
US08534685B1
Described is a mechanism for traveling over carpet and other uneven or resistant surfaces and objects. The mechanism may be used in connection with office chairs, desk chairs, school chairs, dinner table chairs, lounge chairs, shopping carts, and the like. A base assembly includes relatively large spheres of a rigid or pliant material. The spheres operate in any direction with the assistance of a set of bearings. The spheres allow improved operation over surfaces compared to castors and other known mechanisms. The spheres substantial reduce floor wear and provide improved stability.
US08534678B2
The invention relates to a wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, which has a tie rod (1) formed from two rod parts (2, 3). In order to achieve speed-dependent adaptation of the compliance of the tie rod, the proposal is that the first rod part (2) have a compensating space (4) filled with a compensating medium, in which the other, second rod part (3) is arranged by means of the engagement end (7) thereof, the compensating space (4) being connected to a, preferably pressurized, medium reservoir (18) via a switching element (17) arranged at a connecting element (19).
US08534660B2
Disclosed is a sheet processing apparatus that forms folding lines at a predetermined position of a sheet after image formation and outputs the sheet. The apparatus includes a contact unit with which a tip end or a rear end of the conveyed sheet comes into contact and by which a deflection is formed at a middle part of the sheet; folding units that form the folding lines by conveying the middle part of the sheet, at which the deflection is formed by the contact unit, between the folding units; and a deflection controlling unit that controls the deflection at the middle part of the sheet formed by the contact unit.
US08534654B2
Methods, systems, apparatuses, and products are disclosed for welding ground wires to a grounding rod. A jig retains the ground wires to the grounding rod. The jig has a first horseshoe oriented to a second horseshoe to form a crucifix. Each horseshoe has a pair of legs supporting the jig from earth and providing electrical ground to the earth. A central passage bisects each horseshoe through which the grounding rod inserts. Means are included for clamping a ground wire to at least one of the legs, such that the ground wire is retained for welding to the grounding rod.
US08534649B2
A mount structure for a vehicle damper, configured in such a manner that an end of the piston rod (33) of the damper (17) is supported by a vehicle-side member (51). A nut (57) engaged with the male thread section (42) formed on a reduced diameter section (41) of the piston rod (33) collectively fastens upper and lower gripping members (55, 56), a collar member (54), and upper and lower elastic sections (52, 53) to the reduced diameter section (41). An input from the damper body (38) side is transmitted to the vehicle body-side member (51) through a transmission member (58).
US08534646B2
The invention relates to a seat suspension device for a vehicle seat, in particular a commercial vehicle seat, comprising at least one air spring, said air spring being disposed between an upper seat portion of the vehicle seat and a lower seat portion of the vehicle seat, and at least one hose-like member connected to the air spring via a first connection line for an extension volume of the air spring is provided, said hose-like member being arranged along at least one fold of a bellows-like facing extending between an upper seat portion and a lower seat portion of a vehicle seat.
US08534634B2
A support mechanism for supporting an electronic device is disclosed. The support mechanism comprises two support assemblies detachably assembled together, each support assembly comprising an adjustable member defining a latching groove; and a support member rotatably connected to the adjusting member, the support member of one of the two support assemblies being capable of being partially received in the latching groove of the adjustable member of another one of the two support assemblies.
US08534632B1
A bucket stabilizing system having a base with a top surface, a side wall, a bottom surface, and an inner cavity which can be used for storage, the top surface has a diameter smaller than that of the bottom surface, a lip extends outwardly from the bottom surface past the side wall; an inner channel for accepting a bucket in a center of the base extending from the top surface toward the bottom surface; at least one access hole in the side wall for providing access to the inner cavity; a first and second rope guide notch opposite from each other at an intersection of the top surface which allow passage of rope into the inner cavity; and a first and a second tie-off hole opposite from each other at an intersection of the top surface and the side wall which allow passage of rope out of the inner cavity.
US08534631B2
The trailer jack support block includes a solid rectangular parallelepiped member having surfaces for supporting the lower end of a trailer jack thereon. Attachment chains are provided for securing the support block to the trailer hitch. Grooves are provided on at least two surfaces for retaining the chains therein, if desired.
US08534624B2
The present invention relates to a device for supporting systems, for example an electric cable or a fluid-carrying pipe, on a structure of an aircraft or space craft, and to an aircraft or space craft with such a device. The device has a basic bracket arrangement which can be fastened to at least one predetermined fastening section of the structure, and also has at least one system bracket for supporting the systems. The at least one system bracket can be fastened to the basic bracket arrangement locationally variable with respect to the fastening section. The advantage of the invention consists in the fact that a route of a system can be flexibly varied even during the equipment assembly, i.e. the structure is no longer modifiable or is only modifiable at considerable expense.
US08534616B2
An integrated infusion management system provides for stable support of components attached to the system, even when the system is mobile. The system is optionally a mobility assist or walker for a patient who is attached to any number of medical components. A central trunk connects to a two-sided base that does not interfere with patient motion. The trunk may be angled with respect to vertical and oriented to support medical components in a configuration that is tip-resistant. The system is optionally deployable to facilitate conversion between a compact storage configuration and a stable deployed configuration. In an embodiment, additional deployable features include holding arms for holding various medical components, wheels, mobility arms and handles. Also provided is a novel wheel system with deployable wheels and methods associated with providing compact storage of any one or more of the systems presented herein.
US08534615B2
A screen supporting apparatus includes a supporting member and a movable assembly. The supporting member includes a base and an upright supporting rod disposed fixedly on and above the base. The movable assembly includes a mounting member disposed on the supporting rod and including a slideway unit. The sliding member has two spaced-apart engaging portions slidable within the slideway unit of the mounting member to adjust the inclination angle of the sliding member relative to the mounting member.
US08534608B1
An airborne tree trimming system is described that includes a helicopter having a chassis and a frame extending beneath the helicopter chassis; a trimming apparatus including a boom with an upper end and a plurality of rotatable cutting blades mounted on the boom; and a release mechanism attaching the trimming apparatus to the helicopter, the release mechanism including a connector having an upper end with a first hook attachment point, a lower end with a boom attachment point, and a second hook attachment point intermediate the upper and lower end; a first release hook mounted on the helicopter chassis and releasably attachable to the first hook attachment point; and a second release lock mounted on the frame and releasably attachable to the second hook attachment point.
US08534606B2
An aircraft wing comprising first and second fuel pipe segments which are coupled together with a pipe coupling device comprising a corrugated tube formed from an elastomer filled with conductive material. The pipe coupling device is particularly useful for connecting together fuel pipe segments in an aircraft wing as it removes the need to attach bonding leads between fuel pipe segments to dissipate lightning currents and static.
US08534604B2
A lounge assembly configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The lounge assembly includes a first seat shell configured to at least partially surround a passenger seat, and an overhead storage bin assembly. The overhead storage bin assembly includes first and second posts configured to be secured to a floor of the aircraft, and an overhead bin housing supported by the first and second posts. The overhead bin housing includes at least a first overhead storage bin that is positioned generally above the first seat shell.
US08534598B2
A vehicle and method for enabling propulsive flight from suborbital altitudes and velocities directly to far space, or beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO), preferably without requiring injection into or refueling in LEO. The vehicle is preferably reusable and can withstand re-entry speeds and temperatures higher than those that are typical for LEO vehicles. The vehicle preferably lands horizontally, for example on a runway. The vehicle forms the upper stage of a booster vehicle system which can be launched either from the ground or from a subsonic air platform. The vehicle may optionally be used for LEO missions.
US08534596B2
A de-rotation system includes a planetary gear set, and a fairing support structure mounted for rotation with a first ring gear.
US08534593B2
A paperboard handling machine includes an alignment mechanism for aligning rolls of paperboard supported by the machine whereby the rolls are aligned with one another.
US08534589B2
The present invention is to suppress a generation of a noise due to repeatedly hitting a clutch plate against a clutch cover and a clutch guide. A webbing take-up device is provided with a clutch cover fixed to a sub-torsion shaft so as to be rotatable integrally therewith; a clutch guide arranged so as to face the clutch cover, and supported capable of relatively rotating to the sub-torsion shaft; a lock ring formed around the clutch cover and the clutch guide; and a clutch plates turned to a lock ring side while being guided by the clutch guide in accordance with relative rotation of the clutch guide to the clutch cover into one rotational direction, and engaged with the lock ring. L-shaped springs which urge the clutch plates to a clutch cover side are formed integrally with the clutch guide.
US08534588B2
There is provided a webbing take-up device including: a seating portion formed to a cylinder shaped body and facing towards a cylinder shaped body axial direction second side; a bar shaped body housed at the inside of the cylinder shaped body and comprising a protrusion portion protruding out from the bar shaped body towards the cylinder shaped body axial direction second side; a push nut attached by fitting over the protrusion portion; and a washer through which the protrusion portion is inserted, the washer being seated against the seating portion with a face of the washer on the side of the washer away from the seating portion in contact with the push nut, and the rigidity to bending of the washer set higher than the rigidity to bending of the push nut.
US08534586B2
The present invention provides a recording tape cartridge in which an ability to assemble a security tag into a case is excellent. A recording tape cartridge has: a case that accommodates a reel on which a recording tape is wound; a security tag having a substantially pillar shape, that is provided within the case, and that is adapted to transmit to and receive from an exterior; a holding member that is provided within the case, and that holds the security tag at a first end side of the holding member; and a portion to be fit that is formed within the case, and which is held by being fitted with a second end side of the holding member.
US08534575B2
A spraying device having a spray head for spraying at least one component comprises at least one substance component duct (6, 6′; 20), the component outlet (8, 8′; 23, 23′) of which leads out of a spray head tip (7). An annular duct (12) for a pressurized gas surrounds the at least one component duct (6, 6′; 20) at least partially in the longitudinal direction and leads out of the spray head (5) at the spray head tip (7). A pressurized gas supply duct (13) is provided for introducing pressurized gas at the annular duct (12). The annular duct (12) has a plurality of ribs (16, 16′), which divide the annular duct (12) at least in the region of the spray head tip (7) into pressurized gas outlet ducts (17, 17′) that are separated from each other.
US08534570B2
Adaptive structures, systems incorporating such adaptive structures and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an adaptive structure is provided that includes a first structure and at least one microstructure associated with the first structure. The at least one microstructure may include a microscale beam configured to be displaced relative to the first structure upon the adaptive structure being exposed to a specified temperature. The beam may be formed, for example, of a metallic material, of multiple different metallic materials, or of a shape memory alloy. In one embodiment, a plurality of the adaptive structures may be associated with micropores of a skin panel. The adaptive structures may be utilized to control the flow rate of a coolant or other fluid through the micropores responsive to a sensed environmental parameter such as, for example, temperature.
US08534569B2
In a cooling device for a vehicle having a main passage through which coolant water is circulated between the interior of an engine and a radiator 13, a heater passage through which the coolant water is circulated between the interior of the engine and a heater core 15, and a thermostat 18 that operates in response to the temperature of the coolant water and selectively permits and stops circulation of the coolant water in the main passage, the heater passage is used as a heater/bypass passage, which functions also as a bypass passage, through which the coolant medium is circulated without passing through the radiator 13 when the engine warms up. This makes it unnecessary to form a separate bypass passage, thus simplifying the passage configuration.
US08534568B2
A sanitary fitting includes a cold water connection; a hot water connection; a mixed water outlet; a valve device for setting a mixed water temperature and a mixed water throughflow rate, wherein the valve device is connected to the cold water connection and the hot water connection at one end and is connected to the mixed water outlet at the other end; an electrical controller for actuating a valve; and a control signal transmitter for generating an input signal to the controller, wherein the valve is an integral constituent part of the valve device, and the controller actuates the valve device as a function of the input signal of the control signal transmitter such that a mixed water temperature and a mixed water throughflow rate are set.
US08534566B2
A product has a surface and a plurality of marks detectable on the surface, wherein each mark is arranged at a predetermined displacement value relative to a raster location, wherein each mark has associated with the mark a displacement value corresponding to each mark's displacement relative to the raster location, and wherein a plurality of displacement values collectively encode a position on the surface.
US08534558B2
In an optical information reader, an entire size is reduced while a space for accommodating an imaging unit, a space for accommodating a cable of an external interface, and a space for accommodating plural boards in which circuits of a signal processing unit are accommodated are secured. An entire size of a housing is determined based on sizes of a main board and an imaging unit to realize an optical information reader having a minimum shape. The main board has the largest area as a board, and a CPU and a memory are mounted thereon. The imaging unit includes a camera module, a lighting LED unit, and a marker. The main board is disposed near an internal wall of a housing. Other functions are functionally divided into sub-boards and disposed around a frame body, and a connection portion to the cable is accommodated in the frame body to achieve miniaturization.
US08534552B2
A system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption provides customers making online purchases to automatically retrieve and redeem all applicable rebates and coupons during an online purchase. Purchase orders from customers are selectively fulfilled and products are shipped to the customers either by the system for online sales with automatic rebate and coupon redemption or by other merchant or manufacturer environments. The system makes purchases from merchants or manufacturers using all applicable coupons and rebates and then sells the products to the customers, passing the savings to them. The system automatically retrieves coupons and rebates for items in a shopping cart during the activity of an online purchase at an electronic mall or an online merchant site and to retrieve manufacturer's and merchant's coupons prior to an online purchasing activity for subsequent submission to an online merchant during a subsequent purchasing activity.
US08534548B1
An automated banking machine is operable to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that can read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The machine is operative responsive to read card data to carry out transactions that transfer and/or allocate funds between accounts. The machine can also provide machine users with a receipt for transactions conducted. The machine includes a cash dispenser that can dispense cash to users, and cause the value of dispensed cash to be assessed to accounts corresponding to the read card data. The machine also includes a sheet accepting device that can receive currency notes and/or checks from users. An account that corresponds to the read card data can be credited for the value of received notes and/or checks.
US08534532B2
To improve reliability of a semiconductor device, in a flip-chip bonding step, a solder material that is attached to a tip end surface of a projecting electrode in advance and a solder material that is applied in advance over a terminal (bonding lead) are heated and thereby integrated and electrically connected to each other. The terminal includes a wide part (a first portion) with a first width W1 and a narrow part (a second portion) with a second width W2. When the solder material is heated, the thickness of the solder material arranged over the narrow part becomes smaller than the thickness of the solder material arranged in the wide part. Then, in the flip-chip bonding step, a projecting electrode is arranged over the narrow part and bonded onto the narrow part. Thus, the amount of protrusion of the solder material can be reduced.
US08534530B2
Inflatable rings for supporting friction welding workpieces, and associated systems and methods. A support assembly for joining multiple workpieces in a representative embodiment includes a carriage and a generally ring-shaped support member that in turn includes a body and at least one inflatable member carried by the body and positioned to expand from a first configuration to a second configuration.
US08534529B2
A friction stir tool has an axis of rotation and a welding tip that is made of powdered metal material.
US08534524B2
The present invention provides an independently operable and serviceable ticket burster machine that properly handles perforated tickets of all shapes, sizes and thicknesses. The present invention includes a ticket burster element, an exit sensor with a mechanical flag switch, an inventory flag spanning the entire width of the ticket input slot and having an optical slot switch, a slidable ticket guide, one or more leaf spring arrangements and versatile and durable rollers.
US08534519B2
A holding unit for articles to be carried on an all terrain vehicle, or the like, comprising a mounting base adapted to be secured to various surfaces and components of the vehicle and extending downwardly from a support arm adjustably positioned and securely fixed and at least one article holder having stacked cradles to receive articles to be held in a stacked arrangement.
US08534514B2
A holder for holding an electronic device on a wrist includes a band which can be connected around the wrist and a case connected to the band for holding the electronic device securely. The case includes a first receptacle and at least one second receptacle. The first receptacle is used for securing the electronic device to the holder. The at least one second receptacle receives at least one accessory of the electronic device.
US08534509B2
Fluid dispenser head for mounting on a variable-volume fluid reservoir that has a movable wall. The head has a dispenser orifice, a sealing closure pin that closes the dispenser orifice, a resilient mechanism for urging the pin against the orifice, and a fluid inlet in communication with the reservoir. The head further includes a flexible differential membrane respectively defining bottom and top surface areas that are subjected to opposite pressure forces that are exerted by the fluid under pressure, the bottom surface area being substantially smaller than the top surface area, the closure member being formed by the flexible membrane.
US08534496B2
A novel sheet material dispenser package includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a collapsible top wall, a collapsible bottom wall, a first hinge feature, and a second hinge feature. A first side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a first region of the second sidewall via the first hinge feature and a second side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a second side region of the second sidewall via the second hinge feature. The top wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. The bottom wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. In a particular embodiment, the sheet material dispenser is a collapsible tissue dispenser adapted to sit in a cup holder when in a non-collapsed state and in a pocket when in a collapsed state.
US08534491B1
A support base fabricated of a rigid material has cylindrical holes oriented at an angle with respect to a central axis. Cylindrical rods are fabricated of a rigid material. Each rod is retained within an associated hole. Each rod has an upper end located above the top surface of the support base.
US08534481B2
An arrangement for transporting uranium hexafluoride, including an inner tank and an outer tank which holds the inner tank and which includes first and second shells. A valve extends from an end face of the inner tank, and is surrounded by the outer tank at a distance and is covered on the outside by at least one shock-absorbing element. In order to ensure a defined positioning of the valve extending from the inner tank and thus of the inner tank to the outer tank surrounding the inner tank, it is proposed that the shock-absorbing protective element extend in a pivoting manner from one of the shells of the outer tank, such that if the inner tank is properly positioned, the protective element can be pivoted into a position covering the valve, and such that if the outer tank holding the inner tank is closed, the protective element is covered on the outside by at least one of the shells.
US08534477B2
A closure system for containers used for storing or administering substances in the form of liquids, pastes or powders that allows the container to be securely closed permanently and in a virus-proof, bacteria-proof and spore-proof manner. The container having an opening that is to be closed, a cap provided with a through-hole, the cap including a substantially cylindrical securing area, and a closure element for sealing the opening. The container includes an end face which surrounds the opening and on which the closure element bears. The closure element comprises a virus-proof, bacteria-proof and spore-proof film, and the cap comprises at least one closed, elastic sealing lip bearing resiliently in a direction towards the closure element in the operative position.
US08534474B2
A crane column segment connection system includes first and second column segments with a connector on the second end of the first segment mating with a connector on the first end of the second segment. The connectors each include at least one extension having a through-hole. The through-holes have an axis and are positioned in the extensions such that all through-holes of mating connectors are aligned when the column segments are aligned. In one aspect, the connectors include alignment surfaces cooperating such that when the first and second connectors are being brought together during column assembly, the alignment surfaces guide the column segments in two dimensions within a plane transverse to the axis of the through-holes into a relative position such that the through-holes through the extensions in the connectors are aligned.
US08534471B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for adjusting a height of a rack within a dishwasher. The system includes a rack plate assembly and a wheel plate assembly. The rack plate assembly is configured to be secured to the rack. The rack plate assembly includes a rack plate and a handle pivotally secured to the rack plate. The wheel plate assembly is adjustably secured with respect to the rack plate. The wheel plate assembly includes a wheel plate having at least one adjustment slot. A portion of the handle securely engages the wheel plate through the at least one adjustment slot. The portion of the handle is configured to disengage from the at least one adjustment slot in order to adjust the rack plate with respect to the wheel plate.
US08534470B1
A disassemblable hanging cart for folding chair includes a chassis, two standing poles, two reinforcement sets, and multiple hanging racks, bolts and pad sets. The chassis includes a plurality of caster sets. The two standing poles are vertically and symmetrically erected on opposite positions of the chassis. Each reinforcement set is provided between one of the two standing poles and the chassis for reinforcing the connection strength therebetween. Each hanging rack includes a cross beam, and a plurality of hanging bars for hanging folding chairs. The bolts connect the cross beams with the hanging bars. The pad sets are mounted to the hanging bars to prevent the folding chairs from falling off from the hanging cart. The hanging cart can be easily assembled, and when the hanging cart is not in use, it can be disassembled and packed in a minimum size.
US08534462B1
Film bags are dispensed from a container having an opening. Each of the film bags has a dispensed portion and a remaining portion and includes front and rear walls joined at their first and second side edges. The walls are sealed at the bottom edges and have a top edge. An upper portion of the bags is penetrated by two openings. The openings surround a center portion that extends upwardly toward to join the remaining portion formed by the openings and the top edges. The remaining portion has at least one frangible attachment to the dispensed portion. An optional bag stack insert has a notch at a first end that aligns with the opening. Each bag stack is secured to an insert with a lower end of the stack folded under the first end and the stack inserted into the container with the folded stack portion located adjacent the opening.
US08534453B2
The device for transporting upright containers in a straight line includes a rake conveyor comprising multiple receiving sections for the containers and an opposing support element for the containers carried in the receiving sections. The rake conveyor is connected to two drives by at least two pivot systems, each with two arms, in such a way that the rake conveyor can be pushed back and forth both in the transport direction of the containers and also in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the containers.
US08534452B2
Fixed amount discharging equipment for simultaneously discharging a particulate body from a plurality of containers containing the particulate body, comprising a casing to the interior of which is provided a belt conveyor and having a particulate body discharge hole below the carrying direction end of the belt conveyor, and a plurality of supply arranged in the carrying direction of the belt conveyor and passing through the casing, lower ends thereof penetrating into the casing and being arranged above the belt of the belt conveyor, the lower ends of the supply pipes being such that the downstream sides thereof in the belt carrying direction have notches of a predetermined length from the end faces upward.
US08534443B2
A mobile stacking and reclaiming apparatus includes a moveable bridge, a moveable hopper and a moveable tripper. The moveable bridge has a first end, a second end, and at least one intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The moveable hopper is connected to the moveable bridge. The moveable hopper is moveable relative to the moveable bridge along at least a portion of the moveable bridge. The moveable tripper is also connected to the moveable bridge. The moveable tripper being moveable relative to the moveable bridge along at least a portion of the moveable bridge. A system is also disclosed that includes at least one mobile stacking and reclaiming apparatus adjacent to at least one stacking overland conveyor configured to convey material for stacking material and at least one reclaiming overland conveyor configured to convey material for reclaiming material. A method of providing such systems is also disclosed.
US08534432B2
A resistive grid enclosure for a vehicle having a dynamic braking capability, the grid enclosure defining an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow path through the enclosure from the air inlet to the air outlet. A resistive grid disposed within the enclosure is cooled by air flowing through the airflow path from the air inlet to the air outlet. The airflow path is configured so that an inlet airflow is heated by absorbing heat from the resistive grid and directed toward the air outlet forming a heated outlet airflow. The airflow path is further configured to direct at least a portion of the heated outlet airflow into the air inlet to reduce blockage of the air inlet by ice or snow.
US08534429B2
A piezo-actuated braking system for a stepper motor. The braking system has a disk fixed to the output shaft of the stepper motor. Further, the braking system includes a piezo-actuated brake having a clamping structure, including two brake elements positioned in alignment on either side of the disk. The piezo-actuated brake includes a piezoelectric element connected to the clamping structure to move the brake elements together, thus applying a braking force to the disk. Various embodiments of the braking system along with related methods are also described.
US08534421B2
The present invention relates to a device for enabling access to a structure above ground level by lowering and/or lifting the device in relation to the structure, the device comprising a first endless frame structure defining an opening, wherein at least part of the first endless frame structure forms a track portion, the track portion being adapted to guide an, in relation to the track portion, movable object, such as a gondola, along the track portion. The device may further comprise a second endless frame structure defining an opening, the second endless frame structure being aligned with the first endless frame structure.
US08534420B1
An apparatus is disclosed for safely lowering a user from a structure. The apparatus includes a ring structure configured to coaxially surround a pole structure including a spiraling inclined surface, wherein the ring structure includes a circular track; a brake mechanism having a first portion configured to travel along the spiraling inclined surface and a second portion configured to travel along the circular track when the apparatus is descending; and a user support assembly for supporting a user when the apparatus is descending, wherein the user support assembly is securely attached to the ring structure. The user support assembly includes a seat or net securely coupled to a vertically-adjustable member which is, in turn, coupled to a fixed member by way of a ratchet interface. The apparatus also includes a torque limiting mechanism configured to prevent or reduce axial rotation of the ring structure when the apparatus is descending.
US08534419B2
A sound absorbing material comprising a nonwoven fibrous acoustic insulation material and a flow resistive non-woven facing, wherein the flow resistive nonwoven facing is bonded to the insulation material and has an air flow resistance of from about 600 to about 1800 Rayls and a surface mass of from about 20 to about 150 g/m2.
US08534416B2
The invention concerns a hydraulic steering (1) with a steering unit (2) with feedback behavior, a steering motor (8) connected to the steering unit (2) via working pipes (L, R), a steering member (6) and a feedback suppression device (9), which is located in at least one working pipe (L, R). It is endeavored to change the feedback behavior of such a steering in a simple manner. For this purpose, the feedback suppression device (9) has a valve arrangement (10) with hydraulic control inlet (C).
US08534407B2
Disclosed is a seat rail (30) of a motorcycle having a pair of left and right rail sections (45L, 45R) which do not have a tendency to store water and which have a sufficient rigidity. Each rail section comprises a first groove section (64) and a second groove section (65). A drain hole (71) for draining the water stored at the bottom (69) of the second groove section downward is formed in each rail.
US08534405B2
A cargo scooter is described having at least one front riding wheel, at least one rear riding wheel, a deck, and a cargo box. The cargo box has a floor that is located between the steering column and the at least one riding wheel. All of the riding wheels are aligned with each other.
US08534402B2
A motor-vehicle is provided with an auxiliary cooling system, having a low temperature cooling liquid, entirely independent from the cooling circuit of the engine and including a radiator located at the front part of the motor-vehicle facing the radiator of the cooling circuit of the engine. The auxiliary cooling circuit comprises one or more auxiliary radiators which are connected parallel to the radiator of the auxiliary circuit and which are constituted by motor-vehicle body components.
US08534401B2
The utility model relates to hybrid drive for vehicles that significantly decreases the consumption of fuel because it uses a turbine motor (7), which is turned on solely when the charge of the accumulator batteries (3) drops and always works at best rpm. The device increases the distance covered by the vehicle without need for frequent recharge of the batteries from the power supply network. Furthermore, the turbine motor is lighter than the petrol piston engine and in the same time more efficient. The device includes installed accumulator batteries (3) that supply power to at least one electric motor coupled via transmission to the drive wheels of the vehicle, and fuel tank (4) supplying fuel to turbine motor (7) coupled via reducer (11) to generator (6) that is connected to the accumulator batteries. Control unit (9) monitors the charge of the accumulator batteries (3) and turns on and off the turbine motor (7). All six embodiments comprise a device (10) to recharge the accumulator batteries from the power supply network when the driver of the vehicle has access to it.
US08534395B2
The mobile climbing robot (15) according to the invention comprises a central joint (3), by which a first leg (1) is connected to a second leg (2). In addition, the robot comprises a first foot (8) which is connected to the first leg (1) by way of a first foot joint for rotation (5) and a first foot joint for tilting (4). A second foot (9) is connected to the second leg (2) by way of a second foot joint for rotation (7) and a second foot joint for tilting (6). A mounting (11) for attaching an implement (10; 12) is disposed on the first foot (8).
US08534390B2
A rotary cone drill bit includes: a body, a leg depending from the body, a bearing shaft extending from the leg and a cone mounted to the bearing shaft. The leg includes a surface location that is subject to wear during operation of the bit. A bottom surface of a hard material plate is attached to a substantially conforming surface of the leg at the location subject to wear. The attachment of the conforming surfaces is made using a flowable material such as a brazing material.
US08534388B2
A dual pipe drill string system having increased fluid flow. The dual pipe system comprises a plurality of pipe sections, each pipe section having an inner rod and an outer pipe. The inner rod and the outer pipe of each pipe section may be coupled to the inner rod and outer pipe of an adjacent pipe section. An annulus between the inner rod and the outer pipe defines a fluid flow path through the dual pipe system. The outer pipe defines a shoulder at each end of an individual pipe section. The inner rod defines at least one stop for maintaining the inner rod within the outer pipe. A spacing assembly disposed around the circumference of the inner rod defines paths for fluid flow and maintains a minimum distance between the stop and the shoulder at one end of outer pipe of the pipe section.
US08534386B2
An articulated apparatus for handling a drilling to has a base, a first set of arms pivotally connected at one end to the base and extending outwardly therefrom, a joint member pivotally connected to an opposite end of the first set of arms, a second set of arms pivotally connected at one end of to the joint member and extending outwardly therefrom, and a carrier assembly pivotally connected to an opposite end of the second set of arms. The carrier assembly is suitable for carrying the drilling tool so as to allow the drilling tool to move upwardly and downwardly. A drive system is cooperative with the first and second sets of arms so as to move the drilling tool between a stowed position and a deployed position.
US08534374B2
A tillage implement has gang assemblies of rotatable tillage tools that can be angle-adjusted from the seat of the towing tractor using hydraulic actuators. The tillage tools may comprise generally flat, wavy coulter blades or the like so that the machine may be set up for vertical tillage with the coulters aligned at a zero degree angle with the path of travel of the implement or for residue management operations with the coulters maintained at an oblique angle of up to ten degrees relative to the path of travel. A six degree angle is preferred for the residue management position. A master-slave hydraulic flow arrangement for the actuators assures simultaneous actuation, while mechanical synchronizing apparatus between the two front gang assemblies on the center frame section of the machine assures synchronized movement of those assemblies. Mechanical motion-transmitting mechanism transmits the hydraulically powered adjusting movement of the front gang assemblies to the rear gang assemblies.
US08534363B1
Methods and devices for restoring control of at an offshore oil well following an uncontrolled fluid release after an explosion include lowering through a riser of successive flow restricting inserts into the oil well to gradually reduce the uncontrolled fluid release. Flow restricting inserts may be inserted in parallel or in series with each other. Following attachment of the riser to the oil well, provisions are made to restore oil production from the well. Flow restricting inserts may further be used to adjust flow resistance from the well in order to optimize oil production. Passages between the riser and the flow restricting inserts may also be used to form a gas lift in order to maximize production of oil from the well.
US08534355B2
A valve (30) for a production liner (12) in connection with the extraction of oil and gas, arranged to automatically shut of the flow of fluid into the production liner (12) in the event of a gas break-through, whereby the valve (30) comprises a valve seating (32) containing at least one central inflow channel (34) and one or more outflow channels (36, 38) from the valve (30). The valve (30) is constructed with a curved design equal to the shape of the outer diameter of the production liner (12), and is placed on the outside of the production liner (12), and in that a rectangular shut off disk (40) with the same curving is arranged in the valve (30), in the flowing path of the liquid flow, to cause a high velocity flow over the shut off disk's surface (40a) against the valve seat (32), wherein the shut off disk (40) is adapted to seal against said valve seat (32) dependant on the differential pressure being produced by the viscosity of the passing flow. The invention also comprises a production liner containing a valve.
US08534348B2
A thin and flat type heat pipe with enhanced conductivity. Between an upper member 22 having a rectangular area 24b on a lower surface and a lower member 20 having a rectangular area 24a on an upper area are provided intermediate plate members 32, 30. The members 32, 30 are each formed with slits 8, constructing a vapor path extending a planar direction, communicating with the rectangular areas 24a, 24b of the members 22, 20, respectively. Thus, a sealed space is defined by the slits 8 and the rectangular areas 24a, 24b so that a refrigerant is enclosed in the sealed space. Capillary holes 10 are formed through non-slitted portions of the intermediate plate members 32, 30 so that each capillary hole 10 serves as a capillary path of flow extending vertically to communicate with the rectangular areas 24a, 24b of the members 22, 20.
US08534346B1
A modular, water-to-air heat exchanger with flexible tubes is adjustable in length to conform to different size cooling coils and thus provides an inexpensive, retro-fittable run-around heat recovery for pre-existing air handling systems. The heat exchanger comprises multiple heat exchange tubes formed of flexible material in a shape that permits them to be lengthened or shortened by simply moving the headers toward or away from each other. Preferably, the tubes are formed of a flexible, non-resilient material such as copper, and are shaped in a serpentine or helical manner. In this way, the tubes can be drawn out to elongate the heat exchanger or compressed to shorten it, depending on the dimension of the cooling coil in the air handler. One convenient way to control the length of the flexible tubes is to support the headers on one or more adjustment bars, each having a threaded adjustment mechanism.
US08534344B2
System and method of producing multi-layered aluminum alloy products are disclosed. A multi-layered aluminum alloy product may be formed by first heating a first aluminum alloy to a first temperature where the first temperature is at least about 5° C. lower than the eutectic temperature of the first aluminum alloy, second heating a second aluminum alloy to a second temperature where the second temperature is at least about 5° C. higher than the liquidus temperature of the second aluminum alloy, and coupling the second aluminum alloy to the first aluminum alloy to produce a multi-layered aluminum alloy product.
US08534341B2
Movable partition systems include a drive mechanism including a motor positioned at least partially on a side of a track opposite a movable partition. Automatically movable partition systems include a movable partition movable along a track and a motor configured to move the movable partition, the motor positioned on a side of the track opposite the movable partition. Methods of installing a movable partition system include coupling a movable partition to a track, positioning a drive mechanism at least partially on a side of the track opposite the movable partition, and coupling an elongated drive member to the movable partition. Methods of moving a movable partition along a track include actuating a drive mechanism positioned at least substantially in a header recess. Drive modules for a movable partition system and other methods of installing a movable partition system including attaching a motor to a section of track are also disclosed.
US08534334B2
A pneumatic tire (10) is provided with air chambers which have recessed portions (221), and also with constriction grooves which communicate with the air chambers and a circumferential groove (21), and the air chambers and the constriction grooves are formed in a rib-shaped land portion of the tire. The depth (DP1) of a recessed portion (221) measured from a land portion (211) making contact with the road surface is deeper at one end of the air chamber in the tire circumference direction than the other end of the air chamber. The height of the recessed portion (221) from the bottom surface (222) thereof to the ground contact surface varies in the circumferential direction of the tire. The volume of the space formed by a constriction groove and the road surface is less than the volume of the space of the air chamber formed by the recessed portion (221) and the road surface. The air chamber has a tapered shape in which the width of the air chamber in the tread width direction is reduced from the other end of the air chamber toward said end of the air chamber.
US08534331B2
The present invention relates to a tire containing a layered composite of sealant and air permeation resistant film, particularly a non-elastomeric film.