US08859738B2
The invention relates to a cytotoxic modular antibody with a molecular weight of up to 6 OkD, specifically binding to a cell surface target with a binding affinity of Kd<10−8 M, a method of producing such antibody and its use as a therapeutic.
US08859737B2
The present invention relates to antibodies binding to human HER3 (anti-HER3 antibody), methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies, and uses thereof.
US08859734B2
The embodiments of the invention relate to a method for the introduction of a labeling structure such as a fluorescent molecules or a Raman tags to a compound. Imidazole functionalized resins or polymers are used to selectively immobilize phosphocompounds without protecting the carboxylic groups. Relying on the pKa difference between amines and hydrazides and carrying out the reaction in a slightly acidic buffer, all of the amines are protected by protonation while the hydrazides react with the phosphate imidazolide to form a phosphoramidate bond.
US08859733B2
Provided herein are compositions and methods for use in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration following tissue injury in a subject.
US08859730B2
A chemoselective chemical ligation method is disclosed. The method joins two peptide segments efficiently to produce a larger peptide or protein, by generating a natural peptide bond (Xaa-Ser and Xaa-Thr) at the ligation site (Xaa represents any 5 amino acid). The method requires two steps (FIG. 1 (a)): a) reacting the starting peptide(s) to form an acetal intermediate with an acetal group at the ligation site; b) converting said acetal intermediate to a desired peptide or protein with said natural peptide bond.
US08859718B2
An improved polymerization method including a method comprising providing a reaction mixture comprising a first monomer, an organic oxidant, and at least one Lewis acid or Brönsted acid, wherein the first monomer comprises at least one optionally substituted heterocyclic ring, wherein the heterocyclic ring comprises at least one heteroatom; and reacting the reaction mixture to obtain a conjugated polymer. The method can reduce the content of undesirable entities in the polymer such as halogens and metals, which can be useful in organic electronic device applications. Purification methods also are adapted to remove organic and inorganic impurities.
US08859703B2
Disclosed is a bimodal Ziegler-Natta catalyzed polyethylene, having a density of from 0.930 g/cc to 0.960 g/cc, and a molecular weight distribution of from 10 to 25, wherein an article formed therefrom has a PENT of at least 1500. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a tubular article including obtaining a bimodal polyethylene having a density of from 0.930 g/cc to 0.960 g/cc and a molecular weight distribution of from 10 to 25, and processing the polyethylene under conditions where a specific energy input (SEI) is less than 300 kW·h/ton, and wherein the article has a PENT of at least 1500. Further disclosed is a method for controlling the degradation of polyethylene including polymerizing ethylene monomer, recovering polyethylene, extruding the polyethylene, and controlling the degradation of polyethylene by measuring the SEI to the extruder and adjusting throughput and/or gear suction pressure keep SEI less than 300 kW·h/ton, and forming an article.
US08859683B2
An optical resin composition that is transparent, has suitable adhesion and necessary impact absorption for protection of an image display device etc., not affecting constituent materials of a image display panel, and being excellent in reliability, can be used to provide an optical resin material using the same. The optical resin composition contains (A) a first acrylate derivative that is a compound having one polymerizable unsaturated bond in its molecule, (B) a second acrylate derivative that is a compound having two or more polymerizable unsaturated bonds in its molecule, and (C) an acrylate derivative polymer, and an optical resin material produced by curing reaction of the optical resin composition.
US08859666B2
This invention relates to a prepolymer formulation comprising dicyclopentadiene that is at least 92% pure wherein the prepolymer formulation is flowable at ambient temperatures by virtue of the addition of a reactive ethylene monomer to the formulation.
US08859663B2
The present invention relates to a calcium carbonate having a surface charge, the preparing process thereof and filler for producing a paper using the same. The present invention provides the process of preparing a calcium carbonate having a surface charge, characterized in that it comprises the following steps of: preparing a solution mixture of one or more monomer selected from the group consisting of calcium hydroxide, acrylic acid, acrylamide, or [2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl]-trimethylammonium chloride; removing dissolved gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide in the said solution by injecting nitrogen (N2) gas; adjusting pH of the said solution; and inducing a reaction by adding polymerization initiator of a high molecule while injecting carbon dioxide to the said mixture.
US08859658B2
Provided herein are compounds of the formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 1; m is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R1, R3, and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched, wherein at least one of R1, R2, R3, or R4 is sulfurized or epoxidized. Also provided are compositions containing the compounds and methods of making both the compounds and compositions thereof.
US08859656B2
Emulsions containing acrylic associative thickening agents which, when polymerized in the presence of particular polyglycerols, have a thickening power which is remarkably stable over time.
US08859653B2
Provided is a rubber-steel cord composite which is excellent in workability and which is markedly excellent in tensile characteristics, an adhesive property after vulcanization for a short time and a heat resistant adhesive property. The rubber-steel cord composite has such a constitution that a steel cord which has a brass-plated layer on a peripheral surface thereof and in which a content of phosphorus contained in the form of oxide in a wire surface layer region extending from a surface of the above brass-plated layer up to a depth of 5 nm in a wire radial direction toward the inside is 1.5 atomic % or less is adjacent to a rubber composition containing a rubber component, sulfur and a sulfeneamide base vulcanization accelerator represented by the following Formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6; x and n are as defined in the specification.
US08859652B2
Flame-retardant polyamide molding material for sheathing optical waveguides/cables, includes: (A) 40-71 wt.-% copolyamide MACMI/12; (B) 20-51 wt.-% of at least one aliphatic polyamide; (C) 6-20 wt.-% melamine cyanurate; (D) 3-10 wt.-% aryl phosphate; and (E) 0-6 wt.-% further additives. Components total 100 wt.-% of polyamide molding material. Copolyamide a MACMI/12 has laurin lactam content of 23-45 mol-% in relation to molar sum of monomers MACM, isophthalic acid, and laurin lactam of this copolyamide. Isophthalic acid in copolyamide MACMI/12 can be entirely/partially replaced by terephthalic acid. Test specimen produced from this polyamide molding material has Shore hardness D of at least 77, and buckling test using PA12 extrudate coated with this molding material is passed upon winding around metal rod having 12 mm diameter. PA12 extrudate for buckling test has diameter of 1.5 mm and coating 0.7 mm thick. Optical waveguides/cables sheaths made of this polyamide molding material have bite-inhibiting effect in relation to rodents.
US08859637B2
Coating compositions that provide hydrophilic and anti-freeze properties are disclosed. The coatings include at least one hydrophilic agent bound to one or more coating components, such as a rheology modifier, a surfactant, a coalescing agent, and a pigment. The hydrophilic agents are attached to the coating components covalently.
US08859635B2
Silicone composites subject to reticulation or reticulated, particularly for creating a coating or water-repellent and anti-adhesive film for flexible substrates such as paper or similar in the form of natural or synthetic polymer films. These compounds contain reticulating polyorganosiloxanes that have SiH units and unsaturated polyorganosiloxanes, preferably vinylated, suitable for reacting with the reticulating agent in an addition reaction and in the presence of platinum to form the reticulated anti-adhesive coating on the flexible substrate, plus at least one additive (D) to promote adhesion to it. A new liquid silicone compound can be applied without using a solvent, which is beneficial, that can be reticulated instantly to produce an anti-adhesive and/or water-repellent coating for the flexible substrate, giving very high quality reticulated silicone coatings, particularly in terms of sticking/adhering to the substrate, being harder to rub off and the anti-adhesion profile (sufficiently increase detaching force at high speed.
US08859631B2
A process is described for the conversion of synthesis gas into hydrocarbons including the steps of; (i) passing a synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide over a cobalt catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure to produce a first reaction product mixture comprising hydrocarbons, steam, carbon monoxide and hydrogen, (ii) condensing and separating water from the first reaction product mixture to produce a de-watered first reaction product mixture, (iii) passing the de-watered first reaction product mixture over a supported ruthenium catalyst at elevated temperature and pressure to produce a second reaction product mixture containing hydrocarbons, and (iv) recovering the hydrocarbons from the second reaction product mixture.
US08859629B2
The invention relates to fused cyclooctyne compounds, and to a method for their preparation. The invention also relates to a conjugate wherein a fused cyclooctyne compound according to the invention is conjugated to a label, and to the use of these conjugates in bioorthogonal labeling, imaging and/or modification, such as for example surface modification, of a target molecule. The invention further relates to a method for the modification of a target molecule, wherein a conjugate according to the invention is reacted with a compound comprising a 1,3-dipole or a 1,3-(hetero)diene.
US08859625B2
The present invention refers to new derivatives of the penta-1,4-dien-3-ones, as well as their processes of preparation. These compounds present strong antitumoral activity and promising antiparasitic action, behaving as almost atoxic by laboratory assays and also by hystopathologic studies. The present invention refers also to a pharmaceutical composition including the referred compounds, method of treatment for cancer and parasitic diseases.
US08859617B2
The invention relates to using one or several synthetic or natural furan alkyls for preparing a drug for preventing and/or treating diabetes and insulin resistance, thereby preventing the risks of cardiovascular, nervous, cutaneous, renal, ocular and infectious diseases. The use of one or several synthetic or natural furan alkyls for cosmetically treating diabetes related skin disorders is also disclosed.
US08859616B2
The present invention provides a method for stimulating hair growth in a mammalian species or converting vellus hair or intermediate hair to terminal hair or stimulating hair follicles to increase hair growth and one or more properties selected from the group consisting of luster, sheen, brilliance, gloss, glow, shine or patina of hair associated with the follicles or increasing one or more of: length, thickness, number, and density, of eyelash hair or eyebrow hair comprising applying to the skin of a patient a composition comprising an effective amount of an EP3 agonist or an EP4 agonist prodrug or a mixture thereof. Such compositions which are used in treating the skin or scalp of a human or non-human animal may comprise an effective amount of 3, 7 or 3 and 7 thia prostanoic acid. A mixture of 3,7-dithia PGE1 and 3,7-dithia PGE1-isopropyl ester is preferred for this treatment.
US08859613B2
The invention provides compositions for preventing or treating kidney disease and improving kidney function comprising at least two ingredients selected from the group consisting of antioxidants and mitochondrial cofactors in amounts sufficient for preventing or treating kidney disease or for improving kidney function and methods for preventing and treating kidney disease or improving kidney function comprising administering such compositions to an animal susceptible to or suffering from kidney disease or impaired kidney function. In a preferred embodiment, the composition is admixed with one or more food ingredients to produce a food composition useful for preventing or treating kidney disease and improving kidney function, particularly in senior animals.
US08859588B2
The present disclosure relates to a series of substituted N-heteroaryl bipyrrolidine carboxamides of formula (I). wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, X, m and p are as described herein. More specifically, the compounds of this invention are modulators of H3 receptors and are, therefore, useful as pharmaceutical agents, especially in the treatment and/or prevention of a variety of diseases modulated by H3 receptors including diseases associated with the central nervous system. Additionally, this disclosure also relates to methods of preparation of substituted N-heteroaryl bipyrrolidine carboxamides of formula (I) and intermediates therefor.
US08859586B2
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): as defined in the application. Such compounds are suitable for the treatment of a disorder or disease which is mediated by the activity of MDM2 and/or MDM4, or variants thereof.
US08859572B2
This invention relates to novel sulfone 2I3-dihydroimidazo[1 l2-c]quinazoline compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds and the use of those compounds or compositions for phosphotidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition and treating diseases associated with phosphotidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) activity, in particular treating hyper-proliferative and/or angiogenesis mediated disorders, as a sole agent or in combination with other active ingredients.
US08859570B2
The present invention relates to AZD2171 maleate salt, to particular crystalline forms of AZD2171 maleate salt, to processes for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them as active ingredient, to their use in the manufacture of medicaments for use in the production of antiangiogenic and/or vascular permeability reducing effects in warm-blooded animals such as humans, and to their use in methods for the treatment of disease states associated with angiogenesis and/or increased vascular permeability.
US08859565B2
The present invention discloses a compound of formula (I) and citrate thereof as type 5 phosphodiesterase inhibitor, a preparation method thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition including the compound of formula (I) and citrate thereof. The experimental results of the present invention prove that the compound of formula (I) and citrate thereof can inhibit activity of type 5 phosphodiesterase, and can be used for treating erectile dysfunction, inhibiting platelet aggregation and treating thrombosis, decreasing pulmonary hypertension and treating cardiovascular diseases, treating asthma and treating diabetes gastroparesis.
US08859562B2
Use of RNAI inhibiting PARP activity for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer
The present invention relates to the use of an agent that inhibits the activity of an enzyme that mediates repair of a DNA strand break in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of diseases caused by a defect in a gene that mediates homologous recombination.
US08859560B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a subject. This method includes selecting a subject with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and administering to the selected subject a sodium/hydrogen exchanger inhibitor under conditions effective to treat the subject for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Methods of identifying compounds suitable to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are also disclosed.
US08859558B2
This present disclosure is related to the field of pyrazine carboxamides and their derivatives and the use of these compounds as fungicides.
US08859555B2
The invention relates to a compound of Formula (I): (A′)x-(A)-(B)-(Z)-(L)-(D), wherein: (A) is heteroaryl or aryl; each (A′), if present, is independently chosen from aryl, arylalkoxy, arylalkyl, heterocyclyl, aryloxy, halo, alkoxy, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkoxy, and cyano, wherein each (A′) is substituted with 0, 1, 2, or 3 substituents independently chosen from halo, haloalkyl, aryl, arylalkoxy, alkyl, alkoxy, cyano, sulfonyl, amido, and sulfinyl; X is 0, 1, 2, or 3; (B) is a cyclopropyl ring, wherein (A) and (Z) are covalently bonded to different carbon atoms of (B); (Z) is —NH—; (L) is chosen from —CH2CH2—, —CH2CH2CH2—, and —CH2CH2CH2CH2—; and (D) is chosen from —N(—R1)-R2, —O—R3, and —S—R3, wherein: R1 and R2 are mutually linked to form a heterocyclic ring together with the nitrogen atom that R1 and R2 are attached to, wherein said heterocyclic ring has 0, 1, 2, or 3 substituents independently chosen from —NH2, —NH(C1-C6 alkyl), —N(C1-C6 alkyl)(C1-C6 alkyl), alkyl, halo, cyano, alkoxy, haloalkyl, and haloalkoxy, or R1 and R2 are independently chosen from —H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, and heterocyclyl, wherein the sum of substituents on R1 and R2 together is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and the substituents are independently chosen from —NH2, —NH(C1-C6 alkyl), —N(C1-C6 alkyl)(C1-C6 alkyl), and fluoro; and R3 is chosen from —H, alkyl, cycloalkyl, haloalkyl, and heterocyclyl, wherein R3 has 0, 1, 2, or 3 substituents independently chosen from —NH2, —NH(C1-C6 alkyl), —N(C1-C6 alkyl)(C1-C6 alkyl), and fluoro; or an enantiomer, diastereomer, or mixture thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The compounds of the invention show inhibitory LSD1 activity, which makes them useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases such as cancer.
US08859554B2
A packaging assembly or kit includes packaging material containing a solid formulation including pimobendan dispersed in a polyvalent acid. The kit may also include a package leaflet or user instruction including the information concerning use of the solid formulation, for example, via the oral route for the prevention and/or treatment of congestive heart failure in a mammal in need of such prevention or treatment, preferably in a dog, cat or rodent.
US08859552B2
The present invention provides arylpiperazine derivatives which can be advantageously used for treating schizophrenia and related psychoses such as acute manic, bipolar disorder, autistic disorder, and depression.
US08859551B2
In methods, compounds, and topical formulations for treatment of inflammatory skin disorders incorporating compounds represented by the formulas below: wherein each of R1, R2, and R3 is independently hydrogen, hologen, alkyl, or alkoxy; each of R4 and R5 is independently hydrogen, alkyl, or alkoxy; and each of R6 and R7 is independently hydrogen, nitro, alkyl, or alkoxy; wherein each of A1, A3, and A4 is independently hydrogen or alkyl; and A2 is independently hydrogen or hydroxy; and wherein each of B1, B2, and B3 is independently hydrogen, hydroxy, or alkoxy; and each of B4 and B5 is independently hydrogen or alkyl, applying such compounds topically as sprays, mists, aerosols, solutions, lotions, gels, creams, ointments, pastes, unguents, emulsions, and suspensions to treat inflammatory skin disorders and the symptoms associated therewith.
US08859547B2
Compounds of the formula I in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R4′ have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, in particular Met kinase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumors.
US08859543B2
The present invention relates to novel imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazine derivatives which are inhibitors of the phosphodiesterase 10 enzyme (PDE10) and which are useful for the treatment or prevention of neurological, psychiatric and metabolic disorders in which the PDE10 enzyme is involved. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, to processes to prepare such compounds and compositions, to the use of such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions for the prevention or treatment of neurological, psychiatric and metabolic disorders and diseases.
US08859534B2
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 is heteroaryl or heterocyclyl, optionally substituted; R2 is C1-4alkyl, heterocyclyl, C1-4alkylaryl, C1-4alkylheteroaryl, carbocyclyl, C1-4alkylheterocyclyl, heterocyclyl-heteroaryl, aryl-heterocyclyl, carbocyclyl-heteroaryl, heterocyclyl-aryl, optionally substituted; R3 is hydrogen or C1-4alkyl, or R2 and R3 may together with the nitrogen atom, form a saturated ring system containing 4, 5 or 6 ring forming atoms, and optionally substituted; R4 is hydrogen, halogen, methyl or methoxy; to pharmaceutical composition containing said compounds and to the use of said compounds in therapy, for instance in treating cognitive disorders. The present invention further relates to new intermediates useful in the preparation thereof.
US08859532B2
Targeting uncontrolled cell proliferation and resistance to DNA damaging chemotherapeutics with at least one reagent has significant potential in cancer treatment. Replication Protein A, the eukaryotic single-strand (ss) DNA binding protein, is essential for genomic maintenance and stability via roles in both DNA replication and repair. Reported herein are small molecules that inhibits the in vitro, in vivo, and cellular ssDNA binding activity of RPA, thereby disrupting the eukaryotic cell cycle, inducing cytotoxicity and increasing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents damage DNA, and/or disrupt its replication and/or function. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of RPA-ssDNA interactions in chromosome maintenance and stability. This represents a molecularly targeted eukaryotic DNA binding inhibitor and demonstrates the utility of targeting a protein-DNA interaction as a means of studying the cell cycle and providing a therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
US08859527B2
Inclusion complex of deoxypodophyllotoxin of cyclodextrin, the preparation method and the use for the treatment of cancer thereof are disclosed. The inclusion complex consists of deoxypodophyllotoxin and beta-cyclodextrin derivative, wherein the molar ration of deoxypodophyllotoxin to beta-cyclodextrin derivative is 1:1-1:10. The beta-cyclodextrin derivative is sulfobutyl ether-beta-cyclodextrin or hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin.
US08859519B2
Compositions comprising nucleic acid sequences that target MiR-33a/b microRNAs are described, together with uses of the same in the treatment of certain disorders related to elevated serum triglyceride levels and obesity.
US08859515B2
The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2 (TNFR2), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 2 (TNFR2). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of TNFR2.
US08859507B2
A protein complex comprising an in vitro stabilization protein, a membrane translocation sequence domain, a biologically active molecule, and an in vivo stabilization protein, as well as methods for the use and production thereof.
US08859506B2
Disclosed are glycopeptides that are substituted with one or more substituents each comprising one or more phosphono groups; and pharmaceutical compositions containing such glycopeptide derivatives. The disclosed glycopeptide derivatives are useful as antibacterial agents.
US08859500B2
The present invention provides a method for ameliorating inflammatory and/or neuropathic pain in a subject by modifying the activity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in cells of the subject by inhibition of the interaction of the unique domain of the tyrosine kinase Src enzyme and the NMDA receptor complex.
US08859499B2
A method of improving the efficacy of a blood transfusion into a subject is provided comprising administering a composition comprising an EAF PEGylated-blood protein into the subject, prior to, during, or subsequent to the blood transfusion.
US08859488B2
The invention provides a peptide derived from the interleukin-13 receptor α2, which serves as a HLA-A2-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitope. The invention can be used as a vaccine for glioma and can be formulated into compositions for medical or veterinary use. In addition, the invention provides the use of a peptide derived from the Eph family of tyrosine kinase receptors which can be also used as a vaccine for glioma and can be formulated into compositions for medical or veterinary use.
US08859487B2
A perfume tester or perfume includes a granule containing a friable peripheral portion incorporating fragrant compounds, which disintegrates as a perfumed powder when the granule is applied onto the skin. A method for making the perfume tester or perfume is by granulation, and the granule can be used in particular for perfume testing.
US08859484B2
The present invention relates to a detergent composition containing an amphiphilic graft polymer based on water-soluble polyalkylene oxides (A) as a graft base and side chains formed by polymerization of a vinyl ester component (B), where the polymer has a broad polarity distribution.
US08859470B2
A lubricating grease composition comprising (A) a base oil, (B) 5 to 10 wt. % of a urea compound, (C) 0.5 to 20 wt. % of at least one phosphorous compound selected from the group consisting of a phosphoric acid salt etc., and (D) 0.5 to 40 wt. % of a fatty acid metal salt. Aforementioned lubricating grease composition allows it to reduce the friction coefficient and prolong the endurance life significantly when it is applied onto surfaces of the sliding pair consisting of metal and plastic (especially glass-fiber-reinforced plastic) parts.
US08859469B2
A protein chip including at least a substrate having a plurality of steps which are regularly arranged on one surface thereof; a plurality of metallic microstructures arranged in the steps; and a lipid vesicle in which an outer surface thereof is modified by a functional group and a protein is present in a lipid bilayer thereof. The metallic microstructures and the lipid vesicle are bound via the functional group to provide the protein on the substrate.
US08859466B2
The present invention relates to novel oxaspirocyclic spirophenyl-substituted tetramic acid and tetronic acid derivatives of the formula (I) in which W, X, Y, Z, A, B, D, Q1, Q2, and G have the meanings given above, to a plurality of processes for their preparation and to their use as pesticides and/or herbicides. The invention also provides selective herbicidal compositions comprising, firstly, oxaspirocyclic spirophenyl-substituted tetramic acid and tetronic acid derivatives and, secondly, a crop plant compatibility-improving compound. The invention furthermore relates to increasing the activity of crop protection compositions comprising compounds of the formula (I) by addition of ammonium salts or phosphonium salts and, if appropriate, penetrants.
US08859465B2
A synergistic mixture of penoxsulam and glufosinate-ammonium controls weeds in crops, e.g., vineyards, orchards, perennial plantation crops, rice, corn, cereals, sorghum, soybeans, cotton, sunflower, oilseed rape, vegetables, turf, range and pasture, industrial vegetation management (IVM), rights-of-way and in any glufosinate-ammonium and/or ALS (acetolactate synthase)-tolerant crops.
US08859463B2
A control method against noxious organisms in a field of soybean or corn, which comprises applying one or more PPO-inhibiting compounds selected from the group consisting of flumioxazin, sulfentrazone, saflufenacil, oxyfluorfen and 3-(4-chloro-6-fluoro-2-trifluoromethylbenzimidazol-7-yl)-1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-(1H,3H)pyrimidinedione to soil or weeds in the field where soybean or corn seeds have been sown or where said seeds are to be sown, said seeds being treated with one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of neonicotinoid compounds, azole compounds, strobilurin compounds and metalaxyl compounds.
US08859460B2
A heat-sensitive recording material includes at least a paper substrate, a heat-sensitive recording layer arranged on the front side of the substrate and which has at least one dye precursor and at least one color acceptor, wherein dye precursor and color acceptor react with one another under the action of heat to form color, and an authenticating security feature. The authenticating security feature is a mark which is applied to the back side of the paper substrate and which is made of a tincture having at least one organic solvent. A barrier coating is arranged between the substrate and heat-sensitive recording layer and is suitable to protect the heat-sensitive recording layer against penetration of the tincture into the heat-sensitive recording layer from the back side.
US08859456B2
One-dimensional ring structures from M13 viruses were constructed by two genetic modifications encoding binding peptides and synthesis of a heterobifunctional linker molecule. The bifunctional viruses displayed an anti-streptavidin peptide and hexahistidine (SEQ ID NO:4) peptide at opposite ends of the virus as pIII and pIX fusions. Stoichiometric addition of the streptavidin-NiNTA linker molecule led to the reversible formation of virus-based nanorings with circumferences corresponding to lengths of the packagable DNAs. These virus-based ring structures can be further engineered to nucleate inorganic materials and form metallic, magnetic, or semiconductor nanorings using trifunctionalized viruses.
US08859453B2
A metal oxide-supported nickel catalyst includes a matrix containing a metal oxide and catalytic sites distributed throughout the matrix and having an intricate interface with the matrix, in which the catalytic sites are selected from the group consisting of nano-nickel(0) domains and nano-nickel(0)-A(0) alloy domains. Also disclosed are a method for preparing this catalyst and a method for using it to produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen by partial oxidation of a C1-C5 hydrocarbon.
US08859451B2
The present invention refers to a process for the preparation of supported catalysts for the polymerization of olefins comprising at least a late transition metal complex, wherein the process comprises two steps. In the first step a catalytically active component comprising at least one late transition metal complex, optionally in the presence of one or more cocatalysts is mixed with a support; and in the second step the obtained mixture is treated at a reduced pressure under a flow of inert gas at a temperature equal to or below 40° C. to obtain a supported catalyst. The method is especially useful for the preparation of dual supported catalysts, useful in the gas-phase polymerization of olefins.
US08859439B1
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having at least one electrically insulating portion. A first graphene electrode is formed on a surface of the substrate such that the electrically insulating portion is interposed between a bulk portion of the substrate and the first graphene electrode. A second graphene electrode formed on the surface of the substrate. The electrically insulating portion of the substrate is interposed between the bulk portion of the substrate and the second graphene electrode. The second graphene electrode is disposed opposite the first graphene electrode to define an exposed substrate area therebetween.
US08859423B2
Embodiments of methods for fabricating polymer nanostructures and nanostructured electrodes are disclosed. Material layers are deposited onto polymer nanostructures to form nanostructured electrodes and devices including the nanostructured electrodes, such as photovoltaic cells, light-emitting diodes, and field-effect transistors. Embodiments of the disclosed methods are suitable for commercial-scale production of large-area nanostructured polymer scaffolds and large-area nanostructured electrodes.
US08859420B2
A method of fabricating an interconnect element may include fabricating a metal layer that overlies a carrier layer and that includes a plurality of metal traces; providing a dielectric element to overlie the metal layer and the carrier layer; providing a plurality of metal posts; and removing the carrier layer to expose the first major surface of the dielectric element and the outer surfaces of the plurality of metal traces.
US08859416B2
A computer-readable software product is provided for executing a method of determining the location of a plurality of power rail vias in a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes an active region and a power rail. Locations of a first via and a second via are assigned along the power rail. The spacing between the location of the first via and the location of the second via is a minimum spacing allowable. The spacing between the location of the second via and the locations of structures in the active region which may electrically interfere with the second via is determined. The location of the second via is changed in response to the spacing between the location of the second via and the location of one of the structures in the active region being less than a predetermined distance.
US08859413B2
Example embodiments are directed to a method of growing GaN single crystals on a silicon substrate, a method of manufacturing a GaN-based light emitting device using the silicon substrate, and a GaN-based light emitting device. The method of growing the GaN single crystals may include forming a buffer layer including a TiN group material or other like material on a silicon substrate, forming a nano-pattern including silicon oxide on the buffer layer, and growing GaN single crystals on the buffer layer and the nano-pattern.
US08859412B2
Optoelectronic devices, such as light-emitting diodes, laser diodes, image sensors, optical detectors, etc., made by depositing (growing) one or more epitaxial semiconductor layers on a monocrystalline lamellar/layered substrate so that each layer has a wurtzite crystal structure. In some embodiments, the layers are deposited and then one or more lamellas of the starting substrate are removed from the rest of the substrate. In one subset of such embodiments, the removed lamella(s) is/are partially or entirely removed. In other embodiments, one or more lamellas of the starting substrate are removed prior to depositing the one or more wurtzite-crystal-structure-containing layer(s).
US08859405B2
A method for fabricating high efficiency CIGS solar cells including the deposition of Ga concentrations (Ga/(Ga+In)=0.25−0.66) from sputtering targets containing Ga concentrations between about 25 atomic % and about 66 atomic %. Further, the method includes a high temperature selenization process integrated with a high temperature anneal process that results in high efficiency.
US08859404B2
A seed crystal including mixed phase grains having high crystallinity at a low density is formed under a first condition over an insulating film, and then a first microcrystalline semiconductor film is formed over the seed crystal under a second condition that allows the mixed phase grains to grow and a space between the mixed phase grains to be filled. Then, a second microcrystalline semiconductor film is formed over the first microcrystalline semiconductor film under a third condition that allows formation of a microcrystalline semiconductor film having high crystallinity without increasing the space between the mixed phase grains included in the first microcrystalline semiconductor film.
US08859399B2
A method of at least partially releasing an epitaxial layer of a material from a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: forming a patterned sacrificial layer on the substrate such that the substrate is partially exposed and partially covered by the sacrificial layer; growing the epitaxial layer on the patterned sacrificial layer by nano-epitaxial lateral overgrowth such that the epitaxial layer is formed above an intermediate layer comprising the patterned sacrificial layer and said material; and selectively etching the patterned sacrificial layer such that the epitaxial layer is at least partially released from the substrate.
US08859397B2
Methods of using a hybrid mask composed of a first water soluble film layer and a second water-soluble layer for wafer dicing using laser scribing and plasma etch described. In an example, a method of dicing a semiconductor wafer having a plurality of integrated circuits involves forming a hybrid mask above the semiconductor wafer. The hybrid mask is composed of a first water-soluble layer disposed on the integrated circuits, and a second water-soluble layer disposed on the first water-soluble layer. The method also involves patterning the hybrid mask with a laser scribing process to provide a patterned hybrid mask with gaps, exposing regions of the semiconductor wafer between the integrated circuits. The method also involves etching the semiconductor wafer through the gaps in the patterned hybrid mask to singulate the integrated circuits.
US08859395B2
Techniques for processing power transistor devices are provided. In one aspect, the curvature of a power transistor device comprising a device film formed on a substrate is controlled by thinning the substrate, the device having an overall residual stress attributable at least in part to the thinning step, and applying a stress compensation layer to a surface of the device film, the stress compensation layer having a tensile stress sufficient to counterbalance at least a portion of the overall residual stress of the device. The resultant power transistor device may be part of an integrated circuit.
US08859385B1
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes providing a semiconductor substrate in which a lower structure is formed, forming a phase-change material layer of a first state over the lower structure, transforming an upper region of the phase-change material layer of the first state into a phase-change material layer of a second state having an etch selectivity different from the phase-change material layer of the first state, removing the phase-change material layer of the second state, and forming an upper electrode over the phase-change material layer of the first state in which the phase-change material layer of the second state is removed.
US08859380B2
A method of forming an integrated circuit includes forming a plurality of gate structures longitudinally arranged along a first direction over a substrate. A plurality of angle ion implantations are performed to the substrate. Each of the angle ion implantations has a respective implantation angle with respect to a second direction. The second direction is substantially parallel with a surface of the substrate and substantially orthogonal to the first direction. Each of the implantation angles is substantially larger than 0°.
US08859373B2
The present invention discloses a high voltage device and a manufacturing method thereof. The high voltage device is formed in a substrate. The high voltage device includes: a gate, a source and drain, a drift region, and a mitigation region. The gate is formed on an upper surface of the substrate. The source and drain are located at both sides of the gate below the upper surface respectively, and the source and drain are separated by the gate. The drift region is located at least between the gate and the drain. The mitigation region is formed below the drift region, and the drift region has an edge closer to the source. A vertical distance between this edge of the drift region and the mitigation region is less than or equal to five times of a depth of the drift region.
US08859366B2
Methods of forming silicon carbide power devices are provided. An n− silicon carbide layer is provided on a silicon carbide substrate. A p-type silicon carbide well region is provided on the n− silicon carbide layer. A buried region of p+ silicon carbide is provided on the p-type silicon carbide well region. An n+ region of silicon carbide is provided on the buried region of p+ silicon carbide. A channel region of the power device is adjacent the buried region of p+ silicon carbide and the n+ region of silicon carbide. An n− region is provided on the channel region and a portion of the n− region is removed from the channel region so that a portion of the n− region remains on the channel region to provide a reduction in a surface roughness of the channel region.
US08859362B2
A method for defining patterns in an integrated circuit comprises defining a plurality of features in a first photoresist layer using photolithography over a first region of a substrate. The method further comprises using pitch multiplication to produce at least two features in a lower masking layer for each feature in the photoresist layer. The features in the lower masking layer include looped ends. The method further comprises covering with a second photoresist layer a second region of the substrate including the looped ends in the lower masking layer. The method further comprises etching a pattern of trenches in the substrate through the features in the lower masking layer without etching in the second region. The trenches have a trench width.
US08859358B2
A method is provided for fabricating a transistor. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate; and configuring a channel region along a first direction. The method also includes forming trenches at both sides of the channel region along a second direction; and forming a magnetic material layer in each of the trenches. Further, the method includes magnetizing the magnetic material layers to form a magnetic field in the channel region between adjacent magnetic material layers; and forming source/drain regions at both ends of the channel region along the first direction.
US08859354B2
A method is provided for fabricating a transistor. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, and forming a quantum well layer on the semiconductor substrate. The method also includes forming a potential energy barrier layer on the semiconductor substrate, and forming an isolation structure to isolate different transistor regions. Further, the method includes patterning the transistor region to form trenches by removing portions of the quantum well layer and the potential energy barrier layer corresponding to a source region and a drain region, and filling trenches with a semiconductor material to form a source and a drain. Further, the method also includes forming a gate structure on a portion of the quantum well layer and the potential energy barrier layer corresponding to a gate region.
US08859353B2
A p channel TFT of a driving circuit has a single drain structure and its n channel TFT, an LDD structure. A pixel TFT has the LDD structure. A pixel electrode disposed in a pixel unit is connected to the pixel TFT through a hole bored in at least a protective insulation film formed of an inorganic insulating material and formed above a gate electrode of the pixel TFT, and in an inter-layer insulation film disposed on the insulation film in close contact therewith. These process steps use 6 to 8 photo-masks.
US08859348B2
A method for fabricating field effect transistors patterns a strained silicon layer formed on a dielectric layer of a substrate into at least one NFET region including at least a first portion of the strained silicon layer. The strained silicon layer is further patterned into at least one PFET region including at least a second portion of the strained silicon layer. A masking layer is formed over the first portion of the strained silicon layer. After the masking layer has been formed, the second strained silicon layer is transformed into a relaxed silicon layer. The relaxed silicon layer is transformed into a strained silicon germanium layer.
US08859339B2
A mold chase for packaging a semiconductor die includes first and second toothed mold clamps, each having teeth, recesses located between the teeth, and an open cavity located in a center of the first mold clamp. The second mold clamp is in facing arrangement with the first mold clamp and the teeth in the first mold clamp mate with corresponding recesses in the second mold clamp and vice-versa. In an open position a lead frame can be inserted into one of the first or second mold clamps and in a closed position, the teeth and recesses of the first and second mold clamps bend leads of the lead frame into two spaced, planar rows.
US08859336B2
A method of assembling semiconductor devices includes placing an array of semiconductor dies on a die support. A cap array structure is provided that has a corresponding array of caps supported by a cap frame structure. The cap array structure and the array of semiconductor dies on the die support are aligned, with the caps extending over corresponding semiconductor dies, in a mold chase. The array of semiconductor dies and the array of caps are encapsulated with a molding compound in the mold chase. The encapsulated units of the semiconductor dies with the corresponding caps are removed from the mold chase and singulated. Singulating the encapsulated units may include removing the cap frame structure from the encapsulated units.
US08859329B2
Some embodiments include memory cells having programmable material between a pair of electrodes. The programmable material includes a material selected from the group consisting of a metal silicate with a ratio of metal to silicon within a range of from about 2 to about 6, and metal aluminate with a ratio of metal to aluminum within a range of from about 2 to about 6. Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. First electrode material is formed. Programmable material is formed over the first electrode material, with the programmable material including metal silicate and/or metal aluminate. Second electrode material is formed over the programmable material, and then an anneal is conducted at a temperature within a range of from about 300° C. to about 500° C. for a time of from about 1 minute to about 1 hour.
US08859317B2
A gas sensor manufacturing method comprises the following steps: providing a SOI substrate, including an oxide layer, a device layer, and a carrier, wherein the oxide layer is disposed between the device layer and the carrier; etching the device layer to form an integrated circuit region, an outer region, a trench and at least one conducting line; coating or imprinted a sensing material on the integrated circuit region; and etching the carrier and the oxide layer to form a cavity up to the gap so as to form a film structure which is suspended in the cavity by the cantilevered connecting arm.
US08859311B2
A flip-chip light-emitting diode structure comprises a carrier substrate, a light-emitting die structure, a reflective layer, an aperture, a dielectric layer, a first contact layer and a second contact layer. The light-emitting die structure, located on the carrier substrate, comprises a first type semiconductor layer, a second type semiconductor layer and a light emitting layer. The light emitting layer is formed between the first type and the second type semiconductor layer. The reflective layer is located on the first type semiconductor layer. The aperture penetrates the light-emitting die structure. The dielectric layer covers an inner sidewall of the aperture and extends to a portion of a surface of the reflective layer. The first contact layer is disposed on the part of the reflective layer not covered by the dielectric layer. The second contact layer fills up the aperture and is electrically connected to the second type semiconductor layer.
US08859302B2
A semiconductor device including a charge storage element present in a buried dielectric layer of the substrate on which the semiconductor device is formed. Charge injection may be used to introduce charge to the charge storage element of the buried dielectric layer that is present within the substrate. The charge that is injected to the charge storage element may be used to adjust the threshold voltage (Vt) of each of the semiconductor devices within an array of semiconductor devices that are present on the substrate.
US08859290B2
The invention provides inhibitors of influenza endonuclease activity and tools for their discovery.
US08859286B2
A human immature endocrine cell population and methods for making an immature endocrine cell population are provided. Specifically, immature beta cells and methods for production of immature beta cells are described. Immature beta cells co-express INS and NKX6.1 and are uni-potent and thereby develop into mature beta cells when implanted in vivo. The mature beta cells in vivo are capable of producing insulin in response to glucose stimulation.
US08859284B2
A peptide attached to a nanoparticles (such as quantum dots) selectively directs the nanoparticles to neurons in a tissue or organism.
US08859269B2
An actuator that includes an enclosure having a wall impermeable to a first solute and permeable to a solvent and containing, at least temporarily, a catalyst capable of promoting the transformation of at least one second solute into the first solute to vary the osmotic pressure in the enclosure; and a deformable chamber connected to the enclosure, the chamber being capable of increasing in volume under the action of the solvent moving from the enclosure into the chamber by osmosis or the enclosure being designed to be arranged in contact with the solvent, the chamber being capable of increasing in volume under the action of the solvent penetrating into the enclosure by osmosis.
US08859266B2
The present disclosure encompasses systems, and their methods of use, for detecting a target analyte. The systems include a first and second oligonucleotide probe that associate together to form a complex that binds to a target analyte; a cleavable reporter molecule that binds to the complex; and cleaving agent.
US08859264B2
A phantom device for in-vitro validation of radiation procedures under motion influence in consideration of an effective biological dose includes a phantom having a first biological detector with a first biological sample. The first biological sample includes a plurality of culturing and irradiation elements. Each of the culturing and irradiation elements are provided with a respective biological sub-sample so that the first biological detector is configured as a spatially resolving biological detector. A first motion device is configured to move the first biological detector so as to simulate a motion of a target volume.
US08859261B2
Provided herein are compositions and methods for the heterologous production of acetyl-CoA-derived isoprenoids in a host cell. In some embodiments, the host cell is genetically modified to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding an acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, acetylating (ADA, E.C. 1.2.1.10) and an MEV pathway comprising an NADH-using HMG-CoA reductase. In some embodiments, the host cell is genetically modified to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence encoding an ADA and an MEV pathway comprising an acetoacetyl-CoA synthase. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell further comprises one or more heterologous nucleotide sequences encoding a phosphoketolase and a phosphotransacetylase. In some embodiments, the genetically modified host cell further comprises a functional disruption of the native PDH-bypass. The compositions and methods described herein provide an energy-efficient yet redox balanced route for the heterologous production of acetyl-CoA-derived isoprenoids.
US08859258B2
A composite oil displacement agent contains the following main components: 20 to 40% of microorganism, 6 to 30% of surfactant, 5 to 10% of macromolecular modifier, 1 to 5% of viscosity reducer, 1 to 5% of additive and the balance of water. The preparation method thereof comprises the steps of: in proportion by weight, adding the microorganism, the surfactant, the macromolecular modifier, the viscosity reducer, the additive, and the water to a reactor provided with a stirring device, and stirring the components for 1.5 to 2 h at room temperature to obtain the finished product.
US08859254B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having beta-glucosidase activity, beta-xylosidase activity, or beta-glucosidase and beta-xylosidase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08859249B2
A method for producing an iron (III) ion from the acidic solution containing an iodide ion and an iron (II) ion efficiently and stably is provided. The method including performing the following steps (a)-(b), repeatedly and continuously: (a) a step wherein the iron (II) ion in the acidic solution containing the iodide ion and the iron (II) ion is oxidized into iron (III) ion in a reactor using a microbes immobilizing carrier to which iron oxidizing microbes attached; (b) a step wherein sedimentation of the solution obtained in the step (a) is performed in a sedimentation tank to obtain the solution containing the iron (III) ion and concurrently the sediment of the microbes immobilizing carrier to which the iron oxidizing microbes have attached is recovered and then reintroduced into the reactor in the step (a).
US08859239B2
Next generation sequencing technologies are becoming a preferred method for sequencing nucleic acids and profiling miRNAs. Experimental results disclosed herein show that the most common platform for preparing nucleic acids such as miRNAs for sequencing introduces serious biases. Provided herein are compositions and methods for improved sequencing and miRNA profiling using a set of customized ligation adaptors.
US08859235B2
A method for the manufacture of products by biotechnological methods in bacterial cell culture is disclosed as well as products obtained, the use of certain additives to the media used in the manufacture of said products in bacterial cell culture media, and the use of said additives in reducing the detrimental effects of radicals in the manufacture of the products, as well as aspects related to these invention embodiments. The manufacturing process or method comprises adding one or more radical scavenging and/or antioxidative additive preferably selected from the group consisting of sterically hindered nitroxyls, sterically hindered hydroxylamines, sterically hindered hydroxylamine salt compounds, sterically hindered amino compounds and sterically hindered N-hydrocarbyloxyamines, benzofuranone compounds, as obligatory component(s) to the medium used during biosynthesis.
US08859231B2
Influenza virus-like particles (VLPs) comprising the structural proteins HA, NA, M1 and M2 are described. VLPs are also generated containing M1 alone, as are VLPs with M1 and any one or two of HA, NA and M2. VLPs with HA from one influenza subtype and NA from a different influenza subtype are also described, as are VLPs in which a portion or all of HA or NA is replaced by a heterologous moiety not produced by influenza virus, so as to comprise chimeric VLPs.
US08859227B2
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xylanase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.
US08859226B2
There are provided a method of identifying the longum species alone, such as Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum alone, and measuring the viable cell count thereof, amongst the bacterial cells to be tested which include a microorganism belonging to the genus Bifidobacterium by using a culture medium that contains L-arabinose as a sole sugar source; and also a culture medium which is useful as a selective medium for the above measurement method and which is also easy to prepare.
US08859222B2
Methods and compositions for detection of microbial contaminants in peritoneal dialysis solutions are provided. A novel cause of aseptic peritonitis is provided—aseptic peritonitis associated with gram positive microbial contamination of a dialysis solution. Peptidoglycan is a major component of a gram positive bacterial cell wall and thus can serve as a marker for gram positive bacteria. In this regard, testing for peptidoglycans can be utilized to effectively prevent peritonitis in patients that use the peritoneal dialysis solutions, such as peritoneal dialysis solutions that contain a glucose polymer including an icodextrin and the like.
US08859221B2
An object to be attained by the present invention is to provide a method for conveniently, rapidly, and specifically measuring HDL-C in a specimen by use of inexpensive materials, and to provide a reagent kit for HDL-C detection and a dry analytical element for HDL-C detection. The present invention provides a method for measuring high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in a body fluid test sample, wherein cholesterol esterase derived from Schizophyllum commune or Pseudomonas sp. and cholesterol oxidase derived from Pseudomonas sp. are used to generate hydrogen peroxide from HDL-C, and thereby HDL-C is selectively measured.
US08859218B2
Embodiments of the invention provide methods, monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, assays, and kits for detecting HPV infection and HPV related cancer diagnosis, including infection by various HPV genotypes, early and/or late stage HPV-associated or HPV-specific cancers. The anti-HPV antibodies are used in performing immunological assays on clinical samples. Various immunological assays and kits for detecting HPV infection, cervical cancer, other HPV related cancers, early stage precancerous lesions as well as late stage cancer progression are also provided.
US08859211B2
The disclosure teaches a method for the analysis of a sample by electrophoresis, making use of a binding partner for a target compound or group of target compounds which may be present in the sample. The disclosure further teaches a kit for use in an electrophoretic analysis, to a modified antibody or fragment thereof, and to specific uses of the kit or modified antibody or fragment thereof.
US08859208B2
The invention provides compositions and methods useful to prepare segmented, negative strand RNA viruses, e.g., orthomyxoviruses such as influenza A viruses, entirely from cloned cDNAs and in the absence of helper virus.
US08859200B2
The present invention provides a reagent for analysis of immature leukocytes comprising: a surfactant which can damage cell membranes of erythrocytes and mature leukocytes, a solubilizing agent which can shrink the damaged blood cells and at least one dye for staining nucleic acid selected from the dyes of the formulae (I) and (II), wherein X− is an anion.
US08859197B2
Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper3) are disclosed. The CatSper3 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper3 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper3 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper3, and methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper3-mediated disorders, including infertility. Related business methods are also disclosed.
US08859191B2
Providing a method for forming a pattern capable of forming a resist underlayer film that can be easily removed using an alkali liquid while maintaining etching resistance is objected to. Provided by the present invention is a method for forming a pattern, the method including: (1) forming a resist underlayer film on a substrate using a composition for forming a resist underlayer film containing a compound having an alkali-cleavable functional group; (2) forming a resist pattern on the resist underlayer film; (3) forming a pattern on the substrate by dry etching of the resist underlayer film and the substrate, using the resist pattern as a mask; and (4) removing the resist underlayer film with an alkali liquid.
US08859164B2
In one embodiment, a bipolar plate includes a wall area and a landing area defining a fluid flow channel, and a plurality of wires extending from at least one of the landing area and the wall area. In another embodiment, an electrochemical cell includes the aforementioned bipolar plate and a gas diffusion layer (GDL) adjacent the bipolar plate and contacting at least a portion of the plurality of wires.
US08859163B2
A fuel cell assembly is provided that includes a fluid collection member disposed in a fluid inlet for a reactant, wherein the fluid collection member militates against liquid water on an inner surface of the fluid inlet from being received by a fuel cell of the fuel cell assembly.
US08859161B2
A proton-conductive inorganic thin film including an inorganic proton conductor, a method of forming the proton-conductive inorganic thin film, and a fuel cell including the proton-conductive inorganic thin film as an electrolyte membrane.
US08859159B2
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for generating a virtual sound source for monitoring the operating state of a fuel cell stack, which monitors in real time the deviation and deterioration of a plurality of cells in a fuel cell stack during operation, and expresses the results as a chord or different sounds, thus allowing a driver to easily recognize the operating state of the fuel cell stack.
US08859150B2
The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazoles which can, owing to its excellent chemical and thermal properties, be used for a variety of purposes and is particularly suitable as a polymer-electrolyte membrane (PEM) for the production of membrane electrode units for so-called PEM fuel cells.
US08859144B2
A particulate composite of silicon, tin, and aluminum (or other suitable metal) is prepared as a negative electrode composition with increased lithium insertion capacity and durability for use with a metal current collector in cells of a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-sulfur battery. This electrode material is formed such that the silicon is present as a distinct amorphous phase in separate matrix phases of crystalline tin and crystalline aluminum. While the distinct tin and aluminum phases provide electron conductivity, each phase accommodates the insertion and extraction of lithium in the operation of the cell and all phases interact in minimizing mechanical damage to the material as the cell experiences repeated charge and discharge cycles. Other suitable metals for use in the composite with silicon and tin include copper and titanium.
US08859135B2
The invention relates to a battery, particularly a lead storage battery, having at least one battery cell connector element (20) comprising a substantially prismatic base body (22) extending along a longitudinal axis (L) for connection to a plurality of pole flanges on a lower face (26) of the base body (22) and a contact lug (24) disposed adjacent to a contact-lug-side end face (30) of the base body (22) on the side of the contact lug, said contact lug being connected to the base body as one piece. A second groove (46) formed in the base body (22) and running to the lower face (26) is provided according to the invention.
US08859134B2
A battery connector includes: a plurality of terminals, each of which is to be connected to each electrode of a plurality of batteries; and a case which contains the plurality of terminals therein. The case includes a terminal fixing part in which the plurality of terminals are fixed, and an insulating cover which is supported to be displaced to a closing position at which an open face of the terminal fixing part is covered by the insulating cover. A wire guide is formed in an outer surface of the insulating cover in the closing position.
US08859132B2
A stacked energy storage device (ESD) has at least two cell segments arranged in a stack. Each cell segment may have a first electrode unit having a first active material electrode, a second electrode unit having a second active material electrode, and an electrolyte layer between the active material electrodes. Variable volume containment may be used to control the inter-electrode spacing within each cell segment. In some embodiments, one or more dynamic flexible gaskets may be included in each cell segment to seal the electrolyte within the cell segment and to deform in preferred directions. In some embodiments, hard stops may set the inter-electrode spacing of the ESD.
US08859130B2
A cover for a battery module having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stacked configuration includes a non-conductive main body having a plurality of spaced apart recessed regions formed therein and a plurality of electrically conductive connectors, each of the connectors disposed in one of the recessed regions and coupled to the main body.
US08859126B2
A vehicular battery unit includes a battery unit body, a hollow frame, and a drain pipe. The battery unit body includes a first floor face to support a first battery. The hollow frame is disposed along the first floor face of the battery unit body to reinforce the battery unit body and has a first drain hole connecting the first floor face of the battery unit body to an interior of the hollow frame. The drain pipe extends downward from the interior of the hollow frame through a bottom wall of the hollow frame.
US08859122B2
An interconnect device for a battery assembly having a plurality of battery cell assemblies and a thermistor is disclosed. The interconnect device includes a non-conductive frame; a plurality of conductive traces integrally formed with the frame, a busbar in electrical communication with at least one of the conductive traces and disposed adjacent an aperture formed in the frame, wherein the aperture receives a tab of at least one of the battery cell assemblies, and a conductive pad disposed on a lower surface of the frame, the pad in electrical communication with at least one of the conductive traces and adapted to receive a signal from the thermistor.
US08859112B2
An organic compound represented by the following general formula [1] is provided. In the general formula [1], R1 to R3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, a fluorine group, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and an aryl group, the aryl group is a phenyl group, a biphenyl group, or a terphenyl group, the aryl group may further include an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and/or a fluorine group as a substituent, and R4 to R17 are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and a fluorine group.
US08859106B2
A multilayered composite or coated substrate, comprising compounds of which at least 40% by weight are composed of alpha-amino acids linked via peptide bonds as adhesion promoters between at least two adjacent layers of the composite or between the coating and the substrate.
US08859102B2
The disclosure is directed to a barrier structure including a fluoropolymer layer, a polymeric layer, and an adhesive layer. The barrier structure has a chemical permeation breakthrough detection time greater than about one hour for hazardous chemicals as measured by ASTM F739. The disclosure is further directed to a method of forming the aforementioned barrier structure. The barrier material is designed to be suitable for construction of shelters, clothing, containers and other articles requiring barrier properties.
US08859100B2
The disclosure is directed to a barrier structure including a fluoropolymer layer and a polymeric layer. The barrier structure has a chemical permeation breakthrough detection time greater than about one hour for hazardous chemicals as measured by ASTM F739. The disclosure is further directed to a method of forming the aforementioned barrier structure. The barrier material is designed to be suitable for construction of shelters, clothing, containers and other articles requiring barrier properties.
US08859089B2
A hollow lineal profile (16) formed from a continuous fiber reinforced ribbon (“CFRT”) that contains a plurality of continuous fibers embedded within a first thermoplastic polymer matrix (6). To enhance the tensile strength of the profile, the continuous fibers are aligned within the ribbon in a substantially longitudinal direction (e.g., the direction of pultrusion). In addition to continuous fibers, the hollow profile of the present invention also contains a plurality of long fibers that may be optionally embedded within a second thermoplastic matrix to form a long fiber reinforced thermoplastic (“LFRT”) (4). The long fibers may be incorporated into the continuous fiber ribbon or formed as a separate layer of the profile. Regardless, at least a portion of the long fibers are oriented at an angle (e.g., 90°) to the longitudinal direction to provide increased transverse strength to the profile.
US08859086B2
The present invention provides a bonded structure of a flexible circuit board of a touch screen for preventing overflow including a touch sensor panel having a flexible circuit board adhered thereon. The flexible circuit board and/or the touch sensor panel have a glue dam disposed thereon, and a length of the glue dam is larger than a width of the flexible circuit board. The bonded structure of the flexible circuit board of the touch screen for preventing overflow in the present invention disposes the glue dam at a position at the bonding area of the flexible circuit board bonded to the touch sensor panel to effectively reduce the overflow to a side of the flexible circuit board outside the touch sensor panel, and an appearance of the overflow and voids during bonding could be avoided.
US08859084B2
A biaxially oriented film that comprises polypropylene and either polytrimethylene terephthalate or polymethylpentene as a cavitating agent in an amount from 5 wt % to 25 wt %. The film has a haze of from 90% to 100% and a gloss of from 10 to 150. The film may be used in food packaging applications and in industrial applications.
US08859083B2
A quasi-isotropic three-dimensional preform and a method of making thereof are disclosed. The preform includes a plurality of woven elements that are braided with each other. The woven elements have one or more integrally woven stiffeners or walls in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the woven element. The preform may be used in forming a fiber reinforced composite.
US08859082B2
A recording medium includes a film that has a recording surface on which an image is recorded. The film includes a fold line that is provided in advance at a position where the film is folded when the film is processed into a folder.
US08859081B2
There is described a toothed belt comprising an elastomeric material body, in which a plurality of longitudinal filiform resistant inserts is embedded, and a toothing coated by a coating fabric. A resistant layer that increases the resistance to abrasion and thus the resistance to wear of the toothed belt is adhered over the coating fabric. The resistant layer comprises a vulcanization agent and more than 75% of an elastomer formed by at least one copolymer modified with an unsaturated carboxylic acid salt and obtained from a dien monomer and a nitrile group-containing monomer. The resistant layer is advantageously separated from the fabric and is calendered on the fabric itself.
US08859061B2
The present disclosure is drawn to an ink sets, printed articles, and related methods. The ink set can comprise a pre-treatment ink and a reflective ink. The pre-treatment ink can comprise a first liquid vehicle and inorganic pigment particles having an average particle size ranging from 20 nm to 300 nm and a refractive index of less than 2. The reflective ink can comprise a second liquid vehicle and metal oxide particles having an average particle size from 3 nm to 180 nm, wherein the average particle size of the metal oxide particles is smaller than the average particle size of the inorganic pigment particles. The reflective ink is formulated to have a metallic luster when overprinted on pre-treatment ink.
US08859051B2
Disclosed is a composition for ferroelectric thin film formation which is used in the formation of a ferroelectric thin film of one material selected from the group consisting of PLZT, PZT, and PT. The composition for ferroelectric thin film formation is a liquid composition for the formation of a thin film of a mixed composite metal oxide formed of a mixture of a composite metal oxide (A) represented by general formula (1): (PbxLay)(ZrzTi(1-z))O3 [wherein 0.9
US08859041B2
The adhesiveness of a thermal spray coating and a cylinder internal surface is improved by forming a sufficient roughened surface on an internal surface. A processing roller is installed on the main shaft of a processing device via a pressurizing mechanism. An uneven surface is provided on the external periphery of the processing roller. By pressing the processing roller against the internal surface while the roller rotates and moves, a fine unevenness that corresponds to the unevenness of the roller is formed on the cylinder internal surface. A thermal spray coating is formed on the internal surface where the inner surface has been roughened by forming the above-mentioned unevenness.
US08859030B2
A method for firmly fixing a hydrophilic polymer on a polyamide surface involves applying a solution containing a phenolic compound to a base material of which at least a part of the surface is a polyamide, and coating the base material with a hydrophilic polymer after applying the solution.
US08859026B2
The present application described a method of reducing methoxypyrazines (MPs) in grapes or grape products comprising: (a) contacting the grape or grape product with a protein that binds to MPs at a pH of about 3 to about 4 to form a protein-MP complex; and (b) removing the protein-MP complex from the grape or grape product. Also described is a method of removing MPs from samples comprising contacting the sample with a polyethersulfone membrane.
US08859021B2
The present invention relates to a method for treating, preventing and improving the condition and/or aesthetic appearance of aging skin, particularly, treating, preventing, ameliorating, reducing and/or eliminating fine lines and/or wrinkles of skin, through meroterpene induced gene manipulation.
US08859016B2
A process, product, and product by process related to sonic welding, for quickly, compressing, shaping, and decarboxylating cannabinoids; preferably from Cannabis; for oral ingestion without using any liquids or solvents; such process breaks down the Cannabis plant's cellulosic structure; increasing oil extraction; while compaction decreases transportation and storage costs, making the end product desirable as an additional ingredient in other edibles.
US08859014B2
The present invention relates to a method for converting fustin into fisetin through the gas bubbling treatment of a solution containing fustin. Rhus verniciflua Stokes extracts having high content of Fisetin may be used as anticancer agents, anticancer and cancer prevention food products, and health functional foods due to the excellent bioactivity thereof.
US08859012B2
This invention provides compositions, methods and process of producing extracts and pure compounds from Xanthoceras sorbifolia. The extract comprises saponins and other constituents including alkaloids, coumarins, saccharides, proteins, polysaccharides, glycosides, tannins, acid, flavonoids and others. The composition can be used for treating cancer and other conditions, such as arthritis, rheumatism, poor circulation, arteriosclerosis, Raynaud's syndrome, angina pectoris, cardiac disorder, coronary heart disease, headache, kidney disorder, and impotence; for improving cerebral functions; or for curing enuresis, frequent micturition, urinary incontinence, dementia, weak intelligence and Alzheimer's disease, autism, brain trauma, Parkinson's, cerebral dysfunctions, and treating arthritis, rheumatism, poor circulation, arteriosclerosis, Raynaud's syndrome, angina pectoris, cardiac disorder, headache, dizziness, kidney disorder. This invention provides compounds of oleanene triterpenoidal saponin in nature with the characteristics that at least one angeloyl group attache to Carbon 21 or/and 22, or/and linked to the sugar. The compounds of the present invention have various pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications.
US08859009B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a method of fixing an antibacterial agent, by which method it is possible to impart articles of a wide range of materials with excellent antibacterial property and good persistence of antibacterial activity. Specifically, the method of fixing an antibacterial agent, comprises the steps of: subjecting a surface of an article to a surface treatment of providing the surface with oxygen-containing functional groups; and then subjecting the article to a treatment using an antibacterial agent composition including a silicon-containing compound (a) represented by general formula (1) below. wherein R1 represents a hydrocarbon group having 6 or more carbon atoms, R2 and R3 represent lower hydrocarbon groups, respectively, which hydrocarbon groups may be the same or different from each other, R4 represents a divalent lower hydrocarbon group, R5, R6 and R7 represent lower alkyl groups or lower alkoxy groups, respectively, which may be the same or different from each other, and X represents a halogen ion or an organic carbonyloxy ion, or alternatively, first treating the article by using the antibacterial agent composition; and then subjecting the article to a 1-10 GHz microwave irradiation treatment in a state where the antibacterial agent composition remains on the surface of the article.
US08859006B2
A Semen Cassiae soft capsule for lowering blood lipids and losing weight and the preparation method thereof. The content of the soft capsule consist of the following components by weight part: 10-60 parts of ethanol soluble extract powder of Semen Cassiae, 2-10 parts of aqueous soluble extract powder of Radix Glycyrrhizae, 10-30 parts of evening primrose oil, 5-20 parts of sea buckthorn seed oil and 2-10 parts of beeswax. The preparation method includes the following steps: preparing all the components respectively; dissolving the ethanol soluble extract powder of Semen Cassiae in ethanol, adding 50% of the total weight of beeswax, heating in a water bath at 75 degrees Celsius to obtain a liquid mixture of Semen Cassiae and beeswax; heating the remainder beeswax with evening primrose oil, adding the liquid mixture of Semen Cassiae and beeswax while continuously stirring, adding aqueous soluble extract powder of Radix Glycyrrhizae, cooling the mixture by circulation water, adding sea buckthorn seed oil and continuously stirring to obtain the content for soft capsules, encapsulating soft capsules by conventional method to obtain the Semen Cassiae soft capsule.
US08859004B2
The present invention discloses the pH-sensitive nanoparticles composed of pH-sensitive polymer, hydrophobic material, internal stabilizer, external stabilizer content and insulin drug. The present invention also includes a method for preparation of pH-sensitive nanoparticles, in particular, a multiple emulsions solvent evaporation method. The pH-sensitive nanoparticles of the present invention show good pH-sensitive property with 100-300 nanometer particle size. Significant decrease in blood glucose level is observed in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and the bioavailability of insulin is more than 10% after oral administration of the insulin-loaded pH-sensitive nanoparticles.
US08859003B2
Hydrophobic liquids are microencapsulated by an enteric matrix in an environment substantially free of organic solvents. The process includes forming an emulsion of the enteric material and hydrophobic liquid in water, titrating the emulsion with an acid to form a particulate precipitate and optionally coating the particulate with a combination of enteric material and plasticizer.
US08858999B2
In this invention a two steps procedure is described useful to insert functional groups to the hyaluronic acid (HA), through the formation, in organic solvent, of a particular active group on hydroxyl groups of HA and subsequent substitution, on the inserted active group, with a pendant portion containing at least in its terminal portion a nucleophilic functional group, NH2—R. The group inserted by nucleophilic substitution can contain in another its terminal portion a further nucleophilic functional group, in a way to be easily exploitable to further chemical functionalizations, such as an example to obtain the methacrylation of HA functional groups, to obtain photocrosslinkable derivatives. Both direct derivatives of the proposed process and those obtained by the further functionalization can be employed to produce hydrogels.
US08858997B2
The present invention provides compositions, methods for lyophilizing compounds and making pharmaceutical compositions, and kits providing solutions and lyophilized formulations of compounds. The compositions, methods, and kits are particularly useful in pharmaceutical applications involving therapeutic agents that have low solubility at low pH and medium pH values. Certain embodiments provide methods for lyophilizing compounds in liquid solutions, which include the steps of: a) preparing aqueous solutions of a compound of interest in the absence of buffer; b) adjusting the pH to high values of pH in order to increase the solubility of the compound of interest; and c) freeze-drying the solution to provide a lyophilized solid composition. Aqueous solutions including buffer are also disclosed. Lyophilized formulations, including micronized and non-micronized powders, are provided.
US08858988B2
Compositions for the treatment of sores, wounds, burns and other traumatized dermal tissues and skin injuries comprising Boswellia gum, gel, resin or extract, Tea Tree oil (Melaleuca oil), an Aloe gel, resin, latex or extract and Lavender oil. The composition may be incorporated into a medical device such as a wound dressing or bandage, or formulated into a topical preparation such as an ointment, lotion or cream.
US08858984B2
A lozenge is provided that has stable pH and stable levels of active ingredient over time. It comprises a combination of (i) at least one gum and (ii) at least one non-crystallizing sugar or non-crystallizing sugar alcohol in a matrix designed for controlled buccal delivery of a drug. The lozenge also contains water and optional components selected from flavorings, taste masking agents, colorings, buffer components, pH adjusting agents, excipients, stabilizers and sweeteners. Methods of preparing the lozenge are also provided.
US08858983B2
An antimicrobial accessory may include a polymer an antimicrobial mixed in the polymer, and an antioxidant. The antioxidant may include, for example, at least one of citric acid, maltol, kojic acid, malic acid, or vitamin A. In some examples, the antioxidant may include an ascorbate peroxidase in combination with ascorbic acid, a glutathione peroxidase in combination with glutathione, or a superoxide dismutase in combination with a metal such as Ni, Cu, Mn, or Fe. In some examples, the antimicrobial accessory may include at least three polymer layers. For example, the antimicrobial accessory may include a first layer comprising a biodegradable polymer and an antimicrobial. The antimicrobial accessory may further include a sacrificial diffusion layer formed on a surface of the first layer. The sacrificial diffusion layer may include a biodegradable polymer, which may be the same biodegradable polymer as in the first layer or may be a different biodegradable polymer. The antimicrobial accessory may also include a topcoat formed on the sacrificial diffusion layer. The topcoat may include a biodegradable polymer and at least one antioxidant mixed in the biodegradable polymer.
US08858982B2
This invention is a prosthetic device generally placed on the outside surface of the vessel or graft which then elutes antiproliferative drugs or agents from a drug-eluting matrix material. Methods of perivascular antiproliferative drug administration also are disclosed.
US08858977B2
The subject invention provides a drug delivery system comprising at least one compartment consisting of (i) a drug-loaded thermoplastic polymer core, (ii) a drug-loaded thermoplastic polymer intermediate layer and (iii) a non-medicated thermoplastic polymer skin covering the intermediate layer, wherein said intermediate layer is loaded with (a) crystals of a first pharmaceutically active compound and with (b) a second pharmaceutically active compound in dissolved form and wherein said core is loaded with said second compound in dissolved form.
US08858968B2
Use of the combination of the tyrosine-arginine dipeptide or derivatives thereof and of niacinamide as a substance P antagonist for treating red blotches on the skin, skin oedema and sensitive skin. Use of this combination for the preparation of a composition for use in treating disorders associated with an excess synthesis and/or release of substance P.
US08858952B2
The document provides to methods and materials for generating T cells (e.g., antigen-specific CD4+ T cells). For example, methods and materials for using nested MHC class II epitopes as vaccines to generate activated CD4+ T cells in vivo or as reagents to generate activated CD4+ T cells ex vivo are provided.
US08858951B2
The invention is directed to the use of (i) a first antigen corresponding to a target antigen of interest, together with (ii) a second antigen, corresponding to a modified form of the target antigen, whose rate of intracellular proteolytic degradation is increased, enhanced or otherwise elevated relative to the first antigen, in compositions and methods for inducing both humoral and cellular immunity in an individual. The ability to provide compositions, which are capable of inducing both host-protective antibody and cell-mediated immune responses, facilitates the generation of immunogenic compositions capable of combating, inter alia, conditions that have long latency periods and, therefore, benefit from the dual approach of prophylaxis and therapy in one delivery.
US08858941B2
The present invention relates to VEGF-binding agents, DLL4-binding agents, VEGF/DLL4 bispecific binding agents, and methods of using the agents for treating diseases such as cancer. The present invention provides antibodies that specifically bind human VEGF, antibodies that specifically bind human DLL4, and bispecific antibodies that specifically bind human VEGF and/or human DLL4. The present invention further provides methods of using the agents to inhibit tumor growth. Also described are methods of treating cancer comprising administering a therapeutically effect amount of an agent or antibody of the present invention to a patient having a tumor or cancer.
US08858940B2
The present invention relates to amino acid sequences that are directed against proteins from the group of the Angiopoietin/Tie family such as Tie1, Tie2, Ang1, Ang2, Ang3, Ang4, Angptl1, Angptl12, Angptl13, Angptl14, Angptl15, Angptl16, as well as to compounds or constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise or essentially consist of one or more of such amino acid sequences.
US08858935B2
The invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising an antibody and methods of formulating antibodies. The heavy and/or a light chain variable region of the antibody may have certain characteristics. In some embodiments, the antibody may comprise an N-glycan site in a heavy and/or light chain variable region. The compositions may comprise a buffering agent and, optionally, a sugar and/or a salt.
US08858927B2
Stabilization of water-containing solutions or lyophilizates of proteins and peptides against non-enzymatic deamidation degradation reactions at asparaginyl or glutaminyl residues is achieved using organic anions, such as saccharin, benzenesulfonic acid, gentisic acide or N-acetyltryptophan which have a pKa within the range of 0.5 to 3.5.
US08858920B2
An oral care composition comprises xylitol and a water-soluble calcium salt for caries prevention. Methods of treating and preventing dental caries are also provided.
US08858913B2
The present invention describes dual-modality probes. In particular, the present invention discloses fibrosis specific multimeric small-molecule peptidomimetic dual-modality MRI and optical probes.
US08858894B2
A reactor that produces polycrystalline silicon using a monosilane process includes a reactor base plate having a multiplicity of nozzles formed therein through which a silicon-containing gas flows, a plurality of filament rods mounted on the reactor base plate, and a gas outlet opening located at a selected distance from the nozzles to feed used monosilane to an enrichment and/or treatment stage, wherein the gas outlet opening is formed at a free end of an inner tube, the inner tube is conducted through the reactor base plate, and the inner tube has an outer wall and an inner wall and thus forms an intermediate space in which at least one cooling water circuit is conducted.
US08858892B2
A liquid treatment system has a housing defining an interior space. The housing has an inlet port for receiving liquid into the interior space of the housing and an outlet port for allowing liquid to exit the interior space of the housing. The outlet port is spaced from the inlet port so that liquid flows through the interior space of the housing from the inlet port to the outlet port. An ultrasonic waveguide assembly is disposed within the interior space of the housing and includes an ultrasonic horn disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet port and the outlet port of the housing. The ultrasonic horn is operable at an ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid flowing within the housing. An ultraviolet light source emits ultraviolet light into the interior space of the housing to treat liquid flowing therein.
US08858890B2
The aim of the invention is to devise a flue gas purification system which allows the use of only one absorber even for large systems. The flue gas purification system according to the invention comprises a fluidized-bed reactor having a flue gas inlet unit and a flue gas outlet unit, the flue gas outlet unit having at least two flue gas outlets which are arranged at an angle to each other.
US08858888B2
One feature pertains to a radiation dosimeter comprising a microdosimeter cell array that includes a first microdosimeter cell having a first semiconductor volume configured to generate a first current in response to incident radiation. The first semiconductor volume may have at least one of a first size, a first shape, a first semiconductor type, and/or a first semiconductor doping type and concentration that is associated with a first biological cell type or a first biological cell component type. The dosimeter may further comprise a processing circuit communicatively coupled to the microdosimeter cell array and configured to generate a signal based on the first current. The signal generated may be indicative of an amount of radiation absorbed by the microdosimeter cell array. A display may be utilized by the dosimeter to show a radiation level reading based on the signal generated.
US08858887B2
A chemical indicator device for use in detecting exposure to an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, comprising a substrate or support upon which is disposed a chemical indicator composition (ink) for detecting an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide. The chemical indicator composition further comprises an indicator dye that achieves a distinct range of different color changes with clear transitions between colors, upon exposure to different doses of the oxidizing agent, thus allowing for both a qualitative and semi-quantitative assessment of exposure to the agent.
US08858883B2
A biosensor comprising an electrically conductive substrate coated with a modified chitosan biopolymer that has been electrodeposited on the substrate, wherein said modified chitosan biopolymer comprises at least one vesicle binding molecule. The biosensor is manufactured by a method where a modified chitosan biopolymer is electrodeposited on a substrate. The method is also used to manufacture a modified chitosan biopolymer film by electrodeposition of the chitosan on the substrate and later removing the film from the substrate after electrodeposition. The resulting film can be used in bandages to treat various types of wounds. The biosensor can also be used to detect various analytes in samples.
US08858878B2
A water system for a vehicle is provided. The water system comprises at least one water supply source, at least one water-conducting device, at least one closing valve and at least one germ reduction connection. The germ reduction connection and the water supply source are connected to the water-conducting device. The germ reduction connection is designed to introduce a germ-reducing fluid into the water-conducting device. The closing valve is arranged between the water supply source and the germ reduction connection and is designed to be fully closed thus preventing the ingress of germ-reducing fluid into the water supply source. By means of such a water system it is possible to carry out sterilization or disinfection very easily and quickly without this requiring any major maintenance work.
US08858854B2
A plastic-metal hybrid part includes an anodized metal substrate having plastic structures formed on the metal substrate. In a particular embodiment, the metal hybrid part is an electronic device enclosure and plastic structures are mounting features formed on the enclosure. Methods for manufacturing the plastic-metal hybrid part are also disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the metal substrate undergoes a pretreatment, is anodized after the pretreatment, and the plastic structures are molded directly on the anodized exterior surface of the metal substrate. In another embodiment, the anodized metal substrate is primed with a coupling agent before the plastic features are formed thereon.
US08858850B2
A decorative surface appearance in an acrylic material is obtained by applying a flowable crosslinkable acrylic material containing anisotropic particles having an aspect ratio of 3 to a shrinkable support followed by crosslinking to form a solid article.
US08858842B2
The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film paste composition comprising Ag and a Pb-free bismuth-tellurium-oxide both dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode. The present invention is also directed to the bismuth-tellurium oxide that is a component of thick film pastes.
US08858821B2
A water treatment composition capable of effectively adsorbing pollutants from water is described. The composition includes magnetic extractants, which comprise magnetite nanoparticles containing functional groups. The composition is used to remove from water and aqueous streams oils and other contaminants. A process for removing contaminants from water and apparatus used in the process are also described.
US08858816B2
A plasma processing tool is used to deposit material on a workpiece. For example, a method for conformal deposition of material is disclosed. In this embodiment, the plasma sheath shape is modified to allow material to impact the workpiece at a range of incident angles. By varying this range of incident angles over time, a variety of different features can be deposited onto. In another embodiment, a plasma processing tool is used to etch a workpiece. In this embodiment, the plasma sheath shape is altered to allow ions to impact the workpiece at a range of incident angles. By varying this range of incident angles over time, a variety of differently shaped features can be created.
US08858806B1
Certain exemplary embodiments provide methods for reducing a concentration of a contaminant associated with a medium, which can be any substance or material, such as soil, water, air, and/or fluid. In one exemplary method, the medium is treated with a ferric chelate and an oxidizing agent in amounts effective to oxidize at least a portion of the contaminant.
US08858798B2
The present invention includes a dehydration method comprising the steps of providing a distilled process-target fluid to a water separation membrane device via a heat exchanger; separating the process-target fluid into a dehydrated product and water by using the water separation membrane device; detecting a temperature of any one of the water separation membrane device and the process-target fluid supplied to the water separation membrane device by using a temperature monitoring device; and controlling the temperature of the process-target fluid so that the temperature of the distilled process-target fluid being maintained at a temperature higher than the condensation temperature of the distillate by 5 to 10° C. by using a temperature adjustment device provided in the water separation membrane device.
US08858795B2
A fluid filter apparatus includes a first surrounding sidewall having inlet and outlet apertures, with first and second end portions, a cover attached to the second end portion and a domed end attached to the first end portion. Also included is a second surrounding sidewall with primary and secondary end portions, being co-axially disposed within the first surrounding sidewall, with a first environment interior disposed therebetween, a second environmental interior disposed within the second surrounding sidewall, and a third environmental interior disposed within said first surrounding sidewall. Further included is a primary strainer disposed between the first and second environments, a vane forming a helical channel within the first environmental adding a centrifugal velocity to the fluid to separate heavier fluids and particulates. Also, a secondary strainer is between the second and third environments, and a filter media is in a third environment.
US08858794B2
A waste/sediment collecting container has a front vertical wall, a back vertical wall, two side vertical walls, and a sloped bottom surface. Along the lowest portion of the sloped floor surface lays a debris grate which allows water and pieces of sediment to pass through (but prevents larger pieces of waste from passing). The collection container includes a sump directly beneath the debris grate for collecting heavy sediment which passes through the grate. Sloped walls along the sides of the sump lead to U-traps on both sides of the container that allow liquid to pass through but prevent any solid waste from leaving the sump. Solid waste may be removed from the sump by removing the threaded service cap from the drain hole. Located beyond the traps are filter chambers having drain holes for inserting sediment filters which liquid passes through and exits the container.
US08858793B2
A filter (18) is fastened by means of a releasable detent connection (20) in a fastening housing part (14). One detent component (32) is connected to the filter element (18) and one detent component (36) is connected to the fastening housing part (14). At least one detent means (32) of one of the detent components engages in a bayonet-like manner in a cut-out (38) in the other detent component (36). One switching component (60) of a switching device (58) is connected to the filter element (18) and one switching component (62) is connected to the fastening housing part (14). One of the switching components (60) includes at least one switching lug (76) extending radially to a rotational/plug-in axis (30) of the filter (10), and one of the switching components (62) includes a switching slot (78) for guiding the switching lug (76). The switching slot (78) guides the switching lug (76) and thereby effects a rotational movement of the filter element (18) relative to the fastening housing part (14 to move the detent means (32) out of an insertion/withdrawal region (46) into a closing region (40) of the cut-out (38), or out of a retaining region (42) into the insertion/withdrawal region (46).
US08858791B2
Electrocoagulation and sludge control apparatus and feed controller assembly for effluent treatment are disclosed, the apparatus including a primary reaction chamber having electrodes mounted therein and a treated effluent output. A sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a selectively openable outlet. The feed controller assembly is intermediate the primary reaction chamber and the sludge chamber and has a length selected for distribution of all effluent feed water across substantially an entire length of the primary reaction chamber.
US08858790B2
Electrocoagulation effluent treatment apparatus and methods are disclosed, the apparatus including a primary electrocoagulation reactor chamber having treatment electrodes maintained therein and an effluent inlet and treated effluent outlet. An integrated flotation chamber is located above the reaction chamber, a vacuum device connectable with a vacuum source being received in the flotation chamber and including a foam intake and an output. A sludge chamber is defined below and integrated with the primary reaction chamber and has a settled sludge output.
US08858782B2
An ion-sensitive circuit can include a charge accumulation device, to accumulate a plurality of charge packets as a function of an ion concentration of a fluid, and at least one control and readout transistor, to generate an output signal as a function of the accumulated plurality of charge packets, the output signal representing the ion concentration of the solution. The charge accumulation device can include a first charge control electrode above a first electrode semiconductor region, an electrically floating gate structure above a gate semiconductor region and below an ion-sensitive passivation surface, a second charge control electrode above a second electrode semiconductor region, and a drain diffusion region. The first control electrode can control entry of charge into a gate semiconductor region in response to a first control signal. The ion-sensitive passivation surface can be configured to receive the fluid. The second charge control electrode can control transmission of the plurality of charge packets out of the gate semiconductor region and into the drain diffusion region in response to a second control signal. The drain diffusion region can receive the plurality of charge packets from the gate semiconductor region via the second electrode semiconductor region.
US08858779B2
A method for detecting a proportion of at least one gas species in a measurement gas space. A sensor element is used, having an oxygen reduction pumping cell for concentration of the gas species, a pumping cell connected downstream of the oxygen reduction pumping cell having pumping electrodes, and a gas-tight chamber. A pumping electrode may be exposed to gas from the measurement gas space which has been concentrated by the oxygen reduction pumping cell. A further pumping electrode is disposed in the gas-tight chamber. At least one measuring electrode is further disposed in the gas-tight chamber. The oxygen reduction pumping cell and the pumping cell are galvanically isolated. The method includes an initialization phase, and an accumulation phase.
US08858773B2
When a controller turns on a relay, a closed circuit constituted by a power supply device, a wire, a resistance, a relay and wires is formed. This causes a current to flow through the closed circuit. The power supply device performs constant current control. The controller compares a measured voltage value output from a voltage detecting circuit with a preset reference voltage value. In the case of no connection failure of the wire, the measured voltage value substantially equals to the reference voltage value. In the case of connection failure of the wire, the measured voltage value is larger than the reference voltage value.
US08858770B2
Plastic electrophoresis separation chips are provided comprising a plurality of microfluidic channels and a detection window, where the detection window comprises a thin plastic; and the detection window comprises a detection region of each microfluidic channel. Such chips can be bonded to a support provided an aperture is provided in the support to allow detection of samples in the electrophoresis chip at the thin plastic detection window. Further, methods for electrophoretically separating and detecting a plurality of samples on the plastic electrophoresis separation chip are described.
US08858764B2
A technique for a nanodevice is provided that includes a reservoir filled with a conductive fluid and a membrane separating the reservoir. The membrane includes an electrode layer having a tunneling junction formed therein. A nanopore is formed through the membrane, and the nanopore is formed through other layers of the membrane such that the nanopore is aligned with the tunneling junction of the electrode layer. When a voltage is applied to the electrode layer, a tunneling current is generated by a base in the tunneling junction to be measured as a signature for distinguishing the base. When an organic coating is formed on an inside surface of the tunneling junction, transient bonds are formed between the electrode layer and the base.
US08858759B1
Methods and compositions for improving dewatering efficiency during a papermaking or pulp drying process are disclosed. The methods can include a step of adding a dewatering agent solution to a location on a paper machine or pulp drying machine. The dewatering agent solution can include a soy based component. The soy based component can be soy flour or soy protein. The dewatering agent solution can be added to a wet end location of the pulp drying machine or paper machine or it can be sprayed onto a paper sheet prior to entering the press section of a paper machine. Additional dewatering agent solutions can also be added. The additional dewatering agent solutions can include cationic polymers or surfactants.
US08858748B2
Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to electrochromic (EC) devices, assemblies incorporating electrochromic devices, and/or methods of making the same. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this invention relate to improved EC materials, EC device stacks, high-volume manufacturing (HVM) compatible process integration schemes, and/or high-throughput low cost deposition sources, equipment, and factories.
US08858745B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to component structures which are useful as apparatus in plasma processing chambers. Portions of the component structures are bonded together using oxyfluoride-comprising glazes, glass ceramics, and combinations thereof. The bonding material is resistant to halogen-containing plasmas and exhibits desirable mechanical properties.
US08858740B2
In a method for heat treating a metal tube or pipe for a nuclear power plant, the tube or pipe being accommodated in a batch-type vacuum heat treatment furnace, when the tube or pipe is laid down on and is subjected to heat treatment on a plurality of metal cross beams arranged along a longitudinal direction of the tube or pipe, it is possible to suppress scratches to be formed on the outer surface of the tube or pipe and attributable to heat treatment, and to reduce the discoloration on the outer surface of the tube or pipe by holding the tube or pipe and the metal cross beams in indirect contact with each other by virtue of a heat resistant fabric having a thickness of 0.1 to 1.2 mm interposed in between.
US08858738B2
A process of forming porous electrolytic electrode in which alternating layers of a valve metal and a ductile metal are combined to form a billet, and the billet mechanically reduced by exclusion and drawing prior to etching. One or more slots are formed in the billet prior to the mechanical reducing, and filled with the ductile metal.
US08858732B1
The remote controlled chemical pigging apparatus includes a housing and an inflatable device. The inflatable device contains chemicals to dissolve hardened or fossilized materials or contaminants contained within the interior portion of a pipeline, such as an oil or gas pipeline. At a specific location in the pipeline, such as at a pig apparatus receiver portion of the pipeline, the inflatable device is inflated and exploded to disperse the pipeline chemicals contained therein onto the hardened materials or contaminants that have fossilized within the pipeline. The hardened, fossilized materials or contaminants are then dissolved to liquefy the contaminants and, subsequently, to discharge the liquefied contaminants through a drain located in the pipeline. A method of cleaning a pipeline with a remote controlled chemical pigging apparatus having an inflatable device is also provided.
US08858729B2
The present invention provides a diverter that may be used to control the flow of fluid to different locations or components within a dishwashing appliance. One or more dual outlets, each having an outer port that surrounds an inner port, can be used with rotating disk (or rotating valve) to selectively control the flow of fluid to various locations within the appliance. One or more single outlets may also be added to the diverter as desired depending upon the number of locations in the dishwasher to which the delivery of the fluid is desirable.
US08858722B2
An apparatus and method for cleaning, sanitizing and recharging a self chilling container having a heat exchange unit including compressed carbon internally thereof including a plurality of sources of cleaning and sanitizing materials connected through a plurality of valves to the container for injecting and exhausting the materials into and from the container. A source of carbon dioxide gas to be injected into said heat exchange unit to be adsorbed by said carbon. A source of chilled fluid and means for circulating the chilled fluid through the container during adsorption of said carbon dioxide gas to remove heat generated thereby.
US08858718B2
An automated method of cleaning the pipes of a plate washing system is provided. The plate washing system includes at least one manifold having a plurality of pipes configured to be provided within wells of a plate in order to wash the wells, an ultrasonic transducer mounted to a tank, and a control system. The plate washing system also includes sensors to sense the position of the pipes relative to plate and the tank, and the fluid level within the wells of the plate. The method includes dispensing fluid to the tank, submerging the tips of the pipes within the fluid, activating the ultrasonic transducer in order to vibrate the fluid, and aspirating the fluid from the tank. The control system may initiate a cleaning operation at the request of the user, at a scheduled interval, or when the level sensing system detects a decrease in instrument function.
US08858716B2
In a vacuum processing apparatus, a substrate chuck mechanism member is attached to a substrate holder provided in a vacuum processing chamber, includes a shaft member, first and second coil springs that are provided at the two ends, respectively, of the shaft member, and a substrate chuck plate provided at the end of the shaft member, and is additionally attached to the substrate holder using the substrate chuck plate by elastic biasing of the first coil spring. The holding state of the substrate on the substrate holder is changed by the expansion/contraction actions of the first and second coil springs in accordance with the reciprocal movement of the substrate holder.
US08858701B2
The invention relates to the manufacture of pigment-containing composite pigment particles containing titanium dioxide pigment particles and at least one inorganic and/or organic filler as extender, as well as calcium carbonate that is precipitated in the process, and their use for improving the pigment light-scattering efficiency in coatings, plastics and laminates. The extender is preferably selected from Ca-, Ca—Mg- and Mg-carbonates, natural and synthetic silicon dioxide and oxides and are manufactured in a combined process of precipitation and dispersion. Depending on the combination selected, the use of composite pigment particles according to the invention permits pigment savings with little or no loss of optical properties. Alternatively, if the pigment content remains unchanged, it is possible to achieve better values, e.g. for tinting strength. Particularly, a part or the whole TiO2 quantity in the user system can be replaced by the composite pigment particles according to the invention.
US08858698B2
An acellular matrix glue and a method of making is disclosed. Specifically, an acellular matrix glue that is useful in preparing a reinforced acellular matrix for medical applications including tissue engineering and hernia repair.
US08858696B2
The nonaqueous ink composition for ink jet recording according to the invention includes a compound represented by the General Formula (1) below; and a compound represented by the General Formula (2A) or the General Formula (2B) below. In the General Formula (1), R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and R2 and R3 represent a methyl group or an ethyl group; in the General Formula (2A), R4A represents an alkyl group having 5 to 9 carbon atoms, and R5A represents a methyl group or an ethyl group; in the General Formula (2B), R4B represents an alkylene group having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and R5B and R6B each independently represent alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
US08858690B2
High volumetric-efficiency thermally integrated systems for capturing a target gas from a process gas stream include a monolithic body and a distribution system. The monolithic body includes a first plurality of channels and a second plurality of channels each having sorbent surfaces that reversibly adsorb the target gas. The channels are in thermal communication such that heat from an exothermic adsorption of target gas in one plurality of channels is used by an endothermic desorption of target gas from the other plurality of channels. Methods for separating a target gas from a process gas stream include switching the high volumetric-efficiency thermally integrated systems between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first plurality of channels undergoes desorption while the second undergoes adsorption. In the second state, the second plurality of channels undergoes desorption while the first plurality undergoes adsorption.
US08858684B2
A method to recover water from the atmosphere is provided. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. An integral heat exchanger adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.
US08858677B2
A valuable-substance recovery method according to the present invention includes: a solvent peeling step (S3) of dissolving a resin binder included in an electrode material by immersing crushed pieces of a lithium secondary battery into a solvent, so as to peel off the electrode material containing valuable substances from a metal foil constituting the electrode; a filtering step (S4) of filtering a suspension of the solvent, so as to separate and recover the electrode material containing the valuable substances and a carbon material; a heat treatment step (S5) of heating the recovered electrode material containing the valuable substances and the carbon material, under an oxidative atmosphere, so as to burn and remove the carbon material; and a reducing reaction step (S6) of immersing the resultant electrode material containing the valuable substances into a molten salt of lithium chloride containing metal lithium, so as to perform a reducing reaction.
US08858674B2
An FePt—C-based sputtering target contains Fe, Pt, and C and has a structure in which an FePt-based alloy phase and a C phase containing unavoidable impurities are mutually dispersed, the FePt-based alloy phase containing Pt in an amount of 40 at % or more and 60 at % or less with the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities. The content of C is 21 at % or more and 70 at % or less based on the total amount of the target.
US08858672B2
Fertilizers may include one or more additives that render the fertilizer more resistant to further processing such as thermal processing and/or aqueous-based processing that may otherwise be employed in the attempt to produce explosive materials from the fertilizer. The one or more additives may include materials that increase the chances of detection by providing a visual or olfactory indication of further processing. The one or more additives may include materials that make further processing more difficult or dangerous.
US08858665B2
A method for making a PDC cutting element for use in rock drilling containing sub-micron size diamond particles within the diamond body. Metals that do not readily dissolve carbon are employed to limit the dissolution and re-precipitation of fine diamond during the sintering of the diamond to the substrate.
US08858662B2
Methods of forming a polycrystalline table comprise disposing a plurality of particles comprising a superabrasive material, a substrate comprising a hard material, and a catalyst material in a mold. The plurality of particles is partially sintered in the presence of the catalyst material to form a brown polycrystalline table having a first permeability attached to an end of the substrate. The substrate is removed from the brown polycrystalline table and catalyst material is removed from the brown polycrystalline table. The brown polycrystalline table is then fully sintered to form a polycrystalline table having a reduced, second permeability. Intermediate structures formed during a process of attaching a polycrystalline table to a substrate comprise a substantially fully leached brown polycrystalline table. The substantially fully leached brown polycrystalline table comprises a plurality of interbonded grains of a superabrasive material.
US08858657B1
A method and system for providing direct conversion of algal biomass. Optionally, the method and system can be used to directly convert dry algal biomass to biodiesels under microwave irradiation by combining the reaction and combining steps. Alternatively, wet algae can be directly processed and converted to fatty acid methyl esters, which have the major components of biodiesels, by reacting with methanol at predetermined pressure and temperature ranges.
US08858652B2
The specification describes an agent for coloring keratinic fibers. The agent includes, in a cosmetically acceptable carrier, at least one oxidation dye precursor, a precursor of a nature-analogous dye, a substantive dye, or combinations thereof. The agent also includes a carrier base combination. The carrier base combination includes at least one fatty substance of formula (I), in which R and R′ in each case mutually independently denote a saturated or unsaturated C6-C22 alkyl chain; at least one nonionic surfactant of formula (II),R1-O-[G]p(II) in which R1 denotes a saturated or unsaturated C6-C22 alkyl chain, G denotes a sugar residue with 5 or 6 carbon atoms and p denotes a number from 1 to 10; and at least one cationic polymer, at least one amphoteric polymer, or combinations thereof.
US08858647B2
A method and apparatus is provided for creating an internal reconstruction tissue graft. Templates may be used to create a multitude of patterns in a variety of tissue reconstruction grafts. An apparatus may be used to create an internal tissue graft for reconstruction through either compression and/or removal of segments. An apparatus may be used, through either compression and or removal of segments of a preformed template made of synthetics and or metal that mirrors a template that can be used as an internal tissue graft for reconstruction. In a method, such as using software analysis and an apparatus, the physical properties of the tissue graft and its pre- and post-operative properties and appearance may be measured.
US08858645B2
An acetabular hip implant includes an acetabular shell component having a first feature and a first insert having a second feature that cooperates with the first feature of the acetabular shell component and further includes a third feature. The implant further includes a second insert having a fourth feature that cooperates with the third feature of the first insert and further includes a fifth feature. A femoral head component includes a sixth feature that cooperates with the fifth feature. Interaction between the first and second features, between the third and fourth features, and between the fifth and sixth features mechanically constrains the acetabular hip implant to prevent dislocation of the femoral head during rotation.
US08858638B2
The present application is directed to interbody spinal fusion implants having a structural configuration that provides for the maintaining and creating of the normal anatomic angular relationship of two adjacent vertebrae of the spine to maintain and create spinal lordosis. The spinal fusion implants are sized to fit within the disc space created by the removal of disc material between two adjacent vertebrae and conform wholly or in part to the disc space created. The spinal fusion implants of the present invention have upper and lower surfaces that form a support structure for bearing against the end plates of the adjacent vertebrae. The upper and lower surfaces are disposed in a converging angular relationship to each other such that the implants have an overall “wedged-shape” in an elevational side view. The angular relationship of the upper and lower surfaces places and maintains the vertebrae adjacent to those surfaces in an angular relationship to each other, creating and maintaining the desired lordosis.
US08858637B2
A prosthetic intervertebral spacer is disclosed. The spacer preferably includes a body and an interface extending away from the body for use during implantation of the spacer. The interface can be a rail including a neck portion connected to the body and a lip portion connected to the neck portion. The lip portion can be wider than the neck portion in a direction extending between the top and bottom surfaces of the implant. Methods of implanting the spacer and tools used during such procedure are also disclosed.
US08858635B2
The disclosure relates to intervertebral disc prostheses, which may comprise at least three pieces including an upper plate, a lower plate, and a core mobile at least relative to the lower plate, the upper surface of the core being in contact with at least a part of the lower surface of the upper plate. Various embodiments have limit stops allowing friction to be limited, while limiting or preventing the movements of the core relative to the lower plate, in translation and in rotation, respectively, along an axis substantially parallel to the lower plate and about an axis substantially perpendicular to the lower plate, and have at least one hole disposed along the lower surface of the core facilitating sliding of the core relative to the upper surface of the lower plate with which it is in contact. Instruments for inserting intervertebral prostheses are also disclosed.
US08858625B2
An injector (1) for folding and injecting into the eye of a patient a flexible intraocular lens, the injector comprising an assembly of an injection nozzle (202), a lens compartment that holds an unfolded flexible intraocular lens (400) and is in communication with the injection nozzle, an injector body (3) communicating with the lens compartment and a plunger (2) that is inserted in the free end of the injector body, wherein lens compartment and injector body comprise a mechanism whereby the lens is first folded by forces compressing the lens in a non-axial direction in response to an axial movement of the plunger over a first distance and is subsequently expelled from the injector through the injection nozzle in response to an axial movement of the plunger over a second distance.
US08858619B2
A system for percutaneously inserting a prosthesis containing a biological replacement for a defective valve into an implantation site through a body lumen. The system contains a balloon catheter upon which a collapsable stent containing a venous valvular replacement is mounted. A protective shield is slidably mounted upon the catheter that is movable between a closed position over the balloon and an open position wherein the balloon can be inflated to expand the stent. A central lumen runs through the catheter that is formed of stainless steel. The central lumen provides a one to one torque ratio between the proximal end of the catheter and the distal end to enhance the steerability of the catheter. The vein of the replacement is reduced in thickness between 50% and 90% of its original size thereby considerably reducing the size of the replacement package when the stem is collapsed upon the balloon of the catheter.
US08858615B2
A novel cardiovascular stent for preventing vascular stenosis is disclosed. The basic components of the cardiovascular stent of the present invention include V-shape rib unit, multi-link unit and connective ring unit. In addition, each ring rib part is formed by a plurality of double V-shape rib units that are connected together via the bridging portions of the multi-link units. Also, each connective part comprises a plurality of connective ring units. The integrally formed stent of the present invention is formed with the ring rib parts that are connected together by the connective parts.
US08858614B2
A stent loading and deployment device includes an outer elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and an inner elongate tubular member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed within the outer tubular member. When the distal ends of the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member are axially aligned, a stent deployment region is defined there in between. The device further includes a stent loading member having opposed proximal and distal ends and slidably disposed between the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member. The distal end of the stent loading member is slidable to a distal position past the distal end of the outer tubular member for receiving a stent and is further slidable toward the proximal end of the outer tubular member to a location past the stent deployment region for disengagement of a stent from the stent loading member.
US08858613B2
Stent graft delivery systems are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, a stent graft delivery system can include a stent graft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a proximal sheath and a distal sheath. The proximal sheath can be configured to cover the proximal portion of the stent graft, and the distal sheath can be configured to cover the distal portion of the stent graft. The proximal sheath and the distal sheath can be independently removable from respective ends of the stent graft such that the proximal and distal portions of the stent graft are independently deployable.
US08858610B2
A fixed sequence activation handle is described that forces a predetermined activation sequence. Such handles are suitable for use in the delivery of medical devices or for other application that require a fixed sequence of activations.
US08858609B2
Stent delivery under direct visualization utilizing an imaging hood is described herein. A stent may be delivered and placed in or around lesions, e.g., ostial lesions, through a delivery catheter while being directly visualized via an imaging hood. A pre-delivery assessment probe may also be advanced to the desired site for accurate placement of the stent.
US08858602B2
In a method and system for corrective bunionectomy surgery of a bone, a saw template is positioned at a proximal portion of the bone. The saw template has a plurality of pin holes, for the insertion of pins. The saw template is replaced with a saw block placed over a portion of the plurality of pins. The bone is cut into first and second bone segments based on a position of the saw block. The saw block is removed. A corrective angle is applied to the second bone segment relative to the first bone segment. A mating plate compatible with the corrective angle is positioned over the plurality of pins to join the first bone segment and the second bone segment. A plurality of bone screws is screwed into the mating plate to secure the first bone segment and the second bone segment to form a corrective construct.
US08858597B2
Devices and methods for altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a prosthesis with surfaces configured to articulate with the facets of the facet joint. A retaining member for anchoring the prosthesis within the facet joint is optionally included. Methods for surgically and less invasively implanting the prosthesis and securing the prosthesis to the articular processes or surrounding soft tissue are also provided.
US08858591B2
A method for sealing a hole in a bodily organ includes introducing a first member and a second member into the bodily organ, the first and second members being connected by an elongated member. The first and second members are retracted proximally until the first member abuts an inner surface of the bodily organ and the second member is retracted out of the hole in the bodily organ. Then, the second member is pushed distally into abutment with an outer surface of the bodily organ. A sealing device for sealing a puncture in tissue is also described.
US08858588B2
Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, first and second links pivotally attached to the jaws, and a driver. The housing, first and second jaws, and first and second links form a linkage mechanism that allows the jaws to engage tissue and be left in vivo.
US08858582B2
A lancet device including a lancet having a puncturing element disposed within a two-piece housing including a rear housing and a forward housing. Relative axial movement of the rear housing toward the forward housing directly drives the lancet to a puncturing position wherein the puncturing element extends through the forward housing. During such relative axial movement, a drive structure applies a driving force against the lancet and disengages from the lancet based on deflecting structure in the housing, thereby releasing the driving force applied to the lancet. A retention member then retracts the lancet back within the housing, with the drive structure maintained disengaged from the lancet to prevent re-use.
US08858581B2
An interface unit for positioning an object to be irradiated in relation to a radiation source has at least one first positioning surface for positioning the interface unit in relation to the radiation source, and a second positioning surface for bearing on the object to be irradiated. The interface unit provides a path, which passes through the second positioning surface, for the radiation from the radiation source. According to the invention, the interface unit comprises an integrally produced interface body which forms both the at least one first positioning surface and the second positioning surface. The interface body is preferably produced from a plastic material by an injection compression molding method, in order to achieve the desired high manufacturing accuracy.
US08858579B2
A method for performing a coronary artery bypass graft procedure on a patient to connect a bypass vessel to a target vessel includes the steps of creating an opening in the patient that communicates with the thoracic cavity of the patient; providing a bypass vessel having a lumen and at least one free end; passing the free end of the bypass vessel from the thoracic cavity through the opening to a position outside the body of the patient; attaching a connector to the free end of bypass vessel while the free end of the bypass vessel is outside the body of the patient; passing the free end of the bypass vessel from the position outside the body of the patient through the opening and into the thoracic cavity; and connecting the free end of the bypass vessel to a target vessel with the connector.
US08858577B2
Methods and systems are provided for tissue stabilization. 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; and stabilizing members, each of which can couple a respective attachment member to the carrier member and is substantially positionally fixed relative to the carrier member.
US08858575B2
Methods and devices for treating female stress urinary incontinence are disclosed. The methods include transvaginally accessing the pelvic cavity and introducing a suburethral sling into the retropubic space. In some embodiments the ends of the sling are attached to an anatomical support structure. In other embodiments, the ends of the suburethral sling are not attached to an anatomical support structure. The devices include a surgical instrument for blunt dissection of the pelvic cavity which includes a curved shaft and a blunt distal end. A hook deployment device may optionally be attached to the surgical instrument.
US08858566B2
A bone distractor assembly configured to distract first and second bone segments on opposite sides of a bone gap is provided. In one embodiment the distractor assembly includes a distractor having a first coupler and a second coupler, a first footplate releasably coupled to the first coupler, a second footplate releasably coupled to the second coupler, and a locking mechanism releasably coupling the first and second footplates to the first and second couplers. The first and second footplates releasably are each configured to attach to bone. The locking mechanism includes a tube, wherein removal of the tube releases the first and second footplates from the first and second couplers.
US08858560B2
Methods of arthroscopic harvesting of bone marrow aspirate from bone joints and therapeutic application of the bone marrow aspirate in a bone joint. The method of harvesting includes extracting bone marrow from a joint, adding a biomaterial, and adding clotting agent to form a clot.
US08858552B2
An embodiment of the invention includes a surgical device for coagulating soft tissue such as atrial tissue in the treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia; tendon or ligament shrinkage; or articular cartilage removal. The surgical device integrates a suction mechanism with the coagulation mechanism improving the lesion creation capabilities of the device. The surgical device comprises an elongate member having an insulative covering attached about conductive elements capable of coagulating soft tissue when radiofrequency or direct current energy is transmitted to the conductive elements. Openings through the insulative covering expose regions of the conductive elements and are coupled to lumens in the elongate member which are routed to a vacuum source. Suction causes the soft tissue to actively engage the opening thus the integrated, exposed conductive elements to facilitate the coagulation process and ensure the lesions created are consistent, continuous, and transmural. The embodiments of the invention can also incorporate cooling mechanisms associated with the conductive elements and coupled to a fluid source to passively transport fluid along the contacted soft tissue surface to cool thus pushing the maximum temperature deeper into tissue.
US08858548B2
A medical system, including a catheter having a fluid flow path and a distal portion separated from the fluid flow path; a plurality of electrodes coupled to the distal portion; at least one temperature sensor coupled to the distal portion; a heat sink in thermal communication with each electrode and in fluid communication with the fluid flow path; a radiofrequency signal generator in communication with the plurality of electrodes; and a fluid source in fluid communication with the fluid flow path.
US08858546B2
A treatment system comprises an outer sheath and an end effector. The end effector has a plurality of cutting features, at least a portion of which are configured to debride a tissue surface when the end effector is actuated. The cutting features may also be configured to harvest tissue. A medical fluid reservoir is in fluid communication with the end effector, such that the end effector may deliver a medical fluid to a target site such as a fistula. The medical fluid may include harvested tissue cells and a scaffold material. A vacuum cannula may be positioned coaxially within the interior cavity of the end effector, and an RF probe may be positioned co-axially within the interior cavity of the vacuum cannula. The vacuum cannula and RF probe may be used together to seal a fistula in which medical fluid has been dispensed.
US08858543B2
Methods and apparatus for the treatment of a body cavity or lumen are described where a heated fluid and/or gas may be introduced through a catheter and into treatment area within the body contained between one or more inflatable/expandable members. The catheter may also have optional pressure and temperature sensing elements which may allow for control of the pressure and temperature within the treatment zone and also prevent the pressure from exceeding a pressure of the inflatable/expandable members to thereby contain the treatment area between these inflatable/expandable members. Optionally, a chilled, room temperature, or warmed fluid such as water may then be used to rapidly terminate the treatment session.
US08858541B2
Presbyopia in a patient's eye is treated by inducing spherical aberration in the central section of the pupil, while the peripheral section of the pupil is treated in a manner other than the central section of the pupil. For example, the peripheral section of the pupil may remain untreated, or high-order aberration may be controlled, and/or a second area of spherical aberration may be provided with different focus power.
US08858537B2
A biopsy system comprises a control module, a localization assembly, a biopsy device, and a targeting cube. The biopsy device comprises a holster portion and a probe. The probe and/or other associated components are configured to selectively couple with a targeting cube, where the targeting cube is configured to selectively couple with a grid plate having apertures for receiving the targeting cube. The targeting cube comprises a body defined by faces. The targeting cube further comprises guide holes that originate and terminate at the faces and pass through the body of the targeting cube to provide passageways through the targeting cube. The targeting cube further comprises at least one hinged member positioned along the outer portion of the targeting cube and interfacing with an aperture in the grid plate. The hinged member may provide a tapered profile to the targeting cube and may further comprise an elastomeric portion.
US08858532B2
A medical connector structure configured in such a manner that a first member body which constitutes a connector base and a second member body which consists of a different material from the first member body are formed by two-color injection molding. The first member body is a tube body which has a connector-side section having a structure connected to a mating section, and also has a tube-side section having on the surface thereof projections and recesses. The second member body is a tube body which allows a raw material to be filled into the portion in which the projections and recesses are provided and into which a raw material is filled so as to allow a tube body to be inserted. The tube-side section and the tube body are adhered together.
US08858528B2
Devices and methods are disclosed for less invasive surgery. More particularly, methods and devices described herein permit improved access within a body cavity when performing a minimally invasive procedure, typically through a small opening, a surgical port, or during an open surgical procedure.
US08858526B2
Methods of programming and use of a medical infusion pump are disclosed. One method includes displaying a first menu containing a plurality of therapy menu items. The therapy menu items each correspond to a therapy. The method also includes displaying a second menu containing at least one qualifier menu item corresponding to a qualifier. The method further includes displaying a third menu containing at least one drug menu item corresponding to a drug. The second menu is displayed upon selection of a therapy menu item, and the third menu is displayed upon selection of a qualifier menu item.
US08858514B2
The invention concerns a device to inject and/or to take a sample, with the aid of a needle, of a liquid inside the organism of a living being, through the skin in a repeated manner.More particularly, the present invention concerns a device intended to be implanted inside a living, human or animal organism, presenting a vascular system and a skin, to exchange a liquid with the vascular system, through the skin and in a repeated manner, using a needle, the aforementioned device including at least a first tubular puncture site, shaped to be able to be perforated numerous times over all its length, the tubular puncture site being linked up in a watertight manner with a flexible link conduit with the vascular system, the tubular puncture site including an watertight flexible tubing, supported by reinforcement constituted by rigid rings, this being shaped to allow the puncture site to lose its shape to follow the body movements of the patient without causing discomfort.The present invention also concerns a system of dialysis including such a device.
US08858507B2
A needle assembly for a medical device comprising a needle cannula which is mounted in a hub connectable to a medical device, and which needle assembly comprises releasable locking means which co-operates with the connection means of the hub such that the needle cap is locked to the hub when the releasable locking means is not released. Once the locking means is released by activation of the connection means, the needle cap is unlocked from the hub. The activation of the locking means is preferably done automatically when the needle assembly is attached to the medical device.
US08858502B2
In various embodiments, a device for delivering pressurized irrigation may include a squeeze plate and a pressure sensor module. The squeeze plate may move relative to the pressure sensor module to apply pressure to a flexible container (e.g., a bag of irrigation fluid) between the squeeze plate and the pressure sensor module. The pressure sensor module may include a pressure sensor to measure a force exerted on the pressure sensor module by the flexible container as pressure is applied to the flexible container from the squeeze plate. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor module may include a bag contact plate and the pressure sensor may measure a force exerted on the bag contact plate by the flexible container located between the bag contact plate and the squeeze plate. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may sense a pressure associated with the flexible container without an intervening bag contact plate.
US08858501B2
A reservoir and a plunger head contained within may be configured to move relative to each other in response to at least one of the reservoir being detached from a base, the base and/or the reservoir being removed from a packaging, and the base and/or the reservoir being moved relative to each other. A first layer may be configured to define a reservoir, the first layer, which may be made of a material compatible with fluidic media in the reservoir, may be adjacent a second layer for inhibiting a diffusion through the second layer. A first layer that may be less than 0.3 mm and made of a cyclic olefin copolymer may be configured to define a reservoir. A reservoir may be defined by a wall made of a cyclic olefin copolymer and the wall may be for substantially preventing light from passing through the reservoir.
US08858490B2
Systems and methods are adapted for treating the carotid artery. The systems include interventional catheters and blood vessel access devices that are adapted for transcervical insertion into the carotid artery. Embodiments of the systems and methods can be used in combination with embolic protection systems including blood flow reversal mechanisms, arterial filters, and arterial occlusion devices.
US08858489B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide a conduit device including an attaching device configured for defining a helical pathway through a tissue wall and complementary ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in the tissue wall. Some embodiments of the present invention further provide a system for implanting a conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, some embodiments provide a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue by removing and retaining a tissue core and securely implanting a conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the conduit device.
US08858487B2
A blood purification apparatus, during priming, has one end of the fluid infusing line L3 connected at the same location as the connected location of the fluid infusing line L3 during the blood purification treatment process. Determining whether either a pre-fluid infusion, where replenishment fluid is supplied to an arterial air trap chamber 5, or a post-fluid infusion, where the replenishment fluid is supplied to a venous air trap chamber 6, will be performed in the blood purification treatment process. The end of an arterial blood circuit 2 and the end of a venous blood circuit 3 are connected together to communicate fluid. In addition, a blood pump 4 is driven in normal rotation or in reverse rotation direction while the replenishment fluid is supplied from the fluid infusing line L3. The replenishment fluid is discharged from an overflow line 6a.
US08858485B2
The connector for a fluid line of an extracorporeal circuit comprises a tubular body which internally defines a fluid passage, a first connection port predisposed for coupling to the fluid line, a second connection port predisposed for coupling to a male Luer connector borne by an external element, and a closure element of the second connection port. The closure element is formed of a breakable membrane made in a single piece with the tubular body. On coupling, the membrane is broken by the truncoconical projection of the male Luer connector. The connector connects a service line of an extracorporeal circuit to a pressure sensor of a dialysis machine.
US08858484B2
The present invention provides a device, a system, and a method for application of fluids.
US08858480B1
An adjustable, multi-axis, motion stabilizer apparatus and method includes a first curved cup with a curved radius, the first curved cup with an inside surface and an outside surface. A cup hole extends through the first curved cup. A second curved cup is provided, also with a curved radius. The curved radius of the second curved cup is approximately equal to the curved radius of the first curved cup. The second cup also includes an inside surface and an outside surface where the outside surface of the second curved cup fits with the inside surface of the first curved cup. A cup hole is provided in the second curved cup and a pin, conformed to fit in the cup holes, connects the first curved cup with the second curved cup. Also, a size adjustment device is provided for controlling movement of the pin within the cup holes.
US08858479B2
A joint positioning device includes a restriction frame having a first straight section, a second straight section and two transverse section connected between the first and second straight sections. Each of the two transverse sections includes multiple connection plates which are pivotably connected to each other so that the two transverse sections can be adjustable to meet the desired curvatures of the patients.
US08858473B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods are sized and configured to effectively and efficiently augment the flow of fluid within body vessels, not only during conditions in which a patient is bedbound and immobile, but also in conditions when the individual is out of bed, and completely mobile and ambulatory.
US08858472B2
A lip suction device. A rigid hollow form has an opening at a first end of the rigid hollow form and a cavity therein extending from the first end to a second end of the rigid hollow form. The rigid hollow form has an outer surface and a thickness at the opening between the outer surface and a surface of the cavity. The opening has an edge with a rounded shape, across the thickness at the opening, which is configured to form a substantially air-tight seal between a user's face and the edge when the rigid hollow form is pressed against the user's face near the user's lips. The rigid hollow form is configured so that when the user draws air into the user's mouth after forming a substantially air-tight seal, the user's lips are drawn into the rigid hollow form towards the second end of the rigid hollow form.
US08858448B2
A device can include at least a first physiologic sensor circuit configured to provide a first physiologic signal, a second physiologic sensor circuit configured to provide a second physiologic signal, and a processor circuit. The processor circuit includes a principal component analysis circuit configured to represent data determined from the at least first and second physiologic sensor circuits as at least first and second axes, respectively, in a multidimensional space, determine one or more principal components in the multidimensional space, determine a quantitative attribute of the first and the second physiologic signals using at least one of the determined principal components or a projection of the data along the at least one determined principal component, and provide an indication of heart failure status according to the quantitative attribute to at least one of a user or a process.
US08858445B2
A medical device of the type used for assisting a user in manually delivering repetitive therapy to a patient (e.g., chest compressions or ventilations in cardiac resuscitation), the device comprising a feedback device configured to generate feedback cues to assist the user in timing the delivery of the repetitive therapy, at least one sensor or circuit element configured to detect actual delivery times, at which the user actually delivers the repetitive therapy, and a processor, memory, and associated circuitry configured to compare the actual delivery times to information representative of desired delivery times to determine cue times at which the feedback cues are generated by the feedback device.
US08858434B2
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.
US08858432B2
Ingestible event marker systems that include an ingestible event marker (i.e., an IEM) and a personal signal receiver are provided. Embodiments of the IEM include an identifier, which may or may not be present in a physiologically acceptable carrier. The identifier is characterized by being activated upon contact with a target internal physiological site of a body, such as digestive tract internal target site. The personal signal receiver is configured to be associated with a physiological location, e.g., inside of or on the body, and to receive a signal the IEM. During use, the IEM broadcasts a signal which is received by the personal signal receiver.
US08858429B2
A lighting device includes first and second light sources, a wavelength converting member and a light quantity ratio changing unit. A first light source uses a semiconductor light emitting device as an emission source. A second light source uses, as an emission source, a semiconductor light emitting device of a different emission wavelength from the first light source. A wavelength converting member is excited for light emission by light emitted from at least one of the first light source and the second light source. The light quantity ratio changing unit changing a light quantity ratio between the light emitted from the first light source and the light emitted from the second light source.
US08858425B2
Various embodiments for providing removable, pluggable and disposable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and/or image capture devices. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or other conditioning purpose. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged onto the exterior surface of another medical device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.
US08858422B2
A dildo, including a solid high density heat-resistant glass substrate completely covered by a relatively inert metal plating such as gold, silver, nickel, chromium or titanium, the substrate having a shaft portion, a base portion at one end and a head portion at the opposite end. In one configuration the head and base portions are enlarged, the shaft portion having spaced protuberances. In another configuration the shaft portion is serpentine in form, the head portion is tapered and having a hole formed there through for a tether, and the base portion has oppositely projecting protuberances. The metal plating can have a variety of coloring patterns.
US08858421B2
Generally described herein are apparatus, systems and methods related to a stem insertable into the access port tubing for the prevention of fluid leaks. More particularly, the stem or stems may be larger than the interior diameter of the access port tubing thereby providing a fluid seal to keep the fluid within the access port tubing. However, these fluid seals might not be absolute and may still allow a certain degree of leakage. In one embodiment, by including barbs which further presses against the interior diameter of the access port tubing, the sealing of the fluid may be substantially improved. The stem itself, while impenetrable by a needle, may still allow for bend flexibility of the access port tubing by employing a ball and socket joint for connecting to a next stem. In this manner, fluid leak prevention is improved while retaining the mobility of the access port tubing.
US08858415B2
Apparatus for delivering brachytherapy to a target tissue region includes an elongate body including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a tissue tract and carrying a plurality of elongate members including pathways for receiving a source of radiation. The elongate members are movable between collapsed and expanded configurations. During use, a tract is created through tissue, and the elongate body carrying the elongate members is advanced through the tract into a target location with the elongate members in the collapsed configuration. The elongate members are directed to the expanded configuration at the target location, and radiation is delivered to treat tissue at the target location, e.g., by introducing one or more radiation sources along the pathways.
US08858412B2
A pickup roller includes a supporting layer and a pickup layer, which includes a base surrounding the outer perimeter of the supporting layer and a plurality of particles which are distributed throughout the base and have a different hardness than a hardness of the base.
US08858408B2
A double loop exercise strap that includes both an outer strap anchored to a fixed object (e.g., a wall, rail or other fixed platform) and an inner strap that wraps firmly around a limb, extremity (e.g., hand or foot) or torso of the human body. The inner strap has two ends, a fixed end that may advantageously be sewn or attached to the outer strap and a free end that wraps around the human limb, extremity or torso and is threaded through an outer strap slot before being attached to the outside of the outer strap using VELCRO™, buckles or other types of fasteners to thereby create a closed double loop system.
US08858402B2
An exercise slide board is disclosed having a main board, a pair of backstops and a floor grip device. The main board has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is smooth and low friction to allow a user wearing low-friction footwear to easily slide across the board. The first and second backstops are positioned at or near a first end of the main board and a second end of the main board, respectively. The first and second backstops may have a base surface configured to abut against the top surface of the main board. The first and second backstops may also have a strike surface facing toward a center of the main board and extending away from the top surface of the main board at an angle away from the center of the board. The floor grip device is affixed on the bottom surface of the main board. The floor grip device is configured to grip both a hard flooring surface and a carpeted flooring surface. A non-slip mesh may be used. The floor grip device may grip the flooring surface so as to create a frictional force to secure the main board relative to the flooring surface in response to and against lateral forces applied in a direction planar to the flooring surface and transverse to and against the strike surfaces of the backstops.
US08858396B2
A device controls ISG (Idle Stop & Go) logic mounted in a vehicle equipped with an ISG system. The device includes a transmitting unit that shows the current state of a gear in the vehicle and controls the hydraulic pressure of a transmission in idle stop or restarting an engine, a driving unit that performs the idle stop when the pedal of a brake becomes ON, with the gear at a D (Drive)-range, and restarts the engine when the pedal of the brake becomes OFF, with the gear of the vehicle at the D-range, and a brake unit that controls movement of the vehicle by controlling the hydraulic pressure of the brake, in which brake unit controls the hydraulic pressure of a brake to be kept for a predetermined time from when the pedal of the brake becomes OFF.
US08858393B2
A transmission and a method for loading an engine in a vehicle. The transmission includes a gear set, an input shaft coupled to the gear set, and a plurality of friction elements coupled to the gear set. The transmission also includes a control system to direct a subset of the plurality of friction elements to engage the gear set to stall the input shaft thereby placing a load on the engine. The load causes additional heat that may be used to warm up the vehicle's passenger compartment and/or defrost the vehicle's windshield.
US08858386B2
A transmission includes an input and output member, four planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members, five interconnecting members continuously interconnecting members of the four planetary gear sets and six torque transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first members, second members, and third members with at least one of another of the first members, second members, third members, and a stationary member. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
US08858385B2
A selectively locked differential has a locked configuration in which both side gears are independently locked to the differential casing so that torque is not transmitted through the pinion gears. The locking of the side gears is accomplished by generally cylindrical, ring-shaped structures with castellations on one axial end surface of each structure. These castellations selectively interfit with rotatably fixed castellations of secondary structures fixed to the differential casing, such that the ring-shaped structures define a mechanically interconnected, zero-slip arrangement with respect to the rotationally fixed secondary structures when the differential is in the locked configuration.
US08858377B2
A vehicle power transmission device includes: a first planetary gear device distributing power from an engine to a first electric motor and a cylindrical output member having an output gear disposed on a portion in an axial center line direction on an outer circumferential side; and a second planetary gear device having a second sun gear coupled to a second electric motor, a second carrier fixed to a case, and a second ring gear coupled to an inner circumference of the cylindrical output member to reduce and transmit output rotation of the second electric motor to the cylindrical output member, the cylindrical output member being supported via a bearing disposed on an inner circumferential side of the cylindrical output member by the second carrier fixed to the case.
US08858372B1
A skill improvement racket for use when playing a game of Table Tennis features a linear handle. The racket features a planar, circular blade having a blade first side with a blade first side area. The blade features a blade upper edge, an opposing blade lower edge, a blade first edge, an opposing blade second edge, and a blade midline axis. The blade lower edge is located on a handle first end. The racket features a first color circle with a first color circle area. The first color circle is located on the blade first side adjacent to the blade first edge and proximal to the blade upper edge. The first color circle is a contrasting color with respect to a blade first side color located on the blade first side.
US08858356B2
A golf putter grip comprises a main tubular body having a non-circular cross-section being symmetrical and remaining similar throughout its axial length, a flat front area being preferably of rectangular shape and also along and throughout its axial length. The non-circular cross-section and the flat front area respectively have a width sufficient to have two hands cupped together at the same height and two thumbs placed side by side on the flat front area to hold the putter grip comfortably with minimal wrist breaking-down. The main tubular body preferably has flat-topped arch cross-section and is reversely tapered, and its reverse taper is sufficient in certain degrees to accommodate different finger lengths of two hands for reducing the gripping pressure, so as to make the gripping comfortable.
US08858355B2
Provided is a golf club having a head disposed at a front end of a shaft and a grip disposed at a back end of the shaft. A club weight is not larger than 290 g, and a ratio (head weight/club weight) of a head weight to a club weight is not lower than 0.67 but not higher than 0.72. When an inertia moment of the club at a grip end is MI, 2700 kg·cm2≦MI≦3000 kg·cm2 is satisfied, and when a frequency of flexural vibration of the club is F, 190 cpm≦F≦230 cpm is satisfied.
US08858348B2
A system to reduce or eliminate the sill of dasher boards on the play area side of a transparent plane is disclosed. The system features spacers and extensions which support the transparent panes in a more inward position. The system can be installed initially or used to retrofit an arena. The system is suitable for straight and curved-corner portions of the boards assembly. The system is suitable for use with panes of tempered glass or of transparent plastic.
US08858347B1
A gradient-adjustable skate park system and methods for using the same are provided. In accordance with some embodiments, a skate park system comprises a plurality of structures, wherein each structure of the plurality of structures includes one or more features for allowing a skateboarder to perform at least one skateboarding trick, a plurality of raising mechanisms coupled beneath at least a portion of the plurality of structures, and a processor that is configured to control the plurality of raising mechanisms to decline the plurality of structures by a predetermined angle.
US08858334B2
A racing car steering wheel assembly provides an input/output interface for a participant in a multimedia interactive electronic game. Two primary paddles on the underside of the wheel control throttle and braking functions, respectively. Secondary paddles or buttons may be included on either the side of the wheel for optionally controlling gear selection. Integral accelerometers are included for determining wheel rotation. Steering inputs are caused either by rotation about a fixed point to which the wheel may be affixed or by rotation in free air. A wired or wireless interface to a PC or game console provides communication with game software and optional wired or wireless communication between the user and other individuals. Switches and buttons may be included to emulate controls on real race cars and for inputting game information. A panel display and/or a decorative logo plate may be included on the wheel.
US08858327B2
The present invention discloses a method and a device for providing a game. The method includes: a detection step, for determining an additional display device being attached to a mobile device; and a push step, for pushing multimedia information of the game to the additional display device to be presented by the additional display device, and pushing a visual human machine interface of the game to a display of the mobile device to be displayed by the display; wherein, a controlled object displayed on the additional display device is controlled by the visual human machine interface. The above-mentioned method and device for providing a game can make a game machine have a smaller size and be more portable, display multimedia information of a game on a bigger screen for players and provide players with a visual human machine interface on the entire screen of a mobile device, and therefore it improves user experiences.
US08858326B2
Methods and systems are provided herewith for creating and managing wagers on possible states within a live event, such as possible outcomes of subparts of a sporting event or other possible occurrences within the event. An initial state and multiple possible future states of a performance parameter of the event is determined based on state information of the event. A betting market may be created by determining probabilities and odds for the possible future states. The betting market is closed after bets are received and before an end of an initial state of the performance parameter. A payout may be made to a winner who selected the correct outcome of the performance parameter.
US08858315B2
In a gaming machine, a controller executes a base game, and triggers the bonus game including a plurality of unit games when a result of the base game satisfies a predetermined condition. The controller determines reachable cells of the character in each unit game of the bonus game. The controller determines an expected value of an award provided in each reachable cell by distributing predetermined credits to the reachable cells in each unit game. The controller determines a number of cells by which the character moves along with the course in each unit game, moves the character to any one of the reachable cells according to the number of cells in each unit game, and determines an award to be provided to the player according to the expected value of a cell at which the character arrives in each unit game.
US08858309B2
A louver for directing airflow in a refrigerated display case, and a refrigerated display case employing a louver. In some embodiments, the louver includes a plurality of fins positioned to define a plurality of channels therebetween through which airflow can be directed substantially in a first direction. Each fin can be elongated in a second direction substantially orthogonal to the first direction to define a length. Each fin can include an inlet end and an outlet end in a cross-section taken along the length. The louver can further include a curved inlet profile defined by the inlet ends of the plurality of fins.
US08858307B2
A game stabilizing device that facilitates field dressing of big game is provided. The game stabilizing device includes a base with arms extending laterally from the base. Extending from the arms are elastic cords with connectors. The present invention may further include legs straps that are placed around the legs of the game. The base of the present invention is placed underneath the back of the game and the connectors are attached to the leg straps. Therefore, the game is stabilizing preventing swaying and the legs of the game are spread out so that a hunter may easily field dress the animal.
US08858301B2
Disclosed herein is a power tool (10) comprising a body (12), a rotatable drive shaft (14) having a free end (15) extending from the body (10), and a motor (16) for transmitting torque to the drive shaft (14). A cutting disc (24) having a mounting aperture (26) is engageable on the drive shaft (14). An attachment mechanism is provided for attaching the cutting disc (24) to the drive shaft (14). The attachment mechanism comprises a releasable locking member (30) associated with the drive shaft (14), the locking member (30) being movable between a locked configuration for retaining the cutting disc (24) on the drive shaft (14) and an unlocked configuration for releasing the cutting disc (24) for removal from the drive shaft (14). A biasing member (54) is associated with the locking member (30) for resiliently biasing the locking member toward the locked configuration. A release mechanism (56) is associated with the locking member (30) for moving the locking member into the unlocked configuration against the bias of the biasing member (54).
US08858300B2
A chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) system includes a rotating polishing table including a platen providing at least two pressure zones having different pressures; a sub-pad positioned on the platen, the sub-pad including a plurality of openings allowing for transmission of the different pressures therethrough; a fixed abrasive pad positioned on the sub-pad; and a pressure-creating system sealingly coupled to the platen for creating a different pressure in the at least two pressure zones, wherein the different pressures create topography on the fixed abrasive pad. A sub-pad and related method are also provided.
US08858289B2
A soft, flexible, illuminating flying disk toy may be used for recreation by adults and children and as a fetch toy for animals. The disk is designed as an improvement to existing soft, flexible flying disks by incorporating an illuminated outer edge, typically battery powered. This illuminated outer edge, while sewn into a durable, light weight, tear resistant translucent material, will also provide the semi-rigid support needed to create and maintain stable flight. The illuminated outer edge which is sewn into the translucent durable material is then sewn onto a slightly over-sized central circular disk shaped section of the same or similar material which, when thrown, creates an aerodynamic lift providing stable flight. By incorporating the illuminated outer edge into a soft flying disk, visibility and additional safety are provided when using the disk in dimming light conditions and during the dark of night.
US08858272B2
The invention relates to a high current contact having a contact pin, which has at least one contact opening, and a contact terminal, which has at least one contact limb, wherein the at least one contact limb of the contact terminal is connected to a corresponding contact opening of the contact pin on at least one joint region to produce an electrical contact and to receive mechanical forces, and to a corresponding method for producing said high current contact. According to the invention, producing the electrical contact between the contact pin and the contact terminal is largely separate from the receiving of mechanical forces, wherein the electrical contact between the contact pin and the contact terminal is produced by a first connection type and the mechanical forces are received by a second connection type.
US08858271B2
An interconnect for an internal device, such as a speaker, coupling power from a flexible connector to the speaker at two or more terminals. The interconnect includes a flexible element, such as a “minus” terminal, and a second element, such as a “plus” terminal, which are coupled to corresponding terminals on the flexible connector. A screw can be threaded through a hole in the flexible element, the corresponding terminals, and can be terminated at the second element. The screw presses the “minus” terminal and the “plus” terminal into their corresponding terminals, making an electrical connection and a physical connection.
US08858268B2
Patch cords include a communications cable that has first through eighth conductors that are arranged as four twisted pairs. A TIA 568B type plug may be attached to the cable. This plug includes a housing that receives the cable and first through eighth plug contacts that include plug contact regions that are substantially aligned in a row in numerical order. The plug further includes a printed circuit board that has first through eighth conductive paths that connect the first through eighth conductors to the respective first through eighth plug contacts. A first portion of the first conductive path and a first portion of the second conductive path are routed as a transmission line, and a first portion of the sixth conductive path is routed therebetween.
US08858267B2
Patch cords include a communications cable that has first through eighth conductors that are arranged as four twisted pairs and a plug attached thereto. The plug includes a housing that receives the cable, first through eighth plug contacts, and a printed circuit board that includes first through eighth conductive paths that connect the first through eighth conductors to the respective first through eighth plug contacts. The plug further includes a first crosstalk injection circuit between the second conductive path and the sixth conductive path and a second crosstalk injection circuit between the first conductive path and the sixth conductive path.
US08858259B2
A connector includes two receiving ribs (16) in a housing (10) at opposite sides of a locking lance (12) in a width direction. Two first restrictions (17) are formed on opposite left and right outer side surfaces of the locking lance (12) in the width direction and at a side of the receiving ribs (16) opposite to a terminal accommodating chamber (11) in the resilient deforming direction of the locking lance (12) and held out of contact with the receiving portions (16) when the locking lance (12) is not deformed. Two second restrictions (18) are formed on the opposite left and right outer side surfaces of the locking lance (12), opposed to a bottom surface (32) of a terminal fitting (30) formed with a locking hole (35) and held out of contact with the bottom surface (32) when the locking lance (12) is not deformed.
US08858244B2
Abnormal noise at a battery pack busbar module is prevented. A battery pack busbar module includes busbar accommodating portions each accommodate busbars which connect in series batteries, cover portions coupled by hinges to one of side edges of openings in the busbar accommodating portions to cover the openings, and lock portions to lock the cover portions by bringing first engagement portions provided on the other side edges of the busbar accommodating portions and second engagement portions provided on the cover portions into engagement with each other, and ribs projecting from the cover portions to come into abutment with the busbar accommodating portions are formed in positions spaced away from the lock portions, a height of the ribs being set such that the second engagement portions are not brought into engagement with the first engagement portions when the ribs abut the busbar accommodating portions.
US08858239B2
An electrical connector assembly includes a female connector (100) and a male connector (200) mating with each other. Each of the female connector and the male connector includes a housing (1, 4) and a number of terminals (2, 5) secured in the housing. The housing has a number of channels and a number of standoffs (13) arranged alternately along a lengthwise direction, and a number of indentations (14) each defined beside a corresponding standoff. Two adjacent standoffs are staggered. Each terminal has a contacting section. The contacting sections of the terminals of the female connector contact with those of the terminals of the male connector. The standoffs of the male connector engage with the indentations of the female connector.
US08858237B2
A receptacle connector (100) includes a housing (10), a front contact module (30) and a rear contact module (20) assembled in the housing. The housing has a cavity (12) opening along a horizontal direction. The cavity has a top wall (121) and a bottom wall (122) opposing to each other, the bottom wall having a tongue portion (120) at a front side of the housing. The rear contact module has a first contacts (22) and a second contacts (23) positioned on the top wall and the bottom wall respectively. The front contact module includes a one-piece insulator (31) assembled to a bottom side (13) of the housing, and a number of third contacts (32) insert-molded with the insulator.
US08858235B2
Apparatuses and methods for fixing a turkey tail fan are provided. The apparatuses can include a top and bottom sheet, an angled member, and a plurality of fasteners for fixing a turkey tail fan in a natural spread configuration. A kit for fixing and displaying a turkey tail fan is further provided.
US08858234B2
An apparatus and methods for training workers to recognize distortions. One example method includes positioning vacuum arms on a tilt-table top of a distortion training table situated in a horizontal position. The method further includes positioning locator arms on the tilt-table top in proximity to the vacuum arms, positioning a body panel on the locator arms to situate an inner surface of the body panel adjacent to each of the vacuum arms, applying suction to the inner surface of the body panel using the vacuum arms wherein the suction creates non-destructive distortions on an outer surface of the body panel, instructing the workers in tactile recognition of the distortions on the outer surface of the body panel, moving the tilt-table top from the horizontal position to a vertical position, and instructing the workers in visual recognition of the distortions on the outer surface of the body panel.
US08858233B2
A simulation system for training in endoscopic procedures includes an endoscope apparatus, which includes an operating part with at least one valve, a control device to generate a virtual image of an endoscopic operating scene depending on an actuation of the valve and a display device to display the virtual image, the endoscope apparatus includes for example a siphoning line, an insufflation line and/or a flushing line upon which the valve acts. The simulation system includes pressure-generating means to impact the siphoning line, the insufflation line and/or the flushing line with reduced or excess pressure, sensor means to measure pressure and/or flow in the siphoning line, the insufflation line and/or the flushing line and transmission means to transmit the measured values provided by the sensor means to the control device to be used in generating the virtual image.
US08858232B2
A device to three-dimensionally display colors of a color model is provided. The device includes a plurality of interconnected top panels. The top panels are arranged in a circle about a central axis to display primary, secondary and tertiary colors of the color model in a predetermined spatial relationship at the top surface of the device. The device further includes a plurality of interconnected side and bottom panels. Left and right surfaces of the side panels, the lower surfaces of the top panels and the upper surfaces of the bottom panels form the side surfaces of the device and display the primary, secondary and tertiary colors of the color model at the side surfaces.
US08858223B1
A Glycerin Fueled Afterburning Engine utilizes the power generation unit exhaust heat to pre-heat the glycerin, or similar difficult to combust fuel, and then utilizes regenerative burner heating to fully vaporize and superheat the fuel above the auto ignition temperature. The combustion inlet air is also highly preheated by the recuperative power generation cycle. The actual combustion process is then accomplished by hypergolic ignition from mixing the hot vapor with the hot air. The overall engine process operates on a cycle of (1) air compression, (2) indirect heating of air in an air heater, (3) air expansion, (4) air heating by combustion, and (5) air cooling by heat transfer to the incoming compressed air charge in the recuperator. This invention comprises (1) air heater modifications for glycerin preheating, (2) combustor modifications for glycerin vaporization, (3) staged combustion for complete combustion and flame temperature control and (4) means for starting the process before it is able to become regenerative.
US08858221B2
The present invention describes a novel reactor adapted for carrying out chemical reactions at temperatures of up to 1600° C., and at pressures of up to 100 bars. The reactor of the invention has two vessels surrounding the reaction zone, an inner vessel constituted by a refractory material and an outer vessel surrounding the inner vessel and constituted by an insulating material.
US08858212B2
A double color injection machine with a shaft and a disc is revealed. The double color injection machine includes a main body with a shaft and a disc. The disc is arranged with a slotted hole while the main body is disposed with an axial hole for being assembled with a shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve is inserted through the axial hole to be mounted to the slotted hole of the disc. A first bearing is mounted in the slotted hole and is corresponding to the shaft sleeve. A servo motor is used to drive the shaft to rotate. Thereby by the shaft sleeve on the shaft corresponding to the first bearing of the disc, the shaft is not rotated with the rotation of the disc. When the servomotor drives the shaft to rotate, the disc is not rotated. At the same time, fast and precise positioning is attained.
US08858205B2
A compressor is provided in which a rotary member suspended on a stationary member is rotated to compress a refrigerant. The rotary member is suspended on a first stationary member and rotatably supported on a second stationary member spaced apart from the first stationary member, which achieves the structural stability and allows the components to be easily centered and assembled. A refrigerant suction passage and a refrigerant discharge passage are such that the refrigerant may be sucked and discharged without a valve.
US08858204B2
A vacuum pump includes a pumping stage, a rotary shaft supported by a lubricated support bearing; a lubricant deflector mounted between the lubricated support bearing and a ring seal which is mounted on the rotary shaft between the lubricant deflector and the pumping stage, a first reservoir containing a first reserve of liquid lubricant and in communication with the lubricated support bearing in a first volume, a lubricant splashing unit mounted on the rotary shaft in the first reservoir and having one end bathed in the first reserve of lubricant. A second reservoir includes a second reserve of liquid lubricant separated from the first reservoir by a separation wall having an aperture through which the first and second reserves of lubricant communicate. A lubricant return channel having one inlet facing the lubricant deflector opens into the second volume of the second reservoir above the second reserve of lubricant.
US08858203B2
In a scroll air compressor as a scroll fluid machine capable of being downsized with an increased cooling effect, cooling air entering through a fixed inlet of a fixed cooling passage provided at the rear of a fixed scroll, and an orbiting inlet of an orbiting cooling passage provided at the rear of an orbiting scroll, is allowed to flow out of an fixed outlet and an orbiting outlet, respectively. Thereafter, the cooling air is guided to an outer periphery of the other end of the casing through a side duct and a guide duct, and then sucked into an inner peripheral side of a centrifugal fan to be discharged outwardly from an exhaust port provided in a fan cover.
US08858198B1
A hydrostatic apparatus is disclosed. The hydrostatic apparatus comprises a pump, an input shaft, a fan and a fan shroud. The pump comprises a housing, an end cap, a first end and a second end. The input shaft extending from the first end and the second end of the pump. The fan is attached to one end of the input shaft. The fan shroud is also attached to the pump.
US08858197B2
A compressor has a housing with a sensor coupling hole and a control valve coupling hole. A support plate is configured to contact with the compressor housing, the support plate having perforations. A sensor and a control valve pass through the perforations of the support plate respectively at positions corresponding to the sensor coupling hole and the control valve coupling hole. The sensor and control valve are coupled to the sensor coupling hole and the control valve coupling hole respectively. A washer is mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the sensor. The washer passes through the support plate and is inserted into the sensor coupling hole. The washer is coupled to the sensor coupling hole to fix the sensor.
US08858193B2
The air pump is installed on the frame of a bicycle which utilizes the sprocket of the bicycle as the power source. The air pump contains a cylinder member, a transmission member, and a positioning member. The positioning and transmission members are connected to the cylinder member. The positioning member allows the adjustment and positioning of the cylinder member along the bicycle frame so that the cylinder member can be engaged by a front sprocket of the bicycle. The transmission member contains a shaft and a gear. The shaft has one end connected to the cylinder member and another end connected to the gear. When a rider rotates the front sprocket, the rotational power is delivered to the gear and then to the shaft of the transmission member, which in turn drives the cylinder member to pump air for inflation.
US08858191B2
In a swash plate type compressor, provided is an introduction flow passage through which refrigerant is introduced from a suction chamber. Further, a differential pressure control valve is provided on the introduction flow passage. The differential pressure control valve acts due to a differential pressure (Pc−Ps) between a crank pressure Pc and a suction pressure Ps. An opening of the introduction flow passage is adjusted by the differential pressure control valve so as to prevent the crank pressure Pc from exceeding a predetermined value. According to the swash plate type compressor, an excessive elevation of the crank pressure Pc can be prevented without a usage of a check valve.
US08858179B2
A rotor control system operatively linked to a plurality of rotor blades includes a swashplate assembly having a stationary member and a rotating member. A blade attachment member is operatively connected to the plurality of rotor blades and a control horn is operatively connected to the blade attachment member and one of the plurality of rotor blades. At least one hydraulic actuator member is operatively coupled to the control horn and at least one hydraulic actuator element is operatively coupled to the swashplate assembly and the at least one hydraulic actuator member. The at least one hydraulic actuator member transmits control signals from the swashplate assembly to the one of the plurality of rotor blades through the at least one hydraulic actuator member.
US08858176B1
An air cooled turbine blade with a leading edge region cooling circuit that includes a row of vortex chambers connected to a cooling air supply cavity, with each vortex chamber connected to a showerhead arrangement of metering and curved diffusion holes that meter and diffuse cooling air prior to discharge onto the blade surface. Thin metering slots supply cooling air to the vortex chambers to promote a vortex flow. The vortex chambers and metering and curved diffusion holes are formed from a metal printing process that cannot be formed using a ceramic core with an investment casting process.
US08858174B2
The present subject matter relates to methods and systems for operating a wind turbine that, in some embodiments may include a gearbox. The wind turbine is provided with a blade having an adjustable pitch angle and the tip speed ratio (TSR) of the blade is monitored. In operation, the method and system is configured to increase the pitch angle of the blade concurrently with an increase in TSR to maintain turbine operation within an identified high power coefficient (Cp) operational region for the blade. TSR may be monitored by monitoring one of the velocity of the tip of the blade, wind speed, the rotational speed of the blade, or the rotational speed of a component within the gearbox.
US08858171B2
A bearing assembly for mounting a pair of spaced parallel actuators between a wing and a control surface of an aircraft so that the actuators control deployment of the control surface from the wing in tandem. The bearing assembly includes a fixed member for attachment to the aircraft and a movable member attachable to the actuators. The fixed and movable members are coupled via a part-spherical bearing and are configured such that the part-spherical bearing is located in the space between the actuators.
US08858168B2
A method for assembling a ventilation system is provided. The method includes providing a ventilation hood that includes a cover portion and a discharge portion extending from the cover portion. The cover portion includes a first aperture, an opposite second aperture, and a cavity therein, wherein an interior of the discharge portion is in flow communication with the cover portion cavity. The method also includes coupling a rotatable member at least partially within the ventilation hood, such that the rotatable member extends at least partially through at least one of the first and second apertures, and such that rotation of the rotatable member induces a windage-driven flow of fluid between a portion of the rotatable member and at least one of the first and second apertures.
US08858155B2
The invention relates to a method of aligning a wind turbine component with a wind turbine rotor hub, comprising providing the component with a support comprising at least one adjustable element and adjusting said at least one element to align the wind turbine component. The invention further relates to a system for aligning a wind turbine component with a wind turbine rotor hub comprising a support with at least one adjustable element supporting said wind turbine component, such that said wind turbine component can be aligned by adjusting said at least one element.
US08858146B1
A manufacturing method and device for supporting conductors. Using a non-metallic insulating material extending beyond the inside of one or both parallel legs of a staple the thumb and forefinger may grip this extension while the staple is being driven into a supporting structure. This finger grip allows for a small, insulated staple to be held with increased safety to thumb and forefinger during penetration of staple into support.
US08858144B2
A wave threaded fastener and system. A wave thread extends from the outer surface of the body and is made up of a profile wave and a lateral wave. The profile wave includes a plurality of profile crests and profile roots defining a plurality of profile thread widths. The lateral wave includes at least one lateral crest and at least one lateral root defining at least one wave period. Each wave period forms a period arc having a period arc angle and the sum of all period arc angles about the lateral wave equals three hundred and sixty degrees. Each of the profile crests and roots are aligned with corresponding lateral crests and roots and the wave thread travels one profile thread width per each period arc traveled.
US08858139B2
A retainer device retains an object within a cargo area of a vehicle. The cargo area is defined at least partially by a cargo area floor, a rear panel that extends upright from the cargo area floor, and a plurality of side panels that extend upright from the cargo area floor and that are disposed at respective sides of the rear panel. The retainer device includes a retaining member operable for retaining the object thereto. The retainer device also includes a coupling member that moveably couples the retaining member to an interior surface of the rear panel. The retaining member is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.
US08858136B2
The current invention is directed to an improved storage unit for dunnage wherein the dunnage comprises load supporting plates and load locking bars, the load supporting plates being stored in a horizontal orientation.
US08858126B2
A cutting tool includes a body having a forward end and a rearward end. The forward end includes an insert-receiving pocket with a threaded hole having a center axis. The cutting tool further includes a cutting insert with a countersunk bore with a center axis. The cutting tool includes an error proofing feature for preventing the cutting insert to be properly mounted in an insert-receiving pocket when an offset distance between the center axis of the threaded hole of the insert-receiving pocket and the center axis of the countersunk bore of the cutting insert is greater than a predetermined percentage of the outer diameter of the threaded screw.
US08858125B2
A tool assembly for removing material from a work-piece is disclosed herein. The tool assembly includes a cutter having a plurality of cutting teeth spaced circumferentially about an axis of rotation along a cutting end periphery. The cutter also includes a body extending away from the cutting end periphery along the axis of rotation. The tool assembly also includes a passageway for directing a flow of coolant to the cutting end periphery. The passageway is defined at least in a part by the cutter. The tool assembly also includes a cap engaged with the cutter. The cap includes a dispersion disk positioned in spaced relation to the cutting end periphery whereby an annular gap is defined between the cutting end periphery and the dispersion disk along the axis of rotation. The gap communicates with the passageway for directing coolant radially outward to all of the cutting end periphery.
US08858111B2
Quick connector assembly. At least some of the illustrative embodiments involve coupling an implement that has a stem member to the distal end of a pole that defines a long axis. The coupling comprising: inserting the stem member that defines a cross-sectional shape into an exposed aperture of a connector where the exposed aperture defines a cross-sectional shape that corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the stem member; and then locking the implement into the connector such that the both rotational movement of the implement, and movement parallel to the long axis, is restrained, the locking by turning a cam member associated with the connector less than a full rotation.
US08858104B2
An image recording apparatus includes: a heating section which is located further on the downstream side of a transport pathway than an image recording area, but further on the upstream side of the transport pathway than a transport roller which is rotated by a motor; and a control section which lowers the suction power of a suction section to a medium from a first suction power to a second suction power lower than the first suction power during a recording operation and makes a first torque which is generated at the motor in a period which is during the recording operation and in which the suction power of the suction section is a suction power lower than the first suction power, be lower than a second torque which is generated at the motor during a transport operation.
US08858102B2
A small size electron equipment keyboard, comprises a character area (101), a center key-press area (200), a left key-press area (103), a right key-press area (104) and a bottom key-press area (105), the letters in the center key-press area (200) which are arranged in regular trapezoidal shape according to the alphabet order, first from left to right, then from top to bottom.
US08858100B2
A camera module includes a lens system, an image sensor, and an actuator. The actuator is fixed relative to the image sensor, and the actuator moves the lens system relative to the image sensor to achieve focus. Components that move relative to each other result in gaps or spaces between the components, an in particular there is a gap between the lens system and the actuator. Such a gap provides a traveling path for foreign material, or particulates, to enter the camera module and reach the image sensor, or other intermediate optical components between the lens system and the image sensor. A camera contamination reduction apparatus is implemented as a protective membrane that prevents foreign material from reaching the internal optical components through the traveling path.
US08858089B2
An optical fiber cable connector includes a ferrule with a guide hole that is shaped to closely receive a multicore fiber having a flat side indicative of the rotational orientation of the cores of the multicore fiber. The ferrule includes a flat surface at one side of the guide hole, corresponding in position to the flat side of the multicore fiber. Installing the multicore fiber into the guide hole with its flat side abutting the flat surface along the side of the guide hole provides alignment of the cores with respect to an optical component to which the multicore fiber endface is to be connected.
US08858088B2
In a tapered roller bearing assembly, a crowning profile formed portion of the roller rolling surface is made up of a contact area crowned portion, which is held in contact with an inner ring raceway surface, and a non-contact area crowned portion which is held in non-contact with the inner ring raceway surface. The contact area crowned portion and the non-contact area crowned portion have their generatrices extending in an axial direction of a roller, which generatrices are represented by corresponding continuous lines represented by different functions and continued smoothly at a point of connection, and the curvature of the generatrix of the non-contact area crowned portion in the vicinity of the connection point is chosen to be smaller than the curvature of the generatrix of the contact area crowned portion.
US08858081B2
A sliding bearing includes a center portion and end portions on a bearing surface 1. Convexo-concave portions are respectively formed in the center portion and the end portions. The average height of the vertexes of convex portions 1A in the center portion is set smaller than the average height of the vertexes of convex portions 1B in the end portions. Average height Lh of the convexo-concave portion 1A in the center portion and average height LH of the convexo-concave portions 1B in the end portions are set to the same height. The center portion may be formed flat.
US08858077B2
A reclosable package that includes a pouch of flexible material that includes a reclosable closure secured to the flexible material adjacent an opening to releasably retain the opening of the pouch in a closed state. The closure includes fastenable closure strips that extend along opposite sides of the opening and that are releasably fastenable in multiple relative positions spaced along each of two perpendicular directions. The closure and flexible material of the pouch are configured to provide a maximum stiffness, in resistance to bending about a pouch axis extending along the pouch perpendicular to the closure strips, as determined at a point along the closure with the closure strips fastened, that is more than 10 times the maximum stiffness, in resistance to bending about the pouch axis, of one of the closure strips as secured to the flexible material, as determined at the point along the closure with the closure strips unfastened.
US08858063B1
A dilution kit for and a method of diluting concentrated solutions used to treat allergic symptoms are disclosed. The dilution kit may comprise a case comprising: a base; and a cover hingedly coupled to the base. A foam pad may be removably coupled within the base, the foam pad defining a plurality of vial apertures. A plurality of vials may be removably positionable within the plurality of vial apertures. The method may comprise: removably positioning at least one of a plurality of vials in an upwardly facing position within at least one of a plurality of apertures defined in a layer of foam padding in a base of a case of a dilution kit; and placing a predetermined amount of one of a diluent, a concentrated solution, and a combination thereof into at least one empty vial of the plurality of vials.
US08858059B2
A surface illumination device has a light source and a light guide plate having a light-emitting surface. The light guide plate guides light from the light source such that the light is emitted from a display region of the light-emitting surface. A plurality of first deflection patterns having deflection inclined surfaces and a plurality of second deflection patterns having deflection inclined surfaces are formed in the display region in at least one of the light-emitting surface of the light guide plate and an opposite surface to the light-emitting surface. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the light-emitting surface of the light guide plate, the first deflection pattern is disposed such that an angle formed by a line normal to the deflection inclined surface and a direction connecting the light source and the first deflection pattern is less than or equal to 30°.
US08858057B2
The asymmetric prism structure contains multiple asymmetric prisms arranged in parallel where each asymmetric prism has a first slant face, a second slant face, and a bottom face, connected end-to-end together. The first slant face directs light beams propagating perpendicular to the prism direction to a lateral side, and the second slant face directs light beams propagating perpendicular to the prism direction to the other lateral side. The present invention further provides a light guide plate, a backlight module, and a related application utilizing the asymmetric prism structure. When vertical asymmetry is present in the timing sequences for the backlight scanning and the signal to the LCD panel, the asymmetric prism structure can reduce the cross-talk near a side from the error signal, thereby enhancing the video quality.
US08858050B2
A vehicular lamp having first and second light source units disposed behind a projection lens is provided. In the second light source unit, light from a second light source disposed at a position lying further downward than the position of an optical axis of the projection lens is reflected toward the projection lens by a reflection surface of a second reflector disposed to extend downward from a front end edge of a shade. In this case, an upper area of the projection lens is configured such that light from a rear focus of the upper area of the projection lens is emitted further downward than emission light from a general area other than the upper area.
US08858047B2
The invention relates to a passenger service unit for an aircraft, comprising at least one light source and at least one passenger air supply device. According to the invention the passenger air supply device is adapted for applying a flow of air to the light source. Furthermore it relates to a method for providing light and fresh air to passenger of an aircraft by providing an air flow from an air supply device and light from a light source to the passenger. The method comprises applying an air flow from said passenger air supply device to said light source for cooling the light source by means of convection. Furthermore the invention relates to a method for assembling a passenger service unit and to an aircraft.
US08858044B2
A foldable LED table lamp is provided. The foldable LED table lamp includes a base, an elongated holder, an elongated lamp body, an LED emitting element fixed in the lamp body, and a touch sensitive switch. The elongated holder has a first end hinged to the base and an opposing second. The elongated lamp body has a first end hinged to the second end of the holder. The lamp body is rotatable between a first position where the lamp body is substantially perpendicular to the holder and a second position where the lamp body is juxtaposed with and parallel with the holder. The touch sensitive switch is mounted on the base and is configured to control the LED emitting element.
US08858038B2
The present invention relates to a lighting apparatus (1) or assembly therefore comprising: a carriage (25) coupled to a housing (10a, 10b), the carriage (25) adapted to retain a lamp (14) within the housing, the carriage (25) being moveable relative to the housing (10a, 10b) to manipulate the position of the lamp (14) within the housing (10a, 10b), wherein the carriage (25) is moveable along a first axis by way of a force applied along a second axis. This provides a more convenient way of adjusting the peak/flat of the light apparatus.
US08858025B2
Provided is a lighting device, including: a printed circuit board; one or more light emitting units formed on the printed circuit board; a resin layer which is formed on the printed circuit board, in which the light emitting units are embedded; a diffusion plate formed on an upper side of the resin layer, whereby an entire thickness of the lighting device can be reduced, and when the product is designed, a degree of freedom in design can be improved because flexibility is secured.
US08858023B2
An light mixing illumination device includes an array (1) of a plurality of solid state light sources, and an array (2) of a plurality of collimating lenses, each collimating lens being aligned with a solid state light source to collimate the light emitted from the solid state light source into a near parallel light; and a pair of first (5) and second (6) fly-eye lenses, wherein the collimated light from the collimating lens array (2) passes through the first and second fly-eye lens successively.
US08858019B2
Provided is a system for replacing a fluorescent lamp with a light emitting diode (LED) into a conventional fluorescent lighting fixture without modifications. The lighting assembly includes an LED unit having a first end and a second end. The lighting assembly also includes a safety locking device positioned on at least one of the first end and the second end of the LED unit and coupled to a lighting fixture. The safety locking device comprises a safety switch defining an unarmed state and an armed state. To prevent a risk of shock, the safety switch is changed from the unarmed state to the armed state upon manual activation of the safety switch after the LED unit is moved into a locked position. The armed state enables an electrical communication between the two ends of the LED unit to activate the LED unit.
US08858015B2
A solar powered illumination apparatus includes an upper housing having an upper optic lens configured to receive high angle solar light energy into an upper housing interior area and having a prismatic lens configured to refract low angle solar energy into the upper housing interior area. A lower housing is attached to the upper housing defining a lower housing interior area in communication with the upper housing interior area. A photovoltaic member is situated adjacent a lower end of the prismatic lens, the photovoltaic member configured to receive the light energy from the upper housing interior area. A battery is electrically connected to the photovoltaic member. Circuitry is situated intermediate the photovoltaic member and the battery for converting the solar energy to electrical energy. A plurality of lights is electrically connected to the battery configured to emit light when energized. The lights are energized only in dim light or darkness.
US08858009B2
An object is to provided a lighting device in which damage due to friction between a reflection sheet and a light guide plate is reduced or suppressed even if a stress is applied toward the reflection sheet by a housing due to asperities of a bottom plate of the housing. A backlight unit 24 according to the present invention includes a light guide plate 20, an LED unit 32, a reflection sheet 26, a backlight chassis 22, and a cushion sheet 27. The light guide plate 20 has a light entrance surface 20a that is a side surface, a light exit surface 20b that is a plate surface, and an opposite surface 20c that is an opposite surface from the light exit surface 20b. The LED unit 32 is arranged opposite the light entrance surface 20a of the light guide plate 20. The reflection sheet 26 is arranged so as to be in contact with the opposite surface 20c of the light guide plate 20. The backlight chassis 22 holds at least the reflection sheet 26 and the light guide plate 20 therein. The reflection sheet 26 and the light guide plate 20 are arranged on a surface of the bottom plate 22a in this sequence from the bottom plate 22a side. The cushion sheet 27 is configured to absorb a stress applied by the bottom plate 22a toward the reflection sheet 26 and arranged between the backlight chassis 22 and the reflection sheet 26.
US08858003B2
A physical force capacitive touch sensor comprises a capacitive sensor element on a substrate, a physically deformable electrically insulating spacer over the capacitive sensor element and a conductive plane over the physically deformable electrically insulating spacer. A protective fascia may be placed over the conductive plane provides an environmental seal for physical and weather protection, but is not essential to operation of the capacitive touch sensor. Back lighting is accomplished with a light transmissive layer having a suspended metal target proximate to the capacitive touch sensor plate. When the light transmissive layer and metal target are displaced toward the capacitive touch sensor plate the capacitance value of the capacitive touch sensor plate changes and that change is detected.
US08857998B2
A light source device includes: a light emission portion; a cooling channel configured to guide air toward the light emission portion; a rotational member disposed within the cooling channel in such a condition as to be rotatable around a predetermined rotation shaft by gravity, and configured to switch the cooling channel to a first channel branched from the cooling channel in the downstream when the light source device is set in a first position, and to a second channel different from the first channel when the light source device is set in a second position, wherein a position of the center of gravity of the rotational member is located at a position shifted from the center between the rotation shaft and an end of the rotational member away from the rotation shaft toward the end.
US08857994B2
A transparent display with a dynamic mask for generating three dimensional (3D) imagery. The display or apparatus includes a display element that is transmissive and that is selectively operable to display an image on the display element. The apparatus includes a dynamic mask element that is transmissive to light and that is positioned adjacent to the display element. The dynamic mask element is selectively operable to provide a mask with a shape and a size corresponding to the displayed image. The mask is positioned on the dynamic mask element so as to be adjacent to the first location, e.g., to be behind the displayed image, and, typically, the mask includes portions that are semi-transparent or opaque to block light from passing from the background through the displayed image and from passing through the display element at the location of the displayed image into the background to avoid double imaging.
US08857984B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the assessment and rehabilitation of vision impairment. In particular, the invention is concerned with an apparatus displaying visual stimuli and the method of using this device for the purpose of assessment and rehabilitation of individuals with acquired brain injury and visual impairment resulting therefrom. The apparatus comprises a display means with a plurality of visual stimuli switched on and off in predetermined sequences. The sequences are adapted to be used to assess and rehabilitate a person's visual impairment.
US08857979B1
Eyeglasses with interchangeable frame adornments provide eyeglasses with a plurality of accessories including a plurality of fasteners having a decorative attachment. An outwardly disposed socket fastener is placed upon the frame of the eyeglasses; each of the attachments includes a decorative adornment with an integral stud fastener. The attachments are selectively interchangeable and configurable upon the frame of the eyeglasses by corresponding engagement of the stud fastener to the socket fastener.
US08857975B2
An ink jet printing apparatus includes a placement table on which recesses in which swelling portions of a printing target material fall are formed and the printing target material is placed, and an ink jet head that discharges ink onto a surface of the printing target material of a printing side placed on the placement table so as to execute desired printing. The swelling portions such as seams fall in the recesses on the printing target material so that the swelling portions and the ink jet head can be avoided from rubbing with each other.
US08857968B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an ink composition which has excellent storage stability and has good curing sensitivity regardless of the type of a light source for irradiation, and an ink container. Another object of the present invention is to provide an ink jet recording method which provides a cured image having excellent image gloss even with an LED light source. The ink composition comprises: a radically polymerizable compound; a radical polymerization initiator; and a colorant, and having a dissolved oxygen content of 9 mg/L or more. The ink container, having a gas-impermeable structure and encapsulates the ink composition. The ink jet recording method comprises: a degassing step of reducing a dissolved oxygen between the ink container that stores the ink composition and ink-discharging nozzles; and a discharging step of discharging the degassed ink composition from the nozzles.
US08857959B2
An inkjet recording apparatus, including a first casing having an upward opening at a top thereof; a recording unit disposed in the first casing and configured to discharge ink from a nozzle onto a sheet; a first cover to cover a part of the opening of the first casing; a second cover detachably attached to the first cover and configured to cover another part of the opening which is not covered by the first cover; a waste ink tank removably supported by the first casing at a position facing the second cover in the first casing and configured to contain waste ink discharged from the nozzle; and a second casing disposed in an upper position with respect to the first casing and configured to be movable between a proximate position and a separate position, is provided.
US08857951B2
A large-format printing apparatus includes multiple printing head units. Each of the printing head units can intermittently and steppingly move in a first direction and has a printing nozzle which can move reciprocatingly in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction for printing sub-images. Before printing starts, the printing head units are disposed at one end of a printing medium, and arranged to seamlessly splice the sub-images printed by the printing head units into a complete large-format printing image.
US08857950B2
A liquid ejection device includes a head, a medium supporting section and a first member. The head has a nozzle configured to eject a liquid onto a recording medium. The head is configured to move in a head travel direction. The medium supporting section is configured to support the recording medium. The first member has a curving face. The first member is disposed in a position overlapping the head travel direction and not overlapping the medium supporting section and the recording medium supported on the medium supporting section in a plan view. The first member is arranged so that the curving face faces a nozzle face of the head on which the nozzle is formed when the first member faces the head. The head is further configured to eject the liquid onto the curving face of the first member when the head faces the first member.
US08857949B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head having a nozzle formation surface with a nozzle that discharges a liquid. A cleaning member wipes the nozzle formation surface to remove liquid that has adhered thereto. An absorption member of a porous material deforms under pressure and includes an absorption surface that contacts the cleaning member to absorb liquid that has adhered thereto. A pressure member moves between a pressure position, in which the pressure member applies pressure to the absorption surface of the absorption member, and a non-pressure position, in which the pressure member does not apply pressure to the absorption surface. A movement mechanism moves the pressure member from the non-pressure position to the pressure position to cause the absorption member to deform, thereby dispersing the liquid absorbed by the absorption member from the cleaning member via the absorption surface into the interior of the absorption member.
US08857942B2
A printer 3 with a paper consumption output function resets the count of a paper consumption counter 32 (ST22) when a start measuring command C1 is received from the host computer 2 side, and measures the paper consumption 32A from a specific start measurement time to a specific stop measurement time using a paper consumption counter 32 (ST23b to ST27b). When a fetch paper consumption command C2 is received (ST41), the printer 3 outputs the paper consumption 32A, which is the count of the paper consumption counter 32, to the host computer 2 (ST43).
US08857938B2
A method for aligning multi-channel digital image data for a digital printer having an array of printheads for each of a plurality of channels is described. A test pattern including test pattern indicia printed using individual printheads is scanned and analyzed to detect locations of the printed test pattern indicia. For each array position, one of the printheads is designated to be a reference printhead, and one or more of the other printheads are designated to be non-reference printheads. Spatial adjustment parameters are determined for each of the non-reference printheads responsive to the detected test pattern indicia locations. Digital image data to be printed with the non-reference printheads is modified in accordance with the determined spatial adjustment parameters.
US08857936B2
A drive signal generating unit that generates a drive signal applying, in one pixel period, at least one drive waveform for causing ink droplets to be discharged can generate two types of drive waveforms, a large droplet waveform and a small droplet waveform. The large droplet waveform includes an expansion pulse expanding the volumes of pressure chambers and a contraction pulse making the volumes of the pressure chambers contract. The expansion pulse width of the large droplet waveform is 2.8 AL or longer but 3.4 AL or shorter. The small droplet waveform includes an expansion pulse, a pause period, and a contraction pulse, and the expansion pulse width of the small droplet waveform is 0.8 AL or longer but 1.2 AL or shorter, where AL represents a half of an acoustic resonance period of a pressure wave in the pressure chamber.
US08857934B2
This invention provides a print element substrate having a plurality of printing elements. The print element substrate includes a detection circuit configured to detect substrate information of the print element substrate, a shift register configured to serially input print signals for performing driving control of the printing elements, serial-parallel convert the print signals, and parallelly output the print signals, a latch circuit configured to latch the print signals parallelly output from the shift register, and a driving circuit configured to drive the plurality of printing elements based on the print signals latched by the latch circuit. Detection signals based on the substrate information are parallelly input from the detection circuit to the shift register until serial input of next print signals starts after parallelly outputting the print signals from the shift register to the latch circuit.
US08857929B2
The invention relates to a pull-out guide for a drawer. The pull-out guide has a body rail to be fastened to the furniture body and at least one pull-out rail that can be moved relative to the body rail. The pull-out guide includes a retaining element having a connecting element, so that the drawer can be adjustably connected to the pull-out rail. The retaining element can be connected to the pull-out rail and the connecting element is movably mounted relative to the retaining element. An adjusting device for horizontally moving the connecting element is arranged on the retaining element, and the adjusting device includes a converting device, which can be rotationally moved about an axis arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pull-out rail and so that a rotational motion can be converted into a translational motion.
US08857927B2
An insert for an existing file drawer. The insert includes upper and lower insert drawers which are each of shallower depth and fit within the original drawer compartment in a vertically stacked relationship. The upper and lower insert drawers are coupled between the original drawer front and the remaining original box structure. The insert drawers are horizontally slidably mounted one above the other so that opening movement of the drawer front horizontally sequentially extends the upper and lower insert drawers into a fully open position which enables access into both insert drawers.
US08857923B2
A brake system for a vehicle includes a main brake cylinder which has a first chamber which is hydraulically connected to at least one wheel brake cylinder for braking a wheel of the vehicle; an activating device for the driver to mechanically act on a piston of the main brake cylinder in order to pressurize hydraulic fluid in the first chamber of the main brake cylinder; and a pressure generating device which is hydraulically connected to the first chamber of the main brake cylinder, and which for activating the wheel brake cylinder supplies the wheel brake cylinder with hydraulic fluid through the first chamber of the main brake cylinder.
US08857920B2
An obstacle traversing wheel assembly can include at least one primary wheel member mounted with a primary axis of rotation and capable of rolling engagement with a supporting surface, and at least one secondary wheel member mounted with a secondary axis of rotation. The secondary wheel member can have a plurality of surface engaging protrusions which enable the wheel assembly to traverse an obstacle by imparting climbing movement to the primary wheel member in response to engagement with the obstacle. The surface engaging protrusions can be defined by rolling wheel members. The obstacle traversing wheel assembly can be incorporated on a wide variety of wheel-bearing devices, such as wheelchairs, personal transportation devices, and intravenous fluid support racks.
US08857917B2
A cutting tool mounting assembly adapted for attachment to a surface of a rotatable driving member of a cutting tool machine. The cutting tool mounting assembly includes a tool holder having a key shank, a base attached to the surface of the rotatable driving member with the base having a mounting groove for receiving the key shank of the tool holder, and a resilient retention structure configured to interact with the base and the tool holder to facilitate a friction fit between the tool holder and the base.
US08857913B2
A seat assembly having a seat bottom and a seat back. The seat back includes first and second side members and a cross member. The cross member has an extended portion that extends from the first side member. A bushing is disposed on the extended portion and is received by a hole in the seat bottom to support pivotal movement of the seat back.
US08857894B2
The invention relates to a vehicle, notably a motor vehicle, chassis frame side rail made up of two section pieces of U-shaped cross section, welded together by longitudinal connecting tabs juxtaposed contiguously and more or less perpendicularly extending the ends of the branches of the U, in which each section piece has, between each of the tabs and the branches of the U that it extends, a joining area that forms two separate longitudinal plastic hinges that deform if the side rail is deformed by longitudinal compression so as to keep the welded joint between the tabs intact.
US08857885B2
A roll-up tarp apparatus for attachment to an open top truck trailer having a truck box, having end caps at each end that partially cover the top opening. Preferred embodiments include at least one magnet on at least one of the end caps; even more preferably, a plurality of magnets along each end of the end caps, which are configured to releasably secure the flexible tarp to the end cap when the flexible tarp is in the secured position. Preferably, the flexible tarp is wound around an elongated roll bar that is secured to at least one arm that connects the elongated roll bar to the truck box and selectively activates movement of the elongated roll bar to move the flexible tarp from an open position to a secured position. Various embodiments include biasing members to bias the arm(s).
US08857882B2
A combination toolbox and seating assembly is provided. The toolbox seating assembly is installed in the bed of a pickup truck, wherein the toolbox includes a hinged lid, and wherein a bench style seat may be stored the toolbox when not in use, and may be positioned within the upper portion of the toolbox when in use to provide comfortable rearward seating within the bed of the truck.
US08857877B2
A reconfigurable end-effector attachable to a robotic arm, includes a master boom, a first branch assembly and a second branch assembly, a dual articulation mechanism. The dual articulation mechanism includes a first clutch attached to the first branch assembly and is configured to articulate the first branch assembly relative to the second branch assembly. The dual articulation mechanism further includes a second clutch attached to the master boom, the second branch assembly and the first clutch and is configured to simultaneously articulate the first and second branch assemblies relative to the master boom. The first and second branch assemblies each have limbs connected to branches supporting a plurality of tool modules. Each tool module includes an end element configurable to interact with a workpiece.
US08857866B2
Handle for vehicles, which comprises a first rocker (1) which can rotate with respect to a frame (2) which rotatably supports a lever mechanically connected to the first rocker (1), so that the latter can rotate around a first axis (3; 22) when the lever is driven, wherein a pendulum (6) provided with an inertial mass (8) is pivoted to the frame (2) or to a body integral therewith for oscillating around a second axis (7), said first rocker (1) being provided with a shoulder (9) suitable for being intercepted by a stop member (12) for preventing at least partially the rotation of the first rocker (1), wherein a second rocker (10) provided with the stop member (12) is mechanically connected to the pendulum (6) for oscillating around a third axis (11) when the pendulum (6) oscillates around the second axis (7).
US08857856B2
A security foil includes two or more carrier substrates which have at least one optically active structure and at least two metal layers. The security foil is composed as follows: a) a first carrier substrate, b) a first radiation-curable lacquer layer into which an optically active structure is incorporated, c) a first metal layer, d) a protective lacquer layer, e) an adhesive layer, f) a second carrier substrate, g) a second radiation-curable lacquer layer, h) a second metal layer, i) optionally a protective lacquer layer, and k) optionally an adhesive coating. The adhesion between the layers g) and h) or f) and g) is significantly lower than the adhesion between the remaining layers.
US08857854B2
A vehicle occupant restraint system that includes a clutch mechanism, an electric actuator, a spindle and a power transmission mechanism that transmits motive power from the actuator to the clutch mechanism. The transmission mechanism has a low reduction transmission path that reduces rotation of the actuator at a low reduction ratio, a high reduction transmission path that reduces rotation of the electric actuator at a high reduction ratio, and switching means. When a possible collision is detected, the actuator is positively rotated and rotation is transmitted to the clutch mechanism at a high speed and low torque via the low reduction transmission path, until coupling of the clutch mechanism is complete. Subsequently, the transmission mechanism is switched to the high reduction transmission path and rotation is transmitted to the clutch mechanism, at a low speed and high torque, to wind the seatbelt around the spindle.
US08857853B2
A modular vehicle chassis frame includes: two longitudinal bar pieces having front and rear end portions and a plurality of engaging portions; two front connecting members; two rear connecting members; two terminal bar pieces, one of which is connected to the front end portions of the longitudinal bar pieces through the front connecting members, and the other one of which is connected to the rear end portions of the longitudinal bar pieces through the rear connecting members; and a plurality of crossbar pieces that extend transversely to the longitudinal bar pieces. Each of the crossbar pieces extends through two aligned ones of the engaging portions respectively of the longitudinal bar pieces.
US08857846B1
An improved frame structure of a baby carriage is provided, including a handle, a connecting rod, a folding assembly, a support rod and a linkage rod assembly. The connecting rod has one end connected to the handle and the other one connected to the folding assembly. The folding assembly includes a first transmission rod and a second transmission rod. The first transmission rod has one end connected to the connecting rod and the other end connected to the support rod. The second transmission rod has one end connected to the first transmission rod and the other end connected to the linkage rod assembly. The improved frame structure is easy to use and portable.
US08857845B2
The present disclosure is directed generally towards closing a snowboard binding locking lever with a pull cable that protrudes forward, upward, or upward and forward from the highback of the binding. One aspect of the present disclosure provides a pull cable with a cable guide and a grip. Another aspect includes a semi-rigid bendable guide to act as an additional guide for the pull cable. Another aspect includes a magnet or notch to fasten the grip towards the front of the binding.
US08857843B2
A bicycle including a main frame, a front wheel mounted for rotation relative to the main frame. a rear dropout, and a rear wheel mounted for rotation relative to the rear dropout about an axis. The rear wheel defines a center plane of the bicycle and is driven by a chain. The bicycle also includes a seat stay coupling the rear dropout to the main frame. The seat stay has an inner surface facing the rear wheel and an outer surface facing away from the rear wheel. The seat stay includes a steep portion having an outer surface disposed at a steep angle of between about 25 degrees and about 75 degrees relative to the center plane, and at least a portion of the steep portion is disposed outboard of the chain.
US08857839B2
A lever drive system for a scooter including a crank arm having a first distal end pivotally carried on a frame and operatively associated with a drive sprocket, wherein reciprocating movement of the crank arm causes rotation of the drive sprocket for moving a drive chain operatively associated with a wheel assembly. A footrest is disposed on the crank arm for operating the crank arm. A cam member is pivotally mounted to the frame generally adjacent the crank arm. A cam follower is carried by the crank arm engaging the cam member, wherein movement of the crank arm causes the cam follower to move along a contoured control surface of the cam member for controlling an up and down movement of the crank arm.
US08857837B2
A suspension assembly for securing a wheel to opposed sides of a container carrying frame. A pivoted wheel support arm is secured at a forward pivot end to a pivot pin retained in the frame. A wheel axle assembly is secured at the rear free end of the pivot arm and adapted to connect a wheel thereto and has a shock absorber connecting bracket. A shock absorber connecting member extends above the pivot pin and is pivotally displaceable in facial alignment with a stationary shock absorber connector secured to the frame. A shock absorber is retained captive between the shock absorber connecting member and the stationary shock absorber connector to absorb vertical displacement loads transmitted to the pivotal wheel support arm.
US08857835B2
The present invention relates to a rear suspension system of a coupled torsion beam which comprises a torsion beam and trailing arms connected to ends of the torsion beam by welding, wherein a gap with a predetermined length is formed between the torsion beam and the trailing arm.
US08857827B2
A cart having a platform and at least one forward located non-direction biased caster wheel and two rearward located direction biased caster wheels. A second forward located non-direction biased caster wheel may be provided. Various cart types are disclosed including lumber, flatbed, nursery, utility and luggage carts. An embodiment for converting between biased direction and non-biased direction rear wheels is also disclosed.
US08857826B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a wheelbarrow having a wheelbarrow lateral support. The wheelbarrow lateral support includes a first arm, a second arm, and a horizontal support area configured to connect the first arm and the second arm. The wheelbarrow lateral support further includes a first extension of subjection connected to the first arm.
US08857824B2
A truck assembly having a mounting plate with a first mounting bracket with a first arm, a second arm and a ridge; a cushion with a front surface that defines a concave segment, a rear surface that defines a notch that receives and seats the ridge, and a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface; an axle assembly having a wheel shaft and a truck support with a first cushion support arm and a second cushion support arm; and a swing pin releasably joining the cushion and the axle assembly to the first mounting bracket.
US08857823B2
A coupling means arranged in a binding, the binding including an upper chassis section and a lower chassis section which are engaged via the coupling means, and which are pivotally arranged relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, the coupling means comprising a spring back component arranged at either chassis section; and at least one bolt element arranged for engaging, at at least one selected position, with the other chassis section and being arranged on an opposite side of the spring back component in relation to that other chassis section, so that when the chassis sections are pivoted in relation to each other, the spring back component is lifted by the at least one bolt element thereby counteracting the pivoting movement.
US08857803B2
A holder for an intraocular lens during the processing and packaging of the intraocular lens. The holder having an upper member having a base portion extending from the upper member along a first longitudinal axis. Additionally, the holder has a lower member having a receiving member defining a cavity for receiving the intraocular lens and a coupling member for engaging the base portion. The receiving member extending from the lower member along a second longitudinal axis and having at least one channel extending substantially through the receiving member that is substantially transverse to the second longitudinal axis. The holder has a locked position such that the upper and lower members are locked with respect to each other and at least one channel provides unobstructed access into the cavity of the receiving member for obtaining dimensional and optical measurements of the intraocular lens when the holder is in the locked position.
US08857798B1
A system, apparatus and method for concentrating a solution. The system includes a humidification device and a solution flow path for flow of a solution to be concentrated to the humidification device. The humidification device includes humidification media to facilitate evaporation of liquid from the solution to be concentrated to gas as the solution to be concentrated passes through the humidification media thereby concentrating the solution. The method includes flowing a solution to be concentrated along a flow path to a humidification device including humidification media, flowing a gas through the humidification media, and flowing the solution to be concentrated through the humidification media. There is evaporation of liquid from the solution to the gas as the solution passes through the humidification media thereby concentrating the solution and producing a humidified gas. The solution to be concentrated may be salt water and the gas may be air.
US08857792B2
Seal ring assemblies for use with rotary valves and methods to manufacture the same are disclosed. A seal ring assembly is described that includes a ring-shaped seal to be fixed within the rotary valve, where the seal enables the sealing engagement of a control member with a flow control aperture. The seal is compressed between a first seal clamp and a second seal clamp by a compressive force maintained by a plurality of fasteners extending through the seal and fixed to the first and second seal clamps.
US08857787B2
An electro-pneumatic device includes a sensor portion and a valve portion. The sensor portion, which includes a sensor, receives and transmits electronic control signals of a plurality of frequencies. The sensor portion is powered by a first of the frequencies of the received control signals. The valve portion electrically communicates with the sensor. The valve portion includes a valve that is alternately set to an open state and a closed state based on a second of the plurality of frequencies of the received control signals. The sensor senses a delivery pressure of the valve and transmits electronic data signals representing the delivery pressure at a third of the plurality of frequencies.
US08857781B2
A modular skid base is provided for supporting, for example, a power generation system that includes a prime mover (e.g., an engine) and a driven machine (e.g., an alternator; a generator; a compressor; a pump; a gear drive for, for example, heavy industrial applications; or any other type of load device). The modular skid base includes a pair of first support skid rails and a pair of second support skid rails. The modular skid base also includes an overlapping section that includes a portion of the second support skid rails overlapping a portion of the first support skid rails along a length direction of the modular skid base. The overlapping section can provide stiffness where required without adding height and mass to the entire modular skid base.
US08857779B2
An adjustable holder (1) for a concave holographic grating (2) for enabling the correct positioning of the grating vis-à-vis a light entrance port (15) and a light exit port (20), characterized in, that it comprises a grating hinge (10) fixed to said grating, said grating hinge (10) enabling rotational adjustment of the grating position with respect to said holder (1), the center point of the rotational adjustment being located at the vertex of said grating (2).
US08857765B2
The present disclosure is generally directed to an aircraft body including a fuselage skin on an outboard member of the aircraft body and a wing box extending through a member of the aircraft body. The wing box being enclosed and capable of being pressurized is fixedly attached at an outer surface to at least one pair of an attachment member and an attachment link member that is fixedly attached to the aircraft body.
US08857763B2
A movable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end and an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location and the ingress/egress location, wherein the seat has an operational orientation at the operational location and an ingress/egress seat orientation at the ingress/egress location; the ingress/egress seat orientation being substantially angled relative to the operational seat orientation. Another moveable seat assembly for a vehicle comprises a predetermined path having an operational location at a first end, an ingress/egress location at a second end, and a standby location along the path there between; and a seat that travels along the predetermined path between the operational location, the standby location, and the ingress/egress location; wherein the position of the seat is adjustable at the operational location.
US08857762B2
A method and apparatus are provided for at least partially environmentally isolating a volume, such as by environmentally isolating the cargo compartment from the passenger compartment of an aircraft. In the context of an apparatus, a barrier curtain is provided that partially defines the volume. The apparatus also includes a cable extending along one or more walls that partially define the volume. The barrier curtain is supported by the cable. The apparatus may also include a cable release mechanism attached to a respective wall. The cable is carried by the cable release mechanism and the cable release mechanism is configured to fail at a predetermined load, thereby permitting the barrier curtain to drop in response to a decompression event.
US08857751B1
A device for collecting, storing and deploying inflatable slides and play structures. In general, the device comprises an elongated barrel, an end cap immediately adjacent to each end of the elongated barrel, a ratchet device removably connected to each end of the elongated barrel, a handle connected to each ratchet device, and a slot running along the length of the elongated barrel. The device is used to collect an inflatable by attaching ratchet devices which are attached to handles to each end of the elongated barrel, inserting a portion of an inflatable into the slot of the elongated barrel; and alternatively pulling and pushing each handle to incrementally wind the inflatable around the elongated barrel.
US08857735B2
A device for generating a scented mist of an atomized liquid fragrance oil includes an atomizer complex, a reservoir assembly, a drainage tube, and a vacuum tube. The atomizer complex can atomize the liquid fragrance oil into a scented mist and deliver the scented mist to air outside of the atomizer complex, where the liquid fragrance oil the fragrance oil that is not atomized into the scented mist delivered to the air outside of the atomizer complex includes collected oil that is collected and drained to a reservoir assembly. A drainage tube extends from a bottom area of the atomizer complex into the liquid fragrance oil. The device can filter the liquid fragrance oil in the reservoir assembly and the collected oil from the atomizer complex that drained down the drainage tube. The vacuum tube can suction the filtered liquid fragrance oil and the collected oil into the atomizer complex for atomization.
US08857734B2
A fluid injection device includes: a pulse generator which converts fluid into pulse flow; a suction pipe projecting from the pulse generator; an injection pipe which is eccentrically inserted into the suction pipe such that the outer circumferential surface of the injection pipe contacts the inner circumferential surface of the suction pipe, and has an injection opening communicating with the pulse generator; and a suction channel and a suction opening formed between the inner circumferential surface of the suction pipe and the outer circumferential surface of the injection pipe, wherein the injection pipe is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the suction pipe in the vicinity of the injection opening.
US08857733B1
An apparatus and method for forming a fusible coating or structure comprising a combustor that is operative to combust a fuel and contain the resulting flame to produce combustion products; means for cooling the combustion products to produce a hot carrier gas stream; and means for introducing fusible material into the hot carrier gas stream.
US08857732B2
The invention relates to a spray gun comprising a gun body (1), a nozzle arrangement (9) arranged on said gun body (1), a compressed air supply channel (22, 23) which is arranged in the gun body (1) and which comprises a valve arrangement (17) for controlling the compressed air supply to the nozzle arrangement (9), a device (31, 33, 37, 42, 40) for controlling the compressed air supply, and a pressure measuring device (35) for recording and displaying the pressure in the compressed air channel (22). Said invention is characterized in that said pressure measuring device (35) is secured in a removable manner to the device (31, 33, 37, 42, 40) for controlling the compressed air supply.
US08857731B2
The present invention generally relates to volatile substance evaporators having a container with wick, and has the object of providing a technique for effectively detecting end-of-life of the volatile substance housed within the container. The volatile substance evaporator is configured for coupling to, and maintaining in a stable position, a container of volatile substance having a wick with a lower end housed within said container and an upper end emerging from the container. The evaporator comprises an infrared light emitter disposed so as to emit a beam of light on said upper end of the wick, in such a manner that a receptor is disposed so as to capture said beam of light reflected by the upper end of the wick.
US08857730B2
A sump sprinkler system for use with residential and commercial buildings. The sump sprinkler system comprises a system controller and a sprinkler pump in communication with the system controller. The sump sprinkler system also comprises an intake tube connected to the sprinkler pump, wherein the intake having an end arranged in a sump of a building. The sump sprinkler system also comprises at least one sprinkler connected to the output of the sprinkler pump, wherein the sprinkler is in communication with the system controller. The sump sprinkler system also comprises a water level member in communication with the system controller, wherein the water level member is arranged in the sump.
US08857726B2
An apparatus and a method for generating and recognizing a barcode in a portable terminal are provided. The apparatus for generating and recognizing a barcode in a portable terminal includes a barcode generator for dividing a barcode into a symbol region, in which data is stored, and a pattern region, in which information on a position of the barcode and the data stored in the symbol region is stored, and positioning a plurality of groups of error correction blocks while interconnecting a plurality of error correction blocks belonging to a same group in the symbol region; and a barcode recognizer for extracting information on the position of the barcode and the data stored in the symbol region through the pattern region of the barcode and searching for a symbol in the symbol region to extract data from the searched symbol.
US08857720B1
One aspect of the present disclosure is related to a barcode reader that includes a bright field illumination system, a dark field illumination system, and an additional illumination system that is better able to illuminate an area of the reader's field of view between the far zone (where bright field illumination is optimal) and the close zone (where dark field illumination is optimal). In this “center zone,” the dark field illumination may not be bright enough and the bright field illumination may not be diffuse enough for reading a barcode.
US08857712B2
An arrangement for a tunnel scanner includes a chassis with a first data reader structure and a second data reader structure attached thereto. The first and second data reader structures include data readers that are pre-positioned before the first and second data reader structures are attached to the chassis. Indexing features of the first and second data reader structures cooperate with corresponding indexing features of the chassis to properly position the data readers relative to the chassis. In one assembly method, one or more data reader structures having pre-positioned data readers are shipped to an assembly location for a tunnel data reader. A chassis is either provided at or shipped to the assembly location. In one configuration, the data reader structures are indexed and attached to the chassis such that each data reader is placed at a desired location and orientation with respect to the chassis.
US08857710B1
Systems and methods for assessing transaction risk. A consumer tenders a transaction card to a merchant to purchase a good or service. A payment device of the merchant, such as a merchant's payment terminal or mobile communication device, is used to process the payment utilizing a risk assessment system. Card data received by the payment device is sent to the risk assessment system, which processes card data and generates an indicator representing the risk associated with accepting payment using the card. The indicator is sent to the payment device to provide the merchant input regarding risk associated with using the card (e.g., likelihood of fraud or chargeback) in a seamless manner. If the risk level is too high, the merchant may reject the card. The risk indicator may be based on different types of data from different sources, e.g., data from a first source related to the credit history of the consumer and data from a second source related to the identity of the consumer.
US08857706B2
Mail processing system, methods, and computer-readable media. A method includes detecting and reading a tray label of a tray being placed on or in the mail processing machine to determine a tray identifier. The tray is a mail item container containing a plurality of mail items to be processed by the mail processing machine in a current mail processing function. The method includes validating the tray identifier for the current mail processing function. The method includes, when the tray identifier is valid for the current mail processing function, activating a valid-tray indicator, and otherwise when the tray identifier is invalid for the current mail processing function, activating an invalid-tray indicator.
US08857701B2
A convertible food transporting box consists of a single blank which, when appropriately folded, serves the dual purposes of transporting food, i.e. pizza, and elevating the box for displaying and serving the pizza. The lid section of the box has a plurality of perforated inserts as part of the lid section itself. When used to transport pizza or like food, the box is a standard pizza box type container. To convert the box to an elevated food display and serving tray, the perforated inserts are pushed out of and locked to the lid section, such that they extend outwardly from the lid section. The lid section is then rotated to a position beneath the container section, such that the extended inserts act as legs to support the box, now converted to a food tray.
US08857700B2
A method for forming a field joints between sections of coated or insulated pipe which are to be welded together and incorporated into an undersea pipeline for carrying single or multi-phase fluids such as oil, gas and water. The method includes the application of a liquid epoxy layer which overlaps a lip of the factory-applied FBE coating protruding beyond a chamfered end of the factory-applied insulation layer, and which may be applied over the entire weld joint area. The liquid epoxy layer is partially cured by application of heat, and a layer of powdered adhesive is applied onto the partially cured liquid epoxy layer. The adhesive is subsequently sintered and activated by application of heat to its outer surface. The outer surfaces of the adhesive layer and the chamfers are then preheated and the thermal joint insulation is injection molded over the entire joint area. Throughout the entire method the temperature of the factory-applied FBE coating is maintained below its glass transition temperature so as to avoid weakening the bond between the FBE coating and the underlying steel pipe. The number and sequence of steps can be varied, depending at least partly on whether the liquid epoxy and adhesive layers are applied in a pipe coating facility or in the field.
US08857693B2
Hand-held surgical instruments that have and end effector attached to an elongate shaft are disclosed. The end effector has at least a portion that is movable in response to opening and closing motions applied thereto by a closure member. An articulation control system is provided to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft. An articulation locking system is provided to lock the end effector in a desired articulated position. The locking system interfaces with the closure member and is activated upon application of a closure motion to the end effector.
US08857680B1
A sling includes a flexible strap or equivalent coupler having a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be secured to a weapon near a near a butt end of the weapon. The weapon may be a rifle, shotgun, or handgun as well as hand-held equipment such as a binocular or a camera. A sling clip or equivalent anchor is disclosed that has a clamping mechanism capable of releasably securing the strap when the strap is slidably received through an opening in the sling clip. The sling clip also has an attachment mechanism configured to secure the sling clip proximate to and anchored upon a weapon bearer's body. The clamping mechanism is operatively configured to secure the strap within the sling clip when the weapon is in a firing position such that the strap minimizes movement of a muzzle end of the weapon caused by recoil of the weapon upon firing. A sling including the sling clip also is disclosed.
US08857679B2
An applicator for applying compression stockings and bandages to the limb of a user. The applicator includes a rigid tubular body, an open top with a rim, an open base and a passageway between the base and top. The applicator includes two or more longitudinal slots in the side wall of the tubular body for use in loading. An anterior notch allows an ergonomic application of the stocking and loading. The applicator may be formed in two parts for variation of its internal dimension. It preferably includes a foot arch. The applicator may be adapted for removal of the stocking. The invention extends to a method of donning and removing a compression stocking.
US08857678B1
A hanger may be used for supporting a garment. The hanger may include a hook, a medium connected to the hook, a first branch, a second branch, a third branch, and a fourth branch. The first branch may be connected through the medium to the hook and oriented according to a first direction. The second branch may be connected through the medium to the hook and oriented according to a second direction. The third branch may be coplanar with both the first branch and the hook, disposed between the first branch and the hook, connected to the medium, and oriented according to a third direction different from the first direction. The fourth branch may be connected to the medium and oriented according to a fourth direction different from the second direction, wherein the medium may be disposed between the third branch and the fourth branch.
US08857677B2
In a lower neck sizer for a garment hanger and a combination turnable wire hook hanger and lower neck sizer, the lower neck sizer includes a body dimensioned to generally surround a cylindrical projection and the support flanges adjacent to the body flange of the hanger, and an inwardly extending tab secured to the sizer body configured to engage the hanger at the lower neck region to resist removal. The lower neck sizer also has a discontinuity traversing the height of the body to facilitate mounting on the hanger.
US08857674B2
A pump driver, a disposable pump cartridge for use with the pump driver and a beverage dispenser employing the pump drive are disclosed. The disposable pump cartridge comprises at least one barrel 20 having an inlet valve 24 and an outlet valve 26 associated therewith. A piston 28 movable within the barrel 20 is retained in a minimum volume position during transit by a protrusion 22 on the internal surface of the barrel 20. The piston 20 has a piston shaft 28 with a hollow end arranged, in use, to releasably engage a piston driver to drive the piston 28 from its minimum volume position to an operative position, and to reciprocate the piston 28 within the barrel 20 in its operative position to draw fluid into and pump fluid from the barrel 20 via the inlet valve 24 and outlet valve 26 respectively. Methods of engaging, disengaging and changing the disposable pump cartridge are also disclosed.
US08857673B2
A caulking gun that dispenses caulking material may have a drip free mechanism that is operable to prevent additional caulk material from being dispensed. In another embodiment a caulking gun may have a lever that permits the user to adjust the drip free mechanism between a drip free condition and a continuous application condition.
US08857671B2
A fluid dispenser device for mounting on a reservoir. The device has a dispenser member with a body and an actuator rod that is axially movable down and up with the body; a fastener ring for fastening the body on an opening of a reservoir; and a dispenser head mounted on the actuator rod. The dispenser head includes a connection sleeve engaged axially on the actuator rod, the head including a radial duct, an orifice formed in an outer casing that surrounds the connection sleeve, defining a substantially annular gap. The fastener ring includes an axial guide for preventing the dispenser head from turning freely, while enabling it to move axially. The dispenser head includes a guide element that co-operates with the guide, the guide element extending radially from the connection sleeve to the outer casing, in the annular the gap.
US08857670B2
A dispenser (300) includes an arched flange (303) that works as a baffle to prevent dispensed media from exiting a nozzle erratically. The dispenser (300) can be configured with a connector (402), connector extension (403), and nozzle (401) for use with vessels (802). Alternatively, a dispenser cap (1100) can include a coupling mechanism (1200) configured to attach to prior art dispensers. Dispensed media is directed along the dispensing surface (301) in a ventral direction (302) relative to the dispenser (300), thereby eliminating the possibility of the media being dispensed into the user's face or eyes, regardless of clogs present or user hand position.
US08857668B2
A discharging device for discharging liquids includes an outer housing encompassing an inner chamber, a liquid storage receptacle, a discharge orifice, a delivery device for delivering liquid from the storage receptacle to the discharge orifice, a cap that covers the discharge port orifice when present on the outer housing in a safety position, and a manual actuator adapted to actuate the delivery device and which is movable relative to the outer housing between a neutral relative position and an actuated relative position. The cap and the manual actuator cooperate so that displacement of the manual actuator is mechanically blocked when the cap is in its safety position. A locking element that is movable in relation to the outer housing is constrainedly coupled with the movement of the manual actuator and extends in the actuated position through a hole in the outer housing to a region that the cap blocks when mounted in its safety position.
US08857665B2
An internal chamber incorporated with the cap of a container, for example, a disposable beverage bottle. The internal chamber has an internal bore designed to hold a powder or liquid that can be released into the container. The chamber is inserted into a bottle or similar container when the cap is placed over the opening. A push-button on the top of the cap advances an actuator within the internal bore to push a diaphragm out of the distal end outlet port in the chamber to release the ingredient(s) within the internal chamber into the container. The diaphragm also has two or more peripheral guide rails to ensure that it remains aligned with the chamber housing during those movements. Alternative embodiments utilize a dome cover over the push-button. In use, the cap of the container can be removed, which will simultaneously remove the chamber, allowing the liquid in the container to be consumed or decanted.
US08857664B2
Provided are tubes with gussets and methods of making such tubes. In one aspect, a tube with gussets includes a fitment with at least one substantially curved concave region, and a tube body joined to the fitment, wherein the tube body is interconnected at a first end to the fitment such as to form at least one side gusset along at least a portion of the length of the tube body and complementary to the at least one substantially curved concave region of the fitment, and wherein the tube body is sealed at a second end distant from the fitment. The tube with gussets allows for the thickness of the film used to form the tube body to be less than the film thickness for a comparably sized tube without the gussets due to the improved tube body stiffness.
US08857662B2
A method of operating a dispensing device includes the step of entering a first active state, in which the detection of sensory input by a sensor initiates a first pattern activation sequence to energize a drive unit of the dispensing device for a first length of time and a second subsequent length of time to actuate a container. Upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, the device enters a second active state. The detection of sensory input in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to energize the drive unit for a third length of time and a fourth subsequent length of time to actuate a container if the sensory input is detected before a time period P lapses. The dispensing device initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the sensory input is detected after the lapsing of the time period P.
US08857661B2
At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a container for a product for dispensing, including a relatively stiff outer container having at least one dispensing opening, and a deformable inner container to be filled with the product which is accommodated in the outer container and which likewise has a dispensing opening. The inner container is connected to the outer container both in the vicinity of the dispensing opening and at least at one location remote therefrom. The connection is formed in that the outer container has an opening through which protrudes at least one fixing element connected to the inner container. This fixing element is pin-like and has an end part of which the dimensions are larger than those of the opening. At least one embodiment of the invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a container.
US08857657B2
An article of cookware has a hollow outward extending handle that is subdivided into a flange, a tubular or hollow grip portion and a terminal portion that seals the grip portion. The terminal portion is also hollow, but has a downward facing aperture to facilitate storage in a vertical position.
US08857650B2
A cryogenic liquid storage tank includes a base plate and side wall extending upwardly. The base plate and side wall include an outer leaf enveloping an inner leaf. The outer leaf part of the base plate includes a lower, outer leaf concrete bottom plate on a substrate. The bottom plate is continuous with an outer leaf reinforced concrete layer of the outer side wall. An inward surface of the bottom plate and concrete layer of the outer leaf are lined with a continuous outer leaf metallic membrane. A bottom insulation layer is arranged above the outer leaf metallic membrane on the bottom plate. The inner leaf includes an inner leaf concrete bottom layer on the bottom insulation portion. The inner leaf metal membrane is lined with an inner leaf inner concrete layer. The outer leaf hoop stress reinforced outer concrete wall supporting an insulated dome structure.
US08857648B2
A tank closure assembly for closing the filler neck of a vehicle tank, the tank closure assembly having a closing body of cap-like design which can be screwed onto the filler neck and which has a receptacle for a sealing element in order to seal off an annular gap between the filler neck and the closing body. An insert element is introduced into the closing body through an open underside thereof and is attached in the closing body, the insert element carrying one or more internal threads via which the closing body can be fixed to the filler neck. The receptacle is formed between the insert element and the top side of the closing body.
US08857645B2
A container (210) for holding granular or powdered material and formed by a top wall (212), a bottom wall (214), a front wall (216), a rear wall (218), a first side wall (220), and a second side wall (222). A rotatably removable lid (D) is interiorly mounted with a scoop (32) and is pivotally hinged to a collar (300) that includes a sealing gasket (330). The collar (300) mounts to the walls of the container (210). A sealing wall 240 of the lid (D) cooperates with the gasket 300 to prevent the contents from spilling. The container (210) incorporates powder control features, a container wall junction (50) preferred geometry and congruent scoop (32) enabling convenient access to the contents, a tolerance variation accommodating and strength improving, J-shaped collar (300) and interlocking indentations (290) and flex clips (310), and a pressure controlling portion (350) that prevents unwanted deformation due to pressure differentials.
US08857641B1
A molded plastic tank, optionally a septic tank, for containing liquid, comprises two injection molded plastic half tanks that have concave exterior walls and integral flanges, and that nest within each other for shipment or storage. Lengthwise ends of the half tanks have grips, for manual or machine lifting of the half tank from the top of a concave-down stack of half tanks, and for then assembling whole tanks. A sling is used to machine lift one or several half tanks by attachment to the grips or to lifting lugs at the top of the half tank. A corrugated septic tank having spaced apart access port regions has a grid of ribs in the exterior top valley corrugations and running across the access port region, to provide strength during testing and use.
US08857636B2
A sectional liquid dispensing container for lotions, creams, cleansers, etc. that includes a finger actuated pump assembly and an extending dip tube. The container has three individual sections; the upper section of container contains a tamper evident closure member at its lower most edge. The lower section (base) contains a closure member incorporated onto its top edge and designed to snap fit into upper section. A lid cover snaps onto the bottom surface of the lower section using a tamper evident closure member design. The usage of perimeter closure members provide for easy removal of locking tear-off bands that allows for separation of each section and provides access to remaining container contents. The container provides for dual dispensing (two individual products) from one container when the upper section has been modified into a separate enclosure. Two finger actuated pump assemblies may be used for dispensing various compatible products.
US08857635B2
A crane, in particular a large crane, including a power consumer system for providing energy, a primary energy source for feeding primary energy into the power consumer system, at least one secondary energy source, independent of the primary energy source, for feeding secondary energy into the power consumer system, at least one energy storage unit arranged locally on the crane and is, in particular, associated with the at least one crane component and connected to the power consumer system for storing primary energy and/or secondary energy, at least one drive motor connected to the power consumer system for operating at least one crane component and a secondary energy source configured such that energy returned from the crane operation is at least partially fed as secondary energy into the power consumer system. The at least one crane component is configured as a secondary energy source for energy recovery.
US08857624B1
A system and method of sorting documents utilizing an algorithm or routine that alternates an order of documents with smallest sheet count documents followed by largest sheet count documents in order to optimizes a document throughput of an inserter based on a maximum speed that documents can be collated and accumulated and an algorithm or routine for optimizing the document throughput of a dual sheet cutter by grouping even sheet count documents together on evenly paired sheet boundaries within a mailing group of printed documents, with or without the use of dynamic motion control of the inserter.
US08857617B2
One embodiment of the present invention is a medicine dispenser with a built-in dispensing schedule. In this embodiment, a cylindrical container with a close-fitting disk-shaped cap having a cylindrical rim includes an inner schedule display, one day-and-time indication of which is displayed to a medicine consumer through an aperture in the cap rim. Features included in the cap, schedule display, and cylindrical container interoperates to ensure that the displayed day-and-time indication is advanced when the cap is removed and replaced. The displayed day-and-time indication is relatively large and clear, to facilitate viewing by vision-impaired users, and the schedule-advancement mechanism is robust and reliable. In addition, the cap and built-in schedule display include features that allow the displayed day-and-time indication to be set to an initial day-and-time indication.
US08857616B2
Reference apparatus and storage and dispensing apparatus (such as for storing and/or dispensing the reference apparatus) are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reference apparatus may include a unitary planar material having a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel disposed between the first and second panels. The first and second panels may be configured to be folded between a folded position in which the first and second panels are parallel to the third panel, and an unfolded position in which the first and second panels are coplanar with the third panel relative to the folded position. One of the first and second panels may include an attachment portion configured to receive a receiving portion of the other of the first and second panels to secure the first, second, and third panels together in the folded position.
US08857613B1
A device for safely and securely holding samples of various sizes, shapes, and weights is provided. The device includes a base and least one flexible tab disposed in proximity to at least one aperture. The base has at least one retaining member attached thereto for supporting and retaining at least one sample in a sample display position.
US08857605B2
The feeder and positioner for trays for food products (209) according to the invention comprises A) at least one conveyor guide (227); B) at least one conveyor chain (211) which for a section further upstream is substantially side-by-side with the at least one conveyor guide, and is designed to engage with a plurality of trays (V) and to make them advance along the at least one conveyor guide (227). At a moving pulley (213) the conveyor chain (211) is substantially diverted from the path of the at least one conveyor guide (227) so as to disengage from the trays (V). The feeder and positioner (209) comprises a slide (223) on which the pulley (213) is mounted. By moving repeatedly, the slide (213) moves the point in which the trays (V) disengage from the chain (211) and deposits a plurality of N trays in a row on the guide (227). The N trays can be picked up simultaneously from the guide (227).
US08857604B2
An improved take-up assembly used on spiral conveyor belt with interconnecting links. The take-up assembly is designed to prevent damage to the belt due to obstructions, excessive tension or excessive buckling. The take-up assembly includes a pivoting swing arm assembly coupled to an obstruction sensor that automatically shuts-off the drive motor used to move the conveyor belt when an obstruction is detected upstream from the take-up assembly. A second obstruction sensor can be used on the upper portion of the take-up assembly to detect obstructions. Also disclosed is a buckling arm located above and longitudinally aligned with the belt and pivotally attached to the distal end of the lower swing arm assembly. The swing arm is designed to pivot beyond the position where the first obstruction sensor is activated so that the amount of belt that continues to be drawn into the stack as the stack coasts to a stop.
US08857600B2
A conveying apparatus used for conveying an object is provided. The conveying apparatus includes a first conveying unit, a second conveying unit, and a supporting unit. An object leans against the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit and moves from the first conveying unit toward the second conveying unit along a conveying path. The supporting unit is configured between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit to support and guide the object.
US08857590B2
A diecast pocket plate or coupling member including a pocket with a machined surface layer or portion, a method for making the coupling member and an overrunning clutch assembly including the coupling member are provided. The member is formed as a unitary diecasting from a die-casting material in a die-casting process. The diecast member includes a coupling face having at least one pocket which is sized and shaped to receive and retain a locking member that moves in the pocket during an overrun condition of the assembly. The pocket is defined by a plurality of surface portions including an angled, slightly positive surface portion which is machined vertical or slightly negative to improve performance of the assembly during the overrun condition.
US08857587B2
A method for operating an open 3-line type hydrodynamic coupling device, in which a fluid pressure displacing a clutch piston in an engaging direction is provided in the first space area for engaging the lockup clutch, and a fluid pressure displacing the clutch piston in the disengaging direction is provided in a second space area for disengaging the lockup clutch. A fluid supply pressure for the first space area and/or a fluid supply pressure for the second space area are/is adjusted depending on at least one operating variable in the engaged state of the lockup clutch and/or in the disengaged state of the lockup clutch and/or for engaging the lockup clutch and/or for disengaging the lockup clutch.
US08857583B2
A hydraulic shock absorber that can reduce outflow amount of oil by maximally removing an oil film attached to an outer periphery of a rod and that can achieve securement of high slidability between the rod and a rod packing and prevention of wear of the rod packing. A rod packing interposed between an outer periphery of a rod and an inner periphery of a rod-side end wall includes a first lip for scrapping off an oil film attached to the outer periphery of the rod, and a ring-shaped grease holding member for supplying holding grease to the outer periphery of the rod. The grease holding member is in contact with the outer periphery of the rod at a position closer to a rod distal end than the first lip.
US08857572B2
An elevator device for transporting persons and/or objects within an elevator shaft of a three-dimensional formation including at least two levels, in particular a building or the like. The elevator device includes an elevator car, in which the persons and/or objects to be transported can be accommodated, a running framework for mounting and guiding the elevator car, a position determining device for determining the position of the elevator car within the elevator shaft and/or with respect to the running framework. The position determining device includes marking units for marking the position of the elevator car relative to the running framework and the elevator shaft, a detection unit for detecting and/or reading out the marking units and also an evaluation unit for evaluating the measured values of the detection unit. The marking units are formed as carriers of a barcode, in particular a 2-D code, and the detection unit is formed as an image sensor, in particular as a camera.
US08857563B1
A hybrid acoustic absorption and reflection resonator can includes a rigid structure defining a cell, a membrane with at least one orifice attached to the rigid structure, and a back sheet attached to the rigid structure and covering the cell. The membrane is configured to reflect acoustic waves in a predetermined range of frequencies. The rigid structure, the membrane, and the back sheet define a Helmholtz cavity; the Helmholtz cavity is configured to absorb acoustic energy at a frequency within the predetermined range of frequencies.
US08857562B2
An insulation device for an aircraft, comprising a blanket comprising a layer of insulation filling enclosed in a cover and having provision areas for the passage of aircraft components, these areas being devoid of insulation filling and being formed by a surface junction of two opposite faces of the cover inducing a recess in at least one face. The insulation device comprises an associated detachable complementary assembly to cover at least one of the provision areas, the assembly comprising a portion of insulation filling shaped to fit into the corresponding recess, and a retention arrangement for retaining this portion of filling. The retention arrangement is provided with a detachable arrangement for fixing the detachable complementary assembly on at least one face of the cover.
US08857560B1
A vibration-proof sound box includes a sound box, a first board unit, a speaker, a second board unit, and an engagement structure having a clasp, a holder and a vibration-absorption unit. The clasp has a base portion connected to the first board unit, two clasping arms extending from the base portion, and a clasping space formed between the clasping arms. The free end of each of the clasping arms is formed with a protruding clasping piece. The holder has an accommodating portion connected to the second board unit, and two clasping holes passing through the accommodating portion. The two clasping pieces respectively engage the two clasping holes. The vibration-absorption unit has a main body snugly disposed in the clasping space, and two extension portions extending from the main body. The two extension portions abut the inner wall of the holder.
US08857558B2
A zero-turn-radius mower includes a chassis, a pair of drive wheels for supporting the chassis above a ground surface, an engine, and a pair of transmissions or other drive mechanism for driving the drive wheels. A manually-moveable brake lever enables an operator to selectively brake the drive wheels and a manually-moveable bypass lever enables the operator to selectively engage bypass functions of the transmissions. The brake lever and the bypass lever are mechanically coupled such that engaging the brake lever causes the bypass lever to be engaged with the brake lever, but engaging the bypass lever does not cause the brake lever to be engaged. The brake lever and the bypass lever each including a locking mechanism that retains the respective lever in an engaged position.
US08857557B2
A partition wall is arranged between an engine and a radiator in an engine room. A first exhaust processing unit has a first exhaust processing apparatus and a first mount section. The first exhaust processing apparatus is arranged between the engine and the partition wall. A second exhaust processing unit has a second exhaust processing apparatus and a second mount section. The second exhaust processing apparatus is arranged above the first exhaust processing apparatus. The second exhaust processing apparatus is arranged so as to overlap with at least a portion of the first exhaust processing apparatus in a planar view. The partition wall has a first wall member and a second wall member arranged above the first wall member. The distance between the boundary between the first and second wall members and the second exhaust processing unit is larger than the outer diameter of the first exhaust processing apparatus.
US08857544B2
The invention relates to a system for motorizing a wheel (2), the system comprising a motor unit (4), a drive member (6) secured to the wheel (2) and a clutch device (7) connects the output shaft (8) of the motor unit (4) to the drive member (6).According to the invention, the motor unit (4) comprises an electric motor (11) and is carried by an un-sprung part of a suspension strut (3) of an aircraft so that the latter can be made to move along the ground.
US08857527B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include compositions for use in enhanced oil recovery, and methods of using the compositions for recovering oil. Compositions of the present disclosure include a nonionic, non-emulsifying surfactant having a CO2-philicity in a range of about 1.5 to about 5.0, carbon dioxide in a liquid phase or supercritical phase, and water, where the nonionic, non-emulsifying surfactant promotes a formation of a stable foam formed of carbon dioxide and water.
US08857526B2
A mechanism configured for mechanical self-deployment in a well. The mechanism may be primarily an open or closed-cell polymer foam positioned downhole in a pre-compressed state. Subsequently, the mechanism may be released from a housing for self-deployment and engagement with a wall of the well. Such a mechanism may serve the conventional purpose of a downhole packer or other similar restriction devices. Additionally, due to the self-deploying nature of the device, multiple such devices may be linked in series based upon user-determined criteria at the time of application. Thus, a reduction in the number of trips in the well may generally be realized.
US08857525B2
A sealing device which has a housing with an outside diameter, a core inside the housing; at least two sealing segments in slidable engagement with the core to change the outside diameter of the sealing device on at least one position of the sealing device; and at least two wedges in slidable engagement with the core and the sealing segments to seal the sealing device against a casing.
US08857520B2
A method for riserless intervention of a subsea well includes: lowering a pressure control assembly (PCA) from a vessel to a subsea production tree; fastening the PCA to the tree; lowering a control pod from the vessel to the PCA using an umbilical; fastening the control pod to the PCA; lowering an end of a fluid conduit from the vessel to the PCA; and fastening the fluid conduit to the PCA using a dry break connection.
US08857511B1
Apparatus and method are provided to restore contaminated groundwater based on in-situ periodic pumping and recharging. The apparatus includes a contaminated groundwater suction system, an in-situ restoration system, and a reinjection system. The suction system includes a suction well and a suction pipeline. The suction system is connected with the in-situ restoration system. The in-situ restoration system is connected with the reinjection system. The reinjection system includes a reinjection pipeline and a reinjection well. Prior to the in-situ restoration, a pumping test for suction well and an injection test for reinjection well are conducted. Through reinjecting the processed contaminated groundwater, this approach is capable of diluting contaminated water layer, reducing the pollutant concentration in the target aquifer, providing convenience for the subsequent processing, and cutting the cost. The timely recharging of processed groundwater can effectively prevent negative consequences caused by deficiency of the groundwater.
US08857506B2
Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method for providing power to one or more subsurface heaters is described herein. The method may include monitoring one or more operating parameters of the heaters, the intermittent power source, and a transformer coupled to the intermittent power source that transforms power from the intermittent power source to power with appropriate operating parameters for the heaters; and controlling the power output of the transformer so that a constant voltage is provided to the heaters regardless of the load of the heaters and the power output provided by the intermittent power source.
US08857499B2
A partition mount system includes an integrated plunger assembly. The integrated plunger assembly is constructed and arranged to be integrated into an interior of an end of an extension pole, for example a standard telescoping extension pole. Mounting of the plunger in an interior portion of the pole in this manner provides for a sleek design that is relatively lightweight. Assuming that the pole in which the anchor is mounted is part of a telescoping pole system, the anchor and plunger do not interfere with full travel of the interior pole with respect to other poles in the telescoping system. In this manner, operation of the telescoping pole system is not inhibited by the integrated plunger assembly.
US08857483B2
A studless tire improved in on-ice performance as well as on-snow performance is disclosed. The tread portion is provided with tread grooves to have a land ratio in a range of from 0.65 to 0.75. The tread grooves including an axially inner circumferential groove, an axially outer circumferential groove and a plurality of sipes disposed on each side of the tire equator. The land ratio of a crown region and the land ratio of a shoulder region are each larger than the land ratio of a middle region, wherein the crown region is defined between the widthwise center lines of the inner circumferential grooves, the middle region is defined between the widthwise center line of the axially inner circumferential groove and the widthwise center line of the axially outer circumferential groove, and the shoulder region is defined between the widthwise center line of the outer circumferential groove and a tread edge of the tread portion.
US08857474B2
A flexible conduit assembly that includes a central fluid transfer conduit and at least two thermal fluid transfer conduits in overlying relationship to the central fluid transfer conduit at an orientation other than linear relative to the center axis of the central fluid transfer conduit. The flexible conduit assembly may also include an outer jacket concentrically disposed relative to the central fluid transfer conduit with the fluid transfer conduit interposed between the central fluid conveying conduit and the outer jacket.
US08857471B2
A control structure of a wall-mounted faucet includes a water outlet and a control device, wherein the control device has a control stick, a valve block, a sealing unit and a resilient unit, wherein the control stick is disposed through a through hole of the water outlet, and the valve block has two clamping ribs protrudingly located at front side of the valve block, and the clamping ribs clamp the control stick. A connecting surface is located on top of the clamping ribs, and the resilient unit covers the control stick, wherein both ends of the resilient unit are against the stopping surface of the water outlet and the connecting surface of the valve block. So, the control stick is pushed by the resilient unit to drive the valve block to escape the valve of the water outlet to avoid the water unexpectedly spraying out from the showerhead.
US08857469B2
A water valve suitable for use with a bathtub has a housing, a control bolt, an angular positioning device, an upper ceramic plate, a lower ceramic plate and a valve base. The water valve is mounted onto a water supply unit of the bathtub and used for switching between different water outlet options.
US08857464B2
A valve actuator including a magnetic angle sensor is disclosed. The magnetic angle sensor may function as an absolute position encoder. The magnetic angle sensor may also function as an incremental position encoder. The magnetic angle sensor may generate angular velocity data. The magnetic angle sensor may be used in quarter-turn and single-turn rotary valve actuators. The magnetic angle sensor may also be used in multi-turn rotary and linear valve actuators.
US08857454B2
A valving system includes, a plurality of flow control valves, and a plurality of chemical control valves in operable communication with a plurality of the plurality of flow control valves such that each of the plurality of chemical control valves is actuated between closed and open positions when the flow control valve it is in operable communication with is actuated between closed or open positions.
US08857450B2
A dishwasher includes a washing compartment having a boundary wall with a base, spray devices inside the washing compartment, and a hydraulic circuit with a distributor which subdivides a washing liquor flow into two partial flows which are each routed to the spray devices, wherein the distributor is integrated in the base.
US08857447B2
An apparatus for styling hair includes a handle frame, a treatment segment extending from the handle frame for applying treatment to hair of a subject, at least one control member disposed on the handle frame and a cover mounted to the handle frame. The cover is adapted to transition between an open position permitting access to the at least one control member and a closed position substantially enclosing the at least one control member, thereby protecting the at least one control member from moisture, hair treatment agents and/or contaminants. The cover may be dimensioned and adapted to be releasably secured in the closed position through magnetic or other mechanisms/methodologies.
US08857440B2
A tissue protector is adapted to be positioned on the skin surrounding an incision. The tissue protector provides a load bearing surface for surgical tools and instruments to prevent blunt force and pressure trauma to the skin and soft tissues within the incision. In one embodiment, the tissue protector is a sheet of wear-resistant material having an opening corresponding to the incision and expandable as the incision is retracted. In another embodiment, a tissue protector device includes a continuous expandable arrangement of interconnected L-shaped links. In still another embodiment, a one-piece tissue protector includes a flexible panel supported on the skin and a flexible sleeve extending into the incision. Yet another embodiment of the invention resides in a track that is supported about the incision. An instrument support platform is slidably mounted to the track to support a surgical tool relative to the incision.
US08857439B2
A variably automated tissue retention system generally comprises an oral appliance retractably coupled to a covering which is secured to an anterior portion of the tongue. As the subject moves their tongue naturally or sleeps and the tongue becomes hypotonic, the subject's tongue may move posteriorly. As the covering pulls the tongue anteriorly or maintains a position of the tongue, the base of the tongue may be inhibited or prevented from collapsing posteriorly against the pharyngeal tissue walls and thereby allow the subject to breathe normally by automatically increasing the suction pressure on the tongue to maintain securement of the covering to the tongue as the tongue moves posteriorly.
US08857437B2
A prophylactic device having a base substrate for adhering to a glans of a penis, and a reservoir cap having a reservoir and a flange for adhering to the base substrate. The base substrate may be a thin polyurethane film coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive for adhering to the skin of the glans. The flange of the reservoir cap has a pressure-sensitive adhesive for adhering to the base substrate. A security ring is also provided for adhering to and covering the junction of the bottom edge of the flange and base.
US08857431B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a breathing mask for aircraft crewmember. The breathing mask includes an on-demand regulator with an inlet connected to a source of breathing gas and an outlet to exhaust the breathing gas. The outlet has an aperture controlled by a movable valve having an open position when the crewmember breathes out and a closed position when the crewmember breathes in. The breathing mask also has a latch member operable by a crewmember to latch the valve in the open position, the latch member including an unlocking member to release the valve when the cabin pressure is below a predetermined value.
US08857420B2
An archery crossbow having an arrow retainer provided by a yieldable member located within a bore located on a sight guide or a trigger housing of the bow and including an arrow contact portion that extends outwardly of the bore to contact the arrow.
US08857419B2
The invention relates to a novel pet ball launcher which uses a friction fit, scoop edges, and tuned tines or “fingers” which control the release of the ball and thus arc and distance thereof. Embodiments include a pivot hinged handle for added launch inertia, and a thumb latch to prevent hinging motion for fixed and controlled distanced ball launching.
US08857415B2
A charge air cooler for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The charge air cooler includes at least one connecting piece for connection to at least one cooling circuit configured to conduct coolant. The charge air cooler includes at least one coolant pump for circulating the coolant. The at least one coolant pump is integrated in at least one flow path within the charge air cooler.
US08857408B2
A system for managing engine idling operation is provided. The system includes a communication center communicatively coupled to at least one vehicle having an engine. A database is provided that has idling regulation information stored therein based, at least, upon geographic location. The vehicle with the engine further includes an idling detection system. The idling detection system includes an idle detect sensor, a processor and a location information module, such as a GPS receiver. The processor is operably coupled to the idle detect sensor. The location information module is operably coupled to the processor to provide position information relative to the vehicle. The processor is configured to monitor vehicle idling and provide a warning thereof based upon an idling regulation stored in the database selected by current vehicle position information.
US08857401B2
Disclosed is a low drag piston for a reciprocating engine that comprises a piston head that reduces mechanical and viscous friction while improving oil lubrication and thermal load dissipation throughout the piston stroke. The piston comprises a cylindrical crown and lower skirt area such that these elements are the only surfaces in contact with the cylinder walls and support a plurality of piston rings, while the interior skirt region is recessed inward in a concave shape to reduce drag, friction and thermal expansion interferences. An additional oil control ring increases oil outflow to further reduce friction and drag, while the pin boss that holds the connection between the piston head and the connecting rods is recessed inward within the inwardly concave central portion.
US08857395B2
A valve timing control apparatus includes a driving-side rotation member, a driven-side rotation member, a fluid chamber, an advanced angle chamber and a retarded angle chamber, a fluid control valve portion controlling supply and discharge of fluid relative to each of the advanced angle chamber and the retarded angle chamber, an accumulator accumulating a portion of fluid supplied to the fluid control valve portion from a pump at a fluid storage portion during an operation of an internal combustion engine and supplying fluid accumulated at the fluid storage portion to the fluid control valve portion at a start of the internal combustion engine, and a supply flow passage connecting the pump, the fluid control valve portion, and the accumulator in series. The accumulator includes a relief control valve portion configured to maintain a pressure of fluid accumulated at the fluid storage portion equal to or smaller than a predetermined value.
US08857393B2
A camshaft adjuster (1) is provided with a drive element (2) and an output element (3), including a locking mechanism (5) which is arranged in a locking bore (6) and has precisely two locking pistons (8, 9) and a locking spring (7), the locking bore (6) is formed in the drive element (2) or in the output element (3) and the respective other element (2, 3) which does not have the locking bore (6) includes the locking receivers (10, 11) associated with the locking pistons (8, 9).
US08857389B2
An internal combustion engine includes, among other things, a backlash adjusting device. An eccentric supporting shaft is disposed in an internal combustion engine so as to be able to be fixed at a predetermined rotational angle position about a central axis. The shaft adjusts an amount of clearance between a pair of gears, and is fitted over a base shaft fixed to the internal combustion engine such that the central axis of the eccentric supporting shaft coincides with an axis of the base shaft. An adjusting portion allows an inner circumference of the eccentric shaft to be fitted over an outer circumference of the base shaft at a predetermined rotational angle position. A fixing portion is configured to fix the eccentric supporting shaft to the base shaft.
US08857381B2
The present disclosure is directed at the control of an effective compression ratio setting in an engine which may use a variety of fuels or fuel blends. The effective compression ratio may be selected based upon information from a fuel sensor and stored information regarding the detected fuel composition. The effective compression ratio may be adjusted for a selected cylinder by intake or exhaust valve timing.
US08857379B2
A rope connecting device has a breakaway feature enabling a user to practice roping and to retrieve the rope without having to walk to a lassoed object. The device includes a stem with a first hook formed at one end, and a second hook formed at the other end. The hooks each have a small gap separating respective free ends of the hooks from the stem. During use, a portion of the rope is passed through the first hook, and another portion of the rope is passed the through the second hook. With sufficient force applied to the rope, the rope breaks free from the device. in which one of the hooks opens allowing the rope to separate from the device, thereby releasing the rope from the lassoed object. The device can be reused by reattaching the portion of the rope to the hook that was released.
US08857378B2
A device (1) for performing a cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment on body parts of animals comprises a treatment zone (2) which is adapted to receive the animals to be treated; means (6) for guiding the animals through the treatment zone (2) in a defined walking direction; a treatment tray (3) which is suitable for containing a quantity of cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid, which is located at ground level in the treatment zone (2), in a horizontal operational position, and which is therefore suitable to be trod upon by the animals; and means (7) for tilting the treatment tray (3) and thereby allowing liquid from the treatment tray (3) to drain off from the treatment tray (3) to an area which is located outside of areas which are located in front of the device (1) and behind the device (1) as seen in the walking direction. In this device (1), contamination of a walking path of the animals to be treated is avoided.
US08857367B2
Connector structures for electronic devices may be provided with moisture indicators. The connector structures may include a connector such as data port connector that has a rear opening. A moisture barrier structure may cover the rear of the data port connector and may have an opening that is aligned with the rear opening. A moisture indicator may cover the opening in the moisture barrier structure. A transparent window structure such as a layer of clear film may be used to prevent moisture from traveling through the rear opening of the data port connector and the opening in the moisture barrier structure to the moisture indicator. An audio port connector may be provided with a moisture indicator and a transparent window structure that helps prevent moisture from reaching the moisture indicator through the audio port connector.
US08857363B2
The invention relates to a hydrofoil arrangement for a hydrofoil craft with at least one fully submerged lifting wing. The hydrofoil arrangement includes at least two struts pivotally arranged on the hydrofoil craft with each strut being connected to a lifting wing. The struts are arranged with their centers of effort of hydrodynamic forces behind the pivot axes of the struts during forward travel of the hydrofoil craft. They are arranged to pivot relative to the hydrofoil craft when the hydrofoil craft experiences a disturbance in roll-angle. This results in a transversal movement of the hydrofoil craft relative to the water surface during forward travel. The hydrofoil arrangement also increases the roll- stability for a hydrofoil craft.
US08857361B2
An approach is provided for storing secondary maritime vessels to primary maritime vessels. A first signal is caused, at least in part, to be received to actuate a drive mechanism configured to cause, at least in part, a secondary vessel to be moored in a first state to a primary vessel. The drive mechanism is caused, at least in part, to be actuated in a first direction based on the first signal, wherein causing, at least in part, the drive mechanism to be actuated in the first direction is configured to cause, at least in part, a drawing mechanism to draw the secondary vessel towards the primary vessel and configured to cause, at least in part, a lifting mechanism to raise the secondary vessel from a substantially horizontal plane to the first state.
US08857360B2
A control device (10, 5O, 100) for controlling the position of an instrumented cable towed in water, such as a marine seismic streamer, and/or a towed instrumented cable array (streamer) with the possibility to control the individual instrumented cables, both in shape and position, in relation to other instrumented cables and by that counteract cross currents and/or other dynamic forces which affect a towed array behind a seismic survey vessel. The control device (10, 50, 100) is adapted for plain and rapid mounting and demounting so that the streamer easily can be deployed and recovered, and in an easy way be reeled onto and out from a drum. The control device is further entirely or partly arranged for wireless/contactless transfer of energy and/or communication, i.e. signals/data, between a main body and wings. The control device, motor and drive gear housings (51) provided with wings (52) or wings (11, 102) house drive means (22), power supply (23), electronics and sensor means.
US08857358B2
Rudder group (10) for boats (100) comprising a rudder blade (12) releasably coupled to a rudder pin (11), the rudder pin (11) being able to rotate along an axis (A) passing on the plane of the rudder blade (12) to define the forward direction of the boat (100), the rudder blade (12) also being connected in a rotatable manner to a support element (14) fitted onto the rudder pin (11) so that the rudder blade (12), when released by the rudder pin (11), can freely rotate between a lowered position, in which it is arranged longitudinally with respect to the rudder pin (11), and a maximum raised position in which it is substantially perpendicular to the rudder pin (11), in which the releasable coupling of the rudder blade (12) with the rudder pin (11) is obtained through a connection element (13) that can break at a predetermined load to free the rotation of the rudder blade (12) with respect to the support element (14).
US08857355B2
A sewing machine that includes a sewing device that includes a needle bar configured to attach a sewing needle, and a transport device configured to move a work cloth, a processor, a plurality of detection devices that are configured to detect ultrasonic waves, and a memory that is configured to store computer-readable instructions that instruct the sewing machine to execute steps comprising specifying, when an ultrasonic wave transmitted from a transmission source of the ultrasonic wave is detected by the detection devices, a position of the transmission source of the ultrasonic waves, based on the detected ultrasonic waves, specifying a sewing position on the work cloth based on the specified position of the transmission source, and moving the work cloth by the transport device in accordance with the specified sewing position.
US08857352B2
A folding table assembly having both a tabletop and legs that fold into smaller sizes. The tabletop has a main panel, a first side flap panel, and a second side flap panel. The side flap panels are joined to the main panel with hinge connections. The hinge connections enable the side flap panels to rotate from open positions that are coplanar with the main panel to folded positions that are under the main panel. The folding legs are coupled to the side flap panels. The folding legs can move between extended positions, where the legs support the tabletop, and retracted positions, where the legs are folded flush against the side flap panels. This enables the legs to fold flush against the side flap panels so that the legs are interposed between the main panel and the two side panels.
US08857341B1
A more IM compliant grenade fuze assembly includes a fuze body, an energetics train disposed in the fuze body, and a striker lever rotatably attached to the fuze body. A spring-loaded rotor assembly is rotatably fixed to the fuze body. The rotor assembly includes a primer. A firing pin is disposed in one of the rotor assembly and the fuze body. Placing the primer in the rotor assembly decreases the area of the fuze assembly that is vulnerable to initiation by impact from a bullet, fragment, or shape charge.
US08857336B2
A method, system and apparatus for transporting a web through a press are disclosed. The web has a first print zone on a first side and a second print zone on a second side opposite the first print zone. The first print zone is fed past a first print station and then in an inward spiraling direction around and toward a second print station. The second print zone is fed past the second print station and then in an outward spiraling direction.
US08857335B2
A method and an apparatus for changing a printing plate on a printing press, include feeding the printing plate to a withdrawal chute of a plate changing apparatus by rotating the plate cylinder backward. Drivable transport rollers grip the printing plate and pull the latter out of a previously opened clamping device for the leading edge of the printing plate during the plate cylinder rotation, without the plate cylinder having to be stopped.
US08857331B2
A hand holdable ink proofing tool including an anilox roll and an ink transfer roll, supporting a resilient printing plate. A metering roll adjacent the anilox roll is shiftable to be in contact with the anilox roll and to force ink into cells of the anilox roll; and a leading edge doctor blade is positioned to shear excess ink from a surface of the anilox roll.
US08857320B2
A roller grill for heating a pre-cooked food product includes a housing structure adapted to support the roller grill; a plurality of tubes having outer surfaces adapted to transfer heat to the pre-cooked food product; a plurality of timing pulleys, each timing pulley mounted on an end of a corresponding tube and including a notched circumferential surface; and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a motor including a shaft, the motor adapted to generate rotational power through the shaft at a first rotational speed; and a timing belt coupled to the motor and contactingly engaged with the notched circumferential surfaces of the timing pulleys, the timing belt adapted to transfer the rotational power generated by the motor to the tubes at a second rotational speed.
US08857318B2
The present invention relates to an equipment for brewing coffee. A water pump, a boiler, a check valve, a water port and a coffee extractor are arranged in the shell of the present invention, the coffee maker is not provided with water tank, the water pump is arranged between the outlet pipe of the boiler and the inlet of the check valve; the outlet of the check valve is communicated with the coffee extractor through the water port. The coffee maker in the present invention can ensure the stability of the water temperature at the water port, so that the coffee is better taste. The coffee maker simplifies the waterway system with low producing cost, high production efficiency, convenient maintenance and easy using.
US08857316B2
An apparatus for producing coffee or other beverages has two brewing cylinders and brewing pistons which are movable in the brewing cylinders and which form a brewing chamber. A loading station is provided for loading the brewing chambers with ground coffee or the other media. One brewing cylinder can be moved in each case together with the associated brewing piston from a brewing position to the loading station and back again, wherein the associated brewing piston can be removed for the disposal of the used coffee or medium from the brewing cylinder. The second brewing cylinder can therefore be moved to the same loading station as the first, and this therefore results in a simplification of the design of the apparatus.
US08857315B2
A brewing system for brewing a beverage is disclosed having an inlet for receiving fresh water for brewing, and a first solenoid for directing water to a water storage tank when a level in the water storage tank falls below a predetermined level. A pair of pumps direct water from the storage tank to a second solenoid. Two or more brew paths lead away from the second solenoid, each brew path including a heating element to heat the water flowing therethrough. The second prevents overpressurization in the brew paths by routing excess pressurized water from the respective brew path back through the second solenoid and out a drain line leading to a drain, where the path to the drain is not part of the brew path.
US08857314B2
Manually operated air pump for multistage compression of ambient air comprises a multiple coaxial cylinder arrangement. The air inlet (3) is located in the pump handle (2), through which air passes to enter the pump. The pump handle further includes a dust and humidity filter (21) and a cavity (20) to be used as tool storage.
US08857304B2
A method, consisting of passing a cylindrical carbon fiber through a press so as to produce a flat ribbon. The method further includes weaving multiple strands of the flat ribbon together to create a cylindrical braid.
US08857299B2
A hand tool is provided that is configured to provide ready access to individual tool members. In this regard, the hand tool may provide improved features for facilitating storage and operation of the tool members. One example hand tool includes first and second jaws capable of translating between an extended position and a retracted position. Such a hand tool provides a locking member configured to lock to prevent translation of the first and second jaws from the retracted position. Another example hand tool includes a tool member carried by a handle and rotatable between an open position and a stowed position. Such a hand tool provides a ramp defined on the tool member to facilitate easy rotation of the tool member to the stowed position.
US08857298B2
Coupling mechanisms for engaging and releasing a tool attachment such as a socket from a drive element include an engaging element and an actuating element. The actuating element can include a collar or other manually-accessible part, and various features allow for a relatively small outside diameter for the collar or other part. These features include configuring the actuating element to contact the engaging element within the drive element, placing the biasing elements within the drive element, and forming guides for parts of the actuating element within the drive element. A guided element is coupled between the engaging element and a biasing element and is arranged to partially overlap the biasing element.
US08857296B2
In a ratchet wrench body and its manufacturing method, the body comprises a handle and a head, and the head has a through hole, a control compartment, and a slot chamber. The head has a first surface and a second surface, and at least one embedded hole formed between the slot chamber and the first and second surfaces, and each embedded hole is penetrated through one side but not penetrated through the other side, and each embedded hole is smaller than an elastic element and a propping element contained in the slot chamber, and the slot chamber is extended from each embedded hole inwardly towards the slot chamber and formed by the total volume occupied by adjacent intersected surfaces.
US08857295B2
The present invention provides a system for pretreating sample that can unplug a rubber-plugged sample tube and a resin-plugged sample tube in one unplugging unit. The system for pretreating sample includes a sample rack on which a plugged sample tube can be mounted, a conveyor line for conveying the sample rack, and an unplugging unit that has a clamp device for holding the plugged sample tube at the time of unplugging and a plug chuck device for chucking the plug of the plugged sample tube held by the clamp device and unplugging the sample tube. The plug chuck device can unplug both the rubber-plugged and resin-plugged sample tubes. More specifically, the plug chuck device has a combination of an unplugging chuck having a suitable shape for unplugging the rubber-plugged sample tube and another unplugging chuck having a suitable shape for unplugging the resin-plugged sample tube.
US08857293B2
A housing assembly for a power transmitting component that includes first and second housing structures, which define a cavity and a shaft bore, and a gasket. The first housing structure includes a pair of first end walls, a first seal flange, and a pair of saddles. The first seal flange extends about the cavity. The saddles are arch-shaped and coupled to the first end walls. The shaft bore is formed through the first end walls and the saddles. The second housing structure includes a pair of second end walls, and a second seal flange. The second seal flange extends about the cavity and is configured to abut the first seal flange. The second end walls define saddle recesses into which the saddles are received. The gasket is received between the first and second seal flanges and between the saddles and surfaces of the saddle recesses.
US08857291B2
In a flywheel for mounting as a coupling element between an internal combustion engine and a machine to be driven thereby, including a flywheel flange for connecting the flywheel to the machine and a driver flange for connecting the flywheel to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine, coupling structures are provided between the flywheel flange and the driver flange which coupling structures include insulating connecting areas which electrically insulate the flanges from each other.
US08857287B2
A vehicle shifter 1 comprises a shifter body 2, a shift lever 3, an interlocking member 4, and a selecting return spring 5 serving as a biasing member. The interlocking member 4 is configured such that a front end thereof is pivotally supported by the shifter body 2, and a rear end thereof is swingingly movable around the front end as a swing center during a manual operation for moving the shift lever 3 in a selecting direction. The selecting return spring 5 is configured to pull the rear end of the interlocking member 4 toward a rear end thereof.
US08857283B2
Ball screw comprising a ball nut (1), which is rotatably mounted on a threaded shaft and on the inner circumference of which at least one ball thread (2) wound around an axis (8) in a coil shape is provided for balls (3) to roll on, wherein at least one recirculating element (5), which is arranged on the outer circumference of the ball nut (1) and which is provided with a recirculating channel for the balls (3), connects a start of a coil to an end of a coil of the ball thread by means of the two ends of the recirculating element in order to enable endless recirculation of the balls (3), wherein the ball nut (1) is provided with a flange (6) for fastening a belt pulley (15) and with a bearing seat (9), and a sleeve (12) pushed onto the ball nut is provided with a perfectly cylindrical outer circumferential surface, which outer circumferential surface secures the recirculating element (5) on the ball nut (1) and surrounds the ball nut (1) in a tubular shape between the flange (6) and the bearing seat (9).
US08857281B2
A probe for use in determining the amount of a first gas component in a combustion gas containing the first gas component and a second gas component which is obtainable from the first gas component by reduction or oxidation, the probe comprising: a first component probe for taking a first sample of the gas and converting the first gas component present in the first sample to the second gas component, the first component probe including a first passage for conveying the first sample, the wall of the first passage in contact with the first sample being made of a material that converts the first gas component to the second gas component; and a second component probe for taking a second sample of the gas, the second component probe including a second passage for conveying the second sample.
US08857279B2
Methods of concentrating an analyte that is in liquid and method of detecting an analyte in a liquid are disclosed. Methods of screening a liquid for the presence of an analyte are also disclosed. Processes comprising continuously collecting a sample of fluid throughout the process and analyzing the sample are disclosed as are processes comprising treating ultrafilter membranes. Devices and systems for concentrating an analyte that is in liquid and for screening a liquid for an analyte are disclosed as well as devices and systems for concentrating an analyte from a continuous sample are disclosed.
US08857278B2
A sampling system that contains filter components for collecting and concentrating vapor and particles in high-volume flows. The sample is then vaporized and delivered to a detector at a low-volume flow. The invention also has a sampling probe that contains an air-jet to help dislodge particles from surfaces and a heating lamp to help vaporize compounds on surfaces or objects. The sampling system is especially useful for screening for explosives and other illicit chemicals and toxins on people, baggage, cargo, and other objects.
US08857276B2
A pressure detection unit includes a first substrate and a second substrate which are disposed in opposition to each other and subject to load from the outside, a pressure detection portion having a pair of electrodes provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and in the first substrate and the second substrate, and electrically conductive pressure-sensitive ink disposed between the pair of electrodes and having electrical characteristics which varies according to the load, and a load transmission member disposed between the first substrate and the pressure detection portion and/or between the second substrate and the pressure detection portion, the load transmission member transmitting the load to the pressure detection portion in a concentrated manner.
US08857274B2
A force sensor having a compressible layer, an electrically grounded layer and an electrically active layer is disclosed. The electrically active layer comprises a transmitter electrode configured to capacitively couple to a receiver electrode. The compressible layer is compressible to allow the electrically grounded layer to move closer to the electrically active layer, so as to reduce the level of capacitive coupling between the receiver electrode and the transmitter electrode in dependence upon the magnitude of an applied force.
US08857260B2
An apparatus for detecting mechanical displacement in a micro-electromechanical system includes a capacitor having first and second plates spaced from one another, the first and second plates having different work functions and being electrically connected with each other. The capacitor plates are movable with respect to one another such that a spacing between the plates changes in response to a force. A current through the capacitor represents a rate of change in the spacing between the plates at a given time.
US08857257B2
The invention provides a method of, and means for detection the condition of the fork of a vibrating fork level sensor. Changes in the normal operating frequency are compared with previous measurements and an alert generated if the change becomes significant. The method is preferably used to detect significant levels of coating build-up on the fork.
US08857253B2
A measuring device for measuring adhesive strength of two-sided adhesive pieces includes a frame, a supporting apparatus fixed to the frame, and a positioning apparatus installed on the supporting apparatus. The frame includes a pull member slidably installed on the frame along a first direction. The supporting apparatus includes a base secured on the frame, and a supporting assembly slidably installed on the base along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The positioning apparatus includes a supporting plate slidably installed on the supporting assembly along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, and a number of pulling blocks. Each adhesive piece is adhered between the supporting plate and a corresponding pulling block. Each pulling block is connected to the pull member to be pulled up to disengage from the supporting plate, thereby measuring the adhesive strength of the adhesive piece.
US08857248B2
The invention is direct to a piezoelectric microcantilever for static contact and dynamic noncontact atomic force microscopy which may be carried out in solution. The piezoelectric microcantilever, which includes a piezoelectric layer and a non-piezoelectric layer is capable of self actuation and detection. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from a lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3)0.65—(PbTiO3)0.35(PMN0.65-PT0.35) (PMN-PT), zirconate titanate (PZT)/SiO2 or from any lead-free piezoelectric materials such as doped sodium-potassium niobate-lithium niobate. The piezoelectric layers of the microcantilevers may have dielectric constants of from 1600-3000 and thicknesses below 10 μm. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating microcantilever sensors and methods for atomic force microscopy employing the microcantilevers.
US08857242B2
The invention relates to a gas sensor having a mechanical microresonator, which has an excitation apparatus for optically exciting a mechanical oscillation of the microresonator as well as a reading apparatus for detecting the oscillation of the microresonator, wherein the reading apparatus comprises a waveguide which is implemented together with the microresonator on a dielectric or semiconducting substrate and is intended to optically read the oscillation of the microresonator, and wherein the excitation apparatus has an optical waveguide which is implemented on the same substrate and optically connects an excitation light source to the immediate surroundings of the microresonator. The invention also relates to a use of such a sensor to analyse a gas composition.
US08857239B2
A connecting device connecting a remaining bar and a movable bar of a transfer bar includes a remaining-side clamp and a movable-side clamp. The clamps respectively have a male fitted portion and a female fitted portion that are fitted to one another around a connecting direction, defining a first connector. A male engagement portion and a female engagement portion are provided inside the clamps, defining a second connector. The female engagement portion of the second connector includes a sphere in a form of a movable member moving in a direction orthogonal to the connecting direction. A movement of the sphere effects an engagement and disengagement of the female engagement portion from the male engagement portion.
US08857237B2
The method is performed by a power press machine composed of a concave die, a convex die with two shoulders and two depressors separately beside the convex die, and includes the steps of: a) placing the high-strength steel (HSS) on the convex die and under the concave die; b) moving the depressors to have two opposite side portions of the HSS clamped between the concave die and the depressors; c) moving the convex die to press the HSS and keeping the side portions immovable; d) forming two steps adjacent to the side portions by the shoulders; and e) cutting off the steps with the side portions.
