US08853011B2
A repairing method, repairing device and repairing structure for repairing a signal line of an array substrate having the disconnected defect, including: setting a repairing route according to a position of the disconnected defect and determining a position at which a filling portion is required to be formed according to the repairing route; forming the filling portion at the position at which the filling portion is required to be formed; and forming a repairing line along the repairing route. By detecting the repairing route before repairing the disconnected defect by forming the filling portion according to the repairing route, the present disclosure can avoid the disconnection of the repairing line caused by great height differences of the surface under the repairing line and improve the repairing success rate of the disconnected defect.
US08853010B2
A semiconductor device comprises a substrate and first and second stress-generating epitaxial regions on the substrate and spaced apart from each other. A channel region is on the substrate and positioned between the first and second stress-generating epitaxial regions. A gate electrode is on the channel region. The channel region is an epitaxial layer, and the first and second stress-generating epitaxial regions impart a stress on the channel region.
US08852999B2
A system-in-a-package based flash memory card including an integrated circuit package occupying a small overall area within the card and cut to conform to the shape of a lid for the card. An integrated circuit may be cut from a panel into a shape that fits within and conforms to the shape of lids for a finished memory card, such as for example an SD Card. The integrated circuit package may be a system-in-a-package, a multi-chip module, or other arrangement where a complete electronic system is formed in a single package.
US08852995B1
The present invention relates to a preparation method for patternization of metal electrodes in silicon solar cells. After disposing an amorphous silicon layer on a silicon substrate processed by diffusion, laser light is projected on the amorphous silicon layer for patternization, and transforming the amorphous silicon with low optical conductivity into polysilicon with high optical conductivity thanks to the recrystallization process of the laser light. Then, after immersing the amorphous silicon layer in plating liquid, metal electrode can be formed accurately at the spots of the amorphous silicon layer patterned by laser light. No external voltage is required; plating reaction is induced by illumination directly.
US08852992B2
A method of manufacturing a solar cell having increased light efficiency due to increased gallium distribution on a surface of a light absorption layer, the method including forming a first electrode on a substrate, forming a precursor that includes at least one of copper, gallium, and indium on the first electrode, forming a preliminary light absorption layer by providing selenium to the precursor, forming the preliminary light absorption layer further including performing a heat treatment, and forming a liquid state CuSe compound, forming a light absorption layer by providing a compound including at least one of gallium and indium to the preliminary light absorption layer, and forming a second electrode on the light absorption layer.
US08852984B1
In at least one embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing an integrated circuit including a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes forming a first structural layer above at least one semiconductor device formed on a substrate. The method includes forming a second structural layer above the first structural layer. The second structural layer has a thickness substantially greater than a thickness of the first structural layer. The MEMS device comprises at least one portion of at least one of the first and second structural layers. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the method is carried out at one or more temperatures less than a tolerable threshold temperature for the at least one semiconductor device.
US08852980B2
An embodiment is a method to induce flaw formation in nitride semiconductors. Regions of a thin film structure are selectively decomposed within a thin film layer at an interface with a substrate to form flaws in a pre-determined pattern within the thin film structure. The flaws locally concentrate stress in the pre-determined pattern during a stress-inducing operation. The stress-inducing operation is performed. The stress-inducing operation causes the thin film layer to fracture at the pre-determined pattern.
US08852979B2
Provided is a method of forming a micropattern according to an aspect of the present invention. The method of forming a micropattern may include forming an organic wire or organic-inorganic hybrid wire mask pattern having a circular or elliptical cross section on a substrate, forming a material layer on an entire surface of the substrate having the organic wire or organic-inorganic hybrid wire mask pattern formed thereon, and removing the organic wire or organic-inorganic hybrid wire mask pattern from the substrate to allow only the material layer on a portion of the substrate having no organic wire or organic-inorganic hybrid wire mask pattern formed thereon to be remained.
US08852978B2
A thin film transistor fabrication method allows forming a first photoresist pattern on a triple layer of insulation, conductive and metal films opposite to a semiconductor pattern. A first metal pattern and a conductive pattern are formed through an etch process before forming source and drain regions through a first ion injection process. A second photoresist pattern with a narrower width than that of the first photoresist pattern is derived from the first photoresist pattern. The first metal pattern is reformed into a second metal pattern with a narrower width than that of the second photoresist pattern. A process is performed that includes removing the second photoresist pattern, forming LDD (Lightly Doped Drain) regions in the semiconductor pattern, and forming GOLDD (Gate Overlap LDD) regions in the semiconductor pattern. A second insulation film is formed before forming source and drain electrodes on the second insulation film.
US08852977B2
A light-emitter is configured so that at least a hole injection layer and a light-emitting layer are laminated between a first electrode and a second electrode, and the light-emitting layer is formed in an area defined by a bank. In the area defined by the bank, the hole injection layer is formed so as to have a recess in an upper surface thereof. An upper peripheral edge of the recess is covered with a part of the bank. The light-emitting layer is formed with respect to the recess formed in the hole injection layer by a laser transfer method.
US08852974B2
A method for manufacturing semiconductor light-emitting devices comprising the steps of: providing a multi-layer semiconductor film comprising a surface; roughening the surface of the multi-layer semiconductor film to form a scattering surface; re-growing a semiconductor layer on the scattering surface; and roughening the semiconductor layer to form a sub-scattering portion on the scattering surface; wherein the sub-scattering portion is structurally smaller than the scattering surface.
US08852970B2
A method for mounting a luminescent device having a mount layer on a substrate, comprising the steps of coating a metallic nano-particle paste on the substrate, disposing the mount layer of the luminescent device on the metallic nano-particle paste, and heating the mount layer and the metallic nano-particle paste to form an alloy, thereby bonding the luminescent device and the substrate.
US08852961B2
Ferroelectric capacitors (42) are formed over a semiconductor substrate (10), then, a barrier film (46) directly covering the ferroelectric capacitors (42) is formed. Thereafter, wirings (56a etc.) connected to the ferroelectric capacitors (42) are formed. Further, a barrier film (58) is formed at a position higher than the wirings (56a etc.). In forming the barrier film (46), a film stack is formed, the film stack including at least two kinds of diffusion preventive films (46a and 46b) having different components and preventing diffusion of hydrogen or water.
US08852953B2
The invention relates to novel immunogens, antibodies, methods and kits for use in immunoassays to detect and quantify zaleplon, metabolites of zaleplon and indiplon. These are the first described immunoassays for these compounds and have greater sensitivity than alternative analytical techniques.
US08852951B2
Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a dihydroxyvitamin D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally comprise ionizing a dihydroxyvitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. In certain preferred embodiments the methods include immunopurifying the dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites prior to mass spectrometry. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more dihydroxyvitamin D metabolites in a single assay.
US08852936B2
Materials and methods are provided to improve survival of lymph nodes and integration of lymph nodes into a lymphatic network, following lymph node transplantation. The treatment or prevention of lymphedema is also addressed. A method of lymph node transfer includes transferring or transplanting a lymph node or lymph node fragment in a mammalian subject; and administering a composition comprising an agent selected from the group consisting of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C (VEGF-C) polynucleotides, VEGF-C polypeptides, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D (VEGF-D) polynucleotides, and VEGF-D polypeptides to a perinodal site within 20 cm of the lymph node or lymph node fragment. In certain embodiments, the agent is present in the composition in an amount effective to promote survival of the lymph node and integration of the lymph node into a lymphatic network in the mammalian subject, at the site of transfer or transplantation.
US08852930B2
Disclosed is a FAST (Flexible Accelerated STOP TetO-knockin) system, an efficient method for manipulating gene expression in vivo to rapidly screen animal models of disease. This invention further discloses a single gene targeting event yielding 2 distinct knockin mice—STOP-tetO and tetO knockin—which permit generation of multiple strains with variable expression patterns: 1) knockout, 2) Cre-mediated rescue; 3) tTA-mediated misexpression; 4) tTA-mediated overexpression; and 5) tTS-mediated conditional knockout/knockdown. Using the FAST system, multiple gain- and loss-of-function strains can therefore be generated on a timescale not previously achievable. These strains can then be screened for clinically-relevant abnormalities. The flexibility and broad applicability of the FAST system is demonstrated by targeting several genes encoding proteins implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders: Mlc1, Neuroligin 3, the serotonin 1A receptor, and the serotonin 1B receptor.
US08852925B2
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for growing and maintaining cells. A three-dimensional matrix, such as a hydrogel material, is seeded with cells and placed in a bioreactor having two compartments. The matrix is supported between the two compartments by first and second porous materials, which engage opposing surfaces of the matrix. A first media stream having certain properties is propagated through the first compartment, where it contacts one surface of the matrix via the first porous material. A second media stream having different properties is propagated through the second compartment such that it contacts the opposite surface of the matrix via the second porous material. Through migration of each stream at least partially into the matrix, various controlled gradients may be established within the matrix, encouraging growth of the cells. Such gradients include osmotic pressure, oscillating osmotic pressure, hydrostatic pressure, oxygen tension, and/or nutrient gradients.
US08852921B2
A system and method for measuring at least one bioprocess parameter utilizes a barrier that separates an external sensor from a culture medium. The barrier allows analytes to diffuse in and out of the culture vessel, thereby allowing the bioprocess parameter to be measured non-invasively by the external sensor.
US08852917B2
The present invention relates to a new bacteriocin, to microbial strains which can produce it and to uses of the bacteriocin and the strains. The bacteriocin is effective against Clostridium difficile and Listeria monocytogenes amongst other organisms.
US08852906B2
A thermophilic micro-organism comprising a modification that increases amylase expression and starch hydrolysis compared to wild-type, wherein the modification is insertion of a heterologous amylase gene.
US08852904B2
A process for producing a cross-linked crystallized protein complex, which comprises: a first step of concentrating a crude protein derived from an animal or plant; a second step of encapsulating the protein in a gel, to thereby allow the protein to undergo air oxidation, and then extracting a protein complex from the gel; a third step of allowing the extracted protein complex to undergo crystallization and precipitation; and a fourth step of cross-linking the precipitated protein complex. Alternatively, by use of a fifth step of drying (FD) the obtained crosslinked crystallized protein complex, to thereby form a powder. As a result, there is provided an enzyme which is stable at room temperature storage, and has an activity in catalyzing an asymmetric oxidation reaction. That is, there is provided a useful material which enables an efficient enzyme-mimetic reaction under a mild condition.
US08852892B2
A real-time system for determining the geographic movements of an individual or object by sampling particulates contained thereon. The system includes particle collection, sample preparations, and sample analysis using three primary modes of detecting certain particulates. The first mode involves the imaging of pollen, spores, or other biological material which are visible through a light microscope when properly stained or prepared. The second mode involves the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction to amplify and detect target nucleic acid sequences. The third mode involves the use of X-ray diffraction to identify mineral particles. The results from any mode, or any combination of modes, are analyzed by comparison to a reference database containing geographic information and the results are compiled by a controller for visual display.
US08852869B2
The present invention relates to a method of in vitro determining functional deficiencies in the lectin pathway of the complement system, the method comprises the steps of (a) diluting a mammalian sample of body fluid with a diluent comprising one or more inhibitors of the activation of the classical and the alternative pathways of the complement system; (b) activating the lectin pathway of the complement system in the sample obtained from (a); and (c) determining in the sample obtained from (b) the activation of one or more of the complement factors C3, C4, or one or more of the components of the C5-C9 complex. The invention furthermore relates to kits for use in connection with the above-mentioned method, the first kit comprises i) a first component comprising a carrier, one or more inhibitors of the classical and the alternative complement pathways and a diluent; and ii) a second component comprising one or more substances for activation of the lectin complement pathway and optionally an inert carrier. The second kit comprises a container comprising a predetermined amount of one or more inhibitors of the classical and the alternative complement pathways and a diluent, wherein the container is adapted for receiving a predetermined amount of sample, so that when the predetermined amount of sample is added, the concentration of the one or more inhibitors is an inhibitory effective concentration of the classical and alternative pathways, but not the lectin pathway.
US08852866B2
Methods for producing and identifying fragments of proteins, and more particularly to methods for generating and identifying soluble protein domains are disclosed based on a method for generating a library of nucleic acid fragments from nucleic acid encoding a desired polypeptide, and more especially a library of essentially, randomly sampled fragments of coding DNA sequence predominantly of defined size range and a method for selecting cloned gene fragments from the library that encode soluble protein domains.
US08852859B2
Provided are a method and/or apparatus for measuring the concentration of a detection target using the transmission or reflection of light. The system includes an illumination unit disposed over a biodisc and configured to apply light to the detection target included in the biodisc and a camera module disposed below the biodisc and configured to measure the amount of light transmitted through the detection target.
US08852857B2
A substrate treatment method of performing treatment on a substrate on which a pattern mask has been formed by exposure and developing treatment to improve roughness of the pattern mask includes the processes of: mounting and heating the substrate on a stage in a treatment container; then supplying a solvent gas to a center portion of a front surface of the substrate while exhausting the solvent gas from a periphery of the substrate to swell the pattern mask; and while performing the process of supplying and exhausting a solvent gas, forming a temperature gradient in the substrate via the stage such that a temperature at the center portion of the substrate is higher than a temperature at a peripheral portion of the substrate.
US08852855B2
[Object] To provide a top anti-reflection coating composition equal or superior to known products in film-formability, in refractive index, in temporal stability and in safety; and also to provide a pattern formation method using the same. [Means] A top anti-reflection coating composition comprising a solvent, an alkylsulfonic acid having 10 to 18 carbon atoms, and a fluorine-containing polymer having a weight average molecular weight of 300000 to 800000 and represented by the formula (1): -Ax-By- (1). In the formula (1), A is a repeating unit represented by the formula (A): (R is a fluorine-containing alkylene group having 1 to 40 carbon atoms or R is a fluorine-containing alkylene group having 2 to 100 carbon atoms and an ether bond); B is a repeating unit capable of combining with A to form a copolymer; x and y are numbers indicating the polymerization ratios, provided that x is not equal to 0; and A and B may randomly combine with each other or may form blocks.
US08852854B2
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for forming a photoresist pattern on a semiconductor wafer includes forming a photoresist including an organic polymer matrix on the semiconductor wafer. The method further includes exposing the photoresist to a patterned radiation. The method further includes baking the photoresist after exposing the photoresist to the pattern radiation. The method further includes applying an oxidizing reagent to the photoresist to create the photoresist pattern corresponding to the patterned radiation.
US08852845B2
Provided is a actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition including (P) a resin containing (A) a repeating unit having an ionic structure moiety that contains a cation represented by formula (Ia) and is capable of producing an acid anion on the side chain upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation: wherein each of R1a to R13a independently represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent and may combine together to form a ring, and Z represents a single bond or a divalent linking group.
US08852842B2
A production process of a toner, wherein wet colored resin particles are poured into a rotary vane type agitating device having a structure that an agitating vane fixed to a rotating drive shaft extending through a bottom wall of an agitation vessel is arranged at a bottom of the agitation vessel, and at least one gas inlet port and at least one gas outlet port are arranged at a lower portion of the agitation vessel and an upper portion of the agitation vessel, respectively, the wet colored resin particles are dried by a method, in which the wet colored resin particles are agitated by the rotary vane within the agitation vessel while supplying a heated gas, thereby forming a fluidized bed, and a mixed gas containing water is discharged from the gas outlet port to the outside, and at that time, drying conditions are controlled in such a manner that the temperature of the gas discharged falls within a range from 20 to 60° C.
US08852837B2
A toner includes toner base particles containing at least a binder resin, a coloring agent, and a release agent; and alumina fine particles whose phase angle (θ) is |80°| or less at an alternating current frequency of 1 to 10 kHz in an alternating current impedance method.
US08852835B2
The present disclosure describes a black single component toner with desirable fusing performance.
US08852833B2
Imaging members having a support, an imaging layer disposed on the support, an outer layer disposed on the imaging layer and fluoropolymer particles imbedded in an outer surface of the outer layer. Image forming apparatuses having such imaging members. Processes for preparing an imaging member for an electrophotographic apparatus, the process involving coating an imaging layer with an outer layer formulation. The imaging layer can be disposed on a support. The outer layer formulation can be dried to form an outer layer disposed on the imaging layer and has an outer surface. Fluoropolymer particles are applied to the outer layer.
US08852827B2
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a metallic bipolar plate for fuel cells, which can maintain good corrosion resistance and contact resistance without any side effect not only initially but also after a predetermined period of time even in an environment of severe vibration as in vehicles while allowing a continuous process to provide high productivity. The method includes (a) preparing a metal plate as a matrix of the metallic bipolar plate; (b) pickling a surface of the metal plate; (c) coating a composition comprising a binder resin, carbon particles, and a solvent on the pickled surface of the metal plate; and (d) drying the surface of the metal plate, on which the composition is coated, at a temperature less than a thermal decomposition temperature of the binder resin and greater than or equal to a boiling point of the solvent to form a coating layer on the surface of the metal plate, the coating layer having the carbon particles dispersed in a matrix of the binder resin, wherein these processes are performed as a continuous process.
US08852825B2
A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack including a plurality of SOFCs and a plurality of interconnects. Each interconnect is located between two adjacent SOFCs, and each interconnect contains a Mn or Co containing, electrically conductive metal oxide layer on an air side of the interconnect. The SOFC stack also includes a barrier layer located between the electrically conductive metal oxide layer and an adjacent SOFC. The barrier layer is configured to prevent Mn or Co diffusion from the electrically conductive metal oxide layer to the adjacent SOFC.
US08852807B2
A compound comprising a composition Ax(M′1−aM″a)y(XD4)z, Ax(M′1−aM″a)y(DXD4)z, or Ax(M′1−aM″a)y(X2D7)z, (A1−aM″a)xM′y(XD4)z, (A1−aM″a)xM′y(DXD4)z, or (A1−aM″a)xM′y(X2D7)z. In the compound, A is at least one of an alkali metal and hydrogen, M′ is a first-row transition metal, X is at least one of phosphorus, sulfur, arsenic, molybdenum, and tungsten, M″ any of a Group IIA, IIIA, IVA, VA, VIA, VIIA, VIIIA, IB, IIB, IIIB, IVB, VB, and VIB metal, D is at least one of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, or a halogen, 0.0001
US08852788B2
Disclosed is a porous membrane used for a secondary battery, such as lithium-ion secondary battery, wherein strength is improved and break is difficult to occur while maintaining lithium-ion conductivity. The porous membrane for a secondary battery comprising a binder for the porous membrane and a nonconductive particle, wherein the binder for the porous membrane is a polymer particle having a hetero phase structure, in which internal layer is a polymer wherein vinyl monomer components are polymerized and outer layer is a polymer wherein monomer components containing a hydrophilic functional group are polymerized. The hydrophilic functional group is at least one selected from the group consisting sulfonic acid group, carboxyl group, hydroxyl group and epoxy group.
US08852787B2
An electrochemical cell, such as Li-Ion, having (a) a positive electrode; (b) a negative electrode, (c) a porous inorganic/organic composite layer interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and (d) an electrolyte comprising a lithium salt and a non-aqueous solvent. The composite layer includes inorganic nanoparticles and a binder to form a nanocomposite separator (NCS). In addition to the composite layer, the electrochemical cell includes a porous separator.
US08852779B2
A battery pack including one or more battery modules, each battery module including one or more battery cells; a cover for accommodating the one or more battery modules, and a circulative fluid channel through which a cooling fluid flows, the circulative fluid channel being associated with the cover.
US08852777B2
A method for preparing a redox flow battery electrolyte is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes the processing of raw materials containing sources of chromium ions and/or iron ions. The method further comprises the removal of impurities such as metal ions from those raw materials. In some embodiments, a reductant may be used to remove metal impurities from an aqueous electrolyte containing chromium ions and/or nickel ions. In some embodiments, the reductant is an amalgam. In some embodiments, the reductant is a zinc amalgam. Also provided is a method for removing ionic impurities from an aqueous acid solution. Further provided a redox flow battery comprising at least one electrolyte prepared from the above-identified methods.
US08852776B2
A power tool includes a housing configured to house a motor. The housing defines a body axis and has a hand grip for a user, wherein the hand grip is positioned between a first end and a second end of the housing. The power tool further includes a tool element positioned at the first end of the housing and a battery connection port adapted to receive a battery pack. The battery connection port defines a removal axis for the battery pack and includes a first portion located at one end of the removal axis and a second portion located at an other end of the removal axis opposite the first portion. The second portion is positioned closer to the tool end than the first portion.
US08852775B2
An industrial process field device has a housing with a wall. The wall has a feedthrough opening between a battery compartment and an electronics compartment. A feedthrough connector seals the feedthrough opening and includes a power connector connected to industrial process field device electronics. A battery assembly includes a battery housing with a battery connector, and includes a battery and an energy limiter connected to the battery connector. The battery connector mates with the power connector to energize the industrial process field device electronics. A seal seals the mating connection of the power connector and the battery connector.
US08852758B2
Novel aromatic amine compounds are provided. Light-emitting elements having high emission efficiency and high reliability are provided. Further, light-emitting devices and electronic devices using the light-emitting devices are provided. Specifically, an aromatic amine compound represented by the general formula (1), and light-emitting elements, light-emitting devices and electronic devices that are formed using the aromatic amine compound represented by the general formula (1) are provided. By using the aromatic amine compound represented by the general formula (1) for light-emitting elements, light-emitting devices and electronic devices, the light-emitting elements, light-emitting devices and electronic devices can have high emission efficiency.
US08852756B2
The present invention relates to the improvement of organic electroluminescent devices, in particular blue-emitting devices, by using compounds of the formula (1) as dopants in the emitting layer.
US08852754B2
Provided is an industrially excellent surface-treated copper foil which satisfies requirements for adhesiveness to an insulating resin such as polyimide, heat-resistant adhesiveness, chemical resistance and soft etching properties. Also provided is a method for producing a surface-treated copper foil which achieves a high adhesion strength between an insulating resin and the copper foil, shows high chemical resistance in circuit formation and sustains good soft etching properties after forming vias by laser-processing. A base copper foil is subjected to a roughening treatment to give a surface roughness (Rz) of 1.1 μm or below. On the roughened surface, an Ni—Zn alloy layer is formed. The aforesaid roughening treatment is conducted in such a manner that the roughened surface comprises sharp-pointed convexes, which have a width of 0.3-0.8 μm, a height of 0.6-1.8 μm and an aspect ratio of 1.2-3.5, and the surface roughness (Rz) of said base copper foil is increased by 0.05-0.3 μm. The aforesaid Ni—Zn alloy layer has a Zn content of 6-30 wt % and a Zn deposition amount of 0.08 mg/dm2 or more.
US08852752B2
A flow formed part includes a first end, a second end, and a side wall extending therebetween. A reinforcing member is disposed around the second end. The side wall has a profile formed along an inner surface of the side wall. The profile is adapted to be substantially burr free after windows are formed in the sidewall. A method of making a flow formed part includes the steps of disposing a preform on a tailstock, providing a plurality of rollers adjacent the tailstock, providing a mandrel having an outer surface including a plurality of alternating channels and protuberances, and causing the rollers to press the preform against the outer surface of the mandrel.
US08852749B2
Disclosed is a variable vapor barrier comprising or produced from a composition wherein the composition comprises an ethylene copolymer, a fatty acid, and an additional polymer; the ethylene copolymer comprises repeat units derived from ethylene, a C3-8 α,β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and optionally a comonomer; the fatty acid is one or more carboxylic acids having fewer than 36 carbon atoms, or salts thereof; and the additional polymer is present in the from about 30 to about 85%, based on the weight of the composition.
US08852733B2
The present disclosure relates to a fibrous veil and methods of making the same. The fibrous veil includes a base having a plurality of fibers, each of the plurality of fibers having an average diameter ranging from about 7,000 nm to about 9,000 nm. Graphite nano-platelets are attached to at least some of the plurality of fibers without a polymeric binder.
US08852731B2
A pyrophoric sheet that comprises oxidizable iron, non-combustible fibers, stiction-reducing coating where the sheet has a water content <2%.
US08852730B2
A melt-extruded substrate that can be readily thermoformed into a shaped, three-dimensional article is provided. The substrate is formed from a polymer composition that contains a thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer and a unique aromatic amide oligomer. The present inventors have discovered that the oligomer can help increase the “low shear” complex viscosity of the resulting polymer. The ability to achieve enhanced low shear viscosity values can lead to polymer compositions with an increased melt strength, which allows the resulting substrate to better maintain its shape during thermoforming without exhibiting a substantial amount of sag. Due to its relatively high degree of melt strength, the polymer composition is particularly well suited for forming thin extruded substrates for use in thermoforming processes.
US08852728B2
There are provided a pattern exposure method, a conductive film producing method, and a conductive film, wherein a photosensitive material is subjected to a proximity exposure through a photomask disposed with a proximity gap of 70 to 200 μm, and thereby is exposed in the mask pattern periodically in the conveying direction to obtain a conductive film. The conductive film has a plurality of conductive portions of first and second conductive thin metal wires and a plurality of opening portions. A side of each thin metal wire has a protrusion extending toward the opening portion from a virtual line representing a designed width of the thin metal wire, and the protruding amount of the protrusion is 1/25 to ⅙ of the designed width.
US08852727B2
The present invention provides an ink composition including (Component A) a compound having two or more groups represented by Structural Formula (1), (Component B) a compound represented by Formula (2), (Component C) a coloring material, and (Component D) water: wherein in Structural Formula (1), Ra and Rb represent alkyl groups, and Ra and Rb may be bonded to each other to form a ring; and in Formula (2), Rb1 and Rb2 each represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or the like; Yb1 and Yb2 each represent —O—, —S—, —NRb3—, or the like; Gb1 and Gb2 each represent a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, an amide group, or the like; Rb1 and Rb2, and Gb1 and Gb2 may be respectively bonded to each other to form a ring; and at least one of Rb1, Rb2, Yb1, Yb2, Gb1 and Gb2 is substituted with a hydrophilic group.
US08852726B2
A photosensitive polymer composition includes (a) a polyamide having a repeating unit represented by the following general formula (I): wherein U represents a tetravalent organic group, V represents a bivalent organic group and p is an integer representing a number of the repeating unit; (b) a compound which generates an acid upon receiving light; and (c) a compound represented by the following general formula (II): wherein m and n are each independently integer of 1 or 2, Rs are each independently hydrogen, alkyl group or acyl group, and R1 and R2 each independently represents fluoroalkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms.
US08852721B2
A preparatory tempered glass structure for a cutting treatment includes a glass substrate and at least one trench. The glass substrate is given a strengthening treatment to form, from a surface to the inside of the glass substrate, at least one compression stress layer and a tensile stress layer corresponding to the compression stress layer. The trench is formed in the compression stress layer of the glass substrate and overlaps a predetermined cutting path for the cutting treatment.
US08852712B1
An exercise equipment protective covering system and method is disclosed which generally comprises a front surface having an upper portion and a lower portion. A back surface is coupled to the upper portion of the front surface such that a retention pocket is formed there between. A pair of retention straps are coupled to the lower portion of the front surface and used to secure the protective covering to an exercise training bench. The front surface may include a graphical indicia thereon. Also, an accessory pocket is coupled to the protective covering for the storage of personal items.
US08852704B2
A X-Y plane is a plane parallel to abutting surfaces on which a joining portion is formed, and a Z direction is a direction perpendicular to the X-Y plane. A sealing member is held between the outer circumference side of a guide provided on a lid body and the inner circumference side of a rib provided on a case, and is pressed in a direction parallel to the X-Y plane. Laser light is scanned on the inner circumference side with respect to a ring-shaped pressurization jig with a stopper pressurized by the pressurization jig, so the pressurization jig does not break the path of the laser light. This expands the range of options in the material for the pressurization jig, which enables an easy-maintenance jig to be used, improving productivity.
US08852699B2
The invention relates to a method of fabricating a container (1) comprising a glass wall (2) defining a reception cavity for receiving a composition for administration to a human being or to an animal, said glass wall (2) presenting an inside face situated facing said reception cavity, said method being characterized in that it comprises a step of covering at least a fraction of said inside face in a vitreous material covers said fraction of the inside face at a mass per unit area that does not exceed substantially 70 g/m2. The invention relates to glass containers.
US08852693B2
The present disclosure provides an electronic device and related method, wherein the device has a polymeric coating with low toxicity. The polymeric coating formed by exposing the electronic device to continuous plasma comprising a compound of CH2═C(R1)—COO—R2, where R1 includes —H or —CH3; and where R2 includes —(CH2)2—(CF2)m—CF3 and m is 3 or 5.
US08852691B2
The invention relates to a process for the production of composites, composed of at least one outer layer b) and of an isocyanate-based rigid foam a), where the outer layer b) is moved continuously and the starting material for the isocyanate-based rigid foam a) is applied to the outer layer b), which comprises achieving the application of the liquid starting material for the isocyanate-based rigid foam a) by means of at least one fixed tube c) which has openings f) and which has been placed, with respect to the outer layer b), so as to be parallel to the plane of the outer layer and at right angles to the direction of movement.
US08852690B2
The present invention relates to metal oxide coating materials that can be used as thin film thin film coatings on various substrate surfaces. The invention also concerns a method of making metal oxide material which are stable in aqueous phase and that can be deposited on a substrate by liquid phase deposition, such as spin-on deposition. The new materials can be patterned lithographically or non-lithographically and are applicable for building up various electronic and opto-electronic device structures, such as anti-reflection layers, high-k interlayer and gate oxide structures for ICs, etch stop layer, CMP stop layer, solar cells, OLEDs packaging, optical thin film filters, optical diffractive grating applications and hybrid thin film diffractive grating structures.
US08852688B2
The invention concerns a method for producing removable surface protection by the application of a curable, liquid coating composition (liquid film), in which the surface is treated using water, or an aqueous solution of surface-active agents, and the coating composition is subsequently applied. Preferably, the surface is the topcoat of a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to the use of water or aqueous solutions of surface-active agents in such a method. Finally, the invention also relates to a removable surface protection coating of this nature. According to the invention, the flow of the coating composition into a uniform film is improved.
US08852686B2
In one aspect, a method of forming a phase change material layer is provided. The method includes supplying a reaction gas including the composition of Formula 1 into a reaction chamber, supplying a first source which includes Ge(II) into the reaction chamber, and supplying a second source into the reaction chamber. Formula 1 is NR1R2R3, where R1, R2 and R3 are each independently at least one selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, C2H5, C3H7, C4H9, Si(CH3)3, NH2, NH(CH3), N(CH3)2, NH(C2H5) and N(C2H5)2.
US08852679B2
Embodiments of the current invention describe a high performance combinatorial method and apparatus for the combinatorial development of coatings by a dip-coating process. The dip-coating process may be used for multiple applications, including forming coatings from varied sol-gel formulations, coating substrates uniformly with particles to combinatorially test particle removal formulations, and the dipping of substrates into texturing formulations to combinatorially develop the texturing formulations.
US08852677B2
A method for fabricating a synthetic antiferromagnetic device, includes depositing a magnesium oxide spacer layer on a reference layer having a first and second ruthenium layer, depositing a cobalt iron boron layer on the magnesium oxide spacer layer; and depositing a third ruthenium layer on the cobalt iron boron layer, the third ruthenium layer having a thickness of approximately 0-18 angstroms.
US08852672B2
A method of increasing the hydrophilicity of an implant to be implanted into living bone. The method comprises the act of depositing non-toxic salt residuals on the surface of the implant by exposing the surface to a solution including the non-toxic salts. The method further comprises the act of drying the implant.
US08852669B2
Methods and devices coat, at least regions of, a medical implant, preferably of an artificial joint or a fixation for a joint. The method provides a medical implant, fills a device with a liquid having at least one pharmaceutically active substance, wherein the device has a compressed, at least over regions thereof, elastic, porous transfer means increases a volume of the transfer means, whereby the liquid is taken up at least partly into the pores of the transfer means, and transfers the liquid from the transfer means to a medical implant surface to be coated. The device coats, at least regions of, a medical implant, by means of the method, whereby the device has a compressed, at least over regions thereof, elastic, porous transfer means.
US08852668B2
A mechanism for preventing or inhibiting bubbles of dissolved gasses from outgassing due to phase change phenomenon of the pressure differential inside a liquid-filled incompressible line can be provided. This mechanism may be useful in a variety of applications, such as coating of stents and scaffolds.
US08852666B2
Partially deamidated rice endosperm protein or rice endosperm protein which is partially conjugated with mono-, di-, oligo- or polysaccharides is used as novel protective hydrocolloid for fat-soluble active ingredients and/or fat-soluble colorants. The present invention further includes compositions comprising that rice endosperm protein and at least one fat-soluble active ingredient/colorant, as well as their manufacture, that rice endosperm protein itself and its manufacture. These compositions are used for the enrichment, fortification and/or coloration of food, beverages, animal feed, personal care or pharmaceutical compositions. The present invention is directed to theses uses and to food, beverages, animal feed, personal care and pharmaceutical compositions containing such a rice endosperm protein and such a composition, respectively.
US08852662B2
A string cheese-forming machine provides for extrusion of cheese into control volumes, for example, implemented with tubes each movably blocked with a piston having a stop. Complete filling of each tube is detected before ejection of the cheese from the tubes is undertaken, thereby ensuring consistent product volume and weight.
US08852660B2
Compositions of reducing agents and carriers for producing a stable negative oxidation reduction potential in consumable materials are disclosed and claimed. Compositions of the invention find use in enhancing the hydration and anti-oxidant value of consumable materials such as foods, beverages and cosmetics, for example. Compositions of the invention also find use in water treatment, agricultural and scientific research applications. Methods for using and making the compositions are also within the scope of the invention.
US08852657B2
The identification and isolation of chromones and novel chromone compositions from plant sources that exhibit up-regulation of adiponectin production by adipocytes and the normalization of virtually hundreds of genes related to glucose and fatty acid metabolic and signaling pathways. The chromone compositions are effective in enhancing adiponectin production by adipocytes and regulating genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, mitochondrial β-oxidation of fatty acids, steroid biosynthesis, gluconeogenesis, fat transport, PPARα/RXRα liver signaling and xenobiotic metabolism. The chromone compositions can be used to increase insulin sensitivity, improve glucose tolerance, lower triglyceride levels and balance glucose levels in mammals. Included are methods for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions including, but not limited to insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndromes, dyslipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia.
US08852656B2
An object of this invention is to provide a sleep improvement composition, which contains theanine and other components and can be used safely by anybody on a daily basis without side effects. This object is attained by a sleep improvement composition comprising: (a) theanine; and (b) at least one component selected from the group consisting of chamomile, lavender, Saint John's wort, kawakawa, valerian, passion flower, tryptophan, γ-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, melatonin, and cedrol.
US08852654B2
The invention relates to the use of a composition comprising extract of Buddleja globosa Hope and pharmacologically accepted excipients for the preparation of a phyto-pharmaceutical agent, a drug or a nutraceutical for the prevention of gastrointestinal disorders, particularly those associated with treatment with nitrofurantoin or gastric disorders produced by ulcers, gastric diseases or damage to the gastrointestinal tract. The aforementioned disorders can correspond to abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, inflammation and cephalalgia resulting from treatment with nitrofurantoin and other antimicrobials. In addition, the extract and the compositions thereof can be used to enhance the antibacterial action of nitrofurantoin, particularly against Escherichia coli.
US08852652B2
Provided, among other things, is a method of treating or ameliorating an indication of mucosal or adjacent tissue comprising periodically applying to mucosa at or adjacent to disease affected tissue a rinse comprising: an effective amount of appropriate composition of herbal bioactive comprising active(s) of one or more of Sambucus nigra, Centella asiatica or Echinacea purpurea; an antimicrobially effective amount of a quaternary ammonium surfactant; and optionally a polymer or mixture of polymers effective to coat said tissue and entrap said extract(s).
US08852650B2
Methods for use of a composition comprising Bowman-Birk Inhibitor (BBI) or a derivative thereof in the treatment and/or prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy, to improve of skeletal muscle function, and to alleviate symptoms and/or slow progression of degenerative skeletal muscle diseases or disorders are provided.
US08852646B2
Implantable materials may be used in an iatrogenic site. Applications include radioopaque materials for fiducial marking. Applications include a method of treating a patient with a pharmaceutically acceptable implant system comprising implanting a collection of pharmaceutically acceptable, covalently-crosslinked hydrogel particles, wherein the collection comprises a plurality of sets of the particles, with the sets having different rates of biodegradation.
US08852645B2
Toroidal-spiral shaped particles, their method of manufacture, and uses thereof are disclosed. The toroidal-spiral particles can contain at least one active agent, such as a drug, and provide a controlled, sustained release of the active agent.
US08852644B2
The invention relates to a method for producing microparticles or nanoparticles of water-soluble and water-insoluble substances by controlled precipitation, co-precipitation and self-organization processes in microjet reactors, a solvent, which contains at least one target molecule, and a nonsolvent being mixed as jets that collide with each other in a microjet reactor at defined pressures and flow rates and thereby effect very rapid precipitation, co-precipitation or a chemical reaction, during the course of which microparticles or nanoparticles are formed. In order to create such a method, with which the particle size of the resulting microparticles or nanoparticles can be specifically controlled, it is proposed within the scope of the invention that particle size be controlled by the temperature at which the solvent and nonsolvent collide, the flow rate of the solvent and the nonsolvent and/or the amount of gas, smaller particle sizes being obtained at lower temperatures, at high solvent and nonsolvent flow rates and/or in the complete absence of gas.
US08852643B2
The present invention relates to a liquid, cleaning and/or cleansing composition comprising biodegradable abrasive cleaning particles.
US08852633B2
The present invention relates to an orodispersible tablet comprised of, by weight: a maximum of 15% of a low-dose, therapeutically active substance; from 55% to 70% of mannitol of a particle size between 30 μm and 300 μm; at least 2% of maltodextrin; from 3.5% to 8% of croscarmellose sodium; from 10% to 20% of microcrystalline cellulose; from 0.5% to 1.5% of magnesium stearate; and from 1% to 5% of flavoring (s) and sweetener (s).
US08852629B2
Compositions comprising microaggregates containing hydrophobic drugs, as well as methods for their production, are described. Such microaggregates may include micelle structures or combinations thereof with liposomes, and constitute an effective delivery vehicle for a hydrophobic agent. Methods for microaggregate production include the use of preferred lipid compounds and processing conditions favoring the production of small aggregates for improved filter sterilization.
US08852627B2
Methods, system and compositions for making and using a bioresorbable linked dressing made of bioresorbable microspheres in various configurations are provided for use in applying reduced pressure to a wound site. The methods include manufacture of a bioresorbable dressing comprising a casing and bioresorbable microspheres in the form of a rope shape. Further, the casing of the dressing comprises pores formed by a porogen system that may be activated by external to the wound or formed in situ within the wound site. The shape of the dressing allows the dressing to be placed into the wound site such that it fills the shape and size of the wound. Embodiments include formation of various rope dressing and their use in conjunction with reduced pressure therapy.
US08852621B2
Fibrous polymer scaffolds and methods of manufacture are provided. The scaffolds can be formed of multiple layers and the extent and direction of alignment of each layer can be controlled. Efficient fabrication systems and methods for producing such scaffolds include apparatuses and processes are also provided. Kits including the fibrous polymer scaffolds and methods for implanting such scaffolds are also provided.
US08852618B2
Mixtures containing gamma-cyhalothrin [(S)-α-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl (Z)-(1R,3R)-3-(2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoro-1-propenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate] and another compound having insecticidal, nematicidal, acaricidal, molluscicidal, fungicidal, plant growth regulating or herbicidal activity are provided. Compositions containing the mixture and insecticidal methods using such mixtures or compositions are also provided.
US08852615B1
The present invention relates to compositions including anhydrous compositions which include a dimethicone crosspolymer and/or dimethicone elastomer gum and one or more skin care products which may include retinoic acid, retinoic acid derivatives, retinal, retinol and/or retinyl esters, and methods of making, storing, and using such compositions.
US08852614B2
Compositions and methods are provided for the manufacture and use of hydrogels with increased permeability to macromolecules with minimum loss of matrix mechanical strength and prepolymer viscosity for patternability. The hydrogels of the invention are formed from a prepolymer, which is polymerized in the presence of hydrophobic nanoparticles. In some embodiments of the invention cells are present during polymerization, and are encapsulated by the hydrogel. A high interfacial energy between the hydrophobic substrate and the aqueous polymerizing solution disrupts the hydrogel network structure, leading to network defects that increase permeability without loss of patternability.
US08852613B2
The present invention provides a one phase, aqueous vaccine composition for immunizing an animal against infection by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, comprising: an immunizing amount of a Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae bacterin, an acrylic acid polymer in the concentration range between 0.8 and 1.2 mg/ml, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and substantially no oil. It is especially useful for immunizing a pig against infection by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae for at least 20 weeks after a single administration, which effective immunity is reached within 4 weeks after vaccination.
US08852610B2
This invention relates to therapeutic compositions and methods for systemic immune activation which are effective for eliciting both a systemic, non-antigen specific immune response and a strong antigen-specific immune response in mammals. The methods are particularly effective for protecting mammals from herpes simplex virus.
US08852609B2
Consensus CHIKV E1 protein, consensus CHIKV E2 protein, consensus CHIKV capsid protein, or fragments and homologues thereof, and nucleic acid molecules that encode the same are disclosed. A consensus CHIKV Env protein which includes CHIKV E1 consensus protein, CHIKV E2 consensus protein, CHIKV E3 consensus protein, or fragments and homologues thereof and nucleic acid molecules that encode the same are also disclosed. Compositions and recombinant vaccines comprising CHIKV consensus proteins, and methods of using them are disclosed.
US08852604B2
The present invention includes fusion peptides comprising fragments of the cancer-related protein Her2/neu, methods of preparing such fusion peptides, virosomes comprising such fusion peptides, and uses of such fusion peptides or virosomes for the prevention, treatment or amelioration of a cancer characterized by expression or over-expression of the Her2/neu protein.
US08852603B2
The present invention relates to treatment of disease by inhibition of cellular secretory processes, to agents and compositions therefor, and to manufacture of those agents and compositions. The present invention relates particularly, to treatment of disease dependent upon the exocytotic activity of endocrine cells, exocrine cells, inflammatory cells, cells of the immune system, cells of the cardiovascular system and bone cells.
US08852601B2
The invention is related with the chemical synthesis for increase the growth rate in marketable fish and crustaceanThe aim of this invention is supply GHRP-6 to induce directly or indirectly the release of growthing hormone or like, to produce the increase of circulating growthing hormone level in the blood of the fishes. The peptide is stable, soluble and biologically active.The peptide is able to stimulate growth, improve the larvae quality, and increase the defense against pathogen agents, the dry weight, the protein concentration and the RNA in muscle of fish and crustaceans.
US08852598B2
The invention contemplates a new synthetic, codon-optimized Puumala virus (PUUV) full-length M gene open reading frame (ORF) that encodes a unique consensus amino acid sequence. The PUUV ORF was cloned into a plasmid to form the first stable PUUV full-length M gene that elicits neutralizing antibodies. The gene can be engineered into a molecular vaccine system, and is useful to protect mammals against infection with Puumala virus.
US08852589B2
The invention provides the antibody D9.2 and antibody molecules based on D9.2 which bind interleukin-17 receptor B. These may be useful in therapy, e.g. the treatment of asthma, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.
US08852584B2
The bacteriolytic effect of a bacterial cell wall lytic enzyme can be increased by the addition of a surfactant to the enzyme. As a result, the time required for lysis of cariogenic bacterium with the bacterial cell wall lytic enzyme can be shortened, and the practical utility of the bacterial cell wall lytic enzyme (such as automutanolysin) as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for dental caries can be improved.
US08852580B2
An implant for repair of a cartilaginous defect in a subject includes a collagen matrix charged with synovial cells. A method preparing an implant for repair of a cartilaginous defect in a subject includes obtaining a fluid containing synovial cells and charging the synovial cells to the matrix. A device for preparing a cell-charged implant includes a first chamber and a second chamber, the first and second chambers being separated by a membrane and a perforated filter. The membrane is adapted to collect cells from a cell-containing fluid introduced into the first chamber and the perforated filter is adapted to permit passage or diffusion of the fluid through the second chamber. A method for preparing a cell-charged implant utilizes the device.
US08852579B2
Methods are provided for producing cells within a lineage (lineage restricted cells) from post-mitotic differentiated cells of the same lineage ex vivo and in vivo, and for treating a subject in need of tissue regeneration therapy by employing these lineage-restricted cells. In addition, the production of lineage restricted cells from postmitotic tissues derived from patients with diseases allows for a characterization of pathways that have gone awry in these diseases and for screening of drugs that will ameliorate or correct the defects as a means of novel drug discovery. Also provided are kits for performing these methods.
US08852567B2
The present invention is directed to cosmetic compositions having an unique texture and feel containing: (a) at least one polyamine; (b) at least one oil-soluble polar modified polymer; (c) water; (d) optionally, at least one volatile solvent, other than water; (e) at least one non-volatile oil capable of solubilizing the oil-soluble polar modified polymer; and (f) optionally, at least one colorant.
US08852566B2
Compositions are provided for preferential distribution of active agents to injury sites. Such compositions may comprise a ligand with hydrophilic properties and one or more active agents, such as compounds comprising hydrophilic metal ions. Because the delivery ligand and the active agent are specifically selected so the interactions between them are mainly of an ionic nature so that binding of the active agent to the delivery ligand and release of the active agent into the target site are not dependent on enzymatic activity. Methods of using such compositions are also disclosed.
US08852555B2
Nano-sized inorganic particles having uniform particle sizes and precisely controlled particle diameters have already been produced by synthesis in an organic solvent, but these nano-sized inorganic particles are hindered from dispersing in a polar solvent because of the adsorption of a long-chain fatty acid on the surfaces of the particles. Further, it was difficult to form nano-sized inorganic particles dispersible in a polar solvent by replacing the long-chain fatty acid coats. According to the invention, various surface-coated inorganic particles dispersible in polar solvents can be produced from fatty acid-coated inorganic particles by adding a temporary coating substance such as thiomalic acid to a nonpolar solvent containing fatty acid-coated inorganic particles dispersed therein to replace the fatty acid coats by the temporary coating substance, dispersing the inorganic particles coated with the temporary coating substance in a polar solvent, and then adding a coating substance dispersible in a polar solvent, e.g., citric acid to the obtained dispersion to replace the temporary coating substance coats covering the inorganic particles by the coating substance dispersible in a polar solvent.
US08852545B2
Waste streams from different chloromonosilane production processes are combined and reacted in a single recovery process. Useful monosilane species may be obtained with a single recovery process.
US08852543B2
Rare earth metal compounds, particularly lanthanum, cerium, and yttrium, are formed as porous particles and are effective in binding metals, metal ions, and phosphate. A method of making the particles and a method of using the particles is disclosed. The particles may be used in the gastrointestinal tract or the bloodstream to remove phosphate or to treat hyperphosphatemia in mammals. The particles may also be used to remove metals from fluids such as water.
US08852538B2
A reactor in the form of a cylinder or prism wherein the interior of the reactor is divided by a cylindrical or prismatic gastight housing G which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the reactor into an inner region having one or more catalytically active zones, in which in each case a packing composed of monoliths stacked on top of one another, next to one another and behind one another and before each catalytically active zone in each case a mixing zone having solid internals are provided, and an outer region B arranged coaxially to the inner region A, wherein the inner region A is insulated from the outer region B of the reactor by means of a microporous high-performance insulation material having a thermal conductivity 1 at temperatures up to 700° C. of less than 0.05 W/m*K is proposed.
US08852537B2
A method of adapting an axial flow reaction vessel having opposed ports to an opposed axial flow reaction vessel includes installing a process fluid collection system within the body of the vessel in fluid communication with one or more of the ports; providing the vessel with a bed of particulate catalyst or sorbent containing a layer of inert particulate material around the process fluid collection system; and adapting the feed to the vessel through one or more of the ports such that a process fluid fed to the vessel is passed axially and in the opposite direction through the fixed bed of catalyst or sorbent and is collected by the process fluid collection system disposed centrally within the bed and in fluid communication with one or more of the ports.
US08852535B2
A device and method for measuring the level of elemental sulfur present in a gas in a gas line. The device may include: an access fitting detachably connectable with the gas line, the access fitting having a first end and a second end; a probe detachably connectable to at least one end of the access fitting and adapted for insertion into a gas flow stream from the gas line to recover condensed components on the probe's outer surface; and a piping partially disposed within the probe for providing a cooling medium to the probe. The method may include the steps of: collecting a sample of elemental sulfur-containing gas from the gas line, wherein the sample is collected on an outer surface of a probe by condensing some or all of the elemental sulfur-containing gas in the gas line on a surface of the probe while the gas line is operational, the probe being removably placed into a gas flow stream from the gas line; separating the elemental sulfur from other species in the sample into an amount of elemental sulfur; and analyzing the amount of elemental sulfur collected. The device and method of the present invention for measuring the level of elemental sulfur present in a gas in a gas line, when compared with previously proposed devices and methods, has the advantages of: providing an accurate measurement of elemental sulfur, being able to distinguish between free elemental sulfur and sulfur in other sulfur-containing chemicals, and being practical and effective for use in process plant applications, particularly pressurized gas lines.
US08852530B2
An automated analyzer according to an embodiment includes a probe. The probe has a step part configured to be provided between a lower shaft and an upper shaft, and to be formed such that the outer diameter changes. A descending controller lowers the probe from a predefined position that positions the step part above the liquid surface to an operating position that positions the step part below the liquid surface. A ascending controller raises the probe at a high speed from the operating position until immediately before the step part reaches the position of the liquid surface, subsequently raises the probe at a low speed until the step part passes through the liquid surface, and raises the probe at a higher speed than the low speed from immediately after the step part passes through the position of the liquid surface up to the predefined position.
US08852526B2
A method of fabricating a microfluidic system having microfluidic channels on a surface of a hydrophilic substrate, the method including the steps of: hydrophobizing the substrate surface; locating a mask defining the substrate surface, the mask having open areas defining the periphery of the microfluidic channels; and applying an irradiation treatment to areas of the substrate surface exposed by the open areas of the mask, said exposed areas becoming hydrophilic to therefore form said microfluidic channels.
US08852522B1
An apparatus and method to de-activate a plasma from one or more plasma sources in at least one passageway having a tuned LC circuit. A first embodiment of the invention involves a method to de-activate a plasma. A second embodiment of the invention involves an apparatus to de-activate a plasma. Certain embodiments of the invention can also be used to maximize the production of activated neutral atoms and molecules from the de-activation apparatus.
US08852518B2
The present invention is to provide a catalyst for removing nitrogen oxides which is capable of keeping sufficient denitrification performance, i.e., a high removal rate of nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas having a high NO2 content especially under conditions where the ratio of NO2/NO in exhaust gas is 1 or higher, a catalyst molded product therefor, and an exhaust gas treating method. The catalyst is designed for removing nitrogen oxides, which is used to denitrify exhaust gas containing nitrogen oxides having a high NO2 content, which comprises: at least one kind of oxide selected from the group consisting of copper oxides, chromium oxides, and iron oxides as a component for reducing NO2 to NO; and which further comprises: at least one kind of titanium oxide; at least one kind of tungsten oxide; and at least one kind of vanadium oxide as components for reducing NO to N2.
US08852517B2
The present invention addresses the problem of providing a method for continuously and effectively producing an aliphatic polyester having an increased molecular weight by preventing evaporation of a diisocyanate when blending the diisocyanate with an aliphatic polyester prepolymer in a molten state at a temperature not lower than the melting point thereof so that the diisocyanate and the aliphatic polyester prepolymer are uniformly blended.In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides a method for producing an aliphatic polyester having an increased molecular weight comprising the steps of (i) quantitatively injecting a diisocyanate into an aliphatic polyester prepolymer which has a number average molecular weight of 5,000 or higher and has terminal hydroxyl groups and in which at least one acid component is a succinic acid compound, in a melting state at a temperature not lower than the melting point thereof wherein the amount of the diisocyanate is equivalent to between one tenth and two times the amount of hydroxyl groups in the aliphatic polyester prepolymer, (ii) quantitatively and continuously introducing the diisocyanate-containing aliphatic polyester prepolymer obtained at the step (i) into a mixing tank, discharging same from the mixing tank under stirring and supplying it to a coupling reaction tank, and (iii) reacting the aliphatic polyester prepolymer with the diisocyanate in the coupling reaction tank.
US08852512B2
A monitor for monitoring the concentration of oxygen in a fuel or in an ullage over a fuel comprises (i) a sensing element comprising a luminescent substance comprising a luminophore and a support in which the luminophore is covalently bound to the support, (ii) a light source arranged to irradiate the sensing element with light, and (iii) a photosensor arranged to detect light emitted from the luminescent substance. The luminescent substance may be, for example, a platinum porphyrin covalently bound to silica.
US08852511B2
To be adapted to various types of latex reagents for detecting scattered light and thereby measuring agglutination reactions with high sensitivity while sufficiently ensuring integration time. To be adapted to various types of latex particles of different particle sizes, a plurality of light receivers are arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of cell movement by rotation of a cell disk. To ensure sufficient integration time, the angle between the optical axis of the irradiation light and each of a plurality of optical axes of scattered light viewed from above the cell is made equal to or less than 17.7° including a mounting error.
US08852496B2
A continuous multi-layer film includes a support layer having a first film surface, and a hard coat layer, formed on the support layer, having a second film surface, and having a curling tendency in an inward direction. In the decurling method, the multi-layer film is transported. A first transition of the support layer in the multi-layer film being transported into a rubber phase is induced by supplying fluid vapor on the support layer. After supplying the fluid vapor, a second transition of the support layer from the rubber phase into a glass phase is induced. The multi-layer film is transported while a portion of the support layer in the rubber phase is prevented from contacting a solid object. The hard coat layer is formed from a polymer produced from an ultraviolet curable compound, and the support layer is formed from cellulose acylate.
US08852486B2
A molded discrete low stress gasket is constructed of restructured filled PTFE for use in corrosive or severe chemical environments under relatively low bolt loads. The gasket has a gasket surface and includes a raised outer sealing ring and a raised inner sealing ring. The gasket may constructed from a restructured filled PTFE material, with the sealing rings deforming at lower pressures than the remaining portions of the gasket.
US08852480B2
A method for producing a filled hollow structure includes producing an open hollow structure of a first material, positioning the open hollow structure on a tool adapted to hold the open hollow structure, filling the open hollow structure with a filler medium, and closing the filled open hollow structure with a second material. A hollow structure may be produced by such method, and a tool may be structured to perform such method.
US08852478B2
A method for manufacturing an injection molded product includes producing an injection mold by building a one-piece mold block including a mold cavity sized and shaped to correspond to a desired shape of the injection molded product and a first feeder duct extending from the mold cavity and injecting a molten material into the mold cavity via the feeder duct to form an injection molded product and a sprue extending therefrom into the first feeder duct in combination with machining a portion of the injection block to expose the injection molded product and machining the injection molded product while the sprue firmly holds the product in a remaining portion of the injection mold. The product is then cut from the sprue.
US08852477B2
A method for producing a cable-sealing member is disclosed. The method comprises forming a formed rubber including a first plane and a second plane that oppose in a thickness direction and a side plane that bridges a peripheral edge of the first plane and a peripheral edge of the second plane. The method further includes rotating the formed rubber with one axis in the thickness direction as a rotary axis while a holder is applied over the side plane of the formed rubber and, meanwhile, inserting a cutting blade from the first plane into the formed rubber to form a ring-form slit portion and stopping the cutting blade just in front of the second plane, leaving a slit-form ring unbored on one side.
US08852474B2
Processes for making fibrous structures and more particularly processes for making fibrous structures comprising filaments are provided.
US08852473B1
A pin or tube reinforced polymeric foam and a method of manufacture thereof. The reinforcing pins or tubes are incorporated into the polymeric foam during or after fabrication of the reinforced polymer foam and are preferably coated with an adhesive or binder layer prior to fabrication.
US08852472B2
The present invention is related to a lipid composition comprising at least a first lipid component, at least a first helper lipid, and a shielding compound which is removable from the lipid composition under in vivo conditions.
US08852464B2
Electrically conducting vanadium arsenate or vanadium phosphate materials are described. The materials include a vanadium arsenate or vanadium phosphate framework structure about organic template and water molecules which may be removed to leave a microporous structure. The three-dimensional vanadium framework may provide electronic conductivity, while the extra-framework constituents may provide ionic conductivity.
US08852454B2
Provided is a red emitting fluorescent material, which has a large excitation band and which is capable of efficiently emitting red fluorescence when excited by light emitted from an ultraviolet light emitting device and a blue light emitting device serving as an excitation source, in particular, even by use of an ultraviolet LED having an emission peak at near 390 nm to 400 nm, and which is capable of emitting red fluorescence when excited not only by ultraviolet and blue light form an ultraviolet light emitting device and a blue light emitting device also by fluorescence emitted from a fluorescence material upon receipt these light beams, thereby emitting high brightness red light, and then, provided is a white light emitting device capable of emitting white light having excellent color reproducing and rendering properties. The red emitting nitride fluorescent material of the present invention is represented by formula (1): Sr1-xAlSi4N7:Eux (1) where x is a numerical value of greater than 0 to less than 1.
US08852450B2
The use of a side stream and residue from the lignocellulose to ethanol process for use in preventing the formation of ice and in melting ice and snow on roadways. The future lignocellulose to ethanol industry will provide a significant proportion of these streams that provide an organic solution that when added to chloride salts of calcium, magnesium and sodium provides an improved environmentally friendly road deicing product with reduced corrosiveness and increased friction. A deicer composition of calcium chloride aqueous solution containing 25-38% by weight calcium chloride mixed up to 50% by volume of hemicellulose hydrolysis side stream can reduce the corrosivity of calcium chloride to 70% less that of a sodium chloride solution.
US08852448B2
A method for fabricating a 3D (three-dimensional) structure is disclosed to provide hydrophobicity to a surface of a 3D structure by using a dipping method in which a predetermined-shaped structure is immersed in a molten metal solution. The method includes: immersing a predetermined-shaped structure in a molten metal solution to coat a molten metal material on the surface of the predetermined-shaped structure; anodizing a metal base coated with the molten metal material; coating a polymer material on an outer surface of the metal-coated base to form a negative replica structure; covering an outer surface of the negative replica structure with an outer formation material; and removing the metal-coated base from the negative replica structure and the outer formation material.
US08852447B2
A method for simultaneously detecting and separating a target analyte such as a protein or other macromolecule that includes providing a porous silicon matrix on the silicon substrate, exposing the porous silicon matrix to an environment suspect of containing the target analyte, observing optical reflectivity of the porous silicon matrix; and correlating the changes in the silicon substrate to the target analyte.
US08852437B2
A method of producing sterile water from raw water during a production cycle in a production plant P, including adding a disinfectant to the produced sterile water during the production cycle to permanently monitor the condition of the sterile water and/or the production plant, and determining and evaluating a reduction of concentration of the disinfectant directly in the production stream. In a production plant suited for carrying out the method, a sterile sensor is provided directly in the production stream through which the reduction of concentration of the disinfectant added to the produced sterile water can be permanently measured and evaluated to provide a sterility evidence.
US08852435B2
An assembly capable of capturing and purifying expressed biological products during or at the end of a bioreaction cycle is disclosed wherein a binding resin is kept separated from the contents of the bioreactor allowing capturing, harvesting and purification of biological products in a bioreactor; the invention additionally provides means of removing undesirable metabolic products as well as provides for efficient loading of chromatography columns.
US08852433B2
Device (5) for filtering blood including a filter unit (7) having a blood filter, an inlet (8) for blood to be filtered and being connectable to an artery of a patient and a blood outlet (9) for filtered blood and being connectable to a vein of the patient, and having a filtrate container (6,14), that encloses the filter unit (7), for receiving filtrate (12) passing through the blood filter during a filtering process and that the filtrate container (6,14) is a closed container, which in a filled state is arranged to establish a counter-pressure over the blood filter, whereby the filtering process is interrupted. The invention also concerns a system including the above device.
US08852432B2
An induced symbiotic osmosis pump (ISOP) (and method of using same) comprising: a closed loop comprising a riser pipe and a downpipe having substantially the same length fluidly communicating at a base with an induced osmosis semipermeable membrane and fluidly communicating at an opposed end with a brine pump fluidly communicating with a pressure exchanger fluidly communicating with a reverse osmosis membrane, the downpipe comprising a check valve; the induced osmosis semipermeable membrane of the closed loop fluidly communicating with an initial reverse osmosis module fluidly communicating with a brine pump fluidly communicating with a source of fluid having an initial salinity; the brine pump electronically communicating with an electrical source; and, the reverse osmosis membrane fluidly communicating with a storage tank.
US08852426B2
Deep desulfurization of hydrocarbon feeds containing undesired organosulfur compounds to produce a hydrocarbon product having low levels of sulfur, i.e., 15 ppmw or less of sulfur, is achieved by hydrotreating the feed under mild conditions, and separating the hydrotreated effluent into an aromatic-rich fraction which contains a substantial amount of the aromatic refractory and sterically hindered sulfur-containing compounds, and an aromatic-lean fraction. The aromatic-rich fraction is contacted with isomerization catalyst, and the isomerized aromatic-rich fraction is recycled to the mild hydrotreating process.
US08852423B2
An electrochemical test strip is provided, including a substrate, an electrode structure and an insulative film. The electrode structure is formed on the substrate, including a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode includes a first end, a second end, an extension portion, and a bent portion. The extension portion connects the first end with the bent portion, and the bent portion is connected to the second end. The extension portion and the first electrode define a space therebetween for receiving the bent portion. The insulative film covers at least a part of the electrode structure and forms an opening. A sample fluid enters the electrochemical test strip through the opening, and the sample fluid sequentially contacts the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08852419B2
Recycling methods and apparatus produce elements of high purity from diverse feedstock materials melted in an electronically conductive liquid. Distinct anodes are used in respective circuits configured for electrorefining and electrowinning. The electrorefining circuit is operable to produce an element in a gaseous state. The electrowinning circuit includes a SOM anode, allowing feedstock materials incorporating significant oxide constituents to be recycled. The methods and apparatus are suitable for magnesium recycling.
US08852415B2
A sensor element for determining at least one physical property of a gas in a measuring gas chamber, particularly for determining an oxygen concentration in an exhaust gas. The sensor element includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode, and at least one solid electrolyte connecting the first electrode and the second electrode. The second electrode is situated on the inside of the sensor element and is able to have gas from the measuring gas chamber applied to it via at least one gas access hole and at least one diffusion barrier. At least partially gas-impermeable cover layer is provided on the diffusion barrier, at least from area to area. The gas access hole has at least one chamfer in the vicinity of the cover layer.
US08852414B2
A system and method are disclosed for utilizing sensors with existing devices. An interface module is used in combination with a newer sensor, such as a fluorescence oxygen sensor, and an older legacy device. The older legacy device supplies a polarizing voltage, and anticipates a measured current of between 0 and 100 nA. The newer sensor requires no polarizing voltage and delivers an output of 0-10 volts in one embodiment, and 4-20 mA in another embodiment. The interface module receives the output from the sensor, and converts it into a useable signal to the legacy device. In another embodiment, the interface module comprises a number of outputs, such that both legacy devices and newer devices can be in communication with the sensor simultaneously. The interface module can be used in conjunction with a reactor chamber or other pharmaceutical process.
US08852412B2
A magnetron source comprises a target (39) with a sputtering surface and a back surface. A magnet arrangement (30, 32, 19a, 19b) is drivingly moved along the backside of the target (39). A tunnel-shaped magnetron magnetic field is generated between an outer loop (30) and an inner loop (32) of the magnet arrangement. Elongated pivotable or rotatable permanent magnet arrangements (19a, 19b) of the magnet arrangement are provided in an interspace between the outer and inner loops (30, 32) of the overall arrangement.
US08852404B2
An improved apparatus strips HPNA's from hydroprocessed streams in a fractionation column having a split shell configuration. Only one vapor stripping feed is required to the split shell of the fractionation column. The resulting reduction in steam requirement provides a superior fractionation in the column.
US08852388B2
The present invention relates to a plasma processor capable of regulating the temperature of the inner surface of the processing chamber efficiently and with excellent response, with a low-cost configuration. A plasma processor 1 includes a processing chamber 11, a processing gas supply device 20, an exhaust device 40, coils 23, a high-frequency power supply unit 24, a heater 26, a cooling device 30, and a control device 50. The cooling device 30 is configured with a cooling member 32 facing the processing chamber 11 at a distance therefrom, a cooling fluid supply section 31 for supplying cooling fluid into a cooling passage 32a of the cooling member 32 and circulates it, and annular seal members 35 and 36 provided between the cooling member 32 and the processing chamber 11. The exhaust device 40 reduces the pressure in a space S surrounded by the seal members 35 and 36, the cooling member 32, and the processing chamber 11. The control device 50 controls the exhaust device 40 to reduce the pressure in the space S when high-frequency power is not applied to the coils 23, and to set the pressure in the space S at atmospheric pressure when high-frequency power is applied to the coils 23.
US08852386B2
A plasma processing apparatus includes a shower head that supplies a gas toward a substrate in a shower pattern through a plurality of gas discharge holes provided in a facing surface of the shower head facing a mounting table; a multiple number of gas exhaust holes provided in the facing surface of the shower head; a vertically movable ring-shaped member that is installed along a circumference of the mounting table and is configured to form, at a raised position, a processing space surrounded by the mounting table, the shower head and the ring-shaped member; a multiplicity of gas supply holes opened in an inner wall of the ring-shaped member to supply a gas into the processing space; and a plurality of gas exhaust holes opened in an inner wall of the ring-shaped member to evacuate the processing space.
US08852384B2
A method for detecting plasma unconfinement in a reaction chamber during a bevel edge cleaning operation is provided. The method initiates with selecting a wavelength associated with expected by products of a bevel edge clean process. The method includes cleaning the bevel edge area of a substrate and monitoring the intensity of the selected wavelengths during the cleaning for deviation from a threshold wavelength intensity. The cleaning is terminated if the deviation from the threshold wavelength intensity exceeds a target deviation.
US08852378B2
The present invention relates generally to a metallic alloy composed of Titanium and Tungsten that together form an alloy having a Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE), wherein the content of the respective constituents can be adjusted so that the alloy material can be nearly perfectly matched to that of a commonly used semiconductor and ceramic materials. Moreover, alloys of Titanium-Tungsten have excellent electrical and thermal conductivities making them ideal material choices for many electrical, photonic, thermoelectric, MMIC, NEMS, nanotechnology, power electronics, MEMS, and packaging applications. The present invention describes a method for designing the TiW alloy so as to nearly perfectly match the coefficient of thermal expansion of a large number of different types of commonly used semiconductor and ceramic materials. The present invention also describes a number of useful configurations wherein the TiW material is made as well as how it can be shaped, formed and polished into heat sink, heat spreaders, and electrodes for many applications. The present invention also discloses the direct bonding of a TiW substrate to a semiconductor substrate.
US08852372B2
A method for producing pant-type absorbent articles, each article including a chassis structure having at least one elastic panel and an integrated absorbent core component, the method including a continuous pant-forming process including forming the chassis structure and incorporating the absorbent core component into the chassis structure. The at least one elastic panel is formed by a) separately producing a two-layer laminate having a first non-elastic fibrous nonwoven web and an elastic film, b) activating the two-layer laminate by incremental stretching in at least one activation direction to render the two-layer laminate elastically stretchable, c) stretching the activated two-layer laminate by 10-200% in the activation direction, d) introducing the two-layer laminate) in the pant-forming process, and e) laminating the elastic film of the stretched two-layer laminate to an elastic or nonwoven chassis component. An absorbent pant-type article produced in accordance with the method.
US08852368B2
The present invention provides a method making glass fiber fabric reinforcements, cement boards, and glass fiber coatings for such reinforcements. The glass fiber fabric reinforcement includes a glass fabric containing multiple yarns containing glass filaments and a polymeric coating disposed onto the multiple yarns to form a coated glass fabric. The polymeric coating comprises a polyolefin based copolymer composition whereby the glass fabric has a Gurley Stiffness measurement of about 100-3000 mg and an ASTM D 638 (2% Secant) modulus of compression of about 1-100 MPa. The reinforcement is sufficiently drapable and lacking in shape memory so as to be curved around the edge of a cement board during the manufacture of same.
US08852352B2
An air diffuser apparatus component in a membrane filtration unit including an air main pipe connected to an aeration blower(s), liquid supply piping that joins the air main pipe in midstream, a branch conduit horizontally connected through a gas supply pipe branched from the air main pipe, and a plurality of air diffusion pipes horizontally to the branch pipe conduit, each diffusion pipe having diffusion holes opening substantially vertically downward, is cleaned. This involves setting a gas flow rate in the branch pipe conduit in a range of 1 m/sec or more and 8 m/sec or less, and a liquid supply rate in the branch pipe conduit in a range from 0.03 L/min/mm2 to 0.2 L/min/mm2. This solid sludge clogging diffusion holes to be efficiently removed with a gas-liquid mixing fluid without stopping for a drainage treatment.
US08852347B2
A gas heating device and a processing system for use therein are described for depositing a thin film on a substrate using a vapor deposition process. The gas heating device includes a heating element array having a plurality of heating element zones configured to receive a flow of a film forming composition across or through said plurality of heating element zones in order to cause pyrolysis of one or more constituents of the film forming composition when heated. Additionally, the processing system may include a substrate holder configured to support a substrate. The substrate holder may include a backside gas supply system configured to supply a heat transfer gas to a backside of said substrate, wherein the backside gas supply system is configured to independently supply the heat transfer gas to multiple zones at the backside of the substrate.
US08852340B2
In consideration of influence of segregation, an evaporation area of a volatile dopant and influence of pulling-up speed at the time of manufacturing a monocrystal using a monocrystal pulling-up device, an evaporation speed formula for calculating evaporation speed of the dopant is derived. At predetermined timing during pulling-up, gas flow volume and inner pressure in a chamber are controlled such that a cumulative evaporation amount of the dopant, calculated based on the evaporation speed formula, becomes a predetermined amount. A difference between a resistivity profile of the monocrystal predicted based on the evaporation speed formula and an actual resistivity profile is made small. Since no volatile dopant is subsequently added, increase in workload on an operator, increase of manufacturing time, an increase in amorphous adhering to the inside of the chamber, and an increase in workload at the time of cleaning the inside of the chamber can be prevented.
US08852328B2
Rotary fluid processing systems and associated methods are disclosed. A purification system in accordance with the particular embodiment includes a rotatable adsorbent-containing heat/mass transfer element that is generally symmetric about a rotation axis, and includes multiple radial flow paths oriented transverse to the rotation axis and multiple axial flow paths oriented transverse to the radial flow paths. The axial flow paths and radial flow paths are in thermal communication with each other, and are generally isolated from fluid communication with each other at the heat transfer element. Particular embodiments can further include a housing arrangement having multiple manifolds with individual manifolds having an entry port and an exit port, and with individual manifolds having different circumferential locations relative to the rotation axis. Still further embodiments can include a seal arrangement positioned between the heat transfer element and the housing arrangement to expose the radial flow paths, but not the axial flow paths, to the entry and exit ports of one of the manifolds, and expose the axial flow paths, but not the radial flow paths, to the entry and exit ports of another of the manifolds.
US08852324B2
A venting device for a housing, for example, a battery housing, has a gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable membrane attached to the housing so as to close off a venting opening of the housing. The membrane has a membrane section that overlaps and covers the venting opening. The membrane section has a predetermined bursting pressure. The membrane section deforms without being destroyed when pressure differences between the interior of the housing and the environment occur that are below the bursting pressure and when gas passes through the membrane section.
US08852315B2
An improved method of reducing a mixed metal oxide composition comprising oxides of nickel, cobalt, copper and iron in a hydrogen atmosphere to produce a mixture of the respective metals, the improvement wherein the atmosphere further comprises water vapor at a concentration, temperature and time to effect selective reduction of the oxides of nickel cobalt and copper relative to the iron oxide to produce the metallic mixture having a reduced ratio of metallic iron relative to metallic nickel, cobalt and copper.
US08852313B2
The invention relates to a growth media comprising a hydrophilic polyurethane polymer matrix containing particulate inclusions. The invention also relates to a method of providing the growth media.
US08852310B2
A pleated filter media comprises a plurality of pleats comprised of pleat segments extending in an axial direction between first and second axial ends and extending in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction between first and second sets of pleat tips at least partially defined by first and second sets of bend lines. Axial flow channels are defined between the pleat segments in the lateral direction and the plurality of pleats has a width in the transverse direction that varies along the axial direction.
US08852304B2
Thermally stable diamond bonded materials and compacts include a diamond body having a thermally stable region and a PCD region, and a substrate integrally joined to the body. The thermally stable region has a microstructure comprising a plurality of diamond grains bonded together by a reaction with a reactant material. The PCD region extends from the thermally stable region and has a microstructure of bonded together diamond grains and a metal solvent catalyst disposed interstitially between the bonded diamond grains. The compact is formed by subjecting the diamond grains, reactant material, and metal solvent catalyst to a first temperature and pressure condition to form the thermally stable region, and then to a second higher temperature condition to both form the PCD region and bond the body to a desired substrate.
US08852298B2
There is disclosed a method of reducing the conductivity of deposits formed from the combustion of a fuel comprising an iron-containing compound, said method comprising adding a manganese-containing compound to the fuel.
US08852297B2
A method cleaning up internal components of a fuel injector for a diesel engine. The method includes operating a fuel injected diesel engine on a fuel composition that includes a major amount of diesel fuel and from about 5 to about 500 ppm by weight of a reaction product derived from (a) a hydrocarbyl substituted dicarboxylic acid, anhydride, or ester and (b) an amine compound or salt thereof of the formula wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a hydrocarbyl group containing from about 1 to about 15 carbon atoms, and R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a hydrocarbyl group containing from about 1 to about 20 carbon atoms. The reaction product is characterized by a particular FTIR spectrum.
US08852289B2
A ureteral stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and the elongated portion defines a lumen extending therethrough. A retention portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and retains the position of the ureteral stent when placed substantially within the kidney. The retention portion includes an interior space that is in communication with the lumen within the elongated portion and has at least one opening for urine drainage. A flared portion extending from the other end of the elongated portion is positioned within the patient's bladder. The flared portion curves outward and includes an elastic member that maintains the shape of the flared portion when positioned within the bladder.
US08852279B2
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a central ramp, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the central ramp capable of being moved in a first direction to move the first and second endplates outwardly and into an expanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed down an endoscopic tube.
US08852278B2
An intervertebral fusion cage having a plate pivotally attached thereto. The plate and cage are pivotally coupled but move independently of each other. The plate is made up of two smaller plate halves: a superior plate half and an inferior plate half. Both plate halves form the larger plate. The plates are joined using a cross pin that provides a pivot point about which the plate halves rotate. The same pin also joins the plate halves to the cage, thus allowing the plate halves to pivot about the cage. It is believed that the device of the present invention will reduce the difficulties in placing a lateral plate down a port and manipulating it into position. Mating the plate to the cage will reduce the chances of micromotion and improve fusion rate, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
US08852269B2
Disclosed is a stent having a hollow tubular structure with open ends which tubular structure is formed by a plurality of filaments woven alternately, wherein each of the filaments has at least one elongated closed-loop wire and both ends of each of the filaments are positioned at the open ends, and a method for fabricating the stent.
US08852268B2
A medical implant for the expansion and support of a body vessel is formed as elongate struts in a shape of a tube. The struts are plastically deformable at least in sections so that the implant remains permanently expanded in the radial direction transversely to a longitudinal axis of the struts in the expanded state. A course of the expandable element has a plurality of direction changes with respect to the longitudinal axis. The expandable element has a constriction point in the contracted state designed as an intended breaking point for the expandable element. The constriction point breaks upon application of excessive force applied in the radial direction preventing further expansion of the expandable element.
US08852266B2
A delivery system including an inner catheter with a reinforcing element and an outer catheter having a proximal end attached to a movable member. An abutment element may be attached to a distal end of the reinforcing element, configured to engage an implantable device disposed between the inner catheter and the outer catheter.
US08852260B2
A drug-eluting stent delivery system for the treatment of edge restenosis in a blood vessel. The drug-eluting stent delivery system has a balloon disposed about at least a portion of a catheter, the balloon having a first end and a second end and a working length therebetween, the first end and the second end each including a tapered portion, each tapered portion being attached to the catheter, the balloon being inflatable from a collapsed configuration to an inflated configuration. A drug-eluting stent contacts a wall of the blood vessel to maintain the patency of the vessel. The drug-eluting stent has a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end each including a tapered portion, wherein the drug-eluting stent is disposed over the balloon such that at least a portion of the first end and the second end of the balloon are covered by the tapered drug-eluting stent. A method for making the same is also disclosed herein.
US08852259B2
A tubular medical treatment instrument indwelling device for indwelling a stent graft expandable in the radial direction, includes a tubular sheath, a rod member configured to move forward and backward inside the sheath along the axial direction of the sheath, and a front tip provided in the forward end portion of the rod member and includes, formed therein, an engaging portion being engageable with an engagement portion provided in the stent graft. The engaging portion is formed in a position where it is hided inside the sheath when the forward end portion of the sheath is sealed with the front tip. The tubular medical treatment instrument indwelling device is capable of inhibiting damaging of a blood vessel or freeing of parietal thrombus/parietal atheroma from occurring.
US08852258B2
A catheter assembly includes a catheter, including an inner member and a sheath, extending from a handle. The handle includes a housing, a braking assembly, a carriage and a carriage driver. The braking assembly comprises a braking element within the housing interior and a braking element rotator. The carriage comprises at least one carriage braking surface engaging the braking element. The carriage driver, such as a spring, biases the carriage towards the proximal end of the handle. The inner member has a proximal end secured to the housing. The sheath has a proximal end secured to the carriage. Rotating the braking element causes the carriage to move proximally as the carriage braking surface slides along the braking element. This causes the sheath to move proximally relative to the inner member.
US08852257B2
A medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A sheath pair is placed over the crimped scaffold after crimping to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath pair is removed by a health professional before placing the scaffold within the body.
US08852255B2
A microprocessor controlled medical laser device that has a precise laser beam alignment system indicated by a series of sequentially color changing LEDS. The power management system adjusts the LED'S power input so as maximize battery life, increasing it by up to six times. It's alignment is enabled by a triaxial accelerometer that may be accurately calibrated horizontally or to a plethora of angles relative to the horizontal axis. It is shock resistant and times out to turn the laser off after a predetermined time.
US08852251B2
A fixation system for a bone conduction device is disclosed. An abutment is coupled to a bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment pass into the bone anchor. The abutment defines a conduction path to the bone anchor such that vibrations applied to the abutment are transferred to the bone anchor. The abutment comprises a plurality of interlocking stacked plates disposed adjacent the bone anchor, wherein the plates form part of the conduction path. The fixation system also comprises a vibratory coupler extending from the bone conduction device, comprising a second conduction surface and a magnet, wherein the magnet attracts to the abutment so as to couple the second conduction surface to the abutment, thereby enabling vibrations to pass through the conduction path. The plates are configured to slide laterally in response to tangential forces incident upon the abutment.
US08852250B2
The subject invention is a fixation device or anchor intended to secure a graft ligament or other soft tissue repair. The device is designed to be attached to a graft ligament and to secure the graft within a bone tunnel by extending transversely across the opening of the tunnel. In certain procedures the device is intended to pass through a bone tunnel in an orientation generally aligned with the tunnel and then turn transversely. The device has an inherent tendency to rotate upon exiting the tunnel to thereby become automatically transversely aligned with the tunnel and the graft ligament. The rotation is due to a moment automatically created as a resultant of forces applied to the anchor by a pulling-suture via a laterally offset aperture joining the pulling-suture to the anchor.
US08852247B2
A bone plate that is inserted into a vertebral column includes a hole, an eccentrically-shaped annulus, and a channel. The hole includes an eccentrically-shaped sidewall and the annulus includes an aperture positioned on an upper surface of the annulus. The hole is configured to receive a bone screw. The channel is positioned adjacent to the sidewall and adapted to hold the annulus. The channel may permit the annulus to rotate with respect to the sidewall. The channel may include a notch and the annulus may include a flared end. The flared end may be adapted to fit into the notch of the channel. A portion of the annulus may be adapted to cover a portion of the bone screw. As the annulus rotates with respect to the sidewall, the portion of the annulus may cover the portion of the bone screw.
US08852236B2
Correction of a scoliotic curve in a spine comprises the steps of implanting an expanding rod isolated completely under the skin and attached to selected portions of the scoliotic curve of the spine at opposing ends of the rod; and producing a controlled force by means of expansion of the rod over at an extended time period under external control until a desire spinal curve is obtained. An incremental force is generated to stretch the scoliotic curve of the spine between the selected portions where attachment of the rod is defined. The controlled force is provided steadily for at least one month or alternatively 1-3 months. Multiple rods may be employed each associated with a different scoliotic curve of the spine or a different portion of the scoliotic curve.
US08852234B2
An apparatus for anchoring a rod to a bone fastener in a spine stabilization system. A first resilient insert may have two deflectable arms and a first channel formed therein. A second resilient insert may have two deflectable arms and a second channel formed therein. A cylindrical body may have a passage, wherein the first resilient insert and the second resilient insert have a width greater than the inner diameter of the cylindrical body when the first resilient insert is in a neutral state. Advancement of the first resilient insert or the second resilient insert into the passage deflects the two deflectable arms inward, causing the width of the first or second channel to decrease, and inhibiting the first resilient insert or the second resilient insert from moving relative to the cylindrical body.
US08852223B2
A fixed wire dilatation catheter for treating the vasculature of a patient. The dilatation catheter includes an elongated member that has a distal end portion which can be elongated to puncture through blockages within the blood vessels. The dilatation catheter also includes an expandable device located along the elongated member at a location proximal the distal end portion of the elongated member.
US08852216B2
Methods and devices for approximating tissue are disclosed. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end of the shaft and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end of the shaft. A variety of self-deploying implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device.
US08852214B2
Methods and systems are provided for fixating connective tissue to bone. Some aspects include a carrier member having a length, width, and thickness, wherein the length and width are each at least two times greater than the thickness; attachment members extending from the carrier member and that engage connective tissue of an animal; and a bone engaging member extending from the carrier member and configured to attach to a bone of the animal. In some aspects, when the attachment members are engaged with the connective tissue and the bone engaging member is attached to the bone, the connective tissue and the bone are limited in being pulled apart from one another during physiological use of the connective tissue.
US08852208B2
Robotic surgical systems and methods of coupling a surgical instrument to a manipulator arm are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a base; a setup link operably coupled to the base, the setup link locating a remote center of motion for the robotic surgical system; a proximal link operably coupled to the setup link; and a distal link operably coupled to the proximal link. A plurality of instrument manipulators are rotatably coupled to a distal end of the distal link, each of the instrument manipulators including a plurality of actuator outputs distally protruding from a distal end of a frame.
US08852205B2
A clot retrieval device (9501) for removing occlusive clot from a blood vessel comprises an inner elongate body (9503) and an outer elongate body (9504) at least partially overlying the inner elongate body (9503). The device also comprises an elongate member or shaft (9502) having a proximal end which extends exterior of a patient so that a user can retrieve the stent-basket device and captured clot by retracting the shaft (9502). The outer elongate body (9504) and the inner elongate body (9503) are connected to the distal end of the shaft (9502) and are expandable relative to the shaft (9502) from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. The outer elongate body (9504) is expandable relative to the inner elongate body (9503) to a radial extent which is greater than the radial extent of the inner body (9503) in the deployed configuration. The stent-basket construction of the device creates a reception space (9507) between the inner (9503) and outer (9504) to receive the target clot. The outer body (9504) is configured to allow as much as possible of the clot to migrate through it into the internal reception space (9507). Housing the clot in this reception space rather than pinning it to the wall of the vessel means that the clot is under less compression and can thus be retracted at a lower force. The inner elongate body (9503) and a distal capture net (9505) protect the distal vascular bed from embolization.
US08852201B2
A bone drill that includes a shaft with a flexible portion having a proximal end and a distal end and a drill tip coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The bone drill also includes a cannulated sheath with a proximal end and a distal end, the sheath housing a portion of the shaft and having a curved portion at the distal end. The drill tip may also be housed within the curved portion of the sheath. The bone drill may also include a hub with an actuator mechanism, the hub being coupled to the sheath, wherein the actuator mechanism retracts the sheath to cause the drill tip to extend beyond the distal end of the sheath.
US08852200B2
A device for injecting a high viscosity material into a cannula, comprising a container being non-compliant and having an outlet adapted to communicate with the cannula for transferring the high viscosity material thereto, a pressure applicator in fluid communication with the container, the pressure applicator defining a fluid flow path through which an incompressible fluid is displaceable, and a material-moving member interrupting the fluid flow path and defining an incompressible fluid receiving portion on one side thereof in communication with the fluid flow path and a high viscosity material receiving portion in communication with the outlet of the container on an opposed side. The material-moving member being displaceable by a pressure of the incompressible fluid acting thereagainst to force the high viscosity material out of the high viscosity material receiving portion of the container and into the cannula.
US08852190B2
A cutting instrument having a body, a blade at a distal end of the body, and a mechanism for rotating the blade from a first to a second position. The instrument can be used in a method of retrograde drilling a hole in bone. The cutting instrument is provided with a mechanism (for example, a pin and a slot) that converts linear motion into rotational motion and locks the blade into position. The cutting blade is configured to engage the shaft of the instrument and to lock into the shaft. The cutting blade is articulated between at least a first “straight” position (for example, about parallel to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument cuts in an antegrade manner, and at least a second “flip” position (for example, a non-parallel position relative to the longitudinal axis of the instrument) when the instrument cuts in a retrograde manner. The cutter instrument may also include a button mechanism for controlling the linear movement.
US08852184B2
An arthroscopic surgical temperature control system and method able to monitor and control the temperature within a surgical site during arthroscopic ablation procedures in order to prevent tissue damage is provided.
US08852180B2
A system for monitoring ablation size is provided and includes a power source including a microprocessor for executing at least one control algorithm. A microwave antenna is configured to deliver microwave energy from the power source to tissue to form an ablation zone. A radiation detection device is operably disposed on the microwave antenna. The radiation detection device is configured to generate a voltage corresponding to a radius of the ablation zone, wherein the radiation detection device is in operative communication with at least one module associated with the power source. The at least one module triggers a signal when a predetermined threshold voltage is measured corresponding to the radius of the ablation zone.
US08852177B2
A surgical laser system can include a laser engine to generate a laser beam of laser pulses; a scanning delivery system to direct the laser beam to a target region and to scan the laser beam along a scan-pattern in the target region; and a spatio-temporal modulator to perform a space- and time dependent modulation of the laser beam. The spatio-temporal modulation of the phases or amplitudes of the beam components can reduce or even eliminate uncut regions in the target region, caused by the destructive interference of the beam components brought about by a wrinkling of a portion of the target or by other beam distorting factors.
US08852170B2
A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus that can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection device, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing can be powered by auxiliary power sources such as high efficiency batteries, photovoltaic panels or cells, fuel cells, combustion generators, human powered generators, or other mechanical, electrical, or chemical power sources such as hand operated dynamos or wound springs, or any combination of the foregoing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a high efficiency pressure controller for controlling the output of the vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the pressure controller can control the pump without using a processor, and can have other features such as an intermittent delay function and an anti-stall mechanism to reduce the energy consumption of the apparatus.
US08852168B2
A catheter connection system and a method of connecting the catheter connection system to a catheter. The catheter connection system includes a hub assembly and a collar. The hub assembly includes a cannula extending from a distal end thereof, and a collet defining an inner surface spaced apart from the cannula to permit passage of a catheter wall between the body and the cannula.
US08852153B2
A penis erection stimulation system comprises one or more infusion needles disposed within and implanted along with one or more housings adjacent the patient's left and right corpora cavernosa. A reservoir and a pump are also implanted inside the patient's body to supply the infusion needle with infusion liquid. A drive unit also adapted for implantation inside the patient's body is arranged for advancing and retracting the tip end of the infusion needle such that it penetrates the housing in at least one penetration area, preferably at least in two different penetration areas either simultaneously or in immediate time succession, thereby injecting drugs along with the infusion liquid into the patient's body for stimulating penis erection. The outer wall of the housing accommodating the infusion needle comprises at least one door in the penetration area or areas. A drive is connected to the door for actively opening the door so as to allow for the infusion needle to be advanced through the opened door. The door may comprise a flap, such as a resilient, normally closed flap. It is particularly preferred if the drive connected to the door forms part of the drive unit coupled to the infusion needle. More specifically, the arrangement may be such that advancement of the infusion needle by means of the drive unit simultaneously causes the drive to open the door.
US08852151B2
Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Some embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. The device comprises a capsule sized to be swallowed and pass through the intestinal tract. The capsule can include at least one guide tube, one or more tissue penetrating members positioned in the guide tube, a delivery member, an actuating mechanism and a release element. The release element degrades upon exposure to various conditions in the intestine so as to release and actuate the actuating mechanism. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.
US08852148B2
An infusion pump having a plurality of function keys which initiate different processes depending on the state of the infusion pump is disclosed. In the configuration state, the function keys operate to set the various configurable options with regard to the desired medication treatment parameters. In the infusing state, the function keys operate to transmit various operational data to a readout screen depending on the function key pressed. Essentially, multi-function, state dependent function keys operable on an infusion pump is disclosed.
US08852145B2
Inline liquid drug medical devices for use with a source of physiological fluid and a medicinal vessel for liquid drug reconstitution and administration purposes. The inline liquid drug medical devices include a housing having a longitudinal device axis, a rotary flow control member and a vial adapter for transposing the flow control member from an initial first flow control position for liquid drug reconstitution purposes to a second flow control position for liquid drug administration purposes. The inline liquid drug medical devices include a syringe port and a drug dispensing port co-axial with the device axis. The rotary flow control member is rotatable about an axis of rotation co-axial with the syringe port and the drug dispensing port.
US08852139B2
Devices, systems, and methods for treatment of an eye alter aspiration flow from the eye in response to an occlusion of the aspiration conduit pathway. Where aspiration is drawn from the eye using a volumetric pump, the pump can be reversed so as to induce fluid reflux from the aspiration conduit pathway into the eye to help clear the occlusion. The pump may vary the reverse flow in response to sensed aspiration pressure or the like, and the reverse flow may be halted before the pressure within the aspiration conduit pathway adjacent the eye significantly exceeds the irrigation fluid pressure and/or the pressure within the eye. Reflux may alternatively be generated by modulating a vent valve disposed between an irrigation conduit pathway and the aspiration conduit pathway.
US08852126B2
Provided is a guidewire including a core shaft, an outer flexible tube, a stranded wire that is disposed parallel to a distal end portion of the core shaft, and an inner flexible tube that surrounds a distal end portion of the core shaft and the stranded wire. The inner flexible tube is disposed in the outer flexible tube so that a distal end thereof is positioned between the distal ends of the core shaft and the stranded wire and a proximal end of the core shaft so as to be separated from the distal ends of the core shaft and the stranded wire. A joint is formed so as to join the distal end of the inner flexible tube, the core shaft, and the stranded wire to each other.
US08852119B2
A bone marrow harvesting device includes a flexible bone marrow harvesting needle that can bend during operation to prevent the needle tip from piercing the inner cortical wall of the target bone. The needle defines an aspiration channel that defines an intake end that is recessed to reduce the instances that the aspiration channel will be fouled by bone particles or other debris within the cancellous portion.
US08852118B2
An implantable restriction device is configured to provide a restriction in a patient. A pressure sensor implanted in the patient is configured to sense pressure associated with the restriction device. A remote input device is configured to wirelessly receive pressure measurements from the pressure sensor and transmit the pressure measurements to a display device. The display device is configured to plot the pressure measurements as a function of time. The remote input device also includes buttons that may be used to annotate the pressure measurements, such as to indicate physical events associated with the patient (e.g., coughing, sneezing, etc.). The display device is also configured to display the annotations on or near the plot of pressure measurements. A viewer may thus take the annotations into account when evaluating the pressure measurements, such as by ignoring pressure measurements associated with certain types of annotations.
US08852109B2
A controller makes a scan part scan a three-dimensional first scanning region so as to acquire volume data in the first scanning region and makes the scan part to consecutively scan a second scanning region that is smaller than the first scanning region and is included in the first scanning region more than once so as to consecutively acquire the volume data in the second scanning region. An image generator generates ultrasound image data in the first scanning region including the second scanning region based on the volume data in the first scanning region. Further, the image generator generates new ultrasound image data by updating the volume data in the second scanning region every time volume data in the second scanning region is acquired. The display controller causes a display to update and causes to display an ultrasound image every time new ultrasound image data is generated.
US08852098B2
Various methods and apparatuses for measuring a state parameter of an individual using signals based on one or more sensors are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first set of signals is used in a first function to determine how a second set of signals is used in one or more second functions to predict the state parameter. In another embodiment, first and second functions are used where the state parameter or an indicator of the state parameter may be obtained from a relationship between the first function and the second function. The state parameter may, for example, include calories consumed or calories burned by the individual. Various methods for making such apparatuses are also disclosed.
US08852097B2
A metabolic energy monitoring system is provided which comprises: a wearable device having a movement sensor, a temperature sensor and a pulse wave sensor and adapted to be worn on a human body; a database to store activity state decision knowledge data including activity state decision condition data and calorie consumption calculation knowledge data including a calorie consumption calculating algorithm for each metabolic state; an activity state decision unit to determine the activity state based on a detection signal from the wearable device and activity state decision knowledge data; a metabolic state decision unit to detect an activity continuation state, and determine the metabolic state; a calorie consumption calculating unit to calculate a calorie consumption according to the metabolic state; and an output unit to output the calorie consumption.
US08852087B2
An endoscope includes a handle and a shaft connected thereto. Imaging optics are arranged in the shaft that image an object located in the direction of view of the imaging optics in front of the shaft as an image and which to set the desired direction of view. The imaging optics comprise a swivellably housed deflecting unit positioned at the distal end of the shaft facing away from the handle. The possible swivel range of the imaging optics has a first and a second limit, as well as an actuating element, which is attached to the handle and which is mechanically connected to the deflecting unit. Thereby the swivel position of the deflecting unit within the swivel range can be changed in order to set a desired direction of view. A first mechanical stop is provided against which the deflecting unit lies when the first limit is reached.
US08852085B2
A surgical system includes a first instrument defining a first channel and a second instrument receivable by the first channel. The second instrument defines a second channel. A valve coupled to the first instrument controls fluid flow through the first channel, such that impedance of fluid flow through the first channel is substantially the same without the second instrument received in the first channel and with the first channel partially blocked by the second instrument. In another aspect, a surgical apparatus includes an outer member and an inner member received within the outer member to define a first channel therebetween. The inner member houses an optical lens and defines a second channel for receiving a surgical instrument. The first and second channels are configured such that a pump having an inflow rate of up to about 0.7 L/min connected to the second channel can maintain fluid pressure inside an organ.
US08852082B2
A penis erection stimulation system comprises a fully implantable drug delivery device for delivering a drug in relation to a penis to achieve erection of the penis. The drug delivery device may comprise a catheter adapted to be implanted in the corpora cavernosa of a penis or in close proximity thereto in order to deliver drugs through said catheter. Alternatively, one or more infusion needles may be disposed within and implanted along with one or more housings adjacent the patient's left and right corpora cavernosa. A reservoir and a pump may also be implanted inside the patient's body to supply the infusion needle with infusion liquid. A drive unit also adapted for implantation inside the patient's body is arranged for advancing and retracting the tip end of the infusion needle such that it penetrates the housing at least in two different penetration areas either simultaneously or in immediate time succession, thereby injecting drugs along with the infusion liquid into the patient's body for stimulating penis erection.
US08852080B2
The invention relates to a simple and easy to use stimulatory device which allows the user to apply vibrations to the frenulum, while being an essentially hands-free device, so that the user does not have to manually hold or manipulate the device during use. In an embodiment, the device allows the user to control the amplitude and frequency of the vibrations applied to the frenulum.
US08852072B2
A ventricular assist device includes a pump such as an axial flow pump, an outflow cannula connected to the outlet of the pump, and an anchor element. The anchor element is physically connected to the pump, as by an elongate element. The pump is implanted within the left ventricle with the outflow cannula projecting through the aortic valve but desirably terminating short of the aortic arch. The anchor element is fixed to the wall of the heart near the apex of the heart so that the anchor element holds the pump and outflow cannula in position.
US08852068B2
A processing roll having rotatable outer tube mounted on a non-rotatable inner tube by a fluid valving arrangement, is provided. The fluid valving arrangement provides angularly controlled transfer of fluid between a cavity on the inside of the inner tube and ports distributed longitudinally along an outer surface of the outer tube, while also providing distributed bearing support of either the outer tube on the inner tube, or the inner tube on the outer tube, at a plurality of locations along a longitudinal axis of the processing roll.
US08852061B2
An inertial exercise device includes a hollow outer ball and a weighted inner ball elastically suspended inside the outer ball by at least two opposing suspension members. The weighted inner ball may contain a fluid mass. The hollow outer ball, the weighted inner ball and the at least two opposing suspension members may all be integrally formed with each other. In one embodiment, the outer ball, the inner ball, and the suspension members are all formed from integral segments of a pliant tube. The hollow outer ball is formed by everting first and second end segments of the tube over the middle segment of the tube and joining the first and second end segments of the tube together at their openings. The weighted inner ball is formed from the middle segment of the tube which, in one embodiment, is a bulge in the tube.
US08852060B1
A swiveling user support assembly has a user support or seat rotatably mounted on a user support mounting device or frame for rotation about a first pivot axis, while the mounting device or frame is pivotally or rigidly connected to a main frame of an exercise machine. The user support has a base, and a primary user support and stabilizing device mounted on the base. A pivot connection between the base and mounting device or frame allows the user support to swivel from side to side about the first pivot axis. A centering mechanism helps to orient the user support in a central position for user entry or exit.
US08852055B2
Provided is a vehicle drive control apparatus including a shift mechanism configured to be able to selectively switch its shift position to either a driving position or a non-driving position; and a controller configured to control the drive force output from a motor serving as a drive source of the vehicle according to operation of an accelerator, to transmit the drive force from the motor to wheels when the shift position is in the driving position, and to stop the transmission of the drive force from the motor to the wheels when the shift position is in the non-driving position. The controller also performs drive force suppression processing to control the drive force, when the shift position is switched from the non-driving position to the driving position with the accelerator turned ON, such that the acceleration of the vehicle does not exceed an upper limit of acceleration.
US08852052B2
A method includes operating a hybrid power train having an internal combustion engine and an electrical torque provider. The method further includes determining a machine power demand and an audible noise limit value for the internal combustion engine. The method includes determining a power division description in response to the machine power demand and the audible noise limit value, and operating the internal combustion engine and the electrical torque provider in response to the power division description.
US08852051B2
A method includes operating a hybrid power train having an internal combustion engine and an electrical torque provider. The method further includes determining a machine power demand and, in response to the machine power demand, determining a power division description. The method includes operating the internal combustion engine and the electrical torque provider in response to the power division description. The method further includes operating the internal combustion engine by starting the internal combustion engine in response to determining that a battery state-of-charge is below a predetermined threshold value.
US08852044B2
A torque split type automatic transmission which transmits torque output from an engine through two paths, adds the torque passing through and increased in each path, and outputs a final torque, may be provided wherein the torque of the engine is dividedly transmitted to first and second power delivery paths, a launching device for converting the torque and a transmission device for achieving multiple-shift are disposed on the first power delivery path in series, and a torque combining device is disposed on the second power delivery path, and wherein the first power delivery path is connected to the torque combining device such that output torque of the first power delivery path is added to output torque of the second output path to output the final torque.
US08852043B2
The present invention utilizes the rotary kinetic power of a rotary kinetic power source to directly drive the epicyclic gear set, or to drive the epicyclic gear set through a transmission device, then a continuous variable transmission (CVT) is individually installed between two output shafts of the epicyclic gear set and the load driven thereby, so the wheel set of the driven load is enabled to randomly perform variation of the driving speed ratio and the driving torque, so as to drive the combined common load; between the output ends of the mentioned two continuous variable transmissions, a limited slip differential or a stabilize device composed of a dual shaft connecting device having slip coupling torque can be further installed according to actual needs.
US08852040B2
The proposal is for a switchable friction clutch having a drive wheel (5) driven by a drive motor via a drive belt, wherein a first electromagnet arrangement (19) is provided for actuating a first friction clutch (21), and a second electromagnet arrangement (24) is provided for actuating a second friction clutch (23) in order to be able to drive a drive shaft (13) of an auxiliary unit (3) at different rotational speeds via the drive wheel (5) at one rotational speed of the drive wheel. According to the invention, a belt drive arrangement is provided between the drive wheel (5) and the drive shaft (13) of the auxiliary unit (3) to drive the drive shaft (13) at the different speed.
US08852037B2
A ball bat extending about a longitudinal axis. The bat includes a handle and a barrel portion. The barrel portion has a total length and includes a barrel rolling detection region having a length of at least two inches. The detection region is formed of a fiber composite material. The composite material includes at least first and second plies. The first and second plies each include first and second pluralities of fibers aligned adjacent to one another and first and second resins, respectively. The first and second pluralities of fibers of the first and second plies are generally aligned to define first and second angles with respect to the axis, respectively. The first ply is positioned over and within 0.002 in of the second ply. The first and second angles are each within the range of 20 to 80 degrees. The first and second angles are substantially the same.
US08852029B2
Embodiments of golf handicap systems and methods to calculate a golf handicap are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08852026B2
The present invention generally relates to golf balls and more particularly to golf balls having multi-layered cores comprising a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. A cover layer is disposed about the multi-layered core. At least one of the center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer comprises a polyalkenamer rubber. The polyalkenamer rubber may be blended with other rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene diene, and styrene-butadiene rubbers. The polyalkenamer rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel.
US08852025B2
Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.
US08852011B2
An inflatable play structure and system, the inflatable play structure including an inflatable envelope; and a weighted base attached to the inflatable envelope, the weighted base having a first base portion and a second base portion, the first base portion being attached to the second base portion by a base hinge. The first base portion and the second base portion are operable to enfold the inflatable envelope when the inflatable envelope is deflated and the first base portion and the second base portion are folded along the base hinge toward the inflatable envelope.
US08852010B2
A platform is provided, which platform is adapted to engage a base through a multiplicity of pulley engaging cables. A first end of each cable is attached to a cam follower assembly located on the base and a second portion of the cable is attached to the platform. A motor driving the multiplicity of cams, cam followers, and cables will move the platform, the platform typically being suspended above the base on the cables or the cables and compression springs.
US08852000B1
The accuracy of results of client-side determinations used for defining views of a virtual space may be verified via crowd-sourcing. Results of primary client-side determinations may be received from client computing platforms. Individual ones of the primary client-side determinations may be performed by individual client computing platforms presenting views of an instance of the virtual space to users. The results of the primary client-side determinations may form a basis for determining view information. The accuracy of the results of the primary client-side determinations may be verified by comparing the results of the primary client-side determinations with results of secondary client-side determinations performed by one or more client computing platforms. Individual ones of the secondary client-side determinations may simulate corresponding primary client-side determinations.
US08851992B2
A game cartridge with a game program configured to cause a computer to implement a jukebox or music playing method. The method includes displaying a listing of game modules of the game program on a display screen including a jukebox module. A selection to activate or run the music player module is received. The music player module plays music by outputting to the audio output port an audio signal based on processing of the digital music files stored in the storage medium. The method includes receiving a sleep mode initiation signal such as may be transmitted in response a magnetic sensor sensing closing of a housing or lid. The method includes responding to the initiation signal by placing the game modules except for the music player module into a sleep state, whereby the music player module continues to play music after other modules are paused.
US08851990B2
A method and device for scaling audio content associated with first and second sources at a user apparatus such as a gaming machine. When the gaming machine is in a first condition displaying only game content speakers are controlled to produce game related audio content. In a second condition where the display is controlled to share game content and other content from a remote source in a picture-in-picture arrangement, the method and device control the speaker volumes to associate the audio content with the associated video content to provide audio directionality and primacy.
US08851982B2
A method for playing a wagering game allows an opportunity to achieve a progressive award. A wager input is received from a player for playing the wagering game. A triggered progressive game includes player-selectable elements, each of the player-selectable elements being capable of association with a progressive-winning outcome. An outcome is assigned to each of the player-selectable elements, wherein a probability that the outcome is a progressive-winning outcome depends upon an amount of the wager input. The player-selectable elements are displayed.
US08851977B2
A dual switchable LCD display is disclosed that allows the juxtaposition of a front and rear image. A rear switchable screen is in proximity to the projector system. The rear image is projected on the rear screen at a first time interval. The rear switchable screen has an open state allowing light transmission through the rear screen and a closed translucent state obscuring the rear screen. A front switchable screen overlays the rear switchable screen. The projector system projects the front image on the front screen at a second time interval. The front switchable screen has an open state allowing light transmission through the front screen and a closed translucent state obscuring the front screen. A controller periodically cycles the respective closed and open states between the first and second time intervals to present a juxtaposition of the front image and the rear image to a viewer.
US08851974B2
A cascading symbol game includes designated symbols such as wild symbols. In the cascading symbol game, a gaming device generates and displays a symbol from a plurality of symbols for each of a plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device removes at least one symbol from at least one of the plurality of symbol positions. The gaming device repositions at least one displayed symbol to another one of the symbol positions to create at least one empty symbol position. If a designated event occurred, the gaming device generates and displays at least one designated symbol, such as a wild symbol, in the at least one empty symbol position, wherein the at least one designated wild symbol is generated independent of the plurality of symbols. The gaming device displays any award associated with any winning symbol combination formed from the displayed symbols.
US08851964B2
A method of playing a variation of Texas Hold'em poker in which each player is dealt three hole cards instead of the usual two. A player sets his three cards into two Texas Hold'em type hands, each having two cards, by selecting from among the three cards one card that is shared with each of the other two cards to form a two-card hand. Except for each player playing two hands, the rules of play are those of a traditional Texas Hold'em game with flop, turn and river board cards, and betting rounds after display of the flop, turn and river board cards. In two variations of the game, the players select their shared cards either prior to or after display of the board flop cards. Also, the shared cards can be opened either at the time they are selected or after the round of betting that follows display of the river card.
US08851961B2
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a sharpener for sharpening a corner edge of a snow travel member, which may be, for example, a ski or a snowboard. The corner edge is between a bottom face and a side face of the snow travel member. The sharpener includes an angle adjustment mechanism to adjust the angle between surfaces on the sharpener that support the bottom face and side face of the snow travel member, in order to accommodate different snow travel members, that may have different angles between their bottom face and their side face. For example, the angle adjustment member may be capable of adjusting the angle between a bottom face orienting surface on the sharpener and a side face orienting surface on the sharpener between a range of angles. The range of angles may be, for example, a range from 85 degrees and 90 degrees.
US08851953B2
The invention relates to a building block system having modules that can be plugged together, wherein electronic and mechanical components required for motion and control are provided in the modules. The object of the invention is to provide a building block system, which facilitates constructing mobile models from simple building blocks. According to the invention, the object is achieved by a building block system having movable modules, wherein the building block system includes at least one energy module, at least one control module having a micro-controller, at least one movement module having an integrated servo motor, and a plurality of connection modules that can be randomly connected with each other, wherein the modules are connectable through plug connections enabling current flow between adjacent modules.
US08851944B1
A hydraulic system for a marine engine has a fluid reservoir, a bi-directional pump, a valve assembly, and a hydraulic actuator. The valve assembly includes: first and fourth apertures fluidly communicating with the pump, second and third apertures fluidly communicating with the actuator, and a fifth aperture fluidly communicating with the fluid reservoir. Operating the pump to supply hydraulic fluid to the first aperture causes hydraulic fluid to flow from the pump to the actuator and from the actuator to the fluid reservoir, and causes the actuator to move in a first actuator direction. Operating the pump to supply hydraulic fluid to the fourth aperture causes hydraulic fluid to flow from the pump to the actuator and from the actuator to the pump, and causes the actuator to move in a second actuator direction opposite the first actuator direction.
US08851938B2
A terminal connection structure comprises a first terminal made in a plate shape and formed with a through-opening, a supporting section supporting the first terminal, a second terminal made in a plate shape and to be a connection counterpart of the first terminal, and a clip made of a plate-like material having an electrical conductivity, and having a central piece formed into a U-shape and opposed pieces continued from the central piece, the central piece being provided with a pair of projection portions projected from both side portions of the central piece to prevent the clip from excessively entering into the through-opening. The first terminal is interposed between the opposed pieces facing to each other with the central piece inserted into the through-opening, and the second terminal is inserted between a surface of the first terminal facing the pair of projection portions and the clip.
US08851932B2
A contact includes an upper contact having a plunger with a tip configured to engage a first electronic component being movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The upper contact has deflecting beams deflected as the plunger is forced into the retracted position and forcing the plunger to return to the extended position when the plunger is released. The contact includes a lower contact having a base beam and a tail extending from the base beam for engaging a second electronic component. The base beam engages and is spring biased against the plunger. The plunger is movable relative to the lower contact. The base beam is biased against and maintains electrical contact with the plunger as the plunger is moved between the extended and retracted positions.
US08851928B2
An electrical connector comprises an insulating seat, a plurality of conductive terminals inserted on the insulating seat, and a cage covering on the insulating seat. The insulating seat comprises a body, a tongue plate projecting forward from the body for the arrangement of the conductive terminals, and a bottom plate extending along from the body under the tongue plate. The cage includes a bottom wall located between the tongue plate and the bottom plate of the insulating seat. The electrical connector further comprises a securing part for securing the insulating seat. The securing part comprises a main body abutting above the bottom plate of the insulating seat and two soldering parts bend downwards and extending from two ends of the main body respectively.
US08851926B2
An electrical connector includes a first contact module and a second contact module adjacent the first contact module. Each contact module has a plurality of ground and signal contacts. Each ground contact and signal contact includes a mating portion, a mounting portion, and an intermediate portion extending between the mating portion and the mounting portion. In each contact module, the intermediate portions of the ground contacts are disposed in a first common plane and the intermediate portions of the signal contacts are disposed in a second common plane that is spaced from the first common plane. The first contact modules and the second contact modules are arranged such that two adjacent signal contacts of the first and second contact modules, respectively, define a differential signal pair such that the intermediate portions of the adjacent signal contacts are spaced more closely than the intermediate portions of two adjacent ground contacts of the first and second contact modules, respectively.
US08851920B2
A plug-in wire connection terminal structure includes a main body having a receiving space. A lateral side of the receiving space is formed with an arched guide slot. A holding plate has a receiving section formed with a wire entrance and a conductive contact section formed with a socket. An annular wall of the socket is formed a slit. A small-diameter fitting section is disposed at an outer end of the conductive contact section. A collar member is tightly fitted on the fitting section. A connection section is disposed on the receiving section. A leaf spring has a bight section received in the arched guide slot. One end of the leaf spring is formed with a connected section latched with the connection section. The other end of the leaf spring is formed with an abutment end obliquely extending the receiving section.
US08851909B2
The retractable universal electrical wall outlet is a wall outlet unit that is designed to include multiple ports for providing power to a variety of devices. The ports may include a telephone jack, a USB port, a DSL/LAN port, and a cable jack. The unit also incorporates therein a power switch, a safety switch, and a digital screen for displaying the amperage consumption and the temperature at the unit's location. A retractable member may be deployed to expose additional ports.
US08851906B2
A cable assembly comprises a housing; a PCB received into the housing and defining a front mating portion and a rear terminating portion. The rear terminating portion defines a plurality of pairs of signal conductive pads and grounding conductive pads. At least one grounding conductive located at one lateral side of each pair of signal conductive pads. And a cable has at least one first set of first wires and a plurality of sets of second wires. Each set of first wire has two grounding conductors and a pair of differential signal conductors respectively electrically connected to a pair of signal conductive pads and two grounding pads. Each set of second wire has a grounding conductor and a pair of differential signal conductors respectively electrically connected to a pair of signal conductive pads and a grounding pad.
US08851905B2
A field-replaceable printed circuit board (“PCB”) cable assembly comprises at least one field-replaceable PCB, at least one cable, a connector with a plurality of beams, and top and bottom hood portions. A first end of the at least one field-replaceable PCB is attached to the at least one cable, and a second end of the at least one field-replaceable PCB is attached to the plurality of beams. The at least one field-replaceable PCB can be replaced by disassembling the hood portions, detaching the at least one field-replaceable PCB from the plurality of beams, and attaching at least one new field-replaceable PCB.
US08851903B2
A connector assembly includes a housing having a body and a head extending outward from the body. The housing is coupled to an LED circuit board with the head mounted to a front side of the LED circuit board and with the body extending through an opening of the LED circuit board to a rear side of the LED circuit board. The housing has driver card slot in the body configured to receive a driver card from the rear side of the LED circuit board. The housing has a contact channel open to the driver card slot with a contact therein. The contact has a mating interface configured to engage and be electrically connected to the driver card. The contact has a mounting leg extending from the head that is configured to be mounted to the front side of the LED circuit board.
US08851897B1
We present a tool that can enhance the concept of BWS training by allowing natural APAs to occur mediolaterally. While in a supine position in a 90 degree tilted environment built around a modified hospital bed, subjects wear a backpack frame that is freely moving on air-hearings, as a puck on an air hockey table, and attached through a cable to a pneumatic cylinder that provides a load that can be set to emulate various G-like loads. Veridical visual input is provided through two 3-D automultiscopic displays that allow glasses free 3-D vision representing a virtual surrounding environment that may be acquired from sites chosen by the patient. Two groups of 12 healthy subjects were exposed to either strength training alone or a combination of strength and balance training in such a tilted environment over a period of four weeks.
US08851894B1
A double-sided, front-to-back aligned tactile learning aid is provided, which includes a substantially planar carrier medium with a protruding front tactile graphic aligned with a protruding back tactile graphic. The carrier medium may be one, two, or more sheets of standard paper, thicker Braille-type paper, a polymer material, or other generally planar material. The front graphic and the back graphic protrude from the front and back, respectively, of the carrier medium. At least a portion of the back tactile graphic is aligned with at least a portion of the front tactile graphic. The double-sided, front-to-back aligned tactile learning aid is clearly expressive of (and/or representational of) a physical structure, yet is embodied in a generally two-dimensional planar construction, so is easier to store. The double-sided, front-to-back aligned tactile learning aid may be used as a semi-concrete aid for sighted and visually-impaired students.
US08851891B2
An expendable bone implant has a first member with a coronal end portion configured for supporting a prosthesis. A second member is at least partially porous, engages the first member, and is configured to expand outwardly upon a longitudinal force being applied to at least one of the first and second members. This anchors the implant in bone before mastication forces are applied to the implant.
US08851880B2
A powder slush molding process and associated equipment utilize a flow restrictor disposed between a powder box and a mold surface to deposit powdered resin onto the mold surface in a controlled manner, thereby forming skins having decreased variation in thickness.
US08851878B2
A resin vessel including a sealed container (31) having an inlet (36) and an outlet (40) as well as a bottom surface (33) is described. The resin vessel further includes a filter device (60). The filter device (60) includes a housing (61) having a first end (62) and a second end (64). When seen from the first end (62) towards the second end (64), the filter device (60) includes: a first demister layer (66) having a first end (68) and a second end (70) and having a first thickness, a second layer (72) having a first end (74) and a second end (76) and having a second thickness and comprising silica, and a third layer (78) having a first end (80) and a second end (82) and having a third thickness and including activated carbon, the layers (66, 72, 78) of the filter device being arranged within the housing (61). The filter device (60) further includes: an inlet (84) for receiving a gaseous fluid provided at the first end (62) of the housing (61), and an outlet (86) for emitting the gaseous fluid after having passed the layers (66, 72, 78) of the filter device (60), the outlet (86) being provided at the second end (64) of the housing (60). The outlet (86) of the filter device (60) is connected to the outlet (40) of the sealed container (31) so that the inlet (84) of the filter device (60) is located at a distance from the bottom surface (33) of the sealed container (31).
US08851875B2
A semiconductor package molding system includes a press unit, a loading apparatus for loading the first member and the first resin member on the first press apparatus and the second member and the second resin member on the second press apparatus, an unloading apparatus which is adapted to unload a molded first mold from the first press apparatus and a molded second mold from the second press apparatus, and a control unit which is adapted to apply a control signal to the press unit, the loading apparatus, and the unloading apparatus. The press unit includes at least one first press apparatus which is adapted to press a first resin member against a first member to mold a first mold, and at least one second press apparatus which is adapted to press a second resin member against a second member to mold a second mold.
US08851873B2
An automatic circle forming apparatus adapted for automatically forming OPP (O-phenylphenol) plastic circles includes a lower equipment cabinet, a first base plate, a transmitting module, an automatic separating module, an automatic tearing film module, a sucking waste mechanism, a displacement module, an automatic forming module and an upper equipment cabinet. The upper equipment cabinet is positioned on the first base plate for installing the transmitting module, the automatic separating module, the automatic tearing film module, the sucking waste mechanism, the displacement module and the automatic forming module therein. The upper equipment cabinet is equipped with a man-machine control interface which connects with and controls the transmitting module, the automatic separating module, the automatic tearing film module, the sucking waste mechanism, the displacement module and the automatic forming module for automatically forming the OPP plastic circles so as to improve operation efficiency and save a human cost.
US08851867B2
A stator for a progressive cavity pump or motor includes a stator housing and a stator thread made of a material moulded within the housing. The stator housing includes an outer tube and an inner anchor element within. The anchor element has radially disposed apertures and is spaced from outer tube. To fix the anchor element in the outer tube, the axial end faces of the anchor element each have a first set of protrusions and indentations around the circumference thereof. Two end caps of the housing are fixed at the end faces of the outer tube. Each end cap is provided with an interconnecting part having a second set of protrusions and indentations. The first and second sets of protrusions and indentations interengage to mechanically fix the anchor element axially and radially within the outer tube.
US08851865B2
A vacuum pump comprises a molecular drag pumping mechanism and a regenerative pumping mechanism. A rotor element of the molecular drag pumping mechanism surrounds rotor elements of the regenerative pumping mechanism.
US08851864B2
Vibration of a rotor positioned within a stator of an electric motor of an electric submersible pump assembly is attenuated in a first embodiment by adjusting the length of the rotor to position rotor bearings supporting the rotor within the stator at locations of low amplitude vibration. In a second embodiment, hydraulic pressure is applied to a fluid chamber supporting a thrust bearing that supports the rotor. When hydraulic fluid pressure is applied, the thrust bearing and the rotor move axially. Thus, moving the rotor bearings away from areas of high amplitude vibration of the rotor. In a third embodiment, a sliding mass affixed to the motor is moved in response to vibration of the motor. Movement of the sliding mass changes the vibration profile of the motor.
US08851860B1
The disclosed invention provides intelligent adaptive control for optimization of production output, energy efficiency and safety of a linear reciprocating long stroke hydraulic lift system, for use at the surface of oil and gas wells to extract fluids or gas after free flowing stopped due to natural decline of reservoir pressure.The hydraulic pump and its adaptive control system introduced in this invention are capable of optimizing its production capacity by varying multiple operating parameters, including its stroking length and speed characteristics continuously and instantaneously at any point. Merits and benefits of this invention include significant increase in production efficiency, improved durability and longevity of the pumping equipment, significant power consumption savings and an ability to adapt effectively to changing well conditions.
US08851858B2
A propeller blade for rotation about a hub assembly is provided, wherein the propeller blade defines a radial direction along its length from a blade root to a blade tip, the propeller blade comprising: a radially inner region; a radially outer region located between the blade root and the blade tip at a position where rotational forces on the blade are sufficient, in use, to remove ice from an uncoated blade; a coating disposed at least along a leading edge of the propeller blade, the coating comprising an icephobic material, wherein the coating extends along the propeller blade from the radially inner region to the radially outer region.
US08851851B2
Large diameter axial Super Low Noise flow fans and commercial air cooled apparatuses incorporating such fans are provided. The large diameter axial flow fan is mounted on the air cooled apparatus for generating an axial air flow in the air cooled apparatus for accomplishing the cooling. The fan has a diameter of at least four feet. The fan has plurality of blades. Each blade includes a leading edge opposite a trailing edge. The entire of the leading edge of each of the blades is linear and forward swept, and each blade includes a metallic outer surface.
US08851846B2
A platform cooling arrangement in a turbine rotor blade having a platform that includes an interior cooling passage formed therein. The platform cooling arrangement may include: a main plenum residing just inboard of the planar topside and extending from an aft position to a forward position within one of the pressure side and the suction side of the platform, the main plenum having a longitudinal axis that is approximately parallel to the planar topside; a supply plenum that extends between the main plenum and the interior cooling passage; and a plurality of cooling apertures, each cooling aperture extending from one of the pressure side and the suction side slashface to a connection with the main plenum.
US08851838B2
The present invention relates to a displayable wind turbine. The displayable wind turbine includes a central shaft arranged vertically to a flow direction of fluid. Radially extending upper spokes are coupled to an upper hub. Radially extending lower spokes are coupled to a lower hub. Blades have first ends connected to an end of the upper hub and second ends connected to an end of the lower hub. A pitch control unit adjusts a blade pitch angle. A detection unit includes a fluid direction detection unit, a fluid velocity detection unit, a central shaft speed detection unit, and a central shaft position detection unit. A light emitting unit includes a printed circuit board and light emitting devices. A control unit controls operations of the pitch control unit and the light emitting unit.
US08851836B2
A wind turbine is provided with turbine blades mounted for axial rotation about an axis. The blades are surrounded by a shroud to define an axial air passage. A conical ring is attached to the shroud and includes vanes for directing the airflow. Plates are attached to the shroud at a position radially outward from the shroud forming an air passage between the shroud and the plates. The plates have gaps between the adjacent plates so that air exiting the downstream opening of the shroud and air moving through the axial air passage between the shroud and the plates are mixed and a portion of the mixed air exits through the gaps. The wind turbine includes photovoltaic cells to increase the electricity generated by the wind turbine.
US08851831B2
An electronic device includes an air dam module. The air dam module includes a frame defining a vent, a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and two third rotating members. The first rotating member is rotatably connected to a surface bounding the vent, to vertically block a lower half of the vent by its gravity. The second rotating member is rotatably connected to the surface bounding the vent. The third rotating members are rotatably connected to opposite ends of the second rotating member. The second and third rotating members vertically block an upper half of the vent by their gravities.
US08851823B1
A hoist assembly having a winch with a motor, a boom that rotates upward and downward, and a boom support cable which prevents the boom from rotating downwards below a desired level. The boom support cable is connected to an adjustment bar which adjusts the length of the boom support cable to fix the boom position at a desired angle. Alternatively, a boom hook can be used to fix the boom position at a desired angle. The winch and boom are attached at a front end of a cargo receiving area of a vehicle and are constructed to retrieve a load to the vehicle, lift the load, and place the load into the cargo receiving area. The winch is constructed to lift both the load and the boom simultaneously.
US08851798B1
A hinge connector for connecting adjoining floating dock sections formed from a pair of hinge halves. Each hinge half has a top flat surface, a downwardly directed leg having a lower leg portion. A plurality of hinge knuckle loops is formed on each leaf and hinge pin sleeve sections are fastened therein. When the two hinge leaves are brought together with their respective hinge knuckle loops/hinge pin sleeve sections interleaved and aligned, a hinge pin is inserted axially through the hinge pin sleeve sections, the two hinge halves are each free to rotate around the hinge pin. An orthogonal relationship exists between the top flat surface and the lower leg portion of the downwardly directed leg portion. This allows the floating dock hinge to be connected to both a horizontal surface such as the top deck of a floating and a vertical surface such as the edge of a floating dock module to maximize the strength of the hinged joint between modules.
US08851790B1
A hatch useful for forming a portal to a sub-surface facility has a cover plate with a plurality of fasteners around its perimeter. These fasteners apply an adjustable compressive force on the cover plate. A compressible material is affixed to the cover plate inward from the perimeter adjacent to the fasteners. A first vertical portion of a rectangular channel has a first end penetrating the compressive material to form a water barrier with the penetration distance being determined by the compressive force. A mechanical stop determines a maximum penetration depth.
US08851788B2
A barrier type bollard includes: at least two blocks 10, 20, the block 10 being defined between two faces 11, 12 defining a wedge having an edge 13 and a dihedral angle α of a value of less than ninety degrees, the face 12 being arranged as a sliding face 12′, the second block 20 having a sliding face 22′ substantially complementary to the sliding face 12′, the two blocks 10, 20 being mounted in such a manner that their sliding faces 12′ and 22′ rest one on the other; an oblong element 30 of longitudinal axis 31 projecting from the face 11; and damper elements 40 for damping the sliding movement of the two blocks one on the other, the damper elements 40 being interposed between the two blocks. The bollard is applicable to impact-absorbing barriers against all kinds of body, and particularly but not exclusively, against vehicles.
US08851784B2
An extension pole. At least some of the illustrative embodiments include a first tubular member telescoped within a second tubular member. A first locking system is disposed within the internal volume of the first tubular member, and a second locking system is disposed at least partially on an outside diameter of the second tubular member.
US08851782B2
A brush includes a substrate, a number of brush bristles, a storage bag, and a pushing element. The substrate includes a main body and a handle extending from the main body. The main body has a first loading surface supporting the brush bristles. The first loading surface defines a through hole. The main body defines a first receiving groove communicating with the though hole. The handle has a second loading surface, and defines a second receiving groove communicating with the first receiving groove. The second receiving groove passes through a portion of the second loading surface adjacent to the first receiving groove. The storage bag receives paste, and is received in the second receiving groove and partially extends into the first receiving groove to communicate with the through hole. The pushing element squeezes the storage bag to make the paste flow into gaps between the brush bristles.
US08851763B2
An optical fiber adapter includes a main body, an elastic shutter member and a pair of inner housings. The main body has an accommodation room. The shutter member includes a fixed portion, a shutter plate, a connecting portion, an extending portion and a bent portion. The fixed portion is positioned in the accommodation room. The connecting portion connects the fixed portion with the shutter plate. The shutter plate is positioned within the accommodation room. The extending portion extends from the fixed portion and is connected with the bent portion. The bent portion is attached to a protrusion on a wall of the accommodation room. The inner housings are positioned within the accommodation room and each include a hollow cylinder extending from a flange. The flanges of the inner housings are attached to each other and one of the flanges is positioned above the bent portion of the shutter member.
US08851749B2
An apparatus for measuring a temperature of a material includes a body unit disposed on an exit side of a heating furnace; a temperature measuring unit installed on the body unit and constructed to measure a temperature of a material which is extracted from the heating furnace; a foreign substance removing unit installed on the body unit and constructed to inject a fluid toward the material so as to remove foreign substances adhered to the material; and a moving unit installed on the body unit and constructed to move the temperature measuring unit.
US08851731B2
The light-diffusion LED lamp according to the present patent application includes LED blue light chips and light-guiding column, wherein a substrate of the LED blue light chips is provided with a blocking wall made of reflective heat-conducting materials, chips thereof are provided within the blocking wall, and the upper surface of the substrate within the blocking wall is covered with a transparent heat-conducting layer. The lower portion of the transparent light-guiding column is attached with a cover plate, the bottom surface of which is provided with stepped grooves that match with the LED blue light chips, the side wall of the second stepped groove thereof and the upper surface of the cover plate are provided with a light reflective layer, the top surface of which is covered with a fluorescent layer, and the top portion of the transparent light-guiding column has a reflective structure mounted thereon.
US08851727B1
A vehicle tail light operational indicator is mounted to a vehicle tail light to visually communicate the proper operation of turn signals, tail lights, and brake lights to an operator seated in the driver's seat of a motor vehicle. The vehicle tail light operational indicator comprises a reflecting light bar positioned to be viewable in a side view mirror of the vehicle. The vehicle tail light operational indicator further comprises a pair of base anchors that are adhesively attached to a vehicle tail light and which support the light bar. Each base anchor further includes a hinge and threaded adjuster which allows adjustment of the vehicle tail light operational indicator on various tail light designs as well as allowing the vehicle tail light operational indicator to pivot without damage if accidentally struck by an object while driving.
US08851718B2
An integrated aircraft landing and taxi light includes upper and lower reflector regions in the shape of substantially circular segments and a central longitudinal third reflector region extending between the upper and lower reflector regions. Landing light LEDs are arranged within the upper and lower reflector regions and the outer portions of the central longitudinal reflector region with the diagonals of the LED dies oriented substantially along radial lines extending outward from the center of the light. Taxi light LEDs are arranged within the central and outer portions of the central longitudinal reflector region such that the sides of the LED dies are oriented substantially horizontally and vertically with respect to the aircraft.
US08851717B2
The invention relates to a directable magnetic mount (10) for a light emitter (20). The invention also relates to a light source (200), to a base (40) and to an illumination system (100). The directable magnetic mount comprises interface means (30) configured for conducting thermal energy away from the light emitter to a heat sink (40), and comprises a magnetic connector (50) configured for magnetically connecting the directable magnetic mount to the base. The magnetic connector is configured for thermally interconnecting the interface means and the heat sink. The interface means is configured for being thermally connected to the heat sink at a plurality of orientations of the interface means with respect to the heat sink. Each of the plurality of orientations of the interface means comprises a different emission direction of the light emitter.The effect of the measures according to the invention is that it enables to omit the need for a heat sink in the light source which enables to reduce the size of the light source while also allowing to reposition and redirect the light emitted from the illumination system.
US08851716B2
A lamp (1; 16; 20; 24; 30; 37; 39), at least comprising: a heat sink (2; 17; 21; 25), which bears at least one light source; (10) and an at least partially optically transmissive cover (11; 19; 23; 26) for the at least one light source (10), said cover being fastened to the heat sink (2; 17; 21; 25), the cover (11; 19; 23; 26; 31; 38; 40) having a wall thickness (d) which, at least sectionally, tapers as the distance from the heat sink (2; 17; 21; 25) increases.
US08851704B2
The present invention provides a shell for a lighting device. The shell comprises a first lamp body, a second lamp body, a first connecting part, and a second connecting part. The ends of the second lamp body have a first end surface and a second end surface. The first connecting part lying along a first direction is set in the first end surface and threads through the first bottom surface. The second connecting part lying along a direction opposite to the first direction is set in the second end surface and threads through the second bottom surface. When the first lamp body is connected with the second lamp body, the two ends of the first lamp body are disposed extending over edges of the first end surface and the second end surface separately.
US08851703B2
A combination for replacing a ballast of a conventional fluorescent fixture without ever having to wire the ballast to the conventional fluorescent fixture, wherein the conventional fluorescent fixture has a conventional hood, a conventional set of power supply wires, and a conventional set of lamp socket wires. The combination includes a socket, a ballast, and apparatus for electrically, mechanically, and interchangeably connecting the ballast to the socket without ever having to wire the ballast to the conventional fluorescent fixture. The socket mounts to the conventional hood of the conventional fluorescent fixture, is electrically spliced to the conventional set of power supply wires of the conventional fluorescent fixture, and is electrically spliced to the conventional set of lamp socket wires of the conventional fluorescent fixture. The ballast is electrically, mechanically, and interchangeably connected to the socket so as to allow the ballast to be replaced without ever having to wire the ballast to the conventional fluorescent fixture.
US08851701B2
The invention provides a padding for a carpet. The padding comprises a first padding face and a tube at least partly integrated in the padding. The tube comprises a transmissive section, transmissive for light having a predetermined wavelength selected from the visible spectrum. A lighting device may be introduced in the tube. The invention further provides a carpet-padding combination and a combination of the tube and a lighting device.
US08851699B2
There is provided a lighting fixture adapted to be installed on a ceiling having a predetermined plane. A light emitting diode light source is supported by the lighting fixture. At least a portion of the lighting fixture protrudes below the plane of the ceiling supported by the lighting fixture. A heat sink is attached to the back side of the LED light source. The heat sink includes a thermal chimney directing heat away from the LED light source.
US08851696B2
A fragrance lamp structure including a carrying element, a lighting element and a driving element is provided. The carrying element has a carrying surface, a first contact surface and a second contact surface. The carrying surface and the first contact surface are opposite to each other, and so are the carrying surface and the second contact surface opposite to each other. The lighting element has a first heat output surface facing the first contact surface of the carrying element. The lighting element generates a first heat going through the first heat output surface and the first contact surface to heat up the carrying element. The driving element has a second heat output surface facing the second contact surface of the carrying element. The driving element generates a second heat going through the second heat output surface and the second contact surface to heat up the carrying element.
US08851691B2
A keyboard includes a keyboard shell; a supporting panel; a plurality of keycaps; a plurality of keycap supports between the supporting panel and the corresponding keycaps; a plurality of elastomers through the corresponding elastomer holes; an FPC sheet with a plurality of key signal pads corresponding to the plurality of elastomers; a light emitting substrate arranged under the FPC sheet, and a plurality of light emitting light emitting parts arranged on the light emitting substrate; a fixing groove which is used for fixing the supporting panel, the FPC sheet and the light emitting substrate formed on the keyboard shell; the elastomer being arranged on the FPC sheet; the supporting panel, the FPC sheet, and the light emitting substrate being supported in the keyboard shell and the light beams from the light emitting part being guided through the light through holes to the up side of the supporting panel.
US08851689B2
A frame for optics used in interferometers that may include different materials having substantially similar, identical, or as close as practicable coefficients of thermal expansion from the material(s) used to make the beamsplitter and/or compensator without warping, bending, tilting or distorting the optics. The beamsplitter and/or compensator are mounted onto the frame of the interferometer using a three-point method of mounting, preferably using three pins for each component. Preferably, the pins are made of the same material as the beamsplitter and compensator, and all three components are made of Potassium Bromide (“KBr”) or Calcium Fluoride (“CaF2”) such that the optic instrument can operate to scan into the mid or far infrared. Stability in optical alignment is therefore achieved without requiring the optic instrument include only one material. The invention provides stability in situations where it is not possible to utilize a single material for every component of the interferometer.
US08851686B2
The present disclosure is directed to lamina(e) comprising cube corner elements, a tool comprising an assembly of laminae and replicas thereof. The disclosure further relates to retroreflective sheeting.
US08851682B2
A display module includes a light emitting element array and a lens array. The light emitting element array includes a plurality of light emitting elements arranged on a substrate and driven by driving signal to emit light. A lens array is configured to focus light emitted by the respective light emitting elements. The lens array includes a plurality of first lens pillars respectively provided on the light emitting elements, a plurality of second lens pillars respectively provided on the first lens pillars and having curved surfaces at tops thereof, and a plurality of lens portions formed so as to cover the first lens pillars and the second lens pillars, the lens portions having curved surfaces at tops thereof. A driving circuit is provided on the substrate.
US08851679B2
An electronic ophthalmoscope combining scanning laser (SLO) and optical coherence (OCT) technologies is further equipped with a pulsed laser source in the femtosecond (fs) range. The goal is primarily to selectively disrupt the photoreceptor mosaic of the retina or Bruch's membrane in a pattern that minimizes loss of visual functioning, and to reduce thereby the metabolic load of the outer retina. Using a beam splitter, one embodiment combines the SLO scanning beams with the therapeutic laser beam and aiming beam. The therapeutic channel uses an independent x/y positioner and micro-deflector. Because the duty cycle is appropriate, a second embodiment can use the SLO scanners to also scan a modulated therapeutic laser beam. A biometric OCT probe, helpful in focusing, can be integrated in both configurations. A method is also disclosed to represent the tilting of the retina at a specified location.
US08851678B2
In one example of the invention a patient display is provided on which a fixation graphic or video is shown in substantially the center of the display, and then target graphics or video are shown at different positions on the display about the center. A test subject is positioned in front of the patient display a known distance therefrom, and a camera captures an image of the test subject's eyes, to allow gaze direction determination to be performed. The captured images are displayed to a clinician user by a controlling test application, the clinician making a determination based on the images as to whether the test subject saw a target graphic or video when it was displayed. The clinician user then makes an appropriate input into the controlling test application, which also logs the position at which the target image was displayed. By displaying target graphics at multiple locations on the screen and logging the clinician inputs, the controlling test application is able to build up a plot of the peripheral vision field of the test subject. This plot can then be graphically displayed to the clinician user, and stored with the test results for future clinical use.
US08851677B2
The invention relates to an arrangement with a spectacle lens having a changeable optical effect and with an effect-setting apparatus for setting the optical effect of the spectacle lens on the basis of intended-setting data. A memory apparatus stores first intended-setting data for setting a first predetermined optical intended effect, which was established from a first refraction measurement on an eye of a spectacles wearer for whom the spectacle lens is destined, and for storing second intended-setting data for setting a second predetermined optical intended effect, which was established from a second refraction measurement on the eye, and also a supply apparatus for supplying the first intended-setting data or the second intended-setting data to the effect-setting apparatus.
US08851665B2
There is provided a recording apparatus including an apparatus main body provided with a recording unit which performs recording on a recording medium, an extension unit provided with a containing unit of the recording medium, which is detachably attached to a lower portion of the apparatus main body on a side of a weight direction of the apparatus main body, main body legs which are provided on the lower portion of the apparatus main body and are in contact with a placement surface when the apparatus main body is placed on the placement surface, and gap forming members which are provided in the extension unit, have higher rigidity exhibiting less compressional deformation as compared with the main body legs, and form a gap between the lower portion of the apparatus main body and the extension unit while being in contact with the lower portion of the apparatus main body.
US08851659B2
Provided is a recording apparatus including: a recording unit for performing recording on a recordable medium; a transportation unit for transporting the recordable medium; and a drier for accelerating the drying of the recordable medium by ejecting gas to the recordable medium, wherein the drier is configured such that the ejection range of the gas in a direction perpendicular to the transportation direction of the recordable medium is changeable.
US08851657B2
This hybrid ink get printer HIP includes; a print medium supply unit MS for supplying a print medium W; and a printing unit 4 for printing on the print medium W, the printing unit 4 comprising at least two print head units each configured from a print head that discharges ink, and a drying format differing between ink discharged by one of the print head units and ink discharged by another of the print head units.
US08851652B2
Pre-treatment composition and printing method using such pre-treatment composition are disclosed. A disclosed example of the pre-treatment composition includes a liquid vehicle, a polyvalent metal salt as fixing agent, and a latex resin having an acid number of less than 20.
US08851649B2
A 1K UV-ink jet printing ink composition comprising effect pigments, wherein the composition comprises:a) at least one difunctional (meth)acrylate monomer,b) at least one photoinitiator,c) effect pigments having a volume averaged particle size distribution with a D98<10 μm,d) optionally trifunctional and/or polyfunctional (meth)acrylate monomers, and wherein the viscosity of the ink jet printing ink composition is at maximum 30 mPas, measured at 25° C. for 10 minutes with a Brookfield R/S rheometer using a double gap cylinder according to DIN 53453 (German Industrial Standards) at 150 rpm and wherein the total concentration of the at least one difunctional (meth)acrylate monomer of a) and the trifunctional and/or polyfunctional (meth)acrylate monomers of d) is in a range of 75 to 100 wt.-%, based on the total amount of (meth)acrylate monomers.
US08851646B2
The object of the invention is to provide a cartridge in which the remaining amount of liquid in a liquid chamber can be accurately detected. The air introducing port is provided in a position closer to an upper end of the largest outer surface in a vertical direction and in a position closer to a left end of the largest outer surface relative in a horizontal direction. The liquid detecting section is provided in a position closer to a lower end of the largest outer surface in the vertical direction and in a position closer to a right end of the largest outer surface in the horizontal direction.
US08851639B2
A liquid ejection apparatus includes: a head including: a nozzle configured to eject liquid; a supply port to which the liquid is continuously supplied; and a recovery port from which the liquid is continuously recovered; a supply flow channel through which the liquid is supplied to the head; and a recovery flow channel through which the liquid is recovered from the head. A flow channel resistance inside the head from the supply port to the nozzle is R_HEAD_IN. A flow channel resistance inside the head from the nozzle to the recovery port is R_HEAD_OUT. A flow channel resistance of the supply flow channel is R_CHANNEL_IN. A flow channel resistance of the recovery flow channel is R_CHANNEL_OUT. The supply and recovery flow channels are laid out so as to satisfy a condition of R_CHANNEL_IN>R_CHANNEL_OUT when R_HEAD_IN>R_HEAD_OUT, or a condition of R_CHANNEL_IN
US08851638B2
A continuous ink jet printing system capable of printing at multiple predetermined print resolutions. The system comprises a drop generator having an array of nozzles for emitting a plurality of continuous streams of liquid for applying ink to media driven in a media advance direction having a source for pressurized liquid for supplying pressurized liquid to the plurality of nozzles. The plurality of nozzles have effective nozzle diameters D0 and a stimulation device associated with each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles for forming ink drops having predetermined drop volumes from the continuous streams of liquid. The predetermined drop volumes include non-print drops of a unit volume V0, and print drops having volumes that are integer multiples of the unit volume, mV0, wherein m is an integer greater than 1. A catcher collects the non-print drops and a selector selects a predetermined print resolution. Each predetermined print resolution has a corresponding print drop volume mV0.
US08851637B2
An inkjet device includes a pumping chamber bounded by a wall, a piezoelectric layer disposed above the pumping chamber, a ring electrode having an annular lower portion disposed on the piezoelectric layer. A moisture barrier layer covers a remainder of the piezoelectric layer over the pumping chamber that is not covered by the annular lower portion of the ring electrode.
US08851632B2
A recording apparatus includes a flexible wiring substrate of which one end is connected to a recording head side; and a holding member which holds a plurality of the flexible wiring substrates in a state of being laminated, the holding member has a regulating section which regulates both end portions of the plurality of the flexible wiring substrates in the width direction in a state of being laminated, a first film member which is disposed on one side of the plurality of the flexible wiring substrates and has flexibility, and a second film member which is disposed on the other side in the thickness direction in a state where an interval is secured which is greater than a total thickness of the plurality of the flexible wiring substrates with respect to the first film member and has flexibility.
US08851630B2
Various embodiments provide oleophobic, low adhesion coatings with high thermal stability and methods of forming and using them in an ink jet printhead, wherein the oleophobic, low adhesion coatings can include a sol-gel cross-linked coating by a self-condensation process of at least a silane-functionalized perfluoropolyether based polymer precursor.
US08851628B2
A wiping device for maintaining a printhead is provided having a body supported within a maintenance unit of the printer, a porous roller rotatably mounted to the body, and a mechanism mounted to the body for rotating the porous roller. The body is configured to be lifted from the maintenance unit so as bring the porous roller into contact with a printhead of the printer. The mechanism rotates the porous roller so that the porous roller rotates against the printhead wiping the printhead clean. The mechanism is connectable to a power supply of the printer and is configured to be lifted from the maintenance unit together with the body while connected to the power supply.
US08851623B2
Provided are a liquid ejection device and a maintenance method thereof which are capable of effectively removing, for example, a liquid in a gap between heads. The liquid ejection device includes: a line head which includes a plurality of heads connected to each other in a longitudinal direction and in which a liquid-repellent treatment is performed for a side surface of each head facing an adjacent head; a tube supporting member that is provided between adjacent heads on a side opposite to a liquid ejection surface of the head and supports a tube having one end inserted between the heads; and a gas supply unit that is connected to the other end of the tube and supplies gas between the heads from the one end of the tube.
US08851612B2
Liquid ejecting apparatus and method for detecting medium edge position in liquid ejecting apparatus
To provide a liquid ejecting apparatus and a method for detecting a medium edge position in a liquid ejecting apparatus, whereby the position of an edge of a medium can be detected while also avoiding an event where a protrusion present in a region targeted for detection by an optical sensor is erroneously detected as being the medium, a carriage is moved so as to traverse a sheet of paper in the width direction, and a determination is made as to whether or not an output voltage of a sheet width sensor provided to the carriage has crossed over a first threshold value.
US08851604B2
A driving waveform has a first driving waveform (PLSTM1) composed of non-GND waveform, a second driving waveform (PLSTM2) composed of a non-GND waveform different from the first driving waveform, and a third driving waveform (PLSTM0) composed of a GND waveform, and a driving voltage V1 of the first driving waveform and a driving voltage V2 of the second driving waveform is |V1|>|V2|; and the driving circuit selects at least the first driving waveform and the second driving waveform or only the first driving waveform at every predetermined time in 1 pixel cycle in accordance with the discharge data, applies this to one of the two driving electrodes of the pressure generating unit and also applies only the second driving waveform to the other so as to operate the pressure generating unit by a differential waveform between the two driving electrodes.
US08851603B2
A driving device, and a liquid discharge head and a recording apparatus using the driving device are provided which permit precise printing under various conditions. The driving device includes a latch signal generation circuit for generating a latch signal every Tc seconds; a delay time retention circuit for retaining data of delay times of less than Tc seconds; a plurality of first latch circuits which are capable of retaining one-line pixel data, and latch pixel data from outside by the latch signal; a plurality of second latch circuits which are divided into a plurality of second latch circuit groups, and latch pixel data retained in the plurality of first latch circuits after the delay time of data retained in the delay time retention circuit for each of the second latch circuit groups is passed after the latch signal is transmitted; and a driving signal transmission circuit.
US08851593B1
An image processing apparatus includes a memory, a receiving unit, a detector, a generation unit, a determination unit, and an alert unit. The memory stores output characteristic information, information on image output characteristics of a printer, which is specified for output. The receiving unit receives a print command. The detector detects a one-dimensional code in accordance with a received print command. The generation unit generates print data in accordance with a received print command. The determination unit determines, in a case where a one-dimensional code has been detected, whether or not a printer, which is specified for output, is capable of printing the one-dimensional code with a predetermined print quality or higher by referring to the stored output characteristic information. The alert unit issues an alert in a case where the printer is incapable of printing the one-dimensional code with the predetermined print quality or higher.
US08851589B2
A refrigerator includes an auxiliary shelf unfolded by being linked with an opening/closing of a second door which opens or closes a storage space defined in a first door. The second door covers the storage space and is rotated in the same direction as the first door.
US08851580B2
A pneumatic brake system that includes at least one pneumatic latching valve; a single device, such as a solenoid, for providing momentary pilot signals to pneumatic latching valve; a source of pressurized supply air in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; a spring brake or other pneumatic device in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; and, optionally, an indicator device for monitoring and displaying the state of the pneumatic latching valve. Upon receiving a first momentary pilot signal the pneumatic latching valve changes from closed to open and delivers pressurized air to the spring brake. Upon receiving a second momentary pilot signal, the pneumatic latching valve changes from open to closed and exhausts pressurized air from the spring brake to the external environment. The valve remains “latched” in its current state until the signaling device is energized and the next momentary pilot signal is received.
US08851578B2
A first and a second rotary pumps are provided in a first pump casing of a pump body, which is inserted into a cylindrical recessed portion of a housing 101. A first outlet port is opened at a first space formed between a bottom surface of the cylindrical recessed portion and an axial forward end surface of the first pump casing, so that discharge pressure of working fluid of the first pump is supplied to the first space. A second outlet port is opened at a second space formed between an axial backward end surface of the first pump casing and an axial forward end surface of a second pump casing, so that discharge pressure of working fluid of the second pump is supplied to the second space.
US08851574B2
A head restraint assembly is provided to be mounted within a vehicle. A head restraint is supported by the cross member in a lateral direction and adapted to rotate about a lateral axis of the cross member. A fixed locking member is mounted within the head restraint. A latch is mounted to slide on the cross member between a first latch position engaged with the locking member and at a second latch position released from the fixed locking member. A lever is provided proximate the latch to move the latch between the first latch position and the second latch position. A motor is in communication with the lever such that the motor moves the lever to translate the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position. The head restraint is rotatable about the cross member when the latch is in the second latch position.
US08851573B2
It is described a neck rest where the cushion 1 is rotatably and eccentrically mounted on a mounting stay 2. The mounting stay is attached in a cushion by means of sector shaped hinges 3. The friction between the stay and cushion can be regulated by means of a wheel.
US08851572B2
A vehicle seat (1), in particular a motor vehicle seat, has at least one fitting (10) including two fitting components (11, 12) that can rotate relative to each other. At least one structural component (15) has at least one opening (16) for partially receiving the fitting (11, 12) and at least one mounting area (18) enclosing the opening (16) for mounting the fitting (10), by at least one weld seam (19) between the mounting area (18) and one of the two fitting components (11, 12). The mounting area (18) is reinforced by additional material relative to the other areas of the structural component (15).
US08851570B2
A seat lifter smoothly lifts and lowers right and left seat frames relative to respective base members so that a seat can be lifted and lowered smoothly. The seat lifter has first to fourth links (4a to 4d), and a coupling (6) that couples the first link (4a) and the second link (4b), and has a first sun gear (62) and a second sun gear (162). The first link (4a) has a first link body (41) that is coupled interlockably to a first planetary gear group (40) with a plurality of first planetary gears (44), and a planetary-gear operating section (5). The second link (4b) has a second link body (141) that is coupled interlockably to a second planetary gear group (140) with a plurality of second planetary gears (144).
US08851564B2
A chair with a foldable desk includes a support leg having a crossbar. A seat plate installed above said support leg includes an upper seat, a lower cover and a coupler into which the crossbar is rotatably inserted. The seat plate rotates between a vertical position and a horizontal position. A back installed above a rear side of the seat plate is capable of tilting forward and rearward with tilting means. A desk installed above a side of the support leg includes an upper plate with an attachment member on its bottom. The upper plate may swing between an upper position and a lower position within an angle range.
US08851562B2
A vehicle head restraint on a seat back is adjustable in height from a non-usage position to a usage position. The head restraint is disposed on a retaining element formed from a U-shaped tubular section and of which a horizontally disposed section forms the axis of rotation of the head restraint. The head restraint and retaining element are coupled by means of a spring element such that a biasing force of the spring element is applied to the head rest, wherein sections of the spring element engage in respective cutouts disposed on both sides in the region of rounded portions of the retaining element, and the biasing force generated rotates a lower end of the head rest automatically in the direction of the retaining element as the head rest is moved from the non-usage position to the usage position.
US08851558B2
A vehicle body structure of the present invention includes an elastic base frame formed in a ring shape; and three elastic upper frames each formed in a ring shape, the three upper frames being disposed on the base frame so as to configure a tetrahedron with the base frame, the three upper frames being connected to the base frame, and the upper frames that are adjacent to each other in a peripheral direction of the base frame being connected to each other. A vehicle body structure is hence provided capable of exhibiting high impact absorption properties.
US08851556B2
A center pillar includes a first reinforcement panel which is arranged between an outer panel and an inner panel, comprises a bottom wall portion, both-side vertical wall portions extending in a vehicle width direction from the bottom wall portion, and both-side flange portions, and has a cross section formed in substantially a hat shape. A second reinforcement panel comprising a bottom wall portion and both-side vertical wall portions and having a cross section formed in substantially a U shape is arranged inside the first reinforcement panel. The second reinforcement panel is joined to the first reinforcement panel such that only the bottom wall portion and one of the both-side vertical wall portions are joined to the bottom wall portion and one of the both-side vertical wall portions, respectively.
US08851554B2
A drag reduction assembly is mountable on a vehicle or other object experiencing relative motion in a fluid environment. The assembly comprises at least one shell of flexible web material movable between non-deployed and deployed positions. In addition, the shell is configured to provide at least an outer flow surface in the deployed position (e.g., a curved surface) to reduce the effects of aerodynamic drag. In many embodiments, intake apertures such as NACA ducts may be provided to allow a portion of the flowing fluid into the shell. The flowing fluid will cause the shell to assume automatically the deployed position. In cases where fluid enters the shell, an exit location is provided in the shell to permit such fluid to exit and rejoin fluid on the outside.
US08851550B2
A panel assembly includes a trim panel and a finisher panel. The trim panel has a base portion, a support portion, and an accent portion. The accent portion is adjacent to the base portion and the support portion. The finisher panel is connected to the trim panel such that a first perimeter edge of the finisher panel is adjacent to the base portion of the audio panel, a second perimeter edge of the finisher panel is adjacent to the accent portion of the audio panel, and the support portion is concealed by the finisher panel.
US08851542B2
A portable bag holder, kit and method are provided for maintaining a bag mouth of a disposable bag in an open position. The portable bag mouth holder may be provided in combination with one or a plurality of receptacles such that the bag mouth is maintained in an open position of contents in the bag.
US08851536B2
A handle for a door leaf of a motor vehicle, including a stationary portion mounted on the outer panel of the door leaf, and a gripping lever pivotably mounted relative to the stationary portion and configured to be operated by a user. The gripping lever includes: a pivotably movable outer shell having a front surface visible to a user and a rear surface opposite the front surface, and a recess provided in the outer shell, which forms an opening in the visible front surface of the outer shell, and a decorative insert attached inside the recess and having a front wall that is substantially flush with the front surface of the outer shell, a rear wall attached to the rear surface of the outer shell, and at least one rib connecting the front and rear walls of the decorative insert, the front and rear walls and the rib being made of one piece.
US08851535B2
A security device for a double door, including a first locking portion having a curved portion and an elongated male portion, and a second locking portion having a curved portion and an elongated female portion. A lock mechanism includes a pair of rows of teeth having a gap therebetween and associated with the bottom side of the male portion and a locking prong mounted to the female portion. The locking prong has a flexible finger portion that terminates in a T-shaped end. The finger portion can slide between the gap in the rows of teeth. A release button mounted on the female portion, when pressed, causes the locking prong to bend downward, disengaging the T-shaped end from between the teeth and allowing the first and second locking portions to separate, thereby unlocking the security device.
US08851527B2
A fitting for use with corrugated tubing, the fitting comprising: a nut having a passage therethrough for receiving the tubing, the tubing being corrugated tubing having a series of peaks and valleys; a plurality of retainers positioned forward of the nut, the retainers having a sealing surface for placement in a valley of the corrugated tubing; a body having an annular pocket formed circumferentially around the retainers, the body having a body sealing surface, wherein upon sealing, the tubing is compressed between the sealing surface and the body sealing surface; a spring positioned within a cavity in the retainers, the spring driving the retainers into the pocket when the fitting is not sealed.
US08851512B2
A vibration suppression structure for a steering wheel includes elastic support portions for elastically supporting an inflator of an airbag apparatus. Each elastic support portion is formed as a cylinder having an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of a steering shaft. At any cross section orthogonal to the axis, each elastic support portion has an outer periphery of the same oval or the same circle and an inner periphery of the same oval or the same circle. When the outer periphery is circular, the inner periphery is oval. When the inner periphery is circular, the outer periphery is oval.
US08851506B2
An integrated airbag assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a support structure that provides a single, unitary component that is securable to the airbag and other components, such as grab handles and coat hooks. The airbag, the grab handles and the coat hooks secure to the support structure, such s by snap-fitting to the support structure. The assembly including the airbag, the grab handle and/or the coat hook is mountable to the vehicle, such as by snap-fitting the assembly to a roof rail of the vehicle. Accordingly, the assembly improves installation of the airbag and other components to the vehicle.
US08851500B2
A trailer for a trailer truck, comprising a chassis provided with a central chassis element and at least one axle with independent wheel suspension, which is connected to the chassis, the wheel suspension comprising a first, lower wheel suspension arm that is pivotally connected to the chassis about a first pivot axis that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction of the chassis, a second, higher wheel suspension arm that is pivotally connected to the chassis about a second pivot axis, a steering knuckle connecting the first wheel suspension arm and the second wheel suspension arm, a wheel axle attached to the steering knuckle, on which a wheel is rotatably mounted. The second pivot axis extends substantially in the transverse direction of the chassis, with the second end of the second wheel suspension being spaced from the first end of the second wheel suspension arm, seen in the longitudinal direction of the chassis.
US08851492B2
An axle/suspension system for heavy-duty vehicles having a frame and at least one suspension assembly operatively connected to the frame, the axle/suspension system including a mechanical stop having a plurality of links and a first end and a second end, the second end rigidly attached to the suspension assembly and the first end rigidly attached to the vehicle frame, wherein the first end and the second end control a distance between the first end and the second end, and control the plurality of links to attain a movement tolerance range of said mechanical stop from about 0.0 inches to about 2.0 inches.
US08851488B2
An improved cargo dolly has at least two top rail assemblies and a frame with an inner rail having mounting brackets for receiving the top rail assemblies. Each top rail assembly spans the width of the frame but not the length of the frame and can move between an attached state and an unattached state by actuating fasteners that pass through the top rail assembly to its respective mounting brackets on the frame. The movement between the attached and unattached states occurs independently of an attached or unattached state of the other top rail assembly.
US08851486B2
A utility cart frame assembly is provided. The frame assembly includes a handle assembly cross brace member and a wheel assembly with an axle. The cross brace member and the axle are coupled to, and are immediately adjacent, the tray. In this configuration, the handle assembly cross brace member and the axle provide support to the tray.
US08851484B2
A steerable wheel assembly comprising a mounting bracket (1) incorporating a vertical pivot mounting (2) for attachment to the vehicle. A second bracket (6) has a first arm (7) carrying a road wheel and a second arm (8) generally upstanding from the first and linked at the upper end thereof to the mounting bracket by a parallelogram linkage (4,5). A spring and shock-absorber unit (9) is pivotally connected between the second bracket and the parallelogram linkage.Another aspect of the invention provides a vehicle suspension system comprising a mounting bracket (20) for attachment to a vehicle body or chassis, and a wheel-mounting arm (21) pivotally attached to the mounting bracket and having a wheel mounted thereon. A spring and shock-absorber unit (22) extends between the mounting bracket and the wheel-mounting arm, at least one end of the spring and shock-absorber unit being connected through a member (23) whose position is adjustable along the axis of the respective bracket or arm.
US08851483B2
An adjustable workpiece-holding chuck including a chuck body with at least one jaw recess formed therein, which receive an operating jaw. A master jaw may be connected to the operating jaw via an adjustable cartridge assembly that includes a cartridge insert mounted to a recess formed in the master jaw. The cartridge insert includes a cartridge opening formed therein for receiving an adjustable screw. The adjustable screw is mounted to a yoke formed in the operating jaw, thereby releasably connecting the master jaw to the master jaw.The cartridge opening and the adjustable screw preferably have corresponding threads that form a full-diameter circumferential connection with each other. More preferably, the cartridge opening and the adjustable screw have complementary Acme threads.
US08851480B2
A lip type seal has a cartridge fitted to an inner periphery of a shaft hole, a first lip seal member, a case, a resin second lip seal member, a backup ring and an adapter, a protrusion section in a partial portion on a circumference is provided in a first flange section of the case to engage with the second lip seal member, whereby the second lip seal member is prevented from whirling with respect to the case and coming off to an inner side in a radial direction, and a projecting section in a partial portion on a circumference is provided in a flange section of the backup ring to engage with the second lip seal member, whereby the second lip seal member is prevented from whirling with respect to the backup ring and coming off to the inner side in the radial direction.
US08851475B2
The present invention relates to a gaming system for providing a random number, comprising a touch screen, and a control unit connected to the touch screen, wherein the control unit is configured to identify a user movement on the touch screen corresponding to an activation signal for generating a random number, provide the activation signal to a random number generator, receive a random number from the random number generator, and display the random number on the touch screen, wherein the random number generator is an externally arranged hardware random number generator configured to receive a gambling device for generating the random number. Advantages with the invention include for example increased security in relation to manual operation of a dice game.
US08851471B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device and a sheet adjusting device to adjust a lateral position of the sheet by moving a sheet in a lateral direction perpendicular to a sheet conveyance direction. The sheet adjusting device moves a driving roller in one of a first direction and a second direction for adjusting a lateral position of the sheet between the driving roller and a driven roller and then adjusting a lateral position of the driven roller to the driving roller by moving the driving roller in the second direction until the misaligned driven roller laterally contacts respective stoppers to restrict a range of lateral movement of the driven roller while the sheet is separated from the driving roller and the driven roller and by further moving the driving roller to a predetermined position while the driven roller remains contacting the stoppers.
US08851468B2
A finisher includes: a bundle discharge roller pair; a sheet stacking portion which has a lower stacking tray, an abutment member on which a sheet is abuttable, and a sheet stacking height detecting sensor detecting a height of the sheets on the abutment member side, the sheet stacking portion configured to stack the sheet while lowering the lower stacking tray in accordance with a detection result; tray paddles coming into contact with the discharged sheet in a direction from a top of the sheet, to bring the sheet into abutment on the abutment member; a stacking amount detecting portion detecting a stacking amount of the stacked sheet, and a finisher control portion performing control of reducing a relative distance between the tray paddles and the sheet stacked on the lower stacking tray at the time of transporting of the sheet along with increase in the stacking amount of the sheet.
US08851464B2
Provided is a sheet post-processing device folding a sheet output from an image forming device at a predetermined target fold position, comprising: a first rotating body pair conveying the sheet; a second rotating body pair disposed along a sheet conveyance path and further downstream than the first rotating body pair in a sheet conveyance direction; a push unit moving a push member in a direction transverse to the sheet conveyance path so that, while the sheet is being conveyed, the push member comes into contact with the sheet and pushes the sheet into a nip of the second rotating body pair, the push member being disposed opposite the second rotating body pair across the sheet conveyance path; and a control unit controlling the push unit so that the pushing operation of the push member is performed at a timing preset according to the target fold position.
US08851463B2
Examples of novel semiconductor processing pedestals, and apparatuses including such pedestals, are described. These pedestals are specifically configured to provide uniform heat transfer to semiconductor substrates and to reduce maintenance complexity and/or frequency. Specifically, a pedestal may include a removable cover positioned over a metal platen of the pedestal. The removable cover is configured to maintain a consistent and uniform temperature profile of its substrate-facing surface even though the platen's upper-surface, which supports the cover and is in thermal communication with the cover, may have a much less uniform temperature profile. The cover may be made from certain ceramic materials and shaped as a thin plate. These materials are resistant to the processing environments and maintain their thermal characteristics over many processing cycles. The cover can be easily removed from the platen and replaced with a new one without a need for major disassembly of the entire apparatus.
US08851457B2
A low-turbulent aspirating type aerator, introduced into a body of liquid, comprising of: a gas conveyance tube having a gas inlet end and a gas outlet end; a gas-liquid mixture chamber incorporating; an impeller affixed to a rotatable shaft, at the least one gas intake opening and at the least one gas-liquid discharge opening at or near bottom end of gas-liquid mixture chamber.Rotation of the impeller creates a low-pressure zone (vacuum) allowing gas conveyed via gas conveyance tube to come into contact with rotating impeller forming a gas-liquid mixture at the impeller interface wherein bubbles are formed. Gas-liquid mixture chamber confines gas bubbles thereby allowing the action of impeller and liquid shearing force to produce and discharge micro-sized gas bubbles of predominantly less than 0.85 millimeters. The micro-sized gas bubbles generated have an long residence or gas hold up time within the body of liquid, wherein gas within bubble can, based on a concentration gradient, diffuse into liquid thereby providing the capacity to provide a high gas (oxygen) transfer rate.
US08851454B1
Disclosed is a tool for opening an inward-swinging door system having a door, a door latch, a door jamb, and a door stop. The tool includes a substantially rigid lock opening element having a proximal portion and a curved distal portion proportioned to fit between the door and the door jamb and between the latch and the door stop. The curved distal portion is configured to be used as a fulcrum to leverage the lock opening element against the door stop thereby causing actuation of the door latch.
US08851450B2
A composite component includes at least two sections having different magnetization, the at least two sections in the integrally formed component lying directly next to each other. The base material of the composite component is a semi-austenitic steel. A first section has a higher saturation polarization JS than an adjacent second section, the second section having a minimum saturation polarization JS of 0.1 T to 1.3 T and/or a maximum relative permeability μr of 2 to 150. The composite component is suitable for use in electromagnetic valves, e.g., in fuel injectors of internal combustion engines.
US08851449B2
The invention relates to a valve having a closure element which is movable in an inner chamber and closes or clears a valve seat. The closure element is activated by a magnetic assembly in the magnetizable wall surrounding the inner chamber. According to the invention, the closure element has a low density. It comprises a hollow body having at least one activator body made of magnetizable material that is freely movable therein. The closure element has a low weight and a large surface. The large surface facilitates the resetting of the closure element on the valve seat by the action of the flowing medium.
US08851432B2
A base assembly removably and adjustably receives a tool and includes a base and a wall extending outwardly from the base. First and second openings are disposed in the wall. First and second cutouts are disposed in the wall to receive the tool. A pivot pin is removably received by the first and second openings. The tool is removably disposed on the pivot pin. A locking ring is disposed on the pivot pin. The locking ring is in a locked position to prevent movement of the pivot pin and in an unlocked position to allow movement of the pivot pin, thereby allowing the tool to be easily moved between positions and securely locked in a desired position.
US08851431B2
An anatomic support for hand and wrist includes a body having an upper surface, a side surface and an inferior surface. The upper surface has a shape that enables a user that operates a keyboard or the like to place his/her hand on said upper surface so as to have his/her wrist and hand permanently and anatomically supported.
US08851427B2
A debris removal management system and a method of removing space debris. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a frame, (2) a plurality of net sections coupled to the frame and (3) a plurality of microvehicles, coupled to the plurality of net sections, configured to employ propulsion units therein to be ejected relative to the frame to deploy the plurality of net sections, the plurality of net sections cooperating to form a net configured to capture space debris.
US08851417B2
A shear pin connection for use in a difficult to access location has a bolt head to be positioned at an inner end of a bearing. A bushing is received between the bolt and an inner periphery of the bearing. A lock member is positioned between an inner end of the bushing and the bolt head. The lock member is radially expandable, and has a free radially outer dimension that is smaller than an inner dimension of the inner bore. The lock member is expandable to have an expanded radially outer dimension that is greater than the inner dimension of the inner bore. A nut is tightened on the outer end of the bolt. The nut causes the bushing to move relative to the bolt, and causes the lock member to expand radially. A shackle connection for a gas turbine engine and an aircraft are also disclosed.
US08851413B2
An improved reel assembly comprised of two identically molded semi-circular core halves having a pair of reel flanges on each end thereof that requires no fasteners. The core halves and reel flanges are constructed and arranged to connect without the need for fasteners to form an improved reel assembly for receipt of a flexible hose. The halves include a plurality of radially extending cross-braces having a conical cross-section. On opposite ends of each half is included a pair of radially extending tubular members having a hollow body and conical cross-section. Each half has opposite reciprocating cross-braces that interlock, as well as opposite reciprocating tubular members that insert within each other to create a strong connection between the halves. The improved reel assembly creates a stronger reel core structure that resists crushing of the reel and separation between the reel halves from a pressurized hose wound thereon.
US08851409B2
A system for crushing material that may include a compaction chamber and a screw assembly that generally extends between the proximal and distal ends of the compaction chamber. In one embodiment, a portion of the screw assembly increases in diameter along a length of the shaft of the screw assembly such that the system is configured to crush material between the compaction chamber and the portion that increases in diameter. The portion that increases in diameter may be integral with the shaft of the screw assembly. An embodiment of the system may also include at least one wear member that is removably associated with the distal portion of the compaction chamber such that the wear member may assist with crushing. Further embodiments may include improved input, discharge, and/or jam clearance means for a screw crusher or other types of screw or auger systems.
US08851397B1
Rotary bell cup atomizing apparatus is provided having a rotatable bell cup driven by a motor shaft dimensioned so as to provide an annular gap between the outer, rear surface of the cup and the shaft extending an effective distance axially adjacent the shaft. Solvent channels extend within the assembly circumventing the gap and discharge into the gap. During cleaning of the atomizer, solvent passes partially through the paint nozzle and partially through the solvent channels impinging directly upon the shaft, then migrating over the outer surface of the cup. The inner and outer surfaces of the bell cup and the motor shaft are simultaneously cleaned. A replaceable sleeve placed inside the cup adjacent the front surface thereof absorbs the force of paint impinging thereon. The cup may have at least one balancing indentation immediately adjacent the sleeve.
US08851384B2
Provided herein are coded fibers. In some embodiments, informationally-encoded carbon fiber structures are provided. In some embodiments, methods of manufacturing and/or reading a coded fiber are provided.
US08851382B2
In a system and method of estimating and classifying a barcode using heuristic and statistical measures, a classification determination is generated for each of a plurality of estimated barcode digits that correspond to a decoded barcode estimation. The classification determination is selected from one of a first classification determination and a second classification determination. The first classification determinations among a plurality of estimation determinations are aggregated. The aggregated first classification determinations are compared to a first predetermined threshold to determine a validity of the decoded barcode estimation.
US08851379B2
An apparatus, system, and method to identify a region of an image including a barcode based on, at least in part, an entity specific feature associated with the barcode; detect a codeword boundary for the barcode based on, at least in part, an adaptive boundary determination mechanism; and decode the codeword based on, at least in part, a plurality of metrics associated with the entity.
US08851376B2
Methods and systems that provide privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots are provided. The envelope for returning ballots includes a removable signature stub positioned on top of a signature area. The voter signs the back of the envelope on the signature stub, thereby imprinting a signature on the signature area by transferring a material from the signature stub to the signature area, and removes the signature stub. The signature is then covered by a label that conceals the signature under normal lighting conditions. To read the signature, light having a predetermined wavelength is directed onto the label, thereby rendering the label transparent and the signature visible.
US08851372B2
Provided is a wearable personal digital device and methods for enlarging display space using the wearable personal digital device. The wearable personal digital device may comprise a processor, a memory unit, an expandable display, a camera, a projector, a communication circuit, a swipe card reader, one or more biometric sensors, one or more accelerometers, a housing, and a band. The expandable display is be communicatively coupled to the processor and configured to expand to enlarge display space using a flip up portion, detachable portion, or bending the expandable display. The band may include one or more rechargeable batteries configured to power the wearable personal digital device. Biometric sensors and accelerometers provide data for monitoring health and activity of the user. The swipe card reader is configured to read payment card data.
US08851368B2
When a recognition result matches with a denomination stored by the storage unit and the number of the moneys for the denomination counted by the recognition unit has not yet reached the number of the moneys for the denomination stored by the storage unit, the transport unit transports the moneys to the dispense unit. When a recognition result matches with a denomination stored by the storage unit and the number of the moneys for the denomination counted by the recognition unit has already reached the number of the moneys for the denomination stored by the storage unit, the transport unit transports the moneys to the plurality of storing and feeding units. When a recognition result matches with no denomination stored by the storage unit, the transport unit transports the moneys to the plurality of storing and feeding units.
US08851364B2
Various embodiments of systems and methods for including report characterization information in a report are described herein. A report designer may request insertion of a two dimensional barcode, in the report, which encodes the report characterization information. Based on the request, a report characterization information retrieval formula may be executed to retrieve the report characterization information. The retrieved report characterization information may then be encoded to obtain a two dimensional barcode. The obtained two dimensional barcode may finally be inserted into the report. Once the report is printed, the two dimensional barcode in the report may be scanned by any device with a bar code reader, such as a smart phone to retrieve the additional information related to the report.
US08851361B2
A blank (2) comprising a row of body panels (P1-P4), and a row of end closure panels (P6-P9) extending substantially parallelly to the row of body panels (P1-P4), whereof each end closure panel (P6-P9) has an edge (E1-E4), and whereof each of the second (P7) and fourth (P9) end closure panels has oblique lines of weakness (S1, S11, S2, S12) which divide its panel into a central sub-panel (P7a, P9a) adjacent the corresponding second or fourth body panel (P2, P4) and two end sub-panels (P7b, P7c, P9b, P9c) adjacent the corresponding edges (E2, E4), wherein the end sub-panels (P7b, P7c, P9b, P9c) bulge away from its corresponding edge (E2, E4). A container formed from the sheet material blank and a method of forming the container is also described. The method involves the use of a mandrel cap including a bearing surface (102) and a bridging surface portion (112) substantially flush with said bearing surface (102), and extending between recessed surface portions (104) at respective opposite sides of said bridging surface portion (112).
US08851358B2
One plate-like member and the other plate-like member to be aligned with each other are provided with guide holes and guide portions to be received in the guide holes, respectively. The plate-like members are aligned appropriately, and in a state in which this alignment is held, the guide portions are formed on land portions provided on the other plate-like member so as to be aligned with the guide holes. Accordingly, regardless of presence/absence or size of a process error in the guide holes, the guide portions appropriate to the respective guide holes can be formed. Consequently, by aligning the guide portions with the guide holes, the plate-like members can be aligned appropriately without relative fine adjustment between the members.
US08851355B2
A surgical system has a jaw assembly including a plurality of fasteners, an anvil and a drive beam for pushing an actuation sled. A drive screw imparts motion to the drive beam. An elongated body is configured to connect with the jaw assembly. A drive link connects a flexible drive shaft to the drive screw, the drive link being disposed off-axis. The jaw assembly and elongated body are separable from each other.
US08851344B2
Holsters have a body defining a chamber configured to removably receive a portion of a firearm, the chamber including a trigger guard receiving portion configured to receive a trigger guard of the firearm, first and second retention latches connected to the body, each of the latches being movable between a retention position in which the firearm resists extraction from the holder and an extraction position in which the firearm is free to be extracted from the holder, each of the latches having a stop portion positioned behind a portion of the front trigger guard portion when the latch is in the retention position, and the stop portion being positioned laterally clear of the front trigger guard portion when the latches and the extraction position. Each of the latches may be spring biased to the retention position. Each of the latches may be pivotally connected to the body.
US08851343B1
A platform supports a sun shade that can keep a user cool in the sun. The platform comprises a sun shade mechanically coupled to four rods by a series of rod connections. Each rod is inserted into a separate tube with its movement restricted by rod lock. Two tubes are mechanically coupled to a right adjustable shoulder strap. Two tubes are mechanically coupled to a left adjustable shoulder strap. A user can place the left adjustable shoulder strap and the right adjustable shoulder strap on shoulders of the user to provide increased stability to the sun shade.
US08851340B2
A container having a female dispensing valve and containing a gas-containing beverage, wherein around the dispensing valve a first coupler (10) extends, furthermore including a dispensing line which has a coupling element which has a second coupler (14); the coupling element has a largely hollow stem with an end and an opening, wherein the dispensing line links up with the stem opposite the end, such that in coupled condition of the couplers, the stem extends against or into the valve and has brought the valve into and keeps it in an opened position, such that beverage can flow via the valve and the opening into the dispensing line.
US08851334B2
A powder dispensing apparatus having a button assembly and a container, wherein the button assembly is removable from the container. The button assembly comprises a button housing and a button. The container has a flow control valve stabilizer with a flow control valve extending through the flow control valve stabilizer and into a dispensing opening at the bottom of the container to close the dispensing opening. Pushing the button on top of the dispenser into the button housing will cause the flow control valve to open the dispensing opening to deliver as much of the ingredients in the dispenser as the user desires. Releasing the button will cause the flow control valve to automatically close the dispensing opening.
US08851333B2
A dispenser cap (10) for a liquid container having an opening, the cap (10) comprising a means for attachment (30) to the container, a housing (12) inserted into the opening and comprising a liquid inlet (14), a channel and a liquid outlet (16), the channel comprising a moveable seal (18) defining an outlet-side liquid volume (24) and an inlet-side liquid volume (26), the moveable seal (18) is moveable from a first position to a second position towards the liquid outlet (16) by increasing the inlet-side liquid pressure, thereby causing a dispensable volume of liquid flow out of the outlet (16), the moveable seal (18) also comprising a liquid outlet seal means (22) to seal the liquid outlet when the moveable seal (18) is in its second position, thereby preventing further flow of liquid out of the outlet (16), the cap (10) also comprising a dispensable liquid volume adjustment means (32,34) to adjust the fixed volume of dispensable liquid.
US08851331B2
A fluid dispenser includes an adjustable dosing mechanism that permits adjustment of the amount of fluid to be dispensed. An adjustable dosing mechanism may be inserted into the dispenser in either a high dose orientation or a low dose orientation. The body further includes pair of dose adjusting flanges. When the adjustable dosing mechanism body is received into the dispenser in the high dose orientation, a relatively larger quantity of fluid product is dispensed. When the adjustable dosing mechanism body is received into the dispenser in the low dose orientation, a relatively smaller quantity of fluid product is dispensed.
US08851327B2
A support group (1; 50) of products distributable by means of vending machines comprising a shaped body (2; 51) suitable to be coupled with transport means (6; 75) belonging to the vending machine, the shake body (2; 51) defining an inner seat (3; 52) which receives the product to be supplied and comprising a base plate (4; 53), suitable to be coupled to transport means (6; 75), and a boundary bulkhead (5; 54) removably coupled with the base plate (4; 53) in order to define a plurality of positions of the boundary bulkhead (5; 54) on the base plate (4; 53) varying the dimensions of the inner seat (3; 52) as the type of product to be supplied varies.
US08851297B2
The present invention aims at providing a composite semipermeable membrane in which water permeability and salt-blocking rate cannot deteriorate by long-term storage, and at providing a process for producing the same. The present invention relates to a composite semipermeable membrane having a skin layer formed on the surface of a porous support, the skin layer including a polyamide resin obtained by interfacial polymerization of a polyfunctional amine component and a polyfunctional acid halide component, wherein the porous support contains at least one kind of additives selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, antibacterial agents, antifungal agents, and moisturizers, in an amount of 95% by weight or more with respect to the whole composite semipermeable membrane.
US08851295B2
A filter device for filtering fluid, in particular an oil filter, is provided. The filter device includes a first filter medium and a second filter medium, the first filter medium having a greater filter action than the second filter medium, and the filter media being folded in pleated form and having a plurality of folds, the first filter medium and the second filter medium being connected to one another in the longitudinal direction of the folds. An easily producible and highly effective filter device is thus achieved.
US08851293B2
A mined ore processing apparatus to process mined ores, such as oil sands ore, into granular material is disclosed. An ore processor bed receives the ore to be processed. The ore processor bed has a frame supporting several rotating elements each separately driven to provide independent rotation rate and direction from the other. The ore processing bed is operable as a sizing device to decimate mined ore supply into granular material and separating it from rocks and other large lump mineral materials found in situ. The ore processing bed may be oriented to provide an upward inclination, which, when combined with alternating rotating element rotation directions, provides a crushing action to the ore material to crush larger rock. Alternately, a rock crusher is also provided to disintegrate oversized materials.
US08851292B2
A blank having panels and flaps, a carton foldably constructed from the blank, a polybag, and a packaging system that includes the carton, the polybag, or both. The packaging systems include, among other things, certain tabs, flaps, cut out, and tear lines that allow absorbent articles contained in the several systems to be easily viewed and removed, while maintaining sufficient integrity of the packaging system.
US08851280B2
A tablet cover comprising a top cover having a top cover hinge mounted on a side edge of the top cover; a bottom cover having a bottom cover hinge mounted on an outside surface of the bottom cover; and an extension arm swivel connected to the bottom cover at the bottom cover hinge. The length of the extension arm is approximately half of a width of the tablet cover. The intermediate hinge arm is swivel connected to the extension arm at an intermediate hinge and the intermediate hinge arm is swivel connected to the top cover at the top cover hinge. A length of the intermediate hinge arm is approximately a thickness of the tablet cover. The tablet cover has an open position, a stand position and a closed position.
US08851278B2
The present invention extends to a lifting system for lifting a portion of a conveyor. The lifting system maintains the length of the conveyor while changing the shape of the conveyor to lift the top surface of the conveyor belt towards a stacking head. This design facilitates the quick lifting and lowering of slabs of sod while minimizing the stress on the sod harvesting machine.
US08851276B2
A device for tensioning a tension mechanism of a conveying device includes a number of feeder aids extending between a drive wheel and at least one guide wheel. At least one hydraulic cylinder (including a hydraulic piston) adjusts a wheel center distance between the at least one guide wheel and the drive wheel in order to change the tension of the tension mechanism. The at least one hydraulic cylinder acts directly on the guide wheel. In order to tension the tension mechanism, the hydraulic piston is displaceably disposed in a pressure chamber and acted upon by pressure medium from a pressure source via a check valve that opens toward the pressure chamber. Once a blocked state of the check valve is reached, the pressure chamber is connected to a device for receiving a defined volume of pressure medium.
US08851274B2
A substrate treatment system for treating substrates includes a system chamber, delimited by chamber walls, at least one substrate treatment device and a transportation device inside the system chamber. The transportation device has an arrangement of transportation rollers arranged one behind the other in the transportation direction, for vertical or horizontal transportation of substrates. At least a first group of transportation rollers which are arranged immediately one behind the other, each has its own drive device.
US08851263B2
A parking lock device of a motor vehicle transmission comprising a transmission housing (11) with a housing wall (11a), a parking lock gearwheel (1), a parking lock pawl (2), a parking lock bolt (3) for mounting the parking lock pawl (2) and a blocking element (5). A carrier plate (7) is arranged alongside the parking lock pawl (2) and is fixed to the transmission housing (11), and the parking lock bolt (3) is held, on one side, by the carrier plate (7) and, on the other side, by the transmission housing (11).
US08851262B2
A coupling device actuated by centrifugal force has a holder and at least one flyweight supported on the holder so as to be moveable in a radial direction relative to an axis of rotation about which the coupling device is rotatable. The flyweight is movable between an inner radial position and an outer radial position. At least one spring acting on the flyweight is provided that forces the flyweight into the inner radial position. At least one securing element secures at least one component of the coupling device in an axial direction of the axis of rotation. The securing element is monolithically formed on the flyweight.
US08851258B2
A driven accessory having a clutch that permits selective operation of an accessory portion. The clutch employs rotational inertia to control driving engagement of a wrap spring to an interior clutch surface on a drive member and/or driving disengagement of the wrap spring from the interior clutch surface.
US08851249B2
A hydraulic brake master cylinder includes a cylinder unit having first and second spaces, a channel communicating the spaces and an adjuster exposed outside; a piston slidably disposed in the first space; a first spring applying an elastic force to the piston; a rod moving relative to the piston; a second spring applying an elastic force to the rod; a seal attached to the rod and moving controllably to seal the channel; and a nut threaded onto the rod. The adjuster is rotatable to make the nut and the rod rotate with respect to each other so as to change the distance between the seal and the end of the channel to adjust the free stroke.
US08851248B2
ThemeTo provide a rotary damper in which a rotor and a piston can be assembled with less labor.Means to SolveA first cam mechanism 8 is provided between outer portions of opposite surfaces of a rotor 2 and a piston 3. A shaft portion 2c is integrally formed in a central portion of the opposite surface of the rotor 2 opposed to the piston 3. A pair of outwardly projecting portions 9a, 9a are formed in an outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 2c. A through hole 3a in which the shaft portion 2c is inserted is formed in the piston 3. A pair of inwardly projecting portions 9b, 9b are formed in an inner peripheral surface of the through hole 3a. The outwardly projecting portions 9a, 9a are arranged such that each of the outwardly projecting portions 9a can pass through a gap between the inwardly projecting portions 9b, 9b and the inwardly projecting portions 9b, 9b are arranged such that each of the inwardly projecting portions 9b can pass through a gap between the outwardly projecting portions 9a, 9a. A second cam mechanism 9 is provided between opposite surfaces of the outwardly projecting portion 9a and the inwardly projecting portion 9b opposed to each other when the rotor 2 is rotated through a predetermined angle after the outwardly projecting portion 9a have passed through the gap between the inwardly projecting portions 9b, 9b.
US08851247B2
A damper includes a bobbin which is housed in a cylinder and on which a coil is wound and yokes housed in the cylinder. At least one of the yokes is disposed at a first axial side of the bobbin, and at least one other of the yokes is disposed at a second axial side of the bobbin. A magnetic viscous fluid is retained on inner surfaces of the yokes and an inner surface of the bobbin. Sealing members are configured to prevent leakage of the magnetic viscous fluid. A shaft extends through the yokes, the bobbin and the sealing members and is configured to be axially reciprocable relative to the yokes, the bobbin and the sealing members such that reciprocation of the shaft does not substantially displace the magnetic viscous fluid. The coil, the bobbin and the yokes are fixed together by a resin.
US08851244B2
A push/pull valve controller, including a switch and a fluid actuator, and system for use in combination with a push/pull valve to set and release a parking (or emergency) brake in a vehicle having an air brake system. The push/pull valve controller and system may further include additional safety features, such as a key lock.
US08851238B2
Apparatus for raising and lowering objects. In accordance with some embodiments, a winch motor is adapted to rotate a winch member in opposing first and second directions to wrap/unwrap a portion of a cable on/from the winch member to raise and lower a lifting platform assembly, respectively. A tension detection switch assembly includes an on/off switch connected to the winch motor and a biasing member which exerts a bias force upon the winch member to nominally deflect the winch member to a first position which sets the switch to deactivate the winch motor in an absence of tension in the cable from the lifting platform assembly. A presence of tension in the cable from the lifting platform assembly deflects the winch member to a second position which sets the switch to facilitate activation of the winch motor.
US08851233B2
A folding emergency escape ladder for a dwelling includes a fixed vertical riser for fitting to the external wall of a dwelling, spaced apart, retractable rails pivoted thereto from a first end to function as rungs of the ladder and a movable vertical riser fitted in correspondingly from a second end of the rails such that the ladder is moveable between a retracted state with the rails folded up into the fixed and retracted vertical risers and an expanded, deployed state with the rails and risers functioning as a ladder mounted to the wall, one or more rails including an elongate rail rung terminating at the first and second ends in a rung head including an integral pivot and a projecting lobe extending radially from the pivot, the lobe including a buffer foot abutting a portion of the vertical risers coincident with the deployed state to buffer deployment of the ladder.
US08851213B1
A motorized wheel chair is equipped with a safety system for bringing the wheel chair to a stop if a wheel chair user should experience an emergency situation which renders the user unable to safely control the wheel chair while in use. The safety system utilizes at least one switch mounted to an upright backrest for sensing whether or not the user's back is in contact with the backrest. If the user's back is in contact with the backrest, the wheel chair is operative and may be controlled in a normal manner. If the user's back moves out of contact with the backrest, whether voluntarily or because of an emergency situation, the safety system operates to disable operation of motors which operably propel drive wheels of the wheel chair, thus causing the wheel chair to be inoperative and bringing the wheel chair to a stop if in motion.
US08851210B2
The present invention relates to a device and method for moving a disabled vehicle. More specifically, the invention includes a main frame assembly that is constructed and arranged for placement and adjacent to the outside portion of a vehicle wheel to allow one operator movement of the vehicle. An electric motor and battery(s) operate through a gear train to rotate an adapter plate in both forward and reverse directions. The adapter plate is constructed and arranged to cooperate with the lug nuts or wheel studs to provide rotation to the wheel upon operation of the electric motor. A hand or remotely operable controller is provided for the operation of the electric motor which allows for operation of the device while walking alongside or sitting at the driver's position within the vehicle.
US08851208B2
A cutting element for an earth-boring drill bit may include a thermally stable cutting table comprising a polycrystalline diamond material. The polycrystalline diamond material may consist essentially of a matrix of diamond particles bonded to one another and a silicon, silicon carbide, or silicon and silicon carbide material located within interstitial spaces among interbonded diamond particles of the matrix of diamond particles. The cutting table may be at least substantially free of Group VIII metal or alloy catalyst material. The cutting element may further include a substrate and an adhesion material between and bonded to the cutting table and the substrate. The adhesion material may include diamond particles bonded to one another and to the cutting table and the substrate after formation of the preformed cutting table.
US08851206B2
A superabrasive cutter including a superabrasive table having a cutting face in non-perpendicular orientation with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cutter. A superabrasive cutter having a cutting face of a superabrasive table in non-parallel orientation to a back surface thereof.
US08851202B2
A method and a device for transporting pipe string sections (2) between a storage unit (1) wherein the longitudinal axes of the pipe string sections are arranged horizontally and a position of use in a drill rig (32) where the longitudinal axes of the pipe string sections (2) are arranged vertically and where the pipe string sections (2) are displaceable by means of a pipe manipulator (40), and where the method comprises:—positioning a transport frame (14) for pipe string sections (2) at the storage unit (1), as the transport frame (14) is rotatable about a rotary axis (16) which in the position of use is parallel to the pipe string sections (2), and wherein the transport frame (14) is provided with a number of fasteners (18) for the pipe string sections (2); and—displacing a pipe string section (2) from the storage unit (1) and placing the pipe string section (2) in the transport frame (14), alternatively disengaging the pipe string section (2) from the transport frame (14) and placing the pipe string section (2) in the storage unit (1).
US08851199B2
A stabilizer (1) for a link of a three-point suspension system of an agricultural tractor has at least one telescope (8) consisting of a tube (5) and a piston (6). Said tube and piston are coupled elastically by at least one spring (7) and can be adjusted in length by means of threads (12, 13). At least one retaining clip (15) which can engage over an abutment (17) is held pivotably on the tube (5). To increase the load-bearing capacity of the stabilizer (1), the stop surfaces (18) of the retaining clip (15) are connected in a tensionproof manner by means of at least one bridge (30). Said bridge (30) engages over the outer side of at least one contact surface of the abutment (17) by means of the stop surface (18).
US08851187B2
A method for enhancing recovery of oil from an oil-bearing carbonate formation within a reservoir. The method has the steps of (a) introducing a viscous gel under pressure into the oil-bearing carbonate formation and (b) extracting oil. The aqueous viscous gel has water and an amount of a non-polymeric viscosifying surfactant sufficient to provide the flooding fluid with an oil/water interfacial surface tension of about 10 mN/m or less and a viscosity of about 10 cP or more of the one or more non-polymeric surfactants. The one or more non-polymeric, viscosifying surfactants is selected from the group of one or more cationic surfactants, one or more zwitterionic surfactants, one or more anionic surfactants, one or more amphoteric surfactants, and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the aqueous viscous gel is also substantially free of solids.
US08851185B2
A wellhead seal assembly has a primary seal and a secondary seal, each seal forming a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A primary metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. A secondary metal seal is located below the seal ring and has a bottom portion that contacts an upward facing shoulder of a hanger. A primary energizing exerts downward force on the primary seal, causing a secondary energizing ring, located below the primary energizing ring, to energize the secondary seal. Once the secondary seal is energized, thus stopping downward movement of the (primary seal and secondary energizing ring, the primary energizing ring energizes the primary seal.
US08851173B2
A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation, comprising: providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, and a set retarder; activating the set-delayed cement composition; introducing the set-delayed cement composition into a subterranean formation; and allowing the set-delayed cement composition to set in the subterranean formation.
US08851170B2
A method for treating a tar sands formation includes providing heat from a first heater located between a steam injection well and a production well in a hydrocarbon containing layer. The first heater, the steam injection well, and the production well are located substantially horizontally in the layer. Heat is provided from a second heater horizontally offset from the first heater. The second heater is located vertically above an injection/production well and substantially horizontally in the layer. Steam is injected into the layer through the steam injection well after a selected amount of heat is provided from the first heater. Hydrocarbons are produced from the layer through the production well. Steam is injected and hydrocarbons are produced alternately through the injection/production well after a selected amount of heat is provided from the second heater.
US08851167B2
A packer setting tool sets a liner top packer by mechanical rotation of the running tool and set down weight following cementing of a liner. The packer setting tool includes a tubular release body mounted on an end of the running tool. An annular dog sub circumscribes a portion of the release body. The dog sub is linked to the release body with a shear screw. A thread on an outer surface of the release body engages a thread on an inner surface of the dog sub to define a threaded connection between the dog sub and the release body. When the running tool rotates, the thread on the release body rotates with respect to the thread on the dog sub driving the release body in an axial direction fracturing the shear screw and urges an adapter sleeve against the packer assembly to set the packer assembly.
US08851165B2
A pumping system includes a submersible high speed electric motor operable to rotate a drive shaft; a high speed pump rotationally connected to the drive shaft and including a rotor having one or more helicoidal vanes; an isolation device operable to expand into engagement with a production tubing string, thereby fluidly isolating an inlet of the pump from an outlet of the pump and rotationally connecting the motor and the pump to the casing string; a cable having two or less conductors and a strength sufficient to support the motor, the pump, the isolation device, and a power conversion module (PCM); and the PCM operable to receive a DC power signal from the cable, and supply a second power signal to the motor.
US08851152B2
A system for producing cast components from molten metal. One form of the present invention includes a system for the precision pouring of molten metal within a casting mold. The precision pouring system is driven by a pressure differential.
US08851149B2
To provide a sheet shutter which, when a shutter electrical unit is provided in a support post, prevents the shutter electrical unit from greatly projecting from the support post. The sheet shutter according to the present invention, which includes a sheet case, a support post arranged at each of the left and right end portions of the sheet case, a sheet guide section that is provided at each of left and right inner portions of the support posts to guide the lifting and lowering of the sheet, and a shutter electrical unit is featured in that a storage space which detachably accommodates and supports the shutter electrical unit along the direction of the support post is formed on the left and right outer side of the sheet guide section in the support post.
US08851118B2
A solenoid valve comprises a first mouth for an inlet of a working fluid and a second mouth and a third mouth for an outlet of the working fluid. The valve has a first operating position in which a passage of fluid from the first mouth to the second mouth and the third mouth is enabled, a second operating position in which a passage of fluid from the first mouth to only one of the second and third mouths is enabled, and a third operating position in which the passage of fluid from the first to the second mouth and the third mouth is disabled.
US08851116B1
A water supplying extension arm for supplying water from a water source to a showerhead has an elongated hollow extension arm element extending along its axis and having a first end connectable to the water source and a second end spaced in a direction of its axis and connectable to the showerhead, and a water regulating element operatively connected with the second end of the elongated hollow extension arm element and adjusting an amount of water issuing from the second end of the elongated hollow extension arm element to the showerhead.
US08851111B2
The controller of the plural component proportioner (10) dispenses both components (or all three if a three component material) simultaneously (at least initially) and maintains ratio at the end of each predetermined volume of material by determining which component pump (12) has reached the desired amount of travel (given the resolution available) and using a valve (16) to shut off output of that pump until the other side has caught up. At pump changeover, the output valve for that pump (12) is shut off and the air motor (12a) allowed to run until travel stops to account for cavitation, air entrainment, compressibility, or poor inlet check performance.
US08851105B2
An object of this invention is to provide a superior mass flow meter or the like that can flexibly cope with a change of a sample fluid such as a gas kind without requiring a special troublesome labor and that can measure a flow rate with high accuracy. The mass flow meter comprises a sensor section that detects a flow rate of a sample fluid flowing in a flow channel, a setting section that sets a flow rate characteristic function that is intrinsic to each fluid to determine a flow rate based on a flow rate detected value output by the sensor section and an instrumental error correction parameter that is independent from the flow rate characteristic function and common to multiple sample fluids to correct an instrumental error of each mass flow meter, and a flow rate calculating section that calculates a flow rate measurement value of the sample fluid by applying the flow rate characteristic function and the instrumental error correction parameter to the flow rate detected value.
US08851103B2
The present disclosure provides a mini-scale microfluidic valve including a valve housing disposed at a fluid dispensing orifice of a mini-scale microfluidic system dispensing nozzle. The valve housing comprises a base member having a base member orifice that aligns with the fluid dispensing orifice to provide a fluid dispensing pathway through which a system-fluid is dispensed from the system dispensing nozzle to an external ambient environment. The housing additionally comprises an open valve channel exposed to the external ambient environment and intersecting the fluid dispensing pathway. The valve further includes a liquid-film movably disposed within the open valve channel such that the liquid-film is exposed to the external ambient environment. The liquid-film comprises a substantially non-volatile, immiscible liquid, and a valve control subsystem structured and operable to control movement of the liquid-film within the open valve channel to selectively cover and uncover the base member orifice.
US08851102B2
A windshield washer fluid supplying system for a vehicle having a windshield washer device comprising a reservoir mounted in the vehicle for storing washer fluid is disclosed, the supplying system comprising a supplying tube having a first end portion and a second end portion; a first end piece comprising a portion mountable on the reservoir and an aperture therethrough for receiving the first end portion of the supplying tube so as to enable fluid communication between the first end portion of the supplying tube and the reservoir; and a second end piece comprising a portion adapted for mounting on a container of washer fluid placed in the vehicle and an aperture therethrough for receiving the second end portion of the supplying tube so that the second end portion of the supplying tube extends inside the container proximate a bottom portion thereof when the second end piece is mounted on the container, thereby establishing a siphonage circuit between the reservoir and the container with the supplying tube for enabling distribution of the washer fluid from the container to the reservoir.
US08851099B2
A system and method for detecting leaks in pressurized or vacuum pipes is disclosed. A pipe clamp comprises a housing that surrounds a pipe fitting. A containment chamber within the pipe clamp prevents leaked gas from escaping into the environment. The pipe clamp is installed in series with an exhaust line to remove the leaked gas from the containment chamber. A sensor may be configured and disposed to detect a change in pressure in the containment chamber to indicate the occurrence of a leak.
US08851085B2
A preformed artificial nail assembly comprising a pair of artificial nails sized to correspond to at least a portion of said natural nail, and an application tab assembly extending between the pair of artificial nails. The application tab assembly includes a body portion and a neck portion adjacent each said artificial nail, said neck portion being disposed between the body portion and the lower surface of the free edge of the artificial nail. The application tab assembly may include an area of weakness that allows the assembly to be separated into two separate tabs, one adjacent each of the artificial nails of the pair. The user may utilize the application tab assembly as a single unit to place the nails, or separate the assembly into two separate tabs to allow the user to place the nails utilizing separate tabs.
US08851084B2
The present invention relates to compositions comprising a blend of cellulose acetate and a water soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the composition is water dispersive and/or biodegradable. Embodiments of the invention also relate to processes for preparing such compositions, and to materials and products including such compositions.
US08851083B2
A device (1) for producing an aerosol from vaporizable constituents of tobacco comprises a vaporizing chamber (24) within which the tobacco is placed. A main housing (9) which forms a portion of the vaporizing chamber also forms a combustion chamber (18) within which a gas catalytic combustion element (19) is located for converting fuel gas to heat by catalytic action. A temperature responsive control valve (61) controls the supply of fuel gas to the combustion chamber for maintaining the temperature in the vaporizing chamber A thermal mass (96) secured to a tab portion (95) of the gas catalytic combustion element maintains the temperature of the tab portion at or above the ignition temperature of the gas catalytic combustion element during periods of fuel gas interruption by the control valve. Vaporised constituents of the tobacco are drawn from the vaporizing chamber through an aerosol accommodating tube (37) through a mouthpiece (38). A heat sink member (40) is located in the aerosol accommodating tube for cooling the aerosol and for condensing tar as the aerosol is drawn from the vaporizing chamber.
US08851079B1
A support tray is equipped with a recess for receiving a medical backboard which has a plurality of medical grade gel pads secured thereto to reduce/eliminate the creation of bed sores. Extender wings can be hooked on the lateral edges of the tray to provide additional surface area for larger patients. Undergirding straps are provided to facilitate transport of the assembly when the wings are being utilized.
US08851064B2
A device for removing cooking vapors in a direction vertically below a hob plane includes a cooking vapor entry device that can be reversibly opened and closed and an exhaust air duct that is connected thereto. A connecting section is provided downstream on the cooking vapor entry device. The downstream exit opening of the connecting section has the cross-section of a horizontally extending rectangle, an oblong hole or a slot, with the width of the exit opening being larger than the height thereof and the width corresponding approximately to the width of the entry opening. One or more flat duct elements having respective horizontally extending, rectangular cross-sections are connected to the cooking vapor entry device and/or to the preliminary section and/or to the connecting section either indirectly or directly, downstream of the exit opening from the side and horizontally and/or from the side and from below at an angle.
US08851060B2
A portable barbecue cooking apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a cooking chamber comprising a topside opening and a fire bowl with opposing ends; at least two handles, each handle attached to opposing ends of the fire bowl; and at least two shelves, each shelf being pivotally attached to each of the handles, and each shelf being foldable inwardly towards the topside opening of the cooking chamber during a stowage position and extendable outwardly away from the topside opening of the cooking chamber during a usage position.
US08851047B2
Fuel injector-igniters with variable gap electrodes. A fuel injector-igniter comprises a housing, an actuator disposed in the housing, and a valve including a valve head operative to open and close against a valve seat in response to activation of the actuator. An electrode cage surrounds the valve head and includes at least one aperture. At least one reed electrode extends from the electrode cage to form a gap between the reed electrode and the housing. The valve head includes a magnet, such as a permanent magnet, wherein the magnet is operative to move the reed electrode toward the electrode cage when the valve head opens, thereby increasing the gap.
US08851041B2
An intake system (10) of an internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold (12) with at least two feed pipes (14) connected with cylinder head intake ports of the internal combustion engine and includes at least one intermediate chamber (30) having connections (34) to an interior volume (24) of each feed pipe (14). Each connection (34) can be opened or closed by way of an intake control valve.
US08851039B2
An adjustable camshaft may include an inner shaft and an outer shaft coaxially surrounding the inner shaft. A cam may have a cam body and a ring collar axially projecting from the cam body. The ring collar may be slidingly arranged with a radial gap on the outer shaft and have a receptacle for pinning together the cam and the inner shaft with a pin. A seal may be arranged in a region of the ring collar for sealing the gap.
US08851032B2
A variable-camshaft-timing mechanism is provided with a conically spiral spring valve as a check valve. When the conically spiral spring valve is opened, a plurality of flow passage clearances are formed between adjacent windings of the check valve, whereby a pressure loss of the working fluid can be reduced when passing through the check valve. When a reverse flow is generated, the check valve receives the reverse flow in its axial direction. Thus, the reverse flow of the working fluid can be utilized as a thrust force in a close direction of the check valve. A valve closing responsiveness of the check valve can be improved.
US08851024B2
Disclosed herein is a system comprising an evaporator; a water reservoir in fluid communication with the evaporator; the water reservoir being located upstream of the evaporator; and a first steam drum in fluid communication with the evaporator; the first steam drum being located downstream of the evaporator; where the water reservoir is operative to supply feedwater to the evaporator while maintaining a predetermined water level in the first steam drum.
US08851007B2
A food topping and cutting device includes a handle coupled to a cutting edge, and further includes a container coupled to the handle. The container has a dispenser at one end configured to dispense, adjacent to the cutting edge, a food topping supplied from the container.
US08851002B1
A method for creating a quilt block includes securing a backing in an embroidery hoop and attaching the embroidery hoop to an embroidery machine. A block selection is provided to the embroidery machine. The block includes one or more pieces that form the block. Selection of the block also includes a set of instructions for sewing the pieces together to form the block. A placement pattern is sewed on the backing according to the instructions. Each piece of the block is placed on a corresponding portion of the placement pattern. The pieces are then sewed to the backing to form the block.
US08851000B2
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems and methods of utilizing a custom embroidery system. A custom embroidery frame is comprised of a custom receiving cavity sized and shaped to receive a composite piece for embroidery. The size and the shape of the custom receiving cavity correspond with a size and a shape of the portion of the composite piece onto which an embroidery device will embroider. Additionally, a gasket with a size and a shape adapted to be inserted into the receiving cavity and around the portion of the composite piece may optionally be utilized.
US08850997B2
A planter is described which utilizes individual seed meter motor drives at each row unit. motor controllers control each seed meter drive motor. Each individual row seed meter can be individually started, stopped and operated at a unique rate. Prior to planting, the meters can be operated to fill the meters and ensure that the meters are primed and ready to start dropping seed as soon as the planter begins operation to plant seed. When a seed delivery system is used with each meter to move seed from the meter to the soil, the delivery system is also primed with seed before operation of the planter.
US08850993B2
A system may include structural components, and joining areas on the structural components where fasteners connect the structural components into a shipping platform. The system may also include a wrap positioned on each selected joining area of selected structural components where the fasteners connect the selected structural components together.
US08850989B2
A method and system for transportation using a magnetic bearing structure is disclosed. In one aspect, there is an apparatus for carrying a load along a magnetizable structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a third structure spaced apart vertically from the magnetizable structure and configured to generate magnetic flux and repel from the magnetizable structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one coil positioned at at least one end portion proximal to the magnetizable structure. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one flux guide comprising a magnetizable material and configured to concentrate magnetic flux. A first portion of the flux guide is thinner than a second portion of the flux guide that is positioned closer to the magnetizable structure than the first portion of the flux guide.
US08850981B2
Disclosed is an optical disc with a first area to store data for playback and that is reflective or opaque to visible light, and a second area that is transparent to visible light and includes first and second concentric rings. In one embodiment, a method of printing information on the optical disc includes: printing an inverse first text pattern in the first ring during a first printing on a first side, where the first text pattern is formed in reverse as viewed from the first side; printing a second text pattern in the second ring during a second printing on the first side, where the second text pattern is correctly visible from the first side; and printing, during the second printing, a first solid pattern to overlay at least a portion of the first text pattern, where the first text pattern is correctly visible as viewed from a second side.
US08850978B2
The present invention provides a photosensitive letterpress printing original plate provided with a heat sensitive mask layer having high light blocking effect and durability yet prepared as a thin film. A photosensitive letterpress printing original plate including at least (A) a supporting member, (B) a photosensitive resin layer, and (C) a heat sensitive mask layer that are successively laminated, wherein the heat sensitive mask layer (C) contains carbon black and, as a dispersion binder therefor, a butyral resin as well as polyamide containing polar group selected from the group consisting of polyamide containing a tertiary amine group, polyamide containing a quaternary ammonium salt group, polyamide containing an ether group and polyamide containing a sulfonic group.
US08850973B2
A method of applying a surface decorative layer on a surface of an article by water pressure transfer in which transfer film 316 which has a print pattern 340 comprising a first area 312A having an ink layer and a second area 312B having no ink layer and has a whole outer surface formed thereon has an activating agent 320 applied onto the surface of the transfer film 316 to activate the ink and to collect a surplus portion of the activating agent in a convex form in the second area, whereby a three-dimensional unevenness is imparted onto the surface of the article.
US08850961B2
A beverage marker comprises a water reservoir (1) and a beverage extract holder (2) which is adapted to accommodate an amount of beverage extract, whether contained in a filter or not, which is suitable for containing an amount of fluid, which has at least one outlet opening (4) for letting out beverage, and which is arranged at a position for receiving water from an outlet opening (3) of the water reservoir (1). Furthermore, the beverage maker comprises a movably arranged water flow restriction member (6) which is mechanically connected to the beverage extract holder (2), such that an increasing weight of the beverage extract holder (2) causes an increasing restriction of the outlet opening (3) of the water reservoir (1). If so required, the outlet opening (3) of the water reservoir (1) may be completely blocked in order to prevent the beverage extract holder (2) from overflowing.
US08850956B2
In an improved method and machine for espresso coffee there are provided one or more operating units (10) each of which comprises a boiler, a pump, a heating unit, a group (26) for aroma extraction and dispensing of the espresso coffee brew, including related conduits. Each unit (10) is equipped with a system for controlling and adjusting the espresso coffee brewing parameters, in particular the water pressure.
US08850950B2
A weapon mounting system for a vehicle, such as a helicopter. The weapon mounting system illustratively includes a weapon cradle supporting a machine gun for pivoting movement about a generally horizontal elevational axis. A carriage supports the weapon cradle and is supported by a pintle for rotation about a generally vertical azimuth axis. An ejection collection device is supported by the carriage and collects spent shell casings and links ejected from the machine gun for discharge through the pintle. A trigger assembly illustratively provides for manual operation by a gunner and for remote electrical operation by a pilot.
US08850947B2
A panel for use in assembling a radiation, microbial, acoustically, and ballistically shielded space within a building or other personal space. The panel is comprised of an ionizing radiation shielding material layer, a non-ionizing radiation shielding layer, an anti microbial treated layer, a bulletproof layer and an acoustical shielding layer. A method for using said panels to create a radiation, microbial, acoustic, and ballistic shielded space.
US08850946B2
An armor includes a core that, in turn, includes a first layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion and a second layer of prismatic elements arranged in a tessellated fashion. The armor further includes a smart component operably associated with a component of the armor. The first layer of prismatic elements is nested into the second layer of prismatic elements.
US08850939B2
The present invention relates to a straight edge device for use in conjunction with power tools such as radial saws, or table saws. The present invention is used for cutting an uneven edge of a board. The straight edge device includes a one piece board having a protuberance projecting from its lower surface that engages a groove of the table saw. The board is placed on the upper surface of the one piece board with the uneven edge hanging over the edges of the one piece board. As the straight edge device is pushed or pulled through the groove of the table saw, the cutting blade straights the uneven edge of the board.
US08850938B2
A slicing apparatus and a weighing and classifying conveyor combination with cleanup position wherein, the elevated food article feed mechanism can be collapsed to a maintenance position, the weighing and classifying conveyor is oriented at a distance from the slicing apparatus and the slicing head cover is automatically lifted to an open cleanup position. The machine has laser intrusion detectors that are used to shut down systems when an unwanted intrusion by a person or object is detected.
US08850936B2
The present invention is a novel machine for repairing damaged wheel rims whereby the machine is a combination CNC and manual lathe configured of performing all of the required tasks for repairing damaged wheel rims in a single unit.
US08850930B1
An adjustable wrench includes a handle and a head is pivotably connected to the handle. The head has a guide hole through which a pin extends and the pin has a side hole defined radially so as to receive a positioning unit therein. A clamping device has a fixed jaw and a movable jaw, the fixed jaw has a travel path and the movable jaw has a toothed rod. A slide slot is defined in one side of the fixed jaw which has a board inserted into the slot of the head. The fixed jaw has an opening in which a push spring, a stop plate and a worm rod are received. The movable jaw is slidably connected to the slide slot. The toothed rod is located in the travel path and engaged with the worm rod.
US08850928B2
A power takeoff unit transmits torque taken from a transmission of a vehicle to an output shaft. The power takeoff unit is comprised of a casing combinable with the transmission at a first end; a first shaft receiving the torque about a first axis; a second shaft rotatable about the first axis; a clutch slidably fitting with the second shaft and being directed to the first shaft, the clutch being movable along the first axis between a first position to interrupt transmission of the torque and a second position to transmit the torque from the first shaft to the second shaft; a first gear projecting from the bearing toward the first end and being rotatable along with the second shaft without any support excepting the bearing; and a third shaft including a second gear meshing with the first gear, thereby outputting the transmitted torque.
US08850927B2
Rolling element bores are provided in the outer circumferential portion of a disk-like main body. Each rolling element bore has an arcuate outer rim. Rollers each have a groove formed on the peripheral edge and extending along the entire circumference of the roller. The outer rim of each rolling element bore engages with the groove of the associated roller so that the roller is loosely fitted in the rolling element bore. Shafts are respectively formed on both sides of each roller. The shafts project from the center of the roller. An elastic ring is mounted on each shaft. Annular guide plates are respectively mounted on both sides of the disk-like main body so that the shafts of the rollers are supported by the guide plates.
US08850926B2
A bike peg including:a foot rest having an arch portion, a heel portion extending rearward from the arch portion and a forward portion extending forward from the arch portion, the arch portion being adapted to engage the arch portion of a rider's boot during normal motocross travel, the heel portion being adapted to engage the heel portion of the rider's boot in normal motocross travel at least upon the rider's boot pivoting backwards about the arch portion and the forward portion being adapted to engage the arch portion of the rider's boot at least when the rider's foot moves forward to operate the foot brake or gear pedal of the bike.
US08850912B2
A linkage-type synchronous slide structure of relative slide assembly includes a slide member and a relative slide member slidably connected to the slide member. The relative slide member is formed with a slide guide section. The slide member is slidable relative to the relative slide member along the slide guide section. Two extensible/retractable assemblies with a variable length are respectively oppositely disposed on two sides of the slide guide section. Second ends of the extensible/retractable assemblies are respectively pivotally connected to corresponding sections of two sides of the slide member. First ends of the extensible/retractable assemblies are pivotally connected with each other and slidable along the slide guide section. A restriction mechanism is disposed between the extensible/retractable assemblies and the relative slide member to serve as a pivotal center of the extensible/retractable assemblies for restricting axial slide thereof and synchronizing the moves of two sides of the slide member.
US08850908B2
A method and structure for a device including a non-contact gap control device for maintaining a distance between surfaces can include a pliable platform, a frame to which the pliable platform is secured, an aerodynamic floating (AF) head attached to the pliable platform and a probe for measuring, testing, and/or characterizing a substrate adjacent to the AF head. A pressurized gas source can be coupled to the AF head, such that a pressurized gas is ejected onto the substrate to maintain a distance between the substrate and the AF head during measurement. While the frame can be held immobile, the pliable platform can react in response to irregularities in the substrate to maintain a generally constant distance between the AF head and the substrate.
US08850906B2
A device for sampling fluids that has an outer conduit having a first end connected to a non-pressurized fluid reservoir and a second end adjacent to the testing location that is remote from the fluid reservoir. An inner fluid conduit is positioned within the outer conduit, the inner fluid conduit having a first end extending into the fluid reservoir and the second end adjacent to the testing location, the second end having a connector. A pressure source selectively connects to the connector and selectively applies a vacuum to the second end of the inner fluid conduit to draw fluid from the through the inner fluid conduit and applying pressure to purge the inner fluid conduit of fluid.
US08850903B2
A liquid aspirating and dispensing apparatus and method of using the apparatus. Among other elements, the apparatus includes a liquid handling device having one or more channel members, each of which has a removable liquid holding tip attached, and a signal transmitting device. A signal transmitted from the signal transmitting device may be used in a variety of ways to yield information regarding the performance of the apparatus. This information may be provided via direct detection of the signal by an operator of the apparatus. Alternatively, the signal may be detected by a programmable signal detecting device, interpreted by the apparatus, and then displayed in a form that is understandable to the operator. Furthermore, the liquid holding tip may be modified to enable different forms of signal transmission.
US08850899B2
Processes and systems for logging production of fluid produced into a well bore without intervention of the well are disclosed. Two or more markers may be introduced into produced fluid at spaced apart locations along a well. The time for each marker to reach a common point may be measured and production rates for produced fluids at each spaced apart location may be calculated.
US08850897B2
A sensor and method of sensing dimensional changes, stress changes or pressure changes on a substrate uses a sensor in the following manner. Temporarily and non-destructively attach a piezoresistant sensor to a surface. The piezoresistant sensor has an electrically conductive elastic body having at least one pair of opposed ends, and the elastic body contains conductive nanotubes homogeneously distributed therein. The elastic body has at least one surface with two opposed ends and electrodes at each of the opposed ends. A current is passed through the elastic body between the two electrodes. The current passing through the elastic body is sensed (e.g., a voltmeter). A mechanical step is performed with or on the substrate, and the sensor measures changes in the current between the electrodes, indicating strain or pressure on the sensor.
US08850893B2
The invention relates to a sensor (1) and a method for measuring pressure, variation in sound pressure, a magnetic field, acceleration, vibration, or the composition of a gas. The sensor (1) comprises an ultrasound transmitter (2), and a cavity (4) arranged in connection with it. According to the invention, the sensor (1) comprises a passive sensor element (3, 3′) located at the opposite end of the cavity (4) to the ultrasound transmitter (2), the distance of which from the ultrasound transmitter (2) is selected in such a way that the resonance condition is met at the ultrasound frequency used, the ultrasound transmitter (2) comprises a light-construction diaphragm oscillator (9), which is thus well connected to the surrounding medium, and the sensor includes means for measuring the interaction between the ultrasound transmitter (2) and the cavity (4).
US08850892B2
An actuator driven by a smart material device and suitable for use as an actuator, energy capture device, or sensor, having an enclosed compensator, potting material, at least one actuating arm, and two mechanical webs and a movable supporting member adapted such that application of a suitable electric potential causes a change in shape of the smart material device, thereby flexing the mechanical webs and causing movement of the actuating arm. As an energy capture device or sensor, external motion causes the actuating arm to move, thereby causing the smart material device to generate recoverable electrical energy or an electric signal indicating motion.
US08850891B2
A micromechanical component having a fixing point and a seismic weight, which is connected to the fixing point by at least one spring and is made at least partially out of a first material, the first material being a semiconductor material, the seismic weight being additionally made out of at least one second material, and the second material having a higher density than the first material. In addition, a manufacturing method for a micromechanical component is provided, having the steps of forming a seismic weight at least partially out of a first material, the first material being a semiconductor material, connecting the seismic weight to a fixing point of the micromechanical component, using at least one spring, and forming the seismic weight from the first material and at least one second material, which has a higher density than the first material.
US08850868B2
A tamper detector is provided for safeguarding a radiological source that is moved into and out of a storage location through an access porthole for storage and use. The radiological source is presumed to have an associated shipping container approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for transporting the radiological source. The tamper detector typically includes a network of sealed tubing that spans at least a portion of the access porthole. There is an opening in the network of sealed tubing that is large enough for passage therethrough of the radiological source and small enough to prevent passage therethrough of the associated shipping cask. Generally a gas source connector is provided for establishing a gas pressure in the network of sealed tubing, and a pressure drop sensor is provided for detecting a drop in the gas pressure below a preset value.
US08850864B2
This aims to provide a press process for drawing a plate material into a predetermined shape. This press process performs a first unwrinkling treatment and a second unwrinkling treatment sequentially for unwrinkling the material. Between these first and second unwrinkling treatments, an introduction for deforming the material is made so that the portion of the material on the side to be subjected to the second unwrinkling treatment may be positioned on the side of a drawing direction with respect to the portion subjected to the first unwrinkling treatment. This first unwrinkling treatment is made on such a portion to be unwrinkled in the material as is located on the side of a larger drawing depth for the predetermined shape. On the other hand, the second unwrinkling treatment is made on such a portion to be unwrinkled as is located on the side of a smaller drawing depth.
US08850862B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for rolling a substantially planar electric wire by more than one turn into a spiral shape. The apparatus includes an inner pressing member having an outer surface, an intermediate pressing member having radially inner and outer surfaces, and an outer pressing member having an inner surface. The inner and intermediate pressing members together press a first part of the electric wire between the outer surface of the inner pressing member and the inner surface of the intermediate pressing member, thereby plastically deforming the first part to extend along the outer surface of the inner pressing member. The intermediate and outer pressing members together press a second part of the electric wire between the outer surface of the intermediate pressing member and the inner surface of the outer pressing member, thereby plastically deforming the second part to extend along the outer surface of the intermediate pressing member.
US08850856B2
An apparatus is provided herein. The apparatus includes, a clothes basket rotatable about an axis, a motor coupled to the clothes basket, an additive tank, a Venturi component comprising a hole connecting to a water inlet, a hole connecting to the additive tank, and a hole connecting to the clothes basket, a first valve, a second valve, and a processor coupled to the first valve and the second valve, the processor being operative to carry out a dispensing phase of the apparatus, wherein the dispensing phase comprises dispensing additive to the clothes basket, and carry out a self-cleaning phase of the apparatus, wherein the self-cleaning phase comprises washing the additive tank.
US08850855B2
The present invention relates to a laundry treating apparatus, including a cabinet having a main space selectively in communication with an outside of the laundry treating apparatus with a door for holding laundry, a steam generator provided to the cabinet for supplying steam to the main space, and at least one steam outlet in the cabinet for selective supply of the steam from the steam generator to an outside of the laundry treating apparatus.
US08850852B2
A method for processing a coated glass substrate may include a high-temperature activation process.
US08850847B2
An air conditioner may include: a compressor; a condenser; an expander; a bypass pipe that bypasses the refrigerant discharged from the condenser to an inlet side of the compressor; a refrigerant heating apparatus that heats the refrigerant flowing in the bypass pipe; and a valve that controls the refrigerant flowing in the bypass pipe. The refrigerant heating apparatus may include: a refrigerant pipe in which the refrigerant flows; and a heating unit that is provided on an outer surface of the refrigerant pipe and has a carbon nanotube heating element that is heat-generated by itself by a supplied power.
US08850844B2
A cool air supply structure of a storage receptacle for a refrigerator, which includes a main body having a storage space provided therein and a door for selectively opening or closing the storage space, the cool air supply structure, comprising: one or more receptacle casings detachably installed into the storage space and having a mounting space provided therein so that a storage receptacle is moved into or out of the mounting space; and a channel provided in each of the receptacle casings so that cool air flows in the channel, wherein food received in the storage receptacle is indirectly cooled by the cool air flowing in the channel. According to the present invention, the food received in the storage receptacle of a refrigerator can be kept fresh with a simple configuration.
US08850842B2
A refrigerator including a refrigerating chamber formed at an upper portion of a refrigerator body and a freezing chamber formed at a lower portion of the refrigerator body, the refrigerator comprising an ice-making chamber partitioned from the refrigerating chamber by insulating walls, the ice-making chamber containing within it an icemaker and an ice storage area.
US08850838B2
A commercial refrigeration system has a control system which distributes intelligence to increase granularity of the control and simplify wiring, assembly and installation. Compressors of the refrigeration system each have a bus compatible compressor safety and control module including a processor and sensors. All control and safety modules communicate over a single power and communications line with the controller, providing digital transmissions to the controller of measurements taken by the sensors. The information provided may include that the compressor is outside of a specific safety parameter, so that the controller knows not only that a safety parameter has been traversed, but exactly which one. The control and safety modules are capable of executing commands from the controller to cycle the compressors. The control and safety modules preferably contain sufficient intelligence to continue system operation upon failure of the controller. A compressor is also disclosed which has an intelligent control and safety module. The compressor also houses control and safety devices within a hermetically or semi-hermetically sealed shell. A condenser controller is also disclosed that is capable of communicating with the controller to affect intelligent control of one or more compressor fans.
US08850837B2
A heat pump type speed heating apparatus, comprising: a cooling cycle circuit to circulate a first refrigerant to operate air conditioning, the cooling cycle circuit including a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion apparatus, and an indoor heat exchanger, a hot water supply compressor to compress a second refrigerant, a hot water supply heat exchanger to condense the compressed second refrigerant and to heat water, a hot water supply expansion apparatus to expand the second refrigerant from the hot water supply heat exchanger, and a cascade heat exchanger, connected to the cooling cycle circuit, to evaporate the second refrigerant expanded at the hot water supply expansion apparatus, and the first refrigerant to undergo condensation, expansion, and evaporation in the cooling cycle circuit.
US08850834B2
An air conditioning method is provided. The method comprises when a refrigerant circuit is in operation and a temperature of an evaporator of the refrigerant circuit is lower than a temperature of a heat exchanger of a heating circuit, transferring heat from the heat exchanger to air passing through the heat exchanger, and when the refrigerant circuit is not in operation and the temperature of the evaporator is higher than the temperature of the heat exchanger, transferring heat from the air passing through the heat exchanger to the heat exchanger. In this way, the heat exchanger functions to augment the cooling capabilities of the evaporator.
US08850833B2
An integrated industrial plant includes various systems, all of which use a cryogenic liquid obtained from a common source. One system includes a fermentation unit, in which cold air, chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid, absorbs excess heat generated by the fermentation. Another system is a lyophilization unit, in which a refrigeration step is performed through the use of air that has been chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid. Another system is a device for freezing discrete samples of biological products, the samples being frozen by partial immersion in the cryogenic liquid. The invention substantially reduces the use of electric power, and provides systems which operate economically and reliably.
US08850832B2
A pre-charged heating/cooling system is shown for installation by unlicensed personnel. An outside unit includes an outside coil, outside fan, compressor and a reversing valve. An inside unit has an inside coil, inside fan for drawing air through the inside coil and discharging the conditioned air into the enclosed space, and a power cord connection. A cable sheath contains all connections from the inside unit to the outside unit with electrical connections being secured in position on the outside unit by a cover and a bracket. An expandable window sill holds and seals the cable sheath in a window opening.
US08850827B2
A control valve is provided that includes a valve body, a valve element, a first radial seal, and a second radial seal. The valve body forms an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow passage therebetween. The valve element is disposed at least partially within the valve body, and is movable between at least a closed position and an open position. When the valve element is in the closed position, fluid is restricted from flowing through the fluid flow passage. When the valve element is in the open position, the fluid is allowed to flow through the fluid flow passage. The first radial seal is disposed against the valve body at a first distance from a centerline of the control valve. The second radial seal is disposed against the valve body at a second distance from the centerline, the second distance being greater than the first distance.
US08850823B2
One embodiment of the present invention is an integrated aero-engine flowpath structure. Another embodiment is a method of manufacturing integrated aero-engine flowpath structure. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for aero-engine flowpath structures. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
US08850821B2
A system includes a fuel nozzle. The fuel nozzle includes a hub, a shroud disposed about the hub, an airflow path between the hub and the shroud, multiple first fuel outlets disposed on the hub, and multiple swirl vanes disposed in the airflow path downstream from the multiple first fuel outlets.
US08850816B2
The present disclosure includes a method for regenerating power in an information handling system. The method includes circulating a cooling fluid through a fluid flow loop connecting a thermosiphon, a turbine, and a condenser. The method further includes removing heat from a heated component of the information handling system, converting the cooling fluid from a liquid state to a gaseous state in the thermosiphon, and extracting energy from the cooling fluid in the gaseous state in the turbine. The method additionally includes removing thermal energy from the cooling fluid in the condenser, converting the cooling fluid from a gaseous state to a liquid state as the thermal energy is removed from the cooling fluid, and returning the cooling fluid in the liquid state to the thermosiphon. The disclosure also includes associated systems and apparatuses.
US08850805B2
The present invention relates to an exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine, in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising a housing from which a plurality of inlet pipes emanate, which, in the built-in state, lead to cylinders of the internal combustion engine, and comprising a flange, which is welded to the inlet pipes and which, in the built-in state, is screwed to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine by means of a screw connection. The fatigue strength of the exhaust manifold can be improved by subdividing the flange into at least two partial flanges in a longitudinal direction of the exhaust manifold.
US08850801B2
A catalytic converter and muffler including a housing having an inlet disposed between a first end and a second end of the housing to introduce exhaust gases into an inlet chamber. A plurality of first exhaust treatment banks disposed between the inlet and the first end of the housing to allow the exhaust gases flow towards the first end from the inlet chamber into an end chamber. A mixing tube to direct the exhaust gases towards the second end from the end chamber into a flow distributor and a plurality of second exhaust aftertreatment banks and flow into an outlet chamber. At least one resonator chamber defined within the housing to attenuate noise in the exhaust gases.
US08850794B2
According to the invention, the said engine (I), which comprises at least one flame tube (2) with a mobile transverse end wall (18), comprises an external envelope (3) around the said flame tube (2), which defines a peripheral annular space (4) in which fixed flow guides (11, 12, 13, 14) are positioned, these flow guides forming flow channels (10) for the air, and at least one mobile plug (25), connected to the said mobile end wall (18), to close off and open one of the flow channels (10).
US08850778B2
A method and apparatus for sealing a bag made of a polymeric material by applying heat activated layers on different portions of the bag, wherein the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer have respective heat activation temperatures below the softening point temperature of the polymeric material; after creasing the bag along a fold line, applying heat at a temperature below the softening point temperature of the polymeric material to activate the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer to adhesive states after the bag has been filled with contents; and folding the bag to form an adhesive-to adhesive seal by contact between the heat activated first adhesive layer and the heat activated second adhesive layer.
US08850773B2
A pool liner retaining system having a pool wall structure that includes a plurality of interlocking panels and methods of constructing a pool wall structure using such interlocking panels are disclosed.
US08850769B2
Floorboards for making a floating floor, which floorboards have a core having at least two layers of material arranged at different distances from the surface layer, which differ with respect to at least one of the parameters of composition of materials and material properties.
US08850768B2
The invention relates to a floor panel comprising a carrier layer, a wear layer made of a soft/resilient material, and at least two opposite pairs of locking edges, where at least the locking edges of one pair are designed as form-fitting edges and in such a way that two floor panels can be connected by means of these formfitting edges, and where the form-fitting edges each display a horizontal locking surface which, in connected state, together counteract separation of the floor panels in a direction lying in the floor plane and perpendicular to the form-fitting edges, where each form-fitting edge displays a joint-sealing area in the area of the soft/resilient wear layer, and where the horizontal locking surfaces and the joint-sealing areas are coordinated in such a way that, in connected state of two floor panels, initial compression of the joint-sealing areas against each other can be produced and, as a result, a tightly sealed joint in the area of the soft/resilient wear layer.
US08850767B2
A channel screed comprises a first member having an internal channel defined by opposed walls extending from a base. The first member includes ribs within the internal channel that accommodate placement of a second member thereon. The first member having surface features that cooperate with surface features of the second member to provide an attachment therebetween. The first member includes fins projecting outwardly from the opposed walls to provide both an indication of building material thickness, and a mechanical attachment therewith. The second member covers the first member internal channel to provide a desired aesthetic appearance to the installed channel screed. The second member comprises a base with opposed walls, and includes flanges projecting from top edges of the opposed wall surfaces. When attached to the first member, the flanges cover up the internal channel, and the interface between the first member and the building material.
US08850763B2
An improved, high strength construction system that uses post tensioning. It is comprised of a series of interconnected, super heavy duty hollow core blocks 102 with minimal ducts 103, a series of tendons 105, and a plurality of anchors or plates 104 with additional features. The system 101 is configured with the plurality of adjacent blocks 102 contiguous and touching one another and demountably coupled to each other by means of the tendons 105 and anchors 103. The unique features include a strong, durable full plate 104 and bolt 105 both of which may be treated for corrosion resistance. This new coupling results in a structure that is far stronger than an ordinary block structure built with mortar and standard reinforcing. The SYSTEM has more predictable and controlled strength which is stronger than most reinforced concrete systems.
US08850753B2
Disclosed is an improved assembly for facilitating the elevated and leveled placement of a paver surface. Yet further disclosed are related methods of using the assembly.
US08850751B2
A roof edge device (10) comprises a plastics strip (12) for location under the edge of a tiled/slated roof. A plurality of integral webs (2 and 3) extend from one side of the strip, at least one of said webs (2, 3) being for engagement with the underneath of the edge of the tiles/slates.
US08850746B2
A seal assembly is provided for maintaining a pressure difference between an exterior and an interior of an object having an access hatch and an access hatch frame. The seal assembly has a seal retainer having an interior face oriented toward the interior of the object, an exterior face oriented toward the exterior of the object, a hatch-side face oriented toward the access hatch and extending from the interior face to the exterior face, and frame-side face oriented toward the access hatch frame and extending from the interior face to the exterior face. The seal assembly also has at least one sealing member mounted on either the interior face or the exterior face of the seal retainer and a plurality of conduits formed in the seal retainer and extending from the exterior face to the interior face. The plurality of conduits include at least one supply conduit located between either the hatch-side or frame-side face and the at least one sealing member and at least one return conduit located so that the at least one sealing member is positioned between the at least one supply conduit and the at least one return conduit.
US08850739B2
Disclosed is an improved open sight that may be operated as a Patridge sight and point-on-point sight.
US08850731B2
Improved gun with automatic loading of cartridges, comprising a cartridge loader in the form of a tubular magazine (4), characterized in that: The magazine bottom (18) is mounted in a way so that it can slide in the axial direction (X-X′) with respect to the tubular magazine (4). The sliding magazine bottom (18) is equipped with a shock absorber (26) able to absorb the shocks exerted on the magazine bottom (18) in the axial direction (X-X′) of the tubular magazine (4). The cartridge follower assembly (19) provided with a shock absorber (29) that can absorb the shocks exerted on the follower assembly (19) in the axial direction (19) of the tubular magazine (4).
US08850728B2
A double-sided display structure comprising a light transmitting element comprising a light transmitting material. The light transmitting element has a pair of opposed light receiving faces (22) and a pair of opposed light emitting faces (23) substantially orthogonally disposed to the light receiving faces (22). A light reflecting layer (25) is disposed at an oblique angle to the light receiving faces (22) and the light emitting faces (23), and a pair of light-emitting displays (24) for displaying the same or different still and/or moving images are mounted such that an image from a respective light-emitting display (24) is emitted into a respective light receiving face (22) and is transmitted through the light transmitting element to be reflected by the reflecting layer (25) to a respective light emitting face (23), whereby the images received at the pair of opposed light receiving faces (22) are visible to observers through the pair of opposed light emitting faces (23) of the display structure.
US08850727B2
This application relates to a structure for a license plate. Specifically, it relates to a device for attaching a license plate to a vehicle. In particular, it relates to a license plate frame for a vehicle which both supports the license plate and has a fin extending therefrom to protect the vehicle.
US08850712B2
A vacuum drying apparatus and method to dry and cure paint is disclosed. The method provides a substantially particle free environment that shortens drying time, reduces cost and improves surface finish. The apparatus includes an enclosed drying tunnel that is maintained at a reduced pressure relative to ambient conditions. Heat lamps with the drying tunnel aid in curing and provide the desired particle free environment.
US08850706B2
An expanded non-bonded mesh well screen. A method of manufacturing a well screen includes the steps of: expanding at least a portion of a screen jacket; and then securing the screen jacket onto a base pipe. A well screen system includes a base pipe and an at least partially expanded screen jacket surrounding the base pipe. The screen jacket is expanded prior to being positioned on the base pipe.
US08850705B2
A process for producing exhaust gas manifolds is provided, which have a flange for fastening to the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, manifold pipes for leading off the exhaust gases flowing from the cylinders, and a pipe connector, wherein the pipe connector has openings for the manifold pipes. In accordance with the invention, the pipe connector is designed with reinforced openings. Then the ends of the manifold pipes are introduced into the openings and expanded. In this process, the pipe ends undergo plastic deformation, and the pipes are connected gas-tight.
US08850704B2
An improved heat sink comprises a plurality of wire fins mounted on a heat sink base. Each wire fin comprises a coil made up of a plurality of contiguous loops of wire. A wire fin can be manufactured by deforming a helical wire member to an elongate, relatively compact shape. Several such wire fins can then be mounted to a heat sink base in order to form a pin-fin type heat sink.
US08850700B2
A wiring board includes a substrate having an adhesive surface, a first wiring, and a second wiring. The adhesive surface is in contact with the first wiring and the second wiring. The first wiring has a penetrating hole extending in a direction perpendicular to the adhesive surface. The second wiring has a first region, a second region, and a third region, which are adjacent regions arranged in that order. The first region is inside the penetrating hole in the first wiring and in contact with a first portion of the adhesive surface that forms part of the penetrating hole. The second region is in contact with the first wiring and faces the first wiring and the substrate. The third region is in contact with a second portion of the adhesive surface outside the first portion.
US08850694B2
A xerographic micro-assembler system, method and apparatus that includes a sorting unit that is adapted to receive a plurality of micro-objects. The micro-objects can also be sorted and oriented on the sorting unit and then transferred to a substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include a device for detecting errors in at least one of the micro-objects on the sorting unit and a protection means for preventing an improper micro-object from being transferred to the substrate. The system, method and apparatus can also include an organized micro-object feeder assembly that can transfer at least one of a plurality of micro-objects to the sorting unit or directly to the substrate.
US08850691B2
A manufacturing method for a heating resistor element includes a concave portion forming step, a bonding step and a resistor forming step. The concave portion forming step includes forming a concave portion on at least one of bonded surfaces between an insulating substrate and a heat accumulating layer. The bonding step causes the bonded surfaces between the insulating substrate and the heat accumulating layer to adhere to each other to bond the insulating substrate and the heat accumulating layer. The resistor forming step includes forming a heating resistor at a position on the heat accumulating layer. The position is opposed to the concave portion. The concave portion forming step further includes processing an inner surface of the concave portion on a side of the insulating substrate to have surface roughness Ra of 0.2 μm or more.
US08850685B2
Fastener delivery apparatus for automatically selecting and delivering fasteners such as rivets to a setting tool. The fasteners are pre-loaded in a package and dispense via at least one fastener delivery tube that interconnects the setting tool to a fastener feeder device. The fastener feeder device releases selected fasteners from the package into the delivery tube. The fasteners are transportable individually or in groups in the tube from the feeder device to the tool. A transfer station attached to the tool or the delivery tube transfers a fastener from the delivery apparatus into the tool, transfer station is adjacent to the tool so that a delivered fastener may be inserted by the transfer station into the tool and a second position in which it is clear of the tool so as to permit the tool or a portion thereof to move towards a workpiece to insert a smooth, rapid and reliable delivery of fasteners of various sizes and types to the nose of a setting tool in any particular order and provides all the fastener types for any particular work cycle.
US08850679B2
A pipe alignment tool for aligning abutted ends of first and second pipe sections to be joined includes a clamp member adapted to be clamped circumferentially about the first pipe section and one or more pipe engaging members mounted on the clamp member adapted to extend across a seam between the abutted ends of the first and second pipe sections to overlap the second pipe section. A bearing member is rotatably supported on each pipe engaging member for rolling contact with the second pipe section to assist in positioning the second pipe section relative to the first pipe section.
US08850677B2
A system and method for rivet setting comprising a micro-adjustable bucking bar coupled to a control system that measures the rivet head during the rivet setting process and stops the rivet gun when the rivet head achieves a desired head height above the work surface. In preferred embodiments, the control system also communicates the stage of the rivet driving cycle to the operators to expedite the rivet driving process.
US08850673B2
Use of a snap hook requires the capture loop to be cradled in a joint of the index finger to prevent it from rolling in the hand. Hooks having a cylindrical body roll easily, and those having an oval section capture loop, roll more easily. When a hook rolls, its loop can move to a position where it blocks access to the gap, requiring it to be repositioned in the hand. Ergonomic requirements provided in this hook include: spacing the hand a maximal distance from the gap, stability from rolling in the hand, and minimal movement of the hand members in operation. The hand does not close around the hook; it may be held between the thumb and a finger, a natural configuration in which the hand retains the lie of its usual open form. Stability from rolling results from the forces of contact being directed within the borders of the wide contact surfaces of the body and the button. The larger the contact forces, the more stable the hook is.
US08850668B2
A curtain bead chain fixing device includes a bead chain guide way through which a bead chain as a pull cord for controlling a curtain is extended and thereby becomes connected to the fixing device, and an elastically movable interfering element being normally pushed into the bead chain guide way to interfere with the free movement of the bead chain in and along the bead chain guide way. When the fixing device is adequately mounted to a wall surface according to specified installation procedures, the interfering element is forced out of the bead chain guide way to release the bead chain therefrom. Therefore, a user of the curtain is urged and guided to adequately mount the fixing device to hold the bead chain in place, and undesired accidents caused by a swinging bead chain can be avoided.
US08850662B2
The invention provides an ergonomic handle for precision, surgical, and dental tools including electro-surgical devices and surgical devices used in microsurgery designed to facilitate the positioning of the user's hand grip comprising a longitudinally extending body substantially oval in cross-section and being provided with four, substantially concave indentations positioned towards the proximal end of the handle, a first concave indentation being provided along a top surface of the handle, second and third indentations being provided along lateral surfaces, and a fourth indentation being provided along the bottom surface of the body respectively and positioned relative to each other to provide a contiguous interface respectively with the user's thumb, index finger and middle finger.
US08850661B2
In a door hinge for hidden placement between a door frame and a door leaf a first hinge rod is rotatably mounted on a door frame receiving body at one end and at another end is guided rotatably and displaceably in a slot link guide of a door leaf receiving body, a second hinge rod is rotatably mounted on the door leaf receiving body at one end and at another end is guided rotatably and displaceably in a slot link guide of the door frame receiving body, disposed at an angle of at least 45° relative to front surfaces of the door leaf in a closed position, and a depth of the door frame receiving body is less than 80% of a depth of the door leaf receiving body.
US08850654B2
An upright bare floor cleaner with a handle assembly pivotally mounted to a base assembly. The handle includes a water tank to store a quantity of water and a fluid distribution system that includes a heater and a spray nozzle. Steam is generated by the heater and is distributed to a removable cleaning cloth that applies the steam to the surface to be cleaned. The fluid distribution system further includes an auxiliary hand tool for steam cleaning above-floor surfaces.
US08850653B2
The invention is based on an adapter (16) for connecting a connecting element (30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40) at the end of a wiper arm (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) to a wiper blade (10) in particular of flat beam construction, wherein the adapter (16) has a base element (42). It is proposed that the base element (42) have a U-shaped cross-sectional profile which is formed from a base (56) and two side walls (48) and which, at that end side thereof which faces away from the wiper arm (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28), is closed off by a closure cap (44), that spring arms (68) be integrally formed on the side walls (48) of the base element (42), which spring arms (68) extend in the longitudinal direction (124) toward the closure cap (44), engage into the latter and latch with buttons (70) into cutouts (84) which are provided in side walls (82) of the closure cap (44), and in that longitudinally directed bars (78) are arranged on the inner sides of the side walls (82) of the closure cap (44), which bars (78) are guided in a movable manner in cutouts (60) of the side walls (48) of the base element (42) when the buttons (70) are released, and which bars, in the closed state, block transversely running assembly gaps (62) and close off receiving chambers (66) for locking cams (104, 120).
US08850650B2
A brush for use on sensitive surfaces includes a twisted wire core having a handle end and a bristle end, and a plurality of bristles extending radially outward from a portion of the wire core defining a bristle block. The brush further includes a protective tip integrally formed on the wire core at the bristle end for preventing the brush from damaging sensitive surfaces. The wire core and the protective tip are formed from the same material.
US08850645B1
The present invention is a therapeutic seat cushion to alleviate pain when sitting such as tailbone, sit bone, pudendal nerve, post operative, or pelvic pain, or after childbirth or any other situation that may cause a user pain when sitting. The therapeutic seat cushion is adjustable and portable to suit a user's needs. The therapeutic seat cushion comprises a base and at least two cushions that are removably attachable to the base and which may be adjusted in any configuration upon the base to provide a user customized pain relief with stable, unmovable support. The therapeutic seat cushion has carry handles and may be folded in half to join the handles with a closure for easy portability.
US08850641B2
A pillow (10) in the form of a ring (20) extending around a vertical axis (22), with a gap (24) between front ends (26, 28) of the pillow. A person can lie in a prone position with his/her face lying facedown in the vertical aperture (54) formed by the ring and with the periphery of the person's face supported by the upper surface of the ring. The pillow front ends and a rear portion (32) project downward to leave tunnels (Q) at opposite sides though which the person can breath. The person's chin projects into the gap between the pillow front ends. A separate chest support (12) has a rear portion of a soft elastomer that can support the person's abdomen, and has a front portion of a stiffer elastomer for supporting the chest.
US08850627B2
Swimming goggles includes a frame body, lenses, buckles disposed at opposite end portions of the frame body, and a head strap passed through the buckles. The frame body forms shielding portions at outer sides of the frame body. The buckles have bases and operating devices being shielded by the shielding portions. The operating devices are operated through the shielding portions so as to adjust the head strap and prevent a wearer's hair from being snapped and provide a comfort wearing.
US08850618B2
A collapsible head covering device includes a wide-brimmed hat made of an anti-UV waterproof fabric and having a memory metal wire ring fastened to the border edge of the brim thereof, a cap detachably accommodated in the wide-brimmed hat for capping on the head of a person, and a fastening belt selectively inserted through multiple through holes on the wide-brimmed hat and multiple through holes on the cap to fasten the wide-brimmed hat to the cap in one of multiple different angular positions.
US08850612B1
Methods and apparatus are provided for a seamless ballistic resistant helmet. In one exemplary embodiment the helmet comprises high performance fibers consolidated with a matrix material and arranged in a plurality of substantially seamless layers.
US08856956B2
Some embodiments provide a verification system for automated verification of entities. The verification system automatedly verifies entities using a two part verification campaign. One part verifies that the entity is the true owner of the entity account to be verified. This verification step involves (1) the entity receiving a verification code at the entity account and returning the verification code to the verification system, (2) the entity associating an account that it has registered at a service provider to an account that the verification system has registered at the service provider, (3) both. Another part verifies the entity can respond to communications that are sent to methods of contact that have been previously verified as belonging to the entity. The verification system submits a first communication with a code using a verified method of contact. The verification system then monitors for a second communication to be returned with the code.
US08856954B1
A method is used in authenticating using organization based information. Organization based information is analyzed for information that is suitable for use in authenticating a user. The organization based information includes employee-used information. A question is derived from the organization based information. Based on the question, a process used to authenticate a user is executed.
US08856951B2
When hardware connected to an image forming apparatus is detected, a check is performed as to whether the hardware was used with another image forming apparatus, and, if used, a license of an application that is operated by the hardware is automatically transferred so that the application can be used in the image forming apparatus to which the hardware is connected.
US08856940B2
Data information, represented by electric or wave signals, or data information within the artificial or natural databases and storage media, such as for example DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid), encoded as a sequence of symbols, is, for the purpose of its concealing and simultaneously preserving its select local data information segments, partitioned within a physical medium, such as especially computer hardware, physical communication channel, physical storage medium or biological material, into short overlapping data segments. The studied local data information segments are contained within the short segments in their entirety. these partitioned short segments constitute the first group and to at least one short segment of the first group, data, encoded as selected symbols, are prepended or appended, to the symbols of the short segments of the first group. The resulting mixture of segments is interconnected into a sequence of data. The entire process may be repeated multiple times.
US08856939B2
A method for using a location-based service while preserving anonymity includes receiving a location associated with a mobile node, receiving an anonymity level associated with the mobile node, computing a region containing the location of the mobile node and a number of footprints based on the anonymity level, wherein each of the footprints from a different user, and providing the region to a location-based service to thereby preserve anonymity of the mobile node. A method also allow a mobile device or its user to specify the anonymity level by selecting a public region consistent with a user's feelings towards desired privacy.
US08856936B2
Real time security, integrity, and reliability postures of operational (OT), information (IT), and security (ST) systems, as well as slower changing security and operational blueprint, policies, processes, and rules governing the enterprise security and business risk management process, dynamically evolve and adapt to domain, context, and situational awareness, as well as the controls implemented across the operational and information systems that are controlled. Embodiments of the invention are systematized and pervasively applied across interconnected, interdependent, and diverse operational, information, and security systems to mitigate system-wide business risk, to improve efficiency and effectiveness of business processes and to enhance security control which conventional perimeter, network, or host based control and protection schemes cannot successfully perform.
US08856928B1
An improved technique utilizes a honeypot-style seeding of synthetic user identifiers which, if used by spear-phishing intruders, enable easy discovery of the intruders. Along these lines, an administrator of a network constructs false employee profiles on a social network with the intent of intercepting any email to that employee. Such employee profiles correspond to no actual employee of the corporation, but are in fact synthetic entities designed to appear to be an actual employee. These profiles contain identifiers that describe the employee, such as a name, position within the corporation, telephone number, educational background, past positions, and social connections. The administrator configures a receiver at the corporate network to block from entering the secure network emails that include references to any of these identifiers.
US08856926B2
The invention is directed to techniques for dynamic policy provisioning. A network security device may comprise a memory that stores a first policy that identifies a first set of patterns that correspond to a first set of network attacks and a second policy, and a control unit that applies the first policy to the network traffic to detect the first set of network attacks. The control unit, while applying the first policy, monitors parameters corresponding to one or more resources and dynamically determines whether to apply a second policy to the network traffic based on the parameters. The control unit, based on the dynamic determination, applies the second policy to the network traffic to detect a second set of network attacks and forwards the network traffic based on the application of the second policy. In this manner, the network security device may implement the dynamic policy provisioning techniques.
US08856925B2
Some embodiments provide a system that executes a native code module. During operation, the system obtains the native code module. Next, the system loads the native code module into a secure runtime environment. Finally, the system safely executes the native code module in the secure runtime environment by using a set of software fault isolation (SFI) mechanisms that constrain store instructions in the native code module. The SFI mechanisms also maintain control flow integrity for the native code module by dividing a code region associated with the native code module into equally sized code blocks and data blocks and starting each of the data blocks with an illegal instruction.
US08856923B1
Similarity-based fraud detection techniques are provided in adaptive authentication systems. A method is provided for determining if an event is fraudulent by obtaining a plurality of tagged events and one or more untagged events, wherein the tagged events indicate a likelihood of whether the corresponding event was fraudulent; constructing a graph, wherein each node in the graph represents an event and has a value representing a likelihood of whether the corresponding event was fraudulent and wherein similar transactions are connected via weighted links; diffusing through weights in the graph to assign values to nodes such that neighbors of nodes having non-zero values receive similar values as the neighbors; and classifying whether at least one of the one or more untagged events is fraudulent based on the assigned values.
US08856917B2
A mechanism is provided for automatically logging into a cloud based system that does not accept token log-on credentials generated by a single sign-on service. In an embodiment, a one-time password is automatically generated and persisted. The generated password is used to log in automatically to a cloud based system that does not accept tokens generated by the web-ID providers and for connecting to other services. Examples of such systems may include Windows, Linux, and iOS.
US08856915B2
A negotiation unit, of a logical network control apparatus connected to a LAN, judges settings of processing to be performed on communication data by a network connection apparatus, from properties of an application to be used in communication, and decides parameters to be used for a VPN connection. The VPN connection is performed using the determined parameters.
US08856914B2
A distributed and coordinated security system providing intrusion-detection and intrusion-prevention for the virtual machines (VMs) in a virtual server is described. The virtualization platform of the virtual server is enhanced with networking drivers that provide a “fast path” firewall function for pre-configured guest VMs that already have dedicated deep packet inspection security agents installed. A separate security VM is deployed to provide virtual security agents providing deep packet inspection for non pre-configured guest VMs. The network drivers are then configured to intercept the data traffic of these guest VMs and route it through their corresponding virtual security agents, thus providing a “slow-path” for intrusion detection and prevention.
US08856913B2
A system and methods for mitigation slow HTTP, SSL/HTTPS, SMTP, and/or SIP attacks. A protection system monitors each TCP connection between a client and a server. The protection system monitors the header request time and minimum transfer rate for each client and TCP connection. If the client has not completed the data transfer in the minimum time or the data are not transferred at the minimum transfer rate, the protection system determines the connections are potentially a slow attack and resets the connections for the protected devices.
