Document Document Title
US08940172B2 Super-macroporous polymeric microspheres and preparation method thereof
The invention provides a preparation method of super-macroporous polymeric microspheres and a product thereof. The method is characterized in that adding high content of surfactant into an oil phase containing a monomer and dispersing the oil phase containing the monomer and the surfactant into an aqueous phase. Super-macroporous microspheres are obtained by means of suspension polymerization. In the interior of the microspheres, 10-60% of the pores are distributed in a range of 500-900 nm. The microspheres have a particle diameter of 1-200 μm and a porosity of 30%-90%. The product is suitable for being used as a stationary phase matrix in liquid chromatography, a carrier for high performance catalysts and a high performance adsorbent, and especially, being used as a separation medium for separating biomacromolecules.
US08940160B2 Recessed restrictor plate
A restrictor plate assembly 10 is disclosed for restricting particulate flow into a curb box 12, through a mouth 14 thereof. The assembly 10 includes a restrictor plate 16 adapted for being secured at an inside surface 18 of the curb box mouth 14. A proximate clamp structure 20 is positioned at a proximate end 22 the restrictor plate 16 and a distal clamp structure 24 is positioned at a distal end 26 of the restrictor plate 16 that is width-wise spaced from the proximate end 26 of the restrictor plate. The proximate and distal clamp structures 20, 24 are adapted for securing the restrictor plate 16 within the curb box 12 without gripping the inside surface 18 or an outside surface 28 of the curb box mouth 14.
US08940147B1 Microfluidic hubs, systems, and methods for interface fluidic modules
Embodiments of microfluidic hubs and systems are described that may be used to connect fluidic modules. A space between surfaces may be set by fixtures described herein. In some examples a fixture may set substrate-to-substrate spacing based on a distance between registration surfaces on which the respective substrates rest. Fluidic interfaces are described, including examples where fluid conduits (e.g. capillaries) extend into the fixture to the space between surfaces. Droplets of fluid may be introduced to and/or removed from microfluidic hubs described herein, and fluid actuators may be used to move droplets within the space between surfaces. Continuous flow modules may be integrated with the hubs in some examples.
US08940145B1 Graphene-based electrode for a supercapacitor
A supercapacitor electrode mechanism comprising an electrically conductive, porous substrate, having one or more metallic oxides deposited on a first surface and a chemically reduced graphene oxide deposited on a second surface, to thereby provide an electrical double layer associated with the substrate. The substrate may be carbon paper or a similar substance. The layers of the supercapacitor are optionally rolled into an approximately cylindrical structure.
US08940140B2 Thin film application device and method for coating small aperture vacuum vessels
A device and method for coating an inside surface of a vessel is provided. In one embodiment, a coating device comprises a power supply and a diode in electrical communication with the power supply, wherein electrodes comprising the diode reside completely within the vessel. The method comprises reversibly sealing electrodes in a vessel, sputtering elemental metal or metal compound on the surface while maintaining the surface in a controlled atmosphere.
US08940139B2 Gas diffusion electrode equipped ion exchange membrane electrolyzer
Provided is a gas diffusion electrode equipped ion exchange membrane electrolyzer including an anode, an ion exchange membrane, and a cathode chamber in which a gas diffusion electrode is disposed, wherein the ion exchange membrane and a cathode chamber inner space in which the gas diffusion electrode is disposed are separated by a liquid retaining member, the outer periphery of the liquid retaining member is held in a void formed in a gasket or a cathode chamber frame constituting the cathode chamber, or the outer periphery and the end face of the outer periphery of the liquid retaining member are sealed, or the outer periphery of the liquid retaining member is joined to and integrated with the gasket.
US08940125B2 Structural element and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a method for producing a structural element comprising a fiber-reinforced plastic. According to the invention, a flexible hose is provided with a tubular woven fabric and shaped into the desired form. A plastic that is preferably in liquid form is applied to the tubular woven fabric and is subsequently cured.
US08940123B2 Prepreg tape slitting apparatus and method
A method and apparatus is provided for simultaneously producing wide and narrow slit tape from the same master roll.
US08940106B1 Methods for using improved urea hydrochloride compositions
A composition including HCl, urea, complex substituted keto-amine-hydrochloride, an alcohol, an ethoxylate, and a ketone is provided in a method for solubilizing calcium carbonate in an aqueous suspension or dispersion of calcium carbonate.
US08940103B2 Sequential stage mixing for single substrate strip processing
Provided is a method for a resist removal system comprising a processing chamber and treatment liquid delivery system for single substrate processing. A primary stripping chemical is flowed in the treatment liquid delivery system at a primary temperature and flow rate; a secondary stripping chemical is injected at a first mixing point at a secondary temperature and flow rate. A tertiary stripping chemical is injected at a second mixing point at a tertiary temperature and a tertiary flow rate. The treatment liquid is dispensed onto a portion of the surface of the substrate wherein one or more of the primary temperature, secondary temperature, tertiary temperature, the primary flow rate, the secondary flow rate, and the tertiary flow rate are adjusted to meet a target strip rate and selectivity of strip over etch of silicon nitride and silicon oxide.
US08940101B2 Apparatus for cleaning substrate
An apparatus for cleaning a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first chamber through which a substrate is conveyed, a second chamber where an oxide film formed on the substrate conveyed from the first chamber is removed; and a third chamber that discharges the substrate conveyed from the second chamber to the outside after rinsing the substrate, wherein the first chamber and the third chamber are disposed on top and on bottom.
US08940099B2 Reflow oven and methods of treating surfaces of the reflow oven
A reflow oven includes a chamber housing including surfaces that are in contact with heated air mixed with contaminants, including flux, and a water-soluble layer selectively applied to the surfaces of the chamber housing. Embodiments of the reflow oven include an acrylic-based layer, such as an acrylic paint. In one embodiment, the acrylic paint includes a water-soluble polymer, a polymer emulsion, and water. The water-soluble polymer includes butyl benzyl phthalate. In some embodiments, the acrylic paint includes 1-10% by weight butyl benzyl phthalate, 30-55% by weight acrylic polymer emulsion, and balance water. In a certain embodiment, the acrylic paint includes 1-5% by weight butyl benzyl phthalate, 35-50% by weight acrylic poly emulsion, and balance water. Methods of treating surfaces of the reflow oven are further disclosed.
US08940083B2 Hydrogen storage tank
The tank is of the type including a container (4) for housing hydrogen, and metallic hydride placed inside the container. According to one aspect of the invention, it includes at least one solid body (6) formed of a compacted material including metallic hydride and a matrix. Application in particular for tanks for internal combustion engines or for fuel cells, in particular for motor vehicles, as well as for any stationary or mobile application using hydrogen.
US08940080B2 Dust filter assembly attachable to office equipment
The present invention relates to a dust filter assembly attachable to office machines such as printers and copiers that employs toner, and computers and fax machines that require cooling. The dust filter assembly includes a contact plate attached to a vent hole of an office machine and sealing the periphery of the vent hole, a filter case connected to the contact plate and having a filter accommodation space, and a filter disposed in the filter case and including a plurality of layers, at least one of which is charged with static electricity.
US08940079B2 Gas scrubber apparatus and method
A scrubber for removing contaminants from a gas stream, comprising a tank, a submerged head extending horizontally, wherein the submerged head comprises a plate having slots extending throughout, four solid joined vertical walls inset from the walls of the tank below the plate to form an open ended box under the plate, and openings along each edge of the plate between the walls of the tank and the vertical walls of the submerged head; a first baffle above the submerged head and means for spraying scrubbing fluid. The scrubber may comprise a flooded head extending horizontally above the first baffle and head having narrow slots extending throughout; and a second baffle extending horizontally between the four walls of the tank.
US08940066B2 Blower air suction device
A blower air suction device of a motor vehicle air conditioner includes a blower with a vertical arrangement including a blower motor, a blower rotor, and a blower opening, wherein the blower is ensheathed by a blower scroll, and an air inlet housing with a fresh air opening formed in a front wall and with an ambient air opening. The installation of blower is suspended, that is, with the blower rotor under the blower motor, and the air inlet housing is arranged in the process beneath the blower.
US08940064B2 Dust collector
A dust collector having a filter for catching dust in air flowing in an intake path is provided. A pair of the intake paths are formed so as to be combined together on an upstream side of an electric blower provided in a main body. A pair of communication paths allow a discharge passage to communicate with each of the intake paths. A first opening and closing member is provided so as to open and close the intake path, and in a normal state, is biased to open the intake path. A second opening and closing member is provided so as to open and close the communication path, and in the normal state, is biased to close the communication path, and opens the communication path in response to a closing operation of the intake path by the first opening and closing member.
US08940057B2 Casting liner, and method and kit for using the same
A tubular casting liner for forming a definitive prosthetic socket includes an outer layer defining first and second surfaces and at least one polymeric layer having first and second surfaces. The first outer layer surface continuously defines at least a portion of the exterior surface of the casting liner, and the at least one polymeric layer first surface is secured to the second surface of the outer layer. A ratio of thickness of the at least one polymeric layer at the distal end area relative to the proximal end area is at least 3:1. The casting liner has a substantially straight profile, wherein a diameter d1 of the liner whereat the distal end area begins to transition to close-ended form is the same or substantially the same as a diameter d2 at the proximal end area. A method and kit for forming a definitive prosthetic socket may use the casting liner.
US08940056B2 Ureteral stents for release of urologically beneficial agents
According to one aspect of the invention, ureteral stents are provided that comprise an elongated stent body and a urologically beneficial agent. The elongated stent body comprises a kidney portion adapted to occupy the kidney of a subject upon implantation, a ureter portion adapted to occupy the ureter of a subject upon implantation, and a bladder portion adapted to occupy the bladder of a subject upon implantation. The ureteral stents of the invention are adapted to release the urologically beneficial agent into the subject. Moreover, the amount of urologically beneficial agent that is released varies along the length of the stent. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of forming such stents and methods of using such stents.
US08940055B2 Method and apparatus for wrist arthroplasty
A method of implanting a distal radial wrist implant relative to a host radius while salvaging at least portions of fractured radial bone can include, determining a size of a host radius. A distal radial component can be selected based on the determination. The distal radial component can have a body that includes a first connection portion. A stem portion can be selected based on the determination. The stem portion can have a second connection portion. Portions of the fractured radial bone can be located around the body. The portions of the fractured radial bone can be secured relative to the body. The first connection portion of the distal radial component can be coupled with the second connection portion of the stem portion. The distal radial implant can be implanted relative to the host radius.
US08940051B2 Interbody device insertion systems and methods
Provided is a system for implanting an interbody device into a disc space located between a first and second vertebra includes a guide frame including a guide member having an opening. The system further includes an implant trial including an elongated body and a base plate coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the implant trial is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the implant trial relative to the guide frame. The system still further includes a dilator operatively coupled to the elongated body during use for distracting the disc space. The system still further includes an insertion instrument including an elongated body and an insertion member coupled to the elongated body. The elongated body of the insertion instrument is releasably coupled to the guide member of the guide frame during use such that the opening guides longitudinal movement of the insertion instrument relative to the guide frame. The insertion member is releasably coupled to at least a portion of the interbody device during use.
US08940050B2 Flexible vertebral spacer
A flexible implant system for positioning a flexible spacer between adjacent vertebrae including and interbody spacer and an insertion instrument. The interbody spacer including a central axis, a lateral axis, a top surface positioned generally parallel to the central axis and a plurality of hinge sections extending generally perpendicular to the central axis. A plurality of notches making up the plurality of hinge sections adjacent the top surface that permit the interbody spacer to flex. The interbody spacer further including a groove extending along a lateral side surface, generally parallel to the central axis. An insertion instrument includes a proximal end, a distal end and a tongue extending from the proximal end to the distal end along a non-linear path. The groove slidably engages the tongue to guide the interbody spacer from the proximal end to the distal end along the non-linear path.
US08940049B1 Expandable intervertebral cage
An expandable intervertebral cage adapted to be implanted into an intervertebral disc space in a patient's body, the expandable intervertebral cage including first and second base plates having outer surfaces configured to interface with vertebra in the intervertebral disc space, a first, second and third arm assembly hingedly connected to first and second base plates, and first and second actuation members, wherein rotation of the first actuation member pulls the second arm assembly towards the first arm assembly and rotation of the second actuation member pulls the third arm assembly towards the second arm assembly, the first actuation member and the second actuation member capable of being actuated independently of each other.
US08940046B2 Method of implanting a prosthesis device using bone cement in liquid form
The present invention relates to a method of implanting a prosthesis device in a subject. In one embodiment, this method involves: (i) providing a prosthesis device to be attached to an exposed surface of a bone; (ii) applying bone cement in liquid form to a bone-implant interface region, the bone-implant interface region including a region between the exposed surface of the bone and an outer surface of the prosthesis device; and (iii) contacting the bone cement to the exposed surface of the bone and the outer surface of the prosthesis device under conditions effective to allow the bone cement to cure, thereby resulting in attachment of the prosthesis device to the bone of the subject. The present invention also relates to a kit for implanting a prosthesis device in a subject, a method of performing a joint arthroplasty surgical procedure, and other methods of using bone cement in liquid form.
US08940037B2 Stent having circumferentially deformable struts
Disclosed is a method of treating a bodily lumen with a stent, the method comprising: disposing a stent within a bodily lumen, the stent comprising a plurality of deformable struts that are substantially circumferentially aligned and are configured to selectively deform in a circumferential direction in localized regions in the struts upon application of an outward radial force; and expanding the stent by applying the outward radial force, wherein the outward radial force causes selective deformation of the deformable struts in a localized region in the struts.
US08940034B2 Wound care method and system with one or both of vacuum-light therapy and thermally augmented oxygenation
A combination therapy pad that includes a first layer and a second layer operatively coupled to the first layer. A fiber-optic array is disposed between the first layer and the second layer. A third layer is operatively coupled to the first layer. The third layer includes a vacuum tube in fluid communication with a vacuum source and a therapeutic fluid tube in fluid communication with a therapeutic fluid source. The third layer provides at least one of vacuum therapy and therapeutic fluid treatment to a wound area.
US08940029B2 Variable locking bone plating system
An apparatus can include a plate member having a top surface, a bottom surface and a hole extending between the top and bottom surfaces. The plate member hole can have a spherically shaped sidewall. A right-hand helical thread can be formed in the sidewall of the plate member hole, and a left-hand helical cut can be formed in the sidewall of the plate member hole intersecting the right-hand helical thread. The left-hand helical cut can be configured to reduce a portion of a contact surface area of the right-hand helical thread and the sidewall of the plate member hole.
US08940028B2 Systems and methods for using polyaxial plates
Embodiments of the present invention provide a bone fixation assembly that can provide polyaxial fixation. The polyaxial fixation may be provided by fins that protrude from an opening in a bone plate or fins that protrude from a fastener head.
US08940026B2 Apparatus for the constant-angle fixation and compression of a fracture or osteotomy of a bone
Apparatus for the fixed-angle fixation and compression of a fracture site or osteotomy of a bone includes a bone plate having a plurality of holes and bone screws with a threaded head. The bone screws accommodated in the holes are screwed into the bone. At least one of the holes is a combination of two circular holes of different diameter. As screwing of the bone screw into the bone proceeds through a final stage, engagement of the threads on the head with threads in the combination hole effects relative longitudinal displacement between the plate and the bone whereby it is possible to simplify simultaneous fixed angle fixation and compression of the fracture or osteotomy with use of a single screw. Threads on the head of the bone screw engage threads in the hole which is a combination of the two hole to effect relative motions.
US08940021B2 Multi-axial cross connector
A cross connector for attachment between two spinal implants comprises a first element having one end and an opposite end configured for engaging one of the two spinal implants, a second element having one end and an opposite end configured for engaging the other of the two spinal implants, an engagement mechanism between the one end of each of the first and second elements, and a locking element for locking the two elements together at the respective one end. The engagement mechanism includes an interface configured to permit relative pivoting between the first element and the second element about at least two non-parallel axes.
US08940008B2 Transseptal access device and method of use
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for transseptal access of septa within a patient. The device can be advanced to a septum, e.g., towards a fossa ovalis. Instead of applying positive pressure to “tent” the septum, a negative pressure is applied to a lumen within a sheath, e.g., within an elongated member slidable within the sheath, via a negative pressure source such as a syringe on the proximal end of the sheath. This results in the septum pulling inward. The sheath employs a stationary needle-like central core component contained within the lumen of the sheath that punctures the septum when the same is pulled passed it by the negative pressure. The stationary needle-like central core component may be hollow and may form a portion of the elongated member or may be coupled to a distal end thereof.
US08940007B2 Trocar assembly with obturator dissector
A surgical system for penetrating tissue includes an obturator including an obturator housing and an obturator member extending from the obturator housing. The obturator member defines a longitudinal axis along which the obturator extends from trailing to leading ends thereof, and has a leading penetrating member adapted to penetrate tissue. The penetrating member defines, from leading to trailing, a cylindrical element having a generally arcuate leading surface and a generally planar dissecting element extending from the cylindrical portion. The obturator member and the leading penetrating member may be monolithically formed. The obturator member may include an obturator rod connected to the obturator housing, and defining a generally “t”-shaped cross-section. The generally planar dissecting element defines side surfaces obliquely arranged with respect to the longitudinal axis. The side surfaces may be arcuate or may define cutting edges.
US08940006B2 Single-puncture lancing system
A lancing mechanism is adapted to move between resting, cocking and puncture positions and comprises a lancet holder, a shaft, at least one spring and a mass. The shaft is attached to the lancet holder and has an enlarged end opposite the lancet holder. The spring surrounds at least a portion of the shaft and has first and second portions. The second portion of the spring is attached to the lancet holder. The spring drives the lancing mechanism between the cocking and puncture positions. The mass is located along the spring with the first and second portions of the spring extending on opposite sides of the mass. The mass is distinct from the lancet holder. The first portion dampens the lancing mechanism when moving from the puncture position to the resting position.
US08939996B2 Anchor delivery System
A system and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchor devices for such purposes.
US08939989B2 Obstetric forceps
A pair of obstetric forceps is described. The forceps comprise a pair of blades for holding the head of a baby and a handle having at least one part by which a user can apply a pulling force on the head of the baby in use. A mechanically operated force indicator is connected to the at least one part of the handle and is operable to provide a visual indication of the amount of pulling force being applied to the head of the baby when a user applies a pulling force on the head of the baby in use. A mechanically operated disabling device is operable to at least partially disable the obstetric forceps when a maximum pulling force has been exceeded. The blades can each have a superior rim and inferior rim wherein the greatest separation between the superior rims is greater than the greatest separation between the inferior rims when the obstetric forceps are in a closed configuration so that the blades adopt the form of an at least partially bowl shape.
US08939988B2 Uterine manipulators and related components and methods
A colpotomizer cup includes a cup body and a sleeve. The cup body is configured to receive a cervix. The sleeve is connected to the cup body and includes a locking member for locking the colpotomizer cup in a predetermined position along a length of the uterine manipulator handle.
US08939976B2 Limited artifact skull pin
A skull pin assembly for a head fixation device that allows for effective imaging with limited artifact is disclosed. The skull pin assembly comprises two components, a tip and a housing. The conical-shaped tip component engages the skull at a point and is configured to fit within the bore of the substantially cylindrical non-conductive housing component. The conical skull pin tip can be comprised of a material that causes limited artifact in medical imaging procedures. The conical skull pin tip can taper away from the point engaging the skull at a first angle and can seamlessly transition into a conical-shaped surface of the housing component. In one embodiment, a third surface of the housing component can also be tapered to meet the first surface of the tip component at the identical first angle of tapering.
US08939968B2 Cryosurgical instrument
A cryosurgical instrument, comprising a cryoprobe having ducting through which a compressed cooling fluid, such as a cooling gas, flows, for cooling a least part of the cryoprobe. The ducting has an expansion channel having a channel cross-section that enlarges progressively in the flow, direction over a predetermined length such that the compressed cooling gas gradually decompresses, at least partially, beyond a predetermined length on its flow path through the expansion channel while simultaneously cooling down.
US08939956B2 Wearing article
A wearing article includes a chassis and an absorber main body. The wearing article has a central elastic member overlapping a non-skin surface of an absorber in the crotch region and extending along a longitudinal direction at an approximately center of a widthwise direction of the wearing article, and a back leg elastic member that curves within the crotch region from the end of a back waistline region in the widthwise direction and configures at least a part of an elastic stress line that crosses the absorber along the widthwise direction. In the elastic stress line, the elastic stress of the portion crossing the absorber is smaller than the elastic stress of the central elastic member.
US08939954B2 Absorbent article having a multilayer visual signal
An absorbent article and method of making an absorbent article. The absorbent article has a first layer and a second layer in facing relationship with one another. The first layer has a first imparted colored region coincident with the longitudinal centerline. The second layer has a second imparted colored region laterally more extensive in a direction orthogonally away from the longitudinal centerline than the first imparted colored region. The second imparted colored region extends across the longitudinal centerline and has free ends. The absorbent article has a background region. The first imparted colored region and the second imparted colored region differ in color as compared to the background region.
US08939953B2 Methods of using multilayer medical sponges
A method of protecting sensitive tissue from damage during a surgical procedure using at least one medical tool having a rotatable bit capable of removing tissue, including selecting a multilayer sponge having (i) a tissue-compatible layer with a tissue contact surface capable of being placed against the sensitive tissue, and (ii) a low-friction layer having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the tissue-compatible layer, being affixed to the tissue-compatible layer, and having an outward-facing surface including biocompatible material not easily worn away by brief contact with the rotatable bit during the surgical procedure. The method further includes placing the tissue contact surface of the biocompatible layer against sensitive tissue such that the outward-facing surface of the low-friction layer is positioned between the sensitive tissue and the rotatable bit to protect the sensitive tissue from damage and prevent the sponge from being drawn around the bit when it rotates.
US08939948B2 Ocular insert apparatus and methods
A comfortable insert comprises a retention structure sized for placement under the eyelids and along at least a portion of conjunctival sac of the upper and lower lids of the eye. The retention structure resists deflection when placed in the conjunctival sac of the eye and to guide the insert along the sac when the eye moves. The retention structure can be configured in many ways to provide the resistance to deflection and may comprise a hoop strength so as to urge the retention structure outward and inhibit movement of the retention structure toward the cornea. The insert may move rotationally with deflection along the conjunctival sac, and may comprise a retention structure having a cross sectional dimension sized to fit within folds of the conjunctiva. The insert may comprise a release mechanism and therapeutic agent to release therapeutic amounts of the therapeutic agent for an extended time.
US08939946B2 Balloon trocar
A balloon trocar includes a cannula assembly including a cannula and an outer sleeve fitting over the cannula. The distal end of the outer sleeve is proximal to the distal end of the cannula. A balloon is coupled to a distal portion of the sleeve and a distal portion of the cannula. The outer surface of the cannula includes a plurality of longitudinal channels for transmitting gas or fluid to the balloon. A bolster having a gel pad at its distal portion is slidably mounted to the cannula assembly and may be locked in a desired position. In use, the trocar is inserted into an incision through a body wall and into a body cavity. The balloon is inflated and the cannula assembly pulled proximally against the incision while the bolster is slid distally to the body wall and locked in place to seal the incision with the compressed balloon.
US08939944B2 Reservoir module comprising a piston rod
A product dispensing apparatus including a reservoir module, a dosing module and a dose setting member. The reservoir module includes a front casing section, a block, a first connector, a piston, and a piston rod moveable in a dispensing movement and against the dispensing movement, and including a return block engageable with the block, wherein engagement between the block and the return block prevents the piston rod from moving against the dispensing movement. The dosing module includes a rear casing section, including a second connector which is engageable with the first connector to form a detachable connection between the reservoir module and the dosing module, and a dosing and drive device. The dose setting member engages the piston rod such that it is moveable together with and in the same direction as the piston rod during the dispensing movement and is moveable relative to the piston rod against the dispensing movement.
US08939941B2 Needle shield with specific roughness
The present invention relates to a shield (10) for the distal extremity of an administration device (3) comprising a hub (2) on which said shield (10) is to be removably engaged, said shield (10) having a wall (13) the internal face (14) of which defining an interior cavity (15) for receiving the extremity of the administration device (3), at least a portion (14a) of said internal face (14) being intended to be in contact with said hub (2) when said shield (10) is engaged on the extremity of said administration device (3), whereby said portion (14a) has, distributed over a major portion of said portion (14a), a surface feature (16, 17) that defines the amount of contact between said portion (14a) and said hub (2).
US08939939B2 Fistula catheter
A fistula catheter which allows a supply tube to be easily connected to a body-external fixing member positioned on the body surface side, and which is only slightly invasive for a patient is provided. The fistula catheter 10 includes a tube body 11 which is inserted into a fistula formed in the abdominal wall and the wall of the alimentary canal; a body-external fixing part 12 which is linked to one end of the tube body 11 and positioned on the abdominal wall surface side of the fistula; and a body-internal fixing part 13 which is linked to the other end of the tube body 11 and positioned inside the wall of the alimentary canal. The body-internal fixing part 13, and the fistula catheter has a flow path allowing fluid to flow through the body-external and body-internal fixing members. The body-external fixing part 12 includes a flexible tube 1 and is connected substantially at right-angles to the axial direction of the tube body 11.
US08939928B2 Medical device having capacitive coupling communication and energy harvesting
Provided is a wearable, self-contained drug infusion or medical device capable of communicating with a host controller or other external devices via a personal area network (PAN). The medical device utilizes a PAN transceiver for communication with other devices in contact with a user's body, such as a physiological sensor or host controller, by propagating a current across the user's body via capacitive coupling. The wearable nature of the medical device and the low power requirements of the PAN communication system enable the medical device to utilize alternative energy harvesting techniques for powering the device. The medical device preferably utilizes thermal, kinetic and other energy harvesting techniques for capturing energy from the user and the environment during normal use of the medical device. A system power distribution unit is provided for managing the harvested energy and selectively supplying power to the medical device during system operation.
US08939927B2 Systems and methods for small bore aspiration
An assembly for a phacoemulsification surgical system includes an aspiration system arranged to aspirate fluid from a surgical site. The aspiration system includes an aspiration path within the phacoemulsification hand piece and includes a flexible small bore aspiration tubing in fluid communication with the aspiration path. The small bore aspiration tubing has a nominal inner diameter smaller than about 0.050 inch to reduce levels of occlusion surge within the surgical system. A high-output, peristaltic pump communicates with the small bore aspiration tubing and is operable to create a flow through the small bore aspiration tubing.
US08939919B2 Enhanced therapeutic stimulus system and methods of use
The present invention relates to a therapeutic system and methods of using the therapeutic system. In particular, the present invention relates to systems having hardware, software, and appliance components for assessing and entraining a neuromuscular pattern or behavior in a patient. The methods include configuring the hardware and software systems to receive data from an orofacial stimulation appliance and to generate a precise therapeutic pulse profile that is actuated as a tactile stimulus. In one embodiment, the system and methods also include collecting data using the orofacial stimulation appliance and delivering the tactile stimulus via the orofacial stimulation appliance to entrain an organized neuromuscular pattern or behavior.
US08939918B2 Calibration and measurement system
Embodiments of the present invention include a calibration and measurement system designed primarily for use in the rapid evaluation and characterization of open or visible wounds in patients. The invention in a preferred embodiment comprises a set of colored concentric rings, typically constructed of paper or synthetic paper. The practitioner removes only as many rings, from the center outward, until the entire wound is visible within the open aperture at the center of the remaining rings. The area dimensions of the wound are then read out from the size of the inner remaining ring. Photography optionally records the wound appearance and size. A related system is developed for linear dimensioning of wounds. This embodiment is also designed to standardize the color scheme for accurate photography wound description. The color scheme is also applicable to a linear device to accurately describe wound size. Embodiments of the invention are also useful in forensic and accident investigations.
US08939911B2 Ultrasonic probe and apparatus for obtaining ultrasonic image
The ultrasonic probe comprises an ultrasonic transducer section in which a plural of ultrasonic transducers arranged in a row in the scanning direction, an acoustic lens and a low attenuation medium, and further comprises a probe shell housing the ultrasonic transducer section, acoustic lens, and low attenuation medium. In the probe shell, the low attenuation medium is located at the top end (contact surface with a subject to be examined) of the ultrasonic probe, and the low attenuation medium, acoustic lens, and ultrasonic transducer section are located in order. In this way, the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer section are converged by the acoustic lens and transmitted outside the probe shell through the low attenuation medium. The reflection waves from the subject to be examined are received by the ultrasonic transducer section through the low attenuation medium.
US08939907B2 Ophthalmic analysis system for measuring the intraocular pressure in the eye
The invention relates to an ophthalmic analysis system for measuring the intraocular pressure in an eye comprising an actuating device for contact-free deformation of the cornea, an observation system with which the deformation of the cornea can be observed and recorded, an analysis device with which the intraocular pressure can be deduced from the image information of the observation system, wherein split images of at least parts of the undeformed and/or deformed cornea can be recorded using the observation system.
US08939905B2 Antenna structures for implantable medical devices
This disclosure describes antenna structures for use with implantable medical devices (IMDs). The IMD may include a housing that hermetically encloses electronic components of the IMD and a fixation mechanism that attaches the IMD to a target location within a patient, such as a wall of a vessel. The fixation mechanism may function as a radiating element of an antenna of the IMD. The fixation mechanism may be attached to a housing of the IMD with two different members. One member may be an anchoring structure that mechanically anchors the fixation mechanism to the housing. The second member may be a connector that electrically connects the fixation mechanism to the housing such that the fixation mechanism is configured to transmit and/or receive communication signals with other implantable or external devices.
US08939904B2 Monitoring device and method for operating a monitoring device
A monitoring device for a patient for predicting a cardiovascular anomaly and a method for operating a monitoring device is provided. Furthermore, an implantable electrotherapy device, such as an implantable cardiac pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter, or an implantable defibrillator, having a monitoring device are also provided. In an embodiment, the monitoring device acquires a value change of a hemodynamic parameter, which occurs as a result of a detected value change of a state parameter, for example, as a result of an activation or deactivation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy. By suitable evaluation of the value change of the hemodynamic parameter, the monitoring device can output an evaluation result signal which is indicative of an imminence of a cardiovascular anomaly, such as a cardiac decompensation, long beforehand and with high specificity.
US08939902B2 Remote tissue retraction device
A medical device for managing tissue in an organ, such as the stomach, for retracting or positioning tissue and related organs to allow certain regions of the stomach to be acquired for a gastroplasty procedure. The medical device includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tissue treatment device attached to the distal end of the elongated body. The tissue treatment device includes a first jaw opposite a second jaw, and each jaw is adapted to acquire tissue. A retractor is disposed along the tissue treatment device and adapted to be moveable from a delivery position to a retraction position to move or manage the tissue of the stomach. The medical device also includes a collapsible barrier disposed between the first and second jaws of the tissue treatment device to direct tissue into the first and second jaws separately.
US08939891B2 Multifunctional handle for a medical robotic system
A handle used to control movement of a medical instrument. The medical instrument may be coupled to a robotic arm that is connected to a controller. The medical instrument may have a plurality of functions such as wrist locking and motion scaling. One of the functions may be selected through a graphical user interface operated by the end user. The handle may have a plurality of buttons. One of the buttons may allow the end user to control the selected function. For example, when wrist locking/unlocking is selected, depressing the button can toggle the medical instrument wrist between a locked state and an unlocked state.
US08939888B2 Method and system for determining the pressure of a fluid in a syringe, an access port, a catheter, and a gastric band
A method and system for determining pressure in a syringe, and more specifically to a syringe pressure accessory which can be connected to a syringe to determine pressure in a syringe and a gastric band. The syringe pressure accessory can detect a pressure of a syringe and/or a gastric band and digitally display the pressure. The syringe pressure accessory can include a durable unit and a disposable unit. The disposable unit can be disposed of after a single use, while the durable unit can be reused with multiple disposable units. The syringe pressure accessory can also include a syringe attachment unit and one or more display units for a caretaker or a patient. The display unit can be wirelessly connected to the syringe attachment unit to display a pressure chart or the results of various analysis of the pressure data. Markers can be added to the pressure chart.
US08939886B2 Systems, methods and devices relating to a removable sleeve for an implantable sling
Devices and methods for delivering of a sling assembly and removal of the sleeve at least partially enclosing the sling through a single orifice of incision are disclosed.
US08939880B2 Sheet folding mechanism
A sheet folding mechanism includes a sheet conveying path that is curved in a sheet conveyance direction; a pair of folding rollers that are disposed at a downstream side of the sheet conveying path; an abutting stopper member that is disposed at the downstream side of the folding rollers in the sheet conveyance direction and that abuts and restricts a leading edge of a conveyed sheet; a flexure assist member that assists flexure forming of the sheet abutted to the abutting stopper member; a curved conveying guide plate that is located at the sheet conveying path; a movable stopper guide plate that is a part of the curved conveying guide plate as being movable along the sheet conveying path; and a control unit that performs control to vary a movement range of the movable stopper guide plate in accordance with size and folding mode of the sheet.
US08939867B2 Automatic manual transmission for a hybrid car provided with an internal combustion engine and with an electrical machine
Examples include an automatic manual transmission for a hybrid car provided with an internal combustion engine and an electrical machine, the automatic manual transmission presents. Examples include a mechanical gearbox, a differential gear which receives the motion from a secondary shaft of the gearbox and transmits the motion to driving wheels, a clutch which is interposed between the secondary shaft of the gearbox and the differential gear, an auxiliary shaft along which the electrical machine is mounted, a first gear train which connects a first end of the auxiliary shaft arranged upstream of the electrical machine to a primary shaft of the gearbox, and a second gear train which connects a second end of the auxiliary shaft arranged downstream of the electrical machine to an output shaft of the clutch.
US08939866B2 Toroidal traction drive
A toroidal traction drive has an axial loading system with a primary loading component and a non-linear cam roller loading component.
US08939851B2 Multi-layer golf ball
Multi-layer golf balls having a hard, high compression center, a relatively soft intermediate layer, and a stiff outer cover layer, are provided. The outer surface hardness of the intermediate layer is less than that of both the center and the outer cover layer.
US08939850B2 Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls comprising a multi-layer core and a single-, dual-, or multi-layer cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core comprises a thermoplastic center and a thermoplastic outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard, thermoset intermediate core layer.
US08939845B2 Tube yoke for a driveshaft assembly
A tube yoke for a driveshaft assembly includes a tube seat and a pair of lugs. The lugs outwardly project from the tube seat. The tube seat comprises a base, a wall, and a plurality of stiffening ribs. The stiffening ribs extend between an inner surface of the base and an end surface of the wall. A portion of the stiffening ribs between the inner surface of the base and the end surface of the wall gradually decreases in thickness. A method of reducing the radial deformation of the tube yoke of a driveshaft assembly is also provided.
US08939841B2 Wagering game with alternating picks
Method and system are disclosed for conducting a wagering game having increased excitement and enjoyment over existing wagering games. The method and system involve a bank of wagering game terminals connected to a bank controller. Each wagering game terminal allows players to play a basic wagering game that is independent of other wagering game terminals. The wagering game terminals also allow players to play a bonus game where players take turns playing to win a portion of a jackpot. The portion awarded to each player may be the actual amount won by that player, or it may be a percentage of the entire jackpot based on the actual amount won by the player relative to other players. In one implementation, only players at wagering game terminals that exceed a minimum level of wagering activity may play the bonus game.
US08939834B2 Software verification and authentication
A device for controlling electronic gaming machines comprises a single board computer (SBC) having a microprocessor, memory means, storage means and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The ROM includes: a loader program; verification program; an authentication program; and a presentation program. Additional Mass storage media in communication with the SBC store pre-verified and approved gaming software (program files) and related data files, each of which have a verification signature appended to them. Prior to usage of the gaming software, the program file software or data file is retrieved by the loader program and checked by the verification program which compares the verification signature with a newly calculated verification signature. If the newly calculated signature matches the verification signature, the requested file is deemed to be intact (a validated image).
US08939833B2 Interface for a gaming machine
A gaming machine adapted to print validated tickets for a game player includes a microprocessor for controlling game operation (e.g., slot machine operation) and including a cashout signal input, a network interface coupled to the microprocessor for communicating with a central authority, and a memory in the network interface that stores a pre-loaded ticket validation number received from the central authority. In addition, a ticket printer is coupled to the microprocessor for printing a ticket that includes pending credit indicia and pre-loaded ticket validation indicia in response to a cashout signal on the cashout signal input. After the ticket is printed, the gaming machine obtains a new pre-loaded validation number in preparation for the next ticket printing event.
US08939832B2 Electronic gaming device with explosive scatters
Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which allow a player, the gaming device, and/or the gaming system to utilize exploding scatters. The electronic gaming device and/or method may utilize a plurality of reels. The plurality of reels may include one or more areas. The electronic gaming device and/or method may utilize a memory and a processor. The processor may generate one or more symbols to be located in the one or more areas. The one or more symbols may include a first expanding scatter symbol and a first dormant scatter symbol. The processor may modify the first dormant scatter symbol into an award value based on a first interaction determination.
US08939823B2 Vehicle HVAC system with ram pressure control
A blower unit for a vehicle HVAC system, which is operable in one of a fresh air mode, a recirculation air mode and a mixture mode, comprises a housing defining an exterior fresh air intake aperture and an interior recirculation air intake aperture. A suction passage is in communication with both the exterior and interior air intake apertures. A first door is operably associated with the exterior air intake aperture for selectively opening and closing the exterior air intake aperture. A second door operably associated with the interior air intake aperture for selectively opening and closing the interior air intake aperture. The first and second doors are movable independent of each other. A partition is located in the suction passage for at least partially dividing the suction passage. The partition is selectively engaged by at least one of the first and second doors depending on the mode of the HVAC system. In the mixture mode, the first door is configured to control ram pressure as vehicle speed increases to maintain a predetermined airflow ratio between fresh air flowing into the housing via the exterior air intake aperture and recirculation air flowing into the housing via the interior air intake aperture.
US08939820B2 Paw cutter system and method
A paw cutting system for removing a poultry paw from a shackle conveyed along a shackle conveyor line and then cutting the leg of the paw to remove the knuckle is provided. The paw cutter has a guide bar substantially aligned with the shackle conveyor line that urges the paw to a central cavity of the shackle. The paw is discharged from the central cavity into a lateral notch formed in two opposed discs positioned adjacent to an end of the guide bar. The two opposed discs are rotatable and move the paw from the guide bar to a blade. As the paw is moved to the blade, the two discs stretch the paw so that the blade can cleanly cut the paw. The cut paw product can be placed onto a belt or other device in an ordered manner.
US08939819B2 Transportation assembly with separation device
The present invention relates to a transportation assembly for transporting sausage shaped products out of a clipping machine for producing sausage-shaped products in a transportation direction to a rod-like storing element. Each sausage-shaped product comprises a filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing closed on at least one end by a closing means and a suspension element attached to the end closed by said closure means, the transportation assembly comprises a guiding device having a bar-shaped guiding element along which the sausage-shaped product is guided by its suspension element, and a transportation device for transporting the sausage-shaped product along the guiding element by engaging the suspension element of the sausage-shaped product.The suspension element is held in an open configuration by the weight of the filled tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing. A separation device is provided at the guide element, for removing a suspension element from the guiding element.
US08939811B2 Optical toy
An optical toy is disclosed. The optical toy includes a frame, at least one emitting part, at least one receiving part, a plurality of light guiding parts, and at least one power source. The frame includes a container and at least one containing structure. The emitting part is movably located on the containing structure. The emitting part includes at least one light source for emitting light. The receiving part is movably located on the containing structure. The receiving part includes a light sensor for sensing the light. The plurality of light guiding parts is located in the container for changing the direction of the light. The relative positions of the plurality of light guiding parts can be changed. The power source is located in the frame for providing power to the optical toy.
US08939810B1 Unitary model airplane component kit
A kit for quick replacement of unitary model airplane structural components contains a first wing assembly is removable from a model airplane fuselage component so a second wing assembly from the kit can be quickly installed. A first vertical stabilizer subassembly is removable from the model airplane fuselage component so a second vertical stabilizer subassembly from the kit can be quickly installed. A first horizontal stabilizer subassembly is removable from the model airplane fuselage component so a second horizontal stabilizer subassembly from the kit can be quickly installed. The kit has a kit box for portable storage of the wing assembly, vertical stabilizer subassembly, and the horizontal stabilizer subassembly. The kit does not contain the fuselage component or a fuselage padding component.
US08939809B2 Organic light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
A top emission OLED includes a driving TFT including a channel region and source and drain electrodes. A power supply, a ground line, and a light emitting diode are electrically coupled to the TFT and an auxiliary electrode is electrically coupled to the ground line and to the source electrode of the driver transistor. The auxiliary electrode resides between the light emitting diode and the channel region of the driver transistor and is configured to shield the channel region of the driver transistor from an electric field generated by the light emitting diode.
US08939799B2 Connector
A connector includes a first connector housing having connecting protrusions and a second connector housing having lock pieces. The first connector housing and the second connector housing are locked in a fitted state by the engagement of the connecting protrusions and the lock pieces. When free ends of the lever members are displaced inwards in a widthwise direction of the second connector housing, the distal ends of the lock pieces are displaced outwards in the widthwise direction so that the connecting protrusions and the lock pieces are disengaged. The unlock member includes a pair of unlock parts which make the free ends of the lever members to be displaced inward in the widthwise direction by being moved in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction in which the lever members extend.
US08939795B2 Shield structure of conductor cable and electrically driven vehicle
A shield structure of a conductor cable includes a first case that accommodates a rotating electrical machine, a first terminal block that is provided on the first case, a second case that accommodates an inverter, a second terminal block that is provided on the second case, a conductor cable that electrically connects the first terminal block and the second terminal block to each other, and a metal shell that is arranged across the first case and the second case and covers at least part of a periphery of the conductor cable.
US08939792B2 Patch panel assembly
A device and a system may facilitate access to communication connectors, adapters, and/or ports that are supported within a housing, e.g., a rack or cabinet. The system may include one or more of the devices, which each include a connection means supporting the connectors, adapters, and/or ports. The system may also include a device that manages, e.g., guides and supports cables that are operatively coupled to the connectors, adapters, and/or ports.
US08939783B2 Electrical plug-in connector comprising a raised release element, and method for reversibly connecting and disconnecting plug parts of a plug-in connector
The invention relates to a plug-in connector comprising a first and a second plug part which can be reversibly coupled and disconnected in a bayonet manner with axial and rotational movements, wherein a connection device is designed that has at least one spring element, at least one spring piece of which engages with a sliding guide in the second plug part in order to connect the plug parts. The sliding guide and the spring element are designed such that the plug parts are automatically disconnected when a release threshold value is exceeded. A raised release element which is embraced by the spring piece in the plugged state of the plug parts is formed on the sliding guide. Said raised release element is rectilinear in the circumferential direction around the longitudinal axis (A) and extends on the same axial sectional level across the width of the release element when viewed in the axial direction in such a way that when a tensile force that is greater than the release threshold value is applied to the plug parts, the spring piece is guided over the raised release element exclusively in the axial direction in order to automatically disconnect the plug parts.
US08939765B2 Reduction of defect rates in PFET transistors comprising a Si/Ge semiconductor material formed by epitaxial growth
In sophisticated semiconductor devices, the defect rate that may typically be associated with the provision of a silicon/germanium material in the active region of P-channel transistors may be significantly decreased by incorporating a carbon species prior to or during the selective epitaxial growth of the silicon/germanium material. In some embodiments, the carbon species may be incorporated during the selective growth process, while in other cases an ion implantation process may be used. In this case, superior strain conditions may also be obtained in N-channel transistors.
US08939748B2 Method for the production of a form of administration of a medicament
The present invention relates to a device for cutting a strand to a length with regard to a weight and to the use of such device in a method for producing a medicament dosage form of at least one piece composed of at least one medicament and at least one additive, the medicament and the additive being mixed and extruded from a die as a strand and the strand being cut into pieces of precise weight using the device.
US08939746B2 Quick-change system and operating method for a container processing machine
In a quick-change system for exchangeable machine elements, particularly in a container processing machine in which the machine element (E) can be brought into a target position and can be localized in a target position by a securing unit comprising at least one securing element, at least a second securing unit (P2) is provided with which a machine element that either has not been brought into the target position or that has moved out of the target position (X) can be localized in a securing position. The securing position is detected and evaluated as grounds for a corrective action before commencing an operation or during the operating sequence before a corrective action is initiated and executed.
US08939745B2 System and method for manufacturing a vehicle trim component via concurrent compression forming and injection molding
A method of manufacturing a vehicle trim component is provided that includes disposing a fiber panel onto a first surface of a mold cavity. The method also includes compressing the fiber panel between the first surface and a second surface of the mold cavity to form the fiber panel into a desired shape. The method further includes injecting resin into the mold cavity to fill at least one void between the first surface and the second surface adjacent to the fiber panel.
US08939740B2 Tube positioner
A tube-positioning system for loading tubing into a peristaltic pump includes a shell configured to slidably fit onto, and be releasably secured relative to, an exterior housing of a peristaltic pump. A pair of guides protrude from an upper portion of opposite side walls of the shell with each guide configured to releasably mount a first tube segment to extend between the guides.
US08939734B2 Molded plug for a compressor
A plug assembly for a compressor having a shell, a terminal body on the shell, and a conductor pin extending through the terminal body, wherein a connector body of the plug assembly includes a plurality of electrical receptacles for electrical communication with the conductor pin at least partially disposed within a fence disposed around the terminal body. The plug assembly may be formed of a thermoplastic or thermoset material having a tensile modulus between 9500 MPa and 18000 MPa, and/or about 30 percent glass fibers. At least one electrical receptacle may be housed by an inner core of the plug assembly for electrical communication with the conductor pin. An annular sealing member may be supported by an outer body of the plug assembly for sealingly engaging the fence.
US08939717B1 Vane outer support ring with no forward hook in a compressor section of a gas turbine engine
A support ring for a row of vanes in an engine section of a gas turbine engine includes an annular main body portion to which a row of vanes is affixed for providing structural support for the vanes in the engine section, and an aft hook extending from an aft side of the main body portion with reference to a direction of air flow through the engine section. The aft hook is coupled to an outer engine casing for structurally supporting the support ring in the engine section. The support ring does not include a forward hook having a flange that extends axially from a forward or aft side of the forward hook with reference to the direction of air flow through the engine section.
US08939713B2 Aerodynamic element for an aircraft nacelle
An aerodynamic element for an aircraft nacelle is provided that includes a fixed shroud and an intake lip axially movable relative to the shroud. The aerodynamic element is flexible and has a substantially cylindrical general shape and defines an upstream portion attached to the inner wall of the intake lip of the nacelle, and a downstream portion bearing radially against an inner face of the shroud. The downstream portion of the element includes a ring shaped bead protruding towards an outside of the aerodynamic element and an end blade which, at rest, is tilted towards the outside of the aerodynamic element in a direction of its free end.
US08939710B2 Rotating turbomachine seal
An exemplary turbomachine seal assembly includes a ring seal that has a radially-facing sealing surface, an axially-facing sealing surface, and a first tapered surface. The turbomachine seal assembly also includes a spacer that has a second tapered surface. The second tapered surface interfaces with the first tapered surface to bias the radially facing sealing surface and the axially facing sealing surface toward a sealing position.
US08939707B1 Turbine abradable layer with progressive wear zone terraced ridges
Turbine and compressor casing abradable component embodiments for turbine engines, with composite grooves and vertically projecting rows of stepped first ridges in planform patterns, to reduce, redirect and/or block blade tip airflow leakage downstream into the grooves rather than from turbine blade airfoil high to low pressure sides. Each stepped first ridge has a first portion proximal the substrate surface with a pair of first opposed lateral walls terminating in a plateau, and a second portion terminating in a ridge tip. These ridge or rib embodiments have first lower and second upper wear zones. The lower zone, which at and below first portion height, optimizes engine airflow characteristics, while the upper zone, between the plateau and the second portion ridge is optimized to minimize blade tip gap and wear by being more easily abradable than the lower zone.
US08939698B2 Ceiling traveling vehicle and method for preventing protrusion from ceiling traveling vehicle
A moving unit, an elevation device, or the like is prevented from laterally projecting from an overhead travelling vehicle and interfering with a stationary device or an overhead travelling vehicle in the neighborhood thereof. Projection from an overhead travelling vehicle is prevented, the vehicle including a travelling unit, an elevation device lifting and lowering articles, and a lateral movement mechanism including a base member supported by the travelling unit and a moving unit laterally moving while supporting the elevation device. The moving unit is moved between a state in which it laterally protrudes from the travelling unit and a state in which it is retracted to a position under the travelling unit. The moving unit or the elevation device is engaged with the base member or the travelling unit in the state in which the moving unit is retracted to the position under the travelling unit.
US08939691B2 Floating fastener
A floating fastener includes a mounting base member affixed to a first panel member, a rotary fastening member supported on an elastic member in the mounting base member for locking a second panel member to the first panel member through a rotary motion, and a cap member affixed to the head of the rotary fastening member and axially slidably coupled to the mounting base member and rotatable to shift inside longitudinal ribs relative to vertical guide grooves at a locating flange around the periphery of the mounting base member and to move the rotary fastening member between a locking position and an unlocking position.
US08939688B2 Weight relief transportation apparatus for construction equipment
A transportation system for transporting construction equipment that rides on a driven element during ordinary operation. The transportation system relieves a portion or all of the operational weight of the construction equipment from the driven element during transportation of the construction equipment. The transportation system includes a frame, upwardly extending supports that support a chassis of the construction equipment, and a lifting device interface for loading and unloading the transportation system with respect to a vehicle or trailer for transporting the construction equipment.
US08939685B2 Cutting tool
A tool is provided. The tool comprises an interchangeable cutting portion and a holder to which the interchangeable cutting portion is adapted to be replaceably mounted. The interchangeable cutting portion comprises a first part with at least one cutting edge and a second part for connection to the holder, the second part being provided with a conical external abutment surface and an external cylindrical screw thread. The holder is provided with an internal cylindrical screw thread, to which the external screw thread is removably screwed, and a conical internal abutment surface, the conical external abutment surface and the conical internal abutment surface being mutually engageable for positioning the cutting portion and the holder relative to one another.
US08939684B2 Cutting insert with chip-control arrangement having recess depths and projection heights which increase with distance from cutting edge
A cutting insert has a cutting edge formed at an intersection of a rake surface and a relief surface, with a chip-control arrangement located at the rake surface. The chip-control arrangement includes a plurality of recesses that extend downwardly into the rake surface and a plurality of projections that extend upwardly from the rake surface. The plurality of recesses follow a pattern of increasing depth in a rearward direction from the forward portion of the cutting edge. The plurality of projections follow a pattern of increasing height in a rearward direction from the forward portion of the cutting edge.
US08939675B2 Barrier systems with interlocking flag
A barrier assembly includes a barrier having a chamber adapted to hold a ballast, an inlet being formed on the barrier in communication with the chamber. A flag assembly includes a post having a first end and an opposing second end with a flag disposed on the first end. A retainer is disposed on the post and includes a catch radially outwardly projecting from the post, the catch being movable between an outwardly extended position and an inwardly retracted position, the catch resiliently urging toward the extended position when in the retracted position, the first end of the post being received within the inlet on the barrier so that the catch is disposed within the chamber in the extended position, the catch being configured so that the first end of the post cannot be pulled out through the inlet without moving the catch to the retracted position.
US08939672B2 Retention, release, and separation device, system, and method
A retention, release, and separation device is disclosed. The device includes a clip to secure a component and a capturing sleeve to secure the clip and prevent release of the component. The capturing sleeve can alternately facilitate displacement of the clip to release the component. The device also includes a separation piston that provides a separation force to the component to actively separate the component from the device upon release of the component. Additionally, the device includes a fluid source to provide a fluid pressure sufficient to displace the capturing sleeve and the separation piston, and to generate the separation force.
US08939668B2 Tire protectant applicator system
A system for applying chemical liquid protectant to tires which has an applicator with a foam pad for mating with the tire and a foam support structure for mating with the foam pad, where the foam pad has a quick connection to a source of pressurized chemical liquid protectant; the system having a nozzle for dispensing chemical liquid protectant into an area central to the foam pad.
US08939662B2 Method of forming double side extended tab label with verification of prescription information
A method of forming an extended tab label is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a paper supply to a printer, the paper supply having an adhesive covering at least a portion thereof. Inputting patient-specific information through a computer to the printer. Printing the patient-specific information on the paper supply, where the paper supply containing patient-specific information thereon forms a label having a length greater than a circumference of a container accepting the label.
US08939659B2 Connector component
A connector component is provided as one compatible with conductor coupling and fiber coupling. A receptacle 1 is a connector component to be coupled to a USB connector 3 incorporating a plurality of conductor wires, and a ferrule 4 holding distal ends of optical fibers, and is provided with connections 18 to be connected to the plurality of conductor wires, a light emitting device 23 to emit light toward the ferrule 4, and a light receiving device 24 to receive light emitted from the ferrule 4.
US08939658B2 Small form-factor pluggable optical transceiver
A small form-factor pluggable (SFP) optical transceiver includes a casing configured to accommodate optical and electrical devices. During normal operation, the casing is connected to a switchboard via a connector in the switchboard, and the optical devices are outside the switchboard, thereby exposing optical devices sensitive to high temperature to the outside air, reducing the operational temperature of the optical device portion relative to the heated portion inside the switchboard. Thus, the present SFP optical transceiver advantageously improves operational performance and extends the life of the device. Also, the present SFP optical transceiver having the optical device portion outside the switchboard advantageously improves the cooling performance for the optical device portion.
US08939656B2 Optical module
An optical module includes a housing, an optical adapter attached to an end portion of the housing, and an optical transmitter assembly mounted in the housing. The optical transmitter assembly includes a TOSA including a plurality of light-emitting elements for outputting optical signals, and a circuit board electrically connected to the TOSA. The TOSA further includes a TOSA base having opposing side surfaces on which the plurality of light-emitting elements are oppositely arranged so as to form at least one pair. The TOSA base includes a light outputting surface having an optical component mounting portion formed thereon, and the optical component mounting portion mounts an optical multiplexer including a plurality of filters.
US08939653B2 Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a main body, a number of lens portions, a number of restricting members, and a number of optical fibers. The main body includes a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface. The main body defines a cavity between the first and second side surfaces, and a number of accommodating holes extending through the first side surface and communicating with the cavity. The lens portions are positioned on the second side surface, and each lens portion is coaxial with a corresponding accommodating hole. The restricting members are arranged in the cavity. The optical fibers are fixed in the accommodating holes. Each optical fiber is restricted by a corresponding restricting member and an end of each optical fiber is fixed at the focal plane of a corresponding lens portion.
US08939652B2 Roller bearing apparatuses including compliant rolling elements, and related methods of manufacture
In an embodiment, a roller bearing apparatus may include a rotor having first superhard raceway elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each first superhard raceway element includes a raceway surface positioned/configured to form a first portion of a raceway. The apparatus includes a stator including second superhard raceway elements generally opposed to the first superhard raceway elements. Each second superhard raceway element includes a raceway surface positioned/configured to form a second portion of the raceway. The apparatus includes rolling elements interposed between the rotor and stator and positioned and configured to roll on the raceway. One or more of the rolling elements may be configured to elastically deform on the raceway during use. At least a portion of the raceway exhibits a first modulus of elasticity greater than a second modulus of elasticity of at least a portion of the one or more of the rolling elements.
US08939648B2 Solar tracking bearing and solar tracking system employing same
An solar tracker bearing comprising a pair of stationary outer bearing races attached on either side of a bearing support element and a rotatable inner bearing race held by the pair of outer bearing races, the rotatable inner bearing race having an beam slot for seating a torque tube beam therein.
US08939645B2 Methods and systems for micro bearings
A micro drive assembly may comprise a substrate, a micro shaft oriented in-plane with the substrate and at least one micro bearing to support rotation of the micro shaft. The micro shaft and micro bearing may be in or less than the micrometer domain.
US08939643B2 Tetrahedral shape packaging container and a tetrahedral shape packaging container method
To provide a tetrahedral shape packaging container or a tetrahedral shape packaging container method in which it prevents stored food from crushing, it maintains the freshness of the stored food or by tear-apart unsealing it can select to use as dish and it can select to reserve left-over food as it is. A tetrahedral shape bag assembly is formed by providing a left side face seam, a right side face seam opposed to the left side face seam, a fastener provided on an upper side and on an inner face of the bag assembly, and an opened lower side face of the bag assembly opposed to the fastener. The opened lower side face of the bag assembly is sealed and a wide width side face seam is formed on the bag assembly in a substantially orthogonal direction to the fastener, thereby it can obtain the tetrahedral shape packaging container having a tetrahedral shape bag assembly. The left side face seam and the right side face seam are tear apart by finger.
US08939632B2 Liquid crystal display device, illuminating device, and television receiving device
Provided is an edge light type illuminating device, in which an adverse effect of noise and the amount of electric wires are decreased by reducing the length of power supply wires arranged to supply electric power to light sources. An illuminating device (20) includes a chassis plate (22) having a square shape in a plan view, edge light type light sources (28) disposed along at least one side face of the plate and another side face perpendicular to the one side face, power supply means (30) arranged to supply electric power to the light sources, and a power supply wire arranged to electrically connect the light sources and the means, wherein at least a portion of the power supply wire includes bridging wires (33ac, 33bd) arranged to connect the light sources perpendicular to each other.
US08939626B2 Warning light assembly
A warning light for attachment to a vehicle comprising a thermally conductive longitudinally extending base, a plurality of light head mount assemblies, a plurality of LED warning light assemblies, and a plurality of electronic control circuits. Said base has a pair of generally parallel longitudinal edges and a pair of ribs projecting perpendicularly from said base. Said light head mount assemblies comprise a bracket and a light head retention shoe. Said bracket has a generally planar bracket first portion and a generally planar bracket second portion oriented perpendicular to said first portion. Said light head shoe has a sole configured to engage said bracket first portion, a rib engaging portion, and a brace extending angularly therebetween. Said LED assemblies are mounted on said bracket second portion. Said dome has a main body portion, sidewalls configured to engage said edges, and end walls.
US08939618B2 Light flux controlling member, light emitting apparatus, and illumination apparatus
Light flux controlling member (140) includes: light controlling emission surface (141) for controlling the distribution of light emitted from light emitting element (130); back surface (143) that is positioned on a side opposite light controlling emission surface (141); boss (145) that is formed on back surface (143) side; and annular concave part (146) that is formed in the vicinity of a base end of boss (145). Annular concave part (146) has inside surface (146a) that is smoothly connected to an outer peripheral surface of the base end of boss (145) and that has an arc-shaped cross-section in an axial direction of boss (145).
US08939617B2 Lighting device
A lighting device may be provided that includes: a light emitting module; a heat sink disposed on the light emitting module; a heat radiating fan disposed on the heat sink; and a housing which receives the light emitting module, the heat sink and the heat radiating fan, and includes an air inlet port and an air outlet port which are separated from each other, and includes a partition separating the air inlet port from the air outlet port, wherein the air inlet port is connected to a space between the heat radiating fan and the housing, and wherein the air outlet port is connected to a space between the heat sink and the heat radiating fan.
US08939615B2 Optically efficient notification device for use in life safety wall strobe applications
A wall notification device described herein can draw a lower current by providing a more efficient reflector configuration. The reflector is designed to be positioned on a wall and provide sufficient light output in each of the requisite directions, as required by the UL 1971 standard. The notification device has a reflector unit having a base having a curved portion centered on the vertical axis and a flat portion extending from the curved portion; a reflective flange extending from a location near a top side of the base; a first and second specular protrusion extending from the curved portion of the base; a third and fourth specular protrusion extending from the base; a fifth and sixth specular protrusion extending from the curved portion of the base; and a sixth and seventh specular protrusion extending form the flat portion of the base.
US08939608B1 Heat management for a light fixture with an adjustable optical distribution
A light fixture includes a member having a substantially frusto-conical shape. A channel extends between a wide top end of the member and a narrower bottom end of the member. The member includes multiple surfaces (“facets”) disposed around its outer surface. Each facet is configured to receive one or more light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) in a linear or non-linear array. Each facet can be integral to the member or coupled to the member. The channel is configured to transfer heat generated by the LEDs through convection. Fins can be disposed within the channel, extending from the inner surface of the member to an inner channel. The fins are configured to transfer heat away from, and provide a greater surface area for convecting heat away from, the member. For example, one or both of the channels can transfer heat by a venturi effect.
US08939605B2 Controllable lighting system
A lighting system comprising a plurality of controllable light emitting elements 3 is disclosed. The lighting system further comprising a spreading optical element 5 arranged in front of the plurality of light emitting elements to shape the light emitted from the lighting elements, and a controller 7 for varying a light emission angle range of light emitted from the spreading optical element 5 by controlling each of the plurality of controllable light emitting elements. This allows the light emitted from the spreading optical element to be varied without varying any physical parts of the lighting system, because the controller now controls each of the light emitting elements, by e.g. dimming one or more of the light emitting elements or by switching one or more of the light emitting elements off.
US08939600B1 Landscape down light fixture configured for water drainage
A down light fixture that is suitable for installation on building structures and around lawns and gardens of residential and commercial properties for providing aesthetically pleasing illumination and security illumination. The down light fixture includes a body having a hollow interior and a circuit board mounted in the hollow interior. A transparent cover extends across a lower end of the body. A wire extends through a pivotable mounting device secured to an upper end of the body and through a potting cup to the circuit board for carrying electrical power to a source of illumination. The body is formed with a drain port located so that any water that accumulates in the interior of the body when the body is in a downwardly directed orientation will drain from the body before it can reach an upper end of the potting cup.
US08939599B2 System for use to energize luminescent objects
The present invention relates to a system for providing a light source for activating a luminescent object. In general, the system comprises a housing formed of at least two portions that are either separable or form a unitary housing depending on the embodiment. A first portion of the housing forms a light containment cavity, having at least one opening configured for receiving the luminescent object. A second portion of the housing is configured to contain a light source for providing light for activating the luminescent object. One or more light switches are located on the outside of the housing for activating the light source. In some embodiments, the opening is configured such that it can be covered by a user's hand to prevent light from escaping from the light containment cavity when the light source is activated. In some embodiments, one light switch is positioned relative to the opening so that the user can cover the opening and manipulate the light switch with one hand. In other embodiments, a cover may be associated with the opening to prevent light escaping during activation of the light source.
US08939584B2 Unlocking method for a computing system
Methods and systems for unlocking a screen using eye tracking information are described. A computing system may include a display screen. The computing system may be in a locked mode of operation after a period of inactivity by a user. Locked mode of operation may include a locked screen and reduced functionality of the computing system. The user may attempt to unlock the screen. The computing system may generate a display of a moving object on the display screen of the computing system. An eye tracking system may be coupled to the computing system. The eye tracking system may track eye movement of the user. The computing system may determine that a path associated with the eye movement of the user substantially matches a path associated with the moving object on the display and switch to be in an unlocked mode of operation including unlocking the screen.
US08939582B1 Optical coherence tomography with dynamic focus sweeping and windowed averaging
During scan capture with an OCT imaging system, the focal plane position can be simultaneously shifted over at least a portion of an image range. As a result, a plurality of image frames respectively corresponding to various focal plane positions is acquired. The image frames can be combined to generate a composite image having suitable resolution throughout the image range, including regions associated with weak-intensity or low-reflectance features. Further, windowed averaging can be performed prior to generation of the composite image so that the composite image incorporates weights given to image data in focus.
US08939581B2 Ophthalmologic photographing apparatus
An ophthalmologic photographing apparatus includes an optical system, a pedestal, an auxiliary lens configured to be able to be inserted into and retracted from the optical system, a focusing lens, a focusing lens driving unit configured to move the focusing lens along an optical axis, a pedestal position detection unit configured to detect that the pedestal is away from the subject's eye by a predetermined distance, an auxiliary lens insertion detection unit configured to detect that the auxiliary lens is inserted into the optical system, a storage unit configured to store a position of the focusing lens, and a control unit configured to cause the focusing lens driving unit to move the focusing lens to a predetermined position stored in the storage unit based on outputs from the pedestal position detection unit and the auxiliary lens insertion detection unit.
US08939579B2 Autofocusing eyewear, especially for presbyopia correction
A pair of eyewear has transparent waveguides in each eyewear lens. An illumination subsystem directs a beam of light through the waveguides onto a wearer's eyes. A First Purkinje point imaging subsystem for each lens uses light reflected from the eyes through the waveguides. A controller calculates from the positions of the First Purkinje points the wearer's gaze parallax angle and/or the distance to an object of interest on which the gaze of the wearer's eyes converges. The output of the controller may drive variable-focus eyeglass lenses to enable a presbyopic wearer to focus on the object. Modified Alvarez variable-focus lenses are described.
US08939576B2 Optical element for correcting color blindness
Described herein are devices, compositions, and methods for improving color discernment.
US08939574B2 Printer with vacuum belt assembly having non-apertured belts
A printer includes a vacuum belt assembly for moving print media in a media feed direction along a media path. The vacuum belt assembly includes a plurality of moving belt modules, each moving belt module including: a body having an internal chamber defining at least part of a vacuum chamber; a first pulley positioned at a first end of the body; a second pulley positioned at a second end of the body; and a set of spaced apart endless belts tensioned between the first and second pulleys. The belts are non-apertured and the vacuum chamber communicates with an interstitial gap defined between each adjacent pair of belts in the set so as to draw print media onto an upper surface of the moving belt module.
US08939554B2 Ink jet print head and fabrication method thereof
An ink jet print head includes a substrate in which a pressure chamber is formed, a vibration film configured to define the pressure chamber and deformed to change a volume of the pressure chamber, a lower electrode formed on the vibration film, a piezoelectric film formed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric film and having a periphery receding inwardly relative to a periphery of the piezoelectric film.
US08939543B2 Inkjet ink composition and inkjet recording method
To provide an inkjet ink composition that has excellent discharge stability and gives an ink image film having excellent substrate adhesion and film hardness, and an inkjet recording method employing the inkjet ink composition.An inkjet ink composition comprises (Component A) a dendritic polymer compound having a weight-average molecular weight of 3,000 to 100,000 and having a constituent repeating unit represented by Formula (I); (Component B) a polymerization initiator; and (Component C) a radically polymerizable compound. (In Formula (I), R1 and R2 independently denote a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbons, R3 denotes an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbons, and R2 and R3 may be bonded to form a ring structure.)
US08939542B2 Detecting defective nozzles
A method of detecting a defective nozzle within a nozzle array, may comprise grouping each nozzle with a number of other nozzles within the nozzle array, measuring fluid output from each group of nozzles with a fluid detector, individually regrouping each nozzle within a group of nozzles whose fluid output is detected as not being commensurate with the amount of fluid that should be ejected from that group with a number of known non-defective nozzles to form a number of subsequent groups, and measuring fluid output from the subsequent groups of nozzles to determine which nozzle among the subsequent groups of nozzles is defective.
US08939531B2 Fluid ejection assembly with circulation pump
A fluid ejection assembly includes a fluid slot, a recirculation channel, and a drop ejection element within the recirculation channel. A pump element is configured to pump fluid to and from the fluid slot through the recirculation channel. A first addressable drive circuit associated with the drop ejection element and a second addressable drive circuit associated with the pump element are capable of driving the drop ejection element and the pump element simultaneously.
US08939530B2 Pixel data processing
A system includes a first memory to store pixel data, a first processing stage to process the pixel data in a nozzle axis major order to provide pre-aligned nozzle data, a second memory to store the pre-aligned nozzle data, a second processing stage to process the pre-aligned nozzle data in a print sweep axis major order to provide post-aligned nozzle data, a third memory to store the post-aligned nozzle data, and a third processing stage to process the post-aligned nozzle data in the nozzle axis major order to provide processed nozzle data.
US08939524B2 Shelter
A shelter comprises an enclosure for delimiting an air-conditionable enclosure interior and a container that is externally mounted to the enclosure and has a container space for receiving a cooling installation. The enclosure comprises at least one passage for heat recirculation from the enclosure interior to the container space. The shelter provides protection against detrimental exterior influences so that a reliable and energy-efficient cooling of the enclosure interior is ensured.
US08939523B2 Computer case protecting apparatus
A computer case protecting apparatus includes a first mounting band mounted on a computer case, a second mounting band mounted on the computer case, a first protecting cover, and a locking member installed in the first mounting band. A first locating groove is defined in one side of the first mounting band. A second locating groove is defined in one side of the second mounting band. A first restriction hole is defined in the first protecting cover. The locking member comprises a first locking pole and a coupling element. The first protecting cover covers a data port of the computer case by sliding the first protecting cover in the first and the second locating grooves. The first protecting cover is mounted in the first and the second locating grooves by moving the first locking pole into the first restriction hole.
US08939522B2 Cover opening-closing device and multi-function printer with the same
A cover opening-closing device for opening or closing a cover relative to a base is provided. The cover opening-closing device includes an actuation module, a transmission module, and a rotating shaft. The actuation module is disposed on the base and between the base and the cover. The transmission module is engaged to the actuation module. The rotating shaft has a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is joggled to the actuation module, and the second end is connected to the cover. The actuation module drives the rotating shaft to rotate through the transmission module, so as to allow the cover connected to the rotating shaft to move to an open position or a close position relative to the base. Thereby, a user's time is saved and proper opening and closing of the cover is ensured. A multi-function printer with the cover opening-closing device is further provided.
US08939520B2 Structural unit having a control unit housing and a hydraulic assembly housing
A structural unit having a control unit housing and a hydraulic assembly housing is proposed. The control unit housing and the hydraulic assembly housing form a receiving chamber with a covering for at least one electrical component. The at least one electrical component is arranged in the receiving chamber in a sealed manner at least in the region of contact faces between the component and the chamber. For each component, one seal is applied in a fluid process and is assigned individually to the relevant electrical component to be arranged. The seal is applied in the region of the contact faces between the component and the covering of the electrical component, the control unit housing, and the hydraulic assembly housing.
US08939518B2 Tractor and trailer spindle assemblies
An improved replacement axle spindle includes a cylindrical wall exhibiting increasing thickness at increasing distances from the inner end which is secured to an axle. The wall thickness increases in correspondence with the load borne by the replacement spindle resulting in no loss of necessary strength and load carrying ability. Several different profiles are embodied in the present invention: a first embodiment utilizes a straight internal taper; a second embodiment utilizes a dual internal taper, first at a small angle and then at a larger angle; another embodiment utilizes a parabolic internal taper and yet another embodiment utilizes a straight external taper. All may be utilized to replace a tractor or a trailer axle spindle. The spindles save weight and facilitate lubricant flow from the tractor differential into the axle roller bearing assemblies after a repair procedure.
US08939515B2 Road milling machine
The invention relates to a road milling machine, with a milling drum housing partially surrounding a milling drum, wherein the opening between the milling drum housing and the surface of the material to be milled can be closed off by a hold-down device. The distance between the axis of rotation and the hold-down device increases in the specified direction of rotation of the milling drum at least over a section of the gap between the milling drum and the hold-down device. The particular configuration of the hold-down device leads to an improvement in transport of the milled material to the transport arrangement. The gap width increasing in the direction of rotation of the milling drum improves material flow with a relatively small power requirement and relatively low wear of the milling drum.
US08939512B2 Seat assembly and an adjustable head restraint assembly
A seat assembly having a headrest for supporting the head of a seat occupant. The seat assembly includes a seat back, a support post disposed on the seat back, and a headrest. The headrest has a front portion for supporting the head of a seat occupant. The front portion is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The headrest is rotatably disposed on the support post such that the headrest can rotate independent of movement of the front portion.
US08939509B2 Chair chassis
A chair chassis includes a base, a warped plate, a first adjustment member and a second adjustment member. The base including an upper cover, a lower cover and a front cover is arranged at a bottom surface of a seat of a chair. The warped plate is disposed under the upper cover of the base for connecting to a seat back of the chair. Two compression springs arranged in parallel with a certain interval are disposed between the first adjustment member and the warped plate for adjusting travel distance of the compression springs and changing a force of the seat back. The second adjustment member is used for lifting the chair by rotation of a second adjustment shaft. The chair chassis is fastened and adjusted by operating the second adjustment shaft to move along an axial direction. The chair chassis has simple structure, easy operation and improved applicability.
US08939507B2 Backrest for a vehicle seat
The invention relates to a backrest for a vehicle seat, wherein the backrest includes a plurality of backrest modules. The backrest modules comprise a central portion, and at least one backrest module is mechanically linked to one or two further backrest modules of similar type at the central portion.
US08939498B2 Vehicle floor tub having a sound damping patch
A vehicle floor tub is generally designed for attachment to a vehicle floor panel and may have a variety of uses. In one embodiment, the vehicle floor tub may include a sound damping patch applied to the base of the tub for improved vibration or sound damping purposes, thermal insulation, added structural integrity, etc. The vehicle floor tub may include a main panel, a sound damping patch, and an adhesive layer that are formed together from a main blank, a sound damping blank, and an adhesive layer. The sound damping patch may include one or more forming features located near complex stress regions. In one embodiment, the vehicle floor tub may be sized and configured to be a vehicle seat tub that is located in the floor of a vehicle and accommodates a folded or collapsed vehicle seat; in another embodiment, the vehicle floor tub may accommodate a spare wheel.
US08939494B2 Roll up pick-up truck box cover with lock down slats
A roll up cover for a box of a pick-up truck includes a plurality of substantially rigid slats connected by hinge joints. A flexible sheet of material is attached to the top surface of the slats. The hinge joints include a stop which allows pivoting of adjacent slats only in a direction moving the top surfaces of the slats towards each other, to allow the cover to be rolled up with flexible sheet facing inwardly, and with bottom surfaces of the slats facing outwardly, and not vice versa. Side rails are attached to the box of the pick-up truck. A roll rod in each side rail pivots into closed position when the cover is unrolled, with the roll rods engaging the end fittings on the slats, to hold the cover down onto the side rails.
US08939482B2 Support system for digital tablet devices
A grippable support apparatus functions as a combination support stand and carrying handle for portable electronic devices. The apparatus includes a base member, an attachment member for attaching the base member with a rear surface of the table device, and an interface configured to be gripped by the hand of an associated user for carrying the tablet device from place to place. The interface includes first and second interface members configured to engage a ventral side and a dorsal side, respectively, of the hand of the user.
US08939480B1 Energy absorbing apparatus for a bumper rail
A collision energy absorption apparatus and a vehicle front end structure including the apparatus. The apparatus is welded to a bumper beam and is laterally adjacent a longitudinally extending member disposed behind the bumper beam. The apparatus has a central body having a front edge attached to the bumper beam and a rear edge that is spaced from the bumper beam and the longitudinally extending member. Upper and lower triangular walls extend between the central body and the longitudinally extending member. A rib extends laterally outwardly from the central body.
US08939473B2 Locking mechanism for a housing and lock suitable therefor
A locking mechanism (100) and a lock (110) are provided. The locking mechanism (100) comprises a push-button (148) connected to a freewheel (154) via a traction cable, with the freewheel being connected to a drive device (160) of the lock (110). A baggage compartment in the cabin of an airplane usually comprises two locks (110) of this type which can be unlocked by the push-button (148). A freewheel (154) arranged between the push-button (148) and the lock (110) ensures that the push-button (148) remains in a pushed position as long as each lock (110) allocated to the baggage compartment is not in a correctly locked position. It can be identified from the position of the push-button of the baggage compartment whether both locks of the baggage compartment are correctly snapped in.
US08939462B2 Trailer towing device for a tractor vehicle
A trailer towing device for a tractor vehicle (1) which comprises a coupling ball (11), having a hollow space (21) for coupling a trailer vehicle (2), and a ball support (17) which engages with an end area in the hollow space (21) through an opening (22) provided in the coupling ball (11) and supports the coupling ball (11), such that the end area of the ball support (17) comprises a joint ball (15) on which the coupling ball (11) is fitted and can rotate so that, together with the coupling ball (11), the joint ball forms a ball joint (28).
US08939461B1 Tow head apparatus for use with different sized aircraft tow pins
An aircraft tow head apparatus for use with aircraft tow pins of different diameters has a pair of side plates each having a first side plate and a second side plate both having a longitudinal axis and having a wall thickness sufficiently large to accommodate a plurality of apertures extending through the wall perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis to permit the first and second plate to be mechanically fastened together in one of a plurality of relative positions, where in a first position, the space defined by the first and second plates for the tow pin has a first general nominal diameter and where in a second position, the space defined by the first and second plates for the tow pin has a second general nominal diameter, whereby a user may reposition the first plate relative to the second plate as needed to accommodate tow pins of differing diameters.
US08939459B2 Suspension fork, in particular for a bicycle
A suspension fork for a bicycle has a tube system with an inner tube and an outer tube that are movable relative to one another. A damper system with a field-sensitive damping fluid is provided within the tube system. The damper device has a damper chamber that is partitioned to form a first chamber and a second chamber by a movable piston attached to a piston rod. A first throttle valve with a first field generating device and a second throttle valve with a second field generating device enable influencing the first and second throttle valves. First and second switching valves are provided. The first and second throttle valves and the first and second switching valves are interconnected such that in the compression stage there is flow only through the first throttle valve while in the rebound stage the first and second throttle valves are connected in series.
US08939456B2 Rocker molding attachment system for automated running boards
A mounting system used for connecting an automated running board (ARB) assembly to a vehicle. The mounting system includes a rocker stay, at least one rocker attach bracket connected to the rocker stay, and a bridge bracket. The bridge bracket is connected to an automated running board assembly, and the rocker stay is connected to the bridge bracket. The rocker stay is attached to a rocker molding of the vehicle, and the bridge bracket is attached to an outer door sill of the vehicle and the automated running board assembly, securing the mounting system to the vehicle, and the automated running board assembly to the vehicle.
US08939450B2 Mechanical seal assembly with compensation element
The invention relates to a mechanical seal assembly for sealing between a high pressure region and a low pressure region, comprising: a stationary seal ring connected to a stationary component, a rotating seal ring connected to a rotating component, a divided power absorption ring arranged at the rotating component, and a compensation ring unit comprising a first ring, a second ring and a third ring, wherein the first ring and the second ring have a higher strength than the third ring, and wherein the compensation ring unit is arranged in the force path between the high pressure region and the divided power absorption ring.
US08939449B2 Sheet transport apparatus facilitating establishing a continuous sheet transport path
In a sheet transport apparatus, first transport guides are provided in pair in parallel to, and spaced from, each other to form a first transport path to convey sheets. The transport guides have one ends engageable with the ends of second transport guides, which are provided in pair to be parallel to, and spaced from, each other to form a second transport path. A supporting member rotatably supports the second transport guides in response to the position of the first transport guides. When the ends of the first and second transport guides are brought into engagement with each other with the one ends of the second transport guides inclined against the first transport guides to displace the ends from each other, both transport paths can be connected to each other without changing the transverse cross-sectional depth thereof, thereby preventing a step or hollow from being formed in the connecting section.
US08939444B2 Printing apparatus and control method for printing apparatus
The printing apparatus of the present invention includes a delay mechanism that can transmit, with a delay, the rotational force of a discharge roller to a discharge tray. When the reverse rotation of the discharging roller has been begun, the delay mechanism accumulates the length of the delay, or, when the forward rotation of the discharge roller is performed for a longer period than the accumulated length of the delay, opens the discharge tray. When the feeding of a sheet is not performed during a sheet feeding operation accompanied by the reverse rotation of the discharging roller, the discharging roller is rotated forward to cancel out the length of the delay accumulated in the delay mechanism.
US08939443B2 Imaging apparatus and methods for bindery systems
Imaging apparatus and methods for bindery systems. An example apparatus disclosed herein includes a platform having a plurality of openings to provide suction through a surface of the platform and a first track that moves across the surface of the platform. The first track has a plurality of apertures to fluidly couple the suction to an upper surface of the first track.
US08939439B2 Thrust bearing and suspension for vehicle
Suspension thrust bearing device comprising a rolling bearing (2) and a bottom cover (4) having a bearing surface capable of accommodating a suspension spring (5), the bottom cover (4) comprising a reinforcing framework (8), which framework has a bearing collar (17) placed axially between the rolling bearing (2) and the bearing surface of the spring (5), the framework (8) also comprising an inner radial extension (19). The framework comprises an axial portion (20) extending in a direction away from the rolling bearing (2), protruding axially relative to the inner radial extension (19) and being situated radially outside the radial extension so as to be able to accommodate a shock-absorbing pad.
US08939430B2 Electromagnetic linear valve
An electromagnetic linear valve includes: (a) a plunger including a large outside-diameter portion and a small outside-diameter portion, and (b) a housing having a through-hole and including a large inside-diameter portion in which the large outside-diameter portion is inserted with a clearance being defined between the large inside-diameter portion and the large outside-diameter portion, and a small inside-diameter portion in which the small outside-diameter portion is inserted with a clearance being defined between the small inside-diameter portion and the outside-diameter portion. The plunger has an end portion which serves as a valve body that is to be seated on a valve seat constituted by an opening of the through-hole. The large outside-diameter portion has an end portion constituted by another end portion of the plunger that is opposite to the above-described end portion of the plunger. The clearance between the small inside-diameter portion and the small outside-diameter portion is smaller than the clearance between the large inside-diameter portion and the large outside-diameter portion.
US08939417B1 Mounting systems for electronic devices
Mounts can hold electronic devices. Some mounts can attach digital media players to a wall, such as a wall of a home or a backside of a television. In some embodiments, mounts include a tray with side walls that hold electronic devices at least partially inside the mounts. In several embodiments, mounts include flexible necks connected to adhesive surfaces. The flexible necks can flex independently of each other to enable a mount to attach electronic devices to a wall that is not flat.
US08939416B2 Front adjustable wall panel mounting device
A front adjustable wall panel mounting device that is adjustable from the front of a wall is disclosed. The front adjustable wall panel mounting device has a fixed channel configured to be coupled with a wall frame and a moving channel configured to be coupled with wall panel mounting hardware. The fixed channel and the moving channel are configured to be nested together. The tilt of the wall panel is adjusted by turning first or second adjustment bolts. The depth of the wall panel can be adjusted by turning both the first and second adjustment bolts in the same direction, by the same amount. The vertical height of the wall panel can be adjusted by turning the third adjustment bolt. A thin wrench can be inserted into the wall panel gap, engage and turn the adjustment bolt.
US08939415B2 Rooftop device and rooftop device assemblies
A rooftop device has a generally planar platform and first and second legs which extend from the platform and are pivotally attached to the platform and configured for contact with and mounting to a roof surface to support the platform in a generally horizontal position on a roof.
US08939407B2 Common bulkhead for composite propellant tanks
An apparatus comprising a first structure, a second structure, a first layer, and a second layer. The first structure has a first plurality of channels extending towards a number of edges of the first structure. The second structure has a second plurality of channels extending towards a number of edges of the second structure. A first side of the first structure is connected to a first side of the second structure. The first plurality of channels and the second plurality of channels have an orientation with respect to each other. The first layer is connected to a second side of the first structure. The second layer is connected to a second side of the second structure.
US08939390B2 Food based homogenizer
A food homogenizer is provided, including a base with a driving motor and a homogenizer assembly removably coupled to the base. The homogenizer assembly includes a homogenizing chamber, an inlet chute, and an exit spout. A shredder is disposed within the homogenizing chamber and is driven by the driving motor to homogenize food ingredients into a soft texture with a similar consistency as ice cream or sherbet.
US08939381B2 Fog removal system
Disclosed is a fog removal system which can blow dry air onto roads, airport runways, harbors, or into coastal areas in which fog regularly occurs to reduce the relative humidity of atmospheric air down from about 100%, to thereby remove the fog. Particularly, in the fog removal system, a heating unit and a blowing unit may be connected to areas such as roads, airport runways, harbors, or coastal areas in which fog regularly occurs, to blow dry air generated in the heating unit over a long range using a strong blowing pressure from the blowing unit.
US08939376B1 Encoding of microcarriers
Encoded microcarriers, and more specifically microcarriers having codes written on them. Methods for writing the codes on the microcarriers, methods of reading the codes, and methods of using the encoded microcarriers. A preferred method of encoding the microcarriers involves exposing microcarriers containing a bleachable substance to a high spatial resolution light source to bleach the codes on the microcarriers. The encoded microcarriers may be used, for example, as support materials in chemical and biological assays and syntheses.
US08939375B2 Magnetic stripe reader apparatus
A magnetic stripe reader apparatus comprises a first casing, a second casing, a magnetic stripe reader unit, and at least a connecting element. The first casing has an opening, a first positioning portion, and an adjustable fixing portion. The second casing has a second positioning portion disposed corresponding to the first positioning portion, and a through hole disposed corresponding to the adjustable fixing portion. The magnetic stripe reader unit is disposed between the first and second casings, and has a magnetic stripe reader head and a fixing element disposed on a side of the magnetic stripe reader head. In assembly, the connecting element passes through the through hole and connects to the adjustable fixing portion to fix the first and second casings. The second positioning portion and the first positioning portions hold the fixing element, and the magnetic stripe reader head is exposed from the opening.
US08939370B2 Programmable camera, programming device, programmable camera system, and method for programming
A programmable camera includes a camera control device, an optical sensor, a volatile data memory, a flash memory, and an interface to a data bus, e.g., a CAN bus. The camera is configured to optically receive and read in program data in a programming mode with the aid of an optical code, e.g., a barcode, and to program the flash memory using the received program data.
US08939369B2 Exception detection and handling in automated optical code reading systems
An automated system for reading optical codes includes a conveyor system to automatically transport objects and an object measurement system positioned along the conveyor system to measure the transported objects. In one configuration, the object measurement system generates model data representing three-dimensional models of the objects; multiple image capture devices positioned along the conveyor system capture images as the objects are transported to enable an optical code reading system to read optical codes that are captured in the images. An exception identification system associates optical codes with the three-dimensional models to determine whether an exception has occurred.
US08939361B2 Systems and methods for targeted point-of-sale content delivery
Systems and methods of presenting targeted content to consumers at a point of sale using a customer profile derived at least in part from consumer credit or debit card information transmitted from the point of sale.
US08939351B2 Bag-in-box container and method of constructing the same
A bag-in-box container for storing and dispensing liquids is provided. The container includes an outer box including two opposing end walls, two opposing side walls, a bottom wall, a top wall, a fill opening, and a dispensing opening. The container further includes an inner, liquid-impermeable bag stored within the outer box. The bag includes a first opening, a filling fixture coupled to the first opening, a second opening, and a dispensing fixture coupled to the second opening. The filling fixture extends through the fill opening and defines a first fluid passageway extending from outside of the box to an internal cavity of the bag. The dispensing fixture extends through the dispensing opening and defines a second fluid passageway extending from the bag internal cavity to outside of the box.
US08939338B2 Automatically-adjusting web media tensioning mechanism
An automatically-adjusting tensioning mechanism for use in a roll-fed web media transport system, the tensioning mechanism adding tension to the web media, comprising a bracket assembly being adapted to freely pivot around a pivot axis, and first and second tensioning shoe having curved surfaces attached to the bracket assembly. The web media feeds through the tensioning mechanism in an S-shaped media path where the web media is wrapped around the first and second tensioning shoes. The pivot angle of the bracket assembly automatically adjusts in response to differences in a coefficient of friction between the web media and the tensioning shoes such that the tension in the web media has a reduced level of variability relative to configurations where the bracket assembly is held in a fixed position.
US08939336B2 Polycrystalline silicon portion and method for breaking a silicon body
The invention relates to a polycrystalline silicon portion having at least one fracture surface or cut surface, which includes metal contamination of from 0.07 ng/cm2 to 1 ng/cm2. The invention also relates to a method for breaking a silicon body, preferably a rod of polycrystalline silicon, including the steps: a) determining the lowest natural bending frequency of the silicon body; b) exciting the silicon body in its lowest natural bending frequency by means of an oscillation generator, the excitation being carried out at an excitation point of the silicon body such that the silicon body breaks at the excitation point; so that a silicon portion having a fracture surface results which includes metal contamination of from 0.07 ng/cm2 to 1 ng/cm2.
US08939329B2 Sewage silo with centripetal action discharge arm
A sewage sludge silo is provided, having a central discharge arm for discharging sludge via a central discharge opening, by means of the discharge arm sweeping across a preferably sloped silo floor, with the discharge arm having upper and lower ends, with the lower end extending forward of the upper end in transverse generally vertical cross-section, as the discharge arm moves in a forward direction across the silo floor. The silo floor can be of multi-layer construction, with one of the layers being molded to facilitate a sloped configuration for the silo floor. The movement of a silo discharge arm can be computer controlled to adjust the speed of the discharge arm to maintain a predetermined or substantially constant rate of discharge of sludge from the silo, with such control being facilitated by appropriate sensor mechanisms.
US08939319B2 Thermotheraphy device
A thermotherapy device (1) includes a basic housing (2) with walls (14) with a support for a patient and an especially transparent covering hood (3) for the basic housing (2), which covering hood can be moved between a closed position and an open position, so that the basic housing (2) is closed by the covering hood (3) in the closed position. A guide mechanism (4) is provided for mechanically guiding the motion of the covering hood (3) between the closed position and open position. A heater such as a convection heater with a blower heats the air and/or an air humidifier humidifies the air. The covering hood (3) is moved in a simple manner and access to the support for a patient is essentially not hindered by the covering hood (3) in the open position.
US08939301B1 Combination locking storage container
This invention pertains to a combination locking storage container consisting of a tray and a detachable combination locking cover assembly used to secure the contents held within. The tray has an integrally formed key post at its uppermost position. The tumblers of the cover assembly engage the key post and lock to it. When the indicia of the tumblers and correct unlocking code are in alignment with a marker, the cover assembly may be installed or removed.
US08939300B2 Friction/elastomeric draft gear
A friction/elastomeric draft gear having a housing, a spring assembly arranged within the housing, and a friction clutch assembly having a wedge member and defining first sliding friction surface disposed at an angle θ relative to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear and a second friction surface disposed at an angle β relative to a longitudinal axis of the draft gear. The spring assembly is designed in combination with the angles θ and β of the first and second friction sliding surfaces relative to the longitudinal axis such that the draft gear consistently and repeatedly withstands between about 100 KJ and 130 KJ of energy imparted at less than three meganewtons over a range of travel of the wedge member in an inward axial direction relative to the draft gear housing not exceeding 120 mm.
US08939299B2 Method for handling and/or servicing components of a wind turbine and a gripping apparatus for performing the method
A method and an apparatus for handling and/or servicing components of a wind turbine, such as installing and/or dismantling components into or from a wind turbine nacelle or such as servicing exterior components such as blades, hub, tower and nacelle of the wind turbine are disclosed. The gripping apparatus comprising at least one arm for gripping around the wind turbine tower, the at least one arm capable of forming a gap between gripping elements of the gripping apparatus. The at least one arm extends around the entire outer circumference, seen perpendicular to a horizontal plane, of the wind turbine tower.
US08939298B2 Ballast carriage for a crawler crane
The present disclosure relates to a crane with a travelling undercarriage, an uppercarriage rotatably mounted on the same with a luffing boom and derrick boom arranged on the same, and a ballast carriage connectable with the uppercarriage via a coupling element, wherein the ballast carriage is a standardized heavy-duty transport device with separate drive and separate drive controller, and wherein this drive controller can be influenced as a result of the movement of the crane.
US08939296B2 Vertical lift system
A vertical lift system provides an ergonomic system for raising and lowering a lift carriage which contains non-slidable and/or slidable shelves. By having interchangeable modular raceways providing electrical, liquid, vacuum, gas and/or data delivery systems, equipment and appliances can be easily connected to these delivery systems without interfering with the up/down movement of the vertical lift carriage. The vertical lift system also includes a height adjustable work surface which can be raised/lowered based on an individual's personal preference. Some of the shelves can be manually extended or electronically controlled. The vertical lift system also allows the monitoring, processing and collecting of data from multiple pieces of equipment. The vertical lift system can connect to local and global networks and systems, such as the Internet or other communication systems or networks, other shared equipment, and can monitor alarm and environment data.
US08939287B2 Storage device
The present invention relates to a device for storage of medical equipment. In particular, the present invention relates to a single-use storage device for components of a piece of medical equipment that retains the components with the piece of medical equipment. More particularly the storage device may be used to store endoscope valves, with the parent flexible endoscope. A single-use storage device for medical equipment comprises a container portion, for holding one or more pieces of medical equipment, a closure portion, designed to engage with the container portion to form an enclosure around said medical equipment, a plurality of apertures permitting fluid flow through the storage device, and securing means to secure the closure portion to the container portion, the securing means arranged such that once the closure portion has been secured to the container portion using the securing means the closure portion and container portion cannot be separated without permanently disabling the securing means.
US08939282B2 Bang box
The invention is a compact type 3 explosive storage magazine. It has an approximate external measure of 4.75″ wide, 7.87″ long and 8.69″ high. This design is one quarter the size of the nearest comparable type 3 magazine and has an integrated locking mechanism rather than a hinged hasp locking mechanism which is unique among type 3 magazines. The hinged hasp represents the easiest access point for theft and most likely security component to fail.
US08939277B2 Method for conveying silicon granules in an encapsulated conveying channel
Silicon granules are conveyed in an encapsulated conveying channel by swaying movement of the channel produced by a permanent magnet excited by an external alternating electromagnetic field.
US08939266B2 Composite brake disc
A brake disc arrangement has a mounting portion formed of a metal, with a plurality of radial protuberances extending radially outward therefrom. The radial protuberances each have a radially distal tip portion, and a ceramic coating is applied to the radially distal tip portion of the radial protuberances. The brake plate portion is cast so as to surround the radially distal tip portions. However, it is isolated therefrom by the ceramic coating. At least some of the radially distal tip portions are formed of metal having a microstructure created by electrical discharge machining to increase dampening. A sand core within a core box holds the mounting portion in a predetermined fixed orientation. The molten metal is poured into the core box mold, and the metal brake plate portion is prevented by the ceramic coating from welding to any of the plurality of radial protuberances.
US08939255B2 Motorcycle
A motorcycle includes a second silencer separate from a first silencer. A first exhaust pipe connects an exhaust port and the first silencer. A connecting pipe portion connects the first silencer and the second silencer. A first expansion chamber of the first silencer is located downstream from the first exhaust pipe in the exhaust flow. A second expansion chamber of the first silencer is partitioned from the first expansion chamber. The second expansion chamber is located downstream from the first expansion chamber. The connecting pipe portion includes a second exhaust pipe, an exhaust control valve, and a third exhaust pipe. The second exhaust pipe is connected to the first expansion chamber. The exhaust control valve is disposed in the second exhaust pipe. The exhaust control valve controls the flow passage area of the second exhaust pipe. The third exhaust pipe is connected to the second expansion chamber.
US08939244B2 Vehicle
A vehicle includes an engine, a first MG, a second MG, a PCU, a battery, and an EHC. The PCU is connected to the battery via a positive line and a negative line. The PCU is connected to the first MG via a 3-phase power line. The PCU is connected to the second MG via a 3-phase power line. The EHC has one end connected to a positive branch line branching off from a W-phase power line among the 3-phase power lines between the PCU and first MG. The EHC has the other end connected to a negative branch line branching off from a negative line between the PCU and battery.
US08939243B2 Bumper module
A bumper module including a body portion that is positioned between a front bumper cover and a heat exchanger in a vehicle front-and-rear direction and is disposed extending in a vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-and-rear direction; plural longitudinal ribs that are integrally formed on a lower surface of the body portion, extend toward a vehicle lower side, are disposed extending in the vehicle front-and-rear direction, and are lined up at intervals apart from each other in the vehicle width direction; and an air guide rib that is integrally formed on an upper surface of the body portion, extends toward a vehicle upper side, guides cooling air from a vehicle front to the heat exchanger, and whose front end is unaligned in at least one direction of the vehicle width direction and the vehicle front-and-rear direction with respect to front ends of the plural longitudinal ribs.
US08939237B2 Underground drilling apparatus
A drilling apparatus is adapted for connection to a drill string such that the drill string rotates the drilling apparatus in a rotational cutting motion. The drilling apparatus includes a sonde housing having a distal end and a proximal end. The sonde housing includes a top platform positioned adjacent the distal end of the sonde housing and further includes a tongue positioned on the top platform. The drilling apparatus further includes a rotary cutting tool mounted to the distal end of the sonde housing.
US08939232B2 Hand-held power tool device
The invention is based on a hand-held power tool device equipped with a locking device. The locking device is provided for locking an output device and has at least one locking element for supporting at least one radial clamping force. According to a proposed embodiment, the locking element is provided to fasten and/or axially secure at least one component.
US08939230B2 Multipurpose hitting device with a mechanism for absorbing the energy transmitted to the gripping means
A tool has a mechanism for absorbing energy transmitted to a hand grip, comprising a support body, a handle, an elastic return member and an interchangeable head as a base unit which is capable of accommodating additional fittings depending on the specific application. A lower part of the cylindrical body has a shouldered part having a diameter larger than its upper part so as to allow positioning and support of a ring associated with the handle. The handle has an internal shouldered part with an upper face constituting the support for the elastic return member. The interchangeable striking head comprises a part centered in the ring and a neck that fits inside an internal bore of the body. The striking head rests directly on the body in order to transmit the entire striking force to the body, and the handle extends rearwardly as the hand grip.
US08939222B2 Shaped memory polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) for downhole packer applications
A downhole element to isolate or complete a wellbore includes a shape memory material including polyphenylene sulfide. The polyphenylene sulfide is the cure product of being cured at a temperature of about 200° C. to about 400° C., for a total time of less than or equal to 200 hours. The shape memory material is thermally activated between an actuated and unactuated shape, and the polyphenylene sulfide in the shape memory material is a closed cell foam, open cell foam, or solid.
US08939217B2 Hydraulic pulse valve with improved pulse control
Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.
US08939214B2 Riser connector
Various implementations include a system for introducing upwardly a flexible member into a tubular fixed structure with a sleeve surrounding the flexible member in the region where the flexible member attaches to the tubular fixed structure. The system allows for the flexible member to be drawn upwardly into a bore of the tubular fixed structure. In one implementation, a plurality of locking dogs are attached to and are radially moveable with respect to the sleeve between an inner locking position in which they engage with the flexible member, and an outer release position in which they are disengaged from the flexible member. In addition, a latch ring is disposed on a substantially cylindrical surface so that it may be deflected axially along said surface on contact between the sleeve and tubular fixed structure to permit release of the locking dogs.
US08939212B1 Corrosion barrier cap system
A subsea cap method and system having a canister attached to a port in a subsea cap that is positioned on a subsea structure and materials contained within the canister for release through the port into the defined area beneath the subsea cap and around the open upper end of the subsea structure. That is, the materials treat the water inside the cap and may optionally also treat the water outside the cap. The canister can be attached to, or removed from, the subsea cap subsea without removing the subsea cap from its resting place on the subsea structure. The system can be deployed via an ROV, diver or other means. The positioning of the subsea cap on the subsea structure and the placement and active or passive release of the material through the port into the defined area provides a system that protects the subsea structure from such problems as falling debris, silt, corrosion and organic growth while saving valuable time and resources.
US08939190B2 Motorizable tilt shade system and method
A motorizable tilt shade system includes a header system where the header system includes an integral header attachment connection. At least one cord spool is provided within the header system and is connected with at least one suspension cord. A shade is suspended from the at least one suspension cord and a tilt cord pulley is connected with the at least one cord spool. A tilt cord is connected with the tilt cord pulley and with the shade such that the tilt cord and tilt cord pulley cooperate to tilt the shade. A drive shaft receiver is connected with the tilt cord pulley such that movement of the drive shaft receiver moves the tilt cord pulley.
US08939186B2 Non-jamming laminator assembly
A laminator assembly (100) comprises an anti-jam feature comprising wire (104) running from the entrance zone (106) to the exit zone (108) of transfer passage through circumferential slits (110) in the rollers (112, 118) such that a lamination pouch is prevented from wrapping around the rollers (112, 118).
US08939185B2 Pneumatic radial tire
Provided is a pneumatic radial tire having a rubber chafer arranged on the carcass ply in a contacting area of a bead portion with a rim; a bead filler arranged radially outside on the bead core; and a side rubber extending along an outer surface of the carcass in each a side wall portion. When inflated with a predetermined pneumatic pressure, an outer end of the folded portion of the carcass and an outer end of the bead filler are placed inward from an outer end r of a rim flange of the rim in the radial direction; an outer end of the rubber chafer is placed outward from the outer end r of the rim flange in the radial direction; and a part of a side rubber located outward from the outer end of the rim flange in the radial direction is disposed between the rubber chafer.
US08939182B2 Liquid collection system
A liquid collection system includes a liquid collection portion configured to attach to a waste receptacle having a waste receptacle opening. The liquid collection portion has a liquid collection opening which extends into the waste receptacle opening. The liquid container also has a liquid reservoir portion attached to the liquid collection portion and in communication with the liquid collection opening. A fill indicator is in communication with the liquid container. The fill indicator is configured to indicate when an amount of liquid in the liquid reservoir portion has a predetermined volume.
US08939181B2 Method and kit for recovering puncture repair liquid
Provided are a method and a kit for recovering puncture repair liquid, which have made it possible to easily and quickly dispose of spent puncture repair liquid. The method for recovering puncture repair liquid according to the present invention uses a kit for recovering the puncture repair liquid which is provided with a coagulant for coagulating the puncture repair liquid and a flexible bag containing the puncture repair liquid, and includes injecting the puncture repair liquid drawn from the inside of a tire into the bag, mixing the puncture repair liquid and the coagulant in the bag, and recovering the puncture repair liquid in a coagulated state.
US08939176B2 Piston bores and methods of manufacturing piston bores for a series progressive divider valve
A series progressive divider valve comprises a valve body and pistons. The valve body comprises a fluid inlet, piston bores, outlet bores and porting. The fluid inlet extends into an exterior of the valve body. The piston bores extend through the valve body from a first end to a second end, wherein the piston bores are arranged along a first circular path intersecting each of the piston bores. Each piston bore includes a piston. The outlet bores extend into the valve body, and each outlet bore comprises a first set of outlet bores, and a second set of outlet bores. The porting forms a plurality passageways connecting the piston bores to each other and with the outlet bores such that when high pressure fluid is applied to the inlet each of the pistons reciprocates from the first end to the second end in sequence.
US08939175B2 Fluid delivery systems
A fluid delivery system has an inner pipe (10) and an outer pipe (12). The inner pipe (10) is fixed and the outer pipe (12) is slidable relative to the inner pipe (10) in an axial direction lengthwise of the inner pipe (10). The inner pipe (10) has an inlet (2) and an outlet (4). The outer pipe (12) has two outlets (6 and 8). The inlet (2) is connectable to a fluid source and the outlets are connectable to appliances such as a shower, bath or washbasin. The outer pipe (12) is slidable along the inner pipe (10) to connect selectively the inlet (2) to one or more of the outlets (4, 6, 8) individually or in combination.
US08939173B2 Stepper motor operated balanced flow control valve
A flow control valve includes a body having a body bore oriented coaxially with a longitudinal axis of the body and a seat member extending into the bore. A valve member is slidably disposed in the bore and oriented coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the body. The valve member includes a non-circular geometrically shaped head having a bore. A drive adapter includes a head receiving cavity slidingly receiving the geometrically shaped head of the valve member and preventing axial rotation of the valve member. A stepper motor is connected to the drive adapter, the stepper motor incrementally rotating a shaft engaged with the bore of the valve member. First and second equal diameter pistons of the valve member provide pressure balanced valve member operating positions.
US08939168B2 Valve box platform
A valve box platform is disclosed. The valve box platform may include a peripheral wall having a receiving surface for receiving a valve box. A first recess may be positioned within the peripheral wall. The first recess may include a knockout portion selectively disclosed therein. The peripheral wall may also include a U-shaped recess having a rounded receiving portion with the U-shaped recess being aligned with the first recess.
US08939166B2 TurbinAL™ high flow CO2 delivery system
TurbinAL™ is a high-flow carbon dioxide system providing continuous, pressure and temperature regulated gas supply of carbon dioxide for turbine system purging. In a preferred embodiment, the TurbinAL™ system has: a) Four or more dip-tube equipped carbon dioxide cylinder six- or sixteen-packs with integral check valves, flow restriction orifices, and single outlet manifolds; b) Two flow manifolds which are connected to the packs with flexible gas safety lines; c) A transducer controlled automatic switchover manifold that switches gas flow from one flow manifold to the other with no interruption in gas flow; d) An electric heater system designed to vaporize liquid carbon dioxide drawn from a cylinder (via the dip tube) to be supplied to the turbines as a temperature controlled gas; e) A programmable logic controller (PLC) to automatically control and monitor system functions; and f) A flow control device to prevent excess flow to the turbine(s).
US08939164B2 Solar shade
A solar shade includes a rigid frame, a flexible cover, and a supporting member to shade a portable enclosure. The solar shade provides cover to an area beyond a footprint of the portable enclosure and does not require attachment to the ground. When attached to a portable enclosure, the solar shade enables unobstructed movement around a perimeter of the portable structure by virtue of not attaching to the ground.
US08939155B2 Oil-resistant filter wrapper paper
A filter wrapper paper for a smoking article is shown, the paper having a content of long-fiber pulp of at least 30 wt %, preferably at least 40 wt %, relative to the pure fiber mass of the paper. The freeness of the long-fiber pulp as per ISO 5267, Schopper-Riegler method, is between 80° SR and 100° SR, preferably between 85° SR and 95° SR. The filter wrapper paper has a filler content of less than 10 wt %, preferably less than 8 wt %, and especially preferably less than 6 wt % relative to the total mass of the paper and is impregnated with a material that is suitable for forming an aqueous composition, more particularly an aqueous solution or an aqueous suspension. The oil-resistance of the filter wrapper paper has a KIT level of at least 4, preferably at least 5, according to TAPPI T559 cm-02.
US08939153B1 Transponder strings
A transponder string comprising multiple transponders is configured for injection into human tissue. In one embodiment, the transponders are sized to move through a needle for injection into the human tissue. Positions of the transponders with reference to one another may be maintained by coupling the transponders via a filament, adhesive backed substrate, shrink tubing, and/or any other suitable substrate. The transponders are configured to transmit data to a mobile computing device, e.g., a wand, smart phone or wireless tablet positioned outside the human tissue such that positions of the transponders are determinable, e.g., during an excision surgery.
US08939146B2 Protective helmet for air extraction from snow
An apparatus and system are disclosed to extract breathable air from snow via a protective helmet. The apparatus includes a protective structure, at least one air intake cavity, and a mouthpiece. The protective structure defines an inner cavity and an outer surface. A portion of a user's head may be placed within the inner cavity. The air intake cavity or cavities are disposed on the outer surface of the protective structure. The mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the air intake cavity or cavities. Additionally, the mouthpiece is configured to allow a user to draw intake air from ambient snow through the one or more intake cavities and to the user's mouth upon inhalation. Advantageously, the apparatus and system provide a reliable mechanism for drawing air from ambient snow when a user, especially the user's face or head, is at least partially buried in the snow.
US08939144B2 Solar array column cap
Disclosed herein is a solar array column cap that includes a body having an opening extending along a center axis from a bottom to a top, the opening configured to receive the vertical column such that the body surrounds the vertical column. The solar array column cap further includes an upper support surface configured to receive a horizontal beam, the upper support surface being located in a plane that is non-perpendicular with the center axis.
US08939141B2 Air intake modulator and method of using
An air flow modulating device comprising a flapper, a mount and a conduit. The conduit may be T-shaped and may be attached to an intake conduit of a sealed combustion condensing appliance, or other appliance having an air intake conduit, through a first portion of T-shaped conduit. The mount may be connected to a second portion of T-shaped conduit and the flapper may rotate between an open position and a closed position about an axle of the mount. The device operates to allow for a sealed combustion condensing appliance to immediately intake interior air when an exterior air source is obstructed, limited or reduced, or in response to changes in air pressure due to uncontrollable natural forces.
US08939140B2 Bow stabilizer with camera attachment feature
A kit for mounting a camera to a bow is provided. The kit includes a bow stabilizer for attachment to the bow; and a mounting bracket for attachment to the stabilizer, the bracket including a seat for the camera, an arm extending from the seat at a first end, and a connector at a second end for attaching the arm to the stabilizer.
US08939133B2 Outboard motor
An outboard motor includes an engine and a casing. The engine includes a cylinder unit, ahead cover and an ignition coil device. The cylinder unit is made of metal. The head cover is made of resin and is attached to the cylinder unit. The ignition coil device is attached to the head cover. The casing is made of resin and covers the engine. The coil ignition device includes a radiated noise reducer portion. The radiated noise reducer portion is configured to reduce noise that is radiated from the ignition coil device.
US08939129B2 Gas mixer, gas mixing system, gas engine
A gas mixer for mixing a first gas and a second gas, including a gas housing, a Venturi tube, a flow body for the first gas arranged in the Venturi tube to form a mixing gap, an inflow tube connected to the Venturi tube, to an inflow opening to the Venturi tube for the second gas, and an actuating element for varying the inflow cross section of the inflow opening. The actuating element has a first and a second actuating part which restrict the inflow cross section. The first actuating part is a first gas housing part and the second actuating part is a second gas housing part. At least one of the gas housing parts forms part of the Venturi tube and/or of the inflow tube At least one of the gas housing parts can be moved with respect to another and has a rotor of a linear motor.
US08939126B2 Vehicle with variable air intake system
In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a variable air intake system and method is provided for a vehicle. The system comprises an engine a controller coupled to the engine. The controller also couples to and controls an air intake system including a first air inlet port and a second air inlet port having a valve operable to move between a closed position and an open position responsive to the controller to provide air to the engine via a filter. A sensor is disposed between the filter and the engine to communicate with the controller for controlling the valve. The method comprises determining engine speed and air flow for an engine of a vehicle and comparing via the engine speed and air flow to a respective high threshold and low threshold. A valve within a second (controlled) air inlet port is opened when the engine speed and air flow each exceed the respective high threshold and closed when the engine speed and air flow each are below the respective low threshold.
US08939125B2 Method of operating an engine using an ashless consumable lubricant
The present invention relates to methods of using a low sulfur, low phosphorus, low-ash, zinc free consumable lubricating composition in an internal combustion engine equipped with a pilot ignition system, where the composition comprises: an oil of lubricating viscosity; a high TBN succinimide dispersant and where the lubricant composition overall has a sulfated ash value of up to about 0.2, a phosphorus content of up to about 50 to about 800 ppm and a sulfur content of up to about 0.4 percent by weight.
US08939123B2 Countershaft
The invention relates to a countershaft for a single or multiple cylinder motor having at least one unbalanced weight section (21, 22; 23, 24) and at least one bearing point (16, 17) that is allocated to the at least one unbalanced weight section (21, 22; 23, 24), wherein the bearing point (16, 17) has a radial circumferential surface (18) that extends only partially over a circumference of the bearing point (16, 17) so that a centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the countershaft (11) lies within a region of the bearing point (16, 17) that is formed by the circumferential surface (18) extending partially over the circumference of the bearing point (16, 17) and having a ring (25) that surrounds the partially extended circumferential surface (18) of the bearing point (16, 17) and is connected by a force and/or form and/or material fitting connection to the bearing point (16, 17), wherein the circumferential surface (18) of the bearing point (16, 17) has a receptacle region (33) for receiving the ring (25) and at least one axial outer edge region or at least one ring-shaped region of the ring (25) is connected at least to one contact surface (37) of the receptacle region (33) in a force and/or form and/or material fitting manner. (Refer to FIG. 5.)
US08939121B2 Glow plug fitted with combustion pressure detection sensor
A glow plug in which a convex portion (70) is formed in an outer peripheral surface (10b) of a heater (10) in a part facing an inner peripheral surface (137b) of a leading end part (137) of a housing (110) and interposed in a leading end side annular gap K1, so as to maintain a gap with the inner peripheral surface (137b). A decline in detection accuracy can be prevented to the extent that combustion gas can be received by the leading end (72) of the convex portion (70) even if soot clogging should occur.
US08939117B2 Variable valve actuation device for internal combustion engine
In a variable valve actuation device for an internal combustion engine, a hollow boss (22b) is fitted around the outer periphery of an outer camshaft (15a) and protrudes from one side of a second cam (22a) located opposite a first cam (20) in the width direction of the second cam over a distance greater than the width of the second cam, in order to suppress misalignment of the boss.
US08939116B2 Liquid-cooled internal combustion engine
A liquid-cooled internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder with a cylinder head in which there are disposed a lower partial cooling chamber adjacent to a fire deck and an upper partial cooling chamber which is flow-connected thereto by way of at least one main overflow aperture.
US08939111B2 Method and system for fencing animals without using a physical fence
A system for invisible fencing for animals, that is a device mounted on animals. The device checks Global Navigation Satellite System (“GNSS”) position measurements against an area that is defined in the device. The area can be defined as a combination of several areas with different characteristics. An area may also be defined as dynamic. The system calculates the shortest distance to this area based on actual GNSS position. If position measurements show that the animal has a position that is outside the area, correction will be performed as a combination of audio signal and electric shock. The correction is made by increasing the audio frequency proportionally with the calculated distance to the area. When the audio frequency has reached an upper limit, one single electric shock is given, and possible further correction is resumed from the position where the electric shock was given.
US08939105B1 Oceanic platform to extract and discharge salt water
An oceanic platform is configured to discharge water into an atmosphere to create rain and thus more fresh water. The oceanic platform comprises a floating platform mechanically coupled to a deck grate. The deck grate is further mechanically coupled to a telescoping shaft. The telescoping shaft is mechanically coupled to a water intake. A pump can push the water through the water intake up the telescoping shaft and into the atmosphere, thus creating the rain and more of the fresh water.
US08939096B2 Apparatus, sewing machine, and non-transitory computer-readable medium
An apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The memory is configured to store computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes including acquiring pattern data, specifying an outline of the embroidery pattern based on the pattern data, creating hole data for causing the sewing machine to form a plurality of holes including one or more first holes and one or more second holes, creating first stitch data for causing the sewing machine to sew one or more stitches for the one or more first holes, and creating embroidery data for causing the sewing machine to form one or more first holes, and sew the one or more stitches for the one or more first holes, and causing the sewing machine to form the one or more second holes, before causing the sewing machine to sew an outline pattern.
US08939091B2 Display rack
A display rack capable of being transformed between a first configuration, in which a plurality of rack boxes are arranged in tiers and a second configuration, in which the plurality of rack boxes are vertically arranged in line, the display rack comprising an upper rack having an upper rack box and an upper back plate for holding the upper rack box, a lower rack having a lower rack box and a lower back plate for holding the lower rack box, and a connection member for connecting the upper rack and the lower rack the connection member being rotatably supported at a horizontal line lower than the upper rack box on a front side of the upper back plate and a horizontal line higher than the lower box on a back side of the lower back plate.
US08939090B2 Guided vehicle
In a guided vehicle of air spring suspension for running along exclusive guideways, decreasing of center distance of the left and right air spring to mount air springs of increased dimension and increased load carrying capacity, which decreasing of the center distance induces decrease in rolling stiffness of the vehicle resulting in deteriorated ride quality and also induces difficulty in adjusting vehicle height resulting in spending long time in height adjusting operation, will not be required even when load carrying capacity of air springs is required to be increased in order to comply with increased vehicle load. A plurality of air spring elements are mounted tandem along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle with the air spring elements connected with each other so that air pressure thereof is always equal.
US08939072B2 Screen printer having paste feed syringe swayable into paste feed position and storage position
A challenge to be met by the present invention is to provide a screen printer arranged so as to be able to readily perform both replacement of squeegees and operation for filling a paste feed syringe with paste. A paste feed syringe (14) is configured so as to be able to sway around an axial line (41) that downwardly extends from a squeegee base (30) with respect to a horizontal line (HL) parallel to a direction of reciprocal movement of the squeegee base (30), and also be able to change its position between a paste feed attitude having an imaginary extension within a vertical plane at an oblique angle such that a nozzle (14a) provided at a lower end of the paste feed syringe comes to a position immediately below squeegees (15) and a storage attitude which is turned from the paste feed attitude through about 90 degrees around an axial line (41).
US08939071B2 Pitting apparatus
A device configured for the removal of pits from fruits such as cherries. The device features a planar rotating circular disk which rotates on an incline. A ramp deposits fruit on a top surface of the disk at a lower portion of the incline which keeps the fruit from moving with the surface of the disk. Depressions in the disk engage with individual fruit which is carried to a needle punch which translates through the fruit and an aperture communicating through the depression and the disk to push the pit out the fruit. An elastic member pulls the pits from the needles.
US08939070B2 Juicer
There is provided a juicer for extracting juice from fruits and vegetables comprising a lower base, an upper base, a top cover with a hollow cylindrical feeding tube, a grating-disk and mesh filter assembly, a pulp collector, and a pusher. The upper base is mounted on a lower base and receives the grating-disk and mesh filter assembly. The grating disk is a concave shape and tooth-like cutters are arranged into rows on an inclined surface of the grating disk. The top cover is fitted on the upper base and houses a hollow cylindrical feeding tube. Inside the feeding tube is an anti-rotation protrusion, located at the bottom of the feeding tube made an integral part of the feeding tube to prevent the food from spinning inside the tube. The pusher is inserted into the feeding tube and contains a opening that matches the anti-rotation protrusion and into which rests the anti-rotation protrusion. The bottom of the pusher is convex-shaped and matches the concave grating disk. The pusher forces the fruit or vegetable through the bore of the feeding tube onto the grating disk.
US08939061B2 Method and device for indicating the position of hydraulically armatures
Method of indicating the position of a hydraulically actuated armature, comprising an adjust cylinder for actuating the armature, connected by at least one pressure medium line to an adjustment valve through which the pressure medium line can be switched between pressure-causing forward flow and pressure-less backward flow, wherein the flow through the pressure medium line is converted into a number of electric pulses and the number of pulses reflecting the flow is processed in a program in an indicator unit such that the number of pulses occurring in a predetermined adjustment travel when the flow in the pressure medium line is pressure-less is calculated as being the same adjustment travel as when the pressure medium line is switched to be the pressure line.
US08939058B1 Portable ballistic resistant shield
A portable ballistic resistant shield device is provided. The device includes an attachment portion for coupling the device to an arm of a user, wherein the user has full function of a hand of the arm the device is coupled to. The device may also include a shield member operatively coupled to the attachment portion, a securing mechanism operatively coupled between the attachment portion and the shield member and an activation switch coupled to the attachment portion and operatively connected to the securing mechanism. The shield member is moveable between a stored position and a deployed position, wherein the securing mechanism retains the shield member in the stored position and releases the shield member to automatically deploy in response to activating the activation switch.
US08939052B2 Pneumatically powered pole saw
A pneumatically powered pole saw is provided, the pole saw having gas actuated main valves configured for movement between first positions and second positions wherein the gas actuated main valves are located in a main valves assembly fluidly coupled to the piston chamber; and a first pilot valve is configured to send actuating gas through a conduit to the main valves assembly and a second pilot valve is configured to send actuating gas through a conduit to the main valves assembly wherein the cutting blade moves in opposite directions in response to the actuating gas of the first and second pilot valves.
US08939050B2 Driving head with an elastic buckle
A driving head with an elastic buckle includes a driving head having an engaging room which has a first limiting slot and a second limiting slot, an elastic buckle being assembled with the engaging room and having a connecting segment, a first abutting segment and a second abutting segment, the first abutting segment and the second abutting segment being received in the first limiting slot and the second abutting slot respectively, the first abutting segment having a first abutting portion slightly bent inwardly. Under this arrangement, the first abutting segment and the second abutting segment abut against an outer periphery of a tool bit, so that the tool bit does not depart from the engaging room easily during operation.
US08939047B2 Piston compressor
A piston compressor includes at least one piston which is coupled in movement to a crankshaft, the crankshaft being designed in an at least two-part manner. The at least two parts of the crankshaft are connected to one another by way of a cone connection.
US08939043B2 Linear actuator
Linear actuator comprising a housing (1) consisting of at least two parts (1 a, 1 b) a mounting console (2) a reversible motor (7) with a transmission (22), a spindle (5) which over the transmission is driven by the motor, a bearing (16) for embedding the spindle (5), a spindle nut (6) secured against rotation on the spindle, an outer tube (3) which surrounds the spindle, an activation element (4) telescopically mounted in the outer tube (3) and connected to the spindle nut (6), a front mounting (8) on the outer end of the activation element (4), a rear mounting (9) arranged in the housing. In the rear mounting (9) is a seat for the bearing (31) of the spindle. The motor (7), the transmission (22) and the outer tube (3) is secured to the console (2). The mounting console (2) is constructed as a separate element around which the two parts (1a, 1 b) of the housing is assembled and the mounting console (2) constitutes alone the bearing chassis of the actuator. Thus a possibility for a compact actuator with low manufacturing costs together with high performance and quality properties is achieved.
US08939042B2 Scotch yoke arrangement
A portable, refrigerant recovery unit for transferring refrigerant from a refrigeration system to a storage tank. The recovery unit includes two, opposed piston heads rigidly attached to respective piston rods that extend along a common fixed axis. The piston rods are rigidly attached to the yoke member of a scotch yoke arrangement. In operation, incoming refrigerant from the system is simultaneously and continuously directed to the opposing piston heads wherein the forces of the pressurized refrigerant on them counterbalance or neutralize one another. The scotch yoke arrangement includes a two-piece slide mechanism mounted about a cylindrical crank pin and a single piston embodiment is additionally disclosed.
US08939036B2 System and method for airflow sensing and monitoring using manometer with special readout scale
A system and method for measuring the airflow in an air handling unit, includes placing two sensor tubes having apertures along the thereof at specific locations within the air handling unit that, when attached to a manometer, measuring the differential pressure loss across the two locations and, by means of a special readout scale, providing the airflow through the air handling unit.
US08939035B2 Multiphase metering system
A multi-phase fluid is passed through a Coriolis flowmeter and a watercut meter. The multi-phase fluid includes two phases during a first time period and three phases during a second time period. It is determined that the multi-phase fluid includes two phases during the first time period, and a first value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the Coriolis flowmeter during the first time period. A second value of a parameter of the multi-phase fluid is determined using a value measured by the watercut meter during the first time period. The first value is compared to the second value, and it is determined, based on the comparison, that the first value and the second value are inconsistent with each other.
US08939031B2 Wireless interface for audiometers
An interface adapted for use with an audiometer, including a digital wireless interface supported by a base unit and a remote unit wherein the base unit receives signals from the audiometer and provides the signals to the remote unit via the digital wireless interface.
US08939028B2 Integrated sensors and sensing methods
Embodiments relate to integrated sensors and sensing methods. Embodiments relate to integrated sensor layouts. Embodiments are configured to maximize a ratio of sensor spacing over a die area. While being generally applicable to many different types of sensors, particular advantages can be presented for magnetoresistive (xMR) sensors.
US08939027B2 Acceleration sensor
An acceleration sensor includes an acceleration detector, a first fixed portion and a second fixed portion, and first to fourth beams that connect the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion to the acceleration detector. A support substrate includes a fixed first substrate piece, a movable second substrate piece, and a hinge that connects the first substrate piece and the second substrate piece to each other. The longitudinal direction of the acceleration detector extends along the direction perpendicular to a detection axis thereof, and a central portion of the acceleration detector in the short-side direction overlaps with the hinge in the short-side direction. The length of the second substrate piece along the longitudinal direction of the hinge is greater than the length of the second substrate piece along the short-side direction of the hinge.
US08939026B2 Frequency modulated micro gyro
A sensing device comprises a rotationally oscillating proof mass resonator and a detector resonator. The detector resonator, actuated to produce an oscillating signal, is coupled to the proof mass resonator and the frequency of the oscillating signal is modulated by a change of motion of the proof mass resonator.
US08939022B2 Level indicator
A level indicator having a support, a thick-film resistor network arranged on the support, a bow that carries a contact structure that produces, depending on the position of the bow, an electrical signal in the thick-film resistor network, a lever arm that is retained in the bow and has a float on its other end. The float has a seat for the lever arm. The lever arm has a pivoting range in a first plane. The float has a second plane that is perpendicular and that extends perpendicular to the first plane and through the center of mass of the float. The float is mounted on the lever arm to be positionally immobile. The seat for the lever arm is arranged in a region of the float which is arranged on the side of the second plane that faces away from the seat of the bow and that is delimited by the second plane and the outer periphery of the float.
US08939013B2 Duct detector with improved functional test capability
A device and method for facilitating convenient functional testing of a duct detector is provided. The device includes a duct detector having a remote-controlled test light mounted in a housing thereof, and a detector chamber defined by a filter screen and a plurality of labyrinth members that allow light emitted by the test light to enter the detector chamber. A functional test of the duct detector can be conducted by activating the test light. If the detector is functioning properly, an amount of light emitted by the test light will be detected by the light detector, thereby simulating the presence of an excessive amount of particulate within the detector chamber. The light detector will then generate an output signal that will cause the actuation of alarms and/or the deactivation of a blower system, thereby indicating functionality of the duct detector.
US08939012B2 Thermal conductivity detector and gas chromatograph using same
The present invention provides a thermal conductivity detector capable of realizing high detection performance even with the use of a miniaturized heating element, and expanding an effective applicable temperature range of a heating element, and to provide a gas chromatograph using the same. The thermal conductivity detector comprises a flow-path through which a measurement gas is caused to flow, a heating element disposed inside the flow-path, the heating element being formed on the substrate, for detecting thermal conductivity of the measurement gas according to magnitude of an amount of heat taken away from the heating element by the measurement gas, wherein said heating element is provided with a beam including a part where the beam is folded at a predetermined angle, the part being formed at the central part of the beam.
US08939009B2 Method for calibrating two interacting working rollers in a rolling stand
The invention relates to a method for calibrating a rolling stand (3), wherein in order to determine the relative pivot position of the roller set for setting a symmetrical roll gap and/or for determining the extension of the rolling stand (3) before the actual rolling process, the roller set is pressed against each other under a radial preset force and the resulting deformation of the rolling stand is preferably measured on the piston-cylinder unit (6, 7). The pivot position of the roller set and/or the frame module (M) determined based thereon are mathematically used during the subsequent rolling of a rolling stock between the working rollers (1, 2) for adjusting the roller set. In order to attain a higher accuracy during rolling, the invention provides for the working rollers (1, 2) to be axially adjustable relative to each other starting from a zero position that is not axially displaced, wherein the determination of the pivot position for setting a symmetrical roll gap and/or the determination of the frame module (M) are carried out in a relative displacement position of the working rollers (1, 2) that is not equal to the zero position (calibration position), wherein the determined pivot position and/or the value for the frame module (M) are stored and mathematically used for further calculating the pivot position and/or the adjustment of the roller set during rolling of the rolling stock.
US08939007B2 Inertial force sensor and zero point correction method used therein
A detecting unit outputs an object signal corresponding to an inertial force. A corrected signal is generated by correcting the object signal. A first environment value is obtained at a first time point. A second environment value is obtained at a second time point after the first time point. An environment difference value which is a difference between the first and second environment values is calculated. An environment change detection signal is output when an absolute value of the environment difference value is larger than a predetermined determination threshold. A first averaged signal is output by averaging a corrected signal in a predetermined period continuing to the first time point. A second averaging signal is output by averaging the corrected signal in a predetermined period continuing to the second time point. An offset difference value which is a difference between the first and second averaged signals is calculated. The offset difference value is stored when the environment change detection signal is output. The corrected signal is generated by adding the stored offset difference value to the object signal. This method can easily reduce the output offset even if an environment, such as an ambient temperature, abruptly changes.
US08939005B2 Guide pin assembly for metal forming dies and method
A guide pin assembly for metal forming dies includes a cylindrical guide pin body with an external retainer groove adjacent one end thereof in which a retainer ring is received. An annular guide pin ring with an outside diameter greater than the pin body, has a counterbore adjacent the outside end thereof and a retainer groove in a medial portion thereof which receives the outer portion of the retainer ring to securely interconnect the pin body and the ring and thereby form an enlarged head at one end of the pin body which positively limits reciprocal motion between two associated die members. A circular guide pin head cap covers the outer end of the head ring, and includes a support collar that is closely received in the counterbore of the ring, and engages the retainer ring to securely hold the same in place.
US08939001B2 Method of extrusion forming
In an extrusion molding method, a discard 7 is pressed in the thickness direction with a stem 2 after releasing the restraint of the external peripheral surface of the discard 7 by the container 1 or while releasing the restraint to thereby reduce the thickness of the discard 7, and then the discard 7 is cut off with a shearing blade 4.
US08938997B2 Security surround device with cord lock
A security device and method to surround merchandise for theft deterrence. The security device includes a cord and housing for a knot in the cord. The cord is pulled from one end about the knot to tighten cord around a product and the cord is pulled from another section to lock cord in place around the product. The device serves to deter breaking in or stealing merchandising product. The security device may also include an additional housing for the cord to pass through. Either housing may include an EAS and/or RFID element for additional security.
US08938994B2 Method for re-establishing the symmetrical temperature profile at the exit from a bend in a feeder, and feeder for implementing the method
A method for re-establishing or tending to re-establish symmetrical distribution of temperatures between right-hand and left-hand sides of a cross section of a flow of molten glass that has been routed in a feeder including at least one bend area, thermal asymmetry having been induced by flowing round a bend. The feeder includes a flow channel, formed from refractory and insulative material elements and including a horizontal sole plate and two lateral walls, and a vault capping the channel, formed of a refractory roof and lateral parts including burners. In an area of each bend, the flow channel is modified by choosing a corresponding inclined sole plate portion, the inclination being chosen so that the flow channel is deeper in an outside region of the bend than in its inside region, heights of the two lateral walls of the channel being modified accordingly.
US08938992B2 Method of manufacturing glass sheet
A method of manufacturing a glass sheet according to the present invention comprises the steps of creating split flows of molten glass in a forming body 10 and causing the molten glass to flow down, subsequently merging the flows at a merging point to form a glass sheet G and causing the glass sheet to flow downward in the vertical direction. In this method of manufacturing a glass sheet, a partition member 20 is disposed facing the glass sheet G in the vicinity of a location below the forming body 10, and a facing surface of the partition member 20 is shaped so as to correspond to a sheet thickness variation of the glass sheet G, so that a gap between the glass sheet G and the partition member 20 is substantially uniform.
US08938990B2 Method for producing glass substrate for information storage medium, and information storage medium
For an information storage medium a glass substrate is produced in a method including the steps of: polishing a glass substrate with a polishing agent applied thereon; and subsequently, chemically strengthening a major surface of the glass substrate. The polishing agent contains cerium oxide at a purity equal to or larger than 99% by mass for CeO2/TREO, and has an alkaline earth metal content having a total mass equal to or smaller than 10 ppm by mass. The step of polishing is performed with a soft polishing pad to polish the glass substrate.
US08938984B2 Refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit
The invention relates to a refrigerator unit and/or a freezer unit comprising at least one operating and/or control unit for the operation and/or control of the refrigerator unit and/or freezer unit and/or comprising at least one evaporator module for the cooling of the inner space of the unit as well as comprising illumination means by means of which the inner space of the unit and/or the region located in front of the inner space of the unit from the viewpoint of the user can be illuminated at least partly, wherein the illumination means are arranged in or at the operating and/or control unit and/or in or at the evaporator module.
US08938983B2 Data center container with cooling system
A data center container includes a chassis, a cover, a cooling system, a water outlet, a water tray, and a connecting pipe. The cover is secured to the chassis. The cooling system is located in the chassis and includes a water inflow portion, a water outflow portion, and a drainer tray. The water outlet is located in the chassis. The water outlet communicates with the drainer tray and extends out of the chassis. The drainer tray is secured to the chassis. The water inflow portion and the water outflow portion are located between the cover and the water tray. The connecting pipe connects the water tray with the drainer tray. The water tray receives condensation dripping from the water inflow portion and the water outflow portion.
US08938972B2 Engine apparatus and method for reducing a side load on a flying object
An engine apparatus is provided for a flying object, the engine apparatus including a combustion chamber having a throat region and a nozzle region, the nozzle region having a nozzle wall, wherein the nozzle region expands from the throat region towards an exit end relative to a combustion chamber axis, wherein the nozzle region has associated therewith a skirt having a skirt wall, the skirt being positioned downstream relative to the exit end and surrounding the exit end of the nozzle region, and wherein the skirt wall is at an acute angle away from the combustion chamber axis with respect to the nozzle wall, at least at the exit end of the nozzle region.
US08938971B2 Flow straightener and mixer
A combined flow straightener and mixer is disclosed as well as a burner for a combustion chamber of a gas turbine having such a mixing device. At least two streamlined bodies are arranged in a structure comprising the side walls of the mixer. The leading edge area of each streamlined body has a profile, which is oriented parallel to a main flow direction prevailing at the leading edge position, and with reference to a central plane of the streamlined bodies, the trailing edges are provided with at least two lobes in opposite transverse directions. The periodic deflections forming the lobes from two adjacent streamlined bodies are out of phase.
US08938964B2 Waste heat utilization apparatus for internal combustion engine
A Rankine circuit (40) includes, as a plurality of heat exchangers, an EGR cooler (36) of an EGR circuit and an exhaust gas heat exchanger (41) associated with an exhaust passage. The EGR cooler and the exhaust gas heat exchanger are arranged such that the EGR cooler is located upstream of the exhaust gas heat exchanger as viewed in the flowing direction of a working fluid in the Rankine circuit. The amount of heat transferred from EGR gas to the working fluid in the EGR cooler is controlled by a control unit (60) so that the temperature of the EGR gas detected by an EGR gas temperature detector (39) may fall within a predetermined temperature range (e.g., 150° C. to 200° C.).
US08938957B2 Wave responsive electrical generator
A wave responsive electrical generator device having a buoyant member connected to an anchor by a tether line member, the line member passing through a sheave mounted within the buoyant member and descending to a counterweight, whereby vertical motion of the buoyant member results in rotation of the sheave, which in turn operates hydraulic cylinders to deliver hydraulic fluid under pressure to an hydraulic motor, which drives an electrical generator, wherein the line member is a plurality of belts mechanically interlocking with the sheave.
US08938956B2 Method of operating an energy recovery cylinder
The present invention relates to an implement, in particular an excavator or machine for material handling, with an element movable via at least one working drive, wherein at least one energy recovery cylinder is provided for energy recovery from the movement of the movable element, which includes a chamber filled with gas, wherein the actuation of the implement is effected in dependence on the directly or indirectly determined temperature of the gas in the chamber filled with gas.
US08938955B2 Exhaust manifold
An exhaust manifold includes: an inlet portion which collects exhaust gas discharged through a first to a fourth exhaust ports; an outlet portion discharging the exhaust gas; and a tube portion connecting the inlet and the outlet portions. The inlet portion comprises: a first inlet portion one end of which communicates with the first and the second exhaust ports; and a second inlet portion one end of which communicates with the third and the fourth exhaust ports. Since the inlet portion is provided as two considering the combustion sequence, the productability and the economic feasibility can be enhanced, and the surrounding space can be enlarged to enhance the workability, and a simple exterior appearance can be obtained, and interference between exhaust gases can be effectively prevented, and since the size of the exhaust manifold can be increased, an engine load can be reduced to improve the fuel mileage.
US08938946B2 Exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine has a thermoelectric power generator with a hot side and a cold side. The hot side is arranged on the exhaust gas system and is heatable by exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A first heat exchanger having a first thermal conductivity is arranged between the hot side and the exhaust gas flow. At least a second thermoelectric power generator is arranged on the exhaust gas system and has a second heat exchanger with a thermal conductivity that is different from the first thermal conductivity. The arrangement of thermoelectric power generators can generate electric power over a significantly wider operating point range of the internal combustion engine.
US08938941B2 Apparatus for picking olives and the like
The apparatus for picking olives and similar products comprises a support rod (2) suitable to be grasped, a shaker unit (3) comprising a containment box (7) suitable to be mounted at the top of the support rod (2); at least one comb sector (5, 6) shaping a crossbar (9) provided with a plurality of teeth (10), carried mobile by the containment box (7), a motor member (204) to actuate the comb sector (5, 6) in a substantially tilting motion, a drive shaft (14) arranged substantially aligned to the longitudinal axis of the support rod (2) and suitable to be actuated in a rotary motion by the motor member (204). The drive shaft (14) is associated with at least one respective driven shaft (18, 19) shaping an inclined end portion (23). Support means (25) for the crossbar (9) of the comb sector (5, 6) are suitable to be engaged rotatably on the inclined portion (23) of the driven shaft (18, 19) by means of the interposition of rolling means (28). Control means (13) for the motion of the comb sector (5, 6) are associated with the support means (25), the support means (25) being suitable to cooperate reciprocally abutting with the control means (13) at respective coupling portions (30, 31) externally to the containment box (7), to transform the rotary motion actuated by the motor member (204) into the tilting motion of the comb sector (5, 6).
US08938935B2 Two-in-one bagger
The invention comprises a system for encasing material in one of a stretchable bag and a shrinkable bag. The system comprises a pair of product horns rotatable in a plane from a first position to a second position; a stretchable-bag system comprising a bag carriage unit; a shrinkable-bag system, comprising a pair of pulling rollers mounted under the product horns and a collection roller mounted adjacent the pulling rollers, the collection roller configured to move a predetermined increment, a product ram configured to move material between the product horns and into one of a stretchable bag and a shrinkable bag, and an air jet for opening the bags.
US08938930B2 Support apparatus for wellbore tools
An apparatus for supporting tubular goods and wellbore tools that can be used to perform down-hole operations in oil and gas wells. The support apparatus has a minimal footprint and requires minimal surface area. The support apparatus can be used to jack and remove casing and other pipe, as well as other rig-less downhole well operations.
US08938929B2 Set of panels with clip
The present subject matter relates to a set of panels, in particular floor panels, including a first panel and at least one second panel, wherein the panels have a first edge and a second edge; the first edge and the second edge are configured to establish a connection between the first and the second panels; the first edge includes a lower lip with a step; the second edge includes a downwardly open locking groove, which in a connected state of the panels, or of the edges, cooperates with the step and ensures a lock in a horizontal direction; the connection can be established by a vertical relative movement of the panels with respect to each other; a separate clip is provided which is disposed on the first edge and includes a movable clip head and a clip base.
US08938927B1 Horizontally oriented insulated metal panel siding system
Insulated metal panel siding system for a structure comprising elongated base members and elongated insulated metal panels. The base member is installed along the base of wall framing for the structure and extends across at least two vertical frame members in the wall framing. The base members has a profile running laterally along the upper side thereof. The insulated metal panel is installed on the wall framing running horizontally across the vertical frame members and abutting the base member. The panel has a rigid foam core, an interior metal facing, and an exterior metal facing. The panel also has a profile running laterally along the lower side thereof. The upper profile of the base member and the lower profile of the panel are adapted to allow the base member and the panel to be joined by a tongue-in-groove joint running horizontally across the wall framing.
US08938921B2 Integrated solar, daylight and night cooling system
Disclosed is a heat exchange conduit formed between pre-fabricated building panels and a daylighting section integral within pre-fabricated, structural panels. The daylighting section has the capability to take ceiling air (or air below free-standing arrays) and either return it to the building during heating months, reject the heat, or shunt it for other uses after being warmed through a dual pane glazing assembly with infrared rejection. During summer days, this allows for dramatic reduction in building cooling demand. Heat exchange surfaces within the conduit are thermally tied to the exterior components of the panels to allow heating by solar insolation or cooling to night sky or air. An advanced insulation system adds to thermal performance and sealed insulation cavities prevent moisture degradation of R-Values. Passage through the heat exchange conduit allows for active whole roof solar collection in spring/fall and night cooling capability during summer night operation.
US08938903B2 Firearm barrel having cartridge chamber preparation facilitating efficient cartridge case extraction and protection against premature bolt failure
To permit ease and efficiency for the extraction of spent cartridge cases from the cartridge chamber of a firearm barrel within a wide range of temperature conditions, the internal tapered surface of the body region of a cartridge chamber is prepared by establishing circumferentially spaced longitudinal straight or curved regions of the internal surface finish to create an internal cartridge chamber geometry having gradually tapered spaced longitudinally relieved linear or spiral areas having longitudinal linear or spiral lands between each of the relieved areas. The circumferentially spaced lands develop controlled impedance to rearward cartridge case movement on cartridge firing to effectively protect the bolt and extractor mechanisms of the firearm against early failure.
US08938901B2 Image to painting
The present invention provides for a textured overlay, which allows an image to appear as an oil painting. The overlay includes, a transparent film having a non-adhesive surface, and an adhesive surface, and a texturized translucent polymer composition, wherein, the non-adhesive surface of the film contacts the polymer composition.
US08938891B2 Collapsible shoe and replaceable straps and methods for making and using same
A modular shoe having a removable upper is described. The upper may be adapted to be attached to an associated base. The upper may be secure to the base using a fastening element. Such a fastening element may be inserted through the base into a receptacle in the upper before being locked in place to secure the upper to the base. Similarly, the upper may be removed from the base by unlocking the fastening element from the receptacle. Such a modular shoe allows a wearer to easily change uppers (and/or bases) to create various combinations as desired.
US08938890B2 Expandable shoe
An expandable shoe has a top portion, a pair of side portions, a back portion, a sole, a heel and a first elastic member. The first elastic member joins the top portion to the pair of side portions at a critical location which is at the junction of the top portion and the side portions. The first elastic member is in the shape of an inverted “U” extending along the front of the shoe. The expandable shoe may further have a second elastic member joining the back portion to the side portions at the critical locations at the junctions of the back and side portions and the junctions of the back and the rear of the sole. The second elastic member is in the shape of an upright “U”.
US08938887B2 Conditioning device and method for drying and controlling the temperature of a ballast bed
Conditioning device (24) and method for drying and/or controlling the temperature of a ballast bed (12) of a railway track system (10), wherein the railway track system (10) has sleepers (14) resting on the ballast bed (12) and rails (16) resting on the sleepers, wherein the conditioning device has a bogie (30) for moving the conditioning device (24). An outlet nozzle (36) for blowing temperature-controlled air into the ballast bed (12) via at least one blowing-in region (26) positioned between two adjacent sleepers (14) is connected to the bogie (30), as is at least one cover plate (42) for essentially air-tight coverage of an upper side, pointing essentially in the direction counter to the direction of gravity, of a side strip (20), provided next to the sleepers (14) in the direction of travel, of the ballast bed (12). In a method for drying and controlling the temperature of a ballast bed (12) of a railway track system (10), an upper side of the ballast bed (12) and/or at least one sleeper (14) and at least one rail (16) are sealed in an essentially air-tight fashion outside a blowing-in region (26) before temperature-controlled air is blown into the ballast bed (12) via the blowing-in region (26).
US08938883B2 Cutting implements
A folding knife for applying a cutting action includes a blade assembly having a guard configured to cover the cutting edge of the blade when the knife is not in use. The guard is maintained in a normally blade covered position by a resilient member. The blade guard has a guard actuator for providing at least one motion for a user to move the blade guard from the normally blade covered position to an un-guarded or cutting position. The knife further includes an actuator for unlocking the blade assembly from the closed position to a locked open position. Upon depression of the actuator, the blade assembly will automatically open to a locked open position from a locked closed position.
US08938871B2 Golf club head with high specific-gravity materials
Golf club heads comprising weighted materials that can be added, removed, and moved in order to change the weight and center of gravity of the club. In some instances, the weighted material is a polymer composition comprising metal and having a specific gravity greater than about 4. Also disclosed are methods of modifying the center of gravity of a golf club head and methods of manufacturing golf club heads.
US08938870B1 Convertible high/lower pressure outdoor cooking apparatus, kit, and method
An outdoor cooking apparatus includes a frame having a base for engaging an underlying support surface, a cooking surface for receiving a pot and a wind guard having upper and lower edges and a side wall or walls. A first removable support bracket removably attaches to the wind guard, the first bracket supporting a low pressure burner element. A second removable support bracket removably attaches to the wind guard. The second bracket supporting a high pressure burner element includes: i) a cylindrically shaped, vertically oriented tube having a tube wall that surrounds an open ended bore of uniform diameter, the bore communicating with upper and lower end openings, ii) a high pressure gaseous fuel nozzle supported within the open ended bore, the nozzle having a nozzle opening spaced inwardly of the tube wall, iii) a fuel supply tube that enables transmission of a gaseous fuel to the nozzle.
US08938869B2 Automatic universal joint assembly method and apparatus
Apparatus for automatic assembly of universal joints which include a yoke with snap ring grooves in its yoke arms, a trunnion body, bearings, and snap rings to secure the bearings in the yoke, the apparatus comprising: (a) upper and lower parallel spring-separated plate pairs with axially-aligned holes; (b) upper and lower drive members aligned with holes in each plate pair; (c) a base plate; (d) a movable rod plate; (e) upper and lower power sources configured to provide axial movement of an upper driver plate in the upper plate pair and the rod plate, respectively; and (f) a programmed controller controlling the power sources such that automatic sequencing of the upper driver plate and rod plate sequentially urge snap rings into place in grooves within the snap ring grooves.
US08938843B2 Paint brush cleaning device
A device for cleaning paint from a paintbrush is provided. Interlocking teeth are affixed to two cleaning heads rotatably connected together. The cleaning heads “sandwich” the bristles of the paintbrush and pull paint from the brush. Squeegee bars affixed to each of the cleaning heads clean paint from the outside of the brush while V-shaped teeth on tooth plates clean paint from within the bristles.
US08938821B2 Coupler for improved flow to an external drain
A bushing (58) has an entry portion (68) which is secured to a urinal housing (50) and an exit portion (70) which faces a drain pipe (54, 54a, 54b). The entry portion interior surface (74) is fittable about and sealingly grips the urinal exit tube (52). The interiors of the entry and exit portions lie on a common axis (58x) and with the axis (52x) of the urinal exit tube. These axes define a sloped incline and, thus, a built-in, gravitationally-directed downwardly-disposed inclination. Because the axes usually do not fall on the axis (56x) of the conduit, they are angled and offset from the conduit axis. The offset of the bushing raises it above the axis of the conduit. Tubing (60, 60a) is secured at its end (62, 62a) to the bushing exit portion so that the tubing axis at its end (62, 62a) similarly is raised above the conduit axis. The tubing extends from the bushing at an incline that is determined by the built-in incline of the bushing. This tubing is smaller in its outer diameter than the inner diameter of the conduit so that the tubing can pass through the conduit and into the drain pipe. The interior surface (74) of the bushing is offset from its outer surface which is secured to the conduit. Thus, the tubing is allowed to ensure that the conduit will not so contact the tubing as to deleteriously affect the downward inclination of the tubing. An orientation indicator tab (92) on the bushing ensures that its inclined orientation is properly positioned vis-a-vis the conduit. The exterior surfaces of the bushing are designed to enable it to fit within a variety of conduits, to accommodate new and existing connections such as flanges and hardware associated with the drain pipe, to ensure its durability, and to otherwise enable retrofitting to new and existing installations.
US08938816B2 Female pants
The invention refers to a pair of female pants intended to be used preferably by sportsmen and by other active persons and comprising a waist portion (2) connected to back and front portions (3,4), which at the crotch (5) of the wearer are interconnected or merge into each other into a crotch portion (6), which comprises at its inside an air permeable and moisture transporting material layer (7), which attends to that the lower abdomen of the wearer is ventilated. The material layer (7), having a width mainly corresponding to the crotch width of the pants (1) and a length extending a predetermined distance forwards and backwards from the middle of the crotch portion (6), also in a compressed condition maintains an air slot, which makes it possible that air can be circulated over the crotch of a wearer and as well both in a deep direction and in a longitudinal direction through the material layer (7) at the same time as a tempered zone by both air exchanging and the structure of the material layer in an active way drains the crotch portion (6) by that said structure of the material layer (7) consists of a direct from the crotch portion (6) or indirect from a supporting layer (11, 12, 12′, 12′′) fixed to the crotch portion (6) protruding through the same extending air channels (14,21) with surrounding fiber material (7′, 7″) or a flexible thread- and/or strip-formed material (8).
US08938814B2 Glove, and method for producing the same
A glove comprising a glove body made from fibers; and a plurality of convexities fixed at least on the palm side area of the external surface of the glove body, the convexities comprising a base material made of a rubber or a resin, and a filler contained in the base material.
US08938812B1 Deodorant stain protector for clothing
A pair of protectors or shields for protecting an exterior of clothing from deodorant stains or smudges while getting dressed is disclosed. The shield is constructed of a material/materials that, when worn, cover and shield deodorant-covered areas of armpits of the user while the user is getting dressed. A strap is provided on each shield, the strap typically positioned on respective shoulders, and which hold the deodorant shields in place in the armpits. After the user finishes donning clothes and the clothes are in place, the deodorant shields are removed. Disposable and reusable deodorant shields are disclosed.